A month ago, my parents came to visit, and my mom and I had a series of really good conversations. Conversations that were deeper than we had had in years. And we both loved it. It made me realize that the last few years, when we've been together I've been in "mom" mode, and she's been in "grandma" mode, which means we don't get to talk like we used to. Part of that is just this season of life. But, I'm guessing some of you might feel the same. Because of all of this, this week, I'm giving you 5 Questions To Ask Your Mom this Mother's Day by sharing a conversation I had with my mom. I was inspired by Laura Tremaine, her 10 Things To Tell You Podcast, and her continued advocacy of starting meaningful conversations. I hope it encourages you to call your mom, or take her to coffee and chat over these topics. And for those of you missing your moms, grieving the relationship you wish you had with your mom, or waiting to become a mom again, I'm holding space for you this week and always.

This week, I'm sharing a conversation with Amanda Auer. Amanda is a mom of 4, who walked through unexpected heart failure with one of her daughters two years ago. Throughout their hospital stay, Amanda documented their journey online, providing updates to friends and family, and inviting people into their hospital experience, fears, and the process of figuring out what was wrong and how best to care for her daughter. Amanda's honesty and vulnerability as she walked through a season that would be any mom's worst nightmare captivated thousands, and she continued writing online as her daughter and family healed. In this episode, we talk about trauma, allowing our kids to take risks, and choosing to believe in God in the midst of our hardest seasons.

I'm thrilled to share this week's conversation, with Emi Rigby. Emi is someone I've followed online since college when she ran a travel blog, and I've looked up to her ever since. She is positive, adventurous, and creative, and she never fails to inspire me with her various pursuits. In addition to being a mom (of 3!), she's worked for Teach For America, Google, and a handful of other companies and creative ventures. In this episode, we talk about finding ways to build adventure into your weeks, managing career aspirations with motherhood, and carving out time for your own passions and pursuits. I left our conversation feeling inspired to have a positive, proactive approach to motherhood and my vocational goals, and I know you will too.

Have you ever wondered if you and your spouse should see a therapist? ​ This summer, I researched the transition to parenting and the effect it has on marriages. Disclaimer; what I learned was concerning. Most couples report a large decrease in marital satisfaction for the first SEVERAL years of their child's life. But it doesn't have to be that way. A couples therapist can help you avoid these "down years" in your marriage, and help you develop tools for communicating, empathizing, and supporting one another through some of life's most challenging transitions. ​ This episode is for anyone who has been curious about couples counseling, and who wants to know more about what to expect and how it can be valuable in your relationship.

We’re almost exactly halfway through the year, so today, I’m going to talk about revisiting annual goals and reevaluating what is and isn't realistic in light of all of the changes and unexpected experiences 2020 has brought.  I'll also share "state of the podcast" update and share my plans for the summer! 

A couple years ago, as I in one of the first few classes in my counseling program, I realized that most of the authors who I was reading looked a lot like me, and had similar life experiences. Reading their words was easy, affirming, and restful. And honestly, I believe that there's a time and a place for that comfort. But I was also missing out on SO many people's stories by exclusively learning from people who looked and lived like me. As I've broadened the diversity of authors I learn from, I've noticed I've increased my empathy for people from different backgrounds, and I've also learned that my perspective isn't the only perspective. I'm not always "right" and the vision, dreams, and individualist nature that comes naturally to me isn't the best or most healthy perspective for all.    In this episode, I hope I'll inspire you to pick up a book from an author who might offer you a different point of view.   https://www.hometeamcommunity.com/post/29-my-favorite-recent-reads-reflections-on-author-diversity    

This is one of my favorite episodes so far because I know it's going to be valuable for so many of you. My guest for Episode 28 is Holly Osment, LMFT, LPCC,. Professor Osment is a mom of 2, a private practice sex psychotherapist, and an adjunct professor in my grad program at Santa Clara University. Her Human Sexuality class has opened my mind and educated me in so many ways I didn't anticipate, and I'm thrilled she agreed to share her knowledge with my community. In this episode, we talk about the gaps in sex education, the importance of knowing your anatomy, the shame and secrecy around sexuality in our culture, and how to talk to your kids about sex. https://www.hometeamcommunity.com/

Have you felt horrible after listening to a podcast, reading a book, or scrolling social media, and the news?  In this episode, Mandy Santos and I chat about how to notice the effects of the content you're consuming. She offers practical tips and shares her own experience of learning to discern what is and isn't healthy to engage with.  Mandy is an author, grad student, the Director of Lifegroups at Echo.church, and a wife and mom of 5. In our conversation, she shares wisdom from all the different arenas of life she participates in. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Join my friend, Sanli Yang, and I as we chat about all things early motherhood. In this episode, we cover how Sanli poop-trained her boys before their first birthdays, how to navigate and recover from an unplanned c-section, and how to use your story to connect to younger moms who might need to hear from you. Sanli was 100% one of those moms who took me under her wing, and I'm thrilled to share her wisdom with all of you. 

This week, I'm chatting with Dr. Melissa Adrouny about all things Women's Health. We cover everything from what to expect when you walk into an OBGYN's office, to expectations around pregnancy, to the importance of social support in motherhood, to how to think through trying to have a baby in the midst of the uncertainty of COVID-19.  You can learn more about Dr. Melissa here: https://adrounywomenshealth.com/