348: My Personal Surrender Experiment

348: My Personal Surrender Experiment

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this episode, I shared the journey my family and I have experienced over the past year, which I’ve come to call our “surrender experiment.” It began with a word I chose for the year—surrender—and a lesson in letting go of control, trusting that God would guide our path. Last year, my husband was working long, exhausting hours, and we planned our entire year around that. But in March, right before the birth of our ninth baby, he unexpectedly lost his job. For a few minutes, I felt fear and panic, but I quickly shifted into surrender, trusting that everything would unfold as it should.

What followed was a season of unexpected provision and opportunity. Despite the uncertainty, we were able to sustain ourselves through temporary work and eventually, my husband transitioned into a more balanced, less stressful work arrangement. Over time, he and my brother found and purchased a business—something we hadn’t even considered before he lost his job. Looking back, this period of surrender opened doors that we never planned for but ultimately aligned perfectly for our family’s future.

This whole journey has deepened my understanding of what it means to release control and allow life to unfold. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been freeing and full of unexpected blessings. I continue to focus on surrender—letting go of how I think life should look and instead trusting that each step, even the hard ones, is part of a greater, more beautiful tapestry being woven for us.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

347: How I Balance Business, Motherhood, and Homeschooling (Spoiler: It’s Not Perfect)

347: How I Balance Business, Motherhood, and Homeschooling (Spoiler: It’s Not Perfect)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this episode of The Joyful Mom Podcast, Megan Hilluka shares a personal shift in how she approaches her podcast. Instead of relying on carefully scripted episodes, she wants to practice speaking more authentically and from the heart, inspired by lessons on authenticity she picked up at a recent business retreat. Megan admits that balancing clarity with the realities of "mom brain," especially while caring for her three-month-old baby, can be challenging. But her goal is to show up as she is, connect honestly with listeners, and bring more natural flow into her content while still offering meaningful insights for mothers navigating busy, chaotic lives.

Megan then dives into what a typical week looks like for her as a homeschooling mother of nine (with eight children at home), a wife, and a business owner. Mondays are her reset days, free from outside appointments, where she focuses on housework, laundry, planning, and connecting with her kids through a daily "morning basket" routine that anchors their homeschooling. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are dedicated workdays, supported by a babysitter, where Megan structures her time with focused blocks for business tasks like podcast recording. She emphasizes the importance of creating “guardrails” and systems, which help her stay on track despite her natural tendency toward chaos and distraction.

Thursdays and Fridays are more flexible and social. Thursdays often include family connection activities, date nights with her husband, or one-on-one time with her children, while Fridays may feature special family traditions like "poetry tea time" or active outings. Weekends are reserved for family, rest, and socializing, with Sundays as a day of rest, church, and resetting for the week ahead. Megan highlights how important it is to avoid overwhelm by focusing on the next thing rather than all tasks at once. She closes with an invitation for listeners struggling with anxiety or trauma to seek support through her coaching services, reminding them that healing and calm are possible.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

346: Triggers are Your Teachers (RERUN)

346: Triggers are Your Teachers (RERUN)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this rerun episode, Megan Hillica explores the idea that "triggers are your teachers"—a powerful perspective shift for those navigating grief and trauma. She shares her personal experiences with trauma-related and grief-related triggers and explains how both can be opportunities for healing. Rather than avoiding triggers out of fear, Megan encourages listeners to get curious about them, using tools like tapping, EMDR, meditation, and coaching to process what lies beneath. She emphasizes that healing doesn’t mean forcing yourself to be exposed to pain repeatedly, but rather learning how to gently and compassionately address what your body is signaling needs attention.

Megan also highlights the deep value of both individual and group coaching in the grief journey, noting how sharing space with others can foster connection and lessen the sense of isolation. She reassures grieving moms that healing is possible—even from the most painful triggers—if they allow themselves to do the inner work. Her personal story of no longer being triggered by images of sleeping babies is a testament to how consistent healing work can free someone from emotional pain. Ultimately, she reminds listeners that they don’t have to do this alone and that with support, they can shift from just surviving to living with more peace and presence.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

345: Conflict and Connection in Marriage with Brett Nikula (RERUN)

345: Conflict and Connection in Marriage with Brett Nikula (RERUN)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this heartfelt podcast episode, Megan invites Brett Nikula, a marriage and family therapist, to explore the complexities of conflict within relationships—especially after the loss of a child. Brett shares how his career transitioned from engineering to therapy, driven by a passion for helping people, particularly couples. He explains that his focus on couples emerged from understanding that children’s wellbeing is closely tied to the quality of the couple’s relationship. The conversation sets the stage for an in-depth discussion about emotional disconnection, stress, and conflict that often arise in grief, particularly when partners grieve differently and misunderstand each other’s coping styles.

Brett introduces the “conflict cycle,” rooted in attachment theory and emotionally focused therapy. He explains how each partner often has underlying attachment longings—like the desire to feel cared for, appreciated, or secure—which can be easily triggered in moments of stress. Using real-life and client examples, he illustrates how attempts to seek connection can instead spark defensiveness or withdrawal in the other partner, perpetuating a painful loop of disconnection. A simple situation—like a disagreement about a spoon—can be symbolic of much deeper emotional needs, and when those needs are not acknowledged, conflict escalates.

The episode emphasizes that conflict itself is not harmful; rather, it becomes damaging when couples lack the tools to navigate it. Brett uses a powerful gear analogy to explain how emotional “sharp edges” naturally surface as intimacy deepens. He encourages couples to stay curious, explore the emotions beneath their reactions, and share their “hope chest”—a metaphor for the deeply personal and emotional baggage we bring into relationships. Finally, Brett suggests a helpful litmus test for couples: if conflict doesn’t lead to connection, it's time to seek support. Therapy or coaching can offer a safe space to rebuild trust, communicate more openly, and ultimately strengthen the relationship.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

344: Meeting Anxiety Where it's At With Sandra Hoye (RERUN)

344: Meeting Anxiety Where it's At With Sandra Hoye (RERUN)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this powerful episode of the Grieving Moms Podcast, host Megan Hillica introduces Sandra Hoye, a mother navigating deep grief after the tragic loss of her only son, Connor, in a work-related accident. Sandra shares her experience of living with anxiety and depression, initially unaware of how intertwined they were with her grief. For years, she numbed her pain by returning to work quickly and isolating herself, only to later face the physical and emotional toll of suppressed emotions, including a recurrence of cancer that she believes is connected to unprocessed trauma. Her story emphasizes how profoundly grief impacts not just the mind, but the body, and the urgent need to move that pain through rather than hold it in.

Through her one-on-one coaching with Megan, Sandra learned to implement daily healing tools such as tapping, inner child work, meditation, and thought reframing. Over time, she experienced a profound shift in her ability to meet her anxiety and emotions with compassion instead of resistance. Her transformation became especially evident during her recent cancer recurrence, where, instead of falling apart, she remained calm and grounded, continuing to use the tools that had become part of her healing process. Sandra highlights how these practices have not only reduced her suffering but also helped her feel more connected to herself, her son, and her purpose, despite the ongoing presence of grief.

Sandra's story is a testament to the power of doing the inner work. By allowing herself to feel, meeting her grief with compassion, and learning to gently support herself through emotional waves, she has redefined her relationship with pain and healing. She no longer sees anxiety as something to fear, and she no longer feels disconnected or broken. With Megan's guidance, she’s stepped into a space of hope, resilience, and self-compassion, reminding other grieving mothers that transformation is possible, even in the midst of unimaginable loss.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

343: How to Be Okay with Not Knowing With Ruth (RERUN)

343: How to Be Okay with Not Knowing With Ruth (RERUN)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In this deeply emotional and introspective rerun podcast episode, the conversation explores the powerful intersection of grief, confusion, and the longing for clarity after a painful loss. The speaker opens up about the inner turmoil of not having answers and how this lack of closure creates ongoing emotional suffering. While she acknowledges she hasn’t fully let go of the situation, she also recognizes that dwelling in the unknown brings more pain than healing. The guidance offered encourages her to first fully feel the frustration, confusion, and deeper pain, before trying to move toward acceptance.

A key moment in the episode is a gentle, guided meditation that leads the speaker to physically and emotionally ground herself in the present. Through visualization—walls of protection, flowing water, and emotional energy—she is invited to observe and regulate the sensations in her body without judgment. As she names the emotions and notices their effects, she slowly shifts from being overwhelmed to feeling a calm sense of peace. The imagery and mindful breathing become tools to help her realize that, while she cannot control the situation, she does have control over how she responds to it emotionally.

Toward the end, the episode touches on the common yet often unspoken desire for justice in the wake of loss. The speaker reflects on how holding onto the need for answers and fairness only intensifies her suffering. She expresses gratitude for being reminded that these feelings are normal, especially for mothers. The episode beautifully illustrates the dual nature of grief—allowing emotions to be felt fully while also learning to reframe the pain. Ultimately, the conversation offers a compassionate reminder that healing begins when we stop resisting what is and instead choose how we want to carry the pain forward.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

342: The Power of AND (RERUN)

342: The Power of AND (rerun)

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

In episode of the podcast, titled "The Power of And," the host explores the transformative role of the word "and" in emotional processing, especially in the context of grief. She reflects on her personal journey through grief—particularly after the loss of her child—and how tools like thought work and emotional awareness have helped her navigate not only grief but also major life changes like moving into a bus and traveling. She emphasizes that life isn’t black and white and encourages listeners, particularly grieving moms, to reject the idea that experiencing joy or relief means forgetting or moving on. Instead, she advocates for embracing complexity, acknowledging that feelings like grief and joy, sadness and gratitude, can coexist.

Throughout the episode, she shares deeply personal examples—like the bittersweet experience of watching her children born after her daughter Aria’s death reach milestones Aria never could. These moments hold both deep sorrow and immense joy, demonstrating that the emotional landscape of grief is not binary. She encourages listeners to integrate the word "and" into their inner dialogue to expand emotional space and reduce guilt or shame. For instance, replacing “I’m broken” with “I’m broken and I’m learning how to get through this” opens the door to healing and self-compassion. She closes by offering her mini grief support program, "Stop Talking, Start Feeling," for free and urges listeners to share the episode with others who may benefit.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.

341: Loneliness in Motherhood

341: Loneliness in Motherhood

Welcome to the Joyful Mom Podcast!

This podcast episode deeply explores the often unspoken reality of loneliness in motherhood. The speaker highlights how a mom can feel unseen and unheard—even while surrounded by her children or a spouse—especially in a culture that prizes independence. Motherhood is described as a dramatic shift from adult interaction to full-time caregiving, often without the support or transition needed. Many moms experience a silent grief over changed friendships and shifting priorities. The episode emphasizes that even those with large social circles can feel isolated, especially when trauma, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation are involved. The sense of disconnection isn’t just about physical solitude; it stems from a deeper loss of connection with oneself and others.

Megan offers gentle encouragement and practical tips for reconnecting during seasons of isolation. She emphasizes that the need for connection is not a weakness but a biological necessity. Healing starts with acknowledging the loneliness out loud, making small efforts like messaging a friend, and remembering that others won’t know you’re lonely unless you share it. She also shares her personal story of returning to a familiar community after years away and feeling a surprising lack of reciprocation despite frequent hosting. Her reflection shows that connection often takes effort and vulnerability but is worth pursuing. Above all, she reminds listeners that they are not broken and are deeply deserving of connection and support.

As the episode deepens, Megan highlights that loneliness is not only about lacking connection with others—it can also stem from a disconnection with oneself. She invites listeners to explore practices like journaling, breathing, and tuning into their own needs to rebuild self-connection. By learning to enjoy their own company, individuals can feel less alone even when surrounded by others. Megan emphasizes that past experiences, especially unhealed trauma or rejection, may create protective walls that limit vulnerability and true connection. She describes this as a survival response—an inward contraction meant to shield from further hurt. However, through healing and intentional outreach, it's possible to expand again into connection. Whether through joining safe and meaningful spaces like mom groups, churches, or business communities, Megan reassures that taking steps toward relationship and healing is not only valid but transformative. Ultimately, she reframes loneliness as a signal—not of brokenness, but of the deep human need for connection, both with others and within ourselves.

If you want to learn more about how you can clear anxiety more automatically by rewiring how the mind is working and processing things, go to my website www.meganhillukka.com where you can click on a link to register for my free training, where I will show you what you need in order to do this.