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
• Are video podcasts more your style? Subscribe to our

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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Summary:

In this episode of Pieces of a Woman, Cristie and DeAnna reconnect after Thanksgiving to reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025. They share stories about changing family dynamics during the holidays, including navigating adult children's independence and maintaining meaningful connections. With lessons learned from 2024—like balancing healing with living and the power of service—they explore how personal growth and intentional choices shape the year ahead. From setting goals to guarding their time and launching new ventures, the conversation is an inspiring reminder to "choose your hard" and approach life with purpose. Join Cristie and DeAnna as they celebrate the season of reflection and renewal.

Key Takeaways:

• [00:00] Learning how to maintain meaningful connections with kids as they grow and become more independent
• [08:15] Reflecting on 2024 lessons
• [15:30] Looking ahead to 2025
• [22:45] The power of “choosing your hard”
• [29:10] The importance of open conversations to bridge misunderstandings and strengthen family bonds

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Summary:

In this episode of Pieces of a Woman, Cristie and DeAnna are soaking up the newfound freedom of empty nesting, sharing the joys, surprises, and quieter moments of this new chapter. With October in full swing—and election season approaching—they’re discussing about how they navigate family, friendships, and marriage when political views don’t always match. Their focus? Respectful conversations and keeping their inner peace. Feeling the weight of today’s constant news cycle, they’re also finding ways to stay informed without getting overwhelmed, creating space to breathe and reconnect. This fall, it's all about focusing on what we can control, casting our votes, and protecting our well-being. Tune in for an honest chat on how Cristie and DeAnna are handling life in this season of change.

Key Takeaways:

• [01:20] Realizing the busy yet freeing experience of being empty nesters
• [05:10] Receiving listener feedback on past episodes and the power of shared personal stories
• [07:15] Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• [09:30] Encouraging respectful conversations about current events, including political views
• [18:25] Discussing the importance of not limiting relationships to only those who share similar beliefs
• [26:30] Managing stress by setting limits on news and social media intake
• [30:45] The importance of prioritizing mental health and focusing on positive family interactions

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Listen → The Emotional Shock of Retirement
• Listen → My Bitchin’ 88 Camaro
• Listen → How This 4-Time Cancer Survivor Curates Unique Gifts for Cancer Patients Feat. Liz Benditt
• Shop → The Balm Box by Liz Benditt
• Read → The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• 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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave Us an Apple...

Listener discretion is advised:

This episode contains discussions of past accidents and emotional trauma that may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care while listening.

Summary:

In this deeply emotional episode of Pieces of a Woman, Cristie opens up about a part of her past that’s been buried for years—a story that involves a traumatic car accident, an 88 Camaro, and a betrayal by someone she trusted. After decades of moving forward, life brings that buried wound to the surface again, and Cristie finds herself on an unexpected path toward healing.

How did this long-lost piece of her past resurface?

What steps did she take to finally confront the pain she had locked away for so long?

And what surprising discovery brought her full circle?

Join us as Cristie shares her journey to reclaim what was once stolen, heal old emotional scars, and find joy in the unlikeliest of ways. It’s a story of resilience, redemption, and the surprising ways life sometimes leads us back to the parts of ourselves we thought we had lost forever.

Key Takeaways:

• [0:00] Cristie's life-changing car accident as a teenager and the traumatic aftermath.
• [5:30] The story behind Cristie's dream car, an '88 Camaro, and the emotional impact of losing it.
• [10:00] Hiring a private investigator to track down the person who stole her Camaro and the emotional journey it triggered.
• [15:50] How her son’s suggestion led her to rediscover a part of her past.
• [20:10] The healing power of writing a letter to the person who betrayed her and finding closure.
• [25:45] Reflecting on how life's toughest moments, like losing the car, shaped her but no longer defined her.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 7th annual VISION GALA - supporting mental health programs and suicide awareness
• 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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Summary:

In this episode of Pieces of a Woman, Cristie and DeAnna explore the idea of making the most of your 50s and 60s, which they call the youth of our senior years. They share personal stories from their summers—Cristie's memorable European cruise and DeAnna's relaxing family time filled with pickleball and cherished moments. The conversation highlights the importance of carving out time for both solo and couple adventures, emphasizing how precious these years are. Whether it's picking up new hobbies, planning dream trips, or simply enjoying quiet moments with loved ones, it's all about living fully and intentionally. Tune in to discover how to embrace these vibrant years and find inspiration to make the most of them.

Key Takeaways:

[0:00] Personal stories of spending time with a busy summer of travel and work.

[5:30] Prioritizing quality time with your loved ones, traveling more, and living life fully in your 50s and 60s.

[8:50] Planning for retirement and focusing on personal goals in your 50s and 60s.

[14:10] Navigating retirement and career changes, dealing with emotional struggles, and finding new purpose.

[19:50] Embracing self-discovery and empowerment in midlife.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe from the podcast app on your mobile device.

Leave Us an Apple Podcast Review:

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Summary:

In this episode, Kimberly Weimer opens up about her personal journey with makeup, advocating for embracing our mature skin with confidence. She offers invaluable insights into makeup choices that complement our mature skin, distinguishing between what suited us in our 20s and 30s that doesn’t work for us as we mature into our 40s and 50s. Alongside practical tips, she emphasizes the critical importance of skincare routines, shedding light on the common neglect our skin often faces in the midst of our busy lives.

Learn More About Kimberly:

Kimberly Weimer is an online makeup teacher and retired public school educator with a passion for empowering women in midlife to embrace their beauty and confidence through simple and achievable makeup techniques. With over 25 years of experience in education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women over 50 in today's digital age, Kimberly is dedicated to helping women rediscover the joy of makeup beyond filters and unrealistic standards. Having been happily married for three decades, Kim understands the importance of self-care and self-expression in maintaining a strong sense of identity and confidence. Through her engaging teaching style and genuine passion for empowering women, Kim encourages her following to embrace their unique beauty and strive for personal growth in every aspect of their lives. Join Kimberly as she shares her expertise, insights, and empowering message of self-acceptance and beauty at any age. Discover how easy makeup tips can transform your confidence and help you become the best version of yourself, inside and out.

Connect with Kimberly:

• Website
• Instagram: @kimlightupyourface
• Linktr.ee

Key Takeaways:

• [01:00] Introduction to today’s guest Kimberly Weimer.
• [05:35] Makeup techniques for women in their 50s to enhance their appearance without extreme treatments.
• [12:50] The importance of focusing on moisturizing and color correction.
• [17:00] Embracing natural beauty without relying on filters or makeup.
• [23:00] Skincare and makeup techniques, including simplifying products and techniques for softer, more natural looks.
• [27:15] Personalized makeup palettes based on individual skin tones and preferences.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• 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.

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the Podcast:

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on