Meredith Snarr went from the throws of motherhood to racing a full Ironman. This week on the podcast, Meredith (my amazing sister-in-law) shares her inspiring journey of the hardships of training for an Ironman, balancing her dreams and having a family, and the confidence she gained while achieving the impossible. Your motivation will be on fire listening to this episode!

How do you parent adult children? What is your role and purpose in that relationship? This week on the podcast we tackle the messiness that parent and adult children dynamics can have. We take a look at how to connect in new ways, setting boundaries together, and learning to accept their choices as they are with no pain. I promise it’s possible to feel love and fulfillment in yourself and your child, no matter what stage of life you're in. 

This week’s episode is such a special one. I have Angie McReaken join me, who is the adoptive mother in our 3 part adoption series, as she share her and her husband’s journey of choosing to adopt their son Crosby. Angie was adopted at 3 years old and can relate to the beautiful connection and heartache that comes with being adopted. Through her shared experience, she wanted to offer a loving home to another child. Tune in to hear the completion of this story, and the unexpected joy that adoption has brought to Angie's family.

It’s hard to celebrate the holidays when family members can make it difficult for you. They're meant to be enjoyed! I got you. This week, I share 11 short tips on how to create a better holiday experience with family. It’s learning to care for yourself, setting clear boundaries, and choosing ahead of time how you want to think about others. Decide what you need to do these next few weeks to enjoy yourself, and do it!

In the second part of our featured adoption story, birth father Stefan White shares his perspective on choosing to place his child, Crosby, for adoption. Stefan has a unique view to share about the challenges of being a birth father, the importance of addressing mental health, and how to decide if adoption is the best option for your family.   

You can find Stefan on Instagram: @stefanshebazz07         

This week on the podcast we're looking at the power of setting boundaries. It's important to protect your emotional and physical health, space, time, and needs, and that's why in this episode I'll be teaching you how to set a boundary. We take a look at what exactly is a boundary, how to implement them with others, and what it can mean for the relationships in your life.

Books mentioned in the episode: 

"Not Nice" by Dr. Aziz Gazipura

"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend 

"Boundaries Where You End and I Begin" by Anne Katherine 

This week's episode is a story dear to my heart as I'm joined by birth mom Nicole Morgan, who shares her journey of deciding to place her child for adoption. Nicole recounted her experience with great heartache, connection, and love that came with one of the hardest choices she's ever made. She continues to enjoy a relationship with her son Crosby and his adoptive parents to this day. Nicole is a courageous woman, and I'm excited for you to hear her story!

Our kids don't always show up in the way we want them to. They'll make mistakes and not meet the expectations you've set for them. The thing is, it doesn't have to mean anything about you. This week I share 3 strategies to help us when our kids come to us with difficult news. We'll look at how to prepare beforehand, listening and reflecting in the conversation, and communicating boundaries. This is exactly the life experience the both of you need.  They will learn, and so will you. 

Do you know someone who's extremely defensive? Maybe you struggle with feeling defensive yourself. This week, discover the secret to combating defensive feelings by learning what happens in your brain and body, understanding the reasons behind those feelings, and what you're making it mean about yourself. I'm also sharing responsive techniques for those moments when your guard goes up and how to operate from a place of love and understanding.