Elevating Motherhood

“There’s no better time to heal than now." -Jana Glass A listener wrote in and suggested that I interview today’s guest Jana Glass about brainspotting—and I’m so grateful she did! If you ever have an interesting guest or topic that you believe could benefit moms, please reach out and share—the result could be something like today’s awesome episode! Jana is going to share a therapy technique called brainspotting—she’ll describe what it is, how it works, what a brainspotting session looks like, and how it can help moms (during any time in their lives, but also specifically during the perinatal period). She also answers practical questions like “How do you know when you need therapy?” and “Who goes to therapy & why?” I appreciate her approach to trauma and how she describes it as treatable…as well as her beliefs that there is no better time to heal than now, the strongest and bravest people reach out for support, and when we heal birthgivers, we heal the world. This episode contains tons of general brainspotting information (great for anyone seeking healing modalities) as well as specific info for moms and moms to be. Jana’s Bio: Jana Glass is a Licensed Professional Counselor certified in Brainspotting, Addictions, Perinatal Mental Health, and Telemental Health. She is in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia, USA specializing in treating trauma, addictions, and perinatal mental health including decisions and challenges around family expansion through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She found her own perinatal healing through Brainspotting and is passionate about helping people heal and enjoy their role as a parent. Jana is a Certified Brainspotting Consultant and provides individual and group consultation. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood Please visit today’s sponsors: Blossom & Root:Today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood is sponsored by Blossom & Root a nature-based, Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool curriculum company that has been gently guiding and supporting families for years! This thoughtful, age appropriate curriculum begins at the preschool level with options all the way up to 4thgrade with more grade levels being released each year. Blossom & Root is the homeschool curriculum my family uses and loves! The information and ideas are easy to follow, fun, and engaging. If you’re new to homeschool or looking for an inspired homeschool curriculum to help you lovingly teach and guide your children, I highly recommend Blossom & Root. Using this curriculum has brought so much connection and joy to our homeschool days—I love it! Blossom & Root has generously offered a discount for listeners of Elevating Motherhood: use the code LORIBETH10 at checkout for 10% off your order. Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms.  Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms!

If you could use a life-giving conversation right now, this episode is for you! Megan Smalley is here with us to share about her bookGive Grace: How To Embrace The Beauty of Life’s Brokenness but in the process we talk about #allthethings that moms feel deeply in their motherhood journeys and how we can show up with more grace for ourselves and others. Megan and I “get” each other. We have a lot of similarities and yet we are not the same. You’ll hear that in this conversation as we cheer each other on while being in very different (and yet kind of similar) seasons of life. We talk about what works for us and our families without any expectation that the other’s life look, feel, or sound like ours. You’ll get insights into what’s worked well on our motherhood path and glimpses into the not so glamorous mothering moments. It’s a vulnerable and honest conversation that I’m honored to be a part of. Megan’s Bio: Megan Smalley is the CEO of the popular online shop, Scarlet & Gold, the author of Give Grace, and the creator of the Overcome Journal. She grew up as a pastor's kid, and while the foundation of faith she was given is so important, it's the fires she's faced that have refined her heart and given her an unshakeable faith. Megan walked a hard road in pursuit of her lifelong dream to have children, and she's now Mom to three boys, who she affectionately calls "The Bad Business Club." Megan's journey to motherhood is only one piece of her story that's given her an important voice in the space of learning to overcome the hard stuff. She encourages women to overcome trials in their own lives and to give and receive grace in the process through her speaking, writing, and inspirational products. She lives in Alabama, ten hours away from her home state of Texas, where she and her husband Blake, a basketball coach, raise their young boys, twins Stisher and Eli and little baby James. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood Please visit today’s sponsors: Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April and May’s classes are already up and evergreen—they are available for you to watch anytime! Join me for June’s Creative Writing Workshop where we’ll talk about the writing process, creative outlets & habits, and even how we can document special moments for and tell stories to our kids. That class goes LIVE on Friday, June 25th so there’s still time to sign up this month! Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with you and other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us!

It took me a long time to read Nicole Unice’s new book The Miracle Moment: How Tough Conversations Can Actually Transform Your Most Important Relationships. Not because it was hard to read or uninteresting, but the opposite! I felt like I was holding an insider’s manual to therapy and self awareness right in my hands and wanted to take in every word! This is another one of those read that changed me. It got me thinking about what it looks like and what actions, words, and ideas it takes to build healthier relationships, have stronger & clearer communication with loved ones, as well as thoughts on how to get closer to my true self and heal some pretty important parts. The best part? I had some questions for Nicole about the book and what she meant and she answers with such grace and clarity. What a gem! Her theories and tools apply to all areas of life: motherhood, parenting, marriage, extended family, work and business relationships, neighbors, friends—all of it! This book has something for everyone. If you have an area of your life that has you feeling like you could probably use a few more communication tools…this book, this conversation is for you! Nicole’s Bio: Nicole Unice is a counselor and leadership coach who facilitates environments of safety and vulnerability so that leaders and teams can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from their maximum potential. As a sought-after speaker, Nicole has a down-to-earth style that allows even the largest gathering to feel conversational. Nicole is the author of several books focused on spiritual transformation and is a featured speaker through RightNow Media and Punchline. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nicole and her husband, Dave, live in Richmond, Virginia, with their three children and two pups. Visit her online at nicoleunice.com. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood

Do you have a creative outlet? Have you ever thought of taking up burlesque as a creative outlet? My best friend and fellow mom Amanda Furgiuele did. She says she was tricked into it, but years later, she’s still at it and has turned her hobby into a business and now a podcast. This mompreneur is going to teach us all about the history of burlesque and cabaret, drop some truth bombs, bust through some stigmas, and share what it’s like to be one of 4 hosts on a podcast. She even brings up things from years ago that I had all but forgotten—things about me that now you’ll know. Keep in mind we’re real life best friends so if this is your first time tuning into Elevating Motherhood, know that this is a pretty casual episode but it’s still filled with lots of fun, stories, and laughs. Amanda’s Bio: Amanda Furgiuele aka “Bourbon Layne” is the most mysterious member of the burlesque troupe Cabaret & Cocktails. She’s sinfully sultry with a steamy sense of humor. She’ll wrap around you like a warm shot of burlesque whiskey, and leave you drunk and wanting more. Bourbon has a unique creative outlook and comes with an impressive aerial background to Cabaret & Cocktails. As a Maui business maven she brings executive prowess to Cabaret & Cocktails. You may remember her from her hilarious Mermaid-Reverse Mermaid pole dance, her aerial hammock performance to “Close”, and her unexpected reveal during “Late Night Horrors” in her balloon number “Pumpkin Spice Spice Baby”. Bourbon was born with a burlesque mindset, reveling in costumes, sexuality, humor, and tease. You guys. That was the bio she gave me to read. She’s also a mom to a 3-year-old who is also one of my favorite people and godmother to my kiddos. FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April and May’s classes are already up (and evergreen!) May’s class is Decoding Your Birthday with Numerologist Nadia Bernardy. She gives us all the info we need to do our own numerology charts—and really anyone we know’s charts (I plan to do each of my kids). She also sheds light on what each numerology number (1-11) means. Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us!

We’ve come to the end of what seems to be one of the craziest years ever in education. Now what? Do we take time to reflect on what actually worked and what can just go away and never return? Are you asking yourself, your community, your children, and/or your school reflective questions? Are you just so done with this year in general that you just want to move on and hope for the best in the fall? Or do you feel unsettled and unsure which direction to move forward? Should you just homeschool? Should you at least consider it? You are not alone! Millions of families have this nagging notion that something needs to change but aren’t sure about what exactly needs to change. Do they just go ahead and prepare for next year with all options? Or…? Well, you’re here. And that’s a start to the untangling of these questions. This will be a quick episode to help you sort out some of those doubts and move forward in a way that supports your family, your family values, and life goals without all the buzz and input from the outside world. I totally trust you to make the best decisions for your family in all seasons of life—even crazy time periods like this. I hope you know you can trust yourself, too. (insert huge hug here) I think so many folks get caught up on the details of homeschool—what it looks like, can they do it, what curriculum to choose, etc. that they miss the first step which is finding your conviction through clarity. The details are important, but they are not the whole story. FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April & May’s classes are both live and waiting for you to join! April’s Class is Elevating Your Everyday Cooking with trained chef and holistic health coach Kris Dovbniak. May’s class is Decoding Your Birthday with intuitive numerologist Nadia Bernardy. Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us! Please Visit Today’s Sponsors: Blossom & Root: Today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood is sponsored by Blossom & Root a nature-based, Charlotte Mason inspired homeschool curriculum company that has been gently guiding and supporting families for years! This thoughtful, age appropriate curriculum begins at the preschool level with options through elementary grades--with more grade levels being released each year. My family has used Blossom & Root from the very beginning—we love it! The curriculum and lessons are easy to follow, super fun, and can be as flexible or mapped out as you need. If you’re looking for an inspiring homeschool curriculum to help you lovingly teach and guide your children, I highly recommend Blossom & Root. Using this curriculum has brought so much connection and joy to our homeschool days—I love it! So do my kids. Blossom & Root has generously offered a discount for listeners of Elevating Motherhood: use the code LORIBETH10 at checkout for 10% off your order. More info can be found at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool Homeschool Explained: www.homeschoolexplained.com

Today we’re talking very openly and honestly with Jenna Dillulio about her journey with alcohol, stigmas around drinking and sobriety, and mommy wine culture messages that are disempowering moms. Is this an anti-alcohol episode? Nope. It’s a pro-information, empowerment episode. Jenna shows up with incredible vulnerability…and the result of such honesty is pretty mind blowing. She’s walking the walk and modeling kindness and authenticity in ways that we need more of in general—whatever the topic. Jenna’s Bio: Jenna Dillulio is a social media influencer with a social media platform that is built around beauty, fashion and her sobriety. Her goal is to end the stigma of addiction in a fun light-hearted way, all while giving women a place to find inspiration with makeup and style. I’ve followed her for a while and reached out to get her perspective on sobriety and mommy wine culture and I’m so glad I did. This episode contains a ton of points to ponder and apply to your own life and beliefs. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood Please Visit Today’s Sponsors: Primally Pure: Thanks for Primally Pure for supporting today’s episode. Primally Pure, is one of my favorite companies. They excel at creating safe, natural skin care products made with quality ingredients. Primally Pure has become my go-to brand for clean, non-toxic face cleaners, creams, and serums. They're also the makers of my favorite all-natural (& effective!) deodorant. (I love their blue tansy one). They’ve generously offered a discount code for listeners: be sure to use the code: LORIBETH10 for 10% off your first order. For my personal review of their products, head over to www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April 2021 is already up and May’s class goes live on Friday, May 21st. May’s class will be Decoding Your Birthday with Numerologist Nadia Bernardy. She gives us all the info we need to do our own numerology charts—and really anyone we know’s charts (I plan to do each of my kids). She also sheds light on what each numerology number (1-11) means. Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us!

Well, it’s official! We’re not done having kids! Baby #4 is due to arrive sometime in November or December. My “official” due date is Thanksgiving Day, but I tend to carry over my due date when given the space and freedom to go into labor on my own. This time around is different than the other girls because it is a surprise this time around AND I’m now in a new decade of life. What’s different this time: * I’m 40 and unafraid. * I have more research under my belt. * I think I was in a bit of denial. * My timelines aren’t lining up with other friends my age.  * I’m including the spiritual in this pregnancy and birth.  What's the same this time:  * The cravings.  * The nausea.  * The fatigue.  * The support.  The girls are excited. We’re excited. It’s crazy. We definitely are bringing a “One more? Why not!” attitude to this experience. I’m resting a LOT more, going to bed early, having crazy pregnancy dreams. All in all, I’m healthy, happy, and super humbled and stoked to be back on the front lines of motherhood—and just grateful that I get to have another child and friend to do life with. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood Join Lori Beth on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’m super stoked to let you know I’ll be over there more than any other platform connecting with you and other incredible mamas. It’s such a great space where we can have deep dive discussions about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April 2021 is already up and May’s class goes live on Friday, May 21st. May’s class will be Decoding Your Birthday with Numerologist Nadia Bernardy. She gives us all the info we need to do our own numerology charts—and really anyone we know’s charts (I plan to do each of my kids). She also sheds light on what each numerology number (1-11) means. Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us!

“Toxic messaging encourages you to identify with the collective rather than your true self and family values.” – Lori Beth Auldridge It’s time to call a spade a spade. There are societal messages about motherhood that are toxic to moms. Some people have told me they don’t like the word “toxic” to describe my thoughts on this, but to me, that’s what these messages are—toxic. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept them or embrace them. What we can do is learn about them—and ourselves!—while we dismantle them and step back into our power as mothers. In this episode I’ll share 5 lenses I put on when analyzing messaging for moms, what makes a message toxic, what we can do, as well as messages I’d like to see normalized in our motherhood culture…messages that support & resources mothers. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Please Visit Today's Sponsor: Blossom & Root (www.elevatingmotherhood.com/homeschool) Join Our Patreon Community! www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood

“We’re not all called to live the same life and go on the same path.” -Bethany Adkins What is purpose and why is it important in life and motherhood? Bethany Adkins is here to do a deep dive with us on this very topic—to help us sort out what purpose means to each of us as individuals, because everyone’s sense of purpose is different. Our culture pushes for all of us to conform to what purpose and success look like but the truth of the matter is, as we’ve discovered over and over here on the show, there is no one size fits all answer for anything—including purpose. My favorite part of this interview is Bethany’s ease, confidence, and encouragement—she really leads by example while inspiring each of us to reflect on where we are, what we truly love, and who we are. Purpose is powerful and can bring us so much peace as women and moms. Bethany’s Bio: Bethany Adkins is a Pediatric Nurse turned stay at home mom who has always had a love for reading and writing, and she finally decided to pursue it full time. She is now a blogger, host of The Millennial Mission Podcast, freelance writer, and podcast manager. If she is not adventuring with her family in her spare time, you can find her at the nearest coffee shop diving into a good book or creating one of her own. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood MORE on Patreon! Elevating Motherhood is coming to life over on Patreon! I’ll be over there more to have deep dive discussions with you about today’s topic and every other topic discussed here on the show. I’ll also be hosting virtual classes once a month for moms. April 2021 is already up! It’s an amazing cooking class with classically trained chef and holistic health coach Kris Dovbniak! It’s incredible! I’ve been using the skills and tips from that class every day in my kitchen since filming. Go check out the details at www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood I’m super stoked to be an ad-free, off social media, no distraction space to connect with other moms! It’s already been so refreshing and life giving to be able to connect deeper with you all. I’m excited for you to join us!

I learned from Dr. Donna Lane that : “According to a 2016 study published by Whitney and Peterson, one in six kids between 6 and 17 have a mental health diagnosis. This was, of course, pre-COVID. A recent study in Psychiatric Times indicated that isolation and loneliness increase the risk of depression up to 9 years after the event, and the duration vs. the intensity of loneliness was more likely to cause long-term mental health issues.” No wonder our children’s mental health is one of the main concerns of many moms I talk with. But there are so many stigmas around mental health and fear of diagnosis that it can be difficult to navigate the world of mental health for ourselves, let alone our children. We’ve talked about adult mental health topics here on the podcast before, but today we’re turning our focus to children’s mental health. It’s a timely topic for all families right now as we navigate the events of the world. Dr. Donna Lane is here with us to share the basics plus deeper insights. We talk about why/when/how people seek mental health help for their children…and then goes on to explain in clear terms what  mental health resources are available to children (what a psychiatrist is, psychologist, counselor, family therapist, and social workers) and then what therapy/counseling sessions look like both online and in-person. Dr. Donna’s messages are for moms of younger kids as well as moms of teens who are concerned about the isolation from peer relationships and how that’s affecting their kids, signs to look for, and how to reach out. There are some thorough and helpful links to resources in the show notes. Donna’s Bio: Drs. David and Donna Lane are a husband-wife counseling duo who specialize in trauma, grief, and loss as well as family relationships. While qualified by education, their life experience shapes much of their current-day work, as they have experienced first-hand the horrific death of their own son, who had a neurological disorder throughout his 17 years on earth. The Lanes are professors, counselors, consultants and award-winning authors; their research and writing on trauma and grief has been used extensively throughout the world in the aftermath of tragedies including the Sandy Hook shootings, Haiti earthquakes, Rwandan genocide and others. The Lanes live in the Atlanta area and have been married to each other for more than 40 years. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM  Elevating Motherhood Links:  Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/elevatingmotherhood Instagram: @loribethauldridge Bookshop.org: www.bookshop.org/shop/loribeth

Picture this: Your newborn baby is finally sleeping. You take a few moments to gaze at them admiringly. Happy, tired, ready to lie down yourself. Finally, a moment of peace. And then your dog barks. Baby wakes up. You have to start all over. Cue the frustration and chaos. There are many of us who would lose our minds in that moment—and rightfully so. The transition into becoming a parent is a big one. And avoiding chaos and frustration during all stages of parenting is a goal many of us have. This is no different with our four-legged family members as well. We want to avoid chaos and frustration. Today’s guest, Lisa Giesick is going to equip us with tips, strategies, and resources to teach us how to read our dogs, hire the right help when we need it, and set our families up for success—no matter what age or stage our dogs and kids are at. This show is great for families who are expecting and have dogs, parents of newborns, babies, toddlers, and older kids as well. She shares so much information including etiquette and multiple ways we can keep our kids and dogs safe. Lisa’s Bio: Lisa Giesick is the founder and owner of Ohana Pet Training as well as the head trainer. Having worked with animals since 1983 and in the animal welfare field for 16 years, she is a nationally certified dog trainer with the CCPDT (CPDT-KA) and is a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and the PPG (Pet Professional Guild). Lisa also is a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program. At 13 years old, Lisa took on a job as a brusher/bather for a dog groomer to be around animals, thus beginning a life-long career. With an educational background in child development, psychology and criminology, basic and advanced humane academies, she continued her career as an animal control officer and Humane Investigations Supervisor for approximately 13 years. In Monterey County, CA., Lisa then worked at the SPCA of Monterey County, as a humane investigations supervisor, a sworn humane officer, then as the manager of the Humane Education and Behavior Departments. There she taught humane education programs to schools throughout Monterey County for students of all ages as well as senior citizens and disabled children and adults. She was also part of the pet therapy programs in the community. In September of 2005 Lisa left the SPCA of Monterey County to pursue her dream of starting her own pet training business. She also went on to teach animal behavior & care classes for high school students and started to teach group dog training classes at the Carmel Holistic Veterinary Clinic in Carmel, CA. before moving to Maui in June 2007 where she continued Ohana Pet Training. Lisa has since taught countless puppy kindergarten and group dog classes and helped dogs and owners through private classes as well as behavior consultations and continues to positively influence the lives of many of Maui’s island dogs through these services. Lisa believes that most behavior problems in dogs are caused by a lack of communication – because humans and dogs don’t speak the same language. Dog training to her is about building a relationship and she encourages people to learn to understand their dogs and teach their dogs to understand them through positive reinforcement techniques. She states: “Positive reinforcement is not only more humane than punishment, but it is far more effective. Punishing a dog for something he or she doesn’t know will not teach the correct way of doing something. Punishment will only make the dog confused and scared, while a dog that is taught what it is we desire in a positive way will stay relaxed, be able to listen better, be more self motivated to learn new things and have a deep trust relationship with their owner.” FULL SHOW NOTES AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Are there things going on in the world that you wish you had more confidence to speak up about? Not just speaking up and sharing your opinions on social media, but taking your voice to the next level and contacting government departments or offices of elected officials—people and programs with power to make real, lasting, important change in your community. There are ways! And I’d love to help you find your confidence and courage to speak up, reach out, and create positive change in your community! Welcome to “Lobbying with Lori” – Just kidding. Well, kind of. I’ve been receiving a LOT of messages and questions from moms about how to write representatives—“What can we do?” shows up in my DMs a lot! Everything from moms saying they want more playgrounds and safe play spaces for their kids to moms not liking the direction the Department of Education is going or don’t agree with the Department of Health’s ideas at the moment. So what can we do? Empower ourselves. Mindset: · Self Worth—our opinions matter. We can take them off of social media and into bigger action · Elected officials—they are elected to represent us, not simply tell us what to do · Non-elected persons—they need reminded that there is no one size fits all solution and that it’s important to value community input · Kindness—we are people talking with other people · Confidence—spend time building your confidence with practice · Community—compose letters or draft ideas with others. Organization can help. · Patience—lasting change does not happen immediately Understand Who is Involved: · Local, state, or national government · Know what departments are also involved (i.e. Dept of Education, Health, Transportation, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation, etc.) · Who within those offices · The “person who answers the phone”: what you need to know When to Call/Write/Email/Meet: · The moment you feel called to do so, start drafting your thoughts and points · Sit with your thoughts and pray about them Actions: · Call · Email · Letter · Government sites: (i.e. https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov) · Submit Testimony · Attend county council meetings · Attend meet and greets or encourage officials to have meet and greets What to Include: · Your thoughts, opinions, and/or concerns · Resources · Stories · Examples · Questions · **IMPORTANT** Include the question/statement “Please reply with a response as well as the name of the person reading this email, how my message is being delivered to the person I intended to receive it, as well as details about how the opinions of the public/constituents/residents/etc. are being taken into consideration”). How Often Should You Write/Reach Out: · As often as you want. Let your intuition and passion lead you on this one—it’s your life, your community, your concerns. Examples: · A new playground · Vaccine passports You’ll experience successes and setbacks with all of this. Don’t be discouraged. Come back to mindset—your voice counts! PATREON LINK: Coming soon! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

Exciting Announcement: The Elevating Motherhood Patreon page launches on April 1, 2021! Search for “Elevating Motherhood” on www.patreon.com When I started this podcast, I set the intention to reach episodes in the 100s. Episode 1 says “001” because I was determined to get to the 100s. And 001 is now 100 today! I’m so thrilled. Slow and steady got me to 100. You know how you think you know what that’s going to look like? Or picture it as a big celebration or something and here I am sitting in my closet recording the episode because my office flooded and we had to rip out all the carpet and now it’s empty and bare. It’s fine. Perspective, right? Unexpected remodel, but we work for ourselves so we can. I’ll have a beautiful office space when it’s done and well, we’re capable of handling it. If nothing else all of life’s curveballs combined with a can-do, life-long learner attitude have shown us that we can handle anything that comes our way. We will be tested and in the broad scheme of things that tested us this week, an office remodel is seriously a cake walk. Episode 100 feels like a cake walk compared to the nerves I had over the first 30 episodes. Oh my gosh. If you could have seen me fumbling and nervous when recording technology was still new to me and I had a guest on the line and couldn’t figure things out compared to me casually recording in my closet in my jammies last minute. Night and day. I feel like a different person. That’s the power of slow and steady and learning grace. Learned so much about motherhood · I am not the same person I was before starting this podcast. · I feel resourced and more confident. I’m changed by all of the books I read and authors I interviewed. · I’m a better listener, a more compassionate friend, · Power of asking questions Learned so much about myself: · There is no one size fits all answer · Every family, mother are different · Living more deeply in than truth than I ever have Learned so much about the industry · If I had a dollar for every time I heard something along the lines of “that’s not how people usually do it,” I’d be rich. I found out I’m one of the few hosts who actually reads the book BEFORE talking with an author · I have a calm voice instead of an insistent or high energy one · I trust my listeners to have discernment—I’ve interviewed women with vastly different beliefs than myself. I’ve had controversial guests on that caused a river of emails and DMs to pour in and say “I’m confused…why would you interview this person?” and ultimately “I thought you were just like me?” I’m not just like you, I’m not like anyone. You’re not just like anyone. How can that work in a world that tells everyone to be alike and think alike? By using our discernment, holding space for it, and encouraging it. · I believe to the core of my being that we are all different and that it’s important for me to make space for those differences—but I do that by supporting women as they get to know their true selves and see those differences, discover what makes them unique, and shed the “shoulds” of what it means to be a woman, mom, wife, friend, sister, person. In this search for resources, I’ve realized that we empower ourselves when we look into topics and research them for ourselves. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM 

“If moms aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, how can we teach our kids to be confident in the kitchen?” When I say the words “cooking with kids,” how does that make you feel? Does it sound fun? Does the idea stress you out? If I were to talk about mac & cheese, does it create instant overthinking and big emotions? Do you love it? Hate it? Wish your kids would eat something else? Do you have a kid you’d refer to as a “picky eater?” Would you ever give your kids knives to use in the kitchen? Take note of your answers to those questions because--oh man!—I want you to come back to those questions at the end of this episode after you’ve heard what Katie Kimball has to say and then answer those questions again! I bet today’s perspectives are going to blow your mind and shift your answers! Katie encourages us in the best possible ways—by sharing truths & ideas that will increase our families’ confidence and connection. She is on a mission to create a kids’ meal revolution! Because something that we do 3 times a day—prepare food for our kids and eat!—shouldn’t be as stressful as it is. Katie believes that the best possible learning environment we have access to is the kitchen. Now that we're home more than ever and health is a top concern, we can use our family connection time in the kitchen to make a positive impact on the next generation. We can increase confidence, creativity, and connection through The Power of Teaching Kids to Cook, and start a #kidsmealrevolution that redefines the kids' meal as one that kids have cooked! Katie’s Bio: Katie Kimball, CSME, founder and CEO of Kitchen Stewardship, is passionate about researching natural remedies and making healthy cooking easier for busy families. As a trusted educator and author of 8 real food cookbooks, she’s been featured on media outlets like ABC, NBC and First for Women magazine and contributes periodically on the FOX Network. Over the last 12 years, Katie has spoken prolifically at conferences, online summits and podcasts and become a trusted authority and advocate for children’s health. Busy moms look to this certified educator for honest, in-depth natural product reviews and thorough research, and she often partners with health experts and medical practitioners to stay on the cutting edge. In 2016 she created the Wall Street Journal recommended best online kids cooking course, Kids Cook Real Food, helping thousands of families around the world learn to cook. A mom of 4 kids from Michigan, she is also a Certified Stress Mastery Educator, member of the American Institute of Stress and trained speaker through Bo Eason’s Personal Story Power. She is actively masterminding the Kids' Meal Revolution, with a goal of every child being able to cook. Be sure to visit today’s show notes where Katie has graciously offered listeners of Elevating Motherhood a free online class: https://kidscookrealfood.com/elevatingmotherhood Favorite Knife Skills for Kids video! Sounds a bit scary at first, but it’s really empowering! My 7-year-old is THRILLED about this class and loves that it’s tailored to her. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM  Elevating Motherhood Links: Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ

Nothing in this episode is medical advice, but it is an honest conversation that is needed in the postpartum and birth space. What would happen if we found our brains as fascinating as our bodies during the transformation that is pregnancy and birth? Today’s guest, Dr. Walker Ladd poses that question and so many other thoughtful observations and perspectives about Postpartum Depression—thoughts that empower and resource women, providers, and anyone who supports mothers. Walker’s book Transformed by Postpartum Depression took me over a month to read. Not because I didn’t want to, not because it’s a stigmatized topic, or too taboo, but because it IS such an important subject—to me personally, to friends and family, to every birthing mother, and every birth support person out there. Right now it’s considered a heavy topic—but one that needs to be brought into the light. We can handle this information. We are strong and capable.  Learning about postpartum depression is important, even if it makes us uncomfortable. Walker encourages us in this conversation and reminds us that we can handle it. Dr. Walker Ladd’s Bio: Dr. Walker Ladd has been a recognized thought leader in the field of maternal mental health for nearly two decades. Her writing and research challenge current paradigms of motherhood and mental illness, using women's stories to reveal the hidden truths and extraordinary dimensions of the lived experience of motherhood. Her personal experiences with traumatic childbirth, breast cancer, postpartum depression, and major depressive disorder drive her passion for her bold, transformative and soulful work. In this episode, Walker & I talk about: · Being brave and talking about postpartum depression · Her book: Transformed by postpartum depression · How this book broke something open in me · Reading about hard topics as an empath · How generations influence postpartum depression · Empowering ourselves · Well intended interventions · Stigmas around postpartum depression...and SO MUCH MORE! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM

You know how much I love Branch Basics and I am so honored that I got to speak with one of the founders, Kelly Love! In this episode you’ll hear the story of how Branch Basics got started and how this educational company is helping families reduce their toxic burden and improve their health. Kelly goes on to share sooooo much helpful information about air quality, toxic burden, being our own advocates, and creating a healthy home. Kelly’s Bio: Kelly Love co-founded Branch Basics, a wellness lifestyle brand that creates cleaning products using the most chemically sensitive as their benchmark for safety. Raised on the standard American diet and conventional products, it wasn’t until college that she experienced the power of living in an environment free of harmful chemicals along with eating according to the principles of Food as Medicine. All of the “normal” problems Kelly had experienced most of her life: dry and itchy eyes, painful menstrual cramps, joint and muscle pain, and even body odor disappeared! It turns out these issues don’t have to be normal after all, and Kelly is passionate about helping others on their health journeys. She lives in Jackson, Mississippi with her husband and two daughters. In this episode, Kelly and I talk about: · How Kelly, Allison, and Marilee started Branch Basics · How all areas of our life (diet, products, home, lifestyle) influence our health · Tossing the toxins · The importance of reading ingredients · The influence and impact of mothers in their choices for their children · Selling soap vs. being an education company and lifestyle company · Empowering people to take control over our homes · Making our homes safe havens · How removing harmful chemicals and scents can change your home · Noticing the strong scents in the cleaning aisles at stores—all from sealed containers · Low level chemical soup...AND SO MUCH MORE! FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Branch Basics Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics Instagram: @branchbasics Discount Code: LORIBETH for 15% off your Bundle Purchase! Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ Please Visit Today's Sponsors:  Beautiful & Simple: Today’s episode is supported by Beautiful & Simple—an online boutique I’ve created and filled with products that are fun, useful, and encouraging. Some new kids’ mugs and made on Maui bags drop today and I have some plans to bring in more poetry tea time fun! Head to www.beautifulandsimple.com to see this week’s newest additions and check back often for updates. Primally Pure: Primally Pure has also generously offered a discount code for Elevating Motherhood listeners: be sure to use the code: LORIBETH10 for 10% off your first order. For a list of my favorite products & more information, head over to www.elevatingmotherhood.com/primallypure

Kendra Adachi, the New York Times Bestselling author and self-proclaimed “Pollyanna with a Clipboard” is here today to make us laugh, think, and grow as we embrace what matters, ditch what doesn’t, and get stuff done. The principles from her book The Lazy Genius are life changing—truly! Her book, her podcast, her Instagram, her website, this interview…everywhere Kendra shows up, she makes an impact! I’m thrilled to be sharing this joy-filled conversation with you…you can hear us smiling the whole time! We dive into a few principles from her Lazy Genius life philosophy and then go beyond those to unpack all things motherhood that we wish would shift so that moms can begin to drop the guilt, genuinely support one another, and thrive! She puts the power back in our mama hearts, minds, hands, and calendars. Kendra’s Bio: Kendra Adachi is a bestselling author and podcast host. As a systems expert and professional permission giver, Kendra helps others stop doing it all for the sake of doing what matters. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and three kids. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM  Kendra’s Links: Website: www.thelazygeniuscollective.com Instagram: @thelazygenius Podcast: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/lazy Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ/featured Please Visit Today’s Sponsors: Branch Basics: Thanks to Branch Basics for supporting today’s episode of Elevating Motherhood! Branch Basics is an educational company that offers non-toxic, simple to use cleaning solutions for your home—using one powerful, plant & mineral based cleaning concentrate. You can literally use their one concentrate to clean everything…from bathrooms & windows to floors & laundry. Simply dilute their safe, effective cleaner into their refillable bottles. The instructions are right on the label. Branch Basics has been an amazing addition to our home. I’m always looking for ways to reduce my family’s toxic burden while maintaining quality and effectiveness…& Branch Basics fits the bill. Plus their goals align with mine...to make cleaning sustainable, affordable, and simple. Branch Basics has generously offered a discount code to listeners of Elevating Motherhood…use the code LORIBETH for 15% off their starter kits. Head over to elevatingmotherhood.com/branchbasics for more information. Bookshop.org: Book lists are one of my favorite things (besides reading books & listening to audiobooks!). I love it when other bookworms share lists of their favorite books and wish lists for what they plan on reading next. It gets me excited about reading, introduces me new authors, topics, and genres, and takes the overwhelm out of sorting through massive online search results for things like “best parenting books” and “best books for children.” I've created book lists just for you! They're available now at https://bookshop.org/shop/loribeth I hope you enjoy them! 

Today’s episode is SO COOL. I have my numerology chart read to me for the first time ever and you get to hear my reactions to the results in real time. This was a wild conversation. Not only am I blown away by the accuracy of my chart, but I’m so inspired by the ideas and conviction I feel after hearing it. My excitement is not me putting all of my faith in numerology or using it to replace my religious beliefs. Not at all. This reading carries the same weight as other ways I’ve gotten to know myself better—personality type indicators like the enneagram and Meyers-Briggs (although I do appreciate the presence of spiritual elements in numerology). This was so fun and insightful. It gave me lots to think about on my own personal journey of figuring out who I am—I feel 5 steps closer to my true self after this conversation. You can tell I’m really excited to talk with my good friend Nadia Bernardy. The ideas are flowing at a really fast pace as we unpack where we are on our own journeys and how stepping into our true selves helps us step out into the world as our true selves and serve others. I’m so curious and am going to ask you guys over on Instagram stories today: Do you see signs and symbolism in your life and in nature? Are any of those signs sometimes in the form of numbers for you? Do numbers speak to you? Are you someone who often sees groups of numbers together like 11:11 on the clock or 555 on license plates? If so, you’re going to love this conversation! Even if numbers don’t pop out to you yet or you’re just curious, I think you’re really going to like this episode. Our guest today, Nadia Bernardy was with us in Episode 07 talking about Universal Law…I’m still not over the law of abundance (I literally think of it every day and every time I put together an episode for you). The confirmation in this conversation of that abundance and the importance of showing up as your true self in the world…wow. I feel so affirmed in this podcast project and my work to support mothers…I was floored and humbled all at once. I want that kind of confirmation for you. I want that kind of reassurance that knowledge and self-study can bring so I’ll be sure to link to how you can have your numerology chart read, too, in today’s show notes. Nadia’s Bio: Nadia Bernardy is an Intuitive Coach who helps people tap into their true gifts to create work that lights them up. She is the Founder of Work & Woo and Host of the Where Dreams Are Made Podcast. She has been helping creative entrepreneurs share their gifts with the world since 2008. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM  Nadia’s Links: Website: www.nadiabernardy.com Instagram: @workandwoo @nadianumerology Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ/featured Please Visit Today's Sponsors: Homeschool Explained and Healthy Mama Meal Prep

This episode broke me open. You’ll hear at the beginning how I’m almost kind of hesitant to bring up anything because I live on an island and what if people don’t like what I have to say about my birth stories or improving birth culture (here or anywhere). But Mandy Irby is a safe space—she is a safe person to open up to and share honestly and grow and change with. And I’m thrilled and humbled to be able to introduce her to you. Mandy first caught my attention when another guest here on the show suggested that I check out her work. I went to her YouTube channel and wow! I discovered that she was dropping truth bombs as a L&D nurse—one of the only ones I’ve ever heard speak truth from the perspective of a nurse while also supporting parents, other nurses, and just telling the truth. It’s in that truth that birth culture can elevate and change for the better. In her words, she likes to “shake shit up,” and if we’re being honest, that is EXACTLY what needs to happen to our modern hospital birth culture. This is not an episode that puts down or shames anyone—what it IS is a taste of honesty for a change. She brings the mother AND L&D nurse perspective which is so balanced and refreshing and needed. Mandy’s Bio: Mandy Irby, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, LCCE, SpBCPE, APBT (aka The Birth Nurse) is a trauma-sensitive parent and nurse educator passionate about a more parent-centered and respectful birth culture. Mandy helps pregnant people and families prepare to birth boldly by understanding and advocating for voice, choice, and physiology. She’s been a labor nurse for over eleven years. Mandy is also a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Authorized Peanut Ball Trainer, Spinning Babies Certified Parent Educator, and she absolutely loves connecting with L&D Nurses in her Biohacking for Birth and Peanut Ball workshops. She’s currently working from home with her engineer husband and daydreams of more office space and home espresso machines. Mandy loves exploring new trails and creeks with her two young children, running with a podcast on, and celebrating no-potty-accident days with their newest 4-legged family member, Maizey. Mandy does not tiptoe around birth culture changes that need to be made: everything from implicit biases, systemic racism, and toxic hospital culture including: abuse, assault, and coercion. She’s an advocate for mothers, birth workers, midwives, labor delivery nurses, and OBs. She’s almost like this super optimistic & compassionate glue that we all need to come together and move forward together to elevate modern birth culture. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM  Mandy’s Links: Website: www.mandyirby.com Facebook: fb.com/thebirthnurse Instagram: instagram.com/mandybirthnurse YouTube: youtube.com/mandyirby Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjCL4jnooMFhvqTeHXGxUxQ Thanks for visiting today's sponsors: Blossom & Root (Discount Code: LORIBETH10) and Primally Pure (Discount Code: LORIBETH10)

“Perfectionism is not just impossible in parenting but it is deeply at odds with our goals.” When I read the book Expecting Wonder, it isn’t what I expected. I’m not 100% sure WHAT I expected but it really showed me that I came into a pregnancy book with expectations. I don’t know whether I thought it was going to be a story version of What to Expect When You’re Expecting or what…but I ended the book a different person. (Even as a non-pregnant person who has birthed three babies, I shut that book and felt heard & known in a way I haven’t before). Today’s conversation with the author Brittany Bergman will really show you why. This book is a must read for moms who are expecting, who have had babies, and really anyone in the childbirth community. Brittany takes on modern motherhood culture messaging and names some of the major issues plaguing moms and thoughts around pregnancy. She also makes space for stories, listening, grace, growth, honesty faith, slowing down, self-compassion, instinct, and intuition. I’d love to see this book at the top of the list for new mamas over many of the other popular ones out there. I love Brittany’s focus in her book. She sees pregnancy so much more than what is presented to us. It’s sold as a season that is hyper-focused on the physical -- the growing baby, a woman's growing body. We’re told what changes to expect, what to eat, what to do, and what not to do. But pregnancy isn’t just a means to an end of getting a baby into the world. It is a deeply transformative process for us as we become mothers. If we can lean into all the feelings pregnancy brings up -- not just joy and gratitude, but fear, loss, and even sorrow -- we can collaborate in the process of creating new life, for our children and for ourselves. We swim in the deep end in this episode! It’s like Brittany and I met by the pool for the first time and decided to jump in the deep end and not get out for two hours. I could have talked with her all day…and I feel like you’ll feel the same, like you just want to stay in the deep end with her and listen all day. Brittany’s Bio: Brittany L. Bergman is an author who is passionate about telling stories that provide refreshment, connection, and encouragement to mothers who don't want to lose sight of their identity. Her essays on motherhood have been featured in a variety of publications, including TODAY Parents, Motherly, Coffee + Crumbs, and The MOPS Blog. She lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband, Dan, and their two children. By day, she is a copy editor of nonfiction books at a publishing house. Her first book, Expecting Wonder, is about the identity-level transformation we experience as we become mothers. FULL SHOW NOTES AVAILABLE AT: WWW.ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD.COM Elevating Motherhood Links: Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com Instagram: @loribethauldridge & @elevatingmotherhood