ESCONDIDO — Mother of three Jami Murnane said she had the most heartbreaking experience more than a year ago: She endured a miscarriage. But rather than keep the saddening struggle a secret, she chose to share it with a group of mothers on Facebook.
The warmth and support she received was overwhelming, said Murnane, who was inspired to create a podcast with the hopes that more mothers could share their stories while also providing support to others.
“After I shared my story in the group, it sparked a rippling effect and moms began to open up and vulnerably speak about their experiences,” said Murnane, who lives in Harmony Grove. “This is when I started to realize that there is a huge need of support for mothers. I felt the best way to get moms to share and listen to these stories is with a podcast.”
Murnane, a Santa Clara native, is the creator behind the podcast “The Compassionate Motherhood Experience,” which shares the stories of mothers from different backgrounds. Since launching her podcast in March, Murnane has reached hundreds of listeners as far as Botswana, Russia and Zimbabwe.
Murnane said the podcast, and her Facebook group The Compassionate Motherhood Society, fill a void because parenthood is “indescribably hard.” Moreover, keeping those challenges a secret makes it even more difficult, she said.
“The goal of the podcast is to unite mothers and make them feel heard and supported by collecting as many stories as I possibly can,” Murnane said. “The ultimate goal is to have a relatable story for every mother.”
As a mother, Murnane said she struggled with everything from breastfeeding to potty training. But sharing the struggles made it easier to cope, she said.
“When we don’t open up and share about all of this, then mothers end up feeling like they are bad moms or they aren’t cut out to be moms,” said Murnane, who previously worked in the fitness industry before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom. “With podcasts like ‘The Compassionate Motherhood Experience,’ we can provide mothers with the opportunity to share their story and listen to relatable stories.”
Lisa Choi, Poway mother of a 9-month-old boy, said the podcast has given her insight to all experiences related to motherhood.
“I’ve listened to each episode she has released and am always touched by the honesty and vulnerably of her and her guests,” Choi said. “There is a comfort and reassurance that comes from hearing ‘me too.’ That I am not the only one that felt postpartum was challenging beyond my expectations.”
Choi said Murnane’s podcast stands out among the hundreds of others on parenting because the guests are relatable.
“(The guests are) ones you see at Target, coffee shops … the moms you see shuffling their kids into the car,” Choi said. “It’s not just a highlight reel of all the worst or the best of motherhood, but just down-to-earth moms who want to share their stories and hopefully, provide support to another.”
But Murnane isn’t just teaching the public about motherhood, she’s learned a few lessons too.
“I learn something new with every podcast episode,” Murnane said. “Although we may share similar experiences, our experiences are not identical.”
Murnane said she hopes someday her podcast will have stories from thousands of mothers of all different backgrounds — all with the intention of helping one another.
“I envision a worldwide community of mothers, all with different ways of raising their kids, supporting one another by listening and sharing all the joys and hardships that come with motherhood,” Murnane said. “Imagine all the women that we could help.”
To listen to The Compassionate Motherhood Experience, go to anchor.fm/jami-murnane.
2 comments
Great job Jami! It’s a learning process every step of the way. Empowering other woman while being a role model for your girls. Keep it up! So proud of you.
Awesome Jami! Proud of you?
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