Robin has a passion for self care and wellness, and she is thrilled to share her passion with all of you! Robin grew up in Detroit and learned about healthy eating and exercise from her aunt. But she still struggled with body image and negative self talk. After college, Robin really began to embrace wellness in a whole new way. She has tried many different activities, from singing to meditation, and she has a lot of really great tips for everyone listening. You can follow Robin on Instagram at Balance_Care --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Preston has been sober for 18 years. He battled with a drug and alcohol addiction for most of his teenage years. On this episode, Preston talks to me about his addiction, how he finally realized that he had a problem, and how he got help. Plus, learn how Preston has started to help other people who have addiction and mental health issues. Preston also talks about why he chooses to share his story. This is a jam packed episode full of great information and honest conversation.  Check out Preston's podcast right here on Anchor- The High Cost of Anonymity.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The death and loss of a child is frequently called the ultimate tragedy. Kjerstin and her husband lost their son Charlie when he was just 23 months old. On this episode, Kjerstin opens up to me about her grief, about how the loss of Charlie impacted their older son, and could potentially impact their daughter, whom Kjerstin was pregnant with at the time Charlie passed away. She also shares how people in her life supported her, and, how she and her family have begun helping other bereaved families. The full episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Anchor. Check out the work Kjerstin is doing here: https://www.facebook.com/Charlies-Guys-507921142937056/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Aubrie is a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a photographer.  She's also the survivor of stroke. It's not very common for someone in their late twenties to suffer a stroke. In fact, only 10% of the US population will suffer a stroke under the age of 45. Aubrie is in the 10%. She shares her experience of having a stroke and all that came with it afterwards- including the loneliness that can occur as you struggle to find a community of people who get it.  Aubrie is happily sharing an update that since recording this episode, her headaches have seen great improvement! 

Kari  is the Assistant Principal at a high school. She's also a mom of two teenage boys and a fitness instructor. Kari talks to me about social media, bullying, e-cigarettes, and many more issues that are prevalent in high school today. She also shares how all of this impacts the way she parents, AND how she balances all of it! Full episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts.

Lindsey Robinson got involved in a breast cancer walk over 5 years ago. Over time, her involvement evolved from being a walk participant to helping plan the walk. The cause became even more important to her when her grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lindsey talks to me about how she got involved, why it's important to take action on a cause you care about. We also talked wellness, hospice, and lots of other topics!  If you're local to Michigan, Lindsey wants you to join her at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Mt. Clemens on October 26th. If you're not local, there is likely a walk near you! Check cancer.org for dates.

Reena is the owner and director of the Spark Center for Autism, which provides services for children ages 18 months- 10 years old who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. On this episode, Reena helps define autism, talks through common misconceptions, and provides insight on how to support individuals with autism, as well as the caregivers/family members.  She also talks through advocacy, and how vital is to ensure we are providing adequate services to those who have been diagnosed with autism. Reena recommends checking out the Autism Alliance of Michigan, the book Let Me Hear Your Voice, and Ron Sandison, an author and public speaker. To learn more about the Spark Center for Autism, check out their website: http://www.sparkcenterforautism.com/

Riley was born with light perception blindness. When she was in high school, her brothers tricked her into playing a video game (Mortal Combat) and even though she couldn't see, she was determined to beat them. Years later, Riley's interest in gaming peaked when she got an IPhone.  Soon after, she became an advocate for people with disabilities to be able to play games just as those without disabilities are able to. Riley is on a mission to educate game developers and the general public about this topic. I learned so much from talking to Riley and I know that you will, too! Riley is on Twitter at @Accessibility4Gamers and has a podcast called The A4G Podcast.

Julian Goodson and his wife have fostered 18 kids in 7 years. Julian has built his life around helping teengers who need mentors. He talked to me about what foster care is, what happens when kids "age out", the goals of foster care, and how his family has evolved over the years. He also talks about what it takes to be a foster parent, and how they can be supported by their family and friends. I learned SO much from talking to Julian and I know that you will, too. Check out Julian's book, Thoughts of a Foster Dad to learn even more. You can find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.

Jason grew up in a small town in Georgia. When his classmates found out that Jason was gay, he was bullied. On this episode, he shares what he went through, and how he overcame that. He also talks about his faith, and opens up about another recent incident with homophobia. He also tells listeners how straight allies can support the LGBTQ community. And, because we're both lovers of music, we may have gone on a tangent about some of our favorite artists/concerts. Sorry about that, but I kept it in because Jason finds music to be very healing and a big part of his story!  You can follow Jason on Twitter at @jas0nbrown and Instagram at @jasonnbrown .