Motherhood Unstressed

This week I sit down with Bob Gardner, renowned as The Freedom Specialist, Author, Transformation Specialist, Speaker, and Host of the podcast Alive and Free. Bob shares his incredible journey from the depths of addiction, contemplating divorce and suicide, to becoming a beacon of hope for thousands seeking happiness, health, and well-being. Bob introduces us to his body-based approach that forms the foundation for happiness and well-being on autopilot. His book, "Built for Freedom," serves as a guide to unlocking the secrets of real freedom and happiness. In our conversation, we delve into Bob's personal struggle, where after 18 years trapped in addictive patterns, he defied prevailing wisdom to create a permanent solution for his challenges. Discover how Bob's unique body-based techniques have since empowered individuals to leave their struggles behind and embark on a journey to thrive. As a Transformational Specialist, Bob incorporates knowledge gained from his extensive background in martial arts, breathwork, functional psychology, deep tissue release, and various healing modalities. Learn how he has successfully helped people overcome chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, childhood wounds, addictions, and OCD through intensive in-person retreats, transformational coaching, and online resources. Bob's mantra, "Freedom is a skill, not a pill," encapsulates the essence of his teachings. We explore how he guides individuals to train their bodies and minds to achieve freedom autonomously, fostering a life filled with joy and fulfillment. Visit www.thefreedomspecialist.com to discover more about the reliable tools and experiences provided by The Freedom Specialist. This episode promises insights into the transformative power of Bob Gardner's approach and offers a glimpse into the incredible world of lasting freedom and happiness. Tune in and embark on a journey to unleash your own freedom! 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

Today's meditation is a soul-nurturing experience designed to peel away the layers and unveil the authentic you. As you settle into a serene space, let the gentle guidance lead you back to the tender essence of your inner child, where innocence and joy reside. This guided meditation is a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing, leaving you with a heart full of compassion and a spirit that dances with the pure delight of being truly, unapologetically yourself. 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

In this compelling conversation with Alexandra Ford, we delve into her powerful origin story as a survivor of human trafficking. Unveiling the pivotal moment when she recognized the gravity of her situation, Alexandra shared insights on common misconceptions surrounding trafficking and highlights crucial signs to be vigilant about. Our discussion emphasizes the importance of how to foster a safe and supportive community environment, thereby encouraging survivors to come forward and end the cycle of abuse and exploitation. Discover eye-opening perspectives and learn how each of us can contribute to creating a safer community for everyone. Join the conversation for a profound exploration of resilience, awareness, and community empowerment. Connect with Alexandra The Uprising non-profit Instagram  @thelaughingsurvivor 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  

Join us for an insightful conversation with actress, dancer, singer, and now acclaimed author Rachel Montez Minor as we delve into her latest children's book, "See You on the Other Side." In this interview, you'll discover the inspiration behind Rachel's shift from a two-decade career on Broadway and in TV and film to her second act as a writer, artist, mystic, mother, yoga teacher, and meditation practitioner. Rachel will share insights into her multifaceted career, discussing what inspired her to add "author" to her extensive resume. We'll also delve into the creation process of "See You on the Other Side" and how it is already helping young readers heal and navigate various forms of loss, from the death of a loved one to a friend moving away.  Don't miss the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Rachel Montez Minor's journey and the meaningful messages embedded in her latest creation. Whether you're a fan of her performances on Broadway or a parent seeking resources to navigate conversations about loss with your children, this interview promises to be a heartfelt and enriching experience. About the Book Released on September 26, 2023, and suitable for all ages, this heartwarming picture book is a follow-up to Minor's 2021 release, "The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars." Richly illustrated by Mariyah Rahman, the book serves as a beautiful ode to lost loved ones, offering comfort through simple, rhyming text and evocative imagery. Join us as we explore the universal message that no one truly leaves us forever; "Our hearts remain tied. This isn't the end," writes Montez Minor. 📖 Learn more about Rachel Montez Minor and her works at www.rachelmontezminor.com  or on Instagram @rachelmontezminor Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Twitter @lizziecarlile 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, I'm excited to share an episode from the Learn with Dr. Emily podcast, a space where parents and teachers unite to support neurodivergent youth. Host Dr. Emily King is a child psychologist and former school psychologist with expertise in nurturing and educating children and teens diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or giftedness. As both a parent and a lifelong learner, I believe this episode holds valuable insights that you'll find truly enjoyable! --- Growing up, Penn Holderness knew he was different than his friends. He had tics. He was called a spazz. He would cry really easily.  In basketball practice, he would nearly chew through his shirt if he wasn't running around enough.  If he was growing up in the 2020's, he'd be treated for ADHD pretty quickly. But back in the 80's, ADHD information wasn't widespread, and it wasn't until college that he was officially diagnosed. On today's episode, Penn talks about growing up with ADHD, finding his passion for music and performing arts, learning how to accept his limitations and lean into his superpowers, and how he would design a school for ADHD minds. You don't want to miss this vulnerable and hilarious episode.   The Holderness Family YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Podcast --- Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Twitter @lizziecarlile 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

Discover the extraordinary world of Yoga Nidra, a profound yogic practice that combines relaxation and insight. This Insightful Yoga Nidra Meditation invites you to embark on a journey to deep relaxation and inner wisdom. Yoga Nidra, often referred to as 'yogic sleep,' is a state of conscious relaxation that allows you to access your innermost self and harness your innate wisdom. This guided meditation takes you through a soothing body scan, mindful intention setting, and a tranquil visualization, all in just a few minutes. Release tension, gain clarity, and find peace as you explore the depths of your inner world. Embrace this transformative experience, converting stress into serenity with every breath. Your path to renewed balance and insight starts here. Join us and discover the serenity that lies within. Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Twitter @lizziecarlile 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

Discover an extraordinary journey of redemption on this episode of Motherhood Unstressed. New York Times bestselling author Lara Love Hardin shares her gripping transformation from suburban soccer mom to opioid addict, her time behind bars, and her remarkable resurgence as a thriving ghostwriter. Join us for a riveting discussion about her candid memoir, "The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing." Lara's story is a rollercoaster of resilience and humor that you won't want to miss. Tune in now for this incredible tale of hope and recovery. Connect with Lara Love Hardin Web https://www.laralovehardin.com Instagram @laralovehardin Facebook @lara.l.hardin Find out more about Lara's non-proft The Gemma Project Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Twitter @lizziecarlile No one expects the police to knock on a million-dollar, two-story home in a picture-perfect cul-de-sac. But soccer mom Lara Love Hardin has been hiding a shady secret: she is funding her heroin addiction by stealing her neighbors' credit cards. Until it all comes crumbling down. Lara is convicted of thirty-two felonies and becomes inmate S32179. She learns that jail is a class system with a power structure that is somewhere between an adolescent sleepover party and Lord of the Flies. Furniture is made from tampon boxes, and Snickers bars are currency. But Lara quickly discovers that jailhouse politics aren't that different from the PTA meetings she used to attend, and she climbs the social ladder to become the "shot caller" and earns the nickname “Mama Love.” When she’s released, harnessing lessons learned from women she was incarcerated with, she reinvents herself as a ghostwriter and successful agent. Now legally co-opting other people’s identities through her writing, she goes on to meet Oprah, meditate with The Dalia Lama, and have dinner with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. But the shadow of her past follows her. Shame is a poison worse than heroin—there is no way to detox. Lara must learn how to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, and prove that she is more good than bad. The Many Lives of Mama Love is a heartbreaking, tender, and ultimately inspiring journey from shame to redemption, despite a system that makes it almost impossible for us to move beyond the worst thing we have ever done.   Praise for The Many Lives of Mama Love   “A suburban mom weathers addiction, jail, and parole in this roller-coaster debut memoir…Hardin mixes despair and comedy in her evocative prose: “I carefully pick through the bottom-of-purse debris until I find some small brown chips.... I don’t know if I’m smoking heroin or food crumbs or lint, but I feel the anxiety slowly leave my chest.” This redemption story feels well earned.”—Publishers Weekly   “In addition to revealing the struggles of female felons in a misogynist justice system, the author celebrates her own determination to accept herself and begin again. A courageous and inspiring memoir.”—Kirkus   “A hilarious and heartbreaking confession that will not let you go until it is done—and then it will haunt you. It will give you hope in what is possible for each of us if we allow others—and ourselves—to move beyond our shame, find redemption, and write a new, more inspiring story of our lives.”—Lori Gottlieb, author of the New York Times bestseller, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone   “Lara Love Hardin writes with the same humor and bravery that helped her navigate incarceration, sobriety and a daunting return to the community to regain her place in her children's lives. This beautifully told story flies in the face of assumptions about substance use disorder and incarcerated women and shows how community and connection help people rebuild themselves for the better.”—Piper Kerman, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller, Orange is the New Black   “A compelling and timely rebuttal to the perverse and unjust notion that people who are convicted of crimes can only be criminals. This critically important idea is essential for a nation that has been so derailed by destructive “law and order” narratives that have left us both less just and less safe.”—Bryan Stevenson, author of the New York Times bestseller Just Mercy   “The Many Lives of Mama Love is a masterclass in perseverance. This brilliant memoir is a reminder and inspiration that sometimes the only way out of suffering is to go straight through it. This book will leave you inspired and empowered to reveal your own most authentic self.”—Rich Roll, bestselling author of Finding Ultra and host of The Rich Roll Podcast   “Laced with penetrating wit, written with unsparing honesty and manifesting irrepressible resilience, The Many Lives of Mama Love is a book to intrigue, enchant, instruct, entertain and inspire readers of all ages and backgrounds. It speaks to our common human experience of suffering and the healing that can follow.” —Gabor Maté M.D., author of the New York Times bestseller, The Myth of Normal   “Start this thrilling, heartrending, funny book, and you won’t stop. I couldn’t. From page one, I was swept into Hardin's remarkable, un-put-down-able, artfully told story of suffering and redemption. This book can help anyone who’s struggled and felt hopelessness (and who hasn’t?). shows that not only can we survive the bleakest times, but we can thrive in them and because of them.”—David Sheff, author of #1 New York Times bestseller, Beautiful Boy   “Hardin reveals who we truly are deep inside: infinite souls of limitless possibility. We are far more than the sum of what we have done and not done, what we have and do not have. In her profound, moving memoir, Hardin is honest, courageous, and challenges us to exceed the limiting definition we impose on ourselves and one another. We all can be redeemed.”—Dr. Lisa Miller, psychologist and author of the New York Times bestseller, The Spiritual Child “This book will make you laugh, cry, and realize that everyone deserves a chance and, sometimes more than one. A powerful, poignant memoir filled with grace, enlightenment and love.”—Dr. James Doty, author of the New York Times bestseller, Into The Magic Shop AUTHOR BIO: LARA LOVE HARDIN is a literary agent, author, prison reform advocate, and president of True Literary. Prior to founding True Literary, she was the co-Ceo of Idea Architects. She has an MFA in creative writing and is a four-time New York Times bestselling collaborative writer, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Designing Your Life, and 2018 Oprah Book Club pick, The Sun Does Shine, which she coauthored with Anthony Ray Hinton about his 30 years as an innocent man on Alabama’s death row. In 2019, she won a Christopher Award for her work “affirming the highest values of the human spirit,” nominated for an NAACP Image Award, and short-listed for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. Love Hardin lives in La Selva Beach, California, with her husband, Sam. She has four children, two stepchildren, five dogs, three cats, twenty-one chickens, and four ducks. For more information, visit her website at laralovehardin.com.

Brooke Romney, bestselling author of the "52 Modern Manners" books shares her wisdom on how parents and students can prepare for the upcoming school year by brushing up on essential social skills. Whether your child is stepping into middle school or embarking on their senior year of high school, Brooke's insights will empower parents to cultivate meaningful relationships with their children while imparting the critical social etiquette required to excel in both school and life. Don't miss this valuable discussion on fostering success through manners and respect. Connect with Brooke Website: https://brookeromney.com Get the Books - Amazon  Instagram @brookeromneywrites Twitter @brookeoromney Facebook @brookeromneywrites Connect with Liz Website: https://www.motherhoodunstressed.com Instagram @motherhoodunstressed Twitter @lizziecarlile

Barbara Jenkins, celebrated co-author of the New York Times bestseller "The Walk West," is unveiling her eagerly awaited book, "So Long As It's Wild." In this exclusive interview, we delve into the compelling narrative behind her extraordinary journey. Barbara's cross-country odyssey not only thrust her into the national media spotlight but also offers a poignant glimpse into her early life growing up in the challenging Ozarks. It's a story of resilience, echoing the rugged terrain she traversed. Barbara's story doesn't stop at physical challenges; it takes a transformative turn. It's a tale of self-discovery, empowerment, and unwavering resilience—a testament to the indomitable human spirit. "So Long As It's Wild" is an inspirational journey that resonates with those seeking to tap into their inner fortitude. Join us for this captivating conversation, an opportunity to uncover the beauty of human resilience and the untamed spirit that resides within us all. Barbara Jenkins' narrative is more than just a book; it's an exploration of the human experience. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in a story that may kindle your own journey of self-discovery and resilience. Connect with Barbara: Website: https://www.barbarajojenkins.com  Get the book Instagram @barbarajenkinswriter Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed X @lizziecarlile hello@motherhoodunstressed.com

Acclaimed author and parenting expert Michelle Icard is out with a new book, "EIGHT SETBACKS THAT CAN MAKE A CHILD A SUCCESS," and is poised to revolutionize the way caregivers approach challenging situations with their children. As bestselling author Kelly Corrigan aptly puts it, Michelle Icard is a beacon of wisdom in the turbulent sea of parenting advice. Drawing upon decades of experience working with tweens, teenagers, and families, Michelle shares her invaluable insights into helping children navigate eight categories of tense situations. From academic stumbles to social media blunders and rebellious choices, Michelle's three-step approach—Contain, Resolve, and Evolve—provides a practical and refreshing perspective on turning setbacks into stepping stones toward success. Discover how to transform mistakes into opportunities for growth and strengthen the parent-child relationship in the process. "Eight Setbacks That Can Make A Child A Success" is your playbook for ensuring that your child's missteps don't define their childhood but rather propel them towards a brighter future. Tune in to this enlightening interview and empower yourself with the guidance you need to be a confident and supportive parent. Connect with Michelle Web: https://michelleicard.com  Facebook @middleschoolrelief Instagram @michelleicard Twitter @michelleicard Get the Book  Connect with Liz Instagram @motherhoodunstressed X @lizziecarlile hello@motherhoodunstressed.com