Send us a text

Memorial Day is specifically for honoring military personnel who died in service to the country, not to be confused with Veterans Day which honors all who have served. I share my personal experience as a military widow and why the common phrase "Happy Memorial Day" is deeply painful for those who have lost loved ones in service.

• Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May and is a day to mourn and honor deceased service members
• Many people incorrectly conflate Memorial Day with Veterans Day (in November)
• The confusion between these holidays can be harmful to Gold Star families who are grieving
• Now approaching my 17th Memorial Day since losing my husband
• Self-care strategies for managing grief during triggering holidays include allowing yourself to feel emotions
• Practical self-care can include simple productivity, maintaining hygiene, and seeking professional support
• Consider reaching out with a simple message to Gold Star families, understanding they may not respond

If you have not already, please make sure you are following us on IG and YouTube at thegagispot, and remember to hit that plus sign on your streaming platform so you're notified when new episodes drop every Friday.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

Charlie shares a heartfelt and unfiltered Mother's Day episode after her son's brief attempt to take over leaves her scrambling to create content. She opens up about her 25 years of motherhood, the joys and challenges of raising children, and why she wouldn't trade the experience for anything in the world.

• Original plan for son to host the Mother's Day episode fell through when he only recorded a few minutes
• Being a mother for 25 years with a significant age gap between her children
• Balancing life as a single mother with no co-parenting support
• Days that start at 5am and end at 8pm with work, swim practice, and other responsibilities
• Teaching old-school values like ironing clothes and changing out of school clothes
• Importance of self-care and taking time to recharge as a mother
• Mother's Day isn't about gifts but giving moms time to rest and be themselves

Follow us on Instagram @thegagispod and YouTube. Email us at [email protected] for any business inquiries.

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

Life is a cyclical journey of growth, discomfort, and returning to basics. When overwhelm strikes, reconnecting with fundamental self-care practices can restore balance and prepare us for the next phase of personal evolution.

• Discomfort often signals upcoming growth and transformation
• Getting back to basics helps rebuild a solid foundation when life feels unsteady
• Small daily practices like morning walks and stretching can significantly boost energy levels
• Trust your intuition when it warns you about upcoming challenges
• Storms aren't meant to break you, but to strengthen and teach you
• Self-care becomes essential during turbulent times
• Remember what's constant: health, family, and basic necessities

Please follow us on Instagram @thegagispod and subscribe on YouTube. If you'd like to collaborate or send products for review, email [email protected].

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

Easter traditions create a stark contrast between childhood memories and adult responsibilities, highlighting the evolution of holiday celebrations within Baptist church communities.

• Childhood Easter fashion included pageant-like dresses, frilly socks, patent leather shoes, and hair styled with beads and Blue Magic grease
• Easter speeches required weeks of preparation and practice for children to perform in front of the congregation
• Community Easter egg hunts featured age-specific areas and special prizes for finding golden eggs
• Adult Easter brings uncertainty about cooking plans and holiday responsibilities without the structured church activities
• Modern Easter baskets have evolved from simple candy containers to elaborate gift packages rivaling Christmas presents
• Churches experience dramatic attendance increases on Easter Sunday compared to regular services
• This year's Easter coincidentally falls on April 20th (4/20), creating an interesting cultural juxtaposition

If you have not already, please make sure you are following us at thegagispod on Instagram and YouTube. If you're interested in being a guest with an amazing topic or want to collaborate or have a product for review, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

A conversation around the necessity of balancing sports with rest reveals vital insights into maintaining young athletes' health. Discover effective strategies for supporting children and respecting their limits while fostering a love for athletics.

• Importance of regular rest breaks for kids involved in sports 
• Impact of over-scheduling on children's wellbeing 
• Dynamic of parent support versus pressure in youth sports 
• Strategies for integrating recovery practices into athletic routines 
• Emphasizing communication and encouragement over criticism 
• Fostering a positive environment in competitive sports settings 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

Expectations placed on children have evolved, but the impact of perfectionism often harms their mental health and social skills. This episode prompts parents to reconsider how they nurture their child's development, aiming for balance and communication rather than rigid standards. 
• Addressing the pressure for perfection in children 
• Exploring cultural expectations and their influence on parenting 
• The importance of letting kids have downtime and social interactions 
• Rethinking perfect attendance and its relevance in children's lives 
• Encouragement for parents to communicate openly with their children 
• Discussing the physical and mental burden of over-scheduling children 
• Real-life stories illustrating the consequences of excessive pressure

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

This episode humorously explores the absurdities of modern dating on International Loveless Day, as Charli and her best friend Suzanne share their wild and cringe-worthy dating tales. The conversation delves into understanding love's many expressions beyond romantic norms, emphasizing friendship and the power of laughter in navigating life's romantic disasters.

• Examining the pitfalls of modern dating 
• Sharing awkward and hilarious dating experiences 
• Highlighting the importance of self-love and friendship 
• Celebrating Galentine’s Day as an alternative to Valentine’s 
• Discussing societal pressures surrounding love and romance 
• Reflecting on red flags during dates 
• Encouraging laughter as a coping mechanism in the face of dating failure

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

This episode explores the journey of grief and healing following the 18-year anniversary of the host's husband's passing. It delves into the complexities of experiencing joy alongside sorrow, the relevance of therapeutic support, the ethics of monetizing grief, and the personal growth that emerges from loss. 

• Acknowledging the anniversary of loss while pursuing happiness
• Understanding that two contradictory emotions can coexist 
• The role of therapy in managing grief 
• Reflections on online grief communities and their impact 
• Discussing the ethics of "grief for pay" 
• Personal anecdotes of growing up as a widow 
• The emotional process of decluttering memories 
• Preparing for future relationships and healing

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

This episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of muscle groups and the significance of setting realistic fitness goals while navigating nutrition. It addresses the dangers of fad diets, discusses the importance of flexible, personalized nutrition, and advocates for a grounded approach to supplements and fitness.

• The relationship between hamstrings and glutes for muscle development 
• Strategies for setting and resetting fitness goals after setbacks 
• The importance of individualized nutrition over generalized elimination diets 
• Understanding that you cannot starve your body to lose weight 
• The necessity of maintaining a healthy balance of fat and protein in diets 
• Recommendations for basic supplements like protein and creatine

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]

Send us a text

Bonnie Maxon Lee shares her extraordinary journey from professional wrestling to fitness excellence, emphasizing the importance of accountability and self-advocacy in health. The discussion covers the pitfalls of fad diets, the impact of fitness influencers, and practical strategies for sustainable well-being.

• Importance of having a coach for accountability 
• Avoiding fad diets and focusing on sustainability 
• Bonnie’s car accident and its impact on her fitness journey 
• Empowering oneself through self-advocacy in recovery 
• Addressing misconceptions surrounding fitness influencers 
• Strategies for building a healthy and balanced lifestyle

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram!
@thegagispod

Email:
[email protected]