One Girl To Another

How has it been 6 months since the last episode? LIFE. IS. NUTS. This quick episode is an update on life with hubs & I, and my 1,000,000 excuses why it's been so long since the last episode (with a side of some recognition from the hubs as to why my excuses are valid). But, here we are. The One Girl To Another podcast is back (and tumblers are on the way). 2024, we're coming for ya!

Girl, if you're anything like me when you scroll social media, you find yourself comparing yourself to others and how perfect their life is, how pretty they are, how successful they are, etc. But, we have to keep in mind, pretty much no one posts the shit of their life on social media. It's literally a highlight reel of people's lives.This podcast is bringing you real life. Even the shitty parts of life. The parts that I believe we all experience, but don't really talk about. This podcast is to reassure you that you're normal for having shit. We all do. I just broadcast it

Y'all, it's been a hard week for multiple different reasons. So much so that I took a half day from work today to get some things done so I could stop feeling so overwhelmed. While it did help, I still felt PSYCHO. What 34 year old woman has to leave work so they don't have a mental breakdown? PICK ME! And guess what? I'm kind of proud of myself for recognizing that tightness in my chest and doing me for a few hours. And, I think it's NORMAL for that to happen once in a while. I'M normal. YOU are normal.

You know those times when someone is over the top happy or really freaking cranky, and we are so quick to judge? Do you ever stop and wonder what life is like for them behind the scenes? Maybe that happy person is really drowning in depression. Maybe that cranky person is having a terrible day for whatever reason. Instead of being so quick to judge, perhaps we can pause and realize maybe we aren't seeing the full picture, and give them a little grace. 

Within two days I got two rock chips in my windshield. Insert brand new windshield and first drive with it, and I got hit with ANOTHER rock. While it didn't leave a chip that I could tell, I know for damn sure I would've let it ruin my mood for the entirety of the day.But, why? Over a rock chip? In the grand scheme of things, if a rock chip is the worst of my day, things are pretty damn good. 

Today I'm getting really passionate about letting yourself feel ALL the feels, and not letting ANYONE tell you your feelings aren't valid. No one gets to tell you how you should feel or that how you feel isn't right, and I challenge you to stand up for yourself if someone does. They're YOUR feelings to feel, so feel them, girl.

Mother's Day turned into making one of my best friends into my OGTA shirt making b*tch, as well as the next guest on the OGTA podcast. Basically just a talk sesh between two besties, Jena and I talk about how we became friends from the womb, and about all things #momlife - her being a boy mom, and myself being a girl mom. 

Alright friends, podcast days are officially changing to Wednesdays! Because, welllll, life! How do you navigate life as a mom of 2 in sports, a wife, a full time employee plus running a side business, having a husband who works full time and is running a side business, and then just regular life things?! You just do. And it's stressful. And it's normal. And someday we'll look back and realize these were the best days of lives, I'm sure. But today, it's stressful, and you're normal! You got this, girl.

After a weekend with the girls, I've looked at photos that should be memories and hated them because I don't look “skinny enough”.After a night of argument with my daughter, I'm going to bed thinking “I'm not a good enough mom”After draining days at work and all of the running around in the evenings, I think “I'm not being enough for my husband.” And the list of how I'm “not enough” goes on and on.But, we are our own worst critic. It's probably normal to have these thoughts, and in the grand scheme of thinks, I AM enough. And so are you, girl!

Ok, but where have I been? Chase and I dive into some things of the big life updates that have happened during my hiatus. And now, with the least ideal podcast recording setting ever, I'm back. And a new studio is on the way! 

I went on a bit of a hiatus (ok, more like a BIG hiatus), but I'm BACK! And I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. I have a long list of topics coming at you weekly, and would love your suggestions for new topics and guests! I'm SO excited to be back on this journey with you! Xoxo 

Social media is one of the main roots of bullying, no matter your age. Hubs hit a curb in lots of snow and “timmmmberrrr” went the truck and camper into the ditch. Lucky for us, there was zero damage. But there was a keyboard troll who decided to post photos of it a week later in our local community group for no other reason that I can think of than to get laughs at Hubs' expense. Lucky for the keyboard troll that Hubs doesn't care what other people think of him. But, can we just NOT with shitty social media posts? If it's going to be something making fun of someone else or your political views that won't change anyone's mind or something just negative in general, PLEASE think twice before you post.

It's been a couple of months and this girl hasn't been in the right mindset to record a podcast or do anything super productive to be honest. I've let all things life consume me in a negative way. But it's a new year and I'm dedicating 2022 to doing what makes ME happy, which will ultimately benefit everyone and everything around me. You in, girlfriend?! Cheers to 2022 & YOU!

Hey mamas of two - Is your second child a whole different person than your first? In my experience and in most cases that other fellow mamas have shared with me, the second child is WAY more of a handful! Just know you're not alone, because my second child, while equally as fabulous as my first child, is 100% more ornery (and 100% my payback)! Enjoy a few hilarious (and trying) stories about my sweet 3 year old, Hilynn, and DM your stories to @onegirl_toanother if you can relate!

“You know what is best for you. You're the only one living your life.” is a quote that I heard recently on a podcast that I listen to. Between that and the support of The OGTA Podcast Tech Dude (aka my husband), I've decided to not force an episode every Tuesday. Episodes will be released when there is something on my heart that I feel will be relatable and worth listening to. Please check the @onegirl_toanother Instagram stories to cast your vote on the frequency of the podcast episodes & suggestions on topics! Or, feel free to DM me anytime! All the love, girl

I am listening to a book on Audible right now, “Everybody Fights” by Penn & Kim Holderness, a book on marriage. It is a GREAT book that I highly recommend. It is funny and light hearted and I've connected on SO many levels. But, they say, when things are better in the bedroom, they are better outside of the bedroom. I beg to differ because … They also say “Highly active brains have less of a sex drive”. Girlfriend, is your brain CONSTANTLY on? Like 24/7. Even when your head hits the pillow at night, no matter how tired you are, you're still trying to solve the worlds problems, worrying about everything, thinking about what needs to be done tomorrow and what your should've done today. But yet you're supposed to satisfy your husband at the end of the night. Riiiiiight. And then, there's your husband, who doesn't have a care in the world about the dirty dishes, the loads of laundry, bath night for the kids, etc. All he is wired to worry about is himself and his dick. Although, I'm going to take their advice and see how it goes. Stay tuned …. Check out the book, girlfriend! And check out “The Five Love Languages”. I highly recommend both!

More and more lately I have caught myself and others around me with our attention on our phones rather than giving that attention to the people that we are with and/or the tasks that we are doing. So, I challenge both myself and you to put our phones away. Hell, take off your watch that pings you with notifications if you need to. Just unplug and be present where your feet are.

Today, I have one of the most kind-hearted, genuine people as a guest - my mom. She's lived through some shit (as we all have) that she has been judged on by people who she should've been able to count on to be there for her and by people who didn't know the whole story. And more notably, by people who call themselves Catholic, Christian, etc, and that go to church every Sunday. We are all entitled to our religious beliefs and what we believe is right or wrong, but we aren't entitled to judge people because they sin differently than we do. So, moral of the story, don't be a judge mental a-hole. K? K!

In today's episode, I come to you from a real, raw and honest feeling of feeling defeated as of late.  Just down in the dumps, can't catch a break, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.   And with the way of the world today and all of the other things that are on our plates as girls, I have a hunch that you might be feeling a bit like this too.  So, I wanted to share my own real life situations and let you know that you are NOT alone.   Please know that I am always there for you. Always feel free to reach out to my on social media or via email if you don't feel like you have anyone else to have a pity party with.  DM me at any of the following: Facebook @One Girl To Another Instagram @onegirl_toanother Email @ info@onegirltoanother.com All the love, girl. -Tana

Feeling & sounding like crap today from a dang head cold (no, it's not Rona - been there, done that), I almost didn't record a podcast to spare you all the annoyance of my manly, nasally voice. And then I checked my Instagram and saw that I lost 3 followers in the last few days and I was feeling even more crappy. Then I realized something - why am I letting anyone other than myself dictate what I do, how I act, how I sound, etc? I'm not going to NOT record a podcast because I have a cold and sound like a man. I'm not going to NOT continue to be me on my podcast and on my social media because I lost a few followers. One Girl To Another is literally on a mission to help girls be confident in themselves, and if I shelter one ounce of myself, that isn't fulfilling the mission. So, from One Girl To Another - you're not going to be everyone's cup of tea, but I bet you are A LOT of people's shot of whisky.

A late night, last minute podcast episode with my husband and the OGTA podcast editor, Chase Ainsworth. We cover recent struggles in our marriage, political views and how your social media post or comment do not change a damn thing, our kids starting school, and not being ashamed of needing marriage counseling refreshers. To the dude who I say a million times in the podcast “I could kill you” and he says it right back to me, I love you more than life itself. Regardless of my harmless threats to kill you.

No matter we try to plan for, life will always throw us curve balls. From having a baby or starting a business to having sex with your partner or having a hard conversation, there is literally no such thing as “right” timing. I'm sure you'll relate with your own life, but tale my real life examples in this podcast to prove it even further.

In episode 32, a friend and I discuss how we have dealt with our own experiences with anxiety by visiting our doctors and finding a medication that works for us. Today I have a guest, Jessica Huntington, who is a long time friend of mine, a teammate on the basketball court for many years, a fellow college basketball player, a basketball coach at several levels, and a teacher.  Jessica shares her experience with anxiety and how therapy and different techniques have helped her deal with it and recognize it rearing it's ugly head.   She recommends following the "Meditation Oasis" app on the Apple Podcast App & specially mentions the "belly breathing", "full body relaxation", and "sleep guided meditation" episodes.  She also references a book that has helped her, "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, Sixth Edition".

Following WA States governors mandate on 8/9/21 that WA State residents in certain fields will be required to get the COVID vaccine, I'm speaking out on behalf of ALL WA State residents.  I am not a political person in the slightest bit, but a person in a position of power should NOT be able to tell us what we HAVE to do with OUR bodies.  Period. Your Body, Your Choice.  

Today I have guest, Jennifer Brown, who is a wife, a mom of 3 & a business owner. As a person who was there during the Las Vegas shooting at Mandalay Bay in 2017, she shares her experience with the anxiety she struggles with. I also share my experience with anxiety/depression from a totally different view. Girlfriend, just know that if you feel off, you're not alone. And there is no shame in getting help, whether it is medication, counseling, or whatever it may be.

Girlfriend, if you are financially stressed the F out, you are NOT alone. Life is hard and the cost of living it can be even harder. There is a fine line between “I need to save money” and “you only live once”, and I for one am always crossing back and forth over it.

We all know we only get one shot here, so whatever it is that you want to do or whatever it is that is on your heart, girlfriend - DO THE DAMN THING. I literally cringe at the saying “You do you, boo!”, but SERIOUSLY! Whether it's putting the house cleaning on hold and taking time with the family or a career change or a business you want to start or a vacation you want to take - we only have one shot, so MAKE. IT. HAPPEN. And when you do, post it to your stories and tag @onegirl_toanother on Instagram!

Today's episode is inspired by being in a bitchy mood because Aunt Flow is due to make her appearance any second and I was extra annoyed by my husbands half assed efforts in some things around the house, and then caught myself simultaneously half assing my workout.    Why do we half ass things? Girlfriend, let's decide to always give all things - random acts, our work, our relationships, etc. - an honest effort to use our FULL ass!

The last few mornings, I've caught myself saying terrible things in my head about different aspects of myself.  And, just as I was telling myself how fat I look or how ugly the blemish is on my face that won't go away, I imagined saying that to one of my besties, or my mom, or my sister, or my kids. And let me tell you, it didn't feel good.    Girlfriend, we need to reframe the way we talk to ourselves. We have to be our own best cheerleader, and we can't do that by tearing ourselves apart.    So, the next time you have a negative thought about yourself, think about what you'd say to your best friend and try saying that to yourself instead.    And, as always, I request you document it and tag @onegirl_toanother in your Instagram stories with how you reframed your thought!    And last, Tana's Tip Tuesday is here! Hear my first tip at the end of the podcast! 

Girlfriend, with all we have going on in our lives, the term “balance” is quite literally BULLSHIT. Between work life, home life, family, friends, any side hustle, ALL of things - how are we supposed to find “balance”?    I'm starting with saying “no” to things that don't align with my goals and saying “no” to eating more than I need to be full and that drink (or 3) that I think I need to wind down for the day.    What are you doing?    Follow @onegirl_toanother on Instagram or @One Girl To Another on Facebook to follow the baby steps I'm taking to find more “balance” in my life.    But ultimately, “Balance” Is Bullshit (in my opinion). 

Today's episode is all about things that seem more socially acceptable for guys to do than girls. From the outlook on “dad bods” compared to “mom bods” to the bodily function that we ALL have - pooping.    Why is it that guys get away with these things as funny or normal, but it's not funny and gross for us girls?    Girlfriend, I say rock your “mom bod”, poop when and where you need to, and embrace everything in between!

Our little miss Hallie Lou asked for the normal toys a 7 year old would ask for their birthday. But she also asked to be on Mommy's podcast. So here we are with a Q&A starring none other than the fresh 7 year old, Hallie Lou Nadine Ainsworth. 

I posted on social media for any and all questions directed to Chase and/or I to answer about relationship, marriage, or anything.   Here we are with an episode releasing on our 8th wedding anniversary answering those questions.    Through all of the highs & all of the lows - you're the tech dude to OGTA, the father to my kids, the pain in my ass, the one who can make me laugh the hardest, and the love of my life.    Happy 8th Anniversary babe ❤️

Today's topic is somewhat controversial because it is about whether or not to get the Covid shot.  In my opinion, YOU DO YOU!  There is no right or wrong answer, there is only the right answer for YOU and YOUR family.  So let's refrain from questioning people if they've been vaccinated, judging them for their decision, and just love people for what they are. HUMAN.  Disclaimer - I sell wine shippers and clothes for a living and I'm a podcaster.  I am in no way, shape or form an expert on this topic. This is simply my opinion to mind your own business and be a nice human. 

This episode is a reminder that we don't know what is going on behind the scenes in a girl's seemingly perfect world, so a simple compliment can go a long way. And even if their life is as picture perfect as her social media highlight reel makes it look, give her a compliment anyway. Make it a habit to give compliments to those girls that inspire you, those girls that you love, maybe even those girls that you don't even know but passed by in the store and she had cute shoes on or a rad hairstyle.    And when you do, share it to you stories and tag us @onegirl_toanother on Instagram and/or @One Girl To Another on Facebook.  Or better yet, give someone a compliment IN your stories, tag them & tag us so we can share a plethora of girl to girl compliments on our story and see just how freaking awesome it is to lift someone up with a simple, quick compliment.

I've been told by other girls that I have an "I don't give a fuck" attitude and they wish they could be more like that. I've been told by other girls that they are jealous of where I'm at with different aspects of my life. I've also been the girl that has wished I was more like "her" - her personality, her lifestyle, her success, etc. But girlfriend, we can't look at another girl's seemingly perfect life from the outside and assume it is better than ours. We all have our shit behind the scenes that we don't show for the world to see. We can all write our own story.  And we are all uniquely and beautifully ourselves.  

A quick getaway with the family for my brother's wedding and a little bit of spare time between wedding festivities for some fun with our kids, turned into a shit show of a vacation. But, nonetheless, we powered through, made the very most of it, and all we can say is “C'est La Vie”!  We are already laughing at the events that had me in tears Thursday evening.    Have you had a shit show of a vacation? Share it with us to be featured on our stories @onegirl_toanother on Instagram and @One Girl To Another on Facebook.

In honor of Mother's Day this upcoming Sunday, I wanted to be sure that you know what a great mom and human you are. There is no such thing as “Super Mom”, but damn sometimes it feels like we own that title, right?!    In this episode I read an open letter written by Nicole Smith from the East Valley Moms website. You can find the letter here ::: https://eastvalley.momcollective.com/a-letter-to-my-best-friend-you-are-a-great-mom/   To all of my fellow mamas, whether you're raising humans or animals, you're doing an amazing job! Happy Mother's Day, girl! 

Today's episode was inspired by a Pinterest board of mine that I created quite some time ago titled, “Can I Get An Amen?”    From calorie refunds on food that didn't taste that good to all of the questions and needs the kids have for the mom and pretty much the only thing they ask dad for is “where is mom?”    Every single point will have you either thinking or yelling “AMEN!”

Girlfriend, you better buckle up for this episode because I get super real and fired up talking about owning what you do or maybe what you don't do. We talk about owning everything from the bright ass red lipstick you reluctantly wore to owning up to your fuck ups.    And when you do own something in your day, whether it is the lipstick or admitting you messed up, post it on your social media and tag us!    Instagram @onegirl_toanother Facebook @One Girl To Another

DISCLAIMER ::: This episode may be somewhat hard to listen to at times if you are pregnant and/or have had or are dealing with any issues becoming pregnant.  In this episode, we welcome yet another incredible woman who is gracious enough to open up and share her and her family's story of their infertility journey.  She is open and honest about all of the highs and the lows, the extensive treatments and medicines, the unfathomable pain of losing their first baby boy, Nolan, and the indescribable joy that they now experience with their second child, their baby girl Norah.   If you have any questions or want someone to reach out to about this topic, Jerilynn is more than willing to chat with you.  You can find her on Instagram @mrs_jlynnhayward. Rest in Paradise sweet Nolan. And to all babies gone too soon. 

As 95 days have officially come and gone thus far in 2021, I was reflecting on what I have and have not accomplished. When I started to have a pity party for not having as much progress on my goals as I'd have liked to, I realized 4 things :   1. I'm alive, healthy, and able to accomplish anything I put my mind to.    2. The past is the past. Don't spend time dwelling on it.    3. There is still so many days left in this year to accomplish BIG things if I put my mind to it.    4. You and I both have accomplished A LOT already this year just by simply showing up and doing life.    No matter what your accomplishment is, big or small, share it on social media and tag us!    Instagram @onegirl_toanother Facebook @One Girl To Another    And for a motivating and inspiring story of a friend with incurable cancer that is sure to give you a kick in the ass, listen to the One Girl To Another episode 12 here :   “https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-girl-to-another/id1546573857?i=1000513209201”.

A topic brought to you by a few long weeks of stress that has reared its ugly head both internally and externally. I decided to push past my frugal ways and take time for some self care and pampering, and it was worth every minute and every cent.    Girlfriend, we have a lot on our plate, and we DESERVE some self care. Get out there and indulge in some of your own because you are worth it.    And if you do, post it on social media and tag us to share different ideas of self care and just how beneficial it can be :::  Facebook @onegirltoanother  Instagram @onegirl_toanother 

This episode gives you the insight of how I let ONE negative comment about this podcast upset me, despite all of the numerous positive comments I've received.  I relate it to Jamie Kern Lima's book "Believe It", where she describes how just ONE negative email out of thousands can leave her feeling upset.  But, she also explains that how "We all have a microphone that we control in our lives. And we get to choose the people we hand that microphone to...."  We need to take inventory of who we are giving the microphone of our lives to and how loudly we let them speak.  I highly recommend reading or listening to the book referenced in this podcast : Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima.

This episode is an interview with Brandi Valdez, who is a mom, a wife, a teacher, a coach, a cancer survivor, and now a second time cancer fighter. She takes us on her journey from her college basketball days, to becoming a wife and a mom, to her past and current battles against cancer. You will soon learn what a rockstar Brandi is, from her awesome attitude to still showing up for everything and everyone.   Please excuse the multiple silent breaks as we had some technical difficulties with FaceTime for this call, but trust me when I tell you it is worth your time. 

In this episode of One Girl To Another, I give quite the lengthy list of my pet peeves, most of which I think most anyone can relate to. From driving slow in the fast lane to being made to feel like your feelings aren't valid, it's about 15 minutes of things that bug the shit out of me.  Here's to hoping you can relate to at least a few of them so that this episode doesn't come across as a complete bitch session.  But really, stay out of the left lane unless you're passing someone ;-)

In this episode, I cover the overwhelmingly full plate that a lot of us girls have, especially as wives and mamas.  And when we lose our shit once in a while because of it, I like to think we are normal.  Our significant others may not understand simply because they don't think the same as us, but in my completely unprofessional opinion, we are still normal.  As mentioned in the episode, my husband is my tech dude, so he was the first to listen to and the one to publish this episode of my bitch session about all that is on my plate.   And if you haven't listened yet, you should tune into Episode 4 where he is my guest on the podcast talking about the real life ins and outs and ups and downs of our marriage. Catch it here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-girl-to-another/id1546573857?i=1000505760295

Have you ever been "that mom" with the kid throwing the fit in the store that everyone stares at and swears they will never be?  Yeah, me too.  This episode gives you a brief overview of a couple of recent instances where I was "that mom" in the store and how those instances panned out. As said in the episode, "Parenting is not for the faint of heart.  It is the best, most frustrating, amazing and scary thing that I've ever experienced, but of course, wouldn't change it for the world." Snag your "Mom Life" $20 Hoodie or $10 T-Shirt at www.onegirltoanther.com

This episode of One Girl To Another brings on a special guest, one of my very best friends, Tryneil. In 2019, Tryneil gave birth to the most precious baby boy, Waylon, who has had medical struggles from day 1.  Tryneil and her husband, Billy, along with their pediatrician continued to advocate for Waylon until he was officially diagnosed with Cri Du Chat, which is a rare genetic condition.   Tryneil takes us on their journey from Waylon's birth to now, providing us with a strong message to always trust your instincts and advocate for your loved ones when you know something isn't quite right.  She says, "Find your team", which is exactly what they did for their warrior baby, Waylon.  We also quickly discuss the side business that Tryneil and her sister, Jordyn have started.  Defend Pretty offers defense keychains for a variety of ages and you can you find them here: Facebook: @Defend Pretty Instagram: @defend_pretty

In this episode, I'll give you a quick rundown of my struggle with weight over my 30 some years of life. It's been on my mind every day of my life for as long as I can remember. There was a season of my life that I made the commitment to nutrition and exercise and was in the best shape of my life. But my current season doesn't look like this and I'm coming to grips with the fact that it's okay. I know who I am on the inside, and that girl is beautiful no matter what the scale says. I hope you can find that within yourself too because “confidence is the most beautiful thing a girl can wear".   Visit www.onegirltoanother.com to check out the One Girl To Another online store and shop clothing hand picked by me to flatter a variety of body types.

This is a super quick episode about different impacts that this last year has had on us as humans. Between all things pandemic, politics, and our own lives, a lot of our seemingly inexplicable behaviours or actions during this time are actually considered normal. hang in there girl - I think we are all going a little crazy as of late.