Episoder
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In this episode, we’re talking about the part of single parenthood that doesn’t get spoken about enough, what happens after the dust has settled, life has been rebuilt, yet it still feels hard. When the support has faded, life has moved on for everyone else, and you’re left wondering “why don’t I feel better yet?” This episode explores that gap between how you thought you’d feel by now and the reality of still finding it overwhelming.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of why this experience is so common (and so rarely acknowledged), along with practical ways to support yourself through it from self-compassion and managing comparison, to letting go of blame and asking for help. This episode is for any single parent who feels like they should have it together by now, but doesn’t and needs the reminder that nothing about what they’re experiencing means they’ve failed.
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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If you’re navigating co-parenting and finding it harder than you expected, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Marcie Scholl, founder of The Co-Parent Way and author of The Co-Parenting Method, to talk about what it really takes to raise happy, secure children after separation. We get into the mindset shifts that make the biggest difference, including why you don’t need to like your co-parent to co-parent well, and how taking a long-term view can completely change how you show up.
We also dive into the real-life challenges that come with co-parenting, from handovers and communication styles to navigating conflict, new partners, and different rules across households. Marcie shares practical tools you can use straight away, along with honest reassurance for those moments where it all feels overwhelming. If you’re looking for a calmer, more grounded way to approach co-parenting, this episode will leave you feeling supported and more in control.
Find Out More - Marcie Shaoul:
Website: https://thecoparentingmethod.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoparentway/
Book: 'The Co-Parenting Method'
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Helen Thorn, one half of the comedy duo Scummy Mummies and author of Get Divorced, Be Happy and How to Face Big Change and Come Back Stronger.
In this conversation, Helen shares what her single parent journey has really looked like from the highs to the lows and everything in between. We talk about divorce, navigating big life changes, and what it means to rebuild and come back stronger as a single parent.
If you’re looking for a podcast episode on divorce, single parenting, and finding strength through change with plenty of honesty and humour along the way, then this is definitely the episode for you. Expect something that will lift your spirits and leave you with a few nuggets of wisdom to take with you.
Find Out More - Helen Thorn:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmehelenthorn/
Books: 'Get Divorced, Be Happy' and 'How to Face Big Change and Come Back Stronger'
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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One year on from publishing “Unlocking Potential: Building a Workplace That Works for Single Parents”, this special episode of Single Parent Reset takes a slightly different format. I’m using the anniversary of the report as an opportunity to share the four key findings from my research, alongside the key recommendations for employers on what needs to change to better support single parents at work.
If you’re a single parent feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck in your career, this episode is designed to help you feel more informed and less alone. I walk through the reality behind the stats, what they reveal about the experience of working single parents, and how this knowledge can help you feel more confident advocating for yourself and your needs in the workplace.
Link to Report:
'Unlocked Potential: Building a Workplace That Works for Single Parents' - https://www.solascoaching.com/single-parent-workplace-report
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this week’s guest episode, Becca from Noisy Book Club explores how understanding a growth mindset in parenting can completely transform the way we show up for not just our children but also ourselves, especially as single parents. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and working closely with families, she breaks down the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, and how many of us were unintentionally shaped by limiting beliefs about parenting, capability, and success. This conversation is especially relevant for single parents navigating the emotional and practical load of raising children alone or co-parenting, and looking for more self-compassion along the way.
Listen in to learn how to spot your own fixed mindset patterns and gently shift them, plus simple, realistic tools to reframe self-talk and bring more confidence and calm into everyday parenting. Becca shares practical strategies to help children build resilience, emotional regulation, and a genuine love of learning while also supporting parents to feel less stuck, less overwhelmed, and more grounded. This episode is for single parents and co-parents who sometimes feel like they’re getting it “wrong,” and want a a more compassionate way.
The Book we refer to in this Episode is 'Mindset: The New Psychology of Success' by Carol S. Dweck
Find Out More - Noisy Book Club:
Website: https://www.noisybookclub.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noisybookclub
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode, we talk about what it really feels like when everything becomes too much as a single parent, those hidden moments behind closed doors where overwhelm, exhaustion, and self-doubt can all hit at once. From the outside, it can look like you’re holding it all together, but inside it can feel very different. We explore why these moments happen, what’s often driving them underneath the surface, and why so many single parents experience this cycle of pressure, guilt, and emotional overload without speaking about it.
This is for you if you’ve ever felt like you’re barely keeping your head above water, snapping, shutting down, or struggling to cope and then wondering how to move through it. We look at simple, practical ways to pause, understand what’s really going on, and take small steps to regain perspective and support yourself. If you’re a single parent who often feels like you have to cope alone, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not, and to help you navigate those moments with more ease and self-compassion.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode, we challenge the outdated idea of the “broken home” and explore how this narrative can quietly shape the way single parents see themselves and their family. We walk through the different stages of acceptance, uncover the beliefs that may be holding you back, and begin to reframe what family really means on your terms, not society’s.
This episode is for single parents who want to move beyond guilt, comparison, or feeling “less than,” and step into a place of confidence and pride in their family setup. If you’ve ever questioned whether your family is enough, this will help you see it in a completely different light.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this guest episode, I’m joined by Sabina Challenger, a mental health social worker and founder of It’s My Family, who specialises in supporting parents navigating high-conflict co-parenting, safeguarding concerns, and the emotional impact of separation. Sabina shares her own journey into single parenthood, including the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and moments of deep loneliness, alongside the powerful shift that helped her begin to see strength and “superpowers” within parenting alone.
We also dive into the reality of navigating systems like mediation and court, especially when you feel unheard or dismissed as a parent. Sabina shares practical guidance on how to communicate concerns effectively, document safeguarding issues in a way that centres the child, and manage the emotional toll of high-conflict situations. This episode is for any parent who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to advocate for their child while also looking after themselves.
Find Out More Sabina Challenger:
Website: https://www.its-myfamily.com/
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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This episode is for single parents who find themselves struggling with self-criticism, overwhelm, or difficult inner dialogue in the quieter, harder moments of the day. It speaks to those times when you’re holding everything together on the outside, but internally feel like you’re questioning yourself, second-guessing your decisions, or carrying more emotional weight than anyone can see.
We explore how to begin shifting that inner experience by building a more supportive relationship with yourself. You’ll learn a simple, practical approach to noticing unhelpful thought patterns, creating more perspective in the moment, and responding to yourself in a way that feels steadier and more constructive. The aim is not perfection but learning how to feel more grounded and less alone in how you speak to yourself when things get tough.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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Even the good moments in life can feel complicated when you’re a single parent. This episode explores why high points from holidays and milestones to personal achievements can bring up loneliness, guilt, or overwhelm, and why it’s normal to feel both joy and heaviness at the same time.
It offers practical strategies to help you acknowledge your emotions, reframe your perspective, and create space for joy. Listen to this episode for simple, actionable tools to honor your feelings, embrace life’s highs, and truly savor the moments that matter most.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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This week’s episode, I’m joined by Gemma Dean, as we unpack parental burnout, what it really is, how to recognise the signs and what you can do to begin moving through it.
We talk honestly about the reality of parenting when you’re stretched too thin, constantly “on,” and running on empty. Gemma helps bring clarity to what parental burnout can look and feel like, and why so many parents find themselves in this place.
We also dive into Gemma’s personal journey as a single parent what she’s learned along the way, what’s helped her navigate life and parenting alone, and the perspective she’s gained through her own experience.
Listen to this episode if you’re ready to start reclaiming some energy and space for yourself as a parent. Gemma shares insights and stories that can help you recognise burnout early and take the first steps toward feeling more like yourself again.
Find Out More Gemma Dean:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resetwithgemma/
Website: https://www.gemmadeanlifecoaching.com/
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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The stories we tell ourselves shape how we experience single parenthood. In this episode, we explore how your internal narrative influences confidence, decisions, and what opportunities you notice and how the meaning you attach to challenges can either keep you stuck or help you move forward.
You’ll learn simple strategies to identify unhelpful stories, challenge old beliefs, and rewrite your personal narrative in ways that empower you. With practical exercises and insights, this episode helps single parents move from surviving to creating the next chapter of their lives with clarity, confidence, and hope.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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Being a single parent means juggling work, parenting, household responsibilities and the emotional load of doing it all on your own. In this episode, we explore emotional triggers those moments when a small comment, stressful email, or everyday situation suddenly feels overwhelming. If you’ve ever wondered why certain situations hit harder than expected, this episode explains what’s happening in your brain and nervous system, and why triggers are a normal response when you’re carrying a lot.
You’ll also learn simple, practical tools to help you identify your triggers, understand the thoughts behind them, and respond more calmly in the moment. With supportive insight and real-life examples relevant to single parents, solo parents and co-parents, this episode will help you build emotional awareness, reduce overwhelm, and feel more in control when challenging moments arise.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode of Single Parent Reset, I’m joined by Francesca Amber for an honest and uplifting conversation about rebuilding your life as a single parent. Francesca shares her single parent journey and how during one of the most challenging periods of her life she chose to actively apply manifestation to her circumstances rather than feel defined by them. We talk about what manifestation really looks like in real life especially when you’re exhausted, time-poor and simply trying to hold everything together and how intentionally shifting your focus can begin to change the direction of your days.
Francesca also opens up about the loneliness that can come with single parenthood, learning to create your own support system, travelling alone with children and why she has chosen not to date during this season of her life. If you’re in the middle of a difficult transition or feeling stuck between the life you planned and the one you’re living, this episode is a reminder that rebuilding can start now and that it’s possible to create something meaningful and empowering from even the hardest chapters.
Find Out More Francesca Amber:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/francescaamber/
Website: https://francescaamber.com/
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode of Single Parent Reset, the focus is on making gratitude a real, grounding practice for single parents. Many hear “be grateful” and feel pressure to ignore the hard stuff like guilt, overwhelm, loneliness, or financial stress but this episode explores what gratitude actually looks like in everyday life. It helps you understand that gratitude isn’t about pretending things are perfect, but about widening the lens to notice what is steady, meaningful and working well alongside the challenges.
The epsiode covers simple, realistic approaches to bring gratitude into daily life from naming specific things with real meaning to noticing where it feels hardest without adding pressure or unrealistic expectations. This episode supports single parents in resetting their mindset and finding small but powerful ways to feel more grounded and balanced.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode of Single Parent Reset, I’m joined by fellow single parent Nicola Rae for an honest conversation about navigating the practical and emotional reality of single parenting, especially when you’re in a long, drawn-out transition and just trying to get through the days.
We talk about why it’s important not to put your life on hold while you wait for everything to be resolved, and how creating a “new normal” can start sooner than you think.
Nicola shares what’s helped her most on her single parent journey, clearer boundaries, routines that make day-to-day life easier, building in small pockets of peace and getting more comfortable asking for support.
If you’re feeling like you’re still in survival mode, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to start again. There can be hope, freedom, and lightness alongside the hard parts and your reset can begin in small, everyday ways.
Find Out More Nicola Rae:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolarae/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolarae/
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this episode of Single Parent Reset, the focus is on why co-parenting can feel so draining even when there’s no obvious conflict. It explores the emotional and mental load many single parents carry and why co-parenting can leave you feeling tense, exhausted or constantly on edge without always knowing why.
Rather than focusing on the other parent, this episode brings the attention back to you. It looks at how to protect your energy, recognise what’s quietly depleting you,and begin making co-parenting feel more manageable and sustainable. The emphasis is on realistic shifts that support your wellbeing, helping you move forward feeling calmer, clearer and more grounded without guilt.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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Dating as a single parent can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and full of dead-end dates. In this episode of Single Parent Reset, we explore how to break the cycle of dating burnout by dating with intention. Whether you’re just stepping back into the dating world or have been navigating apps and first dates for a while, this episode will help you get clear on what you truly want from dating, align your actions with your goals, and stop wasting time on experiences that don’t serve you. Learn practical strategies to approach dating with confidence, clarity, and purpose as a single parent.
We’ll cover how to identify your ideal outcome, overcome the mental blocks holding you back, and take actionable steps to make your dating life more intentional and fulfilling. If you’re a single parent struggling with dating, feeling frustrated by apps, ghosting, or just unsure where to start, this episode is your reset guide to navigating dating with focus and self-awareness. Tune in to discover how small mindset shifts and intentional action can transform your dating experience and help you create meaningful connections while balancing the demands of single parenthood.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this week’s episode of Single Parent Reset, we look at what to do and what not to do when you’re thinking about progressing in your career as a single parent. If you know you want change at work but feel unsure how to move forward without burning out, this episode offers a grounded, realistic approach. We explore why pushing harder, ignoring your limits, or making rushed decisions often backfires, and why career progression needs to look different when you’re carrying the full weight of parenting alone.
I share practical guidance on how to make career moves that genuinely support your life, including getting clear on your day-to-day realities, understanding the true financial impact of change, building the right support around you, and advocating for yourself without overexplaining or self-doubt. This episode is about helping you progress in a way that’s sustainable, strategic, and aligned with your reality so your career can grow alongside your life, not stagnate at the expense of it.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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In this week’s episode of Single Parent Reset, Jenny Beckford joins me to share her honest and uplifting journey as a single parent to twin daughters. Jenny opens up about the challenges of transitioning to parenting alone, the moments of self-doubt, and how she navigated the tough decision of when and how to talk to her children about separation.
Jenny also shares practical advice for single parents who feel overwhelmed or disconnected, from finding small moments of self-care to building open communication with children. She explains how reconnecting with yourself isn’t selfish, but essential, and offers gentle encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in survival mode.
Whether you’re just starting out as a single parent or have been on this path for years, Jenny’s story is a reminder that you’re not alone and that there’s real hope and growth on the other side of the hardest days.
Find Out More About Jenny Beckford:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennybeckford1/
Connect With Orla Donoghue:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solascoaching/
Website: https://www.solascoaching.com/
Email: [email protected]
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