My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Jaya Jankert. Jaya is a Swedish-Indian adoptee from Stockholm and a proud mother of two; she is a Spiritual Mentor and founder of Empowered by Jaya.

As the host of Soul Conversation and an international bestselling author, Jaya empowers people to connect with their true selves, balance divine feminine and masculine energies, and foster 10/10 relationships.

She helps clients enhance intimacy, communication, and self-connection through soul styling. Jaya's work is a holistic journey, guiding individuals to build relationships filled with love, truth, and soulful energy, free from judgment and attachment.

There is a lot of focus on abandonment wounds.

Abandonment Wounds - Recognizing and Healing Deep-Seated Fears

Abandonment wounds often stem from early experiences of feeling unloved, rejected, or emotionally neglected, which can deeply affect relationships and self-perception.

These wounds may create patterns of fear and insecurity, making it difficult to trust others or feel worthy of love. Addressing these wounds starts with recognizing the underlying beliefs that have formed, such as the fear of being left behind or feeling unlovable.

Healing involves nurturing self-compassion, understanding the origins of these fears, and learning to form secure, trusting connections with others over time.

Engaging in mindfulness, therapy, or spiritual work can help release past pain and foster a sense of inner stability, allowing for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

You can connect with Jaya on Instragram at @jayajankert and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jaya.jankert/. 

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will chat with a guest who is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in therapy for children and families, focusing on neurodivergence and trauma. 

As an author and blogger, she provides neuroscience-based insights to help parents understand and support their children’s development. 

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com.

You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now. 

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Dr. Lisa Petty. Dr. Petty is a neo-Shamanic energy practitioner, wellbeing expert, and intuitive mentor dedicated to empowering purpose-driven women.

With a doctorate in Social and Cultural Health, her research sheds light on the societal pressures that hinder women’s wellbeing, particularly the expectation to “do it all.”

This insight fuels her work in guiding women to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace their unique purpose.

A seasoned speaker and award-winning author, Lisa shares her expertise through her podcast, Wisdom Becomes Her, media appearances, and coaching, inspiring women to embody the Divine Feminine and contribute to a healthier world for future generations.  

The Double Burden: Navigating Work and Home Responsibilities as Modern Women

Despite their professional commitments, women often face intense expectations to manage family and home responsibilities, driven by traditional roles that still define "women's work" as a domestic domain.

This imbalance persists even as high living costs make dual-income households essential, compelling many women to work outside the home as well.

The pressure to balance both domains creates immense stress, often leaving little room for self-care or personal growth.

Shifting these outdated norms requires an intentional partnership approach, promoting shared household responsibilities so women can also pursue their careers and aspirations without compromising their wellbeing.

Connect with Dr. Petty via her website, https://www.lisapetty.com; IG, https://www.instagram.com/drlisapetty/; and FB Dr Lisa Petty - Soul Gardening.

Next week, I will chat with a guest who is a spiritual mentor and bestselling author who empowers people globally to embrace their divine feminine and masculine energies, helping them create deeply loving, balanced relationships in all areas of life. 

Through her work, she guides others to connect authentically, free from expectations and judgments, to achieve fulfilling relationships and soul alignment. 

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Sam Leeson. Sam is a parent of two grown sons who discovered her passion for supporting aspiring parents after her eldest child’s birth.

For over 25 years, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals and couples start or expand their families through education, coaching, and physical support. As the founder of babyREADY, she has guided thousands on their parenting journeys.

With experience attending births and educating Queer clients, Sam has shared her insights on CBC Radio and in major publications. Her engaging approach and informative podcast instill confidence in her clients, helping 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals find answers to questions they didn’t know they had.

Queer Parenting - Redefining Family with Love and Inclusivity

Queer parenting celebrates diverse families and embraces love, resilience, and inclusivity. Queer parents navigate unique challenges, often educating themselves and others about acceptance, identity, and equality.

They build support networks, foster open communication, and model authenticity to raise compassionate, self-aware children. Many queer parents also advocate for broader social change, challenging stereotypes about traditional family roles and working to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ families within schools, communities, and society.

Ultimately, queer parenting centers on the same values as any parenting journey: nurturing children in a safe, supportive, and loving environment where they can flourish as themselves.

You can follow Sam on her website, https://www.babyready.info/, Instagram, @babyREADYlgbtq, TikTok, @babyREADYlgbtq and LinkedIn, http://linkedin.com/in/sam-leeson-babyready.

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a neo-Shamanic energy practitioner and well-being expert who helps purpose-driven women release societal pressures to "do it all" and reconnect with their Divine Feminine. 

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. 

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show today is Kathryne Savage Imabayashi. Kathryne has spent her career transforming the lives of children, parents, and educators globally.

She has significantly impacted roles ranging from an elementary teacher in Canada to leadership positions in Georgia, Qatar, and Tokyo. Her work spans classrooms and administrative positions across Japan, Lebanon, Thailand, and Hiroshima.

Passionate about supporting boys' unique needs, Kathryne offers workshops, presentations, and coaching to challenge stereotypes about masculinity. She founded Sonhood Coaching and an international preschool in Japan, holding multiple degrees and licenses.

Now based in Japan, Kathryne continues to advocate for a more empathetic and understanding world for boys.

Breaking the Stereotypes About Boys
Stereotypes surrounding boys often create harmful expectations that limit their emotional expression and personal growth. Boys are frequently taught to suppress vulnerability and prioritize toughness, which can stifle their ability to communicate feelings or ask for help.

Breaking these stereotypes is essential for fostering a healthier, more empathetic generation. By encouraging boys to embrace a wider range of emotions, talents, and interests, we create space for them to grow into well-rounded individuals.

Challenging outdated norms not only benefits boys but also promotes a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone can thrive beyond rigid gender expectations.You can connect with Kathryne through her website, https://www.sonhoodcoaching.com/, and on LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryne-imabayashi.

You can also connect with her on Instagram, @sonhoodcoaching, Facebook, and YouTube.

Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a veteran parenting educator and coach who has dedicated over 25 years to supporting aspiring parents, especially within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at @anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com.

Don’t forget to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now.   

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Michelle Blais. Michelle is an experienced elementary school teacher with a background in psychology, has spent over 17 years guiding children in grades 1-5.

Her mission is to build confidence and resilience in kids by promoting a growth mindset, using techniques she’s applied to her own life as a "recovering perfectionist." Michelle now focuses on teaching parents these strategies, believing they are key to nurturing lasting mindset changes in their children.

The Harsh Realities of Perfectionism
Perfectionism can negatively impact both children and parents. For children, striving for perfection often arises from a fear of failure or of disappointing others, particularly when they perceive high expectations from their parents.

This can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and a fear of making mistakes, causing them to avoid challenges and stifling their growth and creativity.
Parents, meanwhile, may feel pressure to raise "perfect" children, linking their child’s success to their own worth. This often results in setting unrealistic standards for themselves and their kids, leading to stress, guilt, and strained relationships.

Over-controlling behaviors can emerge, creating an environment where children feel emotionally restricted. Fostering open communication and prioritizing effort over perfection can help break this harmful cycle.
Encouraging effort over perfection, celebrating mistakes as learning opportunities, and fostering open communication can help break the cycle and create a healthier, more supportive environment for children and parents alike. 

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. Follow The Expressive Mom Show. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now. 

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Art Clark. In 2020, after months of severe symptoms, Art was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and stage 3b kidney failure, close to stage 4.

Weighing 262 lbs with 45% body fat and other chronic health issues, doctors told him that while type 2 diabetes could sometimes be reversed, kidney disease at his stage could not.

Refusing to accept this, Art immersed himself in nutrition, healthier foods, and light exercise, eventually competing in his first CrossFit competition at age 60.

After 8 months, Art lost 60 lbs, dropped his body fat to 18%, reversed his diabetes, and fully healed his kidneys. This transformation inspired him to become a certified health and wellness coach in 2021.

We have a candid discussion about the concerns regarding the Fat Acceptance Movement.

Why the Fat Acceptance Movement Is Concerning

The Fat Acceptance Movement raises important conversations about body positivity and self-love but also sparks concerns. While empowering, you might wonder if this movement unintentionally promotes unhealthy lifestyles.

It’s natural to feel conflicted, as you want to support body diversity and recognize the potential health risks of obesity. The challenge lies in balancing embracing all body types and encouraging well-being.

It’s important to celebrate self-acceptance while fostering a healthy lifestyle that promotes physical and mental well-being, ensuring you feel your best both inside and out.

You can connect with Art Clark on his website at https://www.healthcoachart.com/. He offers a free 45- to 60-minute coaching session by phone or video chat as you can arrange that here.

Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is an experienced elementary teacher with a background in psychology who empowers children to develop a growth mindset. A “recovering perfectionist,” she now helps parents foster lasting mindset changes in their children through proven strategies and techniques.

In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com.

You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Be sure to follow The Expressive Mom Show as well. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now. 

Today, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show is Ellie Laks. She is a renowned animal rescuer, healer, and caregiver dedicated to saving and rehabilitating needy animals.

Ellie has developed her "Gentle Healing" method, which combines animal communication, energy healing, and other holistic approaches to heal animals others have given up on. 

Through her work at the Gentle Barn, a nonprofit organization she founded, Ellie has rescued and cared for various farm animals, including horses, cows, pigs, and more.

As an animal advocate, Ellie has encountered the challenge of compassion fatigue, which she describes as a deeper form of burnout that can lead to a desire to quit and walk away from important work.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of this issue, Ellie has developed a "toolbox" of strategies to help herself and others recover from compassion fatigue.

Ellie's expertise and dedication have earned her widespread recognition, with appearances on influential media outlets such as The Ellen Show, People Magazine, and The Huffington Post.

Her mission is to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and inspire compassion within the hearts of humanity. She is also the author of her new book, Cow Hug Therapy. 

Through her holistic approach to animal healing and her efforts to address compassion fatigue, Ellie has become a leading figure in the animal welfare community.

She is committed to making a lasting impact and creating a more compassionate world for all living beings.

What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue, often referred to as secondary trauma or vicarious trauma, is a state of emotional and physical exhaustion that arises from continuous exposure to the suffering of others.

It is especially prevalent among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those in helping professions who dedicate themselves to supporting individuals in crisis or distress.

Symptoms may include emotional numbness, decreased empathy, irritability, and feelings of helplessness or isolation.
Unlike burnout, which stems from overwhelming workload and stress, compassion fatigue is tied explicitly to the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and suffering.

As caregivers invest deeply in the well-being of others, they may neglect their own emotional needs, depleting their capacity to care.

This can create a cycle of disengagement, reducing their effectiveness in their roles and impacting their overall mental health.
Recognizing compassion fatigue is the first step toward healing. Self-care practices, such as setting boundaries, seeking peer support, and engaging in mindfulness activities, can help restore emotional balance.

Fostering a culture of compassion for oneself and others is essential in mitigating the effects of compassion fatigue and maintaining the resilience of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

You can connect with Ellie on her website: https://ellielaks.com/. You can also follow her on Instagram, @ellielaks, and Facebook. You can also check out her book, Cow Hug Therapy, on Amazon. 

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a health coach, and we will cover a lot of the issues regarding the fat acceptance movement.

While it is essential to love and accept your body, there are concerns about this movement. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com.

Also, follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week, and ciao for now. 

My guest today on The Expressive Mom Show is Gina Kunadian, a devoted wife, mother, certified massage therapist, TEDx speaker, and alcohol-free sobriety coach dedicated to helping women break free from alcohol dependency. 

Through her podcast Shine Within, she offers inspiration, motivation, and guidance, empowering her listeners to gain confidence, clarity, and renewed vitality.

Having overcome her battle with alcoholism, Gina is passionate about helping others on their journey to sobriety. 

Her unique Transformation SHINE Process provides compassionate support, leading women through recovery and self-discovery so they can embrace their fullest potential and live with purpose.
Impact of Addictions, Especially Alcoholism, on Parenting

Alcoholism can severely affect parenting, leading to emotional and behavioral challenges for both parents and children.

It impairs a parent’s ability to be present and responsible, creating instability within the family. Children often feel neglected, confused, and insecure due to unpredictable behavior and mood swings, fostering anxiety and low self-esteem.

Alcoholism also hinders decision-making, leading to inconsistent discipline and poor role modeling, which negatively impacts a child’s emotional development.

Over time, this can create a cycle of dysfunction. Addressing addiction helps parents build healthier environments, promoting emotional security and resilience in their children.

You can connect with Gina through her site, https://www.ginakunadian.com/.

Here is a gift for her listeners: 6-Step Blueprint To An Alcohol-Free Life, her FB group: Awakened Souls: Women Embracing Sobriety & Spiritual Wholeness, and her podcast, Shine Within w/ Gina Kunadian

And here are her social media links: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Now you have it, and that is a wrap. Next week, I will be chatting with a guest who is a renowned animal rescuer, healer, and caregiver who has dedicated her life to saving and rehabilitating animals in need.

And the main topic of conversation will be about compassion fatigue. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com.

You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Follow The Expressive Mom Show Podcast! In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now. 

My guest on The Expressive Mom Show today is Desiree Wolfe, the powerhouse behind the Slightly Unfiltered brand, where confidence meets a bold dose of caffeine. Balancing multiple roles and careers, Desiree excels in the vibrant Las Vegas scene as a working mother with 16 years of parenting experience.

As an accomplished event professional, podcast host, and guest speaker, she brings knowledge and insight to every endeavor. Driven by a deep curiosity about happiness, optimism, and the pursuit of enduring joy, Desiree’s approach is marked by her signature unfiltered and candid wit, making her a sought-after voice in her field.

Today's discussion is about overcoming people-pleasing, and she talks about being a workaholic, too. 

What It Means to Overcome People-Pleasing and Workaholism

Overcoming people-pleasing and workaholism often go hand in hand because both behaviors stem from a deep-seated need for external validation and approval. People-pleasers are driven by a desire to be liked, usually sacrificing their own needs to keep others happy.

At the same time, workaholics are fueled by the belief that constant productivity equates to self-worth. These traits can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and a lack of personal fulfillment, as every action becomes a performance to meet others’ expectations or prove oneself through relentless work.

To break free from this cycle, it's essential to cultivate self-awareness and redefine success on your terms. This involves setting boundaries, saying no without guilt, and prioritizing your well-being over the relentless pursuit of approval.

Learning your worth is inherent, not earned through overworking or constant appeasement.

Finding balance requires embracing rest, hobbies, and personal time, recognizing that you are enough without overextending yourself for others or achieving nonstop. 

By focusing on self-compassion, authenticity, and mindful choices, you can create a life that honors your true self, fostering healthier relationships, a more sustainable work-life balance, and a deeper sense of inner peace and self-respect.

You can check out Desiree at https://slightlyunfiltered.com.
Next week, I will talk to a guest who shares her story about overcoming alcoholism during motherhood. In the meantime, follow The Expressive Mom Show on IG: @anexpressivemom and the website https://expressivemom.com. 

Today, Dr. Rowena Winkler, my guest on The Expressive Mom Show, will discuss something weighty that requires much awareness.

Rowena is a Filipino American community theater performer, content creator, and career coach based in Maryland, USA.

She has spoken on various podcasts, sharing her experiences as an astrologer, healer, and mother, and gave a TEDx talk in April 2022. In August 2023, Rowena suffered from postpartum psychosis after giving birth to her son, Robbie.

She has since made it her mission to talk openly about her experience to help raise awareness and help survivors feel less alone.

Postpartum Psychosis Is a Complication that Can Happen to Mothers After Birth

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental health condition that can occur after childbirth, usually within the first two weeks. It involves symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, extreme mood swings, confusion, and disorganized thinking.

This condition requires urgent medical attention as it poses significant risks to both the mother and baby. Unlike postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that often necessitates hospitalization.

With prompt treatment, including medication and therapy, recovery is possible. Early intervention is crucial for the mother's and her family's safety and well-being.

Thank you to Dr. Rowena Winkler for sharing her story.

So many of us will be able to relate to this one. In the meantime, head over to the Expressive Mom website at https://expressivemom.com, on Instagram at anexpressivemom, and on Substack, https://expressivemom.substack.com. You can also find me at medium.com at msmir.medium.com. Be sure to follow The Expressive Mom Show. In the meantime, chat next week and ciao for now.