Motherhood Unstressed

Stephen Johnston is a father, radiologist, nonprofit founder, and Ironman athlete, who faced his son Luke's life-altering diagnosis with resilience and determination. At just seven years old, Luke was diagnosed with a rare disease: retinitis pigmentosa and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS). With no medical intervention available for BBS-related retinitis pigmentosa, Luke faced the prospect of slowly losing his vision, eventually leading to blindness in his teenage years. Undeterred by the daunting prognosis, Stephen embarked on a mission to save his son's sight. Connecting with a UK-based researcher on the cusp of human clinical trials for a potential treatment, Stephen founded A Race Against Blindness to raise $1 million for sight-saving research. Through his relentless efforts, Stephen has raised over six figures, garnering attention from major media outlets like GoodMorningAmerica.com and various TV news stations. His story is not just about fundraising; it's about finding purpose in adversity and redefining resilience as a parent. In this episode, Stephen shares invaluable insights on parenting through tough situations, setting a strong example for your children, and navigating co-parenting post-divorce, especially when faced with unexpected challenges like a serious medical condition. In this episode we discuss: Finding Your Purpose Amidst Adversity and Channeling Change: Stephen discusses discovering his passion amidst his son's diagnosis and the complex emotions that accompany finding purpose in difficult situations. Making a Safe Space for Your Children Through Effective Co-Parenting Post-Divorce: Stephen offers practical tips on co-parenting through adversity, drawing from his experience of re-evaluating priorities and fostering family unity post-diagnosis. Setting a Strong Example: Modeling a Balance of Strength and Vulnerability for Your Children: Stephen shares how he redefined resilience and vulnerability to become a better parent, inspiring listeners to shift their mindset and embrace challenges. Parenting a Child Through Tough News: Stephen reflects on communicating difficult diagnoses to children, offering coping strategies and parenting tools to support children through challenging times. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Stephen's journey and learn how to navigate parenthood with resilience and grace. Connect with Stephen Web: https://araceagainstblindness.org Instagram: dad.vs.blindness and a.race.against.blindness Youtube: A.Race.Against.Blindness Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com   

My guest today is none other than Lauren Fleshman, a former elite distance runner turned dedicated coach and author. Lauren's latest book, "Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man’s World," has been making waves since its release in paperback, shedding light on the unique struggles faced by female athletes and advocating for change in how we support and train them. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Lauren's journey as a runner, her experiences as a major figure in women's running for Nike, and her insights on female physiology and disordered eating and her inspiring vision for a more inclusive and empowering future in sports. So, whether you're a parent, a coach, or simply passionate about creating a better world for young female athletes, Lauren's perspective is as insightful as it is inspiring.  Connect with Lauren Web: https://www.laurenfleshman.com  Instagram: LaurenFleshman Get the Book: Good For a Gir: A Woman Running in a Man's World  Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com  Resources Mentioned: NEDA - https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org Stanford Female Athlete Science and Translation Research Program IG @stanfordfastr   Web: https://fastr.stanford.edu Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) "Take Back the Game" by Linda Flanagan About the Book “Good for a Girl is simultaneously a moving memoir and a call to action in how we think about—and train—girls and women in elite sports. It’s a must-read—for anyone who loves running, for anyone who has a daughter, and for anyone who cares about creating a better future for young women.”  —Emily Oster, author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, and The Family Firm

Join me as I sit down with the legendary Lyn Slater, better known as the Accidental Icon. With over 750 thousand followers on Instagram and accolades from top brands and media outlets, Lyn's journey from social work professor to fashion influencer extraordinaire is nothing short of inspiring. In our conversation, we delve into Lyn's new memoir, "HOW TO BE OLD: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon." We explore her transformative decade, where she defied expectations, battled ageism and influencer culture, and ultimately chose to walk away from it all at the peak of her career. Part personal style memoir, part social commentary, and part creative manifesto, "HOW TO BE OLD" offers invaluable insights into reinvention and embracing change and challenges conventional standards of aging, advocating instead for inclusivity and empowerment. Tune in to discover how Lyn Slater's rebellious journey will inspire you to redefine what's possible in your own life.  Connect with Lyn  Web: www.accidentalicon.com   Instagram: @iconaccidental  Get the Book: How to Be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com  About the Book HOW TO BE OLD shows readers that while you can’t control everything, what you can control is the way you think about your age and the creative ways you respond to the changes in your mind and body as they happen.  Rather than trying to meet standards of youth and beauty as a measure of successful aging, Slater promotes a more inclusive and empowering standard to judge our older selves by. A true icon and trendsetter in more ways than one, Slater will inspire readers to reimagine what’s possible with the tales of her bold, fashionable, and rebellious journey in HOW TO BE OLD.

In this episode, join me as I sit down with Kelly Armatage, a globally recognised Therapist and expert in the field of psychological trauma and behavioural transformation. Through her personal odyssey, Kelly has evolved into a beacon of healing, offering profound insights into navigating life's challenges. At the heart of our conversation lies Kelly's groundbreaking A.S.K. Technique—a fusion of somatic and cognitive tools meticulously crafted to dismantle limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We delve into the intricate dynamics of 'mother and father wounds,' dissecting their profound impacts on our behaviors and relationships. This isn't your run-of-the-mill self-help spiel. It's a candid, no-nonsense discussion rooted in real experiences and tangible solutions. Tune in for an illuminating journey towards personal growth and healing. Connect with Kelly Web: https://kellyarmatage.com Instagram @kellyarmatage Facebook @kellyarmatage TikTok @kellyarmatagetherapist Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com  Episode Summary Kelly's Journey to Therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Helping Others     Kelly, a trained counsellor, coach, and cognitive behavioral therapist, shared her journey of overcoming trauma and pursuing a career in therapy. She revealed that her own struggles with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and toxic relationships led her to study the mind and human behavior. She also shared that she created an accredited therapy technique called A.S.K., which she trains other therapists on. Liz asked about Kelly's motivations and experiences during her studies. Kelly explained that she had a keen interest in understanding patterns and behaviors, leading her to read over a thousand self-help books and work with top therapists, healers, and coaches. She found satisfaction in helping others and had a natural empathy for people's struggles.           Healing, Self-Love, and Personal Growth Discussion     Liz and Kelly discussed the journey of healing, self-love, and personal growth. Kelly emphasized that this journey is lifelong and requires a cleansing of the mind, heart, spirit, and soul. She also touched on the various reasons people seek therapy, including addiction, codependency, toxic relationships, and patterns in relationships or careers. Kelly shared that she has helped people with a wide range of issues due to their content being widely shared.            Parental Wounds: Impacts and Healing     The discussion focused on the concept of 'mother and father wounds', describing them as the emotional impacts experienced in childhood due to lack of nurturing or harsh treatment from parents. Kelly explained that these wounds, which can vary in severity and may also involve modelling negative behaviors from parents, can shape an individual's later life experiences and relationships. Liz expressed concern about the difficulty of addressing such subconscious issues, and Kelly offered that awareness and self-reflection could be beneficial first steps.           Healing Mother and Father Wounds: Transformative Change     Kelly explained that 'mother and father wounds', which are unresolved emotional issues from childhood. Kelly highlighted how these wounds often manifest in one's current relationships, causing patterns of codependency or constant attempts to fix others. Liz expressed amazement at the magnitude of this work, and acknowledged its potential for transformative change. Kelly shared stories of clients whose lives improved after addressing these issues, and emphasized that it's often not until one reaches a point of pain that they are motivated to make changes.           Transforming Trauma: A Path to Personal Growth     The discussion revolved around the role of pain and suffering in individuals' lives. Kelly asserted that trauma and pain can lead to positive changes and personal growth, referencing Nelson Mandela's transformation while in prison. She emphasized that the key is to embrace suffering and take accountability, not resist it. Liz agreed, acknowledging the difficulty of this task but highlighting the resulting benefits.            Trauma and Accountability Discussion     Liz and Kelly discussed the challenges faced by individuals seeking to address past traumas, particularly when those around them are reluctant to acknowledge or take accountability. They specifically addressed the issue of parents who may have inflicted harm, but are resistant to taking responsibility. Kelly emphasized the importance of individuals taking accountability for their own healing process, which may involve seeking help from a therapist or healer.           Setting Boundaries in Relationships Kelly and Liz discussed the significance of setting boundaries, especially in relationships with parents. Kelly emphasized that boundaries are about respecting oneself and treating others with love, support, and respect. She suggested that expressing boundaries in a calm, assertive, and respectful manner can transform relationships. Liz admitted that setting boundaries can be scary, but Kelly reassured her that boundaries are about respect and vulnerability, not aggression or conflict. Liz discussed the goal of the show, which is to empower listeners to make small changes in their life for a better future. They touched upon a listener who wants to model healthy mental programming for her children, and Kelly suggested she embark on a self-love journey and focus on her happiness, confidence, and self-esteem.      

Are you tired of feeling fatigued, struggling with hormonal imbalances, and searching for holistic solutions to reclaim your vitality? In this episode Katy Whalen, founder of Joi, shares her personal journey through infertility, miscarriages, and IVF, highlighting the struggles with hormonal imbalance, fatigue, and weight gain that many women face. She discusses how her search for holistic solutions led her to discover hormone optimization and peptide therapies, which ultimately transformed her life. Through candid discussion, Katy explains the mission behind Joi: providing accessible options for women to manage their health holistically and feel like themselves again. It's not just about looking better—it's about feeling better from the inside out. Connect with Katy https://choosejoi.co Instagram @joiwomenswellness Facebook @JOIwomenswellness TikTok @joiwomenswellness YouTube JOI Women's Wellness Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Youtube Motherhood Unstressed https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com 

For many kids, school generates stress and challenges beyond studying for tests and doing homework, especially for those with conditions like ADHD or sensory processing disorders. In this episode, join us as we delve into the world of "twice-exceptional" kids—intellectually gifted individuals with simultaneous learning differences. My guest, Julie F. Skolnick, MA, JD, is not just an expert but a parent to three twice-exceptional children. Through her service, With Understanding Comes Calm, she has supported and guided thousands facing similar journeys. Julie's new book, "GIFTED AND DISTRACTIBLE," unveils the unique challenges these remarkable kids face and provides strength-based, hands-on strategies for their success. In this episode we explore her Cycle for Success framework, demystifying the 'why' behind challenging behaviors while emphasizing interventions that support the whole child. Julie shares insights on morning and bedtime power struggles, homework stress, understanding 'bad' behavior, identifying triggers, and becoming an advocate for your child with their teachers. Discover how to work with, not against, your child, create effective routines, and navigate the educational landscape with confidence. 🎧 This episode will equip you with the tools to understand and support twice-exceptional kids, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.  Connect with Julie All socials @julieskolnick or @letstalke2 Web: https://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com  Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Your feedback means the world to me. If this episode has been helpful to you, please take a moment to leave a review. With heartfelt appreciation, Liz

This guided meditative journey is an oasis for your spirit, a sanctuary where anxiety dissipates and the weight of the world lifts from your shoulders. Invite healing energies to flow through you, revitalizing your entire being. Bask in the warmth of self-love and acceptance, as the meditation encourages you to embrace the present moment with open arms. Whether you seek solace from the demands of a hectic day or a sanctuary for deeper healing, this guided meditation is a compass guiding you to the shores of tranquility. Rediscover the harmony within, as you emerge from this transformative experience rejuvenated, balanced, and ready to embrace life's challenges with newfound resilience. Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Your feedback means the world to me. If this episode has been helpful to you, please take a moment to leave a review. With heartfelt appreciation, Liz

This week my guest is Michael O'Brien, renowned meditation teacher and creator of the transformative Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Relaxation app. Join us as we explore Michael's incredible journey from surviving a life-altering accident to thriving through the power of meditation. Discover practical insights tailored for busy mothers, unraveling the myth that meditation requires ample time. Michael shares invaluable wisdom on turning small ripples into big waves, offering a lifeline for overwhelmed mothers seeking balance. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how mindfulness can be seamlessly woven into your daily routine, bringing peace, resilience, and transformative joy to your life. Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to empower mothers worldwide on their journey to holistic well-being. Connect with Michael Web: https://www.michaelobrienshift.com App: https://www.pausebreathereflect.com IG, Facebook, YouTube @PauseBreatheReflect Tiktok @pbrwithmichael Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Your feedback means the world to me. If this episode has been helpful to you, please take a moment to leave a review. With heartfelt appreciation, Liz Podcast Episode Summary Mindfulness Transforms Michael's Life Michael experienced a life-changing event that led him to a mindfulness practice. He initially viewed mindfulness as a hippie dippy practice, but after a health scare and a full recovery, he learned about the benefits of mindfulness from his mentor. Michael's mentor taught him that everything is neutral until labeled by the individual, a concept that helped Michael reclaim his life and identity after their health scare. Michael's Mindfulness Journey Michael shared his personal journey of discovering mindfulness, particularly through his experiences following a serious accident. He rejected the binary concept of labeling a day as good or bad and emphasized the importance of moments. He explained that he began practicing box breathing, a technique he learned from the Navy Seals, to manage overwhelming feelings and stress, particularly while in the hospital. He also expressed his desire to return home, where he found comfort and familiarity. Michael's Mindfulness Journey and Sharing Michael shared his personal journey with mindfulness, starting from his early practice in 2001 to his decision to share his experiences during the pandemic. He explained how his mindfulness practice helped him manage stress and alter his relationships with others and himself. Initially, he kept his practice private while in the corporate world, but as he transitioned into full-time mindfulness practice in 2014, he began to share it more openly, including in blog posts. His goal was to help others through mindfulness during challenging times, such as the pandemic. Mindfulness and Reflection in Challenging Times Michael and Liz discussed the need for mindfulness and reflection during challenging times, such as the Covid pandemic. Michael shared his concept of the "ultimate barista" (MUG - Mother Earth, Universe or God) as a metaphor for being more mindful in daily life, and suggested short, frequent mindfulness practices as a practical way to incorporate mindfulness into busy schedules. He also mentioned leading public meditations based on this approach. Mindfulness Practices and Personal Journey Michael shared his personal journey of using mindfulness practices, especially through challenging times such as a bike accident and the pandemic. He expressed his commitment to helping others access mindfulness in a secular and relatable way, especially those who may not have time for traditional practices. Liz agreed, noting that Michael's experiences seemed to prepare him for sharing his insights with others. Michael also mentioned his intention to offer various mindfulness practices, such as silent retreats online, to help people build a practice over time. He stressed the importance of taking small, consistent steps towards mindfulness, rather than seeking quick fixes. Mindful Ripples: Small Actions, Big Impact Michael shared his personal experience of being mindful and the concept of making small ripples leading to big waves. He emphasized that we are all energy and have the power to choose the kind of energy we bring into the world. Liz asked for an explanation and Michael explained how small actions can have a ripple effect and how we need to be mindful of the kind of ripple we put into the world. The conversation suggested the importance of being thoughtful about the impact of our actions. Meditation and Mindfulness for Open Conversations Michael discussed the benefits of practicing meditation and mindfulness, emphasizing its ability to improve focus and expand awareness. He highlighted the practice of open awareness, which involves noticing sensations in the body and the soundscape, and considering other perspectives. Michael suggested that mindfulness could help overcome divisiveness by promoting open conversations and the consideration of different viewpoints. Liz expressed agreement with Michael's points. Surfing Life's Waves: Mindfulness and Balance Michael shared his analogy of life being like surfing on waves, emphasizing the need for equanimity to maintain balance and make micro adjustments. He clarified that mindfulness is not just about relaxation, but about finding a sweet spot between hyperarousal and hypoarousal to better navigate life's challenges. Liz agreed with Michael's comparison, noting that being present in the moment is empowering. Mindfulness Practice and Emotional Regulation Michael and Liz discussed the challenges and benefits of practicing mindfulness. Michael emphasized that while mindfulness may be simple to understand, it's difficult to implement, but gets easier with practice. He highlighted the importance of recognizing distractions and returning one's attention back to the present moment. Michael also shared his approach to help people prevent negative emotions from escalating throughout the day. He stressed that while bad moments will happen, it's crucial to bring oneself back to the present and avoid fueling the situation. Finally, Michael encouraged listeners to start practicing mindfulness, even for a minute, and to view their bodies as their 'home' where they can always return to and reconnect with themselves. App Launch and Website Information Michael shared information about the Pause, Breathe, Reflect app, including where it can be downloaded, the affordable price, and the potential for people to join for as little as a dollar. He also mentioned the availability of further information about himself on his website, https://www.pausebreathereflect.com. Liz expressed her appreciation for the work Michael has been doing and the release of the app.

Recent data from the nonpartisan health advocacy group March of Dimes reveals a concerning trend—a 4 percent decline in hospitals with labor and delivery services between 2019 and 2020. This decline, coupled with insufficient support, leaves many new mothers feeling isolated and struggling with mental health symptoms. Renowned sober mom advocate, writer, and certified recovery coach Celeste Yvonne experienced this insufficient support personally, recounting the dismissive response she received from her OB when voicing concerns about postpartum depression. Faced with limited options—enroll in a psych ward or let it work itself out—Celeste found herself without the support she desperately needed during a vulnerable time. In this episode Celeste sheds light on the pervasive Mommy Wine Culture, discussing how it distracts society from addressing the real issue—providing proper support for mothers in need. She explores the dangerous normalization of using alcohol as a coping mechanism for the challenges of motherhood. From Struggle to Sobriety: Discover Celeste Yvonne's powerful journey from postpartum depression to sobriety. She unveils the reasons behind keeping her sobriety a secret for a year and the challenges she faced during this transformative period. Seeking Support: Celeste discusses the importance of reevaluating how we support mothers at work and at home, sharing insights on creating a community that understands the struggles of sobriety and provides tools and resources for those looking to quit drinking. Sober Mom Squad: Learn about the online community Celeste co-hosts, the Sober Mom Squad. Uncover the valuable resources and tools it offers for mothers navigating sobriety and seeking a supportive community. Celeste Yvonne's story is not just one of overcoming personal challenges but also a call to action for a fundamental shift in how we approach maternal healthcare and support. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges societal norms and advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach to motherhood. CELESTE YVONNE Sober mom advocate Celeste Yvonne is a writer and certified recovery coach (IAPRC) with over 20 years of experience as a communications professional in corporate America. Her essays on parenting, the mental load of motherhood, mommy wine culture, and sobriety resonates with mothers everywhere and has been featured in the Washington Post, Good Morning America, Today Show, and Refinery 29, among others. She is also a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller So God Made a Mother. Over five years sober and a founding host of the Sober Mom Squad, Celeste advocates for mothers who struggle with addiction and mental health. She is a recipient of the Windfelt Inspire Award by the Dry Society Social Club, as well as 2x winner of Red Tricycle's Spoke Challenge for best writing. She lives in Reno, Nevada, with her husband and two children.  Connect with Celeste Yvonne:  Official site: www.celesteyvonne.com Facebook: @theultimatemomchallenge Instagram: @theultimatemomchallenge

This week Dr. Gavin Francis joins us to discuss his latest book "Recovery," where he unveils the hidden gems of healing, challenging the notion that recovery is a mere obstacle on the road to health. Discover why recovery is an active and empowering process, not just a passive aftermath of treatment. Our conversation explores the secrets of recovering from any illness, and educates on how to embrace the rhythms of recovery, invest your time and energy, and witness how this act has the power to reshape your life. Join us for a lively discussion on the tools and wisdom found in "RECOVERY" – your guide to navigating the landscape of illness and emerging whole on the other side.  About Dr. Gavin Francis Gavin Francis is a general physician with more than 30 years of training and practice in medicine. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and a Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. He is also an award-winning writer and a contributor to the Guardian, Times, New York Review of Books, Granta, and the London Review of Books. He’s authored eight books, including Empire Antarctica, Adventures in Human Being, and Shapeshifters: On Medicine & Human Change, which was a book of the year in the Sunday Times. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.  https://www.gavinfrancis.com Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Your feedback means the world to me. If this episode has been helpful to you, please take a moment to leave a review. With heartfelt appreciation, Liz About the Book When it comes to illness, sometimes the end is just the beginning. Recovery and convalescence are words that exist at the periphery of our lives – until we are forced to contend with what they really mean. Here, GP and writer Gavin Francis explores how – and why – we get better, revealing the many shapes recovery takes, its shifting history and the frequent failure of our modern lives to make adequate space for it. Characterised by Francis’s beautiful prose and his view of medicine as ‘the alliance of science and kindness’, Recovery is a book about a journey that most of us never intend to make. Along the way, he unfolds a story of hope, transformation, and the everyday miracle of healing.