Podcast appearances and mentions of kristina kuzmic

Moms are known for confronting and handling family problems big and small.  When things work out, Mom is the hero--again.  But sometimes the problem is too big even for Mom.  Join the Moms as they talk to social media star, Kristina Kuzmic, as she shares her experiences dealing with her son's depression and substance abuse which she chronicles in her book, I Can Fix This (And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child). A raw and insightful discussion, this is Moms Club must see.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inside-the-moms-club--4709676/support.

Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It's not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, mental health challenges), Kristina's goal became clear: to be for others what she needed when she was at her lowest.Now, with well over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill. In 2011, Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett's reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star”. Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling all of life's challenges, and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers and over 800,000 Instagram followers.   Kristina is a sought-after international keynote speaker, delivering impactful talks at conferences on mental health, women's issues, parenting, business, and even for the FBI. She has a unique ability to connect with diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Kristina has also completed two comedy tours, performing in over 60 cities across US and Canada. Her first book, Hold On But Don't Hold Still, was released through Penguin Random House in February 2020, and has since been translated to eight languages. Kristina's second book, I Can Fix This! (And Other Lies I've Told Myself while Parenting My Struggling Child), was released in May 2024, and was featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times and People magazine, among other media outlets.  Time Stamps:00:00 A Night to Remember00:37 Welcome to the Hollywood Second Act Club01:22 Meet Christina: A Story of Resilience01:37 The Birth of Wednesday Night Dinners10:16 From Dinners to Dreams12:28 Oprah's Competition: A Life-Changing Moment13:45 The Struggle for Authenticity15:33 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity17:32 Embracing Authenticity Over Perfection18:49 The Illusion of Perfectionism19:42 The Power of Vulnerability21:02 Creating Impactful Content23:38 Supporting Mental Health24:40 Mission Statement and Personal Growth25:30 Rapid Fire Questions30:31 Final Thoughts and FarewellConnect with Kristina:Instagram - @kristinakuzmicWebsite -www.kristinakuzmic.comJoin the Club :Follow on instagram - @hollywoodsecondactclubSign up for our Newsletter. Subscribe here. Website- www.hollywoodsecondactclub.comCoaching Services:If you are interested in coaching and working together, schedule a time for a virtual coffee and let's talk! I'd love to hear about your goals and see if I can be helpful hello@hollywoodsecondactclub.com Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts:"I heart Alexis and The Hollywood Second Act Club Podcast" If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more entertainment industry professionals–just like you–in crafting their own Fabulous Second Acts. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven't alLove This Episode ? Send Me A Text Message and Let Me Know What Hit Home!

If you've ever watched a loved one endure the pain of depression, you can understand the anxiety, fear and heartache author and comedian Kristina Kuzmic experienced when her son developed depression. Eventually, his mental health deteriorated to the point that she felt compelled to have her son committed to inpatient care. In her recent book, "I Can Fix This" she shares their journey with transparency, the insights she gained along the way, and the steps that helped bring her son to the much healthy place in which he now finds himself. This episode has great value for parents with depressed teenagers but also for anyone trying to love someone well who has depression. (Scroll down for discussion/reflective questions.) Resource references: I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child Find Kristina Kuzmic: On her website On YouTube On Instagram On Facebook On Amazon Find Jennifer Slattery: On her website Instagram Facebook Amazon Subscribe to her free newsletter Join the private Faith Over Fear Facebook Group  (I inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.) Discussion/Reflective Questions: What resonated with you most in this episode? What are some assumptions you've made regarding your loved one's struggle? How might setting aside those assumptions increase your ability to be present for them? How might viewing your loved one's behavior as communication of a need and expression of pain improve your interactions? What might it look like to show up for your loved one? In what ways do you practice healthy self-care in challenging, frightening, and painful seasons? Who might you be able to reach out to for help and support as you strive to love your loved one well? What is one action step God might be inviting you to take having listened to this episode? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week on Motherhood Unstressed, I sit down with the inspiring and candid Kristina Kuzmic to talk about her new book, I Can Fix This. In this raw and heart-opening conversation, Kristina shares the deeply personal story of supporting her son through his struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. As a mother navigating these challenges, she reveals the critical role that curiosity, self-awareness, and self-compassion played in helping her connect with her children on a deeper level. Kristina and I also dive into the complex balance between control and connection, the importance of self-care, and the power of seeking help when parenting feels overwhelming. Together, we explore how embracing discomfort and personal growth can lead to more authentic relationships with our children, and how self-reflection and vulnerability can transform the way we approach parenting. If you've ever felt the weight of parenting, questioned your instincts, or needed reassurance that you're not alone, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on parenting, mental health, and the power of self-awareness. Don't miss Kristina's deeply honest reflections and actionable insights on building a stronger bond with your kids—while learning to be kinder to yourself in the process.

“My desire is to be for others what I needed when I was at my lowest.” – Kristina Kuzmic In this powerful episode of Uncorking a Story, Mike Carlon sits down with renowned author, comedian, and mental health advocate Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina shares her journey from a struggling single mother on food stamps to becoming a viral sensation and best-selling author. They dive into the vulnerability it takes to share personal struggles, how humor became her coping mechanism, and the challenges of parenting a child with mental health issues. Kristina's raw honesty and infectious optimism will leave listeners inspired to live authentically and help others feel less alone. Key Themes Finding Humor in Hardship: Kristina shares how humor has been a lifeline in her darkest moments and how she “accidentally” became a comedian through her viral cooking videos. The Power of Vulnerability: Discussing her first book, Kristina opens up about the challenges of writing about her personal struggles and how being vulnerable helped her connect with her audience. Parenting Through Mental Health Struggles: Kristina speaks candidly about her son's mental health journey and how it taught her to face her own unhealed trauma. The Importance of Community Support: From editors to close friends, Kristina emphasizes how important it is to have a support system in both writing and life. Overcoming Fear of Judgment: Kristina reflects on the abuse we inflict upon ourselves by worrying about what others think, encouraging listeners to embrace their authentic selves. The Role of Courage in Personal Growth: She shares how courage has been a vital component in her growth as a parent, writer, and individual. Buy I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child Amazon: https://amzn.to/47yzPbe Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9780593653333 Connect with Kristina Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamkristinakuzmic?lang=en Connect with Mike Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSvS4fuG3L1JMZeOyHvfk_g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncorkingastory/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/ If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Best-selling author, speaker, and mental health advocate Kristina Kuzmic has made herself a household name, speaking to mothers from the trenches of parenthood and women who struggle to be authentic via her viral videos and refreshingly honest books. In the Spiraling Higher Studio, she shares her inspiring journey from poverty and divorce to becoming a successful content creator and author with her message of self-acceptance, resilience, and imperfection.Listen to this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/C2yJQDMdxocKristina's life story is truly the stuff of great books - no wonder she is a writer! In this conversation, she shares how she went from broke and defeated to unshakeably grounded and grateful, eventually winning the reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star,” despite having just become a suddenly single mother to two kids and eventually learning her oldest son was struggling with serious mental illness.Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling all of life's challenges, and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 3 million Facebook followers and over 750,000 Instagram followers.Today, she uses her platform to to encourage people to be REAL. Kristina is the absolute embodiment of AUTHENTIC and is a no BS, honest storyteller who embraces her imperfections and listens to the voice within rather than the noise from the naysayers. We were in absolute awe of her story and feel that this episode truly embodied every single one of our values here at Spiraling Higher, especially curiosity and connection.After listening to this episode, you will feel empowered and more courageous to embody the truth of who you are and live boldly as your soul desires!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Background02:02 From Poverty to Success06:27 Embracing Authenticity11:37 The Importance of Being Authentic19:03 Overcoming the Fear of Being Authentic24:48 Self-Security and Abundance26:32 From Assumption to Curiosity29:01 Detaching Value From Child's Experience + Illness30:52 Being a Steady Support System For Yourself37:43 Saying 'No, Thank You' to Negative Thoughts50:27 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Self-Compassion54:16 Letting Go of Control and Embracing the Messy Journey--https://shorturl.at/xx1gbFollow Kristina:https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/?hl=enGet her newest book "I Can Fix This (And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child):https://amzn.to/3SM9gsWHer other book "Hold On, But Don't Hold Still: Hope and Humor from My Seriously Flawed Life":https://amzn.to/46X4KhbAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Welcome to episode 170.  We have a little bit of everything in this episode, baseball, parenting, the Olympics and mental health.  Just a quick warning, while not at all explicit, there are some more adult issues dealing with mental health in this episode, so parental discretion is advised.  We talk about Drew Robison trading tragedy for hope.  Then a bit more mental health discussing the funny, smart, and pretty dang wise Kristina Kuzmic, a new hero of mine.  Then we finish up with some Olympic highlights.  There is definitely some inspiration to be found.#TangentialInspiration#BeKind#WeStandWithUkrainePhoto Credit: KristinaKuzmic Youtube ChannelSend us a Text Message.We would love to hear from you. Send us your comments or even your own inspirational stories at tangentialinspiration@gmail.com or give us your comments on our website, TangentialInspiration.com.Follow us on our social media:Website: https://tangentialinspiration.com/ Instagram: tangentialinspirationpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangentialinspiration Twitter: https://twitter.com/TangentialInsp1Produced and Edited by Craig Wymetalek

Summary Kristina Kuzmich sits down with Tim to share her journey from trauma and divorce to viral success and the struggles of parenting a child with mental health issues. She discusses her faith, the impact of her upbringing, and the challenges she faced in finding her purpose and identity. Takeaways Kristina's journey from trauma and divorce to viral success and the struggles of parenting a child with mental health issues. The impact of Kristina's faith and upbringing on her identity and the challenges she faced in finding her purpose. Resilience, vulnerability, and the pursuit of hope in the face of adversity. The importance of self-compassion and healing in the face of parenting a child with mental health struggles. The impact of family dynamics and the need for validation and support in navigating the challenges of mental health. The intersection of faith and mental health, addressing the stigma and the importance of self-discovery and healing. The significance of providing tools and coping skills to children struggling with mental health, and the role of self-compassion in parenting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Viral Success 03:17 Discovering Comedy as a Coping Mechanism 05:48 Influence of Pentecostal Faith and Church Community 08:01 Questioning Faith and Beliefs 11:43 Impact of Faith Community on Personal Struggles 14:04 Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 16:17 Parenting and Mental Health Struggles 23:57 Navigating Parenting and Mental Health Challenges 26:28 The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health 32:02 Support and Validation in Family Dynamics 44:49 Self-Compassion and Healing in Parenting ______________ REGISTER TO VOTE If you'd like to support our work, you can DONATE here! Get Tickets to Beer Camp (PROMO: TNEHOBBIT) Follow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals  Subscribe On YouTube @thenewevangelicals The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center. We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you've been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We've built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The saying goes, “A parent is only as happy as their least happy child.” While this may be a bit of a codependent edict, it's true that when your child is struggling with anxiety, depression or in any other way it takes a deep toll on the family system. And as parents we try everything we can think of to help, but often those efforts don't create any substantive change.  In this episode of the Language of Love, I welcome back my good friend Kristina Kuzmic, a writer, creator, and mother, to discuss her new book, I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child. If you're a regular listener, you'll likely recall our in-depth chat in 2023 about her book 'Hold On, But Don't Hold Still,' where we explored personalized parenting and supporting our children through mental health challenges. Today, Kristina shares her journey of parenting Luca, her son who battled depression, ADHD, and anxiety. At a certain point he became suicidal and a danger to himself and others. Kristina's journey and the amazingly authentic way she shares it is inspiring and instructive.  We have a heart-to-heart chat about the importance of empathy and connection over trying to fix or control their struggles. She shares important and effective lessons she learned the hard way about how to best to support our kids through their toughest times.  Kristina and I deep dive into: What it takes to parent children who are struggling Kristina's backstory that led her to write her book Why we should embrace empathy over control with struggling children The ways our Children's struggles require that we address our unhealed parts The importance of self-care for parents to better support struggling children Redefining “good motherhood” Check out Kristina's new book, I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child, as well as her previous bestseller, Hold On, But Don't Hold Still, for valuable insights. Follow her on LinkedIn, Website, Facebook, or Instagram for updates on her projects. And don't forget, you can visit my website for helpful courses and resources designed for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us on a journey of authenticity and mental health awareness with Kristina Kuzmic. In candid conversations, we explore breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, releasing the pressure of societal expectations, and embracing vulnerability in parenting and personal growth. From challenging the 'fix it' mentality to encouraging self-trust and inner exploration, this episode offers insightful reflections and practical advice for navigating life's complexities with grace and understanding. Tune in as we redefine wellness, one honest conversation at a time.Mentioned in this episode:Click the link to join the Challenge!http://weshape.com/challengeJoin the Challenge!Click the link to join the Challenge!http://weshape.com/challengeJoin the Challenge!

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This week on Radically Loved, Kristina Kuzmic delves into the raw and emotional journey of parenting a struggling child with mental health challenges. Kristina shares her experiences, insights, and the importance of standing in one's truth without shame. The conversation highlights the power of vulnerability, self-care, and the impact of societal stigma on mental health. Kristina's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for families navigating similar struggles. If you're ready to shift your perspective by redefining strength and self-care in parenting then this episode is for you! This podcast is sponsored by BiOptimizers! Go now to bioptimizers.com/radicallyloved use promo code - radicallyloved10 - to get 10% off your purchase today! Three reasons to listen to the whole podcast:  1. The power of vulnerability and standing in one's truth without shame is essential for mental health and healing. 2. Parenting with self-care and seeking help are acts of strength and empowerment, not weakness. 3. Societal stigma surrounding mental health can perpetuate shame and isolation, but sharing one's story can break the silence and offer hope to others. Timestamps (00:00:00) Introducing Kristina Kuzmic: A Journey of Struggles and Triumphs (00:05:44) The Moment of Crisis: Navigating Mental Health Struggles with a Teenage Son (00:12:15) Removing the Stigma of Therapy: How to Have the Conversation with your Family (00:17:00) Being Open and Honest with your Children (00:20:22) What to do if your Kids are Doing Drugs (00:25:22) The G-Spot and Parenting with Self-care (00:30:09) Calling the Cops on Her Son (00:32:45) Parenting Myths (00:35:25) This is a Love Story (00:38:41) Remember that Your Are Not Alone (00:41:41) What Kristina Wants for Every Family Connect with Kristina Kuzmic A conversation with her son: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAiUpIvuY4o Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720466/i-can-fix-this-by-kristina-kuzmic-foreword-by-dr-shefali-tsabary/ Website: https://kristinakuzmic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/ Enjoy the Podcast? Love to give us 5 stars? Help us reach more people and make them feel loved. A simple way is to share what you've learned today on social media. Don't forget to follow and message us on these platforms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosieacosta/ Twitter: https::twitter.com/rosieacosta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radicallylovedrosie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrosieacosta Website: https://www.radicallyloved.com/ Get You Are Radically Loved the book: https://www.radicallyloved.com/book Try Headspace for 30 days free! use code: ROSIE30  www.headspace.com Sign up for 'The Mindful Love Hub' on Substack: https://radicallyloved.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web&r=2t314w Create a daily meditation ritual in just seven days! Download BUILD YOUR DAILY MEDITATION RITUAL and other freebies at https://www.radicallyloved.com/free-stuff! Connect with Tessa Tovar: Website: https://tessatovar.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessamarietovar/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHMYm-7kNZfulgaiCi2w8Cw Book of Poetry for Savasana: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Moon-Book-Poetry-Savasana/dp/1731243588

Kristina Kuzmic is a motivational speaker, comedian, and author celebrated for her relatable and humorous take on parenting and life. Through her viral videos and social media presence, she shares candid and uplifting messages, encouraging people to embrace their imperfections and find joy in everyday chaos. Today, Kristina delves into the struggles she faced when her son began experiencing mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation. She candidly discusses the initial reactions of fear and control that she grappled with as a parent, highlighting the shift towards connection and curiosity as a more effective approach to supporting her child. Through her book, "I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I've Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child," Kristina emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, open communication, and standing in awe of her son's story. She shares valuable insights on overcoming shame and guilt as a parent, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with her child and promoting mental health awareness. Kristina's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of approaching parenting with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to learn from our children's experiences. Her journey highlights the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health struggles and fostering a supportive environment for families facing similar challenges. www.thedadedge.com/480 www.thedadedge.com/bark www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic www.kristinakuzmic.com  

We want progress to look like a straight line. We expect that. And sometimes we get mad when it's not. But the reality is life is more nuanced than that- and actually, it's so much better that way. Welcome to Episode X of E&R The Podcast: Progress is Not A Straight Line (And That's a Good Thing)Key themes from Progress Is Not A Straight Line:Embracing and learning from setbacks for personal and professional growthRedirection and adjusting plans for resilienceCelebrating self-awareness and creating new pathwaysProgress involves setbacks and victoriesThe impact of coaching on well-being and self-compassionFinding strength and connection in shared experiencesResources mentioned:Get your tickets to Educate & RejuvenateEducate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child by Kristina Kuzmic Trampoline VideoThe Simple Mindset Hack To Uplevel Your Life [ep #81]Let's Talk About Mental Health with Kristina Kuzmic [ep #128] Self Love Challenge PlaylistConnect with Kelsey:Follow her on Instagram @educateandrejuvenateJoin our Facebook group: Wife Teacher Mommies Unite.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.Preorder Kelsey's book- Educate & Rejuvenate: A Three-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion For Life

As parents, we want more than anything to help our kids thrive, to protect them from pain and harm, and avoid some, or maybe all, of the mistakes we made in our own lives. But what happens when our kids are struggling with really big, difficult, and scary, maybe even life-threatening, stuff? And none of our efforts to “fix” things are making a difference? That's the focus of today's show and I am absolutely thrilled to be in conversation about it with Kristina Kuzmic, a mental health advocate, author, comedien and self-described “cheerleader for her fellow humans.” Kristina has just come out with a powerful new book I Can Fix This! (And Other Lies I've Told Myself while Parenting My Struggling Child), in which she writes about her complex journey of parenting a child struggling with mental health and substance abuse. She wrote it to help other struggling parents reject ideas that keep families stuck and, with her trademark authenticity and wisdom, dispel the lies we believe as parents. This is SUCH a deep, raw, and generous conversation and it is exactly the conversation a parent feeling hopeless and overwhelmed in figuring out how to help their child needs to hear. Truly balm for the soul.   About Kristina Kuzmic After immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland, and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, mental health challenges), Kristina's goal became clear: to be for others what she needed when she was at her lowest. In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett's reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING…that's so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I'm like her'… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS' girl… I wanna watch her!” Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling all of life's challenges, and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers, over 670,000 Instagram followers, and more than a billion video views. Kristina's first book, Hold On But Don't Hold Still has been translated to seven languages. Her second book, I Can Fix This! (And Other Lies I've Told Myself while Parenting My Struggling Child) was released in May 2024.   Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here → https://nordvpn.com/tilt - It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristina Kuzmic, author of I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child, shares personal insights on handling teen depression, substance use, and the importance of connection over control in parent-child relationships.If you've enjoyed Talking to Teens, we'd love if you could leave us a five-star rating, and if you have time, a review! Full Show NotesParenting a struggling teen comes with challenges that can often feel insurmountable. Whether you're facing issues like lying, substance use, tantrums, or even violence and aggression, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and at a loss for solutions. Understanding how to foster an environment where your child feels seen and supported—despite the chaos—can make a significant difference in both your lives.When Kristin Kuzmic's son began showing signs of severe depression and substance use during his teen years, she embarked on a journey to understand, support, and ultimately help him heal. Her story, detailed in her latest book, I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child, offers a wealth of knowledge for parents in similar situations.Joining us on the show today, Kristina explains how her initial reluctance about sharing her journey turned into a powerful testimony of the strength and resilience required to parent a struggling child. With her son's blessing and contribution, the book became a crucial resource for parents dealing with similar issues.Identifying Signs of StruggleKristina noticed her son's change in behavior around age 12—what began as typical teenage mood swings escalated into serious signs of depression. From isolating behaviors to violent outbursts, Kristina's home became a battleground. Persistent therapy sessions seemed futile until the deeper issues at play were properly identified as clinical depression. Recognizing that these behaviors are symptoms of deeper issues, not simple teenage rebellion, was a vital step in addressing his struggles.Connection Over ControlA theme that permeates Kristina's approach is the necessity of connection over control. She emphasizes that the first instinct of many parents—controlling behavior—is often counterproductive. Instead, she advocates for a connection-driven approach, focusing on truly understanding your child's individual struggles and needs. Practical steps like using grounding techniques and calming your own responses to their actions can open up channels for genuine communication and support.The Power of Showing UpThroughout Luca's most troubling times, Kristina maintained a constant presence in his life, even when he tried pushing her away. This persistent showing up helped build a foundation of trust that eventually allowed her son to turn to her in his moments of deepest need. This approach is a testament to the importance of being physically and emotionally present, even when it feels like you're not making a difference.Navigating the Maze of Mental Health SupportFrom psychiatric care to residential treatment centers, Kristina and her family navigated the complex mental health system. She shares valuable advice on making these decisions and finding the right support systems while emphasizing the importance of consent and involvement from the struggling teen.The Overlooked "Good" ChildWhile dealing with a struggling child, it's easy to overlook siblings who appear to be coping well. Kristina warns parents against this oversight, sharing how her daughter suffered silently while maintaining a facade of stability. Ensuring that all children in a family receive the attention and support they need, regardless of apparent signs of distress, is crucial.Self-Care is Not SelfishKristina discusses the often neglected topic of parental self-care. Facing the immense emotional toll of supporting a struggling teen, parents might feel guilty for any self-indulgence or personal time. However, Kristina argues that taking care of oneself is also an essential part of being an effective, compassionate parent. Both her anecdotal experiences and the transformative advice from her friend Zach highlight that parents maintaining their personal well-being inadvertently lift a significant burden off their children.Communicate Clearly, Even with a SpouseAnother key element Kristina found beneficial was maintaining open communication with her spouse through daily emails. This practice allowed them to express emotions and concerns without confrontation, resulting in a stronger partnership and a united front in dealing with their son's struggles.In the Episode...Throughout our conversation, Kristina offers profound wisdom and practical advice for parents dealing with similar challenges. Other topics we cover include:- How to address violent behavior stemming from depression- Strategies for creating a trust-based rather than control-based relationship- How enforcing too much consistency may actually be counterproductive- How to spot signs of hidden depression in “good” kidsIf you are a parent, guardian, or anyone concerned about a struggling teen, you won't want to miss this episode. Kristina Kuzmic's book, I Can Fix This and Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child, provides a deeply personal yet universally valuable account. For more updates, Kristina can be found on social media under @KristinaKuzmic. Don't forget to share and subscribe for more insightful episodes like this one!Follow us on Social Media! We're @talkingtoteens on Instagram and TikTok

This episode contains talk of depression and suicidal ideation. Please listen responsibly. Today on the podcast we have world-renowned speaker Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina went from being a single mom living on food stamps to supporting her child through severe depression.  She has been lucky enough to thrive on social media, juggling all of life's challenges and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers and well over 600,000 Instagram followers. . Even as the platforms evolve, her message continues to resonate with parents who need to hear that it's okay to be less than perfect. In her new book, I CAN FIX THIS, And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child, Kristina shares what she learned the year her son's life seemed to unravel. These revelations helped her not only bear witness to his journey to healing but transformed the way she talks and thinks about parenting and showed her the unhealed wounds  in herself that must be addressed. We have a powerful conversation today on Kristina's journey, her experience dealing with her son's depression, how she navigated the experience, and ended up writing a book with the support of her son – on the other side of some of the most turbulent years. Watch the video of Kristina and her son Luca, that we reference in the episode. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAiUpIvuY4o This episode is sponsored by AquaTru. Today our listeners can receive 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to www.AquaTru.com and enter code CWPOD at checkout.   This episode is brought to you by SEED. Trust your gut with Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to Seed.com/CWPOD and use code 25CWPOD to get 25% off your first month. This episode is brought to you by MindHappy. Save 15% when you visit MindHappy.com, and use the code COURAGE15 at checkout. All MindHappy phone free activities, from music box building to coloring, are selected based on science–  restoring mental clarity, energizing connections, reducing anxiety and facilitating fulfilling moments. This episode is brought to you by Sprout Living. If you want to try Sprout Living Protein, you can save 20% with code: courageous while shopping at https://sproutliving.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stigma surrounding mental health is a pervasive issue that often prevents open and honest discussions. In this episode, Kelsey sits down with Kristina Kuzmic to delve into the complexities of mental health and the impact it has on parenting, education, and personal well-being. This candid conversation explores the challenges, triumphs, and importance of addressing mental health with empathy and understanding.The Impact of Mental Health StigmaThis conversation delves into the pervasive impact of the stigma around mental health and the need for self-compassion and understanding. Kelsey and Kristina addressed personal experiences, including postpartum mental health struggles, and the critical turning points for both of them that helped them overcome the stigma. Through candid narratives, this podcast episode highlights the debilitating impact of burying emotions and the pivotal role of self-care in supporting the well-being of children in our homes and classrooms. Ending the Stigma of Discussing Mental HealthKristina Kuzmic shares her poignant experiences of dealing with judgment surrounding mental health discussions. She emphasizes the significance of normalizing these conversations, stressing that the road to peace often entails choosing between seeking approval and finding internal contentment. She encourages us to embrace our truth, unencumbered by the need to please everyone.From addressing mental health struggles within families to the impact on physical health and parenting, the discussion shed light on the universal nature of these challenges. A key takeaway was the significance of modeling mental health conversations for children and cultivating an environment where feelings and coping mechanisms are normalized, whether as educators or parents.Empowering Children and Embracing Authentic ParentingIn the discussion, Kristina Kuzmic advocates for empowering children to think for themselves and process their emotions. She highlights the importance of asking open-ended questions, allowing children to make choices that bring them pride, and refraining from immediately providing solutions. Kelsey & Kristina emphasize being authentic in our relationships with children, partners, or students.A Compassionate Approach in EducationKristina shares the invaluable role that a teacher played in her son's mental health struggles. By approaching the situation with curiosity and understanding, the teacher's actions significantly contributed to his graduation. She emphasizes the impact that a compassionate educator can have on their students. Looking Ahead: Embracing Mental Health Conversations and Cultivating CompassionAt the end of the episode, Kelsey & Kristina emphasize the significance of embracing mental health conversations, challenging the stigma, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding in our homes and classrooms. Our upcoming Educate and Rejuvenate Conference will feature Kristina Kuzmic as a keynote speaker. If you want to hear more from Kristina, be sure to grab your ticket at educateandrejuvenate.com. Resources mentioned:Kristina's Conversation with Her SonKristina's Video: "Are You Overreacting About Your Mental Illness?"Wife Teacher Mommy Club

In a heartfelt chat combined with laughter and a few tears, Tara Clark sits down with content creator Kristina Kuzmic for a deep dive into the rollercoaster ride of parenting and personal growth. Kristina opens up about her early days of single motherhood, wrestling with depression and scraping by in poverty, all while discovering her knack for creating relatable content. They share laughs over Kristina's candid tales from her new book, 'I Can Fix This and Other Lies I've Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child,' where she peels back the layers of her journey with a child facing mental health challenges. Throughout the conversation, Tara and Kristina stress the importance of shedding the heavy cloak of societal judgment that often weighs down modern moms, and discussing the importance of understanding and support. It's an invitation to parents everywhere to trust, listen, and learn from their littlest teachers, turning everyday challenges into lessons of love and trust. Links: https://kristinakuzmic.com/

The Rebranding Journey from Wife Teacher Mommy to Educate & RejuvenateIn episode 127, Kelsey announces the evolution of "Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast" to "Educate and Rejuvenate: The Podcast." This transition fits into our mission to help educators not only thrive but also revitalize their passion for teaching. Did you know that a recent Gallup panel found that 44% of teachers reported feeling consistently burned out? Educate & Rejuvenate: The Podcast aims to help educators in the classroom, at their kitchen table, or anywhere in between to be proactive in addressing the feelings of burnout. Kelsey shares her 3-step coaching framework (from her upcoming book!) emphasizing the importance of being the observer, choosing a direction, and aligning oneself. This framework lays the foundation for educators to cultivate self-awareness, set intentional goals, and ensure alignment with their values. At its core, the framework is designed to provide educators with the tools needed to thrive in their profession while prioritizing personal growth and well-being.Educate & Rejuvenate Conference and Book ReleaseAlong with our rebranding, we have several exciting things coming up! Our Educate and Rejuvenate conference will feature compelling keynotes by Kristina Kuzmic and Gaspare Randazzo and in-depth sessions focused on the holistic development of educators. Join us live for the conference on July 16th & 17th, 2024, (if you can't make it live, you can watch the replays!). This conference will be a powerful platform for educators to engage, learn, and connect with like-minded individuals. Also, we are so excited about Kelsey's upcoming book, "Educate and Rejuvenate: A 3-Step Guide to Revitalize Your Teaching, Renew Your Spirit, and Reignite Your Passion for Life." Stay tuned for ALL the information about when and how you can get your hands on a copy!Resources mentioned:Wife Teacher Mommy ClubEducate and Rejuvenate Summer 2024Connect with Kelsey:Follow her on Instagram @wifeteachermommy.Join our Facebook group: Wife Teacher Mommies Unite.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.

This is one of my favorite podcast episodes that I've ever done! I have been a fan of today's guest for a long time, so this interview was a pinch-me moment.Our guest today is Kristina Kuzmic! You may know her from Instagram, TikTok, Oprah, or as the author of her best-selling book “Hold On But Don't Hold Still”. Chances are you've seen Kristina.Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It's not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours.In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett's reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING…that's so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I'm like her'… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS' girl… I wanna watch her!” Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling all of life's challenges and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers and well over half a million Instagram followers. Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope, and humor in a role she never expected to fill.Typically Kristina offers support and insight on parenting, but in this episode, she dives into subjects and insight that is applicable not only to parents but to teachers as well. This episode will give you inspiration, motivation, and laughs. You don't want to miss it!If you enjoy this interview, be sure to join us at Summer Educate and Rejuvenate! You'll get to be there live interacting in Zoom with Kristina and other teachers enjoying the conference. Get your tickets here!

We have a special guest with us on today's podcast! He has been on the podcast before and was a guest speaker at our Winter Educate and Rejuvenate event last you. Since we saw him last, he's been on a hit Netflix show and is selling out shows. We have NYC teacher, stand-up comedian, and Educate & Rejuvenate Summer 2024 keynote speaker, Gaspare Randazzo!Gaspare Randazzo is a teacher in his 11th year in the classroom. When he's not in the classroom, you can find Gaspare doing stand up comedy where he talks about his life as a teacher and his experiences dealing with students from all walks of life. His stories range from students hating him and wanting to punch him in the face to them loving him and bringing him school lunch trays to eat during every period. You may know him from Instagram, TikTok, Co-Host of "The Social Studies Podcast with Joe Dombroski and Gaspare Randazzo" or from the Netflix show, The Trust.And in case you haven't heard, Gaspare is one of the keynote speakers for this summer's Educate and Rejuvenate alongside Kristina Kuzmic.We had such a fun conversation on today's episode. Gaspare shares insights into his experience on Netflix's hit reality show, "The Trust,". Gaspare provides behind-the-scenes insight, dives into the show's editing process, the emotional experience of being on a reality show, the audition process and so much more.We also catch up with how his teacher life and stand up comedy are going. He shares funny stories about how his students have reacted to him being on a Netflix show, how his stand up comedy has changed and more.If you enjoy this interview, be sure to join us at this summer's Educate and Rejuvenate. It's going to be hilarious AND inspring. You do not want to miss it! Click here to learn more.Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/teacher-work-hoursAttend the Wife Teacher Mommy Mindset MasterclassJoin Wife Teacher Mommy Club. Follow her on Instagram @wifeteachermommy.Join our Facebook group: Wife Teacher Mommies Unite.Follow on Pinterest for more helpful resources.

With school just around the corner, back to school time is in full swing! With that in mind, we know it's important to get inspired for the new school year and we have just the thing for you on today's episode.We have compiled 12 of our must-listen podcasts for back to school. I dive into all of our past episodes that I think will be most helpful to you during this time of year.I dive into the following episodes:22) How to ROCK your Open House/Back to School Night25) Insanely Clever Attention Getters from Real Teachers31) Achievement Gaps in Education- Tips from Real Teachers Like You33) Social Skills Gaps in Education- Tips from Real Teachers Like You60) How to Calm the Teacher Sunday Scaries63) How to Motivate the "Lazy" Students or the "Bad" Kids64) Create Your Ideal Classroom Management Plan with Linda Kardamis67) How to Be Confident as a Teacher70) Hope, Humor and Inspiration for Teachers with Kristina Kuzmic77) How to Make An Intentional Schedule (And Actually Stick To It!)81) Simple Mindset Hack to Uplevel Your Teacher Life90) Owning Your Teacher WinsYou can find so much inspiration and thought provoking content in just one episode. The 12 must-listen podcasts for back to school can be found above or we put them all in a playlist you can just click to listen.Head over to the show notes: https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/podcasts-for-back-to-school/In this episode on the 12 must-listen podcasts for back to school, I discuss:12 podcasts you should listen to for for back to schoolOpen House PlanningSoothing Sunday ScariesHow to Motivate the "Bad" StudentsClassroom ManagementBuilding Confidence as a TeacherOwning Your Teacher WinsOur Facebook group giveaway and celebration for the upcoming 100th episodeAnd Much More!Related episodes and blog posts:22) How to ROCK your Open House/Back to School Night25) Insanely Clever Attention Getters from Real Teachers31) Achievement Gaps in Education- Tips from Real Teachers Like You33) Social Skills Gaps in Education- Tips from Real Teachers Like You60) How to Calm the Teacher Sunday Scaries63) How to Motivate the "Lazy" Students or the "Bad" Kids64) Create Your Ideal Classroom Management Plan with Linda Kardamis67) How to Be Confident as a Teacher70) Hope, Humor and Inspiration for Teachers with Kristina Kuzmic

About the Episode On the Strike a Balance Podcast for Working Homeschool Moms this week, I have the absolute pleasure of chatting to Kelsey Sorensen. Kelsey, is a former third grade teacher and substitute teacher. She is now a homeschool mom to 3 kids and owner of Wife Teacher Mommy, where she and her team serve Pre-K through 6th grade teachers and homeschool parents. She is also a certified life coach with the Life Coach School. Wife Teacher Mommy has been featured on We are Teachers, Teachers Pay Teachers, Jane, Etsy, Food Network, CBC, Fox and NBC. Kelsey and her team have helped hundreds and thousands of educators and homeschoolers cut down planning time and balance the many roles in their lives with time-saving resources, blogs, life coaching, Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast and the Educate and Rejuvenate Events. Kelsey is addicted to Coke Zero and listening to audiobooks. It was such a pleasure to talk to Kelsey! She shared some fantastic strategies for balancing all the things and for feeling like you're doing enough. And as a licenced teacher and homeschooler, she answered the question: Am I actually qualified to homeschool if I don't have a teaching qualification? Spoiler alert...you are! You can find Kelsey on: https://wifeteachermommy.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/wifeteachermommy https://facebook.com/wifeteachermommybykelsey Links Mentioned Check out episode 70 of Wife Teacher Mommy: The Podcast with guest Kristina Kuzmic that Kelsey mentions for a dose of inspiration and humour! (affiliate link) And be sure to register for the Educate and Rejuvenate virtual event, where I will also be a speaker. (affiliate link) Support for Working Homeschool Moms I would love to support you on your working homeschool mom journey. Head over to my website to see how... Sponsor for the Episode Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum? I'm thrilled to introduce our favourite math curriculum to you. CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy's 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way! The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”. Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with a practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly. Visit www.ctcmath.com today to start your free trial. Or take advantage of this fantastic special! Visit https://www.ctcmath.com/MLH to get a half-price discount plus a bonus 6-months for free.

This is one of my favorite podcast episodes that I've ever done! I have been a fan of today's guest for a long time, so this interview was a pinch me moment. Our guest today is Kristina Kuzmic! You may know her from Instagram, TikTok, Oprah or as author of the best selling book "Hold On But Don't Hold Still". Chances are you've seen Kristina.Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It's not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours.In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett's reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING…that's so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I'm like her'… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS' girl… I wanna watch her!” Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating videos about juggling all of life's challenges, and encouraging her audience to prioritize their mental health. She has quickly become a viral sensation with 2.9 million Facebook followers and well over half a million Instagram followers. Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill.Typically Kristina offers support and insight on parenting, but on this episode she dives into subjects and insight that is applicable not only parents but to teachers as well. This episode will give you inspiration, motivations and laughs. You don't want to miss it!If you enjoy this interview, be sure to join us at Summer Educate and Rejuvenate! You'll get to be there live interacting in zoom with Kristina and other teachers enjoying the conference. Get your tickets here!Head over to the show notes- https://www.wifeteachermommy.com/podcast/inspiration-for-teachersIn this episode on inspiration for teachers with Kristina Kuzmic:Kristina's story from immigrating from war torn Croatia to AmericaThe origins of some of Kristina's funny videosHow to combat overwhelm as a teacher and parentKristina's advice for teachers who don't have a "teacher bestie"Why you shouldn't compare yourself to othersThe downfall of pretending to be perfectAnd so much more!Resources mentioned:Wife Teacher Mommy ClubKristina Kuzmic InstagramKristina Kuzmic FacebookKristina Kuzmic TourHold On, But Don't Hold Still: Hope and Humor from My Seriously Flawed LifeWhy Would Anyone Make this Choice Video?

How do we manage negativity and misery while still finding things to be grateful for? How do we pass these skills on to our children? Kristina Kuzmic, writer, creator, and mother, is joining me today during today's Language of Love Conversation to discuss personalized parenting for our children, how we can support them through their mental health struggles, and how to combat insecurity and uncertainty with grace. She is a big believer, as am I, in the power of authenticity and vulnerability in developing close relationships and unity.  She also unpacks her journey through her current profession, her early projects, the impact of her Wednesday Night Dinners, how she fosters gratitude through her “Yeah, but…” game, and her son's dark season of depression.  In today's episode, we discuss: Why there is no “one size fits all” model for parenting The subtle ways we label our children Reframing traits that are categorized as “negative” The power of authenticity The impact of focusing on the things you CAN do The “Yeah, but…” Game Why shame is the shittiest motivator  Encouraging our children to prioritize their mental health Parenting children who are struggling  Visit Kristina Kuzmic's website, check out her book, Hold On, But Don't Hold Still, and watch her YouTube video with her son to learn more about how they moved through that challenging and scary season.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022 is almost over; it's time to reflect and set intentions for the upcoming new year!  As I thought about what episode I wanted to bring back to you, I kept coming to this conversation with the Truth Bomb Mom Kristina Kuzmic. One of the most powerful takeaways of this episode is how owning her flaws and sharing them vulnerably with her children has become a key to living her epic life.  If your 2022 has been anything like my year, there have been a lot of things that didn't go exactly as planned. But I hope this conversation gives us all permission to look at the things that didn't go right, and possibly to see how there might be some powerful lessons, special gifts, or even as Kristina says "one good thing" we can identify in them.  I also wanted to let you know that the Mother's Quest Live Your EPIC Year Planner has arrived! It comes in so many different formats, and it's filled with all the signature reflection practices that I've been building over the last six years. And I hope if you're looking for a planner you might find what's just right for you. I'm currently doing a giveaway on Instagram www.instagram.com/mothersquestpod. It's so easy to enter. And it would really help me to spread the word about these incredible planners. So I hope you'll hop over to @mothersquestpod, sign up for the giveaway, take a look at the planners and see if there's one that's calling to you. The planners and this conversation will not only give us the opportunity to identify some things that we're taking away from the flaws in our life, but also set some powerful intentions for 2023.  I hope you love this conversation. Have a meaningful close to your year and a beautiful start to your new year. Get your Live Your EPIC Life Planner today – now is always a good time to say “yes” to your EPIC Life. Pick Your Planner Now Much appreciation, Julie  — Full Episode Show Notes Check out the full show notes from the original episode here: http://mothersquest.com/encore-kristinakuzmic/   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/

COMEDIAN, AUTHOR & YouTube SENSATION with 1 BILLION views, shares LIFE WISDOM on RELATIONSHIPS, PARENTHOOD & more!

In this episode, Sharon has a conversation with Kristina Kuznic, whose viral videos you've definitely seen in your Facebook feed or YouTube recommendations! Kristina gets candid about her childhood with Sharon, talking about the survivor's guilt she felt as a teenager who immigrated to the US from war-torn Croatia in the 1990s. When Kristina was at her lowest–a broke, single mom to two young children–she began cooking dinners for friends and strangers, choosing to put her energy into the things she was good at instead of dwelling on the things she couldn't do. These days, Kristina uses comedy to share the imperfectness of her life and her relatable videos have over a billion views. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How does a young girl escape to the US from a war torn Croatia with her parents, marry young, have kids, get divorced, struggle with depression and financial hardships, make some cooking videos, THEN get discovered by Oprah, do a tv show, branch out on her own, get millions of social media followers, create her own brand of inspirational parent-centric comedy, and become a successful touring comedian, without ever planning on being a comedian? Check out our chat with the hilariously authentic Kristina Kuzmic. •Kristina Kuzmic•http://kristinakuzmic.comInstagram: @KristinaKuzmicTwitter: @KristinaKuzmicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic Subscribe and Like here, too: ✨

Oh you are in for a treat today!  Author, Motivational speaker and Comedian Kristina Kuzmic is here for a no BS convo about depressive episodes, new motherhood, postpartum and everything in between. We talk about the real stuff no-one tells you about parenting, coming out of rock bottom, and some serious life lessons she's learned and wishes she knew sooner. This is honestly one of my favorite conversations I've had on the podcast!  Want more from our guests? Kristina Kuzmic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinakuzmic/ (@kristinakuzmic) Website: http://kristinakuzmic.com/ (http://kristinakuzmic.com/) Check out her book https://www.amazon.com/Hold-But-Dont-Still-Seriously/dp/0525561862/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1612485672&sr=8-1 (“Hold on but Don't Hold Still”)  Here are some of the video's we talked about!  To the brand new mom:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCf65pTW7M (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nCf65pTW7M) Things we tell ourselves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnzlG5NYT8M&t=166s (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnzlG5NYT8M&t=166s) Stay in touch with Sarah too! Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmerrill_hall/ (@SarahMerrill_Hall) Get some laughs on https://www.instagram.com/Bigkidproblems/?hl=en (@bigkidproblems)! BigKidProblems is on https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8qa2Hpj/ (TikTok) now!  Find more at http://www.bigkidproblems.com/ (www.BigKidProblems.com) And follow the pregnancy journey on her new podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bottle-service-with-big-kid-problems/id1594639891 (BOTTLE SERVICE) Big thank you to our episode sponsors! https://www.morelabs.com/pages/big-kid-problems (Morning Recovery) - ​​Drink smarter with Morning Recovery at MoreLabs.com/bigkid. Use code BIGKID for 20% off your order! https://postmates.com/ (Postmates) - Convenience, delivered! New Customers will get 50% off your first 5 orders of $50 or more when you use code “BKP”! Just download the Postmates app or sign up https://postmates.com/ (online), this offer is valid for 30 days after you add the promo code to your account. So get going. Enjoy!! http://creditkarma.com/LoanOffers (Credit Karma) -  Check out multiple loan offers side-by-side. Members who compare loan offers on Credit Karma save an average of 30% on interest rates! Go to CreditKarma.com/LoanOffers to find the loan for you. Big Kid Problems is a production of http://crate.media (Crate Media)

PARENTING! Fresh off the stage from her sold out show and running on fumes, “Truth Bomb Mom” Kristina Kuzmic recharges with 3 phenomenal drinks and an energizing 3Q3D conversation with Chris and Matt. Raising 14 kids between them, the group examines the unintentionally awful things we often say to our children, debates whether there are universal rules for parenting, and ultimately agrees that Matt's Nutella-tini is possibly the most magnificent drink ever created.Drinks in this episode:>> Incanto Liker Od Višnje (Cherry Liqueur) – pour into a wine or champagne glass and enjoy as a dessert wine (or pour over a brownie with ice cream to create an epic dessert)>> Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned – 2 oz Bulleit bourbon whiskey, 1/2 ounce pumpkin syrup*, 2 dashes orange bitters, 1 orange peel, cinnamon stick and Luxardo cherry. Add the pumpkin syrup, orange bitters and orange wedge into an Old Fashioned glass and muddle; then add the bourbon, a large ice cube and a splash of club soda (optional), and stir gently with the cinnamon stick to combine and garnish with Luxardo cherry. *Pumpkin syrup: Add 1 cup water and 3/4 cup light brown sugar to a saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves. Turn the heat to low and whisk in 3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice and 1/3 cup pumpkin puree. Simmer on low for 8 minutes, remove from heat, and allow to cool. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and store the syrup in the refrigerator in a container with a tightly fitting lid for up to 1 month. >> Nutella Martini – Blend together 2 oz heavy cream with 2 tablespoons Nutella. Combine Nutella and cream mixture and 2 oz vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass rimmed with Nutella and coarse salt. Garnish with Luxardo cherry. If you've been enjoying the 3Q3D podcast, please consider sharing an episode with a friend, and give us a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3drinkspodcast/

In honor of Suicide Awareness Month, I have an open and real conversation with Kristina on her journey through depression, suicidal thoughts and her tips and ways to pick yourself up through the darkness.Within the conversation we touch on:- Parenting  when you struggle- Not to carry others suitcases - Starting with something small to make a massive difference Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It's not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours.Now, with well over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill. In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett's reality TV competition “Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that THING?…That's so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I'm like her'… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS' girl… I wanna watch her!”  Since working with Oprah, Kristina has branched out on her own, creating parent-centric videos about raising children and juggling all of life's challenges. Her messages resonate with moms, dads, and even those who don't have children. She has quickly become a viral sensation with well over 2.8 million Facebook followers and over 1 billion video views. Kristina has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience. The Huffington Post referred to Kristina's videos as “Parenting comedy at its finest,” and The Inquisitr has praised her “witty charm.” People, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Us Weekly, Parents, and many more have posted articles on her creative parenting advice and unique humor, and media outlets across the country are picking up her videos and re-posting them. Kristina has quickly made a name for herself as a creative, yet unpretentious parent, as well as a world-renowned motivational speaker and comedian. She is currently touring the country with her “Hope & Humor” tour. Her first book, Hold On But Don't Hold Still, was released through Penguin Random House in February 2020 and made the Publisher's Weekly best-sellers list.  Kristina and her husband live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting roles include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffer, conflict resolution guru, and cheerleader for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children. Support the show (https://pod.fan/the-dude-therapist)

In this episode, Sharon tells Kristina Kuzmic the story of Soichi Sakamoto, a man from Hawaii who became an Olympic swim coach when he didn't even know how to swim himself. After teaching his boy scout troop to swim, Soichi set out on a new life's mission: to coach Olympic swimmers. He started the Three Year Swim Club, promising his students that they would be world-class swimmers within three years. His swim club was made up of impoverished children, many of whom did not have bathing suits or enough food to sustain them through practice. As well, because he didn't have access to a pool, Soichi resorted to teaching his first students in the water-filled ditches of Hawaiian sugar plantations. Despite the many challenges, Soichi did whatever it took to raise up Olympic athletes - from feeding them his own meals to inventing new ways to train his swimmers. This is the story of Coach Soichi Sakamoto and his journey to the 1948 Olympics. For more information on this episode including all resources and links discussed go to https://www.sharonmcmahon.com/podcast

We're flipping the script on today's episode, Kelsy is going to be the guest. And her friend, Kristina Kuzmic; internet sensation, YouTube Mama, Oprah Show winner, and author is interviewing Kelsy about losing her spouse, Heath. She shares what life has been like for her over the last few months. Her hope is she can help other women and spouses going through the loss of a loved one. Join us for this special episode about Kelsy's grief journey.  I want to thank Soma Intimates for sponsoring this episode of Mama's Gotta Bloom! Find out more and shop my Soma favorites at https://www.soma.com/store/

In this episode of Viral Jesus, Heather meets one of her online heroes, Kristina Kuzmic—mom blogger, YouTube storyteller, and author of Hold On, But Don't Hold Still. Kristina was discovered by Oprah Winfrey in 2011 and crowned the winner of Mark Burnett's reality-television competition Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star. Now, with over 1 billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill.  Listen in as Heather and Kristina discuss resilience, hope, and knowing your purpose. And follow Kristina's adventures on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Also, in our #GrowingViral segment, Pastor Aaron Duvall shares about his social media practices. Aaron is the teaching pastor and director of communication at Victory Highway Wesleyan Church in Painted Post, New York, where he resides with his wife, Chera, and daughter, Harper. You can find Aaron active on Twitter. You can find Heather Thompson Day on Twitter @HeatherTDay and Instagram @heatherthompsonday.  Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Hosted and created by: Heather Thompson Day Produced by: Loren Joseph Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's guest is Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina's energy is infectious! She's also one of the most open and vulnerable people I've had a chance to chat with. She held nothing back when talking about her past when she was suicidal and at the lowest point of her life. Her journey of how she went from that Kristina to the self-loving and positive Kristina she is today is remarkable. While in that dark place, she shares the one thing she thought she could contribute to the world, and even though that one thing didn't seem like much, it was the catalyst that transformed her entire life. We talk about how hurt people hurt people and instead of trying to hurt them back, finding empathy for them and realizing they need our love the most. We each share a story of how someone attacked us via social media. And instead of reciprocating, we responded with love and compassion, which is then exactly how they responded back to us, it's really beautiful. It was an honor to talk with her.

I am the Alpha and the OmegaRevelations 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”Have you heard this description of the Lord before?  “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”  I feel as though I have heard that a lot.  I am not sure I knew before what Alpha and Omega were though.  Did you know that Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet?  What God is saying when He says that he is the Alpha and the Omega is that He is the beginning and the end. God is with us in the beginning, before we were even born God was with us.  He will also be with us in the end.  One of the ladies from prayer group yesterday mentioned that we can find comfort in this thought when we have aging relatives or friends.  Sometimes when we have aging relatives they require a lot of assistance.  We want to be with them an help them and sometimes we just can't be with them all the time.  There are many reasons we can't be with them and that is not really the point.  The point is that we can rest assured that even when we can't be with them, God is with them.  He is probably better company anyway.  I remember when I was little I always struggled with the thought that God was always there.  That with God there is no beginning and end.  He was just always there.  Actually, if I think too much about it I still struggle with this.  Then yesterday my friend Louise from prayer group explained this in a way that seemed to make a lot of sense to me.  She said that we struggle with things like this because we are human and we think in very finite terms.  Our minds are limited and we so we are not going to be able to understand or comprehend everything about God.  He is not finite and we can't try to make him fit into a box that our minds can comprehend.  He is a wonder in so many ways.I do take comfort in knowing that God was there at the beginning and He will be there at the end and He is there every day in between.  We are never a lone.  I am sure it does not always feel like this.  Some days we can feel God's presence more than others.  Why is that?  Why do we have some days where we know God is with us and then others when we feel like he abandoned us?  Those are two excellent questions.  Ones I am not sure I know the answer to and yet ones I still wanted to ask because I think it is something we could all think about.  I think we would each have a different answer to these questions.  When I think about that questions I wonder when I feel closest to God.  I think it is when I am praying or praising Him.  Actually, maybe more so when I am praising Him.  When I am listening to Christian music and singing along I can feel God's presence.  I follow this woman on social media name Kristina Kuzmic.  She is really funny and does short videos about parenting and about being a woman.  They are very uplifting and encouraging.  They help you to know that parenting is hard for everyone and that you are perfect just the way you are.  Anyway, she dances all the time.  Just walking down the street she will be dancing.  I used to wonder why.  However, I've discovered I feel the same way when I am listening to praise music.  There is a playlist that is free on spotify called Big Life Mornings.  It is filled with upbeat christian songs.  I listen to when I go for a run, when I am walking my dog, when I am driving, or when I am cleaning.  I listen to it a lot.  When I am listening to it and singing a long I feel as though God is with me.  I can feel His presence and it makes me want to dance also.  I am not sure I am describing the feeling right, but it is a truly amazing feeling.  If you are feeling like God has abandoned you and you haven't felt His presence in awhile, maybe take some time today and play some Christian music and see how you feel.  See if Jesus fills your soul.  Another time I feel the Lord's presence is in Eucharistic Adoration.  If you are Christian and not Catholic you may not know what this is.  We, as Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist.  Eucharistic Adoration is when the priest displays the host or eucharist in a vessel called a monstrance.  The monstrance is placed on the alter or a table and is left there for a certain period of time.  The we get to go and sit with Jesus and pray in His actual presence.  I know that God is with us all the time.  We do not need to go to adoration to be with Jesus.  However, I find I do feel closer when I go.  I am not sure how to describe it, other than comparing it to when you go to a grave site to visit someone who has passed away.  You do not need to be at the grave site to talk to that person, but somehow, being there, where their body is buried makes you feel closer.If you are Catholic and have never tried going to adoration, I would urge you to give it a try.  Find out where it is located and go once a week for a month and see how much it changes your life.  I try to go for an hour, but even 10 minutes could make a difference.  Just go sit with the Lord.  I think you will definitely feel closer to Him.  You don't have to do anything specific at Adoration.  The point of it is just to spend time with Him.  Even if you are not Catholic you could give Eucharistic Adoration a try.  Most churches have adoration for at least a few hours a week and I think there is perpetual adoration, meaning 24 hours a day, every day, in every state.  When I was looking I just googled Eucharistic Adoration near me.  I am sure the Lord will do the rest.As I said above, if we each took the time to ask ourselves, “When do I feel closest to the Lord?” then I think we would probably all come up with different answers.  I wanted to share with you two things I do to feel closer to the Lord.  You may be different.  You may not like music or sitting in church with the Lord.  You may feel closest to the Lord when you are out in nature, when you are painting or writing, maybe when you are with family.  It doesn't matter what the answer to the question is, what matters is that you ask yourself the question and then pay attention to the answer.   If we are conscious about where we feel closest to God then when we start to feel abandoned or wonder “Where is God?” we can go to that place or do that thing and it may help us to feel Him again.  Dear heavenly father I ask that you bless everyone listening to this episode today. I ask that you allow each and everyone of us to feel your presence today. We ask that you just let us know that you're here. We ask that you help us answer this question when do I feel closest to you? Lord we want to feel your presence all of the time. It is especially important when we're going through difficult times and we wonder where you are. Lord Jesus help us to see where you are in our lives. Help us to know the things that bring us closer to you and also the things that separate us from you. Lord we love you so very much you are so amazing. We're so thankful that you are the Alpha and the Omega. We're thankful that you were there at the beginning that you'll be there at the end and every day in between.  Lord it brings us so much comfort to know that you are always there. Also to know you are always with our family members and friends and so when we can't be with them we know that you are. We thank you for always being there Lord and we ask all of this in accordance with your will an in Jesus' holy name amen.

5 Books You Should Read This Year (if you haven't already) In this episode I am reading excerpts from some of my favorite non-fiction books. These are pretty popular books as most of them are New York Times Best Sellers but just in case you haven't checked them out I give you a mini preview. These are in no particular order but they have helped me in my life in one way or another. If you have a book that you think I should read make sure to tell me on Instagram. www.instagram.com/prettyambitiouspodcast Thank you for listening!! Books I discuss in this episode: Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo ( The Tropicana Orange) https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Figureoutable-Marie-Forleo/dp/0525535012/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Everything+is+Figureoutable+by+Marie+Forleo&qid=1621482020&sr=8-1 Untamed by Glennon Doyle (Feel) https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle-Melton/dp/1984801252/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Y9TGX1X224KF&dchild=1&keywords=untamed+glennon+doyle&qid=1621482041&sprefix=untamed%2Caps%2C249&sr=8-1 Limitless by Jim Kwik (Memory) https://www.amazon.com/Limitless-Upgrade-Anything-Faster-Exceptional/dp/1401958230/ref=sr_1_1?crid=19Q1X68MAW8TI&dchild=1&keywords=limitless+by+jim+kwik&qid=1621482081&sprefix=limitless+by+jim%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-1 Memory Exercise: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kwik-brain-with-jim-kwik/id1208024744?i=1000384015249 The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins (The Snooze Button) https://www.amazon.com/Second-Rule-Transform-Confidence-Everyday/dp/1682612384/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=5+second+rule&qid=1621482100&sr=8-2 Hold on, But Don't Hold Still by Kristina Kuzmic (Empathy)https://www.amazon.com/Hold-But-Dont-Still-Seriously/dp/0525561862/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Hold+on%2C+But+Don't+Hold+Still+by+Kristina+Kuzmic&qid=1621482119&sr=8-1  

Jessica and her guest co-host, DeAnna Stagliano are back for another fun episode with comedian and content creator, Kristina Kuzmic. The ladies talk to Kristina about her viral videos, love for food, dealing with haters, her friendship with Oprah and much more!The Flashbacks podcast is produced by ACTIONPARK MEDIA. Follow us on Social Media:@actionparkmediagroup @jessicahall

Jessica and her guest co-host, DeAnna Stagliano are back for another fun episode with comedian and content creator, Kristina Kuzmic. The ladies talk to Kristina about her viral videos, love for food, dealing with haters, her friendship with Oprah and much more!The Flashbacks podcast is produced by ACTIONPARK MEDIA. Follow us on Social Media:@actionparkmediagroup @jessicahall

'Hold on But Don't Hold Still' author and mom of three, Kristina Kuzmic, joins Squats and Margaritas to talk about overcoming ALL the things. She has been through sexual assault, miscarriage, divorce and was once living on food stamps. Kristina shares how she built her brand and her best life, giving tons of parenting tips (and laughs!) along the way.

Kristina Kuzmic: Hold on, but don´t hold still… with TRE´s Dave Hodgson

In this episode, I talk with Rebecca. She's a homeschooling mom of five children. She gives her perspective and insights on mothering and teaches me the Kristina Kuzmic quote "Mind your own motherhood", which is my new favorite! You are in for treat with this one.

In this episode of Mama's Gotta Bloom, host Kelsy McHenry talks with Author, Speaker, and YouTube Star Kristina Kuzmic. Kelsy and Kristina cover a lot of ground in this fun, funny, and encouraging episode.  Kristina shares how she went from an impoverished, singled mother, to being crowned the "Next TV Star" by Oprah, and her journey to what she least expected, a cheerleader for others who are where she once was.  This interview will have you laughing, nodding your head, and hopefully agreeing that yes, life can surprise you in the best ways.    *A few interviews featured on  Mama's Gotta Bloom were previously recorded by Kelsy with Bloom Mom Tribe's Lunch and Listen and under the former name of Start Loving You.

Kristina Kuzmic harnessed the power of social media to show the world the very real (and hilarious) side of parenting. Kelly and Kristina talk about the importance of humor in mental health, even within the heavy moments. Hear Kristina’s inspiring life advice that will leave you feeling motivated, nodding along and likely laughing to the point of tears.

In this episode, Matt chats to TV actor, author, and social media star Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina Kuzmic is a cheerleader for her fellow humans. It’s not something she ever anticipated doing, but after immigrating to America from Croatia during the war in her homeland and later facing more challenges (divorce, single parenting, poverty, depression…), Kristina wanted to be for others what she wished someone had been for her during her darkest hours. Now, with over one billion video views, Kristina is providing her audience with encouragement, hope and humor in a role she never expected to fill. In 2011, when Oprah crowned Kristina the winner of Mark Burnett’s reality TV competition “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star,” Oprah said, “What is that thing?…That’s so charming and charismatic and connected to the audience that makes you feel like, ‘I know her, I want to be her, I’m like her’… Kristina has all of that. She is an ‘IT PLUS’ girl… I wanna watch her!”

Take it or Leave it Season 4 is brought to you by Meredith and Tiffany. #FabFitFunPartner Town Hall Edition. Tiffany and I hosted special guests Kim Holderness, Kristina Kuzmic and Dena Blizzard. We had been locked up too long and needed some interaction.

Take it or Leave it Season 4 is brought to you by Meredith and Tiffany. #FabFitFunPartnerTown Hall Edition. Tiffany and I hosted special guests Kim Holderness, Kristina Kuzmic and Dena Blizzard. We had been locked up too long and needed some interaction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Take it or Leave it Season 4 is brought to you by Meredith and Tiffany. #FabFitFunPartnerTown Hall Edition. Tiffany and I hosted special guests Kim Holderness, Kristina Kuzmic and Dena Blizzard. We had been locked up too long and needed some interaction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

COMMUNITY IS EVERYTHING! Join the Joyful Courage Tribe in our community Facebook groups: Live and Love with Joyful CourageJoyful Courage for Parents of Teens :::: SUPER FAM Take that community vibe next level by joining the Joyful Courage Patreon community! For as little as $5/month you can support the podcast, and enjoy weekly FB lives from me every Monday - answering questions from the community and offering direct support and coaching, and every other week there is also a Podcast Recap discussion. --> www.patreon.com/joyfulcourage :::: "Don't be passive Don't be apathetic, don't hold still, keep moving forward and get feisty and proactive.” “Even on bad days there are good things. But don't hold still, don't wait for this or that to happen before you start living your life.” “You're just gonna die waiting. Stop waiting and just do what you can now.” “It's amazing how life can change when you do get proactive.” “What's familiar to us is criticizing ourselves and not giving ourselves enough credit and focusing on the things we did wrong or didn't accomplish.” “One thing that's helped me is just realizing in the moment when they're really struggling, is that the only thing harder than raising a teenager is being a teenager.”   What you’ll hear in this episode: Why you shouldn’t wait How Oprah discovered Kristina Why we need to get uncomfortable with self-criticism Why you need to write Ta-da lists instead of To Do lists Maintaining perspective about things that didn’t get done Making a habit of personal growth Empowering our kids to do things for themselves without taking over Having compassion for our kids Creating space for sharing and connection in your relationship with your kids Searching for love in your marriage Love as a daily choice Why asking for help is important   What does Joyful Courage mean to you? It means being willing to be uncomfortable. We kind of touched on it earlier and just dipping your toe and maybe even jumping in to something that seems so scary but you're doing it because you know it will lead to something better so often you know where we're waiting for somebody to send us joy, waiting for someone to knock on our door and give us joy and really to reach joy. I think it does take courage. So I love the name of your podcast because to me, courage leads to joy.    Resources:  “Hold On, But Don't Hold Still: Hope And Humor From My Seriously Flawed Life.”   Where to find Kristina:  KristinaKuzmic.com Kristina Kuzmic on Facebook Kristina Kuzmic on Instagram Kristina Kuzmic on Twitter Kristina Kuzmic on Youtube ::::: Thank you BETTER HELP! This podcast is sponsored by Better Help - online counseling anytime, anywhere. → www.betterhelp.com/joyfulcourage ::: My guest today is Kristina Kuzmic. Thirteen years ago, Kristina was a broke and defeated mother of two; recently divorced; juggling jobs and sleeping on the floor next to her kids. She never imagined that a lo-fi cooking show she pieced together to reach other moms in the trenches would get Oprah’s attention. Today, she speaks directly to her 2.8 million Facebook followers in honest, funny parenting videos on topics from “Mind your own Motherhood” to a satirical PSA “4 Reasons women should NEVER breastfeed in public.” Her star is rapidly rising, and she recently took her message of acceptance and resilience on the road to 22 sold-out cities. Her witty, knowing, and sympathetic voice is captured on the page in her first book HOLD ON, BUT DON’T HOLD STILL: Hope and Humor from My Seriously Flawed Life. ::: SEX ED FOR PARENTS OF TEENS! Enrollment is OPEN NOW – learn more about this offer and register now: www.joyfulcourage.com/sems ::: Mental Health Mini Summit Forever Access If you missed the mini summit OR are just looking to be able to go back to the powerful interviews that happened there, YOU CAN! The mini summit is available for purchase! Simply go to www.joyfulcourage.com/mhms4evr ::: The Book, The Coaching Joyful Courage is so much more than a podcast! I know that you love listening in every week AND I want to encourage you to dig deeper into the learning with me, INVEST in you parenting journey. READ THE BOOK - Joyful Courage, Calming the Drama and Taking Control of Your Parenting Journey is all about how to show up as a Joyful Courage parent so that you have better access to the tools you need in hot parenting moments – tools that are helpful and maintain connection with your child. Available both in book and audio book form → http://www.joyfulcourage.com/book CONSIDER ONE ON ONE COACHING - The most POWERFUL of investments offered by Joyful Courage, one on one coaching allows for parents to really tease apart the current issues they are having with their child, while also developing a clear compass for guiding them in the direction they want to be going in. Coaching happens every other week, and is open for parents with kids 4 years old through the teen years. Go to my coaching page to book a free exploratory call and see if we are the right fit. → http://www.joyfulcourage.com/jccoaching ::::: Be a Subscriber Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to the Joyful Courage Podcast on Apple Podcast to get the latest shows STRAIGHT to your device!!  AND PLEASE rate and review the Joyful Courage Parenting Podcast to help me spread the show to an ever-larger audience!! CLICK HERE to watch a video that shows up how to subscribe with your iPhone!

John & Heidi share funny stories of people doing weird things... plus John chats with a guest. Kristina Kuzmic about her new book Hold On Learn more about our radio program, podcast & blog at www.JohnAndHeidiShow.com

Thirteen years ago, Kristina Kuzmič , was a broke and defeated mother of two; recently divorced; juggling jobs and sleeping on the floor next to her kids. She never imagined that a lo-fi cooking show she pieced together to reach other moms in the trenches would get Oprah’s attention. Today, she speaks directly to her 2.8 million Facebook followers in honest, funny parenting videos on topics from “Mind your own Motherhood” to a satirical PSA “4 Reasons women should NEVER breastfeed in public.” Her star is rapidly rising, and she recently took her message of acceptance and resilience on the road to 22 sold-out cities. Her witty, knowing, and sympathetic voice is captured on the page in her first book HOLD ON, BUT DON’T HOLD STILL: Hope and Humor from My Seriously Flawed Life. Kristina Kuzmič was born in Croatia and is a world-renowned speaker known for her unique insight and humor on family-related topics. She currently lives in Southern California with her husband, where her more important, rewarding, and exhausting careers include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffeur, and conflict-resolution guru for her three (mostly satisfied) clients—her children. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/steve-richards/support

S5 E9: In this episode, meet Wendelin Van Draanen, Kristina Kuzmic, and Tara Schuster. Each of these authors has written a memoir full of insight, humor, and warmth. Now it’s time to go behind the mic and hear the unvarnished truth about what it was like for them to record their own work. Plus, find out who likes to listen to audiobooks while cooking a famously epic rice dish. Hope in the Mail by Wendelin Van Draanen: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/606418/hope-in-the-mail/ Hold On, But Don't Hold Still by Kristina Kuzmic: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/600077/hold-on-but-dont-hold-still/ Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster: https://www.penguinrandomhouseaudio.com/book/565945/buy-yourself-the-fcking-lilies/

February 24th - Rich Rubino, Kristina Kuzmic

Join us for this inspiring chat with Kristina Kuzmic about her new book, "Hold On, But Don't Hold Still" recorded in her San Diego Comedy Club green room a few minutes before her comedy show! Kristina's authenticity, wisdom, and messages of hope moved Molé Mama to laughter and tears! If you're a mom, you need to listen to this episode; you will feel better about your perfect imperfections! You can learn more about the remarkable Kristina Kuzmic by visiting her website, YouTube Channel or Instagram. And review her upcoming tour dates and times; it’s a must-see!

February 24th - Rich Rubino, Kristina Kuzmic

Every mom has struggles. Every mom has dark times. Too often, those are the times when we stop showing up in our lives, thinking that our problems make us less worthy. As psychologist Dr. Susan Silver explains, “Women often don't feel that they deserve help— or they think something is wrong with them, and that they've failed in some way, if they have to go to somebody else for help.” But our personal unsolvable crisis might be perceived by a friend as a challenge. And allowing ourselves to say "I stink at this a lot of the time" opens us up to a better, richer life experience than when we only share our carefully curated selves. There are risks to being authentic. The payoffs are worth it. Our guest is Kristina Kuzmic, author of the new book HOLD ON, BUT DON’T HOLD STILL: Hope and Humor from My Seriously Flawed Life. Kristina offers hard-won wisdom to all of us who have ever struggled to feel good enough, and her book is full both of hilarity and of serious wisdom about staying in community, even when our lives are messy. Here's how Kristina puts it: “We are not meant to walk through this life alone. Name any situation you want to improve, and I guarantee you you'll get there faster and more effectively if you reach out to others.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's One Word Wednesday! Instead of chocolates and flowers give me (what) for Valentine's Day? Hopefully it's outside of Boston, as it is the second most expensive date place! Curious as to what your favorite sayings actually mean? LBF has the answers! What's the most popular dreams? Speaking of sleeping, what's the sound to wake up to? Plus, Kristina Kuzmic stops by! All this and more on the ROR Morning Show with Bob Bronson, LBF, and Brian Podcast. Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery

Comedian Kristina Kuzmic started uploading parenting videos to Facebook, and found a book publisher on the social network, "Hold on, but don't hold still."

Kristina Kuzmic is the winner of “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star” and author of Hold On, But Don’t Hold Still.Her messages resonate with moms, dads, and even those who don’t have children. She has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience (from young millennials through Gen-Xers and even Baby Boomers) and we're excited to have her on MAX & FRIENDS!#maxandfriends #maxtucci #kristinakuzmic

Jessica Nickson brings back hilarious and wise Mom influencer Kristina Kuzmic, who has more than one billion video views. A self proclaimed cheerleader for her fellow humans, Kristina brings inspirational humor, and an in-your-face realistic perspective on embracing motherhood, women empowerment and redefining the narrative of the challenges women face today. Kristina is on tour around the country with her "The Hope & Humor Tour." Now What is produced in partnership with PodcastOne and The Direct Message, executive producers Crystal Fambrini and John Ryan, Jr. (Co-Founders of The Direct Message). Producer Gary Smith. Follow our show page on instagram @nowwhatshow. Please Support Our Sponsors: Go to TheraGun.com/NowWhat to get your two free attachments with purchase Visit BetOnline.AG and use code PodcastOne for a 50% signup bonus Get 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code GRAF at Manscaped.com Download Best Fiends from the App Store or Google Play Store for free today

Jessica Nickson updates us on her recent trunk or treating experience, Cody’s reaction to our listener NFL picks and other Nickson squad family affairs. Then Jessica links up with Mom influencer Kristina Kuzmic during her Dallas live comedy tour and these two together are extra hilarious - and insightful! Laugh, cry, and laugh so hard you cry along with us on this episode that covers mental health, parenting, and more. Now What is produced in partnership with PodcastOne and The Direct Message, executive producers Crystal Fambrini and John Ryan, Jr. (Co-Founders of The Direct Message). Producer Gary Smith. Follow our show page on instagram @nowwhatshow. Please Support Our Sponsors: Go to TheraGun.com/NowWhat to get your two free attachments with purchase Visit BetOnline.AG and use code PodcastOne for a 50% signup bonus Go to Rothys.com/GRAF to get your new favorite flats Visit Forevernote.com/GRAF for a special $25 discount offer and to get started today.

Lauren and Amber talk about their fun night out, tell a few PTA horror stories, and play a new game that has Lauren putting her foot in her mouth yet again!Website: https://twodrunkmomspodcast.com/ Become a Member: https://www.patreon.com/twodrunkmomspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twodrunkmomspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twodrunkmomspodcast Merch: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMarkItMarketGifts?section_id=26673075Support the show (https://twodrunkmomspodcast.com/become-a-member)

The podcast we'd do if we were sure no kids were listening!

In this “Best Of” podcast, Rusty revisits his discussion with Kristina Kuzmic to understand what it is like to go through a divorce, be a single mom and become an overnight sensation. Kristina Kuzmic joins the podcast to talk about a variety of topics ranging from social media, divorce, and getting her own show then starting a YouTube channel. All this within her personal journey toward a more authentic motherhood that has inspired millions of moms around the world. No matter what walk of life you're coming from, give this a listen and you'll be sure to take something away.

Kristina Kuzmic stops by the show to talk about being chosen by Oprah to host her own reality show some years ago and her experience making The Ambush Cook, her frustration with television, depression, leaving her homeland of Croatia during a war, the relationship between authenticity and success, studying drama, her upcoming book, the Hope and Humor tour and so much more. We also did a round of How Dare You. Check us out on Patreon: http://patreon.com/alisonrosen   Buy Alison's Book: Tropical Attire Encouraged (and Other Phrases That Scare Me) You probably need to buy a new ARIYNBF Legacy Shirt! and the HGFY ringtone! Try Amazon Prime Free 30 Day Trial

Join Timothy Michael as he sits down with Kristina Kuzmic to discuss her current projects! Energetic, funny, and obsessed with creativity, Kristina Kuzmic has an in-your-face perspective on issues of parenting and life in general. In fact, you may have seen Kristina recently on your Facebook feed, or on any one of a number of internet, radio or TV outlets. She has become an internet sensation with her “mom-centric” videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges. With over 900 million views across media outlets and websites worldwide, and well over 2 million Facebook followers, Kristina already has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with a massive audience (from young millennials through Gen-Xers and even Baby Boomers). The Huffington Post referred to Kristina’s videos as “Parenting comedy at its finest,” and The Inquisitr has praised her “witty charm.” People Magazine, Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, Yahoo, and many more have all posted articles on her creative parenting advice and unique humor, and media outlets across the country are picking up on her videos and re-posting them. Kristina has quickly made a name for herself as a creative, yet unpretentious parent, as well as a world-renowned motivational speaker/comedian. ABOUT AFTERBUZZ TV: Created by Emmy winner Maria Menounos & producer Keven Undergaro, AfterBuzz TV is the digital broadcast network dedicated to producing live and on-demand after-shows, news and coverage for nearly every TV show featuring expert recaps & interviews with cast & crew. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It’s moving week for Jana and Mike! Things aren’t going exactly as planned, and they’re realizing the differences in how they each tackle projects. Parenting comedian Kristina Kuzmic stops by to share some wisdom she’s picked up along the way. She opens up about her struggle with poverty earlier in life and she lets us in on her secret to keeping passion in your marriage.  Plus, Mike has no idea that one of his idols, Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men is calling in! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

In honor of this month of Mother's Day, and the Mother's Quest Manifesto Challenge I launched in the Facebook Group, I'm excited to continue sharing episodes each Thursday that can inspire you to claim your motherhood and life journey on your terms. This "encore episode" with The Truth Bomb Mom Kristina Kuzmic, where she talks about the importance of embracing our flaws and creating a family mission statement, has become a favorite. Along with the reflective prompts and live guest videos in the Mother's Quest Facebook Group, I hope this episode will also provide some inspiration and permission for you to create your #oneminutemommanifesto, a declaration of how you want to journey through motherhood and life. If you haven't yet followed along with the Manifesto Challenge, it's not too late. All the video replays and instructions are waiting for you as a "unit" in the Mother's Quest Facebook Group. We'd love to have you come over and join us!  And...if you create and share your #oneminutemommanifesto on social media before the end of May, we'll enter you into a drawing for some incredible classes and resources from amazing members of the Mother's Quest community.  Whether it's new to you, or you'll be listening for a second time, I hope you enjoy this encore episode with Kristina Kuzmic. And that you'll take us up on the challenge to create and share your #oneminutemommanifesto!  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. I am excited to share this vulnerable conversation with the Truth Bomb Mom, Kristina Kuzmic. Energetic, funny, and honest, Kristina has an in-your-face perspective on issues of parenting and life in general. She has become a Youtube sensation with her “mom-centric” videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges, with over 200 million views across media outlets and websites worldwide. Kristina and her husband currently live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting careers include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffeur, and conflict resolution guru for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children. In this episode, we talk about Kristina’s experience growing up in America, shaped by an escape from war-torn Croatia. She shares how on a whim, she went from being a divorced mother on food stamps to winning a cooking show on Oprah’s OWN Network in 2011.  How her satirical YouTube video, “4 Reasons Women Should NEVER Breastfeed in Public,” went viral and why Kristina believes it is her community that is responsible for her reaching a half a million followers. We get honest and emotional about our flaws and insecurities but also our impact and the power of sharing these with our children. Finally, we reflect on our shared experience of losing a baby in utero and how for both of us, focusing on just one positive thing on that day shifted our perspective and changed everything. I hope you leave this conversation, as I did, inspired to keep turning the pages in the chapter of your E.P.I.C.life, staying true to your mission, owning your flaws, and paying attention to one positive thing every day. I was so grateful for this time with Kristina and I know you will be too. In This Episode We Talk About: How growing up in war-torn Croatia and her subsequent immigration to the U.S. impacted her life How her mother influenced her parenting by striking a healthy balance between enforcing rules and fostering joy Why she named her company “Flawed” and how she has let go of perfection Her journey from Oprah to YouTube The importance of community and of women who champion each other How to turn down the volume on our inner critics What my son said to me that Kristina says she will never forget Resources and Topics Mentioned: Kristina’s viral video: 4 Reasons Women Should Never Breastfeed in Public (a sarcastic take on the arguments against breastfeeding) Visit Kristina on YouTube: www.youtube.com/stickycook Visit Kristina on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic Mother’s Quest Theory of Change Previous Mother’s Quest Episodes Mentioned: Ep 09: The Soul-Fueled Truth with Amber Lilyestrom and Ep 00: Planting Seeds for Mother’s Quest – An Introduction Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Kristina’s Positivity Challenge – and sign up here to download the free “E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheet” and start capturing your gratitude daily. Announcements: Join the Manifesto Challenge In honor of Mother’s Day, I kicked off a five day Mother’s Quest Manifesto Challenge in the private Facebook group. More about the inspiration behind the challenge in my episode with Graeme Seabrook. Each day, I shared a reflective prompt to help you claim the next chapter in your life and hosted a different mother, who shared their stories and their #oneminutemommanifesto for inspiration.  All of these resources are still in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, so it's never too late to come on over and participate.  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. 

I saw a post shared by parenting advocate, Kristina Kuzmic about Michelle Bowen reaching out to share her amazing story. I’ve been saying for years that you never know how you might impact someone’s life. I’m so excited for Michelle to share her story with you! www.lmichellebowen.com https://www.facebook.com/MBowenAuthor/

Take it or Leave it is brought to you by Grove Collaborative. Visit http://grove.co/leaveit and grab you new fall scents and "Free" gift with order.Join us this week as we chat with Internet sensation Kristina Kuzmic! We discussed the blessings and pitfalls of step-parenting, Inappropriate kids Halloween costumes, and love language. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Take it or Leave it is brought to you by Grove Collaborative. Visit http://grove.co/leaveit and grab you new fall scents and "Free" gift with order.Join us this week as we chat with Internet sensation Kristina Kuzmic! We discussed the blessings and pitfalls of step-parenting, Inappropriate kids Halloween costumes, and love language. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Take it or Leave it is brought to you by Grove Collaborative. Visit http://grove.co/leaveit and grab you new fall scents and "Free" gift with order. Join us this week as we chat with Internet sensation Kristina Kuzmic! We discussed the blessings and pitfalls of step-parenting, Inappropriate kids Halloween costumes, and love language.

I get asked all of the time by well-meaning people... How do you balance working as a mom?   I stare back at them with a WTF look on my face and say “um, I don’t.”   There is never a time in my life where I have kept all of the plates spinning for more than a second or maybe two before they all come crashing down. Honestly, perfect balance is impossible. There are times when you the weight shifts more heavy on work and then your parenting or family time has to pay the price.    That’s ok.   It’s normal. Or maybe it’s like me this summer where my work has paid the price because I needed to spend more time with my kids and on traveling. You can never be all things to all people and your attention has to go where it’s needed. Some plates are going to drop. Just think about it. As a mom, society tells us that we are supposed to run every aspect of the house (cooking, cleaning, groceries, laundry, and about a million other things), everything with the kids (childcare, doctor visits, sports, PTA, teachers, homework, playdates, bday parties, gifts, holidays, etc). Oh and keep yourself in shape and look presentable. And if you work you are supposed to do well at your job, take care of every that I just mentioned plus have dinner on the table every night. This is bullshit! The demands are overwhelming and impossible to keep up with.  So stop. There might be times when we feel like superheroes and can actually keep it all up but it is short-lived and unsustainable. Unless you have a full-time housekeeper, private chef, nanny, personal assistant and personal trainer. Balance is a ridiculous notion.  And I want you to stop trying so hard to attain it.   You know, I don’t ever see men getting asked this question about how they balance their work with kids. Kristina Kuzmic did a video about this where she interviewed dads outside of a store and asked them that question.  It was hilarious...check it out here. By the end of the video, she says that “balance” should be a dirty word and then she bleeps it out of the rest of her video. It’s great. I want to talk about this today because school is about to start and all of the PTA, sports, volunteering, school projects, school activities, 18 million commitments are about to start. And then we start comparing ourselves to all of the other moms and can start feeling inadequate or like we suck as a mom. Look, I used to be a Pinteresty person and then I became a mom and wanted to be that Pinteresty mom but that lasted all of 3 years before I totally burnt out.   I realized that those over the top decorated theme parties were a ridiculous waste of my time.   My kids didn’t care that I had spent 4 hours creating Star Wars themed food menu complete with themed names printed out for the food table.   That didn’t include the next 3 hours of making that said food.  You know red, blue and green dipped pretzel sticks that I called lightsabers or cookies that I decorated as Chewy.   Finally, I realized I wasn’t doing for them I was doing it to say look how awesome I can make a party and to feel like I was winning as a mom.  Which was crazy. Maybe this is your thing and this is what lights you then great and more power to you that is awesome!   But for me, it took away time that I already felt short on and I became a stress ball trying to get it all done. Now, I can plan my kids' party in about an hour.   Did your jaw just drop?  Head over to the show notes for the breakdown. Ok, real quick this is what I do now.   Have your kid tell you what theme they want!  Paw Patrol, pirates, princesses, whatever. As they get older this gets easier.  They don’t want crazy themed parties. This last bday for my now 8 yr-old was super simple.  He wanted to take 8 friends to a hibachi dinner. So that’s what we did. Pick a date that works for you and the venue that you are choosing (if needed). Go on Etsy and order the themed invite or just set up an evite (that’s what I do now). Jump on Amazon and order themed paper products, decor, and a favor. If you have an ice cream truck that regularly visits your neighborhood, stop them one day and ask if they can make a special appearance at your party and by everyone an ice cream.  This happened by chance at my 4 yr-olds party and it was the biggest hit. Decide on food.  Go easy like pizza, Chick-fil-a or anything else premade.  Plus if you can already put the order in then that’s a win too.  One more thing off of your plate. And choose your sweet - cake or donuts (our family fave) or cookies or macaroons or ice cream. Simple decor is best. Have fun! Take pics! And enjoy the day.  Don’t stress over the small stuff that only you notice. Or maybe I learned this lesson the time I volunteered to cut 1000 scarecrow feet and hands for my kindergarteners' school hallway.   Yep.  1000. At the time I was working full time in my biz and had 3 year old and a 1-year-old.   What the hell was I thinking? I spent almost 5 ½ hours cutting tan construction paper.  Seriously. WTF. I felt so behind and like I wasted my entire work time cutting paper. Only to find out that there was a waiting list for other moms that were looking for ways that they could help out.   And it wasn’t like I wasn’t involved at his school already. I was the PTA membership chair. I was doing my part.  Lol. At the time, I was the type of person that will be the first one to help. I’d offer to do it all.   Well, not anymore.  It’s been a hard habit to break but it’s been so worth it. Now, I let other people help out too.   Don’t get me wrong if there is a need that they can’t fill I will help but I’m just not the first one to raise my hand. The message I’m trying to get across today is that it’s ok to let some things slide while you focus on other things. There is never going to be a balance. I only get as much done as I do because I have help. I have housekeeping once a week, I have full-time childcare, I use Instacart for my groceries, Amazon Prime for almost everything else and I still feel like things are crazy and I’m not able to keep up. As moms, we just need to embrace the chaos and know that we are amazing moms, spouses, friends and business owners. We need to let go of the idea of being perfect.   We need to ask for and accept help whenever it’s offered.   I just started this and it’s magical.   Whenever anyone asks me if they can help with the kids, take a kid for a playdate or my parents say they can come up and help - I say yes.   I used to feel bad or guilty or like I should go be there with them.   I’m a work in progress but it has been this is life changing.   We need to find the fun.  This time with our kids is short lived. They will be grown up and gone before we know it. I don’t know about you but I want to look back at their childhood and know that I had fun with them, I showed them that it’s ok to have interests and passions outside of our family and that I taught them to be self-sufficient, kind humans. Sometimes we stand in our own way and let the control freak in us take over. It’s ok and necessary to let your husband or in-laws help with the kids and do it in their own way.   As long as they love your kids and are competent humans, the kids will survive.   I have a friend that is terrified to let her husband, the father of the kids, watch them alone for more than a couple of hours for fear that he won’t pay attention and something bad will happen. I’ve told her that this is ridiculous and that she needs to let him father his kids.   Because we train the people around us to behave in the way that do when they are around us.   Now, she has taught him that he doesn’t know what he’s doing as a parent and that she will always take care of everything. So because of this need to be in control she is trapped and can never do anything on her own and he never helps with anything. This same thing applies to teaching your kids to be self-sufficient. Whatever age they are, start letting them do things for themselves. Getting dressed, putting socks and shoes on, bathing or showering, getting breakfast or snacks, helping with chores around the house like laundry, taking the trash out, doing the dishes or tidying up.   These are all great things for them to do even if they don’t do it exactly the way you would do it. This will be hard but so worth it.   Embrace the chaos! Know that you are amazing and loved and that everything is going to be ok. I promise, the more we let go of the idea of balance the more joy and happiness we will find in our lives.  

Ever wondered what it would be like to talk to someone who lives in the public eye? Today you've got ringside (or earbud-side) seats for my conversation with Kristina Kuzmić (also previously known as The Truth Bomb Mom). She's a truth-teller, a BS-buster, a mama of three and an internet sensation whose mission is to support mamas.  We talk about how important it is to change your perspective so you can improve your life; making the most of your circumstances, no matter how challenging; finding your passion by finding what you hate or makes you sad and fixing THAT; mama shaming (don't do it); how a supported mama is a better mama, and so much more. Kristina is refreshingly real, funny and totally transparent about her journey from deep depression and a life juggling two jobs while raising two kids alone on food stamps to the life she's now living and sharing for us all to see. So many parents find inspiration in Kristina's videos. If you're being introduced to Kristina for the first time, you're in for a treat. And if you've been following her for a while, buckle up... this is a great extra glimpse into someone so many of us have come to know and love. You can find Kristina:On her YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQA1BP64hgYBVi3cHcKyG7AOn her Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic/I also mentioned another great podcast where Kristina chatted with Julie Neale of Mother's Quest. Check it out here: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/mothers-quest-the-podcast/id1180233121?mt=2 

Kristina Kuzmic rose to fame when she won a TV show from Oprah Winfrey in 2015. Since then she's become a voice of encouragement for women and mothers on the internet. Her videos have millions and millions of views, and her key is to be radically transparent. In this episode, we talk about how to find encouragement when things are less than stellar and how she keeps it all together. Connect with Kristina Website - http://www.KristinaKuzmic.com Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/stickycook Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/KristinaKuzmic Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/kristinakuzmic Connect with Dan Website - http://www.danportnoy Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/danportnoy Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/danportnoy Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/PortnoyMedia

Kristina Kuzmic joins the podcast to talk about a variety of topics ranging from social media, divorce, and getting her own show then starting a YouTube channel. All this within her personal journey toward a more authentic motherhood that has inspired millions of moms around the world. No matter what walk of life you're coming from, give this a listen and you'll be sure to take something away.

Has our obsession with safety gone too far and are we really doing our children any favors by taking all the risk out of playtime and everyday life? Tune in to this week's episode about safety. Guest Speaker: Kristina Kuzmic Hosts: Dr. Alicia La Hoz, Omar Ramos & Veronica Avila

Hello and welcome to this special solocast, a chance for me to reflect on the first full year of living what I call my E.P.I.C. Life, the first year of the podcast, and what feels like the ending of a first chapter of this journey as I get ready to launch Season Three. After a long winter break, one my son Ryan especially encouraged me to take, I’m back and I’m so honored and excited for what’s to come.  Before recording this solocast, I was interviewed on Sage Hobbs’ Naked Conversations Podcast. She asked me right out of the gate what courage means to me. I encourage you to tune into that conversation when it comes out for the full story on my answer, but in essence I said, “Courage to me is standing in my truth and power, even in the face of fear, for love.”  I love the quest I’ve been on. I love those of you who I’ve met along the journey. And I love this vision for Mother’s Quest and all it stands for. So, I’m bravely recording again, with a commitment along the way to do my best to let go of perfection and share what feels true.  Spring is Coming – And Season Three With It I’m recording and bringing this episode to you in early March 2018, as seeds are sprouting and even some flowers have begun blooming and there is this sense of spring coming in the air. In many of my coaching circles that I’ve been facilitating, we’ve been using the metaphor of planting seeds as we’ve all set intentions for what we want to create in our life this spring. And I decided that I wanted to carry this metaphor of seeds and growth forward in this episode.  It seems fitting and full circle because the first episode I ever recorded,episode 00, which was also a solocast, was called Planting Seeds for Mother’s Quest. That episode captured all the moments, experiences and wishes I had as I set forward to build this vision for Mother’s Quest. Since then, there has been so much growth, in myself, in my family, and in the Mother’s Quest Community.  I want to use this episode that I’m calling “Sprouting Seeds for Mother’s Quest,” to reflect on what’s already taken visible form from those intentions I set over a year ago, some of the gifts I’ve taken from the women who have come onto the podcast to share their stories and words of wisdom, and also to share what I’m on a quest for now and therefore what you can expect in Season Three.  This episode dedicated by: Jody Smith, a like-minded mother on a quest who is getting ready to launch her own mission, a children’s book that empowers girls. E.P.I.C. Guideposts In this episode, I explore just a few moments from the podcast across the guideposts that have impacted me most: E –  Ways to be more mindfully engaged. I’ve made space for more “special time,” adventure fridays and lots of reflective conversation in the car with my children. One of the things I’ve continued to appreciate the most is the way in which my children have shared with me and supported me. One that stands out is Jacob’s “focus on our goodness” comment after Trump was elected which became the message on the sign at the first Women’s March which I attended and his advice to me before I did my first live event interview.  Selected Clip: And there was this moment, with my son Ryan, which I share on the podcast episode with Kristina Kuzmic. Ep 11: “Flawed” with Truth Bomb Mom Kristina Kuzmic P – Making a passionate and purposeful impact beyond my family. So much has changed with Mother’s Quest as this vehicle I’ve developed. Since I launched the podcast, the MQ Community has grown to almost 500 members, I’ve launched my first Mother’s Quest Circle, and I’ve taken on a dream client in the organization Emerging Women to facilitate circles for them. My podcast interview with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin helped me to develop more of what I call an activist muscle, led me to have an opportunity to interview her in person at her live event in the bay area and to be invited as a panelist for her upcoming Gaia Lead Conference.  But the greatest impact I think has been my willingness to share about my experience along the way, bringing back reflections, challenges, and lessons learned with my family and community. Selected Clip: This part of my conversation with Elizabeth summarized well this unique aspect of the heroine’s journey.  Ep 24: Intersectionality and the Age of the New Heroine with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin I – Investing in myself. My conversation with Lindsay McCarthy about the Miracle Morning, and the 10 day challenge we then did in the facebook group, definitely expanded my morning practice, and an exploration of my own roots through a Jewish practice called Mussar with Edie Raphael Brotman built upon that. Danielle Dutton shined a light on the importance of meditation and taking time to yourself. My conversation with Nicole Lee was instrumental in helping me hold a growth mindset for myself and my children when it comes to courageous conversations about race.  Selected Clip: This reminder about self-care that came forward in my conversation with Women’s March organizer Paola Mendoza, about its importance as an act of political warfare and about building moments of self-care into your daily life, has also stayed with me.  Ep 16: Rising Up with Paola Mendoza C – Connecting to experiences of gratitude with the people in our lives and building relationships. Nancy Netherland’s conversation touched me in so many ways, and has deepened my gratitude practice with my husband and my children. My conversation with Samantha Ettus helped me think about the importance of inviting people into my home and reaching out when I’m feeling the need for connection. As a result, I hosted my first ever Multicultural Yom Kippur Break the Fast and also hosted a tea and did an interview of my friend Chelsea Bonini who was running for City Council.  Selected Clip: Finally, I really appreciated this moment on the podcast with Nicole Lee about building connections across differences and the importance of authentic relationships that are not transactional. I’ve come back to this again and again, and am honored to now count Nicole Lee as a friend.  Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee What I’m on a quest for now:  Without a doubt, my E.P.I.C. life is still, as it should be, a work in progress. Some challenges I’ve made progress on and even feel a sense of completion about. Others I have taken some steps, but more work is ahead, need to circle back to them, and trust they will resurface or I’ll make movement at just the right time. There are other goals and areas for learning that have come into sharper focus. Here are some things I’m most on a quest for and will be bringing guests on to help light the way for. Tune into the podcast for specifics on some of the guests who are already confirmed or on my wish list: E – To honor my children. I want to continue to engage mindfully with my children and to more deeply understand who they are and how to support them to grow into their fullest expression of themselves.  P –  Moving away from fear and resistance and into more ease and flow, especially in my work and continuing to grow my social justice lens and my activist muscle.  I – Continuing to grow my skills in being mindful and present. I’m on a quest to cook and eat more healthy food for myself and my family, balancing my own use of screen-time, finding help in navigating changing hormones as I get older and improving my time management and organizational skills.  C- Connection with my own ancestors, roots and rituals. Deepening friendships, networks of support during challenging times, and making time to nurture my relationship with my husband.  Along with these intentions and directions for conversation and growth, I’m committed to two  particular things as I move forward into this next two chapter.  1)The first is to remember that it’s the journey and not the destination that is what it’s really all about.  2) The second is a commitment to live MY version of an E.P.I.C. life, not somebody’s else’s, and to continue digging into more and more what that really means for me. And also to support YOU in defining what that means for you.  This Week’s Challenge: Read my post on how my meaning of the ultimate success has changed over the last year.  Grab your journal, think about what you might have defined as your E.P.I.C. life in the past and then identify what feels more real for you now.  Answer these questions… What are you most on a quest for now?  What does YOUR version of an E.P.I.C. life, not someone else’s, mean to YOU?  Announcements: Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot Applications close this weekend for the first Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot. If you’re on the threshold of something big in your life and you seek inspiration, coaching and community, this could be just what you need.    Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start in March, and there are only a handful of spaces left, so apply today if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Mother’s Quest E.P.I.C. Life Check-In Would love to have you in our weekly E.P.I.C. Life Check-In on Tuesday, from 12N-1PM pm via Video on Zoom We’ll create connections within the Mother’s Quest community, reflect on how we feel along the E.P.I.C. Guideposts this week, and set an intention for the week. Time for personal introspection, group accountability and community-building all packed into one hour. Are you In? Let me know and I’ll make sure to send you the zoom link. www.mothersquest.com/community  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: Jody Smith Emily Cretella of MotherHustle Collette Flanagan, founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko of This (Un)Scripted Life Suzanne Brown, author of Mompowerment Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach of Marketing Magic for Entrepreneurs Katharine Earhart of Alesco Advisors Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts Resistance Artist Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer, founder of The Profit Party Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs of the Notable Woman Podcast Erin Kendall of Fit Mom Go Niko Osoteo of Bear Beat Productions Erik Newton of The Together Show Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of 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 contributionhttp://mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter/  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/

Today's guest is globally renowned for her parenting humour… The Huffington Post calls it, “Parenting comedy at its finest”! Kristina Kuzmic is energetic and funny, and has an in-your-face perspective on parenting and on life in general. You may have seen Kristina on your Facebook feed, or on some internet, radio or TV outlet. She has become a YouTube sensation with her “mom-centric” videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges. With over 300 million views across media outlets and websites worldwide, Kristina has a voice and personality that has proven to be a hit with audiences everywhere. We talked about parenting, depression, finding your feet, building a brand and remarrying… A huge thank you to Naseba and the Global WIL Economic Forum 2017 for making this interview possible.

I am excited to share this vulnerable conversation with the Truth Bomb Mom, Kristina Kuzmic. Energetic, funny, and honest, Kristina has an in-your-face perspective on issues of parenting and life in general. She has become a Youtube sensation with her “mom-centric” videos about raising children and juggling all of life’s challenges, with over 200 million views across media outlets and websites worldwide. Kristina and her husband currently live in Southern California, where her most important, rewarding, and exhausting careers include being a sanitation engineer, chef, chauffeur, and conflict resolution guru for her three (mostly satisfied) clients – her children. In this episode, we talk about Kristina’s experience growing up in America, shaped by an escape from war-torn Croatia. She shares how on a whim, she went from being a divorced mother on food stamps to winning a cooking show on Oprah’s OWN Network in 2011.  How her satirical YouTube video, “4 Reasons Women Should NEVER Breastfeed in Public,” went viral and why Kristina believes it is her community that is responsible for her reaching a half a million followers. We get honest and emotional about our flaws and insecurities but also our impact and the power of sharing these with our children. Finally, we reflect on our shared experience of losing a baby in utero and how for both of us, focusing on just one positive thing on that day shifted our perspective and changed everything. I hope you leave this conversation, as I did, inspired to keep turning the pages in the chapter of your E.P.I.C.life, staying true to your mission, owning your flaws, and paying attention to one positive thing every day. I was so grateful for this time with Kristina and I know you will be too. Topics discussed in this episode: How growing up in war-torn Croatia and her subsequent immigration to the U.S. impacted her life How her mother influenced her parenting by striking a healthy balance between enforcing rules and fostering joy   Why she named her company “Flawed” and how she has let go of perfection Her journey from Oprah to YouTube The importance of community and of women who champion each other   How to turn down the volume on our inner critics What my son said to me that Kristina says she will never forget Resources mentioned in this episode: Kristina’s viral video: 4 Reasons Women Should Never Breastfeed in Public (a sarcastic take on the arguments against breastfeeding) Visit Kristina on YouTube: www.youtube.com/stickycook Visit Kristina on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristinaKuzmic Mother’s Quest Theory of Change Previous Mother’s Quest Episodes Mentioned: Ep 09: The Soul-Fueled Truth with Amber Lilyestrom and Ep 00: Planting Seeds for Mother’s Quest – An Introduction Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear Kristina’s Positivity Challenge - and sign up here to download the free "E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheet" and start capturing your gratitude daily. A big THANK YOU to our "patrons" for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial support:  Cameron Miranda - who provided a "dedication" for this episode Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of the Sustainable Living Podcast Would you like to dedicate a podcast episode to a special mother in your life? Leave me a note here and I will get back to you with all the details! Do you enjoy this podcast and want to support more meaningful conversations such as these? Visit the Mother’s Quest Patreon Page to become a regular patron or visit this link - www.mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter to make a one-time donation.

Closet Skyping! What do you do when your youngest takes a nap and you have a podcast interview? Closet Skyping! Just for the record, sound quality in a closet full of clothes is amazing! This interview is touching, eye-opening and downright hilarious in parts. You seriously want to get to know Kristina better. Check her out on YouTube and her website kristinakuzmic.com and enjoy today’s episode!

Finding your passion can take a bit of searching. When you identify it, don't wait for permission from someone else to act on it. Kristina Kuzmic embodies this mindset, going from down-and-out to a social media sensation that Huffington Post calls “parenting comedy at its finest.” Listen To The Podcast:                         Time-Stamped Show Notes [02:00]  How Kuzmic's new career began [05:20]  Coming from hard times [07:45]  How to find your passion [09:45]  Live your life paying attention [11:21]  Recognizing that sometimes passion is fueled by anger [13:00]  Don't wait for permission from others act [18:24]  On posting a video with no sound [19:56]  The creative process [23:33]  Kuzmic's followers view her as a friend [25:00]  Dealing with insecurities and fears [28:00]  Monday Wine Milkshakes [30:15]  Final words of wisdom [33:07]  Contact info An Avalanche of Change Success rarely comes fast and easy. The process of identifying your passion, finding a way to act on it, and sustaining follow-through can be tough. No one knows this better than social media sensation Kristina Kuzmic. She's received rave reviews from People Magazine for her fun, parenting videos on YouTube and has upwards of a quarter of a million followers on Facebook. Her confidence shines through her smile and you'd never guess that just a few years before, she was recovering from a marriage break-up and living in one room with her two kids. She bought them bunk beds and slept on the floor next to them. They got by on food stamps and her three part-time jobs. Though she dreamed of better things, she had no idea of what dramatic changes were about to happen. Kuzmic wanted to find meaningful work but had no idea where to start, so her new husband handed her the car keys and said, "Go. Take a drive and figure it out." Her career goals, it turned out, were not lofty. She wanted to create fun videos for YouTube. So she did, and people loved them. When a friend encouraged her in 2010 to submit an application to The Oprah Network contest for a new show, she did. Less than a month later she got a call from the producers and ended up with her own cooking show, “The Sticky Cook”. She also ended up with a brand new car courtesy of Oprah. Kuzmic's head was spinning from the rapid-fire change in her life and she remarks, "Instead of giving me a glass slipper, Oprah gave me a car!" Something about that struck home, and Kuzmic says, "I had been feeling like a loser and a failure, but when I got the Oprah show I realized that Oprah believed in me more than I believed in myself. It hit me like a ton of bricks, but the good kind of bricks, not the bad ones." Finding Your Passion People often have difficulty pinpointing their passion or purpose. Kuzmic's advice for that is to “try just paying attention to what gives you goose bumps. Write that down. I had a whole list of random notes in my phone.” When you have accumulated 100 notes or so, review them and look for a common thread. "That is your passion," Kuzmic says, "build on that." In working with her own passion, Kuzmic found her vision unfolding and realized that she wanted her videos to support and encourage moms. Don't Wait for Permission The only problem with the video idea was that Kuzmic didn't have a good camera and she didn't know how to edit. All around her she saw people waiting for permission, for some third party to tell them their idea was good and it was okay to move forward. In her own life that wasn't happening, so she decided to put her videos out herself. "No more excuses. I'm just going to get this done," she said. With her do-it-yourself attitude Kuzmic made plenty of mistakes, but she kept moving forward. She realizes there must be others like herself, who berate themselves for making mistakes. "If that person is out there," laughs Kuzmic, "just remember that I have a video I posted where you can't hear me talking....

I am joined with the beautifully authentic and encouraging Kristina Kuzmic. Kristina shares her own journey of parenting Luca, her son who was struggling with depression, anxiety and even thoughts of suicide. The conversation highlights the importance of curiousity, connection, empathy and the power of simply being present for loved ones in times of crisis.Kristina shares her full story in their incredible journey her book. I Can Fix This: And Other Lies I Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child. (Her son Luca, wrote a chapter.)You can find her book here:https://amzn.to/3YDEOocShow Your support @buymeacoffee.com/thehealingtraumapodcast Watch this episode on youtube https://youtu.be/cRbZ6yBa1_IRecommeded Trauma Recovery books & resourceshttps://www.thehealingtraumapodcast.com/This podcast page may contain affilate links where I may receive a small commission at no cost to you .Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy