The Commons with Karla

We all know a person who is a “helper.”

The one who is willing to drop all their wants and needs to take care of everyone else around them. Maybe YOU are the helper. Oftentimes these people are the ones who do not make time to help themselves by participating in self-care. In this episode, I am speaking with Kristen, who was introduced to me by a mutual friend. Kristen and her husband have set out on a mission to help those who take care of themselves and love themselves the way that they so graciously do for others. Kristen talks with us about letting go of unrealistic expectations and learning how to “pause”.

This episode is full of great conversation, with a lot of practical advice for those who are also struggling with providing themselves with self-care. Listen to find out more about Kristen and her mission.

Episode Highlights:  

• Kristen’s story
• Helping the helper
• Unrealistic Expectations
• Pausing

Connect with Kristen:

• Enjoy Kristen’s blog at https://plantedandflourishing.com/
• Kristen’s podcast is on Apple Podcasts at Planted and Flourishing
• Friend Kristen on Facebook @Planted and Flourishing
• Follow Kristen on Instagram @plant.flourish
• Stay in touch with Steven Andrus directly at [email protected] for information on upcoming soul care programs mentioned.

Find more on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 20% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free here at Subscribe
• Find classes and book lists at Learn
• Book a free coaching session with Karla at Coaching
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Are you someone who has family living close by, ready to help at the drop of a hat? Or are you someone with family miles away?

Today we are talking with my friend, Salena, who is blessed to have family nearby. She shares with us how having her family so close throughout her life has been such a blessing. Having family so close was especially important when tragedy hit with the loss of a loved one as well as the loss of her marriage. Having that support system during life’s pivotal moments is so important. Whether you have family nearby or not, it is important to have that community to lean on when times are tough and to celebrate with during life’s wins. We hope that you can find a little piece of that community here at The Commons.

Things We Discussed In The Episode/Episode Highlights:  

• Salena’s story
• Togetherness with family
• Leaning on family during tragedy
• Different friendship through the seasons of life
• Gratitude for broken roads, obstacles, and getting stronger

Find more on Salena:

• Connect with Salena on Facebook and Instagram
• Salena’s Arbonne health and wellness website

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 20% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing at TheCommonsWithKarla.com/#subscribe
• Find classes and book lists at thecommonswithkarla.com/learn
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Have you found yourself in seasons of uncertainty and inconsistency, yet longing to be deeply rooted?

Kellie Gimenez is a mom of three and as a Major League Baseball (MLB) wife, finding roots in seasons of uncertainty was surely something she became an expert at. As you will learn, Kellie quickly found her primary job as a MLB wife was to move their family wherever the league needed. As you can imagine, finding lasting friendships and a rich community during that time was certainly a challenge.

Through her journey, Kellie found different ways to find connection both virtually and in person. Her outlook on the importance of friendships and mindset on pursuing them even if you know they won’t last is beautiful and encouraging. We know it will resonate and encourage many of you.

Thank you for joining us this week at The Commons with Karla.

Episode Highlights:

• A little on Kellie’s background.
• How to navigate sudden season changes and adjustments with family.
• The importance of connecting with your spouse even in busy seasons.
• Kellie’s journey as a MLB wife.
• The value of “come as you are” friendships.

Find more on Kellie:

• Connect with Kellie on Facebook and Instagram
• Check out her fitness clothing line on IG: @fit36clothingco

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 20% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing at thecommonswithkarla.com/#subscribe
• Find classes and book lists at thecommonswithkarla.com/learn
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Have you ever felt like you had to change who you truly were in order to make others comfortable?

My friend Angel has. Angel is real, authentic, and a lovely friend who loves her well exactly as they are. Today, we are peeling back the layers of Angel’s story as she openly talks about her struggle with being vulnerable for the sake of sparing others.

Through her story, she shares how overcoming the desire to hold back actually leads to deeper connection. She also shares about the value of healthy boundaries, and how to love others right where they are. Regardless of your background or personality, my hope is that through Angel’s story, you will feel encouraged to be known for who you are and love others the same.

Episode Highlights:

• The impact that knowing who you are can have on your relationships.
• The importance of viewing friendships as a gift.
• Why being vulnerable allows others to feel they can be vulnerable too.
• A little on Angel’s story and her Italian upbringing.
• The value of healthy boundaries.
• Choosing to love others.

Find more on Angel:

• Angel is a home school director and educates her girls using the Classical Conversations
• Angel is a huge fan of her husband Logan and his creations – follow Logan on Instagram
• Book Angel recommends that helped in her early marriage The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

 Find More on The Commons with Karla: 

• Get 20% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing at www.thecommonswithkarla.com/#subscribe
• Find classes and book lists at http://www.thecommonswithkarla.com/learn
• Follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Have you ever felt like your life is constantly on the go, but completely lacking adventure?

Today I am sharing a conversation with my friend Lynsey who lives life fully and authentically. Lynsey is a mom of three and is passionate about living a life of adventure. What I love most is that she hasn’t let her kids stop her from living life to the fullest, but she has included them in this journey and used each moment as a teaching moment to mold and shape her kids.

In this episode, Lynsey shares a few fun life stories like how she found out she was having twins, how her planning allows for more adventure, why she is so passionate about travel, and her love for fitness. My hope is that you will walk away from today’s episode feeling inspired and encouraged to look for more ways to live an abundant life. Thank you for joining us at The Commons with Karla.

Episode Highlights:

• A little background on Lynsey.
• Lynsey’s story of finding out she was pregnant with twins.
• How planning allows for more adventure.
• Benefits of traveling often.
• Why looking into the lives of others and serving them is so important.
• Lynsey’s journey to fitness.

Episode Mentions:

• Mentions PFA leadership on The Commons with Karla Ep 6 conversation with Jessica
• Parenting Podcast mentioned is  Feeding the Mouth that Bites You
• Book mentioned – Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Find More on Lynsey:

• Connect with Lynsey on Facebook and Instagram

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 20% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA20
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing here
• For classes and book recommendations, visit thecommonswithkarla.com
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Lizz has been a friend since high school, and today I am so glad to share her with all of you.

Today, Lizz tells us about her life and interwoven throughout her story, you will hear her absolute love for those around her. She tells us about her close-knit community in Ohio, and shares stories about how they all rally together in times of need. She is definitely a connector and also shares about how we can connect with friends who we might not see in our everyday circles.

Lizz jokes how once you meet her, you can’t get rid of her, but speaking from personal experience she’s not one you’d ever want to let go of. I hope you find encouragement through this episode and more importantly, I hope you find the Lizz in your life! Thank you for joining us today in The Commons.

Episode Highlights:

• A little on Lizz’s story.
• The importance of rich and close communities.
• How growing roots in a community makes life more enjoyable.
• How to continue to connect with friends outside of everyday community.
• What COVID has done for our relationships.

Find More on Lizz:

• Connect with Lizz on Facebook or Instagram
• Learn more about the Gävle Goat that inspired the one build on Haymore Street
• Mentioned a few times Ridgeway Brewery Santa’s Butt Beer
• Kubb game for neighborhood fun

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 10% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA10
• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing at thecommonswithkarla.com
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

Have you ever needed an outlet, but were hesitant about embarking on a new journey alone?

Kari is an occupational therapist, wife, and mom of three who lives in Nevada. Today Kari shares with us how she began her running group, now known as 5:20. Like many of us, Kari was looking for an outlet and was hoping to get up early and run before taking on her day. The only issue was that she didn’t want to run alone in the dark.

Rather than letting the early hours or dark mornings become an excuse, Kari bravely invited a friend, and from that one invitation came an entire community that is still flourishing years later.

Kari’s story is encouraging, relatable, and full of great nuggets that you can take away whether a runner or not. Through her interview, you will find encouragement to not let fear hold you back from stepping into that call on your heart. Maybe just like Kari, you will find an entire community is brought about because of one simple ask. I hope you enjoy your time today at the Commons!

Episode Highlights:

• A little on Kari’s story.
• How Kari’s running community came about.
• Encouragement to not be afraid to invite others.
• The importance of movement.
• The importance of community.
• Connect with Kari on Facebook 

Find more on organizations and events mentioned by Kari:

• Reno-Tahoe Odyssey 178 mile running event
• Eddy House – work with homeless and at-risk youth

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get your 10 Day Connection Challenge free by subscribing at TheCommonsWithKarla.com
• Get 10% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA10
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

“Things changing are ok. Having boundaries is ok. Realizing you can’t say no to everything is ok. It’s important to ask what’s important to you.”

Corrie is not only a sweet friend, but a wife, homeschool mom, pastor’s kid, and writer for Proverbs31 Ministries.

Today Corrie shares many elements of her life such as what it was like growing up as a PK, her journey through infertility, and also how in the world she balances everything she does. If you’ve ever found yourself in a chaotic season wondering how’d you’d get it all done, you will be sure to connect to Corrie’s story.

As always, we hope you enjoy your time today at The Commons with Karla!

Things We Discussed In The Episode/Episode Highlights:

• What it was like to grow up a preacher’s child.
• The importance of navigating family dynamics and managing relationships.
• The complexities of building friendships.
• A look into the faith journey of a preacher’s kid.
• A peek into Corrie’s infertility journey.
• Corrie mentions conversation about boy moms with Nicole in Episode 3.
• How to figure out the ebbs and flows of roles in different seasons of life.
• Beauty and essential nature of friendships.

Find more on Corrie:

• Corrie’s blog Gerbatz Daily Grind
• Corrie’s recent  devotion from Proverbs 31 Ministries
• Corrie on Facebook and Instagram

  Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 10% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA10
• Subscribe to our weekly email HERE
• Find out more at thecommonswithkarla.com
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

“Everything you do has the power to make an impact on someone.”

Jessica has been a friend of mine for over twenty years, and while we have many memories together, there were still things I learned about her through today’s conversation.

Jessica is a family support services coordinator in Nevada, but that’s not the career path she was always on. Today she shares how one dinner table conversation with her then 12-year-old daughter led her to the career that she now loves and cherishes. Jessica also talks about her childhood, and her experience with her parent’s divorce and how that impacted her.

Jessica is a thoughtful friend who shares many of her life lessons and tactical tips on how to make others feel special. I hope you find connection through our conversation.

Things We Discussed In The Episode/Episode Highlights:  

• Jessica’s story and background.
• The impact Jessica’s parent’s divorce had on her life and who she is today.
• A little on Jessica’s career change after being unhappy.
• Jessica’s journey of infertility and adoption through foster care.
• The importance of having goals.
• How to stay connected and intentional with friends.

Find more on Jessica:

• Email Jessica at [email protected]
• Adoption Education and Resources at Raise the Future
• Turquoise Table Story

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 10% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA10
• Subscribe to our weekly email HERE
• Find out more at thecommonswithkarla.com
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

“When you start sharing your baggage or childhood experiences, you realize how much more you have in common than you ever realized.”

Crystal Ricciardi is an occupational therapist, health coach, mom, wife, student, and soon to be certified functional nutritionist, and I am so grateful to have her on the show today.

Crystal shares her story with us and expands on the importance that friendships and connection can have on our health. As we dive deeper, Crystal explains how our experiences from even our childhood can impact who we are today and how we hold onto stress.  She also shares what she feels are some of the most crucial elements to having deep friendships.

Be sure to check out the links below as Crystal shares about her health coaching and her newest product that she just recently released!

Things We Discussed In The Episode/Episode Highlights:

• Crystal’s story.
• The importance of adding value to your clients.
• How our relational health meshes with our physical health.
• Why things like dancing and laughing make us connect.
• The correlation between life experiences and physical ailments.
• The importance of taking care of our physical health.
• How persistence and presence play into friendship.

Find More on Crystal:

• Way to Wellness Website
• Buy your Whole Health Workbook and Journal at Amazon - https://amzn.to/3sNwRJC
• Follow Crystal on Instagram and Facebook
• Frankie & Jo’s Ice Cream online
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. at Amazon - https://amzn.to/3vgsxnU

 Find More on The Commons with Karla:

• Get 10% off your Jeanie Clip order with the code KARLA10
• Subscribe to our weekly email HERE
• Find out more at thecommonswithkarla.com
• IG: @thecommonswithkarla

 *Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.