Episode 13

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Published on:

8th Apr 2025

Fear, Growth, and the Transition into Motherhood: Trusting the Journey with Erin Johnson Ries

"Fear is always there, but so is trust."

This is one of those conversations that just keeps getting better.

I’ve wanted to sit down with my friend and sister martial artist, Erin Reis, for a long time to hear more of her perspectives on life—on managing multiple passions, growing through life’s many chapters, and her path to motherhood, to name a few.

Erin is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, co-owner of Iron Roots gym with her husband Dan, a former nurse who’s stayed connected to her healing roots through dry needling, and a soon-to-be mom. Her life is a powerful blend of strength, heart, and intuition.


This one goes deep. Erin shares how fear and growth have walked hand in hand through every season of her life—from the mats to marriage, through cycles of control and surrender, and now into the wild unknowns of motherhood. She reflects on learning to trust herself, her body, and the timing of things far beyond her control.


Whether you’re navigating a transition, rethinking your relationship to fear, or simply needing a reminder that you’re not alone—there’s something in here for you.


Don’t miss this beautiful conversation about showing up, letting go, and finding power in vulnerability.


xo,

Greta


Check out Iron Roots here: https://ironrootsbjj.com/


IG: @thought_experiment_called_life / @altarviolet

TikTok: @thoughtexperimentcalled / @altarvioletmusic


Song: 'On My Own' by yours truly 'aka' ALTARVIOLET

https://open.spotify.com/album/5iKz9Pxn6cIKHBKHGjkgqj?si=CgUcIRPrQHuGS0jWIGBQkg


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About the Podcast

Thought Experiment Called Life
A podcast for multi-passionate creatives forging nontraditional life paths.
This is a podcast for multi-passionate creatives forging nontraditional life paths.
I’ve never neatly fit into any niche, neither do many people, and neither does this podcast. This is a space for the multi-passionate person—the individual who looks at the world with glittering eyes despite the challenges of a multifaceted life. It’s for those seeking inspiration from positive, unconventional lives and hoping to glean lessons to guide their own path. It’s for those who trust that the right message will find them at the right time, no matter how unrelated it may seem.
This is a space for the existential mind and the open heart—those who understand the power of sharing stories to remind others they’re not alone.

I’ve lived many lives in my time here on Earth, and this podcast dives into a plethora of topics, including (but not limited to):
- Living and thriving with Lyme disease (and autoimmune disease).
- Pursuing your purpose in a world that celebrates conformity.
- Staying mentally healthy as a neurodivergent person in an insane world.
- The power and beauty of plant medicine and nourishing nutrition.
- Why learning self-defense is the ultimate self-care (especially for women)
- The magic of jiu-jitsu: a roadmap to growth and success in every area of life.
- Building healthy relationships—romantic and platonic.
- And perhaps most exciting of all, hearing real stories from multi-passionate individuals living fulfilling, unconventional lives.

This space exists to bring you inspiration, tools, resources, and proof that the call in your heart is there for a reason. I’m excited to walk this path with you.

The wild heart in me bows to the wild heart in you.

About your host

Profile picture for Greta Hotmer

Greta Hotmer