A Storied Table

Text me! Tell me something good!

I sometimes forget about the impact small actions can have on those around me.  Good or bad, they are noticed more often than not. 

What if we focused on the good?  Small efforts for others where we authentically think about how we could make them feel seen and heard. 

Imagine what could come from that… A huge, positive, pay-it-forward, ripple effect for so many others! 

Well, that’s the heart of my new friend, Melissa, and her business, Hosting What Matters. 

Listen to hear how this idea… this spark inside her has turned into such an interesting blog, business, and potential grand opportunity… that she almost missed out on by throwing in the flag. Yikes!! 

Get to know Melissa and follow her on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/hostingwhatmatters/

Visit her blog: http://www.hostingwhatmatters.com/

Follow me on Instagram: @amykathleen.ak
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

Join our online community on Facebook: Collective Light Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

Do you know what “I.D.D.” stands for? Well I thought I did, but when I googled it to make sure, I was shocked.  

I’m ashamed and a little embarrassed to say that I unknowingly associated it with hearing impairment for years now.  I didn’t realize it described my own son. 

It stands for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  

Well… there you go.  I guess that’s our label. 

But what’s in a label?  I’ve watched Luke and so many other children defy labels their whole lives.  It’s not that I believe labels are bad.  I believe they help the larger community around us wrap their heads around a world that’s not easy to understand.  A world where every child is as different as a snowflake or a finger print.  

But from this mama’s perspective… I don’t get hung up on lables.  I believe our job, as out-of-the-box parents, is to focus on our babies (yes, they are still babies to me no matter the age.)  Our job is to love them, and help them in every way, and watch as they forge their own journey which typically shows just how gifted and capable they are.  

Our guest today is Demetrice Smith. She is another example of a child who defied the odds and the labels.  Listen to her journey.  It’s chilling and wonderful.  And then after listening, see if you could ever imagine someone giving this highly educated, powerful, driven, competent, brave and courageous woman the label of “mentally retarded.” 

To learn more about Demetrice and her program, please visit: https://www.thepottershouse.org/idd/

For the TPH Connect App: https://www.tdjakes.org/app/

To learn more about T.D. Jakes, The Potter’s House, and their other programs, please visit: https://www.tdjakes.org/

Email contact: [email protected]

Find them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tphdallas/ and https://www.instagram.com/bishopjakes/

Follow me on Instagram: @amykathleen.ak
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

Join our online community on Facebook: Collective Light Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

Tell me this…  How many of you can say you know someone who’s been fired by Trump? 

Well, now you do!  Seriously.  I can’t make this up! 

2020 may have a bad wrap, but I am loving all the new people I’ve had the chance to get to know.  And Roxanne is at the top of the list!  She is so magnetic, full of wisdom, and one of those people with an infectious laugh. 

We’re talking about her crazy experience on reality TV.  How all the pivots in her life lead her to a place of leading and coaching business women to “not be weird on social media” (My words. Not her’s.) and empowering and equipping them to step into the role of CEO and truly taking ownership of their business. 

You can find Roxanne everywhere!  Here are her links:

Website: https://roxannewilson.com/

Podcast: https://roxannewilson.com/podcast

Instagram: @roxtalks

https://www.instagram.com/roxtalks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoxanneWilson

Social Media HQ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/socialstorieshq

Follow me on Instagram: @amykathleen.ak

https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

Join our online community on Facebook: Collective Light Community 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

Life and its curve balls... Sometimes you need to dodge them, and sometimes they’re just what you needed.  My very first college experience threw me a huge curve ball that didn’t make for the best start.  But then entered Kim.  If life hadn’t thrown that curve ball, we probably wouldn’t have met.  And well… I can’t even imagine that. 

Kim is my person.  She’s also my sounding board and my filter too. Ha!  We all need one… especially me. 

Kim and I were talking one day, and I realized our conversation should be on the podcast.  I figured you could relate to it.  Sometimes, we all get locked into our way of looking at a situation, and maybe it’s a frustrating one.  But if you take a step back, you may realize something you hadn’t before.  Or maybe, it’s just nice because you realize you’re not the only one feeling that way. 

If you need some happy in your life, or some quick-witted humor, you can follow Kim on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.w.stgermain

And if you want help planning your next post-Covid getaway, contact her at https://www.facebook.com/castlesandcruisestravel

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

Ha! So, maybe not exactly like Forbes. But, what if I hadn’t pressed send on that email? Imagine what we would have missed out on!

Today, I get to introduce you to a very high profile, extremely successful woman who’s had a profound impact on my life and in business. I believe true leadership comes from a heart to serve, and I am very proud to introduce you to Lori Bush, a woman who leads in that very way.

We’re going to talk about her cancer diagnosis and recovery, how “luck events” (both good and bad) became cornerstones for her new venture, and when life makes you pivot because, “there is more work to be done.” 

You can learn more about Lori…

Follow Lori on Instagram @lorihbush
https://www.instagram.com/lorihbush/

Click here to learn more about Solvasa. Scroll to the bottom of this link to find the Solvasa Life Blog and Lori’s podcast, The Beauty Construct. 

Follow me on Instagram: @amykathleen.ak
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

Join our online community on Facebook: Collective Light Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

Google is great for MANY things, but figuring out your kid?…. not so much. 

Today we talk to Dr. Ray. If I could bottle up her wisdom and the heart she has for helping our babies, I seriously think we could cure autism... and any other disorder you want to throw this way for that matter. 

Today is the beginning of many discussions we will have with Dr. Ray. That is… if I can continue to work my way on to her crazy full calendar! Good thing I’m so lovingly persistent.

***More information on the Foundations of Parenting Conference COMING SOON!

See if I’m someone you want to hang out with on Instagram @amykathleen.ak
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

And please join us on Facebook to be a part of the conversation where we are building an online community around you!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

“They don’t need to know about me.”  “This show is for highlighting everyone else.” 

Well… I was wrong. It appears knowing the person you are listening to is something many of you want. I really wish that weren’t the case. I prefer being behind the scenes. But here it is. A bit about me. 

If I don’t run you off, feel free to go follow me on Instagram @amykathleen.ak.
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

And please join us on Facebook to be a part of the conversation where we are building an online community around you!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

I am not a confrontational person. I am a peacemaker. But I realize that sometimes I would rather just observe… see how others react…. and how they deal as I wait and wrap my head around it.

The timing of launching this podcast made me realize that just observing is not an option for me anymore. This conversation may be hard and uncomfortable, but I come from a place of love, wanting to understand, and desire to learn what more I can do. 

You can learn all about this great woman and friend here:

On Insta @kirstiefleur
https://www.instagram.com/kirstiefleur/

Blog: https://theartisan-way.com

City Movement Ministry: www.318collective.org

***The IGTV that I referenced was by Emmanuel Acho. You can watch his ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ at… https://www.instagram.com/themanacho/

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

We’ve made a pivot with the launch of Collective Light. We were given this platform, and I can’t avoid the movement that is happening in our country when it directly effects so many lives in our community.

Mandy is back. She lived 10 years not feeling like she could talk about this story or the way it made her feel. Mandy joins us again for an unexpected, but much needed, intro to a conversation that needs to be had.  

After this episode, please join me with my friend, Kirstie, for a Black & White conversation. 

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60

Text me! Tell me something good!

This friend is a beacon of light spreading contagious hope everywhere she goes. (Seriously, she does. True story.) But you would never imagine the things she’s overcome and all she continues to work through on a daily basis. What sets Mandy apart is her faith and her unwillingness to think any dream is too big. 

Mandy will be a regular on the podcast, and today you get to learn more about her sweet boy, Asher. He is her first born of three, and the first of her 2 boys on the spectrum. You’ll also get to listen in on how navigating life with these boys of ours is just better when you have others to link up with on the journey. 

Follow me on Instagram: @amykathleen.ak
https://www.instagram.com/amykathleen.ak/

Join our online community on Facebook: Collective Light Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/277309686634356

Hosts:  Amy Kathleen Smith | Insta @astoriedtable 

Edited by:  Ben Hill* | http://benhillsound.com/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/benhillsound/

*starting with episode 60