Ep. 89 | Becoming Calm, Confident, and Connected with Kate Kripke

Listen on:

Apple | Spotify | Other Platforms | Watch on YouTube

Unpacking Maternal Mental Health: How to Thrive, Not Just Survive

Today on What the Gut, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Kate Kripke—a powerhouse in the field of maternal mental health. Kate is a licensed clinical social worker, founder of the Calm Connection System, and someone I immediately connected with because her work speaks so deeply to what I see in the women I serve: high-achieving, nurturing, self-sacrificing moms who are silently burning out.

Kate’s mission is to help women break out of that cycle of anxiety, guilt, and overwhelm—not with fluff, but with real tools rooted in neuroscience and compassion. And y’all know that’s what I’m all about too.

The Calm Connection System: More Than Mindset Work

With over 20 years of experience, Kate’s approach goes way beyond bubble baths and "just think positive" advice. She helps moms address the nervous system dysregulation that’s often underneath that constant feeling of pressure. We talked about the importance of working with—not against—your body and how healing often begins when we start to notice the beliefs that are running the show.

Her system isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about creating true transformation from the inside out, which aligns so much with what I teach in my gut health coaching programs. When we slow down enough to listen to our bodies and interrupt the old patterns of go-go-go, everything shifts.

Understanding Maternal Burnout (And Why You're Not Lazy or Broken)

Burnout is not just being tired. It’s that bone-deep exhaustion where no amount of sleep or coffee cuts it. It often shows up in my clients as brain fog, bloating, irritability, and a deep sense of "What is wrong with me?" Spoiler alert: nothing is wrong with you. Your body is talking to you.

Kate and I unpacked the root causes of burnout—chronic stress, perfectionism, suppressed emotions, and years of operating in survival mode. And let me tell you, if your gut’s a mess, your nervous system likely is too. These systems talk to each other constantly. This is why we have to stop separating emotional health from physical health.

Medication, Therapy, and the Deeper Work

We both agreed—there’s absolutely a place for medication and therapy. They’re valuable tools. But sometimes, even with those supports in place, women are still feeling stuck. Why? Because we haven’t addressed the deep, often subconscious beliefs that keep us in a loop of stress and self-abandonment. Kate does a beautiful job helping women identify these patterns and safely shift them—something I also walk through with my coaching clients when we’re talking gut-brain healing and nervous system regulation.

Why Traditional Self-Care Doesn’t Always Work

If you’ve ever thought, “I should do more self-care,” but then felt guilty or too exhausted to even try—it’s not just you. The way we’re taught to approach self-care is flawed. Kate and I both believe that self-care isn’t about checking off a box. When we start believing we’re worthy of care, it stops feeling like another chore—and instead becomes a response to our needs.

Stress, Anxiety, and the Gut

This part of the conversation lit me up. If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’m constantly talking about the gut-brain connection. When we’re in a chronic fight-or-flight state, our digestion shuts down, our hormones become imbalanced, and inflammation takes over. This is why addressing your stress isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Kate and I discussed how your emotional load is affecting your gut. Constipation, bloating, stomach pain, food sensitivities—these aren't just about what you're eating. They're about what your body is trying to process, physically and emotionally.

Choosing Connection Over Control

This might have been my favorite part. We talked about motherhood, and the idea of choosing connection over control—not just with our kids, but with ourselves. We’re not meant to white-knuckle our way through life. Guilt can be a teacher if we let it. Slowing down and listening to our emotions is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Healing begins when we meet ourselves with grace instead of criticism.

If you’ve been feeling like you're stuck in survival mode—like you're doing all the right things and still not feeling better—I want you to know you are not alone. Kate reminded us that we are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. You may just need a different approach. One that honors the connection between your nervous system, your gut, your thoughts, and your story.

So I’ll leave you with this question we talked about during the episode:

If you truly believed you were enough, how would your life change?

Take that with you. Sit with it. Journal it. Pray on it.

Connect with Kate:

• Website: www.katekripke.com 

• Instagram: @katekripke

• Kate’s Podcast: Motherhood Uncut with Kate Kripke

Connect with Allison:

• Instagram: @allisongetswell

• Facebook: allisongetswell

• Website: www.allisongetswell.com 

WELCOME TO WHAT THE GUT

Are you a busy mom seeking balance and wellness? Join me on this journey towards vitality and holistic health. I understand the challenges of juggling endless tasks while striving for a healthier life.

In this podcast, we dive into the nitty-gritty of everyday struggles. From battling fatigue to navigating gut health, I'm here to offer holistic solutions. Say farewell to feeling overwhelmed and let's bring in that vibrant life you've been craving.

I'm Allison, a Double Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Functional Medicine. I've been right where you are, facing the same hurdles. Through faith and functional medicine, I reclaimed my gut health, energy, and well-being. Now, I'm on a mission to help other moms break free from exhaustion and prioritize their health.

This podcast is your haven, providing actionable insights, functional medicine expertise, and tailored lifestyle strategies. Let's unravel the secrets together, empowering you to thrive in motherhood while nurturing your well-being, guided by faith.