“Grace Wu” Part 2

See what we did there with the whole rhyme-thingy?

Anyhoo, today we pick up right where we left off in Grace’s Part 1 interview. In this episode, Grace continues to share her experience of losing her son, John, and offers helpful advice to both mothers and those seeking to support them on how best to navigate this heartbreaking journey.

Spoiler Alert:

We’re pretty sure we impressed you with our rhyme above. Unfortunately, we didn’t include any in this episode. It’s okay to cry about it—maybe we’ll surprise you again sometime. Wouldn’t that be fun?

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"Grace Wu"
Part 1
Let’s see... there’s "Joy," "Peace," "Patience," "Kindness..." and then there’s our dear friend, Grace.

Not only does her name fit her perfectly, but if you could somehow make her name longer (longer than standardized tests have enough boxes for), it might look something like this:
 "Gracejoyhumblepatientkindamazingwonderfulgoodlistenerfriendmomwifementorgoodexample..." followed by her middle name (which we don’t know) and then her last name, "Wu." Even with that extended version, you’d only be capturing about 10% of her incredible essence!
In today’s episode, we did something a bit different by splitting Grace’s interview into two parts. In this first part, Grace shares her personal story of pregnancy and stillbirth, delving into the emotions she and her husband experienced. She also discusses how she navigates conversations about her loss and offers a powerful reminder that hope can exist even in the midst of deep pain.
Spoiler Alert:
Grace is not only wise and compassionate, but she’s also hilarious! Oh, and she’s a top-notch recommender of Korean dramas. (Be warned: they’ll probably make you cry, laugh, and raid your child’s Halloween candy stash while binge-watching because they’re THAT good.) Not that we would know firsthand, of course... I mean, what kind of parent would sneak candy from their kid’s bag? That’s just devious... right?

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"Kristen Bennett"

Some things just weren’t meant to go together—like orange juice and toothpaste, a morning person and someone who can’t stand one, Tom and Jerry, or high heels on an icy sidewalk… but we digress. Thankfully, there are combinations that do blend well, without any risk of disgust! Think ice cream and chocolate sauce, strawberries and cream, or butter and popcorn… but again, we digress.

Today, we’re excited to welcome Kristen Bennett! She’s like the ketchup to her husband Jess’s fries. In this episode, Kristen gives us a glimpse into their new blended family dynamic after both went through divorce, sharing what it’s like to bring children from both sides to create a whole new family. It’s been a bit of a wild ride, but they’re finding creative and life-giving ways to make this new chapter the “perfect blend.”

Spoiler alert: We never officially called her “ketchup” on our podcast...

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 "Becca Larson, Nancy Musser, and ?"


We’re back, we’re back, we’re back, we’re back!
We know, that’s a bit redundant, so we will "try" to tone it down when we tell you about our two amazing, amazing, amazing guests!

Today, we’re talking about “Mothers of Multiples…Multiples…Multiples…” and we’re pretty darn honored that Nancy and Becca would sit down for a few minutes and share what it’s like having twins! And just when you thought you couldn’t add one more, you’re also going to hear from yet ANOTHER mom of twins!

If you have ever dreamed of being a mother of multiples, have always been curious about what it would be like, or you already are one (or really, none of the above), we think that you will still enjoy, enjoy, enjoy hearing the ups, downs, and in-betweens that come with it all!

Spoiler Alert: If you can’t tell from the episode…. well….we can sound like we are really smart…some would even say “genius….” And, being the scholars that we are, we’ve taken the numbers mentioned in today’s show and turned them into a word problem:

“If 2+2 is Chicken, and 2+2+2 = 6, then either our calculators are broken (and can’t compute Chicken), or we’re really weird. And we’re okay, okay, okay with that!”

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"Paige Reitano"

Turn those frowns upside down because we’re back with SEASON 2—WOOHOO! We’re super excited to kick it off with our favorite red-headed friend, Paige Reitano! (Not that you’d actually “know” she’s a redhead since you don’t get to “see” her, but, hey,  we thought it was a notable distinction).

In this episode, Paige shares her struggles and emotions about raising a child with ADHD and a mental health disorder and that sometimes,  when things get overwhelming, you just need to “pull over.” She also explains how, despite the extra conversations, planning, and effort required, it’s still possible to have fun, experience good things in life, be a family, and at the same time, battle fatigue, embarrassment, annoyance, and other difficult emotions.

SPOILER ALERT! All those parenting books you read so diligently… don’t always work. We know… BIG SURPRISE, RIGHT?!

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“Becca Strand”

In this episode, our friend Becca Strand shares her journey through the world of performing arts, a story that resonates with many of us who have pursued our passions with determination and grit. Have you ever accomplished everything you wanted, only to find it wasn't as perfect as expected?  Becca understands. From her humble beginnings in a small town to her international success, she has faced the highs and lows of her career with honesty and vulnerability. Join us as she inspires us with her relatable journey of passion, perseverance, and triumph in the face of adversity. Plus, discover how she's navigated a whole new world of being a mom after her career in the spotlight.

 Spoiler Alert: 
"Nobody puts Sarah Burggraf, i.e., (Baby), in a corner." — Patrick Swayze

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“Derek Frazier”

Transitions, huh? Have you ever found yourself in one of those moments where you're like, "What just happened?" Even when you see it coming, it can feel like trying to tackle a running back who's zigzagging all over the field. (We’ve never done that, but it sounds like it might be a majorly difficult thing to do.)

Well, it just so happens that we’ve got a real game-changer for you today. Our guest is none other than Derek Frazier, Assistant Offensive Line Coach (we're not quite sure what that is, but it's gotta be totally important) of the Cincinnati Bengals. He's gonna dish out the playbook on how his career's been a touchdown dance mixed with a fumble recovery. And let us tell ya, he and his family have been calling more audibles than a quarterback in the two-minute drill to handle all the transitions this gig throws their way. So strap on your helmet or just do what we did and grab your lip gloss, and get ready for some gridiron wisdom, 'cause this episode's going to be a total touchdown!

And the best part of our interview was that we didn’t even have to break a nail!

Spoiler Alert: 

We were totally inspired by Derek's story because, like, no matter who you are or what you do, transitions can be, like, totally harsh, you know? Don't sweat it if you're not into football - you can still totally relate to the struggle of, like, navigating through all that drama!

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“Debby Thompson”

What if your '2+2 Is Chicken' meant going undercover to communist Poland and living a double life? On today’s episode, Debby Thompson, author of “Pulling Back  the Iron Curtain,” sits down with us and takes us back in time to the year 1977 when she, her husband, and their infant daughter made the courageous decision to leave behind all they had ever known in the U.S. only to gain everything by following God’s call to a foreign land. 

Spoiler Alert:

Not on this one! It’s a page-turner!
Grab it here:
 https://www.amazon.com/Pulling-Back-Iron-Curtain-Missionary/dp/1631955195

Also, be sure to check out her blog at:

https://www.debbythompson.com/

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"Emmalee Smith"

 
On today’s episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Emmalee Smith, who, despite facing the numerous challenges of being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), shines as the BRIGHTEST ray of sunshine we've ever encountered (so much so that we had to keep our solar eclipse glasses on for this interview)! 
It hasn't been easy, nor has it ever been, but Emmalee shares genuine insights on how one can live with chronic pain AND, at the same time, find joy along with  a sense of purpose despite her difficult diagnosis.

Spoiler Alert:
Not only is she inspirational, but she’s also really funny and one of the coolest people we’ve ever met!!!!"

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities:
https://ood.ohio.gov/

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“B.T.B.” (Unwrapped Version)

"We didn’t need a net, nor the quick reflexes (which, is a good thing because we don’t have them anymore…or, really ever), that it would take to catch this 'Sassy Skipper.' Come with us as we go 'Behind the Basket' with the Easter Bunny himself. No topic is 'off limits' as he spills the 'jelly' beans regarding everything from his workout routine to what he enjoys doing during the other 364 days of the year, as well as hearing a bit about his dating life. So, grab your coziest faux fur blanket, snuggle up with your preferred confectionary contraband, and enjoy with us as we dare to go 'Behind the Basket!'"