In this festive episode, Allison and Cyndi share heartwarming stories and personal reflections on the magic of Christmas. From family traditions and holiday decorating tips to the great Santa debate and their dream Christmas day plans, they cover it all! Discover how to navigate tricky family dynamics, embrace bittersweet memories of loved ones, and make the most of the holiday season. Whether you're looking for inspiration or simply love the spirit of Christmas, this episode is a joyful celebra...
Dec 11, 2024•33 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode, Allison and Cyndi dive into the upcoming holiday season with a heartfelt conversation about Thanksgiving traditions. They share personal stories of past celebrations, the unique dynamics of hosting as a blended family, and the importance of gratitude during this festive time. Key Takeaways: The significance of Thanksgiving in a Southern Black blended family How to navigate food contributions and hosting responsibilities Tips for creating meaningful family traditions The joys and...
Nov 26, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Can you be passionate about body positivity and get plastic surgery? Let's talk! In this episode of Kintsugi Conversations, Allison and Cyndi welcome listeners to Season Three, reflecting on their personal growth and life transitions. They discuss the challenges of family dynamics, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the complexities of parenting. The conversation also delves into body image and personal choices regarding cosmetic procedures after they both got AirSculpt liposucti...
Nov 05, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Title : The Importance of Fatherhood: Leaving a Legacy Airdate : 6/13/24 Continuing last week’s conversation about fathers , Allison and Cindy are joined by Allison’s husband, DJ. He adds a “dad’s point of view” as they expand on the discussion of fatherhood and the importance of fathers in their children's lives. Sharing their personal experiences and reflections on their own fathers, DJ especially highlights the impact his dad had on his life. They also discuss the changing role of fathers in ...
Jun 13, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 10
With Father's Day just around the corner, this conversation is especially appropriate, as Allison and Cyndi explore the intricate and often underappreciated aspects of fatherhood. They not only share personal anecdotes but talk through broader societal perspectives on the evolving role of fathers. Some of the things this mother-daughter duo discuss are: Celebration and challenges of Fatherhood: the varied experiences of fathers, from personal involvement to societal expectations. Gifts and Ackno...
May 30, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 9
‘Tis the season! Not Christmas (yet) but it IS time to talk #allthingssummer Allison and Cyndi start today’s conversation talking about graduation (or “ gradulation, ” as Harper calls it): Cyndi reminisces about Allison’s milestones, and Allison dishes on what she has planned for her own kiddos! And, of course, that's the perfect segue to share summer plans. You’ll want to stick around to the end, when Allison shares three hacks she’s using to make summer go smoother for the whole family. They w...
May 16, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Let’s celebrate women, mothers, and the ties that bind us… This touching episode of Kintsugi Conversations was recorded live on Galentine's Day, at an event that hosts Allison and Cindy held for family and friends. Over brunch at an Atlanta venue, they dove into the heartfelt dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, and share it with you as their Mother's Day “gift”! The event captured candid moments and raw emotions, offering listeners a unique and authentic experience. While discussing topic...
May 02, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 7
What a poignant reminder of the inevitable challenges and changes families face as they navigate the complexities of aging, health, and caregiving! Through Cyndi and Allison’s transparent conversation, we're reminded of the resilience and beauty that can be found in the face of adversity. The dynamic duo discusses the importance of open communication, how and what to plan for, and making the most out of the time with our loved ones… Plus: How do families cope with the gradual decline of aging pa...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this insightful episode, hosts Allison and Cindy delve into the complexities of navigating big feelings in children, especially as they relate to the empathy and sensitivity observed in Allison's daughter, Harper. The conversation explores the fine line between empathetic sensitivity and the heightened emotional reactions it can provoke. Cindy shares her experiences and strategies as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating children's feelings while...
Apr 04, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Yes, they even talk about the “S” word in marriage - and we’re not talkin’ sex… Coming at the topic from two different generations, Allison and Cyndi discuss the topic of submission in relationships, highlighting the need for mutual respect and support, and how it’s impacted both of their marriages. They emphasize the importance of genuinely liking and enjoying each other's company, and keeping lines of communication open. Their wide-ranging conversation touches on gender roles and the importanc...
Mar 21, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Spring is just around the corner, and in this vibrant conversation, Allison and Cyndi dive into the essence of spring, reflecting on the changing seasons and the warmth they bring. An interesting aspect is the comparison of seasons and faith and life in the UAE and Boston, where Allison and Cyndi, respectively, are currently living! In addition to comparisons of Easter practices in other countries, the conversation blooms into a detailed discussion about the significance of Easter, personal trad...
Mar 07, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this heartfelt episode of Kintsugi Conversations, hosts Allison and Cindy delve into the complex and emotional topic of bullying. Sharing personal anecdotes and wisdom, they explore the nuances of bullying from early childhood through adulthood, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and support. The episode starts with Cindy recounting her own experiences with bullying due to her quiet and skinny stature, which leads to a broader discussion on strategies to confront bullies and the ...
Feb 22, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Welcome back to Season 2 of Kintsugi Conversations! Well, they ended Season 1 with a holiday so they might as well kick off Season 2 with another one! In today’s conversation, the mother-daughter duo talk about Valentine’s Day from their unique perspectives. Allison and Cyndi shared: Each of their own memories of favorite and unique celebrations of the day The differences between celebrating as a parent, child, and adult relationships (some are obvious, others are a bit more subtle) The expectat...
Feb 08, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
As Cyndi shares the story of faith in her life, Allison learns some surprises about her mom’s past. ( And, after you’ve heard this episode, make sure you head over to Patreon where Allison shares a story her mom didn’t know about, either! ) In this touching and transparent conversation, this mother-daughter duo touches on a variety of topics. Some of the concepts they talk about are: how Cyndi raised Allison related to church, and why, child baptism, church attendance, how Allison works at model...
Dec 14, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas! Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, sit back and enjoy a holiday treat! Allison and Cyndi’s conversation is full of nostalgia and fun as they talk about past Christmases. And, grab a pen and paper and take part in their “take it or leave it?” holiday activity discussion. It’s lots of fun! (And if you do this with a friend or your spouse, you may learn something about them , too!) For example, would you “take it or leave it” considering: Paper Christmas cards? Spendin...
Nov 30, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Whether you're cheering at the basketball court or swapping stories at the playground, we all have our go-to friends who just 'get' us. Allison shares her locker room insights on juggling friendships across the courtside (her husband’s) and playdates (her kids’). She's got the scoop on keeping those bonds strong, even when life's dribbling you every which way. From your college squad to your neighborhood BFFs, friendships, much like life, are a journey. But how do you keep those ties tight when ...
Nov 16, 2023•36 min
Are you married to a man with a career that keeps him away for long periods of time? Well, you’re not ( really ) alone! Join us as we talk about the solo parenting life! Importantly, we explain the difference between being a “single parent” and living a “solo parent” life, pulling back the curtain on the struggles and challenges that come with that lifestyle. Hey, the talk is real , as it always is! We also discuss the effects of solo parenting on our marriages and how it influences our relation...
Nov 02, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Allison and Cyndi reflect on “life with dad”...which, of course, got them to reminisce about days gone by. But while it’s important to remember the past, we realize that it’s also important to move on. If you’ve lost your parent, you’ll be able to relate to some of the phases we went through. And if you haven’t …well, we will all lose our parents at some point. So you’ll appreciate some of the tips and strategies we share. We also touch on talking about death with our children, survivor’s remors...
Oct 19, 2023•37 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Join us in a fascinating and enlightening conversation with our special guest Korie, a recent college graduate, fitness business owner, and an individual unapologetically owning her identity in the LGBTQ+ community. This episode explores a wide range of topics beginning with a simple, yet profound question from Harper and how it led to discussions about perceptions, identity, and acceptance. Korie's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and embracing her identity are at the heart of this chat, ...
Oct 05, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Listen in as my beautiful daughter, Allison, and I discuss our perspectives on family size, from deciding not to have more children to embracing non-blood communities as an extension of the family. As a woman and mother, I have sometimes experienced 'baby fever', and it's a sensation that never truly goes away. But there are so many factors to consider - the financial implications, the lifestyle changes, and the impact on the children you already have. As Allison reflects on her decision to stop...
Sep 21, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Listen in as we navigate the tumultuous decision-making process surrounding my daughter Harper's upcoming fourth birthday party. Despite my initial reluctance to host a party this year, my sister and godmom have convinced me otherwise. The debate revolves around the idea of celebrating every year versus marking only significant milestones, balancing the party options between Harper's summer birthday and my son Jackson's winter birthday, and the impact of my husband's basketball career on our fam...
Sep 07, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Are you ready to redefine your perception of brokenness and celebrate it wholeheartedly? That's exactly what we did at our lively launch party, a melting pot of mothers and daughters, as we revelled in our differences and embraced our shared experiences. We stirred up hearty conversations, participated in intriguing Q&A sessions, and were inspired by the unapologetic confidence of the younger generation. This episode is a delightful cocktail of these conversations and so much more. The secon...
Aug 24, 2023•37 min
Growing up, my mother never spanked me. It was a conscious decision that has shaped my own beliefs about parenting and discipline. In this intimate conversation, we dive into the world of non-physical discipline, exploring its impact on child rearing. We talk about the potential negative effects of physical discipline and the fear it can instill in children. Through personal anecdotes, we shed light on how choosing not to spank has shifted our perception of parenting and discipline. The journey ...
Aug 10, 2023•43 min
Ever wondered how perfectionism in a child might be a sign of deeper concerns? Are you curious about how your own anxiety might be affecting your kids? As mom and grandma, Allison and Cyndi have been on a journey of discovery, exploring these questions and more, as they grapple with their daughter/granddaughter, Harper's struggles with perfectionism and potential anxiety issues. Reflecting on their own childhoods, they understand how important it is to be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of...
Jul 27, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Get ready for a heartfelt conversation between mother and daughter duo, Allison and Cindy. Listen in as they share their personal journeys and how they're breaking generational curses to build a positive relationship. Allison, a content creator, wife, mother of two, and former marriage and family therapist, takes us through her journey of content creation, her experience as a basketball wife living abroad, and how she's using her platform to make a positive impact. Cindy, an author and motivatio...
Jul 13, 2023•23 min
What if the impressions we leave on our daughters about body image are largely unintentional and are contributing to a cycle of self-esteem issues? In this heart-to-heart talk, I'm joined by my mom, Cindy, as we navigate the complexities of body image and the influence of societal beauty standards. Cindy's candid revelations about her mother's constant dieting, pressures of staying under a size 12, and the indirect lessons about body image she carried into adulthood are shared with astonishing h...
Jul 13, 2023•38 min
Kintsugi (金継ぎ, "golden joinery”): the time-honored Japanese art of repairing broken pottery using lacquer mixed with gold to highlight the beauty of imperfection. Formerly The Duo, Kintsugi Conversations is a weekly podcast hosted by mother-daughter duo, Cyndi Mathis Louis and Allison Mathis Jones, aimed at impacting generational legacy in the spirit of kintsugi. Cyndi published her first book, Missing Pieces, in 2010 and is a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and coach for moms looking to b...
May 15, 2023•46 sec
