This one’s gonna stick with you.

Jessica’s not just a mom—she’s a mom of six, a brand-new nana, a business owner, and someone who’s walked through grief, healing, and hope in some of the rawest ways imaginable. In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to build a family—through birth, loss, and international adoption.

We cover:

• Lose a child at 37 weeks and still growing your family

• The wild (and painfully slow) ride of international adoption

• Facing the backlash of being a white mom raising a Black son

• How she knew her adopted son was meant to be hers—even when the “movie moment” never came

• The hard, beautiful lessons in patience, identity, and trauma

• Why “bonding issues” and “it’s too expensive” are myths worth breaking

• And yes, what happens when your adoption post goes viral and the internet comes for you
  

Spoiler: Giraffes and God both make appearances.

Whether you’re a parent, someone considering adoption, or just curious about the real-life stuff people don’t put on Instagram, this one’s for you.

FOLLOW JESSICA: 👉 Instagram: @jessicamandile

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Timehop (for the memory lane scroll)
  

• Adoption Airfare (for more affordable travel)
  

• Foster care vs. international adoption pros and cons
  

• Real talk on the “white savior” narrative
  

YOUR HOST: Jess, your go-to mom friend who’ll cry with you, laugh with you, and probably forget where she put her coffee. Again.

Connect With Me:

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• Follow on @bestjesscampbell for updates

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform

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Summary

In this conversation, we discuss the challenges of parenting, particularly focusing on sleep issues faced by children and their parents. We explore the role of a child sleep consultant, the importance of establishing a consistent bedtime routine, and the misconceptions surrounding sleep training. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to seek help and the value of understanding individual family dynamics when it comes to sleep. Practical tips and tools for improving sleep quality are also shared, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive sleep environment.

Takeaways

• We all have our own kind of shit show going on.
• I help parents that are struggling with their kids' sleep.
• It's not about perfection. It's about getting better.
• It's okay to ask for help.
• Sound Machine, Swaddle, Darkness are your best friends.
• Every family has a different goal.
• You need to put your babies to sleep before they're overtired.
• The more pressure we add, the more it spins out of control.
• It's important to look at both ways

Connect with Majo:

• goodstoneparenting.com

• Instagram @goodstoneparenting

Connect With Me:

• Subscribe

• Follow on @bestjesscampbell for updates

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform

Amazon sound machine

Summary

In this episode of The Heartcore Home, Jess Campbell introduces the evolution of her podcast from 'Mom Mentality' to a broader focus on personal growth, emotional regulation, and the complexities of relationships. She emphasizes the importance of healing, self-awareness, and creating a safe space for honest conversations. Jess shares her personal journey of growth, vulnerability, and the practical steps listeners can take to embrace their own evolution.

Takeaways

• We're not just moms; we're multifaceted individuals.
• Healing is essential for healthy relationships.
• Creating a safe space for honest conversations is crucial.
• Personal growth requires self-awareness and vulnerability.
• Healing is a non-linear journey.
• Telling the truth, even when awkward, fosters connection.
• You don't need a complete plan to start evolving.
• Experimenting with new approaches can lead to growth.
• Small, daily changes can have a significant impact.
• Community support is vital in the journey of self-discovery.

• 
  

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to The Heartcore Home

01:07 Evolving Beyond Motherhood

03:54 The Importance of Healing in Relationships

06:41 Navigating Change and Self-Discovery

08:31 Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability

12:30 Building Stronger Connections

16:23 Practical Steps for Personal Growth

20:37 New Chapter

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Substack

www.jessicacampbell.xyz

Things are growing! Come along!

Summary

This conversation delves into the complexities of parenting, focusing on breaking generational cycles, the importance of emotional connection, and the journey of self-awareness. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how to foster meaningful relationships with children through play, compassion, and understanding individual needs. They emphasize the significance of celebrating small wins and creating a collaborative family dynamic that nurtures growth and connection.

Takeaways

• Parenting is a journey that requires continuous growth.

• Breaking generational cycles is essential for healthier relationships.

• Emotional connection is crucial for effective parenting.

• Play can be a powerful tool for communication and bonding.

• Self-awareness helps in understanding triggers and reactions.

• Celebrating small wins can boost confidence in parenting.

• Collaboration within the family fosters a supportive environment.

• Understanding each child's unique needs is vital for effective parenting.

• Compassion for oneself is important during parenting challenges.

• Creating routines can enhance family connections and stability.

Sound Bites

"I call myself a professional parent."

"Play is a powerful tool for connection."

"Celebrate your small wins in parenting."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Abby's Journey

05:27 Breaking Generational Cycles in Parenting

09:56 The Importance of Emotional Connection

14:39 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth

19:23 Techniques for Better Parenting

24:39 Creating Meaningful Connections with Children

29:31 The Power of Bedtime Routines

37:01 Navigating Family Dynamics and Collaboration

38:39 The Importance of Play in Parenting

41:07 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

44:33 Reframing Play as Fun

46:26 Involving Kids in Daily Activities

48:13 Understanding Generational Patterns in Parenting

50:25 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Parenting

Connect with Abimbola Akanji:

• thegrowingparent4@gmail.com

• the_growingparent

Connect With Me:

• Subscribe

• Follow on @jessica.cambell.co for updates

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform

Full Show Blog:

https://jessicacampbellco.com/blog/9969/generational-healing-starts-here-abi-s-story-of-love-play-and-growth

Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Episode Summary:

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we get into the complex and emotional journey of healing from toxic parents while raising children of your own. If you’ve ever struggled with breaking the cycle of generational trauma, felt triggered by your child’s emotions, or carried guilt over your parenting choices, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How toxic parenting affects your mindset and approach to parenting.
• The impact of childhood trauma on emotional regulation and decision-making.
• Practical strategies for healing while remaining present for your children.
• How to regulate your nervous system to avoid reactive parenting.
• The importance of reparenting yourself and breaking generational cycles.
• Navigating guilt, perfectionism, and overcompensation as a parent.
• Setting boundaries with toxic family members—whether that means low contact, no contact, or enforcing firm emotional boundaries.
• Teaching your kids emotional intelligence and creating a safe, supportive home environment.
• The power of repair in parenting and modeling accountability for your children.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Healing is messy but necessary – Acknowledging and validating your experiences is the first step.
💡 You always have a choice – Breaking cycles is about choosing to do things differently, even when it’s hard.
💡 Your kids don’t need a perfect parent; they need a present one – Small changes make a huge impact.
💡 Guilt is often a sign of conditioning, not wrongdoing – Learn to separate internalized shame from true accountability.
💡 Boundaries are essential – Protecting your peace is not selfish; it’s necessary for healing.

Affirmation for This Episode:

💬 “I am healing. I am breaking cycles. I am enough.”

Resources & Next Steps:

• Follow me on social media for more insights on cycle-breaking and conscious parenting.
• Share this episode with a fellow parent who needs to hear this message.
• Subscribe & leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

👉 Join the conversation! What resonated with you the most? Connect with me online and share your thoughts!

Until next time, remember: You are healing. You are enough.

@jessica.cambell.co

Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Summary

In this episode of Mom Mentality, Jessica Campbell discusses the unrealistic standards placed on mothers by society and themselves. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and authenticity in motherhood, highlighting the need for self-care and community support. Jess encourages mothers to redefine what it means to be a good mom, focusing on connection and compassion rather than perfection.

Takeaways

• This podcast aims to create a safe space for mothers.
• Mothers often chase unrealistic standards set by society.
• Being a good mom is not about perfectionism.
• Life and motherhood are messy and complex.
• Social media can distort our perceptions of motherhood.
• It's essential to prioritize self-care as a mother.
• Mothers should redefine what it means to be 'good'.
• Showing vulnerability can teach children about emotional intelligence.
• Community support is crucial for mothers.
• Every family's needs are unique, and that's okay.

Show Note Blog: https://jessicacampbellco.com/blog/9757/what-it-really-means-to-be-a-good-mom-and-why-you-re-already-enough-

Connect With Me:

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• Follow on @jessica.cambell.co for updates

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform

In this conversation, Rima, a parenting coach, discusses the importance of connection, self-care, and community in parenting. She emphasizes the need for awareness and reflection in parenting practices, the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships, and the significance of building authentic connections. The discussion also touches on the challenges of being an expat parent and the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating relationships. Rima advocates for conscious parenting and the ripple effect it can have on families and communities. In this conversation, the speakers explore the complexities of parenting, emphasizing the importance of human connection, understanding different personalities, and the journey of personal growth. They discuss the challenges of parenting in a modern context, the influence of culture, and the need for community support. The dialogue highlights the significance of defining family goals and the balance between authority and flexibility in parenting. Ultimately, the speakers encourage parents to seek harmony and connection in their relationships with their children.

Takeaways:

• Parenting is a journey that requires self-awareness and reflection.

• Building authentic connections is crucial for personal and familial growth.

• Self-care is not selfish; it's essential for effective parenting.

• Community support can significantly impact parenting experiences.

• Understanding childhood trauma can help in healing adult relationships.

• Emotional intelligence is key to navigating parenting challenges.

• Conscious living enhances relationships and parenting.

• Parenting skills can create a ripple effect in families.

• It's important to embrace imperfections in parenting.

• Creating a supportive environment is vital for both parents and children. Parenting is a journey of trial and error.

• It's important to communicate openly with children about parenting efforts.

• Every individual deserves to be valued as a human being.

• Connection is essential for cooperation and harmony in parenting.

• Parenting requires practice and the development of skills over time.

• Understanding different personalities helps in meeting children's needs.

• Cultural influences shape our parenting styles and decisions.

• Flexibility and open communication are key in parenting.

• Defining family goals helps guide parenting decisions.

• Community support is vital for navigating parenting challenges.

Connect with Rima:

• www.preciousparenting.com

• rima@preciousparenting.com

Connect With Me:

• Subscribe

• Follow on @jessica.cambell.co for updates

• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform

Show Notes Blog: https://jessicacampbellco.com/blog/9697/beyond-borders-the-heart-and-science-of-parenting-with-rima-elahi-syed

Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com