Podcasts about stressing

Bryant Kagay is a farmer in Missouri feeling the uncertainty of President Donald Trump's tariffs up close. He voted for Trump last year but now questions whether the trade war with China is part of a long-term strategy that could help US businesses or merely a short-term negotiating tactic. In this episode of More To The Story, he says the on-again, off-again nature of the trade war could restrict his ability to sell agricultural goods like soybeans when the harvest comes this fall.Producer: Josh Sanburn | Editor: Kara McGuirk-Allison | Theme music: Fernando Arruda and Jim Briggs | Digital producer: Nikki Frick | Interim executive producers: Brett Myers and Taki Telonidis | Executive editor: James West | Host: Al Letson Donate today at Revealnews.org/more Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at Revealnews.org/weekly Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky Listen: The Many Contradictions of a Trump Victory (Reveal)Listen: What Trump's Tariff Shock Will Cost You (More To The Story)Read: Trump's Assault on Small Farmers (Mother Jones) Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program by talking about the deep divisions in the country and the personal power each individual holds over their mindset. He urges listeners to rise above the chaos, political strife, and media-fed negativity by embracing an unshakable inner confidence and joy. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosopher Epictetus and biblical teachings, Brett emphasizes that while we cannot control the external world, we can choose how we respond to it. He calls on his audience to reject fear and despair and instead live with courage, purpose, and good cheer. Stressing that life is finite, Brett argues that we should not waste it worrying about inevitable conflict or the unknown future. Instead, he encourages cultivating joy as an act of strength and defiance in a world consumed by division. The message is clear: own your mindset, live fully, and be a light in troubled times. Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program by talking about the deep divisions in the country and the personal power each individual holds over their mindset. He urges listeners to rise above the chaos, political strife, and media-fed negativity by embracing an unshakable inner confidence and joy. Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosopher Epictetus and biblical teachings, Brett emphasizes that while we cannot control the external world, we can choose how we respond to it. He calls on his audience to reject fear and despair and instead live with courage, purpose, and good cheer. Stressing that life is finite, Brett argues that we should not waste it worrying about inevitable conflict or the unknown future. Instead, he encourages cultivating joy as an act of strength and defiance in a world consumed by division. The message is clear: own your mindset, live fully, and be a light in troubled times. We’re joined by Coach Matt Doherty to discuss the recent unrest in California, the challenges of law enforcement, and the deeper implications for American society. Brett and Coach dive into what they see as a troubling lack of leadership from state officials, raising questions about whether political motives are allowing chaos to fester. Coach Doherty highlights concerns about sanctuary policies, the role of illegal immigration in the labor force, and the broader cultural shift away from accountability. We’re joined by Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley for an in-depth discussion on key issues facing the country. Chairman Whatley reacts strongly to what he describes as failed leadership in California, criticizing Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democrats for prioritizing political agendas over public safety. He points to President Biden’s border policies and California’s sanctuary stance as contributing factors to growing unrest. Shifting to a more optimistic note, Brett and Chairman Whatley discuss the progress of the “big, beautiful bill,” aimed at cutting taxes and providing relief for working Americans. They also touch on encouraging economic indicators and President Trump’s international trade negotiations, including new deals with China, the U.K., and India. Finally, Whatley highlights the surge of conservative energy in North Carolina, emphasizing its pivotal role in the upcoming elections and the Republican Party’s continued momentum. For more, listeners can follow @ChairmanWhatley and visit GOP.com or NC.GOP. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Text Jason @ Leadership VoyageJason talks about the HBR article "5 Ways Leaders Accidentally Stress Out Their Employees."Negative languageErratic actionsEmotional volatilityExcessive pessimismIgnoring people's emotionsOther references in this episode:3 Vital QuestionsGallup's 2025 State of the Global Workplace ReportManagers Have Major Impact On Mental Health: How To Lead For Wellbeing‘Everybody's Replaceable': The New Ways Bosses Talk About WorkersLeadership Voyageemail: StartYourVoyage@gmail.comlinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonallenwick/youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadershipVoyagemusic: by Napoleon (napbak)https://www.fiverr.com/napbakvoice: by Ayanna Gallantwww.ayannagallantVO.com========== Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

This episode starts out with some off-the-wall updates! (aka: “it's better with your pants off!?” & “real-estate folklore!”) But ultimately, the coffee talk turns to the significant difference between stress & anxiety: one is a response to difficulty and the other, a response to uncertainty. How we identify and deal with each, can make all the difference in how we live our lives!  _ _ _ _ _Official WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookYouTube

In today's episode the boys break down what's stressing them out, Cj has an interesting test for us, We discover the Liver King is a fraud? We break down golfing, and drinking, and the stress they cause, and how being the DD sucks for more than one reason. We talk about the retirement of the Outdoor Boys Youtube channel, and what it means for respecting creators in public. Ryan Thinks AI is coming for our job, you decide… Sign up for a $1 per month trial at ⁠⁠https://www.shopify.com/wideopen⁠ Your new wardrobe awaits! Get 20% off @chubbies with the code WIDEOPEN at https://www.chubbiesshorts.com/WIDEOPEN #chubbiespod #ad Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/zz85607d #CashAppPod #ad *Referral Reward Disclaimer: As a Cash App partner, I may earn a commission when you sign up for a Cash App account. Follow us on Instagram @cboystv and @lifewideopenpodcast To watch the podcast on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/LifeWideOpenYT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/LifeWideOpenWithCboysTV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/LifeWideOpenWithCboysTV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also check out our main YouTube channel CboysTV: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/CboysTV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Unlock the secret to enjoying dating and relationships without obsessing over the outcome! In this episode, Sabrina Zohar dives deep into why we cling to control, how attachment styles shape our dating patterns, and practical steps to finally let go and find peace—whether you're single or partnered. Discover how to pause, self-regulate, and stop spiraling, so you can show up authentically and attract the right connections. The Self Love Course is available for presale now! Get the lowest price we'll offer this course for, $100 off regular pricing! Stuck After the Podcast? Master Implementation in 8 Weeks with Sabrina's Foundation Course HERE! Do you feel like your emotions run the show and react in ways you can't control? Join the Nervous System 101: Navigating the Unknowns In Early Dating from Sabrina and Masha Kay HERE! Struggling with a breakup? Join the Make It Make Sense: Getting Through a Breakup course from Sabrina and Britt Frank HERE! Get Ad free HERE! Want to work with Sabrina? HERE! Get merch for The Sabrina Zohar Show HERE! Don't forget to follow Sabrina and The Sabrina Zohar Show on Instagram and Sabrina on TikTok! Video now available on YOUTUBE! Please support our sponsors! This episode is sponsored by Betterhelp. Get 10% off your first month of Betterhelp HERE! Get $10 off and FREE shipping at Nutrafol HERE! Code is SABRINA Disclaimer: The Sabrina Zohar Show, formerly known as Do The Work, is not affiliated with A.Z & associates LLC in any capacity.

Stressing over your BMI? Perhaps a recent doctor's visit has you spiraling over what you need to do to change your Body Mass Index. Today, Heather sits down with two authors who have researched the history, background, and scientific usefulness of the Body Mass Index. You'll be surprised by where this chart originated, how it's used now that was not at all how it was intended to be used, and more. If you've ever stressed over your BMI...this is the episode for you. Learn more about Stephane Brown and Anna Marie Long's new book, Nourished By Faith, here. https://amzn.to/42JPCmF (Amazon affiliatel link). Connect with Anna Marie here: https://www.annamarierd.com Learn more about Compared to Who? by visiting: Https://www.improvebodyimage.com The 40-Day Body Image Workbook: https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-Day-Body-Image-Workbook-Christian The 40 Day Journey (starts week of June 16): https://www.improvebodyimage.com/40-day-challenge Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

God's word tells the “young man” to rejoice in his youth and to remove vexation from his heart and pain from his body, but that he should also remember that God will bring everything he does into judgment. What a timely message for high school students today!

In his recent sermon, Pastor Jimmie Hicks Jr. emphasized the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of maintaining a sound mind in a world filled with challenges and mental health struggles. He reflected on the unconditional love and forgiveness of God, urging the congregation to let go of grudges and embrace the strength that comes from forgiving others, as God has forgiven them. Stressing that mental illness can significantly impact one's quality and length of life, Pastor encouraged believers to recognize the spiritual battles at play and the need for a mind renewed through Christ. He underscored the importance of prayer and fasting as tools to combat fear and doubt, which can lead to instability and mental distress.Through scripture and personal anecdotes, Pastor highlighted how faith is an essential component of overcoming life's difficulties. He urged the congregation to focus on the teachings of Christ and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God, reminding them that they are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. Pastor concluded by calling on the faithful to create a daily practice of seeking God, maintaining spiritual health through worship and the word, and fostering a community that reflects the love of Christ. The sermon resonated with themes of resilience, hope, and the necessity of living as a sacrifice for God, emphasizing that life is about more than material existence; it is a journey towards eternal life with Him.

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Exercise is a classic lever to reduce stress. That's what they tell us anyway. But rarely is there any guidance given about how or why it works let alone how to make it work for you. That's what our Work IN is today. I will be giving you a more practical understanding of the mind body connection to exercise for stress reduction and how to harness different intensities to build long lasting buffers to stress triggers.As a part of my mission to bring a legacy of resilience through movement, each month you can join me for a hike on the bike trail followed by a free trauma informed vinyasa class back at the studio on Main Street. Go to savagegracecoaching.com to see the calendar and join my newsletter, Yoga Life on Main Street, to stay up to date on all the latest studio news, events and gossip. And now… on to this week's episode.It's time to stop working out and start working IN. You found the Work IN podcast for fit-preneurs and their health conscious clients. This podcast is for resilient wellness professionals who want to expand their professional credibility, shake off stress and thrive in a burnout-proof career with conversations on the fitness industry, movement, nutrition, sleep, mindset, nervous system health, yoga, business and so much more. I'm your host Ericka Thomas. I'm a resilience coach and fit-preneur offering an authentic, actionable realistic approach to personal and professional balance for coaches in any format. The Work IN is brought to you by savage grace coaching, bringing resilience through movement, action and accountability. Private sessions, small groups and corporate presentations are open now. Visit savagegracecoaching.com to schedule a call and get all the details. Website & free guideFollow me on Instagram Follow me on FacebookFollow me on Linked IN

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Hey it's Katie, I'm so grateful you are here with me right now!  We continue to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing other podcasts with you and other resources that could be helpful in your mental health journey.  So today I want to share about our other podcast, Meditation for Anxiety.  I'm so proud to share this podcast with you because I've heard from so many of its listeners how helpful it's been in those stressful moments when worries have completely overtaken your mind, in those moments where the anxiety is so heavy.   All you need to do is press play on any one of the episodes that really call to you in that moment and I'll guide you through it.  So, go follow Meditation for Anxiety on your favorite podcast player.   And now, here is one of the meditations from Meditation for Anxiety that I hope you really love! Namaste

Parents Stressing Our Kids (5/8/25) by 96.5 WKLH

In the first hour, DVD discusses the Nashville Predators' Draft lottery getting the 5th pick, and they discuss Brian Callahan trying to stress that there is a QB competition. ESPN NFL Analyst Tim Hasselbeck joins DVD and talked about Callahan QB competition, Titans, and more 

Do you know what magical action has the power to boost your mood, bolster your immune system, banish stress, lessen pain, and foster connection? If you guessed "laughter," you're on target. Research consistently shows that laughter truly is one of life's best medicines, yet our stress-filled lives tend to leave little space for self-care and the healing power that laughing brings. And especially if you tend toward perfectionism or depression, getting a good dose of laughter might be the furthest thing from your mind and even non-existent on your to-do list. But there are simple steps each one of us can take to foster more laughter--and reduce stress--each day. Join me and stress expert Professor Pete Alexander for a mindful exploration into the uplifting power of laughter. Topics discussed include mental health, physical health, perfectionism, stress, parenting, attachment, insecure attachment, secure attachment, diabetes, heart health, hospitalization, inflammation, cortisol, endorphins, neurochemicals, laughter yoga, yoga, EMDR, MER therapy, toxic perfectionism, stress relief, stress relief activities, work, burnout, mindset, play, joy, immune system, self-care, fulfillment, happiness, and balance. Please note that this episode may contain sensitive material; listener discretion is advised. Emergency Assistance Note: If you or someone you know needs immediate support, please call your emergency services. In the US, 24/7 help is available by calling "911" or "988" (Suicide and Crisis Hotline). Support/informational links are in the show notes. Books by Dr. Carla Manly:Joy From Fear: Create the Life of Your Dreams by Making Fear Your Friend Date Smart: Transform Your Relationships and Love FearlesslyAging Joyfully: A Woman's Guide to Optimal Health, Relationships, and Fulfillment for Her 50s and BeyondThe Joy of Imperfect Love: The Art of Creating Healthy, Securely Attached RelationshipsOracle decks by Dr. Carla Manly:EtsyAmazonConnect with Dr. Carla Manly:Website: https://www.drcarlamanly.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlamanly/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/drcarlamanly/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drcarlamanlyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-marie-manly-8682362b/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.carlamariemanly8543TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr_carla_manlyBooks by Professor Pete Alexander:Lighten Your Day: Fast, Easy and Effective Stress Relief for When Sh*t Happens - Internet Marketing Tips for Busy Executives: Simple Ways to Improve Your Internet PresenceConnect with Professor Pete Alexander:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stressexpert/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petealexander/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHHO6IiWyn56aURq585fxVALove the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://drcarlamanly.com/

Got student loan questions weighing on you? You're definitely not alone. This week, we're opening up the Student Loan Planner mailbag to tackle some of the most pressing issues borrowers are facing. Should you switch IDR plans? Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) buyback the right move? We also address the very real frustrations with federal loan servicers — the long hold times, the inconsistent information, and the impact of staffing shortages. Beyond that, we'll cover practical tax filing strategies that could lead to significant savings, how to identify potential calculation errors in your loan details, and offer an update on the ongoing delays with forgiveness applications. If you're ready for clarity on your student loans, this episode delivers the answers you need in 2025. Key moments: (04:37) Stressing about interest accrual could be counterproductive on your path to loan forgiveness (07:45)  The PSLF buyback steps, and remember your qualifying payments don't need to be consecutive (16:53) Despite common talk of "old" and "new" IBR, there is technically only one Income-Based Repayment plan (26:07) A payoff strategy for a high-income physician facing loans without PSLF (43:33) Military families face unique PSLF considerations, with state residency affecting community property rules Links mentioned:  Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plan Request PSLF Help Tool Compare refinancing lenders   Like the show? There are several ways you can help! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe to the newsletter Feeling helpless when it comes to your student loans? Try our free student loan calculator Check out our refinancing bonuses we negotiated Book your custom student loan plan Get profession-specific financial planning Do you have a question about student loans? Leave us a voicemail here or email us at help@studentloanplanner.com and we might feature it in an upcoming show!  

In this episode, board-certified construction attorney Alex Barthet provides three critical steps construction professionals must take immediately to protect themselves from tariff-related risks. Learn how to quickly review existing contracts for hidden opportunities, submit timely claims for equitable adjustments, and future-proof new agreements with essential tariff-specific clauses. With clear examples and sample language, you'll leave ready to implement … + Read More

Let's talk about SECEDF's second Signal stressing security and sympathy....

David's family has concerns as he and Annie begin their IVF journey. Amid issues in their relationship, Guillermo's news blindsides Kara. Emily and Kobe celebrate their new son after finally moving out of her parents' house.Please rate and subscribe to our podcast. You can rate us at either Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/realitea-times-two/id1689517536 or spotify, https://open.spotify.com/show/7rInYf1BD8YiFeCeOOx8gI. I will also start reading your 4 or 5-star ratings on the air!Patreon is here!!! Go join the Patreon at https://patreon.com/RealiteaTimesTwo?If you like us, please share with your friends.Please visit and follow us on:Facebook: https://facebook.com/realiteatimestwoIG: https://instagram.com/realiteatimestwoThreads: https://www.threads.net/@realiteatimestwoTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/RealiteaxTwoPod Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realiteaxtwopod?lang=en Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/realiteatimestwo.bsky.social You can also e-mail us at realiteaxtwo@hotmail.com. If you want to be a guest on the podcast, please e-mail at us at the above e-mail and please put in the subject line "Guesting on Your Podcast". Please also mention which show you would prefer to guest on.You can find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@realiteatimestwoFind us on Discord at realiteaxtwoFollow us on Reddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/realiteatimestwopod/ I got a new website!!!! Visit https://realiteatimestwo.podcastpage.io/?v=zzea where you can listen to the episodes, review the podcast and so much more!!Listen to my new podcast with my friend Mikel called "Next Take Podcast" at the below YouTube link at: www.youtube.com/@NextTakePodcast/featured or by going to our website www.solo.to/nexttakepodcastIf you want to start your own podcast, please click the link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=realitea to get 20% off on starting your very own podcast, plus it supports the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Be grateful for what you have

Tas Bober, Co-Founder of The Scroll Lab, joins Evan Hughes and Steph Crugnola for a discussion focused on finding your niche in your career and on your landing page.  Tas starts by talking through her evolution from an aspiring writer to a digital marketing expert, propelled by her early career experiences. Stressing the influence of pivotal mentors and their often brutally honest advice, she walks through the process of finding a specific niche in landing page consultation. Tas candidly shares her insights on staying adaptable, networking's intrinsic value in marketing, and the importance of having a distinct perspective to stand out in a saturated market. Ultimately, her story is a testament to chasing authenticity and passion, serving as motivation for marketers to embrace change and innovation.Episode topics: #marketing, #leadgen, #demandgeneration, #sales, #B2BSaaS, #digitalmarketing #demandcreation #landingpages #writing #ads #niche______Subscribe to Stacking Growth on Spotify and YouTubeLearn More About Refine LabsSign Up For Our NewsletterConnect with the guest:Tas BoberConnect with the hosts:Evan HughesSteph Crugnola

As the weather warms up, so does the pressure to achieve the so-called “summer body.” Social media is once again flooded with weight loss tips, body “fixes,” and the outdated idea that only certain body types are worthy of showing up in the sun. In today's episode, we're cutting through the noise and talking about body acceptance and neutrality—practices that can help you show up confidently and comfortably, no matter your size or shape. I'll share my thoughts on the resurgence of 90s-style body messaging, the impact of comparison, and the ways I navigate dressing for my body while prioritizing confidence and comfort. Plus, we'll get into practical strategies for shifting negative self-talk, setting boundaries with body commentary, and embracing the experience of summer without body-related anxiety taking over. What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Del Walmsley shares his personal journey of achieving financial freedom at 34, which allowed him to prioritize family, personal growth, and fitness. Recalling his own personal fitness journey as a bodybuilder, he draws a parallel pointing out how people often underestimate their weight gain just as they fail to recognize their growing financial burdens. Stressing the importance of intentional effort, he urges you to take control of both your health and wealth rather than letting time slip away. Click to Listen Now

Favorite show stressing you out?? How to tell. How to make a tortilla quiche bake. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your favorite TV show might be stressing you out, especially if those shows are true crime. I watch a lot of ID network, but I can't before bed...weird dreams. Best advice you've ever gotten. Don't take advice from social media, don't waste time on toxic people, don't eat yellow snow....How to romanticize your Spring; find your signature scent, take a drive just to drive, go to a unique boutique grocery...Second Date Update UPDATE: Monica stole Greg's jacket on the first date, he wants it back. We get her in the phone to see what she did.

In this episode of the Spiritual Fitness Podcast, Eric Bigger and Samantha Harper discuss the realms of spirituality intertwining with physical health. As a sound bowl healer and spiritual mentor, Samantha explains the vibrations and frequencies that resonate within us and how they affect our daily life, health, and overall wellbeing. She shares her unique approach to conquering fear by forming a congenial relationship with it, allowing for personal growth and understanding.Eric and Samantha explore the profound potential of sound healing frequencies as transformative tools for returning to one's true self. Her insights on slowing down our pace in a fast world, and her perspective on welcoming unknowns with open arms, offer a fresh take on building resilience and purpose-driven living.Also in this episode: Understand the significance of surrendering control to allow divine timing and purpose to manifest, seizing opportunities for unexpected growth. Stressing the importance of authenticity and healthy spiritual practices The beauty of continual self-discovery and personal alignment in one's inner journey.About Samantha Harper:Samantha Harper is a highly-regarded sound bowl practitioner, executive leadership development coach, and two time winner of the best alternative wellness practitioner in Arizona in 2023, and 2024. She utilizes a trauma informed approach to personal development and conscious leadership with the use of sound healing to help high-performance creatives and leaders increase their impact on the world through her uniquely designed Chamber Method ™ approach for neurological reprogramming & nervous system regulation. Samantha has a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling with over twenty thousand hours experience in a clinical setting. She has walked with thousands of people in their transformational journey towards developing their inner awareness, achieving elite success, and raising their authentic vibrational signature.Instagram: @Sam_e_peaceWebsite: www.samanthaharper.comShop IYLA: https://iylia.com/Use promo code EB20 for IYLIA champagne, offering 20% off on orders up to $200Check out Miracle Season's collection: https://itsmiracleseason.co/collections/frontpageWork with me: https://www.ericbigger.com/workwithme?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=work_with_m...Connect with Simplified Impact: https://hubs.ly/Q02vvMJ90

What does it really take to become the go-to expert in your space? In a world overflowing with content, why do some people become known for what they do—while others struggle to be remembered? In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, we're breaking down the power of a signature series—why the most recognized experts double down on one thing and how you can do the same. Our guest today is Natasha Pierre, host of the Shine Online Podcast and a Video Marketing Coach for small businesses. So, if you've been showing up, creating content, and doing the work—but still feel like people don't really know you for what you do—this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover:   (00:00) Introduction (00:44) How did you decide what to be known for? (02:24) Insecurity with video (04:12) Worried about judgment  (05:18) Becoming confident on video (08:34) Reviewing Natasha's past content  (15:30) Stressing over metrics  (17:27) Mental health vs metrics  (20:13) Comparing Natasha's recent content  (29:01) Creating a signature series  (33:37) Natasha's content plan  (35:37) Becoming known for something  (43:17) Actionable Takeaways      Connect with Cheryl Lau   Website: https://cheryltheory.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory  Newsletter: https://cheryltheory.com/email  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau Connect with Natasha Pierre   3-Day Video Confidence Challenge: https://shinewithnatasha.com/challenge YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL2BMkT_7jIu5NeV_yAXScw  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinewithnatasha/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shinewithnatasha  Shine Studio: https://www.withshinestudio.com/ Free Resource for Podcasters     THE PODCAST CONTENT AUDIT: Build a differentiated and timeless body of work  - Audit 9 different parts of your podcast content strategy - Identify the specific areas you can improve on right away to set your podcast apart from the rest   Get the Audit here: https://cheryllau.com/audit  Contact   Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.

It's almost testing season! Our friends Christi Tavares and Bri Roberts (@TwoTampaCoaches) join the The Flip Side team on the couch to discuss testing and this upcoming testing season. -- The Flip Side Podcast Hosted by Get Your Teach On's Hope King, Wade King, and Chris Pombonyo, The Flip Side Podcast releases new episodes each week on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform. Each week, we'll breakdown share flipped perspectives and insights on different perspectives on hot topics in education. Learn more: getyourteachon.com/theflipside. Subscribe to GYTO and The Flip Side on YouTube! About Get Your Teach On: Led by educators and authors Hope and Wade King, Get Your Teach On specializes in professional development and encouragement for educators and administrators in the form of conferences, workshops and events. GYTO conferences are known for their passionate celebration of teachers and their ability to inspire life-long learners. Founded in 2016, GYTO now hosts National and Regional Conferences, Virtual Conferences, school and district trainings, and additional events for a wide variety of educators and school administrators each year. GYTO also provides free resources, teacher-focused merchandise, and is the parent organization for the worldwide Rock Your School initiative which encourages out of the box teaching. Credits: The Flip Side is a Get Your Teach On Podcast. Executive Producers Hope King, Wade King Producers Dominique Castellanos, Chase Mayo, Chris Pombonyo Technical Director Chase Mayo Editors Chase Mayo, Seth Foster Copyright 2025 Hope King Teaching Resources Inc.

"Then how come you fail?" Stressing and blaming Elon for it! More on engine regulations. Compulsive Bible reading? Bothered by Kendrick pooh-poohing!The Hake Report, Monday, February 24, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start* (0:03:08) Joy Reid* (0:04:41) Hey, guys!* (0:05:59) Flight diverted: New Delhi to Rome* (0:13:06) News* (0:14:40) Elon Musk* (0:22:43) But I always do my best: Elon continued* (0:28:52) DANIEL, CA: EGR, engine efficiency, regulation* (0:41:33) Coffee: Christian Health Share?* (0:46:02) Supers: LYC* (0:50:42) Oh shoot, my Rumble dropped* (0:53:08) MANUEL, CA: NOx, Mariann Budde govt money* (1:03:27) MANUEL: Job? Psalms? Wanna read NT, bias against OT people* (1:17:05) Coffee: Don't be bitter at bigots: "DEI hire"* (1:23:47) JASON, Vegas, 1st: Kendrick brought me to God* (1:31:06) JASON: Why were you bothered? Drake?* (1:37:42) JASON: Taking sides? Fanaticism…?* (1:42:47) JASON: Irish-Mexican* (1:43:03) TIM, Dallas: Kendrick fell off, he sold out* (1:48:14) TIM: Orthodox?* (1:50:00) Mentirosa - Palito Barces y su Orquesta - El Mundo SonideroLINKSBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/2/24/the-hake-report-mon-2-24-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/2/24/hake-news-mon-2-24-25Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO YouTube - 5-mins / Rumble Pt 2* - Facebook - X - BitChute - Odysee*PODCAST Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or BuyMeACoffee, etc.SHOP - Printify (new!) - Spring (old!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - Joel - Punchie Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

Give your feedback here:https://forms.gle/vvgrEMXjDySg9wS76Hi! Welcome to the sleep podcast by Slow. I'm Oda, a licensed clinical psychologist.Through my years of working with people struggling with depression, anxiety and stress, I've seen one thing again and again—when life feels overwhelming and out of control, sleep is often the first thing to suffer.Luckily, there are ways to improve your sleep, and that's what we'll explore together in upcoming episodes.This sleep podcast will offer you ways to reconnect with yourself, to unwind, and to learn how to care for your physical and mental health.We will talk about the science of sleep, the role of stress and emotions, and simple, practical strategies you can use to sleep better and feel better. Most importantly—I want this to be your space, and we're looking for listener feedback to guide our future episodes. Now imagine this:Have you ever felt like your patience runs out faster after a bad night's sleep? Maybe you snapped at a coworker, struggled to be present with your family, or felt disconnected from your friends? Do you feel like stress is keeping your body tense, making it impossible to truly rest? Or maybe you lie awake replaying conversations or overanalyzing something that happened several days ago?Do any of these situations resonate with you? What is keeping you awake right now? Take a moment and try to connect with your emotions, what are they telling you? You are not the only one struggling with sleep, and you don't have to figure it out alone. Whatever you're struggling with, I'd love to hear from you.Send in your thoughts, questions, or experiences, and let's explore them together.You can contact me confidentially and directly by clicking the link here:https://forms.gle/vvgrEMXjDySg9wS76I want to wish you a good night's sleep, and now over to tonight's sleep soundscape. Comment bellow the number that resonates with your struggles:Work & Productivity Overthinking 1. Replaying a mistake from the day – “Why did I say that in the meeting? I should've worded it differently.” 2. Worrying about tomorrow's to-do list – “I have so much to do tomorrow—what if I don't get everything done?” 3. Thinking about an unread email or unfinished task – “Did I forget to send that email? What if I made a mistake?” 4. Second-guessing a conversation with a coworker – “Did I sound rude when I responded? I hope they didn't take it the wrong way.”Social & Relationship Overthinking 5. Replaying a conversation from earlier – “Did I embarrass myself? Why did I say that?” 6. Worrying about a text you sent – “They haven't replied yet. Did I upset them?” 7. Overanalyzing an argument – “I should've said this instead… Maybe they're still mad at me.” 8. Thinking about a social event – “What if I say something awkward? What if no one talks to me?”Financial & Life Stressors 9. Worrying about bills or money – “How am I going to afford that upcoming expense?” 10. Thinking about career choices – “Am I on the right path? What if I made the wrong decision?” 11. Stressing about the future – “Where will I be in five years? Am I doing enough with my life?” 12. Regretting past financial decisions – “I shouldn't have spent so much on that today… What was I thinking?”Health & Well-being Overthinking 13. Googling symptoms late at night – “What if this headache is something serious?” 14. Worrying about sleep itself – “If I don't fall asleep soon, I'll be exhausted tomorrow.” 15. Feeling guilty about not exercising – “I should have worked out today. I need to be healthier.” 16. Stressing about unhealthy habits – “Why did I eat so much junk food today? I really need to do better.”

Aisha's episode is full of wisdom and inspiration! With her first two births, Aisha worked so hard to deliver vaginally, but ultimately had two undesired Cesareans. She was told in the operating room that she had uterine dehiscence, was given a special scar, and should never try to deliver vaginally. But her intuition was telling her a different story. She dove into research. She found a community and listened to podcasts like The VBAC Link. She knew a VBA2C was possible, and she knew she had to try. Aisha's VBA2C journey involved interacting with supportive and very unsupportive providers, hiring a fantastic doula, being proactive with labor comfort measures, planning for the unexpected, staying firm in her desires, asynclitic positioning, and pushing her baby boy out in just 45 minutes with a nuchal hand!Aisha's WebsiteThe VBAC Link Blog: VBA2CNeeded WebsiteHow to VBAC: The Ultimate Prep Course for ParentsFull Transcript under Episode Details Meagan: Hello, Women of Strength. It's The VBAC Link, and we have a VBA2C story coming your way. Have you ever wondered what VBA2C means? If you haven't noticed, in the VBAC world, there are a lot of acronyms. VBA2C is one of them. That means vaginal birth after two Cesareans, meaning that you have had two Cesareans and want to go for a vaginal birth. Big question, what are the chances of having a vaginal birth after two Cesareans? Is it possible? The answer is simply, yes. It is totally possible. Myself and Aisha are living proof today that it is possible. In fact, your chances of a successful VBA2C are similar to those of just a VBAC with one Cesarean. ACOG recommends that VBA2C is a safe option, so today, I want to quickly go over a little bit more instead of a review about some education on vaginal birth after two Cesareans and share a little bit more of our blog. Like I said, ACOG recommends that vaginal birth after two Cesareans is actually a safe option. They say, “It is reasonable to consider women with two previous low transverse Cesarean deliveries to be candidates for TOLAC.” Now, again, there's another one of those acronyms. TOLAC- trial of labor after a Cesarean. I know that is triggering for some. It is pretty much just the medical term of saying that you are having a trial of labor after a Cesarean, so try not to let it impact you too much. But, “for TOLAC and to counsel them based off of the combination of other factors that affect their probability of achieving a VBAC.” There are lots of things that people might go look through to see if you are eligible for a VBAC after two Cesareans. Now, I'm sure you have probably heard this before, but proven pelvis. If you haven't had a proven pelvis, meaning that your baby has come out vaginally before you've had a vaginal birth or a Cesarean– now when I say this, sometimes we have a vaginal birth, then we will have two Cesareans, and someone wants to go for a VBAC again, so they would be considered a proven pelvis or cervix to a medical staff. But if you haven't had a “proven pelvis”, I hope you guys can imagine my air quotes right now, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be considered as someone who should have a VBAC. It says in our blog, “More important to note, there is no mention of a requirement to have had that previous vaginal delivery.” I wanted to point out that it really is not a necessary thing. I hadn't had a vaginal birth before. My cervix also hadn't made it to 10 centimeters before, so just know that it is still possible. Quickly, there are things that you can do to reduce uterine rupture, and there are also things you can do to increase your chances of VBAC. Again, it's going to be in our blog. I'm going to send you over there after the episode so you can go and read more about it, but some of the things that you can do to minimize the risk of uterine rupture is staying away from induction. Now, can VBAC be induced? Yes, they can. Yes, yes, yes, yes, you can, so I don't want you to totally freak out right now. But, staying away from induction for VBAC is better than going to get induced. It does increase our chance of uterine rupture, and it does increase our chances of other things like interventions that are unnecessary. Unless it's absolutely necessary or totally desired, try to stay away from induction. Avoid augmentation of labor so things like Pitocin and other drugs to cause the uterus to contract more than it naturally would. Okay, let's see. Avoid providers who aggressively intervene or want to manage your labor or come at you with fearmongering tactics. You guys are going to hear some of that here, and honestly, I think it's a common thing with these stories. We are getting a lot of fearmongering here. Providers, if you are listening, knock it off. Goodness gracious, we do not need to add fear to something that has been looming over us because VBAC has such a bad rap in the world, and it's so scary. Again, air quotes, guys. Just stop with the fearmongering. Avoid providers who are going to build you up with things– I should say tear you down, but fill you up with things like, “Your baby is looking too big. I don't know. We should probably induce. I don't know if your baby is going to be able to come out because you are really small, and that baby is looking really big. Oh my gosh, you have to have an epidural. Oh my gosh, you have to have your baby by 39 weeks.” There are so many things. It's annoying. Okay, going back to avoiding rupture. Avoid or delay things like getting an epidural until at least the end if possible because we do know that sometimes when we get an epidural early in labor, it can bring things like interventions, and we are getting Pitocin that is too high and other things like that. There are so many other things here, you guys. I'm going to make sure that the link is in the show notes. I don't want to take too much of our time, so we can make sure that Aisha can share her beautiful VBAC after two Cesarean stories and all that she had done to lead up to this experience. You guys, it's a good one. Something that is very different about this episode is that she actually had a dehiscence with her second which in a lot of the studies and literature for rupture, a dehiscence is often confused or combined with uterine rupture.I really love that this is a different type of story here, so gear up and enjoy. All right, Aisha. Thank you again so much for being here. As we were talking about earlier, VBAC after two Cesareans is so highly requested in our community. So without further ado, I want to turn the time over to you. Aisha: Thank you so much for having me. This is surreal. I feel like this pushed me in some ways. It was a goal of mine. I'm like, “If I make it and do my VBAC after two Cesareans, I'm going to send my story to The VBAC Link.” Yeah. I've listened to you guys. It's been literally almost four years listening to you guys all of the time trying to visualize my birth after hearing other people's stories. It's such a blessing, and I'm honored to be here to be honest. Meagan: Well, thank you so much. Aisha: Of course. Yeah. I mean, if we start from the beginning with my whole birthing journey, I got pregnant in 2018. I really wanted to try out the whole natural route, so I went with a midwife here in Canada. It's covered by the government so whether you go to a midwife or OB/GYN, it's honestly the same thing. It depends on what type of care you want to have. I chose to go with the midwife, and I chose to give birth at a birthing center for my firstborn. Labor started. I never ended up giving birth naturally obviously. I ended up having a 60-hour labor. Yeah. After 60 hours, they declared me failure to progress, and I think my cervix was a bit swollen at that point. The baby had made the meconium in my tummy. Meagan: Oh, yeah. Stressing out is common. Babies poop sometimes, and it doesn't always mean an emergency or anything like that, but when it's happening and other things are happening–Aisha: Exactly. I think I started having a fever and other things like that. At that point, they came to see me. They were like, “Before things turn into an emergency, let's go and have a simple C-section.” I felt very defeated. I worked very hard for a natural birth. I did 40 of those 60 hours all-natural, but after seeing I wasn't progressing– when I was with my midwife, I was 2 centimeters after 40 hours, and at that point, I requested to be transferred to the hospital to get an epidural. When I got the epidural, it worked a little bit on half of my body, but I was having back labor. My baby was posterior, so it did not do much for those pains there. I can say in the moment, I was quite relieved to have the C-section, so everything could be over, but I know afterward, I know womanhood is not defined by how you birth your baby, but I think at that point because that's what I envisioned, I never envisioned a C-section ever in my life, and it affected me. It affected my self-esteem a little bit. Right after that, me being me, I'm such a planner and such a researcher. I researched to see if it's possible to have a vaginal birth after a Cesarean, and I discovered the whole VBAC world. I signed up in all of the Facebook groups that I could find about VBACs all around the world. I was reading stories. I discovered The VBAC Link at that point. I started listening to the podcast. I also requested, through my midwife, my notes to see what happened. Meagan: Your op reports. Yes. Aisha: I'm like, “Okay. I need to know why I had a Cesarean, why a Cesarean was made, etc.” I checked. I sat down with my midwife at six weeks postpartum. Honestly, it wasn't anything really. They just said it was failure to progress. I had dilated to a 7, and that was that. She was like, “Okay. You can come back when you get pregnant again. You need to wait 2 years or 18 months before you get pregnant again.” Meagan: Mhmm. That's very common.Aisha: That's what I did. I got pregnant when my firstborn, I think, was 15 months. I gave birth exactly two years later almost to the dot. That labor started. Everything was going great. I remember for that pregnancy, I tried to always sit leaning forward, doing all of those exercises because my baby was posterior. I wanted a good posture. I did all of the things. It was in winter here, and in winter, Canada is not the best. I wasn't walking as much and it was COVID too. It was the COVID lockdown. With my first, I was going to the mall a lot, but during the lockdown in 2021, all of the malls were closed. I wasn't going outside much, but I was doing rounds in my house going up and down the stairs and stuff like that. When labor started, I really tried to focus. I think I was doula-ing myself. I never got a doula, but I was doula-ing with all of my research what I knew to do. At some point, I felt like it was time to go to the midwife. I was going there. They checked me. I was at 2 centimeters again. After laboring for 15 hours, then I was a bit defeated. I was like, “No, the same story is going to happen twice.” I continued laboring there. At some point, the contractions were back-to-back with no breaks. At that point, I was like, “Let me be a smart girl and get the epidural again.” She checked me. I was at 3 centimeters. I wasn't progressing fast enough for me. I think I was just in too much pain. I wasn't getting any breaks.I went to the hospital. I think the car ride there did something because it was a 20-minute car ride from the birthing center to the hospital. I was 7 centimeters. Meagan: Whoa. You went from a 3 to a 7 in 20 minutes? Aisha: In 20 minutes. Then I was like, “Okay, it's happening.” I got there. My midwife had already called the hospital and sent my papers. The anesthesiologist was waiting for me. I got the epidural within 5 minutes. They checked me. I was at a 9. Yeah, it went really fast. I was like, “I'm getting this VBAC.” Everybody was excited. I was giggling and laughing. My midwife came in. We were waiting for the last little bit. They checked me. I was 9.5, but baby was stationed pretty high. They were like, “Okay, let's try to bring baby down.” They made me change positions, but as they were doing that, the baby's heart rate dropped. It wasn't picking back up. At that point, it turned into an emergency C-section. The doctor looked at me. She was like, “Your baby is in distress. We don't know why. Nothing is going on. Nothing is changing. We are bringing you to the OR and get baby out. We don't have a choice.” I was so sad. I was at 9.5. I was almost there, but it did not happen. When I was in the operating room, the doctor screamed to me, “Aisha, never do this again.” I'm like, “Why?” She never gave me any more explanation, so me being me, when I was done giving birth, I requested the notes again.Meagan: Hey, listen. This is what I would suggest for anybody and everybody who has had a C-section. Go get your notes. Go get your notes. Aisha: They give so much insight because nobody knows unless this is the only thing that remains with you. You don't have the people to talk to. I saw the notes. I saw that my C-section scar had started to open. I think they called it a dehiscence. Meagan: Dehiscence? It was past a window. It wasn't just stretched. It actually had dehissed. Aisha: Yes. My midwife was like, “Probably that's the reason why she told you to never do this again and not to go for a VBAC again because the uterus had started to open.” Because it had started to open, when she cut me up, it gave me a J-scar so my scar–Meagan: You have a special scar too. Aisha: I have a special scar too. At that point, I'm like, “Okay.” My midwife told me, “If you have a third baby, unfortunately here, we can only follow a VBAC after one Cesarean. We cannot follow a VBAC after two C-sections so you will have to go the OB/GYN route.” Then I got scared because I'm like, “My God, I'm going to have to go to the medical professionals. They're going to turn me down,” and stuff like that. Me being me, I contacted my own personal OB/GYN. I went to see her. I wasn't pregnant or nothing. I wasn't planned on being pregnant anytime soon, but I knew I wanted a third child. I went to him. I was like, “Listen. This is my story. This is my situation. I really want to try for a vaginal birth. I know it can happen.” I went on the Facebook groups again. I registered in all of the VBAC after multiple Cesareans. I went and checked VBAC special scars. I went into all of those groups. I saw it was possible. Women were doing it all over the world. I was like, “Why not me? My body is also capable. Plus, I got to 9.5. That means my body is working. I just had unfortunate circumstances.” That's what I thought. My doctor was like, “You know what? Get pregnant. Come back, and we'll talk about it.” She wasn't closed off to the idea. Fast forward, I got pregnant earlier in 2023. I lost that baby due to miscarriage. I got pregnant again in September. That was a surprise pregnancy. I wasn't really planning for it. When I got pregnant, I was like, “Okay, this is it. This is it. We're going to try to do everything we can to make it happen.” I know for the first 20 weeks, I also tried to relax and release. I felt like my body held so much tension, and I feel like that can hold up to birth. I was trying to go and deal with all of those traumas and things like that that I hadn't dealt with in my previous births. Meagan: Traumas, triggers, past experiences, the tension that is being harbored in our body. It's weird to think that, but really, we can harbor tension whether we relate to it as trauma or not, and it can really impact us. Aisha: It can really impact us. After my second birth, I had gone to pelvic floor therapy. I had been to that for a couple of months, then stopped 6 months prior to getting pregnant officially with my last baby. When I got pregnant, I went back to see my pelvic floor therapist. I'm like, “Listen. I'm pregnant. This is what we are planning. Right now, I just want to make sure that my muscles down there are okay. I want to do the exercises. I don't want to do too much, but just prep my body slowly and surely.” We did exercises. That was the first 20 weeks. The second 20 weeks, I'm like, “Okay. Now is the time to ask the questions.” I would see her every 6 weeks, and within those 6 weeks, every question that would come in my head, I would write in down in my notes and go and ask her the questions so she could answer. I asked her to review my op reports so I could have another opinion. I was asking her a lot of questions about VBAC after two Cesareans. I got that my doctor wasn't VBAC-friendly, but I think she's pro-women's choice. She goes with what you want, and she supports you wholeheartedly in your decisions. I remember asking her questions about VBACs after two C-sections. She kept telling me, “Aisha, I think you need to realize that new studies have shown that there is not much risk after one or two Cesareans. It's almost the same. The percentage doesn't go up. There's not much difference. If you've had a C-section, you have the same chances as if you've had a second C-section. That's what the studies are showing.”I asked her about my dehiscence, and she's like, “A lot of women who didn't have a C-section can have a dehiscence, but with some women, we don't see it because they're not getting opened up.” She's like, “It happens more than you think. It doesn't mean that it's because of your scar that you had the dehiscence. It could have been that's just how your body reacted.” After all of those affirmations, that reassured me a little bit. I was not risking my baby. At the same time, you read stories, and you just don't want to make foolish decisions even though in your heart, you know what you want. When you listen to the outside world, it can influence a little bit of how you are thinking, and you are trying to make a wise decision. That was me in that second part of my pregnancy. However, the one thing she told me was, “The one thing that can make or break your VBAC, though, is getting a doula.” Every time she would see me, she was like, “Did you get your doula? Did you get your doula? Did you get your doula?” So I went. I got a doula who also had a VBAC. It was very important to have someone who had the experience of having a VBAC. I feel like when your team knows how badly you want it and what it means to you, I feel like it changes a lot for your game. I remember having my little prebirth classes with her, and she kept telling me, “You need to build a team who believes in your goal more than you believe in your goal because at some point during the birth, you're going to doubt yourself, and you need people who are going to reinforce you with confidence and positivity.” Meagan: Positivity, yes. Aisha: Yes, and that you can do it and that your body was meant for this. Of course, within that too, we also prepped for the occasion of a possible C-section, how to have a gentle C-section, and things I wanted to have. For me, it was very important for me to see my baby's being born. That's something I never experienced with both of my daughters. I heard them cry, but it was this wall in front of me. I never saw them come out of me. We also prepped for that, but yeah. We did a lot of prepping. She suggested that I go see an osteopath. With my second daughter, and my first VBAC, I had seen a chiropractor, but she told me that an osteopath might help loosen up some muscles. I went to see that person. It felt good, then I did acupuncture at the same time which I think was maybe just to release and relax and let go. I think there were a lot of little things that I did in order to just not hold on to all of the stress– writing letters and closing up chapters. I feel like it allowed me to just let go of the traumas that I had. Fast forward to my due date for my second baby. I lose a good part of my mucus plug. I sent it to my doula. She was like, “Okay, I think your body is starting to work.” Now, I can say I was starting to have contractions, but my way that I think I handled this birth was denial. The whole time that I was having those contractions, I kept saying, “They are painful Braxton Hicks. They are painful Braxton Hicks, and that's what we are going to do.” I kept walking a lot and every day, I was taking an hour walk. During those hour walks, that's when I was listening to the podcast and listening to stories and literally looking for VBAC after two Cesarean stories and hearing what women went through and their tips and tricks. That happened at my 40-week due date. Then the contractions kept going. During the daytime, they would spread out a little bit. At night time, they would be every 10-15 minutes. They would wake me up from sleeping, so I knew deep down that something was going on, but I was not trying to put my heart into it. I'm like, “They are just Braxton Hicks.” That kept on going for two days. At 40 weeks and 3 days, I had my doctor's appointment. I remember waking up that morning and being like, “Oh, those Braxton Hicks are really pushing.” I remember my husband was like, “Do you think we should go and drop of the girls at their godmother's?” I'm like, “You know what? No. I don't think this is it.”I had my appointment that afternoon. I have a friend of mine who lives next to my doctor's office. She had a 6-month-old baby at that time. I'm like, “Let's drop the girls off at my friend's, then afterward, I can snuggle up the baby because I heard oxytocin might help everything get going.” I went to see my doctor. My doctor asked if I wanted to get checked. That's one thing too, I went through the whole pregnancy not wanting to get checked. I knew that dilation means nothing. Meagan: Yes. Aisha: There is also how effaced you are and the baby's station. Those are also other things that you must know. You can be at a 10 and be stationed at a -2. It doesn't mean your baby is still coming. There are a lot of little details that I discovered. Meagan: We don't talk about it. We don't talk about it. We focus so highly on that big 10 number when there is so much more. It's funny because with my clients, they'll be like, “Oh, I got checked, and I was only this centimeter.” I'm like, “I don't even care about the centimeter. What were you effaced?” They're like, “I don't know. They didn't say anything.” Next time you get checked, ask because that number is a cooler number. Let's get effaced. Let's do that. Even then, we know that can change. We can go from thick, hard, and posterior to completely open and thin. It all varies, and it varies quickly, but there are so many other things to focus on than just that big 10 number. Aisha: Exactly. That's why I never asked to get checked the whole time. I'm like, “I'm going to go like that without checking. That will be bad.” When I got there, my doctor knew. She was like, “You're not getting checked, right?” At every appointment, she would ask, and I'm like, “No, I'm not getting checked today.” She asked, “Are you having contractions?” I'm like, “I lost my mucus plug last night. I'm having painful Braxton Hicks.” She's like, “How painful?” I'm like, “Well, people contract and call it Braxton Hicks.” She's like, “Keep doing what you're doing, however, when you go to the hospital if ever you don't give birth by 41 weeks, we have to send you to do a non-stress test to the baby, and the hospital will read your report, and they're going to force you to have a C-section. Be ready.” She was prepping me. She was like, “I'm going to write in your file that it's VBAC after two Cesareans. We've talked about it. You're going to do a trial of labor. I'm letting it go.” She was okay with letting me to go at least 41+5 and 42 weeks. Meagan: Or what evidence shows, okay. Aisha: She wasn't giving me any stress. She told me that the one thing that was giving me confidence was the fact that my body went into labor twice, and my body knows what to do. I left that appointment. I went to my friend's house. I snuggled up with the baby. Every time I would take the baby, my contractions, the painful Braxton Hicks, would be every 5 minutes. They would come more often than not. The moment we left her house, I'm like, “Okay, I don't have the baby no more, but the painful Braxton Hicks keep going.” In the car ride, it was a 20-minute car ride to my house. I got to my house. I didn't say nothing to my husband. I took my daughters. I went to give them a bath. I was showering with them actually. It was a shower. I was showering with them. I was on my knees, and at some point, I had to stop and be like, “Okay. Those Braxton Hicks are quite painful.” I gave the girls a shower. I dressed them up. They went to bed. I came downstairs to my husband and was like, “You know what? Yeah. The Braxton Hicks are becoming more and more painful.” He was like, “Okay. Do you want me to pack up the car?” I'm like, “No, they are still Braxton Hicks. We are not there yet.” Then what really made me believe that I was in labor was whenever I am in labor are my bowel movements. I think my body releases and cleans out.Meagan: Common. That's very common. Aisha: I went to the bathroom twice in the span of 30 minutes. I looked at him, and I was like, “I think we're in labor.” That's the moment I used contractions for the first time. The contractions were there. I just went to the bathroom twice. Okay. Eat and drink because those are two things I never did with my previous labors. One thing my doula told me during the prep was, “You need to hydrate your body because the muscle that is dehydrated is a muscle that is going to contract even more. Maybe that's why you were contracting and your contractions with your second labor were back to back with no breaks.” I'm like, “Yeah, I wasn't drinking water. I was so dehydrated. My lips were all cracked. I was not drinking an ounce of water.” When my husband heard, “Okay, labor is starting,” we started drinking. I ate dinner. It was around 9:00 PM. We bought those maple waters because we heard maple water is filled with electrolytes. I started drinking that. Then we went upstairs. I'm like, “I'm going to get some rest and try to sleep a little bit since it's nighttime.” I went to bed. It wasn't comfortable. I stayed for 15 minutes, then I'm like, “Okay, I'm going to go in the shower.” My husband ran a shower. It wasn't helping. We ran a bath. I went in the bath. I stayed there for maybe 30 minutes. It was not comfortable, then I got up. I went to pee, and then I had my bloody show. Everything was out. I sent a photo to my midwife and my doula. She was like, “Okay. Get ready. I think your body is really doing a lot right now.” In my head, I'm like, “Since my body is doing its work right now, let me help it. I'm going to sit on the toilet.” I heard it's a dilation station, so I'm like, “I'm going to sit there, then hopefully, if I'm in pain, let me make it effective.” I go. I sit there. Believe me or not, that was the best position for me. Meagan: I loved it too. I loved it too. Aisha: I loved it. I was at peace. I had the light turned off, the rain sound going, and I was literally sleeping. When I say sleeping, I was snoring. I was waking up slightly just for contractions, then I was going back to bed. I never timed any of my contractions. We were not going to focus on timing. We were going to go with how we feel, and the sounds and stuff like that. Yeah. I stayed there, I think, for 2.5 hours or 3 hours on the toilet. Meagan: Wow.Aisha: It felt so good. I had a pillow. I slept there. At some point, you can hear in my sound that it was a bit more there. My doula was hearing me. She told my husband, “You know what? I think this is time. You guys need to pack up the kids and go to the hospital.” We are about 35-40 minutes away from the hospital, so we had quite a drive. My husband packed up the car, and around 2:00 AM, we left to the hospital. I remember prior to labor, I told myself, “I'm going to give myself a coping mechanism. As long as I'm home, I'm just going to do nothing and try to take it in.” Once I'm in the car, I bought those combs. I was going to have the combs in my hand for the car ride, then once contractions are really unbearable, I'm going to grab the second comb. In the car ride, I had that one comb. I took it.  We went to the hospital, but the contractions were so great. I had time to do curbside walking around the hospital when we got there. My girls' godmother came and met us at the hospital so we could transfer the girls. While they were doing that transfer, I was doing curbside walking. I was taking photos. I was like, “I need to take photos of my girls.” I was in such a happy mood. The contractions were spread out which was a first for me because with all of my other labors, the moment I got to the hospital, it was an emergency and I could not control myself. We got there. We got to the hospital. I was able to give them my name and fill out my papers. I was really clear-minded. I went into triage and I was a bit scared because with my other labors, when I got checked, I was at 1 centimeter or 2 centimeters. I was going to see what I am, but you know what? We can handle it because the contractions were still spread apart. If I was a 2, I would still be good. I lay down. I got checked, and they told me I was at 5 centimeters. I thought, “Oh my god.” I asked, “What is the station and how effaced am I?” Then they were like, “You are 80% effaced, and you're at the station -2.” I'm like, “Okay. This is it. We're doing it.” They were like, “We are admitting you. You're not going to go home.” I was so excited. However, that's when the battle started. They took my file and came back. Meagan: Darn it. Aisha: They said, “We see you had two Cesareans already. Usually, you need to have a C-section after two C-sections.” I'm like, “I discussed with my doctor, and she was okay with me doing a trial of labor. They were like, “Well, no. This is not usually how things go. We usually don't do that. There's a lot of risk for your baby.” I'm like, “Yeah. I know the risk and I'm okay with it. It's something my doctor and I discussed. We are very at peace with it.” Then they sent me the doctor on call. The doctor came, and she was like, “I need to explain to you the dangers of what you are about to do. Your baby might die when you have a second C-section.” Then they brought up the dehiscence. “After a trial of labor, you had a dehiscence. This is not good for your body to have a dehiscence. You are more prone to uterine rupture.” All of those notes were observed by my doctor, and she was completely fine with it. Literally, the doctor looked at me, and she was like, “I can see nothing I'm going to say will change your mind. You're quite informed.” I'm like, “Yeah.” She was like, “I'm going to have you sign these release papers so you can release the hospital of anything.” At that moment, you feel like you're doing something not great because you're like, “They're making me sign this paper.”Meagan: Yeah, you feel like you're pushing against everyone in the professional world who have done multiple years of school and what they are suggesting. It feels off. Aisha: It feels off, but you what? That's why I was talking about releasing and really listening to me. That made me feel so much more at peace because I'm like, “I have to listen to that voice inside. Aisha, you can do this. You have prepped for this literally for four years in the making since your first C-section. You're educated. You know the risks. This paper is not going to make the risks change. You were okay with it before they presented that paper to you. You can still be okay with it after.”They gave me the paper. I signed everything, and then they asked me, “Well, we need to keep you monitored, however. We need to keep you monitored, and we need to have the easy access port installed in case.”Meagan: The hep lock, mhmm.Aisha: I told them that I didn't want it because it wasn't in my birth plan. I was like, “I don't want that.” I also had a super cute pink, floral hospital gown. I was like, “I'm going to wear that. I don't want to wear their hospital gown.” I think it was just mentally to feel like you are the birther, and you are the principal actor in the event. I didn't want to feel like a patient.They came. They were like, “You need to change.” I'm like, “I don't want to change. I want to keep my gown.” I had to sign a release paper that it was okay if they cut off my gown. I said, “Listen, the gown is made for that. There are buttons all around the back, but if you have to cut it off, cut it off, but I'm keeping this on.” At the end, I felt like I had to be somewhat political a little bit and give them a little so they could stop bugging me because they were breaking my bubble with the constant questions and the constant arguing.Within all of that, I was still having contractions. I'm like, “You know what? I'm going to let them monitor the baby, and I'm going to let them do the easy port so they can stop casting their opinions on my VBAC.” I know my doula was a bit scared especially for the monitoring because they were like, “The second the heart rate drops, they're going to use it as a way to send you to the operating room.” I know the second they put the monitor on, the baby's heart rate went down during the contractions, and it went right back up after. One of the nurses was like, “See? Your baby's heart rate is already going down. This is why we need to keep it.” I had the doula on the other line. She was coming to the hospital. I asked, “The baby's heart is going down.” She was like, “Aisha, it's normal that your baby's heart rate is going down during a contraction. He's literally getting squeezed. It's just normal practice. If it comes back up, it's completely fine.” Every time, they would pass those comments. The baby's heart rate dropped a couple of times, probably 7-8 times over the whole labor process, but every time, they would make a comment, “Oh, see? It dropped again. Oh, see? It dropped again.” But it kept picking back up the whole time.Anyway, I got admitted to my room. They tried to do the easy access port. I have small veins, so it literally took the anesthesiologist to do it. The whole nursing team failed to do it. I kept telling them to do it in one spot that people usually have better luck. They did it everywhere else, and in the end, it was that part that functioned.By the time they did the easy port access, it was around 7:00 AM. I got to the hospital around 4:00. It was around 7:00 AM. I asked to be checked again because, at that point, I was doing dances. The contractions were so intense, I was not happy. I was not laughing no more. I was still having breaks between them, but it was really taking everything out of me. At that point, the whole time before that, I was really enjoying the contractions. They were coming. I was like, “Oh, this is nice. I'm getting to meet my baby.” I loved the feeling to be honest. People find me weird when I say that I love contractions, but at that point, it was not fun anymore. I was going against the wall and doing those squat dances and moving my body left to right. I requested doing a check. They checked me. They were like, “Oh, you're at 9.5 and 100%.” However, baby was still stationed at -2. I'm like, “Oh no, baby is pretty high up.” My doula and I started to do some positions to get baby down. We did those for 30 minutes, but like I said, the contractions were really, really, really pushing it. I requested to get checked again. I know my doula was like, “Nothing probably happened.” She was right. Nothing happened. It was still the same, 9.5 and effaced at 100%, and still stationed to -2. At that point, I'm like, “Okay, I'm going to request the epidural.” I was seeing stars. Every time I would go through a contraction, I would see stars. At that point, I was literally, I think, mentally checked out. I was fighting against the contractions because every time a contraction would start, I would tell myself, “Okay, now you need to survive this next one.” It was no longer about enjoying it. Meagan: Surviving it, yeah. Aisha: It wasn't, “You know what, Aisha? It's four breaths. Take four deep breaths and it's done.” It was more of a survival mindset. I was like, “I'm going to take the epidural and be calm and be good.” They came. They gave it to me. They gave me a very tidbit because I was still walking. I could still feel. Yeah. I was still walking with the epidural. I could still feel everything. It just took off the edge. I think the contractions and the pain was in the front of my belly, and the back pain was gone, but I could still feel the pressure. While the anesthesiologist was giving me the epidural, my body was starting to push. I would have that feeling and everything. I think he gave me a tiny bit. Anyway, the second epidural was done, it was already shift change, so the night nurses were gone. The new nurses were in, and I think when I say the team makes a difference, they were angels sent. They were so kind. My doula went to see who was the doctor on call for the daytime, and she came to see me. She was like, “If you didn't have your own personal OB/GYN, this is the one who you would have wanted to have. This one here, that doctor here.” Then she came. She was super happy.She was like, “Okay, I see you're trying for a VBAC. The whole floor, when I heard about your case, they were saying that you had a uterine rupture. I'm like, ‘That's not right. Her doctor wouldn't have let her do a trial of labor after a rupture.' I went through your file, and I saw that you only had a dehiscence. It's very common.” She literally repeated the same thing that my doctor said. She was like, “A lot of women who didn't even have a C-section end up having a lot of dehiscence. It's just that we never know because they are never opened for a C-section to mark it down.” She was like, “It's completely common. We're going to do this.” She was like, “You've been at 9.5 for 2-3 hours, and your baby's station hasn't descended. Let's see what's going on.” She brought an ultrasound machine, and she performed the ultrasound on me. She literally saw that it was the baby's head's position. His head was slightly crooked to the left. Meagan: Asynclitic, mhmm. Aisha: Exactly. That's when I'm telling you that I love these people. I'm still having butterflies thinking about them. They came with the Miles Circuit. They came with the sheet with the images, and they're like, “We're going to do those.” I'm like, “The Miles Circuit!” They're like, “Yes.” I'm like, “Oh my god. You guys are my people.” We started doing the Miles Circuit. I did every movement for 30 minutes. I held it for 30 minutes. I did the cowgirl, I think they call it. Meagan: The flying cowgirl. Aisha: Exactly. Then after that, they came back. My doctor thought the baby's position had changed, but my water hadn't broken yet. She was like, “I'm going to break your water. The worst case scenario is that your baby's heart doesn't handle it, but I think that's going to make us go to the next level.” She broke my water. Literally, within the time she broke it and went to check, I was ready to go. That was literally all it took. She was like, “Okay, we're going to start pushing.” I know in my birth plan, I said that I was not going to push on my back lying down. I went on my four knees. I went first in my knees. I was holding onto the bed, and I was pushing that way. But I was so tired. I hadn't eaten in a while. I was still drinking, so drinking was good, but I hadn't eaten. My doula gave me candy. That helped me, but I remember in that exact moment, in my thoughts, “Aisha, your baby did it. This is your time now to help your baby. This is it. You've waited four years for this moment. This is it. This is all you've wanted. You need to find strength somewhere and make it happen.” I looked at them. I'm like, “I'm going to lie down.” I laid down, and my doula gave me this blanket. They attached this. Meagan: Mhmm, some tug-of-war. You did some tug-of-war, mhmm. Aisha: I was pulling on it when I was pushing, and my mom and a nurse were pushing my legs up. Yeah, then I pushed. I pushed. I pushed, and at some point, my body was pushing automatically whenever the contraction would come. It would literally do that. I would bear down by myself. I know the doctor kept looking at me. She was like, “Wow. This is awesome.” Yeah. I think I pushed for 45 minutes, and then he was born. My husband is actually the one who caught the baby. Meagan: Oh, yay. Aisha: That's what we wanted. We caught him. We did not know the gender, so it was really fun to see that it was a boy after two daughters. Once he was born, they put him on my chest. Everybody was crying. I know the nurses were crying. The doctor was crying. I've never had a hug from a doctor, and she literally came to my bedside and hugged me. She was like, “This is the moment. We don't see this often, so thank you for letting us experience this.”I know for a lot of the nurses, it was almost the shift change. It was almost 3:00 PM when he was born. One of the nurses looked at me. She was like, “My shift is ending in about 30 minutes. I need to see this. I need to witness this happening.” Then, yeah. He was born, and I think I had a first-degree tear, but it was on the outer labia. It was because when he was born–Meagan: Superficial. Aisha: Yeah, he had his hand on his face like a Superman. Meagan: Oh my goodness, so you had a nuchal hand, too? Oh my gosh.Aisha: Yeah, in the photos of it, it's so precious. My doula took photos, and you can literally see his hand coming out. Yeah. It was great because that evening, that night, the doctor came back on her shift. She heard that I gave birth. She came to apologize, literally. She was like, “I heard that you gave birth vaginally. Congratulations. I'm so sorry for not supporting you in that sense. There is a risk, and not every woman ends up having great stories like yours.”Meagan: Oh gosh. Aisha: “But we are happy for you.” I was just happy that I proved them wrong and that I made history in that hospital having a VBAC after two Cesareans. It happens. It's possible. I'm just happy that I listened to that voice inside, and that all of the noise around me did not affect my initial desires. Meagan: Yeah, and overall, your final decision, right? We've talked about this. I call it static. There's a lot of static that, I feel like, looms over VBAC moms. At least it did for me, and I do see it sometimes with my clients. It's their friends, their family, their providers, or whoever it may be, they are looming with this unnecessary static. Aisha: Yes. Meagan: A lot of it is, “Well, there's risk and what if's.” Oh, you name it. So many of these things, and really, I took a whole bunch of notes of little nuggets of your story. I can relate in a lot of ways with your story. It's similar to mine with how things unfolded. From the very beginning, you started off right. You started off right. You found the provider. You found the team. You got the support. You got the education. You dove in, and like you said, this was four years in the making. It took you four years to learn and grow and have this experience that you wanted. Sometimes, it takes one time to try. I say “try” with quotes, but to go and have a trial of labor, and it maybe not work out like mine and your situation. And then, okay, we learned from those two situations. Now how can we learn and grow from those situations and change and develop this next situation? It's so weird. My mind right now is really heavy on my daughter's reflections. They do reflections at school. It's a big art thing. Her topic is overcoming imperfections. Sometimes, in the birth world and especially as women, as you were saying earlier in your story, we have this thing that if we don't do it this way or if it doesn't happen this way, maybe our motherhood is stripped away, or we failed, or our baby failed. We can go as far as our baby failed us or whatever it may be. Overall, no situation is perfect. There are just always imperfections, and what do we do with the situation to grow and transform?I mean, really. I went over some of it, and then just learning more about hydration and how important food is and fueling our bodies. Aisha: Yes, yes. It's a marathon. You cannot run a marathon without an ounce of water or without food. You see it when you see people doing half marathons. There are people on the sidelines giving them water. Meagan: They're fueling. Aisha: Right. They're fueling. It is important and necessary. Knowing that the providers, as much as yes, we do have faith in them, they are there to help us, and they are there. I don't want to say this in a bad way, but they are working with us and for us. Do you know what I mean? They don't have the final say. We have the final say. That doctor who was there, when I told you about the dream team, she never ever does hospital rounds. She usually just does prenatals. Even the nurses said, “We usually see her once or twice a year. She never comes.” That ended up being the one time a year that she came. She looked at me and said that she is a pro-choice woman. She was like, “When a woman makes a choice, even if they fail, she will be happier, and she will be able to cope with the results way better than if someone strips her of that choice and obliges her to do something she did not consent to do. The outcome of that will be way harder to overcome than if she is the one who made the decision regardless of the result. That is way better.” Meagan: It's so true. Aisha: I wholeheartedly believe that. I know I had to really see in myself if that doesn't work. I know sometimes, we go into labor very naively. I feel like every first-time mom and even second-time sometimes, that can happen especially if let's say you were going for a vaginal birth, then you have a C-section, then you're trying for another vaginal birth, it's still in some sense the first time that you are going to experience this sort of experience. You're still going into it naively and blindly. Like I said, I never knew a C-section could be an option. The second time, I'm like, “It cannot happen to me twice.” After it happened to me twice, I planned for it. I planned in the circumstance that there would be a C-section, what do I want to happen? I knew I had my guidelines, and at least it wouldn't be a shocker and a hard pill to swallow. I would have been okay because I had my trial of labor.At the end of the day, your baby does decide how they want to be born. I feel like one thing I would advise all mamas and even fathers or partners, we need to include them to that. I feel like talking to your baby makes a whole lot of a difference. I got that advice from my osteopath where he told me a story about his wife about to be wheeled into a C-section. He came. He spoke to their daughter who was in the womb. He was like, “This is your moment. You decide. If you want to go to a C-section, do it. If not, this is the moment to change things.” His wife ended up having a vaginal birth right at the moment that they were going to. I pulled my husband up at some point I remember when I was starting to push. He came and saw the baby, then he was like, “This is your moment. You decide how you want to be born. You choose, and your mama is going to help you do this.” I feel like having that communication, our babies sense everything, so being connected to that too is so important. It's so important. Meagan: Absolutely. Absolutely. Circling back really quickly, if we do all of the things, if we take the VBAC education course, listen to the stories, learn more, read more, learn the stats, hire the team, and all of the things, we do our fear clearing processing about past experiences and all of that, and then we go in and be fearmongered like they were trying with you, and fearmongering by definition is that “it causes fear by exaggerated rumors of impending dangers”. There were big things that were said, but if you hadn't done the research and the education, you easily may have been fearmongered. Sometimes, it's even easy to be fearmongered even with the education. I will say that straight up. When you are being told that your baby could die, that word is very, very triggering. But you were able to have the education and be like, “No. I understand what you are saying. I respect what you are saying. I am going to continue moving forward this way.” But if we would be fearmongered and not have the education and then later learn the education, overall, our experience and view and our feelings postpartum would be a little bit rougher because we are learning these things that we could have learned before. That's why education is one of the biggest tips that we can give because you need to be educated along the way because it is easy for someone to come in. Look at you, Aisha, “No, no, no, no.” How many times did you have to say, “I understand, but no, no, no, no.” It sucks that that's the reality, and trust me, it ticks me off so much. Aisha: It is. Meagan: I wish it would change, but if we aren't educated and armed with that team, with that power, with our experience, then we are more likely going to fold in those situations. Aisha: It is completely true. At some point, even one of the nurses told me when they were trying to do the easy port that I needed to stop moving because this was going to end up with a C-section, and they really need to do the easy port. I had to tell her to never repeat the word “C-section” in front of my face. It sucks that for women or people experiencing multiple Cesareans or even one Cesarean when they are trying to do a vaginal birth that they need to constantly fight for it. Meagan: Yes.Aisha: But you do need to stand your ground and really focus on what you want. The fears will come, but that's a moment where you need to rely on the education that you have and all of the process. You spent 9 months preparing yourself, and all of those months must count for something. You're not going to be that one person. That's what I was telling myself. In the case that yes, the unfortunate happens, I was at the best place at the best time, and I had the best team. That was my thing. I trusted in my team that everything would be fine. But no, definitely. Yeah. You need to believe in yourself and in your project. Meagan: Yes. Oh my gosh. Well, this episode is just jampacked with all of the nuggets of information, guidance, suggestions, and empowering feelings. Oh my gosh. Thank you so much for being here with us today and sharing with us your beautiful story.Aisha: Thank you. Thank you for having me. Thank you so much. It's a dream. Meagan: Oh my gosh. Well, congratulations again.Aisha: Thank you so much.ClosingWould you like to be a guest on the podcast? Tell us about your experience at thevbaclink.com/share. For more information on all things VBAC including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Meagan's bio, head over to thevbaclink.com. Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vbac-link/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, I talk about why it's only a matter of time until the tables turn in your favor. I talk about giving yourself credit for 5 things you're doing that are pointing you in the right direction in life.My book, "That's Bold of you" is available on Amazon.Instagram: @case.kenny