JUST BE

In this episode, we delve into the topic of various schooling (and unschooling) options for our kiddos. Traditional schooling, homeschooling, unschooling and all the in betweens. Jen and Amanda delve into their personal experiences and decisions around this (which have changed and shifted as our lives have) weighing the pros and cons of each method. They highlight the importance of tailoring educational paths to each child's unique needs AND also the practicalities of parenting in a modern world and juggling work/school/etc. for ourselves.

We hope this episode inspires you and allows you to personally consider options that are a best fit for your child and family.

00:00 Introduction: To School or Not to School?

01:08 Exploring Schooling Options

02:26 Public, Private, and Charter Schools

04:44 Homeschooling vs. Unschooling

06:52 Personal Experiences with Unschooling

09:01 Challenges and Adaptations

13:09 Balancing Work and Unschooling

19:56 Homework and Learning Approaches

23:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

1. Homeschooling vs Unschooling

2. The real differences between public, private, and charter schools

3. How to choose what fits your child, not what looks good on paper

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

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Dating as a single parent can feel like its own adventure.

Juggling raising your kids, tending to your own needs, and navigating the dating world can feel like a lot. But it can also be fun and for many parents out there it is a part of the wholeness of themselves that pours into their larger family lives.

Jen and Amanda chat about experiences in the dating world as a parent, experiences as a kid with a dating parent and our takes on how to surf the dating waves of life both on apps and IRL.

We touch on how dating in your own life can be an amazing model and tool for our kids to learn about connection, communication and honoring feelings and desires of ourself and others in the world. Jen gives some hot tips on the logistics of meeting people and finding/managing childcare without breaking the bank to go on dates.

This conversation is a reminder that it’s okay to break old patterns, trust your own timing, and model what healthy love looks like for your kids — in a way that feels true for you.

Here’s what we cover:

00:00 – Welcome: Dating as a Parent

00:33 – Single Parenting & Dating Perspectives

01:41 – Re-Entering the Dating World After Divorce

03:34 – Balancing Parenting and Romance

04:59 – When (and How) to Introduce a New Partner

06:56 – Challenges & Real-Life Strategies

08:54 – Finding a Good Match for You

11:05 – Why Flexibility Matters

12:53 – Honest Dating Stories

15:54 – Setting Intentions That Feel Good

25:17 – Final Reflections & Encouragement

Resources:

BOOK: Big Pussy Energy⁠: She guides women to reclaim sensual self-love.

BOOK: ⁠Pussy by Mama Gena⁠: A Reclamation, guides women to step into their natural, radiant power

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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We’re coming in hot with a spicy topic today. A topic that may very easily feel repelling to some of you. Or maybe it peaks your interest. Maybe both?

Giving compassionate informative information is 100% part of our goal in this podcast just as much as coming from a raw, real and often unique perspective to help navigate the many twists and turns one can find themselves on from preconception to post-birth.

This topic flowed from inspiration and as far as we can see is a pretty unique parallel shared with regards birth, parenting and tapping into sexual magic and powers. It’s full of juicy info and tips. And regardless of how you move forward with the info and ideas shared in this episode, we promise it’s a good listen. 

Some of the topics covered in this episode:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:32 Why Discuss Anal?

02:11 Anal and Birth Preparation

04:42 Addressing Common Concerns

07:03 Mental and Emotional Benefits Parenting and Beyond

12:12 Practical Tips and Encouragement

19:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or just craving real connection in parenthood or motherhood? You are NOT alone.

One of our most popular episodes over the past couple of years has been on finding mama friends ("Kindred Spirits: Finding Genuine Friendships in Motherhood"). We were both surprised and also not surprised at this little stat in our podcast analytics.

Finding connection in parenthood can be difficult. AND it can be the lifeline we are all looking for as we feel lost at sea, somewhere in the void of our past identity and new identity we are journeying towards.

In this episode, we talk about the power of community, why friendships during parenthood are a total game-changer, and how you can start building your support system no matter what stage of the journey you are in (even if you're starting from scratch).

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

• connection and friendship in parenthood

• the importance of community

• challenges of connecting during postpartum

• the role of social media in finding communities

• evolving friendships and self-identity

• practical tips and resources for finding connections

Resources:

• EPISODE: Kindred Spirits: Finding Genuine Friendships in Motherhood

• EPISODE: Navigating the Identity Shifts of Motherhood
• Breastfeeding Circle: La Leche League
• TOGETHER - an intimate mom's group from pregnancy into postpartum

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

Just as our podcast tagline suggests we really believe that the journey of into parenthood and motherhood is transformative and magical. AND that doesn't always mean it's all sparkles and ease. In fact a lot of the time it's not like that at all.

Today, we’re peeling back the layers of what it’s really like to navigate the physical, emotional, and mental shifts of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum that don’t make it to onto social media No filters. No perfection. Just the raw and the real. We’re also exploring the hidden sexy (and magical) opportunities within the unsexy: deeper connection, creativity, and even rest as an act of empowerment. Tune in for some truth bombs and a fresh reframe on the messy magic of early parenthood.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

• How your body actually transforms after pregnancy

• The delicate dance of breastfeeding

• How body acceptance in pregnancy and postpartum can be a game changer

• The messy and vulnerable parts of motherhood

• Transforming those uncomfortable, raw body moments into the ultimate acts of self-compassion and power

• The power of communication in a time of exhaustion, hormones, and emotional rollercoasters

• Why motherhood’s unsexy truths might just lead you to your most empowered, authentic self yet.

Resources/Links:

• EPISODE: Nurturing Fertility Beyond the Science of Conception

• EPISODE: Unleashing the Power of Your Postpartum Body

• EPISODE: Discover the Needs Behind Your Emotions

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we sat down with Thamires — a fierce, intuitive parent navigating the world of autism with her four-year-old son. From the first gut feeling that something was different to pushing past dismissive doctors and societal labels, Tamir shares the unfiltered truth of what it’s like to raise a child who doesn’t fit neatly into the system’s boxes.

She opens up about spotting the early signs of autism, fighting for a diagnosis, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with balancing expert advice and raw parental instinct. 

Some of the topics we explore in this episode include:

• early signs of autism

• navigating the diagnosis and early intervention

• parenting challenges and social interactions

• why it’s important to treat all kids equally

• food sensitivities and repetitiveness

• overcoming overstimulation and dependency

• seeking support during the pandemic

• struggles with labels and diagnosis

• the importance of mothers’ flexibility and intuition

Resources:

• The Telepathy Tapes: Unveiling the Hidden World of Telepathic Communication in a Silenced Community

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

We're back friends with a side of giggles today. Today’s episode is all about laughter, play, and how humor can be a powerful tool in parenting and life. This episode was inspired from some real life convos we were having with others (actually not parent related) with regards to humor in serious times. It resulted in a beautiful conversation and reflection on why and when to use humor and reminded me of it's importance in this world (especially as a parent).

It’s easy to get caught up in the seriousness of day-to-day responsibilities, but embracing lightness, laughter, and play can truly shift our experiences and improve our relationships—especially when navigating the highs and lows of parenting.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Humor in serious times and our current state of the world (and how it can be a part of the shift we want to make)
• How humor can provide relief, help us reconnect, and reframe challenging situations
• The importance of laughter in early labor and how humor can help in the final stages of pregnancy

• The balance between lightness and the intense emotions that come with postpartum recovery

• How laughter and play become essential tools for parenting, from infancy to toddlerhood

• Why the first 40 days postpartum are sacred and how humor can be introduced after this window

• The role of playful moments in building stronger relationships with our kids, partners, and even coworkers

• Practical tips for bringing more play into your daily interactions and using humor as a tool for connection

• Why we all need to tap into our inner child—it's not just for kids!

Resources/Links:

• EPISODE: Enhancing Fertility Through Acupuncture

• EPISODE: Co-creating and Finding Space To Play (without your children) While Being A Parent

• VIDEO: How baby moves inside the womb when mom is laughing

• BOOK:  Playful Parenting by Lawrence J. Cohen

• How laughing can induce labor

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Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

This one is more centered for our mothers out there but just as valuable for others to hear. Chances are you've experienced or witnessed "mom shaming". Knowingly or unknowingly.

Jen and I share personal experiences and emphasize the lack of support and judgment we can have as individual people/parents as well as societal pressures that contribute to the issue. We provide some tools and practical tips for handling mom shaming and also offer suggestions of small actions to infuse love instead of shame into situations.

This episode highlights the importance of non-judgmental support and self-awareness in overcoming the negative impacts of mom shaming.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Mom Shaming

00:30 Defining Mom Shaming

00:52 Judgment and Lack of Support

02:58 Mom Shaming During Pregnancy and Postpartum

05:12 Societal and Cultural Aspects of Mom Shaming

06:41 Breaking the Invisible Shaming Structures

09:37 Personal Experiences and Non-Judgment

11:21 Tips for Handling Mom Shaming

19:48 Final Thoughts and Community Support

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

We’ve done an entire episode on the power of birth stories (⁠check that one out here⁠) and today we have a super powerful birth story you won’t want to miss. 

Britt Fohrman has attended and assisted hundreds of births in addition to supporting thousands more in birth prep and sensual embodiment for birth and beyond. We are honored to have her share her own journey into pregnancy, through birth and into early motherhood.Her profound and inspiring journey was something she had spend years preparing for and yet went nothing to her plans or desires. 

From preconception challenges, multiple pregnancy losses, and the unexpected twists of childbirth, Britt's story is a testament to resilience and deep embodiment. Being a birth worker herself, she brings a unique perspective through her experiences and practices in yoga, Tantra, and plant medicine. 

Listen in as Britt candidly discusses her path through conception difficulties, a demanding pregnancy, and a birth that defied her expectations, offering powerful lessons in trust, embodiment, and the importance of cultivating a supportive community. This heartfelt conversation is a deep dive into the realities of birthing, the sacredness of grief, and trusting one's intuitive knowing amidst the unpredictability of life.

Resources:

• ⁠Preparing Your Vagina for Birth Course⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Britt Fohrman's Website⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠thejuicyladies.com⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Sue Baelen's Website⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Sandra Lloyd's Website⁠

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Britt Foreman and Her Journey

00:11 Britt's Background and Birth Work Experience

03:06 Initial Conception Challenges

04:33 Struggles with Fertility Treatments

07:15 The Role of Plant Medicine and Spiritual Practices

12:59 Pregnancy and Emotional Turmoil

15:44 Navigating High-Risk Pregnancy

19:11 Support Systems and Personal Responsibility

32:05 The Final Weeks and Preparing for Birth

40:12 Transition to Hospital Birth

42:02 Creating a Sacred Space in the Hospital

42:58 Challenges and Decisions During Labor

43:31 Facing Unexpected Complications

45:17 Choosing an Epidural and Pitocin

49:16 The Decision for a Cesarean Section

51:12 The Cesarean Experience

53:07 Postpartum Recovery and Emotional Healing

55:11 Processing the Birth Experience

01:00:27 Reflections on Birth and Motherhood

01:16:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on?

Leave us a voicemail here: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis⁠

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠www.justthis.site⁠.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

We've all been told the importance of identifying our emotions - but normally we stop there. Today, we explore the importance of digging deeper and getting curious about the needs behind our emotions. Tuning into these needs (again both met and unmet) takes practice but can literally alter your life and relationships. This episode was inspired by the content and teachings of Allison Ayer and her course linked below. We shared some examples from our own lives and then weave into how this practice can be a game-changer as you navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth and parenting.

Some of the topics covered:

• understanding needs behind all emotions (from happy to sad to angry and more) and their impact on emotional regulation.
• identifying unmet & met needs and communicating those clearly

• importance of self-awareness and how this changes our relationships
• why welcoming all emotions allows for deeper connection
• how to get curious about yours and others emotions/needs
• why being needy is good for everyone (you and others)
• 'claiming, not blaming'

Resources/Links:

• list of emotions and needs
• Dr. Laura Markham and relating to children

• Allison's course: Wake The Talk Up!

• Rachel Yellin's Yes To Birth Course

Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here:https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis or email us at [email protected]

We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site.

If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review.

Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.