Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Elevating Motherhood

WOW! 200!

From the bottom of my heart...thank you.

Thank you, friends, for showing up week after week and supporting the Elevating Motherhood Podcast for nearly six years. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you just recently found this little corner of the internet, I want you to know how grateful I am that you're here.

This podcast has always been for you.

It's been an incredible privilege to have conversations with authors, educators, experts, and fellow moms who have encouraged us to become more intentional in our motherhood, homeschooling, parenting, and faith. Together, we've explored everything from raising confident children and creating meaningful family culture to finding joy, purpose, and peace in the everyday work of motherhood.

Reaching 200 episodes feels like more than a milestone, it feels like the beginning of a whole new chapter.

Over the next few months, I'm opening my heart in a way I never have before here on the show. This is Part 1 of a new series where I'll be sharing the years-long journey that led me to what I now call calm, confident motherhood. I'll be sharing the stories, mindset shifts, lessons, and convictions that transformed the way I approach motherhood and, ultimately, the way I experience it.

My hope is that these episodes don't simply encourage you, but that they help you see what's possible. That motherhood doesn't have to feel like something to survive. That peace isn't reserved for a select few. That confidence can be cultivated. And that, little by little, we can become the mothers we hope our children remember.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your motherhood journey. It is a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I pray these conversations continue to encourage and equip you for years to come.

If the Elevating Motherhood Podcast has encouraged you over the years, would you help me celebrate 200 episodes by leaving a rating and written review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Reviews help more moms discover the show, and they truly mean more than you know.

Thank you for listening, for sharing episodes with friends, for sending thoughtful messages, and for being part of this wonderful community.

Here's to the next chapter. I'm so glad you're here.

The What

Well, in recent days, podcaster Jennifer Welch and her co-host, Angie Sullivan, shared their colorful thoughtson homeschooling after a caller expressed frustration that stupid people she went to school with were choosing to homeschool their children.

What followed wasn't simply a disagreement with homeschooling. It was a stream of insults. Homeschooling wascalled "the worst, worst, worst." Christian parents were portrayed as people who fear critical thinking. Homeschooling was described as selfish, andraising children with a Christian worldview was likened to child abuse. Parents were called "dumbasses," plenty of f-bombs were dropped, and the following day Jennifer doubled down on her view of homeschooling.

What struck me wasn't simply that they disagreed with homeschooling. People are free to have different opinionsand make different educational choices for their families.

What struck me was the confidence with which they spoke about a community they seemed to know very little about.

Their comments reflected a picture of homeschooling that simply doesn't resemble what modern homeschooling lookslike in America today. And judging by the response online, I wasn't the only homeschool parent who noticed.

I think many of us in the homeschool community were genuinely gob smacked. Wondering how someone couldspeak with such certainty and such contempt about something they clearly didn't understand. And when I say "ignorant," I mean it in the truest sense of the word: not knowing.

I wanted to talk about it almost immediately. Not because I wanted to keep an internet argument going, but because I needed to process what I had just heard. There wasn't really time to sit down with friends and think through it together. It was one of those moments where you hear something and your mind just starts turning.

I felt shock. Then disappointment. Then anger.

But if I'm honest, the emotion I kept coming back to was sadness.

Sadness that millions of homeschool families are still viewed through stereotypes that are decades out of date. Sadness that children who are being lovingly educated at home could someday hear adults describe families like theirs with such contempt. And sadness that so many people listening probably assumed those caricatures were true.

Because words matter.

When someone with a platform reaches millions of people, those words shape opinions. Opinions shape culture.Culture influences policy. And policy affects the freedoms families have for generations to come.

That's why I felt compelled to respond.

I posted an open letter, not because I needed Jennifer & Angie to agree with me, and not because I felt insecure about my decision to homeschool, but because I believe homeschool families deserve to be represented truthfully.

But here's the thing: this episode isn't really about Jennifer Welch.

Long after this particular controversy is forgotten, homeschool families will still encounter the same questions, the same assumptions, and the same misconceptions. So today, I don't want to spend our time dissecting one person's comments.

Instead, I want to talk about why homeschooling is worthdefending, not because every family should homeschool, but because every family deserves the freedom to thoughtfully choose the educational path they believe is best for their children.

Link to IG Open Letter: https://www.instagram.com/p/Da4hZvRFGfa/

FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COMPlease visit our sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

If you’re trying to build a family culture where eating out feels peaceful, connected, and screen-free—but aren’t sure how to get there—this episode is for you.

 

We’re a family of foodies…plus we travel a lot. Based on those two things alone, we end up eating out often. Almost every single time we eat out with our now 12, 10, 9, and 4 year old, we get complimented on the behavior of our children. I’m not saying that to brag. I’m saying it because it signaled something for me…according to many servers at these restaurants all across the country, our children are not the norm. They don’t often see kids off screens at the table or kids that order for themselves or kids that make eye contact. And that’s a shame. Those 3 things should be the bare minimum expectations that we have for children in restaurants in America. Bare minimum. Even our 4-year-old does these things.

 

Examples: *Airport in Denver. He couldn’t get over it.

* The biscuit shop in Nashville. “How do you do it?”

 

Have a realistic goal based on their age

* The goal is not perfection. A successful dinner out is not a flawless dinner. Food is going to fly. Chairs are going to fall over. Silverware is going to be dropped. Drinks will spill (again and again and again). They are going to want to not be sitting the whole time. It is not going to be peaceful from day one.

* And the one time it is peaceful? It does NOT mean you have arrived. This is years of training. (i.e. writing letters correctly)

* Our attitude: You are not entitled to a peaceful meal out or even the opportunity to engage in an uninterrupted conversation with your spouse or friend or family member. You are training up your children well. They are part of the dinner and part of the equation.

 Start when they are young

* Take your babies and toddlers out to eat

* This is not a date night, this is a family dinner and you are in a season where you have to teach your kids about restaurant manners and this lesson will take years of training and patience.

* Kids mirror your behavior. If you are anxious, they will be anxious. If you keep getting up, they will keep getting up.

* Give grace. Offer napkins and a sympathetic smile to other families. We can create a supportive culture.

How to keep them “occupied”

* Don’t make “entertainment” the goal. Your child does not need to be entertained. By all means, bring a restaurant activity bag with simple things like stickers and a notepad, but only bring it out as a secondary need. If the wheels start falling off, that’s when the bag comes out.

* Tic tac toe is your new favorite game. So is would you rather. And I spy.

* Keep them engaged. Here is a menu. We need to look at the menu first. We need to decide what we want to have to drink. Sportscast the meal for them.

* Don’t drink alcohol while you’re out with your children and teaching them. Your wheels start to fall off. Lessons get blurred and unclear. Kids mirror us and it creates confusion.

 

 Set up clear expectations...

READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES AT: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

This is actually all REALLY FUN.

Dining out is FUN, not a pressure cooker experience.

This isn’t a rigid activity with a set menu and harsh participants.

Compassion as a first response

 

“Is it good to be me with you right now?”

 

I think the thing that people are noticing is that we are having a pleasant, present time together. We’ve got a groove that doesn’t include screens and our kids are participating in the meal. They’re not in the way or bystanders.

 

Be patient

Be present

Be logical

Hold the space

Hold realistic expectations

Set your family up for success

Remember the long game

Be a unified front in this experience.

It’s about helping our kids feel confident in everyday situations. And remember…our kids mirror us. So when we’re confident, they are confident.   

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

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 closet recording the episode because my office flooded and we had to rip out all the carpet and now it’s empty and bare. It’s fine.

Perspective, right? Unexpected remodel, but we work for ourselves so we can. I’ll have a beautiful office space when it’s done and well, we’re capable of handling it. If nothing else all of life’s curveballs combined with a can-do, life-long learner attitude have shown us that we can handle anything that comes our way. We will be tested and in the broad scheme of things that tested us this week, an office remodel is seriously a cake walk.

Episode 100 feels like a cake walk compared to the nerves I had over the first 30 episodes. Oh my gosh. If you could have seen me fumbling and nervous when recording technology was still new to me and I had a guest on the line and couldn’t figure things out compared to me casually recording in my closet in my jammies last minute. Night and day. I feel like a different person. That’s the power of slow and steady and learning grace.

Learned so much about motherhood

· I am not the same person I was before starting this podcast.

· I feel resourced and more confident. I’m changed by all of the books I read and authors I interviewed.

· I’m a better listener, a more compassionate friend,

· Power of asking questions

Learned so much about myself:

· There is no one size fits all answer

· Every family, mother are different

· Living more deeply in than truth than I ever have

Learned so much about the industry

· If I had a dollar for every time I heard something along the lines of “that’s not how people usually do it,” I’d be rich. I found out I’m one of the few hosts who actually reads the book BEFORE talking with an author

· I have a calm voice instead of an insistent or high energy one

· I trust my listeners to have discernment—I’ve interviewed women with vastly different beliefs than myself. I’ve had controversial guests on that caused a river of emails and DMs to pour in and say “I’m confused…why would you interview this person?” and ultimately “I thought you were just like me?” I’m not just like you, I’m not like anyone. You’re not just like anyone. How can that work in a world that tells everyone to be alike and think alike? By using our discernment, holding space for it, and encouraging it.

· I believe to the core of my being that we are all different and that it’s important for me to make space for those differences—but I do that by supporting women as they get to know their true selves and see those differences, discover what makes them unique, and shed the “shoulds” of what it means to be a woman, mom, wife, friend, sister, person.

In this search for resources, I’ve realized that we empower ourselves when we look into topics and research them for ourselves.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

“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?

Take note of your answers to those questions because--oh man!—I want you to come back to those questions at the end of this episode after you’ve heard what Katie Kimball has to say and then answer those questions again! I bet today’s perspectives are going to blow your mind and shift your answers!

Katie encourages us in the best possible ways—by sharing truths & ideas that will increase our families’ confidence and connection.

She is on a mission to create a kids’ meal revolution! Because something that we do 3 times a day—prepare food for our kids and eat!—shouldn’t be as stressful as it is.

Katie believes that the best possible learning environment we have access to is the kitchen. Now that we're home more than ever and health is a top concern, we can use our family connection time in the kitchen to make a positive impact on the next generation. We can increase confidence, creativity, and connection through The Power of Teaching Kids to Cook, and start a #kidsmealrevolution that redefines the kids' meal as one that kids have cooked!

Katie’s Bio: Katie Kimball, CSME, founder and CEO of Kitchen Stewardship, is passionate about researching natural remedies and making healthy cooking easier for busy families. As a trusted educator and author of 8 real food cookbooks, she’s been featured on media outlets like ABC, NBC and First for Women magazine and contributes periodically on the FOX Network. Over the last 12 years, Katie has spoken prolifically at conferences, online summits and podcasts and become a trusted authority and advocate for children’s health. Busy moms look to this certified educator for honest, in-depth natural product reviews and thorough research, and she often partners with health experts and medical practitioners to stay on the cutting edge. In 2016 she created the Wall Street Journal recommended best online kids cooking course, Kids Cook Real Food, helping thousands of families around the world learn to cook. A mom of 4 kids from Michigan, she is also a Certified Stress Mastery Educator, member of the American Institute of Stress and trained speaker through Bo Eason’s Personal Story Power. She is actively masterminding the Kids' Meal Revolution, with a goal of every child being able to cook.

Be sure to visit today’s show notes where Katie has graciously offered listeners of Elevating Motherhood a free online class: https://kidscookrealfood.com/elevatingmotherhood

Favorite Knife Skills for Kids video! Sounds a bit scary at first, but it’s really empowering! My 7-year-old is THRILLED about this class and loves that it’s tailored to her.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ

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 by Postpartum Depression took me over a month to read. Not because I didn’t want to, not because it’s a stigmatized topic, or too taboo, but because it IS such an important subject—to me personally, to friends and family, to every birthing mother, and every birth support person out there. Right now it’s considered a heavy topic—but one that needs to be brought into the light. We can handle this information. We are strong and capable.  Learning about postpartum depression is important, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Walker encourages us in this conversation and reminds us that we can handle it. Dr. Walker Ladd’s Bio: Dr. Walker Ladd has been a recognized thought leader in the field of maternal mental health for nearly two decades. Her writing and research challenge current paradigms of motherhood and mental illness, using women's stories to reveal the hidden truths and extraordinary dimensions of the lived experience of motherhood. Her personal experiences with traumatic childbirth, breast cancer, postpartum depression, and major depressive disorder drive her passion for her bold, transformative and soulful work. In this episode, Walker & I talk about: · Being brave and talking about postpartum depression · Her book: Transformed by postpartum depression · How this book broke something open in me · Reading about hard topics as an empath · How generations influence postpartum depression · Empowering ourselves · Well intended interventions · Stigmas around postpartum depression...and SO MUCH MORE! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

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 lifestyle brand that creates cleaning products using the most chemically sensitive as their benchmark for safety. Raised on the standard American diet and conventional products, it wasn’t until college that she experienced the power of living in an environment free of harmful chemicals along with eating according to the principles of Food as Medicine. All of the “normal” problems Kelly had experienced most of her life: dry and itchy eyes, painful menstrual cramps, joint and muscle pain, and even body odor disappeared! It turns out these issues don’t have to be normal after all, and Kelly is passionate about helping others on their health journeys. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi with her husband and two daughters.

In this episode, Kelly and I talk about:

· How Kelly, Allison, and Marilee started Branch Basics

· How all areas of our life (diet, products, home, lifestyle) influence our health

· Tossing the toxins

· The importance of reading ingredients

· The influence and impact of mothers in their choices for their children

· Selling soap vs. being an education company and lifestyle company

· Empowering people to take control over our homes

· Making our homes safe havens

· How removing harmful chemicals and scents can change your home

· Noticing the strong scents in the cleaning aisles at stores—all from sealed containers

· Low level chemical soup...AND SO MUCH MORE!

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Branch Basics Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics

Instagram: @branchbasics

Discount Code: LORIBETH for 15% off your Bundle Purchase!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Beautiful & Simple: Today’s episode is supported by Beautiful & Simple—an online boutique I’ve created and filled with products that are fun, useful, and encouraging. Some new kids’ mugs and made on Maui bags drop today and I have some plans to bring in more poetry tea time fun! Head to www.beautifulandsimple.com to see this week’s newest additions and check back often for updates.

Primally Pure: Primally Pure has also generously offered a discount code for Elevating Motherhood listeners: be sure to use the code: LORIBETH10 for 10% off your first order. For a list of my favorite products & more information, head over to www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

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 whole time!

We dive into a few principles from her Lazy Genius life philosophy and then go beyond those to unpack all things motherhood that we wish would shift so that moms can begin to drop the guilt, genuinely support one another, and thrive! She puts the power back in our mama hearts, minds, hands, and calendars.

Kendra’s Bio: Kendra Adachi is a bestselling author and podcast host. As a systems expert and professional permission giver, Kendra helps others stop doing it all for the sake of doing what matters. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three kids.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Kendra’s Links:

Website: www.thelazygeniuscollective.com

Instagram: @thelazygenius

Podcast: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ/featured

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Branch Basics: Thanks to Branch Basics for supporting today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood! Branch Basics is an educational company that offers non-toxic, simple to use cleaning solutions for your home—using one powerful, plant & mineral based cleaning concentrate. You can literally use their one concentrate to clean everything…from bathrooms & windows to floors & laundry. Simply dilute their safe, effective cleaner into their refillable bottles. The instructions are right on the label. Branch Basics has been an amazing addition to our home. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my family’s toxic burden while maintaining quality and effectiveness…& Branch Basics fits the bill. Plus their goals align with mine...to make cleaning sustainable, affordable, and simple. Branch Basics has generously offered a discount code to listeners of Elevating Motherhood…use the code LORIBETH for 15% off their starter kits. Head over to elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics for more information.

Bookshop.org: Book lists are one of my favorite things (besides reading books & listening to audiobooks!). I love it when other bookworms share lists of their favorite books and wish lists for what they plan on reading next. It gets me excited about reading, introduces me new authors, topics, and genres, and takes the overwhelm out of sorting through massive online search results for things like “best parenting books” and “best books for children.” I've created book lists just for you! They're available now at https://bookshop.org/shop/loribeth I hope you enjoy them! 

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 myself better—personality type indicators like the enneagram and Meyers-Briggs (although I do appreciate the presence of spiritual elements in numerology). This was so fun and insightful. It gave me lots to think about on my own personal journey of figuring out who I am—I feel 5 steps closer to my true self after this conversation.

You can tell I’m really excited to talk with my good friend Nadia Bernardy. The ideas are flowing at a really fast pace as we unpack where we are on our own journeys and how stepping into our true selves helps us step out into the world as our true selves and serve others.

I’m so curious and am going to ask you guys over on Instagram stories today: Do you see signs and symbolism in your life and in nature? Are any of those signs sometimes in the form of numbers for you? Do numbers speak to you? Are you someone who often sees groups of numbers together like 11:11 on the clock or 555 on license plates? If so, you’re going to love this conversation! Even if numbers don’t pop out to you yet or you’re just curious, I think you’re really going to like this episode.

Our guest today, Nadia Bernardy was with us in Episode 07 talking about Universal Law…I’m still not over the law of abundance (I literally think of it every day and every time I put together an episode for you). The confirmation in this conversation of that abundance and the importance of showing up as your true self in the world…wow. I feel so affirmed in this podcast project and my work to support mothers…I was floored and humbled all at once. I want that kind of confirmation for you. I want that kind of reassurance that knowledge and self-study can bring so I’ll be sure to link to how you can have your numerology chart read, too, in today’s show notes.

Nadia’s Bio: Nadia Bernardy is an Intuitive Coach who helps people tap into their true gifts to create work that lights them up. She is the Founder of Work & Woo and Host of the Where Dreams Are Made Podcast. She has been helping creative entrepreneurs share their gifts with the world since 2008.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Nadia’s Links:

Website: www.nadiabernardy.com

Instagram: @workandwoo @nadianumerology

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ/featured

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: Homeschool Explained and Healthy Mama Meal Prep

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 suggested that I check out her work. I went to her YouTube channel and wow! I discovered that she was dropping truth bombs as a L&D nurse—one of the only ones I’ve ever heard speak truth from the perspective of a nurse while also supporting parents, other nurses, and just telling the truth. It’s in that truth that birth culture can elevate and change for the better.

In her words, she likes to “shake shit up,” and if we’re being honest, that is EXACTLY what needs to happen to our modern hospital birth culture. This is not an episode that puts down or shames anyone—what it IS is a taste of honesty for a change.

She brings the mother AND L&D nurse perspective which is so balanced and refreshing and needed.

Mandy’s Bio: Mandy Irby, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, LCCE, SpBCPE, APBT (aka The Birth Nurse) is a trauma-sensitive parent and nurse educator passionate about a more parent-centered and respectful birth culture. Mandy helps pregnant people and families prepare to birth boldly by understanding and advocating for voice, choice, and physiology. She’s been a labor nurse for over eleven years. Mandy is also a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Authorized Peanut Ball Trainer, Spinning Babies Certified Parent Educator, and she absolutely loves connecting with L&D Nurses in her Biohacking for Birth and Peanut Ball workshops. She’s currently working from home with her engineer husband and daydreams of more office space and home espresso machines. Mandy loves exploring new trails and creeks with her two young children, running with a podcast on, and celebrating no-potty-accident days with their newest 4-legged family member, Maizey.

Mandy does not tiptoe around birth culture changes that need to be made: everything from implicit biases, systemic racism, and toxic hospital culture including: abuse, assault, and coercion. She’s an advocate for mothers, birth workers, midwives, labor delivery nurses, and OBs. She’s almost like this super optimistic & compassionate glue that we all need to come together and move forward together to elevate modern birth culture.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Mandy’s Links:

Website: www.mandyirby.com

Facebook: fb.com/thebirthnurse

Instagram: instagram.com/mandybirthnurse

YouTube: youtube.com/mandyirby

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ

Thanks for visiting today's sponsors: Blossom & Root (Discount Code: LORIBETH10) and Primally Pure (Discount Code: LORIBETH10)

“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 book and felt heard & known in a way I haven’t before). Today’s conversation with the author Brittany Bergman will really show you why.

This book is a must read for moms who are expecting, who have had babies, and really anyone in the childbirth community. Brittany takes on modern motherhood culture messaging and names some of the major issues plaguing moms and thoughts around pregnancy. She also makes space for stories, listening, grace, growth, honesty faith, slowing down, self-compassion, instinct, and intuition. I’d love to see this book at the top of the list for new mamas over many of the other popular ones out there.

I love Brittany’s focus in her book. She sees pregnancy so much more than what is presented to us. It’s sold as a season that is hyper-focused on the physical -- the growing baby, a woman's growing body. We’re told what changes to expect, what to eat, what to do, and what not to do. But pregnancy isn’t just a means to an end of getting a baby into the world. It is a deeply transformative process for us as we become mothers. If we can lean into all the feelings pregnancy brings up -- not just joy and gratitude, but fear, loss, and even sorrow -- we can collaborate in the process of creating new life, for our children and for ourselves.

We swim in the deep end in this episode! It’s like Brittany and I met by the pool for the first time and decided to jump in the deep end and not get out for two hours. I could have talked with her all day…and I feel like you’ll feel the same, like you just want to stay in the deep end with her and listen all day.

Brittany’s Bio: Brittany L. Bergman is an author who is passionate about telling stories that provide refreshment, connection, and encouragement to mothers who don't want to lose sight of their identity. Her essays on motherhood have been featured in a variety of publications, including TODAY Parents, Motherly, Coffee + Crumbs, and The MOPS Blog. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Dan, and their two children. By day, she is a copy editor of nonfiction books at a publishing house. Her first book, Expecting Wonder, is about the identity-level transformation we experience as we become mothers.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge & @elevatingmotherhood

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 amazing.

We go deep and wide in today’s episode covering all things singer/songwriter, parenting, child development, stigmas surrounding children’s music, the evolution of family music, history, storytelling, music genres, the creative process, connection with nature, adventuring, and how parents are changing the world.

Okee Dokee Brothers Bio:

As childhood friends growing up in Denver, Colorado, Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing were always exploring the outdoors. Whether it was rafting down their neighborhood creek or discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains, Joe and Justin were born adventurers. Now, as the GRAMMY® Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they have put this passion for the outdoors at the heart of their Americana Folk music. Joe and Justin record and perform family music with a goal to inspire children and their parents to step outside and get creative. They believe this can motivate kids to gain a greater respect for the natural world, their communities, and themselves. The five-time Parents’ Choice Award winners have garnered praise from the likes of NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today, and have been called “two of family music’s best songwriters.

If you’re here because you’re already a huge Okee Dokee Brothers fan like myself and my kids, welcome! Joe is so great! If you’re new to their music, welcome! I’m thrilled to be the person who gets to introduce you to modern family music—not only from The Okee Dokee Brothers but other bands and musicians that Joe generously shares with us, too.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Okee Dokee Home: www.okeedokee.org

Elevating Motherhood Home: www.elevatingmotherhood.com 

On Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood @okeedokeebros

Please Visit Today's Supporters: 

Branch Basics: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics 

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

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 not going to dis teachers or schools. They have been tasked with the impossible this year. We all have. I’m not going to dis parents either if virtual learning isn’t the right fit. This will be a space for support and options. Whatever your “why” for tuning in, I’m glad you’re here.

My intention for this show is to let parents know that there ARE options—and that homeschool is a legal, viable, freeing option for many families. Even if you have never homeschooled before.

I’m shocked at the number of parents who tell me that they didn’t know homeschool was even an option—that they felt like they “had to” do the virtual route this year. But it’s just not true. Homeschool is a valid, legal option in all 50 states (you can look up your state’s homeschool laws at hslda.org …HSLDA stands for Homeschool Legal Defense Association). That’s one place to start.

BUT I know from teaching classes to new homeschoolers and being a new homeschooler myself once upon a time that it is very overwhelming to jump into homeschool. Most people don’t dive into homeschool feeling confident, like it’s no big deal, or have a ton of experience they bring to the table on day one.

Before most parents can even think about getting started, they have to work through some hang-ups or notions that are in their head or heart. I want to go over a few of those with you and speak some insight and wisdom into those legitimate concerns.

7 Common Concerns About Homeschooling: 

Concern #1: “I don’t have the patience to homeschool my kids.”

Concern #2: “I don’t want my kids to fall behind.”

Concern #3: “I don’t know what I’m doing.”

Concern #4: “My child won’t listen to me on a regular day, how will they listen to me when I’m their teacher?”

Concern #5: “I can’t work from home and homeschool my kids.”

Concern #6: “I can’t teach math, I’m no good at it.”

Concern #7: “I can’t just stop in the middle of the year and start homeschooling.”

Answers, links, & resources are all available in the FULL SHOW NOTES at: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

More info can also be found at: WWW.HOMESCHOOLEXPLAINED.COM 

If you don’t tell your children who they are… the world will.

Every day, our kids are absorbing messages about their worth, their identity, their value. And if we’re not intentional, those voices can get louder than the truth.

Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined by HosannaWong — international speaker, spoken word artist widely known for piece “I Have A New Name,” and bestselling author of How (Not) to Save the World , Uncomplicate It, and You Are More Than You’ve Been Told.

We’re talking about her very first children’s book, What God Says About You, and how to teach our kids that their identity is rooted firmly in Christ.

In this conversation, Hosanna shares why no one gets to define your child except the One who made them — and how we can equip our kids to know, deep in their bones, that they are loved and chosen.

If you’ve ever wondered how to speak identity over your children in a way that sticks…
If you want your kids to grow up grounded, secure, and confident in who God says they are…

This episode is for you.

Buy Hosanna’s Children’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4r79ol9

Buy Uncomplicate It Here: https://amzn.to/3P7oXM2

 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

 

Hosanna’s Links:

Website: https://www.hosannawong.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosanna.wong
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hosannawongofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialhosannawong
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCZaE0vSMGzVRjcBrDWLlA

“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 of encourage and insight about the sacred act of making space for writing in our lives and how to not get stuck in our to-do lists or lost in distractions.

Ally is a new mom with a new book: The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life. She’s going to help us see the myths surrounding writing (including the one that writing is for some people and not for others). She shares how writing has been transformative in her own life and shows us how it can reveal things we didn’t know about ourselves before we wrote them down. Writing is revelation and learning through play…things that we see and encourage in our children on a daily basis. Ally shows us how we can now turn that same philosophy and encouragement inward and apply it to ourselves as moms.

We talk about all the things: writing, motherhood, misconceptions, spirituality, connection, life-long learning, the power of getting to know ourselves, and what you can do to get started today. We’re going to bust through some learned writer’s block and show you how to use writing as a vehicle to get to know your truest self. This is a great episode for all moms—whether you identify as a “writer” or not. And if you’re a homeschool mom, it’s easy to see how these writing ideas can crossover into homeschool as well.

Ally’s Bio: Allison Fallon is an award-winning author, sought after public speaker, and nationally recognized writing coach. She has worked with thousands of people to realize their writing potential and become published authors.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Ally’s Links:

Website: https://findyourvoice.com/  and https://thepowerofwritingitdown.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyfallon/  and https://www.instagram.com/letsfindyourvoice/

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please visit today's sponsors: 

Blossom & Root (Discount Code: LORIBETH10) 

Healthy Mama Meal Prep (Discount Code: LORIBETH15)

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, kind, authentic, and just so generous with her insights. She teaches us what we need to show up as our true and best selves.

I left this conversation feeling so understood—and I know you will, too. As Dr. Saundra presents these 7 types of rest, she doesn’t do it in a way that’s overwhelming but rather shows us a bigger picture and that we really are all quite unique. The types of rest I need most in this season of my life probably aren’t the same types of rest you will benefit from the most right now. There is no one size fits all answer for everyone, but when it comes to rest, there are a lot of options! These ideas about rest will help you learn more about your true self so that you can understand what you need—and then confidently meet that need armed with information and insights about these 7 types of rest.

This topic is also a great conversation starter. Once you hear the different types of rest and take the quiz online (www.restquiz.com), I bet you’ll want to send this quiz to your partner, spouse, sisters, friends, and moms group so you can dive deeper into this topic with them! It’s the resolution we didn’t know we needed going into the new year. Learning about rest is a great way for us to become more self-aware so we can support and nourish our true selves, recover our lives, renew our energy, and restore our sanity.

Dr. Saundra’s Bio: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a Board-Certified internal medicine physician, speaker, and author. She is an international wellness expert featured in numerous media outlets including Prevention, MSNBC, Women’s Day, FOX, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and as a guest on Dr. Oz show. She is the author of numerous books including her new book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, including ground-breaking insight on the seven types of rest needed to optimize your productivity, increase your overall happiness, overcome burnout, and live your best life. Over 100,000 people have discovered their personal rest deficits using her free assessment at RestQuiz.com. Learn more about Dr. Saundra at IChooseMyBestLife.com and DrDaltonSmith.com.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Homeschool Explained : www.homeschoolexplained.com

Ojai Energetics : www.elevatingmotherhood.com/cbd

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 broaden our understanding of “health,” we can easily begin to apply a wide variety of perspectives, ideas, and teachings to ourselves and our own health journeys. There is no one size fits all answer when it comes to our children’s health, our family’s health, or our own health.

I’m really excited for the opportunity to introduce you to Hilda Labrada Gore—someone who has been very influential in my own personal health journey. In fact, her voice and work is such an everyday presence in my life and learning that I realized it’s probably time I shared more about her and her work with you. She’s frequently referred to as “Holistic Hilda,” (which, the idea of holistic is just one more layer in the “what is true health” conversation). In this episode, Hilda and I talk about the realities of modern motherhood, what holistic means, ancestral concepts of nutrition, how we can nourish ourselves and our children, intuition, connection, ideas for improving our diet and overall health, as well as myths and expectations surrounding the idea of health & wellness in our modern world.

Hilda’s Bio: Hilda Labrada Gore is the host and producer of the Wise Traditions and Tradiciones Sabias podcasts. A certified health coach, she has traveled the world exploring traditional practices for optimal well-being. Hilda shares the best of experts, experiences, and epic adventures on the podcasts, her Holistic Hilda YouTube channel, and on ancestral health tours that she leads. Hilda is also a podcast coach and the author of “Podcasting Made Simple.” She especially enjoys helping people in the health and wellness space launch and improve their shows. Hilda has energy to spare thanks to her love for sunshine and liverwurst.

Hilda is passionate about helping mothers nourish themselves and their children well. The grace she brings to this conversation is just what I’ve been searching for to set the tone for a positive, nurturing New Year!

FULL SHOW NOTES + EPISODE AND BOOK REFERENCES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure (Discount Code: LORIBETH10)

MUTU System: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/mutu 

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 of December with guests that have made my jaw drop when I saw them on my calendar. I’ll also be working on another online course for you and writing two books! One is written and being organized and edited, the other I’ve been working on one day at a time. But just know that I am so so so so so so excited to bring these loving, supportive resources into the world. Because I know how much they are going to support you. I want you to feel resourced and confident and encouraged on your motherhood journey. That’s been my goal with the podcast all along and it feels incredible to expand that support through other forms.

In this episode, I wanted to spend some time reflecting. Self-reflection is something I encourage you all to do a lot in the show, so today I wanted to spend time reflecting with you…

I reflect and overthink about the show a lot and really vet guests and topics to make sure I’m aligning my actions and values (something else I talk about on the show all the time). I want to make sure that each episode is supporting you on your motherhood journey by bringing up topics in a very specific way. There are certain elements that go into each show that I wanted to be transparent with you about…

Elevating Motherhood is: It’s more than just a title, it’s a way of being, it’s something we do every day we show up as powerful, curious, compassionate, self-aware moms.

* Variety of Topics

* Perspective

* Life Long Learning

* Resources

* Confidence

* Sisterhood

* Honoring the whole woman in each of us

* Honesty & Vulnerability

* Connection

* Breaking through societal messages that don't serve mothers

And if you need proof of just how we do that, look at all the topics and guests that have been on the show for the past 15 months…

We’ve had:

* Called to Create Series

* Homeschool Series

* Dozens of topics

* CEOs

* Authors

* International Guests

* International Audience (downloaded in 55 countries!) 

Where Elevating Motherhood is Going: 

* Finding Joy

* Fostering Wonder

* Cultivating Curiosity

* Creating Connections

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEAVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

* What Little Wonder

* Beautiful & Simple.

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

“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 her messages with you!

Our conversation is so cool because we talk about everything from details to philosophies. At one point she & I basically renamed Positive Parenting to Powerful Parenting and shifted our own perspectives and grew ourselves while we were sharing our hearts. That is a power of a conversation between moms who are passionate about figuring this motherhood thing out, sharing ideas and stories, and basically showing up as best we can even when we’re tasked with challenges like raising strong-willed children.

Wendy is going to show us how we can be both firm and kind leaders in our home and encourage us in such a genuinely supportive and informative way—I know you’ll love this conversation as much as I do!

Wendy’s Bio: Wendy Snyder is a Positive Parenting educator, family life coach & advocate. She is certified in Redirecting Children's Behavior & The Joy of Parenting Program. Wendy founded her online business, Fresh Start Family, so that she could spread the message of positive parenting across the world. She is the developer of two online positive parenting courses (The Foundations Course & Jesus Guided Parenting) and also has a monthly membership program to further support families. Wendy helps families parent with great purpose and intention by creating healthy, respectful & cooperative relationships.

Be sure to check out today’s show notes for Wendy’s free guide to help you navigate & love life with your strong-willed kiddo! Click here. 

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Please visit today's sponsors: Blossom & Root (code: LORIBETH10) and Primally Pure (code: LORIBETH10)

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

“Getting into ethical fashion—you have to give yourself grace.”

Part of growing as moms, as people, and really elevating motherhood is to gathering new information, listening to stories, and considering perspectives that maybe we haven’t heard before. This is one of those episodes that is going to gift us with new to us information about how our purchases impact others (including other moms) around the world.

My guest today Lauren Manwill is the owner of Naupaka—a thoughtfully curated online boutique that focuses on fair trade and ethical fashion & products. Lauren is here to share stories and insights about how our dollar can be used to make powerful purchases for social change (a timely topic given that the holidays are upon us). There’s also a lot of inspiration to be found in how she got started and the stories she shares about how she balances motherhood, owning a shop, and homeschooling.

Lauren is a gracious voice and really brings her kind heart to the table as she gently educates us on why purchasing ethically made and fair trade items matter. She brings just the right mix of grace and encouragement that we need to grow and move forward with this new information so that we can step into our power of creating change through our purchases.

She’s going to teach us about what it mean for something to be “ethically made.” Unfortunately, in today's world not everything is made with fair labor standards and in safe conditions. An ethically made item is made by adult artisans or laborers in safe working conditions, who are treated kindly and are paid fair living wages.

This episode has all the classic themes that keep showing up over and over again here on the show: connection, aligning our action and values, slowing down, and giving ourselves grace as mothers. It’s also a lovely compliment to last week’s interview with Obakki creator Treana Peake.

Lauren’s Bio: Lauren Manwill is the owner and co-founder of Naupaka, an island boutique offering a stylish and creative curation of ethically made and fair trade goods. When faced with the many ugly truths of the Fashion and Retail Industry, she set out to become part of the solution rather than adding to the problem. Lauren spends her days at home with her two young sons and husband on the island of Maui.

Lauren’s Links:

Website: www.naupakastore.com CODE: YAYA10 for 10% off your order

Instagram: www.instagram.com/naupakastore 

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: Beautiful & Simple and MUTU System

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

“Our children want to see us happy.”

Since recording this episode, I’ve started to implement the tips Toni-Ann is going to share with us today and I have to tell you, it’s made a positive impact in my house and in my head. Modern moms suffer from decision fatigue—big time—(especially right now).

If you’re a working mom, stay at home mom, work from home mom, or you identify with some crazy mash up of all three. This episode is for you. Toni-Ann shares ideas for us about the benefits of preparation and planning, how to deal with overwhelm, and even answers the million dollar mom question “how do you do it all?”

Toni-Ann’s Bio: Toni-Ann is a full-time dentist, a reservist in the Navy, and the blogger and podcaster at Real Happy Mom. She is a wife and a boy mom that understands the struggle of juggling work and home. When she is not working, she enjoys watching WWE and watching stand-up comedy.

This episode is packed with practical how-to strategies and ideas for how we can bust through myths about what it’s like to be a modern, working mom trying to juggle it all.

In this episode, we talk about:

· Distance learning & virtual school

· Being flexible and making way for change

· Asking for help…and receiving help

· Preparation & planning ideas for moms

·  Toni-Ann’s top 5 tips:

· 1. Get your clothes ready for the week

· 2. Get your purse/bag ready

· 3. Meal Plan

· 4. Plan out your week—include time for you

· 5. Restart your devices

· Decision fatigue and what we can do about it

· What we do for “me time” each week

· Listening to our body

· Getting rest when we need it

· Meeting our basic needs

· Overwhelm & how we deal with it

· Leaning into reminders

· Scheduling

· Toni’Ann’s planner of choice: Stil Planner

· Toni-Ann’s online organization of choice: Trello

· Working mom myths we need to bust through

· How working moms and dads are treated differently

· Dropping the vs. in mom conversations

· Aligning our actions and values…and giving other moms space to do that, too

· Taking time to figure out what you REALLY want in life

· The importance of self-reflection

· Inspiration over comparison

· Toni-Ann’s Freebie: Sunday Prep Checklist Ultimate Working Mom Hacks - https://the.realhappymom.com/working-mom-hacks

FULL SHOW NOTES AND LINKS AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

PLEASE VISIT TODAY'S SPONSORS: WHAT LITTLE WONDER & HEALTHY MAMA MEAL PREP

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

I’ve known Treana Peake for many years and have always admired her incredible vision and generous heart. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m a big fan of her foundation—The Obakki Foundation—and their scarves for water program. It’s been amazing watching her business and philanthropic partnerships transform over the years and I’m super stoked to share more of Treana and her growth with you. She is a true thought leader in the philanthropic and social entrepreneurship space and today’s conversation really opened my heart to the changes that are needed and new ways we can show up in small but also generous and smart ways.

Today Treana shares about the power of believing in people and the creative ways she is helping open doors for communities around the world. We talk about the transformative influence of connection and compassion. We also chat about the pragmatics of being a working mom and what the balance of all of that looks like. Treana brings dignity and joy to every topic in this conversation. I appreciate her international perspective and all the ways she is updating philanthropic philosophy and contributing to purpose-led movements.

I learned about how I can show up differently as a consumer and as a mom. This conversation is absolutely about how we show in the greater world as women and moms…but also how we show up inside our home, too. Treana’s got some great insights into what engaged parenting looks like and how it can help us dump some of the mom guilt.

Treana’s Bio: Treana Peake’s passion for travel and eye for design, combined with her lifelong dedication to making a difference in the world, inspired her to launch Obakki in 2005. The Obakki Foundation, its philanthropic counterpart, followed shortly thereafter. For decades she has travelled the globe, always on the lookout for opportunities to wander off the beaten path to connect with people and their stories. Recognized as an influential speaker in the field of social entrepreneurship, Treana has spoken about modern philanthropic solutions in front of the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, and has been featured as a TED Talk presenter speaking on the power of selfless giving. In addition, her hands-on work in the field has been recognized and endorsed by the UN, UNICEF and The Carter Center. Treana has travelled to Africa over 70 times, often with the Obakki Foundation (our philanthropic counterpart), where she’s formed partnerships with people and communities that have lasted decades.

Thanks for being here for this empowering conversation that encourages trust, service, passion, responsibility, connection, and motherhood.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Treana’s Links:

Obakki: www.obakki.com

The Obakki Foundation: www.obakkifoundation.org

Instagram: @obakki @obakkifoundation @treanapeake

Visit Today's Sponsors: Naupaka Online Store and Blossom & Root

Elevating Motherhood Links: 

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com 

Instagram: @loribethauldridge + @elevatingmotherhood 

Megan Hillukka shows up in a brave way and graciously serves moms with PTSD and mothers who have experienced loss. I’m so grateful she is with us today to share more about her healing journey as well as resources and information about PTSD.

You might be here because you think you have PTSD, you know you have it, you know someone who has it, or you suspect a loved one might be suffering from PTSD. I’m grateful you’re here whatever your reason. I really feel that Megan’s story, perspective, and information can help.

Megan shows us how the label of PTSD can open the door to compassion. She offers us recommendations for getting help, details about what PTSD is and isn’t, treatment options, and so much hope.

Megan’s Bio: Megan Hillukka is a bereaved mother, with 6 children, 5 who are still here. Megan encourages and supports grieving mothers that though the worst thing has happened to them, their life is not over. She also experienced PTSD from finding her daughter Aria when she died, and has done the work to find healing in her brain and her life. From this, Megan wants everyone to know that PTSD is not a life sentence, and that healing is possible. Through her experience of the death of her daughter Aria, Megan has learned tools and ways of shifting grief so that it can become just a little bit lighter, and easier to live with. She helps her clients carry their grief instead of suffer with grief.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Megan’s Links:

Website: www.meganhillukka.com

Podcast: Grieving Moms Podcast (new show every Thursday)

Facebook Support Group: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatedfamily

Please visit today's sponsors: 

Ojai Energetics: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/cbd

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

“Knowing when to recharge and knowing that’s okay, to me, that’s part of the balance.”

Today’s episode is a treat. It’s a cheerful conversation between work from home moms trying to juggle life, love, kids, chaos, business, and ecommerce as life-long learning, entrepreneurial moms.

Sarah has a beautiful online shop called What Little Wonder…it’s sweet, it’s charming, and (to me) the best part is: it’s gender neutral. As a girl mom with three daughters, I was over the “pink is for girls” nonsense before my first was even born. Sarah has curated a stunning shop that speaks to my mama heart (and style preferences!) If you’re in the market for holiday gifts, I highly recommend you check out What Little Wonder as an awesome way to shop small, support a small business, and cheer on this mom boss.

Sarah’s Bio: Sarah McNamee started What Little Wonder as a single mom after seeing a hole in the market for more items that weren’t so “baby.” It’s been three years since it’s launch and Sarah is now a mom of 5 (her youngest is 3 months old!) Each and every item in What Little Wonder is something Sarah would choose for her own children (which works out for us because she has such great taste!)

(Valid 11/7/2020 to 11/9/2020 only): We also teamed up for a generous giveaway over on Instagram, so if you are catching this episode today or tomorrow, head over and enter!

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Sarah’s Links:

Website: www.whatlittlewonder.com

Instagram: @whatlittlewonder

Please visit today’s sponsors:

Branch Basics

Pam Barnhill’s Morning Basket Plus

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

Get Chris’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4skTgxs

What if the most counter-cultural decision you make as a parent… has nothing to do with screen time or schooling and everything to do with alcohol?

Today’s conversation is honest. It’s tender. And it’s needed.

I’m joined by Chris Janssen to talk about her USA Today bestselling book, Grace Yourself...and about something many families quietly navigate but rarely discuss: hidden or silent struggles with alcohol.

Chris shares her own story of recognizing alcohol’s hold on her life, attending her first support meeting, and coming to two powerful realizations — it wasn’t her fault, and she wasn’t alone.

We talk about sobriety after relapse, the courage to create a dry house, recovering from perfectionism, and what it really means to show up for the sober life you want — not from a place of shame, but from grace.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your relationship with alcohol is serving you…

If you have an alcohol issue in your home or extended family…
If you’re parenting in a culture where drinking is normalized…
Or if you simply want to live more freely and intentionally…

This episode is for you.

 

Chris’s Bio: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want and a leading results coach in performance and mindset. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. In addition to her academic achievements, Chris trained with and worked on Tony Robbins’ team of results coaches at the #1 personal development and peak performance strategy company in the world.
As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage and rewrite narratives. Through her successful and sustainable Living All In methods, clients learn to attach meaning to life events and circumstances beyond their control.
A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised threechildren, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott live in Los Angeles and love to ski, golf, be with their horses and adventure outside.

 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

 

Chris’s Links:

Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen

“Dear God, Thank you so much for the seemingly good and the seemingly bad for in this moment, I do not know the difference.”

Sarah Foley is one of those people who makes me feel like a better person and better mom simply by being herself. She leads by example…the way she shows up for herself and others is the definition of inspiring. I literally think of her every time I get dressed for the day and do my makeup when I feel like I don’t have time and have wasted precious moments trying to talk myself out of it. Sarah sees her worth (which is a stellar example for moms!), and she sees the worth in others—and then points it out and champions it.

Sarah’s Bio: Sarah Foley is on a mission to redefine what disability looks like and empower women to see opportunities for growth in their own seemingly disabling circumstances. She runs a mindset and fitness coaching business and was just featured in the new book Your Second Act by Patricia Heaton. She gives a fresh perspective on how our struggles can enhance our lives.

I’m excited for you to connect with Sarah. She shares so many gems of wisdom with us in this episode about mindset. Get ready for a brilliant conversation about trust, honesty, perspective, boundaries, resilience, emotions, parenting, inclusion, and inspiration.

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Sarah’s Links:

Website: www.verticalblonde.com

Instagram: @verticalblonde

Facebook: @verticalblonde

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Naupaka: www.naupakastore.com -- (Code: YAYA10 for 10% off)

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure (Code: LORIBETH10 for 10% off your first purchase)

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

We are deep into the beautiful season of Autumn. The days are flying by (sometimes) and other days drag on. But here we are, already at the end of October. Halloween is happening. Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Then winter and a whirlwind of holidays.

I want to slow down and enjoy this time as much as I can. One way to do this is to bring nature inside, go outside more, and be willing to explore in nature not only despite the change in weather but because of the change in weather. This does not need to entail gigantic displays or complicated decorations that don’t work for the season of life you’re in (I’m looking at you toddler moms).

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

In this episode I talk about: 

* Why we need to consider the seasons

* Why we need to bring more nature indoors (and how!) 

* Nature deficit disorder

* The disconnect we feel on so many levels right now

* A return to simple

* Supporting our body's natural rhythms

* What bringing nature inside and connecting with seasons looks like

* Practical, easy ways to bring nature inside

* Nature tables/displays

* What to do outside

* The importance of curiosity

* Foraging vs. buying

* DIY fall crafts and activities

* Celebrating autumn with kids

* Plant identification

* Autumn poetry (I adore "Come Little Leaves" by George Cooper)

* Connection with everything: yourself, your kids, nature, the seasons

Please visit today's sponsors: 

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool (CODE: LORIBETH10)

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com (CODE: LORIBETH50)

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Stacey and I have a GOOD time when we talk and this conversation is no exception…I’m so glad you’re here with us right now. Stacey Robbins is a wealth of information, perspective, and compassion. And most of that stems from a long, healing health journey that she’s going to share more about with us today. At 27 years old, Stacey was on the verge. On many levels. She struggled big time…but found healing, health, and understanding after turning inward—she really showed up for herself, put in the work, and is now thriving and helping others on their journeys.

I want you to stay with us as this conversation unfolds. We do go over the basics of thyroid health and awareness—such as what the thyroid does, why we should be aware of it, and what topics to bring up with your trusted medical professional—just know that we talk about the most important components of thyroid health first. And they might not be what you think. After editing this episode, I kind of wondered if I overshared (because I have thyroid issues, too) or went too far away from main topic of thyroid health, but after thinking about it (okay, after overthinking about it), I decided that what this conversation boils down to is what almost every episode of Elevating Motherhood boils down to: connection. It’s all connected. All of life is connected. And this conversation is no exception.

My hope is that if you’re curious about thyroid health, wonder if something might be off with your thyroid, or are currently suffering with thyroid issues or Hashimoto’s that you’ll learn a lot by hearing Stacey’s story and insights. She is after all the author of You’re Not Alone and You’re Not Crazy

Stacey’s Bio: Stacey Robbins (CHC, RYT200) is a soulful storyteller and key influencer in the global conversation on healing your life through Hashimoto’s. Her award-winning book, “You’re Not Crazy and You’re Not Alone” is filled with hilarious, honest, and heart-aching moments along the journey of doctors telling her the symptoms were all in her head, to telling her a year and a half later to get her affairs in order. Stacey holds nothing back as she weaves her heroic tale and playfully inspires women from all walks of life to see that we can use every circumstance -- including a diagnosis -- as a way to transform our victim mindset, rediscover our sense of humor, and learn to love ourselves again. Having brought herself back from the edge of a health crisis and losing over 100 pounds, Stacey addresses some of the important aspects of our healing: the spiritual, mindset, and emotions that affect every area of our health. Stacey’s approach with her clients and community is focused on reminding us that we are the most powerful healer in our lives and taking 100% responsibility for our life, health, happiness, and peace. In her darkest moments she dreamed her life and then, has been able to rise and live the life of her dreams: Raising her family in unique ways, traveling cross-country and then, to Europe for months on end, leading gorgeous boutique retreats in Italy, and writing her book, “An Unconventional Life: Where Messes and Magic Collide” where she shares the wisdoms and tales of a life lived outside of the norm. She brings all of this -- and more -- to her community as a speaker, coach, and dream advocate. Women walk away feeling relieved, comforted, and empowered and more at home in their very own soul.

I wish that for you today, mama. 

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

“What are the things we need in a village to feel supported in our motherhood?”

As humans, we crave connection. As moms, I swear we crave it tenfold. It feels good to be supported and seen and loved and understood wherever we are on our motherhood journeys. But there’s this message out there or a belief or a generational hangover or something that is holding us back from friendship…many moms feel like they have to mother alone, that that’s “just the way it is,” or even how it should be. But I believe that’s just not true. You are automatically part of a group when we become a mom. Whether that is in-person, online, or just energetically. You have millions of women surrounding you who get it. Women whom you can call “friend” for a moment or a season or a lifetime. But certain cultural messages or limiting beliefs can leave us feeling disconnected from that sisterhood. The village is automatic…and yet it also has to be created, too. How confusing. No wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed at the idea of making friends as adults…especially early on in motherhood or are going through a big life change like a move and are trying to sort out other details of our life at the same time.

Or many of us fall into the trap of believing that one person can fill all of our needs for us…that there is just one human—a unicorn BFF or a spouse—who can be the support, see us, know us,  love us, and understand us. A sort of “one stop shop” for friendship. But I’m not sure it’s fair to put all of that onto one person and expect them to be everything to us or for us. Don’t get me wrong, my husband (who is one of my best friends) and my BFF (who is now also a mom) make me feel loved, supported, seen, and understood without a shadow of a doubt. BUT. They aren’t the only ones who can do that for me. And as I diversified my friend circle (mostly through moms group and by connecting with moms I used to babysit or nanny for whose children are older) I inadvertently took some of the burden off of my husband and best friend by having my friendship needs met by others. Having a diverse group of friends also gives me perspective that one person can’t always provide.

There are so many ways we can talk about and examine our friendships and I really appreciate the way today’s guest, Emily Siegel, breaks it down for us. She believes that we can thrive having 5 different types of connections—and I think she is onto something. Emily has been studying friendship, talking about it, shining a light on it, and really taking the mystery out of friendship so that moms everywhere can start to shift out of this mindset that friends are too hard to make.

Today she is going to help us look at mindset and motivation, give us ideas for how we can overcome obstacles when making mom friends, and ways we can give ourselves grace as we learn how to make friendship feel lighter.

Emily’s Bio: Emily Siegel is a corporate mom and fierce friend. Host of The Connected Mom Life Podcast, she believes that authentic connections are not a nice-to-have, they are a must-have! And she is on a mission to help moms create more of them. Because she knows we weren’t made to mom alone, and it’s time to stop trying.

This conversation left me feeling grateful for the friends I already have—Emily helped me see all the ways they offer support and understanding—but it also left me feeling open and excited for all the friends I don’t know yet as seasons change. My hope is that you’ll feel encouraged and grateful after this episode, too.

FULL SHOW NOTES OVER AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. Thank you, mama! I appreciate you!

Today’s episode is a lot of fun! Kris Dovbniak is back to share new ideas with us about how meal prepping and planning can help save us time and money as busy moms.

You already knew that? From all your Pinterest searches? And the 9 million blog articles about it? Well, if you’re anything like me, you already know that meal prep and meal planning is meant to be helpful….and yet. I just don’t do it. It could be a personality type “thing” or me just not wanting to put in a bunch of work preparing freezer meals that I might not want to eat later when the calendar tells me I’m supposed to eat them.

It turns out that is NOT what meal prep is all about.

Kris convinced me to get out of my own way and see meal prep for what it really is: an empowering tool that can help me create more time for myself, not less. I always pictured meal prep as batch cooking only, but Kris has opened my eyes to the multiple possibilities of prepping (even for picky eaters like me).

I went into this episode wanting to learn more from Kris because she’s so awesome and knowledgeable…but not necessarily wanting to meal prep based on what I thought prepping involved. But Kris taught me there are strategies and skills for everyone…including my personality type and easy ways I can meet my family’s individual needs.

I’m so glad you’re here for this episode. Kris is going to help us stress less about food so we can enjoy our lives more by creating our own convenience around food to nourish ourselves and our families well without all the hassle.

Kris’s Bio: Kris Dovbniak is a certified holistic health coach, intuitive eating counselor, and trained chef. Her passion is to help women uncomplicate eating, stress less about meals, and bring joy back into eating again! Her secret sauce marries intuition and intention to help women ditch dieting, and create simplified routines, practices, and mindset shifts for balanced eating. She is the host of the Healthy Balanced Mama Podcast and the creator of several online courses including Uncomplicated Eating and Healthy Mama Meal Prep. She lives on an island off the coast of New England with her sailor husband and their two daughters.

In this episode, Kris & I talk about:

· Why people don’t meal prep & plan

· Why Kris is passionate about meal planning (& why I’m so glad she is!)

· Breakfast to go (my motivation to meal prep)

· Bringing in intention to prepping and planning

· Nourishing & joyful (the goal of meal prep)

· Is there room for unique needs in meal prep?

· The challenges and joys of being a “feeling cook”

· Kris’s 3 Categories: Flexible Foodies, Modern Moms, Busy Babes (Which one are you? Listen to find out!)

And so much more!

***Full Show Notes are available at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com***

Kris has generously offered Elevating Motherhood listeners a discount code for her newest online course!

USE THE CODE: LORIBETH15 for 15% off Kris’s Meal Prep Course!

Find the course here: https://healthymamalife.teachable.com/?affcode=113443_lmt4skld 

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

If you’re listening to this, you probably have a seven-year-old or a child near that age…we all know that kids have curious minds and listening ears. If you’re listening to this episode around or near them or are in the car with them, just a heads up that in this episode around the 40- minute mark we talk about Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas and how we celebrate and present that to our children. Just mentioning it because I want to honor that every family has their own way of celebrating holidays and traditions…also, listening ears and curious minds and all that. I invite you to use your own discretion.

My oldest turns 7 years old this week. In honor of this big transition, I’ve invited educator Jessica Stack onto the show to share insights about this particular age.

Have you noticed that your 7-year-old is talking back more? Or expressing defiance? Skepticism? Suddenly not trying or eating foods they loved before? Sensory challenges? Unable to sit still at the dinner table? Maybe out of the blue your child needs glasses? Or you get the sense that they don’t see the world the same as they did just a short time ago.  This new Independence and defiance can really catch us off guard as parents…what happened to our babies!?

The changes at this age aren’t all shocking…they might also be expressing heightened curiosity and a desire to seek out more in the world like wanting to know “the facts” about what’s the biggest, fastest, tallest, etc. and how things work. You may have also noticed they have a heightened sense of competition and comparison (wanting to be better than). Or even a resistance to learning because your 7-year-old tells you they feel like they “aren’t good enough” or can’t draw or write out what it is that’s in their head.

If any or all of this describes you or your child, you’re not alone! Our babies aren’t our babies anymore! We’ve got big kids! And one of the best ways we can help them through this transition is to understand more about what it is they are going through.

It’s really easy to see this age shift as a big pain, but Jess and I want to encourage you to be curious about this age and all the change that it brings.

Jessica’s Bio: Jess is a Hawaii mom who has worked in public, private, and Waldorf schools, giving her a unique perspective on child development. She has a passion for the theatre, visual arts, food, and helping others. Jess holds a Bachelor of Education from University of Hawaii Manoa and a Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education from Taruna College in New Zealand. She and her husband Will live on the island of Oahu with their two sons.

FULL SHOW NOTE AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Follow Jess on IG, Facebook, & Pinterest: @haystackessentials

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool 

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

I find parenting to be easier in some ways when we as parents are working with some basic child development information. For example, it’s easier for me to understand why my baby wants to put everything in their mouth if I know they are teething and that biting down on anything provides some relief from the pain of teething. Or that if a tween is unusually moody or distant it could be because she is getting ready to get her first period. These are all basic child development facts that are easy to remember…and easy to forget in the moment.

There are lots of developmental milestones that come at various ages and the more we can learn about these milestones as parents—see them in our kids now AND have some info about what is to come—the more we can show up with compassion for what is happening (or going to happen) naturally.

We’ve all heard of the 5 senses (maybe you’ve even heard of a 6th sense), but in some education circles, there are 12 senses that develop in 7-year cycles over 21+ years.

Our guest today, Hannah Freed, is here to share her incredibly comprehensive knowledge about the 12 senses with us as a way to empower us as parents. The more we know, the better we can show up and support our kids where they are developmentally.

Hannah’s Bio: Hannah first experienced her passion for serving populations with special needs when she was 16 and an exchange student in Germany. She did an internship during her 11th grade year at a Camphill community. Camphill is an international movement of intentional communities designed to meet the needs of children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities through a combination of community life, the arts, and work on the land. (She talks more about it in the show—it’s really interesting). Since then she has continued on a path of working with children to help make their learning experiences are positive and fun. Hannah has taught in both public and private schools for 20 years. For the past 13 years she has been the Educational Support Therapist in two different Waldorf schools, addressing foundational learning and behavioral issues. She is also a mama of two amazing boys. In her spare time, she paddles and races Hawaiian outrigger canoes and soaks up vitamin D and Sea.

CREDENTIALS:

· BS Special Ed. from Appalachian State University in NC

· MEd. Elementary Ed. with Waldorf Teacher Certification from Antioch University of New England in NH

· Waldorf Remedial Teacher certification through Association of Healing Arts

· Advanced Practitioner certification through Integrated Listening Systems

· Safe and Sound Protocol Certification

· Trained in HANDEL and Brain Gym Methods

You are going to learn a lot today. (I know I did!) And I am so excited for you, mama!

In this episode Hannah & I talk about:

· What the 12 senses of child development are

· The Lower Senses: (0-7yo) Touch, Life, Movement, & Balance

· The Middle Senses: (7-14yo) Smell, Taste, Sight, & Warmth

· The Higher Senses: (14-21yo) Hearing, Speech, Concept, & Ego

· We dive into each of the senses—what they are, how to support them, healthy & unhealthy presentations of them, and more

· The reality of children today

· The importance of meaningful work (i.e. chores)

· How we can have sensory issues as adults (and see ourselves in the 12 senses even years later)

· Healthy diet and the role of food in development

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Follow Lori Beth on Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

On the first day Hillary Richards and her husband got their foster license, they got a call to take in two small children. And they did. Their foster journey ended in adoption and Hillary is here with us today to share about her journey as a way to shine a light on the foster care system & provide a fresh perspective for all of us.

She also shares new terminology that I wasn’t aware of. In Hawaii, foster families are referred to as “resource families.” She talks more about that on the show and why those terms are used. I have to say, that info and that new term really got me thinking.

If you have ever considered foster care or feel it is on your heart to look into it, Hillary’s firsthand account will provide a loving lens through which to hear the real, the easy, the hard, the details—all of it. Hillary shared with me that when they were thinking about fostering, she sought out firsthand accounts to help with her decision and I’m honored to be able to host her on this worldwide platform to share her firsthand account as a way to support others who are considering fostering.

In this episode, Hillary & I talk about:

· Her family’s story about when and how they started their foster care journey

· How fostering turned into adoption

· The foster care licensing process

· The rollercoaster of emotions of fostering: the rub is holding opposing forces at the same time

· New terminology: in Hawaii, “Foster Care Families” are called “Resource Families”

· Understanding that you’re a resource for the whole family

· The nitty gritty of the foster care: visitation, lawyers, the court system, etc.

· Visitation—how that works and what it looks like

· Birth parents

· The change, uncertainty, and loss…and the bright side, too

· Loss of control

· Feeling “touchy” in certain seasons of fostering

· Dealing with insensitive comments

· Being the buffer

· Fostering when you already have children

· How we are already managing transitions in our life

· How parents play an active role when worries and “what if” moments are present

· Foster & Resource Family support that is available

· Overwhelm and exhaustion

· The power of talking with friends who are also fostering

· The importance of “making a buddy” who is also fostering

· Formal and informal support

· If training really prepares you for becoming a foster care family

· Our internal biases about fostering, race, religion, etc.

· How family members are often the first ones to step up when there is a need

· How your current parenting skills will serve you well

· How intrusive (or not) home visits are

· Background checks, full medical history, financial questions, proof of marriage (if applicable)

· Commitment time

· Vacation and foster care (I did not know you cannot travel with foster children…but it makes sense!)

· How fostering is portrayed in movies and storylines

· Healthy curiosity and moving away from sensationalism so we can get closer to the good

· Avoiding jumping to conclusions about foster children

· Seeing everyone as the whole people they are

· Ideas for moms who are interested in fostering

· It’s never a bad thing to have more people invested in a child’s life

Connect with Hillary:

Instagram: @hrichardsclay

Please Visit Today’s Sponsors:

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

Healthy Mama Meal Prep Course: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors 

If you have a baby, are expecting a baby, or just want to understand what bodywork and craniosacral therapy is—is episode is for you!

Austin Rees is back on the show to share her wisdom with us. She was here for Episode 026 talking from the mom perspective about education reform and self-directed education…and now she is here to share all of the info from a professional standpoint as someone who specializes in craniosacral therapy, lactation, babywearing, tummy time, and reiki. I’ll link to all her wondering offerings available through her website www.nourishandalign.com

You know how it goes…we set out to talk about infant craniosacral therapy (what it is, how it helps, who it is appropriate for) and went on to talk about other types of infant bodywork, tummy time, tongue tie, fussiness while riding in the car (information I wish I would have known years ago!), finding the right practitioner, trust, community, all the things.

Austin’s Bio: Austin Rees (she/her) has been engaged in the health field for over 20 years. She began researching pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation through independent studies when she was completing her degree in biology at Hollins University. Following graduation, she enrolled in the Lotus School of Integrated Professions’ Massage Therapy Program from which she became a Licensed Massage Therapist. Austin began assisting parents with breast/chestfeeding support in 2005 as an accredited La Leche League Leader. Eventually she became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2011 and a Certified Babywearing Consultant through the Center for Babywearing Studies in 2013. Since 2015, she has trained and become a Certified TummyTime! Method Professional, a Reiki Master Practitioner, and a Tethered Oral Tissue (TOT) Trained Professional. As an IBCLC, Austin often saw families struggling with the symptoms caused by tethered oral tissue (TOT): A restriction in the mouth caused by a tongue, lip, or buccal ties. Such restrictions have been responsible for many latching difficulties including pain and low supply. When paired with a frenotomy: tongue tie release, Austin saw firsthand how Craniosacral Therapy (CST) contributed to improvements in latch, comfort at the breast, and changes in the infant’s tongue and jaw movement. Through continuing education in tongue tie release habilitation, it became evidently clear and a natural next step for her to combine her massage therapy and lactation backgrounds and become a Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner. She specializes in pre and post frenotomy (tongue/lip tie release) bodywork for infants using an individualized approach for each client and family. Austin is a mother to four children and is married to an army veteran. The Rees family chose to move to Baltimore, Maryland in 2015 when her husband retired from the military. Immediately, they felt at home and are dedicated to volunteer in local organizations that strengthen the Baltimore community.

More Show Notes: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Primally Pure

Healthy Mama Meal Prep Online Course

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

“Act normal and read the room.”

Hilary Harris and her husband Rich are the hosts of the new podcast “It’s Okay to Laugh.”  They are knocking it out of the park! As special needs parents, they felt called to talk more openly and honestly about their experience as a way to let other special needs parents know they are not alone and gently educate anyone else who is interested in supporting special needs families.

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding disabilities. Being a care giver can be very isolating—Hilary understands this and is showing up in creative ways to shine a light into that space.

I love that you’re here for this conversation—whether you’re a special needs parent who is looking for support or a mom who is looking for ideas on how to help friends who have special needs children or how we can lovingly teach our kids how to interact with special needs families.

Hilary’s perspective, honesty, and humor are refreshing for all parents. She is honest about the realities of her situation and yet still full of hope, dreams, and a belief that there is more.

Hilary’s Bio: Hilary and her husband Rich are parents to three little girls, Jane, Haven, and Millie. They pastor at The Father’s House Church in Northern CA. Together they host their podcast, “It’s Okay to Laugh”. Their lives were changed when their first daughter Jane was born. Jane lives with epilepsy, blindness, immobility and special needs. It is Hilary’s desire to share their story through writing and speaking, to bring hope, healing and laughter to others who have faced disappointment and tragedy. Hilary graduated from Sacramento State with a BA in communication and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Theology. Hilary LOVES eating great food, getting her fitness on, spending time outside with her family, and purging her kid’s toys when they aren’t looking.

For the FULL SHOW NOTES visit: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Please Visit our Sponsors: 

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

MUTU System: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/mutu

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter?

Not a text. Not an email. Not a quick DM.

An actual letter. Written by hand. Just for you.

There is something almost rebellious about that kind of connection now — slow, intentional, non-intrusive… and requiring just enough effort to mean something.

Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined by Amy Daughters — keynote speaker, sports journalist, satirist, and the award-winning author of Dear Dana: That Time I Went Crazy and Wrote All 580 of My Facebook Friends a Handwritten Letter and You Cannot Mess This Up: A True Story That Never Happened.

Amy once wrote 580 handwritten letters to her Facebook friends. Yes — 580. And what she discovered in the process will make you rethink the power of pen and paper.

In this conversation, we talk about the lost art of letter writing, what happens inside us when we take the time to write byhand, and why meaningful, sacrificial connection between two human beings is more powerful than we realize.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected in a hyper-connected world…
If you’ve ever wanted to reach out but didn’t know how…
Or if you’ve forgotten just how impactful a simple letter can be ...this episode will stay with you.

 

Amy’s Bio: Amy Weinland Daughters is a keynote speaker, letter writer, satirist, sports journalist, and the award-winning author of two books: Dear Dana: That time I went crazy and wrote all 580 of my Facebook friends a handwritten letter and You Cannot Mess This Up: A true story that never happened. She is absolutely convinced that when human beings connect individually in a meaningful way that nothing can separatethem.

 

 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website:www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram:@loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

 

 

Amy’s Links:

Website: www.amydaughters.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyweinlanddaughtersauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokinhotamys/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-w-daughters-16352a227/

Bestselling author, speaker, and mom to 5 boys Alli Worthington is here with us today to share about her new book Standing Strong: A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence.

I loved her book. I felt so understood and genuinely empowered in every chapter. It made me really slow down and take time to reflect on things like: What happens when we show up with faith? What happens when we choose not to be held back by crippling self-doubt and adversity? Why are women drawn to these empowerment movements? What does sisterhood in motherhood look like?

Alli’s message is steeped in abundance and faith. She encourages women to show up as who they are not who they’re told they should be. She confronts these messages about playing small with grace and models how to show up to the world with the gifts and talents we were given. On top of all of this, she’s just a gem. Truly.

Alli’s Bio: Alli Worthington is known for her straight-talking encouragement and practical tools that help women reach their dreams in business and life. She’s a business coach and co-founder of Called Creatives, where she coaches writers and speakers.

Author of The Year of Living Happy, Fierce Faith, and Breaking Busy, Alli is a well-known speaker and host of the popular podcast, The Alli Worthington Show.

Her no-nonsense, guilt-free take on business, family, and balance have led to appearances on TODAY and Good Morning America. (I’m so thrilled to have her here on Elevating Motherhood!)

Alli lives with her husband, Mark, and their five sons outside of Nashville with the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve.

In this episode, Alli & I talk about:

· Her story

· Online opportunities for women

· Propel Women

· Taking responsibility for who/what we allow into our lives

· Not letting self doubt hold us back

· Answering God’s call

· The Writing Process: what it’s like to write and publish a book

· Showing up in Faith

· Breaking out of the good girl narrative

· The difference between playing small & humility

· Abundance…morethan enough

· Being called to more…and answering the call

· How we can face adversity & self doubt with strength, purpose, & courage

· Practical steps for us to reframe to abundance

· Partnership mindset

· Ezer

· Women hold the world up

· Women as world changers

· When the enemy holds us down & how we can move forward with confidence in those moments

· The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

· Distraction

· Fear outside of ourselves (and not something is inside)

· Sisterhood in motherhood

· Finding community with other moms

· Why we need “Battle Buddies”

Alli’s Links:

Website: www.alliworthington.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Its.Alli.Worthington/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliworthington/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alli

Please visit today's sponsors: Blossom & Root and Beautiful & Simple.

Elevating Motherhood Links: 

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

“Less stress, more trust.”

I’m so glad you’re here to learn more about yourself—body literacy, knowing and understanding how our body works & why + what your body is trying to tell you is so important. Self-awareness is a crucial to our overall health and wellness.

That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to Dr. Molly Stiens who is here to share her thoughts on body literacy, managing stress, and also insights into the “whys” behind how our body works and how we can work with our bodies just as they are.

We’re going to talk about neuroception, creating a sense of internal safety, ways we can understand our longest nerve, our social engagement system, fight, flight, or freeze instincts, gut feelings and the role our nervous system plays in all of this.

Expand your heart and brain in this episode

Dr. Molly’s Bio: Molly Stiens DC is a mediator in unleashing the healing power of the body, community building enthusiast and encourager of living a radically heart centered life. Dr. Molly holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology & Kinesiology from Pittsburg State University & a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University. Additional certifications include the Webster technique, training with ICPA, in craniosacral work, as a birth Doula & with BIRTHFIT pregnancy & postpartum fitness instruction. Her prayer is that this work will remind all individuals of the inherent power continually working within and around you.

In This Episode Dr. Molly & I Talk About:

· Her journey to becoming a chiropractor and studying what health and wellness can mean outside of “conventional medicine”

· How Beyonce saved her life (listen in for the joke)

· Body literacy

· Teamwork in medical care – partnership with a care provider

· The importance of knowing your body and

· Teaching & life long learning

· Her Health 101 chats

· Community education

· Creating internal safety

· Redefining what it is to be a “teacher” and how we learn

· Vagal nerve – what it is and what it does

· Neuroception

· Fight, flight, or freeze responses

· Nature vs. nurture in relation to the vagal concept

· Parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems

· Cortisol in the air right now & how palpable it is

· Ways you can support your unique neurological responses

· How we influence our children’s reactions

· How we keep each other in check

· The importance of self-awareness

· Generational differences

· The role of art, music, & nature

· Oxytocin mediated responses

· Breathwork

· The role of flexibility

· How the pace of modern life is affecting us

· If the cultural push for productivity is serving us

· Balance & expectations – seeking ease & happiness

· Yucky motherhood narratives and how to step out of them

· The impersonal element of life-long learning

· Letting go of perfection

· Finding connection s—within yourself, your family, your community, with nature

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: www.elevatingmotherhood.com 

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool 

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

I almost called this show: “The Truth About Sex: Libido Differences, Mindset, & Confidence” because there is so much to author Sheila Wray Gregoire’s messages in her new book 31 Days to Great Sex. You’ll hear in this conversation just how understanding and compassionate she is while also encouraging us to take small steps forward toward a better sex life.

The work she is doing is incredible. Sheila really flings open the door when it comes to sex—how we view it, how we talk about it—she brings honest perspective to the table for us to consider. In her newest book she points out that our primary sex organ is…our brain. Mind. Blown. When I read that I couldn’t help but think how freeing that thought was—what a conversation starter for any couple! (or moms group!)

We talk about lots of mom specific things in this episode…exhaustion and how to overcome it, connection, rebuilding trust, and confidence (in the bedroom, within our marriage, and in our own skin).

Sheila’s Bio: Sheila Wray Gregoire is a popular speaker, marriage blogger, and the author of eight books, including The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex. She loves encouraging women in their relationships, both with God and with their husbands, children, and friends. Her passion is for marriage, and she and her husband Keith speak together at marriage outreaches and at FamilyLife Canada marriage conferences. Sheila believes in authenticity, and gives real solutions to the very real and messy problems women, and couples, can face. You can usually find her in Belleville, Ontario, where she’s constantly texting her two young adult daughters and knitting. Preferably simultaneously.

In This Episode Sheila & I Talk About:

· Her two books on sex and how they differ

· The importance of being

· How sex is so much more than a physical act

· How to put the

· Mindset & beliefs we have around sex

· Looking at sex through the female lens

· Differences between men & women

· How we’re not broken if we don’t want to have sex on demand

· The toxic Hollywood views & messages of our culture that portrays sex all wrong

· Libido differences—they are normal and fluctuate

· Orgasm & foreplay

· Transitioning out of an “in control, clean, and organized” mindset

· Vulnerability

· Rebuilding trust

· Exhaustion and sex

· Not making sex a “to do” list item

· Survey results: the best years for sex in a marriage are between years 16 to 24

· Closeness that can come with raising kids together

· Identifying roadblocks to sex

· How porn effects marriages and warps our view of sex

· Confidence in the bedroom

· Dropping the pass/fail mindset when it comes to sex

· The power of flirting!

· Not making sex such a “heavy”

· Becoming brave when we talk about sex

· Finding ways to get to know ourselves, meet our needs, and just open up and talk about sex, be honest about it, and enjoy it

You can connect with all things Sheila at: www.tolovehonorandvacuum.com

Love the podcast? Please let me & your mama friends know! Leave a review on iTunes to let me what’s serving you best. And share, share, share the show on social media, with friends & family, by word of mouth—whatever way you want to bring in your sisters to the conversation as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Are you thinking about hiring a doula but aren’t 100% sure it’s the right choice for you? How does your partner feel about having a doula?  Are they on the fence? Aren’t sure it’s necessary? It’s a big decision. Everything surrounding babies and birth can feel like a big decision. That’s why my husband Chris is with me today to help you on your quest to gather more information, stories, and resources to find out if hiring a doula is right for you. This episode is 2 parents who had 3 babies with 3 doulas sitting down together and casually talking about how our 3 different doulas all helped us before, during, and after the births of our children and why we absolutely recommend bringing a doula into your birth team. This show doesn’t contain medical advice, just parts of our 3 birth stories in the hope it helps you and your husband or partner by shining a light on how our doulas served BOTH of us during the pregnancy, birth, and newborn seasons of parenting. What is a Doula? I’ll start by telling you what they are not: they are not doctors, midwives, or lawyers. What they are: kind, compassionate, steady birth support Our Bio: Chris & Lori Beth have been together for 10 years, married for 7.5, with 3 kids together. We own a family renovation business, homeschool our kids, and live on a small farm on the island of Maui. We’re both BIG fans of doulas. We were able to see in hindsight (and in the moment!) just how pivotal their presence was at each of our births.  This episode is also a shout out to my 3 doulas—Jill, Kristina, and Kiana!—who helped me not only educate myself (soooooo much!) but also supported me during my labors and helped me process my birth stories after. Mamas, this is a good one to share with your birthing partner if they need more information. I think you’ll both appreciate Chris’s directness, examples, and stories. Sometimes it just helps to hear the dad’s perspective from someone else. We both hope it helps. In This Episode, We Talk About: · How our doulas provided physical, emotional, and informational support during my pregnancies, hospital births, and postpartum · How our doulas acted as buffers between the two of us as parents · How our doulas acted as buffers between me and the hospital staff · Evidence based birth says that a 2012 study showed that only 6% of birthing women used doulas (here’s hoping that number has increased over the years!) · The incredible steady support they offered during labor and delivery · How they helped me process my birth story after · Common hang-ups people have about hiring doulas and our personal responses to those · Why we believe doulas are key birth workers & should be more common Online Doula Resources: · www.evidencebasedbith.com · www.pacificbirthcollective.org · www.dona.org Please Visit Today’s Sponsors: Ojai Energetics & MUTU System Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Many families are moving this year out of want and/or need. If this is you and you’re considering selling, buying, renting, or relocating…or if you just want to hear some interesting and wild real estate stories, this episode is for you!

Jessica Baker is here with us today to give some practical tips for buying and selling a home, things to keep in mind for local and long-distance moves, and even Hawaii and Maui specific suggestions and stories. Jessica is a Maui based realtor with Hawaii Life and a personal friend who has been a knowledgeable and kind resource for me and many other families here on the island and is definitely someone I want to share with you.

Moves are stressful and complicated…our hope is that this conversation gives you some insider ideas, peace of mind, inspiration, and encouragement.

Jessica’s Bio (in her own words):

My journey to Maui began at a very early age! Well before I could read I always wanted to look at picture books of tropical fish and marine life. Eventually I would share with anyone who would listen, "When I grow up, I am going to swim with dolphins in Hawaii!" This was a very big dream for a kid in Michigan.

Fast forward to 2006. After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Michigan, I was fortunate enough to take my first (and only) vacation here to Maui with my parents. While we were having dinner that first night at the iconic Pioneer Inn in Lahaina Town, I just knew that the island was calling me. Armed with two suitcases and a bicycle, my next flight back to Maui two months later was as a brand new resident.

Now I have happily lived in Lahaina for fourteen years...(read Jessica's full bio over at www.elevatingmotherhood.com) 

In this episode, Jessica & I talk about:

· Long distance vs. local moves

· How we both came to Maui

· What to look for when looking for a realtor

· Questions to ask your realtor

· Healthy boundaries & clear communication

· Clarifying expectations with your realtor

· When to schedule the moving company

· Things families have done really well to help kids get settled

· The benefits of seeing a house without kids in tow

· The importance of seeing “how the house will live”

· Moving tips: labeling boxes,

· Moving from the mainland to Hawaii

· Long term rental tips

· Prepping your kids for the move

· A bit about how kids process the transition

· Asking for help during a move

· Over-planning and under-planning

· Moving resources (being local and location specific)

· Box #1…and what it should have in it

· If your dream is to move to Maui…what’s it’s really like

· WILD stories about moving and showings!

Jessica's Website: www.jessicabakermaui.com (see the website for all her links & the free download!) 

Love the show? Share it with friends! 

And check out today's sponsors: Primally Pure & Homeschool Explained 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Luke 12:25

2020 has been an emotional roller coaster. This year has been nuts. Add to that the fact that motherhood can feel nuts some times and comes along with so many emotions that you just don’t know about until you’re in the thick of it.

A lot of moms I talk with (myself included!) talk about how these emotions can feel like they get out of control sometimes. And our guest today, Elizabeth Laing Thompson, is here to talk about just that as she shares insights into emotions, motherhood, types of feelers, self-awareness, anxiety, and offer ideas for us from her new book: All the Feels: Why Emotions are (Mostly) Awesome & How to Untangle Them When They’re Not.

Elizabeth’s Bio: Elizabeth Laing Thompson is the author of All the Feels, When God Says, "Wait," and When God Says, "Go." She writes at LizzyLife.com about clinging to Christ through the chaos of daily life. As a speaker and novelist, she loves finding humor in holiness and hope in heartache. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina with her preacher husband and four spunky kids, and they make her feel humbled but happy, exhausted but exhilarated, sometimes stressed but often silly—well, you know . . . all the feels.

As a Big Feeler, I needed this book and this conversation. Elizabeth’s insights really helped me learn more about how people come at conflict, stress, and anxiety in different ways. Her fresh, loving perspective gives us ways we can come to understand ourselves—and our emotions—in a really freeing way.

**************************

In this episode we talk about:

· Being a “preacher’s wife” & how it influenced her book

· Preacher’s kid to preacher’s wife…and all the stereotypes that come along with that

· How ministry families aren’t perfect and are not trying to be perfect

· The three types of feelers: Big Feelers, Steady Feeler, Reluctant Feeler

· Our spiritual self & spiritual health

· Prayer & feelings

· What happens when we stay stuck in our own thoughts and narratives

· The power of reflection…slowing down and taking time to get to know ourselves better

· Ways Elizabeth encourages people to slow down

· How both of us find that slow down time while our kids are asleep

· Journaling our feelings as a way to identify our feelings, upsets, etc.

· Anxiety (is anxiety even an emotion?)

· Sources of anxiety and stress

· Variety within stress and anxiety

· How to equip ourselves to handle stress and anxiety

· Feelings on caffeine

· Taking personal responsibility for our emotions and lives

· Becoming empowered by accepting this personal responsibility

· How we are not stuck with our emotions

· “The Happy House”

· How moms set the emotional barometer of the house…we set the mood

· Having a house where everyone feels comfortable and safe communicating their feelings

· One person’s feelings are not allowed to dominate the house

· Selflessness

· Self Control

· Self Awareness

· “Doing the work” as moms

· Being aware of our gifts and how they are helpful…and how knowing that can help us understand others

· Empowered to grow

Elizabeth’s Links:

Website: http://LizzyLife.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/aLizzyLife

Instagram: @elizabethlaingthompson

Elevating Motherhood Links: 

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors (Blossom & Root)

Instagram: @loribethauldridge

What are periods like for you? Awesome? Awful? A breeze? Maddening? Inconsistent? Non-existent in this season? Whatever your current relationship with your body and period, whatever your age, whatever season you’re in when it comes to your menstrual cycle, this conversation is for you.

Did you know you can work WITH your menstrual cycle, understand more about your hormones, and live in harmony with your body rather than pushing against it? And all with simple tracking techniques and one helpful mindset shift.

Claire Baker is here to share with us about what those do-able changes look like and how they can positively influence our relationship with our bodies and daily schedules. Her work has helped me get more in touch with my own menstrual cycle and energy levels and taught me how to have more grace with myself and be more productive by simply being aware of where I am in my cycle.

Claire shares so much in her new book 50 Things You Need to Know About Periods: Know Your Flow and Live in Sync with Your Cycle that just launched yesterday here in North America!

The Book: You guys. It’s good. It is sooooooo good. It’s visually appealing, packed with information, easy to understand…there’s lists and charts and bullet points and graphs and fun illustrations…you’ll fly through it because it’s just so interesting! And on top of that, it’s inspiring. The whole thing is a call to action—for us to track our cycles, sync our lives, understand our bodies more, and reframe the next generations’ thinking about menstruation. Honestly. I’m excited to pass this book on to my three daughters and have it available to them as a loving, supportive resource.

Claire views periods in terms of seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). And I have to tell you, thinking of it this way, there is so much freedom to be found in not trying to be the summer girl all the time. Claire wants us to adore our cycle, know ourselves better, and find monthly (and daily!) peace with natural hormone changes.

Claire’s Bio: Claire Baker is a teacher…and a sought-after period coach, author and speaker. For nearly a decade Claire has taught thousands of women how to live in harmony with their menstrual cycle, rather than working against it. Claire believes menstrual cycle awareness is the missing key in women’s wellbeing, empowerment and creativity, and her immersive online courses and workshops inspire women to know their flow and become the authority in their own lives. Claire’s online program Adore Your Cycle has students in over 35 countries.

With a background in visual arts and creative business, Claire is a certified health and life coach, has studied Menstruality Leadership and is trained as a natural fertility teacher. Known for her authentic voice and ability to ‘make periods fun’, Claire is regularly featured in publications such as Red, Glamour, and Women’s Health magazine. Originally from Australia, Claire now lives in sunny East London and spends her days coaching, teaching, writing, dancing and being as close to trees as she possibly can. After this conversation you’ll want to take Claire’s free cycle masterclass or say hello to her on Instagram.

(FULL SHOW NOTES OVER AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM) 

Claire’s Links: Website: www.clairebaker.com Courses: (Here’s the free class!) https://www.clairebaker.com/free-class Instagram: @_clairebaker_

Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge

When I first started Elevating Motherhood, I had two episodes that I wanted to share with you…1. Create Something and 2. Study Something. Create Something came to life in episode 10…and now we’re all the way to episode 63. I wouldn’t say I got distracted so much as it didn’t feel like the “right time” to publish it.

But now feels right.

Our whole world feels flipped upside down, we’re being asked to rethink basically everything…including our role as parents, our roles in our house, how we think about education, how we learn, how our kids learn, all of it.

I want to encourage in the middle of all this change to not forget about you and your own education and life-long learning journey. I’ve found so much peace in studying things—and I want that peace for you, too. Do I mean go to college or take “official” classes? Not at all. What I want to encourage you to do is tap into your curiosity and take it one step further.

Why Study Something?

· We life-long learners (

· It’s a way to model life-long learning for our kids

· It acknowledges our curiosity and keeps it alive

· It’s a way to feel happier, smarter, and more connected

· To check something off a list

· As an escape

· A way to learn more about yourself—including what kind of learner you are

· As a chance to slow down

· A chance to turn inward

What to study? The choice is yours. Something that interests you, fills your cup, fills a need you have, or just sparks joy, curiosity, or confidence!

Examples of Topics I’ve Studied Recently: Chickens, orchards, gardening, miniature goats, dahlias, sourdough bread, children's literature, poetry, self-improvement, cleanses, gluten free baking, paleo, Ayurveda, non-toxic lifestyle, plant identification

What I’m Studying Now/What I Plan to Study Soon: Charlotte Mason (her life and her education philosophy), education reform, homeschool laws, watercolor, self-improvement (stays on my list), Weston A. Price (person and foundation), national parks, intuitive eating

When to start: Now...Tomorrow...Soon...Before you’re ready...With someone else

Time:

· “I don’t have time.” I hear this a lot. I have freeing news for you…that’s a fib. It just is. I’ve tried to see it as truth, but I just can’t.  I’ve tried to see where we are putting all 24 hours in a day and well, truth by told, we all have the same 24. Not having enough time (i.e. being too busy) is a cultural myth that is perpetuated and celebrated…it’s the constant excuse that’s alive. Being “too busy” has become a badge of honor that need to go away, one day, one moment, one mama at a time. Time to take our time (and our power!) back.

· You do have time…but what about pragmatics? Get creative: Wake up early. Go to bed late. Do something with your down time other than tv or social media. Take care of you…mind, body, spirit.

· Do it when your kids are around (but they will interrupt…so you be the parent when they do. You don’t have to be harsh, you can just let them know that mommy is studying right now and that’s okay. Learning is important. We’re life-long learners. It’s okay if I read right now. It’s okay if I take time to learn about this. It’s okay if you wait a few moments. It’s okay if you study something you’re interested in while I do, too.

Mindset: (more show notes over at www.elevatingmotherhood.com) 

Love the podcast? Share it with friends & family, on social media, leave a review on iTunes, or simply share it via word of mouth! Help other mamas find resources, confidence, and connection as we elevate modern motherhood together!

Mind, Body, Spirit…I believe that we have a lot of resources for how to care for our minds and bodies as moms, but what about our spirits? I think it’s really important that we as mothers nourish our spiritual side as well as our mind and body. It’s honestly one of the main ways I get closer to feeling “whole” and more like my authentic self, when I work on my mind, body, AND spirit (but especially my spirit).  For some of us, this is done through our religion or church. Some moms don’t have a clearly defined or defined by an institution faith base.

So how do we talk about prayer when there is such a mix? I think it’s in sharing our stories, hearing the stories of others, sharing our hang ups, our doubts, our questions, our needs. I use prayer as a way to tune out the nonsense in our world and tune into my spiritual side. Prayer is my medium of choice. God is who I speak with as a person who identifies as a Christian.

But I’ll be honest, I’ve had doubts on my prayer journey. I’ve felt like I wasn’t saying or thinking the right things while praying, I don’t feel like I’m very good at praying out loud, especially in groups of people, and I’ve taken seasons off from consistent prayer in the past. But I never felt like it was okay to say those things out loud or explore ways to deepen my prayer practice.

That’s why I’m so glad I had the chance to talk with today’s wonderful guest, Chrystal Evans Hurst about her new book The 28 Day Prayer Journey. It’s awesome. It’s thorough and thoughtful. Chrystal shares so much insight and makes prayer do-able. Her book really helps readers establish rhythms and habits to transform their prayer practice.

Whether you have an active prayer practice or not, I appreciate you listening to this episode. I think it’s really powerful to acknowledge and grow the spiritual side of you. And we do that by slowing down, hearing stories, reading books, being still, and listening.

Chrystal shares some great ideas about the how, why, and when of prayer and brings ease to some common doubts surrounding prayer and what it’s like to talk with God.

Chrystal’s Bio: Chrystal Evans Hurst is an energetic, life-loving “girl-next- door” who loves encouraging others to fulfill their potential in Christ. With humor and vulnerability, Chrystal tells it like it is but does so with grace, integrity, and love.

She is the best-selling author of She’s Still There and Kingdom Woman. You can find Chrystal regularly sharing encouragement via her podcasts and blogs, where she poignantly reflects on faith and speaks with frank honesty about the everyday experiences of women.

Chrystal firmly believes God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans that I have for you...” and she desires to help other women believe and apply that truth to their lives. You can find Chrystal sharing chronicles of the journey at www.ChrystalEvansHurst.com.

Follow Chrystal on Facebook + Twitter + Instagram: @ChrystalHurst

FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

Have you ever heard of gameschooling? Strewing? Relaxed homeschooling? If so, you’ll know how magical these elements of home education can be. If not, you’re in for a treat! Jessica Waldock is here with us today to offer us tips and insight on all the things.

Whether the homeschooling an only caught your eye or it was the interest led learning or the word gameschooling, this episode is for you! It’s not just for parents of only children…you’ll see that very quickly.

Jessica is an incredible resource! Her website www.thewaldockway.com is fun, informative, and interesting. Her approach to home education is inspired. But she doesn’t just stop at creating an incredible education for her daughter, but then takes the time to put it all together for us.

Jessica’s Bio: Jessica Waldock is a writer, photographer, and homeschool mom of one living in sunny Florida. She founded The Waldock Way as a way to give back to the homeschool community that she loves so much. At The Waldock Way Jessica shares tips, tricks, inspiration, and unique resources that help ignite a love of learning in children that will last a lifetime. She inspires families to engage in homeschooling as a lifestyle where relationships come first and interested led learning prevails. Jessica also has a fabulous collection of unit studies on her website and shares generously on her YouTube channel.

FULL SHOW NOTES OVER AT: www.elevatingmotherhood.com 

Jessica Waldock links:

Website: www.thewaldockway.com

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/thewaldockway

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thewaldockway

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thewaldockway

Please visit today’s sponsors:

Homeschool Explained: August 31, 2020 is the last day for the summer sale of Homeschool Explained, my online course that helps you feel resourced and confident as you start your homeschool journey. Use the code LORIBETH50 for 50% off your enrollment! That’s my thank you to you for being a listener of Elevating Motherhood!

Beautiful & Simple: My other favorite passion project is my online boutique Beautiful & Simple. I’ve filled it with products that remind us to slow down, practice self care, and focus on the meaningful parts of our day…the beautiful and simple ones. My favorite mug is the one that says “you cannot pour from an empty cup.” It’s my daily reminder to take care of myself so I can take care of my family. Go check out the collection of mugs, shirts & bags currently available at www.beautifulandsimple.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

Bestselling author Jennifer Dukes Lee joins me to talk about her new book How to Love Your Morning and how to create a faith-filled morning routine that actually works for real-life moms. If you long to wake up with hope, purpose, and rhythms rooted in God’s mercies, this conversation will change the way you start your day.

Have you ever noticed how your entire day can beshaped before your feet even hit the floor?

Mornings can feel rushed, chaotic, and chore heavy— especially in a full season of motherhood. But what if the first moments of your day could actually become your anchor instead of your stress point?

Today on Elevating Motherhood, I’m joined for a second time by bestselling author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “morning evangelist,” Jennifer Dukes Lee. Jennifer is the author ofseveral incredible books, including Growing Slow and It's AllUnder Control. Jennifer lives on a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith.

We’re talking about her brand-new book, How to Love Your Morning— and I’ll just tell you right now, it has completelychanged the way I start my day. It is officially my favorite read of 2026 so far.

In this conversation, we explore how to build a life you love one morning at a time — how to wake up with hope instead ofheaviness, how to discover your unique “morning archetype,” and how to create simple, personalized rhythms that actually fit your real life. This book is not a one size fits all type of book. Jennifer studied every single morning mentioned in Scripture — over 200 mentions—and what she found might surpriseyou.

If you’ve ever longed to believe that God’s mercies really are new every morning — but you’re not quite sure how to live that out — this episode is for you.

 

Jennifer’s Bio: Jennifer Dukes Lee is a bestselling author, speaker, and morning evangelist from Iowa. She is the author of several books, including How to Love Your Morning, Growing Slow, and It’s All Under Control. She’s a fan of queso, bright lipstick, and singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. She lives on a fifth-generation family farm, where she and her husband have made a life of growing crops, pigs, two beautiful humans, and an enduring faith.

 

Buy Jennifer’s Book Here: https://amzn.to/4cRjyCJ

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge@elevatingmotherhood

Please Visit Our Sponsors: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/sponsors

 

Jennifer’s Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferDukesLee
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferdukeslee/

“Adventure is the vehicle, connection is our destination.”

Second generation homeschool mom Greta Eskridge wrote a book! Adventuring Together: How to Create Connections and Make Lasting Memories with Your Kids...and it’s not only an awesome resource for homeschool families but ALL families! Adventuring together becomes an art, a simple space of connection & fun, and is totally do-able when viewed through the lovely lens Greta offers us.

This book is for all families (this episode is for all families!), whether you’d consider yourself a  high adventure person, adventure weary, or if a trip to the store with toddlers is probably all the adventure you can handle in this season…this book is for you. Greta shares so much about how to engage with our children, embrace the new, and make our adventures positive learning experiences.

Greta’s Bio:  Greta Eskridge is a nature lover, book reader, and coffee drinker. She craves relationship and loves having adventures. Her faith in God is the lens through which she sees life. Greta is a home schooling mom of 4, a wife of 22 years to Aaron, and an author and speaker.

Greta’s first book, Adventuring Together, releases July 2020 with Thomas Nelson. Greta is passionate about helping parents protect their kids from the devastating effects of pornography and she loves to travel the country sharing her message of joyful, connected parenting.

Greta would love to connect with you on her blog at www.gretaeskridge.com. She also loves hanging out on Instagram and would love to connect with you there too. You’ll find her @maandpamodern

“We were made for hard things…and this will make a good story later.” (my new life philosophy inspired by Greta and other mamas)

In this episode Greta and I talk about:

· The practice and time it takes to get the hang of homeschooling (every drop in the bucket counts)

· What it means to adventure together

· Why connection is so important

· What it’s like to be a second generation homeschooler

· How adventuring can bring joy into motherhood

· The call to connect with our kids and family

· The role of adventure in homeschool and motherhood

· Hope for the teenage years

· Being intentional with our kiddos

· Adventuring with various personality types

· Coping with misadventure

· Unplugging & distractions

· How we can provide learning opportunities for our children

· Adventuring with little kids—the good, the bad, the ugly, & the magical

· Starting adventure clubs and book clubs!

· Adventuring through books

· How Greta offers support for other moms

· And just so, so, so much encouragement!

Greta’s Links:

Instagram: @maandpamodern

Blog: www.gretaeskridge.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Blossom & Root: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com 

“There are hard things in life, but should education be one of them?”

The perspective of a classroom teacher turned homeschool mom is pretty interesting…and very insightful. Monica Erwin is with us today to share more about her experience of moving from classroom teacher to homeschool mom…she shares so much about the mindset shifts she had to make and shows us a path toward a more compassionate approach to education and parenting. I was very moved by her honesty and really humbled by her stories and perspective.

There are stigmas surrounding homeschool in general…and we don’t skirt around them in this conversation. Monica shares how she moved from believing the old stigma that homeschool meant kids stayed home, fell behind, and couldn’t measure up to traditional education school kids to advocating for connection and the power of an individualized education that is a hallmark of homeschool. She walks us through how she was so involved in test scores and assessment and loved the structure and accountability of an institution, but then stumbled upon homeschool because of a family need. She once believed “(her) kids would never perform for me at home like they do for their own teacher”—but not anymore!

Education reform and reframing learning are happening all around us—we are in the middle of what I believe will be a pivotal point in the history of education. This is a long episode, but I followed Monica’s pace on this one and I’m so glad I did. There is a LOT to unpack when it comes to education reform. How fortunate we are to have Monica here to share her insights into this shift and how we can best show up during these big changes.

Monica’s Bio: Monica was an elementary teacher who unexpectedly became a homeschool mom of 3 kids. She lives with her family in San Diego, CA. Her vision is to encourage parents as they navigate the home education of their children by sharing her journey and pointing them to helpful resources. Follow Monica on IG: @sweetwaterhomeschool

In this episode, Monica and I talk about:

* Her school experiences as a child and how they shaped her decisions as a mom and how they led her to pursuing her teaching degree

* How she reframed her “school is tough—toughen up!” mentality to...(tune in!)

* How the switch to homeschool reduced stress levels by slowing down when she needs and picking up when it’s called for

* Getting over societal stigmas that are false (especially as it relates to modern homeschool)

* Taking the time to slow down and get it done.

* Homeschool styles

* Modern homeschool is NOT like it was in the 80s and 90s…how homeschool has transformed

* Upgrading our ideas about education

* AND SO MUCH MORE! Head to www.elevatingmotherhood.com for the FULL SHOW NOTES!

Please Visit Today's Sponsors: 

Homeschool Explained: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool 

Primally Pure: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/elevatingmotherhood

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevating-motherhood/id1479731562

Blog: www.yayamamas.com

When home education doesn’t feel manageable, that’s the time for us to reach out and lean in to experienced homeschoolers who are enthusiastic about helping…and today’s guest Kristi Clover is bringing the enthusiasm! She’s here as our own personal cheerleader today to talk with us about everything from organization, how to pivot when things get sideways, and offer us a dose of fun, joy, & grace.

We laugh SO MUCH in this episode! It’s a good time when these two Enneagram 7s who are also ENFPs get together! (p.s. I know you’re here for the homeschool motivation, but listen for the Princess Bride, Indiana Jones, & Frozen II references if you’re a fan…lol!)

Kristi’s Bio: Kristi Clover is a home organization and #momlife expert. She’s also the author of M.O.M.=Master Organizer of Mayhem and Homeschool Basics, the host of the Simply Joyful Podcast, and is a popular conference speaker. Her passion is to encourage families to find simple ways to bring more joy into their home and life. She loves to share about her adventures in motherhood and home life through a variety of media that you can find at KristiClover.com. Kristi lives in San Diego with her husband, Steve, and their five children. Be sure to connect with Kristi online for an extra dose of encouragement. She’s @KristiClover on most social media networks.

In this episode Kristi & I talk about:

· Fun, Joy, & Grace

· Her unique story of how she started homeschooling

· How she graduated her oldest this year!

· The power of pivoting

· Curriculum temptations

· Her book: M.O.M. Master Organizer of Mayhem

· Becoming more efficient

· Prioritizing what is important

· How lowering our expectations can serve us

· The Clover Crate System

· Organizing your homeschool year

· Not staying stuck

· Simply Joyful Podcast episodes about homeschool: Andrew Pudewa (episode 20)

· Mindset shifts we have to make for homeschool

· Instilling a love of learning in our kids…by setting the example!

· Homeschool room…do we need them?

· Streamlining your homeschool and your day

· 9-12 time blocking for homeschool

· How we find “me time” with full schedules & lives

· How we come back to center when we feel off balance

· How we don’t have all the answers…and that’s okay

· Stamina…how and when to say “yes” and “no”

· Dissecting cow eyes…true story.

· How to find homeschool support local to you

· HSLDA

· Finding homeschool conventions

· How homeschool rights are in jeopardy

· CHEA (Christian Home Educators Association)

· Curriculum suggestions: My Father’s World, Sunlight, IEW, Apologia, Math U See, Teaching Textbooks,

Kristi’s Links:

YouTube: https://YouTube.com/KristiClover

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/KristiClover

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/KristiClover

Podcast: http://SimplyJoyfulPodcast.com

Please visit today's sponsors: Oak Meadow and Homeschool Explained More at www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/loribethauldridge