Parenting can push even the strongest marriages to their limits. In this deeply moving episode, Andrea Smith opens up about navigating parenthood stress while facing family challenges that tested her marriage connection.
She shares the raw truth of what happens when one parent carries the emotional load alone—and the powerful shift that helped her and her husband reconnect.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your partner, trapped in survival mode parenting, or unsure how to support each other through tough times, this episode is for you.
Andrea describes her unique journey through matrescence, from being immersed into motherhood fully to then wondering who she is after her children healed and moved from the nest.
Andrea’s story is a testament to rebuilding relationships, finding emotional resilience, and breaking free from the patterns that keep couples stuck after parenthood.
💬 Today we uncover:
✅ The silent weight of parental burnout & why sharing the load matters
✅ A game-changing mindset shift that transformed their marriage struggles
✅ Why love alone isn’t enough—and what actually makes a relationship thrive
✅ How to heal from emotional distance in relationships
✅ The unexpected role of playfulness in long-term marriage success
If this episode speaks to you, be sure to join my newsletter for deeper insights & a special journaling prompt to help you apply these lessons.
Sign up at MarkellaKaplani.com/newsletter 💌
—

Andrea Smith is a passionate advocate for mental health and personal growth, blending her experiences as a mother, entrepreneur, and storyteller to inspire others. After an 18-year corporate career in sales, Andrea stepped away to focus on her family's needs, particularly her children's mental health challenges.
Now, with her children thriving as young adults, Andrea has channeled her journey into This Way Up, a podcast dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers navigating similar struggles.
Andrea is also the co-founder of CarOracle, a woman-owned business revolutionizing the car-buying process with expert guidance and personalized support. With her empathetic approach and commitment to uplifting others, Andrea creates spaces where people can find resources, resilience, and hope.
Andrea’s Links:

Facebook: @ListentoThisWayUp

Instagram: @ListentoThisWayUp

You Tube: @ThisWayUpPodcast

TikTok: @ThisWayUpPodcastandrea

www.caroracle.com
—
MARKELLA’S LINKS

🔔 Subscribe for more parenting insights
📩 Join my [FREE] newsletter for EXCLUSIVE practical tools - markellakaplani.com/newsletter
👉 Get the [FREE] Calm Parent, Calm Child Guide - markellakaplani.com/calmparentcalmchild
📢 Share this with a parent who needs to hear it!

---
Full Transcript HERE.
—
Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
👉 Link to my Newsletter
👉 Join the Reconnect with Your Partner Challenge

📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: [email protected])
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---

Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com