On episode 3 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Justine Braford, a mom of 4 who has walked through losing two of her children. She's also a trail-blazing sex therapist and social worker.  She talks truth about sexual health, caring for people in their grief and the joy that is lash extensions.  We cover it all in this one.

Check out Justine's therapy practice and contact her here.

The incredible seminars Justine mentioned are called the Wonder of Women Series.  Register for them here.  You're not going to want to miss the next one on March 15! 

Lash extensions at Siren and Proper.  Treat yourself!

And a couple of books we mentioned.  Brene Brown's Braving the Wilderness and 30 Days of Sex Talks from Educate and Empower Kids.  

I'll be back soon with another episode but until then, keep taking the middle seat.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Justine Braford

An interview-style podcast that explores the connection between us all. I think we're all sitting one seat apart right now so I'm taking the middle seat to ask the questions and draw us closer. I know that if we listen and connect, we'll find the magic in the middle seat.

Personal Journals

Society & Culture

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

Kids & Family

On episode 47 I’m talking to Shannon Cohen, (Facebook, Instagram) difference maker, speaker, writer entrepreneur and encourager.  She is like no other.  I’m telling you right now.  She hosts her own inspiring podcast called Tough Skin, Soft Heart Podcast.  I don’t miss an episode.  She a line of merchandise that is so much more than gifts and cards.  They are unique pieces that speak to the receiver’s soul and encourage them to shine their light.  And, she speaks in venues large and small to let leaders know that they are people with feelings and spirits, to let teams know how to really see each other, and to let organizations know that true equity and inclusion is the only way forward.  She is an absolute power house and I love her work so, so much.

Shannon has created and co-created several community spaces that we talk about: Sisters Who Lead, Rockstar Women Brunch, Tough Skin, Soft Heart Community.  

Shannon talked about some favorite things: Marco Polo and travel!

You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.  You can also reach out to me for therapy services at Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy

Taking the Middle Seat next to Shannon Cohen

On episode 46, I’m talking to Dr. Marcy Larson, host of the podcast, Losing a Child: Always Andy’s Mom (Facebook).  She is a pediatrician, wife and mom to 4 including a daughter, 2 sons and 1 foster son.  Her son Andy was killed in a car accident in August 2018.  As she navigated life in the days and months after her son’s death, she was looking for a podcast that could speak to her grief and found there wasn’t any out there.  So, she started one herself.  Her story and the stories of those on her podcast are POWERFUL.  If you are grieving or you know someone who is grieving or you know that you’ll be touched by grief as we all will, you will benefit from this podcast and Marcy’s words.   I love how Marcy gives listeners permission to cry, to ask for help, to see joy, and to care for others well in their grief.  

She talks about a faith-based grief support organization she found very helpful, Starlight Ministries.   Marcy writes a really incredible blog as well.  I have gleaned so much from her writing and reflection there.  I mention a podcast I love, Terrible Thanks for Asking.  I also love the podcast Everything Happens.

You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram.  You can also reach out to me at Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Marcy Larson, Andy's Mom

On episode 45, I’m talking to Jess Fields with Knots of Love (Facebook, Instagram).  She is a macrame artist and teacher, a graphic designer and a health advocate for people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (Please do your own research.  There is plenty of junk information out there).  I met Jess when I saw a friend of mine wearing her earrings.  They were gorgeous and peachy, super funky and light as a feather… I was in love.   After I purchased earrings and an ornament, I looked more at Jess’ website and learned her story weaves together (see what I did there) art, pain, creativity, coping and connection.  If you’ve ever felt like you haven’t been heard in a medical setting, you will feel so encouraged by Jess’ story.

Jess mentions a Facebook group she received a lot of support from, Nancy’s Nook Endometriosis Education.  She also has her own Instagram account about her endo journey.  Jess talks about the term “spoonie.”  

Jess will be at 2 of the coolest holiday markets - UICA Holiday Artists Market on December 7 and possibly Made Market on December 14.  

So go take the middle seat!  I know you’ll find support, advocacy and beauty right there.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Jess Fields with Knots of Love

On episode 44, I’m talking with Lydia VanHoven-Cook and Courtney Stuart from the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival (Facebook, Facebook event, Instagram).  This year’s Film Festival will be on October 27 at the Wealthy Theatre.  They are in their 6th year and offer a FREE day-long film festival for all ages.  The films are all short films, 20 minutes or less, “dedicated to elevating voices and showcasing talent from historically underrepresented groups in mainstream media.”  The Film Fest will feature the film Teeth and have a keynote by Joyce Pierpoline.  You’ll be able to get a rad t-shirt from Citizen Shirt, enjoy a jillion cool films and listen to panel discussions that span so many topics.  They’re also partnering with The Learning Commons at Fountain Street Church.  

Lydia mentions her zine, The Bandit Zine (Etsy, Instagram).  You’ll LOVE her zines and buttons.  Think holiday shopping, people.

Lydia and Courtney mention a few past films that they loved: Le Clitoris and Wrap My Hijab by Mona Haydar.  So, get involved!  You can volunteer and small and big ways.  I think you’ll find your people there.

Lydia and Courtney mention some favorite things that include the show Pose, Instagram account @hetsexplainyourselves, Lizzo, Better Body Image Conference, affinity spaces, animal rescue.

So go to the Film Festival!  Take your friends!  Take your neighbors!  Take the middle seat and I know you’ll find belonging, learning, and connection right there.

Taking the Middle Seat next to the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival

On Episode 43 I’m talking to Rachel Pieh Jones (Instagram, Facebook).  Rachel is a writer living in Djibouti which is in East Africa, and is bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen.  Of writing, she says, “I can’t help it.”  It is her work.  Rachel is originally from Minnesota.  She moved with her husband in 2003 and has lived abroad since.  She has written several books (Welcome to Djibouti and Finding Home) and many published articles including an interview she did with her daughter that is great!  She has a brand new book coming out in October 2019, Stronger Than Death.: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa.  Please purchase it.  It sounds FASCINATING.  Rachel also writes the kind of newsletter you will WANT to read, Stories From the Horn.

Until September 22, you can enter to win a hard copy of her book.  Here are the details… “Go to Net Galley and download the book https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/162744Write a review and post it publicly by SEPTEMBER 22. Blog, newsletter, Facebook.Paste the link to the post herehttps://www2.plough.com/acton/media/18872/stronger-than-death-giveawayAnd voila! Entered to win.

Rachel talks about living cross-culturally and cross-spiritually.  Rachel is so wise and wonderful.  I cherish her social media posts.  I think her perspective is so rich with nuance and complexity because she has such a depth and breadth of knowledge.  Since we recorded, Rachel has shared that her thyroid cancer has returned so she sometimes speaks to living with cancer in her writings as well.  I know Rachel would love your prayers, and maybe even more than that, she would love for us to be curious about each other, care for each other, and honor each other as I know she encourages us to do. 

Some of my favorite resources that go along with this conversation are: No White Saviors, an Instagram account that talks about white privilege and white saviorism.  (If you are a person who holds white privilege and decide to follow this account, please LISTEN, listen, listen. Do not comment.)  Imperfect Courage, a book by Jessica Honegger (Episode 19)

If you’d like to follow along with what I’m up to, head to Facebook or Instagram.  I’m also a therapist at Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy.  Until next time, keep taking the middle seat.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Justine Braford

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