Today's guest is Kelly Raudenbush; She is a Mama of 4 and Cofounder/Director, The Sparrow Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting families in adoption as well as those who care for vulnerable children. As an adoptive mom herself, Kelly talks about the importance of building attachment with your child in a conversation entitled, "The First 6 Months Together." There are so many resources available for those looking to adopt, but what about once you arrive home with your child? Now what? Those first 6 months together are crucial in setting a strong foundation for your family and Kelly shares some great ways to make them count.

Kelly and Susannah discuss why building attachment with your child is so vital, how and when to share your child's story with others, and the value of talking with your child about their story. This is such a great conversation for anyone who has adopted or is thinking of adopting.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

The Sparrow Fund

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Music: Bensound.com

In a year of complete upheaval, thankfulness might look a little different than usual. Let's be honest - 2020 has thrown families some serious curveballs! BUT, with 2 months left to go, there is still so much good to find in this weird and uncertain year and we challenge you to do just that. 

In this 10 minute bonus episode with host, Susannah McMonagle, she shares 3 things she's thankful for - and it's not what you think! - and encourages you to find gratitude in unexpected places. 

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Connect with Susannah: Instagram

The 5 to 8 Shift Podcast Community on Facebook

The 5 to 8 Shift Website

The 5 to 8 Shift Instagram

Music: Bensound.com

Today's guest is VP, In-Store Marketing and Merchandise Presentation, Big Lots, Megan Mellquist. Megan and I go way back - 20 years back! - and she has no problem encouraging young women to pursue their careers while telling it like it is. In this episode of the 5 to 8 shift, Megan shares some insight on what it's like to be female in Corporate America, how to juggle the demands of a career and a family, and lessons learned through over a decade of honing her craft. Any young female coming up the ranks will come away with plenty of encouragement (and a few great tips) to chase her dreams.

We spend the second half of the interview talking about some of the mental health challenges Megan has faced in a very real and present way. In hopes to continue to break the stigma around mental health, Megan discusses how eventually she couldn't ignore her mental health any longer, what she did to find help, and imparts wisdom on how to be a friend to someone who might be trending in a worrisome direction. This is such an important conversation - one we need to be having more with our neighbors, friends, and family members - and I am so proud of Megan for sharing her story. 

Be sure to join our Facebook community below to discuss the episode with other listeners.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Big Lots

Nationwide Children's Hospital

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Connect with Susannah: Instagram

The 5 to 8 Shift Podcast Community on Facebook

The 5 to 8 Shift Website

The 5 to 8 Shift Instagram

Music: Bensound.com

Today's guest is Artistic Director and Owner of Feet First Dance and mama of two, Kelsey Brennan-Patrick. On this episode of the 5 to 8 shift, Kelsey shares her story of "being unlovable," grappling with how to pursue her dreams whilst figuring out how to be a new mom, and making peace with a dissolving marriage. This single mom picked up the pieces of her broken relationship and through that experience found a bold faith, a contagious energy, and is carving out a life she loves. 

Kelsey's story will help you navigate coming out of a hard season, encourage you to give yourself grace, and provide rationale for opening up to your friends and family.

You will be so encouraged by Kelsey's story of faith, grit and tenacity. Be sure to join our Facebook community below to discuss the episode with other listeners.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Feet First Dance 

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Connect with Susannah: Instagram

Connect with Kelsey: Instagram

The 5 to 8 Shift Podcast Community on Facebook

The 5 to 8 Shift Website

The 5 to 8 Shift Instagram

Music: Bensound.com

Today's guest is wife, mama, and regional director at Sylvan Learning, Elizabeth Clippinger. On this episode of the 5 to 8 shift, Elizabeth shares her story of parenting a child born with an incredibly rare genetic disorder. As an expecting mama ready to fly into motherhood with ease, her son's diagnosis sent her little family for a tailspin. Her story is one of perseverance and grit, learning to advocate for your kid, and cultivating a strong faith in hard seasons. 

You will be so encouraged by Elizabeth's story. Be sure to join our Facebook community below to discuss the episode with other listeners. 

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

The Freeloader Child Carrier

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Connect with Susannah: Instagram

The 5 to 8 Shift Podcast Community on Facebook

The 5 to 8 Shift Website

The 5 to 8 Shift Instagram

Music: Bensound.com

If you are considering investing a few hours here each month--and I hope you do!--I thought an introduction and some context were in order. This solo episode shares with listeners who Susannah is, what the purpose of this podcast is, and most importantly, the "why" behind the podcast and the entire concept of the 5 to 8 shift.

If you're a parent - in any season - this is a great place to start. We hope you leave feeling encouraged. 

We're rooting for you in your own 5 to 8 shift - it's your most important shift of the day.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Daring Greatly, Brene Brown

Camden Yards

Connect with Us!

Connect with Susannah: Instagram

The 5 to 8 Shift Podcast Community on Facebook

The 5 to 8 Shift Website

The 5 to 8 Shift Instagram

Music: Bensound.com

Welcome! Here's what you can expect on Season 1 of The 5 to 8 Shift with Susannah McMonagle. New episodes are released on the 7th, 17th, and 27th of every month.