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A single knitting habit becomes a lifeline through motherhood, cancer, and starting over in a new country. Natasha Preckajlo talks with Alice O'Connell about how a simple craft turned into a powerful tool for grounding anxiety, rebuilding identity, and finding calm when life felt anything but steady.
Alice shares the unlikely moment an AD on a TV set told her to try knitting, how she went from a lopsided first scarf to teaching classes for more than 20 years, and why her work is about far more than stitches. She explains how knitting helped her navigate imposter syndrome, motherhood, and the mental load of caring for a young child while trying not to lose herself.
You’ll hear the full story of how Alice found the lump that led to a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, what happened in the nerve-racking days before treatment, and why knitting became a crucial way to regulate her nervous system through surgery, chemo, and recovery. She also shares the practical reminder every listener needs: regular self-exams can save precious time.
We also get into the bigger life shifts behind her story - moving from the UK to Amsterdam, raising a bilingual daughter in a very different culture, and building a life that balances creativity, family, and freedom. Alice opens up about what she’s learned from living between two cultures and why health crises can sharpen your sense of what really matters.
This is an episode for anyone craving steadiness, perspective, or a reminder that small, quiet habits can change everything. If you’ve ever felt untethered by motherhood, change, or fear, Alice’s story will leave you feeling both grounded and inspired.
Alice O'Connell is a self-taught knitter, teacher, and founder of Learn To Knit, where she teaches complete beginners and experienced makers alike. Based in Amsterdam, she’s spent two decades helping people use knitting as a creative practice, a confidence builder, and a calm in the middle of chaos.

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How one woman’s journey from a conservative childhood to living her truth will challenge everything you think about faith, identity, and family.In a world where religious communities often demand conformity, Lauren Pantazi's story of breaking free is a powerful reminder that authenticity is worth fighting for. From growing up with little representation or understanding of queer identities, to rediscovering herself during the chaos of COVID and divorce, Lauren mentalizes her transformation in ways that will inspire anyone feeling trapped by societal expectations or religious programming. Her journey from suppression to celebration, including her decision to leave her faith, marriage, and chapter of hiding her true self, exemplifies radical self-acceptance and resilience.You'll discover:

• How Lauren navigated her evolving feelings about her sexuality within a strict evangelical environment

• The role of TikTok and online communities in her coming out and finding her people

• The emotional process of deconstructing religious trauma and trusting her own intuition

• Practical insights into co-parenting, blended families, and supporting a transgender partner while building authentic community

• The profound impact of shedding societal programming to finally love yourself

This episode is perfect for anyone questioning their faith, questioning their identity, or seeking courage to live authentically. Lauren’s honest storytelling offers hope, empowerment, and a blueprint for navigating complex family dynamics with love and integrity. Her story proves that discovering who you truly are can be messy, painful, but ultimately transformative—opening the door to a life where you can show up fully and free.

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Most new moms are thrown into a whirlwind of emotion, health scares, and chaos—until one young woman’s journey reveals surprising resilience and redefining what motherhood really means. Isabella Gorrie became a mother at 17, navigating the shame, religious expectations, and the scars of traumatic birth—all while proving you can absolutely do hard things. In this raw and honest conversation, you'll discover how she faced her first traumatic birth, managing severe health complications like spinal fluid leaks and brain bleeds that threatened her life—and yet, she still found a way to  bond with her daughter. We break down her story of multiple miscarriages, battling guilt, and the fierce determination to keep going, even when everything seems against you. You'll learn: how early motherhood challenges are not just about parenting but about fighting emotional battles and health crises that can change your life overnight. Isabella shares the importance of giving herself grace and how embracing imperfect moments has transformed her mindset. This episode is perfect for young parents feeling overwhelmed, anyone facing health setbacks, or those questioning whether they can balance their dreams with life's unpredictability. It’s not just a story—it's a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of choosing joy amidst chaos. Guest: Isabella Gorrie is a mother of three in Australia, known for her courageous journey through health crises, early motherhood, and redefining parenthood on her own terms. Her resilience challenges stereotypes and inspires others to embrace their unique path. If you need a shot of understanding, reassurance, or inspiration, hit play now. Isabella’s story reminds us all—yes, you really can do hard things, and sometimes, that’s the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Due to a technical difficulty episode ends at 37:01 not 44:15 as marked on time stamp.

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Embracing Spirituality, Family, and Personal Growth: A Conversation with Maya Velasquez

Explore the rich journey of Maya Velasquez as she shares her experiences with spirituality, motherhood, and personal transformation. From her awakening through Kundalini yoga to navigating family dynamics and embracing her authentic self, Maya offers inspiring insights into living a fulfilled and conscious life.

Main Topics

• Spiritual awakening and the role of Kundalini yoga
• Navigating family relationships and acceptance
• Supporting a trans child and understanding diverse journeys
• The significance of trust and communication with children
• Developing intuition and spiritual gifts from childhood
• The impact of motherhood and self-growth
• Building compassion and non-judgment in daily life
• Upcoming book on motherhood and holistic stress management

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction and lighthearted start about Akashic records and favorite colors
 01:17 - Maya's background and what inspired her spiritual journey
 01:46 - Exploring her initial awakening and experiences with Kundalini yoga in Puerto Rico
 02:30 - How her search for meaning evolved through Omega Institute and meditation practices
 03:50 - Navigating divorce, family, and the importance of love and acceptance
 04:59 - Insights on supporting her children, including Sage's transition and unique personalities
 06:49 - The role of patience, trust, and understanding in parenting complex situations
 08:32 - The importance of expanding family relationships and letting go of rigid boundaries
 09:39 - An awakening moment in her health journey and its spiritual significance
 10:36 - Celebrating her long marriage and embracing love in new ways
 13:09 - Her husband's perspective on spirituality and their shared journey
 15:08 - The view that spirituality is accessible to multitaskers and how it integrates naturally
 15:52 - Sage's transition and how their family navigated it with love and acceptance
 16:25 - Overcoming guilt and embracing life's lessons through resilience and joy
 18:28 - Parenting Sage's unique energy and how to cultivate trust and connection
 20:42 - Understanding and supporting Sage's identity, emphasizing open-mindedness
 22:03 - The importance of communicating with children about their journeys and accepting their truth
 28:09 - What are the Akashic Records? Maya explains accessing universal guidance
 28:47 - Maya's work with readings, holistic hands-on practices, and intuitive healing
 30:42 - Recognizing early spiritual signs and embracing one's differences
 32:27 - Overcoming educational challenges and the joy of continuous learning
 34:45 - Advice for parents with trans children and the importance of unconditional love
 36:13 - The power of patience, dancing, and finding your own calm in parenting struggles
 38:37 - Sage's journey as a non-binary individual and the importance of non-judgment
 43:21 - Maya's upcoming book "Motherhood: We All Have a Mother or Have Been One" on holistic stress management and compassion
 44:49 - Final thoughts on the transformative power of motherhood and living with purpose

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Unlock the transformative power of self-inquiry, faith, and healing—this episode reveals how embracing curiosity can rewrite your story around body ownership, faith, and fertility. If you've ever felt betrayed by your body or trapped in impossible hopes, you’re about to discover a roadmap out of the silence and shame.Allie Hamrick shares her profound journey—from growing up in a conservative Southern Baptist household to questioning everything she was told about her body, faith, and identity. Her story of battling endometriosis, infertility, and her evolving spirituality is a testament to resilience and radical self-love. You’ll hear how her exploration of tarot, feminist spirituality, and deconstructing religious beliefs opened doors for healing, liberation, and community. This episode isn’t just about one woman’s path; it’s a call to all who feel unseen, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by the struggles of reproductive health and faith-based trauma.We break down the science and stories behind endometriosis and infertility—highlighting the long, often invisible journey of diagnosis, treatment, and heartbreak that so many endure. You'll discover practical insights into navigating medical systems, confronting shame, and reframing grief. Plus, Allie introduces her vision for a healing-focused community space—a bookstore and community hub dedicated to making care accessible, compassionate, and empowering for those fighting to build their families.Imagine healing trauma and building hope in a space that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're facing fertility challenges, questioning your faith, or seeking a supportive space to heal, this episode offers fresh perspectives, real camaraderie, and tools for personal transformation. Hard truths meet inspiring breakthroughs—this is essential listening for women who dare to reclaim their bodies and their stories.Allie Hamrick is a fertility doula, reproductive health advocate, and spiritual explorer. Her work bridges the worlds of healing, community-building, and radical acceptance, helping women find their power in the midst of struggle.If you're ready to challenge outdated narratives, embrace curiosity, and foster radical love for yourself—this episode is your next step. From visualizing energy to building a community foundation, Allie’s journey invites you to believe in the possibility of joy beyond the impossible. Listening to this episode might just change everything—because your story isn’t over yet.

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Unlock the secrets of authentic parenting across generations in this heartfelt conversation between mother and daughter. Discover how a Caribbean upbringing shaped one woman’s approach to discipline, community, and love — and how her insights can help you navigate modern motherhood with confidence and grace.This episode dives deep into the cultural differences in parenting styles, from Barbados' respect-based discipline to today's emphasis on emotional connection. Julia’s mother shares candid stories of her immigrant experience, the challenges of building community in a new country, and the quiet resilience that carried her through.You’ll discover:

• How strict respect laid the foundation for a childhood free of rebellion and full of love

• The impact of living without a traditional community and how that shaped her independence

• The nuances of grandparenting vs. parenting — and how love transforms when you see it through new lenses

• Insights into how parenting has evolved with a greater focus on nurturing self-identity and emotional needs

• Practical advice for navigating cultural differences, building support systems, and fostering confidence in your children

Why does this matter? Because understanding different approaches to motherhood enriches your own journey. Whether you're raising your first child or navigating grandparenting, these stories illuminate the timeless threads of love, discipline, and resilience that connect us all.Perfect for parents, grandparents, and anyone curious about how cultural heritage influences family life — this episode provides both wisdom and warmth to help you create a legacy of love that transcends generations.
 

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Most moms hit a point where they feel completely lost in motherhood—then discover the sacred art of reclaiming themselves. In this raw, heartfelt episode, Natasha shares her intimate journey from postpartum overwhelm to rediscovering her identity on her own terms. Whether you’re in the trenches or emerging on the other side, this is the story of resilience, self-love, and the healing power of creative rebirth.You’ll hear Natasha’s honest reflections on the darkest moments of early motherhood—feeling nap-trapped, lonely, and questioning if she’d ever have an adult conversation again. 

Why does this matter? Because many women silently suffer through the lowest moments of motherhood—missing the chance to heal, grow, and truly come back to themselves. Missing out on that renewal can deepen loneliness and burnout. But this episode offers a hopeful perspective: that the hardest phases are temporary, and healing is possible with intentional self-care.Perfect for new moms, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking to understand the deeper journey of motherhood, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone—in fact, your transformation is already underway. Natasha’s story will inspire you to embrace your own rebirth, nurture your soul, and trust that the woman you’re becoming is worth every moment of the struggle.Join Natasha as she shares her most vulnerable truths — and her biggest lessons — on the art of coming back to yourself. Because after the storm, there’s clarity, strength, and a version of yourself waiting to be found again.

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Tatiana Gonzalez shares her journey from professional dancer to resilient military spouse and mother of a neurodivergent child. Discover how she navigates the challenges of long deployments, raising an autistic son, and redefining stability in her marriage. In this episode, Tatiana offers insights on managing family boundaries, feeling safe in partnerships, and adapting to life's unpredictability. Her story highlights the power of love and resilience forged through adversity, providing practical lessons on patience and emotional self-awareness. Perfect for anyone juggling multiple roles or facing uncertainty, this episode inspires with real stories of strength and growth. Tatiana Gonzalez exemplifies authenticity and strength, turning life's unexpected turns into opportunities for empowerment.

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Discover the hidden truths of motherhood that many overlook. Melissa shares her journey through unexpected postpartum challenges, revealing insights that can transform your approach to motherhood. From surprising labor responses to postpartum symptoms like hair loss, this episode empowers you to listen to your body and embrace its wisdom.Explore the healing power of rituals and traditional postpartum care, as Melissa discusses nurturing practices that help women feel whole. Perfect for new moms and birth workers, this episode invites you to honor your body's resilience and transform pain into power.Join us to reframe postpartum stories and celebrate the sacred experience of motherhood.

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Join host Natasha Preckajlo and Kristin Cronic as she goes into her journey from military officer to mother to full-time artist shows how life’s chaos can fuel creativity. In this episode, she shares how motherhood became a catalyst for deeper artistic expression, transforming setbacks into inspiration for her luminous paintings.

Discover how Kristin navigated leaving the military, a flooded home, and societal expectations to carve out her creative space. Her story challenges the myth that life’s challenges diminish creativity; instead, they deepen it.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking resilience and permission to create without apology. Kristin’s insights illustrate that creativity is a vital part of our humanity, ready to flourish even when life is messy.

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