Love Like A Mama

This is my final episode, friends. I explain why and share all my feelings about my current season of motherhood. Please excuse my crying but I'm laying it all out. Thank you to each and every one of my listeners, followers, guests, and behind-the-scenes support staff for helping my first attempt at podcasting be such a positive experience. This was a wonderful experience for me and while it's ending earlier than anticipated I'm so grateful for the connections made and friendships formed. I've learned from the stories shared here and grown in my own motherhood. I couldn't have done it without you. Keep on loving in only the way that you can, Mama.

Christina and Carolyn are Moms, sisters, podcasters, founders of The MomBabes community and authors of their debut book, The MomBabes: A Motherhood Anthology. Co-winners of the World's okay-est Mom award, Christina and Carolyn are the friends every Mom deserves. They aren't parenting experts, they're real women using their personal desires for connection to build a community of women through sharing stories. The sisters keep busy working and wife-ing while chasing their kids and their dreams - all without spilling their coffee. More from The MomBabes www.themombabes.com and @TheMomBabes

In this episode, I'm talking with Sarah Muxlow. She is an End of Life Doula with a background in geriatric and palliative social work. She is the founder of Live Purposefully End of Life Care Planning and co-founder and director of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada. Sarah's passion was born out of personal experience. She saw firsthand the devastating impact inadequate end of life care planning has on individuals and families. Sarah highlights, “Often families don't talk about death, yet it is the one experience that we all have a shared investment in” It's time to change this. We discuss how engaging with death, grief and loss can assist us in living a fuller, healthier and more purposeful life. Learn more at www.livepurposefully.ca,

In this episode, I'm talking with Danielle Bettmann. She is an early childhood educator, parenting coach and founder of Wholeheartedly. Her coaching teaches families with strong willed littles how to manage tantrums, eliminate power struggles, and get on the same parenting page. Mom of two young girls, Danielle offers a blend of lived experience and educational training and understands the need for sanity + solutions. She helps parents extend their patience, rewire their mindset, and write a family business plan to foster empathy, empowerment, and resilience in both children and their parents. Danielle also hosts the Failing Motherhood podcast, aiming to normalize the struggle and share vulnerable stories. Learn more at www.parentingwholeheartedly.com and on Instagram @parent_wholeheartedly

In this episode, I'm chatting with Simona Altavilla Moss about infertility and motherhood. Simona is a wife and mama to two little ones that keep her on her toes! She's a teacher, an artist and now, a published author. She likes to stay busy - clearly. She loves to draw, paint, craft - you name it - ever since she was a little girl. It's always been a hobby of hers and she's lucky enough to have turned it into a small business with her Etsy Shop, Simona's Collections! Simona has recently published her first book, The B Word: Infertility and Other Conversations, where she shares her journey of secondary infertility, along with contributions from a few friends, her sister, and her husband. With the help of family, friends, and the infertility community, she's found the strength to share her story. She hopes to continue raising awareness around the topic of infertility and bringing it into normal conversation. You can follow her on social media @simply_simona to learn more about her story, her small business and life after infertility

Kelly Strongitharm is the founder of Ruben's Shoes Society and author of I am Emmanuel. As a child of adoption, Kelly understands the profound need for all children to know belonging and connection. In 2020, Kelly became a new mom to a beautiful boy from Haiti, and her mission to create impact at home as well as abroad became her next great purpose. Her love of animals, mostly her two dogs, has translated into a plant-based lifestyle where she hopes to expand this on her new 5-acre property that she was able to manifest into a reality. Enjoy listening to this great conversation with Kelly!  You can connect with her online at the following places: IG: @kellystrong79 @rubensshoes FB: Kelly Strongitharm Ruben's Shoes Society Buy the book: www.rubensshoes.com

Today's interview is with Gillian Behnke. As a busy mom of two, Gillian cares deeply about helping other moms feel better both mentally and physically. She believes that motherhood does not equate to exhaustion, and that is is possible to thrive mentally, emotionally, physically, and professionally. Gillian is the founder of Mom Camp, a media and events company that empowers moms to live their best lives. She is also the host of the Mom Camp: Around the Campfire podcast. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Gillian and I know you will, too!

This week's episode is with my friend, Terri Anne Anderson. TA is a wife, mom to two daughters, public speaker, soon to be published author, and works in the health care industry. TA shares wise words by reminding us that motherhood is not about perfection and wants moms to extend grace and forgiveness to themselves. It was so great to connect with TA and this conversation was an example of how we are all connected in this motherhood journey-no matter where we are,

This week I'm chatting with Melaina Rogers. Melaina is a wife, mom to three, self-love fighter, and adoptee. We discuss her adoption, her journey to finding her biological family in Colombia, her perspective on adoption and how it feels to have biological children who look like her. Melaina is one of the most nonjudgmental, accepting, happy people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I'm positive you will enjoy this conversation with her.

This episode is a discussion with Taraneh Erfan King. Taraneh is a mom, author, and therapist. She recently wrote a book titled, Conscious Grieving: The Path of Awakening Through Loss. In our conversation, Taraneh explains what consciousness is, describes her parenting as 'conscious parenting', explains what that looks like and how we can incorporate it into our own lives. Taraneh's insight is fascinating. She is a kind and gentle soul and I am happy to introduce her to you. You can find out more about Taraneh and/or order her book on her website www.mindonspirit.com

Today's guest is Chanelle Nielsen. She's a wife, mom to five and a life coach. She helps moms organize their days so they can balance family and personal goals through her coaching programs. In this episode Chanelle gives us great tips on self care for moms. You can connect with her on Instagram under her handle, @chanelleneilsoncoaching.

Today's guest is my own mama, Janie Harrison. She's a widow after 55 years of marriage, mother to seven, grandmother to nineteen, great grandmother to six (by the end of this year) writer, and artist. In this interview she reflects on her years as a mother and shares her insights surrounding life. Thank you, mother for this conversation, for being my mom, and for being the greatest example of motherhood to me.

Today's guest is Victoria. She is an adoptee, a birth mother, and an adoptive mother. She has experienced all three sides of the adoption triad. I appreciated her honesty in our conversation. She shared a lot of sadness. That's the thing about adoption-it all begins with loss and brokenness. But there is healing. There is love. There is goodness. And that's the message Vicky shares. "I believe from a 30,000-foot perspective, the theme of my life has been motherhood. The love of it, the lack of it and what it means."

This episode is a conversation I had with Michelle-a wife, mom to two, and soon to be published author. We discuss, infertility, adoption, motherhood, and Michelle's children's book she's written. Michelle is a gentle soul with a special story. I enjoyed our time together and know you will enjoy listening. You can find Michelle on Instagram @michellebfizzard or go to her website (www.michellebfizzard.com) and sign up for her newsletter for behind the scenes info on her book.

In this episode I share the story behind my book- the lonely and difficult road to becoming a mom. I longed for someone to understand and encourage me to continue on the difficult days. This was the beginning of me understanding how much I wanted to be a mother, how resilient women actually are, and that all mothers- no matter our circumstances- need encouragement. Thank you for listening.

Today's episode is with Joanna. She's a wife, mom to two grown daughters, an author, and an artist. We discuss motherhood while also working outside the home, her gratitude for her own mother, her books, and her artwork. Joanna is delightful and feels immediately like a friend. I hope you enjoy listening to her wisdom and perspective. Many thanks to Joanna for your time and all you shared in this conversation. You can find Joanna on Instagram @jcvartstudio_thedressing_room or her website jcvartstudio.net On her website you can view some of her art, order her book and listen to her podcast, The Dressing Room (which I will be a guest on soon). You can see Joanna's art on Instagram @jcvartstudio

Episode 18 features Lori Doddy-a wife, mother, grandmother (currently parenting her grandson), weight loss, and career coach. Lori has a passion for teaching women health and wellness so we can look and feel our best. We discuss self-care, loving ourselves, and how that ripples out into creating healthy families. Thank you, Lori. Your insights and time are so appreciated. Connect with Lori on Instagram by clicking here. Join her free wellness community on Facebook here.

In episode 17 I'm talking with my sister-in-law, Heidi. Heidi is a wife and mom to one little boy and her second baby boy is due any day now. Three years ago Heidi was diagnosed with breast cancer. She opens up and shares that time of her life with us. When I asked her if she would be willing to talk about cancer she said, "Absolutely! If my story helps even one woman, I'm willing to share it." Her experience and advice can be applied to any mother-with or without cancer because her message is that moms need to take care of themselves. Thank you, Heidi, for your honesty, your hope. and your willingness to share.

I visit with Mari: a wife and mom to two kids. Her children are on the autism spectrum and Mari shares her experience getting a diagnosis, homeschooling her children, attending her children's various therapies, and how much fun she has as a mom. I enjoyed this conversation and Mari's personality shines through her words. You can feel her loving heart and sense that she is indeed a living, breathing example of how to love like a mama.

Minimarie Andrews is a proud mom of four, a speaker, writer, and teacher. Minimarie is the founder of the faith based family empowerment blog "Purpose Filled Mommy with Minimarie". She is a twin mom, and an autism mom. She is also a fine arts teacher with nearly two decades of serving youth in visual and preforming arts. She also serves within her community with young ladies through her mentoring program. She prefers the motto in motherhood "taking it day by day with grace and intention". Her passion is to encourage other moms and women to live a life full of purpose, joy, and gratitude. You can find her online at: https://purposefilledmommywithminimarie.com or on instagram @purposefilledmommy.

Today's guest is Heidi, a wife, and mom to three young children. Heidi shares her perspective on the emotional ups and downs of motherhood, how she breaks up the monotonous moments, the rewards of parenting, and much more. Heidi has such a wise view on mothering and i really enjoyed this chat with her. Thanks for sharing, Heidi!

Judi joins me in today's episode. She's a wife, mom to six children, farmer, and currently living her dream life. Judi shares her perspective of how difficult experiences in her own childhood influence her as a mother now. You can sign up for Judi's weekly email at www.westonfamilyfarm.com to keep up with the happenings on the family farm or give her a follow on instagram under the handle westonfamilyfarm. Thank you, Judi for the great conversation!

Today's guest is Stephanie- A wife, mom to four, and brand new grandmother to one. She shares a bit of her sobriety journey and how important co-parenting has been for her and her ex-husband. Her story beautifully illustrates the love she has for herself as well as her family. Thank you for your honest, open conversation, Stephanie. A big thanks to you, the listener, as well. If you'd like to connect with Stephanie online you can find her on Instagram at stephanie_buno or her Facebook page at Beautiful Buno Beauty.

In today's episode we meet Ariel- A wife and mom of three. She shares the birth story of her youngest child with us. Ariel's story is a beautiful reminder that the greatest blessings in motherhood can't be planned or fully anticipated.

Today's interview is with Amberly. She's a wife, mom to five kids, and an emerging life coach. I enjoyed her sharing her life's passion of being a mom but finding another passion as a life coach and pursuing that, as well. Amberly's interview illustrates that "being a mom comes in all shapes and stories". For inquiries on working with her as a life coach or to receive her free coaching informational email, write to her at: amberly.lifecoach@gmail.com or you can schedule a session directly by clicking on this link: Calendly - Amberly Brown

In todays episode I introduce you to delightful Jess. We talk about how much adoption means to both of us and she shares her feelings as they embark on their second adoption. You can find their family profile here- Jess & Luke — Family Building and Jess' Instagram account under the handle "littleadventures_rippleeffect" To order a book and help with relief efforts in Texas please go here: Love Like A Mama | Lila Harrison King

Today I'm talking with Adriane. She's a wife and mom to three. Two of her children are young adults and Adriane shares how her role as mom changed as her children aged. I enjoyed her perspective and our conversation.

Today I interview my friend, Beth. She's a wife, mom of 11, and master herbalist. Some years ago she experienced a traumatic brain injury, a long road to recovery, and still battles debilitating headaches all while being a mother to many. In this episode Beth reminds us how strong women can be and where her source of strength comes from.

Come meet Erin in today's episode. She's a wife and mom of four. Erin shares some beautiful insights into mothering and mentions these two books: "How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, "Parenting Teens With Love And Logic" by Foster W Cline and Jim Fay.

In this episode, I talk with Rebecca. She's a homeschooling mom of five children. She gives her perspective and insights on mothering and teaches me the Kristina Kuzmic quote "Mind your own motherhood", which is my new favorite! You are in for treat with this one.

In this week's episode, I talk with Tiffany. She's a mom to three boys, health care professional, and aspiring writer. We talk about her experience as a teen mom and how we can support not only teen moms but mothers in all walks of life. Tiffany also shares what a great influence her own mother was for her. It was a great conversation. I know you will enjoy it!

In this episode, we meet Melissa-my younger sister. She is a wife, a mom to four kids, and a cancer survivor. We talk about seasons of motherhood, receiving a cancer diagnosis, her subsequent treatment, how she mothered through cancer along with some other great moms who helped love her children through this challenging time. It's a great interview you won't want to miss!

In this episode we meet Raylene. She is a wife, mom to three boys and an English Professor. We talk about the illusion of balance in motherhood and career, how challenging parenting is, finding magic in motherhood, and much more.

Welcome to the very first episode of Love Like A Mama podcast! In this episode Lila introduces herself and explains what this podcast is all about. So get comfy and know you are welcome here. Let's experience motherhood together through the gift of our stories.