Very Happy Stories

One of the biggest blocks to healing is the inability to process grief. In this episode, Liza sheds light on the importance of processing grief. Her guest, Lara Kitts, shares the story of how she finally found happiness by way of grieving and routine self-care. Lara is a mother of three daughters and her oldest is severely impaired with multiple conditions including autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. After surviving years by living moment to moment, Lara found herself depressed and unwell at rock bottom, so she checked into a grief center where she slowly relearned how to tend to her needs. Today, Lara is committed to a lifestyle of radical self-care, while helping other mothers with special needs children do the same. Listen to this heartfelt conversation for support and validation in your journey. This conversation will inspire you to tend to the grief that is stopping you from transforming into the most empowered version of yourself. 

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About Liza’s Guest, Lara Kitts:

Lara Kitts is an entrepreneur and a mom. The oldest of her three daughters has severe impairments and this has shaped Lara’s life and her business. She works to help other parents of kids with special needs find ways to nurture and take care of themselves while they are taking care of their high-needs children.

Lara has spent almost two decades advocating within the Special Education system and is the co-founder of an amazing nonprofit organization that supports kids with special needs in her west Michigan community.

Lara’s Website, Flight Club and Blog https://www.larakitts.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/larakittsllc 

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lara.kitts/?hl=en

Podcast, Changing Your Dreams: Parenting a Child with Special Needs - https://anchor.fm/larakitts

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Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

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Some people are sensitive, but others are Highly Sensitive People, otherwise known as an HSP. This trait, recognized in the world of psychology, can affect up to twenty percent of the population and greatly affects an individual’s nervous system – leaving them in a constant state of fight or flight. You might go through your whole life trying to suppress this trait when it might actually be your greatest superpower yet. In today’s interview, Liza speaks with Julie Staub, certified Holistic Wellness Coach, HSP Lifestyle Coach, and Highly Sensitive Person. Julie breaks down the unique characteristics of a highly sensitive person and provides valuable information on realistic lifestyle modifications to maximize your energy and live your best life. This episode will leave you energized! Listen today.

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More about Liza’s Guest:

Julie Staub, certified Holistic Wellness Coach, HSP Lifestyle Coach, Highly Sensitive Person and naturally gifted healer. Julie helps Highly Sensitive People clear blocks and obstacles that keep them from relief and ease by creating practical systems that honor their sensitive nature so they can rest and digest.

www.juliestaub.com (website)

www.instagram.com/hsp.juliestaub (IG) @hsp.juliestaub (profile)

www.facebook.com/JulieStaubHWC (FB page)

www.clubhouse.com/club/highly-sensitive-peo (HSP Club on Clubhouse) @juliestaub (profile)

Join my HSP email list for weekly email:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60071eb19b717a1de629873d

HSP Resource Guide:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/603434b054e75769ef59d25e

Mental Health Resource Guide for HSPs:

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60a719fef58a0010a20bcf29

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

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How does a Harvard graduate end up broke, divorced, and working minimum wage? In this episode, Liza interviews Aron Croft, Harvard-trained ADHDer with a Master’s degree in Coaching Psychology. Aron shares his personal story of how he was finally diagnosed with ADHD in his mid-thirties. If you are frustrated parenting a kid who seems completely unmotivated, listen to this episode. Aron reveals realistic and reliable best practices to motivate our kids outside of medication. More importantly, he reveals how we can help regulate our kids when they are constantly being bombarded with artificial dopamine hits all day long. This interview is a wake-up call. Kids with ADHD are not going to perform just to make us happy. Find out what lights them up.

About Liza’s Guest:

Aron Croft appeared to have it all when he got into Harvard. But that was the beginning of his demise. He struggled nonstop for 15 years until he was broke, divorced, and earning minimum wage, failing out of his first 7 jobs and businesses. But after getting a Master's degree in Coaching Psychology and a diagnosis of Inattentive ADHD, his life changed. He built a successful Fortune 500 career consulting to companies such as Marriott, Deloitte, Johnson & Johnson, McDonald's, KPMG, and United Healthcare. He also got remarried, and most importantly, discovered how to get sh*t done with a neurodivergent brain. Now he’s on a mission to raise awareness about Inattentive ADHD, how it goes under the radar, and how to rebuild your life post-diagnosis.

www.HiddenADD.com

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Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter at http://VeryHappyStories.com/

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How does a dyslexic child who never gains reading fluency become a successful CEO and entrepreneur? Listen to this important interview. Liza speaks with Eric McGehearty, founder of Globe Runner. Eric shares his story of how he adapted quickly, advocated early on, and hard-wired everything he learned in class without ever reading by sight and without taking notes. In Eric’s story, you hear how one career in his life prepared him for the next. He teaches us the importance of advocacy, adaptive technology, and providing our kids with opportunities for self-efficacy. To support Dyslexia Awareness Month and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, please share this episode with someone who could use this hopeful and inspiring story.

More About Liza’s Guest:

Eric McGehearty founded Globe Runner in 2009. Over the last 12 years under Eric’s leadership the company has become one of the most prominent digital agencies in Dallas and was recognized by INC5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. Eric volunteers his time to work with and advocate for people with learning differences. A dyslexic himself, he is committed to improving education for those of us that learn differently. In 2016, Eric and Heather founded StandUpLD, a non-profit support network for parents and educators seeking educational resources to support and inspire children with learning differences. 

Though McGehearty has achieved success in many fields, the role he cherishes most is that of a husband to his wife Heather and a father to their four children.

Connect with Eric:

My Business: GlobeRunner.com

Our Nonprofit: https://standupld.org/

Dyslexia walk: https://www.bonfire.com/dyslexia-walk-2021/

Connect with Liza:

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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https://www.instagram.com/lizasveryhappystories/

Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.

Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter at http://VeryHappyStories.com/

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this interview, Liza speaks with Tamara Ortegal, health coach and mom. Over ten years ago two of her sons were diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease. Despite their conditions, she was able to collaboratively coach them through their lifestyle changes even at a young age. Today, her sons are thriving and managing their own wellness. Tamara shares the reality of living with chronic illness and how small modifications ensured her sons still had a very fulfilled and normal childhood. Find out how she navigated this journey and empowered her sons. 

About Liza’s Guest:

Tamara Ortegel has worked as a health coach for the past 7 years. In 2009, two of her boys were diagnosed with Crohn's disease. She became very interested in natural ways to support the body. She graduated from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2014 and has been helping people identify solutions for wellness ever since. She is an advocate of food-first and recommends Juice Plus+ to all of her clients. Tamara is the host of the Stepping Into Health podcast and enjoys sharing healing stories with her audience. She is pivoting just a bit in September and will be talking on her podcast about Thriving in Midlife. You can find her podcast on Apple and Spotify or connect with via her website http://www.tamaraortegel.com. 

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tamaraortegel/

Connect with Liza:

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.

Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter at http://VeryHappyStories.com/

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you accepted adversity? In this episode, Liza interviews the Adversity Rockstar, Aric H. Morrison. Aric is the Award-Winning Author of “Adversity Rockstar: A Systematic Approach to Facing Life’s Hardships Head On.” He is also an international speaker and expert in human behavior and managerial leadership.

Through his personal story, Aric reveals how he transformed after being faced with the biggest adversity of his life. Moreover, his personal website to update friends and family on the status of his critically ill son quickly went viral and became a global symbol of hope and inspiration around the world. Today Aric shares his mindset to overcome all adversity and his number one piece of advice -- acceptance. Listen to this episode and gain a mindset reset in tackling your own adversity today.

Connect with Liza’s Guest, Aric H. Morrison

https://adversityrockstar.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorarichmorrison/

https://www.instagram.com/adversityrockstar/

Connect with Liza:

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.

Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter at http://VeryHappyStories.com/

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you faced with making difficult decisions regarding your child’s mental health? Is your child’s anxiety or depression severe and elevated? In this episode, Liza brings you a healthy dose of joyful courage, with Casey O’Roarty, author, parent educator and facilitator of personal growth.

Together, Liza and Casey unpack the stress and anxiety of the season, which Casey calls, “the fall apart” fall. In her story, Casey reveals a dark point in her life when she was faced with admitting her teen daughter into a program for anxiety. Like Casey’s daughter, so many of our kids are struggling beyond our parental scope and many of us have had to consult with outside teams, specialists, and even outside programs, like in-patient programs and partial hospitalization programs for a higher level of care.

Learn how Casey was able to find the courage to be a solid presence for her daughter, instead of being stuck in fear. If you have concerns about your own child’s mental well-being or if you are looking for guidance and validation through these complex circumstances, this is an important episode to hear.

Connect with Liza’s Guest, Casey O’Roarty:

https://www.joyfulcourage.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joyful_courage/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/joyfulcourage

Joyful Courage Podcast - https://www.joyfulcourage.com/jcp/

Connect with Liza:

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.

Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter at http://VeryHappyStories.com/.

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s a new season of storytelling. In this episode, Liza reveals a recent breakdown that ultimately led to a timely breakthrough.

Liza tells the story of how a routine dog walk with her husband brought on an emotional breakdown at therapy, leading both of them to unpack years of suppressed pain.

The breakthrough? It was time for them to heal their partnership! After years of navigating the uncertainty of their children’s challenges (including anxiety, depression, ASD, ADHD, OCD, and Lyme Disease) it was time to re-connect.

Learn why our personal breakdowns ARE our breakthroughs in disguise. Liza encourages her listeners to lean into these moments and not be afraid because when they show up, they show us IT’S TIME. This episode will inspire you to set your healing journey in motion. It’s time!

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.

Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter on http://VeryHappyStories.com/.

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today’s story highlights one mom’s journey to healing which came in the form of -- the breakdown. Liza’s guest today is Emily Johnson, a registered nurse and the owner of Hot Yoga Cape Cod. Emily also serves as an integrative nurse coach. In January of 2020 she became a member of a club no one wants to belong to when her son became acutely ill and was diagnosed with PANDAS. A year later Emily founded The PANS Party Project to support and celebrate parents of children who have a neuroimmune disorder. 

Emily’s story is one of grief, healing and transformation. She reveals her best practices and how she slowly crawled out of the victim mindset. Even simple daily practices like movement, creativity, being present (with your mind and body), and finding gratitude go a long way!

Together, Liza and Emily discuss how they both find empowerment despite raising children impacted by complex neurological and often psychiatric conditions. Don’t miss this inspirational story and the last episode of season two.

About Liza’s Guest:

Emily Johnson is a recovered DIY’er. She is a source of strength and inspiration for many. As a registered nurse and the owner of Hot Yoga Cape Cod she believes deeply in unifying the body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve optimal health. Emily serves and supports clients as an integrative nurse coach and focuses her teaching on mental and physical health benefits of a mindfulness practice. In January of 2020 she became a member of a club no one wants to belong to when her son became acutely ill and was diagnosed with PANDAS. A year later she founded The PANS Party Project to support and celebrate parents of children who have a neuroimmune disorder. Emily is a steadfast advocate, mental health ally, and kitchen dance party enthusiast. She lives on Cape Cod in Massachusetts with her husband Ty and her 2 sons (Miles + Will). 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyjohnsonrn/ 

https://www.instagram.com/thepanspartyproject/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilyjRN

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emily.johnson.56211/

Website: https://www.thepanspartyproject.com/

www.emilyjohnsonrn.com

The Kindness Rocks Project: https://www.instagram.com/thekindnessrocksproject/

https://www.thekindnessrocksproject.com/

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

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- Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness. https://deft-builder-6983.ck.page/c3faebc92e

- Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter on http://VeryHappyStories.com.

- Read Liza’s Very Happy Stories Blog.

https://www.veryhappystories.com/blog

- Find out if Liza can help you by clicking here and schedule your free consultation through her calendar.

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Liza brings in boy experts Janet Allison and Jennifer L.W. Fink, co-hosts of ON BOYS podcast. Together, they discuss the boys who just do not fit the mold and more than that, they disrupt their environment. It’s often the case that our disrupters can cause parents frustration, exhaustion and even anger, but there is so much beneath their disrupting behaviors. Many of our boys have ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing issues and/or learning differences. This episode discusses their many strengths and the areas we really need to stay focused on including connection with our boys and supporting their interests and passions. Learn useful ways to navigate conversations, allow their spirit to flourish, build confidence, and just be brave when we wrestle with big questions, like homeschooling. This one is for the boys. 

About the guests of this episode:

Janet Allison is the Founder of Boys Alive! and the Co-Host of the ON BOYS Parenting Podcast. With more than 20 years of experience coaching parents, mentoring teachers, and

being the featured parenting expert on both radio and TV, Janet loves empowering parents and teachers with proven tools and strategies to raise boys to be confident, caring and capable adults. Find her popular Boy TALK Blueprint here and pave the way for great conversations with your son!

Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN is the founder of BuildingBoys.net and a writer specializing in health, education and parenting. She’s also the mother of four boys. Jennifer’s articles about boys have appeared in The Washington Post, Parents magazine, Parade magazine and FOX News. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Follow Liza and Very Happy Stories on Facebook and Instagram 

• Download Liza’s free Thrive Guide for more of Liza’s best practices on empowerment and happiness.
• Subscribe to Liza’s newsletter on VeryHappyStories.com.
• Read Liza’s Very Happy Stories Blog.
• Find out if Liza can help you by clicking here and schedule your free consultation through her calendar.

Grateful for our sponsor - Green Valley Nutrition

Have you heard of all-natural CBD products by Green Valley Nutrition? This company was founded by an entrepreneur who overcame PANDAS. Get 20% off. Click the link below and use the code VERYHAPPY.

https://greenvalleynutrition.com/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.