Podcasts about quest community

In 2015, when Mother's Quest was still a dream in my heart, I heard an interview with an inspiring mother, Jadah Sellner, on the Good Life Project Podcast. She and her partner had co-created what became in a short time a viral phenomenon and seven figure flourishing business, called Simple Green Smoothies, built on a premise: add greens to a smoothie each day and see how it could spark change within. From that moment forward, I found inspiration in Jadah's journey and know that her quest planted seeds for me to pursue mine. I noticed that she led with heart and followed her dreams while staying committed to being present for her daughter. I learned from her as I watched her bring forward the Simple Green Smoothies book that became a best-seller, as she took to the TEDx stage integrating her spoken word poetry into her message, as she made the difficult decision to leave Simple Green Smoothies when she realized it was no longer fulfilling her, and when she pressed pause on her work to grieve and heal after a series of profound personal losses.  Today, as the founder of Jadah Sellner Media, Inc., and She Builds Collective and host of the Lead with Love Podcast, Jadah helps women build their businesses and their lives in a way that works for them—with love. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and dog, Beesly. And this week, she culminated another journey that spanned years, that she allowed to slow cook in its own right timing, with the release of her new book published by Harper Collins, She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life. In this conversation, with each E.P.I.C. Guidepost we explore, Jadah shares with heart, humor, metaphor and tangible examples, how she brings an ease-filled, anti-hustle approach to engaging with her daughter, to pursuing her purposeful impact, to investing in herself and to building deep relationships, a practice she learned as an adult, when she changed childhood patterns and decided to bloom where she is planted. Every chapter of Jadah's new book and every EPIC guidepost exploration in this episode is an invitation for us to choose an intentional empowering and nurturing perspective for living our E.P.I.C. lives.  If you've been seeking a more sustainable path, free from burnout and rooted in your well-being, I hope that Jadah's book and this conversation help you claim a new way forward. Because as Jadah says,  “Collectively we know that the hustle culture isn't working for us. We build differently; we Build with L.O.V.E.” About Jadah Sellner: Jadah Sellner is a bestselling author, business coach, international keynote and TEDx speaker, poet, and host of Lead with Love podcast. She's the coauthor of the bestselling book Simple Green Smoothies and has been featured in Forbes; O, The Oprah Magazine; and the Wall Street Journal. As the founder of Jadah Sellner Media, Inc., and She Builds Collective, Jadah helps women build their businesses and their lives in a way that works for them—with love. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and dog, Beesly.   Connect with Jadah: Website | jadahsellner.com/about/ Facebook | www.facebook.com/jadahsellner/ Twitter | @JadahSellner Instagram | @jadahsellner  LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/jadahsellner/   Topics Discussed in this Episode: The gift of pursuing her creativity that Jadah's mother gave to her The moment when Jadah disrupted childhood patterns and decided to bloom where she was planted  What Jadah is most on a quest for today…learning how to receive love as much as she gives Jadah's suggestions for creating no-judgement spaces to help our children to open up and express themselves The slow cooker vs. pressure cooker analogy approach for how to detox from hustle culture in life and business Different approaches in different seasons of your life: pausing, pivoting, or accelerating push The importance of investing in yourself by gathering your support squad 5 minute suggestions for “state change” you can feel in your body Masterminds and how they help generate ideas and solutions from one person to another Simple practices to try when life starts to feel out of alignment   Resources Mentioned: She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life www.amazon.com/She-Builds-Anti-Hustle-Business-Nourish-ebook/dp/B09RWWHXHD Simple Green Smoothies: 100+ Tasty Recipes to Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Feel Great in Your Body www.amazon.com/Simple-Green-Smoothies-Recipes-Weight/dp/1623366410 Episode where I first heard Jadah on the Good Life Project Podcast. https://www.goodlifeproject.com/podcast/jadah-jen-simple-green-smoothies/ The Mother's Quest Manifesto Challege Self-Guided Course which links to a FB live recording Jadah shared  in the Mother's Quest Community.    This Episode's Challenge:  Nurture your life by cultivating relationships. Jadah challenges you to 10 seconds of bravery. Find a way to connect with someone you want to go deeper with; send them a text or an audio message, invite them to a cafe or a walk, send them an email. Try letting someone know how they have impacted your life without expecting anything in return.    This Episode is dedicated by Jennifer Kem Jennifer Kem is a San Francisco Bay Area-based brand building and leadership expert who gets entrepreneurs seen, heard, and paid for being themselves.  She's the creator of the Master Brand Method: a framework to develop powerful brands that win customers' hearts, which she uses in strategic consulting for emerging entrepreneurs, celebrity brands like Oprah Winfrey Network and Steve Harvey, and major corporations including Verizon, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Bank of Hawaii.  She is a successful owner of three multimillion-dollar businesses and the proud mother of three children. Title: Brand Futurist and CEO of Master Brand Institute    Links Website: https://www.JenniferKem.com YouTube: www.JenniferKem.com/YouTube Instagram: @jennifer.kem // https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.kem/ Facebook: @JenniferKemComm // https://www.facebook.com/JenniferKemComm/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jenniferkem Twitter: https://twitter.com/_JenniferKem_ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferkem/   Gift from Jen for the Mother's Quest Community JenniferKem.com/MOTHERSQUEST - gives you full access to her signature Brand Archetype Assessment, a $250 value.     Mother's Quest is a podcast and community 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 www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest  

This Throwback Thursday's minisode is inspired by the photos, posts and stories from so many of you about your children's new beginnings at the start of this school year. Recorded a few years ago, it outlines my secret to a powerful start that we can share with our children…an experience called a “Milestone Hike” that I've done in person and now virtually for many years. In this Minisode I Talk About: How/when I learned about the importance of ending well to begin well at the youth development organization Alternatives in Action  The transformative Milestone Hike Experience I had on my 40th birthday How I've used the same components of that hike to acknowledge milestones with my son Ryan (we even recorded a podcast episode about one on his 13th birthday!) including Back to School Milestone Hikes The ways I have taken that experience to create signature Mother's Quest opportunities for reflection Hope this supports you or a mother preparing for Back to School in your life!  Also, I'd love to hear from YOU: What are your Back to School Rituals that help you start the year well? Please join us in the Mother's Quest Facebook Group to share or email me at julie@mothersquest.com Much appreciation, Julie Neale — Listen to my episode with Ryan that we recorded after our Milestone Hike on his 13th birthday. He has grown and changed so much since then and will be starting college in just a few weeks. I'm so glad we have this almost like a time capsule of that period in his life.  http://mothersquest.com/ep-18-yolo-you-only-live-once-and-other-milestone-reflections-with-ryan-neale/ Fall 2022 Spark Your E.P.I.C. Year Virtual Hike – Two Dates! If you'd like to go on a reflective milestone hike (virtually!) with me and others from the Mother's Quest Community by your side, we've opened up registration for the Fall Spark Your E.P.I.C. Year Virtual Hike. Choose from two dates:   You can sign up here for Thursday, Sept 29th from Noon – 1:30 pm PST: https://mailchi.mp/mothersquest/septvirtualhike22 You can sign up here for Saturday, Oct 1st from 10 – 12:30 pm PSt: https://mailchi.mp/mothersquest/octvirtualhike22 Full Episode Show Notes Check out the full show notes from the original episode here: Back to School Milestone Hike: My Secret to Starting The School Year Well Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

This month, in the Mother's Quest Community, we've been celebrating the power of books. It made me think about this past episode with my mother Fran and her dear friend Sandy Klasky about their then 50 year old book club. This year, the book club will be turning 55 and is still going strong, even through the pandemic.  Listen to this conversation, and you'll be inspired by the importance of friendship, the potential of books to bring people together, and the lessons we can learn from two grandmothers who have been through challenging times in our country and have lessons to share with us about what got them through. Other Invitations To Celebrate the Power of Books: ✨Listen to this episode with author Andrea Scher where I talk about the Becoming 50 Manifesto I wrote using book spine poetry. I was inspired by an idea in Andrea's book Wonder Seeker. ✨Check out my Becoming 50 Manifesto Book List and Purchase a book of your own from the list for your summer reading.  ✨Get a copy of the Mother's Quest Inspiration Guide or gift a copy to a special mother in your life ✨Sign up for the Tiny Book Course from my friends at Get it Done Productions and write a book of your own! Code JulieNeale will get you 10% off the course. Full Episode Show Notes Check out the full shownotes from the original episode here: EP34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman and Sandy Klasky   Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Welcome to this first episode of Season Seven of the Mother's Quest Podcast!   Today's episode was sparked by an experience I had on my most recent big milestone birthday. The morning of December 1st, I turned 50 and the podcast, which was a 45th birthday present to myself, turned 5.   As I often do, I began my morning practice reading a book on my bedside table; the one I grabbed this time was a new one I had purchased called Wonder Seeker. Inspired by an idea within the gorgeously photographed pages, I hopped out of bed, wandered over to my bookshelf, pulled books from the shelves that were speaking to me on this occasion, and before I knew it had organized them into a pile which that became my "Manifesto for Becoming 50."    There was such spontaneity, joy, and ease in this creative endeavor...qualities that emanate from the book Wonder Seeker and qualities I had long admired in Wonder Seeker's author Andrea Scher.    So, when it came time to launch the new season and invite a guest to anchor our month-long Mother's Quest May invitation to reclaim our E.P.I.C. lives in the Mother's Quest Community, I knew just who to ask. What a delight it was when Andrea Scher said yes!    Andrea is an author, artist, and life coach whose work is driven by her belief in the transformative power of creativity for joy and wellbeing. For nearly two decades, through her award-winning blog Superhero Journal, her Creative Superheroes podcast, and her bestselling e-courses, Andrea has thrilled others with their own power to find the magic all around them.   Her new book, Wonder Seeker: 52 Ways to Wake up Your Creativity and Find Your Joy straddles the world of creativity and mindfulness - playfully inspiring readers to live more vibrant lives full of presence, joy, and connection.    Like the book, I felt like this whole conversation straddled the world of creativity and mindfulness. Andrea shares with us where she developed her unique lens of looking at things through "wonder goggles" as she calls them, about the big dreams she calls Mondo Beyondo, how she loved herself and her children through her divorce, and where she's finding joy today. Talking with Andrea reminded me that our creative endeavors have ripple effects we may not even know and that we don't need permission to pursue the things that we love.    I hope you love this conversation as much as I did and open yourself to seeking more wonder in your life. I also invite you to join me and Andrea in saying "yes" to our own Mondo Beyondo dreams, to our own creativity, and to creating our own Manifestos, by signing up for the Manifesto Challenge, linked in the show notes, tapping into some of the creative ideas for expression from Wonder Seeker, like the book spine poetry I drew inspiration from, and then joining Andrea and me on May 24th to celebrate what we're creating and manifesting together.    About Andrea:   Andrea Scher is an author, artist, and life coach whose work is driven by her belief in the transformative power of creativity for joy and wellbeing. For nearly two decades, through her award-winning blog Superhero Journal, her Creative Superheroes podcast, and her bestselling e-courses, Andrea has thrilled others with their own power to find the magic all around them.   Her new book, Wonder Seeker: 52 Ways to Wake up Your Creativity and Find Your Joy (HarperCollins) straddles the world of creativity and mindfulness - playfully inspiring readers to live more vibrant lives full of presence, joy, and connection.    You can learn more about Andrea on her website or follow her on Instagram!    Connect with Andrea: Website | andreascher.com Instagram | @andreascher Facebook | Andrea Scher Website | Blog Website | Podcast   Topics Discussed in this Episode:   What Andrea means by “Mondo Beyondo” and some of our Mondo Beyondo moments.  How Andrea mindfully engaged with her children through the experience of her divorce. The simple somatic practice Andrea uses when she sees something she wants more of in her life. What women were taught growing up about pursuing what we desire and what Andrea thinks we need to shift. Manifesting and creating blueprints for our life goals. How you can see things from a new perspective and from different angles. Andrea's magical journey to bringing her book Wonder Seeker to publication, something both 25 years in the making and that came to fruition in mere months. Andrea's most recent “Wonder Date” experience with bioluminescent algae on Tomales Bay.  Our joint challenge to you is to create a Mondo Beyondo Manifesto of your own.    Resources Mentioned: Mother's Quest May Gift Guide Episode 61: Reclaiming Ourselves in Motherhood: Revisited with Graeme Seabrook Mothers Quest: Right Livelihood, Magic, and Meaning with Lindsay Pera of the Modern Mystics Institute Wonder Seeker by Andrea Sher Andrea Sher's eCourses Sunset Bioluminescence Kayak Tour   This Episode's Challenge:   This Mother's Quest May, say “yes” to the annual 7-day Manifesto Challenge, which you can access in the Mother's Quest MemberVault. Then create your own Manifesto, utilizing the creative ideas, like the book spine poetry that inspired my “Becoming 50 Manifesto,” from Andrea's Wonder Seekers book. Finally, you can join me and Andrea for a celebration of our creativity, Mondo Beyondo dreams, and our Manifestos (or Manifestos still in the making!) on May 24th at noon PST. Register here.   This Episode is dedicated by: Jamie Greenwood Jamie Greenwood is a self-care and leadership coach and the founder of Homecoming, a 6-month group coaching program that teaches big-dreaming, high-achieving women how to take exquisite care of themselves, without an ounce of guilt.  With over 15 years of experience, Jamie specializes in helping women get really clear on who they are, how they want to live, and then actually doing it on their own terms.    Jamie is also the host of The Path Home, a podcast that explores the many facets of the home, how we find a home in ourselves, and how we create a sense of home in our work, our relationships, our communities, and in the future we want to see.   When Jamie's not coaching, speaking, or podcasting, you can find her running after her 5-year-old and 3-year-old daughters and wondering what's for dinner.   Connect with Jamie: Website | jamiegreenwood.co Instagram | @jamiegreenwoodcoaching TikTok | @jamiegreenwoodcoaching   Mother's Quest May Gift Guide Need a little inspiration to invest in yourself? Check out our Mother's Quest Mother's Day Gift Guide! Choose yourself and say yes to taking time off! Buy something meaningful to you, sign up for the Manifesto Challenge, or contribute to a cause you care about– there's something for all mothers here! Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

This Father's Day 2021, many of us are re-emerging and with so much change, I find myself wanting to return to words of wisdom that can ground me during this time of transition. Rather than recording a new episode with a father this year, I'm putting together an episode to highlight my favorite insights from fathers I've interviewed since the podcast began. So stay tuned for that episode coming out soon. In the meantime, I wanted to re-release this full interview with my very own father, David Lieberman, with a dedication by my son Ryan, whose voice no longer sounds anything like this. Though so much has changed, the words from the dedication and the interview itself feel as true and powerful as ever. Sending love to my own Dad this Father's Day and wishes for all of you to discover or rediscover connection and inspiration from the fathers and father figures in your life. Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Pay this forward to a friend who may be interested. Original Show Notes Love of Family and Pursuing our Fate ~A Father's Day Special~ with David Lieberman What an honor it is to bring you this episode with my own father as one of two I'm having with men on the podcast this month in honor of Father's Day. Two things sparked my interest in having my father on the show now…first, a desire to feel more connected to my grandmother Molla, my father's mother, who passed away years before I was born from pancreatic cancer. I wanted to hear from my Dad about his experience of his mother, how she shaped him, and the ways he notices her spirit living on in us today. Related to this, I recently went to a workshop to learn about uncovering our family ancestry and at that workshop they discussed the power of oral histories. My Dad is a storyteller and I wanted to use this amazing platform to capture his stories and life lessons, for me, for my children and the Mother's Quest Community. The episode is an exploration of my father's E.P.I.C. life, how his mother's passion as a voice and elocution teacher shaped him into the powerful speaker and human being he is today, the moment he first saw my mom when she was just 11 years old, how he built a career and a family, and a love of golf to help him cope with the effects of Type 1 Diabetes. And, how he views love of family and the pursuit of fate as a theme that runs through it all. This episode's dedication was shared by Vanessa Couto, an astrologist who considers fate and what's written “in the stars” for us as part of her exploration and practice. Vanessa honored her father Guido with this dedication and reflected on the ways that fate, legacy, and character help us live a life of purpose. I loved reflecting on these same elements of my father's life in this conversation. I wasn't surprised that there were moments that made my Dad and I laugh and cry during along the way. But, I was surprised by the insights that emerged…about the ways in which my grandmother and my father's qualities live in me. I've known I'm much like my mother, but it wasn't until the end of this conversation that I realized that the “seeker” in me, the one who is always on a quest, comes from my father. My Dad believes that fate play a role in all of our lives, but that we must actively pursue it to fully realize it. Our challenge this month is to reflect on the moments in our lives when we chose to pursue our fate and what happened as a result. Also, to notice and seize the new opportunities and possibilities that call us to take action today in our E.P.I.C. lives. In honor of Father's Day, I'd like to add one more challenge that we didn't discuss in the interview but came to me as I wrote this introduction. Seek out the father or father figures in your life to ask them about and record the stories, lessons and insights they have to pass along to this and future generations. I promise you'll learn something powerful about yourself and how to more fully live your E.P.I.C. life. **Stick around till the end for some light and funny bloopers from the interview. This episode dedicated by: Vanessa Couto – Artist, Astrologer, and Teacher. Visit her website at www.vanessacouto.com and connect on Facebook  Topics Discussed in this Episode: My father's view on fate and how it has been a thread weaving through his whole E.P.I.C. life The ways my grandmother shaped my father and the thing she said to him that sealed his fate for a life he loved in California How fate brought my father and mother together, from his first site of her receiving a drama lesson from his mother, to summers as children and teens in a bungalow colony, to 50 plus years of marriage. Where the seeds for his playful nature and love for his children and grandchildren were planted early in his life How he pursued a career in a business he built, the people he met and helped along the way, and the importance of being a person of integrity The impact of Type 1 Diabetes and stress on his life and how his love of golf became his remedy Some funny stories of crazy things that happened to him, several involving the Wall Street Journal, and one that you may want to turn the volume down on if your children are listening with you. The favorite toasts passed down to him by his mother This Week's Challenge: There are three challenges this week: One from me, to look back on our lives, notice the moments when we chose to seek our fate, the impact that has had on us, and to share it with our family members One from my father to continue to seek out our fate, taking action on opportunities even when we're not certain what might come from it And one that emerged from my son Ryan, to share this episode with the fathers or father figures in your life, let them know how you appreciate them, and explore and record their stories and lessons learned. Other Special Episodes with the People in My Life: Ep 40: Live the Movie Version of Your Life with Oscar®-Nominated Producer Rachel Winter, my childhood best friend Ep 34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman, my mother, and her friend Sandy Klasky Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflectionswith my son Ryan Neale Ep 17: A Mindful Writer's Practice with family friend Danielle Dutton   Support the Podcast If you'd like to make a contribution to Mother's Quest to support Season Four of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com   Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Hello and welcome to a very different episode on the Mother’s Quest Podcast.  Michael Skolnik, who is a political activist and friend of mine, has been sharing a series of posts on Instagram that call me to action every time I see them. The last one I saw a few days ago said this: “The election is not 30 days away. The election is over in 30 days. The election is now. Vote early.”  Like so many of you, I’ve been asking myself if I understand that the election is now...what can I be doing to impact the election now? One thing I know I have is this platform and the Mother’s Quest Community. So, I’m committed to sharing a series of episodes to shine light on the importance of this election and what we can do about it. Last week I released a conversation I hope you’ll tune into with Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher about their powerful new book, Sanctuary, and the impact of this election on undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.  In this episode, with the permission of How Women Lead’s Julie Abrams, I’m honored to share a powerful conversation I heard live this week featuring Emerge, Women’s Donor Network and UCSF’s Dr. Gretchen Sisson and She the People’s Aimee Allison. They both share their strategic advice for where our political giving can have the most impact right now. Unfortunately the recording didn’t begin until a few minutes in...so you’ll have to jump right in mid-stream. Be sure to connect to the link with the slides in the show notes which will help you make sense of Gretchen’s fast, furious and in-depth presentation.  After listening, I hope you’ll consider joining me in making a political contribution, informed by Gretchen and Aimee’s analysis. And consider paying this episode forward to another woman in your network.  In How Women Lead’s words, “This year marks the centennial of women’s right to vote. We must take action to elect leadership we can proudly call our own, who understand the issues we face daily and design policies that ensure our rights.”  I hope this conversation helps us all to do this together.   Much appreciation, Julie Neale P.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Pay this forward to a friend who may be interested.   -------------------------- Political Fundraising - Demystifying the Process & Making an Impact in 2020 Originally Aired on October 6, 2020, Presented by How Women Lead The impact of women on the 2020 election: Where will my political giving have the greatest impact? What women candidates should I back?  Where is my volunteer time best spent? What organizations are impacting the political systems where I can donate? “Our collective impact is our greatest strength: learning from each other and banding together to act!” This year has tested our limits and fortitude in every way. It has highlighted the flaws in the social and economic culture in our country. While we seem more divided than ever before, I have seen our sisters come together to lift one another up, hold each other’s hands, and stand strong against challenges. YOU give me hope. Amidst a racial reckoning, gender divide, climate crisis and a global pandemic, we’re arguable facing the most consequential election of our time and women stand to lose the most. The loss of RBG has put an added responsibility on each of us to put up a good fight for everything that we hold dear.  This year marks the centennial of women’s right to vote. Yet, shocking even this right has been put up for debate. We must take action to elect leadership we can proudly call our own, who understand the issues we face daily and design policies that ensure our rights.  “Women’s active participation in politics is not only a human right but also a key to sustainable development and a thriving democracy.”  We held a Virtual Vigil for RBG last week and were touched by the fire in each of you. We need to keep that fire going and show up stronger than before.  44% of large dollar donors for federal campaigns in 2020 are women, up from 24% in 1990 Resources from this Episode: “No Regrets” Guide to Taking Effective Action in the 2020 Election Slide Presentation for Political Fundraising - Demystifying the Process & Making an Impact in 2020 by Gretchen Sisson Please sign up here to join She the People's virtual text bank this Sunday (Oct 11) to get out the vote in battleground states: http://act.democracyforamerica.com/survey/Text2PAV201011/ Anyone can join regardless of age or citizenship She the People will provide all the information and script you need  Here are a few resources that were shared by participants: Latino Voter Guide Forecasting the US election ActBlue MoveOn Daniel's Guide to Taking Action in 2020 Announcements: Ep 78: An Urgent Warning with Sanctuary’s Co-Authors Paola Mendoza and Abby Sher I first interviewed Paola after the Women’s March of 2016, personally still shell-shocked by the election of Trump and searching to find my own voice of resistance and path to activism. Since then, she has continued to be at the forefront of social change, especially when it comes to the issue of immigration, as she has organized, demonstrated, documented stories while travelling with the Caravan and now co-written a young adult novel that is both a cautionary tale and story of hope, Sanctuary. Hope and faith run through this conversation I have with Paola and Abby just as it runs through the poignant book they co-created, a story that paints a harrowing picture of a dystopian future, an America in 2032 that microchips its citizens to easily identify and capture undocumented immigrants. It’s also a book that illuminates resilience, strength, and the power of love. I hope you’ll listen with an open heart as Paola and Abby share about the teenage protagonist Vali who becomes a freedom fighter, the mother who sets Vali on her quest, how storytelling builds compassion and calls us to action, and how you and I can spread this story far and wide and organize for the upcoming election. In doing so, we can shape a hopeful future and help make possible freedom and sanctuary for undocumented immigrants like Vali, like the families whose stories Paola has documented, like the mothers in Matamoros, and like our own neighbors, who help our communities in essential ways. Listen to the Episode HERE Let’s Renew Our Commitment to Racial Justice This High Holiday Season I published my first piece on a topic so important. Would love for you to share with anyone you think would be open to listening and learning from these lessons/conversations highlighted. Read the Article Here If you enjoy the Mother’s Quest Podcast, we’d love your support in sharing this or another favorite episode with a mother you think would appreciate it too!  Another way to help spread the word is to leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Instructions for leaving a review are here: How to leave a rating or review for a podcast from your iPhone or iPad On your iOS mobile device, launch Apple’s Podcast app. Tap the Search tab in the lower right corner of the screen. Enter the name of the podcast you want to rate or review. … Tap the Reviews tab, then tap “Write a Review” at the bottom of the screen. At the time I’m releasing this episode, during the COVID-19 global pandemic, so many of us are seeking ways to connect with one another, even while needing to stay physically apart. If you identify with being a mother on a quest and you’re not yet a member of the free private Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, I invite you to join us for opportunities to learn together, to share what we have to offer one another and where we need support, and to find ways to make meaning of all we’re going through right now. Visit www.motherquest.com/community to join and I’d be honored to welcome you in.  Acknowledgments: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Lilli Rey Anne Armstrong Herve Clermont Samantha Arsenault Vickie Giambra Casey O'Roarty of Joyful Courage Kathie Moehlig or TransFamily Support Services Anne Ferguson of MamaFuel On the Move and etsuko Kubo Kate Amoo-Gottfried Nicole Lee Olivia Parr-Rud "Vince" of the While Black Podcast Sara Brannin-Mooser Lindsay Pera Julie Castro Abrams Alexia Vernon Brooke Markevicius Democracy Clothing Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Samantha Arsenault Attica Locke Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Four of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com --- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

That's a wrap on our 2019 American Atheists National Convention coverage! Today we'll finish strong with THREE, count'em, ONE-TWO-THREE segments covering wonderful secular organizations including a sit-down with Mandisa Thomas, President of Black Nonbelievers, a super fun dual interview between myself and Camp Quest alumni camper Abigail, and we'll end with Jen Scott, board member of American Atheists and founding member of Community of Reason! Black Nonbeliever links:https://blacknonbelievers.com/https://www.facebook.com/BlackNonbelievers/OR find BNB on Twitter @BNonbelievers Camp Quest links:https://www.campquest.org/https://www.facebook.com/CampQuest/OR find CQ on Twitter @CampQuestCommunity of Reason links:https://www.meetup.com/CommunityOfReason/?fbclid=IwAR3bz-0oSX5etniVIkASRFZ0dykDYfQSoKhNkE9fU2vzuXnrufwdDwhodgYhttps://www.facebook.com/communityofreasonohky/ BUY YOUR SHIRT, TANK, OR HOODIE! Don't forget to support Atheist Artists!  http://www.shelleysegal.comhttps://www.patreon.com/ShelleySegal/posts And our partner organization!http://www.northernindianaatheists.com http://www.thereisnogodcast.com Find the show on TWITTER @NoGodcast 

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

I’m so excited to bring you this conversation with someone who has quite literally welcomed me into her home to learn, refresh, and connect with other women... accomplished entrepreneur, social justice advocate, sought after speaker, and a community builder at heart, Anne Devereux-Mills. Capping a 25-year career as one of the most influential women in the advertising industry, in 2012 Anne founded Parlay House, a now international salon-style gathering of over 4,000 women who meet to pull each other forward through a combination of shared experiences, meaningful content, and peer-to-peer connections.  In addition, alongside raising her two daughters as a single mother, becoming a sponsor to a young woman from Cambodia and then a stepmother to two stepsons,  Anne has achieved some remarkable things.  She’s been a mentor for SHE-CAN, an organization supporting and grooming the next generation of female world leaders coming from post-genocide countries, and served as the director of Stanford University's Healthy Body Image Programs. She was the Executive Director of The Return, an Emmy-nominated documentary about the experience of people returning to society post-incarceration. And she and her husband were the lead sponsors of California’s Proposition 36, which restored fairness in sentencing to the State’s excessive Three Strikes Law. At the heart of it all has been a deep abiding belief in authentic, non-transactional relationships, social justice, and the power of women to women connections. I felt Anne’s generosity, perspective, and wisdom throughout our conversation and found so many of the lessons Anne has learned resonating for me, from discerning where our presence is most needed with our children, to learning to release perfectionism.  Synchronistically, so many things I'm grappling with in my life, Anne shined light on in this conversation. I was reminded that small acts can have meaningful cascades of impact, that we can hold a vision for an epic life rooted in connection and what really matters, not in having it all exactly right or at exactly the same time. And I gained a heightened awareness and appreciation for “Inflection points,” those times in our lives when we’re called to change our course or as Anne says “the moment after what was but before what will be.”  I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did and leave feeling more empowered to build authentic connections, stay patient during your “inflection points” and take your own first small acts toward meaningful impact.  Much appreciation, P.S. Check out the announcement below to join us for the #oneminutemommanifesto Challenge in the Facebook Group in honor of Mother's Day. P.S.S. Know someone who would love this conversation? Click forward now to pay this forward to a friend who may be interested. This Episode is Dedicated by Julie Castro Abrams: Julie is the CEO and Chair of How Women Lead, a network of over 10,000 top executive women working together to disrupt the antiquated and unequal systems impacting women. In 2018 they successfully drove legislation requiring that California Public Companies to have up to 3 women on their boards. Through grants to women and girls organizations and a forthcoming disruptive angel fund, How Women Lead brings women together to have an impact and have fun. How Women Lead leverages its network to propel Women Leaders for the World: political and social justice leaders, as well as entrepreneurs who are courageously tackling our most important global issues through a year-long fellowship. Julie is an experienced CEO and director, and as a consultant, she works with non-profit leaders to create high-performance boards, brands that inspire action, and productive, multicultural teams. She's also a small business expert, active angel investor, and advisor to startups. She currently sits on the board of many non-profit organizations, including Women’s Funding Network. Learn more about her and her work: How Women Lead How Women Give Upcoming Events In This Episode We Talk About: How Anne’s parents planted seeds of freedom and experimentation in her life in unusual ways Living an E.P.I.C. life does not mean living a perfect life The “spark moment,” after Anne received a cancer diagnosis, that caused her to change her life forever How things have changed for Anne over the last decade, since her "inflection point" at the age of 50  The need for connection and intimately authentic conversations that led to the creation of Parlay House and how it has grown now to over 4,000 members in four different cities, including London. Paying attention to where your presence is most needed with your children and safeguarding that time Anne’s unique impact:  from helping to advocate for reform of California’s Three Strikes Law to building schools for children in Uganda The power of bringing together women who represent a diverse set of life experiences How Anne invests in herself by letting go of “shoulds” and indulging in what’s soothing and comforting to her, like a daily bath. The power of small actions that can create a cascade Building a community that isn’t based on obligation, judgment or transactional obligations but on authentic connection and giving of self. Anne’s description of “Inflection points,” those moments when you’re ready for a shift. It’s the time “after what was and before what will be.” Resources For This Episode: Anne Devereux-Mills Website Parlay House Website The Aspen Institute Programs Forbes Article about Anne and Parlay House Episode on the podcast with Sybrina Fulton Article from Martha Beck about what happens when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly    Anne’s Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook Parlay House Social Media: Instagram Twitter Facebook This Week’s Challenge:  Anne challenges us to be thoughtful about the small actions that come naturally for us and to extend that to another person in a way that doesn't have a high financial cost to us or take a lot of our time. When we find that thing that’s part of our essence, that comes with ease, doing it in small actions will not only make us feel good, we’ll also help the person we’re supporting feel empowered. And that’s one of the most important things we could do for ourselves and others. You can also follow along on regular email prompts by joining Anne’s One Small Thing email list and share what you discover and do to help others with using the hashtag #onesmallthing. Learn More About Anne Devereux-Mills: Anne Devereux-Mills is sought-after speaker, author, and advocate for women, particularly on the subject of how to create a powerful cycle of personal growth, empowerment, and advancement. Anne’s mission is to share what she has learned through her own experience: recognize one's own strengths and skills – and use them to help other women, creating an outward moving circle of positive change, and, in the process, empowering yourself. Capping a 25-year career as one of the most influential women in the advertising industry, in 2012 Anne founded of Parlay House, a now international salon-style gathering of over 4,000 women who meet to pull each other forward through a combination of shared experiences, meaningful content, and peer-to-peer connections. She has been a mentor for SHE-CAN, an organization supporting and grooming the next generation of female world leaders coming from post-genocide countries, and served as the director of Stanford University's Healthy Body Image Programs. She was the Executive Director of The Return, an Emmy-nominated documentary about the experience of people returning to society post-incarceration. She and her husband were the lead sponsors of California’s Proposition 36, which restored fairness in sentencing to the State’s excessive Three Strikes Law. Announcements: #oneminutemommanifesto In honor of Mother’s Day, I’ll be releasing either a newly recorded or classic episode each Thursday. The week of May 13th, I’m leading a Mother’s Quest #oneminutemommanifesto Challenge in the private Facebook Group to help you claim how you want to journey through motherhood and life. I’ll share reflective prompts each morning that will help you get clear and connected to your E.P.I.C. life, and we’ll be joined by inspiring members of the Mother’s Quest Community who’ll share their #oneminutemommanifestos live in the group to get your creative juices flowing. I have a vision one day for the creation of a million #oneminutemommanifestos and am excited to start working toward that big vision with small actions this month. 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’m thrilled to share this special finale episode of the Mother’s Quest podcast with my very own sister, Caren Lettiere. Caren, ten years older than me and like a second mother in many ways, has been a guide, mentor and inspiration to me my whole life. She’s an ambitious, talented leader in the fashion industry and has managed to grow a $70 million dollar brand, Democracy Clothing, alongside a 27 year marriage and raising two of the loveliest young adults I know, my niece and nephew Nicole and Josh. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in political science, she took a different course and embarked on a career path in fashion, beginning in sales for a company called Rampage, and ultimately landing at Kellwood. There, she first filled a gap she noticed her daughter had for jeans and developed a brand to meet it called Jolt/Rewind. Soon after, she recognized an even greater underserved customer in the market, a dynamic, modern, multitasking mother like herself who loves fashion but got busy with life. Devoted to this ageless woman and aware that she doesn’t want to put an expiration date on her vitality, but could benefit from a little “engineering” when it comes to jeans, Caren launched Democracy Clothing. I loved this conversation with my sister and learned so much myself about how she grew the brand from her side hustle into the tremendously successful venture it is today. Family, magic, a positive mindset and a willingness to grow and evolve in community are just a few of the themes we explore in this episode. We cover everything from the important role that Caren’s husband David played in supporting her career to how they both championed their son Josh last year, when he received a cancer diagnosis and moved forward with his own positivity through three rounds of chemo and a clean bill of health. Caren also shares openly about her own health challenges and all the ways she has built community, at home and at work, to help her thrive. Finally, Caren gives us a special challenge. She asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy Clothing:  to embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to live a more whole and confident life. There’s also a special offer just for us…if you want to explore those pillars in a pair of Democracy jeans yourself, she’s offering a special 10% discount code, 10DEMOCRACY, that you can use on Amazon.com through January 13th. If this calls to you, we encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters to you, and then take a photo and share your story with us on Instagram using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories (then sharing them on Democracy’s Instastories) and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren likes to say… in your E.P.I.C. life. Much appreciation, P.S. Know someone who you think would appreciate this special episode? Click forward and share this conversation! This Episode is Dedicated by: The team at Democracy, represented by Director of Sales Judy Owens. Democracy is a denim-based casual lifestyle brand devoted to the woman who grew up with fashion, but then got busy with life. Founded in 2010, on the principle of “Curve Equality,” which acknowledges that all shapes are not created equal, Democracy’s designers set out to create a jean that that would maximize a woman’s shape by fusing together, style, comfort and technology. Sales inquiries: democracy.sales@kellwood.com www.democracyclothing.com www.facebook.com/democracyjeans www.twitter.com/democracyjeans www.instagram.com/democracyclothing In This Episode We Talk About: The BuzzFeed Article that sparked this episode and revealed Mother’s Quest community member Nancy Netherland’s story of wearing Democracy jeans from Capital Hill to her daughter’s hospital bedside 3 Things Caren learned from our mother, growing up as a 60’s child Caren’s path to living an E.P.I.C. life through pursuing her love of fashion Moments that make me and Caren cry as she reflects on the impact of our mother and father and her husband on her life How Democracy Clothing started out as Caren’s side hustle, the unique woman who inspired the brand, and how her work family helped it succeed The one thing Caren always knew she was on a quest for Keys to honoring your kids as they become more independent Caren’s son Josh’s experience battling testicular cancer last year and how she and her husband David honored his choices What Caren’s Dr. told her she could NOT do if she wanted to avoid diabetes, how she reclaimed her health, and the special way she starts her mornings alongside her daughter Nicole The Four Pillars of Democracy Clothing and a special challenge and discount for the Mother’s Quest Community  Resources and Topics Mentioned: Democracy Clothing (Wit & Wisdom) Featured on BuzzFeed Kellwood Ep 10: Choosing Gratitude and Glitter with Nancy Netherland, who inspired this episode with her own powerful story of wearing Democracy jeans. What is Your Jean Story? – Video with Caren Explaining Her Jeans Democracy Clothing Other Episodes with My Family Members: Ep 43: Love of Family and Pursuing our Fate ~A Father’s Day Special~ with David Lieberman EP34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman and Sandy Klasky Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflectionswith Ryan Neale This Week’s Challenge: For this week’s challenge, Caren encourages us to take a moment and recognize that you are an extraordinary and dynamic woman. Learn to give yourself space to appreciate who you are and how you got to where you are now. Caren also asks us to follow and apply the 4 Pillars of Democracy to:  embrace who you are, enhance what you’ve got, elevate your taste level and evolve your personal style, in order to feel good about yourself and live a more whole and confident life. There’s also a special offer…if you want to explore those pillars in a pair of Democracy jeans yourself, she’s offering a special 10% discount code, 10DEMOCRACY, that you can use on Amazon.com through January 13th. We encourage you to purchase a pair, wear them with confidence doing something that really matters, and then take a photo and share your story with us using the hashtags #democracyclothing and #mothersquest. We look forward to seeing and hearing your stories and learning about all the ways you are “rocking your walk,” as Caren says…in your E.P.I.C. life. *Don’t forget to put #DemocracyClothing #MothersQuest as you share your Jeans story on Instagram and have an opportunity to have yours shared on Democracy’s Instastories. The code can be redeemed on multiple units of Democracy but only on one order per person. Code is valid through 1/13/19 or until supplies last. Learn More About Caren Lettierre: Caren is the founder and President of Democracy Clothing, the brand that she passionately created and launched in 2010 for Kellwood. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in political science, Caren embarked on her non-traditional career path into fashion. She began in sales, launching the Rampage Clothing brand and their modern missy sub-brand CDC. After this, she embarked on her quest to fill the void in fashion for the dynamic, modern, multitasking woman. Through her empathetic lens, she embraces women of all shapes and sizes and is committed to providing them with the foundation and confidence as they pursue their E.P.I.C. life. Caren’s proudest accomplishment is the fulfilling family life that she built along the way with David, her husband of 27 years and their amazing kids Nicole and Josh. LinkedIn Announcements: Support the Circle of Mothers GoFundMe Campaign As of December of 2018, 644 children and 2,729 teens have been killed by gun violence in the US this year. If you feel  pain at the loss of so many young lives full of promise, imagine the devastating grief experienced by the mothers they’ve left behind. On May 16, 2014, Sybrina embarked on a powerful call to action to support and invest in mothers, by reaching out to mothers grieving in our communities. The Circle of Mothers, an annual retreat for women who have lost a child to senseless gun violence, was born.  It costs $1,500 to sponsor a mother who would otherwise not be able to participate in Circle of Mothers. Activist Michael Skolnik and I have pledged the first $3,000 of this $15,000 campaign, 2 toward our goal of 10 women we hope to send.  I pray that one day we won’t need The Circle of Mothers, because we’ve brought an end to gun violence in the US and no more mothers will have to grieve the theft of their children’s lives.   Until then, I hope you’ll open your hearts and minds to Sybrina’s story, lift up grieving mothers who seek healing, and invest in them to lead the way forward. Support the Campaign Women Podcasters in Solidarity Tragically, I have now lost count of the number of mass shootings have taken place just in the time since the Women Podcasters in Solidarity selected “gun safety” as the issue we want to shine a light on this season. Grateful to partner with Cristin Marie and Elsie Escobar on bringing this season of the Initiative to life. It is my deepest hope that through the power of podcasting, the episodes we will record, the conversations we will share with our listeners, and the dollars we will collectively raise toward gun safety causes, will save lives. Please take a look at Cristin’s post here and say “yes” to the Initiative yourself or help spread the word to reach other podcasters who would want to join. Mother’s Quest Circle APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FEBRUARY 2019!! If you’re on a quest to live an E.P.I.C. life, but you’ve been feeling challenged, isolated, or unsure of the path ahead, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle may be the source of connection you’re looking for. The Mother’s Quest Circle provides inspiration, coaching and community for an intimate group of no more than 8 women who are ready to say “yes” to: Reflect together, in a community of like-minded mothers, on what matters most To consciously live their version (not someone else’s) of an E.P.I.C. life To take bold action toward one of the E.P.I.C. life guideposts before the end of the sessions To hold space for sharing, coaching, and championing one another so we are “in community” on our journey If you’re looking to start the year strong, the Circle is a great way to make an investment in yourself and what matters most to you. Apply here to add your name to the wait list.  Watch out for Season Four This is the last episode of Season Three of the Mother’s Quest Podcast. I’ll be taking some time off from podcasting during the holidays and start of the new year but will be back in February with an incredible Season Four. Until then, I invite you to subscribe if you haven’t already to catch up on any episodes you’ve missed. And would love to see you in the private Mothers’ Quest Facebook Group where we will continue to build community and connection. Visit www.mothersquest.com/community to join. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Democracy Clothing Michael Skolnik Helgi Maki Kari Azuma Tamara Sobomehin Katie Krimitsos Carrie Caulfield Arick Rachel Rosen Chandra Brooks Jen Simon Monisha Vasa Celia Ward-Wallace Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com   Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

We are welcoming back the 5-Day Mussar Yoga Challenge, which officially kicks off today. This is in line with my podcast episode with Edie Raphael last year on Mussar and this season of renewal. Come along for five daily prompts in the Mussar Yoga Challenge at the Mother's Quest Facebook Group. Mussar is an ancient Jewish practice that invites us to contemplate, journal on, talk in community about... a character trait in our lives, for a specific period of time, in this case 5 days.  I'm fascinated that the "middah" we picked last year, "order" is also the issue I identified to work on without fully realizing it.  Have you heard of Mussar before or did you participate in the challenge last year? What do you think about it? Do you have your own rituals or practices for reflection and renewal this time of year? Listen and learn more in my podcast episode with Edie if you want to go deeper. PLUS Would love to support you in a one-on-one 90 minute Clarity Session if you want to go deeper. Special rate through Sept. 19th. You can book your session here https://mothersquest.as.me/FallClaritySessionSpecial Ep 28: Mussar Yoga for Reflection and Renewal with Edie Raphael Brotman Hello and welcome to the Mother’s Quest Podcast that I’m bringing to you at the start of the Jewish New Year. The holiday kicks off a ten day period, known as the Days of Awe, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement.   This time of year, regardless of your religious faith, is a season of reflection and renewal, as our children get settled into a new school year and the leaves begin to change color. I wanted to take advantage of this time to turn inward and create an opportunity for change not only for myself but also for members of the Mother’s Quest Community. I decided to reach out to mindful mother, Edie Rafael Brotman, author of the book “Mussar Yoga,” to learn from her how she approaches self-improvement through blending the ancient Jewish practice of Mussar and the ancient Eastern practice of Yoga. Edie’s book was a trusted resource in a Mussar class I took a few years ago. I was enthralled by the process and know that the experience planted seeds for Mother’s Quest. So, when I reached out to Edie to see if she’d share her approach on the podcast and then lead a 5 day challenge in the Facebook Group and she said “yes,” I was thrilled.  Edie is a workplace consultant and coach for a business consulting firm called Rewire Inc that leverages emotional intelligence, mindfulness and communication. She has her PhD in Sociology and was an adjunct professor at UVA, Case Western Reserve University and Towson University. She’s also a highly trained yoga instructor, was named one of Baltimore’s favorite yoga teachers in Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore” and co-founded Off the Grid Yoga and Camping Retreats. In this episode, Edie orients us to Mussar in which character traits, known in Hebrew as “middot,” are the centerpiece of the practice. Edie and I explore her E.P.I.C. life story, how she came to mindfulness and Mussar, and how reflecting on middot in her life has enriched her and her relationships. Edie also shares how her mother influenced her independence. And how her mother’s untimely death jump-started Edie’s journey to discover Mussar and connect it to Yoga as a bridge to connect Jewish spirituality and her love for physical activity. I appreciated so much about this conversation with Edie, especially the deep dive into the history of Mussar practice, and how she came to this connection between self-improvement, spirituality and the physical body.  I’m so excited to continue the exploration of all of these things, and hope you’ll decide to come along too as we challenge ourselves together during this season of reflection and renewal. In This Episode We Talk About: Why the fall is the perfect time to undertake a Mussar Yoga Challenge How I first learned about Edie and her Mussar Yoga Book The path of renewal Edie’s mother took in her career, how that impacted her, and how her mother’s passing brought her to Mussar The power of mindfulness and daily meditation to become more conscious and aware of emotions as they arise Mussar as a way of rewiring your brain so it is in alignment with universal precepts The origins of Mussar and the people who pioneered the teachings The traditional way to practice Mussar, utilizing self-reflection on one character trait at a time on a continuum, and how Edie blends it powerfully with Yoga The connection between body and spiritual growth Resources Mentioned: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – Jewish new year holidays Mussar Yoga: Blending an Ancient Jewish Spiritual Practice with Yoga to Transform Body and Soul What is Mussar? Mussar Institute Rabbi Israel Salanter The Path of the Upright Ben Franklin Circles This Week’s Challenge: Join the Mother's Quest Facebook Group and do the 5-Day Mussar Yoga Challenge at www.mothersquest.com/community Announcements: ARE YOU…  Hopeful that the new school year will be a positive, powerful experience for your child?  Thinking about how best to set your children up for success?  Wondering what new practices you can build into your life and theirs to help make that possible?  Getting lost in all the paperwork and volunteer requests and want to ground yourself in what’s most important?  Ready to focus fully on YOU and YOUR life now that your kids will be in school? If you’re feeling a similar desire to press “pause” on the busyness as I did and reflect on your vision for this year, what’s working and what needs to shift, and what key guidepost would help you move forward more intentionally, I’d love to support you with a 90 minute clarity coaching session. You’ll leave with:   Clarity about what matters most to you in your future vision for this year  Reflection on what beliefs/ways of being you want to leave behind and what lessons you want to carry forward  Commitment toward one E.P.I.C. Guidepost and key action(s) that will help you and your children move forward intentionally ✨Fall Special Clarity Coaching Session ✨ A 90 minute session for the price of a 60 minute session Book By September 19th Say “yes” if this is calling to you. It’s an investment in yourself and your children.  $198 Just click the link below by Sept 19th to schedule a time at this special rate. https://mothersquest.as.me/FallClaritySessionSpecial Whether I have the opportunity to support you now or not, I wish you and yours a sweet and meaningful beginning to this new season.  Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com   --- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

What an honor it is to bring you this episode with my own father as one of two I’m having with men on the podcast this month in honor of Father’s Day. Two things sparked my interest in having my father on the show now…first, a desire to feel more connected to my grandmother Molla, my father’s mother, who passed away years before I was born from pancreatic cancer. I wanted to hear from my Dad about his experience of his mother, how she shaped him, and the ways he notices her spirit living on in us today. Related to this, I recently went to a workshop to learn about uncovering our family ancestry and at that workshop they discussed the power of oral histories. My Dad is a storyteller and I wanted to use this amazing platform to capture his stories and life lessons, for me, for my children and the Mother’s Quest Community. The episode is an exploration of my father’s E.P.I.C. life, how his mother’s passion as a voice and elocution teacher shaped him into the powerful speaker and human being he is today, the moment he first saw my mom when she was just 11 years old, how he built a career and a family, and a love of golf to help him cope with the effects of Type 1 Diabetes. And, how he views love of family and the pursuit of fate as a theme that runs through it all. This episode’s dedication was shared by Vanessa Couto, an astrologist who considers fate and what’s written “in the stars” for us as part of her exploration and practice. Vanessa honored her father Guido with this dedication and reflected on the ways that fate, legacy, and character help us live a life of purpose. I loved reflecting on these same elements of my father’s life in this conversation. I wasn’t surprised that there were moments that made my Dad and I laugh and cry during along the way. But, I was surprised by the insights that emerged…about the ways in which my grandmother and my father’s qualities live in me. I’ve known I’m much like my mother, but it wasn’t until the end of this conversation that I realized that the “seeker” in me, the one who is always on a quest, comes from my father. My Dad believes that fate play a role in all of our lives, but that we must actively pursue it to fully realize it. Our challenge this month is to reflect on the moments in our lives when we chose to pursue our fate and what happened as a result. Also, to notice and seize the new opportunities and possibilities that call us to take action today in our E.P.I.C. lives. In honor of Father’s Day, I’d like to add one more challenge that we didn’t discuss in the interview but came to me as I wrote this introduction. Seek out the father or father figures in your life to ask them about and record the stories, lessons and insights they have to pass along to this and future generations. I promise you’ll learn something powerful about yourself and how to more fully live your E.P.I.C. life. **Stick around till the end for some light and funny bloopers from the interview. This episode dedicated by: Vanessa Couto – Artist, Astrologer, and Teacher. Visit her website at www.vanessacouto.com and connect on Facebook  Topics Discussed in this Episode: My father’s view on fate and how it has been a thread weaving through his whole E.P.I.C. life The ways my grandmother shaped my father and the thing she said to him that sealed his fate for a life he loved in California How fate brought my father and mother together, from his first site of her receiving a drama lesson from his mother, to summers as children and teens in a bungalow colony, to 50 plus years of marriage. Where the seeds for his playful nature and love for his children and grandchildren were planted early in his life How he pursued a career in a business he built, the people he met and helped along the way, and the importance of being a person of integrity The impact of Type 1 Diabetes and stress on his life and how his love of golf became his remedy Some funny stories of crazy things that happened to him, several involving the Wall Street Journal, and one that you may want to turn the volume down on if your children are listening with you. The favorite toasts passed down to him by his mother This Week’s Challenge: There are three challenges this week: One from me, to look back on our lives, notice the moments when we chose to seek our fate, the impact that has had on us, and to share it with our family members One from my father to continue to seek out our fate, taking action on opportunities even when we’re not certain what might come from it And one that emerged from my son Ryan, to share this episode with the fathers or father figures in your life, let them know how you appreciate them, and explore and record their stories and lessons learned. Other Special Episodes with the People in My Life: Ep 40: Live the Movie Version of Your Life with Oscar®-Nominated Producer Rachel Winter, my childhood best friend Ep 34: Season Two Finale: The Power of Friendship and a 50 Year-Old Book Club with Fran Lieberman, my mother, and her friend Sandy Klasky Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflectionswith my son Ryan Neale Ep 17: A Mindful Writer’s Practice with family friend Danielle Dutton Announcements: Join the Parenting ADHD Summit Honored to be part of this amazing Summit that Penny Williams is organizing. You can hear from me (my session is called “How Moms Can Live a Life of Intention and Purpose”), Dr. Elisa Song, and over 30 other parenting experts. Honestly, I think what you’ll learn here will help you on your parenting journey regardless of whether you have a child who has ADHD or is “differently wired” in other ways. Click here to join. Spark Your E.P.I.C. Life Join me for the first “Spark Your E.P.I.C. Life” Pilot! Four consecutive weeks of one-on-one coaching using a signature process I’ve been facilitating in my circles this spring  I’m looking for no more than FOUR clients to experience an intensive, one-one-one, four-week coaching process in the month of June. Could this be you? Do you feel like you’re on the threshold of a powerful shift in your life? Are you ready to spark new perspectives, new ways of being, and some E.P.I.C. action of your own? Have you wanted to participate in the Mother’s Quest Circle but the timing wasn’t right or you prefer to work one-on-one? We’ve been having an amazing experience in the Mother’s Quest Virtual Circle and I want to bring the same practices and flow to work one-on-one in a more focused period of time…over one month instead of three. Interested? I’d love to schedule a time to check-in about what’s happening in your life and how this could support you. Sign up for a discovery session at this link or message me some times that could work for you if you don’t see something that fits your schedule. https://mothersquest.as.me/discoverysession I’d like to identify the four individuals this week, get scheduled and start next week! CreateYour One Minute Mom Manifesto Launched on Mother’s Day, my guest on the podcast, Graham Seabrook, and I invite you to create your own One Minute Mom Manifesto about what you want to claim or reclaim in your motherhood. Use video, photos, poetry or any other form of your choice to express what matters most to you and share on social media using the hashtag#OneMinuteMomManifesto. For more on the inspiration behind this idea, and why it’s so important that we claim and reclaim our whole selves in motherhood, tune into our episode on the podcast, link in the comments and at mothersquest.com/ep41-graemeseabrook The Podcast has Reached a Milestone Help us reach our next milestone by forwarding along your favorite episode to a friend. Thank you for your support! Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot I’m excited to announce that the first founding Mother’s Quest Virtual Circle has been filled. If you’re interested in a future circle, and want to receive notice when the applications open again, please add your name to this wait list. Please email julie@mothersquest.com Help us Grow the Mother’s Quest Community If you’re finding value from the Mother’s Quest Podcast and would like to get more involved, please join us in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, help us find more like-minded mothers on a quest by spreading the word and sharing your favorite episodes, and make a donation or apply to dedicate an episode. You can also share your story on the Mother’s Quest Blog. 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: Vanessa Couto Desiree Adaway Rachel Steinman Katie Hanus Denise Barreto Sage B. Hobbs Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs Erin Kendall Niko Osoteo Erik Newton Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

I’m excited to share this Episode #39 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast with a special guest who I seemed destined to know, and who I’ll have the pleasure of meeting in person when we both speak at the upcoming Gaia Women Lead Conference in May, Alethea Cheng Fitzpatrick.  The immigrant daughter of immigrant parents from Hong Kong, Alethea was born in London and grew up in a predominantly white community in the south of England. Today, she lives in Brooklyn, where she moved after university, with her husband and her two boys, currently aged 9 and 6. An Advanced Certified Coach with the Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership and a Myers Briggs Certified Practitioner, Alethea is also the founder of Photosanity, where she helps parents find presence, joy and connection through photographing their kids. She has a background in architecture, with a BArch from Pratt Institute, and almost 20 years of experience as a licensed architect in NYC. Alethea is a multi-passionate person who has arrived at a point in her life where all the parts of herself and her path weave together in unique ways. In this episode, Alethea and I explore the many ways that she finds presence in her life. We discuss how the current political landscape has caused uncomfortable but important personal growth in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion in both of us, how motherhood can turboboost our connection to ourselves and how we can use photography as a tool to bring mindfulness with our children and grace to ourselves as mothers.  We also discuss what she’s discovering about how the Myers Briggs personality assessment, in women’s leadership and in parenthood, identifies our preferences and helps us make choices that energize rather than drain us.  Finally, Alethea gives us all a challenge to reflect on our own “zone of genius” and will come back into the Mother’s Quest Facebook group on April 24th for a live conversation to help us make sense of what we learn. Make sure to join the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group to receive your invitation to that event. I was so energized by this conversation with Alethea. I hope you, like me, come away from this conversation excited and inspired to look at how the threads of your own life weave together, what your personality preferences are, and how you can become more fully present and in your zone of genius for a more E.P.I.C. life. This episode dedicated by: Katie Hanus for her grandmother, Marion Walden Cowan. Katie’s Blog, The Nature Wheel Facebook Topics Discussed in this Episode: How Alethea and I came to know one another through our mutual quest for activism after Trump was elected Who packs school lunches for Alethea’s children and how that may have been shaped by her growing up in a household with non-stereotypical gender roles What it was like growing up as an Asian immigrant in a predominantly white community of England and how that impacts her today How becoming a mother can turboboost you into becoming your true self and what Alethea wishes she could tell every new mother Alethea’s path to finding Myers Briggs as a tool for understanding the natural preferences in herself, her children, and her clients and the ways it might support you Capturing a moment through photography as a vehicle for deep connection and tool to bring even greater presence to our lives Brave spaces that Alethea participates in to build dialogue and connection across differences Alethea’s challenge to explore our “zone of genius” as a first step to understanding our personality preferences This Week’s Challenge: Alethea urges us to think about where our Zone of Genius lies, as a powerful reflection to do prior to exploring preferences from the Myers Briggs Framework. The Zone of Genius is a place where there is the most amount of impact with the least amount of effort. When you are in the Zone of Genius, things come with ease, synchronicity abounds, and you have many aha moments. Observe throughout your day when you feel energized from doing something and take snapshots of those moments to gather data. Encourage your children to do the same. Review Alethea’s article on this for more background and share your observations and photos in the Facebook Group. Then, join us for a live conversation and Q &A with Alethea in the Group on Tuesday, May 23rd. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: You can visit Alethea’s website and follow her on Facebook andInstagram. For more about Diversity is an Asset, the course that Alethea and I both took together, visit their website. Learn more about Gaia Women Lead, the conference where Alethea and I will be speaking in early May. You can still register to join us! The Gaia Coach Certification Program that Alethea completed Photosanity, Alethea’s mindful photography business for parents You can read more about the Myers Briggs framework here. And take an online test here. Get Organized Bk and Inclusive Conversations are the two groups where Alethea has been having brave conversations across differences Indicate your interest in learning more about an upcoming workshop Alethea is facilitating, based on the Scene on Radio “Seeing White” podcast series here For exploring the Zone of Genius, you can check out the book The Big Leap that Alethea recommended and the blog post Alethea wrote about The Zone of Genius here The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Karen Ward’s My Curious Eyes Photo Challenge that Jacob and I have participated in for several seasons Ep 02: Unmasking Motherhood with Katherine WintschMotherhood Un-Masked: Mother’s Day Thoughts on the Pictures We Don’t Usually Share Announcements: Spring into Your E.P.I.C. Life Clarity Coaching Package Spring is an amazing time to more fully seed the E.P.I.C. Guideposts in your life. I’m opening a limited number of one-on-one coaching spaces for a 90 day coaching package that includes bi-weekly hour-long coaching sessions where I will help you mindfully close the chapter of the last season, identify your vision for what’s ahead, set strategic action steps for moving forward, and provide inspiration and accountability along the way. Email me atjulie@mothersquest.com to set up a free discovery call and learn more. Mother’s Quest E.P.I.C. Life Check-In Featuring Alethea Cheng Fitzpatrick – April 24th Join us for a special edition of our E.P.I.C. Life Check-In with Alethea Cheng Fitzpatrick on Tuesday, April 24th from 11:30 am-1PM pm via Video on Zoom.  We’ll follow-up on Alethea’s challenge to reflect on our “Zone of Genius” and learn about how Myers Briggs might support us to stay in that zone more often. We’ll also build 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 learning new concepts, introspection and community-building all packed into one hour and a half. Are you In? Join the Mother’s Quest Community to RSVP and find the zoom link to join.www.mothersquest.com/community Click HERE to Join Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot I’m excited to announce that the first founding Mother’s Quest Virtual Circle has been filled. If you’re interested in a future circle, and want to receive notice when the applications open again, please add your name to this wait list. julie@mothersquest.com Help us Grow the Mother’s Quest Community If you’re finding value from the Mother’s Quest Podcast and would like to get more involved, please join us in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, help us find more like-minded mothers on a quest by spreading the word and sharing your favorite episodes, and make a donation or apply to dedicate an episode. You can also share your story on the Mother’s Quest Blog. 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: Katie Hanus Denise Barreto  Sage B. Hobbs  Samantha Nolan-Smith Jody Smith Emily Cretella Collette Flanagan Titilayo Tinubu Ali  Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko  Suzanne Brown Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach  Katharine Earhart Jessica Kupferman Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs  Erin Kendall  Niko Osoteo  Erik Newton  Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore The Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Three of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com

I’m honored to share this Episode #38 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast with someone who even my children were excited I was interviewing… best-selling, award-winning, children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner. Widely recognized as the uncrowned queen of children’s music, Laurie’s albums, released on her own label Two Tomatoes, have been best sellers beloved by children and adults alike.  Her debut DVD, which went quadruple platinum, was the first-ever indie children’s music DVD to enter Billboard’s Top Music Video chart at #1. Laurie’s twelfth album, Laurie Berkner: the Dance Remixes, was released in September 2017. A longtime fixture on TV’s Nick Jr. and Sprout channels, Laurie’s music videos now appear regularly on NBCUniversal’s Universal Kids channel. And she’s ventured into new creative endeavors, writing the music and lyrics for three Off-Broadway children’s musicals produced by New York City Children’s Theater and publishing a series of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, including Pillowland, which has become my son Jacob’s story and song of choice at bedtime. Laurie’s music bridges a divide between parents and their children and invites connection, joy and meaning. In our conversation, I was compelled by the stories Laurie shared about families whose children have cancer and listen to her music for comfort in the hospital or whose children have autism and their first words were the names of Laurie’s songs. For her, bringing opportunities for connection and making space for creative expression is her true mission and has begun to take many forms. I was fascinated to learn about the unplanned path that brought her from preschool teacher to children’s musician, and how the tenets that inform her music training program, to stop talking and “put it in the music,” to let children express themselves in their own voice, and to follow children’s rhythm and leadership are powerful metaphors for parenthood and life. I loved every moment of this conversation, but especially the end, where Laurie recounted a recent E.P.I.C. snapshot moment with her own daughter and then closed us out with her guitar in hand singing my favorite song of hers, “Moon, Moon, Moon.” I felt so enriched by this conversation, and following Laurie’s guidance, I’m committed to creating more space for emotion, connection, play and music with my children. But, there’s also something else. The day after I recorded this episode and had the honor of hearing Laurie sing about the moon, I took in the power of the Lunar Eclipse and the rare Blue Moon, sending an email to Laurie to note the synchronicity of it all. I was struck again to learn that as I release this episode, Dr. Roz, the woman beautifully honored in the dedication for this episode, would have celebrated her birthday this week, if she were still alive today. So, I also leave this experience with renewed faith in ripple effects beyond what we first imagine and a reverence for following the rhythm in our lives, if we make the space to listen. This episode dedicated by: Denise W. Barreto, Relationships Matter Now, LLC www.relationshipsmatternow.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Topics Discussed in this Episode: What I was doing when I stopped everything to find Laurie’s contact information and invite her to come onto the podcast The influence Laurie’s driven working mother had on instilling the belief that Laurie could create a meaningful career Laurie’s true life mission which has nothing specifically to do with music or children The unplanned path that led Laurie to become a children’s musician and the new forms that Laurie’s creativity has taken her in recent years Laurie’s music mentor, Ruth Alperson and how her advice shaped how Laurie engages children with music What happened in the preschool classroom that led to the creation of her first song, “We are the Dinosaurs” Laurie’s key tenets for children’s music like “Sing it Don’t Say It,” and “Singing in a Child’s Voice,” and how that informed a music training program she created to help children feel ownership and leadership How what we “create” are gifts to the world and the unexpected ripple effects that Laurie’s music has had on families, especially families with children who are ill or have special needs The importance of following rhythm in many forms How the E.P.I.C. Guideposts show up in Laurie’s life and how she is on a quest to bring more of the “I,” investment in herself, through meditation, exercise and more. The importance of making space for connection with our children, managing our use of screens, and the very special family time Laurie has established with her family every night How Laurie’s E.P.I.C. Snapshot moment with her own daughter reflected back everything Laurie has sought to create through her music for others This Week’s Challenge: Make space for connection and music with your own children. Use music in your daily routine by turning an ordinary task with your child into a song. Remember to: Sing it, don’t say it Incorporate your children’s own sense of internal rhythm into the music Bring in playfulness Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Dalcroze Eurhythmics – A music curriculum that involves movement Two Tomatoes Records – Laurie’s record label The Music In Me – Laurie’s teacher training program and signature music classes for children 12 months to 4 years We Are The Dinosaurs – One of the first songs made by Laurie Moon Moon Moon – Our favorite song, sung live in this episode Pillowland – My son Jacob’s story and song of choice at bedtime The Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse – Images of the Blue Moon Lunar Eclipse, which synchronistically took place shortly after I recorded my episode with Laurie Announcements: Spring into Your E.P.I.C. Life Clarity Coaching Package Spring is an amazing time to more fully seed the E.P.I.C. Guideposts in your life. I’m opening a limited number of one-on-one coaching spaces for a 90 day coaching package that includes bi-weekly hour-long coaching sessions where I will help you mindfully close the chapter of the last season, identify your vision for what’s ahead, set strategic action steps for moving forward, and provide inspiration and accountability along the way. Email me at julie@mothersquest.com to set up a free discovery call and learn more. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot I’m excited to announce that the first founding Mother’s Quest Virtual Circle has been filled. If you’re interested in a future circle, and want to receive notice when the applications open again, please add your name to this wait list. 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? Join the Mother’s Quest Community to RSVP and find the zoom link to join. www.mothersquest.com/community  Click here to join! Help us Grow the Mother’s Quest Community If you’re finding value from the Mother’s Quest Podcast and would like to get more involved, please join us in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, help us find more like-minded mothers on a quest by spreading the word and sharing your favorite episodes, and make a donation or apply to dedicate an episode. You can also share your story on the Mother’s Quest Blog. 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: Denise Barreto of Relationships Matter Now Sage B. Hobbs of Naked Communication  Samantha Nolan-Smith 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 contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Hello and welcome to this special episode of the Mother’s Quest Podcast which I’m releasing just days before the March for our Lives. On March 24, 2018 the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington DC, and around the country, to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that we end gun violence and mass shootings in our schools today. To help light the way, I reached out to Gloria Pan, who currently serves as the National Campaign Director for Gun Safety for the grassroots advocacy organization MomsRising. A public interest advocate and Internet communications strategist, Gloria also leads the organization’s member engagement, rapid response and mobile actions initiatives, as well as the #KeepMarching project.  In our conversation, Gloria shares about her upbringing in an Asian-American immigrant family, the impact of her mother’s experience working in the UN during the Women’s Movement, and whether the idea of living an E.P.I.C. life is relevant for MomsRising mothers, many of whom are struggling to meet basic needs. We delve into the E.P.I.C. guideposts from the lens of gun safety advocacy, explore the ways in which we can broaden our lens to make that advocacy intersectional, and Gloria gives us specific actionable challenges to get involved and make a difference.  One of the most impactful moments of the interview for me happened when we talked about the young people of Parkland, and Gloria shared her unwavering belief that those young people would use their privilege to shine a light on their peers who’ve been organizing for the Black Lives Matter Movement, for gun safety in their communities of color, disproportionately and daily impacted by gun violence. The moment brought me to tears, because I really believed her…and sure enough in the days since that interview, those young people have been joining with students of color in Chicago and other urban areas, making their advocacy platform intersectional and building bridges where adults have failed to do so. In a recent article, Cameron Kasky, one of the Parkland student leaders said “We have to represent those who unfortunately were ignored.This is not just about us. … When we’re together marching, this is not going to be different races, different generations ― this is going to be a unified people standing together against those who are trying to ignore us.” I’ll be standing for all of that on Saturday at the March for our Lives and as I move through the advocacy challenges thoughtfully shared by Gloria and MomsRising in the days afterward. I hope you’ll join me. This episode dedicated by: Sage B. Hobbs, Author of Naked Communication and Host of the Naked Conversations Podcast. You can find out more about her work at: www.sagebhobbs.com Naked Conversations Podcast  Facebook  Instagram Topics Discussed in this Episode: The importance of modeling activism for our children  How the MomsRising members frequently attend rallies, hearings and meetings with law-makers and bring their children along An honest exploration of whether living an E.P.I.C. is culturally relevant for families working to meet their basic needs The power of using social media platforms as a tool for exploring issues with people of differing political opinions.  Our responsibility to step into activism to support communities under siege under this administration  Audrey Lorde’s famous quote that “there is no such thing as a single issue struggle” and how MomsRising pursues an intersectional multi-issue advocacy agenda How the Parkland students, so “clear-eyed” as Gloria says, are galvanizing support for gun safety and using their privilege to shine a lot on the impact of gun violence in communities of color  The policy prescription for gun violence prevention in an intersectional way Gloria’s E.P.I.C. snapshot moment where MomsRising galvanized mothers, through a storybook campaign, to successfully fight against an Open Carry Law in Florida that would have allowed people to carry guns at Disney World.  Gloria’s challenge to our community to help MomsRising fight gun violence on three fronts This Week’s Challenge: Become a MomsRising member and fight with them on three fronts: Get FedEx to cut ties with the NRA – sign the petition here Ban military-style assault weapons and high capacity magazines – sign the petition here Urge lawmakers to pledge to not take money from the NRA and reject their influence. You can also reach out to friends in other areas to ask them to ask out to their lawmakers And participate in upcoming student-led events: March for our Lives on March 24th and document and share about your experience on social media to inspire others April 20th Anniversary of Columbine Student and Educator-Led Day of Action Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Follow #parkland on Twitter for the latest updates in the Parkland school shooting Read more about the Parkland students MomsRising Follow MomsRising on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #KeepMarching MomsRising Reject NRA Money Pledge for your representatives in Congress to sign Tell FedEx: Stop Supporting the NRA Pantsuit Nation Read more about the Indivisible political group EP33: Beyond the Trauma: Legacy, Compassion and Change with Mothers Against Police Brutality Co-Founder Sara Mokuria, one of three Mother’s Quest episodes recorded for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative Article about the Parkland students speaking out in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement The young voices we aren’t hearing in the gun-control debate article Announcements: Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot I’m excited to announce that the first founding Mother’s Quest Virtual Circle has been filled. If you’re interested in a future circle, and want to receive notice when the applications open again, please add your name to this wait list. 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? Join the Mother’s Quest Community to RSVP and find the zoom link to join. www.mothersquest.com/community Help us Grow the Mother’s Quest Community If you’re finding value from the Mother’s Quest Podcast and would like to get more involved, please join us in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group, help us find more like-minded mothers on a quest by spreading the word and sharing your favorite episodes, and make a donation or apply to dedicate an episode. You can also share your story on the Mother’s Quest Blog. 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: Sage B. Hobbs Samantha Nolan-Smith 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 contribution. If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

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/

It’s a joy and honor to bring this final episode of Season Two, Episode #34, with my own mother Fran Lieberman and her dear friend Sandy Klasky, who are celebrating their book club’s 50th anniversary. I couldn’t think of a more special way to close this season then reflecting with two women, who are mothers and grandmothers, on the lessons of their E.P.I.C. lives across decades, how they’ve passed on values of social justice to their children and grandchildren, the power of friendship, and of shared experiences, like reading books together, to build community. In this episode, we talk about what shaped my mother and Sandy as they emerged from the stable years of the 1940’s and 1950’s into the tumultuous times of the 1960’s and 1970’s, the ways they sought to have impact beyond their family as women when there were fewer opportunities open to them, how they invested in their own interests and friendships while raising their children, and looking back now, the wisdom and advice they would offer to their younger selves. The 50th anniversary of their book club, and how it’s been an important constant in their lives, is a thread we weave throughout the episode and the challenge they offer us is to read books that they felt made a profound impact on them. They share the reason behind the success and longevity of their book club and friendship and also some snapshot moments from across the years that they will always remember. Stay through to the end for a funny blooper reel capturing some behind the scenes moments of what it took to persevere through the challenges to record the podcast episode. It was a testament to the power of what’s possible with today’s technology and to holding a growth mindset no matter what your age. I loved the perspective and inspiration that shines through this unique conversation on the podcast and I hope you will too. So, get comfortable, pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee, or maybe a glass of wine, and settle into the wisdom from these two life-long friends. This episode dedicated by: Emily Cretella of MotherHustle. Learn more at www.motherhustle.com Topics discussed in this episode: My mother and Sandy’s social justice roots, one forged as a student in New York where she was exposed to different cultures, religions, and races and one that grew from experiences of living in a segregated city of Detroit The trauma of the 1960’s and 1970’s, including the deaths of leaders like John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, and how our country has risen before from tumultuous times The multigenerational influence Sandy and my mother have had on their children and grandchildren, especially as a result of sharing values and experiences around politics and social justice and how Sandy’s daughter, Stephanie Klasky-Gamer, was featured in LA Magazine for her leadership as President and CEO of LA Family Housing. The story of how the book club got started with women who were focused on raising their children and sought connection and intellectual stimulation. Also, what has enabled the club to endure through so many years. The difference in the way they had to do research for their book club discussions in the past, going to the library and photocopying materials vs. now that we have the internet. Snapshot book club moments my mother and Sandy will always remember, like coming together on 9/11 and when their dear friend, and founder of the club, Judy Duroff passed away. How Sandy and I both identify with having had a mid-life Renaissance and the importance of following your heart to create your E.P.I.C. life. The advice Fran and Sandy would give to their younger selves. The books from their book club that made a lasting impact on them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ep 18: YOLO (You Only Live Once) and other Milestone Reflections with Ryan Neale Headstart LA Family Housing where Sandy’s daughter Stephanie Klasky-Garner is President and CEO and the LA Magazine article where Stephanie was featured Junior Great Books from The Great Books Foundation Montecito Music Academy of the West A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes Room by Emma Donoghue The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Zoom – the technology we used to record our conversation This Week’s Challenge: Read the books Room by Emma Donoghue and The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Announcements: A Podcast Break Until February – Stay in Touch! This episode marks the end of Season Two and the start of some time off from podcasting until Season Three begins in February. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe and join the email list so you’ll get updates when Season Three begins. And if you want to stay connected through the break, join the Mother’s Quest Facebook group where I’ll continue to share resources, favorite episodes from past seasons, and personal reflections. Help Us Celebrate Mother’s Quest’s First Birthday A year ago on December 1st, I launched the Mother’s Quest Podcast as a birthday present to myself. It’s hard to believe that another personal birthday and the first birthday of the podcast have arrived. I’d love to celebrate by highlighting your stories and how the podcast or Mother’s Quest Community has helped you to live your E.P.I.C. life. Go to mothersquest.com and use the speakpipe tool to leave me a 1-2 minute message for a chance to be featured in a special E.P.I.C. Guideposts Episode. Everyone who submits will also be entered into a drawing for a free signature coaching session from me and some other prizes from other amazing moms in the Mother’s Quest Community. Can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate with you. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, may be right for you. Or, if you live in the S.F. Bay Area, you can participate in an in-person circle that starts on December 16th. This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate virtual reflective sessions over four months. Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start as soon as I have a committed number of participants so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.comto explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. 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: 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/

It’s an honor and responsibility to share this Episode #33 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast with Sara Mokuria, co-founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality. It’s the third and final in a series I recorded as part of the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative and it comes to you with a call to action to get involved with this issue today.  This episode was dedicated by Collette Flanagan, the founder of Mothers Against Police Brutality, who turned her grief from the loss of her son, Clinton Allen, into fuel for change.  In her dedication, Collette reminded us of our common humanity as mothers and that an insult to one mother is an insult to all mothers. It is this knowing that caused me to record this series after I saw the heart-breaking video of Diamond Reynolds and her then four year old daughter after they witnessed the killing of Philando Castile. Philando was like a father to this little girl, was unarmed and was complying with the police officer’s requests when he was shot. Seeing the trauma and heartbreak endured by this four year old girl, who was the same age as my son when I saw this video, became a catalyst to face the epidemic of police brutality in our country, and to begin taking action, however imperfect.  Much like Diamond Reynold’s daughter, Sara also endured trauma and heartbreak when she watched her father get shot and killed by police at her home in Dallas when she was 10 years old.  Fueled by her own experience, Sara joined Collette along with another co-founder, John Fullinwider, in creating Mother’s Against Police Brutality, as a multi-racial, multi-ethnic coalition uniting mothers nationwide to fight for civil rights, police accountability and policy reform.  Sara is a mom herself to a seven year old boy.  And, in addition to her work with Mothers Against Police Brutality, she’s a sought after educator, community organizer, project manager, and facilitator, currently working as Associate Director for Leadership Initiatives with The Institute for Urban Policy Research at the University of Texas at Dallas. She has two masters degrees, has taught both high school and college at the University of Texas at Dallas and currently serves on the International Mechanism Coordinating Committee for the US Human Rights Network.  She came to the conversation with an open heart she told me, and I felt her generosity and honesty throughout as she shared how police violence changed her life forever, discussed the trauma of being black in America, how the institution of policing and the prison industrial complex contributes to that trauma, and the ways in which an investment in Mothers Against Police Brutality can change policies and systems to reduce violence and create more accountability.  As compelling was Sara’s exploration of the vision she has for our future... of vibrant communities where we invest in our young people, lean into and value our differences, and where each of us taps into our own unique magic to get us there.  We ended our conversation with a co-created prayer, a wish for ourselves as much as for all of you listening, to move into greater responsibility for this work from wherever we are, to have the courage to go to those difficult and painful places so we can create a freer future, and to take this moment right now to support this cause.  I’m doing that today by making a financial contribution to Mothers Against Police Brutality and putting my resources with the mothers, like Sara and Collette, who are closest to the problem and who can see the solution. I hope you’ll join me.  Visit http://mothersagainstpolicebrutality.org/donate/ to make a donation and reference Mother’s Quest or, if contributing on November 28th, Giving Tuesday, visit the Mother’s Quest Facebook Page to contribute to the Giving Tuesday Campaign, where we have a  possibility of matching funds from the Gates Foundation. This episode dedicated by: Mothers Against Police Brutality founder Collette Flanagan, whose son, Clinton Allen, was shot and killed by the Dallas Police in March of 2013.    Topics discussed in this episode: Sara’s joyous childhood which changed forever when her father was killed by Dallas police officers when she was just 10 years old How Sara’s mother was her fiercest advocate, even as her mother grappled with the deeply traumatic effects of her husband’s killing and the lack of support as a crime victim. Disturbing facts about our current law enforcement policies, lack of accountability, the militarization of police, and budget allocations that favor the prison industrial complex over investments that would build a vibrant community The New Jim Crowe and the War on Drugs and how it has played out as a war on people of color White privilege and how to move from shame and guilt to responsibility and action How Sara teaches her son to understand injustice, the history we don’t learn in our schools, and how tenderness, love and joy can be an act of resistance What happened when Sara met with the officer who killed her father years later and how that shifted her perspective about what the problem really is How women make up half of the world’s population and how we birthed the other half, therefore we are the world. And, the power of mothers to chart the direction of our families and communities. The importance of finding your own unique magic to make a difference and why Sara keeps her heart open to welcome people to this cause when they come to it Our prayer and invitation to you the listener Resources mentioned in this episode: Women Podcasters in Solidarity Mothers Against Police Brutality The Movie 13th, directed by Ava Duvernay The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander Drug Policy Alliance EP31: Brave Spaces and Solidarity with “Rad Women” Author Kate Schatz Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee Ep 07: Living Out Loud with Jenjii Hysten How the Irish Became White by Noel Ignatiev Dallas Woman Turns Tragedy Into Conversation About Race, an article where Sara talks about the system and not police officers being the problem Stride Toward Justice: 9 Steps to Change Policing in America - policy recommendations from Mothers Against Police Brutality The Movement for Black Lives Campaign Zero This Week’s Three-fold Challenge: Have courageous conversation about these issues with your families during the holidays. Get involved and informed about these issues locally. Become an advocate in your city. Make a monetary contribution to support the mothers who are closest to the solution at Mothers Against Police Brutality. Announcements: Giving Tuesday Visit http://mothersagainstpolicebrutality.org/donate/ to make a donation and reference Mother’s Quest or, if contributing on November 28th, Giving Tuesday, visit the Mother’s Quest Facebook Page to contribute to the Giving Tuesday Campaign, where there is a possibility of matching funds from the Gates Foundation. Women Podcasters in Solidarity I’m honored to have shared three episodes in this series of conversations for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative. I created the Initiative to build awareness and raise dollars for Anti-Racism and the Movement for Black Lives. Coming soon: visit www.womenpodcastersinsolidarity.com for the complete list of episodes created by other podcasters who pledged to the initiative. Help Us Celebrate Mother’s Quest’s First Birthday A year ago on December 1st, I launched the Mother’s Quest Podcast as a birthday present to myself. It’s hard to believe that another personal birthday and the first birthday of the podcast is almost here. I’d love to celebrate by highlighting your stories and how the podcast or Mother’s Quest Community has helped you to live your E.P.I.C. life. Go tomothersquest.com and use the speakpipe tool to leave me a 1-2 minute message for a chance to be featured in this season’s finale. Everyone who submits will also be entered into a drawing for a free signature coaching session from me and some other prizes from other amazing moms in the Mother’s Quest Community. Can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate with you. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, may be right for you. This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate virtual reflective sessions over 3-4 months. Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start as soon as I have a committed number of participants so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.comto explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. 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: 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

I’m honored to share this episode #32 of the podcast with Chandra Brooks, who has become a friend and a generous thought partner for me in recent months. Chandra is a wife, mother of four, a grandmother, author, entrepreneur and the Northern California Staff Director for SEIU-United Service Workers West.  Born and raised in San Jose, CA, she’s passionate about civil rights, social justice, and improving voter outcomes and civic engagement in communities of color.   She’s also an appointed commissioner for Santa Clara County’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee and elected Delegate for The California Democratic Party. In 2017 Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose driven business that prepares potential candidates to run for political office and mentors women to own their power and leadership within their company, business, and/or community. I reached out to Chandra because I wanted to talk with her the week that she released her new book, “Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game” which provides easy to navigate tips and inspiration to help women of color get involved in local politics. In this episode, we got to dive deep into the influences which drove Chandra to own her voice and reach her fullest potential. She shares how her mother led her by example to stand up for herself as a woman at a young age and how her uncle unknowingly sparked her to strive for greatness after he doubted her future success when she became pregnant as a teenager.  And, we uncover how Chandra’s ambition, value for education, and commitment to political leadership helps her inspire generations today, from her 12 year old son to the women she mentors, to sit at the table and own their power.  I didn’t realize when I scheduled the interview with Chandra that we would be talking the day before the November 2017 elections. The conversation couldn’t have come at a better time, and her challenge inspired me to go out and do another round of precinct walking with my 5 year old that afternoon. It was thrilling to wake up the next day to news that so many women of color, including one woman my son and I had supported the day before, had been elected. Chandra, with her new book as a resource, is a powerful force to fuel this growing movement of women stepping into more leadership. I hope this conversation will inspire you, as it has me, to be part of this movement and to more fully own our power to make a difference. This episode dedicated by: Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise in honor of her mother, Dr. Gloria Bromell Tinubu Topics discussed in this episode: How Chandra intended to release her book a year after the 2016 elections to encourage people to reflect on the decisions they made the year before and realize the importance of being politically involved Chandra’s strong, opinionated, and independent mother and how she set an example for Chandra to not be subservient to men How Chandra intentionally teaches her children about social justice issues and about their heritage The lack of access Chandra witnessed to vocational training and education for women in a local prison, compared to the men, and how she’s using her leverage as Commissioner to change that. What happened when Chandra’s uncle told her “Your life is over, you might as well prepare to be on welfare” after she announced she was pregnant as a teenager. How Chandra’s fascination and observation of people in leadership planted seeds for her becoming an entrepreneur The importance of seeking out mentors and coaches and not being afraid to reach out and ask for help Chandra’s call to action for us to get more engaged in our local community politics Resources mentioned in this episode: Chandra Brook’s Mother on a Quest Feature Chandra’s purpose-driven company The SocialPreneur Women Podcasters in Solidarity Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game! National School Board Association Commission on the Status of Women – the County of Santa Clara This Week’s Challenge: Get involved as a leader in your local community.. Join a school board, commission, or neighborhood association. Use your influence and privilege to support communities in need and leaders of color. Announcements: A year ago on December 1st, I launched the Mother’s Quest Podcast as a birthday present to myself. It’s hard to believe that another personal birthday and the first birthday of the podcast is almost here. I’d love to celebrate by highlighting your stories and how the podcast or Mother’s Quest Community has helped you to live your E.P.I.C. life. Go to mothersquest.com and use the speakpipe tool to leave me a 1-2 minute message for a chance to be featured in this season’s finale. Everyone who submits will also be entered into a drawing for a free signature coaching session from me and some other prizes from other amazing moms in the Mother’s Quest Community. Can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate with you. Women Podcasters in Solidarity I’m honored to have shared two episodes in a series of conversations for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative. I created the Initiative to build awareness and raise dollars for Anti-Racism and the Movement for Black Lives. My plans for the Initiative culminate the last week of November, with a final episode and a personal contribution and invitation to you to support this cause financially on Giving Tuesday. If you want to make sure you stay informed, take a moment now to get connected, whether that’s through subscribing to the podcast, joining the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group or signing up for the email list at mothersquest.com. I look forward to sharing more. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, may be right for you.  This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate virtual reflective sessions over 3-4 months. Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start as soon as I have a committed number of participants so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.com to explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. Sign up! – Free 30 minute Discovery Session I’m rolling out my new coaching offerings and having great conversations with women who are ready to live a more E.P.I.C. life and interested in coaching. If you’ve had a spark moment setting you on a new path or are at a crossroads but feel unsure, guilty or overwhelmed, I’d love to talk with you about how working with me could help light the way, get you clear about what you want, shift your mindset from fear to faith, and get you moving into action. I’ve been there, I’m still on the journey myself, and I’d love to bring all I’ve learned from a decade of coaching, 13 years of motherhood and all the lessons from my podcast guests to support you. Send me an email at julie@mothersquest.com if you’re interested in learning more. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: 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 Two of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution http://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/

Hello and welcome to Episode #28 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast that I’m bringing to you at the start of the Jewish New Year. The holiday kicks off a ten day period, known as the Days of Awe, between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement.   This time of year, regardless of your religious faith, is a season of reflection and renewal, as our children get settled into a new school year and the leaves begin to change color. I wanted to take advantage of this time to turn inward and create an opportunity for change not only for myself but also for members of the Mother’s Quest Community. I decided to reach out to mindful mother, Edie Rafael Brotman, author of the book “Mussar Yoga,” to learn from her how she approaches self-improvement through blending the ancient Jewish practice of Mussar and the ancient Eastern practice of Yoga. Edie’s book was a trusted resource in a Mussar class I took a few years ago. I was enthralled by the process and know that the experience planted seeds for Mother’s Quest. So, when I reached out to Edie to see if she’d share her approach on the podcast and then lead a 5 day challenge in the Facebook Group and she said “yes,” I was thrilled.  Edie is a workplace consultant and coach for a business consulting firm called Rewire Inc that leverages emotional intelligence, mindfulness and communication. She has her PhD in Sociology and was an adjunct professor at UVA, Case Western Reserve University and Towson University. She’s also a highly trained yoga instructor, was named one of Baltimore’s favorite yoga teachers in Baltimore Magazine’s “Best of Baltimore” and co-founded Off the Grid Yoga and Camping Retreats. In this episode, Edie orients us to Mussar in which character traits, known in Hebrew as “middot,” are the centerpiece of the practice. Edie and I explore her E.P.I.C. life story, how she came to mindfulness and Mussar, and how reflecting on middot in her life has enriched her and her relationships. Edie also shares how her mother influenced her independence. And how her mother’s untimely death jump-started Edie’s journey to find Mussar as a bridge to connect Jewish spirituality and her love for physical activity. I appreciated so much about this conversation with Edie, especially the deep dive into the history of Mussar practice, and how she came to this connection between self-improvement, spirituality and the physical body.  I’m so excited to continue the exploration of all of these things, and hope you’ll decide to come along too as we challenge ourselves together during this season of reflection and renewal.  I’m Julie Neale and this is Mother’s Quest. This Week’s Challenge: Join us for Mussar Yoga for Moms: A Mother’s Quest 5 Day Challenge with Edie Raphael Brotman using ancient practices to live more E.P.I.C. lives at the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group. Listen to the episode and then make sure to join the Mother’s Quest Facebook group where we will poll the community to choose the “middah” or character trait that we’ll use in our 5 day Mussar Yoga practice starting Monday, September 25th. We’ll also have a live Q & A in the Facebook Group with Edie to check in on the Challenge on Wednesday, September 27th at 11 am PST. Topics discussed in this episode: Why the fall is the perfect time to undertake a Mussar Yoga Challenge How I first learned about Edie and her Mussar Yoga Book The path of renewal Edie’s mother took in her career, how that impacted her, and how her mother’s passing brought her to Mussar The power of mindfulness and daily meditation to become more conscious and aware of emotions as they arise Mussar as a way of rewiring your brain so it is in alignment with universal precepts The origins of Mussar and the people who pioneered the teachings The traditional way to practice Mussar, utilizing self-reflection on one character trait at a time on a continuum, and how Edie blends it powerfully with Yoga The connection between body and spiritual growth Resources mentioned in this episode: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – Jewish new year holidays Mussar Yoga: Blending an Ancient Jewish Spiritual Practice with Yoga to Transform Body and Soul What is Mussar? Rabbi Israel Salanter The Path of the Upright Ben Franklin Circles Announcements Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, launching this fall may be right for you.  This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate in-person reflective sessions over 3-4 months. Click www.mothersquest.com/mothers-quest-circle to learn and apply. The group starts in October so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.com to explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. Sign up! – Free 30 minute Discovery Session I’m rolling out my new coaching offerings and having great conversations with women who are ready to live a more E.P.I.C. life and interested in coaching. If you’ve had a spark moment setting you on a new path or are at a crossroads but feel unsure, guilty or overwhelmed, I’d love to talk with you about how working with me could help light the way, get you clear about what you want, shift your mindset from fear to faith, and get you moving into action. I’ve been there, I’m still on the journey myself, and I’d love to bring all I’ve learned from a decade of coaching, 13 years of motherhood and all the lessons from my podcast guests to support you. Send me an email at julie@mothersquest.com or sign up for a free discovery call by clicking this link if you’re interested in learning more. Women Podcasters in Solidarity After the events that took place in Charlottesville, I’m even more committed to a quest I’ve been on to understand the roots of racism and bigotry, how it still shows up today, and how I can become a better ally and advocate to fight against it. I’m raising awareness for myself, and inviting you to do the same, through this special podcast episode. I’m also pledging to donate to an organization supporting the Movement for Black Lives and to invite you to donate too leading up to Giving Tuesday in November. More on this to come soon. If you are a women podcaster yourself, I’d love for you to make a similar pledge to use the power of your platform for this cause. You can learn more and join the initiative by signing up at mothersquest.com/solidarity. 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: 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 Two of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution http://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

Julie Neale, the founder of Mother’s Quest Community and host of the Mother’s Quest podcast, honors both the magic and the mess of motherhood and believes that our children challenge us to grown into our best selves. Julie is on a mission to live a truly E.P.I.C. life and, through her example, inspire her children and other mothers to do the same. In this episode, Julie and I discuss: Mother’s Quest – what it is and why she created it The guide posts to live an E.P.I.C. life as a busy mom The biggest challenge Julie thinks women face The cost of not investing in yourself and your business And more… Connect with Julie Neale online: http://mothersquest.com I hope you enjoyed my conversation with Julie and that you heard something that resonated with you. I know that investing in yourself as a mom is a BIG challenge – especially if you’re not accustomed to doing things for yourself. I struggled with that for years. But like Julie said, think about the cost of not investing in yourself and how that will impact you and your children in the long run. Hopefully, that will help you start investing in yourself. I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. You can post a comment below or you can email me directly at Erica@momswithdreams.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Next week is my final interview of the season! I’m going to miss hanging out with you every week, but I’m looking forward to taking a break. While the podcast is in off-season, be sure to check out your favorite episodes again – you might hear something that you didn’t hear the first time around. I’m always looking for suggestions as this show is about making sure that I’m providing value for you. If there’s a topic that you want me to cover, someone you want me to interview, or if you’d like to be a guest, send me an email or a private message on Facebook. Until next week – reclaim your dreams, do what you love and make a difference. All My Best, Erica