Mama's Gonna Make It

In this powerful episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, we’re joined by Karon McKinney—stepmom to a grown child, community builder, co-founder of Siren Series Jazz, and Trauma Resilience Trainer through the Center for Trauma Resilient Communities. Karon shares her perspective on the joys and some of the challenges of step-parenting a beloved now-adult child, as well as her expertise on the topic of trauma: what it is, how we can process it, and healing growth.

We dive deep into understanding trauma and healing, including:

We also explore:

By the end, we arrive at a hopeful realization: sometimes, one person showing up with love, care, and resilience can change a life. 

Join us for an inspiring and deeply honest conversation about healing, community, and the power we each have to make a difference in ourselves and in our spaces.

Links to things we discuss: 

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

In this week’s special episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, Anne, Sarabeth, and Producer Tim sit down with two truly inspiring guests, Roseann Calabritto—neuroscientist, grandparent, academic, and fellow neurospicy mama, and the one and only Karen McKinney— Advocate and Trauma Resilience Train the Trainer, step-mom to a full-grown kiddo, community builder, and co-founder of Siren Series Jazz. 

Together, we dive into a wide-ranging conversation exploring neurodivergence, flow, identity, parenting, healing, growth, and the unique paths that bring us together.

✨ Topics we explore in this episode:

✨ One of our favorite takeaways?
 Community is key to healing.

This episode is packed with science, storytelling, lived experience, and laughter. Whether you’re on a healing journey, navigating neurodivergence, searching for your next read, or just craving real talk—you’ll feel right at home here.

Links:

Potato and Flow (Chaotic Discipline)

How do you visualize months?

Monica’s Closet from Friends

Books we discussed: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, State of Wonder by Ann Patchett, Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, Talespinners series by Scott Reintgen

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

In this week’s episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, Sarabeth and Anne sit down with an inspiring guest: Roseann Calabritto, a neuroscientist, grandparent, and fellow neurospicy mama navigating academia and family. Producer Tim is along for the ride as we dive into a conversation that bridges science, lived experience, and a whole lot of curiosity.

We talk about what it means to be a “grandfam”, balancing family life while pursuing degrees in neuroscience during and after a global pandemic, and the drive to return to school later in life.

You’ll hear us geek out over:

Don’t miss this rich and wildly curious conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of understanding ourselves on both a molecular and deeply human level.  Whether you’re a science lover, a late bloomer, part of a grandfam, or neurospicy soul who’s ever wondered how it all works, we’re glad you’re here with us. 

Rate, review, and share with your fellow brainy babes—because Mama’s Gonna Make It, one synapse at a time.

University of North Carolina- Greensboro

Wake Forest University Neuroscience  

AuDHD– overlap of autism and ADHD 

What is Synesthesia?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Links: 

Ep 3: Neurodiversity and Masking  

All the Things She Said by TaTu with AIM door slam

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

In this heartfelt episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, cohosts Anne and Sarabeth dive into the power of vulnerability with Producer Tim and explore the beauty of building authentic connections. We reflect on how grateful we are for you—our listeners—who continue to show up, share your stories, and let us know when something resonates. Your responses remind us that we’re not alone (and neither are you).

We open up about what it means to be our real, evolving selves and the unexpected ways connection happens when we allow others to see us as we are. We share stories of stars-aligning experiences (like Sarabeth’s unexpected author connection and navigating the world of making “mom friends”) that only happen when we’re brave enough to lean in and say hi. 

Producer Tim brings in a thoughtful discussion about the power of podcasting as a tool for community and expression. Together, we reflect on where our podcast fits in the landscape—landing somewhere in the realm of health, wellness, lifestyle, and honest conversations around many topics, including (but not limited to) parenting.

A few key takeaways include:

We hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone, and that there’s space for your story, too. We’re so glad you’re here.

Links to people or places we mentioned:

Links to articles and guides:

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

We’re popping into your feed with a little bonus episode—because why not? Anne and Sarabeth chat about the funny (and slightly suspicious) things kids do, like imaginary friends from outer space who just happen to have birthdays. They also dive into the unique (and often hilarious) ways kids interpret the world—like Anne’s experience with Sunday School boogeymonsters. Producer Tim shares a story from his own childhood, which somehow leads to a conversation about anxiety dreams (because of course it does).

Expect plenty of tangents, laughs, and off-the-cuff riffing in this fun, informal chat—perfect for brightening up your Friday!

For photos of Ondern/Wonderin’s 3rd and 5th birthday parties, visit our socials:

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

Whitney Hsu joined us again for a fun and heartfelt friend chat where we talked about some of our recent growing edges! Anne reflected on the release of Episode 2, “Mom Guilt,” which served as both a humorous and humbling reminder of growth and gratitude. Whitney laid down some wisdom around the importance of allowing people to love us via tangible care. Tim shared memories from his triple bypass recovery and the love and care he received during that time. Sarabeth recalled her appreciation for those who supported her while she was in a wheelchair postpartum (even if those thank-you notes are still unsent… #ADHD).

We all agreed that honoring the intent behind people’s care (whether through acts of service, food, hovering (I mean, Quality Time), or other gestures) is a meaningful way to acknowledge their love. Letting people help us deepens our connections; we build trust through vulnerability.

From learning to ask for help (and receiving it without guilt or shame) to schlepping our kids, and even revisiting a bit of postal service-related trauma (I mean, growing edges 🤣), we covered it all. Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and laughter!

Links: 

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

For our first-ever guest episode, we’re joined by Whitney Hsu (@hsumanityreads) to chat about parenting kids with ADHD, recognizing certain traits in ourselves and our partners, and the power of labels—when they help, when they hurt, and why they matter. We also dive into excuses vs. reasons, what true fairness really means, and why deadlines (even the ones we make up) can actually work in our favor to be powerful motivators. It’s a fun, insightful convo you won’t want to miss!”

Links: 

Vanderbilt form for ADHD assessment 

Autism screening info from AutismSpeaks.org 

Bandage Lesson to promote true fairness and equity, everyone getting what they need

RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) 

Sheryl Crow “My Favorite Mistake”

The 50 No Challenge from Signy Wilson

Monday Morning 3am Music Club: article in Winston-Salem Journal from 2021 and their Bandcamp

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

In this episode of Mama’s Gonna Make It, we’re unpacking the complicated relationship we have with routines—how do they help us, do our kids need them, and how do we make them work in a way that supports our lives without feeling constricted? We dive into the accommodations and coping mechanisms we’ve learned along the way, from structuring our days to trying to embrace flexibility when things don’t go as planned.

Sarabeth reflects on how building routines has been a practice, with every day bringing a different version of “best.” Anne shares her experience on shaping sleep routines (or rather, waking routines) in her home. We also take a real look at reward systems- when they work, when they don’t, and how they can sometimes backfire. As always, we reflect on our own living and parenting practices. We discuss what’s gone well in our parenting journey and what we’d do differently if we could go back. We even talk through and problem-solve some disruptive sleep habits in real time! Join us as we navigate the balance between structure and adaptability in parenting and life.

Links:

Our article “Mom Guilt” by Anne and Sarabeth, published by Davidson Local (referenced at beginning of episode)

Structured approach with Moms on Call: “Simple, sensible parenting resources to sleep, feed, laugh, and love birth through toddlerhood.”

Where Anne learned about infant sleepy cues: Taking Cara Babies

The author mentioned in this episode: Scott Reintgen (upper elementary, middle grades, YA, and offering school visits for grades 3-12) 

Podcast that Producer Tim mentioned: Health Geeks Book Club (part of The Less Desirables Podcast Network)

Dr. Becky at Good Inside: Her take on time-outs and punishments (and a new phrase- STURDY parenting!)

An Age-By-Age Guide to Helping Kids Manage Emotions (from The Gottman Institute) 

Ok To Wake Lights:

Sticker Chart and Reward Systems: Yay or Nay?

Scaffolding In the Early Years (from Famly)

Spoon Theory for describing the amount of energy tasks take up on certain days (usually talked about in the context of chronic pain or executive function impairment)

McKay’s Used Bookstore and Record Store (plus toys, video games, legos, CDs, puzzles, board games, and a bunch of other stuff) 

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

Are you a meticulous planner, someone who goes with the flow, or a bit of both? In this episode, Anne, Sarabeth, and producer Tim explore the joys of planning—and the challenges that arise when things don’t go as expected.

Anne dreams of being more spontaneous but finds herself deeply attached to her plans. Sarabeth envisions the future as a multiverse of infinite, semi-planned possibilities—structured yet open to change. Meanwhile, Tim takes a unique approach, scheduling spontaneity into his routine, enjoying the unknown while keeping a loose timeline in place.

We also dive into journaling, organization strategies for the mental load, and how we set boundaries with our kids to carve out the time we need to start our day on the right foot.

Join us for this insightful and lighthearted conversation—and let us know, are you a planner or a go-with-the-flow kind of person?

Links:
Anne’s Doodle Journal Planner

No-Cut Cat Door Safety Device

Join the conversation!

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

In Episode 7, Anne introduced a personal challenge in her journey of self-growth and motherhood: shifting from survival mode to endurance mode—and ultimately, from simply enduring life to truly enjoying it. In this episode, we dive deeper into that transition, exploring the rough, raw edges of the privilege that is parenting. Anne shares how self-care and intentionality helped flip the switch toward embracing life more fully.

We discuss practical ways to make pain points more fun and how small, routine moments can become special:

✨ Moody Movie Bath Night? Yes, please!
✨ Turning cleanup time into a game? Sign me up!
✨ Broccoli = Baby Trees? If it works for you, congrats! (LOL)
✨ Ice cream for breakfast? Bring it on—hello, frozen fruit and veggie smoothies!

Of course, our conversation detoured into food—how we approach getting our kids to eat nutritious meals without creating pressure or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” And somehow, we ended up on the topics of Costco Nap magic and Halloween, too.

Enjoy this candid, heartfelt conversation as Anne and Sarabeth navigate parenthood, self care, growth, and the little joys that make all the difference.

Links: 

Lindsey Gurk – “Empowering Motherhood Journey” Get Your Pink Back 

Anxiety and Evolution:

Light and Sleep

Kids and Food

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