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Time sweeps forward like an unrelenting tide, and here I am, your guide through a journey of love, loss, and the indelible marks they leave on our lives. As February unfurls its days, I find myself reflecting on the emotional milestones, sharing with you the story of my late husband, a man whose memory is etched in the very fabric of my being. I honor his legacy, revisiting intimate memories, the shared laughter of Super Bowl Sundays past, and the Valentine's Day that never came.

The fabric of grief is complex, woven with threads of sorrow, resilience, and, at times, bureaucracy—especially within the confines of military life. This episode delves into the heart-wrenching reality of losing a spouse in service to their country, the profound sorrow that follows, and the strength it takes to forge a new path in its wake. I explore the deep spiritual connection known as twin flames, recounting the visceral sense of loss that struck even before the official news arrived and how it has shaped the journey I continue to walk.

Yet, even in the darkest of times, life has a way of offering unexpected moments of levity. I'll share a surprising incident from a military funeral that brought a glimmer of humor amidst the somberness. This episode also serves as a testament to the importance of representation and the unique hurdles faced by black women in the context of trauma and loss. And for those who seek comfort in music, as I often do, I'll introduce you to a playlist that has been my solace, featuring a song that holds the memory of a dance, a promise, and a love that endures. Join me on this profoundly personal episode, where we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds that love creates.

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When the lines between love and limits blur, how do we draw the map that guides our families through the terrain of respect and personal space? Come along with me, as I share my heartfelt encounters from the frontlines of motherhood. As a teen mom transformed into a mother of boys with a decade between them, I've seen the boundaries shift under my feet. This episode is an honest narrative of my parenting evolution, a story not just of setting limits but of knowing when to redraw them.

Navigating the emotional labyrinth of family relations often means facing the Minotaur of toxicity, and I'm no stranger to the challenge. I delve into the art of declining favors from those with whom our bonds are frayed and offer a glimpse into my own struggles with distant relatives who pop up only in times of need. We'll laugh at the irony of discovering ancient bones and the dusty, forgotten branches of our family tree, and groove to the beat of "We Are Family," embracing the harmony and discord of our nearest and dearest. Join me in a conversation that celebrates the balance between holding tight and letting go, all within the embrace of family.

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Ever found yourself stretched thinner than your favorite pair of pre-shrunk jeans? That's the tightrope walk of setting boundaries for me, Charlie Shanta,  and it's something we all wrestle with from time to time. Inside this heart-to-heart, I'm stripping back the layers on why it's crucial to establish limits that keep us humming along happily. From personal anecdotes about learning to say "no" without causing a scene to the challenges of maintaining privacy in a world addicted to oversharing, I'm laying it all out there for a conversation that's as real as it gets.

Now, let's chew on the tough stuff – like those manipulative moves that can sneak into our relationships, and the juggling act of being both caring and self-preserving. I'm digging into the meat of what it means to stay true to ourselves, without ending up on an express train to Burnout City. Plus, I'm mixing in some lighter fare with tales of my kids redefining personal space and the love-hate relationship we have with self-checkouts. Trust me, it's a rollercoaster of laughs and face-palms that'll leave you nodding along.

To tie a bow on our chat, I take a cue from Coleman Lane's "Keep My Cool" and reflect on the harmony found in holding our ground with a dose of cool composure. So, thanks for letting me be the voice in your earbuds, sharing tales and tips on finding that sweet spot between personal freedom and being there for others. Remember to leave that review, hit share, and I can't wait to hear from you after you've had a listen. Keep those boundaries in check, but most of all, keep your cool, my friends.

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As the clock ticks forward, we all grapple with the idea of transformation, but what if instead of a complete overhaul, we focused on enhancing the person we already are? Join me as I share my own metamorphosis f all while guiding you through setting powerful, yet achievable New Year's goals. This episode isn't just about lofty aspirations; it's a heartfelt exploration of why "new year, new me" is taking a backseat to realistic personal progress. From my triumph in adopting a healthier lifestyle to insights on why waiting to ditch toxic relationships isn't worth the wait, we'll tackle the truths behind our yearly pledges for change.

Shifting gears, we'll lighten the mood with a quirky tale of a dog's costly taste for cash, and I'll reveal how my anthem of the year, "Hello" by Aqyila, keeps me centered. Remember, it's not just about the big picture; it's about the intimate moments too, like my journey in nurturing individual bonds with my children. So whether you're looking to revamp your fitness routine or seeking solace in more restful nights, let's kick off the year with a dose of laughter, community, and a commitment to content that resonates. Get ready to not just set goals but to live them, right here on the Gag Is podcast.

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Gather 'round as I, Charli Shanta, along with the always charismatic Marco Polo, take you through a year's worth of turmoil, triumphs, and the plain ridiculous. It's been an unpredictable roller coaster, from grappling with my son's hospital scare to sharing a laugh or two over local shenanigans, including a topsy-turvy vehicle that had everyone talking. We'll also let you in on the peculiar tale of a woman in Ecuador whose wake took a lively turn, sparking a whimsical debate on the ramifications of attending your own funeral rehearsal.

As we wave goodbye to the old and usher in the new, I peel back the curtain on the podcast journey that's been filled with the passion and persistence of early morning recordings to set the stage just right for you, the listeners. You'll be treated to an exclusive throwback to our Unpredictable Lifestyle Podcast days, reflecting on the growing pains and laughter that have shaped us along the way. We'll revisit a contentious moment that had the feathers of a particular demographic ruffling,  Join us as we toast to the adventures ahead and the stories that bind us, illuminated by the steadfast belief that even in darkness, there's a beacon of hope waiting to shine.

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As the holiday season rolls around, it can be a bittersweet time for those of us dealing with grief. Sharing my personal journey, I will take you through my first Thanksgiving and my late husband's birthday without him. Dealing with an emotionally charged period filled with tears, laughter, and even a challenging interaction with my mother-in-law, I found solace in celebrating my husband's life and finding comfort in visiting his grave. 

Amid the emotional rollercoaster, I stress on the significance of maintaining and cherishing traditions during this season as they serve as beautiful reminders of our loved ones. From adopting an Angel tree kid to the joy that giving back during the holidays brings, I share my experiences that reflect the true spirit of the season. We also discuss how the smallest donations can make a significant impact on someone's life and the importance of supporting organizations assisting families in need. Remember, even in the midst of grief, it's possible to spread kindness and generosity, and to find moments of joy and laughter. So tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt moments and inspiring stories.

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Ever wondered what the unfiltered and raw truth behind the festive season chaos looks like? Well, wonder no more. Join me, Charlie Shanta, as I navigate through the holiday madness, share my shopping tales (no spoilers for my little listeners though!) and reflect on the tranquility of a mellow Thanksgiving. The holiday season is a rollercoaster, and I'm here to share the ride.

But it's more than just holiday chatter. This episode also brings to the forefront some real-life issues I've recently faced. The struggles of securing educational accommodations for my son and dealing with an uncooperative teacher are just the tip of the iceberg. It's been a tough journey, but through it all, the lesson remains - teaching our children to advocate for themselves is crucial. This is parenthood, this is life, and this is the Gag Is podcast. Buckle up for a heartwarming episode filled with real talk and raw emotions.

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Happy Veterans Day! This episode is dedicated to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving. In this weeks episode, Charlie is joined by one of her best friends of over 15 years Tarvis and they discuss the importance of having a supportive community while serving in the military. Some of the topics discussed are:

-How we meet in the military
-How do you create a community
-Who can you really count on
-You cant make this up story
-Lyric/Song of the week

Sit back and relax and enjoy this weeks episode!

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Lets face it. Nobody can get through this thing called life alone. Support of others is very important. Having people you can call in the time of need is something we all need. In this episode, Charlie takes a peek into the world of having a community and the positive effects it can have on one's life.  Sit back, relax and lets get into this weeks episode. 

Other things discussed:

Charlie's sons broken leg
Church folks vs Christians
Castle of bats

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Often times we joke and ask people "Who are you? and that can be something difficult to answer. We all have personalities of who we are but is that really "who we are?" This week we dive into part 2 of discussing Imposter Syndrome. We will discuss what things Charli has done to over come some of the traits of Imposter Syndrome. In this weeks "You cant make this up", we discuss why the ice cream machine at "The Arches" cant be fixed. 

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