Pearls From My Mom

On Mother's Day I wanted to take a minute to share a few words my mom wrote about her own mom and a funny story about her grandma.  I hope Mother's Day wasn't too difficult for everyone out there. My love and heart goes out to everyone who is missing their moms today and every day.  Thank you for listening to my show! Please check below for all of the links to my social media and come interact with me. Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

Toye Releford-Penny is the definition of a self-made success story. Unfortunately, losing her mom at a very young age played a big role in teaching her to be self-sufficient but she has absolutely taken those lemons and made them into lemonade.  Check out Toye's hollistic health and lifestlye coaching business: SO 7 Health w/Toye  Thank you for listening to my show! Please check below for all of the links to my social media and come interact with me. Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

If you like listening in on a father/daughter chat about life, boy do I have the episode for you.  I wanted to make sure to give my Dad some time in the spotlight because I sure am glad that I still have him around. Find out what life was like for me having the coolest radio DJ dad on earth and what life was like for him, growing up in a tiny town in Western Pennsylvania. He even gave me some pointers about recording best practices and how to get that smooth radio voice.  Thank you for listening to my show! Please check below for all of the links to my social media and come interact with me :)  Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

A few special words from people that loved my mom on what would have been her 69th birthday.  A very special thank you to all of you who listen, I launched this podcast a year ago not knowing if anyone would want to tell their stories or listen to mine. I would love to interact with you so please click on the links below to check out more. Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

Dr. Araceli López-Arenas (Dr. Cheli) joins me today to talk a little bit about how the process of going to therapy works, also when and why people should try (or re-try) seeing a metal health professional. The conversation around mental health has opened up significantly in the last couple of years but there are still obstacles to overcome to avoid the stigma surrounding people seeking help with mental health issues. We also chat about grief and the grieving process.  Dr. Cheli is also a jewelry designer who makes beautiful wearable art for her own company called Sui Generis Jewelry. She is working on tying both aspects of her professional life together and her tagline for her jewelry company is; jewelry with a mission. She started selling her jewelry as a means to help pay for tuition for her PhD in Counseling Psychology. Now the proceeds of her jewelry sales support PhunDed.org, a scholarship for first-generation PhDs in mental health addressing the mental health disparities of their communities. Some links that Dr. Cheli provided for us to check out: Dr. Araceli López-Arenas on LinkedIn Dr. Cheli's Etsy Store  Find a therapist with Psychology Today  Therapy catered to men with Mantherapy Thank you for listening!  Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

I realize that Mother's Day can be tough on those of us who have lost our moms. This week's episode is my gift to you. I have put together a super brief history of Mother's Day in the US, for a more comprehensive story you can check out this article from National Geographic. I also give you ideas from a blog post I wrote on my first Mother's Day without my mom: 10 Things to do for Mother's Day if Your Mom is Gone. As promised in the episode, here is the link to find more environmentally friendly options to a balloon or lantern release.  The heart of this episode are the clips from the 15 people who have joined me on the podcast and shared their mom's story and their favorite pearls of wisdom from her. Putting this episode together has filled me with a great deal of gratitude. I am thankful for everyone who has shared some of the most intimate details of a very tough time in their lives with me.  Thank you for listening and I hope you have a beautiful Mother's Day. You know my favorite way to celebrate the holiday is sharing to keep the legacy alive... Support Pearls From My Mom the Podcast by becoming a donor on our Patreon Page  Come join me on social media or email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

Many people are uncomfortable with talking about death, Cassandra Yonder is not one of them. You may or may not have heard that community death caring (sometimes refered to as death midwifery, death doulas, thana doulas, etc.) is making a comeback into our culture. I think my mom would have loved this had she known it was even an option. In this week's episode, Cassandra and I talk about what it means to take care of the dead as a community and how she is passing that knowledge on to other people. Cassandra is the co-owner of BEyond Yonder Virtual School of Community Deathcaring.  Cassandra is a prominent contributor to the alternative deathcare movement in Canada, which spans the humanities, social sciences, science, and medicine.  Her expertise and leadership in deathcare practice in Canada have been recognized nationally, and she frequently appears in the national and international media.  For example, she has been interviewed and referenced in Maclean’s, The Guardian, The National Post, CBC, The Coast, Media Co-op, The Chronicle-Herald, The Stranger, and The Huffington Post.  Cassandra has an academic background in Sociology, Gerontology, Architecture and Grief & Bereavement.  Her family of 6 are homesteading in the forested highlands of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia with over 70 animals, where the realities of birth and death are ever present.  Cassandra is a leader in the movement to reclaim family and community centred care of the dying, dead and bereaved.  In addition to assisting with the home funeral and home burial of her friend and neighbour, Cassandra is a member of the Order of the Good Death, has represented Canada on the board of directors for the National Home Funeral Alliance, is currently the chair of Community Deathcare Canada, and has started the BEyond Yonder Virtual School for Community Deathcaring in Canada with her partner.  She also hosts the world's largest online community for alternative deathcare on her facebook group with more than 4000 members. Cassandra's spoken and written words help us to articulate the need for a cultural re-connection with death.  You can find her at her website: deathcaring.ca

When most people think of defining moments in life, they probably don't think winning a contest on a radio station to meet a band would be one of them. I am not most people. I have had a deep love for the band Muse since 2005 and it continues to this day. I also have a deep sense of inadequacy which has stopped me from pursuing my passions and going after what I want. All of this changed July of 2017 when winning a radio contest helped me realize what I am capable of. I promise all of this ties in with my mom and this podcast, but to find out how you will have to listen... Here are a couple of Muse songs to dazzle your senses:  Dig Down (The video I watched to win the contest) Butterflies and Hurricanes (Muse's greatest song, imho) Time Is Running Out -Live from Wembley Stadium (the first Muse song I fell in love with)  Link to the Instagram post where Matt is holding my winning story Come join me on social media or email e at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com  Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter Support Pearls From My Mom by donating on Patreon 

Lisa's mom Naomi was as strong as they come. She was a business woman, a mother and a survivor of a Japanese internment camp in Canada during and after World War II. Naomi was a great role model for Lisa, who is a phenomenal woman in her own right.  Listen to Lisa recount stories of her mom and talk about what has been helping her through the grieving process. We also open up a more broad conversation about death and coping.  Lisa is the host of Super Power U.  She interviews experts and everyday Rockstars to reveal the strengths, skills and mental models to activate your Inner Superhero at www.lisabl.com/podcast

Julie is a dynamite lady who happens to have one of the greatest laughs I have ever heard. She lost her mom Diane 25 years ago, but has managed to hold on to some beautiful memories of her. Listen as Julie tells us about her mom and reflects on love, grief, compassion and you'll for sure want to hear what Julie thinks her mom's ghost outfit looks like. To learn more about Julie or contact her (believe me, she is the kind of person you will want more of in your life): https://www.julieostrow.com/    Please check out Julie's beautiful remembrance post about her mom: https://www.julieostrow.com/single-post/2017/02/21/A-Remembrance%E2%80%A6From-A-Motherless-Daughter 

This is a short episode to about joining the conversation around mental health in honor of #BellLetsTalk Day January 31, 2018. So many people either suffer in silence themselves or they know someone who is afraid to seek help for mental health issues. The more people that join the conversation, the less stigma there will be on individuals who are dealing with mental health issues.  If you need help, please look into resources in your area or if you are in need of immediate assistance dial 911. (US and Canada) To learn more about Let's Talk Day and find more resources: https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/bell-lets-talk-day  If you want to reach out to me, you can email me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com or join the private Pearls From My Mom facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/587769278096323/ 

Lisa's mom was an incredibly strong woman and loving mother. She came from Germany by herself and went on to become a successful business woman in the US. Lisa learned a lot from her mom and drew inspiration from her to start her own business.  Lisa herself is an amazing woman, she is an organizing and productivity coach with her company Positively Productive Systems, LLC. Check her out on her website: https://positivelyproductive.com/ She is running a free program in February called Positively Grateful which sounds like it will be phenomenal. To sign up for her free Gratitude Series, go to:https://www.subscribepage.com/positively-grateful-series_Feb2018 I plan on having her back for a future episode about letting go and decluttering after losing a loved one so stay tuned to hear more from Lisa in the future. A big thank you to you the listeners and a big thank you to Lisa for sharing to keep the memory alive...

Nancy is a super awesome woman who was lucky enough to have her mom around until she was 92 years old. Nancy tells us about what her mom was like and how her mom's wisdom is helping her live her best life. I was introduced to Nancy by her son Alexander, who hosts a super cool podcast called The Podcaster's Life w/The Podcaster's Coach and you can check it out here: http://podcasterscoach.com/live-podcast/ I was actually a guest on his show so if you can't get enough of my voice, check it out. It was the first time I had ever done a live podcast which was a really cool experience: http://podcasterscoach.com/pearls-from-my-mom/ We also did a Micro Podcast Improv which Nancy references in this episode: https://www.spreaker.com/user/podcasterscoach/ep-43-boring Last but not least, Alex is literally writing The Book on Podcasting which will publish soon and I have a couple of pages I have written for him on legacy in podcasting so check that out when it comes out!

In my conversations with people who have lost loved ones I have found that many of them have either gone to or are interested in seeing a psychic medium. Almost every single person I have interviewed so far has said they believe their mother visits them in one form or another, is it so crazy to think that they might use a living person to connect with us? I have never been to a psychic medium, was curious about how it all worked, and thought I would find a psychic medium to see if they would have a chat with me to tell me all about it. Anne was nice enough to put herself out there and answer my questions. Originally I had planned to do a quick Q & A with her and play some other interviews with a couple of people who wanted to talk about their experiences with psychic mediums but I will release that in a follow up episode.  If you want to learn more about Anne, you can visit her facebook page  https://www.facebook.com/TruePsychicandSpiritualMedium/ And if you want to meet her in person in Wakefield,QC-check out this event on January 13th  Tarot/Oracle Card Reading Event · Hosted by The Chrisalis If you want to be a part of my follow up episode to share your experience with a psychic medium (positive, neutral or negative) please contact me at pearlsfrommymom@gmail.com  If this episode wasn't your cup of tea, not to worry, I will be back next week with an interview with a sweet lady named Nancy telling me all about the pearls of wisdom she learned from her mom.

Cierra lost her mom, Amy, 6 years ago and for a while she wasn't able to talk about it. I am so happy she is now because she sounds like she was an incredible woman. Listen as Cierra recounts some of her favorite pearls of wisdom and stories from her late mom. Also, learn what Kentucky Fried Chicken is called in Quebec and what item is left off of the menu here (side note: there are actually 2, mashed potatoes are also not on the menu in Quebec- which is upsetting).   Cierra is passionate about empowering and inspiring college dropouts and has her own podcast on the subject, please check it out: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-college-dropout-podcast-4/the-college-dropout-podcast  

Anita Heidema joins me on this week's episode to talk about her mother, Fenna Heidema and how her death from a misdiagnosis of Lewy Body Demetia led her to start a foundation in her mother's name. Anita's story is beautiful and inspiring, have a listen and then share it with your friends.    Please check out Anita's amazing work: http://anitaheidema.com/giving-back/ 

My mom said it to me, her mom said it to her, I say it to my kids, and you have probabaly been told this at some point in your life. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. But does this principle still ring true in the internet-connected world in which we live today? Curious about the origins of this phrase and what do a bunch of strangers I asked on facebook think about it? Listen to find out...

Kelli doesn't have regrets about the way she left things with her mom 5 years ago, she does have some excellent advice for people going through grief. Join us as we chat about working with your mom at her Mexican restaurant and what it was like for her mom to seek cancer treatment in South Korea.  Check out Kelli's insanely cool business website: https://www.thenandnowdoubletakes.com/ I know what I will be getting my family for Christmas this year...

Melissa just lost her mom a few months ago and she bravely asked to come on the podcast to tell her mom's story. Join us as she shares her favorite memories and the lessons she has learned on her grief journey thus far. 

Charles lost his mom suddenly 4 years ago, he has a great sense of humor and has used this in dealing with such tragic circumstances. We talk about learning new things about his mom after her passing and how to deal with the loss.   Charles is the host of a comedy podcast that I recommend for when you just need to laugh, check it out at: https://somethingrandompod.podbean.com/ 

Kristina was inspired by her mom's battle with lung cancer to start The Pearl Project with the goal of raising money for lung cancer research and getting rid of the stigma associated with lung cancer. Kristina's work is incredible and her stories about working with her mom, starting at age 14 will inspire you. Her story hits close to home for me, I lost my mom to lung cancer and my mother in law is a lung cancer survivor. Thank you so much for listening and please check out Kristina's beautiful work: http://www.pearlproject.org/ Sharing to keep the legacy alive...

Sarah is an author, a motherhood mindset coach and a mother of 4. Sarah lost her mom when she was just 18 years old and she talks to me about what life has been like without her mom and what she does to keep the memory of her mom fresh in her heart. Sharing to keep the legacy alive... Please check out Sarah's business, Maternal Essence: http://maternalessence.com/  p.s. I love her tagline: Transforming mom guilt into maternal grace

Leah lost her mom Sandy to breast cancer when Leah was 21 years old. In this episode, Leah and I talk about what she learned from the way her mom lived her life. Her words are beautiful and heartfelt and you can see why Leah went on to start her non-profit Little Legacies, which offers one on one writing mentoring to children with a life altering condition so they can find their voice and feel heard.  You can check out Leah's work at: http://littlelegacies.org/ 

In this episode I interview Kris Baker Dersch from the No Extra Words podcast. Kris talks to me about what it was like to lose her mom suddenly at a young age and how she has dealt with the loss in the 20+ years since her mom has been gone.  Check out Kris' podcast No Extra Words: the flash fiction podcast- https://noextrawords.wordpress.com/

In this episode I interview Mary Rogers from the Experience 50 Podcast. She tells us about how she came to understand her mother better after she passed away and gives us her pearls of wisdom about dealing with loss. Check out Mary's Experience 50 podcast and blog: http://www.experience50.com/ 

In my first episode, I want to give you a feel for who my mom was and why I am doing this podcast. I am recounting some of my favorite memories, what my mom hoped to be remembered for and of course what are my favorite pearls of wisdom she has given me throughout the years. My mom has been gone for 2 years and there hasn't been a moment that has gone by when I wasn't thinking about her. Sharing her pearls of wisdom has been immensely helpful to me and I hope it inspires you or someone you know to share your stories. Sharing to keep the legacy alive...  Check out all the social pages for Pearls From My Mom:  Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter

A quick introduction to what this podcast is about- sharing the pearls of wisdom from our late mothers. This is a passion project for me and something I hope you enjoy listening to.  For more information, check us out on the web: Pearls From My Mom website Facebook Page Facebook Group Instagram Twitter