Lose the Cape! Moms who want to change the world

The world is full of anxiety right now. As moms are home with their children, trying to figure out a new balance of a life with everyone home ALL THE TIME and no clear end in sight, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Alexa shares some tips on things that are helping her maintain her sanity through a period of heightened anxiety, and why we all need to stick together. Also mentioned: The Mindful Mother's Way: Finding Confidence, Connection, and Calm in the Practice of Motherhood by Sarah Gyampoh - available at: https://amzn.to/2wF9gns And the YOUR MOM SQUAD group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourMomSquad/ We will get through this together!

Get all the show notes In this episode, we talked about: Our special October 15th live roundtable in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, featuring Alexa Bigwarfe of @Grieving Mothers: Sunshine After the Storm-A Survival GuideNatasha Carlow Author, Kimberly Calabrese, Sarah O'Dell and Lindsay Gibson.Difficult decisions with having to terminate a decisionThe shame and feelings behind lossWhy we wrote books to help othersOf course, our own storiesHow to help grieving mothers  and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/180

In this episode, we talked about: The great need for cold-weather gear. Learn more HERE.How Beth got started years ago with a local coat drive for schools in her district by asking the simple question, What Can I Do to Help?The resources One Warm Coat providesHow simple it is to host your own coat driveOther ways you can help if you can't hostOne Warm Coat Day - October 3rd Why it's important to model these types of actions to our childrenHow to get our children involved in community service Get notes and links at https://losethecape.com/podcast/179

In this episode, we talked about: How Kelly and Soph met, and started their podcast, Two Broads Talking PoliticsTheir take on the debates that have happened so far and what they think of the candidates; there are so many candidates on the stage and how they are just trying to STAND out at this pointHow Elizabeth Warren was the only one who didn't spend her first debate time slamming Trump & how she made very conscious choices not to talk too much... perhaps because women are often perceived as talking too much. Why there are so many Democratic candidates and no serious Republican contenders.What does Mark Sanford's potential candidacy mean? - Interesting polls - Trump has a high approval rating, but there are ALSO a large number of people who report a strong conservative candidate over Trump; Trump can't attack him on his sex scandal because he has done these things and worse...Winning the general election - who can excite moderate conservatives?The struggle that the Democrats will face in the 2020 electionWho has the best chance of carrying the Democratic voteKelly's fear - that we'll nominate someone like Biden and then we won't stand a chance... she's hoping for Warren! Sophy agrees that Elizabeth Warren seems to be gaining a broader base of approvalTalked a lot about Elizabeth Warren and why these Two Broads like her!The Two Broads podcast - how it is a great resource of information on politics in general and a good source of information on the issues and elections as well as other resources; Kelly suggests reading as many news sources as possible and reading the top news stories across a huge variety of news outlets; don't lock yourself into just one sourceEnding on a hopeful note

Laura Lyles Reagan is the author of How to Raise Respectful Parents: Better Communication for Teen and Parent Relationships.  She recently did a free webinar for our Lose the Cape readers all about teen communication, and it was too good not to share as a special episode! Get all the notes at https://losethecape.com/podcast/177 In this episode, we talked about: All about teen communicationHow to use the time you have with your kids to grow the relationship you want to have with themThe importance of listening versus talkingUsing I-messages to foster respectful communication with your teenWhat is conscious parenting?Dr. Shefali's definition of conscious parentingLaura's definition of Co-CreationWhat are the issues facing teens, and how can parents address them using co-creation?Laura's new course, Turn Your Teen Around by Tuning into Yourself 

Visit http://losethecape.com/podcast/176 for all the and links In this episode, we talked about: Hair discrimination and what that meansWendy's work on the hair anti-discrimination law in NYCThe CROWN Act in CaliforniaHow hair, of all things, to the Civil Rights movementDress codes for studentsIs Your Job's Dress Code Racist?Wendy's new book, #FreeTheHair: Locking Black Hair to Civil Rights MovementsSign the petition to help get the CROWN Act passed across the country.

Teaching Kids to Be Empowered - Keri T. Collins In this episode, we talked about What inspired Keri's mission to help kids take actionHow tapping can reduce anxiety - learn about EFT on her page!The family tradition that Keri established with her daughter and husbandHow Keri by her divorce and the wake-up call she had seven years agoKeri's book, You Can Call Me Katelyn, published by Purple Butterfly PressThe daily journal Keri developed after creating a practice with her daughter.The book recommended by Nancy, Byron Katie's Loving What IsChelsea Lee Smith's journals, recommended by Alexa Join us for the rest of our notes and more info at http://losethecape.com/podcast/175

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! In this episode, Alexa and Nancy chat with Dr. Traci Clayton, author of the best-selling Abundant Kids Rock!, a resource to help children live abundant and joyful lives by creating mindset shifts. We talk about the seemingly  rising incidences of depression and anxiety and the mind-body connection. In this episode, we talked about: Traci's R.O.C.K method, which outlines four steps to becoming more joyfulThe power of positive thinkingCoping Skills (Check out this post from our archives by Janine Halloran.)Abundant Kids Rock!, by Traci ClaytonAmy Cuddy's TED Talk  on body languageMarietta Goldman's Affirmation CardsRachel's Day in the Garden by Giselle Shardlow   Learn more about Dr. Traci Clayton and get all the shownotes at Losethecape.com/podcast/174

Maria Fuller is the founder of Raising a Powerful Girl, and the mother of two daughters. Our conversation was all too relatable, as Alexa and Nancy are also raising daughters. How do we navigate the issues of self-image and self-worth in the #metoo era?

You can get all the show notes and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/172 Please follow us on Facebook and join our group - Your Mom Squad In this episode, we talked about: How Daphne started her podcast, Writer Mom LifeWhat it means to be an indie author, AND a momBalancing work and family life with your own writing goalsThe importance of communicating your needs to your partnerA Room of One's Own by Virginia WoolfFinding the mental space to writeAccepting the season of life you're in when it comes to making time to write

Are you in an MLM? Have you ever thought of being in an MLM? Do you wonder what some of the red flags are? There are definitely MLMs that are better than others. We dig into all kinds of discussions on MLMs with lawyer Emily D. Baker. Like them or hate them, many women enjoy MLMs. As many others hate them. 

This panel of empowered, courageous women share their stories of how they overcame really trying and terrible stories and situations and wrote books to help others come through those situations. We discussed what gave them the courage to move forward and helped sharing their own truths helped them to heal and to find the strength to help others as well. This is a sneak peek at one of the interviews in the Women in Publishing Conference - a free online conference at https://womeninpublishingsummit.com  

Get all the show notes and links we discuss in this interview at http://losethecape.com/podcast/169 Desiree Peterkin Bell was claimed as a triple threat by Black Enterprise, and when you listen to this conversation between Alexa and Desiree, you'll understand why! This was a long-anticipated interview for Alexa, and the conversation does not disappoint. Sponsored by the Women in Publishing Summit - a free online conference about everything you need to know in your journey to write, publish, and sell your book. Sign up for free here! this is a free online conference that will run continuously from March 4th - March 8th 2019.  

Shannon Pulaski is the founder of ProActive Genes, and the author of Mom's Genes, a children's book that helps families talk to their kids about genetic diseases. We had a great conversation with Shannon about why it's never too early to start being proactive about cancer prevention. In this episode, we talked about: Shannon's experience with the BRCA gene and getting testedWhy she wrote Mom's GenesHow Asheknazi Jews are affected by the BRCA geneNancy's feelings about getting mammogramsAlexa's experiences with OB-GYNsWomen's experiences with medical and health careUpdates on health care legislationThe impact of the BRCA gene on menWhat families can do when they find out mom or dad carries the BRCA gene Get all the show notes and links to any of the things we talk about at http://losethecape.com/podcast/168

Alexa headed to DC in January for the third annual Women's March, braving frigid temps to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow marchers from all walks of life. We talked about the difference between Nancy's experience at the first march, and Alexa's experience, as well as the controversies around the march. Get all the show notes with links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/167 In this episode, we talked about: Why Alexa went to the Women's MarchNancy's experience at the first Women's March versus how she feels nowThe issues around the Women's March leadershipTamika Mallory's support of Louis FarrakhanPro-Palestinian versus Anti-Semitic, and understanding Linda SarsourNo topic is cut and dry--the lines are constantly crossing each otherWhat's up with the pink hats?!Can we support the women's march without getting embroiled in the controversy?The importance of understanding the issues before getting involved in them or talking about them.Recognizing white privilegeThe article Nancy mentioned about Tamika MalloryGet the FREE Me and White Supremacy workbook by Layla Saad HERE.

We're talking about all the good AND the bad in 2018! Join Alexa and Nancy as we cover: (get all the shownotes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/166 Time Magazine's 2018 Year in ReviewAll the big, personal stuff that went down for Alexa and Nancy#ALLTHEHASHTAGSOur vision for 2019

Get all the shownotes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/165 In this episode, we talked about: Jehava's viral essay, originally published on Wonderoak, and picked up by ScaryMommy and Motherly.Keep Marching by MomsRising Founder, Kristin Rowe-FinkbeinerThe fears that came up for Jehava around writing this essayAlexa's experience with raceHow the essay opened the door to real conversations with Jehava's friendsThe power of white moms to stand up and say somethingJehava's best advice for talking about issues of race or other uncomfortable topicsAlexa's awkward race moment at a family weddingWhy you can't always worry about offending peopleJehava's advice to her kids on dealing with mean peopleWhy conversations at home are importantThe difficulty in growing out of harmful, outdated beliefsHow becoming a mother changes the way you look at thingsThe privilege of being white, even when you think your life hasn't been easy

In this episode, we talked about: Jody's 7-year journey to bring Princess Monroe's story to the worldWhy Princess Monroe needed to be writtenHow fairy tales do a disservice to girls and boysAll about the illustrator that brought Princess Monroe to lifeThe book trailer by Kirthi Nath, of Cinemagical Media And more! Get all the notes and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/164

Are you worried you drink too much? Should you stop or can you keep drinking? Join us with author Cindi Turner for the answer!   Get all the show notes and links mentioned at http://losethecape.com/podcast/163 and be sure to check out our Holiday Gift Guide while you're over there!

It's already time to start shopping for the Holidays. Do you need some new, fresh ideas for gifts for those around you? Maybe you want some ideas for YOUR list? We've got some great suggestions in this year's Holiday Gift guide. We tried some new products, read some new books, and have some great suggestions for the friends, the teachers, the partners, the children in your life - and for YOU. Check out the shownotes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/162

We're discussing why moms need to be politically and socially engaged and how they can get their kids involved in advocacy and activism. Plus - go VOTE! We want our kids to know that it's important to be part of the process. It's important to talk about these topics. It's important to be engaged. So we wrote Lose the Cape: The Mom's Guide to Becoming Socially and Politically Engaged (& How to Raise Tiny Activists). Grab all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/161 and be sure to get your copy of the book on Amazon - now available!

Access all the details and show notes about this conversation on how to talk about sexual harassment, sexual assault, and more at http://losethecape.com/podcast/160

Find all of the show notes and links at losethecape.com/podcast/159

Find all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/158

Get all of the shownotes and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/157

This episode covers some pretty broad topics - from why it's important for us to use our voices in the political sphere, to remembering babies gone too soon, to the Inspired Parents Summit happening next week. Alexa gives a broad overview of key topics and what is to come in October.   Get all the notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/156

Get all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/155

In this episode, we talked about: How Michelle started her business the same time she became a motherWhy she went back to work after her son was born even though she didn't want toHow Michelle transitioned out of the 9-5 grindWhy you need the support of your partner when starting a businessThe common thread through all of Michelle's work experiencesHow Michelle has been impacted by childhood cancer and the death of her brotherThe transitions that changed the trajectory of Michelle's lifeThe non-profit that Michelle's mother started after her brother diedUsing your business to give backAlexa's course for teaching moms who want to earn money writing Find all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/154

In a nutshell, this episode is about healing, forgiving, self-love, remembering those who perished on September 11, 2001, our new mission, and what is coming ahead. Get all the show notes and links on our website at http://losethecape.com/podcast/153

In this episode, we talked about: Sharissa's autoimmune diagnoses and how she got themThe process of healing and how it was interrupted by her first pregnancyDr. Amy MeyersThe connection between food and autoimmune healthWhat IS autoimmune disease, anyway?The challenges of following an autoimmune-friendly dietTonya Rineer and her book, The Mindset SwitchThe Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggNon-toxic cosmetics like BeautyCounterThe connection between stress and dietWhy sleep matters!Sharissa's forthcoming book, Journey Back to Health: Six Steps to Confidently Getting Your Life Back   This episode is sponsored by Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After This amazing book about a princess who saves herself will be available on September 12, 2018. But you can get a free copy in exchange for a review NOW! Go HERE to download your free copy!   Visit http://losethecape.com/podcast/152 for all the show notes and links!

In this episode, we talked about: How going back to work felt like being herself again and saved herHow WANTING to work doesn't mean you don't love your kidsThe lie of Work-Life BalanceWhy so many women end starting their own businessesThe cost of daycare versus the benefits of a second incomeThe challenges of raising teensRaising a feministAin't Nothing But a Teen Thang   This episode is sponsored by Princess Monroe and Her Happily Ever After This amazing book about a princess who saves herself will be available on September 12, 2018. But you can get a free copy in exchange for a review NOW! Go HERE to download your free copy!

Visit the show notes for all links and information at http://losethecape.com/podcast/150 In this episode, we talked about: How Abbey replaced her corporate income within 30 days of starting her VA businessWhy you should embrace your entrepreneurial energy and not feel scatterbrainedThe main concerns that potential VAs have, according to AbbeyHow to manage client expectationsWhy and how Abbey created her first courseTapping into your audience's pain pointsBeta-testing coursesWhy NOW is the time to become a VAHow Abbey can help you find a VA for your business  

This episode is all about using our voices to become more engaged in social justice and change for good - especially as it pertains to laws and policies that impact moms and children. Ever thought about maternal justice? Paid medical leave and maternity leave? You're going to want to listen to this and get more information about Moms Rising!

Get all the shownotes and information on http://losethecape.com/podcast/147

Leslie Blanchard Leslie is a contributor to Ain't Nothing But a Teen Thang, Lose The Cape!'s third book in a series. Leslie's essay, titled InstaSpy, is a hilarious account of discovering the world of Instagram through her teen's eyes. Leslie and Alexa chatted live on launch day about that essay and about the tragedies that Leslie has confronted and overcome in the past year. In this episode, we talked about: How and why she started her blog - a humor blog about raising 5 kidsHer husband's unexpected death and how that's changed everythingHer essay about playing on her teen daughter's instagram accountHer daughter Gracie, an NBA dancerImperfect parenting and how every family is differentnature vs nurturethe loneliness of motherhoodhow kids are different and wonderful On a beautiful afternoon at the end of January this year, Leslie’s life was irrevocably changed when the Love of her Life, her husband of 33 years and father of their 5 children was killed in a motorcycle accident. Prior to that, Leslie’s blog had been a mostly comical chronicle of marriage with a large family of teens and millennials. Now she shares her daily experiences as she comes to terms with her profound sadness and shock, coupled with an effort to ever-capture even the lighter side of the most unimaginably painful challenges life can throw one’s way.? She has been featured in Your Teen Magazine, and on websites such as Blunt Moms, Scary Mommy, BonBon Break, Lose The Cape, Today's Parent, BlogHer, and Faithit.   She has been interviewed on NPR and is also proud to be liberally splashed about The Huffington Post in the United States, France, Spain, Japan, Quebec and Germany. visit http://losethecape.com/podcast/146 for all the notes, links, and other resources

Sid Garza-Hillman Sid is the author of Raising Healthy Parents: Small Steps, Less Stress and a Thriving Family.  He joined us from his home on the Mendocino Coast to chat about his book and what it means to be a SmallStepper. In this episode, we talked about: Sid's SmallSteppers programWhy little changes are better than big changesWhy Sid wrote Raising Healthy ParentsWhat MOTT means and why it works Get all the show notes and enter to win your copy of his book at http://losethecape.com/podcast/145

What's happening in America? How can moms help?

We laughed. We cried. We launched. Check out all the show notes, the video that inspired the subtitle, and more at http://losethecape.com/143

Our guest is Echo Aspnes, mother, blogger, contributor to Lose the Cape: Ain't Nothing but a Teen Thang. Get all the shownotes at losethecape.com/podcast/142

Our May Book club pick was Awaken: 6 Sacred Steps to Remember Who You are and Why You are Here. We  were so lucky to get to interview the author, Julie Santiago about this beautiful book and her journey to write it. Get all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/141

Our guest Jennifer Rosen Heinz talks about raising a tween son and all about her advocacy with Moms Deman Action, an organization formed by moms to help reduce gun violence in the United States.  Please visit http://losethecape.com/podcast/140 for all show notes. We talked about: Her son's first armpit hairPubertyParenting through pubertyMom's Demand Actionthe Be SMART for kids movement that teaches us how to address the topic, make plans, and teach our kids what to do if they find themselves in a place where there is a gunGun violence in our country and what we can do about it as moms to make a differenceJune 1st is national #wearorange day and there are events all weekend to bring awareness to this Orange is the color that Hadiya Pendleton’s friends wore in her honor when she was shot and killed in Chicago at the age of 15 — just one week after performing at President Obama’s 2nd inaugural parade in 2013. After her death, they asked us to stand up, speak out, and Wear Orange to raise awareness about gun violence. Since then orange has been the defining color of the gun violence prevention movement. Resources: Mom's Demand Action Be Smart Jennifer Rosen Heinz Jennifer Rosen Heinz has been accused of having the maturity of a 9-year-old boy because of her love of poop and fart jokes. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin and works for the parenting web site Scary Mommy. She is a recovering MFA and award-winning poet and blogger. The Thinking Mom

Talking about transgender teens - how to interact, engage, and understand them. Tips for parents who have a child who comes out, and what it's like to be a transgender teen... guest Nathan Frechette talks about his experiences as a transgender man. Get all the shownotes at losethecape.com/podcast/139

We were pleasantly surprised by Ashley Buffa, our beautiful guest. She has 9 kids between the ages of 2 and 15 - SEVEN of them are boys! She also homeschools and runs her own business. We were impressed. We talk alot about tweens/teens and surviving those years. Get all the notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/138

Mother's day can be complicated. We talk about what it means to us, what we want, don't want, and what we really want to be doing on Mother's Day.

Ep 136 is our monthly Lose the Cape book club. April 2018 featured Just Tell Me I'm Pretty - by Heather LeRoss. don't be fooled by the name - this book is deep and full of surprises. Get all the links and shownotes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/136

How to relate to Teens in the 21st century + men get PPD too! In this episode, we talked about: Men get PPD too - did you even know that?How to engage with teensDarren's book "Level Up Your Teens"The "Be Your Own Hero" mentality Get all the notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/135

Check out all the show notes and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/134

Strategies for communicating with your tweens and teens.    Get all the notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/133

We're talking about Brene Brown's latest book, Braving the Wilderness, in the Lose the Cape February book club episode. Join us in March for Girl, Wash Your Face!  Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be, By Rachel Hollis. Find show notes at losethecape.com/podcast/132

Joy Acaso is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people confront challenges and overcome obstacles. As a South Florida local, she has been working with individuals and families in the community for over 15 years. Her broad experience includes working with medical, ministerial and social service organizations, and with age groups ranging from 3 to 90. Among other things, she specializes in stress and life management issues, marriage and family problems, as well as matters of or relating to chronic illness. Her therapeutic approach is centered on what matters most to the client. She believes in improving quality of life by empowering clients with tools necessary for optimum level of functioning.   Get all the show notes at http://losethecape.com/podcast/131

How to love yourself + unboxing of the Alively Subscription box.   Get all shownotes and links at http://losethecape.com/podcast/130 and don't forget to use your coupon code CAPE for free shipping!