The Sensible Sessions

By Amber Wardell

My name is Amber Wardell. I am the mother of two beautiful children and the owner of The Sensible Mama. Here we talk about motherhood, family life, business, faith, and the intersection of all of thos... more

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FAQs about The Sensible Sessions:

How many episodes does The Sensible Sessions have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.

The Sensible Sessions episodes:

March 12, 2025 Reclaiming Ancient Wisdom: Astrology, Earth Magic, and the Musica Universalis Oracle Deck
In this episode of The Sensible Sessions, host Amber Wardell engages with Matt Hughes, Hope Hughes, and Cristina Farella, discussing their spiritual journeys and the creation of the Ethereal Visions tarot and oracle decks -- including the incredible forthcoming oracle deck called Musica Universalis. The conversation explores the importance of inclusivity in tarot, the storytelling aspect of oracle decks, and the upcoming Zodiac deck project that aims to blend astrology with immersive storytelling. The guests share their insights on how these decks can serve as tools for personal reflection and growth, emphasizing the deep connections between art, mythology, and spirituality. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of art, spirituality, and personal empowerment through practices like tarot, astrology, and oracle readings. They discuss the importance of accessibility in these practices, the resurgence of interest in spirituality during chaotic times, and the grounding nature of earth-based practices. The conversation also touches on the empowerment that comes from understanding astrology and the beauty of diverse belief systems coexisting. They conclude with insights on launching creative projects amidst chaos and the personal nature of symbolism in astrology.Follow EV Publishing on Kickstarter to be notified when the Musica Universalis Oracle Deck is Available for Backing:https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/evpublishing/aboutEthereal Visions Publishing:https://evpub.info/Matt Hughes on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/matthughesart/Ethereal Visions on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/etherealvisionspub/Cristina Ferella on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/eighthhouseastro/My website:http://www.amberwardell.comSubscribe to my newsletter:https://amberwardell.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Follow along on all my socials:https://campsite.to/amberwardellBuy my book Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-Fix Culture:https://amzn.to/4g7hHrt
...more
58min
March 05, 2025 Does Mommy Actually Need a Wine? How Mommy Wine Culture is F*cking Us Up

In this episode of the Sensible Sessions podcast, Amber Wardell and Celeste Yvonne discuss the complexities of motherhood, particularly focusing on the cultural phenomenon of 'mommy wine culture.' They explore how alcohol can become a coping mechanism for mothers, the societal pressures surrounding it, and the anti-feminist implications of normalizing alcohol use in motherhood. The conversation delves into personal stories of vulnerability, the importance of community support, and the journey towards sobriety and mindful drinking. They also touch on the challenges of setting boundaries with children and the need for effective coping strategies in parenting.

Takeaways
Celeste's book addresses the impact of mommy wine culture.
Alcohol can be a coping mechanism for mothers.
The normalization of alcohol use in motherhood is anti-feminist.
Vulnerability in sharing personal stories can lead to empowerment.
Community support is crucial for mothers.
Navigating relationships during sobriety can be challenging.
Harm reduction is a valid approach to alcohol consumption.
Mindful drinking can help identify triggers.
Setting boundaries with children is essential for mental health.
Parenting requires effective coping strategies.
Keywords
Mommy wine culture, motherhood, alcohol dependency, feminism, vulnerability, sobriety, harm reduction, parenting, boundaries, mental health
About Today's Guest:
Celeste Yvonne is a writer and author with over 20 years of experience as a communications professional in corporate America. Her essays on parenting, the mental load of motherhood, mommy wine culture, and sobriety resonate with mothers everywhere and have been featured in the Washington Post, Good Morning America, Today Show, and Refinery 29, among others. She is also a contributing writer to the Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller So God Made a Mother.
Over seven years sober and a founding host of the Sober Mom Squad, Celeste advocates for mothers who struggle with addiction and mental health. She is a recipient of the Windfelt Inspire Award by the Dry Society Social Club, as well as 2x winner of Red Tricycle's Spoke Challenge for best writing. She lives in Reno, Nevada, with her husband and two children.
Celeste's website:
https://www.celesteyvonne.com/
My website:http://www.amberwardell.comSubscribe to my newsletter:https://amberwardell.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Follow along on all my socials:https://campsite.to/amberwardellBuy my book Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-Fix Culture:https://amzn.to/4g7hHrt

Buy Celeste's' Book: It's Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture:
https://amzn.to/4hc3nOO
...more
44min
February 05, 2025 From Lost to Found: The Motherhood Identity Crisis and How we Heal
SummaryIn this episode, Amber Wardell and Candice Catoire, LMFT discuss the challenges of motherhood, including burnout, sleep issues, and the pressures of cooking. They explore how motherhood can change one's identity and the importance of finding oneself again amidst the chaos. The conversation also delves into spirituality, the struggles of reconciling faith with personal beliefs, and the journey many women face in understanding their worth and place in the world.TakeawaysSleep patterns and hygiene are crucial for mothers.Motherhood can transform enjoyable activities into chores.It's important to find what works for your family.Women often feel societal pressure to be productive at home.Admitting struggles in motherhood is essential for mental health.Finding oneself in motherhood is a journey many women face.Spirituality can be a complex topic for mothers.Women are realizing their worth beyond traditional teachings.It's okay to seek help and support in motherhood.Integrating motherhood into personal interests can bring joy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Motherhood and Burnout04:19 Navigating Sleep and Family Dynamics10:23 The Reality of Cooking and Motherhood11:10 Rediscovering Joy in Motherhood16:25 Acknowledging the Struggles of Motherhood17:47 Finding Joy in Small Moments26:29 Navigating Faith and Spirituality35:25 Empowering Women in TherapyConnect with Candice:Instagram/Threads: @soul_cadence_coachingTikTok: @soul_cadence_coachingYouTube: youtube.com/@candice_soulcadencecoachingCoaching website: soulcadencecoaching.servicesTherapy website: Candice Catoire | Seattle Christian Counseling
My website:
http://www.amberwardell.com
Subscribe to my newsletter:
https://amberwardell.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/
Follow along on all my socials:
https://campsite.to/amberwardell
Buy my book Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-Fix Culture:
https://amzn.to/4g7hHrt
...more
39min
January 29, 2025 How to Use Loomly to Repurpose Content Across Social Media | Grow Beyond TikTok & Expand Your Reach
🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4LhAT98D4vc
Summary
In this episode of the Sensible Sessions podcast, Amber Wardell discusses the impact of TikTok on creators' careers and the importance of diversifying social media presence. She introduces Loomly, a social media scheduling tool that she finds invaluable for managing content across multiple platforms. Amber provides a detailed tutorial on how to use Loomly effectively, emphasizing its user-friendly interface and features that cater to creators' needs. She concludes with thoughts on the significance of maintaining an active presence on various platforms to safeguard against potential disruptions.
Keywords
TikTok, social media, diversification, Loomly, content scheduling, creator economy, digital marketing, social media strategy, online presence, audience engagement
Takeaways
TikTok has significantly impacted many creators' careers.
Diversification in social media is crucial for stability.
Loomly is a highly effective social media scheduling tool.
Using a scheduler can save time and streamline posting.
Engaging with multiple platforms can enhance reach.
Loomly allows for easy content repurposing across platforms.
The app is user-friendly and affordable for creators.
Regular posting can train followers to expect content.
Loomly helps manage different accounts without hassle.
Investing in tools like Loomly is beneficial for creators.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to TikTok's Impact
02:46 The Importance of Diversification
04:58 Navigating Loomly's Features
15:56 Creating and Scheduling Posts with Loomly
23:00 Final Thoughts on Social Media Management
My website:
http://www.amberwardell.com
Subscribe to my newsletter:
https://amberwardell.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/
Follow along on all my socials:
https://campsite.to/amberwardell
Buy my book Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-Fix Culture:
https://amzn.to/4g7hHrt
...more
27min
January 22, 2025 Finding Soul Purpose & Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: Trauma-Informed Coaching with Jackie Faber
🚨ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY by commenting SELF-CARE below. One winner will receive a signed copy of Amber's book Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-fix Culture and Jackie's Boundary Bootcamp Bundle. Winner will be notified by comment reply on Wednesday, January 29.
🎙️ In this episode, Amber Wardell, PhD, engages in a deep conversation with Jackie Faber, a certified trauma-informed spiritual life coach. They explore the intersection of spirituality and healing, particularly in the context of recovering from narcissistic abuse. Jackie shares her personal journey of spiritual awakening and how it has influenced her coaching practice. The discussion delves into concepts such as channeled messages, the importance of mind-body-soul alignment, and the process of moving from a 3D to a 4D perspective. They also touch on the societal conditioning that affects women's self-advocacy and the significance of embracing one's emotions. The episode concludes with a giveaway aimed at supporting listeners on their self-care journeys.
Jackie's website (and links to socials found here)
https://findingauthenticity.ca/
Amber Wardell's Website:
https://www.amberwardell.com
Follow on Socials:
https://campsite.to/amberwardell
Keywords
spirituality, healing, trauma, self-care, narcissistic abuse, personal growth, boundaries, spiritual awakening, emotional intelligence, coaching
Takeaways
Spirituality can be a powerful tool for healing.
Personal experiences shape our understanding of spirituality.
Social conditioning often limits women's self-advocacy.
Mind-body-soul alignment is crucial for personal growth.
Channeled messages connect us to higher levels of knowing.
Embracing emotions is essential for healing.
Trauma can reveal areas where we need to grow.
The journey from 3D to 4D involves deep self-reflection.
Finding purpose in trauma can lead to personal evolution.
Healing is a journey that requires support and understanding.
Navigation
00:00 Introduction to Spirituality and Personal Journeys
04:35 Navigating Spirituality Post-Trauma
07:18 Defining Spiritual Concepts
12:29 The Impact of Social Conditioning on Spirituality
14:53 The Process of Inner Work and Self-Care
18:01 Integrating Cognitive Science with Spiritual Practices
24:40 Exploring Parts Therapy and Spirituality
26:29 Mind, Body, and Soul Alignment in Healing
28:04 Finding Purpose in Trauma
29:43 Lessons from Trauma and Personal Growth
31:51 The Universe's Lessons and Personal Accountability
33:39 Data from Bad Experiences: Moving Forward
35:53 Vibrational Alignment and Relationship Dynamics
36:57 The Challenge of Personal Accountability
38:51 Navigating Resistance in Healing Conversations
41:06 Engaging with Wounded Individuals
42:14 Giveaway Announcement and Resources for Healing
45:24 Connecting with Jackie Faber: Resources and Closing Thoughts
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49min
January 15, 2025 Disrupting the Publishing Industry to Amplify Black and Brown Voices With Michael Laborn
A conversation with Michael LaBorn about breaking barriers in publishing and championing representation for Black and Brown authors.
Subscribe to Michael's Bindery to support Black and Brown authors and get exclusive access to an incredible bookish community that I adore:
https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/
Join the Left Unread Discord Community:
https://tr.ee/3RjHw_GSiW
I would love if you would join the Sensible Sessions Facebook Community where we are trying to build an inclusive and kind community of folks who want to discuss important issues without the drama and trauma that so often accompanies social media:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEyzBr9As/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Summary
In this episode of Sensible Sessions, Amber Wardell speaks with Michael LaBorn, a bookish content creator and founder of Left Unread, a publishing imprint focused on amplifying Black and Brown authors. They discuss the importance of community-led publishing, the challenges faced by diverse voices in the traditional publishing industry, and the implicit biases that affect which stories get told. Michael shares insights on the launch of Bindery, a platform that supports bookish content creators, and the significance of creating space for underrepresented authors in the literary world. In this conversation, Amber Wardell and Michael LaBorn delve into the complexities of storytelling, particularly focusing on the representation of marginalized voices in literature. They discuss the implications of whiteness in storytelling, the importance of joy alongside narratives of oppression, and the financial barriers faced by aspiring authors. Michael shares insights about his imprint, Left Unread, which aims to support Black and Brown authors in navigating the publishing landscape, emphasizing community support and the need for diverse narratives.
Takeaways
Michael LaBorn emphasizes the importance of choice in publishing paths.
Community-led publishing can disrupt traditional barriers in the industry.
The name 'Left Unread' signifies the fight for overlooked books.
Diversity in publishing is crucial for representation and success.
Implicit bias affects which stories are prioritized in publishing.
More Black and Brown voices are needed behind the scenes in publishing.
Readers can find themselves in stories that are not their own.
Access to publishing should be available to everyone.
The publishing industry is still predominantly white.
Community support is vital for the success of diverse authors. The retelling of sacred stories by those without ancestral knowledge can be problematic.
Joyful narratives are essential in literature, not just stories of oppression.
The publishing industry often favors authors with established platforms, creating barriers for new voices.
Community support is crucial for uplifting marginalized authors in the publishing world.
Self-publishing can be an expensive route, often inaccessible to many aspiring authors.
Literature has the power to shape perspectives and influence societal change.
There is a need for more diverse voices in storytelling, particularly in traditional publishing.
Authors should be encouraged to explore both joy and struggle in their narratives.
The importance of empathy in understanding messages that may not be intended for all audiences.
Creating multiple pathways for authors to enter the publishing space is vital.
Keywords
publishing, diversity, Black authors, Left Unread, Bindery, systemic barriers, book industry, representation, community-led publishing, implicit bias, storytelling, publishing, representation, literature, community, authors, joy, oppression, self-publishing, diversity
...more
45min
January 08, 2025 Calling the C hurch Orphans | Ep. 17
Keywords
spiritual journey, church orphans, alternative practices, community, faith, Christianity, personal growth, mental health, self-care, storytelling
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Sensible Sessions
01:52 Amber's Spiritual Journey
07:10 The Concept of Church Orphans
13:35 Exploring Alternative Spiritual Practices
24:16 A Divine Encounter and Community Connection
Summary
In this episode of the Sensible Sessions, Amber Wardell shares her personal spiritual journey, discussing her experiences with faith, the challenges of being a Christian in today's world, and the concept of being a 'church orphan.' She explores alternative spiritual practices, including tarot and meditation, and recounts a significant encounter that highlights the importance of community and divine connection. Amber emphasizes the need for open-mindedness in spiritual exploration and the value of finding one's own path in faith.
Takeaways
Amber discusses her evolving content focus over the years.
She reflects on the challenges of being a Christian in today's society.
The term 'church orphan' resonates with many who feel disconnected from traditional church communities.
Amber shares her experiences with alternative spiritual practices like tarot and meditation.
She emphasizes the importance of community and connection in spiritual journeys.
The conversation highlights the need for open-mindedness in exploring faith.
Amber's story illustrates the significance of divine encounters in everyday life.
She encourages listeners to seek out their own spiritual paths.
The episode underscores the value of personal growth and self-care in faith.
Amber's journey is a reminder that faith can be a personal and evolving experience.

Get to Know Amber Wardell:
Website: www.amberwardell.com

Join the Sensible Sessions Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/share/18PFi9wBWk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

...more
24min
January 01, 2025 Authenticity vs Algorithm: The Social Media Dilemma
Summary:
Amber Wardell and Desiree Moore explore the complexities of self-care, resilience, and the challenges of navigating social media while maintaining authenticity. They discuss the journey of independent publishing, the balance between personal and professional life, and the importance of setting boundaries. The dialogue emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the understanding that it's okay to be a work in progress. They also touch on the impact of social media algorithms on content visibility and the struggle to connect with an audience that resonates with their messages of hope and personal growth.
Purchase Desiree's Book "Untitled for Now": https://amzn.to/4gVoMfK
Purchase Amber's book "Beyond Self'-Care Potato Chips": https://amzn.to/4iYeEV0
Desiree's Website (newsletter and socials): https://www.desireemoorebooks.com/
Amber's Website: http://www.amberwardell.com
Keywords:
self-care, independent publishing, social media, authenticity, resilience, mental health, personal growth, emotional maturity, content creation, work-life balance
Takeaways:
Self-care is essential in a quick-fix culture.
Independent publishing allows for creative freedom but comes with challenges.
Balancing social media and full-time work can be overwhelming.
Authenticity on social media is crucial but can conflict with professionalism.
Going viral often attracts the wrong audience.
Resilience involves resting and recovering, not just pushing through.
Setting boundaries is vital for mental health and well-being.
It's okay to be a work in progress and seek external validation.
Content creation should align with personal values and sustainability.
Hope and resilience can be powerful themes in storytelling.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Desiree Moore and Her Journey
04:58 The Power of Independent Publishing
08:43 Resilience and Hope in Storytelling
12:19 Navigating Social Media as a Non-Full-Time User
19:44 The Challenge of Authenticity on Social Media
28:01 Healing from Hurt: A Journey of Self-Discovery
31:08 Aligning Actions with Values: The Power of Vision Statements
34:23 Navigating Social Media: Authenticity vs. Brand Image
39:16 Lessons from Imperfection: Embracing Humanity in the Chaos
49:05 Navigating Social Media for Promotion
49:05 Understanding Self-Care Beyond Consumerism
...more
51min
December 17, 2024A Sensible Approach to a World That's Lost its Mind
Episode Title
A Sensible Approach to a World That's Lost Its Mind

Keywords
sensible approach, social media, mental health, community, emotional intelligence, activism, discourse, connection, resilience, self-care

Episode Introduction
In this episode of The Sensible Sessions, Amber Wardell discusses the importance of taking a sensible approach to a chaotic world, particularly in the context of social media's divisive nature. She emphasizes the need for community, emotional regulation, and sensible discourse, while also advocating for long-term thinking and coalition building to create meaningful change. The conversation highlights the challenges of modern communication and the necessity of empathy and understanding in fostering connections.

Host Bio
Amber Wardell is a doctor of psychology, author, and contributor to Psychology Today. Her book, Beyond Self-Care Potato Chips: Choosing Nourishing Self-Care in a Quick-Fix Culture is call to action for readers everywhere to enter their true self-care era that will nourish and sustain them.

Takeaways
The common good has been forgotten in today's society.
Social media prioritizes divisive content, impacting our interactions.
Critical thinking and nuance are diminishing in public discourse.
Being sensible means aligning actions with values and long-term goals.
Effective communication requires clarity and understanding, not just winning arguments.
Building coalitions is essential for progress and change.
Change takes time; we must be patient and resilient.
Authenticity in self-presentation fosters genuine connections.
Empathy is crucial for resolving conflicts and building bridges.
We must strive for a community that values diverse opinions and respectful dialogue.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Sensible Sessions
02:57 Understanding a Sensible Approach
04:54 The Impact of Social Media
11:08 Defining Sensibility in a Chaotic World
13:12 Sensible Social Discourse
22:22 Strategic Activism and Coalition Building
24:55 Long-Term Focus and Resilience
26:51 Authenticity and Connection
30:03 Introduction to the Conversation
30:03 Exploring Key Themes in the Discussion

Please Rate and Subscribe!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, please remember to rate and subscribe on your preferred streaming platform:
On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sensible-sessions/id1570275043
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4rQiQhhTIbHbFdztduxcCG

Contact info
Join my Facebook Page to continue the sensible conversation with likeminded people: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570934811206

Stay in touch by subscribing to my newsletter. No spam, promise! You’ll get access to free digital downloads delivered to your inbox, special subscriber-only resources, and first-to-know insights about the latest things I’m working on.

Subscribe to the newsletter here: https://amberwardell.com/page/the-next-best-thing-to-therapy/

Follow on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensible_amber/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sensible_amber
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sensible_amber/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberwardell
...more
31min
April 25, 2024 Your “Let Me Fix It” Engine is in Overdrive and It’s Time to Pump the Breaks
It’s not that you don’t know how to recognize red flags. You can certainly spot them. So, why do you keep finding yourself in situations where you’re looking back and going, “how did I not see this coming?” We’re going to get into it today. Are you subscribed to my blog and newsletter? 🗞️ This is where you get behind the scenes insights into my family along with exclusive content seen only in the newsletter. ⬇️ https://amberwardell.com/page/newsletter-2/ Follow my socials: Instagram 📸 https://instagram.com/sensible_amber Threads 🧵 https://www.threads.net/@sensible_amber TikTok 🎶 www.tiktok.com/@sensible_amber YouTube 🎥 https://youtube.com/@Amberwardell Don’t forget to subscribe while you’re here and hit the notification bell to make sure you never miss out on new content!
...more
31min

FAQs about The Sensible Sessions:

How many episodes does The Sensible Sessions have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.