In this final episode of season 1, Ronit and McKenna candidly discuss how they have been feeling and things they have been struggling with over the last few months, as well as a few thoughts on this first season and the next season of Searching for Home.

Thank you for listening!

Find us on instagram at www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod

Join us for this episode where Ronit and McKenna speak with sometimes-editor, sometimes-massage therapist, and always-poet Katie Jamieson as she recounts her story of growing up and following the prescribed life path only to find herself deeply depressed and disconnected. She vulnerably shares about her marriage, the life-changing moment that led to her divorce, and how she has learned to reconnect with and love herself in the years since then through reading, therapy, travel, dance, community, massage, and poetry. 

You can connect with Katie on Instagram and Substack

https://www.instagram.com/breath.of.freedom.poetry/

https://breathoffreedompoetry.substack.com/

Books mentioned: 

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
• The Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• You are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh
• How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
• See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love by Valerie Kaur 

Connect with us on instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod/

Please note that this episode includes discussions of abuse and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised - please take care of yourself. We approach these topics with honesty, aiming to provide a space for reflection and understanding. Our conversation is sincere, with the hope that, no matter the challenges, there's a message of resilience and the belief that things can get better.

Dive into this episode where Ronit shares his journey of loneliness, healing and self-discovery. We discuss how Ronit's repressed memories of childhood trauma and persistent bullying began to resurface in the last few years, forcing him to seek out new healing.

Ronit opens up about his experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He speaks about how embracing ACT's principles helped him to accept his emotions and align with his core values, creating a space for self-compassion and empathy within himself.

A crucial aspect of Ronit's healing journey discussed in this episode is the importance of self-care and the necessity of finding peace through values and building a community. Ronit shares his insights on how stepping back and caring for oneself is vital in the process of recovery and personal growth. We discuss personal anecdotes on how to incorporate self-care into life, emphasizing its role in fostering mental and emotional well-being.

Listeners will find that this story is not only about overcoming adversity but also about learning the art of self-care and finding peace within. This episode is a must-listen for anyone on their own path of healing or for those seeking to understand the transformative power of therapy, finding your community and the importance of nurturing oneself.

Books discussed:

• Everyone in this Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin 
• Normal People by Sally Rooney 
• The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

Movie discussed:

Aftersun (2022) directed by Charlotte Wells

Join us in this engaging episode where we explore the dual-culture and expat life with our guest, Bréane. Growing up with a unique blend of French and Australian identity, she shares her experiences of feeling connected to both cultures in different lands. Bréane opens up about her family's decision to move to Grenoble, driven by the desire to live without regrets, despite a fulfilling life in Sydney.

This episode takes an honest look at the complexities of relocating and starting life in a new country. Bréane also discusses the power of having a 'move mantra' and a gratitude practice during this life-changing journey.

With a mix of humor and candor, she reflects on the rollercoaster of emotions before and after moving to Grenoble with her family. Tune in for a candid conversation that sheds light on the realities of expat life, filled with laughter, honesty, and valuable lessons.

Connect with Bréane on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dopamine.dresser

And as always, check out our Instagram for photos of us and our guests!
https://www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod

Join us in this heartfelt episode as we explore McKenna's inspiring journey towards self-acceptance and healing. In her candid conversation, McKenna shares her experience of stepping away from the Evangelical church, embracing therapy, and learning about herself through books. She also bravely opens up about recognizing and addressing her codependency issues. This episode digs into the essence of learning to be comfortable in one's own skin and the path to self-discovery.

This episode is not just a story about struggles; it's about transformation, resilience, and self-awareness. Join us as we uncover the layers of personal growth and the courage it takes to face ourselves.

Our instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod/

McKenna’s: https://www.instagram.com/bisous.mckenna/

Ronit’s: https://www.instagram.com/ronitpanda/

McKenna’s blog post about The Exile: https://mckennakillion.substack.com/p/the-exile

Books talked about in this episode:

• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Letting Go by David Hawkins
• Adult children of Emotionally Immature Parents by  Lindsay C. Gibson

Have you ever returned to your hometown after moving away only to find that it's not quite the same as you remember? Join us in this episode as we explore the bittersweet experience of going back to where it all began. From familiar faces to local hangouts, we'll delve into the changes that have unfolded and the emotional dissonance that accompanies it. But this isn't just a journey of nostalgia; it's about evolved perspectives, changed mindsets, and a heightened awareness of ourselves and the world around us. It's not just about what has changed externally but how we've changed internally.

Tune in as we reflect on the lessons learned, the importance of being honest with ourselves and the world, and the pledge to do better. This episode is an exploration of the intricate dance between nostalgia and growth, where the familiar meets the foreign, and how returning home becomes a powerful catalyst for personal and communal change.

In this episode  McKenna and Ronit peel back the layers of their lives, delving into the chapters that led them to call Grenoble, France, home. Sharing their individual journeys, they recount the intricacies of the moving process – the highs of finding love and the lows of confronting loneliness and despair.
 
McKenna reflects on the profound transformation since leaving the Midwest, navigating the delicate balance between forging connections and experiencing solitude in a foreign land. Ronit, too, shares the intricacies of settling into Grenoble, where the quest for home intertwines with personal growth. Both confront the challenge of finding their place within the community, grappling with the complexities of defining what 'home' truly means.

They open up about the nuances of moving in – the dance between anticipation and uncertainty, the beauty of finding love in unexpected places, and the resilience required to face moments of despair. Join McKenna and Ronit as they continue to explore the concept of home, not just as a physical space but as a state of being and belonging.  Tune in for a candid conversation that transcends borders, embracing the shared human experience of longing for a place to call home. 

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod
McKenna's blog - Chasing Stardust: https://mckennakillion.substack.com
Ronit's blog- Ion: https://sites.google.com/view/ronitgreenhydrogen/home


A blog McKenna used to help her get to France: https://theamericaninparis.com/

 

Please note that this episode includes discussions of abuse, bullying, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised - please take care of yourself. We approach these topics with honesty, aiming to provide a space for reflection and understanding. Our conversation is sincere, with the hope that, no matter the challenges, there's a message of resilience and the belief that things can get better.

In this episode, join our hosts as they delve into Ronit's personal journey, guiding you through his childhood and young adult years in India . Together, we explore the complexities of growing up, growing out, healing, hurting, and unlearning along the way. Our candid conversations touch on generational trauma, childhood experiences, and naturally…the patriarchy.

Tune in for down-to-earth discussions on personal growth and the quest to find our true selves in a changing world. We'll also share insights into the profound journey of discovering home within ourselves and with the people around us.

To learn more about caste, please check out these amazing creators:
Anurag Minus Verma (https://open.spotify.com/show/19bjmIcW7eNKccki8LwO2r)
Mind your Buffalo (https://open.spotify.com/show/70Y6Y8FtCo6EFDfF6Xmogb)

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for support. Here is a link to find international suicide hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/

Embark on a raw and unfiltered journey with McKenna as she and Ronit discuss the chapters of her life that shaped her into the resilient soul she is today. From a tumultuous childhood in northern Indiana, USA to the highs and lows of love, faith, and self-discovery, McKenna's story is a testament to the strength that lies within us. In this inaugural episode, we dive into McKenna's roots in Evangelical Christianity and explore the unexpected turns life took that eventually lead her away from that faith. Join us as McKenna candidly reflects on her tumultuous relationships, the heartbreak of betrayal, and the beginning of an empowering journey to self-love and contentment. 🎙💖 #McKennaUnfiltered #LifeJourney #PodcastDebut #ResilienceStory

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/searchingforhomepod

In this short introduction, the hosts, Ronit and McKenna, explain the what, why, and how of our (over-sharing) podcast.