Twin Minds Unwind

Motherhood changes more than your daily routine, it reshapes your identity, your brain, and your relationships. In this episode, Holly sits down with Hayley Sanchez, therapist and founder of Matrescence Matters, to talk about matrescence, the often-overlooked developmental transition into motherhood. They explore why so many women feel unprepared for this shift, the pressure to “get it right,” and what’s actually happening psychologically and biologically during this time. The conversation also touches on identity loss, comparison, relationship changes, and the question many mothers ask: “Will I ever feel like myself again?” This episode offers a grounded, honest look at modern motherhood and a reminder that struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Hayley Sanchez is a wife, mother of two boys, and therapist based in Michigan. She co-runs her private practice, Matrescence Matters, with her partner, where they support men and women throughout the journey to parenthood—from preconception to pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Her work is rooted in non-judgmental, trauma-informed care, helping parents feel supported through the realities of modern motherhood. Hayley enjoys connecting with her community, talking all things motherhood, and supporting moms through the highs and lows of parenting. Outside of her practice, she loves reading, gardening, and spending time by the lake. Website: www.matrescencemattersmi.com Instagram: @matrescencemattersmi Dr Holly Batchelder https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder https://www.hollyphd.com/ -Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, we explore the science of fun, play, and why so many high-functioning adults struggle to access them. We unpack why fun often feels unproductive or even guilt-inducing, and what your brain is actually doing when you experience joy. We answer: Why does fun feel “wrong” or undeserved? When is fun restorative vs. avoidant? When is guilt about fun actually useful? Why isn’t rest alone enough anymore? Simply put, fun is regulating. And in many ways, it’s what allows us to return to our lives with more energy, connection, and capacity. References & Resources Achor, S. (2010). The Happiness Advantage. Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist. Panksepp, J. (2007). Play and the development of the social brain. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Alison Batchelder https://www.alisonbatchelderphd.com/ Dr Holly Batchelder https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder https://www.hollyphd.com/ -Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this conversation, Dr. Holly Batchelder and Dr. Yesel Yoon explore the complexities of perfectionism, its cultural influences, and the journey towards healing. Dr. Yoon shares insights from her book, 'Letting Go of Perfectionism,' discussing how perfectionism can be both a survival mechanism and a source of distress. They dive into the nuances of perfectionism, including the concepts of over-functioning and under-functioning, and emphasize the importance of self-compassion and redefining 'good enough.' The discussion also covers practical treatment approaches for managing perfectionism and the societal pressures that contribute to these tendencies. Bio Dr. Yesel Yoon is a Psychologist and Learning Facilitator. She loves bringing people together to learn, reflect, and grow. Her background as a psychologist has given her deep insight into how people learn, build habits, and navigate uncertainty. After a successful career in private practice helping people make meaningful, sustainable shifts in how they work and live, she’s looking forward to applying these skills in organizational contexts—creating group programs, trainings, and resources that help people build the skills the modern workplace demands. She recently authored the book, “Letting Go of Perfectionism: Stop Striving and Start Living”. In this book, she weaves her personal and professional perspectives to help people get a more nuanced understanding of how perfectionism and striving affect our well being. https://www.amazon.com/Letting-Go-Perfectionism-Striving-Living/dp/1399817310) You can read more about her and connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yyoonphd/ -Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Dr Holly Batchelder https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder https://www.hollyphd.com/

After a year away from the pod, psychologists Dr. Holly and Dr. Alison sit down to talk about what’s been on their minds: values, worthiness, and what actually makes a life feel meaningful. With no script and no plan, this conversation moves the way real life does, honest, a little messy, and surprisingly deep. They unpack why it’s so hard to know what you truly value when you’ve been in survival mode, how your body often knows the truth before your mind does, and why so many of us mistake obligations for values. They also discuss raising daughters who feel inherently worthy, navigating identity shifts, and learning to choose a life that feels like their own, without waiting to earn it. This episode is part catch-up, part love letter to their kids, and part reminder that you’re already enough to start living the life you want. Chapters 02:00 Understanding and Defining Values 12:40 How Experience and the Body Clarify What Matters 20:55 Values, Growth, and Life Transitions 27:00 Teaching Worth and Values to Our Daughters Resources Lundgren, T., Luoma, J., & Hayes, S. C. (2012). The Bull’s-Eye Values Survey. In W. O’Donohue & J. Fisher (Eds.), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (pp. 451–457). Wiley. https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/ Dr. Alison Batchelder https://www.alisonbatchelderphd.com/ Dr Holly Batchelder https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder https://www.hollyphd.com/ -Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Holly Batchelder and Dr. Alison Batchelder discuss the complexities of resentment, its impact on relationships, and practical strategies for healing. They explore the nature of resentment, why we hold onto it, and how it can affect our emotional health. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion as key steps in overcoming resentment and reclaiming emotional freedom. Takeaways Communication is key to addressing unmet needs and expectations. Setting boundaries can prevent feelings of resentment from building up. Self-compassion plays a vital role in managing resentment. Resentment often stems from perceived injustices and unmet expectations. Practicing gratitude can help shift focus away from resentment. Resentment can be protective but ultimately hinders emotional growth. Healing from resentment is a gradual process that requires intentional effort. Chapters 00:08 Introduction and Podcast Background 09:12 The Causes of Resentment 14:58 The Impact of Resentment on Relationships 23:35 Strategies for Managing Resentment Dr. Alison Batchelder https://www.alisonbatchelderphd.com/ Dr Holly Batchelder https://www.youtube.com/@dr.hollybatchelder https://www.hollyphd.com/ -Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.