Perspectives from a Pomegranate

Years ago Lisa Brooks took a self-development course and had to choose one word to define what she wanted to accomplish in her life — she chose "INSPIRE." Described as a pomegranate, Lisa is a single mom to a child with complex medical issues, has a graduate degree in healthcare, and is an ongoing student in the school of hard knocks. When life gives her lemons, not only does she make lemonade, she makes lemon bars, lemon meringue pie, and stellar lemon drop cocktails! Lisa approaches life as if walls and barriers won't stop her — and she will help you learn how to be unstoppable too.

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Episodes

Tales of Serendipity: Rediscovering Memories, 3D-Printed Knobs, and Sweet Gestures

Do you ever take a moment to appreciate the serendipitous moments life throws your way? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us on a journey of unexpected twists and turns in one of her days. From rediscovering long-forgotten high school memories on VHS tapes, to a chance encounter at a local library that leads to a surprising 3D-printed solution for a cherished typewriter, to small gestures of kindness, the day unfolds with discoveries of the extraordinary in the ordinary. Tune in to join Li...

Oct 03, 2023•8 min•Ep. 11

Breaking Free from Routine: The Oil Change Epiphany

We each have our own habits and routines. How often do we stop to examine whether they are actually the best way to complete any given task? What keeps us stuck in routines or patterns that no longer serve us, even when better alternatives might easily be within reach? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares about her ongoing frustration related to taking her car to the dealership for routine maintenance. Her frustration drives her to question why we cling to habits that cause us stress, along ...

Sep 27, 2023•4 min•Ep. 10

Desensitized to Danger: Navigating the Reality of Gun Violence

Trigger Warning: Gun violence is a discussed topic on this podcast episode. Have you ever stopped to think about how desensitized we've become to the harrowing reality of school shootings? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks shares a personal and thought-provoking experience that may hit home for many of us as she delves into the difficult task of discussing the unimaginable with a child. With the number of school shootings in the year 2023 alone continuing to rise, parents are confronted with the...

Sep 12, 2023•6 min•Ep. 9

Sentiment to Sales: The Ice Cream Truck Negotiation Tale

Do you have items from your past that hold sentimental value, even if they're collecting dust in the corner? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks opens up about a parenting challenge many of us can relate to – the sentimentality attached to old toys. She faces this situation with one of her son's beloved toys…and it ends up turning into a valuable teaching moment about sales and negotiation — learned through a toy ice cream truck. Tune in today for parenting insights, financial wisdom, and unexpect...

Aug 28, 2023•4 min•Ep. 8

The Power of Backup Plans: Lessons from a Wild Day

Do you always have a backup plan? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks takes us through how she managed a day filled with unexpected twists and turns. From navigating medical consultations, difficult conversations about her child, a therapy session, and more, overwhelm started to take over, but she was able to find solace in a simple act of kindness from a stranger. Along the way, she delves into how to build up the skills to manage challenging situations so you can remain grounded and prepared no ...

Jul 20, 2023•8 min•Ep. 7

Guilt and Gratitude: Parenting through Complexities

Have you ever walked a mile in another parent’s shoes? In this episode, host Lisa Brooks delves into her mixed emotions after attending the final home and school club meeting of the year. Along with deep gratitude towards the dedicated parents who volunteer their time to create amazing opportunities and foster a strong sense of community for the students, as a single parent to a child with complex medical needs, Lisa wrestles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, wondering why she can't contrib...

Jun 29, 2023•8 min•Ep. 6

Celebrating Diaversaries: A Journey of Resilience and Reflection

Ever heard of a “diaversary”? In this episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks reflects on her son's upcoming diaversary, a term that might be unfamiliar to those outside the Type 1 diabetes community and refers to the anniversary of being diagnosed with diabetes. Initially very skeptical of celebrating it (she hated the word!), Lisa soon realized its significance, explaining how Type 1 diabetes demands countless decisions each day to ensure safety and health. F...

Jun 05, 2023•5 min•Ep. 5

Why the Pomegranate: Embracing the Unconventional Nature of Unstoppable Seeds

Picture this: a dinner table conversation surrounded by Lisa's foster family, discussing the unlikely question of what fruit each person would be. Amidst the predictable answers, Lisa's foster sister stunned her by declaring, "You're a pomegranate." In this episode of “Perspectives from a Pomegranate,” host Lisa Brooks shares the intriguing connection between this podcast and the enigmatic pomegranate. Initially resistant to the idea of being a pomegranate (“I’m not an effing pomegranate!”), Lis...

Jun 05, 2023•6 min•Ep. 4

From Hives to Hope: Getting to “Bite Proof” - Food Allergy Awareness Week

Did you know that 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children have food allergies? In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week, host Lisa Brooks takes us on an eye-opening journey of living with food allergies. As a mother of a child with multiple severe allergies, including dairy, eggs, cashews, and pistachios, she recounts heart-stopping moments when her son experienced allergic reactions and the painstaking efforts she undertook to create a safe environment, from researching food manufacturers to scrutin...

May 19, 2023•29 min•Ep. 3

The Power of Asking: How I Became the Donations Queen

Are you afraid of asking for things or requesting help? In this new episode of the “Perspectives from a Pomegranate” podcast, host Lisa Brooks shares her early experiences of asking for donations and getting free food for her high school. From calling local pizza places to convincing one of the Steves from Apple to donate a computer for a raffle, her success in taking the plunge and making the ask helped her overcome the fear of speaking up and asking for things needed (and wanted!). Tune in to ...

May 17, 2023•4 min•Ep. 2

From Salami and Cheese to Permanent Housing: How Helping Another Woman Led to an Unexpected Friendship

In this inaugural episode of the "Perspectives from a Pomegranate" podcast, host Lisa Brooks shares her experience of meeting an unhoused* woman outside a grocery store. Ultimately leading to both friendship and a successful effort to help the woman find permanent housing, Lisa recounts their conversations and the challenges they faced, including navigating bureaucracy and overcoming obstacles. Highlighting the importance of helping those in need and the impact it can have on their lives, Lisa i...

May 02, 2023•5 min•Ep. 1

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