Today, Jessica Henman, owner of Primrose Midwifery joins me on the podcast and did an incredible job explaining to us what midwifery is really all about. She begins by telling us the origins of her profession and quotes her favorite verse in Exodus chapter one, "So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous."  Jessica shares her incredible wisdom and helps break down some of the common misunderstandings about midwives, versus obstetricians, versus doulas.

Listen, learn, and share all with all of your friends. I know that everyone can learn a thing or two from this conversation with Jessic. Please check out her website listed below for more details on this topic. Please continue to share the mission and passion of this platform as we work towards breaking down the stigma with mental health issues in motherhood and find the perfect resources that make the most sense for you.   

Ways to Contact Jessica:
Website: Welcome to Primrose Midwifery | Primrose Midwifery
Email: [email protected]

Jessica Bio:
Jessica Henman APRN, CNM, CPM, received her Master’s degree from Frontier Nursing University in 2010. Prior to becoming a midwife, Jessica worked internationally in humanitarian aid, practiced as a nurse in ER and cardiac surgery, and was a childbirth educator and doula here in St Louis. Jessica is very active in family and church life and supports the midwifery and mothering communities through her role on the Boards of the Missouri Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives and The Sparrows Nest Teen Maternity Home as well as many other educational and community activities. She has lived in St Louis for most of her life and loves being a wife and the mother of 3 wonderful big kids.

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today I had the incredible opportunity to talk two amazing women. Bridgette Childress and Maggie Hase are sisters that were inspired to start a platform encouraging individuals to focus on gratitude and all the good that surrounds them every day.  After losing their mom earlier this year they found a gratitude jar that Bridgette had given her years before and as they were going through what their mother had written they knew this gratitude thing was something they needed to share. They launched "Gratitude Chics" and created their own gratitude journal.  Maggie and Bridgette help us understand the importance of practicing gratitude daily and how to get started when life has you overwhelmed.

Please listen and share with your friends. Consider checking out their website and send a gratitude box to one of your besties and wait to see how that brightens their day. Help Embrace. Live. Thrive. continue to expand our reach by sharing the podcast and following me on FB and Instagram. It's time women know that its ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there and here are some resources to help.

Gratitude Journal: Gratitude Journal | Mysite (gratitudechics.com)

Ways to Find Bridgette and Maggie:
Website: HOME | Mysite (gratitudechics.com)
FB: @gratitudechics
Instagram: Gratitude Chics
Tik Tok: Gratitude Chics
Email: [email protected]

Gratitude Chics Bio:
Bridgette and Maggie are sisters, turned business partners. Both live a life of gratitude and understand the importance of daily infiltration and a mindset to exemplify that. After their mom passed away, Maggie and Bridgette found a Gratitude Jar. Inside, their mom had written things on slips of paper she was grateful for. They instantly knew they wanted to do something together to honor her positive attitude and zest for life- the Gratitude Chics company was born

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

 

Today, Shannon Schindler Redman, owner of Our Free Water Store joins me on the podcast to share about her life, God's Grace, and how she has been inspired to empower and equip women about what they are putting in their bodies. Shannon found a listing on Craig's List about what she currently does, and she became inspired to improve not only her own health, but that of those all around her. The water that she offers through her system repairs, restores, and rejuvenates at a cellular level. She educates us that the body is 75% water, and the brain is more than 80% water so what type of water we are putting in our bodies matter.

Please check out their website, their store in Chesterfield, and follow them on social for so much more incredible, life changing information. Please like and share this episode with all of your friends. There is not one person that could not benefit from hearing this conversation.

Shannon Bio:
Shannon Schindler Redman is a Mom on a MISSION and owns Our Free Water Store.

She Educates and Empowers people to TAKE BACK control of their life! 

And in the process GIVES AWAY 10,000 gallons a month of the World's most TRANSFORMATIVE water for FREE.

Connect with Shannon personally at https://www.facebook.com/shannon.schindler.redman

Stop in her store and if you are out of town contact her to learn more as Shannon helps families all over the United States and Canada.

Ways to Find Shannon:
Website: www.ourfreewaterstore.com
Store Front: 37 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, MO, 63017
Store #: 314-485-1677
Facebook: @ourfreewaterstore

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com 
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Today, Dr. Lindsey Langendorf with Vital Performance, joins me on the podcast to discuss the difficult topic of infertility. She shares about her journey to understand her own loss and how best to support her body. Dr. Lindsey encourages us to be our own advocate and search out the information if we don't like the answers, we are getting from your provider. There are a lot of good providers out there, but it's important to find the ones that meet your individual needs.

This conversation a great start to normalize the conversation around infertility and the effect it has on so many couples. Please listen and share this episode and help empower women and men wherever they may be on their individual journey.

MTHFR Episode 15:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1581925/8399390-episode-15-diagnosing-mthfr-defects-and-its-impact-on-our-health.mp3?download=true

Ways to Find Lindsey:
FB: @VPChiro
FB Group: Daily Vitality
Pre-Qualification Link: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/1ZqHWlYIt24va7aOWPxe

Bath Bombs: Home | Bombs Away Bathtime

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com
FB: @embracelivethrive
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today Suz Entzeroth, retired military, full time momma, and part-time self-defense guru joins me on the podcast. She shares about the importance of motherhood and how it is the ultimate teacher of selflessness. Suz chose to step back from her military career to spend more time with her family and through a series of God moments ended up developing a Self-Defense program with a local pregnancy support organization Home | ThriVe Express Women's Healthcare (thrivestlouis.org).  She now has a passion to empower everyone with the knowledge of how to defend themselves no matter the size of your attacker.

Suz talks us through some of her favorite tips for self-defense such as using your voice, target vulnerable areas of the body, and twist like you are your two-year old child who doesn't want to be caught. She teaches free classes throughout the St. Louis area and is schedules them for churches and organizations. This was such an eye-opening conversation with such great information for how to help protect myself.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and will consider joining us on Monday the 18th at First Baptist in O'Fallon, MO or get on her email list for other upcoming classes. Please listen and share this episode with everyone as there is no one that couldn't benefit from knowing a few tricks for how to defend themselves in a tough situation.

Ways to Contact Suz:
Email: [email protected]
Website: Best Choice STL
Free Class: July 18th, 2022, 5-6 pm @ First Baptist O'Fallon, 8750 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, O'Fallon, MO 63366

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com 
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

* Trigger Warning: Marian McCord joins us on the podcast today and shares about the circumstances surrounding the loss of her son, Chad, to suicide.

Today's conversation is a difficult topic, but one that is of the upmost importance to bring awareness about depression and suicide in adolescents. Marian shares that her son struggled with his emotions beginning around the preschool age and ultimately, she discovered that he began to struggle with thoughts of suicide when he was a young child. Marian refused to let the death of her child paralyze her and instead used her grief to start an organization to bring change to an underserved and under-supported population.

CHADS Coalition is making a difference in schools all around the St. Louis area. They offer multiple programs helping with support, counseling, and awareness. Please check out their website for more information and ways to recieve support. As you listen to today's conversation please consider sharing and helping spread awareness of not only maternal mental health and wellness, but adolescent mental health and wellness as well. Marian has left me forever changed and inspired and I know she will do the same for you.

Ways to Connect with CHADS Coalition:
CHADS Coalition
CHADS Direct Line: 314-952-2046
CHADS Family Support Warm Line: 314-952-8274
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Marian Bio:
Marian is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She was previously a pediatric nurse and is now the Executive Director of CHADS Coalition.

Embrace. Live. Thrive:
Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today, Joy Holdmeier owner of Go Fit Mom, joins me on the podcast and we have an incredible conversation talking about motherhood and fitness. Joy points out to us that in the different chapters of our lives our fitness is going to look different and how even in the hard moments we have to remember that they don't last forever.   We have to show our selves grace, compassion, and make sure we are maintaining realistic expectations.

Joy talks to us about letting go of the "all or none" principle. The most important thing is to understand balance. Some days we are going to be able to get our work out in and other days it may be more important to meditate or take a slow walk to process and recuperate. Joy crushes this conversation and leaves us with so much to think about. Please listen, like, and share this conversation and continue to spread awareness of the importance of balance and self-care.

Book Mentioned:
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olsen

Joy Bio:
I've always known I had to do something I loved. What do I love? I love teaching, I love children (I couldn't wait to have my own), I love moving my body, I love being creative, I love people and I LOVE to have fun! I know, that's a whole lot of love, but it's true.

Working in an all female gym throughout college opened my eyes to my passion for fitness, specifically training women and mothers. Witnessing women reach their goals and seeing how happy it made them helped me realize this is what I was meant to do!

I wasn’t always fit. I could eat and drink anyone under the table. I still can, I just choose not to now. It’s really taken a lot of soul searching and practice to find the real, happy me. Ladies, it takes work to keep that happy version of ourselves around. We must recognize all the small wins when we are taking steps to better ourselves. My kids, my family and the women I surround myself with were the inspiration I needed to set my priorities straight and keep them that way.

Throughout my career I’ve accomplished many things, from owning a mom & baby fitness franchise, to a role as a fitness director for a state of the art fitness facility, to teaching PE, to coaching marathon training, and even managing children’s programs. I feel like it was all a part of the perfect journey to becoming who I am today. 

And today, I am possibly in the best shape of my life…or maybe that’s still to come. Nothing compares to being in this place, feeling good and living my #1 purpose as a mom. Better yet, a mom who gets to coach other amazing #gofitmoms every single day!

Ways To Find Joy:
Phone #:  314.941.0711
Website: https://www.gofit.mom/
Go Fit Mom

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Today, Shari Montague, Women's Ministry Director for First Light St. Louis, joins me on the podcast and teaches us about the importance of a healthy sexual relationship in marriage/committed relationships. She explains to us the most important traits for a healthy relationship, but also what unhealthy traits might look like.

Shari shares that it is important to make communication a priory so when hard situations come up, and they will, you are better equipped to handle them. At the end of our conversation, she shares tips and recourses for how to help improve our ability to connect on all levels with our spouse. Please share this episode with all of your friends, because we all at one time or another have struggled with this topic in our relationship.

Resources Mentioned:
App: Lasting: Marriage Counseling & Couples Therapy App (getlasting.com)

First Light Bio:
In a world full of confusion and heartbreak, pain and controversy, many individuals – Christians and non-Christians alike – do not understand God’s perspective on sex. The mission of FirstLight is to help them see their sexuality in light of God’s word and recognize that through Jesus Christ, there is hope and healing for anyone caught in patterns of sexual sin.

Ways to Find Shari:
Website: FirstLight | Christian Support Group Ministry | St. Louis, MO (firstlightstlouis.org)
Email: [email protected]
Phone #: 314-441-0827

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com)
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive

Today, Dena Woulfe, holistic nurse and owner of Holistic Dena joins me on the podcast and shares about motherhood, parenting, and holistic healing. She was inspired to become a nurse 20 years ago and was quickly caught off guard by the limitations she perceived with the traditional model of health care and began seeking something more, but it was through her mother's healing journey that she found her passion and calling with holistic nursing.

She provides her clients with a biocommunication scan that helps determine nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and food sensitivities that gets them set up on an individualized diet and supplement program for their own healing journey. The body is capable of healing so much by itself with it is supported in right manors. Please listen, like, and share this episode with any of your friends that are interested in a holistic approach to their health but may not be sure where to start. Dena is a great resource. 


Dena's Bio:
Dena Woulfe has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years and in the past decade transitioned to Holistic Care for her clients. She helps them by using a tool called Biocommunication to scan the body for food sensitivities, deficiencies and toxicities. She creates a formula that is designed uniquely for her client’s needs based on the results. Most of her clients confirm they see results within 48 hours of implementing her formula.  Your Holistic Health Nurse, Helping You Transform Your Health Naturally.... Dena Woulfe, RN-BSN, HHC, AC, Biocommunication Scan Specialist 

Ways to Find Dena:
Website: DenaWoulfeEnterprises.com
Cell number: 760-403-4449
Office Number: 940-784-3355
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/DenaWoulfe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenaWoulfeEnterprises

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Website: www.embracelivethrive.com 
FB: @embracelivethrive 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive 

Today, Kari Jean Eckelkamp founder of women's wellness weekend, joins me on the podcast to talk about her healing a journey and how it inspired an exciting experience for woman all over the Midwest. Kari felt lost after the initial phase of the pandemic and found herself really struggling with depression and anxiety. She began to dream about the opportunity for women to come together again and find community and help each other grow. In January of 2021 she launched her first weekend and although she designed it with the intent of supporting other women, she found her own healing there as well.

Kari has developed a boutique style, all-inclusive retreat company, focused on creating body, mind and soul nourishing weekends for women in the Midwest. It includes a chef, yoga, guided meditations and so much more. Kari speaks to the mom guilt we all struggle with and encourages us that the time away is not only important for ourselves to get a break, but it's good for our children and their dads to bond. Please listen, like, and share this episode and consider joining Kari on her next women's wellness weekend.

Ways to Find Kari:
Instagram: @womens.wellness.weekend
FB: @womens.wellness.weekendfb
Email: [email protected]

Kari Bio:
Kari Eckelkamp is a wife and mother of two in St. Louis who has spent her life helping people find meaning in their life. Her first efforts were in career counseling and recruitment, but she now finds joy in helping people find their happiest and healthiest selves through her Women’s Wellness Weekend retreats. Learn more about her program on Instagram or Facebook  at @womens.wellness.weekend

Embrace. Live. Thrive.:
Blog: www.embracelivethrive.com 
Instagram: @embracelivethrive
FB: @embracelivethrive