Shine A Light

Jason grew up in a small town in Georgia. When his classmates found out that Jason was gay, he was bullied. On this episode, he shares what he went through, and how he overcame that. He also talks about his faith, and opens up about another recent incident with homophobia. He also tells listeners how straight allies can support the LGBTQ community. And, because we're both lovers of music, we may have gone on a tangent about some of our favorite artists/concerts. Sorry about that, but I kept it in because Jason finds music to be very healing and a big part of his story! 

You can follow Jason on Twitter at @jas0nbrown and Instagram at @jasonnbrown . 

Content Creator. Social Media Influencer. These are two of the most up and coming professions. And yes, they are a "real job" and they take hard work, time, and dedication. I don't know that we could have predicted that posting photos and captions on Instagram could be something you could make money off of, but in 2019, it's incredibly common. Oh, and it's also NOT easy. It may look glamorous but there is a lot that goes into the photo, the caption, responding to comments and gaining followers.

Minnelle Kouka and I met in high school, and once she graduated from college here in Michigan, she was off to California! I started to notice her Instagram posts and their popularity a couple of years ago. When she was in town recently to visit family, Minnelle sat down with me to chat about her life as a content creator, how she balances it with a full time job, and what goals she has for the future. We're looking at you, CHANEL.

There are a couple of audio issues here and there in this episode because we recorded near a very busy road- hopefully it's not too distracting. Enjoy! And, of course, follow Minnelle on Instagram at @minnellek

Gracie was fresh out of college when she moved from Michigan, where she had lived her entire life, to Nashville Tennessee. She shares how she got the courage to make a big move, the steps she took logistically, and how she has gone after her goals since moving. If you're looking to be inspired on how to push past fear and live the life you want to live, this is the episode for you! 

Gracie has a slew of recommendations for you, so listen carefully! Also, she has a goal to release her own EP, including a very special song she wrote called "Matter of When". 

One in eight couples struggle with infertility, according to the CDC.  And yet, it is still one of those topics that we don't often talk about. Instead, we ask women and couples when they are going to have children, not knowing that they may be dealing with infertility. On this episode, Maureen shares her story with infertility.  Maureen and her husband Dave always imagined they would be a family of five and had not heard that infertility could be a challenge they faced. She takes us on her journey of using different treatment options, and how that can drain you emotionally, financially, and physically.  Maureen and Dave now have two beautiful children, Ryan and Cara, but the journey was not easy and Maureen is here to share her story for other women and couples who may be facing the same challenge.

I was so excited to sit down with Julia and Bryce to talk about what life is like as a teenger in 2019. Although I had not met these ladies before, they were brave enough to share their struggles, their frustrations, and their fears with me.  We talk about social media, the pressure that society puts on teenagers (and that they put on themselves),  body image, and a whole slew of other topics. 

 I mention this in the beginning, but I wanted to say that I did not push the girls too hard since it was my very first time meeting them. I was quite impressed with these two and I think that you will be as well. 

I'd love to have more conversations with teenagers, so if you're interested in being on the podcast please fill out this form:  https://forms.gle/s4Bnnf7EEAG4Pdeo7

Singer/Songwriter duo Jill and Kate met while taking a music class in college, and then went on to sing backup vocals for Kelly Clarkson for six years. Eventually, the two decided to focus on their own career. Jill and Kate have written and released their own music, in addition to blogging and starting their own podcast Girls Just Pod To Have Fun.

In this episode, Jill and Kate talk openly about fear, anxiety, and the importance of connecting with other people and sharing stories. This is such a good episode, Jill and Kate have amazing insight.

You can find Jill and Kate on Instagram and you can follow their podcast at @GirlsJustPodToHaveFun . Trust me, you will LOVE their podcast! It's all about how life doesn't always go the way you plan it.

I also created a playlist that I call "Essential Jill and Kate" if you want to check out some of their music: https://open.spotify.com/…/mcaro05/…/1gvEOj4U0OJXUrSTVIigW8…

I sat down with my friend Bre to talk about her decision to stay home after her son was born. We talk through misconceptions people have about stay at home moms, how to find your mom tribe, and how Bre has continued to find things to do that fuel her passion.  Bre has some really great advice for women/couples who are making this decision, and she shares great insight on how to handle judgement and doubt and to do what is best for YOU.

Bre recommends:

Honey: A Space For Moms for those who are local to Metro Detroit.  

You can find Bre on Instagram at @feedingmylittlefoodie , where she shares the healthy recipes that she makes for her 1 year old. 

Jon Carolin is not only my brother, but he's the first male guest to be on Shine A Light! I was so happy to sit down with him.  Jon shares his own personal experiences with bullying, and how he followed the path to become a social worker.  He shares how important it is for young people to have a mentor. Jon worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indianapolis for several years before moving back home to Detroit, where he began working for The Children's Center. On the side, Jon is also part of the 313 Ghostbusters, whose purpose is to give back to the community by attending charity events/walks. 

If you'd like to become a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, you can visit: https://www.bbbs.org/

Jon also recommends the documentaries Reject https://www.kanopy.com/product/reject  and Bully http://www.thebullyproject.com/about_film

You can now leave me a voicemail on Anchor! Go to anchor.fm/megan-landry/message 

According to womenshealth.gov, 1 in 9 mothers suffer from postpartum depression. And yet, we don't talk about it enough.  In Sam's case, she struggled with severe anxiety and depression after having her daughter. In this interview, Sam opens up about dealing with postpartum depression and an increase in anxiety. She shares her lowest moments, as well as what has helped her make it through. It took Sam some time to realize that she needed to care for herself, which I think is a very common thing.  Sam wants to tell you: Make yourself a priority!

If you are struggling with postpartum depression. please reach out to your doctor. You can also text a free helpline 24/7: Text CONNECT to 741741 in the United States.

If you're in the Metro Detroit area, Sam recommends Honey for Moms!  https://www.honeyformoms.com/

PS: You can now leave me voicemails! If you have any comments. questions or suggestions you can leave me a voice message here: https://anchor.fm/megan-landry/message