In this episode of Beyond the Struggle, Rise and Thrive, host LaFortune interviews Tami Gaines about her years-long NICU journey with micro-preemie twins and the challenges single parents face. Tami shares practical strategies—from setting intentions and boundaries to the PEACE mindset—for surviving the NICU, reclaiming purpose, and building community. This conversation offers hope, tangible resources, and encouragement for parents coping with prematurity, grief, and uncertainty. For more information about the MomFlex App visit www.momflex.org

To learn more about Tami Gaines visit: https://www.preemieparentsbook.com/

Today's episode explores how to find your way back to yourself after life knocks you off course. Whether you've experienced heartbreak, burnout, loss, or slow seasons of disconnection, this episode offers gentle steps—slowing down, asking what feels true now, and taking micro actions—to realign, reclaim identity, and rebuild with resilience.

Grab a cup, breathe, and join us as we move from being lost to aligned—one small, intentional choice at a time.

Host LaFortune sits down with Melissa Schultz, MSBC.BA, to explore real strategies for single parents raising neurodiverse children. They cover what neurodiversity means, common misconceptions, and how to stay calm, connected, and confident through meltdowns, school advocacy, and daily overwhelm.

Listeners will learn simple, practical tools—reset techniques for parents, sensory and connection strategies, the "beads in a jar" idea for daily connection, and ways to advocate collaboratively with schools. Resources and support are highlighted, including MomFlexApp (visit momflex.org) and to learn more about what Melissa is doing and how she can help. Visit: https://www.melissaschulz.com/ For her free guide go to: https://www.melissaschulz.com/free-guide

 In this episode, we explore the frustration of unsolicited parenting advice from people who’ve never parented, how judgment wears parents down, and how compassion, boundaries, and community can make the journey gentler. You are not alone — keep showing up, keep rising, and keep thriving beyond the struggle. Visit www.momflex.org to join our village.

Today’s guest is Olaolu Ogunyemi — U.S. Marine officer, award-winning author, leadership mentor, and founder of Parent-Child Connect. In this episode he shares personal stories and practical strategies for cultivating resilience, modeling emotional intelligence, building supportive villages, and guiding children through adversity. Tune in to learn how small daily habits, honest communication, and intentional community can transform family life and empower the next generation of leaders. Learn more about Olaolu here https://parent-child-connect.com/

In this episode we talk cancel culture and generational trauma: Breaking the cycles as single parents.

Welcome back to Beyond the Struggle, Rise and Drive with LaFortune. In this episode we unpack the history and stigma of single motherhood, examine how male-dominated institutions shaped public perception, and call for accountability, systemic change, and community support.

To single mothers: you are not less than — you are rising. To everyone else: listen, amplify, and help build a fairer narrative.

Single parenting can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode we explore the difference between discipline and abuse, share real stories from exhausted single parents, and offer practical ways to set loving boundaries with confidence.

Learn how to stand firm with compassion, distinguish harm from healthy accountability, and find emotional support from others who understand the struggle.

Find community and resources at MomFlex — the village web app for single parents. Visit momflex.org to install the app and take the first step toward a stronger, more supported you.

In this episode, host LaFortune opens the curtain on the hidden sacrifices of parenting — the sleepless nights, missed meals, extra jobs, and quiet prayers done so children can feel safe and cared for. A heartfelt message for parents and their children about love, resilience, and understanding.

This episode explores the unique challenges single mothers face while raising children during perimenopause and menopause. It highlights how the hormonal, emotional, and physical changes of midlife often overlap with the demands of parenting, especially when children are also going through their own developmental stages.

Listeners learn about the emotional toll, from mood swings to exhaustion, and the importance of self-compassion, open communication with children, and breaking the stigma around seeking support. The episode also shares practical strategies such as building routines, prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and sleep, and leaning on community networks for relief and encouragement.

Above all, it reframes menopause not as an ending but as a powerful new stage of life—one that reveals resilience, wisdom, and strength. Single mothers are reminded that their struggles don’t diminish them but instead showcase their ability to rise and thrive in the face of life’s heaviest seasons.