Heart to Heart with Abagaba

Today’s guest is MegAnne Ford, a passionate parenting coach dedicated to helping parents connect with their children and discover their confidence in parenting. MegAnne has developed a transformative approach that builds a safe and secure parent-child relationship. Her proven C.L.E.A.R. Method empowers parents to navigate challenges like tantrums, meltdowns, and overwhelm with practical tools. Her coaching provides actionable strategies and support, allowing parents to show up as their best selves.

Today’s guest is a powerhouse in youth education and drug prevention, with an incredible 34-year track record. Delivering over 400 presentations annually to audiences across the country, he connects with more than 150,000 students every year, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation. Known for his unique blend of science-based insights, humor, and heartfelt connection, he has earned a stellar 4.8-star rating, proving just how effective and engaging his approach truly is.With a deep commitment to helping teens make better choices and a talent for breaking down tough topics into relatable conversations, our guest is a trusted voice in schools, conferences, and communities nationwide. Please welcome, Ray Lozano!

Today’s guest is a powerhouse in youth education and drug prevention, with an incredible track record spanning 34 years. Delivering over 400 presentations annually to audiences across the country, he connects with more than 150,000 students every year, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation. Known for his unique blend of science-based insights, humor, and heartfelt connection, he has earned a stellar 4.8-star rating, proving just how effective and engaging his approach truly is.With a deep commitment to helping teens make better choices and a talent for breaking down tough topics into relatable conversations, our guest is a trusted voice in schools, conferences, and communities nationwide. Please welcome, Ray Lozano!

Mike Oppenheim has been interested in entertainment since he was a child, but he became serious about it in 2003 when he began his music career with Punchclock & Smirk.In 2006, he started his weekly philosophy essay, The Casual Casuist, and in 2011, he earned an MFA in Fiction from Mills College for his novel Dysfunction. He has since released Baby Doll: The Book (2012), Too True to be Good (2017), and The Apology (2021).His fifth novel, Ardor, was released on March 30, 2023.Mike also makes short videos: Squawk (2018), YouScience (2020), & Me-Search (2021).In 2021, Mike and his wife, Elana, started a metaphysical podcast, Coffin Talk.Mike also indexes books, eats avocados, runs writing workshops, and loves his family.Check out his website, http://mikeyopp.com

Dr. Emily Sherwood has dedicated nearly twenty years to cultivating her love for literacy and English language education. Her extensive career includes teaching students of all grade levels and from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in schools throughout the United States. Currently residing in the scenic Lowcountry of South Carolina, Emily is focusing on her expanding family while continuing to inspire and support readers through her writing

. John Chanaca: Experienced Children's Book Publisher/Author and EducatorDr. John Chanaca founded MJChanacapublishing LLC, a family publishing company focusing on creating heartwarming educational stories emphasizing positive family values. As the author of several children's books, including The Keymaker, Annie's Flutterflies, Color Your Own Story Books. and the *Humor & Heart* series, he has dedicated his career to inspiring and educating young readers along with helping parents instill ethical and moral instructions.For more information, go to www.mjchanacapublishing. com

Join me in a heart-to-heart with Tonya Duncan Ellis.:She is the author of the bestselling Sophie Washington children’s chapter book series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (Balzer + Bray an imprint of Harper Collins, 2024) She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit, and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored, Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. In 2021, she won the Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. She is a 2022 SCBWI’s Independently Published Book Launch Marketing Grant winner. As represented by Sara Megibow of KT Literary, Tonya holds an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA in French from Centre College of Kentucky. She lives in Houston, Texas, and is married with three children. For more information, go to www.tonyaduncanellis.comShe can be followed on Instagram and Facebook as @tonyaellisbooks

Join me in a joyful conversation with Jeaneen Tang. She is a speech-language pathologist with over 23 years of experience working with early intervention (0-3 years old) for the elderly. She specializes in early language development and has a passion for training parents, caregivers, and other educators on how best to address the needs of young children in learning to understand and express themselves. Her goal is to shake up how we approach language development and decrease the number of children who need speech therapy.

Join me in an engaging conversation with Roxie Fiste. Her passion is creating stories with vibrant characters that inspire kids to explore their own imaginations and have fun. If they learn something along the way, that’s a plus! (Every story she writes contains little lessons, so parents will have talking points with their littles.)This is a different world than the one she grew up in. She shows children they can have just as much fun reading as playing on a tablet. Her hope is to ignite a creative spark that lasts into adulthood.

Join me in my conversation with Zorina Pritchett. She is an Army Veteran who retired from federal service in July 2020 and started her own business, ZoChey, in July 2023. She created two card games, ZomadicShift and ZomadicShift PASS-n-Play, which are currently sold online at Walmart. Zorina's third game, ZomadicShift FACE-OFF, is coming soon. Zorina enjoys motivational speaking and was an online guest speaker with Che Brown. She is preparing to release her first children's book in 2024. Zorina is a cum laude graduate from Austin Peay State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Management. She is a caregiver and helps Veterans to obtain their disability benefits,

We can learn many things from children, including active learning, problem-solving, making friends, and more. Join me as I celebrate a remarkable young lady, Ms. Vera, and ten things I'm grateful for about children.

Join me as I reflect on the out-of-the-mouth-of-babe prediction that comes true. Children are the best ❤️.

Welcome to the first episode of Heart to Heart with Abagaba Podcast. In this episode, I had an incredible hearty conversation with Ghanaian-born Patti Sloley, a TV Chef and cookbook author on a mission to introduce the finest in traditional West African cuisine through recipes inspired by her mother.One of Patti’s aims is to use food to help children confidently explore the potential diverse foods around them. Patti is also a judge of the Young Chef of the Year Award and is passionate about her demonstrations for schoolchildren. Their collective enthusiasm and excitement at trying new flavors and seeing spices and ingredients from West Africa is empowering.  It helps break down barriers, and every child deserves this. She believes in catching them early and giving them an experience of a lifetime. She is Front of House and a resident Chef at the Novelli Academy, where her creative style and natural artistry come through in her vibrant dishes. Patti maintains the perfect balance between creativity and conformity, and her ability to step out of the norm defines her.Described by Executive Traveller magazine as Ghana’s best secret, she is inspiring and exuberant with an infectious zest for life. Dubbed the Queen of Spice by Michelin Star Chef, Jean Christorphe Novelli, Patti runs interactive and fun spice workshops, telling stories and taking people on an adventure! Enjoy

Celebrating Children has a new name, Heart to Heart with Abagaba. A podcast that celebrates everything about children begins with us: I look forward to sharing my first compelling guest episode with you. Stay tuned

In this special episode, the mic turns around.Former guest, author, and attorney Steven Eichenblatt returns to Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba — but this time, he takes the interviewer’s seat. Today, Steven guides host Abby Dominguez through a heartfelt conversation about her memoir, My Mom’s Incredible Voice.Abby opens up about the memories that shaped her, the legacy of her mother’s voice. They explore themes of childhood, identity, resilience, and the power of honoring where we come from.This episode is full of warmth, honesty, laughter, and beautiful reflection — the kind of conversation that reminds us why storytelling matters.In This Episode We Talk About:​ The emotional journey of revisiting childhood memories​ Why personal stories help us connect, heal, and feel seenAbout Steven EichenblattSteven is an author and attorney who first joined the podcast to share his own powerful journey in the links below. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-to-heart-with-abagaba/id1767412992?i=1000734264493https://open.spotify.com/episode/2p3Ds0wHU0FuOrXYR5Az5fHis thoughtful interviewing style brings out vulnerability, clarity, and connection in today’s conversation.Steven’s Book: Pretend They’re Deadhttps://a.co/d/9oG4zLIConnect with Abbyhttps://www.abigailedominguez.com/Podcast: Heart-to-Heart with AbagabaBooks: https://a.co/d/7rHWyqDHeart-to-Heart with Abagaba: A Nanny/Teacher Reflection https://a.co/d/9CxlrV7My Moms Incredible Voice

Kira Hartley Klinger—online shop owner, indie author, and lover of all things odd and collectible—joins us to unpack the fascinating world of auctions and resale. She shares how she got started, the story behind “DodOddity,” her best (and weirdest!) money makers, and simple ways beginners can promote items on a tiny budget. We also chat about her indie author journey and what she’s writing next.Highlights: • How Kira found her way into resale • “Grammy Whammy” + “DodOddity” explained • Her best and strangest finds • Low-cost advertising tips anyone can use • Becoming an indie author • What’s coming next for herConnect with Kira:https://www.etsy.com/shop/DodOddity?dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

In this inspiring episode, Abby sits down with Sue Marasciulo — a graphic novelist, literacy advocate, and the creator of ten decodable graphic novels designed to help children of all ages fall in love with reading, including children who learn differently.Sue shares the heart behind her mission: she’s not writing for fame, praise, or personal spotlight. She writes because she believes deeply that every child deserves a doorway into stories, especially those who struggle with dyslexia or traditional literacy paths.Together, Abby and Sue explore: • The moment Sue realized decodable graphic novels could change a child’s reading journey • Why visual storytelling matters for developing readers • How parents and educators can support kids who feel discouraged or left behind • The relentless passion that drives Sue’s work — and why it’s “never about her” • What it means to write stories that empower children to feel capable, confident, and excited about booksSue’s mission is simple and profound: help children read — and love reading.This conversation is full of warmth, practical wisdom, and the kind of encouragement families need.Connect with SueSue Marasciulohttps://suemarasciulo.comSue Marasciulo - Pat and Pal Books

In this inspiring episode, former athlete and longtime Nassau County Assistant District Attorney Ken Kunken joins Abby for a heart-to-heart conversation about resilience, purpose, and redefining what’s possible. After a football injury at Cornell University left him paralyzed from the shoulders down, Ken rebuilt his life with remarkable determination — earning multiple degrees, serving over 40 years in law, and becoming a devoted husband and father of triplet boys.Together, they explore: • The power of keeping expectations high — for yourself and others • How faith, focus, and purpose sustain us through challenge • Why Ken chose to share his story in I Dream of Things That Never Were • The lessons he hopes to leave for his family and community💛 A story of courage, gratitude, and hope that will stay with you long after you listen.Connect with Ken : https://kenkunken.com/Book : I Dream of Things That Never Were, The Ken Kunken Story https://a.co/d/iMTV3Co

What happens when a child’s deepest wound becomes the path toward truth and healing?In this powerful episode, author and attorney Steven Eichenblatt joins Abby to share his journey from abandonment and silence to self-discovery and forgiveness.Steven, author of Pretend They Are Dead, opens up about the day his father left, the years of confusion that followed, and the moment their lives collided again decades later. Together, they explore what it means to face pain without losing hope — and how breaking silence can become an act of love.🎧 Tune in for a heart-to-heart on resilience, reconciliation, and the healing power of truth.Connect with Steven: https://www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com/Book : https://a.co/d/ei51J0t

In this heartfelt conversation, Abby sits down with Cindy Caprio Woulfe — certified meditation teacher, wellness advocate, writer, and mom of two — to talk about motherhood, mindfulness, and what it really means to nurture yourself amid life’s chaos.Cindy opens up about her personal journey of rediscovering herself through motherhood and shares insights from her debut book, In the Weeds: A Guide to Saving Your Own Soul on This Crazy Journey Called Motherhood. Together, they discuss mental health, guilt, grace, and how even small acts of self-care can create ripple effects throughout the home.If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or forgotten in the mix of motherhood, this conversation will remind you that your needs matter, your story matters, and growth often happens in the messiest seasons.Highlights:🌿 How Cindy’s personal challenges inspired In the Weeds💛 Lessons learned through motherhood and mental health awareness🌸 How mindfulness and nourishment practices support balance☀️ Why self-care is not selfish, but sustainingConnect with Cindy: https://cindycapriowoulfe.com/Book : https://a.co/d/287y5UUhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-weeds-cindy-caprio-woulfe/1148377552🎧 Listen in and take a breath — you’re not alone in this journey.