Sendy Mom

Ever felt stuck—like anxiety, money struggles, or big life changes are holding you back? In this episode, I talk with Karissa Dodds, a mom of four, teacher, and business owner who has walked through financial stress, self-doubt, and tough transitions—and discovered resilience along the way. Her story is full of faith, courage, and practical daily habits that will inspire you to find strength in your own challenges.

Meet my Guest:

Karissa Dodds teaches a classroom full of kindergarteners in St. George, Utah, where her love for children shines through her mix of warmth and discipline. At home, she and her husband juggle raising four kids while running their business, Red Cliffs Chiropractic—a journey that has included both joy and deep challenge.

Karissa’s life reflects resilience: growing up homeschooled, navigating financial stress, overcoming anxiety, and rediscovering her passions through teaching, design, and creativity. Her story is a testament to faith, grit, and the everyday practices that keep her moving forward with courage and heart.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Karissa Dodds

03:34 – Growing up homeschooled

10:45 – Discovering her love for teaching

15:07 – Struggles during chiropractic school

19:32 – Moving to Idaho & finding home

20:38 – Starting a food blog

24:33 – Learning through “wrong turns”

27:43 – Facing anxiety in high-stress times

30:55 – Holistic & spiritual healing

33:30 – Falling Upward

40:10 – Overcoming self-doubt

45:30 – Interior design & creativity

47:46 – Rapid-fire fun questions

55:28 – Closing thoughts

Key Takeaways:

Homeschooling can raise confident, connected kids.

Nurturing passions early helps kids find meaningful work as adults.

Sometimes you have to move to find the right “home.”

Financial struggles can strengthen faith and reliance on prayer.

Exercise, faith, and meaningful work reduce anxiety.

Turning points—though hard—often shape the best growth.

Collaboration makes education (and life) stronger.

Gratitude + daily habits = resilience and well-being.

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

Red Cliffs Chiropractic 

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

The Chosen

I Visited 50 States in 50 Days with Ryan Trahan

Gritfitnesskarissa

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#SendyMomPodcast #OvercomingAnxiety #Resilience #FaithAndCourage #PersonalGrowth

Dorothy Scoresby grew up shy on a quiet Idaho farm—but a message from a classmate in 4th grade changed everything. In this episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Dorothy shares how she slowly stepped out of her shell, raised 8 children to value hard work and sibling connection, and discovered peace and purpose through quilting and creativity. From parenting tips to overcoming social anxiety and embracing the later years with joy, this conversation is full of heartfelt wisdom for introverts, moms, and creatives alike.

Meet my Guest:

Dorothy Scoresby is salt of the earth. She is so genuine and authentic. Growing up on a 4000+ acre farm in southeastern Idaho, Dorothy learned the value of hard work, love and loyalty to family, and the simple joys of creating your own play. After much begging and cajoling, she finally accepted the marriage proposal of her childhood friend, Lyn Scoresby. They are still the best of friends and have a warm marriage. They have 8 children together. Their children still like them and they all get together frequently. With 24 grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Dorothy feels her life as a Sendy Mom is complete. They have lived in Highland for 52 years and consider it the best decision they ever made.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Friendship

01:24 Growing Up on an Idaho Farm

05:10 Yellowstone Park for Families

08:53 Parenting with Structure and Love

10:43 Overcoming Social Anxiety

13:31 Marrying Your Childhood Friend

19:42 Teaching Children It's Good to be Bored

23:02 Creativity Through Quilting

28:11 Finding Purpose as you Age

34:50 Fostering Love Between Siblings

41:31 A Polygamist's Granddaughter

44:47 Quilting Passions and Postcards

47:24 Romance with Your Spouse

52:05 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

• A small comment from a classmate can spark lifelong change.
• Children thrive with structure, work, and love.
• Overcoming social anxiety takes small, brave steps over time.
• Boredom can be a gift—it teaches creativity and self-reliance.
• Quilting is more than a hobby—it’s a form of storytelling and legacy.
• Raising a large family requires patience, purpose, and humor.
• Family bonds deepen when kids learn to love and serve each other.
• Growing older can bring new adventures and a deep sense of purpose.

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

Check out sendymom.com to submit your ideas for Sendy Adventures

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman

Pride and Prejudice BBC

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish

What if embracing life’s changes could lead you to unexpected joy? Jen Lambert—community builder, run club founder, and resilience champion—shares how her childhood in foster care, the loss of her mother, and big family decisions shaped her into the optimistic, grounded woman she is today.

In this inspiring conversation, we talk about:
 ✔️ Making confident choices, even when life feels uncertain
 ✔️ Embracing change and finding gratitude through challenges
 ✔️ Building strong community connections that lift others (and yourself)
 ✔️ Parenting with purpose and encouraging kids to chase their dreams

Jen’s story is a reminder that “not choosing is the only failure in life.” If you’re ready to face change with courage and joy, this episode will inspire you!

Meet my Guest:

Jen Lambert is a connector and loves organizing community events that bring people together. One of her most successful programs has been a run club that has involved over 1,500 children over the last 8 years. Her family is currently at a crossroads and making some big decisions for their future. Growing up in a single parent home, in and out of foster care and her mother’s illness that resulted in her death at an early age, Jen has known adversity in her life. Her resilience through that adversity and her positive attitude is a mark of her decision to push through life’s challenges and find gratitude for whatever life throws at her. Jen is optimistic, loves her life and is grounded with great confidence. You will love this episode!

Takeaways:

We need to listen and learn from others.

Building character is more important than production.

Community connection is essential for women.

Resilience is developed through hard experiences.

It's important to embrace change and new opportunities.

Eating Disorders do not define you

Mindset plays a crucial role in personal growth.

Gratitude helps ground us in our daily lives.

Encouraging a growth mindset in children is vital.

Life's journey is about enjoying the ride, not just the destination.

We can choose to embrace our unique paths.

“Not choosing is the only failure in life”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jen Lambert

02:23 Run Club Realtor

07:15 Building Your Sendy Community

12:40 Letting Go of Expectations

16:44 Finding Inspiration

20:24 Managing Eating Disorders

28:28 Midway

30:46 Supporting Children's Dreams

45:19 The Beauty of Agency

51:36 Having a Growth Mindset

53:44 Finding Blessing Through Adversity

58:59 Rapid Fire Questions

Mentioned in the Show:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Jesus Christ, The Master Teacher - Sarah K. Clark

Adam Grant

Increase Your Impact with Justin Su’a

The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher

Emily in Paris on Netflix

Thanksgiving Heroes

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Meet Rachel Miner, a powerhouse in the field of genocide prevention and community engagement. Rachel shares her journey from her educational background in economics and public policy to her work with Bellwether, an NGO focused on preventing genocide through community-driven initiatives. We talk about education, resourcefulness, and the role of mothers in fostering a culture of understanding and respect. Rachel discusses the patterns that lead to genocide, the challenges faced in addressing these issues, and the significance of community involvement in creating lasting change including examples from brave women like Leymah Gbowee and the Mothers and Chiefs Initiative. The episode emphasizes that every individual can make a difference, starting from their own home and extending to their community and beyond.

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Meet my Guest:

Rachel Miner is the founder and CEO of Bellwether International, a nonprofit working to prevent genocide by listening to communities and helping them build strong, peaceful futures. She grew up in a home where education, resourcefulness, and taking risks were part of everyday life—and those values now guide her global work. With degrees from BYU, the London School of Economics, and Columbia, Rachel combines heart and know-how to serve people in some of the world’s most vulnerable places. She’s helped launch programs that teach literacy, bring healing after trauma, and even use AI to spot the early signs of genocide. She believes in the power of mothers, faith, and local leadership to change the world. You’ll love her wisdom, warmth, and bold call to action taken from Leymah Gbowee: “Women! Do something!”

What you’ll Hear:

♛ Rachel Miner defines a 'Sendy Mom' as someone who takes risks and embraces opportunities.

♛ Listening to communities is crucial in understanding their needs.

♛ Resourcefulness is key to finding success and opportunity.

♛ Genocide is preventable through early intervention and community engagement.

♛ Patterns leading to genocide can be identified and addressed.

♛ Mothers play a vital role in preventing genocide by teaching values of human dignity.

♛ Community engagement is essential for effective genocide prevention.

♛ Imposter syndrome is common, but action is the cure.

♛ Building a supportive community is vital for making a difference.

♛ Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Miner

01:57 Defining a 'Sendy Mom'

02:58 How To Determine Needs of Refugees - Just Ask!

05:18 Growing Up in a Home of Education

07:44 Empowerment Through Education and Experience

09:39 Bellwether Community Programs

11:31 Bottoom Up/Top Down Mentality of Bellwether

12:50 Finding Multipliers

13:19 Understanding Genocide and Its Prevention

13:56 How to Start an NGO

15:48 The Patterns of Genocide

18:37 The Role of Disinformation and Scapegoating

21:17 Bellwether's Mission and Future Directions

24:37 Bellwether's Mission to Stop Genocide

26:07 Genocide Prevention Step 1: Teach Love Not Hate

28:37 Step 2 of Genocide Prevention: Get Involved and Meet People

30:10 Step 3 of Genocide Prevention: National Policy

30:35 Step 4 of Genocide Prevention: Global Organizations

33:19 Midway

35:01 Mothers and Chiefs Initiative

38:39 Projects in Bosnia

39:59 Biggest Problem Facing Bellwether

42:32 Imposter Syndrome - Use the Resourceful Sunglasses

48:12 Bellwethers don't operate alone

49:57 Rapid Fire Questions

55:58 Outro with music and words 3-7-25.mp3

Mentioned in the Show:

In Focus Education Group

Bellwether NGO

International Office of Migration

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Utah Valley Refugees

Pray the Devil Back to Hell -  Watch on Alexander Street 

Leymah Gbowee: Unlock the intelligence, passion, greatness of girls - TED

Let Her Fly by Ziauddin Yousafzai

Governing Group

Honeyland  - Amazon

Sendy Spotlight:
"I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability."

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

What does it look like to speak with courage, even when you're terrified? In this Sendy Mom Spotlight, we explore how Eleanor Roosevelt learned to communicate with confidence, despite being shy, unsure of her worth, and often overwhelmed by motherhood and public pressure.

From awkward dinners to emotionally distant parenting, Eleanor shows us that learning to communicate with your children, your audience, and yourself is a process—one that gets better with practice.

Whether you’re working on emotional resilience as a mom, trying to speak so people will listen, or just hoping to do something every day that scares you, this episode will remind you: brave women aren’t born. They’re built.

Takeaways:

👉🏼 Eleanor Roosevelt was a courageous and resilient woman.

👉🏼 She played a crucial role in Franklin Roosevelt's presidency.

👉🏼 Eleanor's communication style evolved through listening and learning.

👉🏼 It's important to be open and honest in conversations, especially with children.

👉🏼 Eleanor faced challenges in public speaking but improved over time.

👉🏼 She advocated for civil rights and treated everyone with dignity.

👉🏼 Eleanor believed in the power of personal connection to promote peace.

👉🏼 Money should be used as a tool for love, not control.

👉🏼 Eleanor's life teaches us to embrace discomfort and fear.

👉🏼 We should strive to connect with others and promote understanding. 

Chapters:

00:00 Shout Out To Dutch Listeners

01:04 Introducing Eleanor Roosevelt

03:18 Untangling the Roosevelt Family Tree

05:00 Communication and Connection

08:14 Eleanor Teaches Her Children Independence

08:58 Advocacy for Marginalized

Mentioned in the Show:

Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt

Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by J.B. West

Roosevelt Family Tree

HXP.org

What if satisfied isn't the same as fulfilled? Stephanie Wilson is a fitness instructor and life coach who helps people close the gap between the life they have and the one they're capable of — physically and mentally. This conversation goes deep on resilience, personal growth, and what it actually looks like to raise kids with grit instead of just good intentions.

Meet my Guest:

Stephanie Wilson is a sought-after fitness instructor and life coach who specializes in helping young adults find their direction. She's the kind of person who lights up when she watches someone discover what they're made of — and she's been doing it long enough to know exactly how to get them there.

What you’ll Hear:

♛ The difference between a satisfying life and a fully realized one
♛ How resilience is actually built — and why comfort won't get you there
♛ What it means to bring your kids in instead of pushing them away
♛ Why comparing siblings is a trap — and what to do instead
♛ How vulnerability quietly builds confidence over time
♛ What life coaching looks like in practice, at any age

Chapters:

00:00 Get to Know Stephanie Wilson

01:38 Why Might You Consider Hiring a Life Coach?

06:12 Confidence From a Place of Humility

09:33 Families Building Resilience

11:26 What Does It Mean to be a Fighter?

13:23 Growing up in a Mortuary

15:28 Losing Your Job

17:39 Instill Hope in Your Children

19:29 Becoming Awesomer Without Getting Hung Up on Being Perfect

21:27 Do Pushups on Your Toes

25:20 Communicating From a Place of Understanding

30:38 Midway

33:29 Everybody is a Book

36:31 The Desire to Learn

40:32 Resilience Through Adversity

43:35 Not Finished Yet

47:55 Crossroads

49:35 Becoming a Life Coach

55:09 Teaching Resilience Through Example

01:03:26 The Power of Positive Parenting

01:07:36 Rapid Fire Questions

Resources:

23. How to be Awesomer: Coaching Your Body and Your Mind to Reach Your Potential

the.coach.steph

If you liked this, try:

2. Cautiously Crazy

19. Faith Pioneer: Building Women's Community in Switzerland

36. Normalize the Risk: 7 Lessons from Jenn Drummond on Setting Impossible Goals

Coaching & Subscribe:

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👉 Email Becky: [email protected]

Do you have an idea? Do you need some encouragement in your parenting? This is the episode for you! Draw inspiration from the life of Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire in America. There are challenges and triumphs of being a mother and an entrepreneur. It is important to take ownership of one's life and decisions. Through Madam Walker's story, listeners are encouraged to overcome adversity, embrace their dreams, and take actionable steps towards their goals. The episode concludes with practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the significance of community, confidence, and giving back.

Takeaways:

👉🏼 Being an entrepreneur is a very sendy thing to do.

👉🏼 Motherhood can often feel like drudgery, but it's important to find joy in it.

👉🏼 Madam C.J. Walker's story is a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurship.

👉🏼 It's never too late to change your perspective and approach.

👉🏼 You are only hopeless if you choose to be hopeless.

👉🏼 Success takes effort and is not always what you expect.

👉🏼 You don't need permission to grow; you need a vision and persistence.

👉🏼 Surround yourself with people who lift you up and inspire you.

👉🏼 Giving back doesn't have to be excessive; it's about the heart.

👉🏼 Perseverance is key to achieving your dreams.

Chapters:

00:00 Introducing Madam C.J. Walker

03:24 What Will You Do With Your One Wild and Precious Life?

06:43 Finding Joy in Parenting

09:28 Philanthropy Doesn't Take Money

12:10 Building Confidence in Your Dreams

13:21 5 Tips to Start Your Own Business

Mentioned in the Show:

Please find all links here: https://sendymom.com/2025/06/02/starting-with-nothing-lessons-from-madam-c-j-walker-for-modern-entrepreneurs/

Selfmade: Inspired by the life of Madam C.J. Walker

Madam C.J. Walker: Self-Made Millionaire by Ngeri Nnachi

Madam C.J. Walker: Building a Business Empire by Penny Colman

Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black Woman’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow by Tyrone McKinley Freeman

The True Story of Madam C.J. Walker - Two Dollars and a Dream on YouTube

Creating a Legacy of Love - sendymom.com

Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan

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What can you build from 80 dollars and a willingness to figure it out? Elise Freeman built a thriving family business — and she did it while raising four kids, navigating her son's diabetes diagnosis, and showing up for humanitarian work in South America. Growing up as the daughter of a hard-working single mother in the deep south, Elise learned early that circumstances don't get to decide your story. This episode is a masterclass in making something from nothing, and doing it with faith at the center.

Meet my Guest:

Elise Freeman is a mother of four who co-runs a family eBay shoe business she and her husband built from the ground up. She's the kind of mom who makes sure the piano gets practiced and the kids get to every game — and still finds time for group fitness, gardening, traveling, and cooking meals worth gathering around. Her humanitarian work in South America and her commitment to raising kids who are strong physically, emotionally, creatively, and spiritually make her one of the Sendiest moms Becky knows.

What you’ll Hear:

♛ How to start a business with almost nothing — and actually grow it
♛ What it's like to discover your child has diabetes and find your footing fast
♛ The role divine guidance has played in Elise's biggest life pivots
♛ How a tough childhood in the deep south became her greatest teacher
♛ What humanitarian work in South America looks like from the inside
♛ How to raise kids who are whole — body, mind, creativity, and spirit

Chapters:

00:00 What it Means to Be a Sendy Mom

03:28 Recovering from a Traumatic Childhood

05:09 Finding New Sendy Adventures with a Partner

07:46 Growing up with Limited Resources

11:03 Building Sibling Relationships

14:28 Choosing a Vocation

17:46 Navigating Parenting and Health Concerns

24:09 The Importance of Music in Family Life

25:49 Helping Your Children with Activities You Don't Understand

28:30 The Gift of Music - Sharing it to Bless Lives

33:59 One Size Does Not Fit All in a Creative Outlet

36:27 Education for Education Sake

38:52 Building a Shoe Empire on Ebay

39:45 Humanitarian Work and Community Impact

44:29 Humanitarian Work in Guatemala

54:29 Rapid Fire Questions

Resources:

22. From $80 to an eBay Business: Sendy Entrepreneurship

Elisebfreeman

My Witness Tree

If you Liked this, Try:

13. Aging Sendy: Lessons from a WWII Survivor at 81

23. How to be Awesomer: Coaching Your Body and Your Mind to Reach Your Potential

29. How to Push Past Limits and Find Your “Current Perfect”

Coaching & Subscribe:

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👉 Email Becky: [email protected]

What do you do when your kid is wired for speed, danger, and adrenaline? In this episode of the Sendy Mom podcast, Becky Brouwer dives into the wild, inspiring story of Debby Pastrana—mom of extreme sports legend Travis Pastrana—who raised one of the most fearless athletes in the world.

We explore what it takes to parent a child who’s constantly pushing limits—without crushing their spirit. From managing fear and fostering creativity, to understanding the science of adrenaline and the power of trust, this episode is packed with wisdom for parents of high-octane kids.

Whether you're raising a skateboarder, a stunt-loving skier, or just a teen who lives life on the edge, this conversation will leave you braver, wiser, and more equipped to parent with freedom and guidance.

Takeaways:

👉🏼Children need to take risks in a safe environment.

👉🏼Consequences are a natural part of learning.

👉🏼Support your child's creativity and purpose.

👉🏼Adrenaline can be viewed positively.

👉🏼Changing perceptions of stress can improve health.

👉🏼Visualization helps in achieving goals.

👉🏼Empower children to take calculated risks.

👉🏼Model faith and trust in their abilities.

👉🏼Let go with love while providing support.

👉🏼Courage in parenting can be contagious.

Chapters:

00:00 Spotlight on Debbie Pastrana: A Sendy Mom's Journey

02:49 The Balance of Risk and Parenting

05:47 Understanding Adrenaline and Stress

08:40 Empowering Children to Take Calculated Risks

11:25 Lessons from Debbie Pastrana: Raising Thrill Seekers

Mentioned in the Show:

How To Make Stress Your Friend TED talk with Kelly McGonigal

The Dark Truth About Travis Pastrana YouTube video

199 Lives: The Story of Travis Pastrana DVD

Cautiously Crazy on sendymom.com 

Channel 199 - Travis Pastrana YouTube channel

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What does it actually feel like to be a teenager right now? Becky's 16-year-old son Aaron wandered into her office one night, started teasing her about her podcast — and walked out having just recorded an episode. This one is raw, real, and a little bit hilarious. Aaron opens up about procrastination, friendships, what he looks for in a girl, and what it's like to grow up in a house full of people who are always trying to be brave. If you're raising a teenager, this episode is going to feel like a gift.

Meet my Guest:

Aaron Brouwer is Becky's fifth of six kids — a 16-year-old who shares her birthday, has a reputation for being genuinely kind and inclusive, and apparently has opinions about everything. He did not plan to be on the podcast. He absolutely showed up anyway. Classic Sendy Teen.

What you’ll Hear:

♛ What teenagers are actually up against in today's digital world
♛ Aaron's honest take on procrastination — and why he keeps trying anyway
♛ How he makes real friends and puts himself in uncomfortable situations on purpose
♛ What he looks for in a girl (yes, really)
♛ Where Becky draws the line on risky behavior — and how she keeps the relationship intact
♛ What Aaron thinks actually makes a good parent

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Sendy Mom Podcast

01:02 Understanding the Concept of 'Sendy' in Teen Life

06:00 The Example of Siblings

08:40 Struggling with Procrastination as a Teenager - Time to Get Around to It

11:05 What Do You Carry With You to Remind You What Is Important?

12:04 Skiing and Adrenaline Activities for Teens

13:25 Teenager Entrepreneurship

19:11 Building Resilience Through Life's Challenges

24:08 Building Strong Friendships with Other Teens

26:59 What Teenage Boys Look for in Teenage Girls

29:25 Setting Boundaries to Risky Activities

32:32 Restrictions on Social Media

35:10 How We Deal with Technology

39:38 Make Good Choices in Media and Recognizing Your Worth

40:47 Advice for Parents to be More Sendy

43:32 Getting a Driver's License

48:12 The Impact of AI on the Next Generation

52:25 Rapid Fire Questions

Resources:

21. Having Real Conversations with Teenagers: A Sendy Son Speaks

If you liked this, you'll these:

2. Cautiously Crazy

6. Hard Conversations, Healthy Boundaries, and Mediation

36. Normalize the Risk: 7 Lessons from Jenn Drummond on Setting Impossible Goals

Coaching & Subscribe:

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👉 Email Becky: [email protected]