In this deeply moving episode of host Rachel Anne sits down with Cerissa Hocker for a profound conversation about love, loss, and resilience. Cerissa shares her journey through the heartbreak of losing her husband Dave to suicide and the immense challenges and growth that followed. They delve into the complexities of grief, mental illness, and the strength it takes to rebuild life after immense loss. Rachel and Cerissa also discuss the impactful intersections between faith, personal healing, and the enduring power of storytelling. Join us for a testament to resilience and the importance of finding light even in the darkest moments.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. Help is available. You can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988—it's simple, free, and available 24/7. If you're more comfortable texting, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Whether you're in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., they're there to listen and support you.

For those of you who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide, I encourage you to explore resources like the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors at www.allianceofhope.org. Their community and support can be a beacon during incredibly challenging times.

Healing isn't linear, and grief doesn't come with a timeline. But recovery is possible. Therapy can be a powerful tool to navigate pain and rediscover hope. Platforms like BetterHelp (www.betterhelp.com) offer accessible, online therapy to help you take that first step.

Get ready for a Christmas card like no other in this special episode of 'Merry Christmas.' We're ditching the sugar-coating and diving into the real deal: the joy, the heartbreak, the laughter, and the tears of the holiday season. From my personal rollercoaster of emotions to the beautiful mess of life, this spoken card captures it all. We'll hit on the highs and the lows, the chosen family who stick around, and the quiet moments that bring peace. Perfect for those who love a mix of sass, sincerity, and a bit of nerdy charm. Tune in on Apple and Spotify Podcasts for a refreshingly honest take on Christmas that'll warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Happy holidays!

In this episode, Rachel sits down with her longtime friend, Victoria Conner, who made a life-changing leap from music marketing at MTV to running a charming boutique in Bar Harbor, Maine. Victoria opens up about embracing dramatic shifts in her career and personal life, navigating the ups and downs of change, and finding new anchors when old ones slip away.

The conversation touches on a range of deeply personal topics, including:

• Dog Moms Unite: Rachel and Victoria share heartwarming, and often tear-jerking, stories of their beloved pets. From the unconditional love of dogs to the difficult decisions all pet owners face, their bond as dog moms is both emotional and relatable.

• Losing Loved Ones: Victoria shares the poignant story of her dog, Boris, and the intimate, dignified choice of in-home euthanasia. This touching moment offers a window into how we cope with loss and the importance of honoring those we love.

• Menopause & Midlife: The conversation shifts to the challenges of midlife, touching on mental health, burnout, and the delicate balance of maintaining independence within relationships.

• Love & Relationships: Rachel and Victoria open up about navigating love and finding a safe, supportive partner. They discuss the importance of generosity, acceptance, and leaning on loved ones during tough times.

• Reflections on the Past: Looking back on their time at MTV and the twists of early adulthood, the two reflect on the lessons learned, emphasizing kindness, connection, and the unpredictable journey of life.

Join Rachel and Victoria for a candid, heartfelt conversation filled with laughter, tears, and valuable life insights. This episode is a reminder that none of us have it all figured out, but we're all in it together.

Show mentions:

Victoria's store: https://www.mydarlingmaine.com/

Old dogs, new digs: https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/

Dr. Pooler, Veterinarian: https://www.islandveterinary.care/

Border Tails Rescue (where I got my dogs!): https://www.bordertailsrescue.org/

Great Lakes Bernedoodles (where I got my big girl!): https://www.greatlakesbernedoodles.com/

The Gap and the Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362

Join Rachel as she welcomes the dynamic Chrissi Sperduto, a coach for small business owners, a certified life coach, and a full-time air traffic controller. Chrissi shares her insights on managing multiple roles, turning negativity into empowerment, and encouraging action. With a focus on 'doing the dang thing', Chrissi offers practical advice on starting new ventures, tackling fear, and asking for help. Listen in for motivation, whether you're launching a business or making life changes. Don't miss Chrissi's podcast, 'Do the Dang Thing', for business and life inspiration.

Find Chrissy on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissisperduto

Website: https://www.chrissisperduto.com

Become an Air Traffic Controller!

https://www.faa.gov/be-atc

In this episode of our podcast, join Rachel Anne, your host and mom, as she delves into the poignant topic of disappointment versus damage. Rachel Anne shares her personal journey through moments that shook her to the core, from battling intense mental and physical challenges to confronting a harrowing recent event. Drawing from her candid experiences, she illuminates the crucial distinction between what merely disrupts our plans and what irreparably impacts us. This episode promises raw storytelling, offering comfort, clarity, and resilience. Tune in to explore how to navigate life's turbulent waters and find strength in the support of those who care about us. Share your thoughts and stories with Rachel Anne on social media or drop her a message. Keep seeking helpers, find joy amidst chaos, and always move forward. Don't miss this deeply moving and insightful episode!

Susan Silk's Ring Theory

https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407-story.html

The New York Times Presents: Lie to Fly

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/23/NYT-Presents/lie-to-fly-joseph-emerson-pilot.html

In this episode, host Rachel Anne shares her personal journey through divorce, offering insights and guidance for those going through it, contemplating it, or supporting someone else. Rachel recounts her experience of realizing, deciding, and navigating the aftermath of divorce, and touches on the emotional, logistic, and legal challenges involved. The discussion includes the importance of support systems, dating after divorce, and legal considerations, providing listeners with practical advice and valuable lessons for managing this difficult period. The episode aims to foster understanding and empathy, encouraging listeners to support themselves and their loved ones through the complex process of divorce.

Resources Mentioned:

- Divorce Care (https://www.divorcecare.org/): Support groups and resources for those going through divorce.

- Financial Planning for Divorce (https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/financial-planning-divorce.html): A guide to financial planning during a divorce.

- Co-Parenting Tips (https://www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/co-parenting-tips-for-divorced-parents.htm): Advice for co-parenting effectively after separation.

-Parenting Plan Checklist:

https://www.custodyxchange.com/topics/plans/overview/parenting-plan-checklist.php

-Lilac Tree Divorce Support:

https://thelilactree.org/

Articles:

- How to Start Over After Divorce (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stronger-the-broken-places/201905/how-start-over-after-divorce): Tips for rebuilding your life post-divorce.

- Coping with Divorce: A Self-Care Guide (https://www.verywellmind.com/coping-with-divorce-4176936): Strategies for managing the emotional toll of divorce.

Connect With Me:

http://instagram.com/urmomonapodcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@ur.mom.podcast

[email protected]

Support the Podcast:

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In this compelling episode, join us as the lead singer of "Burning Red: Tribute to Taylor" opens up about her extraordinary journey. From overcoming childhood homelessness to performing alongside Courtney Love, she reveals the transformative moments that shaped her life. Discover her experiences with autism and her impactful work as a reproductive health advocate. The conversation takes a deep dive into Taylor Swift's cultural impact, exploring how music can shape perceptions, the challenges of public scrutiny, and the pressures from fans.

Listen in as we discuss feminist viewpoints, the art of handling criticism, and the inspiring transition from creating original music and navigating suburban life to leading a local band with sold-out shows. This episode is a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes and industry insights, celebrating themes of passion, resilience, and the complex realities of creative life.

Check Burning Red! https://burningredband.com/

Go to a Burning Red show! https://burningredband.com/events

In this episode, Rachel Anne, affectionately known as "ur mom,' shares the deeply personal story behind starting her podcast. From winning an MTV competition to dealing with the frustrations of the FAA's medical certificate process, Rachel recounts the moments that have led her to this point. She delves into her past professional experiences in sexual and reproductive health and the personal challenges she has faced over the last decade, which included a difficult marriage, legal battles, and traumatic injuries. Despite everything, Rachel focuses on healing and connecting with others' stories, inspired by Taylor Swift's resilience. Join Rachel on this unpredictable journey filled with deep conversations, personal growth, and zero tolerance for unfounded criticism.

Join Rachel and her longtime friend Sheree for an engaging, heartfelt chat about Sheree's tumultuous journey through infertility. With over 20 years of friendship, they dive into emotional stories from Sheree's life as a tall ship sailor to her pivot to nursing, and her candid experiences with IUI and IVF. Expect laughs, tears, college anecdotes, and raw discussions about the resilience needed to keep pursuing motherhood. Plus, don't miss their insights on the do's and don'ts of talking about infertility—packed with practical tips and empathetic advice. Tune in for an inspiring blend of real talk, emotional support, and some much-needed levity! Resources mentioned in the show are below!

To see the ship Sheree and Brian met on (yes, it sank after they were gone), click here:

https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/03/us/bounty/

Supporting an employee going through pregnancy loss:

https://www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/miscarriage-and-the-workplace/employers-and-managers-information-and-support/supporting-an-employee-before-during-and-after-a-loss/

For friends and family of someone going through infertility:

https://resolve.org/get-help/helpful-resources-and-advice/infertility-and-relationships/for-friends-and-family/

If you are struggling with infertility:

https://resolve.org/

Check out our website!

http://urmompod.com

Email with questions:

[email protected]