In this conversation, Nina and Mary Jo Rapini explore the multifaceted concept of intimacy, emphasizing that it extends beyond sexual relations to include emotional, experiential, intellectual, and spiritual connections. They discuss the importance of communication in maintaining intimacy, especially after significant life changes such as having children. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding and nurturing different types of intimacy to foster a healthy, long-term relationship. In this conversation, Nina and Mary discuss the complexities of intimacy in marriage, especially during the challenging parenting years. They explore the different forms of intimacy, the importance of communication, and how to navigate feelings of disconnection. The discussion emphasizes the need for partners to understand each other's needs and the dynamics of their relationship, particularly in the context of raising children.

00:00: Understanding Intimacy: Beyond the Surface

03:01: The Six Types of Intimacy

05:59: Navigating Changes After Kids

09:04: The Importance of Communication in Relationships

12:05: Exploring the Different Types of Intimacy

14:59: The Role of Spiritual Intimacy

17:59: Accepting Change in Long-Term Relationships

21:15: Navigating Parenting and Intimacy

26:29: Understanding Intimacy in Marriage

28:21: Addressing Disconnection in Relationships

35:11: Encouraging Partner Engagement in Relationship Growth

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a leading psychotherapist specializing in intimacy, sex and relationships. Based in Houston, Texas, she operates a private practice dedicated to providing exceptional services as a relationship and intimacy/sex psychotherapist.

A highly sought after keynote speaker, Rapini's captivating speaking style resonates profoundly with individuals facing delicate intimacy issues and relationship challenges. She excels in guiding individuals through weight loss surgery and the transition to a healthier lifestyle, as well as addressing unspoken questions surrounding intimacy and sex in relationships. Additionally, Rapini has a unique talent for inspiring and empowering young girls dealing with body image issues, delivering a message that nurtures their transformation into reality, self assured women.

Rapini is the accomplished author of several influential books, including "Is God Pink? Dying to Heal" as as a co-author of "Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom about Health, Sex or Whatever" and R-Coupling: A Couple's 4 Step Guide to Greater Intimacy and Better Sex."

Stay connected with Mary Jo Rapini

Facebook - facebook.com/maryjorapini

Twitter - @maryjorapini

Instagram - @maryjorapini 

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In this conversation, Nina and Dana K White discuss the challenges of decluttering and organizing homes, particularly from the perspective of those who struggle with clutter. Dana shares her journey from being messy to teaching others how to declutter effectively, emphasizing the importance of separating decluttering from organizing. They explore the mindset shifts needed to tackle clutter, the common traits of those who struggle with it, and practical tips for starting the decluttering process in a manageable way. In this conversation, Dana K White shares her insights on decluttering and organization, emphasizing the importance of embracing progress over perfection. She discusses the emotional attachments people have to items and provides practical questions to help with the decluttering process. Dana introduces the concept of containers as limits for belongings and explains how to determine what to keep based on available space. She also addresses maintaining organization by understanding individual clutter thresholds and offers strategies for effective home management.

00:00: The Journey to Decluttering

06:23: Understanding Clutter and Its Causes

11:12: The Mindset Shift: Decluttering vs. Organizing

16:20: Starting the Decluttering Process

20:21: Making Progress in Small Steps

21:06: Embracing Progress Over Perfection

22:40: Navigating Emotional Attachments to Items

23:47: Practical Decluttering Questions

27:08: Understanding the Concept of Containers

30:21: Determining What to Keep

34:03: Maintaining Organization and Clutter Thresholds

Dana K. White is the creator of the No Mess Decluttering Method and (much to her own surprise) a Decluttering Expert. Dana shares realistic home management strategies and a message of hope for the hopelessly messy in her books: Organizing for the Rest of Us, Decluttering at the Speed of Life (a Wall Street Journal bestseller), and How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind. Dana teaches her strategies through her blog, podcast, and videos at ASlobComesClean.com and trains coaches in her unique decluttering process at DeclutteringCoaches.com.

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In this conversation, Nina and Nichelle Laus discuss the critical topic of child safety, particularly in the context of the digital age. They explore the challenges parents face in teaching their children about safety, the importance of open communication, and the realities of online dangers. Nichelle shares her background as a former police officer and her passion for educating others on safety, while also providing practical tips for parents on how to navigate conversations about stranger danger and online safety. The discussion emphasizes the need for parents to empower their children to speak up about their feelings and experiences, fostering a sense of trust and safety within the family. In this conversation, Nichelle Laus shares valuable insights on how parents can help their children identify unsafe situations, trust their instincts, and establish safety plans. She emphasizes the importance of teaching children about online safety, setting boundaries, and maintaining open communication to ensure their well-being. The discussion covers practical tips for recognizing danger, creating safe words, and monitoring online activity, all aimed at empowering children to navigate their environments safely.

00:00: Navigating Child Safety in a Digital Age

02:51: Understanding the Role of Parents in Safety Education

05:55: Statistics and Realities of Child Safety

08:53: The Importance of Online Safety for Kids

11:57: Teaching Kids About Stranger Danger

15:14: Empowering Children to Speak Up

17:57: Navigating Family Dynamics and Safety Conversations

21:57: Understanding Unsafe Situations

25:27: Teaching Children to Trust Their Instincts

29:16: Creating Safety Plans for Children

31:46: Navigating Online Safety for Kids

39:24: The Importance of Open Communication

Nichelle Laus is a former police officer, self-defense instructor, and a specialist in crime prevention and personal safety. She is a professor in Humber College’s Police Foundation program in Toronto, Canada and the co-owner of 416 Tactical Supply which provides high quality tactical equipment for emergency responders. Nichelle is a mom of 4 boys ages 12 - 18 years old, and has recently published her first book, The Safety Blueprint: A Woman's Guide to Personal Safety and Self-Defence From a Former Police Officer.

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In this conversation, Nina and Cassidy reflect on their experiences and growth throughout 2024, discussing personal goals, self-care practices, stepping out of comfort zones, and professional achievements. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging one's own wins and the significance of community support. As they look ahead to 2025, they share their intentions and aspirations, focusing on self-improvement and nurturing relationships.

00:00 :Reflecting on 2024: A Year in Review

06:06: Self-Care: Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health

12:05: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

18:01: Professional Growth and Community Building

23:51: Setting Intentions: Ins and Outs for 2025

You can use my manifestation guide to help you set and meet your intentions for 2025!

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In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Gina Cleo explore the intricacies of goal setting, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and the psychology behind habit formation. They discuss the common pitfalls that lead to failure in achieving goals, the significance of focusing on manageable steps, and the role of manifestation in the goal-setting process. Dr. Cleo shares insights on how to track progress effectively and the importance of understanding triggers for habits, providing listeners with practical tools to enhance their goal-setting journey.

00:00: Setting the Stage for Goal Setting

02:55: Understanding the 95% vs. 5% in Goal Achievement

06:00: The Importance of Focused Goals

09:01: Breaking Down Goals into Manageable Steps

11:55: Overcoming Daunting Goals and Procrastination

15:04: The Role of Habits in Goal Achievement

18:01: Manifestation vs. Goal Setting

21:00: Tracking Progress and Habit Formation

23:54: Final Thoughts and Resources for Goal Setting

Dr. Gina Cleo is a globally recognized expert in habit change and wellbeing, and is passionate about translating scientific evidence into simple, actionable strategies to help improve health, wellness and mindset-related habits – long-term. With a PhD in habit change, Gina is an Assistant Professor at Bond University, an Accredited Dietitian, and the Director of the Habit Change Institute. In 2024, Gina released her best-selling book, The Habit Revolution, further establishing her impact in the field of habits.

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On this weeks episode we revisit a fan favorite episode, talking about how to rewire your brain through positive affirmations so you can start living the life you are worthy of! It couldn't come at a better time as many of us are working on our new year resolutions and setting our intentions for the year. On this episode we dive into the following questions:

This week's discussion:

1. What is manifestation?

2. How does science back up manifesting & positive thoughts?

3. What are positive affirmations?

4. How to practice manifestation and affirmations.

5. A list of some of my favorite affirmations

Click here to buy my Manifestation Guide

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Do you struggle with self confidence? Having confidence is something I struggle with and have been working on across all areas of my life. In this episode we dive into the topic of confidence and how you can work on building yours!

Discussion:

1. Why are some flamingos lighter pink/more washed out than others?

2. Signs you are lacking self confidence.

3. Simple things to implement daily to boost your self confidence.

Purchase my manifestation guide for 2025!

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My therapist and I did a stop light activity on my last day of therapy and It truly is a game changer! Grab a pen and paper and write down all the tips because I think it could help you too! 

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In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Chinwe Williams discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), its impact on both adults and children, and effective coping strategies. They explore the symptoms of SAD, the difference between winter blues and clinical depression, and the importance of recognizing these issues in children. Dr. Williams shares practical advice for managing mood changes during the winter months, including light therapy, outdoor activities, and maintaining a healthy diet. The discussion emphasizes the significance of communication and support in addressing mental health challenges.

00:00: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

13:30: Coping Strategies for Winter Blues and SAD

23:57: Recognizing SAD in Children and Teens

36:59: Resources and Support for Mental Health

Meet Dr. Chinwe

Dr. Chinwé is a highly regarded trauma therapist, bestselling author, trusted keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. Knowledgeable, competent and warm, Dr. Chinwé is a board-certified and dedicated mental health professional. She is an authority on stress, anxiety, burnout, trauma resolution, the intersection of faith, culture and mental health, youth, young adult and women’s wellness.

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Board Certified Counselor, a Counselor Educator & Supervisor and a certified EMDR therapist. She earned her Doctorate in Counselor Education & Practice from Georgia State University and her Master’s degree in counseling from The University of Georgia. Dr. Chinwé lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her husband, two young sons and young adult daughter.

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In this conversation, Nina and Chelsea Bodie discuss the challenges of managing toys in a child's life, including decision fatigue, toy overload, and the emotional aspects of purging toys. They explore practical strategies for parents to identify signs of toy overload, manage toy rotation, and involve children in the process of donating toys. The discussion also touches on navigating family dynamics during gift-giving seasons and addressing children's disappointment when they don't receive the gifts they wanted.

00:00: Understanding Decision Fatigue and Toy Overload

01:16: Introducing Chelsea Bodie and Her Expertise

02:46: Identifying Signs of Toy Overload in Children

04:41: Deciding What Toys to Keep or Discard

07:29: Managing Toy Rotation and Realistic Expectations

10:37: Navigating Toy Purging with Kids

12:43: Involving Kids in the Toy Donation Process

16:52: Setting Boundaries with Family During Gift Giving

18:20: Handling Holiday Gift Overwhelm

24:48: Addressing Gift Disappointment in Children

About Chelsea

After unexpectedly having her son at 27 weeks 5 days, she was quickly thrown into motherhood and NICU life. Falling more on the postpartum depression side and struggling with the aftermath of being in NICU for months, she knew she wanted to help other parents whose journeys don't go as expected. At MamaPsychologists and Couples to Cradles Counselling she provides the support and education that all moms deserve to have available! Her mission is to provide mothers with practical tools, emotional guidance, and unwavering support, so they can navigate the wild ride of parenting without losing themselves along the way.

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