Creator of The Healthy Hustlers Podcast, Madelyn Carafa on Motherhood, Growth and the Art of Letting Go

Trusting the Unfolding: Change, Balance & Finding Your Own Rhythm

Can you tell us a little about you and your family:

I have two beautiful babes — Georgia Florence (6) and Rocco James (3.5). We currently live in Geelong, Victoria, but are in the process of relocating to the Gold Coast after years of manifesting (on my end!). Georgia is currently in Prep, and Rocco will start kindergarten next year on the Gold Coast.

Adjusting to motherhood..

The first time, it was the identity shift and the realisation that nearly every expectation I had wasn’t true. It might sound dramatic, but motherhood felt like it cracked me into a million pieces. Every thought, expectation, and belief I had about becoming a mum was shattered — not in a bad way, but in a way that made me realise I actually had no idea what being a mum would feel like.

It is the hardest, most challenging thing in the world, but the only thing you’d never change or give up.

The second time, it taught me to trust the unfolding and reminded me that no season or period is permanent. Life comes in ebbs and flows, but amongst it all, there are lessons, growth, and joy.

How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?

I don’t try to “do it all.” I’m okay with mess and with routines not always being perfect. I give my energy to what’s most important in that season — my kids, myself, our health — and surrender the rest (usually the tidy house and up-to-date laundry!). I heard the beautiful glass and plastic ball analogy early in my motherhood journey and it changed everything: glass balls break, plastic balls bounce. So focus on the glass balls — health, kids, relationships — and let the plastic ones, like a tidy home or career goals, bounce until you have the capacity to catch them again.

The best thing about motherhood?

Realising how much love you actually have to give, and knowing that you created human life — these little humans who now hold their own dreams, goals, and desires — and you get a front-row seat to guide them through it all. It’s the only title I ever dreamt of having as a young girl, and although I find it extremely challenging at times, it will always be my greatest privilege.

The biggest challenge you’ve experienced as a mum?

Lack of sleep and lack of time to work on my own dreams and desires. I’ve become more comfortable knowing my career will always be there, but that’s been a big struggle for me.

Sleep deprivation with my second completely changed me — how I showed up, how I viewed the world, my relationships — everything. Since that experience two years ago, I’ve changed how I see mental health, motherhood, and the invisible struggles we experience.

What surprise you most when becoming a mum?

So many things! Mostly, how much my expectations were the thief of joy in motherhood. There’s no rulebook, no “right way.”  Your way is the right way. It took me longer than I’d like to quiet the noise and trust that I’m actually doing a good job.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?

That every stage and age brings its own challenges — so enjoy each one for what it is, and don’t wish the time away. It moves fast enough.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself or others?

Be kind to yourself. Nothing else matters right now except this huge, incredible, life-altering role you’re playing.

Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?

Breathe. If you’re late, you’re late — it doesn’t actually mean anything unless you make it mean something. Fill your cup, even when you feel guilty, because everyone benefits from a happy, calm you.

How do you manage your time to fit in career, motherhood, relationships. and you time?

I’m a “go with the flow” kind of girl — which kills my husband! — but I’ve learned not to put too much pressure on myself for things to be a certain way. I do have boundaries around work, though: I use an out-of-office reply stating my working days, and I only say yes to things that bring me joy or leave me feeling good. Learning to say no is really important.

Who is in your village that you couldn’t live without?

My parents and mother-in-law are incredibly helpful. They don’t live close (which is probably why moving interstate doesn’t feel overly scary), but they’re always there when we need them.

Your top 5 things in your bag

  1. Lip gloss by Sonya Driver (creator of Eco Tan) — my ride-or-die lip balm from Priceline.
  2. Keys — because I drive everywhere (and I’m generally late!).
  3. Cards/Money — because I love an overpriced takeaway chai iced latte, even though I could make it at home.
  4. My phone — I don’t know life without it.
  5. Water — because a girl has to stay hydrated.

Your favourite holiday spot?

It has always been Currumbin on the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. In Currumbin, we stay at The Rocks Resort, but for somewhere boujee yet kid-friendly, we love JW Marriott in Surfers — you don’t have to leave! In Byron, anywhere close to town so we can soak up the vibrancy.

Why do you love this place?

Because I don’t have to make too many decisions — just two coffee shops, one park, one set of shops to choose from — yet the weather’s beautiful and the vibe is incredible.

Next on the travel list?

Italy with the kids, then Greece for my 40th.

Your favourite brands?

Nude Lucy, Dissh, Amarita James, Jasmine Alexa — all effortless, cool mum vibes. Then Cotton On and Glassons for basics (a girl needs good basics!), and VRG GRL for fun, good-energy pieces.

The trend you’re loving?

Chocolate brown tones, lace pants, and satin pants — I love a pant moment.

 

The trend you can’t get on board with?

I thought it would be lace pants — it took me a while, but I’m there. Now, barrel jeans… not for me! I just don’t think they’re flattering on anyone I’ve seen so far.

Latest brand discovery?

I’m a safe buyer — I don’t often try new brands — but I’ve been making more VRG GRL purchases recently.

Where do you do most of your shopping?

Online. But I’d love to go back to in-store shopping — that’ll be a big shift for me in 2026: more intentional, in-person, real-time purchases.

 

A healthy lifestyle means…

Feeling good and prioritising my spiritual health as much as my nutrition and movement. It’s having the mind, body, and spirit working in harmony.

How do you keep your body moving?

Pilates and walking — oh, and lifting children (always have my arms full!).

Your top tips for living a healthy lifestyle?

  1. Keep a positive mind.
  2. Surround yourself with an expansive, supportive environment.
  3. Connect with yourself.
  4. Spend time in nature.
  5. Limit preservatives and packaged food in the home.

Do you have any non-negotiables?

They change with the seasons — I’m very intuitive and go with what feels good at each stage. At the moment: face tapping at night, lemon and Celtic salt in water each morning, breakfast before caffeine, and matcha over coffee.

What does “balance” mean to you?

Ever-evolving — ebbing and flowing with the seasons of life.

What inspired you to start The Healthy Hustlers Podcast?

My curiosity for people and feeling good — creating an environment where people feel inspired to live their happiest, healthiest, most fulfilling life.

The best thing about The Healthy Hustlers Podcast?

The people I’ve met and get to connect with.

The most challenging thing…

Never having enough time to pour more into it. I have big dreams and a big vision, and I find it hard to honour my season while being content with not always striving toward it.

What’s next for The Healthy Hustlers Podcast?

Honestly, I’m not sure — it’s the first time in seven years I’ve felt that way. It probably sounds uninspiring, but I’m learning to trust the unfolding.

One thing I do know: it’ll be aligned and magical, and one day I’ll look back and think, “It was all leading to this.”

Learn more about The Healthy Hustlers Podcast by clicking here.