Conversations with Caroline

On today's episode I wrap up season two by sharing my word of the year for 2022, Hope! I look back on my 2021 WOTY Authentic and the lessons I learned as well as the true meaning of hope for me.

On today's episode, I sit down with Santo Militello, a scholar of all things theology, a business owner and lover of baseball (well, sports in general). I met Santo years ago at church and was amazed by his understanding and knowledge of the bible. Fast forward to today, Santo has become my go to friend when I want to dive deeper into the meaning and implementation of God's word in our lives. Listen in as we answer: Why God How does Jesus call us to respond to the brokenness in the world Why your purpose isn't as hard to find as people want you to believe

On today's episode I catch up with marathon runner, world traveler and my college friend, Adrian Amaral. Adrian is a Bay Area native. From a young age, Adrian has been a sports and adventure enthusiast. After swearing off marathons as a waste of money, he found himself in the middle of a break up, signed up for a marathon in Mexico. After completing in a respectable time, he admitted there might be something to this endurance racing. Listen in as he shares his journey to the Boston and Chicago Marathon and why running like life, can teach us to work on our weaknesses and trust the process. Follow Adrian's racing adventure on Instagram.

On today's episode I sit down with Thomas Vo. Thomas Vo is Brand Director and Brewmaster of Calicraft. Vo is a marketing and product professional - developing meaningful products and brands targeting emerging categories. With nine years of industry experience, he focuses on the intersection between art, business, and craft. He holds an MBA from Saint Mary's College and currently resides in Concord. Listen as we reminisce on our time at St. Mary's and for some exclusive updates on the future of Calicraft. To learn more about Thomas follow along on instagram.

On today's episode, we sit down with Liz Despins. A wife, mom of three and fellow Property Manager :) Liz invites us into her family's story and shares with us the journey they have been on over the last few years. When Liz's middle daughter Alexa got a fever during a soccer game in 2019 they went home and thought it would pass in a few days. Three weeks later when the fever was still there, the Despins Family received news no family is prepared to hear, Alexa was diagnosed diagnosed with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Over the next 11 months, Alexa would go in and out of the hospital six times, passing away on July 7, 2020. Listen in as Liz shares what life inside the hospital during a worldwide health pandemic was like and how their family is healing, one day at a time. To learn more about Alexa's story visit the Caring Bridge page, which has over 157K visits. To donate to the Despins family, visit their Gofundme page.

On today's episode, I share about my journey of sobriety. A year ago I made the decision to stop drinking. I thought it would last 30 days. A year later I share how those around me reacted to my decision, what I learned and why it's ok to let it go.

On today's episode I sit down with my friend and podcast mentor, Alana Weinroth.  Alana launched the Give A Damn community in 2019 with the intention of helping people feel less alone in the things they go through. The community has grown from a podcast, to yoga community, to merch line. Alana is a 200 hr RYT, Life Coach, podcast host, and works in fundraising at Covenant House California, which houses young people experiencing homelessness. Her soul purpose is realized in helping people feel loved and learning to love themselves. To learn more about Alana and the Give a Damn Community please visit https://www.giveadamncommunity.com/

On today's episode I sit down with my friend, Kori Morton.  Kori Morton is an Enneagram 7:  She is a lover of life, adventure and people. She is a wife to Isaac, a Mom to Elijah and Avianna and the Founder of Team F3 (Friendship. Fitness. Freedom). Kori believes everyone has a call on their life. Whether it's through her health and wellness coaching business, speaking on a stage or sitting down to coffee her hope is to help people run towards the call on their heart. She believes deeply that if we are going to follow the call on our hearts and live to be all the God has created us to be we have to take care of our earthly bodies. Her passion is to help people not only run toward the call on their life, but encourage people to find ways to intentionally take care of the bodies we have been given daily.

On todays episode I sit down with CEO and Founder of The Yes Girls, Heather Vaughn. The Yes Girls is the world's first marriage proposal planning company and has been featured on the Today Show, Travel Channel, LA Times, and ABC News. Heather has continued to lead The Yes Girls, a creative female team, for over a decade later. She has launched products such as Box Sock and Schedule Me In – The Couples Planner because her passion continues to be rooted in creative ways to help “proposers” and relationships thrive beyond the proposal. Heather lives in San Clemente, CA with her husband Kyle, who was formerly an Air Force pilot which required her to come up with a business that was transportable. They have three little energetic kids, two boys (Currently going into 1st grade and preschool) and a little girl who will turn 1 in September. Heather's most recent favorite memory was getting to be in the room when her adopted daughter was born. 2020 was quite the year in many ways. Our conversation will focus on expectations, why validation matters and how to show up for one another in the trying times. Heather has generously offered a discount on the Schedule Me In - Couples Planner for CWC listener. Use the code: CWClove Link to planner.

On today's episode I sit down with Derek Hellender who is sharing for the first time publicly about his struggle with alcohol. Derek shares that from the outside looking in his life looked successful, he had a career, a great social life and faced the typical issues that most twenty somethings did. On the inside he was miserable. Drinking to cope with anxiety and depression led to increased consumption and the feeling of living a double life. Derek shares why the stigma of asking for help kept him in the dark for so long. Listen in as he walks us through the agony of hitting rock bottom and the joy and hope he lives with today. Derek is the manager for a portfolio of homeowners' associations throughout the East Bay. He loves cooking, plays a number of instruments and loves recording music alone or with friends, is an avid golfer, and enjoys running. He is a dedicated "dog dad," and is engaged to an amazing woman he is ecstatic to be marrying in September. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline AMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

On today's episode I sit down with my friend and founder of Barefoot Existence, Brittany Fulks, @barefootexistence. Yoga Teacher and Outdoor Enthusiast with a Passion for Overall Health & Wellness Yoga has served as both a mental and physical therapist to Brittany over the last 10+ years and her passion is sharing the tools and resources she's acquired during that time with others. Outside of her passion for yoga she is also a huge outdoor enthusiast and that's where you'll find her 80% of the time. From backpacking in the mountains to lounging on the beach and everything in between. Brittany believes wholeheartedly in living a well-balanced life, and that our time in nature, plays a huge role in that. "It's a natural remedy for physical, emotional and mental health. A place where our minds intuitively quiet down." She is cultivating a life deeply rooted in both the soul and the soil. A Barefoot Existence. Brittany's goal is to share that lifestyle with the community around her. Learn more at www.barefoot-existence.com.

On today's episode I sit down with my good friend Nicole Mesita to share about Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. Nicole resides in the East Bay Area where she works in private practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is a Mom of two and serves alongside her beloved husband in their local church. Most recently she's devoted her time to cleft and craniofacial awareness, education and interventions when her second daughter was diagnosed with a cleft palate at one week old. Learn more about her journey at @Cleft_Baby_Dietitian on Instagram. July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, Nicole's goal is to raise $3,100 in honor of her 31st birthday! The endowment at Stanford will be used to support care for patients in the cleft and craniofacial program. It provides holistic care including treatment, equipment, mental health, and social services. Would you consider donating $31 towards this cause? https://my.supportlpch.org/cleft-awareness

On today's episode I sit down with Simone Stewart who is the owner of AJANI, an online community where they are changing the conversation around what it means to live a holistic life. By day, she's an Operations professional navigating the Silicon Valley Tech world. A hustler at heart, Simone is constantly thinking of how to continue to expand the AJANI brand in the hopes that it touches, and positively impacts, as many people as possible. Listen in for a chance to win the Summer Box. To learn more about AJANI visit https://www.simoneajani.com/.

In this episode I sit down with John Hamilton, the National Director of Camp HOPE America. He collaborates with human services agencies, clinicians, and youth development leaders to offer hope to children around the country. John is an expert in trauma-informed care at camp and brings a unique hope and healing-centered approach to the work. He holds a master's degree from Western Seminary where he focused on leadership and cultural justice. He specializes in forging unlikely partnerships, developing unified teams, and moving people from theory into practice. He frequently presents or trains at conferences and retreats. John and his wife, Lana, live in New Hampshire with their four daughters, Sadie, Kallan, Eleanor, and Wren. Listen in as we discuss the science of hope and why belief in self can make all the difference. To learn more about John and the work of Camp Hope, please visit https://www.camphopeamerica.org/

In this episode I sit down with Chrissy Brady-Smith, a Somatic Life Coach, Elementary School Tutor, and Comedic Story Teller, to discuss her life's passion of working with broken hearts. Together we talk about how life isn't always full of rainbows and what it means to show up and be human towards one another. Chrissy shares some of her hardest moments and why they have made her the woman she is today. To learn more about Chrissy and partner with her please visit www.ChrissyBradySmith.com. 

Join me for my Season Two premiere episode. I kick off Season Two with an honest conversation about what I saw before I got married. The question "did you see signs of abuse?" has been asked a lot since I've shared my story publicly and on today's episode I get to the root of why it was so hard for me to answer, until now. Listen in as I reflect on what I did and didn't see, how we can help our friends who are walking through a tough season and why community is one of my core value.

On this special edition of Conversations with Caroline I sit down with Season One guest Dr. Timothy Yen to discuss his book, Choose Better: The Optimal Decision-Making Framework available today!  Choose Better provides a systematic approach to solving any problem, no matter how difficult. Designed by Dr. Timothy Yen, this series of questions will lead you step-by-step out of that state of indecision and into ​vibrant, confident action. In times of stress, it's easy to feel impossibly stuck. Not to mention isolated and alone. Developed across hundreds of individual case studies and thousands of clinical hours, Choose Better can help you find your best path forward no matter what life throws at you. Identify your deepest motivations, clarify your values, understand the needs of others, and work through any resistance to make transformational, life-affirming decisions—even under the greatest adversity. Check out our first conversation on Mental Health During a Pandemic. 

On my final episode of Season One, I share my 2021 Word of the Year, talk about some personal childhood memories, open up for the first time about my journey with sobriety and remind you why the world needs to hear your story. Follow along for all the latest updates on instagram @conversationswithcaroline. Season Two will return Spring 2021.

On today's episode, I talk with my High School English Teacher, Tom Duffy. Tom shares about his early start in music and how a personal goal of playing at his 40th birthday party has led to a second passion of creating Inner Circle Music. Tom reminds us all to remain compassionately curious and that our purpose always involves other people. While the COVID lockdown has limits Tom's ability to play live music, follow along with his journey and look for updates when he's next show is scheduled on Facebook.

On today's episode, I sit down with my Aunt Lauren who was given a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Together we talked about the added challenges of of this diagnosis given COVID19 and the unwavering support from friends and family that carried her through. Lauren held onto the hope that she knew she would be okay and is now looking for a new purpose in this season of life after cancer.

On today's episode, I chat with SMC Alumna and former Cheer mate, Leah Recania. Since our time at St. Mary's Leah has started her own company and moved from the Bay Area down to Los Angeles. After encountering Jesus for the first time seven years ago, Leah has pursued her faith without turning back. Listen in as Leah shares about holding to her convictions and living a life full of faith and purpose. Learn more about Leah on instagram @leahrecania and online www.leahrecania.com. 

On today's episode, I sit down with Dr. John Hickey and talk about his journey to finding personal freedom. From his own battles with social anxiety Dr. John encourages us to listen to our bodies and move self care to the top of our to do lists. Find more from Dr. John on instagram @itsdoctorjohn.

On today's episode, I am joined by Psychologist Dr. Tim Yen. Dr. Yen talks about the impacts of the extended physical distancing driven by the pandemic as well as how to better check in on those you love. To learn more about Dr. Yen check out his website at https://timyen.com/. Be sure to tune into Season Two when Dr. Yen returns to discuss his book, Choose Better, coming to you early 2021. 

On today's episode I chat with my friend Nicole Mesita. Nicole is a Registered Dietician and co-founder of Body Bloved, which exists to empower you in discovering healing relationships with food, fitness and body image through the unconditional love of God. Together we talk about the societal pressures to be a certain size and how sometimes the best thing we can do is eat that bowl of ice cream. Learn more about Body Bloved at https://www.bodybloved.com/ and on Instagram @bodybloved. Interested in the devotional or bible study, use promo code "conversationswithcaroline" for a discount on both!

On today's episode, I sit down with CEO and Co-Founder of Out the Dough, Cookie Dough to go, Angelo Lonardo. Listen in as we talk about the journey of starting a business with his Mother and Sister-in-Law. From opening their first location in November of 2017, to expanding and relocating, this family has navigated some pretty big ups and downs. After a whirlwind start to 2020, they like many other retail business were hit hard when the Shelter in Place took effect. Angelo shares what he has learned over the past three years as CEO and what he would say to himself looking back. Use promo code "convoswithcaroline" to order online or pick up in store (they ship nationwide). To learn more about Out the Dough and Angelo, be sure and visit https://www.outthedough.com/ and on Instagram @outthedough and @angelolonardo_.

On today's episode, I sit down with the man behind the Instagram profile @thatenneagram8life. We discuss how the Enneagram differs from other personality assessments and how it focuses on the why instead of the what. Devin uses everyday analogies to help explain the gift of truly understanding your Enneagram number. For more information about the Enneagram check out www.enneagraminstitute.com. 

On today's episode, I sit down with my friend, Esther Chen. Esther is a former elementary school teacher who recently started her own company, Joyful-e. Joyful-e is set up to give parents and children the resources for a healthy learning environment at home to build confidence. Through her self created curriculum CORE, Esther walks her clients through Creating boundaries, Organization, Routines, and Emotional-social check ins to improve not only distance learning but the overall parent-student relationship. Follow online with her instagram profile @_joyful.e for help tools for students of ages. For more information about her company check our her website www.joyful-e.com

On today's episode I share my experience with healing.  Emotional healing is not like physical healing. While physical healing requires rest, emotional healing requires work. It requires us to dive into the experience, glean wisdom, and commit to changing our lives. Join me as I share what I've learned through my own personal healing. 

On today's episode I sit down with fellow St. Mary's graduate and long time friend, Freddie Silveria. Together we discuss working in Corporate America, changing careers and how to process the unimaginable loss of a parent. Freddie's charismatic and welcoming spirit will encourage you to do the next right thing and pursue your purpose with each step in life. 

On my second episode, I sit down with the Regional Director of Foster the Bay, Christine Ingebretson to discuss the mission and purpose behind Foster the Bay and how Christine found herself in the role she's in today. Christine challenges us to examine our own lives and answer the difficult question of what breaks our hearts? Often it is in the hardest moments of life that we begin to truly find our purpose. To find out more about Foster the Bay and to get involved, visit FostertheBay.org. 

On my very first episode, I explore the question we have all asked ourselves, "What is my purpose?" I share why this question is so important to our daily life and why it has been shaping my life for the last 30 years. Learn more about why I am launching Conversations with Caroline and the past year that has taught me that my life has an incredible purpose.