Keeping Up With Kara And Koa

In this episode, hosted by Olivia Peña, Kara discusses her equine assisted psychotherapy journey at the The Equine Healing Collaborative. Take a listen as she walks her listeners through her journey of self-discovery and healing through the power of horsemanship. If you would like more information visit https://www.equinehealing.org Music Lost and Found by Olivia Irene Cover Art by @evanmurraydesign

In part two with Julia Hittler, she opens up about the passing of her 2-month-old son Alex. In this episode, Julia and Kara discuss their upbringings around the topics of miscarriage, abortion, and loss. While speaking with Julia, she shares her many challenges of becoming a mom and losing her son. Both she and Kara share an intimate conversation about their journey of grief and loss. Julia also shares Alex’s beautiful legacy he left behind and her favorite memories. Julia hopes that sharing Alex’s legacy will spread love and light to anyone who has lost a child. If you would like to learn more about Julia’s story and Alex’s legacy visit https://www.heavenstouchboutique.com. To watch this full episode find us on Youtube at Keeping Up With Kara and Koa Podcast. https://linktr.ee/keepingupwithkaraandkoa

Julia Hittler, a business owner and marketing executive joins Kara to discuss her journey of coming to America. Julia shares her early childhood life being homeless and an orphan after the collapse of Communist Russia. She explains the post-trauma effects after leaving the orphanage and adjusting to a new culture. Both her and Kara discuss Julia’s upbringing with a new family and life after being adopted. Julia and Kara also discuss the need for awareness of different cultural upbringings. For more of Julia's story check out Episode 11 ,Part 2 All for Alex. To watch this full episode find us on Youtube at Keeping Up With Kara and Koa Podcast. https://linktr.ee/keepingupwithkaraandkoa

Whittany Robinson, Bay Area born and raised. A freelance make-up artist shares her journey to New York City amid a global pandemic. Whittany and Kara discuss racism in America and black mental health. Whittany opens up about her mental health growing up and during a pandemic. She also shares her experience of workplace discrimination. Through her story, she hopes that many outside the black community continue to do their part to end violence and police brutality. If you want to learn more about how to support and make change visit https://www.joincampaignzero.org/#vision Subscribe and follow Keeping up with Kara and Koa for more episodes. Follow us on instagram @kuwkaraandkoa_podcast https://linktr.ee/keepingupwithkaraandkoa

February 14th, also known as Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day. In this episode Kara shares an intimate conversation with her co-host Hannah Moss about her diagnosis. Kara shares her journey of what it has been like to live with CHD and how it has affected her life in school, work ,and relationships. Both her and Hannah talk about what life is like during a global pandemic and how Kara has navigated through these challenging times. Kara hopes using her CHD voice will bring awareness to her condition and to many others just like her. If you would like to learn more about Congenital Heart Defects , visit the American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation. Subscribe and follow Keeping up with Kara and Koa for more episodes. Follow us on instagram @kuwkaraandkoa_podcast

Stephanie San Juan - a glimpse into life after Cancer, grief, and everything in between. Stephanie shares her journey of navigating her mental health while balancing life as a cancer survivor, single motherhood, and the sudden passing of her father. She and Kara explore the many stages of grief and processing loss. Listen in for an intimate view on managing the post effects of managing trauma as Asian American women, and navigating everyday life. Subscribe and follow Keeping up with Kara and Koa for more episodes. Follow us on instagram @kuwkaraandkoa_podcast

In this episode Kara opens up about the loss of both her parents. She gets real about each loss and how they passed. Kara discusses the impact it left on her life as she navigated her way through grief. She also talks about the grief process for anyone who has lost a loved one. She hopes this story will help bring peace and comfort to those who are grieving. Kara ends with a letter to her mom and dad.

Hannah Moss, singer /songwriter with a BA in Journalism, shares her story of being diagnosed with Uterine Factor Infertility (UFI). She talks about how her condition affected her outlook on life and herself during high school. She discusses how she has accepted these challenges as a woman. Hannah also shares her journey of finding herself again through music and her venture to Bali.

Ashlee Velez, an Academic Coordinator receiving her masters in nursing. Ashlee shares her story growing up with her sister who was battling depression. Ashlee shares what her relationship was like having to support her sister throughout the years. Both her and Kara discuss the importance of therapy and how it can be beneficial in everyday life. Ashlee shares her sister's victory in battling depression.

Kara opens up about her depression and PTSD. She explains how it affected her throughout the years after the loss of both her parents. Kara also talks about how she battled her way out of the dark and overcoming a mental health crisis at the age of 15. She also acknowledges those who have impacted her life during her healing.

Olivia Downing, a Learning Support Teacher who is also receiving her masters in school counseling. Olivia opens the topic of what is Mental Health and the importance of breaking the stigma. Both her and Kara discuss the importance of suicide awareness and prevention. Kara also asks what society needs to know to end the stigma and how to address these issues in everyday life. Olivia also shares her friends memory who was lost by suicide.

In this episode Kara walks you through her journey of her connection with dogs while dealing life’s obstacles. Kara explains why her dog Koa is so significant to her and how he brings her purpose. She also explains how they have benefited her life when conquering grief and depression while living with CHD.

Welcoming you to Keeping Up With Kara and Koa. Kara gives a quick introduction to her purpose of this podcast, while sending a message out to listeners that you are not alone when it comes to navigating through life. She explains her inspiration and wants her listeners to be inspired too.