Christina Corcoran on Parenting & Self-Compassion

Podcasting, did I just do that?

Since pitching my book to a literary agent in 2022, I've been trying to build my author platform. Unlike fiction writers, non-fiction writers (if you don't want to self-publish) need to prove their book can sell BEFORE they even write it. Three years ago I had no idea what "author platform" meant, but here I am with a website, business cards, social media accounts, email subscriptions AND a co-author.

I'm definitely in over my head, but I'm determined. I'm putting myself out there, learning as I go. I get lots of rejections, even more, no replies, but I also get some yeses. Every little win counts and keeps my hopes alive. I may not be doing this the quickest or easiest way, but I'm doing it.

I'm celebrating another YES. I recently had the honor of chatting with art therapist Kayla Huszar on her Chill like a Mother podcast. We discuss my journey as a mother with perfectionism, something that is so relatable but rarely discussed, and how my research led me to the practice of self-compassion.

Perfectionism operates in the background and most of us are unaware how it is guiding our thoughts and actions and tearing down our confidence. Sharing my story with Kayla was not just a box to check on my "author platform" list of accomplishments. It was a chance to connect with other parents who might feel the same way, but not know what to do about it. It was an opportunity to reach out and say, if you see these traits in yourself or your kids, you are not alone.

I used to wonder, how do I promote my book without revealing so much that people don't feel inclined to buy it. I'm discovering that it's actually super easy. Let them get to know me - the author, the mother, the wife, the perfectionist in recovery. Being open and vulnerable is tough, but it's also the best way to deliver what we all want and need: authenticity.

On that subject, let's get real and talk about what it's like to be a guest. Just as I didn't tell the literary agent that that was my first book pitch, I didn't tell Kayla this was my first podcast interview. After the camera stopped recording, I told her and she said, "Oh I couldn't tell, you did great!" Letting that wave of relief and pride sink in was so nice. I've never been good at accepting praise or acknowledging my success, but I'm getting better. Appearing like I don't know what I'm doing (even when I literally don't know) has been such a fear of mine, but I push against it and think "fake it until you make it."

Talking with her - being on camera - thankfully felt natural. I know who I am and what I want to say. And since we are talking about being fallible, what better time to let go? If I misspeak or stall, so what? The topic is how to let go of impossibly high standards and give yourself more grace.

Kayla was a wonderful host and made the whole thing feel like a conversation. But if I'm being honest, which I promised I would, there was a moment before the interview when I worried about speaking to a therapist. I thought, what if she finds fault in what I'm saying or what if I come across "too broken" to be an expert. Then I watched one of her episodes with another therapist who said, "Look I'm no expert, I'm just doing my best to give people the tools they need." I instantly let go of my imposter syndrome. I have studied this, I am implementing these tools in my own life, but I can't be held to perfect standards.

Thank you all for supporting me on this journey. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Christina Corcoran© 2025