The Hometeam Podcast

A month ago, my parents came to visit, and my mom and I had a series of really good conversations. Conversations that were deeper than we had had in years. And we both loved it. It made me realize that the last few years, when we've been together I've been in "mom" mode, and she's been in "grandma" mode, which means we don't get to talk like we used to. Part of that is just this season of life. But, I'm guessing some of you might feel the same. Because of all of this, this week, I'm giving you 5 Questions To Ask Your Mom this Mother's Day by sharing a conversation I had with my mom. I was inspired by Laura Tremaine, her 10 Things To Tell You Podcast, and her continued advocacy of starting meaningful conversations. I hope it encourages you to call your mom, or take her to coffee and chat over these topics. And for those of you missing your moms, grieving the relationship you wish you had with your mom, or waiting to become a mom again, I'm holding space for you this week and always.

This week, I'm sharing a conversation with Amanda Auer. Amanda is a mom of 4, who walked through unexpected heart failure with one of her daughters two years ago. Throughout their hospital stay, Amanda documented their journey online, providing updates to friends and family, and inviting people into their hospital experience, fears, and the process of figuring out what was wrong and how best to care for her daughter. Amanda's honesty and vulnerability as she walked through a season that would be any mom's worst nightmare captivated thousands, and she continued writing online as her daughter and family healed. In this episode, we talk about trauma, allowing our kids to take risks, and choosing to believe in God in the midst of our hardest seasons.

I'm thrilled to share this week's conversation, with Emi Rigby. Emi is someone I've followed online since college when she ran a travel blog, and I've looked up to her ever since. She is positive, adventurous, and creative, and she never fails to inspire me with her various pursuits. In addition to being a mom (of 3!), she's worked for Teach For America, Google, and a handful of other companies and creative ventures. In this episode, we talk about finding ways to build adventure into your weeks, managing career aspirations with motherhood, and carving out time for your own passions and pursuits. I left our conversation feeling inspired to have a positive, proactive approach to motherhood and my vocational goals, and I know you will too.

We're almost exactly halfway through the year, so today, I'm going to talk about revisiting annual goals and reevaluating what is and isn't realistic in light of all of the changes and unexpected experiences 2020 has brought.  I'll also share "state of the podcast" update and share my plans for the summer! 

A couple years ago, as I in one of the first few classes in my counseling program, I realized that most of the authors who I was reading looked a lot like me, and had similar life experiences. Reading their words was easy, affirming, and restful. And honestly, I believe that there's a time and a place for that comfort. But I was also missing out on SO many people's stories by exclusively learning from people who looked and lived like me. As I've broadened the diversity of authors I learn from, I've noticed I've increased my empathy for people from different backgrounds, and I've also learned that my perspective isn't the only perspective. I'm not always "right" and the vision, dreams, and individualist nature that comes naturally to me isn't the best or most healthy perspective for all.    In this episode, I hope I'll inspire you to pick up a book from an author who might offer you a different point of view.   https://www.hometeamcommunity.com/post/29-my-favorite-recent-reads-reflections-on-author-diversity    

This is one of my favorite episodes so far because I know it's going to be valuable for so many of you. My guest for Episode 28 is Holly Osment, LMFT, LPCC,. Professor Osment is a mom of 2, a private practice sex psychotherapist, and an adjunct professor in my grad program at Santa Clara University. Her Human Sexuality class has opened my mind and educated me in so many ways I didn't anticipate, and I'm thrilled she agreed to share her knowledge with my community. In this episode, we talk about the gaps in sex education, the importance of knowing your anatomy, the shame and secrecy around sexuality in our culture, and how to talk to your kids about sex. https://www.hometeamcommunity.com/

Have you felt horrible after listening to a podcast, reading a book, or scrolling social media, and the news?  In this episode, Mandy Santos and I chat about how to notice the effects of the content you're consuming. She offers practical tips and shares her own experience of learning to discern what is and isn't healthy to engage with.  Mandy is an author, grad student, the Director of Lifegroups at Echo.church, and a wife and mom of 5. In our conversation, she shares wisdom from all the different arenas of life she participates in. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Join my friend, Sanli Yang, and I as we chat about all things early motherhood. In this episode, we cover how Sanli poop-trained her boys before their first birthdays, how to navigate and recover from an unplanned c-section, and how to use your story to connect to younger moms who might need to hear from you. Sanli was 100% one of those moms who took me under her wing, and I'm thrilled to share her wisdom with all of you. 

This week, I'm chatting with Dr. Melissa Adrouny about all things Women's Health. We cover everything from what to expect when you walk into an OBGYN's office, to expectations around pregnancy, to the importance of social support in motherhood, to how to think through trying to have a baby in the midst of the uncertainty of COVID-19.  You can learn more about Dr. Melissa here: https://adrounywomenshealth.com/

This week I changed things up a bit and I interview my husband! Since we've only gotten social media glimpses into the lives of our family and friends the last few months, I wanted to share about our experience of parenting, marriage, and lessons that we've learned as we've navigated this season. I'm hoping that by sharing some of our stories, we will normalize the harder parts of the last few months, and that we will make you feel more connected, hopeful, and encouraged to ask your partner the same set of questions. 

Join Dr. Betsey Caldwell and me as she educates us on all things pelvic floor. She covers what's normal before, during, and after pregnancy, and how to find help if you find yourself having abnormal or undesirable symptoms. She somehow balances being approachable and easy to talk to while being a confident expert on all the things I wish I would have learned in Biology and Sex Ed.  You can see the show notes here. 

This week I'm chatting with Indiana Adams, host of the podcast, Today By The Way. Indiana has spent her career cultivating creative endeavors and businesses from blogging, to acting, to founding conferences and starting podcasts. In this episode, we talk about making room in your life to try new things and redefining failure. Indiana is encouraging and inspirational, and I'm thrilled to be sharing her wisdom with you.  You can learn more about Indiana and her podcast, Today By The Way here: http://todaybytheway.com/

This week, I'm continuing my conversation with Jessica Clark on the Enneagram and Quarantine. If you didn't listen to last week's episode (20), go check it out! In it, we talk about the Enneagram and where numbers go in stress. In Episode 21, we will cover encouragement for each Enneagram number and tips for how to love one another in this season of increased stress and instability.

In this episode, we chat about the Enneagram, as it relates to COVID19 & this season of quarantine. My guest, Jessica Clark shares about how to identify your number, where each number goes in stress, and what to hold onto to help get you through the next few weeks and months. 

In this episode, my guest Kelly gives practical tips for building positive relationships and good memories with your family. But the wider theme of our conversation is this; how to teach your kids  to experience the full range of human emotions. 

In this episode, we talk about cultural influence, what it's like to unlearn cultural standards, and practical ways to be more comfortable in your own skin. We also cover red flag behaviors to look for in yourself and friends, and importantly for all of us moms; how to talk to your kids about food and their bodies so that they are set up for success when it comes to body image.

Today, we're chatting about how to maintain your mental health in the midst of crisis. We will address anxiety, fight-or-fight instincts, and tools that will help you thrive in this season. 

We're in an age where work often requires travel. For parents, this means seasons of solo parenting. So this week, I'm chatting with Dr. Laura Radziwon about strategies for thriving during these seasons of solo parenting, leaning into intergenerational friendships, and learning to ask for help along the way.   

Have you ever wondered if you have anxiety? The reality is that all of us deal with stress and anxiety; the extent of which is on a spectrum. In this episode, we chat about being diagnosed with anxiety, and learning to manage it while working full-time, growing a marriage, and raising babies. Natalie offers several practical tools that have helped her in her journey, and I know they'll help you too. 

I've learned recently that therapy is a big, scary unknown for a lot of people. My goal for the episode is to help normalize it and teach you what you can expect when you go. We're covering some basics like: - why go to therapy? - what is unique about therapy? - what should you expect in your first session? - how long does it take?    

Mandy Wright is one of those women who you naturally admire. In this episode, she's eloquent, intelligent, and honest about her process through IVF. She educates our community about everything from how the process works, to the type of decisions couples navigating IVF encounter along the way, to how to come alongside a friend going through IVF. 

There's a reason why so many peoples' best friends are from high school or college; it's hard to make new friends. This episode is about the importance of building up a strong community around us. We will talk about mental health, the physiology of friendship, and how to start building relationships that matter. 

Join Annie Knapp and I are we deep dive into Postpartum Depression. We will talk about it all; from signs you might be experiencing it, to what to do if you aren't sure, to how to support friends going through it. Annie is a gem, and she her transparency and humor are the perfect combination for this episode of the Hometeam Podcast.

Do you ever wonder how your kids are going to turn out? Are they going to be kind? Generous? Good friends? Compassionate? In this episode, we talk about how to raise kids intentionally. None of us want our kids to be jerks, and Nicole from Coffee & Carpool teaches us how to incorporate our values into our everyday lives. 

In this episode, I talk to business owner, mom, and wife, Jenna Peterson about the systems and processes she has put in place to help her achieve her dreams. She shares about the daily and weekly rhythms, her visualization strategies, and the importance of accountability. We both share about the Weekly Business Meetings we have each Saturday and the ways we've learned to stick to our commitments. 

Julianne is a coach to thousands of women and a retired teacher. She spends her life reminding women that they are capable. This episode will inspire you to lean into your strengths, be intentional with your time, and strategic with your life. 

In this episode, Emily gives super practical advice for how to build  up moms in your community. She also speaks about what to do when someone is offering you their strong opinions, which happens all too frequently in parenthood. 

Join Julie and I as we talk about the art of making new friends as an adult, in the social media age. Julie shares her strategy for inviting people into the things she loves to do and the activities she's curious about. Her energy is palpable, and you'll end the episode ready to build a community of your own. 

Ever feel like your resolutions never stick? Mine didn't either.  Over the last few years, dozens of books, and several conferences, I've trial and error-ed my way to a goal setting process that works. In this podcast, we will walk through the exercises and systems that keep me on track to improve each and every year. 

My favorite part of this episode is how honest Shannon is. Everyone knows someone or is someone who has experienced infertility or loss. If you're currently walking through a hard season, this episode will remind you that you are not alone. For those of us who aren't this episode will encourage you to listen better and be more mindful of the words we use with friends in pain. 

Join Sarah Rogers and I for a conversation about making space for the minor things that make you feel alive. Sarah offers practical tips on creating boundaries, rhythms, and space in your life. She is passionate about making time for the things that are most important to her, and in this episode, she will help you do the same. 

Welcome to the trailer for the Hometeam Podcast!  I'm on a mission to create a Hometeam of women who can support, teach, and grow alongside one another as we navigate motherhood. My hope is that you would finish each episode feeling inspired and equipt with new strategies to help you take better care of yourself and your family.  In this episode, we will chat about my background, the vision for the podcast, and what your can expect when you tune in each week.  Thanks for joining the Hometeam!

Meet my dear friend, Erika Garcia. She is hands down, the most positive mom I know. It has always seemed to be like she must know something I don't about motherhood that keeps her so happy, even as hard seasons come. In this episode, we sit down to chat about how she talks about and to her kids. What I learned is that Erika is a super intentional parent. She takes responsibility for her mood, words, and energy when she's around her kids, and she seems to know that see sets the tone for their home.  Pay special attention to the part where she talks about verbal affirmations and apologies to her kids. I love this idea that the way she treats her kids will be what they expect in future relationships. This influence as a role model seems to empower and energize her, whereas so many moms I see feel overwhelmed by this. Throughout the episode, she also shares several tips and tricks for being more patient, honest, and intentional with kids.