S5 E17: Matrescence, healing and purpose with Danielle Lauren, The Way Too Honest Mom

This week on Bump to Business Owner, I’m joined by Danielle Lauren, creative powerhouse, former media exec, and founder of Way Too Honest, a business born from the depths of postpartum struggle and radical maternal honesty.

From working at the top of global media giants like CNN and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, to battling severe pre- and postnatal depression, Danielle opens up about her experience of motherhood, identity loss, and rebuilding a life and business with purpose.

TRIGGER WARNING: Discussion of pre/post natal depression and suicidal thoughts

Takeaways:

The identity shift of matrescence and why it’s so misunderstood

Danielle’s experience with perinatal mental health crisis and life-saving support in Australia

The mismatch between external “success” and internal struggle

Launching Way Too Honest: affirmation cards for new mums that blend compassion and humour

The loneliness of entrepreneurship, finding support, and redefining productivity

Letting go of guilt, embracing slow growth, and learning to rest

Why honesty in motherhood isn't just cathartic, it can save lives

Resources:

Maternal Mental Health Alliance: https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/
The Room Where It Happens: https://theroomwhereithappens.co.uk/

Chapters:

01:00 Introduction to Danielle Lauren and Her Journey
03:41 From Media to Motherhood: A Career Transition
06:28 The Reality of Motherhood: Expectations vs. Reality
09:09 Identity Shift: The Transformation of Becoming a Mother
11:57 Navigating Mental Health in Motherhood
14:57 The Importance of Compassion and Sisterhood Among Mothers
23:01 The Hidden Struggles of Motherhood
28:29 Anxiety and the Reality of Pregnancy
31:47 The Impact of Mental Health on Motherhood
37:36 Launching Way Too Honest: A New Venture
41:45 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
46:05 Understanding Maternal Mental Health
48:39 The Journey of Recovery
51:21 Innovative Ideas in Motherhood Support
55:01 Asking for Help: A Crucial Step
59:38 Rediscovering Joy in Everyday Life

Links:

Website: www.bumptobusinessowner.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumptobusinessowner/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinepooley/

About Danielle Lauren

Danielle Lauren is an accomplished creative force and now founder of a beautiful business that brings light and truth to one of the most misunderstood chapters of motherhood. Danielle Lauren is the founder and CEO of Way Too Honest, a brand that creates affirmation and support cards for new mums navigating the fourth trimester, also known as matrescence. Backed by endorsements from Katherine Ryan, Lucy Jones, Zoe Blaskey and Dr. Ellie Cannon, and for every box sold, a donation goes to the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, helping to drive meaningful change in perinatal mental health.

Prior to launching her business, Danielle was a powerhouse in the media and tech industries, working as VP of Story for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, Innovation Ambassador at Warner Media, and Head of Content Strategy at CNN. She's spoken at global events from Harvard to TEDx with a deep focus on AI, Web3, and the future of storytelling. But as we'll hear today, it was Danielle's own journey through a devastating postpartum period and identity shift that fueled her desire to create her business.

Danielle Lauren’s Links:

Website: https://www.waytoohonest.co/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@waytoohonestmom
Instagram (Way Too Honest Mom): https://www.instagram.com/waytoohonestmom/
Instagram (Way Too Honest): https://www.instagram.com/waytoohonest.co/

Music by AudioCoffee: https://www.audiocoffee.net/

S5 E17: Matrescence, healing and purpose with Danielle Lauren, The Way Too Honest Mom

Bump to Business Owner

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