Trigger Warning: This episode discusses teen mental health struggles and a suicide attempt. Please listen with care and step away if you need to. Resources for support are listed at the end of these notes.In this deeply honest and courageous conversation, I sit down with Janelle, a mom who lived every parent’s worst fear: her teenage daughter, Noe, attempted to take her own life.

Janelle walks us through the time leading up to that terrifying moment—what Noe was experiencing, the anxiety she was battling, and the steps their family had already been taking to support her. From therapy to open conversations at home, Janelle was trying everything she knew how to do… yet things still escalated.

Janelle shares:

• The early signs that Noe was struggling and how her family, school, and medical providers were trying to help

• What happened the day of the suicide attempt and how their family reacted

• Navigating inpatient treatment—what helped, what surprised her, and what was hardest

• Life after crisis, including ongoing counseling, 24 hour watchfulness, and creating a safe environment

• How their family continues to support Noe, how healing is not linear, and the tools they rely on today

• Why Janelle wants other parents to know there is ZERO shame in asking for help and that they are not alone

This episode is a reminder that behind every strong family is a story—and no one has to face these struggles in silence.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out for help immediately:

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

- Local emergency services or the nearest ER if you are in immediate danger

You are not alone. Support is available 24/7.

In this powerful and conversation, I sit down with Nikki—a mom whose life changed in an instant when the Palisades wildfire tore through her neighborhood. What began as an ordinary day quickly became a race for survival as flames closed in and Nikki found herself separated from her husband and son during the evacuation.

In this episode, Nikki opens up about: - The moment she realized the fire was coming and the sheer panic of having to flee without her family by her side- The chaotic evacuation, the terrifying hours before they reunited, and the instincts that kicked in as a mother

- Losing their home and nearly every single belonging, and what it’s really like to start life over with nothing—not even a toothbrush

- The unexpected angels who showed up in the days and weeks that followed, offering generosity, resources, and emotional support -The complicated reality of surviving trauma—how she’s doing now, why she’s honest about not being okay yet, and the strength her family has shown as they rebuild together
Nikki’s story is raw, emotional, and full of the kind of hope that only comes from surviving the unimaginable. Her honesty is a gift, and her courage shines through as she shares the truth about healing after disaster: it’s messy, it’s ongoing, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Today's conversation is so very important, and I am not exaggerating when I say that listening could truly help you save someone's life. Our guest today, Aaisha, bravely shares how she has experienced severe postpartum psychosis not just once but twice - after the birth of her daughter and then following a miscarriage. While you may have heard of the term postpartum psychosis, I'm the first to admit that until I heard Aaisha's story (and read her incredible book!), I did not fully understand what it entails and how terrifying and dangerous it is. Aaisha opens up about:

- The symptoms she experienced both times she had PPP (spoiler alert- they were different each time)
- Her struggles to find help, the dangers of misdiagnosis, and how racial disparity affects getting care
- What separates postpartum psychosis from other perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression
- What to do if a loved one is showing signs of postpartum psychosis and how vital it is to find help

Please listen and share with anyone you can so we can spread the word about postpartum psychosis, educate healthcare providers, and and help mothers in need.

I highly recommend Aaisha's book A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis. Check it out here: https://aaishaalvi.com/
Learn more about Aaisha on IG: @aaishaalviwrites

When Joanna was told her newborn son, Jude, was blind, at first she thought her family would never be able to do normal family activities again. Little did she expect that now at age 13, in addition to keeping up with his five siblings, Jude would join the middle school cross-country team with the help of an assistant principal who learned to be his sighted guide. Joanna shares about:

- How her family adjusted to teach Jude life skills and how he navigates his surroundings today

- How he got into running and what it's like to be a sighted guide

- What it was like joining his cross country team with the support he's gotten from his middle school

- How, above all else, Jude is just like any other 13-year-old teen boy!

For move information about CCVI in Kansas City, go to www.ccvi.org

For another story of visual impairment, check out Episode 7 - Chelsea's Story!

Today I had the opportunity to chat with Shannon who shares about her journey through life and motherhood with healing loss. She talks about how her hearing loss affected her experiences with not just one, but TWO NICU babies - including one who was born right before Covid. Shannon speaks about how motherhood is different for her, in both good ways and in challenging ones, and what she hopes her journey has taught her children. She shares about her advocacy work and how she helps other mothers including those who are hard of hearing as well addressing widespread motherhood issues such as affordable childcare. This mama is AWESOME, and this interview was so much fun - enjoy!

Find Shannon on IG @shanb_mamasqd

TikTok @Shanb_mamasqd

Information on Mother Forward: motherforward.org

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Karen, a mother who tragically lost her 20-year-old daughter, Alyssa, after she took a pain pill that claimed her life. Karen opens up about the immense grief of losing a child as well as struggles around divorce and mental health.

But out of heartbreak, Karen has created a beautiful legacy for Alyssa. Through her organization, Alyssa’s Wishes, she paints beautiful rocks with uplifting messages that people spread around the world, bringing light and kindness to strangers. She also started a neighborhood library in Alyssa’s honor, extending her daughter’s love of reading into the community.

This conversation is about more than loss—it’s about resilience, creativity, and how even in the darkest times, hope can be shared. Karen’s story is a reminder that small acts of kindness can ripple outward, touching countless lives.

You can find out more about Karen & Alyssa's Wishes (and see where all the rocks have been) at:

- alyssaswishes.org

- IG @alyssaswishes

- FB Alyssa's Wishes

- X @AlyssasWishes15

Mamas who have walked the road of infertility hold such a tender place in my heart because of my own personal journey. So when I first came across Jamie and her incredible artwork, I knew I needed to hear her story.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Jamie from @glitterenthusiast to talk about how she transformed one of the most difficult chapters of her life—infertility—into something both healing and beautiful. Using the very IVF needles that once represented pain and challenge, Jamie began creating stunning art that became both a form of self-care and a source of hope.

She opens up about:

• How painting helped her process and care for herself during her infertility journey

• The way she now supports and uplifts others walking through infertility through her artwork

• Why she believes art has the power to bring healing and connection to everyone

And let me just say—her pieces are truly breathtaking. I highly encourage you to go see her work for yourself!

glitterenthusiast.com

IG @glitterenthusiast

FB Glitter Enthusiast

In this deeply moving episode, I talk with Danielle, a mama who courageously shares the story of her daughter, Lucy. At just 2 months old, Lucy tragically passed away from SIDS, leaving Danielle and her family to navigate unimaginable grief.

Through her pain, Danielle has found purpose in keeping Lucy’s light alive. She now shares her story to encourage parents to slow down, embrace the everyday moments, and be fully present in their children’s lives.

- Link for the weighted bears Danielle mentions: https://thecollectiveforhope.givecloud.co/weightedbear- Learn more about SIDS and safe sleep practices: American SIDS Institute

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• - If you’ve experienced infant loss, support is available through Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support