Empowered to Connect Podcast

In Today's episode we dive deep into the art of being fully present. Joining us today are Nick and Jesse Faris, cultivate connection facilitators based in Memphis, TN, who bring a wealth of wisdom and experience to the topic.

Jesse, who serves on staff at Empowered to Connect as a Program and Training Specialist, and Nick have 2 kiddos through adoption and have been Empowered to Connect trainers for years. Today they share profound insights on the transformative power of presence and its impact on our relationships, creativity, and overall well-being.

Together with ETC Institute Program Manager Becca McKay, we explore practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help us cultivate presence in our daily lives. From the art of deep listening to the beauty of embracing stillness, Nick and Jesse guide us on a journey to reconnect with the present moment and uncover its transformative potential.

Join us as we delve into the art of being fully present today with a couple that's been making presence a priority for years now!

Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do so from our website today! You can also learn more about Empowered to Connect and all that we've got going on across the globe!

Today on the Empowered to Connect Podcast, we are joined by Todd and Brandy Baumann, two remarkable people who bring a unique blend of expertise and compassion to the world of parenting and caregiving. Todd, an engineer, and Brandy, the coordinator for True Vine Ministries, serving foster and adoptive families at their church, share their insights on on why balancing nurture and structure quickly became their favorite connecting practice in our Cultivate Connection Parenting Course!

If you've ever approached the worlds of connected parenting, gentle parenting, attachment-based parenting, etc you'll know this is an absolutely foundational skill to learn. One common misnomer in our way of parenting is that it's all nurture - that discipline and structure go out the window. Well, we're here today to remind you that's not true at all! 

Todd's analytical approach as an engineer, combined with Brandy's deep understanding of the needs of foster and adoptive families, creates a powerful synergy that informs their insights on finding the right balance. Together, they share what they've learned about providing the right balance of nurture and structure - we believe it will empower you to connect with your children on a deeper level and promote healthy growth!

Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do that as well as check out thousands of other resources and ways to connect to ETC from our website today!

Today, we are thrilled to have special guests Matt and Laurel Smith, Memphis, TN facilitators of ETC Cultivate Connection (ETC's own parenting curriculum). Join us as we delve into the heart of our summer series and explore the very first connecting practice: "Be Curious."

Curiosity is a powerful tool that holds the key to deepening connections and fostering healthy relationships. Matt and Laurel guide us through the transformative potential of curiosity in parenting, teaching us how to unlock the doors to understanding and empathy. Both Matt and Laurel are brilliant professionals and veteran parents and they share practical insights and strategies that empower us to cultivate a genuine curiosity in our interactions with our children, friends, family and beyond! You'll recognize Matt's voice as a frequent guest, he currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Memphis Family Connection Center, one of ETC's 3 main programs. Laurel has been in the educational system as a teacher in every age range and has worked to incorporate attachment based, connection-centered practices into her classroom for years.

Throughout this conversation, we uncover the profound impact of curiosity on our children's emotional well-being and development. Matt and Laurel share their personal stories and wisdom, leaving us inspired to embrace the beauty of curiosity as a foundational pillar in our parenting journeys.

Reminder - if you haven't already purchased your Connecting Practices Handbook, you can do so from our website today! Get ready to embrace the power of curiosity and cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships with your children.

Join Tona Ottinger, Becca McKay, and host JD Wilson in today's episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast as we delve into the exciting new resource available at empoweredtoconnect.org/store — the Connecting Practices Handbook! This handbook is a comprehensive guide designed to empower individuals, families, and professionals with an overview of the 9 Connecting Practices found in our parenting curriculum course, Cultivate Connection.

During this episode, Tona, Becca, and JD highlight the significance of the Connecting Practices Handbook and how it can positively impact the lives of children and families. They discuss the various chapters and sections of the handbook, exploring its rich content and actionable insights.

In addition to exploring the handbook itself, we share some exciting news! Throughout the summer, the Empowered to Connect team will embark on a special journey, walking through the nine connecting practices with facilitators from all over the world. Listeners will have the opportunity to learn from these experienced practitioners as they dive deep into each practice, sharing their wisdom, stories, and practical application tips.

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of hours of valuable teaching content from renowned experts like Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Mona Delahooke, The Empowered to Connect Team and more!

On today's episode of the Empowered to Connect podcast, we delve into the inspiring parenting journey of Mike and Kristin Berry, the founders of The Honestly Adoption Company.In this heartfelt conversation, Mike and Kristin share their personal experiences as adoptive parents, opening up about the challenges, joys, and transformative moments they encountered along the way.

With their unique blend of vulnerability, wisdom, and humor, they provide invaluable insights into the world of adoption and foster care, offering encouragement and practical strategies for families navigating similar paths. Hear Mike and Kristin tell the story of the origins of The Honestly Adoption Company, a caregiving resource creator and community dedicated to equipping and empowering adoptive and foster parents. Hear how Mike and Kristin's own journey inspired them to create this powerful platform, providing a wealth of resources, training, and support to families worldwide.

No matter where you are in your parenting journey, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped to walk the road to connection and attachment with the kiddos in your life. Mike and Kristin share their hard-earned wisdom, reminding us that love, connection, and resilience can truly transform lives.Don't miss out on this incredible conversation! Join us and listen to Mike and Kristin Berry on the Empowered to Connect podcast. For more information about how to follow the Berry's, their work and resources, visit honestlyadoption.com. To check out the link Mike referenced, check it out here: http://honestlyadoption.com/gettrauma101

To learn more about Empowered to Connect, check out our website, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and Subscribe to our YouTube channel for hundreds of hours of valuable teaching content from renowned experts like Dr. Karyn Purvis, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, Mona Delahooke, The Empowered to Connect Team and more!

Prepare for a remarkable episode of the Empowered to Connect podcast as we explore the transformative pages of Aundi Kolber's book, "Strong Like Water." This captivating work not only acknowledges the courage it takes to survive but also equips readers with practical tools to transition from mere coping to embodying true strength.In "Strong Like Water," Aundi Kolber's voice rises like a wise and gentle guide, resonating with those navigating their own deep waters. With profound insight and compassion, she calls forth your inner strength  and resilience.

Join us as we dive into "Strong Like Water" and uncover the transformative wisdom it holds. Aundi's practical tools and heartfelt guidance will empower you to rise above, embracing your own resilience and gaining the embodied strength needed to navigate life's journey. Don't miss this inspiring conversation as we explore the transformative power of Aundi Kolber's "Strong Like Water."

You can find Aundi online @AundiKolber on Instagram and you can buy her book on any major platform (though a local bookstore would be preferable)!

Today on the Empowered to Connect podcast, we are joined by Becca McKay and Tori Hope Petersen as they share their personal stories of how Mother's Day can be a difficult and painful experience for them. Both Becca and Tori have experienced significant grief and loss related to their childhood mothers, and in this conversation, they courageously open up about the complexities of navigating this holiday as adults who have been impacted by trauma, adversity, grief and loss - some of which has occurred ON Mother's Day for them.

Tori, who is the author of the book "Fostered," shares her journey of growing up in the foster care system and the many ways in which this has shaped her understanding of motherhood. Becca, who is also an advocate for foster care and adoption, speaks candidly about her own experiences of loss and how these have impacted her and the way she interacts with everyone in her life.

Together, Becca and Tori offer a unique perspective on the challenges that come with Mother's Day, and they provide valuable insights into how individuals and communities can support those who may be struggling during this time. Whether you have a personal connection to grief and loss, the foster care system or are simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Mother's Day, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore this important topic with two incredible women who have truly lived it.

We've got a great one for you today! In today's episode, we are thrilled to have Lucinda Miles as our guest. Lucinda a TBRI Practitioner with Volunteers for Youth Justice in Shreveport, LA, where she is bringing life-changing TBRI training to the juvenile justice system and incarcerated individuals.

Lucinda's work is focused on bringing hope and healing to those who have experienced trauma and adversity. Through her innovative approach, she is empowering families involved in the juvenile justice system and incarcerated individuals to heal from their past and build a better future. Her work is not only transforming the lives of those she serves, but it's also changing the face of the criminal justice system in Shreveport. Hear Lucinda tell the story of Judge David Matlock, who, after learning about trauma and the brain completely transformed his courtroom to be trauma-responsive and the stories are astounding.

Join us as we hear from Lucinda about her work with Volunteers for Youth Justice, the impact of TBRI training, and the inspiring stories of transformation she has witnessed. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to be inspired!

To learn more about Volunteers for Youth Justice, check out their work here! To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Well. In some seasons of parenting, staying in the good work feels impossible. Maybe impossible is the wrong word, maybe hopeless or 'not worth it' is a better way of expressing it. In all reality, we believe every hard season hits in different ways for different people and their contexts. 

So what do we do when we reach one of those places? How do we muster up the strength to continue? I have great news - you don't have to figure it out alone. Today Mo and Tona Ottinger join us to share some wisdom they've gained and experiences they've had in their 20+ years of parenting. Please just know that this road was NOT intended to be walked alone - more details today in a brand new episode of the Empowered to Connect Podcast!

To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!

Today we take an exclusive look at one of Dr. Karyn Purvis' most helpful parenting strategies with Jesse Faris and Becca McKay. In this episode, we delve into a never-before-seen clip with the late Dr. Karyn Purvis, where she shares invaluable insights on how to manage anger and build trust with our kids. Join us for a deep dive conversation on the power of trust-based parenting and its potential to transform children AND adults.

To watch the video before listening, check it out on our YouTube Channel!

To learn more about ETC, follow our Youtube Channel, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram!