Make it Count

Jennifer and Phil update on what is happening currently in their lives.  They also take a look back on the past 39 episodes discussing the great moments they have had on the show.

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In this episode, Phil's son, Jacob, opens up about his experiences with ADHD, coming out, dating, and mental health. Jacob contrasts this with the experiences of a former romantic interest. Underneath his blunt and humorous retellings lies a wisdom that helps us appreciate the differences in us all.

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Four days. It was four days between Jaymie noticing her husband's phone location stopped moving, and her finally being allowed to see Matt's body. Jaymie offers a raw and vulnerable tell-all of the true grieving process: the truth about the shock, how social media starts conversations before you're ready, how other's move on long before you do, how the meaning of pictures and sounds change, how demons resurface, how you find support in unexpected places, and how praying about it doesn't always cut it.

Jaymie, a National Guard recruiter known for her composed persona,  lowers her walls to share her story of loss for those in similar situations, or, those who are supporting. Through Jaymie's honesty we can all learn how to accept grief and make each, emotional part of it count. 

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Tim Pelman, a five-decade Metairie native, joined by his wife Cherie, tell the story of Tim’s incurable, Bulbar-onset ALS diagnosis . ALS has reversed their traditional family roles: Tim, once the primary breadwinner and shepherd of his family, has now become dependent on others. Cherie has proven love stands the test of time by stepping in to care for Tim and responsibilities he can no longer manage. A diagnosis of ALS can mean only 2-5 years left with loved ones. Few live beyond that. Join us for rare insight and wisdom from Tim and Cherie as they share the value of family, and, the value of a moment’s kindness even from stranger.

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Expected to die shortly after birth, Adam Linebarger, was born with a severe form of Spina Bifida which left him paralyzed from the waist down and many other medical issues. Despite these challenges, Adam has done more than most in his short 20 years of life.  With the help of his mom and dad, Adam makes the most out of life every day and inspires every one he comes into contact with to make it count!

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This episode is all about trusting in yourself, following your gut and heart.

Phil and Jennifer speak with New Orleans native Lauren Haydel about believing in her idea which led to her successful business, Fleurty Girl.  Lauren is the founder and Chief Treasure Hunter of Fleurty Girl, a popular boutique chain in New Orleans. From humble beginnings, Lauren started her company out of her home with her three small children. Following a debacle with the NFL, her brand became a household name overnight. Today, Fleurty Girl has over 60 employees and eight locations in Louisiana and Mississippi.

"I'm glad I was able to show them {her children} what it takes to believe in something, make sacrifices and succeed, and to do it all in the most amazing city in the world."

You can check out some of Lauren's boutique treasures at Fleurty Girl 

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At the age of 17, Brittany Vicknair was in her first semester at college at Southeastern University in Hammond, LA.  After feeling strangely ill one day she was taken to the hospital where she was put into an induced coma.   Brittany awoke 6 days later to discover she had contracted bacterial meningitis and her legs were basically “dead” due to sepsis.   The decision was made to amputate both legs below the knee.   

After amputation and being fit with prosthetics,  Brittany did not believe her dream of becoming a nurse was still a possibility.  She found herself in pain and had trouble walking for extended periods of time all due to her prosthetics.   This suffering and pain led her on a journey to where she is now, opening her own business making properly fitting prosthetics.
 
Hear how Brittany triumphed through the hard times and came to the realization "I'm right where I was meant to be.   My life was changed and I realized that I could potentially do all the things I wanted to do once fit with proper prosthetics. Now I get to be that piece of hope for others just like people did for me when I lost all hope."

For more information on Brittany's business check out her website www.poanola.com or call 504-888-0213.

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Jennifer and Phil talk with John Dalton about his positive outlook on life and stepping into the realm of entrepreneurship.  Eight years ago John took a leap of faith by leaving a company he loved and opening up his own business.

John is now the principal and co-owner of Dalton Architects, Inc., husband and father of three, youth sports coach, and a self described "wanna-be superhero."  He defines himself as "a product of everyone and everything around me." 

In this episode you will hear what inspired John to open up his own business and more about his mantra on life;  "We have all been given, whether we realize it or not, great power that we have the choice to use to better both our lives and the world around us every day. "
 



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In this episode, Jen and Phil talk with Natalie Haniford about her journey through grieving child loss, parenting after such a loss, and healing thereafter.

In just four years Natalie experienced significant challenges and grief.  She lost her daughter at 20 weeks, soon after consecutively lost many loved ones , and then gave birth to a beautiful baby boy with medical complications.

 Natalie continues to Make It Count through these challenges by sharing her children's stories and by connecting to those experiencing similar challenges.

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Jennifer and Phil speak with Silvana about her recent divorce and soon after diagnosis with breast cancer.  Silvana is a mother and grandmother dedicated to her family and work advancing the mission of Catholic Education on the New Orleans Westbank. She currently serves as the Advancement Director of Immaculate Conception School in Marrero, LA. 

 Silvana's outlook is contagiously positive.  She says that "despite adversity I choose to remain hopeful. It’s a choice I make daily.  I surround myself with positivity: Prayer, Music, People, Activities.  When you have cancer it’s easy to feel weak.  I like to do things that make me feel strong.   A good day at work. Cooking a great meal for my family. Working out at the gym."

Listen to Silvana's story and how she Makes it Count.

Thanks for Listening. For questions, comments, or suggestions email us at [email protected]

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