Hey, Sister!

Adoption advocate and expert Steve Sunday joins Courtney and Carley and sheds light on the heroic yet heartbreaking decision a birth mother makes to lovingly place her child for adoption. Steve explains basic adoption terminology and statistics, the role between birth parents and adoptive parents and the tender yet painful process of relinquishing rights. Beautiful and personal experiences about adoption are shared in this episode all about finding peace and ethical practices within the adoption arena. This is the second episode in a 5-part series on Motherhood, airing May 2022. 

 

Call to Action: 

Learn about adoption and be a voice for adoption as an option within your sphere of influence. (Example: share this podcast episode by copying and pasting the following link with your thoughts about the episode. https://heysisterpodcast.org/29-birth-mothers-adoption-steve-sunday/)

“The biggest challenge that we have is really promoting adoption as an option. It doesn't mean it's the only option, actually, it's the one that's least considered! Learn as much as you can about adoption. There's so much negative about everything out there, including adoption.

…It's really important to counter those voices and say, not all experiences are bad. There are a lot of very wonderful experiences when it's done correctly. And so I would challenge your audience to learn as much as they can, and then be a resource to potential people who may be in that situation and need resources, because most do not hear about the option of adoption and we're hoping that they will! And they have the opportunity, the agency, to choose the course that they would choose in their life, but the best thing we can do is give them the option to hear about it.”

- Steve Sunday, CEO/President and Founder of Forever Bound Adoption

 

Referenced Information: 

National Council for Adoption

(Organization that supports ethical practices for adoption)

 

Referenced Links:

Connect with Steve Sunday, Founder/CEO of Forever Bound Adoption

• Forever Bound Adoption Website
• Forever Bound Adoption Facebook
• Email Steve 

 

Connect with Hey, Sister!

• Hey, Sister! website
• Hey, Sister! Instagram
• Hey, Sister! Facebook

 

Referenced Episodes: 

Episode 28 Scrunchy Mamas (birth story swap) 

 

 

Show Timeline: 

0:00 Introduction of topic, guest expert, and Forever Bound Adoption

6:00 Basics of adoption and terminology: international adoption, foster to adopt and private adoption, closed vs. open adoptions

10:30 Openness is a continuum: building relationships with birth moms, examples of open communication styles, adoptive relationships take work

16:00 Prom dress story: a modern-day open-adoption relationship example

17:45 Birth mothers finding adoption agencies: past vs. present 

20:00 Current statistics about unplanned and crisis pregnancies (single parenting and abortion are the most common solutions)

21:15 The importance of word of mouth positivity: sharing messages of hope about adoption

23:00 Adoptions past versus adoption today: offering education for adoptive parents and support for birth parents before and after placement

25:00 Look for agencies that are part of the NCFA

25:30 Distrust: birth parents, agencies and adoptive parents

29:45 Living up to commitments: open adoptions take effort and are best when organic

30:30 Heroic decision of birth mothers and emotions felt during and after placement

34:50 Courtney’s adoption experience: “birthing” a baby arms to arms

38:30 Steve’s post-script birth parent panel experience 

40:00 Call to action, contact information, concluding thoughts, outtakes

Courtney and Carley swap birth stories in an episode devoted to honoring motherhood and various delivery preferences. The term “scrunchy” is explained as it relates to motherhood (silky + crunchy = scrunchy). Perspectives on medicated vs. unmedicated births are shared. Carley offers a pep talk on letting curiosity fuel you and Courtney proposes one critical question to ask yourself before deciding on an unmedicated birth. This is the first episode in the 5-part motherhood series, airing May 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below.

 

Episode Sponsor: 

3 Stitches Clothing 

https://www.facebook.com/3stitchesclothing

https://www.instagram.com/3stitchesclothing/

 

Call to Action: 

Participate in the giveaway for scrunchies (hand-made by 3 Stitches Clothing) on Hey, Sister! Instagram. See the daily stories Monday-Friday for details.

 

 

Referenced Information: 

“We have a secret in our culture and it's not that birth is painful; It's that women are strong.”

• Laura Stavoe Harm

 

“After birth, certain biochemical compounds are at work in both mother and child to sustain and accentuate the bond between the two. Hormones, such as oxytocin, surge in mothers after labor and during breast-feeding, promoting social and emotional bonding with the infant.”

• Birth of a Bond, Scientific American

 

 

Referenced Links:

www.heysisterpodcast.org

Hey, Sister! Instagram

Hey, Sister! Facebook

 

Referenced Episodes: 

29 Birth Mothers and Adoption // Steve Sunday (coming soon!)

 

 

Show Timeline: 

0:00 Introduction of topic: disclaimer—episode contains references to female body parts and bodily functions and fluids

 

2:00 Defining terms: scrunchy, silky and crunchy, all birth is “natural”

 

3:20 Courtney’s motherhood journey and delivery preference (medicated): infertility story, favorite elements of deliveries, lessons learned from an unmedicated birth

 

14:00 Carley’s motherhood journey and delivery preference (unmedicated): becoming a birth nerd, decisions rooted in confidence, preparations with husband, 3 labor experiences

 

20:00 Open discussion: who is in the delivery room, trying new things, spousal support, women are strong

 

23:00 Advocating for yourself: making a birth plan, studying, asking questions, surrounding yourself with a supportive birth team

 

24:45 Courtney’s crucial question to consider: “Would you feel comfortable pooping in front of your birth team?” as a litmus test for unmedicated labor and who to have in the labor and delivery room

 

26:00 No right or wrong way to deliver: trust in healthcare, personal preferences, “to each their own”, no badge of honor or reward for unmedicated birth

 

28:50 Concluding thoughts: supportive team, photography, packing, women are amazing, listening sincerely when others share their stories

 

37:00 Giveaway information, call to action, outtakes

 

Guest expert Alexandria Palmer discusses all things Disneyland with the Hey, Sisterhood in this magical episode filled with tips and trips for navigating the happiest place on earth. As two Disneyland novices, Courtney and Carley ask Alexandria questions about everything from the general atmosphere and the Genie+ Service to baby swap, sweet treats and special accommodations for those with disabilities. Tune in and discover the motivation you need to take that magic carpet ride to Disneyland in this fourth and final episode in the 4-part vacation-ready series, airing April 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below. 

 

Call to Action: 

“Book a trip! Start talking to friends, start talking to family members, listen to this podcast and just see  what would feel right for your family. How would doing Disney be the right time and the right experience for your family and how can you go into it with enough information?

 

I always say preparation is key for Disney.” - Alexandria Palmer

 

Referenced Links:

 

Connect with Hey, Sister!:

https://www.instagram.com/theheysisterpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/heysisterpodcast

 

Referenced Episodes (in order of mention): 

24 Wanderlust // Madeline Becker Hamilton

25 Hostess with the Mostess // Courtney Sandberg

26 Vacation, All We Ever Wanted // Brit Snarr

15 Double Double Date Date

 

Show Timeline: 

 

0:00 Introduction of topic and guest

 

4:00 The hype around Disneyland: all-in-experience, flavor-scented air, trash can placement, cast members

 

6:15 Visiting Disneyland: age recommendation, free-under-three, best days of the week and times of year to visit

 

9:30 Duration of a vacation: benefits of a 3-day pass

 

13:00 Disney tips: post-pandemic “feels like coming home”, bringing food in the park, arriving early, fireworks, first timers—go with or get tips from an experienced friend, glow sticks on strollers, stroller parking

 

17:15 Park details: lockers, Disneyland and California Adventure, seating throughout park

 

19:00 Navigating the park: Genie+ Pass, baby swap, line speed/monitoring efficiency, park hopping

 

24:45 Special accommodations: Disneyland Disability Access Pass, Alexandria’s personal experience, top-notch customer experience

 

30:00 Disneyland fun: adult trips, sweet treats, picture taking

 

34:10 Concluding thoughts: slow down, safety protocols

 

36:00 Call to action, social media information, outtakes

Travel enthusiast Brit Snarr discusses tips and tricks for family vacations in this adventure-happy episode. Brit shares ideas for fun and memorable vacation practices and her favorite family-friendly destinations. Carley, Courtney and Brit discuss real-life aspects of vacationing as a mom: souvenirs for kids, being the “fun mom”, taking photos, and recognizing that traveling may mean sacrificing the new car or dream home for a time. Give a listen and find some inspiration to book your next family vacation in this third episode in the 4-part vacation-ready series, airing April 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below. 

 

Call to Action: 

“Book a family vacation! Maybe it's a staycation. Maybe it's a foreign trip. Maybe it's a family reunion. Maybe it's to visit friends. Plan things on that vacation that get you excited, give you an adrenaline rush, get you out of your comfort zone, maybe make you laugh or make you just feel alive!” - Brit Snarr

 

Referenced Episodes (in order of mention): 

24 Wanderlust // Madeline Becker Hamilton

25 Hostess with the Mostess // Courtney Sandberg

15 Double Double Date Date

17 Family Ties // Courtney Kimball 

Coming soon: Episode 27: Bippity Boppity Book It! (An episode all about Disneyland)

Referenced Links: 

Connect with Hey, Sister! on Instagram or Facebook 

Check out Brit's YouTube channel for vacation inspiration!

 

Show Timeline: 

 

0:00 Introduction of topic and guest

 

3:10 Brit’s background: where her love of travel originated

 

4:35 Vacations vs. trips: enjoying traveling with kids, family practice of handstands

 

8:00 Using a vacation as a reward

 

8:45 Souvenirs: family ornaments, allowances for souvenirs

 

9:30 Moments kids forget, Moms will remember: Carley’s story about On the Border, see world through kid’s eyes

 

10:50 Documentation: scrapbooking, videography, kids love looking through old memories

 

15:30 Family reunions are vacations, too!

 

16:00 Family vacation destinations: Disneyworld, cruise ship

 

16:50 Fun mom comes alive on vacations

 

18:30 Family vacation destinations: reiteration of reunions, Destin, FL, Branson, MO, AR diamond dig, Thailand, Ecuador, Peru

 

25:05 Traveling with kids: making accommodations for age 

 

26:45 Upcoming Disneyland episode promotion

 

27:30 Traveling with kids (cont’d): accomodations for work schedules, finances

 

30:15 Phone usage on vacations

 

32:30 Individualized vacations: one-on-ones with kids

 

34:00 Making sacrifices to travel: not everyone has it all

 

36:50 Call to action, closing remarks, outtakes

Superhost Courtney Sandberg joins the “Hey, Sisterhood” for a fun conversation all about Airbnbs, covering the topics of: differences between hotels and Airbnbs, lessons learned when first becoming an Airbnb host, the importance of communication between host and guest, tips and tricks for booking a stay, and leaving and receiving reviews. Courtney and Carley and guest host Courtney Sandberg swap stories about their experiences staying in various locations including the Czech Republic, New Mexico and Florida. Give a listen and find some inspiration to book your next stay at an Airbnb in this second episode in the 4-part vacation-ready series, airing April 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below. 

 

Call to Action:

 

“I’ve got a tier of calls to action today, based on your experience with Airbnb. So, if you have never tried an Airbnb, my call to action to you is to download the app and just browse…If you have an Airbnb booked for sometime this summer…my call to action is to leave a review….The last one: if you are interested in becoming an Airbnb host, then just figure out what your next step is to make it happen!” - Courtney Sandberg

 

Referenced Links: 

 

 

Check out Courtney Sandberg’s Airbnb in Scottsdale, AZ

 

Check out Carley Ferguson’s Airbnb in Waco, TX

 

Connect with Hey, Sister!:

Hey, Sister! Instagram

Hey, Sister! Facebook

 

Referenced Episodes: 

Episode 24: Wanderlust with Madeline Becker Hamilton

 

Episode 19: Purge!

 

Show Timeline: 

 

0:00 introduction of monthly theme and guest expert

 

4:15 Courtney Sandberg: difference between hotels and Airbnbs

 

8:30 Carley: Airbnbs provide immersive experience in new location (Czech Republic experience)

 

9:30 Courtney Lewis: overcoming hesitation about trying new things 

 

10:15 Courtney Sandberg: lessons learned becoming an Airbnb host, not every Airbnb is for everyone

 

11:30 Courtney Lewis: NM Airbnb experience

 

13:10 Reaction to Courtney’s story and discussion on communication (how much contact, ideas of questions to ask)

 

17:00 Communication builds trust: asking questions of hosts, reviews are critical

 

18:25 Overcoming decision fatigue in hosting or booking an Airbnb: opportunity costs (how saving $50 might lose you $150)

 

21:15  Airbnb tips and tricks for guests: checking date availability with host even if it shows unavailable for part of guest’s trip, asking questions before booking, looking for “diamonds in the rough”, requesting early check-in or late check-out, adding people to reservation, pets/no pets

 

28:30 Social credibility: guests get reviewed, adding a profile picture

 

30:45 Extra charges: refundable deposits, cleaning fees

 

32:00 Voicing complaints and concerns cordially and early-on

 

34:10 Outback Steakhouse story, don’t be “that lady” who tries to get money back at the end of the meal (or the end of an Airbnb stay)

 

35:30 Create your own outcome philosophy: Courtney Sandberg’s FL Airbnb experience

 

38:40 Call to action

 

40:30 Concluding thoughts, outtakes

 

Unlock your creativity through travel! Madeline Becker Hamilton, Ivy City Co. Chief Marketing Officer, joins Courtney and Carley and inspires the Hey, Sisterhood community to take a trip, learn something new, strengthen relationships, be spontaneous, pack essentials and enjoy all the benefits of adventuring. Madeline is passionate about discovering the world as she is also a Service Expedition Coordinator for Somewhere Devine! Spark the fire within to see the world in this first episode in the 4-part vacation-ready series, airing April 2022. Call to action, referenced links/accounts, and show timeline are below. 

 

Call to action: 

 

“Once a year go somewhere new you've never been before. It doesn't have to be far. It doesn't have to be expensive. Just put yourself in a new environment and it will be amazing! My challenge for you is to make a plan for what that trip is going to be for you this year.” - Madeline Becker Hamilton

 

Referenced links: 

Connect with Madeline!

• Madeline’s Instagram
• Ivy City Co. Instagram
• Ivy City Co. Website

 

Connect with Hey, Sister!

• Hey, Sister! Facebook
• Hey, Sister! Instagram

 

Madeline’s Favorite Travel Resources

• Book rental cars at Turo
• Book flights with Skyscanner
• Book flights with Somewhere Devine

 

Show timeline: 

 

0:00 Introduction of episode and guest

 

2:45 Why traveling is important: “traveling is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer”

 

4:10 How traveling inspires us: it takes courage to travel, example of traveling to NY with Ivy City Co.

 

8:00 Strengthening relationships: breaking through barriers with family, example of mother/daughter trip to Japan

 

9:50 Including sparks of creativity in travel: don’t over-plan, leave room for spontaneity, example of the “deer town” in Japan

 

12:05 Courtney’s example of planning to be spontaneous with her husband 

 

14:45 Packing essentials: fanny pack, lightweight dress, 2 pairs of shoes, wired headphones 

 

18:00 Traveling tips and tricks: where to book flights and rental cars (links above), rolling clothes, flexibility mindset, favorite places to travel (Japan and Charleston, South Carolina)

 

21:00 Call to Action, contact information, conclusion, outtakes

Sisters Courtney, Carley and Cassidy revisit the topic of a previous episode (6, Happy Pants), and the idea that sometimes no matter how hard we try to put on happy pants and choose joy, life tries to metaphorically pants us! Each sister shares a recent story in which they made conscious efforts to choose joy repeatedly when challenges seemed to dogpile, one right after the other. 

 

This is a seasonal bonus episode uniting the three original Schoen sisters in a conversational format. 

 

Referenced Episodes

Episode 6 // Happy Pants with Cassidy Roberts

Episode 20 // Super-Organize me with Jen Whetten

Interior decorator and owner of Waco’s The Findery, Tiffany Fatheree, sheds light on freshening up spaces. Tiffany invites the Hey, Sisterhood to throw out the design rule book and shares her top pieces advice for keeping homes personalized yet transitional. Realistic budgets, timing, paint colors, peel and stick wallpaper, personal confidence and seeking outside help are all discussed in this motivational interview with one of Waco, Texas’ favorite home decorating experts. This is part 4 in a 4 part series on spring cleaning. Weekly call to action, referenced links and show timeline are below. 

 

CALL TO ACTION:

When you’re feeling brave enough, take a good look at your walls (put on glasses and turn on the lights if you need to!) and go buy some paint. Decorating and freshening up your house doesn't have to be expensive. Start somewhere small, believe in yourself, believe in what you like and make your house a home by making it what you love!

 

 

REFERENCED PRIOR EPISODES:

Ep. 18 Home Sweet Home // Nancy Schoen

Ep. 19 PURGE!

 

 

LINKS: 

Connect with Tiffany Fatheree

Website: https://thefindery.net

The Findery Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefinderywaco/

The Findery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefinderywaco

Boiler Room Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboilerroomwaco/

Visit the brick and mortar store: 501 S 8th St, Waco, TX 76706

 

Connect with Hey, Sister! Podcast

Website: https://heysisterpodcast.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheysisterpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heysisterpodcast

 

TIMELINE:

 

0:00 Review of Courtney’s feelings about purging (Ep. 19), and introduction of guest expert

 

4:50 Tiffany discusses doing what you love, putting on glasses and turning on the lights (or not!) to look at your home like a visitor would, picking wall colors for your home, staying cohesive throughout the home, Tiffany’s favorite shade of white: Sherwin Williams Alabaster White

 

7:20 Courtney’s experience with fingerprints on flat white paint, Mom’s advice to keep paint stored nearby for easy touch-ups (and to keep paint from drying out)

 

8:47 Tiffany advises keeping a binder with home colors recorded, including sheen (flat, eggshell, satin, semi gloss), bringing color into your home through accents, scents and peel and stick wallpaper

 

11:50 Carley’s love of painting

 

14:00 When to freshen up spaces (continually), budgeting for projects, breaking projects into chunks, not following trends

 

18:30 Tiffany talks about self-confidence, God-given talents, trusting yourself, giving yourself time to get curated pieces for your home

 

21:45 “Home should be a story, not a store” comment, adding texture into your home (shelves, baskets)

 

23:45 Getting outside help: decorators, interior designers, friends with “an eye” 

 

25:30 Various styles among friends, you don’t have to pick just one style (masculine, modern, French, farmhouse), eclectic is more versatile

 

27:10 Utilizing store employees, feelings of lightness and peace when entering The Findery, focusing on “the feel” of your space and your home

 

31:15 Feelings of inspiration and confidence from the past, losing confidence, rediscovering self and talents

 

32:15 Call to action

 

33:00 Conclusion, contact information, outtakes

Nearly a dozen women within the Hey, Sisterhood community share their favorite cleaning products and practices in this episode all about making cleaning house more fun and functional. “Group Chat” style episodes of Hey, Sister! include information provided by listeners and supporters of the Hey, Sister! Podcast. This is part 3 in a 4-part series on spring cleaning. Weekly call to action, referenced links and show timeline are below. 

 

Call to action: Share your favorite product and/or practice on our ROLL CALL post on social media this week (Look for the post on Tuesday or Wednesday at facebook.com/heysisterpodcast or on Instagram @theheysisterpodcast) 

 

 

Referenced Episodes Episode 18: Home Sweet Home // Nancy Schoen

Episode 20: Super-Organize Me! // Jen Whetten

 

Referenced Books

Atomic Habits by James Clear

 

Group Chat Participants

Products and practices recommended by individual sisters listed in order referenced below.

 

 

Jessica

The Colony, Texas

 

Products

De-Solv-It Stain Remover

Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System

 

Practices 

Make cleaning a part of your routine  

(Example cleaning the toilet after you get out of the shower, wiping down sink/counter after you apply your makeup)

 

Natalie

Forney, Texas

 

Products

20 Mule Team BORAX

 

Practices

Clean as you go (example: dishes after each meal)

Declutter

Go to bed early

Get yourself ready every day

 

 

Tayler

Corinth, Texas

 

Products

20 Mule Team BORAX

 

 

Devin

Betonville, AR

 

Products 

Folex Carpet Spot Remover

*Don’t use Bona Wood Floor products unless you have Bona sealed floors 

 

Practices

Clean after every meal

Have kids put their toys away after playing with them

Have a set laundry day 2-3x per week

 

 

Taylor 

Salt Lake City, Utah

 

Practices

Watch one episode of a show before cleaning

Listen to music while cleaning 

Split up chores with husband

 

Cassidy 

Springville, Utah

 

Products

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

Lysol Disinfectant

 

Mom

 

Products

General’s Tri-Tip Eraser

Bar Keeper’s Friend

 

Practices

Clean from the top down

 

Alison

Tucson, AZ

 

Products

Bar Keeper’s Friend

Vinegar

Norwex Window Cloth

 

Practices

Use homemade mixture in amber bottle: lemon/orange essential oil, natural dish soap, water

Add vinegar to dishwasher if over-sudsy 

 

 

Brook

Tucson, AZ

 

Products

Simple Green All-purpose Cleaner

 

Jen

 

Products

Pumice stone for hard water in toilets 

 

Practices

Add spritz of perfume to alcohol for mask refresher and hand sanitizer

Have a retired husband

 

Hannah

Spanish Fork, Utah

 

Products

OxiClean Laundry Stain Remover Spray 

 

 

 

Show Timeline

 

0:00 Introduction

 

3:15 Jessica’s advice

 

7:00 Natalie’s advice

 

9:30 Tayler’s advice

 

10:15 Devin’s advice

 

14:00 Taylor’s advice

 

15:45 Cassidy’s advice

 

16:30 Nancy’s (Mom’s) advice

 

17:50 Alison’s advice

 

19:15 Brook’s advice

 

21:00 Carley’s opinion: clean when you’re dirty to earn a shower

 

21:57 Jen’s advice

 

23:00 Hannah’s advice

 

24:00 Concluding thoughts, call to action, Instagram typos, outtakes

Professional organizer Jen Whetten shares the SPACE method with Courtney and Carley (Sort, Purge, Assign, Contain, Educate). Benefits of organizing as well as realistic expectations are discussed along with practical advice for where to begin on your organizing journey. This is part 2 in a 4-part series on spring cleaning. Weekly call to action, referenced media links and show timeline are below.   

CALL TO ACTION:

Choose a small space like a closet or a pantry and apply the SPACE method to it. Take a before and after photo so you can share your progress with your friends! Feel free to tag Jen and Hey, Sister! on social media so we can share in your success!

 

LINKS: 

Connect with Jen Whetten

Website: https://organizingwithjen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenwhettenorganizing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizingjen

 

Connect with Hey, Sister! Podcast

Website: https://heysisterpodcast.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheysisterpodcast/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heysisterpodcast

 

TIMELINE:

0:00 Introduction of topic and guest, Jen Whetten

2:12 The best place to begin organizing: the place that will make the most difference to you (often the pantry or master closet)

4:08 Detail versus large scale projects

6:06 Benefits of organizing: calmness, security, replacing negativity from the world with peace in our homes, establishing patterns for children

8:00 Craft cabinet personal example (Courtney)

10:30 SPACE method overview

11:07 Sorting (Step 1)

12:15 Purging (Step 2)

12:47 Assign (Step 3)

13:55 Contain (Step 4): Pinterest “is it realistic?” perspective 

17:30 Educate (Step 5): teaching our families how to maintain organization systems

19:25 Maintenance: adjusting as needed, continually organizing

22:50 Setting children up for success: “To be clear is kind, to be unclear is unkind”

23:25 Call to action

24:00 Conclusion: contact information for Jen, concluding thoughts, outtakes