Mama's Gonna Make It

In this episode, we’re answering listener questions (pause for dramatic effect: WE HAVE LISTENERS!? 😭🙌 And you have QUESTIONS!?) Cue the happy dance. 💃🕺 Keep ’em coming, friends — we love hearing from you!

Here’s what we dive into:
 Q1: How do you even start therapy?
 Anne consults Mama D for advice, and we share some friend wisdom from a Lazy Genius thread. Spoiler: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.

Q2: What if your partner doesn’t want to join?
 Long story short — go anyway! But listen in for the full context and how to navigate that conversation with compassion and confidence.

Q3: Are we all a little hypervigilant about spotting diagnosable issues in our kiddos?
 We get it. None of us want to miss something that might make life harder for our kids. The takeaway? Lead with love. It’s not our job to diagnose — it’s our job to love the kid in front of us and help them navigate their world the best we can. We’ll all miss something, somewhere, sometime… and that’s okay, mama.

This one’s full of heart, real talk, and a few deep breaths of solidarity.

Links:
Parenting Framework SB Mentions: Govern, Garden, Guide

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

American Psychological Association (Find a Therapist tool)

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week we’re joined by filmmaker Nicola Rose (@nicolarosedirects), writer and director of the new feature film Magnetosphere (@magnetospheremovie). Nicola shares the inspiration behind the film, which follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates first love, moving to a new town, and living with synesthesia—a condition that makes her see sounds, hear colors, and more.

We talk about how Magnetosphere came to life, including the importance of representation in film, the role of a neurodiverse group of consultants and cast members, and Nicola’s own perspective as a neurodivergent creator. Nicola also dives into the film’s themes, including the transformative power of caring relationships and self-acceptance. From a toilet in the kitchen to a chaos-inciting exterminator turned Pirate King, Nicola let us in on some surprising real-life inspirations behind her film’s more humorous elements.

Beyond the story itself, we spend time on the world of indie filmmaking: why low-budget films matter, the challenges and joys of bringing them to the screen, and where audiences can find and support them. Check out the Magnetosphere and Nicola’s first feature film Goodbye, Petrushka, and let us know what you think! 

Links:
Where to Watch Magnetosphere Now: Prime Video, Apple TV

Where to Watch Independent Films: Tubi, Youtube, Omoleto(short films), GooglePlay, Prime Video, Apple TV, your local library resources (including Hoopla!), 

Noteworthy Indie Film Fests: River Run (Winston-Salem), CineQuest, Dances with Fims Film Festival

Incomplete list of US Distributors of Independent Films: Freestyle Digital Media, Buffalo 8, Gravitas Ventures, Level 33 Entertainment

Learn about and Connect with Director Nicola Rose:
Website: Nicola Rose Directs
Instagram: @nicolarosedirects

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome local legend Kim Shufran to talk about neurotypes, the medical vs. social models of disability (and how each shifts our language, expectations, and even our parenting), and so much more.

Kim designed and founded iCan House in 2008 as a place of belonging, acceptance, positivity, learning, and fun. Inspired by the unmet needs of her incredible daughter, Erica, and her passion for applying a positive lens, Kim created a community that reframes how we think about and support diverse neurotypes. With a background that includes 17 years in clinical nursing and 12 years in organizational development, Kim shaped iCan House into a unique resource that teaches social skills through clubs, provides educational opportunities, serves as a resource hub, and builds a strong support network for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Whether she’s out and about with her music-loving white cockatoo, Sam, cheering on her daughter, or continuing to guide iCan House as it grows to meet our community needs, Kim radiates wisdom and positive thinking. Don’t miss this timely episode where we deepen our understanding of neurodiversity, explore universal parenting skills, and push back against harmful narratives that undervalue or objectify difference.

Links: 

Articles Kim brought to the studio: Disability Scoop and The Autism Wars: Legacy of the Tragedy Narrative

More about the iCan House

A documentary and play about Kim’s daughter and son-in-law, Erica & Ian: Bird’s Eye View
A visual tool for changing the Disability Narrative: Medical Model VS Social Model

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, we do a little time traveling—recorded across two sessions, but woven together with one theme: Don’t Be Less.

Anne and Sarabeth unpack the story behind this mantra and what it has come to mean in their friendship. With their signature mix of humor and honesty, they explore what it looks like to show up as your whole, quirky, “too-much” self—and why that shift can be so profound, especially for those of us with diverse neurotypes.

It’s a reminder to stop dimming your light. Instead, find the people and spaces that invite you to show up authentically, unmask, and feel fully accepted and loved.

💛 Don’t be less. Be you.

Interested in ordering a “Don’t Be Less” t-shirt or sticker? Head on over to our Linktree to preorder.

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

We could hardly believe it when KC Davis said yes to joining us on Mama’s Gonna Make It—because not only is she a licensed therapist, bestselling author, and wildly popular content creator, but she’s also someone we talk about a lot. KC’s compassionate, practical approach to self-care has struck a chord with millions, and her book How to Keep House While Drowning has become a lifeline for anyone moving through tough seasons of life. Her newest book, Who Deserves Your Love, expands that wisdom into the realm of relationships.

In this conversation, KC brings her trademark mix of honesty and humor as we dig into:

This one is equal parts validating and thought-provoking, with plenty of laughter along the way (and yes, we did ask KC about her most bizarre “struggle care” method).

Whether you’re already a fan or just meeting KC Davis for the first time, you’ll leave this episode with a fresh perspective on what it means to care for yourself and those you love—without shame.

More about KC Davis:

KC’s compassionate and practical approach to self-care for those dealing with mental health, physical illness, and hard seasons of life has drawn over a million followers on social media in less than a year. Her book, “How to Keep House While Drowning” has sold over 350,000 copies and is currently an Amazon bestseller. Her new book, “Who Deserves Your Love,” brings her revolutionary perspective-shifting philosophy to the world of relationship struggles.

KC Davis began her therapy journey at 16 when she entered treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues. After getting sober, she became a speaker and advocate for mental health and recovery. Professionally, KC has worked most of her career in the field of addiction in roles such a therapist, consultant, and executive director. She lives in Houston with her husband and two daughters. 

Learn more about the radical philosophy of Struggle Care that’s changing lives here.

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

What’s better than book club? A book club podcast episode with our besties and Liz Orr—author of The Unfiltered Enneagram and the voice behind @rudeassenneagram!

Roll call includes Liz, Sarabeth, Anne, and Tim plus our friends Whitney Hsu, April Tilley, and Ellen Linville. The studio was buzzing with energy, laughter, curious questions, and plenty of truth-telling from this phenomenal group.

Love what you hear? Donate to support our podcast coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Links: Buy the book! The Unfiltered Enneagram by Liz Orr

More on the Enneagram:

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

This week we sat down with Liz Orr—author of The Unfiltered Enneagram and the voice behind @rudeassenneagram—for an eye-opening conversation about the Enneagram.

Liz shares her background and her experience stumbling into the Enneagram world, and she explains why this framework for self-awareness (especially understanding our own motivations) still matters today. Producer Tim takes a typing test and Liz unpacks his results -with plenty of laughs. Anne and Sarabeth already knew their types…or so they thought! They’re doing the work to turn some of those question marks into answers (one of us with eager anticipation, the other with some grumbling). 

Together we explore:

✨ What the Enneagram really is (hint: not just a personality quiz, but a fluid framework that supports our practice of self-awareness, self-compassion, and growth)
✨ How it can help us grow—not just “feel seen”
✨ Whether the Enneagram was designed with neurotypical brains in mind or if works for everyone
✨ Why we can’t (and shouldn’t) “type” other people

Liz reminds us that the shadow side of our Enneagram type doesn’t define us forever. With awareness and self-work, we can free ourselves from the defenses we’ve built and live more openly and authentically.

Oh, and if you’re still wondering which type you are? According to Liz, the Rude Ass Enneagram posts that hurt your feelings the most might just give you a clue. 😉

Love what you hear? Donate to support our podcast coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Links:

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

This week we’re joined by author, educator, gamer, and all-around brilliant human Ash Brandin, @thegamereducator. With 15 years of teaching experience and a librarian’s heart for digital literacy, Ash brings both research and real-world wisdom to one of parenting’s trickiest topics: screen time.

Their new book, Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family, drops Tuesday, August 26, 2025—and we couldn’t be more excited to dive into it with them.

✨ In this conversation, we explore:

Ash’s approach is empowering, inclusive, and refreshingly realistic. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just trying to navigate your own relationship with screens, this episode offers frameworks, fresh ideas, and a whole lot of encouragement.

Tune in and get ready to power on—in a way that works for your family.

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Links:

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Lupe Penn, Youth & Schools Manager at Bookmarks—an independent bookstore and community hub in Winston-Salem, NC.

Lupe gave us the inside scoop on the youth programming for the upcoming Bookmarks Book Festival and shared how she regularly coordinates author visits, book donations, and school partnerships on behalf of Bookmarks to make literature accessible and foster a love of reading in young people.

It was such a joy to not only get to know Lupe, but also to learn more about the incredible ways Bookmarks is serving our community—not just as a cornerstone indie bookstore, but as a powerhouse for connecting authors, books, and readers. Don’t miss the upcoming 2025 Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors!

Lupe’s Bio:
Lupe serves as the Youth & Schools Manager at Bookmarks, a non profit independent bookstore and community hub  in Winston-Salem, NC, where she coordinates author visits, book donations, and school partnerships to spark a love of reading in young people. As a proud Mexican American and mom of four, she brings her lived experiences to everything she does. She is passionate about increasing access to books, especially for underserved communities. Outside of work, she loves drawing, sewing, writing poetry, and creating anything that brings stories to life.

Related Links:

2025 Bookmarks Festival of Books and Authors (schedule of events, free and ticketed event details, etc)

Bookmarks Youth and Schools Outreach (includes Authors in Schools, Field Trips to Bookmarks, and more)

Other Bookmarks Outreach Programs

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Some parenting moments stretch you to your limits—and others stretch you past them. In this episode, Sarabeth and Anne get real about the challenges that push us to grow: bedtime standoffs, running out of parenting strategies in the heat of the moment, and juggling alone time, family time, and adult time without losing our minds. Anne also shares how PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) has expanded her parenting toolbox, from praise-heavy affirmations to the (finally, a) time-out flow chart.

We dive into the chaos of bringing kids into adult spaces—weddings, fancy restaurants—where expectations often outpace their developmental stage. Our survival kit? Pick your battles, prep ahead, set and share limits, bail gracefully if needed… and if you spot a kid with a tablet at dinner, mind your own business.

Through it all, we work to honor our kids’ autonomy, hold healthy boundaries, and keep showing up even when we get it wrong. Parenting is a practice—and we’re in it for the long game.

Links:
Attachment Parenting
What is PCIT?
Local Business Shout-Outs: Elite Canine and Twin City Sweets

Recorded in the Omniverus Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit