Since October 7, many of us have been glued to our screens, scouring every bit of news out of Israel. Today's guest, Trauma Therapist Lisa Fliegel, knew that if she stayed home in Boston, she'd be filled with anxiety. Instead, three hours after news of the Hamas massacre reached her, she booked a plane ticket to Israel.

Lisa spent a full month with the survivors of the October 7 attack who have relocated to a hotel in Eilat. There, Lisa spent time with children and adult survivors, counseled other therapists, and created a therapeutic milieu out of the hotel lobby.

Lisa  is a trauma specialist with extensive experience in providing support to individuals coping with significant psychological trauma. With dual citizenship and having served in the Israel Defense Forces, Lisa's connection to Israel runs deep. She lived on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava desert for 20 years and has a strong commitment to social justice and social change. Lisa is a special clinical consultant to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute a grassroots non-profit that serves survivors of victims of homicide. She is an author and journalist. Her book-in-progress "Bulletproof Therapist: My clinical adventures in Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, and Inner-City Boston is waiting to hatch amid various missile attacks, gunfire and social upheaval. 

In this episode, you'll:

• Find out why you don't need to be the best therapist (or the best mother, or the best anything else)
• Discover how to be a student when people teach us what they need
• Learn what to do when there's nothing to be done
• Understand why we need to recognize when other people make a meaningful impact
• Uncover the profound effects of shame on trauma survivors and learn what the difference is between tragedy and trauma
• Learn how being fully present can profoundly impact trauma support and activism efforts.

Learn more about Lisa:
Facebook
Bulletproof Therapist
Lisa's Blog
LinkedIn  

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Have you heard these myths about films that break barriers and challenge perceptions? Myth #1: Only controversial films can challenge societal norms. Myth #2: Mainstream audiences are not interested in watching films that challenge the status quo. Myth #3: Creating diverse films is just a trend and not a lasting movement. 

In this episode, our guest Allison Norlian will debunk these myths and reveal the truth behind creating impactful and diverse films that challenge mainstream narratives.

Allison Norlian is an experienced journalist, writer, and filmmaker. She's a three-time Emmy nominee and the co-founder of Birdmine, a production company that focuses on amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities. 

Inspired by her older sister and with a passion for challenging mainstream narratives, Allison utilizes her filmmaking skills to create impactful documentaries and narrative films. Currently, she's in post-production for her documentary titled "Meandering Scars," which took her on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and is also finishing up a short film called "13." 

Allison has received a Catalyst for Change award from the ARC of Virginia and an Emmy nomination for an investigation that exposed neglect and abuse at an assisted living facility. Through her films, Allison strives to change the world one story at a time, advocating for inclusivity and challenging the way society views disability. 

In this episode you'll:

• Discover the power of inclusive storytelling in independent films and unlock new perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives
• Hear how one mother's commitment to her family changed the perceptions of an entire community
• Find out what it's like to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in filmmaking, creating impactful content that reflects the world we live in
• Learn why diversity in the stories we share is more important now than every before
• And so much more...

Learn more:
Allison on Instagram
Allison on Facebook
Thirteen
Birdmine on Instagram
Birdmine Website

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

What is it about yoga that has everybody leaving their day jobs and heading to the mat? Why do so many people say yoga has changed their lives? And why do some of us break out in hives at the thought of spending 90 minutes in a sweltering room contorting our bodies with a bunch of strangers?

Meet Michelle Itzkowitz, an extraordinary individual with a passion for yoga and mindfulness. Michelle's lifelong journey of curiosity and self-discovery began more than 30 years ago after the loss of a close friend. Motivated by the desire to understand the complexities of life and inspire others, she immersed herself in the world of wellness. With over 2000 hours of formal yoga teacher training and culinary school under her belt, Michelle opened her own yoga studio in Cape Cod. She has since been teaching public and private yoga classes, cooking classes, and even training other yoga teachers. Currently pursuing a career in therapy, Michelle's dedication to helping people live healthier lives shines through in all facets of her work. Her personal experiences and commitment to cultivating joy and kindness shine through everything she offers. Get ready to be inspired as Michelle shares her wisdom and teaches us simple steps to incorporate yoga and mindfulness into our own lives.

Yoga and meditation have the power to transform lives, to bring relaxation, and to unlock doors we never knew existed. - Michelle Itzkowitz

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover a key to finding joy within yourself and transforming your outlook.
• Unlock the power of yoga and mindfulness to reduce stress, increase relaxation, and enhance overall well-being.
• Master the art of managing stress through the practice of breath work, allowing for greater calm and peace in your daily life.
• Cultivate kindness towards yourself and others, and experience the profound joy it brings.
• Harness the transformative power of positive mantras to uplift your mindset and attract joy into your life.

Learn more about Michelle here.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Are you dreading the holidays as you figure out how to  navigate your grief and loss? Are you looking for ways to find  a sense of peace and healing during this challenging time? Or maybe you want to help someone you love deal with their grief and hardship. 

Our guest, Becca Bernstein of Option B, has advice and insights that can help.

Becca has dedicated their career to transforming the way we talk about and heal from loss and hardship. With personal experiences of losing their mother to Frontotemporal Dementia and ALS, Becca understands the challenges of grief and the importance of supporting others through difficult times. They are also the founder of Collective Care Consulting and Trainings, teaching people how to connect with one another in an age of loneliness and isolation. With their expertise and passion for helping others, Becca brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation on navigating grief and loss during the holiday season.

In this episode, you'll:

• Discover strategies for navigating grief and finding comfort during the holiday season.
• Learn to recognize the emotional and physical symptoms of grief 
• Gain insights on how to support and be there for someone who is grieving during the holiday season.
• Explore the power of intentionality and how it can make a difference in your experience of the holidays after a loss.
• Find guidance on how to embrace healing and create new traditions while honoring the memory of your loved one during the holiday season.

Learn more about Option B here.

Learn more about Becca Bernstein here.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

It's one thing to find out you're pregnant when you aren't expecting it. It's another thing altogether to find out you're having quadruplets.

Ashley Ness is a true inspiration when it comes to handling the challenges of motherhood. During the pandemic, Ashley received the unexpected news that she was pregnant with quadruplets - a one in 10 million occurrence. With three children already at home, Ashley's life took a dramatic turn.  Ashley's journey includes spending seven months in the NICU with one of her babies, Chesley May, who sadly passed away. Her strength and unwavering dedication to her children is truly remarkable. Join us as we delve into Ashley's story and learn valuable lessons about resilience, balancing work and family, and finding the confidence to handle more than we ever thought possible. You'll also hear directly from the unexpected hero who helps Ashley take care of her brood.

Making tough decisions for a medically complex child
Parents of medically complex children often face hard decisions, something Ashley experienced with her daughter Chesley May. These decisions can include seeking aggressive medical interventions or prioritizing the child's quality of life. Listening to what their child communicates physically and emotionally plays a crucial role, even when the message leads to heart-wrenchingly tough decisions.

Get ready to be inspired by Ashley's incredible journey on this episode of "I Don't Know How You Do It."

Follow Ashley on Instagram.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Do you have a bucket list? Turns out there's huge power in recording your intentions. As it turns out, there can also be incredible gifts in fulfilling somebody else's.

More than a decade after her father died, Laura Carney was given a treasure that would change her life forever. It was a list, penned by her late father, filled with dreams and aspirations that were waiting to be realized. Little did Laura know, this bucket list would become her guiding light, igniting a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It's a story of inspiration, courage, and spirituality and the surprising impact that comes from living out your dreams...or even someone else's.

Laura Carney is an accomplished author known for her book, "My Father's List: How Living My Dad's Dreams Set Me Free." In this captivating memoir, Laura shares her experience of discovering her late father's bucket list and embarking on a mission to fulfill his dreams. The book has been recognized as one of the best books of 2023 by Real Simple magazine. Laura's story has received widespread attention, with appearances on CBS Sunday Morning, the Drew Barrymore Show, and NBC Nightly News, among others. Through her journey, Laura not only gained a deeper understanding of her father but also learned valuable lessons about surrender, spirituality, and personal growth. Her inspiring narrative serves as a testament to the power of embracing our own aspirations and finding fulfillment in life. Join us as we delve into Laura Carney's remarkable journey and discover the transformative power of a bucket list.

Living out these bucket list items was helping me to not be afraid anymore, and it was an incredible emotional transformation. -Laura Carney

We talk about how to:

• Discover the healing power of recording your intentions and values.
• Shift your mindset by harnessing the transformative potential of language.
• Learn about setting intentional goals and taking aligned actions to live a purposeful life.
• Embrace the unknown and let go of control to open doors to new opportunities.
• Experience a deep connection with loved ones through meaningful signs from the universe.

Learn more about Laura and her book here: http://www.bylauracarney.com

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

What happens when a doctor tells you you aren't capable of understanding your own daughter's medical diagnosis? When a doctor said that to Kelly Heger, Kelly decided to alter her personal and professional trajectory and become an RN.

Kelly is a mother of four , one of whom, Jillian, has  AADC, an ultra-rare and severe brain disease.  Jillian was the fourth person in the world diagnosed with this condition. Due to the complexity of Jillian's medical needs, Kelly made the decision to change her career and become a registered nurse to gain a deeper understanding and provide the best care for her daughter. Her journey led her to establish the AADC Family Network, an organization that offers support, education, and medical intervention for families affected by AADC. 

In the face of unimaginable challenges, Kelly Heger's unwavering love for her daughter, Jillian, gave her the strength to defy the odds. Little did she know, her relentless pursuit of answers would lead her down an incredible path of self-discovery. Through endless hours of research and against all odds, Kelly's determination transformed her into a confident caregiver, an educator, and a beacon of hope. 

In this episode you'll learn:

• How you can take even the most complicated matters into your own hands and change lives
• The power of your child's smile
• Why dogs can also be critical caregivers
• What happens when you tell a mother something is "too complicated for her to understand"
• And so much more...

Learn more here:

Website
Facebook
Instagram

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

Talk of resilience is everywhere these days, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. But what exactly is resilience? And is it something we're born with or something we can develop over time? What tools can we add to our toolkit to help fortify us for the challenges we all face in our lifetime?

"Peace doesn't mean the situation is fine, it meansI'm fine in the situation."

Meet Dr. Nefertiti B. Poyner. With more than two decades of experience in the fields of early care and education, adult resilience, and strength-based leadership practices, Dr. Poyner is a renowned teacher, author, and speaker. As a national trainer and early childhood specialist for the Devereaux Center for Resilient Children, she shares with us what muscles we can strengthen to build our resilience. She has authored several books, including "Building Your Bounce: Simple Strategies for a Resilient You," which offers valuable insights and practical tools to support adult resilience. 

In this episode you'll:

• Learn about protective factors and how they contribute to your resilience.
• Find out what to do when you feel like your rubber band is stretching so much it might break.
• Discover the keys to cultivating resilience .
• Learn how building strong relationships can be a powerful tool in fostering resilience, and find out what quality is way more important than quantity.
• Develop a strong sense of self to boost resilience and equip your children with the invaluable skill of self-awareness, empowering them to face adversity head-on.
• Find out why initiative matters.
• Gain insight into the role of awareness and control in resilience, and learn practical strategies to cultivate these skills .
• And so much more...

Learn more about Dr. Nefertiti Poyner:

Website
YouTube
Center for Resilient Children

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

"I don't have time." "I can't stay motivated." "I lose steam after a couple of days."

Does this sound familiar? You have a creative project in mind, but with work, family, and other responsibilities, it feels impossible to find the time to start and finish it. 

Listen in and learn about the ten ways I moved my project from dream to reality, writing my book while working full time and caring my complex family needs.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Discover ways to start...and finish your creative project while balancing all your other responsibilities. 
• Learn how to shift your mindset from aspiration to action, and unleash your creative potential through the power of declaring intentions.
• Find out how to reprioritize and reclaim valuable time, so you can finally make progress on your creative projects.
• Discover the importance of scheduling project time as a non-negotiable commitment, and unlock the confidence to prioritize your own creative pursuits.
• Learn the art of breaking down your projects into smaller tasks and setting achievable goals, and overcome overwhelm to stay focused and motivated.

*Special bonus: visit Jessicafeinstories.com to get your free copy of the "Crash Course in Creative Project Success" ebook, including a special bonus of *50 creative project ideas*

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells

You might have heard the saying, "We can only be as happy as our least happy child." Ann Batchelder disagrees. How much is our suffering intertwined with our child's suffering? How can we help our children without layering our own fear and regret on them? And what does it mean that we're all on the addiction spectrum?

In her debut memoir, "Craving Spring: A Mother's Quest, a Daughter's Depression, and the Greek Myth That Brought Them Together," Ann shares her powerful journey as a mother navigating her daughter's struggles with depression and addiction. Drawing inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone, Ann weaves the myth into her narrative, finding solace and guidance in its lessons of transformation and resilience. Through therapy, the Twelve Steps, and Buddhist teachings, Ann discovered the strength to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and herself. Ann is a passionate advocate for recognizing women's wisdom and reducing the stigma surrounding depression and addiction. Her book offers a heartfelt and empowering perspective on motherhood, addiction, and mental health, inspiring others to find understanding and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.

You'll learn:

• Why you shouldn't "get on the ride" with your child
• What it means that we are all on the spectrum of addiction
• How we can find teachers and guides in the most unexpected places
• Why 24 hours can make a lifetime of difference
• How to stop being a junkie for regret
• How to decide if you're going to be guided by your intention or your ego

Learn more:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now!

Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.com

Order Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes

Music credit: Limitless by Bells