Embrace. Live. Thrive.

Today on episode 123, Angel Baum, pregnancy and post-partum Dula, joins me on the podcast and have we an incredible conversation. This interview is filled with real and raw conversation around understanding forgiveness, motherhood, and an inspirational story of following your purpose. Angel gives us so much to think about and leaves us with nuggets of wisdom that I know I will hold in my heart for years to come.

Please like and share this episode with all of your friends. This is one that everyone should hear and learn from Angel's words of wisdom. Embrace. Live. Thrive. continues to grow organically and that growth is from individuals just like you. Motherhood is hard. Adulthood is hard. It is this platform's mission to help all women know that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there.

Ways to Contact Angel:
Instagram: ANGEL BAUM (@therealangelbaum) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: (4) Facebook
Website: Heart For One Doula – St. Louis Doula Services

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Angel Baum Bio:
Hey, I’m Angel. I am human and imperfect. I have pimples on my face and stains on several of my shirts. I trip often because I’m clumsy. I am often the last one in the room laughing and I love people. I have had some hard moments and beautiful chapters of my life that have formed into freeing stories of testimonies to share with other people. My birth stories have been among these experiences. God used my stories and gave me a purpose. Now, I have a passion for women who are like me and desire a birth experience of love, connection, peace, choice, and joy.

Today, Paige & Sarah, co-founders of Altogether Beautiful Ministries join me on the podcast, and we have an incredible conversation surrounding real life and women's sexuality from a biblical perspective.  This is such a hard topic that has been avoided by the church for so long or even worse, taught as a bad thing, that is has become a topic that feels icky when anyone ever brings it up. God created us to need connection and intimacy and when it is done how God designed it to be it is truly one of the most beautiful parts of our time here on earth. 

Please take the time to honestly listen and hear what Paige and Sarah are educating and empowering us with information that is essential for all Christian women to be taught. Like and share this episode with all of your friends and help us continue our mission to normalize hard conversations around women in the church and understanding their God given sexuality. 

Resources Mentioned:
Website: Home - Authentic Intimacy
Book: God, Sex, and Your Marriage *Newly Released! – Authentic Intimacy

Ways to Find Altogether Beautiful Ministries:
Website: Altogether Beautiful Ministries – A ministry dedicated to providing Christ-centered education, encouragement, and empowerment to the women in our churches and community.
FB: (6) Facebook
Instagram: Altogether Beautiful Ministries (@altogetherbeautifulministries) | Instagram
Conference 2023 Registration: Conference 2023 – Altogether Beautiful Ministries
*Use Promo Code ELT25 for 25% off your registration*

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Altogether Beautiful Ministries:
Paige Baldwin, Co-Founder, Executive Director
Hello, my name is Paige. I’m the Executive Director and Co-founder for Altogether Beautiful Ministries. I live in St. Louis with my husband, son, and fur baby. I love this ministry because it gives me a chance to serve women who don’t know where to turn with their big questions. When I’m not working for ABM you’ll find me chasing my toddler, attempting to sew, hosting afternoon tea, or at an antique mall.

Sarah Cassmeyer, Co-Founder, Chairman, Managing Director
Hi everyone, my name is Sarah. I am the Co-founder, Chairman, and Managing Director for Altogether Beautiful Ministries. My husband, daughter, two very insane dogs and I live in Saint Charles. My favorite thing about ABM is giving women a place to be heard and feel safe to ask the hard questions. I love horseback riding, board games, and binge watching cheesy romantic comedies.

Today, Karen Glavin, owner of Glavin Hypnotherapy joins me on the podcast. Karen does an incredible job of not only explaining how hypnotherapy works,  but how it aligns with her faith. Hypnotherapy was approved by the Catholic Church and American Medical Association in the 1950's. In recent years it is becoming more mainstream and understood the benefits it can offer by working with the subconscious mind. Karen, does an incredible job of walking us through all of the information and teaches us the value of “not listening”.

Please download and listen to episode 121 and learn more about the incredible resource of hypnotherapy. Consider liking, writing a review, and sharing with a friend as we continue to work towards a culture that no longer shames or misunderstands those struggling with depression or anxiety.

Resources Mentioned:
Reticular Activating System video: https://youtu.be/QCnfAzAIhVw

Ways to Find Karen:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenannglavin?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Website: https://www.glavinhypnotherapy.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 314-285-5721
820 S Main St., Apt 205, St. Charles, Mo 63301

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Karen Bio:
I wonder what your thought processes were when you first heard about hypnosis? I know many years ago I was really skeptical and then my brother was hypnotized and able to quit smoking in one session. 30 years later, he's still smoke-free. He was so impressed with the processes that he became certified and opened up a small business so he could help family and friends overcome challenges. However, I was skeptical. He educated me over time, and he told me about the American Medical Association, as well as the Catholic Church approving of hypnosis back in the fifties. And a bump in the road negatively affected my life. I was in my early thirties and really struggling, so I asked him if he would work with me, and after three to four sessions it completely changed the direction of my life. I remember opening up my eyes in that last session and thinking to myself, "Wow. The world really needs to know about this." So, I followed in my brother's footsteps, got certified, and 25 plus years later, here I am hypnotizing hundreds and hundreds of people helping them to quit smoking, lose weight, and my favorite area to work in is helping people overcome limiting beliefs. We tend to sabotage ourselves and become our own worst enemies, so just a few sessions one’s life can quickly change. I also help people to improve sports performance and creativity. A lot of times people will ask me, "Does hypnosis really work?" And jokingly will say to them, "No, I just like to take people's money for a living." And then I'll explain to them that hypnosis is something we do every day. Did you know that you hypnotize yourself every day, many times a day? And what we're doing in a session is helping you to make the changes you need, to have the desired results that you want. My client's ages start with the age of seven on up to senior citizens. I'm also pediatric certified as well. So, if you're experiencing challenges in your life, you have some bad habits you want to overcome, quit smoking, or have limiting beliefs that you would like to change, give me a call. 

Today, Reena Dennis, an LPC that specializes in working individuals struggling with addiction joins me on the podcast. We have an excellent conversation about understanding the concept of ambivalence and how it can affect the motivation to change. We all get comfortable in what we know, and it is considered "safe" by our subconscious. That "safety" can extend to addiction, abuse, or destructive health patterns because that is what is known, and what is unknown could be way worse. Reena masterfully walks us through understanding ambivalence and how the acronym "DARNCAT" can be used to help determine where you are when it comes to being ready to make a necessary change.

This is a fantastic conversation that I am sure is going to get your mind working on a change that you may be avoiding. Let's face it, if change were easy, if forward progress was always simple, no one would ever get stuck. But it isn't, the motivation to change comes with a moment of clarity that things can no longer stay the same.

Listen, like, and share this powerful conversation. Help spread awareness that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there and together we can make a difference.

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Connect with Reena:
email: [email protected] 

Today, Connie Houlihan, owner of Own Your Life Coaching joins me on the podcast and we talk through her story and how she became inspired to begin coaching. Her unique approach to coaching addresses the subconscious mind, conscious mind, and regulates the frequencies in our bodies that may be off due to a variety of reasons. Connie exudes joy and peace and on mission to help teach individuals how to thrive and be successful in all areas of her life.

Please listen, like, and share this episode with all of you friends. The path to healing is never linear and has many layers. Understanding that depression and anxiety have a root cause is so important to growth mindset and the ability to move forward. Together, we can make the difference and begin shifting the dialogue about mental health and motherhood.

Resources Mentioned: Positive Intelligence | Building mental fitness for all

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Ways to Find Connie:
Website: Home | Own Your Life (conniehoulihan.wixsite.com)
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: (5) Own Your Life | Facebook
Soul Sisters FB: (5) Soul Sister Adventures | Facebook
Soul Sisters YouTube: Soul Sister Adventures - YouTube

Connie Bio:
Connie Houlihan is the Founder of Own Your Life, LLC, a St. Louis, MO based training and coaching enterprise where she develops, facilitates and implements effective programs utilizing Brain Fitness, Quantum Frequencies, Neuro Linguistic Programming and Financial Freedom. Connie has been involved in personal growth and development since she was 8 years old when her dad gave her the book, How To Win Friends and Influence People.

​During her diverse career, Connie has brought her unique combination of insight, humor, and interaction to assist others in realizing their personal best.  She is committed to helping people live their purpose with passion while making their brain their new best friend!  You really can own your life in ALL areas of your life!

 In addition, she has worked in education, both as an instructor, speaker and facilitating workshops.  Connie is also a musician, composer, and mother of two children in Heaven, Hope Marie and Nicholas Jenkins. She lives in the St. Louis area and her company’s charitable program supports scholarships in memory of her son’s legacy.

Today, Dr. Brooke Kalisiak, owner of Legacy Physical Therapy joins me on the podcast. Dr. Brooke specializes in pelvic floor health and is passionate about normalizing conversations about pelvic disfunctions and helping people to know they are not alone. She also wants individuals to know there is so much more to the pelvic floor then bladder and bowel, when you have instability in the bottom of your "core canister" it will contribute to disfunction throughout your body. A healthy pelvic floor is vital to our health and wellness. If you are struggling with bowel or bladder issues, painful sex, lingering pain in hip, back, even shoulder, then it is time to go see Dr. Brooke.

After you listen to today's episode please like, share, and consider writing a review. Sharing this episode is how this platform grows and expands. This is a pivotal moment in our culture that we have to start having the hard conversations around mental health, physical health, and so much more. As mothers struggle with anxiety, depression, guilt, it is no longer ok to just be "fine." Change cannot occur without a difficult conversation. It's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. What conversation are you avoiding? 

Ways to Find Dr. Brooke:
Website: Home - Legacy Physical Therapy (legacytherapystl.com)
Facebook: Legacy Physical Therapy, LLC | St. Louis MO | Facebook
Instagram: Saint Louis Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (@legacyphysicaltherapystl) | Instagram
YouTube: Legacy Physical Therapy - YouTube

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos

Dr. Brooke Bio:
Brooke Kalisiak PT, DPT (she/her) is Saint Louis’s leading physical therapist who helps people overcome frustrating, confusing and embarrassing pelvic health issues. She is passionate about making sure people do not end up suffering with pelvic health symptoms for years, giving up activities they love, or undergoing unnecessary surgeries.

​She founded Legacy Physical Therapy because she was frustrated with the way women with pelvic health issues were being treated in our healthcare system. Too many people are being told that their pelvic symptoms (ie bladder leakage, pelvic pain, pain with sex, etc) are normal or that there is nothing that they can do except take medication, have surgery, or just live with it. This is far from the truth. Many pelvic health issues are COMMON but NOT NORMAL. It is Brooke’s mission to help people make the best decisions about their pelvic health while creating a positive healing experience.

Brooke has a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Washington University in Saint Louis. She is a wife and mother. In her free time she enjoys, hiking, mountain biking, taekwondo, reading, and checking out local restaurants.

Today, I have the joy of talking with Rebekah Coste, founder of St. Louis Mom. St. Louis Mom is an organization that's on mission to support and connect mommas locally. They have guides for recommended playgrounds/coffee shops/date nights, they host in person events, park-hops, and write must read articles that are relatable and relevant. This is an absolute must resources for all mommas in all stages of motherhood.
 
Rebekah and I start our conversation discussing the importance of understanding your faith as a foundation of identity, the distinction between roles, and how they impact your identity. It's so good!! As we continue our conversation, she shares about her journey into motherhood, the inspiration behind St. Louis Mom, her top 5 mom tips, and we wrap up our conversation with heart felt encouragement reminding mothers they are not alone, and it is ok to ask for help.   

Please listen, like, leave a comment, and share this episode with all of your mom friends. It is time we start joining together and share about the importance of taking care of yourself not instead of your family, but for your family. The time for change is now and change can't occur without awareness. 

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Ways To Find St. Louis Mom:
Website: St. Louis Moms | A local parenting resource for St. Louis moms (momcollective.com)
Facebook: (3) St. Louis Mom | Facebook
Instagram: St. Louis Mom (@stlouis_mom) | Instagram

Rebekah Bio: 
Rebekah Coste is the founder and owner of St. Louis Mom. Born and raised in St. Louis, she loves the city for its rich history and small-town feel, Cardinals baseball, and toasted ravioli!

Rebekah has a bachelor’s degree in Magazine Journalism and a minor degree in French from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her time at Mizzou, she completed  internships with Associated Press Television News in Brussels, Belgium, Standard & Poors in New York, New York, and Alive Magazine in St. Louis. She returned to St. Louis where she worked in corporate communications for five years. She then moved to Paris, France to teach English in a French high school, where she remained for three years.

She is thrilled to be home in St. Louis. She is a full-time stay at home mom to two beautiful daughters and a son (one born in France, and two born in STL!) She is married to Jean-Christophe and is currently outnumbered as the only non-French citizen in her household! They reside in Rock Hill.

Rebekah is passionate about encouraging and equipping mothers on their motherhood journey and giving local moms a voice to share their stories while connecting with other mothers. Her hope for St. Louis Mom is that it will be a powerful tool for building community between mothers and a space where authentic motherhood can be shared and celebrated. 

Today, Jessica Domke, owner of Glimmers of Hope, joins me on the podcast to help us understand the field of art therapy and why it offers so many benefits. We all need the ability to express ourselves creatively and art therapy gives us a safe space to process emotions when words don't seem to be working. Jessica is passionate about serving her community and clients.

Please listen, like, and share as much as you can to help spread awareness for this growing field. Not everyone is going to heal in the same manor and art therapy is yet another tool to help us work towards healing and taking that next best step. 


Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Ways to Find Jessica:
Facebook: Glimmers of Hope | Facebook
Linked In: Jessica Domke - Art Therapist - Loaves & Fishes for St. Louis | LinkedIn
Phone #: (314) 656-6113

Jessica's Bio:
I have a passion for anything creative! I have 8 years of experience as an Art therapist and currently do Art therapy groups at Loaves and Fishes for St. Louis, working with groups of homeless children and their parents. Art therapy is a great way for people to express feelings, build self esteem, help manage anxiety, etc. I hear many stories of how it has positively affected the lives of people I serve.
I also have an Art therapy/counseling business called Glimmers of Hope in Bridgeton, MO which is a faith based business serving women, children,& families. www.facebook.com/glimmersofhope.arttherapy.

Today, my friend Lisa Craig, owner of The Body works solution joins me on the podcast to share about massage. We discuss some of the basic strokes and the importance of touch. This episode is a fun, easy listen and one I am sure you will enjoy. Lisa shares with us her joy by working with her clients from a holistic perspective making sure she is addressing them mind, body, and spirit.

Please take a listen and leave a like and review. As Embrace. Live. Thrive. continues through your kind words and telling your friends about our mission. Take a look at our socials and website for ways to support our causse, but also see my recently released coaching programs. We are going to change the narrative around mental health and motherhood, but we have to do it together.

Ways to Find Lisa:
Website: Integrative Bodywork Solutions LLC (abmp.com)
Facebook: (3) Integrative Bodywork Solutions, LLC | Saint Peters MO | Facebook
Email: [email protected]

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Lisa"s Bio:
Lisa has 25+ years of experience and is a licensed massage therapist and certified licensed athletic trainer. She has built a career working for various physical therapy companies and at several high schools throughout St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri. During that time, she also spent hours working alongside orthopedic physicians, both on the field and in the office. She is also certified to teach Biology and Anatomy/Physiology and currently teaches high school Biology. Most recently, Lisa has obtained certification in the Aromatouch Massage Technique and has been incorporating essential oils and nutritional supplementation into her practice. 

Lisa believes in a holistic approach to healing the body and the mind, through the combined therapies of integrative dry needling and massage and bodywork that consists of an integrative blend of Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, and techniques to reduce pain, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Lisa has a passion for helping and teaching people how to take care of themselves and their bodies. She understands the body's natural ability to heal itself with proper nutrition, physical activity, and bodywork, and is eager and focused on continuing education to bring more innovative modalities into her practice. Currently, she is pursuing education and certification in Functional Medicine Diagnostic Nutrition. She has been the competitive athlete, the weekend warrior, suffered injuries, been through surgeries and rehab, and has experienced the positive results of integrative dry needling. Through her own experiences and  training, she understands what her clients are going through and how to get them to where they want to be.

When Lisa is not in the office or the classroom, She can be found hanging out with her 2 kids, spending time with family and friends, or embarking on an adventure in nature. She enjoys spending time in her kayak on lakes and rivers, bike riding, hiking, and working out. 

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science from Truman State University and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Fontbonne University.  Her professional memberships include: National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) and Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP.)

Today, Dr. Andrew Dorough, a pediatric chiropractic physician and owner of Dorough Chiropractic joins me on the podcast. We talk about stress-strain trauma that newborn experience during delivery and the impact it can have on not only the infant, but the family as a unit. I was floored as I began to think through the implications of all the signs and symptoms that indicate further examination. This incredible topic that does not get the time or attention it deserves in the medical field. I encourage you to listen to this conversation, check out Dr. Dorough's articles and help spread awareness about birth injuries in newborns.

As you download and listen to this episode please like and share to continue to expand our reach and help women know there are so many resources out there to help support you wherever you are struggling. Motherhood is exhausting, exacerbating, but we don't have to do it alone. Please watch "Embrace. Live. Thrive.'s" socials to keep up to date about all the upcoming events.

How to Find Dr. Dorough:
website: Home - Andrew Dorough DC, CACCP (drandrewdorough.com)
FB: (2) Andrew Dorough DC | Facebook

Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos
Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Dr. Dorough Bio:
As an experienced pediatric chiropractic physician, I have:
-Earned a Doctorate of Chiropractic at Logan University in St. Louis, MO.
-Instructed with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (CACCP).   
-provided seven years of clinical care for pregnant women, infants and families.
-helped to establish and develop the first multidisciplinary mother and baby care facility in St. Louis that addresses pregnancy and infant feeding troubles.
-Instructed for international lactation consultant through GOLD learning.

• developing and practicing pediatric chiropractic care and best methods of treatment. 
• presented lectures at Logan University on multiple topics, including colleague collaboration  
• delivered educational talks at local hospitals and mother/ baby support groups to help answer questions and provide information 
• published a paper on pediatric chiropractic care (See this article) 
• offered classes, seminars and support for parents and health care professionals  
• been a guest on an internationally-syndicated podcast for breastfeeding information and support.  
• functioned as a mentor and coach for new chiropractic physicians 

I encourage you to contact me if you are a:  

• pregnant woman, or a parent who is seeking care for your infant.  See my Contact page.  
• health care professional seeking to collaborate with me or someone like me. 
• chiropractic physician looking for guidance on how to set up a multidisciplinary patient care model that looks like mine.