The Mommy Project

El Salvador, Guatemala, and Uganda-  Alexandra Lea Albritton shares her story on The Podcast Project.  A 20 year old who has a heart for the downtrodden, the impoverished, the lonely. In a time when thankfulness and gratitude should be served up in heavy doses along with the American turkey and pie- Alex’s story reminds me of how much is needed in other parts of the world. As I gather around the table surrounded by family and friends, I will be joyful at heart, and admonished to serve. This Thanksgiving- I challenge each one of us to serve one person in our community who is lonely, lost, or in need. Let us Give Thanks, and go on an Adventure!   Books Mentioned: Pursuing  Justice Half the Sky A Mile Wide By Brandon Hatmaker  Ministries discussed: James Place HEAL Ministries.  Hope Street Ministries in Monroe, La. 

Domestic Abuse is too common- too secret- too much of the time. After 10 years of being silent on the subject- I share my story. Don’t worry- It ends on a Hopeful Note! In this week’s podcast- Kimberley Roberson (Host of The Podcast Project) shares her story of a naive 20 year old caught up in domestic violence and abuse. This story only represents in a small way the variations of this issue in our society. Abuse comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors- but there are some “textbook” characteristics to look out for. Kimberley talks about: red flags to watch out for. A game plan- and then need to have a specific plan in mind when leaving . How to NOT become the 80% statistic who leave and then return. Best Resource on the Subject. Lundy Bancroft’s books. Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men.

Lindsey Nadler of Project 41 shares the origin story of this non-profit organization. We discuss living in a Rape Culture and the results of it. How is Trafficking defined and what does it mean to rescue, value and transform one sex trafficked victim at a time. To go after the One.   Topics discussed in this episode: What does Sex Trafficking look like Living in a desensitized culture results in a culture of low economics, low standards, High crime, and demise. PTSD How- as a community- we can help How we can guard our future generations from becoming the next victim What does it look like in a Rescue Mission What does Value and Transform mean in Project 41 terms Why women in Leadership do not have to lose their femininity to be a strong Leader. Go after the One A new way of looking at Esther’s story. Quotes to Love: “It takes an Army.” (Lindsey discussing the magnitude of the trauma care and the need for professional help for these girls.) “We celebrate everything! From the small successes to larger ones. Everything is worth celebrating.” “Sex Trafficking does not look like the movie Taken. It is not some warehouse somewhere- where the person is chained up to a wall.. Although, that does happen.” Links to check out: Project 41 (website) KeeKee Tees  Facebook – Project 41 White As Snow Gala The Influence Podcast Ep.035– Fighting Sex Trafficking on the home- front…

Story of one woman’s path to healing and giving recognition to tragedy. This is part 2 to the miscarriage story and the story of bravery- debunking the status quo- challenging the “what else would you do” mantra,  and not go silent in the pain. There is hope- Acknowledge to yourself and others of your pain and loss Don’t feel guilty over not feeling guilty No shame in telling and re-telling your story. As many times as women tell their birth stories- we should be able to share our stories of loss. Healing comes in waves, in time, and recognition Give the baby a name Know there is other options- speak to your doctor. In Monroe-  St. Francis.  A place which recognizes and gives reverence to Pregnancy Loss. Subscribe and Share with your friends and family. iTunes Leave a review and let me know what topics you care about, you enjoy talking about regarding

Notes from Podcast: Society is conflicted- should you care or move on? Do we have the permission to mourn this loss or “simply move on?” Quote: ” Society only gives you the amount of time you have known about the pregnancy, to grieve the pregnancy…”  So, if you have only known you were prego for 6 weeks- that is how long you are “allowed” to grieve. Do NOT expect your man to feel the same way you do about the loss. This only inflicts more pain and confusion. He will not feel the same loss as you. Share your story. Let others help you, tend to you, show they care. People say the Wrong thing, even when they “think” they mean well… it can be hurtful. Share the memories of:  When the doctor calls… When the bleeding starts…. When the heartbreak floods your body-soul, mind, body…. This is the moment- life changes for you. The More you share- The More others will too… And Healing, Understanding, Compassion, and Change will Occur Regarding this Subject. Why is it…. the second you have begun bleeding and are thrown into a whirlwind of emotions: so severe- so surreal- so UNFAIR! – you get a phone call from a friend telling you, “I’m having a Baby!” “It is a Girl/boy?” How cruel! How unusual. How poignant. This is how the universe works. You are pregnant- glowing, petrified, and every muscle is on Alert. You find out a week later your best friend, a co-worker, a sister-in-law, an acquaintance is pregnant. And- All rejoice…. Then, the unthinkable strikes. How to cope with your new reality, while everyone else in your world is getting robust with the life growing in their belly? DO Not Silence yourself! DO not hold your story close- like a private or “taboo” secret. Jo Tiffany Scott Faulk’s story is for you. She is a pillar of strength and a beautiful mess- She represents the woman of 2016. Educated, Strong, decisive, loving husband, mother of 5.. going on 6 as when record… Strong in Faith, Soul and Community. A business woman. And yet, Life is still uncontrollable, still remains her only “curveball.” Hear her story: Her story of 2 miscarriages. And how God used both of these stories to His Glory. I realize this may be a cliche- “God’s Glory…” “His Story..” But- this is reality. John 10:10. There is a Thief out there who wants to “steal, kill, and to destroy.”  He has a special agenda for us women… But we- must also have an agenda to FIGHT BACK! To not remain silent, to welcome stories of loss and joy, to embrace the broken hearted.. and say, I hear You! I Hurt for You!” John 10:10b: says : “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Abundant: Plentiful. Copious. Abounding. Over-Flowing. Lavish. Exuberant. This is my prayer for you, dear one.. May your life to be Like Joel 2:25-26(nkjv): “So, I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling, The consuming, The chewing locust… You Shall Have Plenty and be Satisfied. and you Shall Praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt Wondrously with you.”   This story is for you- dear one. The loss is great, and should never be discounted. Your grief is real.  I am speaking to you. Show*Notes: The Shauna Nieguist blog post: The Pain Recedes& We can Carry it Together.  Bittersweet> a most beautiful book: “The idea of bittersweet is changing the way I live, unraveling and re-weaving the way I understand life. Bittersweet is the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a moment of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak, and that rejoicing is no less rich even when it contains a splinter of sadness. “It’s the practice of believing that we really do need both the bitter and the sweet, and that a life of nothing but sweetness rots both your teeth and your soul. Bitter is what makes us strong, what forces us to push through, what helps us earn the lines on our faces and the calluses on our hands. Sweet is nice enough, but bittersweet is beautiful, nuanced, full of depth and complexity. Enough.  – an article published in her book Bread & Wine- a love letter to life around the table with recipes…. This article is so REAL! SO true to how pregnant women feel about friends who have miscarried and Women who have miscarried and are bombarded with expectant friends…

The Gender role is still in discussion around the world. In the individual home- each gender has a unique spin on what is considered kosher for the gender. Women= Domestic….. or Not Men= Business …. or Not. Why are we still… in 2016 having this discussion: Why is a woman called a Bitch when she does not smile? And notice it is never a woman saying this to another woman. Why are we still considered as decorative dolls meant to cook, clean, bare children and smile acceptingly? Any other behavior is seen as rebellious, unconventional, bitchy- moody- or ill-equipped? The Silence has to stop. The mantra of “don’t make a scene,” “stop being sad or depressed,” needs to stop! I will address the counterargument- there are those women who “cry wolf” and seek to destroy men in a most personal and manipulative state. Who try to capitalize on the famous or who yell out for a particular political agenda.. and those women are doing a serious disservice to all men and  women alike. But, for the 90% who have felt uncomfortable by a male acquaintance, an uncle, an older guy, an elder or deacon at the church….. this silence- this loss of listening to the instinct-  Must Stop. To our future women- the 3 and 4 years olds of this world- the 13 and 15 year girls- Speak out if something makes you uncomfortable! Mothers and Grandmothers-  Let us Teach our boys how to speak- to act- to treat girls and respect themselves! This is not a gender issue per se…. but a humanity issue. An issue of the Heart!

Join Vanelis Rivera, Jalessa Harris and Kimberley in the discussion:   How do you perceive the world? Gender roles, our parents, and the influence modeled for us. Theory- The Father’s role in the daughter’s life- if this relationship is close, and a source of strength: can increase self-confidence within the daughter. The relationship between the father and daughter may look different from case to case, but the theory holds true. Each of us share little snapshots of our childhood and how we viewed our parents. Gender Roles mixed with Cultural perspectives- The Feedback We Received from our Parents: The Woman’s Role: (based on our mothers). The Domestic. Cleaning, ironing. The Work Ethic. (be able to take care of yourself) The Teacher. (moral, and ethical lessons, wisdom, and advice) The Romantic.  (the poetry of life- the beauty.) Nurturer. (Some times having to choose to be the “bad guy” for the sake of the child’s narrative of the parents). Open-minded. Openness… The Heart. The Man’s Role: (based on our fathers). The Discipline. The Person You call. The One to impress, or outdo, or who we are most like. Strength Stoic, Fire and Brimstone, and Passive. Searcher- lives more outwardly. Took up a lot of mental space. The Mind. Ultimately- the roles can be mixed within individual homes, but in society roles are still defined. But culture and geography can change the way gender roles play out. Quotes to Love: “You get your masters and then you get your misters.” -Vanelis “Men have the privilege to navigate whatever role they choose… the woman- not so much.” – Vanelis “Woah… Really… Grown man.” -Vanelis “Black Supremacy is just as bad White Supremacy.” -Vanelis “Take care of your family and take care of yourself. Make sure you do not place yourself in a position where you are dependent on a man.” -Jalessa. “And you (Jalessa’s dad) are Still that person. You will get up in the middle of the night, and do what you can do to help.” -Jalessa. “You can’t walk with me with your head down. ” -Jalessa. “It took an outside perspective for me to see how close and how present my dad was in my life.” Kimberley. Religions mentioned in this episode: 7th Day Adventist. Catholicism Baptist Pentecost Evangelical. SUBSCRIBE! on iTunes. What role did your mom and dad play in your life? Give me your story. on Instagram and Facebook.

Jerry Griggs- born and raised in Louisiana. College professor at University of Louisiana at Monroe and writer of his recently published book:  The Terror of the Talpidae – A Sci-fi, Action- Adventure mixed genre novel. The Terror of the Talpidae: There is invasion, there is warped, mutated creatures, a hero- an adventure. What began as a passion for comic book illustrations and graphic design, led way to the creative writing of The Terror and his main character Stalker. WWII era is where the novel begins- flash forward several decades- there is an invasion, consequences, adventures and friendship.   A self-proclaimed comic book geek- Jerry talks of his early love for comic books and the excitement that went with each storyline. He Resonated with the characters, with the culture of the SuperHero. Spider-Man – the flawed character, alter identity, ordinary guy – rights the wrongs in his own life, and using this alter identity to fight a larger evil. Psychologically witty– “if you get them too mad or get too down”-the character comes out swinging.– the character can make mistakes. Loving the Flawed Superhero. Special Mentions: Doc Savage and creator Lester Dent. Street and Smith Publications. Storytelling is Processing. Storytelling is a journey. Facebook Page- The Terror of the Talpidae– Jerry creates content and researches the latest articles relating to the Superhero Word, Comic Con, and classic films. Check out his Facebook page. Jerry is finishing the editing on his next book, which will be coming out next year. The Vengeance of the Talpidae  Favorite Quotes: “Talpidae: means a mole- Like the animal not the thing on your face!”   Leave a Review on iTunes and Subscribe! Let me know what projects you are working on and how the process is working!

Guest this week is Rebekah Hutson- We begin the discussion with her new business adventure into the It Works! product line and why this decision to work this business needed to wait until the right moment. She is a devoted wife and mom to 3 young children- so naturally- we talk about working around the schedule of littles. With such incredible technology- we live in a culture that allows anyone to call the shots- to set up the hours and work from home, from the car- while traveling and even during the “potty breaks.” But it is not all business talk- I am so curious about Rebekah’s childhood in Guatemala, and the transition from Guatemalan culture to the US culture. She reveals what she misses and the struggle she experienced as a 15 year old moving from one culture to another. Also- I cannot resist asking her how she met her husband. I am always a sucker for the “how you met” stories. Rebekah gave me the “short version” to what maybe an interesting twist on modern courtship. Excited About: Being Like Abraham and when he says Go – we Go! – Rebekah Fall Season means Hunting Season and lots of dates with my husband! -Kimberley You can find Rebekah: On Instagram: On Facebook: Find your Host- Kimberley at thepodcastproject.com On Instagram On Facebook On Twitter We are on iTunes as thepodcastproject-  Subscribe and leave a review! Please and thank you!

Guest this week is my boss! Meredith McKinnie. is on the podcast. She is a boss lady, newlywed, writer, fitness instructor and teacher.With all the roles Meredith plays- she brings a fresh perspective on what it means to be a 30-something living out her truth. What is discussed in this episode: Boss Lady Role: Leadership, knowing how to be direct and diplomatic. The Teacher: Matthew Thomas- We are Not Ourselves. The Writer:  articles for Bayou Life – Meredith’s Musings – My Sister is a Junkie– Meredith’s Musings and owning our story! Thinking with the larger picture in mind. She Said Yes…at 20 Bayou Life The Newlywed: Married in Vegas- and Loving for Life. The discussion on why second marriages are better/ Top reasons why second marriages are the Best!                                            Honesty. Kindness. Steady. Expectations are more realistic. No Games. Bath Chats. Authenticity / No egg Shells/ No Silent Treatment We know what we want and Especially what we don’t want. podcast mentioned: Modern Love The Moth Dear Sugar–  special mentioned episode: Can a Sexual Assault Survivor Love a Rapist? ep. 63 Death, Sex & Money The Baby-Sitters Club Club Books Mentioned: Memoirs, Novels, and the Classics Wild by Cheryl Strayed Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith  Girl on the Train. by Paula Hawkins Documentary- Netflix- The Sixties. The “I have a Dream.” speech by Martin Luther King and Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King. Quotes to Love: “I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” – Meredith’s writing process reveals her true thoughts. I love the Raw- I love truth. I love when people split themselves open and reveal who they are.” – Meredith- on why she loves memoirs- the most recent being Love Warriorby Glennon Doyle Melton. “I used to gloss over injustices and now they pierce me.” Meredith and how she loves to “feel all the feels.” “He Just lets me do my crazy.” Bath chats and Second marriages are the Best! Find Kimberley on Instagram Find Kimberley on Facebook Find Meredith on Instagram  and Bayou Life – Meredith’s Musings  If you like what you hear- leave us a comment and Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes. Share the love!

Pam White- Guest on the podcast this week- and we discuss tips for the small business owner who is short on time, but full of ideas and passion. She gives her go -to tips on time management, team building skills and the awesome power of the Pink Drink. Plexus Ambassador- Pam’s website  team building Gut Health family, children, community, business, and juggle of it all. The Benefits of working the business… character building Pam mentions: This is your Life – podcast by Michael Hyatt Productivity Sarah Marble  Where you can find Pam: www.plexusslim.com/pamwhite A Healthier You- Facebook.

Lillian Beard of N The Stitch and beautiful baker of cakes, cupcakes and all scrumptious goodies life gives. One of the best cakes I have ever tasted is one Lillian brought me after Wyatt was born. White Almond- buttercream Goodness!! @nthestich She home-schools her four children ages 10-15, she is active in her community- a pastor’s wife, and entrepreneur. When I asked her what prompted her to start baking, crafting, and selling: she said, “Pretty Much everything I have done- has come out of a need.” And so- after creating this one cake for her 5 year old son’s birthday party- her business was launched. When I asked her what advice would she give a young mom or beginner at launching a business of this nature- or even deciding to homeschool– she suggested: Start small- Take one day at a time. Have a plan- stick to that plan its a Family affair use what you have and what you know or are willing to dive deep into research Know your limits: say Yes- even if you don’t know everything.. Go For it But also Know when to say no (set up some boundaries or balance for yourself) Enjoy the process!! Mom advice on having littles at home and juggling “all of it”: set schedule and be consistent structure and discipline – esp. for the first several years. there isn’t any breathing room when kids are little do 1 clean up job at the end of the day. enjoy the beginnings – don’t forget to pay attention to firsts, the hopeful and special moments. The little ballet shoes I bought five years ago from a budding entrepreneur- Lillian Beard of N the Stitch: What is Lillian most excited about? Fall and all the decor. Pumpkins and being cheated by Louisiana weather doesn’t stop her from celebrating and decorating. I am excited about Wyatt sleeping….. better. But he is 2 months- so I should give him a little break. However- what I cannot stop talking and thinking about is my new favorite classic.  A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I completely nerd out over this novel. Hope you enjoy the episode!  

This episode is dedicated to all things related to books- movies and a good podcast listen. I totally forgot to mention a few must haves on Spotify- so I will mention those playlist in future episodes. You guys- if you have not checked out Stranger Things on Netfilix- you are missing out on some awesome creepiness. Books mentioned: Wild by Cheryl Strayed Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good- Kathleen Flinn Ruby Shakespeare Sonnets Film and Tv mentioned: Stranger Things (Netflix) Must Listen: Meg Meeker – podcast Tricks and Tips: Create a space for all your favorite books- even if its in your kitchen between the cabinets and the ceiling- what ever works! Go for long walks, wear sunglasses and let it all out while listen to encouraging podcast and music. Stitch Fix is my new awesome! Rearrange your art gallery wall until there are so many holes – you either get it right or get a repair man. Go with the crazy! “The years are short, and the days are long.” Read what you love, listen to good music, and don’t be afraid to quit on a best seller or show everyone crazy about- there is more content to be be had- and Life is short. Ciao!

Special Guest Host: Craig Roberson on the thepodcastproject.  We discuss “baby counseling”- why this is  more important than the traditional marriage counseling. How the sex life changes post pregnancy. How to keep the happy- “hearts and rainbows” feeling in the  marriage, as well as what we are reading and watching this week.   We discuss:  Pregnancy weight and postpartum weight- and why so many women lose themselves in the caring and nurturing of kids. And wonder why in they no longer recognize themselves as the woman who was once a bride. Does this affect your sex life? Do you find it hard to have sex with a pregnant woman? Changes in our sex life once babies come into the family equation- are you still attracted to me after having all these kids? Giving your self breaks when life doesn’t go smoothly. Keeping Score- who does this most? Major Points: If Mommy and Daddy are not happy- the family is not healthy Don’t try to go on a fitness journey alone- Don’t put it off- tomorrow is always 24 hours away. Read*Watch*Listen: Kimberley’s read for this week: Wild by Cheryl Strayed Kimberley’s Watch: Cooked with Michael Pollen. Craig’s Watch: UFC 202. the Macgregor vs. Diaz fight. Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes and SUBSCRIBE- so you never miss an episode. If you want to be on the podcast- let us know! You can go to our website: thepodcastproject.com or leave a comment on instagram @thepodcastproject and let us know what topics you would like to hear or talk about!

My good friend Pam White is on the show with me this week. Pam is a mom of 3, an entrepreneur, devoted follower of Christ, and loves her family with the tenacity of a bulldog. Her passion for life is infectious and keeps everyone around her on their toes. I love this so much about her. Pam and I discuss our 20s and how friendship changed our view of people, and what we would tell our past selves. This discussion is dear to my heart. Many of us are afraid to have hard conversations with our loved ones. afraid of conflict, afraid of losing the friendship, but when we do not collapse under our fear- and speak with love- friendship can grow stronger and richer. This is a tricky subject- fraught with anxiety and does not always result in happiness, but approached with a gentle spirit- the seed of change is planted.   What happens when one friend is tenacious, passionate in her convictions and challenges a friends addictive and dysfunctional choices? Listen to this episode to find out! 5 main points to know: listen more than you talk. Dominate personalities. Ask Questions more than you make statements. Communication is the hardest, but it is key. No one is intending hurt. It may not be you who changes them, or their mind. But your words can plant a seed. Really into- Personal Growth>  John C.  Maxwell. H 3 Leaderships Leadership podcast> Michael Hyatt  This is your life. Pam can be found on the webs: A healthier You- Pam White