Bobbie is the mother of two children. Bobbie was raised in a rural area, and the prevailing thought in her family was that women should marry and not continue an education. However, her mother always wanted Bobbie to further her education and be able to provide for herself; something her mother was not allowed to do. Bobbie was able to complete her undergraduate and masters degrees and now works as a teacher. She was able to use her mothers guidance and advice when she decided to walk away from an abusive relationship, and she built her life back up on her own terms as a result of her independence. She knew that she needed to leave the relationship because, like her mother, Bobbie knew that she wanted her daughter to know her own value and place in the world.

Megan is the mother of four children, including twins. Megan is also a widow. Her husband Dennis died in 2014. Megan has been navigating her way through her pain by taking strength from her children, going to therapy, and a strong support system. We talk about what her early days were like, how she has moved forward raising her children, and what being a widow means to her.

Elizabeth is raising three children in the mountains of West Virginia, and doing it while piecing together a career in the arts. As a voice instructor with a masters degree from the Boston Conservatory, she knew moving to a rural area would mean finding a different career path than if she stayed in the city. However, with grit and determination, she has been able to remain an artist and a successful businesswoman all while raising her children where she has always wanted. We also talk at length about social justice, progressive Christianity, and making room for everyone to have a seat at God's table.

Michelle is the mother of three boys who was working a typical desk job but knew she had bigger career dreams. A fitness enthusiast and former dancer, Michelle knew when she saw her gym advertising a yoga instructor training that she wanted to make a change. Changing careers and following your dreams is easier when you don't have children, but how do you make a plan and get trained and change life paths when you have mouths to feed? You do it with a long-term plan, lots of family discussion and a desire for a better life. Michelle admits it was hard and there were bumps in the road, but she is much happier doing what she loves. She also drops a bomb of another major life change that she and her husband are currently planning, and it will inspire you to follow your own dreams.

Sam is a mother of two girls who was diagnosed in her formative years with an anxiety disorder. Managing her disorder through medication, Sam decided when she became pregnant to stop taking her medicine because of the risks to her children. As a superstar career mother and wife, Sam admits that even though she's outgoing and personable, it takes all her energy to be in public and she has had to take a step back to keep her sanity. We talk in this episode about removing stigmas surrounding anxiety and mental disorders, what it's like to live through a panic attack, and why she hopes more people could show empathy to those who struggle with this disease.

Abigail is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Pediatric Behavioral Therapist and works with children on the Autism Spectrum. She knew early in her college career that she wanted to make a difference in children's lives, and has recently become officially nationally board certified. I asked Abigail to be a guest on the show to talk about what parents should look for, the importance of early intervention and diagnosis, and what a behavioral therapist can do to help the lives of children who are autistic. She is a wealth of important information, and I am so thankful she is sharing her experience with us.