Podcasts about challenge for

EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/trent Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! HEY REHABBERS: Too many people let life's hardships become their excuse to quit. They abandon their commitments, let their emotions dictate their actions, and live a life that isn't meant for them, then complain about it. The truth? Nobody cares. Life doesn't care. Your dreams don't care. Your growth doesn't care. So what are you going to do about it? This episode is your wake-up call to stop self-sabotaging, stop making excuses, and take control of your life, no matter what.

In this inspiring episode of The Wildly Wealthy Woman Podcast, Jackie McDonald dives deep into the magic of manifesting, the power of trusting the universe, and how to shift your mindset to make big things happen. Jackie shares a personal story of manifesting her dream space in under 24 hours, highlighting the importance of paying attention to the signs the universe sends and staying in a frequency of gratitude and curiosity. Key Takeaways: Trust the Universe: The universe is always here to support you. It's not all on your shoulders. Shift from Critical to Curious: Whether it's about money, relationships, or daily challenges, curiosity can open the door to solutions. Manifesting in Action: How Jackie used her vision board and a mindset of receiving to manifest a new, upgraded space. The Power of Gratitude: Tracking what you receive daily can amplify your energy and attract even more abundance. Balancing the Highs and Lows: Life will always have challenges, but you get to choose the frequency you live in and heal through. Jackie also shares a sneak peek of her upcoming 10-Day Make It Happen Tapping Challenge, starting January 15th, designed to help you step into a "make it happen" mindset and align your nervous system for success. Join the Challenge:For just $33, you'll receive: Daily affirmations with tapping sessions. Special audios to shift your energy and keep you aligned. A community focused on making big moves in 2025. Additional Resources: Wildly Wealthy Woman Mastermind: A 12-month experience to work closely with Jackie, combining personalized support, tapping calls, content creation, and money tapping sessions. Action Steps: Reflect on this question: What if you could do more in one month than most people do in a year? Write down everything you receive today—big or small—to boost your receiving frequency. Join Jackie's 10-Day Make It Happen Tapping Challenge and start making big things happen! Share the Love:If this episode inspired you, share it with a friend who's ready to make big moves this year. Let's spread the energy of abundance and possibility! Subscribe & Stay Connected:Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Wildly Wealthy Woman Podcast for weekly tapping sessions, manifestation tips, and conversations with top leaders in personal growth and success. Follow On Instagram here

Feeling overwhelmed by your BIG dreams and goals? Sometimes the key to success is in the small wins that keep you moving forward. In today's video, we dive deep into the power of small wins and how they can: ✅ Boost your confidence✅ Create momentum✅ Build consistency✅ Provide lasting motivation I'll share 3 powerful reasons why you should start focusing on small wins right now: Start Small to Build Momentum – Learn how little victories pave the way for bigger successes. Celebrate Every Achievement – Stay motivated by recognizing your progress, no matter how small! Use Small Wins to Adjust and Refine – Discover how small steps help you fine-tune your approach and stay on track.

Pretend You're Paralyzed Stuck w a Blind Dog. Doesn't Take Much Skill to Lure Your Dog into a Sit, Down, Heel or Do a Cute Spin While Holding a Juicy Hot Dog Inches Away from its Mouth.  Treat-abusing Dog Trainers Are Livid and Shy Away Zeddicus King's Challenge For a Reason. Be Honest. Can You Get Your Dog to Sit, Lay Down WITHOUT Treats, Yelling, or Your Cool Hand Signals? The Only Thing Moving Should Be Your Lips. Don't Move a Muscle or Raise a Finger.  Could the way everyone training their dogs nowadays be all wrong?  I'm not just slicing cake on this episode; I'm cutting through the noise in dog training with a slice of controversy. Treats have been the go-to in dog training, but what if we removed them from the equation? Imagine a scenario where your dog can't see your gesture or your cool hand signal. This episode peels back the layers of today's typical dog training techniques, exposing the potential crutch that treats can become. I offer up a guide to achieving the kind of obedience that transcends the need for incentives, focusing instead on the power of your voice and the bond it can create. It's a conversation that's about more than just positive dog training; it's about cultivating a deeper connection with our loyal companions.By the end of our time together, you'll be rethinking those pocketfuls of treats. I delve into the risks associated with treat-based training, from health implications to the danger of a one-dimensional relationship built on bribery. This episode is an invitation to earn your dog's respect rather than just its affection, setting the stage for a dynamic that's rewarding for both you and your pup – no treats necessary. And while you're waiting for "Dogs Decoded" to return to the shelves, remember that your support is what keeps this channel and the conversation alive. Thanks for tuning in, and let's raise the bar for what it means to truly train our dogs.To Hire Zeddicus for Phone/Zoom Consultation, In-Home Lessons or His Doggie Boot Camp in Los Angeles, Paw at: https://DogSecrets.com

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, forgetting the essence of our well-being and spiritual connection. But what if we could combine our physical, mental, and spiritual pursuits into one transformative challenge? Introducing the Seek First: Warrior 60 Challenge. The Challenge: For 60 days, participants are encouraged to: Physical Strength: Engage in a 45-minute workout. Whether it's lifting weights or engaging in high-intensity interval training, the goal is to get your heart pumping and muscles working. Endurance: Run for 1 mile. This is not just about speed, but consistency and resilience. Hydration: Drink a gallon of water. Hydration is key to overall health, and this will ensure you're giving your body the fluids it needs. Creativity & Expression: Create and post a piece of video content. Share your journey, a motivational message, or anything that resonates with the challenge. Mental Fortitude: Take a cold shower for at least 1 minute. It's a test of willpower and has numerous health benefits. Community & Support: Send an encouraging message or prayer to 3 people. We rise by lifting others. Mindfulness: Engage in deep-breathing exercises for 5 minutes or more. This helps in centering oneself and reducing stress. Spiritual Connection: Dedicate 10 minutes or more to prayer and meditation. Join the Community: The power of community cannot be overstated. By joining the #SeekFirstWarrior60, you're not just taking on a personal challenge, but you're becoming part of a movement. A movement that believes in the holistic development of an individual. Share your progress, your challenges, and your victories using the hashtag. Engage with others, offer support, and draw inspiration from fellow warriors. Dive Deeper: For those looking to delve deeper into the philosophy behind the challenge and to access resources, tips, and more, visit SeekFirstBrand.com and SeekFirstLegends.com. Here, you'll find a wealth of information and a community waiting to support you on this transformative journey. In conclusion, the Seek First: Warrior 60 Challenge is not just another fitness challenge. It's a holistic approach to self-improvement, combining physical, mental, and spiritual. Are you ready to transform? Join the challenge and seek first the best version of yourself. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekfirst/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seekfirst/support

Chestly Lunday isn't intimidated by virtual reality, atheist youth, Metaverse, or the new digital age. He embraces the challenge of finding a way to share the gospel of Jesus using new tools and strategies. Rather than feeling like you need to choose, Chestly encourages churches to get real about who they are called to reach so that discipleship can happen on a day-to-day basis. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. From personal productivity, to team leadership, to leading change, and almost any other leadership challenge you'll face, The Art of Leadership Academy has the answers to your questions—all for the fraction of what a typical conference or consultant would cost. To learn more and to get instant access to every single course, call, and training the Academy has to offer, go to www.theartofleadershipacademy.com. As a member of the Academy, I'd love to see and connect with you there. If you join, just search for my name on the App and send me a message! Resources mentioned in the episode: ChestlyLunday.comREVEAL Study from Willow CreekDigital Church Network Key insights from the episode: The two paradigms are 1) You have to be in a building to connect, and 2) you can connect no matter where you are. - Chestly LundayEverybody having the “church on internet” conversation is over 25. - Chestly LundayOur churches reach who they are perfectly designed to reach. - Chestly LundayNobody is for everybody because everybody doesn't show up to your church. - Chestly LundayIf you are not clear about who you are, then you'll get lost. - Chestly LundayCulture has been making disciples for decades, and it's better at it than the church is. - Chestly LundayInformation, experience, and relationship are the three pieces to transformation. - Chestly LundayIn the digital age, what you are going to see is the primary product of the church is not Sunday morning any more, it's discipleship. - Chestly LundayChestly's weekly Challenge: For the disciple: What is God saying to you, and what are you going to do about it? For the church leader: Figure out a discipleship process for your church. Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don't know how. We did an extensive study of everything that Jesus commanded of us and located 5 key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it's free! Not only will you get results back immediately, but you will also be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. Some not-so-key insights: Chestly wants Chris J's wardrobe consultant. Is Chestly trying to bring back four-hour sermons?Zach never got the Taco Bell Mexican pizza.Chestly has been waiting for Rosie, the house robot from the Jetsons, for a long time!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pause, observe a DEEP breath. How do you spend the first hour of your day? In this episode, Nick and Ray begin to discuss the third and final pillar of our Sustainable Self-Care System, our morning routine. They focus their attention on highlighting the connection between the habits we choose to practice in the morning and the ripple effect they can have on the rest of our day. Each of them shares how they spend the first hour of their day and the experiences that influenced their adoption of a morning routine. Challenge: For the next week, track how you spend the first hour of your day. You can keep track of your morning activities in your written journal or in the notes app on your phone [we recommend using your phone!]. By measuring how you currently spend your time, you will be able to use the data you collect to make more informed decisions about adjustments you can make that will support you feeling good so you can function at your best! As the month progresses, we will be offering up a variety of ways you can spend your time in the morning that promote peace, mental clarity, and higher energy levels. Remember the second and third steps of the B.A.L.A.N.C.E. Blueprint [Self-Acceptance & Self-Compassion] as you reflect on your morning activities. When you accept yourself for where you are on your journey and choose to respond to yourself with compassion, you create an environment where you can embrace the changes necessary for you to adopt more empowering morning routine habits. Please be sure to rate our show and leave a review ff your listening platform allows. Visit our YouTube page to leave questions or comments that arose from anything you heard in this episode! [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSzcXtW3S10KZzK5TYLgD9A] Let's learn and grow together! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're talking about values-based living. Doing things to improve our lives, even with chronic illness and chronic pain, which sometimes means going outside of our comfort zone. This is the second-part to the episode, "Why Can Connecting With Your Values Improve Your Well-Being?"In this episode we discuss:what values based living isSMART goal settingHARD barriers to living by our values and how to overcome themSupport the show and get this week's Patreon contact by following this link: https://www.patreon.com/chronically_livingFollow the show on Instagram @chronically.living_

About the episodeIn this episode, Rose sets Eve the intermittent fasting challenge. For many of us, we are constantly consuming. Food is addictive and we are always eating. Some of the problems associated with constant consumption include weight gain, digestive problems and brain fog. If we ate less frequently we might feel more alert, have healthier guts, and increased mental clarity. That's why intermittent fasting has become so popular. Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating; oftentimes 16 hours of fasting followed by an 8 hour window for eating. Advocates claim that having periods of fasting is actually more natural for our digestive systems and can improve our sleep, energy, and mood. So, does intermittent fasting improve our cognitive abilities, our sleep, our energy levels? Or is this another trend that needs to go?The Challenge: For three days out of seven, Eve must fast for a period of 16 hours per day, with a window of 8 hours to eat.  About the hostsEve Kalinik is a nutritional therapist and author. Previously working in fashion and PR, Eve later studied nutrition and set up her own nutritional practice in London. Eve regularly hosts interactive workshops, talks and retreats, and she also writes regularly on gut health and nutrition for leading print and online publications. Eve is a registered member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Eve is also the author of several books on gut health, such as her most recent published work: Happy Gut, Happy Mind. Rosemary Ferguson is a nutritionist and a functional medicine practitioner. After a hugely successful career in modeling Rosemary decided to fulfill her passion for nutrition by studying at The College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2009, Rose qualified as a naturopath and nutritionist, and now runs her own clinic on Harley Street in London. Rose also writes for publications like Vogue, and is co-founder of healthy junk food brand Filth. In 2015, Rosemary authored her book Juice, which features 100 juice recipes to help cope with modern life!Top Quotes"Intermittent fasting stops that mindless eating - and when you become mindful about eating your digestion works better. This is because digestion begins in the mouth" - Rose"What intermittent fasting does for a lot of people is make them realise they don't need to be nibbling all day and that giving your gut a break overnight is a wonderful thing." - EveResources Visit Eve's website https://evekalinik.com/ (here)Visit Rosemary's website https://www.rosemaryferguson.co.uk/ (here)If you want to learn more about Symprove, head to their https://www.symprove.com/ (website) and useThe code WELLNESSBREAKDOWN15 for 15% off your first order!Visit our website http://thewellnessbreakdown.com (here)This podcast is produced by One FinePlay. You can learn more ushttps://www.onefineplay.com/ ( here)Studies referenced by Eve: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156 (https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156)https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/Thank you for listening and if you haven't already please follow the show as it really helps us - just click on the show page and press the plus sign. We also love hearing from you, so if you have a story you want to share or a suggestion or question you can email us at info@thewellnessbreakdown.co.uk or contact us on Instagram @the_wellnessbreakdown @rosemaryferguson_ and @evekalinikWe're also over on You Tube - youtube.com/@thewellnessbreakdownpod DISCLAIMER: All the advice and recommendations in this podcast is given generally. If you feel like you have any contraindications to anything we recommend please check with your healthcare provider first.

Your clothes can change the world. Fashion is one of the largest global industries with hundreds of millions of workers and a huge global environmental footprint. Unfortunately this industry has been able to operate in the dark for decades, but we're realizing now that we need to rethink how we design, produce, buy, and sell our clothes. The good news? Small and large brands around the world are starting to wake up and transform how they do business to protect people and planet. Annick Ireland, founder and CEO of the London-based, mission-driven apparel platform, Immaculate Vegan, joins us to talk about the importance of supporting brands who are building a better path forward, and how all of us can be part of the revolution going on right now in fashion. It's time for us to make a real fashion statement, where we wear our values on our sleeve. Shop, share, and support the Immaculate Vegan mission at https://immaculatevegan.com/.CHALLENGE: For your next new item of clothing, search for mission-driven brands and purchase from them. Give sustainable and natural materials a test run, and spread the word! Tell others about your experience.TAKEAWAYS: 1: There is unlimited creativity at our fingertips to rethink and redefine fashion for the better. 2: There is an invisible cost to our clothes, and greater transparency is the solution. 3: How you dress is a statement not just about you, but about your values.Visit www.wecanremaketheworld.com for more info and resources. 

About the episodeOn today's episode, Eve makes Rose go completely plant based for two weeks. Increasingly, the decision to have a totally plant based diet is no longer being made simply on ethical grounds, but also for health reasons. There's been a growing focus on the link between a plant based diet and reduced risk to common health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. But is this really the case, and could going plant based actually have a negative effect on your health? Skeptics of the plant based diet claim the reduced protein can leave you feeling hungry - increasing your tendency to snack. And that it can promote deficiencies, like anaemia. So, is a plant based diet not only the morally conscious choice, but also the health conscious choice as well? Or will the veggies have to eat their words?The Challenge: For two weeks Rose can only consume a completely plant based diet. Paying special attention to the impact of the diet on her energy, mood, and gut health. About the hostsEve Kalinik is a nutritional therapist and author. Previously working in fashion and PR, Eve later studied nutrition and set up her own nutritional practice in London. Eve regularly hosts interactive workshops, talks and retreats, and she also writes regularly on gut health and nutrition for leading print and online publications. Eve is a registered member of the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy (BANT) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Eve is also the author of several books on gut health, such as her most recent published work: Happy Gut, Happy Mind. Rosemary Ferguson is a nutritionist and a functional medicine practitioner. After a hugely successful career in modeling Rosemary decided to fulfill her passion for nutrition by studying at The College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2009, Rose qualified as a naturopath and nutritionist, and now runs her own clinic on Harley Street in London. Rose also writes for publications like Vogue, and is co-founder of healthy junk food brand Filth. In 2015, Rosemary authored her book Juice, which features 100 juice recipes to help cope with modern life!Top Quotes"But for me Plant based is eating a really well-balanced vegan diet which has got loads of fibre, pulses, legumes, nuts. Especially with snacks, not eating things like toast and butter. So it's got me to clean up my act." - Rose"If you're going to eat meat, it's got to be organic, free range, and you have to eat less." - EveResources RAINBOW TRAYBAKE WITH CASHEW PESTO https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuwpIQLl1Q/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/CLuwpIQLl1Q/) AVOCADO SMASH WITH OAT CAKES https://www.instagram.com/p/CN_4olfF1x2/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/CN_4olfF1x2/)PENNE WITH ARRABBIATA + GREEN SALAD https://www.instagram.com/p/COBDb3fFaAp/ (https://www.instagram.com/p/COBDb3fFaAp/)Visit Eve's website https://evekalinik.com/ (here)Visit Rosemary's website https://www.rosemaryferguson.co.uk/ (here)If you want to learn more about Symprove, head to their https://www.symprove.com/ (website) and useThe code WELLNESSBREAKDOWN15 for 15% off your first order!Visit our website http://thewellnessbreakdown.com (here)This podcThank you for listening and if you haven't already please follow the show as it really helps us - just click on the show page and press the plus sign. We also love hearing from you, so if you have a story you want to share or a suggestion or question you can email us at info@thewellnessbreakdown.co.uk or contact us on Instagram @the_wellnessbreakdown @rosemaryferguson_ and @evekalinikWe're also over on You Tube - youtube.com/@thewellnessbreakdownpod DISCLAIMER: All the advice and recommendations in this podcast is given generally. If you feel like you have any contraindications to anything we recommend please check with your healthcare provider first.

A very nice romance about the 'Doctor Zhivago' by Boris Pasternak, you have a podcast Episode on this book too :) Is about the Russian History, so it's also on the #siberianary Challenge For more content my insta: @sofareader

The post Challenge For 2021 – Part 1 appeared first on Coquille Christian Community Church.

In this episode, I’m honored to welcome back Paola Mendoza, along with the co-author of her new book Sanctuary, Abby Sher with an urgent conversation for this moment, just a month away from our next election. Paola is an acclaimed film director, activist, author and artist working at the leading-edge of human rights all alongside being a devoted mother to her 7-year old son. A co-founder of The Women’s March, she served as its Artistic Director and co-authored the New York Times best seller Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard around the World. Abby is an award-winning writer and performer and author of Miss You Love You Hate You Bye, All the Ways the World Can End, Breaking Free, Amen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn’t Stop Praying, and Kissing Snowflakes. Abby has written and/or performed for The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Second City, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, HBO and NPR and one of her essays was included in the first season of Amazon TV’s, Modern Love. Most importantly, she says, she is the mom to three very cool kiddos. I first interviewed Paola after the Women’s March of 2016, personally still shell-shocked by the election of Trump and searching to find my own voice of resistance and path to activism. Since then, she has continued to be at the forefront of social change, especially when it comes to the issue of immigration, as she has organized, demonstrated, documented stories while travelling with the Caravan and now co-written a young adult novel that is both a cautionary tale and story of hope, Sanctuary. Hope and faith run through this conversation I have with Paola and Abby just as it runs through the poignant book they co-created, a story that paints a harrowing picture of a dystopian future, an America in 2032 that microchips its citizens to easily identify and capture undocumented immigrants. It’s also a book that illuminates resilience, strength, and the power of love. I hope you’ll listen with an open heart as Paola and Abby share about the teenage protagonist Vali who becomes a freedom fighter, the mother who sets Vali on her quest, how storytelling builds compassion and calls us to action, and how you and I can spread this story far and wide and organize for the upcoming election. In doing so, we can shape a hopeful future and help make possible freedom and sanctuary for undocumented immigrants like Vali, like the families whose stories Paola has documented, like the mothers in Matamoros, and like our own neighbors, who help our communities in essential ways. Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Pay this forward to a friend who may be interested. This Episode is Dedicated by: Lilli Rey of Bay Area Border Relief Lilli Rey is a community volunteer and human rights activist. She is a founder of Bay Area Border Relief, a San Francisco Bay Area grass roots humanitarian organization whose mission is to serve and advocate for children and families seeking their human right to asylum. She is also on the board of Protect Our Defenders and is a fundraiser for Congresswoman Jackie Speier. Lilli is the mother of 4 adult children and enjoys hiking, skiing, exercising, and traveling to new places. Follow Lilli on Social Media: www.bayareaborderrelief.org For donations:  bit.ly/BABRatPVF Twitter  @BorderRelief Instagram  @BorderProject Facebook Bay Area Border Relief   In This Episode We Talk About: The premise of Sanctuary that sets the protagonist, 16 year old Vali, on a journey for freedom to the sanctuary of California. The impact that Vali’s mother had in setting her on her quest and shaping who she is  Thoughts for how we can inspire people to be informed and care about undocumented immigrants and those seeking asylum Why Abby and Paola made Sanctuary under the Young Adult novel genre and how it is a story for all of us The ways young people like Vali can lead the way  Having conscious conversations with our kids about social justice issues in an age appropriate manner The importance of story to build compassion and understanding Paola and Abby’s hopes for Sanctuary’s impact MPP (Migrant Protection Protocol) and the devastating impact it has had on asylum seekers Why Paola and Abby insisted the book be released before the election and what they want us to do to get involved Paola and Abby’s experience collaborating on Sanctuary Approaching issues and activism with humility and Dr. Barbara’s Love’s Liberatory Consciousness Framework Lessons we can all learn from Sanctuary What’s next for Sanctuary…hopes for a sequel and a television series This Episode’s Challenge: For this episode’s challenge, Abby and Paola encourage us to: Get the book and read it Open our hearts as we do that Talk to our children about it and pass the book to them when appropriate Take that experience of how we are moved by it Share its impact  Buy the book for others Donate the book to our libraries or request it be purchased Use this as a spark to reach out to people in our own networks and communities to better understand the immigration stories of those around us Learn More About Abby Sher: Abby Sher is an award-winning writer and performer. She is the author of Miss You Love You Hate You Bye, All the Ways the World Can End, Breaking Free, Amen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn’t Stop Praying, and Kissing Snowflakes. One of her essays was included in the first season of Amazon TV’s, Modern Love. Abby has written and/or performed for The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Second City, Upright Citizen’s Brigade, HBO and NPR. Most importantly she’s the mom to three very cool kiddos. Follow Abby on Social Media: Twitter @abbysher Instagram @abbysher Facebook Abby Sher website Learn More About Paola Mendoza: Paola Mendoza is a film director, activist, author and artist working at the leading-edge of human rights. A co-founder of The Women’s March, she served as its Artistic Director and co-authored the New York Times best seller Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard around the World. Paola’s most recent book Sanctuary was released by Penguin in 2020.  Paola is also a critically acclaimed film director whose films have premiered at the most prestigious film festivals around the world. Her films have thoughtfully tackled the complex issues of poverty and immigration on women and children in the United States. She was named Glamour’s Woman of the Year in 2017 and one of Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film. She is a co-founder of The Soze Agency and is a co-founder of The Resistance Revival Chorus, the critically acclaimed women’s chorus that believes, “Joy is an act of resistance. Follow Paola on Social Media: Instagram @paolamendoza Twitter @paolamendoza Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Abbey & Paola’s book  here! Ep 16: Rising Up with Paola Mendoza Ep 07: Living Out Loud with Jenjii Hysten Ep 72: Seeking Asylum is a Human Right with Bay Area Border Relief’s Belinda Arriaga Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Racial Justice This High Holiday Season (Kveller article by Julie Neale) Dr. Barbara Love’s Liberatory Framework The interview led by America Ferrera when the book launched Announcements: Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Racial Justice This High Holiday Season I published my first piece on a topic so important. Would love for you to share with anyone you think would be open to listening and learning from these lessons/conversations highlighted. Read the Article Here If you enjoy the Mother’s Quest Podcast, we’d love your support in sharing this or another favorite episode with a mother you think would appreciate it too!  Another way to help spread the word is to leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Instructions for leaving a review are here: How to leave a rating or review for a podcast from your iPhone or iPad On your iOS mobile device, launch Apple’s Podcast app. Tap the Search tab in the lower right corner of the screen. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. … Tap the Reviews tab, then tap “Write a Review” at the bottom of the screen. At the time I’m releasing this episode, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, so many of us are seeking ways to connect with one another, even while needing to stay physically apart. If you identify with being a mother on a quest and you’re not yet a member of the free private Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, I invite you to join us for opportunities to learn together, to share what we have to offer one another and where we need support, and to find ways to make meaning of all we’re going through right now. Visit www.motherquest.com/community to join and I’d be honored to welcome you in.  Acknowledgments: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Lilli Rey Anne Armstrong Herve Clermont Samantha Arsenault Vickie Giambra Casey O'Roarty of Joyful Courage Kathie Moehlig or TransFamily Support Services Anne Ferguson of MamaFuel On the Move and etsuko Kubo Kate Amoo-Gottfried Nicole Lee Olivia Parr-Rud "Vince" of the While Black Podcast Sara Brannin-Mooser Lindsay Pera Julie Castro Abrams Alexia Vernon Brooke Markevicius Democracy Clothing Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Samantha Arsenault Attica Locke Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Four of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com --- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

I’m excited to share this beautiful conversation with Tembi Locke, that centers around the wisdom of our matriarchs and the seeds they plant within us to pursue our journeys, to create space for resilience, love, and creativity, and to invest in ourselves so we can serve the collective good. Tembi is a distinguished keynote speaker, writer, advocate, and American actor with more than sixty TV and film credits including the global hit Netflix series, Never Have I Ever. She is also the author of the New York Times bestselling book, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home … A Reese’s Book Club pick and soon to be Netflix series, starring Zoe Saldana. This episode’s dedication comes from Tembi’s sister, acclaimed author and writer and producer of many powerful series for television, including Little Fires Everywhere and When They See Us, Attica Locke. Attica dedicates the episode to her mother, to her matrilineal ancestors, and to her sister Tembi...all who have been as she says, “visionaries of love in her life.” The legacy of love and vision is a thread that weaves throughout my conversation with Tembi, as she names and shares about the four generations of women in her family, who she can trace back to the time of reconstruction after chattel slavery, and whose lessons help her navigate today’s world. We explore how her family’s ecosystem enabled her to invest in her dreams, nurture creativity and play, and pursue her creative endeavors and also how she carries that forward in how she mothers her daughter Zoela. Though we covered a lot of territory together, we realized there was so much more we wanted to discuss, including what it is like to star in her latest hit show Never Have I Ever, so Tembi has agreed to a special Mother’s Quest Q & A via zoom that we will schedule in September. Make sure to join the Mother’s Quest email list at www.mothersquest.com or the Facebook Group for details if you want to join us! I felt like this whole conversation was inspiration to light the way during these pandemic times, with profound moments that filled me with clarity and faith in the future. I hope this conversation helps remind you, as it did me and Tembi, of the power of our matriarchs, of sharing our experiences, of learning from and guiding each other, and seeking that sanctuary within so that we can serve a higher good. Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Pay this forward to a friend who may be interested. This Episode is Dedicated by: Attica Locke Attica Locke’s latest novel Heaven, My Home, sequel to the Edgar Award-winning Bluebird, Bluebird was published in September 2019. Her novel Pleasantville was the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction and was also long-listed for the Bailey’s Prize for Women’s Fiction. The Cutting Season was the winner of the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.  Her first novel Black Water Rising was nominated for an Edgar Award, an NAACP Image Award, as well as a Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was short-listed for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. A former fellow at the Sundance Institute’s Feature Filmmaker’s Lab, Locke works as a screenwriter as well.  She was a writer and producer on the Fox series, Empire, and most recently, she was a writer and producer on Emmy-winning Netflix series When They See Us and the Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere. She is currently writing and producing a limited series adaptation of her sister Tembi Locke’s memoir From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home for Netflix. A native of Houston, Texas, Attica lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and daughter Connect with Attica: Attica Locke Website Twitter @atticalocke Instagram @atticalocke Facebook In This Episode We Talk About: How Tembi and I met, finding unexpected common connections, and how those kind of experiences are one of the gifts of writing FROM SCRATCH Lessons from four generations seeded within Tembi that are helping her navigate the present What’s required now in the midst of the pandemic: turning away from individualism to serve the greater good Tembi’s epic life pursuits, what that has to do with the Lord of the Rings, and what we’ve both learned about the path of the hero’s journey How Tembi’s parents and grandmother created space for her and her siblings to play and develop their creativity and how we can do the same for our children.  In “Quarantinelandia” Tembi’s way of tuning into herself now Listening actively and speaking less in motherhood How Tembi has created circles of sisterhood and how her own sister is helping her turn her memoir into a Netflix series The importance of slowing down, becoming present with ourselves, and creating a “Sanctuary Within” Tembi’s reflections on the Sicilian proverb “Hunger is the Best Sauce” and how hunger and desire can be its own reward How we can be each other’s guides This Episode's Challenge: For those of us who are in a place where we are well, have food, shelter, and are healthy, Tembi encourages us to slow down, tune into ourselves, and find that sanctuary within so that we can be a guide to others and serve the greater good. Learn More About Tembi Locke A distinguished keynote speaker, Tembi is an American actor with more than sixty TV and film credits including the global hit Netflix series, Never Have I Ever. She is also the author of New York Times bestselling memoir, From Scratch… A Reese’s Book Club that will become a Netflix series starring Zoe Saldana. Tembi started her onscreen career with the iconic comedy, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Currently, she can be found in roles on The Magicians, Proven Innocent, NCIS: LA, and EUReKA to name a few. She discovered her love of the written word at a very young age, writing short stories, journaling, and taking writing classes to grow her skills. After the loss of her husband, Saro, Tembi’s writing took on a completely new meaning. She began putting together the outline of what would eventually become her memoir, From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home. Today, Tembi works as an advocate and speaks on topics such as loss, resilience, and connection. Together with her daughter Zoela, Tembi enjoys cooking, connecting, and traveling to Sicily to take in the gorgeous Mediterranean landscape and eat ridiculous amounts of gelato.   Follow Tembi on Social Media Instagram Twitter Tembi Locke|Website   Resources Mentioned: From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home Happy Women Dinners   Additional Resource for this episode: The New York Times - What Do Reese Witherspoon, Florence Welch and Andrew Luck Have in Common? What Forty Steps Taught Me About Love and Grief|Tembi Locke|TEDxPasadenaWomen   Announcements: Special Coaching Invitation for Mindful Mothers   Before the summer ends...are you on a quest for personal clarity and connection so you can start the academic year well? The secret to starting well is to end well One of the biggest lessons I've learned on my parenting and life journey is that if we want to set our children up for successful new beginnings, we need to do the reflective work ourselves to close the last chapter and begin anew.COVID-19 and distance learning upended all of our lives and made it very challenging to end the school year well. But, in the midst of the difficulties, we also found new ways of being and deep resilience.There is wisdom and lessons learned to mine for that can help shine a light on what to do next. And when we create space for reflection and invest in ourselves, we open up possibilities and a blueprint to help our children do the same.Interested in getting support to close COVID, life and distance learning 1.0 before beginning again? With me as your guide? In August, I'm launching a special Back to School Coaching Special that combines my signature "Virtual Milestone Hike" experience in a one-on-one 90-minute coaching session along with the opportunity to be in "Circle" with other reflective mothers to share what we uncover together on these Virtual Hikes. Details Here: Here's what it will include:  1 90 minute one-on-one coaching session with me via Zoom using my signature Milestone Hike Reflection process. We won't be on a real hike, but it's the next best thing...slides/photos and all!  A 1.5 hr. Reflection Circle with the other mothers who have been through the same Virtual Hike experience where we can share together the insights that came up & make commitment statements for how we want to move forward into the fall. Cost: $270 (please reach out if a scholarship is needed) Spots Avail: Only Six to keep our Circle Intimate Timeframe: One-on-One Sessions early August. Circle date TBA working with the schedule of the six who sign up.If this calls to you, I encourage you to sign up quickly. I have space to take on six participants! Sign up here & link in bio: www.mothersquest.com/backtoschool Season Five of the Mother’s Podcast is Under Way! - Help us Spread the Word   If you enjoy the Mother’s Quest Podcast, we’d love your support in sharing this or another favorite episode with a mother you think would appreciate it too!  Another way to help spread the word is to leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Instructions for leaving a review are here: How to leave a rating or review for a podcast from your iPhone or iPad On your iOS mobile device, launch Apple's Podcast app. Tap the Search tab in the lower right corner of the screen. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. ... Tap the Reviews tab, then tap “Write a Review” at the bottom of the screen.   Acknowledgments: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Herve ClermontSamantha ArsenaultVickie Giambra Casey O'Roarty of Joyful Courage Kathie Moehlig or TransFamily Support Services Anne Ferguson of MamaFuel On the Move and etsuko Kubo Kate Amoo-Gottfried Nicole Lee Olivia Parr-Rud "Vince" of the While Black Podcast Sara Brannin-Mooser Lindsay Pera Julie Castro Abrams Alexia Vernon Brooke Markevicius Democracy Clothing Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Samantha Arsenault Attica Locke   Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Four of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com --- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

It gets real in this episode of the Self Love With Stephanie podcast, as Stephanie draws out the trauma that survivors experience when they are re-victimized by sharing their story. Stephanie speaks of her own experiences with sharing her story and the pain it brought her to relive that trauma over again through the reaction of those she shared her story with. The sad truth is that so often when we try to share the stories of our trauma, the experience brings out shame, guilt, and dark feelings that are not true. These reactions and the re-victimizing can make the trauma cut like a knife all over again. It can feel as though no one can be trusted, which makes us turn inward and allow this darkness to consume us. It can be terrifying to share this pain and trauma with others, especially when you’ve tried and been re-victimized in the past. It’s time to use our resources to find a safe space to share our stories and speak out against our trauma. When you are able to confide in someone trustworthy, receptive, and supportive, it begins to strengthen us.Set yourself free by finding your truth, facing your truth, and find those people that can be a safe harbor for your truth. Search for people outside your direct circle and those that can empathize with your situation and can be a healthy support system. Remember, you DO have the power to thrive after the trauma you’ve experienced!Challenge: For those that have experienced trauma, think about the best avenues for you to share your story and find safe spaces to fight for your strength. For those who have not, be receptive, be kind, be compassionate, so that you can be a safe space for someone who needs you.Please Keep in Touch Website: Self Love With StephanieIG: @selflovewithstephanie

I’m honored to bring this special episode of the Mother’s Quest Podcast to you with mother, activist, writer, co-founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation and an inspiration to so many, Sybrina Fulton.  The episode is the last in a series I’ve recorded for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative on the subject of gun safety and the intersectional impact of gun violence on our communities.  Unfortunately, Sybrina deeply knows the grief that comes in the wake of gun violence. But, after the deadly 2012 shooting of her beloved son, Trayvon Benjamin Martin, she felt compelled to rise up, literally pushing herself to get out of her bed, becoming the voice for her son and embarking on a journey to bring awareness to senseless gun violence and racial profiling.   In 2016, Sybrina rallied to the forefront at the Democratic National Convention with a group of African American trailblazing women, connected by tragedy, who became known as “Mothers of the Movement” for the “Black Lives Matter” Movement the death of their children sparked.  She didn’t stop there. In 2017, Sybrina co-authored her first book, Rest in Power, The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a memoir recounting the death of her son, which became the subject of a docu-series that debuted this year, Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, produced by hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. This intimate conversation, over a year in the making, was a unique opportunity to delve into Sybrina’s own journey, how the E.P.I.C. guideposts show up in her life and in her activism, and to hear her powerful call to action to invest in mothers, by reaching out to mothers grieving in our own communities and by contributing to her “Circle of Mothers,” a labor of love that came to her in her dreams.  I’m grateful to activist Michael Skolnik, who dedicated this episode, for connecting me to Sybrina and for inviting us to spread this conversation far and wide and direct resources to help mothers turn their grief into healing and advocacy, following Sybrina’s powerful example.  It costs $1500 to sponsor a grieving mother to attend Circle of Mothers. Michael and I have each pledged the first $3,000 to a GoFundMe campaign, each of us contributing $1500 to help a mother who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend.  Much appreciation,  Julie Neale   P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this special episode? Share this conversation!   This Episode is Dedicated by: Michael Skolnik Michael Skolnik was recently profiled in the NY Times and identified as “the man you go to if you want to leverage the power of celebrity and the reach of digital media to soften the ground for social change.” But, besides all of that, he is most proud to be the father of Mateo Ali, a rambunctious five year old.  He is the co-founder and partner of The Soze Agency, a social impact agency that partners with companies, non-profits, foundations and movements to create campaigns that uplift compassion, authenticity and equity. He is a respected leader in the new social justice movement, and has helped ignite conversations around America’s relationship with race, the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown and Eric Garner, and the Obama and Trump presidencies. He is a prolific voice on social media with more than 350,000 followers, and a regular commentator on outlets such as CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. Michael serves on the Board of Directors for Rock The Vote, The Trayvon Martin Foundation, Policy Link, The Gathering For Justice and The Young Partners Board of The Public Theater. Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter The Soze Agency Learn more about Michael Skolnik: https://about.me/michaelskolnik In This Episode We Talk About: What Sybrina wishes everyone would know about approaching a conversation with a mother who has lost a child. My 14 year old son’s question to Sybrina about what it feels like when your calling and the powerful work you’re doing is sparked by a tremendous loss. Why we need systemic and cultural change, and more awareness-raising conversations, to keep young people of color safe from racial profiling. The tragic death of Chinedu Okobi, an unarmed young black man who was tasered to death by San Mateo County deputies, just 20 minutes from my own home. The importance for grieving mothers to remember the things that they used to love and what Sybrina’s joyful outlet is The Circle of Mothers and how the idea to create it came to Sybrina in a dream. Sybrina’s challenge for all of us to open our hearts and to reach out to mothers, across differences, who have lost their child to let them know we care. Why investing in mothers is the most powerful lever to impact gun control. Resources and Topics Mentioned: Trayvon Martin Foundation Circle of Mothers Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin Remembrance Weekend: Peace Walk on February 9th followed by the Remembrance Gala on February 10th Article from CNN about Chinedu Okobi – Facebook executive says unreleased video calls into question police account of brother’s death GoFundMe for Circle of Mothers Women Podcasters in Solidarity website Other Mother’s Quest Episodes in This Series on Gun Safety:  Ep 37: Generations Rising for Gun Safety with Gloria Pan Ep 54: Superheroes, Fighting Patriarchy, and Courageously Defeating Gun Violence with Ladd Everitt   And in Last Year’s Series on Anti-Racism and Police Accountability: Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee EP31: Brave Spaces and Solidarity with “Rad Women” Author Kate Schatz EP33: Beyond the Trauma: Legacy, Compassion and Change with Mothers Against Police Brutality Co-Founder Sara Mokuria This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Sybrina asks us to reach out to a mother who has lost a child and be a support to them. Take them out, let them know you are here, organize something for a group. Let them know that they are not alone.  Learn More About Sybrina Fulton: After the death of her beloved son, Trayvon Benjamin Martin, in February 2012, Sybrina Fulton was charged with a new mission. A desire to transform family tragedy into social change allowed her to establish the Trayvon Martin Foundation in March 2012. As Fulton traverses the globe, she passionately embarks on a journey designed to bring awareness to senseless gun violence and serves as an advocate to families, the catalyst for her dream project, the “Circle of Mothers.” Winning the national support of president-elect Hillary Clinton, Fulton rallied to the forefront in 2016 at the Democratic National Convention with a cadre of African American trailblazing women known as “Mothers of the Movement.” The women, connected by tragedy, are the inspiration behind the “Black Lives Matter.” In 2017, Fulton co-authored her first book, Rest in Power, The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a memoir recounting the death of her son, and the subject of a six-part docuseries, Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, produced by hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter for Paramount Network and BET (July 2018). Bestowed with many distinguished awards, Sybrina Fulton has represented the United States at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss racial discrimination; the National Urban League, Black Lives Matter, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, The Triumph Awards (2016), Essence Festival & Conference (2017, 2018), and was selected as the White House’s guest of honor for the unveiling of former President Barak Obama’s initiative, “My Brother’s Keeper.” Fulton is also one of the 2018 recipients of VH1’s Trailblazer Honor Award. A Miami native and graduate of Florida Memorial University, Sybrina Fulton, along with her son, Jahvaris, are on a mission to build better, safer communities. She is a proud member of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. She created the Circle of Mothers as a way to empower women. The purpose of the Circle of Mothers is to bring together mothers who have lost children or family members to senseless gun violence for the purpose of healing, empowerment, and fellowship towards the larger aim of community building.  Connect with Sybrina at: Facebook Twitter Instagram www.circleofmothers.org www.trayvonmartinfoundation.org

This week we have the Fit & Focused Tonia Shump, a life coach and body image coach. She helps women reclaim who they are by helping them empower, align, and connect to themselves.During this podcast we will dive deep into our self image and feeling comfortable with ourselves in our own skin to feel pleasure and share it with the world. Tonia tells us how she looked at her life one day and realized that something needed to change and what sparked that thought.You will learn during this episode that understanding why we tolerate the negative thought of ourselves when we wouldn't tolerate them from someone else happens fairly often, but WHY? Self talk and changing the language of how we speak to ourselves and of ourselves is the first start. Once you are able to identify and notice what is causing your to feel insecure or uncomfortable in your own skin you can then address the insecurity/ negative thought and heal. Shine bright and be confident by giving yourself full permission to be that best feminine version of you by throwing the SHAME out of the window!Challenge: For the next 14 days spend 15 minutes each day and walk around in your room NAKEDFollow Tonia ShumpShameless Goddess https://calendly.com/toniashumpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonia.shump/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonia.shump/Tim Ferris Episode With Elizabeth Gilbert https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tim-ferriss-show/id863897795?i=1000474039609Follow the Dreamboard Social Club:https://tanyasaunders.comhttps://instagram.com/tanya_saundershttps://instagram.com/pausebreathwork?igshid=1ile8vcwf0l8y HOW TO SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEWhttps://dreamboardsocialclubpodcast.wordpress.com/how-to-listen-and-review/https://magicspoon.com/PROMO Dreamboardsocialclub for FREE SHIPPING

In this week’s episode, I share my heart and let you in on knowing more about my values, strengths, and personality. I really felt God leading me this week to share a conversation about being completely honest with yourself and being 100% who you are. Have you ever found yourself apologizing for being you? Have you found yourself adjusting your words or behaviors to fit in with others or because you feared others would judge you? I know I have. Being wholly a woman means owning, accepting, and NOT apologizing for being the person God made you to be. I am still working on this and I invite you to work on this with me.Thoughts/Feedback/Show ideas: email me: emily@nfppharmacist.com Challenge:For the next 7 days, take a notebook and EACH day write out some truths about you and your valueExamples: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” “I am loved and treasured for exactly who I am”Write them out in “I” statementsUp the challenge: read aloud what you wroteResources mentioned:-”Girl, Stop Apologizing” book by Rachel Hollis: https://thehollisco.com/pages/girl-stop-apologizing-book-Papercake creations (repurposed books into journals): https://www.etsy.com/shop/PapercakeCreations-Value cards: http://www.motivationalinterviewing.org/sites/default/files/valuescardsort_0.pdf-StrengthsFinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx -Myers-Briggs personality test: https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types-Enneagram: https://onefootcoaching.com/-Sparketypes: https://www.goodlifeproject.com/sparketypes/ -”Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire” book by Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.com/books/fierce-free-and-full-of-fire/

Pastor David concludes the series Stop Complaining. He leaves us with a 7 day Philippians 7:8 Challenge "For 7 days, I’m going to deliberately walk around and SEE the blessings that are all around me. I’m not gonna sweat the small stuff. I’m gonna let it go. I’m not going to complain about the same predictable things that won’t matter in 5 hours. I’m gonna stop obsessing about myself. I’m gonna focus on what’s beautiful, and pure, and praiseworthy, and good. Thank you Jesus for the beautiful life you have given me." We would love for you to join us at one of our services Sundays at 10am and 12:30pm and Tuesdays at 7pm for more information visit us at believerscenter.com! Stay up to date with everything going on at Believers Center by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and downloading our BC app!

Pastor David concludes the series Stop Complaining. He leaves us with a 7 day Philippians 7:8 Challenge "For 7 days, I’m going to deliberately walk around and SEE the blessings that are all around me. I’m not gonna sweat the small stuff. I’m gonna let it go. I’m not going to complain about the same predictable things that won’t matter in 5 hours. I’m gonna stop obsessing about myself. I’m gonna focus on what’s beautiful, and pure, and praiseworthy, and good. Thank you Jesus for the beautiful life you have given me." We would love for you to join us at one of our services Sundays at 10am and 12:30pm and Tuesdays at 7pm for more information visit us at believerscenter.com! Stay up to date with everything going on at Believers Center by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and downloading our BC app!

In honor of Mother’s Day 2019, I wanted to share this episode on the feed again with my sister Caren Lettiere, founder of Democracy Clothing, along with an updated discount code, 20Romy, to purchase Democracy jeans at 20% off (on Amazon.com) through May 24th. I also wanted to share an amazing update about the events that unfolded after we released this episode.  As you’ll hear in this conversation as it unfolds, Caren and I realized more and more how much our missions are aligned, but manifested in different ways. Caren helps empower women, many of them mothers, by helping them look and feel good on the outside and I empower mothers by helping them get clear and connected to their voice, their vision and their values on the inside.  We decided we wanted to work together and Caren brought me on to help Democracy with their brand messaging and to find ways to deepen their social impact. Because I was invited while recording an episode with Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, to be an ambassador at her Circle of Mothers healing retreat, I had this idea that Caren could come too and gift the mothers, who were all grieving the loss of a child to gun violence, with her Democracy jeans.  The weekend for the mothers was nothing short of transformative. That we anticipated. But, what surprised us was was that something like jeans, which might have been experienced as trivial, was in the words of many of these mothers "life-changing." After witnessing this, we wanted to support more of you with the 20% coupon to purchase the jeans, so you can look good, feel good and have the confidence to do good in Democracy jeans. As we did in the original episode, we’d also love to hear from you. Share your photos with the Mother’s Quest and Democracy Clothing hashtags and let us know about your “Democracy in Action” stories are unfolding.  Sending love to all the mothers, and those who mother, especially those who may be healing from the loss of a loved one.  Thinking of you on Mother’s Day!  Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Click forward now to pay this forward to a friend who may be interested. Ep 56: Embrace Your Shape and Evolve Your Life with Democracy Clothing’s President Caren Lettiere Caren, ten years older than me and like a second mother in many ways, has been a guide, mentor and inspiration to me my whole life. She’s an ambitious, talented leader in the fashion industry and has managed to grow a $70 million dollar brand, Democracy Clothing, alongside a 27 year marriage and raising two of the loveliest young adults I know, my niece and nephew Nicole and Josh. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in political science, she took a different course and embarked on a career path in fashion, beginning in sales for a company called Rampage, and ultimately landing at Kellwood. There, she first filled a gap she noticed her daughter had for jeans and developed a brand to meet it called Jolt/Rewind. Soon after, she recognized an even greater underserved customer in the market, a dynamic, modern, multitasking mother like herself who loves fashion but got busy with life. Devoted to this ageless woman and aware that she doesn’t want to put an expiration date on her vitality, but could benefit from a little “engineering” when it comes to jeans, Caren launched Democracy Clothing. I loved this conversation with my sister and learned so much myself about how she grew the brand from her side hustle into the tremendously successful venture it is today. Family, magic, a positive mindset and a willingness to grow and evolve in community are just a few of the themes we explore in this episode. We cover everything from the important role that Caren’s husband David played in supporting her career to how they both championed their son Josh last year, when he received a cancer diagnosis and moved forward with his own positivity through three rounds of chemo and a clean bill of health. Caren also shares openly about her own health challenges and all the ways she has built community, at home and at work, to help her thrive. Finally, Caren gives us a special challenge. She asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy Clothing:  to embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to live a more whole and confident life. If this calls to you, we encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters to you, and then take a photo and share your story with us on Instagram using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories (then sharing them on Democracy’s Instastories) and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren likes to say… in your E.P.I.C. life. This Episode is Dedicated by: The team at Democracy, represented by Director of Sales Judy Owens. Democracy is a denim-based casual lifestyle brand devoted to the woman who grew up with fashion, but then got busy with life. Founded in 2010, on the principle of “Curve Equality,” which acknowledges that all shapes are not created equal, Democracy’s designers set out to create a jean that that would maximize a woman’s shape by fusing together, style, comfort and technology. Sales inquiries: democracy.sales@kellwood.com www.democracyclothing.com www.facebook.com/democracyjeans www.twitter.com/democracyjeans www.instagram.com/democracyclothing In This Episode We Talk About: The BuzzFeed Article that sparked this episode and revealed Mother’s Quest community member Nancy Netherland’s story of wearing Democracy jeans from Capital Hill to her daughter’s hospital bedside 3 Things Caren learned from our mother, growing up as a 60’s child Caren’s path to living an E.P.I.C. life through pursuing her love of fashion Moments that make me and Caren cry as she reflects on the impact of our mother and father and her husband on her life How Democracy Clothing started out as Caren’s side hustle, the unique woman who inspired the brand, and how her work family helped it succeed The one thing Caren always knew she was on a quest for Keys to honoring your kids as they become more independent Caren’s son Josh’s experience battling testicular cancer last year and how she and her husband David honored his choices What Caren’s Dr. told her she could NOT do if she wanted to avoid diabetes, how she reclaimed her health, and the special way she starts her mornings alongside her daughter Nicole The Four Pillars of Democracy Clothing and a special challenge and discount for the Mother’s Quest Community  Resources and Topics Mentioned: Democracy Clothing (Wit & Wisdom) Featured on BuzzFeed Kellwood Ep 10: Choosing Gratitude and Glitter with Nancy Netherland, who inspired this episode with her own powerful story of wearing Democracy jeans. What is Your Jean Story? – Video with Caren Explaining Her Jeans Democracy Clothing Ep 55: From Grief to Advocacy and a Circle of Mothers with Trayvon Martin’s Mother Sybrina Fulton Other Episodes with My Family Members: Ep 43: Love of Family and Pursuing our Fate ~A Father’s Day Special~ with David Lieberman EP34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman and Sandy Klasky Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflectionswith Ryan Neale This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Caren encourages us to take a moment and recognize that you are an extraordinary and dynamic woman. Learn to give yourself space to appreciate who you are and how you got to where you are now. Caren also asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy to:  embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to feel good about yourself and live a more whole and confident life. There’s also a special offer…if you want to explore those pillars in a pair of Democracy jeans yourself, here is the updated discount code, 20Romy, to purchase Democracy jeans at 20% off on Amazon.com through May 24th. We encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters, and then take a photo and share your story with us using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren says…in your E.P.I.C. life. *Don’t forget to put #DemocracyClothing #MothersQuest as you share your Jeans story on Instagram and have an opportunity to have yours shared on Democracy’s Instastories. The code can be redeemed on multiple units of Democracy but only on one order per person. Code is valid through May 24th, 2019 or until supplies last. Learn More About Caren Lettierre: Caren is the founder and President of Democracy Clothing, the brand that she passionately created and launched in 2010 for Kellwood. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Caren embarked on her non-traditional career path into fashion. She began in sales, launching the Rampage Clothing brand and their modern missy sub-brand CDC. After this, she embarked on her quest to fill the void in fashion for the dynamic, modern, multitasking woman. Through her empathetic lens, she embraces women of all shapes and sizes and is committed to providing them with the foundation and confidence as they pursue their E.P.I.C. life. Caren’s proudest accomplishment is the fulfilling family life that she built along the way with David, her husband of 27 years and their amazing kids Nicole and Josh. LinkedIn Announcements: Join the Manifesto Challenge Graeme and I have a vision one day for the creation and sharing of one million of these manifestos on social media using the hashtag #oneminutemommanifesto. Join us in the private Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, from May 13th to the 17th. Each day, I’ll share a reflective prompt to help you claim the next chapter in your life and I’ll host a different mother, including Graeme, who will share their stories and their #oneminutemommanifestos for inspiration.  Spark Your E.P.I.C. Year Anyone else feel like they need a spring reset to their year?  A few months ago, we declared February the new January and facilitated a Mother's Quest Workshop/Virtual Milestone Hike experience to help us all start again. Using photos from my favorite local hike, I took a small group on a virtual journey to: ✨Reflect on our last chapter (as we ascend)  ✨Decide what we want to release (using an image of a big bad bonfire!) and what we want to carry forward ✨Then, set intentions along the E.P.I.C. guideposts for our new chapter.  There’s a special planning sheet we created to guide you and help you document the whole process. 

Episode 24 - A Challenge - For interactive maps, go to 12-26-75.com/the-possible-files Interlude music "Knife," by the Artist "As Bulk Or Item," used with permission under the Creative Commons License; Intro and Outro music "Spooks in the House," by the Artist "Lone Tree Music," licensed by Jamendo Music. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I’m thrilled to share this special finale episode of the Mother’s Quest podcast with my very own sister, Caren Lettiere. Caren, ten years older than me and like a second mother in many ways, has been a guide, mentor and inspiration to me my whole life. She’s an ambitious, talented leader in the fashion industry and has managed to grow a $70 million dollar brand, Democracy Clothing, alongside a 27 year marriage and raising two of the loveliest young adults I know, my niece and nephew Nicole and Josh. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in political science, she took a different course and embarked on a career path in fashion, beginning in sales for a company called Rampage, and ultimately landing at Kellwood. There, she first filled a gap she noticed her daughter had for jeans and developed a brand to meet it called Jolt/Rewind. Soon after, she recognized an even greater underserved customer in the market, a dynamic, modern, multitasking mother like herself who loves fashion but got busy with life. Devoted to this ageless woman and aware that she doesn’t want to put an expiration date on her vitality, but could benefit from a little “engineering” when it comes to jeans, Caren launched Democracy Clothing. I loved this conversation with my sister and learned so much myself about how she grew the brand from her side hustle into the tremendously successful venture it is today. Family, magic, a positive mindset and a willingness to grow and evolve in community are just a few of the themes we explore in this episode. We cover everything from the important role that Caren’s husband David played in supporting her career to how they both championed their son Josh last year, when he received a cancer diagnosis and moved forward with his own positivity through three rounds of chemo and a clean bill of health. Caren also shares openly about her own health challenges and all the ways she has built community, at home and at work, to help her thrive. Finally, Caren gives us a special challenge. She asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy Clothing:  to embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to live a more whole and confident life. There’s also a special offer just for us…if you want to explore those pillars in a pair of Democracy jeans yourself, she’s offering a special 10% discount code, 10DEMOCRACY, that you can use on Amazon.com through January 13th. If this calls to you, we encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters to you, and then take a photo and share your story with us on Instagram using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories (then sharing them on Democracy’s Instastories) and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren likes to say… in your E.P.I.C. life. Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this special episode? Click forward and share this conversation! This Episode is Dedicated by: The team at Democracy, represented by Director of Sales Judy Owens. Democracy is a denim-based casual lifestyle brand devoted to the woman who grew up with fashion, but then got busy with life. Founded in 2010, on the principle of “Curve Equality,” which acknowledges that all shapes are not created equal, Democracy’s designers set out to create a jean that that would maximize a woman’s shape by fusing together, style, comfort and technology. Sales inquiries: democracy.sales@kellwood.com www.democracyclothing.com www.facebook.com/democracyjeans www.twitter.com/democracyjeans www.instagram.com/democracyclothing In This Episode We Talk About: The BuzzFeed Article that sparked this episode and revealed Mother’s Quest community member Nancy Netherland’s story of wearing Democracy jeans from Capital Hill to her daughter’s hospital bedside 3 Things Caren learned from our mother, growing up as a 60’s child Caren’s path to living an E.P.I.C. life through pursuing her love of fashion Moments that make me and Caren cry as she reflects on the impact of our mother and father and her husband on her life How Democracy Clothing started out as Caren’s side hustle, the unique woman who inspired the brand, and how her work family helped it succeed The one thing Caren always knew she was on a quest for Keys to honoring your kids as they become more independent Caren’s son Josh’s experience battling testicular cancer last year and how she and her husband David honored his choices What Caren’s Dr. told her she could NOT do if she wanted to avoid diabetes, how she reclaimed her health, and the special way she starts her mornings alongside her daughter Nicole The Four Pillars of Democracy Clothing and a special challenge and discount for the Mother’s Quest Community  Resources and Topics Mentioned: Democracy Clothing (Wit & Wisdom) Featured on BuzzFeed Kellwood Ep 10: Choosing Gratitude and Glitter with Nancy Netherland, who inspired this episode with her own powerful story of wearing Democracy jeans. What is Your Jean Story? – Video with Caren Explaining Her Jeans Democracy Clothing Other Episodes with My Family Members: Ep 43: Love of Family and Pursuing our Fate ~A Father’s Day Special~ with David Lieberman EP34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman and Sandy Klasky Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflectionswith Ryan Neale This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Caren encourages us to take a moment and recognize that you are an extraordinary and dynamic woman. Learn to give yourself space to appreciate who you are and how you got to where you are now. Caren also asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy to:  embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to feel good about yourself and live a more whole and confident life. There’s also a special offer…if you want to explore those pillars in a pair of Democracy jeans yourself, she’s offering a special 10% discount code, 10DEMOCRACY, that you can use on Amazon.com through January 13th. We encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters, and then take a photo and share your story with us using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren says…in your E.P.I.C. life. *Don’t forget to put #DemocracyClothing #MothersQuest as you share your Jeans story on Instagram and have an opportunity to have yours shared on Democracy’s Instastories. The code can be redeemed on multiple units of Democracy but only on one order per person. Code is valid through 1/13/19 or until supplies last. Learn More About Caren Lettierre: Caren is the founder and President of Democracy Clothing, the brand that she passionately created and launched in 2010 for Kellwood. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Caren embarked on her non-traditional career path into fashion. She began in sales, launching the Rampage Clothing brand and their modern missy sub-brand CDC. After this, she embarked on her quest to fill the void in fashion for the dynamic, modern, multitasking woman. Through her empathetic lens, she embraces women of all shapes and sizes and is committed to providing them with the foundation and confidence as they pursue their E.P.I.C. life. Caren’s proudest accomplishment is the fulfilling family life that she built along the way with David, her husband of 27 years and their amazing kids Nicole and Josh. LinkedIn Announcements: Support the Circle of Mothers GoFundMe Campaign As of December of 2018, 644 children and 2,729 teens have been killed by gun violence in the US this year. If you feel  pain at the loss of so many young lives full of promise, imagine the devastating grief experienced by the mothers they’ve left behind. On May 16, 2014, Sybrina embarked on a powerful call to action to support and invest in mothers, by reaching out to mothers grieving in our communities. The Circle of Mothers, an annual retreat for women who have lost a child to senseless gun violence, was born.  It costs $1,500 to sponsor a mother who would otherwise not be able to participate in Circle of Mothers. Activist Michael Skolnik and I have pledged the first $3,000 of this $15,000 campaign, 2 toward our goal of 10 women we hope to send.  I pray that one day we won’t need The Circle of Mothers, because we’ve brought an end to gun violence in the US and no more mothers will have to grieve the theft of their children’s lives.   Until then, I hope you’ll open your hearts and minds to Sybrina’s story, lift up grieving mothers who seek healing, and invest in them to lead the way forward. Support the Campaign Women Podcasters in Solidarity Tragically, I have now lost count of the number of mass shootings have taken place just in the time since the Women Podcasters in Solidarity selected “gun safety” as the issue we want to shine a light on this season. Grateful to partner with Cristin Marie and Elsie Escobar on bringing this season of the Initiative to life. It is my deepest hope that through the power of podcasting, the episodes we will record, the conversations we will share with our listeners, and the dollars we will collectively raise toward gun safety causes, will save lives. Please take a look at Cristin’s post here and say “yes” to the Initiative yourself or help spread the word to reach other podcasters who would want to join. Mother’s Quest Circle APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FEBRUARY 2019!! If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 8 women who are ready to say “yes” to: Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most To consciously live their version (not someone else’s) of an E.P.I.C. life To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you’re looking to start the year strong, the Circle is a great way to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here to add your name to the wait list.  Watch out for Season Four This is the last episode of Season Three of the Mother’s Quest Podcast. I’ll be taking some time off from podcasting during the holidays and start of the new year but will be back in February with an incredible Season Four. Until then, I invite you to subscribe if you haven’t already to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed. And would love to see you in the private Mothers’ Quest Facebook Group where we will continue to build community and connection. Visit www.mothersquest.com/community to join. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Democracy Clothing Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com   Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

I’m honored to bring this special episode of the Mother’s Quest Podcast to you with mother, activist, writer, co-founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation and an inspiration to so many, Sybrina Fulton.  The episode is the last in a series I’ve recorded for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative on the subject of gun safety and the intersectional impact of gun violence on our communities.  Unfortunately, Sybrina deeply knows the grief that comes in the wake of gun violence. But, after the deadly 2012 shooting of her beloved son, Trayvon Benjamin Martin, she felt compelled to rise up, literally pushing herself to get out of her bed, becoming the voice for her son and embarking on a journey to bring awareness to senseless gun violence and racial profiling.   In 2016, Sybrina rallied to the forefront at the Democratic National Convention with a group of African American trailblazing women, connected by tragedy, who became known as “Mothers of the Movement” for the “Black Lives Matter” Movement the death of their children sparked.  She didn’t stop there. In 2017, Sybrina co-authored her first book, Rest in Power, The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a memoir recounting the death of her son, which became the subject of a docu-series that debuted this year, Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, produced by hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. This intimate conversation, over a year in the making, was a unique opportunity to delve into Sybrina’s own journey, how the E.P.I.C. guideposts show up in her life and in her activism, and to hear her powerful call to action to invest in mothers, by reaching out to mothers grieving in our own communities and by contributing to her “Circle of Mothers,” a labor of love that came to her in her dreams.  I’m grateful to activist Michael Skolnik, who dedicated this episode, for connecting me to Sybrina and for inviting us to spread this conversation far and wide and direct resources to help mothers turn their grief into healing and advocacy, following Sybrina’s powerful example.  Michael and I have each pledged the first $3,000 to the campaign, each of us $1500 to sponsor a different mother to attend Circle of Mothers. I hope you’ll open your hearts and minds to Sybrina’s story, visit mothersquest.com/circleofmothers and join us in contributing to her mission.  Much appreciation,  P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this special episode? Push forward and share this conversation! This Episode is Dedicated by: Michael Skolnik Michael Skolnik was recently profiled in the NY Times and identified as “the man you go to if you want to leverage the power of celebrity and the reach of digital media to soften the ground for social change.” But, besides all of that, he is most proud to be the father of Mateo Ali, a rambunctious five year old.  He is the co-founder and partner of The Soze Agency, a social impact agency that partners with companies, non-profits, foundations and movements to create campaigns that uplift compassion, authenticity and equity. He is a respected leader in the new social justice movement, and has helped ignite conversations around America’s relationship with race, the deaths of Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown and Eric Garner, and the Obama and Trump presidencies. He is a prolific voice on social media with more than 350,000 followers, and a regular commentator on outlets such as CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. Michael serves on the Board of Directors for Rock The Vote, The Trayvon Martin Foundation, Policy Link, The Gathering For Justice and The Young Partners Board of The Public Theater. Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter The Soze Agency Learn more about Michael Skolnik: https://about.me/michaelskolnik   In This Episode We Talk About: What Sybrina wishes everyone would know about approaching a conversation with a mother who has lost a child. My 14 year old son’s question to Sybrina about what it feels like when your calling and the powerful work you’re doing is sparked by a tremendous loss. Why we need systemic and cultural change, and more awareness-raising conversations, to keep young people of color safe from racial profiling. The tragic death of Chinedu Okobi, an unarmed young black man who was tasered to death by San Mateo County deputies, just 20 minutes from my own home. The importance for grieving mothers to remember the things that they used to love and what Sybrina’s joyful outlet is The Circle of Mothers and how the idea to create it came to Sybrina in a dream. Sybrina’s challenge for all of us to open our hearts and to reach out to mothers, across differences, who have lost their child to let them know we care. Why investing in mothers is the most powerful lever to impact gun control.   Resources and Topics Mentioned: Trayvon Martin Foundation Circle of Mothers Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story Rest in Power: The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin Remembrance Weekend: Peace Walk on February 9th followed by the Remembrance Gala on February 10th Article from CNN about Chinedu Okobi - Facebook executive says unreleased video calls into question police account of brother’s death GoFundMe for Circle of Mothers Women Podcasters in Solidarity website Other Mother’s Quest Episodes in This Series on Gun Safety:  Ep 37: Generations Rising for Gun Safety with Gloria Pan Ep 54: Superheroes, Fighting Patriarchy, and Courageously Defeating Gun Violence with Ladd Everitt And in Last Year’s Series on Anti-Racism and Police Accountability: Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee EP31: Brave Spaces and Solidarity with “Rad Women” Author Kate Schatz EP33: Beyond the Trauma: Legacy, Compassion and Change with Mothers Against Police Brutality Co-Founder Sara Mokuria   This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Sybrina asks us to reach out to a mother who has lost a child and be a support to them. Take them out, let them know you are here, organize something for a group. Let them know that they are not alone.  You can also show your support, and invest in the healing of mothers who can lead the way forward, by contributing directly to the GoFundMe campaign and sponsor mothers to attend this year’s Circle of Mothers event. We have a goal to raise $15,000 and send 10 mothers, at $1,500 per person, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.  CLICK HERE  Learn More About Sybrina Fulton: After the death of her beloved son, Trayvon Benjamin Martin, in February 2012, Sybrina Fulton was charged with a new mission. A desire to transform family tragedy into social change allowed her to establish the Trayvon Martin Foundation in March 2012. As Fulton traverses the globe, she passionately embarks on a journey designed to bring awareness to senseless gun violence and serves as an advocate to families, the catalyst for her dream project, the “Circle of Mothers.” Winning the national support of president-elect Hillary Clinton, Fulton rallied to the forefront in 2016 at the Democratic National Convention with a cadre of African American trailblazing women known as “Mothers of the Movement.” The women, connected by tragedy, are the inspiration behind the “Black Lives Matter.” In 2017, Fulton co-authored her first book, Rest in Power, The Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin, a memoir recounting the death of her son, and the subject of a six-part docuseries, Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story, produced by hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter for Paramount Network and BET (July 2018). Bestowed with many distinguished awards, Sybrina Fulton has represented the United States at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss racial discrimination; the National Urban League, Black Lives Matter, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, The Triumph Awards (2016), Essence Festival & Conference (2017, 2018), and was selected as the White House’s guest of honor for the unveiling of former President Barak Obama’s initiative, “My Brother’s Keeper.” Fulton is also one of the 2018 recipients of VH1’s Trailblazer Honor Award. A Miami native and graduate of Florida Memorial University, Sybrina Fulton, along with her son, Jahvaris, are on a mission to build better, safer communities. She is a proud member of the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. She created the Circle of Mothers as a way to empower women. The purpose of the Circle of Mothers is to bring together mothers who have lost children or family members to senseless gun violence for the purpose of healing, empowerment, and fellowship towards the larger aim of community building.  Connect with Sybrina at: Facebook Twitter Instagram www.circleofmothers.org www.trayvonmartinfoundation.org   Announcements: Support the Circle of Mothers GoFundMe Campaign As of December of 2018, 644 children and 2,729 teens have been killed by gun violence in the US this year. If you feel  pain at the loss of so many young lives full of promise, imagine the devastating grief experienced by the mothers they’ve left behind. On May 16, 2014, Sybrina embarked on a powerful call to action to support and invest in mothers, by reaching out to mothers grieving in our communities. The Circle of Mothers, an annual retreat for women who have lost a child to senseless gun violence, was born.  It costs $1,500 to sponsor a mother who would otherwise not be able to participate in Circle of Mothers. Activist Michael Skolnik and I have pledged the first $3,000 of this $15,000 campaign, 2 toward our goal of 10 women we hope to send.  I pray that one day we won’t need The Circle of Mothers, because we’ve brought an end to gun violence in the US and no more mothers will have to grieve the theft of their children’s lives.   Until then, I hope you’ll open your hearts and minds to Sybrina’s story, lift up grieving mothers who seek healing, and invest in them to lead the way forward. Support the Campaign Women Podcasters in Solidarity Tragically, I have now lost count of the number of mass shootings have taken place just in the time since the Women Podcasters in Solidarity selected “gun safety” as the issue we want to shine a light on this season. Grateful to partner with Cristin Marie and Elsie Escobar on bringing this season of the Initiative to life. It is my deepest hope that through the power of podcasting, the episodes we will record, the conversations we will share with our listeners, and the dollars we will collectively raise toward gun safety causes, will save lives. Please take a look at Cristin’s post here and say “yes” to the Initiative yourself or help spread the word to reach other podcasters who would want to join. Mother’s Quest Circle If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 8 women who are ready to say “yes” to: Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most To consciously live their version (not someone else’s) of an E.P.I.C. life To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you’re looking to start the year strong, the Circle is a great way to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here to add your name to the wait list. Learn More Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com   — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

“When you integrate your product into your life, it’s seamless. But if you look like you drank the Kool-aid no one is going to listen to you, because people are going to think that everytime you talk you are looking through the lens of your company.” This week on the Authentic Influencer Podcast we’re talking about building a brand around yourself. So often, we can find ourselves constantly elevating a product, in an attempt to make more sales. People want to trust that you have their best interest in mind. You are partnering with them to create a better life, not just monetizing their real needs. When we help others find solutions, even if it isn’t our product, we are more likely to gain a following of people who will be ready to listen when our product is actually the best fit. When we are in this position, the products become secondary.   “Find the thing that is truly you, and then integrate the product or opportunity into your life. People want to see you, not a product.”   If the company you are selling for doesn’t align with your passion, it might be time to find a different company. We have gotten on the phone for so many consultations with people who realize that the problem with their business isn’t that they aren’t good at selling, but that they are attempting to sell the wrong thing! Does the company you sell for promote the lifestyle, values, priorities, passion that you uphold in your personal life?   “It’s important to create a brand around yourself because once you do that, it becomes an asset. It becomes something that you have, that you can take with you.” Our first challenge for you this week is to do an audit of your last 10 posts on Facebook. Were you selling yourself or your product? Take some time to practice reframing those posts. How could you post in a way that will position you as an expert, instead of just pushing a product?   Find one influencer in your circle that consistently causes you wonder, “Where did she get that?” The people who do the best at selling their products aren’t constantly pushing you towards the product. They draw you in, and build trust with you. Listen in to learn more about building your brand, gaining the trust of others, and selling yourself! Some Topics we talk about in this episode:   Introduction - 0:00 What Does it Mean to Sell Yourself? - 2:58 Building a Long-term Brand - 7:35 Your Company Might Not Stay, But Your Business Can - 9:32 Align Your Business with Your Passion - 13:58 Challenge For the Week - 16:34 Wrap-up and Takeaways - 18:24   How to get involved Here’s the link to our webinar that you can share with friends in your network - www.socialtenacity.com/webinar If you are ready to stop living in scarcity and have the wealth you’ve always wanted, check out www.socialtenacity.com/gift and get a free gift just for listening! If you want to continue the conversation, join the Official Authentic Influencer Marketing Community on FB HERE   If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

I’m honored to share this episode of the Mother’s Quest Podcast, the second in a series I’m recording for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative on the subject of gun safety and the intersectional impact of gun violence on our communities. As the mother of two boys, I was interested in having a conversation with an expert on this subject who’s also a man and a father and I’m so grateful to have found one willing to go deep and be vulnerable in gun prevention advocate Ladd Everitt.   Ladd has been involved in this movement since 1993, when his life changed forever after a man boarded a rush hour train on the Long Island Railroad and opened fire with a handgun, killing six and wounding 19. This train was the one Ladd took regularly and he realized that it easily could have been him killed that day.   That moment sparked Ladd to attend the Million Mom March in 2000 in Washington DC, where despite the fact that he was a single man with no children, he found himself stepping into leadership for a local chapter and working alongside mothers for gun safety.   More than two decades later, he has become a father himself, and is still deeply committed to this work. After 10 years as a strategic communications and social media specialist with the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Ladd took the position he holds today as Director of One Pulse for America, a gun violence prevention group established after the Florida Pulse Nightclub shooting by acclaimed actor/LGBTQ rights activist George Takei.    Ladd brought honesty and clarity to the conversation as we traced his E.P.I.C. life journey, from growing up as a young boy influenced by Marvel comics, to stepping into his own powers as a caring father and a decades long gun control advocate.   I appreciated Ladd’s humility as he expressed how the trauma of doing this work has impacted him, his own growing pains as he’s learning about and confronting racism and patriarchy, and the importance of giving the microphone and following the lead of young people, who he says are the emotional and cultural leaders of the movement today.     Ladd leaves us with hopefulness about the possibility for real change after the mid-term elections along with a challenge to hold our elected officials accountable, beginning with a specific request of Nancy Pelosi to focus on new and bold, not watered down, gun policy changes.  I was inspired by the example in Ladd of a white male leader, connected to his emotions, doing meaningful work, and looking for ways to share his privilege and influence with voices that should have more representation in the movement. Ladd and I both left the conversation feeling enriched by the opportunity to talk through complex issues. I’m excited to invite you in to listen with us and then move into action for gun safety alongside us.  Much appreciation,  Julie Neale P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this episode? Push forward and share this conversation! This Episode is Dedicated by: Helgi Maki Helgi dedicated this episode to all mothers affected by cycles of gun violence, who witness and deal with its aftermath for generations, especially the mothers affected by the terrorist attack in Pittsburgh, in the anti-Semitic hate crime shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue on Saturday, October 27, 2018. They deserve our heartfelt, meaningful support in the wake of life altering gun violence.  Helgi is a lawyer and the founder of traumainformedlaw.org - an initiative to help justice professionals and communities reduce the impact of  trauma and violence on public health.  You can learn more about her work at the links below. The Trauma-Informed Law Project Trauma-Informed Law On Twitter Tree of Life Congregation In This Episode We Talk About: How Marvel creator Stan Lee influenced Ladd’s own development and the ways that Stan’s depiction of women and people of color changed over time The tragic event that became a wake-up call and sparked Ladd’s passion for working toward gun safety. Ladd’s first experience working toward gun control after the Million Mom March How young people are the emotional and cultural leaders of the gun control movement now and Ladd’s fear that they may start listening to adults The vicarious trauma and harassment that those on the frontlines of gun advocacy work experience The exploration of toxic masculinity in the movie “The Mask You Live In” and why Ladd believes it’s crucial to teach boys that crying is a healthy way to express their emotions The importance of fighting back against stigmatization of the mentally ill Ladd’s experience being arrested, along with Michael Skolnik and other male activists, while protesting on behalf of women during the Kavanaugh hearings The Universal Background Check and why is it important. The book on Ladd’s desk when we conducted our interview that he’s reading to help him learn how to confront racism and white fragility His Challenge for all of us to hold our newly elected officials accountable for bold gun policy   Resources and Topics Mentioned: Women Podcasters in Solidarity Million Mom March Writer Jena Schwartz’s daughter’s post about her experience with a school lockdown. White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism by Robin DiAngelo LA Times Op Ed The Mask You Live In One Pulse for America FB page "Challenge" Action Alert EP31: Brave Spaces and Solidarity with “Rad Women” Author Kate Schatz This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Ladd challenges us to focus on what he believes is the most important issue related to gun safety: to get serious about disarming violent people in our country. Ladd asks us to follow through on his One Pulse America Action Alert: To Tell Presumptive Speaker Pelosi to Make Assault Weapons Ban a Priority Follow the links below for more information: https://www.onepulseforamerica.com/action-alert/tell-presumptive-speaker-pelosi-to-make-assault-weapons-ban-a-priority/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1779750855570640/ And read Ladd’s recent OpEd in the LA Times on this subject Learn More About Ladd Everitt: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Other websites: https://medium.com/@LaddEveritt Announcements: Women Podcasters in Solidarity I want to let you know about a special end of the year campaign as part of the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative to raise money for the mothers, caretakers and activists on the frontlines of gun violence prevention. To make sure you get notified about the campaign, sign up for email updates at www.mothersquest.com and follow the Mother’s Quest page on Facebook. You can also reach out to me at julie@mothersquest.com if you’d like to be one of the first to “seed” the fund with your contribution.  Tragically, I have now lost count of the number of mass shootings have taken place just in the time since the Women Podcasters in Solidarity selected "gun safety" as the issue we want to shine a light on this season. Grateful to partner with Cristin Marie and Elsie Escobar on bringing this season of the Initiative to life. It is my deepest hope that through the power of podcasting, the episodes we will record, the conversations we will share with our listeners, and the dollars we will collectively raise toward gun safety causes, will save lives. Please take a look at Cristin's post here and say "yes" to the Initiative yourself or help spread the word to reach other podcasters who would want to join. Mother’s Quest Circle If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 8 women who are ready to say “yes” to: ✨Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most ✨To consciously live their version (not someone else's) of an E.P.I.C. life ✨To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions ✨To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you're looking to start the year strong, the Circle is a great way to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here to add your name to the wait list.  Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com -- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

I’m thrilled to share this episode of the Mother’s Quest Podcast with mother, coach, entrepreneur and mind-body wellness expert Erin Stutland. Through her signature Shrink Session workouts and Soul Strolls, which combine principles from dance, yoga, meditation and more, Erin helps over 70,000 people in 155 countries to transform negative thinking into possibility and tap into their own inner strength.  I bring this episode to you as I participate in Erin’s free five day movement and mantra challenge. I first discovered this challenge three years ago, and ever since, her inspiring videos have become a key part of my morning practice. So, it was surreal in the best way, when I had the opportunity to talk live with Erin about movement, motherhood and her own E.P.I.C. life.  The ability to embody leadership, to create movement in our bodies and our lives, is the gift that Erin brings to all those she reaches through her products, programs, and soon-to-be-published book Mantras in Motion. In this conversation, I loved learning about how Erin developed these gifts from an early age, growing up in Chicago where her own mother allowed her the freedom and permission to move, play and pursue her passion for dance. Recently a mother herself, Erin brings this awareness and the gift of movement to her own baby daughter.  There was a lightness and grounding quality in talking with Erin that I so appreciated, as we explored everything from the lesson she learned about leadership while shepherding goats in Israel to how she brought her whole self and integrity to hosting a reality television show.  I was grateful to be immersed in Erin’s perspective and challenge this week, which coincided with our mid-term elections in the United States. On election day in particular, I noticed my anxiety rising, and was able to consciously transform Erin’s movement mantra of the morning “This is my time,” to “This is our time,” envisioning the progressive leaders I supported successfully winning their elections.  That invitation to change my “inner landscape” as Erin calls it, through mantra and movement, made a huge difference in my outlook. A day later as I record this, I’m sitting with mixed feelings about the outcome of the election, but also a determination to move into action.  I hope after listening today, that you, like me, are inspired by the lessons Erin has shared with us and the gift of her Soul Stroll, to get moving and stay moving toward the change in our lives and in our country that we seek.  Much appreciation,  P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this episode? Push forward and share this conversation! In This Episode We Talk About: Favorite mantras that Erin and I brought to this episode as our intentions for the conversation. The importance of guiding from behind and moving our own egos out of the way when we parent (and what this has to do with goats!) The power of MOVEMENT in our lives and the impact of shifting our inner landscapes. How using movement can help us be more present for our children. Why a body at rest stays at rest, and moving is often the last thing we want to do. But, our lack of desire to get moving is not a reflection of how we’ll feel once we get going.   Bringing consciousness to how we invest and care for ourselves and why it’s natural to make different kinds of investments at different times in our lives. Erin’s soon to be published book – “Mantras in Motion” What to do when you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or depressed Erin’s challenge and gift to us to make time for a “Soul Stroll” The story I shared with Erin about Jacob and Taekwondo that she says she’ll remember Resources and Topics Mentioned: Ep 52: Third Chapters, Raising Adults, and Loving Ourselves with Julie Lythcott-Haims Ep 38: Making Space and Finding Rhythm with “Kindie Rock” Star Laurie Berkner Ep 51: Equanimity & The Calm In the Storm with Mindful Parent Michelle Gale Say It. Sweat It. Get It. Free Five Day Challenge The Jacob and Taekwondo Video This Episode is Dedicated by: Kari Azuma supports mothers to powerfully design their lives. Check out Kari’s new program – THRESHOLD, an immersive retreat into the depths of womanhood and motherhood to reclaim your power and unleash your highest self. Threshold Website Facebook Business Page Personal Facebook Page Instagram This Week’s Challenge: For this weeks’ challenge, Erin encourages us to take a Soul Stroll and discover what a 20-minute walk can do to reduce your stress and renew your perspective. You can use this free link to access your special Soul Stroll, led by Erin, with inspiring music and mantras to accompany you. When you feel like you don’t want to move, just put on your shoes, flip-flops or slippers and take a walk outside your house with no intended destination in mind, only the thought “I’m just gonna go out for a walk”. Learn More About Erin Stutland: Erin is a mind-body wellness and fitness expert. She is the host and life-style coach of Z Living’s cable series, Altar’d. Nominated for a Real Screen award alongside Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, the show returns for its second season this fall. In January 2019, she is publishing her first book, Mantras in Motion: Manifesting What You Want through Mindful Movement, which explores her proprietary approach to creating meaningful change by harnessing the body’s mental, physical, and spiritual energy through stories, journaling exercises, meditations and movement. Erin is the creator of several mind-body fitness programs including her signature Shrink Session workout and Soul Strolls and has appeared on The Rachael Ray Show, People.com, Fox News, Glamour Magazine and more. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband Lance and daughter, Kwynn. Learn more about Erin by visiting these links: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube Pre-order her new book here Announcements: Women Podcasters in Solidarity Tragically, I have now lost count of the number of mass shootings have taken place just in the time since the Women Podcasters in Solidarity selected “gun safety” as the issue we want to shine a light on this season. Grateful to partner with Cristin Marie and Elsie Escobar on bringing this season of the Initiative to life. It is my deepest hope that through the power of podcasting: the episodes we will record, the conversations we will share with our listeners, and the dollars we will collectively raise toward gun safety causes, will save lives. Please take a look at Cristin’s post here and say “yes” to the Initiative yourself or help spread the word to reach other podcasters who would want to join. Mother’s Quest Circle If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 10 women who are ready to say “yes” to: Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most To consciously live their version (not someone else’s) of an E.P.I.C. life To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you’re looking to end the year strong, now is a great time to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here. Application closes tomorrow! Say It. Sweat It. Get It. Challenge Sign up today to come along with me on Erin’s week-long challenge where she will give you super short, easy to follow workouts, that combine movement and mantras, to inspire you, physically, mentally and spiritually. During the challenge, I’ll release an episode on the podcast with Erin to give you insight into her journey and why movement plays such a powerful role in her life. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

This conversation with best-selling New York Times author and Ted talk speaker Julie Lythcott-Haims was over two years in the making and yet came just at the right time. Author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success and Real American: A Memoir, Julie’s interested in the human experience and writes non-fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry with the aim of helping humans thrive. She has a JD from Harvard Law School, an MFA in writing from California College of the Arts and holds her BA in American Studies from Stanford University, where she later returned to serve as Dean of Freshman and Undergraduate Advising, among other roles.  She currently lives in Silicon Valley with her partner of more than thirty years, her two teenagers, and her mother. Born to an African-American father and a British mother, Julie moved often in her childhood from Nigeria to New York to Wisconsin to Washington D.C., where her father was part of the Carter Administration, and then back to Wisconsin again. Along the way, she struggled to find her identity as a bi-racial woman who faced stereotypes and micro-aggressions about her blackness that sent her on a journey from self-loathing to self-love, something she reflects on with powerful honesty in her memoir. Themes of self-exploration, self-sufficiency and service weave thread through this incredibly enriching conversation with Julie. We discuss her healing journey with her mother and how that impacts how she parents her children today. Julie shares the lessons that she learned about how to successfully raise adults from her years as the Dean at Stanford and extensive research that informs her best-selling book and popular Ted talk on the subject. She reveals the way that she has daringly made career pivots that others thought were crazy, what’s next on the horizon for her, and how she may even create her own radio show one day. And, we talk candidly about her journey to embracing self-care, about her commitment to her partner of over thirty years, and to the impact on her body and sexuality of moving toward menopause. I was struck by Julie’s continued evolution in her own awareness, and her commitment to personal growth and to pursuing her own purposeful path, parallels evident in the wisdom she holds for us about how to raise our children to be healthy adults. Finally, I’m inspired by her bold challenge to us, to look at how stereotypes and biases about black people show up in ourselves, and to do the conscious work of taking them apart. This conversation is a powerful one that has already begun to shift my awareness. I look forward to hearing what Julie’s life lessons, wisdom, and revelations shift for you when you listen.  Much appreciation,  P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this episode? Push forward and share this conversation! In This Episode We Talk About: Julie’s journey of healing with her mother, now 80 years old, and how a third chapter of their relationship led to reciprocal learning across three generations, between Julie’s mother, Julie, and Julie’s daughter. What happens when our egos impact our parenting and the power of realizing that we are not our kids; they’re not a mini-me, a pet, a trophy or a bonsai tree. They are their own person. What Julie’s experience as a Stanford Dean taught her about how to raise adults, including the two most essential things she learned kids need: to do chores and to be loved. How a commitment to life-long learning inspired Julie to make daring career pivots, from attorney to school administrator to writer. The three more books  that Julie knows she has inside of her. Julie’s own evolution in her understanding of what self-care means and the ways that she invests in herself today. The practices Julie has committed to with her husband to keep their thirty plus year connection strong. The impact of peri-menopause and menopause in how we feel in our bodies and on our libido in particular, and my commitment to focus a future episode on this subject. The importance of becoming aware of the stereotypes we hold about black people and Julie’s challenge to us to consciously undo them. Resources and Topics Mentioned: Thriving Child Summit – Dr. Elisa Song’s Summit where I first learned about Julie. How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success Real American: A Memoir Julie’s Ted Talk On How To Raise an Adult – the one Chris and I watched and then discussed with Ryan  Ep 05: Live your E.P.I.C. Life to Help Your Children Thrive – my conversation with Dr. Song from the Thriving Child Summit Ep 46: “Owning our Truth” with Renegade Mothering’s Janelle Hanchett Women Podcasters in Solidarity where you can find the episodes I recorded on the subjects of anti-racism and police brutality  This Episode is Dedicated by: Tamara Sobomehin, chasing the human dream, working to unleash the brilliance and potential of people by cultivating a culture of positive creation supported by the foundation of effective human and technical systems. Dedicated in honor of Tamara’s mother Paula Denise Lacy.   Street Code Academy – The organization Tamara runs with her husband Tunde.  Recharge Ravenswood – The website to learn more about Tamara’s campaign for Ravenswood City School Board.  Team Esface – The exceptional basketball program, founded by the Sobomehin brothers, that Ryan participated in and where we first met Tamara and her family.  This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, I encourage you to read Julie’s powerful memoir, The Real American, to explore the impact of stereotypes about black people on her life experience. Then, follow Julie’s invitation to notice when stereotypes about black people kick in for us. She says, “If you’re not loving black people, ask yourself why? Be interested in that. Black people are humans worthy of love, compassion and care like anybody else is. If you notice a stereotype kicks in when you see a black person, see if you can immediately say to yourself – what would I do if this was a white person? Or a person of any race other than black? When a stereotype pops up, name it and tell yourself I’m discarding it. Try interacting with that person as if they were your own brother, sister, grandmother, father, friend or family.”  It’s our job to acknowledge the impact of stereotypes and biases and undo it. Learn More About Julie: Julies Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Announcements: Mother’s Quest Circle If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 10 women who are ready to say “yes” to: Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most To consciously live their version (not someone else’s) of an E.P.I.C. life To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you’re looking to end the year strong, now is a great time to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here.  Say It. Sweat It. Get It. Challenge Sign up today to come along with me on Erin’s week-long challenge where she will give you super short, easy to follow workouts, that combine movement and mantras, to inspire you, physically, mentally and spiritually. During the challenge, I’ll release an episode on the podcast with Erin to give you insight into her journey and why movement plays such a powerful role in her life. Starts Mon. Nov. 5th! Sign up Today! Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Welcome to the second episode of Minisode Monday! We keep finding so so many useful tactics and tips that we want to share with you, but they don't fit into the format of a regular show -- hence, Minisode Monday. The Cheat Sheet: How can you start reading people quickly? When observing someone, try to remember more than appearance-based traits. Noticing more than superficial features hones your judgment and makes you more observant in a deeper way. Pay attention to how your favorite writers describe characters -- the good ones will tell you more than what's just on the surface. Challenge: For the next week, put these observations in practice as you interact with people. You'll be surprised at how naturally your radar starts to pick up clues about what makes them tick. Let us know about how you put today's Minisode Monday into practice! Leave a comment below, tweet with @TheArtofCharm in your response, or write to Jordan directly: jordan@theartofcharm.com (he reads everything)! Show notes at http://theartofcharm.com/podcast-episodes/minisode-monday-2-reading-people-quickly/ HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dig the show, please subscribe in iTunes and write us a review! This is what helps us stand out from the crowd and help people find the credible advice they need. Review the show in iTunes! We rely on it! http://www.theartofcharm.com/mobilereview Stay Charming!

- Genesis 2:22-24: "Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,' for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." - Marriage involves a new pledge to a spouse in which all former family commitments become secondary.- Husband and wife not only leave physically but also emotionally. - You have to leave before you can unite with your spouse.- The Marriage Covenant involves uniting.- Leviticus 18:29-30: "Everyone who does any of these detestable things – such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord your God!"- 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”- The Marriage Covenant is Public.- It is a beautiful picture of Christ and the church.- Challenge: For the next seven days tell your spouse a way he or she blesses you.