The Commons with Karla

Did you know that May is Foster Care Awareness Month? 

You may recognize today’s guest, Nikki, from episode 78 of the podcast. In this episode, we get to catch up with Nikki to see how she is doing. She also educates us on what foster care is, a little bit about the foster care system, and some of her own personal experiences as a foster parent. Also, we are so excited to announce the release of Nikki’s book: Help! I’m a Foster Parent. As Nikki mentions in this episode, there is such a need in our communities for fostering. If you are interested in Fostering, I hope this episode encourages you to take the steps to get more information. However, even if you aren’t feeling called to Foster; I hope this episode will inspire you to help support a local foster family. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Catching up with Nikki 

●       The Release of Nikki’s Book: Help! I’m a Foster Parent

●       The Foster System 

●       How become a foster parent 

●       Foster Awareness Month 

●       Nikki’s book writing process 

●       Foster the City 

●       What Nikki is looking forward to

Find more on Guest:

●       Nikki’s Book on Amazon

●       Episode 10 with Jessica 

●       Episode 43 with Kate 

●       Episode 78 with Nikki

●       Episode 112 with Lisa 

●       Foster the City 

●       Nikki’s Website

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Coaching with Karla schedule free 30 minute call

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Are you a chronic comfort seeker?

Today’s guest, Lisa, describes her early years as being comfortable. Things seemed to go exactly how they were supposed to, and it always felt “easy”. However, Lisa was forced into the uncomfortable when she faced a life threatening illness post pregnancy with her daughter that ended in an unwanted hysterectomy. This pivotal moment shifted Lisa into starting to feel more comfortable with the uncomfortable. This led Lisa and her husband into becoming foster parents. Now, Lisa takes children who are living in the uncomfortable and brings comfort and peace to their lives. I hope Lisa’s story encourages you to step out of your comfort zone, and step into God’s calling on your life. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Lisa’s early life 

●       Seeking comfort 

●       Fighting for her life post-pregnancy 

●       Lisa’s community surrounding her 

●       Life as foster parents

●       Fostering leading to adoption

●       Living life outside of your comfort zone

●       Ways to impact the foster care system 

Find more on Guest:

●       Hope Bridge Website

●       Lisa on IG @Lisa_messintoamessage 

●       Hope Bridge Ohio on IG @hopebridgeohio

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Free 10 Day Connection Challenge

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations.

Have you ever stopped in the middle of a decision, and paid attention to how it feels in your body? 

This practice is one way of listening to your intuition. Our guest today, Jules, dives deep with us into how you can listen to your body and follow your intuition when you are faced with a decision. Jules is a beautiful and genuine woman living her best life as a wife, mom, friend, and human. Jules finds her work coaching creatives fulfilling. She also finds having fun with her husband and two littles incredibly enjoyable and rewarding. I hope this episode encourages you to tap into your intuition and trust what your body is trying to tell you. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Growing up in Alaska 

●       Playing the Harry Potter Video Game with her husband

●       The shift in your life during pregnancy and motherhood 

●       Jules’s community

●       What is intuition? 

●       Making time for yourself in motherhood

●       What stops people from connecting

●       What Jules is looking forward to 

Find more on Guest:

●       Business IG @julesbradford and website julesbradford.com

●       Personal IG @juliannebradford

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

 Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories atMemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Today I am in conversation with Nicole. Nicole is a determined wife, mother, and servant of God. A self-described serial entrepreneur, today we dive into Nicole’s story and how God has led her to creating a community and resources for women experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss. She demonstrates purpose beyond motherhood with her heart and work with Twelve 12 ministries and as a podcast host. Nicole has taken the hardships she has been dealt, and has used them to encourage, inspire, and lead other women to Jesus. I hope this episode lets you know that you are not alone, even when you feel lonely. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Nicole’s early life 

●       Nicole’s heart for God and women who struggle with infertility

●       Nicole’s podcast- Purpose Beyond Motherhood

●       Life after going on tour as a background dancer for Justin Timberlake

●       A waiting season of pregnancy

●       Diagnosis of endometriosis 

●       Dealing with pregnancy loss 

●       Romans 12:12

Find more on Guest:

●       On IG @twelve12ministries

●       Twelve 12 Website

●       Refined 

●       Hope Stories 

●       Get Involved

●       Podcast 

●       Butterfly Box 

●       Shop 

●       Church Partnerships

Find More on The Commons with Karla: 

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Today’s guest, Whittni Adkins, is a wonderful and empathetic woman with a full life. As you listen to her story you will hear about Whittni’s many roles and how she navigates them day to day. Whittni shares her past and present story including the pivotal moments and the community that have shaped her.  Whittni is a dynamic, resilient, and talented human who values community. Get ready to be inspired by Whittni as we talk about pursuing and making an impact in your community. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       A day in the life of Whittni 

●       Whittni’s background story

●       Playing many different roles

●       What Whittni loves about teaching and what is frustrating

●       Growing up with close family

●       Being very involved in sports 

●       Pivotal moments in Whittni’s life 

●       Using your pain for purpose 

●       The challenge of connecting during busy seasons 

Find more on Guest:

●       Whittni on Instagram @_whittni

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

“No one ever prepares you for this.” 

Today’s guest, Leanna Bogetti, shares with us today how no one can really prepare you for some of the toughest obstacles life can throw at you. Leanna is a part of what is known as the “sandwich” generation. This means that she is currently raising her own young twin boys while simultaneously caring for her beloved mother who has been diagnosed with cancer. Every day looks different for her, but she is loving life and leaning into being intentional with her kiddos regardless of the really painful days. Leanna is a beautiful image of strength. I hope this episode encourages you to continue to push through - even on the really hard days. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Leanna’s background story 

●       A day in the life of Leanna 

●       Leanna’s mom’s diagnosis

●       A favorite memory of Leanna’s

●       Portuguese culture

●       Sandwich generation

●       How Leanna prioritizes her schedule 

●       Making special memories with her sons

●       Anticipatory grief

●       What Leanna is reading 

●       Advice for a stay at home mom 

Find more on Guest:

●       Leanna on IG @leleandherboys

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

What if you could turn your pain into your passion?

Today’s guest, Staci Alonso, is the perfect example of using your hardships to fulfill God’s plan for your life.  Unfortunately, Staci had to navigate the sudden loss of her son’s father while she was still pregnant. Through this tremendous loss, her two dogs are one of the main things that helped her get through. As a Shade Tree Shelter board member Staci learned that women and children who were staying in domestic violence shelters often had to part with their animals. She knew something needed to be done. She knew these women needed the support from their fur babies, the same way she once did. Staci took the leap and opened Noah’s Animal House- a full-service animal boarding facility on the grounds of the largest women & children’s shelter in Nevada, later opening a second location, and creating startup support for other states.

I hope this episode encourages you to hold on to hope while you are in the midst of struggle. Your pain might just be leading you to your purpose. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      Staci’s background story  

●      Working in the Casino Industry 

●      Niko Moon talking about song Without Saying a Word

●      Noah’s Animal House 

●      On Fire book by John O’Leary

●      The loss of her son’s father 

●      Purpose Driven Life book by Rick Warren

●      The struggle of saying no 

●      The challenges of running a small business 

●      Imposter Syndrome 

●      Forever student mindset

●      What Staci is reading now 

Find more on Guest:

●      Noah’s Animal House Website and IG @noahanimalhouse

●      Bone-ito Website and IG @boneito

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers? 

Lori Valentine is a prayer warrior, a perfect example of following God’s will for her life through dedicated prayer and patience. You may be surprised by what that looks like daily and over the course of her life. Currently, Lori is in a waiting season as she uprooted her life to move closer with family.  Lori is here to tell her story about faith, family, and the power of prayer. I hope this episode encourages you to pray to God for guidance, and have the patience to hear His answer. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      Lori’s childhood and background story 

●      Moving with her daughter Natalie and family 

●      Lori’s faith 

●      Interceding with prayer

●      Know your weaknesses

●      Start small

●      Lori’s relationship with her best friend 

●      What Lori is looking forward to 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories at MemoryLaneChats.com.  Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

Have you ever felt misunderstood? 

Today’s guest, Kate, is a perfect example of blazing your own path in a world that often feels cookie cutter or one size fits all. From a young age, Kate noticed that she was different from other people in the fact that she feels so deeply, and longs for intentional connection with people around her. Instead of shying away from traits that made her unique, Kate leaned into self-awareness and acceptance through her journey of counseling and communication. Kate’s longing for connection only grew stronger as she got older, although  as she progressed through school and finding her  career she still seemed to feel that something was missing. She recognized that the “shoulds” that she had been following, were not fulfilling her desire to live a full and connected life. Kate moved to the Dominican Republic and fell in love with the culture, and the connection of the local people who live there. She started her own business helping introduce other people to that same true connection, gratefulness, and happiness. I hope this episode encourages you to step off of the beaten path and follow your dreams. 

Episode Highlights: 

 ●       All about Kate 

●       Kate’s love for connection

●       Dealing with her parent's divorce 

●       The benefits of counseling 

●       Kate’s education

●       Moving to the Dominican Republic

●       Room to Roam 

 
Find more on Guest:

●       Room to Roam Website

●       Room to Roam Instagram 

Find More on The Commons with Karla: 

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memory Lane Chats is the best way to record the story of your family. Knowing the story we were born into and understanding the people who came before us is powerful, beautiful, and healing. Invite your loved one to tell their stories atMemoryLaneChats.com. Stories matter and Memory Lane Chats wants to help you tell yours to future generations. 

This week we are replaying my conversation with Katie from April of last year. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. We will be back next week in conversation with a new guest.

If you listened to episode 55 of the podcast, you heard Lisa, Katie’s mom, and I talk about adventures. Now, I am privileged to meet and speak with Katie for the first time. Katie values relationships with her friends and family, and loves to partake in deep conversations. As a psychiatrist, Katie works with patients who have severe mental health issues. She is skilled at skipping the small talk, and engaging in deep conversations with people in a short amount of time. Some pivotal moments from her childhood allow Katie to compartmentalize her emotions which is helpful in her work. Katie takes action to care for mental health, as well, doing things that restore her so she can show up fully for her patients. If you want to skip the small talk, and are craving deeper conversations, I hope this episode encourages you. 

Katie’s Story:

●     Being a wife and dog mama 

●     Moving and establishing a new life in Tucson, AZ

●     Working in Psychiatric care 

●     How Katie incorporates self care 

●     Katie’s allergy to red dye 40

Going Deep:

●     Learning to take care of yourself during busy seasons

●     Mental health issues 

●     Pivotal moments in Katie’s life 

●     Storytelling as a form of connection

Learning:

●     Want deeper connection? 

• Be willing to be vulnerable first
• Give each other permission to skip the small talk 
• Be intentional about when and where you start deep conversations
• Be a good storyteller AND a good listener

Final Questions:

●     What are you reading? People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

●     What are you watching? The Harry Potter series

●     What are you loving? The wild flowers in bloom 

●     What would you do with an unexpected four hours? Jackie Lennox Chip Shop

●     What is your superpower? Being able to look at creative solutions

●     What are you looking forward to? Hiking/walking and a day off

Connect:

●     Karla on IG @karla_osorno

●     10 Day Connection Challenge 

●     Coaching with Karla - free consult or jump in 

 
Thanks to our Sponsor:

Memories fade. We lose people in our lives. We go our whole lives without asking our loved ones to tell their precious stories.  We miss hearing the laughter in their voices and laughing at humorous comments and inside jokes. There is another option. Let Memory Lane Chats help you capture these voices and stories. Each package gives you a 30, 60, or 90 minute audio recording of an interview style conversation with the person you love. Get more information and order yours today at MemoryLaneChats.com.