Have you ever thought of your life in terms of being satisfied with it or not? To be honest, I’m not sure the thought of whether I was “satisfied” in my life and motherhood really ever crossed my heart, but when Alyssa Bethke’s book title came across my desk, I thought about the notion of satisfaction…and it became very clear that while maybe it’s something that wasn’t obvious to me in the past, upon reflection I realized that it is something that probably showed up often in my actions and self-...
Jul 10, 2021•53 min•Ep. 115
This is an episode that absolutely reminds me of why I love podcasting so much. This episode is not only going to be a jam packed resource for you, a solid lead on where to start with metabolic health, but also an empowering conversation that will leave you more curious about your own body and health to the point that you’ll want to learn more AND take action. Metabolic health is becoming more mainstream and thank goodness it is because metabolic markers are huge indicators in our lives! Today y...
Jul 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 114
Our bodies are AMAZING! And not just because they can grow and sustain babies but because of how they work. This conversation with Greta Wyeth will leave you feeling very appreciative of all your body can do. One of Greta’s many missions is to help women educate themselves about their bodies so they can clearly communicate and get the help they need. She goes about this in a really interesting way. I didn’t feel like I was being lectured to about what my body can do, but instead I felt awakened ...
Jun 26, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 113
“There’s no better time to heal than now." -Jana Glass A listener wrote in and suggested that I interview today’s guest Jana Glass about brainspotting—and I’m so grateful she did! If you ever have an interesting guest or topic that you believe could benefit moms, please reach out and share—the result could be something like today’s awesome episode! Jana is going to share a therapy technique called brainspotting—she’ll describe what it is, how it works, what a brainspotting session looks like, an...
Jun 19, 2021•59 min•Ep. 112
If you could use a life-giving conversation right now, this episode is for you! Megan Smalley is here with us to share about her book Give Grace: How To Embrace The Beauty of Life’s Brokenness but in the process we talk about #allthethings that moms feel deeply in their motherhood journeys and how we can show up with more grace for ourselves and others. Megan and I “get” each other. We have a lot of similarities and yet we are not the same. You’ll hear that in this conversation as we cheer each ...
Jun 12, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 111
It took me a long time to read Nicole Unice’s new book The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships . Not because it was hard to read or uninteresting, but the opposite! I felt like I was holding an insider’s manual to therapy and self awareness right in my hands and wanted to take in every word! This is another one of those read that changed me. It got me thinking about what it looks like and what actions, words, and ideas it takes to buil...
Jun 06, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 110
Do you have a creative outlet? Have you ever thought of taking up burlesque as a creative outlet? My best friend and fellow mom Amanda Furgiuele did. She says she was tricked into it, but years later, she’s still at it and has turned her hobby into a business and now a podcast. This mompreneur is going to teach us all about the history of burlesque and cabaret, drop some truth bombs, bust through some stigmas, and share what it’s like to be one of 4 hosts on a podcast. She even brings up things ...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 109
We’ve come to the end of what seems to be one of the craziest years ever in education. Now what? Do we take time to reflect on what actually worked and what can just go away and never return? Are you asking yourself, your community, your children, and/or your school reflective questions? Are you just so done with this year in general that you just want to move on and hope for the best in the fall? Or do you feel unsettled and unsure which direction to move forward? Should you just homeschool? Sh...
May 22, 2021•29 min•Ep. 108
Today we’re talking very openly and honestly with Jenna Dillulio about her journey with alcohol, stigmas around drinking and sobriety, and mommy wine culture messages that are disempowering moms. Is this an anti-alcohol episode? Nope. It’s a pro-information, empowerment episode. Jenna shows up with incredible vulnerability…and the result of such honesty is pretty mind blowing. She’s walking the walk and modeling kindness and authenticity in ways that we need more of in general—whatever the topic...
May 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 107
Well, it’s official! We’re not done having kids! Baby #4 is due to arrive sometime in November or December. My “official” due date is Thanksgiving Day, but I tend to carry over my due date when given the space and freedom to go into labor on my own. This time around is different than the other girls because it is a surprise this time around AND I’m now in a new decade of life. What’s different this time: * I’m 40 and unafraid. * I have more research under my belt. * I think I was in a bit of den...
May 09, 2021•26 min•Ep. 106
“Toxic messaging encourages you to identify with the collective rather than your true self and family values.” – Lori Beth Auldridge It’s time to call a spade a spade. There are societal messages about motherhood that are toxic to moms. Some people have told me they don’t like the word “toxic” to describe my thoughts on this, but to me, that’s what these messages are—toxic. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept them or embrace them. What we can do is learn about them—and ourselves!—while we di...
May 02, 2021•56 min
“We’re not all called to live the same life and go on the same path.” -Bethany Adkins What is purpose and why is it important in life and motherhood? Bethany Adkins is here to do a deep dive with us on this very topic—to help us sort out what purpose means to each of us as individuals, because everyone’s sense of purpose is different. Our culture pushes for all of us to conform to what purpose and success look like but the truth of the matter is, as we’ve discovered over and over here on the sho...
Apr 25, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 104
I learned from Dr. Donna Lane that : “According to a 2016 study published by Whitney and Peterson, one in six kids between 6 and 17 have a mental health diagnosis. This was, of course, pre-COVID. A recent study in Psychiatric Times indicated that isolation and loneliness increase the risk of depression up to 9 years after the event, and the duration vs. the intensity of loneliness was more likely to cause long-term mental health issues.” No wonder our children’s mental health is one of the main ...
Apr 18, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 103
Picture this: Your newborn baby is finally sleeping. You take a few moments to gaze at them admiringly. Happy, tired, ready to lie down yourself. Finally, a moment of peace. And then your dog barks. Baby wakes up. You have to start all over. Cue the frustration and chaos. There are many of us who would lose our minds in that moment—and rightfully so. The transition into becoming a parent is a big one. And avoiding chaos and frustration during all stages of parenting is a goal many of us have. Th...
Apr 10, 2021•56 min•Ep. 102
Are there things going on in the world that you wish you had more confidence to speak up about? Not just speaking up and sharing your opinions on social media, but taking your voice to the next level and contacting government departments or offices of elected officials—people and programs with power to make real, lasting, important change in your community. There are ways! And I’d love to help you find your confidence and courage to speak up, reach out, and create positive change in your communi...
Apr 04, 2021•53 min•Ep. 101
Exciting Announcement: The Elevating Motherhood Patreon page launches on April 1, 2021! Search for “Elevating Motherhood” on www.patreon.com When I started this podcast, I set the intention to reach episodes in the 100s. Episode 1 says “001” because I was determined to get to the 100s. And 001 is now 100 today! I’m so thrilled. Slow and steady got me to 100. You know how you think you know what that’s going to look like? Or picture it as a big celebration or something and here I am sitting in my...
Mar 27, 2021•38 min•Ep. 100
“If moms aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, how can we teach our kids to be confident in the kitchen?” When I say the words “cooking with kids,” how does that make you feel? Does it sound fun? Does the idea stress you out? If I were to talk about mac & cheese, does it create instant overthinking and big emotions? Do you love it? Hate it? Wish your kids would eat something else? Do you have a kid you’d refer to as a “picky eater?” Would you ever give your kids knives to use in the kitchen? Ta...
Mar 20, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 99
Nothing in this episode is medical advice, but it is an honest conversation that is needed in the postpartum and birth space. What would happen if we found our brains as fascinating as our bodies during the transformation that is pregnancy and birth? Today’s guest, Dr. Walker Ladd poses that question and so many other thoughtful observations and perspectives about Postpartum Depression—thoughts that empower and resource women, providers, and anyone who supports mothers. Walker’s book Transformed...
Mar 13, 2021•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 98
You know how much I love Branch Basics and I am so honored that I got to speak with one of the founders, Kelly Love! In this episode you’ll hear the story of how Branch Basics got started and how this educational company is helping families reduce their toxic burden and improve their health. Kelly goes on to share sooooo much helpful information about air quality, toxic burden, being our own advocates, and creating a healthy home. Kelly’s Bio: Kelly Love co-founded Branch Basics, a wellness life...
Mar 06, 2021•59 min•Ep. 97
Kendra Adachi, the New York Times Bestselling author and self-proclaimed “Pollyanna with a Clipboard” is here today to make us laugh, think, and grow as we embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t, and get stuff done. The principles from her book The Lazy Genius are life changing—truly! Her book, her podcast, her Instagram, her website, this interview…everywhere Kendra shows up, she makes an impact! I’m thrilled to be sharing this joy-filled conversation with you…you can hear us smiling the whol...
Feb 27, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 96
Today’s episode is SO COOL. I have my numerology chart read to me for the first time ever and you get to hear my reactions to the results in real time. This was a wild conversation. Not only am I blown away by the accuracy of my chart, but I’m so inspired by the ideas and conviction I feel after hearing it. My excitement is not me putting all of my faith in numerology or using it to replace my religious beliefs. Not at all. This reading carries the same weight as other ways I’ve gotten to know m...
Feb 20, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 95
This episode broke me open. You’ll hear at the beginning how I’m almost kind of hesitant to bring up anything because I live on an island and what if people don’t like what I have to say about my birth stories or improving birth culture (here or anywhere). But Mandy Irby is a safe space—she is a safe person to open up to and share honestly and grow and change with. And I’m thrilled and humbled to be able to introduce her to you. Mandy first caught my attention when another guest here on the show...
Feb 13, 2021•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 94
“Perfectionism is not just impossible in parenting but it is deeply at odds with our goals.” When I read the book Expecting Wonder, it isn’t what I expected. I’m not 100% sure WHAT I expected but it really showed me that I came into a pregnancy book with expectations. I don’t know whether I thought it was going to be a story version of What to Expect When You’re Expecting or what…but I ended the book a different person. (Even as a non-pregnant person who has birthed three babies, I shut that boo...
Feb 06, 2021•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 93
The Grammy’s were supposed to be this weekend and have now been postponed until March 14th from what the online world tells me. Today’s guest is part of a Grammy award winning band that was nominated for another Grammy this year…but then turned it down. Joe Mailander is the guitar player for The Okee Dokee Brothers and he is here with us today to talk more about the band’s heart behind their choice to decline their nomination as well as #allthethings. I kind of mean that—this conversation is ama...
Jan 30, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 92
If you tuned into this podcast, I’m giving you a big hug. You’re probably here because you’re ready for change…maybe you or your kids have been struggling with virtual learning options…or you just need to know what your options are. Or you might know friends who are struggling and talking about homeschool or wanting to know more about it and you wanted to check it out as a resource for them. Or maybe you’re a teacher who is wondering what they heck this woman is going to talk about. Well, I’m no...
Jan 23, 2021•33 min•Ep. 91
“Are you telling your soul to sit down and shut up so you can do the ‘more important’ work of getting through the week?” -Allison Fallon A lot of writers worry that their writing isn’t going to be any good—but then find a way through that doubt during their writing. A lot of moms worry that what they’re doing isn’t any good either. What if moms had a tool to work through that doubt? Today’s guest Ally Fallon makes a solid case for how writing could be just the tool we need. She brings all kinds ...
Jan 16, 2021•56 min•Ep. 90
Did you read the title of this episode and think, “I can’t seem to get ONE type of rest as a mom let alone 7!?” I know I did a double take when I first read about Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s idea that there are 7 different types of rest and that we need all 7, but…my curiosity was peaked! Diving into her explanations has brought me so much personal clarity, I’m so grateful for her work and all the ways she shows up and encourages mothers. This episode is so life giving—Dr. Saundra is articulate, ...
Jan 09, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 89
Welcome to 2021! The New Year brings with it a lot of talk about expectations, health, and overhauling our lifestyles and diets with goals, resolutions, and the best of intentions. And, to be honest, I find all of the expectations surrounding the New Year really overwhelming. And if our main goal is a healthy body, mindset, and lifestyle—what does that mean? What does that look like? Over the years, I’ve come to believe that true health varies for each person—and the more we can learn and broade...
Jan 02, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 88
Here it is! The last episode of Elevating Motherhood for 2020! Wow! I’ve been hitting “publish” on episodes every single week for over a year and this will be my first break since then. It’s just for the month of December 2020—I’ll be back in January with at least one episode every week, but this will be last one for this year. And I say “taking a break” but really, I’ll still be working hard behind the scenes to bring you amazing episodes in 2021, I’ll be recording interviews the entire month o...
Nov 29, 2020•31 min•Ep. 87
“What kind of leader am I?” All my sisters who have a strong-willed child, please raise your hand. All my sisters with more than one strong-willed child, raise both hands (unless you’re driving). Those hands you have raised will be praise hands by the end of this episode. Our guest Wendy Snyder is incredible! I went into this conversation feeling like “yeah, I know about strong-willed children…three to be exact,” and came out feeling resourced and confident. I’m so so so excited to share her and...
Nov 25, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 86
