Today's guest is Annie Highwater: Author, Recovery Writer, Podcast Host, Speaker, Family Advocate and Recovery Enthusiast. Her story began with extreme challenges during childhood, ending in pregnancy at age 17. Despite her young age, Annie was mature enough to realize that she wanted a better life for her son. Through hard work, she was able to create a better path for herself and her son however challenges continued to follow her family. When her son was in high school, he was prescribed pain medication for a football injury, and within six weeks, he was battling an addiction which would last for many years. Annie has done so much research and self-work to heal herself, help support her son, and now work to help others in the recovery world. She is currently writing her 3rd book and running a podcast, while working full-time helping families support their loved ones on the recovery journey. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time - Annie's story has inspired me to make changes in my own life, and I'm excited for you to hear it!

Annie's book Unhooked:

https://www.amazon.com/Unhooked-Mothers-Unhitching-Coaster-Addiction/dp/1942497210

Annie's book Unbroken:

https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Navigating-Dysfunction-Addiction-Alcoholism/dp/1939844525/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2/157-0550715-2961527?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1939844525&pd_rd_r=a8000c37-3636-11e9-baf7-ef6914df907a&pd_rd_w=UJMFw&pd_rd_wg=JI64s&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=JK78ZM7HDS5SZX5KVF5C&psc=1&refRID=JK78ZM7HDS5SZX5KVF5C

Find Annie on Facebook at

"The Unhooked Podcast:" https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/annie-highwater

On today's interview, I had the privilege to talk with Andi Almond about her family's incredible 13-month world schooling adventure. Andi and her family prepared for 5 years for this epic trip which took them through 27 different countries and 7 continents. She also tells about the details of world schooling her two kids, incorporating their lessons into where they were traveling. You'll love her stories about Morocco, Greece, Argentina, Nepal, Antarctica, and more!

You can check out Andi's adventures on IG @4almondsabroad

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

Today's guest is just an incredible human being, and I am so in awe of what she has been doing to help so many children. Sarah Yates shares her story with foster care and adoption, including foster care and then adoption of children with medical needs. I learned so much from Sarah about the foster care system, what is needed, and how to help. Her story is heart breaking at times and hopeful in others. I'm so grateful she agreed to join us today to share her beautiful story.

You can find Sarah on IG @adoptive.foster.medical.mama

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

Welcome to Part 2 of Whitney's story! Today's episode begins when Kyle, Pepper, and Krew arrive in Las Vegas. Whitney takes us along their recovery journey, covering the first 3 months in the hospital. During this time, her family members undergo multiple surgeries and countless procedures to heal from their burns. Kyle and Krew are able to leave the hospital, and Pepper works hard to progress to standing up from her bed. Whitney shares openly about all of the challenges of burn recovery, but also about some happy memories they were able to make along the way.

Whitney's Instagram and blog @copelandbuslife

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

This episode is one I have looked forward to recording and sharing for so long because Whitney Copeland's journey is nothing short of incredible. Because of the depth involved in the story, we are going to break this into (at least!) two episodes. A few years ago, Whitney and her family decided to sell their home and renovate a city bus where they could travel the US and home school their children. After four wonderful months filled with happy memories, their family met with disaster when the bus went up in flames... with three of their four children inside. Whitney's husband, Kyle, raced into the fire and pulled out their 11-year-old daughter, Pepper, and 3-year-old son, Krew, while another son, Kade, escaped out a window. Less than a minute later, the bus exploded with another explosion following soon later. Part 1 takes us through the event itself, the move to the local hospital, and the transport to the burn unit in Las Vegas. Kyle and both children sustained severe burns and were placed into comas, were on ventilators, and underwent what would be the first of many surgeries. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat and bring you to tears at the strength and bravery of these two parents and their four young children. I am so excited to bring you the first part of this inspiring story today!

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

I have wanted to have April Helfery on the podcast since I started recording and what better episode to have a member of my family here than the first annual holiday episode! April's daughter, Addy, is 9 years old and has spina bifida. I have had the honor of watching Addy grow up, and it was so fun to chat about the whole journey. Addy is one tough little girl who has overcome many surgeries and hospitalizations, all with a smile on her face, progressing to now riding horses, swimming, and cheerleading. April tells us what it's like managing medical motherhood, including the importance of advocating for your child, advice for how to help your kids learn about people with different abilities...and there is even a special appearance from Addy, herself, along with her brother, Cale - and a holiday surprise at the end. Happy Holidays, everyone!

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

Today's guest is a running hero of mine! I met Kim Reed over ten years ago, before she was a mom. I am in awe of her running accomplishments including placing 7th in the Boston Marathon and competing in two Olympic trials for the marathon distance. Kim is now a mother of a 2-year-old and a 6-week old. She shares with us about running during pregnancy and about her difficult post-partum journey, even as an elite athlete. She also gives tips to moms who are trying to figure out how to get started with exercise and how to fit it into their busy lives.

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

Today's guest is Jacqueline Greenlee, a teacher and mom of two girls. Jacqueline tells us about what it's like raising children of mixed race. She shares resources, such as books and movies, that she has used to talk with her girls and teach them about what matters. The phrase she shares that her family uses about loving someone for who they are really spoke to me and is something we can ALL use in our families to help make the world a kinder and more inclusive place.

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather

Today's guest is just incredible, and it was such an honor to hear her story. Emily Webster is here to tell her motherhood story which began when she delivered her boy/girl twins prematurely at 26 weeks, 3 days. Emily lost her precious son, Benjamin, to necrotizing enterocolitis after over 30 days in the NICU, and she shares with us how it felt at the time to not be able to grieve her son because she had to go right back to the NICU to care for her daughter. Emily tells about the challenges her daughter has overcome and how well she is doing today, 10 years later. She also shares about her fertility struggles and pregnancy complications, including when she decided with her husband to further grow their family after the twins' birth. This episode brings EVERY emotion and you'll find yourself cheering for Emily and Caroline while also feeling sad, but touched at the ways Emily describes Benjamin and how her family honors him today.

You can find my book, Learning to Breathe, at:

https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Breathe-story-micropreemies-defied-ebook/dp/B083S6R3CN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RUDD8XIP3YUT&keywords=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans&qid=1675870004&sprefix=learning+to+breathe+heather+evans%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1

You can find my book, The NICU Mama Survival Guide, at:

https://www.amazon.com/NICU-Mama-Survival-Guide-Post-Partum/dp/B09MGJ7RSX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24Q2C9CKTALJ2&keywords=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide&qid=1675870037&sprefix=the+nicu+mama+survival+guide%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1

Have a great week!

Heather