The Weight of Widowhood: Parenting Through Pain and Finding Purpose

In this heartfelt episode of the Mommin’ Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett interviews Trisha Nelson, a 45-year-old widow and mother of three. Trisha candidly shares her emotional journey of becoming a widow at the age of 40 after her husband tragically passed away in a car accident. She talks about the immediate challenges she faced, including handling overwhelming responsibilities, dealing with legalities, and supporting her children through their grief. Trisha offers invaluable advice on how to support someone going through similar hardships, emphasizing the importance of community, counseling, and finding personal outlets for grief. She also discusses her path to healing and finding love again, and shares her deepened faith and the importance of making her children’s spiritual well-being a priority. This episode is a touching narrative of resilience, faith, and the power of community.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Meet Trisha Nelson: A Widow's Journey

02:07 Trisha Family Background

05:25 Life Before the Tragedy

12:14 The Tragic Accident

17:25 Coping with Loss and Grief

32:48 Challenges of Widowhood

38:56 Overcoming Nighttime Fears

40:36 A Memorable Halloween

44:12 Support Systems and Counseling

46:36 Finding Solace in Faith and Fitness

47:10 Connecting with Other Widows

55:20 Practical Support from the Community

01:01:06 Navigating Holidays and Special Days

01:02:24 Advice for Young Widows

01:05:29 Finding Love Again

01:17:32 The Importance of Faith in Motherhood

01:19:23 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Connect with Trisha:

Trisha's Facebook

Widow Facebook Group: Good Grief

Books:

Widow Goals https://amzn.to/3G5fRvm

Seeing Beautiful Again: https://amzn.to/3HXijob

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

 Inclusion and Advocacy for Kids with Differences: A Conversation with Heather Hostetter

In this episode, the host sits down with longtime friend Heather Hostetter, a passionate artist, to discuss Heather's journey in motherhood and her advocacy for children with differences. Heather shares her heartfelt experiences of parenting her daughter Maddie, who was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, resulting in the loss of her left arm. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with differences, the importance of empathy and inclusion, and actionable advice for parents in similar situations. This candid conversation aims to equip and inspire parents to foster genuine connections and advocacy for children with unique needs.

00:00 Introduction to Heather Hostetter

01:16 Heather's Journey and Family Background

03:51 Parenting a Child with Differences

06:43 Advocacy and Inclusion

12:32 Navigating Social Interactions

28:13 Reading About Differences

29:56 Advocating for Older Children

32:27 Homeschooling Journey

36:43 Teaching Empathy to Kids

39:21 Supporting Other Moms

45:04 Resources and Support Systems

48:21 Connecting with Heather

54:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Heather on Instagram

@heathhostetter

@heatherhostetterart

Resources:

Movies

Wonder

Soul Surfer

Books

Different is Awesome

God Made Me Unique

Wonderfully Made

Organizations

Runway of Dreams

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

From Grace to Grief: Navigating Miscarriage with Faith and Community, with Casey Elmore

In this deeply moving episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett is joined by her dear friend and powerhouse guest, Casey Elmore. Casey shares her personal and heart-wrenching journey through multiple miscarriages, offering a raw and honest account of her experiences. She opens up about the emotional, physical, and relational challenges she faced, and how her faith played a pivotal role in her healing and transformation. This episode not only provides comfort and support for those walking through similar experiences but also offers insightful advice on how to be a better friend and support system to those enduring such grief. Casey's story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

00:00 Introduction and Trigger Warning

00:53 Meet Casey Elmore: A Journey of Faith and Business

03:09 Casey's Family and Passion for Coaching

04:32 First Miscarriage and Coping Mechanisms

07:41 Subsequent Miscarriages and Lessons Learned

11:16 Navigating Loss and Finding Hope

14:58 The Role of Progesterone in Pregnancy

17:06 Family Dynamics and Age Gaps

21:30 Recent Pregnancy and Miscarriage Experience

30:29 Processing Loss and Moving Forward

36:00 Understanding the Vessel and Grief

36:39 Gratitude Amidst Loss

38:14 Navigating Miscarriage: Emotional and Physical Challenges

40:28 The Role of Faith in Grief

43:14 Supporting Friends Through Loss

51:44 Sharing and Processing Grief

01:06:41 Casey's Coaching Program and Final Thoughts

Connect with Casey:

• Instagram: @caseyelmore_

Casey's Offer: Listeners can grab access to Casey’s free 2-day workshop called Intentionally: Building a Supernaturally Activated + Overflowing Life — designed to help women rewire limiting beliefs, activate bold faith, and step into clarity and breakthrough.

https://intentionallypursue.com/freevirtualworkshop

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.

How Craniosacral Therapy Can Help Common Infant Struggles, with Laura Hoyt

In this episode of the Mommin' Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett sits down with licensed massage therapist and craniosacral therapy expert, Laura Hoyt. Laura shares her journey and expertise, discussing the various benefits of craniosacral therapy for infants and mothers, particularly those dealing with oral ties, torticollis, colic, and feeding issues. Learn about the critical connections between craniosacral therapy and your baby's overall wellbeing, and how this gentle practice can help address common newborn struggles. Tune in for invaluable insights and practical tips to support you and your baby on this messy, beautiful journey of motherhood.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:21 Meet Laura Hoyt: Expert in Infant Body Work

01:41 Laura's Journey into Massage Therapy

02:32 Challenges of Early Motherhood

07:31 Discovering Craniosacral Therapy

17:24 Understanding Craniosacral Therapy

21:17 Craniosacral Therapy for Tongue and Lip Ties

24:45 Explaining Ties and Their Impact

33:50 Understanding Anatomical Differences in Breastfeeding

34:40 The Role of Craniosacral Therapy in Infant Feeding

36:35 Intraoral Work and Its Benefits

38:40 Post-Phrenectomy Care and Muscle Tone Development

41:07 Craniosacral Therapy for Older Children

48:35 Diagnosing Tongue and Lip Ties

50:33 Finding a Craniosacral Therapist

53:04 Signs Your Baby Might Need Craniosacral Therapy

58:52 Craniosacral Therapy for Toddlers and Older Children

01:02:42 Resources and Final Thoughts

Connect with Laura:

Instagram: @relax_lab_family

Website: Relax Lab Family

Phone: (903) 405-4383

Laura’s Resources:

The Craniosacral Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-craniosacral-podcast/id1056454646

Weston A Price Homemade Baby Formula https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/formula-homemade-baby-formula/#gsc.tab=0

The Upledger Institute https://www.upledger.com/

The Gillespie Approach https://www.gillespieapproach.com/

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together
Join our Mommin’ Together Facebook Community

Summer Update and Big Changes for Mommin' Together!Join host Michelle Barnett on this brief but important episode of the Mommin' Together podcast. Discover exciting updates for the summer months, including a shift to biweekly episodes to allow for more quality family time. Michelle shares her heartfelt reason behind this change, upcoming content plans, and ways to connect with the Mommin' Together community via Instagram and a new Facebook group. Tune in to learn more and find out how you can continue to be a part of this inspiring community of moms.

00:00 Welcome to the Mommin' Together Podcast

00:36 Summer Schedule Announcement

01:24 Exciting Upcoming Content

01:52 Join the Mommin' Together Community

02:53 Gratitude and Support

03:25 Rate and Review the Podcast

Connect with me on Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Beyond the Highlight Reel: Embracing Imperfection & Authenticity in Motherhood

Join Michelle Barnett on the Mommin' Together podcast as she welcomes Jill Wagner, a mom of four and social media influencer with over 2 million followers. They dive into Jill's journey through motherhood, from teen pregnancy to raising adult children. Jill shares her insights on maintaining authenticity online, balancing family life, and the lessons she's learned through various life challenges. This episode is a must-listen for moms seeking genuine connections and practical advice on staying true to themselves in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:20 Meet Jill Wagner: A Journey of Resilience

01:14 Motherhood and Authenticity

02:31 Navigating Teenage Pregnancy

03:19 The Impact of Upbringing on Parenting

04:20 Embracing Imperfection in Motherhood

06:24 The TikTok Journey Begins

08:39 Going Viral and Building a Community

13:22 Balancing Privacy and Authenticity

16:00 Faith and Authenticity in Motherhood

20:35 Balancing Family and Social Media

22:15 Handling Online Criticism

25:12 Building Authentic Connections Online

26:40 Managing Content Creation as a Busy Mom

31:39 Advice for Moms on Social Media

41:05 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

About Jill:

Jill Wagner is a wife of 25 years to Brian and a mom of 3 boys, 1 daughter, and 1 daughter in law aging from 20-26 years old.

Jill claims to be a professional dabbler as she got her teaching degree, real estate license, babysat kids, tried network marketing companies, owned tradition businesses and flipped houses before she landed upon her passion with the Juice Plus Company and made it to the top level in 2016.

I’m 2020 during the pandemic she decided to put herself out on social media sharing her family life along with the vulnerability of the struggles of teen pregnancy, marriage, addiction, infidelity, weight, and empty nesting.

She has grown a following of over 2 million on her platforms and strives to help women find their voice as they choose to live in a place of courage instead of shame.

Connect with Jill:

TikTok: @authenticallyjill

IG: @authenticallyjill

FB: @JillSechrestWagner

Connect with Michelle

IG: @mommin_together

FB: Join the Mommin’ Together Community on Facebook

In this episode of the Mom and Together podcast, host Michelle Barnett interviews her friend Christine Brandt, a California native and fire wife, about her journey of deconstructing and reconstructing her Christian faith. Christine shares her experiences of struggling with infertility, loss, and reevaluating long-held doctrines and traditions. They discuss the definition of faith deconstruction and reconstruction, the impact on Christine's family and parenting, and how she navigated these challenges. Whether you're questioning your faith or seeking encouragement in your motherhood journey, this episode offers valuable insights and support.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:20 Meet Christine Brandt

01:16 Christine's Family and Lifestyle

03:28 Understanding Faith Deconstruction

07:03 Christine's Deconstruction Journey

17:19 Navigating Faith and Motherhood

24:09 Embracing a Slower Lifestyle

29:37 Faith Practices and Borrowed Prayers

32:53 Navigating Social Media and Faith

35:56 Lessons Learned on Faith and Motherhood

41:54 Practical Mom Hacks

43:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Connect with Christine

C.n.hamel@gmail.com

IG: @christinethebrandt

Resources:

Prayer Book - The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler

Pray as You Go App (Imaginative Prayer)

The Faith Construct (Christine’s Podcast):

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-construct/id1731921436?i=1000645932977

Connect with Me:

Instagram: @Mommin_Together

Building a Christ-Centered Marriage and Family

In this heartfelt episode, meet April Gamble, a devoted wife, mother of three, and foster parent from Austin, Texas. With a background in speech language pathology, April shares her marriage journey of 18 years, she reveals the trials, triumphs, and transformative power of grace in her relationship with her husband, Justin. From the importance of prayer and community to tackling conflict with humility, April offers practical advice and personal anecdotes that underscore the profound impact of a Christ-centered marriage. Whether you're navigating the challenges of raising children or seeking to enrich your marriage, this episode is a valuable resource on fostering love, respect, and unity in the home. Listen in for actionable tips and a refreshing perspective on how to thrive in both marriage and motherhood.

00:00 Introduction to April Gamble

01:10 April's Marriage and Family Background

03:12 Purpose and Foundation of Marriage

06:10 Challenges and Growth in Marriage

10:35 Practical Tips for Prioritizing Marriage

19:41 Working on Your Marriage

29:57 The Role of Counseling in Marriage

34:50 Finding the Right Marriage Counselor

36:02 The Value of Ongoing Counseling

38:28 Overcoming Stigma in Counseling

44:04 Communicating Effectively in Marriage

48:54 Handling Conflict and Arguments

56:29 Impact of Marriage on Parenting

01:00:23 Keeping the Fun Alive in Marriage

01:05:19 Motherhood Advice and Final Thoughts

Good Inside podcast - Doctor Becky Kennedy https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-inside-with-dr-becky/id1561689671

https://open.spotify.com/show/1paqsvlLA7b5n0MFmo5xOq?si=d6897d6d19e94ea0

Real Christianity podcast - Dale and Veronica https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-christianity/id1408224071

https://open.spotify.com/show/1Xj099RA5Zkq8WWgDxZMfl?si=ef602aface564991

Books Recommendations:

Rocking the Roles: Building a Win-Win Marriage by Robert Lewis https://amzn.to/41Togdq

Love and Respect - The love she most desires and the respect he desperately needs. by Dr Emerson Eggerichs https://amzn.to/4lbv39J

Sacred Marriage - Gary Thomas https://amzn.to/42mkk42

The 5 Love Languages - Gary Chapman https://amzn.to/4jabFJb

Finding the Hero in Your Husband by Juli Slattery https://amzn.to/41W0aij