Good Things from Lemonada

It can be uncomfortable to think about death, but the end of life is a transition we should all learn how to embrace. So, this week we’re revisiting our conversation with Alua Arthur to talk about her work as a death doula, and all the ways it has taught her to live. This episode’s practice is about walking away from unfulfilling work, pursuing joy, and asking yourself: What must I do to be at peace with myself so that I may live presently and die gracefully?    Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Resources from the show Want to learn more about Alua’s work as a death doula? Check out Going with Grace for more information.  Check out Alua’s guided meditation series here Sign up for Mortal, a nine week course designed to help you learn more about your relationship with death and mortality.    Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonnadamedia.com    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no way to have gotten through the last few years without some anxiety. But comedian and mental health advocate Kelsey Darragh has been experiencing anxiety-induced panic attacks for as long as she can remember. In the years since, she’s tried it all – therapy, medication, treating the physical symptoms caused by her anxiety – she shares her hard-won knowledge of what works to help her manage her anxiety, panic disorder, and depression. This episode is about slowing down, being realistic about what you can and can’t control, and how to create routines for yourself that bring a sense of calm and independence to your life.    Resources from the show Listen to Kelsey’s podcast “Confidently Insecure”  Check out Kelsey’s workbook “Don't F*cking Panic: The Shit They Don’t Tell You in Therapy About Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks, & Depression”  Watch Kelsey’s viral video about taking anxiety medication here   Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’re not weird. Making friends as an adult is just hard. But sometimes all it takes is opening up a little bit. Author Kelle Hampton knew when she wrote her memoir  “Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected” that she was putting herself out there and revealing the most vulnerable part of her life. When the book came out, she realized her story resonated with more people than she expected. Our shared struggles bring us together both as a community, and one-on-one in our personal relationships. This episode's practice is about sharing your story, forming new friendships, and keeping the ones you already have strong.     Resources from the show Read Kelle’s memoir “Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected” Read “Friend-ish: Reclaiming Real Friendship in a Culture of Confusion” by Kelly Needham Read “We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships” by Kat Vellos    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are you supposed to go on after suffering an unimaginable tragedy? Shortly after comedian Michael Cruz Kayne welcomed his identical twin boys into the world, his son Fisher suddenly passed away at only 34 days old. Michael and his wife were left trying to grieve their son while raising a newborn at the same time. This week, we talk about what helps in the face of loss and how to tell people that you’re not ready to stop talking about your grief. Michael and Claire answer your questions on child loss, from how to cope with anxiety, to how to let go of what you dreamt for your child.      Resources from the show Listen to Michael’s podcast “A Good Cry” Read Claire’s book, “Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief” Read “The 6th Stage of Grief: Making Meaning” by David Kessler  Read “It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand” by Megan Devine  Read “Grief Is Love: Living with Loss” by Marisa Renee Lee  Read “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic violence is pervasive and thrives in silence. But how do I know if my relationship has crossed a line? How do I identify abuse? And what exactly should I do if my partner becomes violent? Today, clinical psychologist Dr. Heidi Kar digs into what motivates violent behavior in the first place and how cycles of violence can actually be prevented. Most importantly, she provides insight on how to navigate a violent situation at home and what options are available when it’s time to leave.    Resources from the show Are you in a relationship and feel unsafe? Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 and check out The National Coalition for Domestic Violence for resources and support.  More information on how to identify abuse here Check out Education Development Center for data and toolkits on domestic violence around the world.    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.  Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us never think to question our own gender identity... but should we? And what happens when someone close to us begins that kind of exploration? In this very personal episode, Claire sits down with her eldest child Vera, and trans activist Tuck Woodstock to talk about the world of gender identity. It's been over a year since Vera started to identify as non-binary. While this has been an exciting new journey for Vera, it’s been a learning opportunity for Claire, as she struggles to remember to use Vera’s correct pronouns. Lines are crossed, mistakes are made, and lessons are learned in this vulnerable conversation. This episode’s practice is about exploring your own gender identity and how to support others as they do the same.   Resources from the show Listen to Tuck’s podcast Gender Reveal. Check out GLAD for LGBTQ public policy information and education.  Watch the Netflix documentary Disclosure about how queer and trans folks are depicted in film and television.  Tuck suggested the following resources because they live in Portland, OR:  SMYRC - a resouce center for sexual & gender minority youth in Portland, OR.  Outside In - an organization based in Portland, OR that supports homeless youth. They also provide medical and mental health services.    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the pandemic, the line between work life and home life got blurry. But that was already true for many people well before COVID-19 arrived. Tamara Taggart worked in TV and Radio for 28 years and had a really hard time drawing the line between what she did and who she is. It took suddenly losing that dream job to finally find her true self. This week’s practice is about identity, defining yourself, and staying true to your purpose above all else.    Resources from the show Read “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times” by Pema Chodron  Read “Healing After Job Loss: 100 Practical Ideas” by Alan D. Wolfelt and Kirby J. Duvall  Try out the 52-Week Inspirational Journal: Find Your Spark: Soul-Searching Prompts and Encouraging Exercises to Get Inspired (A Year of Reflections Journal)    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite what we’ve learned in fairy tales during our childhood, there’s no such thing as the perfect relationship. Marriage therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw has seen and heard it all and offers up practical advice on understanding the issues in your relationship, how to work through them, and when to consider calling it quits. This episode’s practice is about communication, getting your needs met, and building a relationship that works for you AND your partner.    Resources from the show Read Liz’s Relationship Guide  “I Want This to Work.” If you happen to be a resident of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, California, Utah, or Maryland, check out A Better Life Therapy to find a local therapist who specializes in individual therapy, couples, family, and more!   Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have anxiety, but not all of us know how to manage it. Janis Whitlock, senior advisor for the Jed Foundation, says a great way to tackle anxiety is to think of it as energy in motion that needs to go somewhere. She says if you can learn to channel this energy and experiment with your own triggers, you’ll be able to lead an anxious-free life. This episode's practice is about releasing doubt, breathing, and using mindfulness to move through moments of anxiety.    Resources from the show Read “Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief” by Claire Bidwell Smith  Read “Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears" by Pema Chödrön Check out the Jed Foundation’s Guide for Understanding Anxiety   Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maureen Iselin has always wanted to be a mom. But as she neared 40 and her most recent relationship came to an end, she realized the traditional nuclear family model wasn't her only option. Through the help of IUI treatments and a therapist who happened to take the same journey to motherhood, Maureen hopes that being a single mother by choice will not only be a step closer to her life’s purpose, but open her up to a new realm of what motherhood could look like in the 21st century. This episode’s practice is about following your instincts to build your life – even when the circumstances are not what you expected.     Resources from the show   Are you a single woman thinking about starting your own family? Check out Single Mothers by Choice to explore your options. Read “Choosing Single Motherhood: The Thinking Woman’s Guide” by Mikki Morrisette, “Panic and Joy: My Solo Path to Motherhood” by Emma Brockes, and “Going Solo: My choice to become a single mother using a donor” by Genevieve Roberts. Want to dive deeper? Listen to these podcasts: Single Greatest Choice, The Stork and I, and Mocha SMC.    Do you have a question about grief or other ways you can take care of your mental health? Send Claire a question to be featured on an upcoming episode www.bit.ly/newdayask   Want to connect? Join the New Day Facebook Group!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/newdaypod   Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.   Did you try one of these weekly practices? We want to hear about it! Call 833-4-LEMONADA (833-453-6662) or email us newday@lemonadamedia.com.    To follow along with a transcript and/or take notes for friends and family, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/newday/ shortly after the air date.   Follow Claire on IG and FB @clairebidwellsmith or Twitter @clairebidwell and visit her website: www.clairebidwellsmith.com.   Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.    Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.