Trigger Warning:

This episode contains discussions about childhood trauma, foster care, abuse, and emotional healing. Some content may be distressing or triggering to listeners. Please take care while listening, and feel free to pause or skip sections if needed. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, resources and support are available.

Summary:

In this powerful episode of Pieces of a Woman, DeAnna sits down with Celeste Edmunds, author of Garbage Bag Girl, Executive Director of The Christmas Box International, and a survivor turned advocate. Celeste opens up about her journey through childhood trauma, foster care, and the deeply personal process of writing her memoir. She shares what it really means to carry—and eventually let go of—the emotional "garbage bags" we hold onto from our pasts. Together, they explore resilience, healing, forgiveness, and the choice to live a life of purpose. Celeste also shares the inspiration behind her upcoming children’s book, The Boy Who Was Raised in a Sunflower Patch, and why every story, no matter how painful, has the power to connect and heal. If you've ever questioned whether you can turn pain into strength, this conversation will leave you filled with hope.

Learn More About Celeste Edmunds:

My childhood was an ongoing cycle of police calls, fighting, and physical, sexual, and mental abuse. At age 7, I was taken by the state and placed into a child welfare system, where moving every few months to a new environment became normal. So did living out of a garbage bag. By age sixteen, I had lived in more than 30 cities. My childhood was a difficult and often unbearable experience where evil manipulation almost broke my spirit. But there were also caring people along the way who stepped in to do what they could to protect and nurture me, and as an adult, I look back at those moments and realize that they saved my life. My goal is to help as many children in the child welfare system have the opportunities for success that I was not provided.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:01] DeAnna introduces Celeste Edmunds and Garbage Bag Girl.
• [03:00] How Celeste balanced honesty and healing while writing her memoir.
• [10:00] The turning point: Choosing survival over revenge.
• [16:00] Why writing the book was harder than living the experience—and why it was necessary.
• [23:00] Celeste’s advice on the healing power of writing your own story.
• [27:00] How grace and forgiveness shaped Celeste’s journey.
• [43:00] Celeste’s reflections on foster care today: Complicated, but not broken.
• [59:00] The emotional process of recording the audiobook herself.
• [1:04:00] Sneak peek at her upcoming children’s book, The Boy Who Was Raised in a Sunflower Patch.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Celeste Edmunds Website
• Garbage Bag Girl by Celeste Edmunds
• Celeste Edmunds Instagram
• The Christmas Box International
• Garbage Bag Girl Podcast
• Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans
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Summary:

Caring for aging parents is one of life's most challenging transitions, and we often don’t know where to start. In this episode, DeAnna and Cristie welcome Leigh Anne Garcia, an adult geriatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience, to provide expert insights into navigating healthcare, end-of-life decisions, and the emotional challenges of caregiving. From understanding the inevitable decline of aging to discussing legal documents, home care options, and hospice misconceptions, this episode is packed with must-know information for anyone with aging parents. Leigh Anne also shares practical tips on how to advocate for your loved ones in the complex healthcare system. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for aging parents, this conversation will provide clarity, support, and a roadmap to help you through this stage of life.

Learn More About Leigh Anne Garcia:

Leigh Anne Garcia is an adult geriatric nurse practitioner with over 30 years of experience in healthcare. She began her career as a CNA in a nursing home, later becoming an RN and spending 17 years working with older adults in home health. She then earned her doctorate in adult geriatric primary care and has spent the past 12 years caring for older adults across various settings.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:28] Introduction to Leigh Anne Garcia and her background in geriatric care
• [01:33] The unique challenges of aging parents and how families can prepare
• [03:15] The reality of aging: Why seniors don’t always “bounce back” after an illness
• [06:24] The importance of legal documents Advanced Directives and Power of Attorney
• [09:24] The difficult DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) conversation when doctors and family disagree
• [12:06] Navigating the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance
• [15:05] How to be an effective advocate for your aging parent in the healthcare system
• [17:56] The role of hospice care and why it’s underutilized
• [20:37] Understanding when it’s time to transition from home care to assisted living
• [24:27] The best way to find reliable in-home caregivers
• [30:45] The emotional toll of caregiving: How to balance compassion and practicality
• [32:37] Preparing your own family for the future: Having “the talk” before it’s too late
• [36:23] Why having an advocate is crucial in hospital settings

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Care.com: Find Senior Care
• Visiting Angels: Senior Home Care
• Listen: Youth of Our Senior Years
• Listen: Breaking the Silence: Women, Aging, and the Truth About Sex
• Are video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
• We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.
• Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat

Summary:

After a holiday break, Cristie and DeAnna are back with a conversation that many shy away from—sex, intimacy, and how it changes as we age. From the impact of hormones and body confidence to the cultural shame we were raised with, they discussed the real, raw, and sometimes funny realities of midlife sexuality. Why do some women stop enjoying sex? How can we break free from outdated narratives and truly embrace pleasure at any stage of life? And could ‘’Naked Sundays’’ be the key to a deeper connection? This episode is about curiosity, confidence, and choosing joy in every part of life—including the bedroom.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] Back from the holidays: travel, routine, and the fresh start of 2025
• [05:30] Introducing today’s topic: Women, sex, and intimacy after 40
• [06:40] The common theme among women—losing desire and disinterest in sex
• [08:10] Hormones, menopause, and how they impact sex drive
• [09:45] How shame and cultural conditioning affect women’s view on sex
• [11:20] The role of confidence: How body image changes intimacy
• [13:00] What men actually think vs. what women assume about their bodies
• [17:20] Communication in relationships: Being open about desires and needs
• [19:00] The power of intimacy beyond just physical connection
• [21:30] Advice for women: How to reignite desire and embrace pleasure

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Listen: Be Your Own (S)expert with Dr. Juliana
• Are video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our YouTube channel!
• We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message on Instagram or Facebook.
• Do you want your next vacation to be in luxury? Book your exclusive retreat here.

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