In this deeply personal episode, Kara explores the transformative power of vulnerability and how sharing our most difficult life experiences can lead to profound healing. Expressing her journey of healing from childhood trauma and a near-death experience in the first four episodes of this season, Kara reflects on how being vulnerable in sharing her story not only helped her process pain but strengthened her connection with others. Kara talks about the ongoing work of integrating her inner child and how it’s deepened her sense of purpose and empowerment. She also highlights the importance of sharing your story with loved ones and how this kind of reflection can foster deeper healing and relationships. She reflects on the power of creative expression—whether through writing, art, or simply speaking your truth—as a means of processing trauma and healing. Looking ahead to Season 3, she invites listeners to continue the journey of vulnerability with her, offering support, hope, and deep connection. Sharing our stories is not just a way to heal ourselves, but it’s also a powerful tool for helping others on their own paths toward healing. Links to Kara's Story episodes: Part 1 of 4 (with her Son) Part 2 of 4 (with her Doctor) Part 3 of 4 (with her Sister) Part 4 of 4 (with her MFR Therapist) Highlights: The power of vulnerability in healing from trauma. How sharing your personal story can bring connection and deepen relationships. The role of creative expression in processing emotional pain and trauma. Healing childhood trauma and integrating the inner child to live a fuller life. The importance of being authentically seen in your struggles. How vulnerability creates space for others to share their stories and heal. Embracing imperfection and the freedom that comes with letting go of perfectionism. Kara is an international best-selling author, teacher, spiritual guide and mentor. Her caring, gentle, and humble spirit quickly draws us into a safe space. Her desire to see humans embrace and achieve physical and emotional healing is the guiding principle of her life's work. She is a master teacher and an intuitive mentor. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with ICU nurse, Shelby Colette as she takes us with her to reflect on her adventures aboard the “Mercy Ship.” She has served as a volunteer twice on the ship, giving surgical care to people who would not otherwise receive it. Shelby shares that her journey with Mercy ships started even as a child. Her parents' travel taught her that the world was much bigger than her backyard. The dream took form in college when she saw a flier hanging in her nursing school hall that sparked a deep desire in her to one day be on that ship. Despite the dream, after nursing school she got a job, and was in a very serious relationship. Her life was settling down and she could see it written out for the next 30 years. But she felt a little part of her dying, knowing she was made for more. When Mercy ships reappeared, she knew it was her time to go. Even though it felt like she was exploding her own life and stopping everything she had been working for up to that point, she made the brave decision to break off her relationship and let go of everything she knew. Shelby shares her perspectives on how sometimes other people’s stories have a great impact on our own. She doesn’t claim to tell her patient’s stories, but rather honors them as she offers the great treasures she stored up from watching them hope against devastating circumstances, find joy amidst deep pain and have peace when there was no answer. Listen in to gain a valuable lens into a part of the world and a topic that we aren’t generally tuned into. Connect with Shelby: shelbycolette.com Shelby Colette, RN, BSN has been a nurse for sixteen years. She's traveled the world, but found her true passion in volunteering aboard Mercy Ships and serving the world's forgotten poor through the love of Jesus. That's where Shelby discovered her true love of serving those the world has overlooked and a continuing deep faith in Christ. Shelby loves reading, writing, and being a mom to her three beautifully wild children. She lives in Oregon with her husband and kids. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is joined by Colby Coash, a childhood friend and author of the newly released book, Running Naked: Surviving the legacy of family in rural Nebraska. After reading his book, set primarily in their childhood hometown of Bassett, in three sittings, Kara was thrilled to get the opportunity to go a little deeper into Colby's story. The two talk about their reflections on growing up in a small rural Nebraska town, which they both hold dear. They share heartfelt conversations about hometown roots, themes of hard work, family expectations and growing up in true community. Kara and Colby also go into difficult conversation about the confusion he had as a boy of only 13 when his mom abandoned their family to create a new life for herself in a faraway state and eventually another country. Colby shares how the lonely process of writing his midlife memoir helped him make sense of and find purpose in his life thus far. He invites his readers to reflect with him through his childhood memories while offering his adult reflective perspective as he takes us on a journey through the stories he shares. The book and conversation will have you laughing and crying, reflecting and thinking about how your own stories shape your life and if you have children, your parenting. Connect with Colby: Website: www.colbycoashauthor.com Colby Coash is the Associate Executive Director for the Nebraska Association of School Boards, providing leadership and government relations work on behalf of elected leaders across Nebraska. This work gives him an opportunity to engage with policymakers and elected leaders using his experience as a former two-term State Senator. During his tenure in the Nebraska Unicameral Coash championed various causes, including child welfare, tourism, criminal justice reform, and support for people with disabilities. Prior to his public service, Colby worked many years in the field of developmental disabilities while operating group homes and emergency shelters for kids with disabilities. It was here he learned the value of advocacy and inclusion in all settings while working with the most vulnerable citizens of his State. He has spoken regionally about his passion for advocacy and taking a simple approach to leadership. His work has taken him from group homes to the Capitol. His training as an actor allows him to use storytelling as a medium for sharing his passion for advocacy and taking a simple approach to leadership. Colby speaks nationally in the areas of advocacy, employee engagement, performance coaching, communication, and leadership. Colby holds a Masters Degree in Leadership Education and is an adjunct faculty member at Doane University and the Bryan College of Health Sciences. He is married with one son and enjoys movie making, having appeared in dozens of short and feature films. His debut memoir, Running Naked, Surviving the Legacy of Family in Rural Nebraska was released in 2024. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping into the important topic of postpartum depression with Holly Fisher. The two have an honest conversation about how moms aren't really given the space to acknowledge or grieve that a part of them is changing after the birth of their child. Holly shares feelings of guilt and repressed emotions around the thoughts she was having. It felt shameful to share them, so she suffered in silence to uphold society’s expectation of how she “should” be doing as a new mom. Holly emphasizes that her identity isn’t in being a mom or in her work or in her experience of postpartum depression and gives us all useful strategies to really check in on the moms we love. Postpartum depression isn’t a failure, it is a medical imbalance in a mom’s body after giving birth. Highlights: As a new mom, Holly felt guilty because she wasn’t feeling wonderful and didn’t want to admit that she was struggling. Fueled by expectation that we are naturally wonderful moms and we are great at it. Moms may be grieving/mourning a part of us that has changed. Our society emphasizes a woman’s identity as a mom. We don’t take a moment to make that transition well. Moving into a new season, new roles. It is a huge adjustment. Coupled with her perfectionist personality and plans for everything to go a certain way, she didn’t feel like she was good at this. She was having thoughts like: “What have I done? Can I do this? How might I undo this? Can I go back in time?” Holly’s faith has been a landing place for her. This was a 3 year process to find healing and balance. Medication helped. Peer support was so important. Holly suggests always assuming there is a chance a new mom could be struggling. Quotes: “I can’t stress enough the importance of reaching out for help.” “My Identity is not in motherhood. Not in postpartum depression. Not in work. My identity is in Christ.” “The minute you think something is wrong, get some help. I suffered needlessly for months. You just don’t have to.” fisher-creative.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyannfisher/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollyannfisher/ Personal Website: https://hollyannfisher.com/ Holly Fisher is the owner of Fisher Creative Marketing and a StoryBrand Certified Guide. She’s helped dozens of organizations clarify their marketing message and develop an effective sales funnel that generates more leads and boosts their bottom line. A long-time professional writer and former full-time journalist, Holly believes in the power of story to inform and engage. She has worked with clients around the globe and in a variety of industries. Holly lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and teenage daughter. She enjoys hiking, doing CrossFit, reading and driving her Dodge Challenger on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In the episode, Kara is Stepping In with a woman who basically raised herself as well as often functioning as the caretaker to her alcoholic mom. Jennifer Royal grew up as an only child with a single mom who struggled with alcoholism and ultimately took her own life. Jen shares stories of resilience and survival as a young girl who had to figure out how to get what she needed to survive. Her mom did get sober for a time and Jennifer experienced much positive benefit from attending AA meeting with her but unfortunately her mom never did the full work to heal addictive tendencies. There were good times and high points but there was always a thread of manipulation running through, she was never really standing in her power to take care of herself. Kara and Jen talk about the grief and sadness related to not having a childhood which came up as she had her own children as well as Jen’s journey to neurofeedback and igniting her “healer energy” inspired by her mom’s untapped potential. This unthinkable story of trauma and resilience will take your breath away. Connect with Jennifer: Website: https://downtoearthcounseling.com/ IASIS: https://microcurrentneurofeedback.com/ Jennifer is a Certified IASIS Technician in Nashville, TN. She has extensive experience in the field of functional medicine and nutrition. Her husband is a holistically trained chiropractic physician and together they work in serving our Nashville clients with a unique approach to brain health and wellness. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode Kara steps in with Sue Peters who found herself on a profound journey creating a new life and identity after the heartbreaking loss of her husband and best friend, John. Sue shares inspiring perspectives and stories of certainty that convinced her she was never alone in this journey. The two explore how she moved from survival to wanting to be alive again. They share thoughts on difficult anniversary days, duality of emotions and finding ways to stay connected with someone you have lost. They highlight the depth of love that comes from processing grief of a loved one. If you have lost someone you love, you will find validation and hope in this episode. Highlights: John’s medical emergency was on their son’s wedding day, which meant their hospital stay was 3 hours from home and to further complicate their journey, it was in the middle of Covid which changed the medical visitation and made it difficult to support one another because of the rules they had to strictly follow. After he died, there was peace. The “spinning” stopped. There was relief even in the sadness. Sue shares the ways she found stillness and centered herself in the midst of this experience as well as her profound experiences with God through the journey. Moments of certainty that she was not alone. Synchronicities of nature. Giving her the realization that her life was not over Irony… Learning so much because he died and yet missing him all the more because he is the person I want to share it with more. Unique way Sue created to celebrate and connect to her beloved in a different way on special days like their anniversary, his birthday. At first when John died, she thought now her life would just be survival until she could be with him again. She just wanted to go be with him Sharing her story and the building of relationships and new connections is what brought her out of the deep hole. Finding her purpose at this point in her life after all the changes. Quotes: “The more I am holding on to the “lasts”, it was torturing me. I am allowing myself to make space for new things to come in. John was leading me.” “Nature helped a lot. I felt seen - (in nature)God, universe, your loved ones see you.” “Gratitude is a huge part of it. I’ve been so grateful for each thing that comes my way. We are all able to receive them. No one is excluded… just a gift wrapped in a different package.” Connect with Sue: Website: http://www.susan-peters.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hearttosoullinks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sue7675923 Susan Peters is a writer, grief facilitator, mother, and grandmother from Indiana. She has been on a profound soul journey discovering her newfound identity and cultivating self-love after the heartbreaking loss of her husband and best friend, John. She is forging a path toward renewed life, authentic purpose, and genuine love by stepping forward to share her story to create profound connections with others facing loss and adversity. Susan aims to foster hope, understanding, and a fresh perspective of love, gratitude, and joy through the intertwining of our sacred stories to build relationships as we learn to navigate the challenging road of life together. She is in the process of authoring her first book, The Miracle of Marrying My Heart: One Woman's Journey To Discovering New Dreams After Loss, which will be available in Spring 2024. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with Renee Browning who recounts a long journey of grief and loss as she navigated 4 miscarriages amidst the births of her 2 sons and eventual adoption of their 3rd daughter. Renee shares that after pushing through, stuffing the pain and distracting herself, she eventually hit a wall and realized she needed help processing the deep grief she was feeling. The two talk about how miscarriage is a very lonely and isolating road. Renee shares that doing something to tangibly bring you peace, help you process and remember the lives of miscarried babies is an important part of healing. Her journey and perspectives will touch you deeply. Highlights: Miscarriage is a shocking and unexpected event. We have no idea how to process it. Fear and worry are often present in pregnancies after the loss of a miscarriage. Ignoring the grief can happen by: Stuffing the pain, getting pregnant again, pouring into work, focusing on gratitude It is common to struggle with a friend having a baby. (common duality of feelings… pain within me and happy for you.) Renee talks about when you have faith for an outcome and it doesn’t work out that way. Miscarriage was very lonely and isolating. The experience of people minimizing the loss because it was early. Wrote letters to each baby to process and heal. Do something tangible to mark the lives of your babies. Do whatever brings you peace, helps you process and remember. Renee shares how the loss of 4 babies shaped her… going through this experience of processing the grief has given her tools to process other hard things in life. Peace in the completion of her family with their adopted daughter. Gratitude, be more present and step in with others who are going through it, be as open and honest as you can. Quotes: “So my my word for people who are close to someone who's going through miscarriages, get in the trenches with, you know, if they'll let you in, just let them know how sorry you are and how awful it really is and just that you are there for whatever they need and just really show up” “I just think that because miscarriage is not that spoken about and not that open people are not that open about it. I think that people don't rally around you in the same way as other situations in life.” “Unpacking the grief was horrible and beautiful and tragic and life-changing all at the same time” Connect with Renee: Renee Thornton Browning is a busy Mom who strives to love her family well and spend each day living life to the fullest. She loves the Lord with all her heart and this love pours out into everything she does. She loves to travel and help people in any way she can. She helps manage her son Elijah and recently kicked breast cancer. She is the only women I know to go undefeated in chemo sessions with a 16 and 0 record making even Tom Brady jealous! Renee is the most loving person I have ever met. She pours everything she has into seeing the people around her succeed. She has been through so much in her life and has learned so much that she loves to share with other people. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with author and coach, Dr. Gemma Sampson. Australian by birth, Gemma grew up in a very rural town in Zambia, Africa in a missionary family. Returning to Australia her senior year, she quickly stopped telling the stories that were normal for her in order to assimilate into the teen experience of her peers, thus beginning the lifelong quest to find belonging. Throughout her life, Gemma has moved over 50 times living about 18 months in each place. Listen in to hear how Gemma found home within by learning to listen to the still small voice of her own intuition and not respond to other’s desires for her life. Highlights: The 2 key questions that pivot a lot of her decisions are ‘where are you going’ and 'what's stopping you?’ Keeping things to myself so you don’t invite other people’s doubts or negative energy into your adventure. Living light, letting go unpacking all the extra baggage I have been carrying around with me and finding home Boundaries as Barriers and walls for protection from hurt vs healthy boundaries as fences that let people in and out Guiding your ship for what is right for you. Spent her 20s floating and reacting. Things change and evolve. Life without regrets. Living with intention. Gemma recommends exploring through writing, creating space, and eliminating the noise to hear your own inner voice. The next steps or the creative ideas come through when you create space and get in nature, slow down, cut the noise. When she finally moved to her current home, she found a place that feels like home. Following her inner guidance, led her here. If there is something you want to do: ask yourself, what are the stories you are telling yourself in your head…. And if you really want to do it, you can align, get out of your own way, start telling yourself the story that you CAN do it, and GET IN ACTION. Quotes: “If we are sitting on the fence, sometimes the decision is made for us.” “Belonging is truly within you” “It's ok to look different. I know what is right for me” “What’s stopping me? Me. I am stopping me.” “Stillness and slowing down helps me tune in.” Connect with Gemma: Website: www.gemmasampson.com Instagram: instagram.com/drgemmasampson Youtube: YouTube.com/@drgemmasampson Dr. Gemma Sampson is an Australian adult third culture kid who grew up in Zambia, lived in England for 7 years, Girona, Spain for 6 and… stopped counting at 50 something houses. Searching for something. She currently calls home in Mallorca, Spain. Dr. Gemma Sampson is an Advanced Sports Dietitian with over 12 years experience working with amateur and elite cyclists and corporate clients. She aims to optimize health and performance be that in training, competition or in the boardroom. Every athlete is unique. Your training program, races, lifestyle and personal ambitions are exclusive to you – which is why a cookie-cutter approach doesn’t work when it comes to sports nutrition. Her individualized and holistic approach to sports nutrition is tailored around specific training and performance goals. She is a passionate cyclist who loves working with motivated high performing endurance athletes and seeing them get results and achieve their goals. When I’m not talking about sports nutrition, you’ll find her practicing what she preaches and putting nutrition science into practice on the bike herself. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with True Joy Expert, Linda Shively. After healing from an abusive marriage and navigating the diagnosis and eventual death of her severely handicapped 3 year old daughter, Linda found her way to bounce back and reclaim joy in her life. Linda shares gripping moments from her daughter’s diagnosis to her last breath as well as recounting the years of despair and numbness to her new found purpose, triumph and joy in life. Her daughter’s joy and the joy that was between them keeps her going even to this day. Linda’s story of loss is tragic but the peace and presence she has cultivated are healing and inspiring. Highlights: Linda takes us back to the stark white doctor’s office where her doctor told her Jessica wouldn’t live to her first birthday. After that moment everything changed for Linda, but she realized nothing actually changed for her daughter, so she tried to stay really present in the joy that was between them and give Jessica the best possible life she could in the short time she had with her. They were in and out of the hospital constantly, making decisions navigating a very significant medical journey. Creating an environment of other people who can support and help is so important. Doing a fundraising walk every year, she and her crew have raised over $1.5 million, and seen the evolution of now 3 treatments. (No effective treatments were available when her daughter was alive.) Now kids with spinal muscular atrophy are dancing and playing. Linda explains how if you don't do anything to heal and feel, grief is patient. It will wait for you. Even if you don't feel joy right in this particular moment, you can get to it. It's different from happiness, because happiness is associated with something external. Joy is internal, so even if there's something that isn't great that's going on, you can still have joy. Quotes: “I have a lot to say about our society and how we deal with grief or don't…" “I didn’t want to stay stuck… I didn’t know how to get somewhere different, but I knew I didn’t want to stay in that miserable spot.” “She always brought so much joy into my life. That glimpse of her joy-filled life keeps me going even now. I’ve kept that powerful, joy-filled little girl in my heart and it feeds everything I do.” “The death of a child isn't something you just get over in a week, isn't something you get over in a few months. It's ongoing, it's just a new way of looking at life…” Episode Resources: Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence: https://www.nextdoorsolutions.org/ Retreat Link: https://www.lindashively.com/events/ Getting To Joy by Linda Shively: https://a.co/d/asW7cvI Connect with Linda Shively: Website: https://www.lindashively.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindaShivelySpeaker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindashively Linda Shively has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, is a best-selling author, international award-winning speaker, and neuroscience and mindset expert. Linda has been a multiple-time guest on ABC, CBS, and FOX television, featured in a feature film and even performed at the Rose Bowl. After healing from an abusive marriage, and navigating the diagnosis and eventual death of her 3-year-old daughter, Linda found her way to bounce back and reclaim her joy in life. Today she helps successful women defeat the dragons in their life and elevate their joy to new levels. Linda has studied brain and mind function for over 30 years, earning a psychobiology degree from UCLA, is a certified Master Life and Executive Coach, a Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), a Master Hypnotherapist, and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with Maggie Kang, a board certified radiologist whose nine year old daughter had a very sudden diagnosis of an incurable and rare autoimmune disease. That moment in time and the weeks following completely changed Maggie's life, her daughter's life, and their whole family's way of being in the world. The two talk about the importance of processing pain and grieving in order to truly find acceptance and live in the reality of now after life-altering events. Maggie shares her journey with exploring new ways of thinking about the changes in order to let go of resistance, move through her pain, and find a way to move forward. This episode will leave you full of hope. Highlights: Honestly exploring expectations of yourself and how that can put feelings of toxic guilt on you. Removing labels of Good and Bad helps you find acceptance and a way forward. Give space for recurring grief when you are navigating life events that change everything. It takes time to heal. There is hope. Mental and physical demands of caretaking. Transitioning from a regular life to mobility struggles, feeding changes, etc. When our kids are born we have dreams, let go of who they were to embrace who they are now. Maggie’s world ended and became dark, then opened up and became very light again. Now they have an impact and can support other people on a similar journey. Focusing your thoughts as a practice to create your new narrative. Holding onto thoughts that allow you to feel hopeful and better within the new circumstances that are now part of life. The art of releasing guilt as a mom. Modeling behavior for our children, how getting ourselves better really does make a difference for our kids. Hard experiences give you greater depth of compassion for others Quotes: “I think expectation of what you think things need to look like or what they should look like because they did in the past… does sort of impede your ability to move forward” “When a certain situation arises in our lives, how we respond to it is basically by way of our thoughts. And for me, when she was diagnosed, my thought was, this is my fault, this is terrible. I didn't know that I was choosing that thought. I just thought that that was the fact of the situation. But it wasn't, I could have chosen, oh my gosh, she is sick and I want to be the best mom I can be for her. Let me think about all the ways I can do that. There are different ways you can look at it.” “Living in the space of possibility and hope.” “At the end of the day, the thing that was most challenging was feeling alone.” Episode Links: Maggie Kang’s TEDx Talk: The Truth About Pain and Suffering Will Change Your Life Maggie’s Daughter’s book on Amazon: My Hospital Story Subscribe to Maggie’s Newsletter plus a free gift: www.maggiekang.com/narrative Connect with Maggie Kang: Website: https://maggiekangmd.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggiekangmd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-kang-03088a229 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiekangmd/ Dr. Maggie Kang is a board-certified radiologist, mom of two kids, one with a rare disease. She was the radiologist who was the first to see her nine-year-old daughter’s horrifying brain MRI in the ER. Her daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease, neuromyelitis optica. The ordeal motivated Maggie to shift her focus from radiology to mental well-being. Now a certified Life Coach, Maggie dedicates her time to supporting parents of kids in the rare and chronic disease communities. She also works with physician moms of kids with chronic needs one-on-one in her private coaching practice, MaggieKangMD LLC. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
Series Description (4 Parts): Mine may be the most challenging story for me to hold space for… and yet in this 4 part episode series, I invite you into conversations with a few of the people who have been most present with me on my journey following a near death bicycle accident in May of 2018 that left me with a very broken body and a brain injury. For 6 years, the primary focus of my life has been healing, restoring and figuring out how to live in the now, AS IS. My own journey is very much the inspiration for launching this podcast as I deeply believe that being held and witnessed in our life stories is an important part of healing. It is why I step in with you and this time, I invite you to step in with me. Episode Description: In this episode, I am sharing a conversation with my myofascial release (MFR) therapist and dearest friend, Laurie Wheeler. I have often said, if there is no other silver lining to this event in my life, Laurie is it and that is enough. Next to my son, Laurie has been the most physically present in my journey of the last 6 years of healing and learning to live a very different life. She is a force of love like no other. Her presence has changed me, healed me. She is a gifted healer and has become one of the dearest friends I have ever known. In our conversation, we talk about everything recovery and healing, with much emphasis on the physical journey of my body through the hands on bodywork that she does (John Barnes MFR). Because she has also been such a presence in my life, we also talk about many other aspects of my life and healing in the past 6 years. Warning: This episode includes explicit descriptions of topics not suitable for children, specifically childhood sexual abuse. Keep this in mind if you are not in a place to listen about that topic today or have little people near you when you are listening. I believe talking about childhood sexual abuse is a very important part of healing the wounds and I also believe you get to choose what you consume and when it is best for you on your own journey to healing and wholeness. Episode Resources: John Barnes: Myofascial Release: https://www.myofascialrelease.com/ Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
Series Description (4 Parts): Mine may be the most challenging story for me to hold space for… and yet in this 4 part episode series, I invite you into conversations with a few of the people who have been most present with me on my journey following a near death bicycle accident in May of 2018 that left me with a very broken body and a brain injury. For 6 years, the primary focus of my life has been healing, restoring and figuring out how to live in the now, AS IS. My own journey is very much the inspiration for launching this podcast as I deeply believe that being held and witnessed in our life stories is an important part of healing. It is why I step in with you and this time, I invite you to step in with me. Episode Description: In this episode, I am sharing a conversation with my big sister and best friend, Jen Bussinger. Despite many states between us, she was at my side in the ICU within 12 hours of my accident. Her support physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually has been the greatest gift of my life. I could never put into words what she means to me nor the depth of healing this conversation stirred in me. She helped me remember things from the beginning and the unfolding of time but we also talked about things each of us has experienced as a result of this event that we had never shared with each other previously. She is stepping in with me, I am with her. You see the layers of my story and the way her story of my experience is part of our conversation. We have worked very intentionally to live in the depth of love and relationship that we share and I am honored to share with you a small window into her love. She is so very special to me. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
Series Description (4 Parts): Mine may be the most challenging story for me to hold space for… and yet in this 4 part episode series, I invite you into conversations with a few of the people who have been most present with me on my journey following a near death bicycle accident in May of 2018 that left me with a very broken body and a brain injury. For 6 years, the primary focus of my life has been healing, restoring and figuring out how to live in the now, AS IS. My own journey is very much the inspiration for launching this podcast as I deeply believe that being held and witnessed in our life stories is an important part of healing. It is why I step in with you and this time, I invite you to step in with me. Episode Description: In this episode, I am sharing a conversation with Dr. Tyler Hurst. I met Tyler, who is a functional neurologist, about 8 weeks into my recovery and healing. Functional neurology was an unfamiliar modality to me and I quickly learned it was one of the greatest pathways to help my brain heal. Not only that, but Tyler is a phenomenal human and became like family as he walked with me, guiding me to higher ground in my brain healing. We talk a lot about the brain and how my brain was affected by my accident both physiologically and functionally. By listening, you get a glimpse into what it looks like to live with brain injury. You also get an insight into the emotional journey it is to lose function of the organ that allows you to be who you are in the human experience. This one is filled with such deep insight into the invisible road to healing a person with brain injury walks. It is also such a testament to how important it is for patients to feel safe expressing what is happening for them on the journey BEYOND the physical. Being witnessed and validated in the wholeness of the experience is an important element for physical healing to occur. Tyler is a pro and I know that you are going to love him as much as I do! Connect with Tyler: thebrainhealthclinics.com Dr. Hurst was born and raised in Ohio. He became interested in chiropractic following a high school basketball injury and began pursuing an education in the field. After high school he attended Kent State University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. He graduated from Palmer Florida in March of 2018. During his last two years at Palmer he completed the necessary hours to sit for the IACN Diplomate examination. He has been Board Certified in Neurology since May of 2018. He has been in private practice in Nashville, TN since graduation. In 2022, he and colleague, Dr. Dylan Saulsbery, founded The Brain Health Clinics. This clinic is dedicated to the treatment of neurological conditions such as TBI, stroke rehabilitation, dizziness and balance conditions, developmental disorders and chronic pain. Dr. Hurst is also dedicated to his family. His wife, Dr. Samantha Hurst, is also a Palmer Florida graduate. They are blessed with two children, Hudson and Otto, and are expecting their third child later this year. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
Series Description (4 Parts): Mine may be the most challenging story for me to hold space for… and yet in this 4 part episode series, I invite you into conversations with a few of the people who have been most present with me on my journey following a near death bicycle accident in May of 2018 that left me with a very broken body and a brain injury. For 6 years, the primary focus of my life has been healing, restoring and figuring out how to live in the now, AS IS. My own journey is very much the inspiration for launching this podcast as I deeply believe that being held and witnessed in our life stories is an important part of healing. It is why I step in with you and this time, I invite you to step in with me. Episode Description: In this episode, I am sharing a conversation with my son, Coleman. He is the only person who has been part of the day to day in the last 6 years. His adolescence into young adulthood has been marked by this journey and he is the reason I have been able to keep going through some of the darkest and most confusing stretches. He is my MVP, my little buddy and my lifelong friend. His perspective is so valuable to me and I know you will be amazed at his endurance as the only child of a single woman who faced death and has had to rebuild from the ground up. That is a lot to carry when you are 12. Though it pains me to know some of the things he took on under our circumstances (don’t we all want the easy road for our kids!?) I am also beyond proud of the way he has risen to be the brilliant and beautiful young man that he is in these times of turbulence and uncertainty. I hope you enjoy this candid conversation between a boy and his momma… reflecting on our journey as it relates to my accident, subsequent brain injury and how it affected him and our family as a unit. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara steps in with Lynette Molina, a woman whose gratitude and joy for life have literally saved her life. The two are talking about the very unexpected, recent loss of Lynette’s little sister. She shares her journey of grief and her gratitude for having loved another so deeply. Because of her childhood trauma which has wiped away many memories, losing her sister was like losing part of her memory. She was the one person who knew Lynette’s entire life journey, as they walked it together. From homeless in LA to PTA member in her daughter’s private school in Scottsdale, AZ Lynette has a great appreciation for every blessing in her life. To this day, every time Lynette leaves the grocery store, she sits in her car and cries because she is so grateful that she can buy anything she wants. Listen in for jewels of wisdom from a woman who has cultivated healing through gratitude in her defining moments, especially when life is hard. Highlights: If you love someone you will be in a grief season. We will all lose someone we love. The shock of losing someone unexpectedly Talking to my sister and feeling her presence Losing the only one who really knew me. Lynette shared the powerful story of when she realized she was not the only one hiding trauma. She didn’t have to keep it a secret. She could take off the mask. Move from wearing a mask because that is what you think you have to do to living authentically because that actually helps others heal. People want to see who you really are. Sharing your story can actually help other people. The contrast of growing up homeless in LA, experiencing a very traumatic childhood to raising their children in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is very fancy and high end. Somatic healing of trauma. Mind body connection Lynette encourages us to listen. Pay attention so you know how to support people. Pick up the phone. People need to hear your heart. Being grateful doesn’t minimize the hard things you are going through. It is meant to balance them out and keep you in the game. Quotes: “Sometimes death is a defining moment in our life” “(Grief is) part of life… we're all going to experience it. It's a blessing If you love someone enough that you lose them and you're grieving.” “We are not meant to go this alone.” “So it's like, no matter how sad, mad, whatever is just wrecking you when you say, Yeah, but I'm grateful. I just saw the sunrise… I mean, we were homeless. I was grateful my mom had a station wagon. Now we could all four sit in the back, lay in the back and sleep.” Connect with Lynette: Facebook: www.Facebook.com/lynettejmolina “I’m a wife, mom, a Grammy, a friend, a survivor & a lifetime healer of my soul! I’m a city girl living my dream in the desert with dogs & donkeys! I had a very traumatic childhood & I have spent my entire life healing and helping others heal too. Life is hard and beautiful! Gratitude is my secret weapon!” Resources: Book: The Body Keeps the Score - by Besser van der Kolk M.D. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/happyhealthymamastribe Lynette’s Top 10 Life Changing Books: The Four Agreements The Magic by Rhonda Byrne - 30 day Gratitude Challenge (1 per year) Journey to the Heart The Healing Season The Miracle Morning The Body Keeps Score Every Moment Holy Mending the Soul Vibrate Higher Daily Daily Word (a Unity Publication) Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara steps in with Courage Coach and riveting story teller, Britt Ivy to talk about her very tender experience of having an abortion. Their conversation is not about whether it is right or wrong. It is not a political conversation. It is the story of an 18-year-old Britt who made the choice to have an abortion and later in life unpacked the many ways in which it showed up as self-sabotaging behavior, eating disorder, patterns of choosing abusing partners, numbing her feelings, and addiction until she found help, hope and healing years later. It is her life’s work to help other women heal. Highlights: Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) is like PTSD for abortion. It shows up years and decades later. It is important to take away the religious and political charge and just talk about the experience it is for a woman to have an abortion. Men are taught to respectfully allow the woman to make a decision. For Britt, when her boyfriend was supportive in that way, it made it feel like the decision went from “ours” to “hers”. She highlights the need for the conversation between the man and woman… sharing the burden of decision. Panic took over. Fear of judgement, disapproval, the end of freedom. A moment of tears and peace as Britt speaks to her younger self: “I love you. You’re mine. Let’s take this journey together. There are no accidents. This life is ours. You are forgiven. You are loved.” People don’t put it together that the life symptoms connect to having the abortion. Quotes: “The world tells you there is no problem… I’m here to tell you there is.” “I am not here for a religious or political debate. I’m here for the wounded.” Connect with Britt: Website: brittivy.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/britt-ivy-speaker Founder of Heartlife Foundation, Britt Ivy, “The Courage Coach”, empowers women who have ended a pregnancy to bravely live with hope and purpose. As an Award-Winning Television Talk Show Host, speaker and philanthropist, Britt’s passionate faith propels women in transforming broken pasts into thriving futures. PATH2Thrive Course - Mission Statement - "I empower Christian heart-centered loving women of faith who have begun their post-abortion healing journey to overcome self defeating thoughts, patterns, and behaviors so they can thrive in a more confident, satisfying, peace filled life and be a blessing to those around them." Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara steps in with sought after motivational speaker and international teacher, Nyke Latrice. Kara and Nyke talk about her single mom life, providing for her 3 kids (2 of her own and an added nephew who was also under her parental care) through numerous hustles while volunteering her heart to serve and volunteer in various ways in the community. Giving back, Nyke emphasizes empowerment by creating programs that give single moms a “hand up” instead of a “hand out”. The two also talk about the devastating murder of the nephew she raised and what it has been for her family to find healing. Listen in to this episode to be encouraged as a mom and inspired by Nyke’s advocacy for women and children trying to figure life out. Highlights: As a young single mom, the hustle of trying to figure this thing out. Stepping up your game financially, educational wise. Pick out different things, so if you get tired of this direction you have something to fall back on because it falls on you alone and you want to make sure you are providing the absolute best. What it takes today to stay connected in our families. God gives you children for a minute. They were never yours. They were yours to raise and let go. Letting go is the hardest thing. Be proud of yourself for what you accomplished as a mom. “I was living on subsidized housing. I was living, you know, using SNAP benefits. I said, I want to use this as a platform. When God puts me in a place where he wants me to bless other women such as I was, I want to do that” Honoring the delicate balance between empowering the single parent verses having pity on them. There is a single mom feeling of, ‘I don't want to be seen as less than I don't want to be seen as needy.’ Nyke talks about a “hand up” versus the “hand out”. It's a really important feeling for single parents to feel like there are other people who truly understand and have their back. In order to be the best you can be, you have to face your past. In my forties, I worry about who I am. I care about what I want, how I feel, I care about me. Quotes: “Life doesn't come with the manual on how to be a woman.” “I love what I do. I'm a voice for a single woman and her children. I was her not only that teenager that was trying to figure it out. I mean, you know, consistency is key, but so few commit to the process.” “I don't care if you are trash lady and you're picking up trash, you need to be the best trash picker up there is.” “Because if you don't have a mother that can take care of herself first, how could she provide to give to her kids?” Connect with Nyke: Website: www.NykeLatrice.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/nyke_latrice Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NykeLatrice Launching a beauty concierge services soon: F.A.C.E. (Females Always Create Excellence) Nyke Latrice is a lifestyle coach, licensed aesthetician, makeup and skincare specialist, motivational speaker and advocate for women and children. HeR mission in life is helping women evolve through life’s lessons by learning HeR first, empowering HeR and finding HeR self love. Through her numerous endeavors, Nyke has established herself as a leader in the beauty industry and in the Middle Tennessee communities. As a mother, Nyke believes that family is top priority in the balance of her life. She draws upon her own emotional life experiences to encourage others with her message of hope, empowerment, and success. An energetic and positive-speaking life coach, Nyke has the ability to edify her students and followers, and help them discover their true potential. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara steps in with genius mentor and beautiful soul, Tania Blanco. Tania shares the painful journey of losing her true self through her involvement in a religious organization and through her marriage. Kara and Tania talk about how she was not allowed to have a voice, but rather as a woman had to comply. You will hear how this emotional suffering showed up as physical problems in her body. Tania shares what it took to reclaim her power, create boundaries and dance her way back into loving her life. Highlights: The motto in our home was to dream, to work for it, and no one is going to stop you. The pain of losing yourself and your voice. Hiding your genius and dimming your shine to keep people around you happy. Your emotional suffering shows up in your physical body. What happens when boundaries fall away in our life and what to do when you realize that. Reclaim you own power Food is powerful medicine, a very important element of our well-being. Using nutrition to help nurture your body. It's not about the situations we go through, but how we navigate them…Take responsibility and make decisions and go forward with action. Ask for help. Accept Help. Don’t wait to talk about it till you have solved it. Tania passionately guides us through ways to tangibly connect with nature, which was an important part of her own healing journey Quotes: “Vulnerability is a gift and a strength.” “I started missing my own self. Where is Tania? This person that I look in the mirror is not me.” “I wanted to fit. I wanted to be loved. I want to wanted to be part of this ideal of life.” “My physical body couldn't handle it.” “when you are doing things because you have to conform, you lose…your own personal path” “I knew that it was the moment for me to reclaim my own power... No one took it from me. I gave it away.” “Then we forget sometimes that we are part of nature.” “Seeing me and just being with me in it… It's so important to just listen.” Episode Resources: PINK – Never Gonna Not Dance Again https://open.spotify.com/track/0Uv0h4QmjeR9ew5AjyBR3i?si=1be9950e17cf456b Kara Stoltenberg – Restoring Earth (Journal) https://www.karastoltenberg.com/blog/restoring-earth Connect with Tania: Website: https://www.taniablanco.net Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taniablancoblanco/?locale=en_US FacebookFor Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/taniablanco.blog Facebook For English: https://www.facebook.com/taniablanco.blog.en Tania is a Communicator as well as a Genius & Self-Leadership mentor who works with committed individuals, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurs to be who are eager to live in flow, with joy and fulfillment. On purpose. As a nature's empath, she's constantly learning from Mother’s Nature Wisdom and rhythms (and sharing her findings). Originally from Mexico and based in Switzerland, she’s passionate about Positive Psychology, the Science of Gratitude and Purpose, as well as everything related to Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence. She's on a mission to inspire inner change for personal and collective well-being while guiding committed Souls to Shine their Genius, communicate with purpose, and strengthen their EQ muscle, so they can be fulfilled, and LEAD from the essence of their BEING. Note: She works in English, Spanish, and sometimes in French. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara is stepping in with her client who recently reclaimed life through her second triumphant round with cancer. They explore strength, mental health and Maren’s transition from operating as a tightly wound twine to relaxing, letting go and allowing life to happen. It became obvious in her journey that she needed space to heal all aspects of her being. Once she created the space, she could see that parts of her life were no longer serving her and she knew she had to make changes that aligned to her highest self. Listen in for multiple extremely relatable conversations that took Maren from living in autopilot to conscious choosing in her life. Highlights: Unspoken dynamics of care taking and being cared for within relationships Letting go of responsibility to make everyone comfortable with the fact that you have this hard thing. Laying down her own expectations for normal performance during chemo. Struggling with coming off as weak or unable. Feeling guilty for needing to do nothing in order to heal. The experience of taking forced space The importance of surrounding yourself with people who allow you to share and are capable of listening. Anger is an emotion and it is trying to tell you something Being comfortable with who you are is super important and not needing to be comfortable with OTHER people’s idea of who you are may be more important. Support others by taking on their mental load (“what can I do for you?” VS. make the choice, do the thing. Allow yourself to receive which opens the pathway for someone else to truly give. Redefining terms… what is successful? Productivity vs. relaxing (whose expectations am I really trying to meet anyway?) Quotes: “I’m not happy every day. I’m grateful every day. Release the idea that happy every day is the goal.” “Cancer was here to show me some of these things that I had to work through in order to be my best self.” “Don’t get me wrong, cancer is a physical thing… but it is a mind game as well.” Connect with Maren: Maren Wasner is on a new path since having recently journeyed through cancer (for the second time), as well as a major career shift. She’s not out of the medical weeds yet, but is working through how to remain present and work through tough emotions throughout the process. She remains open to all that life brings and wants to trust the unfolding, while learning that it takes time, effort, and constant reminders. Enter Kara… <3 Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support
In this episode, Kara steps in with Backlight Productions* choreographer and CYT Nashville Program Director, Elise Horecka. Elise shares with Kara her experience growing up as the younger sister to her oldest sibling, Kari who has Cri du chat, a rare chromosomal syndrome. The two share laughs as Elise recollects fun and funny, unique childhood stories and encourages us all to approach people who are different than us with curiosity and acceptance, even when it is unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Her stories are delightful and her insights are so valuable. Prepare for laughter and a level of heartwarming that is rare. *Backlight Productions is a Nashville, TN based theater company for adults with special needs. Highlights: This is all Elise has ever known, so for her, family modifications for her sister’s needs were and are just normal. There is so much we can take from these Backlight performers as they are so proud of themselves and focused on the right things. They are excited and proud to be there. It is special for their entire family. If you are willing to be a little uncomfortable, eventually you won’t be, because you will have created a relationship and bond with someone who happens to be a little different than you. Elise shares how it feels when people are awkward, and also when people are well meaning, wanting to lend a hand but it would just be easier to sort it out on their own. Tips for parents to equip their kids to be comfortable interacting with and accepting a person with special needs. Quotes: “It takes time to build understanding and relationship. Everyone deserves that. Just take the time.” “It’s ok to learn about people who you don’t naturally connect with because of the differences you have. Be willing to ask the questions and be uncomfortable in it at first and then eventually, you won’t be because you will have created the relationship and bond.” “I don’t remember what he said, but I definitely remember threatening to beat him up.” (elementary aged Elise in response to a boy making mean comments about her sister) “As a kid it’s hard to explain – “This is my sister, here’s how to act.” You kind of want to have your own life. You don’t want to talk about it or have a whole lesson about it.” “I like when people ask me, ‘What does your sister have?’… I really appreciate friends who want to get to know her. I didn’t realize how much I needed it.” Connect with Elise: Website: https://backlightproductions.org Elise Horecka grew up in Nashville and found a passion for creating and teaching theater and dance. She graduated from Belmont University in 2013 with a degree in Entertainment Industry Studies and Theater. She is the current Dance Program Director at Backlight Productions and Program Director of CYT Nashville. Both communities give her the opportunity to share her love of the performing arts with adults with special needs and kids, and provide that to people who don't often get to be a part of it. Connect with Kara: Website: https://www.steppinginwithkara.com Newsletter: https://www.karastoltenberg.com/subscribe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steppinginwithkara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karastoltenberg --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/steppinginwithkara/support