Ripples Through Waves

As we enter into the depths of the holiday shopping season, I am so excited to bring you a mini series of conversations with friends and small business owners who have HUGE hearts. These women are making ripples and waves and moving and shaking in the world of small business! I always love to get to know the person behind the shop, brand, business, etc. do you do too?! Well, you will get an inside scoop and behind the scenes on the next few podcast episodes!Today I am bringing you a conversation with my friend, Leah, the owner & founder of Polished Prints. I have always admired Leah's cool style, her savvy business owner moves, her genuine shares on motherhood and how she spreads kindness and empathy through her brand, designs and products. She uses her voice and inspires others through her work and words. In this conversation, we talk about how "shopping small" can make subtle impacts in the lives of others and how much founders and owners TRULY appreciate when you spend your dollars and time promoting our endeavors! ALSO, Special Holiday Shopping 2022 promos at Polished Prints: 30% off sitewide, free shipping & special freebies to the first customers!! Happy Shopping!Website: https://polished-prints.com/Instagram: https://instagram.com/polishedprintsOh yeah, and my shop has some deals going on right now too; 15% off your order of $50+ (code 'thankyou') and as always, free shipping over $100. Happy Shopping!https://www.unwaveringloveco.com/

When you experience a life-changing loss, the loss of your child, time stands still for awhile. And then at some point as you walk forward, time just feels so incredibly empty. Tune in today to meet my new friend Autumn. Wife, Mama, Creative, Co-founder of the nonprofit Still Loved Foundation and soon-to-be: AUTHOR! Autumn shares her story and what she did with the time that felt so incredibly empty after they lost Bastion to a full-term stillbirth in March 2020. She was grieving Bash's death, navigating how to explain that to her oldest daughter and eventually navigated a rainbow pregnancy and welcomed their youngest into their lives. I am so inspired by her and how she proclaimed “I'm not going to let fear win!”You can follow all of Autumn's incredible endeavors at the links below!You can learn when & where to buy her baby loss journal on her website - www.babylossbook.com. Sign up for her email list & you'll be the first to know when preorders are available! The first 100 preorders gets the cutest, exclusive sticker designed by Stephanie at Little Teardrop Co.www.still-loved.orgwww.babylossbook.comThank you for donating to Still Loved Foundation and following along to see what Autumn does next, in memory of sweet Bash!

Today we welcome Dr. Harvey Kliman to the podcast. He graciously spends time with us diving into why his research is important to those who have experienced infertility, or pregnancy and infant loss, why it's not often not prioritized in the world of research and what he feels like are large barriers in our healthcare system today. Thank you to Dr. Kliman for coming to the podcast to share the data, science and research that gives loss families information, and at times, closure, when they otherwise had none. We are so thankful for your work in the world, Dr. Kliman. Harvey J. Kliman is an MD, PhD graduate in Medicine and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Chicago. He is currently a Research Scientist in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, and the Director of the Reproductive and Placental Research Unit with a special interest in infertility and pregnancy complications. He has over forty years of anatomic pathology training and he has over ten patents. In addition to his research and teaching activities at Yale, he also consults with doctors, patients, and lawyers to evaluate complicated cases of unexplained infertility, pregnancy loss, and poor pregnancy outcomes.An extensive website with articles, abstracts, lab activities, and past and present students and staff can be found at: klimanlabs.yale.eduIf you have experienced pregnancy or infant loss and would like to contact Dr. Kliman and his team to investigate your case further, you can find more information here: https://medicine.yale.edu/obgyn/kliman/placenta/pregnancyloss/

You may know Maya Vander from the Emmy nominated, Netflix hit series, Selling Sunset. She gracefully departed the show at the end of Season 5 to move to Miami permanently, just before welcoming her son Mason into the world. What she didn't know was on the horizon, at the time of filming, is that she would experience a stillbirth with her son Mason, and he would not come home from the hospital with his family. Navigating the world and trying to comprehend a stillbirth or infant loss is unfathomable to many people. It's excruciatingly painful and it so easily knocks you down. Maya and I talk very candidly about our shared, but unique experiences. Although we have different journeys, we both are Angel Moms who are holding onto our loved ones through it all, navigating each wave. Tune into hear some behind the scenes about how grief and trauma have effected Maya, what marriage after loss looks like for her, how her young living children have connected to their angel brother, and colorful signs that Mason has sent them in sunny Miami. And although she misses her fellow cast members and the fun and glamor of LA life, Maya shares about her decision to prioritize her family over anything else. Thank you to Maya for joining this candid conversation today! I hope it feels like two Moms chatting...because that's truly what it was!

This series of episodes related to Pregnancy & Infant Loss is A LOT. I personally needed a break and I thought maybe you would too. On this episode, I share "behind the design" of one of my favorite shop products the "Life's Feel Good Moments" Tshirt. Besides feeling like you are wearing a stick of butter (seriously, so smooth!) this tee brings smiles even when you just hear and feel the phrases that fit inside that big ole smiley face on the back of the shirt. Tune in to hear the story about why this tee came to be, with the help of my friend Erin, with Here's To Happy!Shop This Special Tee Below. You'll have to tune into the episode for a very special podcast discount code! https://www.unwaveringloveco.com/products/lifes-feel-good-momentsThank you to designer, Erin with Here's To Happy, for bringing this feel good vibe to life! https://herestohappy.com/

My friend Kristin comes to the podcast today to share her journey with two miscarriages over the past few years. Kristin and I share conversation about how we are both Moms to angels who are not here in our arms. We only spend time categorizing our grief and journeys with different types of loss, so that maybe our perspectives can help women navigating through similarly to us -  if someone experiences a miscarriage, stillbirth or really, any type of baby loss. If you have experienced loss, we hope you will find some love and solidarity here. If you have not journeyed through this type of loss, you will learn how to support those families that are going through these types of losses. If you have experienced loss and do not yet have a living child, you will hear two Moms share here who understand what it feels like to be a unique type of Mother - a Mother who at times fills the void of their baby's presence, and their quiet quiet house, with giant giant tears, anger, bitterness - the full on range of emotions. Hope is hard in moments like these - so this is a true reflection of our journeys and where we stand today.You will also hear us share words from other women who are journeying through life after loss. They share powerful words and we are honored to give them a voice on this episode. So many women feel isolated from their journey with pregnancy and infant loss. The more we can give loss a voice, the more that conversation will change for the future. Also, please join us for the Wave of Light on Saturday, October 15th. Light a candle from 7-8pm, local to you time, in memory of all our precious angels above. 

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. While this podcast talks about an array of different topics, this month there will be a focus on this extremely important and special-to-me-personally-topic.In today's episode you will hear from Robin + Ali from No Foot Too Small. These friends, coworkers, and angel moms share about their special angels, Beau + Naomi, their work with NFTS and WHY. IT. MATTERS. They inspire me in all that they do and I'm so glad to call them friends. They have helped so many navigate this crushing world of pregnancy and infant loss. You don't want to miss this one.To donate today or get more information about No Foot Too Small, you can visit their website at https://www.nofoottoosmall.org/.You can buy your very own “Unwavering Love For Our Angels” Custom Candle. $5 from each candle is being donated directly to No Foot Too Small to support families and loved ones experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.https://www.unwaveringloveco.com/products/unwavering-love-for-our-angels-candle*Don't forget - podcast listeners get a special and secret discount; use code “RIPPLESTHROUGHWAVES” for 10% off your order*And also, here is that video of a No Foot Too Small Birthing and Bereavement Suite. Get the tissues. It's stunning!https://www.facebook.com/thereisnofoottoosmall/videos/428363432176564

When I don't know where to turn, I TRY to remember to first turn to love, truth and grace. Friends along the way help remind me that this is IT. That's the real real. Set aside the worry, doubt, fear...and turn to love. It's what my brand is rooted in and it's what this friendship is rooted in. Love, truth and grace is what Emily is all about. You will meet my friend Emily on today's episode. Emily is a twin mom who went through a complete career change in 2020 upon entering motherhood. She is currently focusing her time and energy as a full time mom and life coach, facilitating groups and following her love of learning and connecting through transformative conversations.In this episode we get real about career changes, motherhood, mindset, prayer, surrendering control and more. You will hear about Emily's journey with a high risk twin pregnancy and bed rest and how this changed her in some huge ways. You will hear how our friendship truly started in a dive bar called Chicken Lips. And you will also hear how Emily spoke life, love and encouragement into me, when my husband and I decided we were ready to grow our family but I was not sure that I felt worthy of motherhood. The life she spoke will always be part of my journey to motherhood, and my child's existence.Follow along with Emily here!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlesignscoWebsite: https://www.littlesignsco.com/Welcome to Ripples Through Waves.www.unwaveringloveco.comwww.facebook.com/unwaveringlovecowww.instagram.com/unwaveringlovecoTune in to listen to the podcast episodes for special discount codes and behind-the-scenes info about my shop, Unwavering Love Co.

In this episode, I chat with my dear friend Kristin Vangundy. Kristin is a wife, mother of 3 grown daughters and an encouragement to others in every sense of the word. You will get a special glimpse into Kristin's life story which is unique to her and so beautiful. There were HARD moments growing up after her Mom died when she was just a young girl, but Kristin knows her Mom is always guiding her in spirit and is grateful for those around her who helped mold her into the woman she is today. Kristin and I share in conversation that encourages in the belief that “we are not alone”. We are all held by something bigger. We talk show choir (Glee + Blake Lively!), genuine friendship and connection, my grief trip to the Target aisles and so much more! We also give a very special shoutout to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thankful for you ALL, with a special mention to Kristin's husband, Dr. Lance who navigated the pandemic as a Medical Director and ER doctor with compassion and grit. At the end Kristin answers “what is most true for you?” You will hear more about how she is stepping into using her own voice with grace. Kristin has beautiful work that is blooming in the world and I already can't wait to have her on the podcast another time to share so much more about the ripples she is making in the world through coaching, healing, guiding and mothering! One amazing woman, that is for sure. Thanks for joining me, Kristin! Welcome to Ripples Through Waves.www.unwaveringloveco.comwww.facebook.com/unwaveringlovecowww.instagram.com/unwaveringloveco*Tune in to listen to the podcast episodes for special discount codes and behind-the-scenes info about my shop, Unwavering Love Co.

Trigger Warnings: Eating Disorders and Baby LossHanna Hermanson is a life-long friend and I hope this episode truly feels like you are “sitting down with two friends” - because you are! We go deep, unravel many themes and stories that we've shared and connected on over the years - AND - you will get to tune into several themes that we've never actually discussed together. Yes, it's true. We talk about how Hanna guessed my child Henry's name and birthdate before he was born, how her angel sister Macy that has always been with her in spirit throughout her life, and how Hanna's faith and spirituality have transformed over her life and her challenges with surviving an eating disorder in college. We speak intimately on how her and I both showed up in the “mess” and offered support to the other as she through something insanely challenging. Both of our journeys are pretty taboo topics in society that just don't really have the perfect words; eating disorders and baby loss - ESPECIALLY when you, the person trying to help the person navigating, have not personally experienced the devastating challenge yourself.We unpack stories from our journeys that will hopefully inspire you to reach out to a friend, even if you don't feel like you have the perfect words or it feels a bit clunky. Lead with love and vulnerability and CARE, and you won't go wrong. Our perspectives have come from living life and showing up for each other in journeys that society doesn't typically talk about openly. I invite you into our conversation today and I'm so glad you're here!Hanna Hermanson believes “Dream Life is Real Life”. We deserve to live our dreams, but sometimes we need a little help along the way. As a "retired coach" and now the CEO of Done for You Marketing, Hanna is a powerful catalyst for coaches and digital nomads looking to scale their businesses and take control of their marketing. Hanna helps clients leverage the right People, Processes, and Packages to make their Dream Life and Business REAL. . . and expand the ripple effect of each of us, doing what we love in the world! When she's not strategizing, writing, or supporting her team, Hanna and her husband are enjoying their expat life in Mexico--and sharing their Dream Life Travels on YouTube!

Coral Thede is a writer, performer, comedian, trailblazer and visionary. She is authentically known as a local cheerleader, world traveler and master manifestor. She has entertained audiences throughout the Midwest and around the globe with her captivating energy. Coral is the creator, host and producer of Central Iowa's best-selling show, Tits Up!, and was most recently a featured teller as part of the exclusive Des Moines Register Storytellers Project at Hoyt Sherman Place. In her own words, she's not here to make light of the darkness - but to see the light through it.Credit to Des Moines Register Storytellers Project and Coral Thede for the audio clip at the beginning of this episode. In this episode you will meet my friend Coral. A human who is a very safe space to land when you need it most. She has experienced loss and has journeyed through it all in a way that I admire. She holds “both” incredibly well and she was one of the first people that I felt was a safe space after we lost Henry. Even from afar, she was the person I wanted in my corner. She is a beautiful writer, storyteller, musician and mama to many furry friends, including her late, beloved cat Archie. We talk about life and loss and love and how to create space for grief when the world doesn't. I'm so honored to share her with you today. I encourage you to check out all that Coral is about at www.coralthede.com. And if you are ever in Des Moines, Iowa, well, she's the unofficial major, so you may want to hit her up for the best that Des Moines has to offer. Her official bio is below!Thank you for joining me, Coral. And as always, Go Pack Go.

You may have experienced a defining moment in your life that shook you just enough to bring you back into your reality. Maybe it was a moment like Megan's where a new principal at her school called her out in a way that she was shocked she had not seen herself. Thankfully she heard the message loud and clear and this moment went onto define what was next for her in life.  I am so happy to share a very new friend with you all in this episode. Megan is a breath of fresh air through the overwhelm, the busy, the noise - all of it! Her voice is incredibly soothing and she shares tangible (and simple!!!) tips to implement into your busy life today. The episode is all about mindfulness - and boy do we all need more of it - am I right?! Tune into hear this wildly important topic. Many thanks to Megan for her time on the podcast today!Megan Wolfe, BA, MS, is a certified mindfulness and meditation practitioner. Megan has taken 12 years of special education experience, a degree in psychology, and social emotional learning training, to create a thriving mindfulness practice. Since launching Our Mindful Way, Megan has made a significant difference in the lives of women of all ages. She has a sincere passion for helping others find joy in the journey by being present in the moment and finding calmness and clarity in a world cluttered with joy disrupters. Her carefully curated mindfulness techniques and practices are tailored to meet her wide variety of clients' needs. Join Megan's Mindful Circle Community, a safe nurturing space, where women come together to connect and practice everyday mindfulness. For those who prefer a more individualized practice, Megan offers private 1:1 sessions. For more information contact her at megan@ourmindfulway.com.Link LoveWebsite: www.ourmindfulway.comIG: www.instagram.com/ourmindfulwayPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/our-mindful-way/id1637948625

The art you cling to, the songs you cry to, the wins, the losses, the people who have stuck around and the people that weren't able to stay. Each piece is wildly important to your story. I personally know how crushing some of these unexpected journeys in life can feel. Painful beyond words and comprehension. But I encourage you, when you are able to catch a breath, to look around and notice that each ripple in your life is there purposefully. I didn't initially think about starting out the podcast with a solo episode to kick things off, however, I realized I have a thing or two to say just on my own. (LOL, I have a lot of things to say.) I thought it would be good for you, dear listener, to hear from me first. To hear why this podcast is so important to me and why the conversations that will come to your ears from this podcast are even more important. I am Courtney. The owner and founder of Unwavering Love Co. and Henry's Ripple. I encourage you to check out my website to learn a bit more about my “why”. And I would be honored if you would subscribe (the little plus button!), review my podcast and share it with a friend. Even if one person hears it today that needed it, it will be worth my time. I thank you for lending me your ear and joining on on conversations that break through the surface layer and get to the GOOD stuff…the real and raw parts of life. Welcome to Ripples Through Waves.www.unwaveringloveco.comwww.facebook.com/unwaveringlovecowww.instagram.com/unwaveringloveco

Are you craving authentic connection? Are you exhausted with way-too-stiff-surface-level conversations? The truth is, life brings unexpected, tough and exhausting journeys to us all. If we don't create the space and time to get real and raw with one another, we are missing out on the depth that life brings our way. Join us for authentic, vulnerable and TRUE conversations. We are here to recognize that the seemingly small ripples through your life's story, help to sustain you through the mighty waves and seasons. We encourage you to go to the depths, feel it all, and then reach for the hand that's there to help pull you back up. Courtney is a creative entrepreneur with Midwest roots who loves a good iced coffee and will pull everyone on the dance floor when Whitney Houston comes through the speaker. But most importantly, she is Mama to her sweet angel, Henry. She is learning how to hold both...and all...and everything. All at once. And also learning when to set it all down and take a break. She is learning how to be a grateful human who lives and loves and how to be a Mama who will grieve her child's death for the rest of her life. Until they meet again. Join us for conversations for your heart and soul. We all could use more of that, right?