Calm

Our series "Lighten Up about Parenting," wraps up today, which is perfect because, drumroll please, Calm the H*ck Down is officially out in the world! So we're running out of podcast but I have a whole book waiting for you, all about parenting. As you probably know by now, I invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my book, Calm the H*ck Down. They were given an early copy and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. Will Calm the H*ck Down actually calm you the heck down? Because I think after the year we've all had, we need it. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Amy, special needs mom of three and middle school teacher from Texas, about Calm the H*ck Down, processing her kids getting diagnosed with autism, and how she calms the heck down as a special needs mom. And then, stay tuned, because I'm interviewing myself and answering some frequently asked questions about the book. Hey, you are invited to a  Virtual Happy Hour with me and Coffee+Crumbs founder Ashlee Gadd on January 14. We are going to have so much fun, and there's swag! I'm personally mailing everyone who comes to the event a Calm the Hck Down koozie and personalized bookplate to stick in your book and I hope so many of you register that I spend half of January at the post office. Links from the show:  Join me for a  Virtual Happy Hour on January 14! Pick up a copy of Calm the Hck Down!  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our series "Lighten Up about Parenting," wraps up today, which is perfect because, drumroll please, Calm the H*ck Down is officially out in the world! So we're running out of podcast but I have a whole book waiting for you, all about parenting. As you probably know by now, I invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. They were given an early copy and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. Will Calm the H*ck Down actually calm you the heck down? Because I think after the year we've all had, we need it. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Amy, special needs mom of three and middle school teacher from Texas, about Calm the H*ck Down, processing her kids getting diagnosed with autism, and how she calms the heck down as a special needs mom. And then, stay tuned, because I'm interviewing myself and answering some frequently asked questions about the book. Hey, you are invited to a <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_74slpWpaS2-g9o-7M-pPcg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Virtual Happy Hour</a> with me and Coffee+Crumbs founder Ashlee Gadd on January 14. We are going to have so much fun, and there's swag! I'm personally mailing everyone who comes to the event a Calm the Hck Down koozie and personalized bookplate to stick in your book and I hope so many of you register that I spend half of January at the post office. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Join me for a <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_74slpWpaS2-g9o-7M-pPcg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Virtual Happy Hour</a> on January 14!</li> <li>Pick up a copy of <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the Hck Down</a>!</li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #132: Calm the H*ck Down

Alex Dale

After a brief hiatus, we're back with the penultimate episode of our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and in each episode, we have not one but two awesome conversations for you. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Jeniffer from Mississippi about Calm the H*ck Down. And then, stay tuned, because my husband Alex is coming on to talk about how we handle technology in our house. Yes that's right. Everything you want to know about how we make choices about tech for our kids, social media, the interwebz, LoJacking them and tracking their every move, and even learning to trust them. So stay tuned for that, but first, here's my conversation with Jeniffer about Calm the H*ck Down! Beyond being the sexiest, most amazing husband ever (Alex wrote his own intro, can you tell?), Alex has worked in design and marketing for more than two decades and founded his agency Loudmark in 2008. He specializes in branding, advertising, app and web development, and more, and divides his time between managing our families technology and serving his clients including Disney, Under Armour, Universal Studios, Kraft Foods, and most importantly, me. You can learn more at loudmark.com, but join us first as we break down how we do technology with our kids. Should we give them everything or smash the WiFi router altogether? Listen in and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Fun TikTok video Alex put together to encourage our kids to swear less. Setting up Screen Time on iPhone Life 360 App for tracking your kid's location and driving safety Disney Circle Home Plus provides parental control at the router level  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

After a brief hiatus, we're back with the penultimate episode of our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and in each episode, we have not one but two awesome conversations for you. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Jeniffer from Mississippi about Calm the H*ck Down. And then, stay tuned, because my husband Alex is coming on to talk about how we handle technology in our house. Yes that's right. Everything you want to know about how we make choices about tech for our kids, social media, the interwebz, LoJacking them and tracking their every move, and even learning to trust them. So stay tuned for that, but first, here's my conversation with Jeniffer about Calm the H*ck Down! Beyond being the sexiest, most amazing husband ever (Alex wrote his own intro, can you tell?), Alex has worked in design and marketing for more than two decades and founded his agency Loudmark in 2008. He specializes in branding, advertising, app and web development, and more, and divides his time between managing our families technology and serving his clients including Disney, Under Armour, Universal Studios, Kraft Foods, and most importantly, me. You can learn more at <a href="https://www.loudmark.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">loudmark.com</a>, but join us first as we break down how we do technology with our kids. Should we give them everything or smash the WiFi router altogether? Listen in and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@melaniedale/video/6801481851480444166" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fun TikTok video</a> Alex put together to encourage our kids to swear less.</li> <li>Setting up <a href="https://www.imore.com/how-set-screen-time-your-child" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Screen Time on iPhone</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.life360.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Life 360 App</a> for tracking your kid's location and driving safety</li> <li><a href="https://meetcircle.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disney Circle Home Plus</a> provides parental control at the router level</li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #131: Alex Dale

Osheta Moore

We are in our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and in each episode, we have not one but two awesome conversations for you. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. Will Calm the H*ck Down actually calm you the heck down? Inquiring minds want to know. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Kelsi, mother of twin boys and a girl, from Kansas City, MO, about Calm the H*ck Down. And then, stay tuned, because author and pastor Osheta Moore is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Osheta is an author, pastor, anti-racism encourager, and an everyday peacemaker. She's working on a new book for us called Dear White Peacemakers that I am so stoked about. We talk about her insider Starbucks hookup, raising biracial children, siblings fighting, and how her parenting changed as her theology changed. Then we chat about the difference between peace keeping and peace making, and how intergenerational relationships help her with parenting teenagers. Osheta is one of my very favorite people to talk to, so listen in and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out  Osheta's red beans and rice recipe Connect with her on Instagram Find Osheta on the web Check out Osheta's book,  Shalom Sistas How to Hit the Woah tutorial  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are in our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and in each episode, we have not one but two awesome conversations for you. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if this thing actually works. Will Calm the H*ck Down actually calm you the heck down? Inquiring minds want to know. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Kelsi, mother of twin boys and a girl, from Kansas City, MO, about Calm the H*ck Down. And then, stay tuned, because author and pastor Osheta Moore is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Osheta is an author, pastor, anti-racism encourager, and an everyday peacemaker. She's working on a new book for us called Dear White Peacemakers that I am so stoked about. We talk about her insider Starbucks hookup, raising biracial children, siblings fighting, and how her parenting changed as her theology changed. Then we chat about the difference between peace keeping and peace making, and how intergenerational relationships help her with parenting teenagers. Osheta is one of my very favorite people to talk to, so listen in and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out <a href="https://oshetablogs.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/sheloves-and-red-beans/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Osheta's red beans and rice recipe</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oshetamoore/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li>Find <a href="http://osheta.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Osheta on the web</a></li> <li>Check out Osheta's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/151380149X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=151380149X&amp;linkId=7f880ff3e09a159d075bac0c6178eadc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Shalom Sistas</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KoCWms3jZk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Hit the Woah</a> tutorial</li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #130: Osheta Moore

Alli Worthington

We are in our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, this series is cool because you're getting bonus interviews. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if my book actually works. I want to make sure if you grab a copy of Calm the H*ck Down that it's going to help you, as well as hopefully make you laugh. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Jen from Colorado about Calm the H*ck Down. We talk about trying to play video games with our kids, letting our kids experience consequences, and the time I charged my daughter for a Mommy Uber driver. And then, stay tuned, because author, speaker, and business coach Alli Worthington is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Alli is the mother of five boys and has a new book coming out called Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence. We chat about how losing everything - her husband's job, their home, filing bankruptcy - led to her work-from-home life. She talks about getting rid of mom guilt, letting kids be who they are, and what helps her calm down about parenting. Whether you're standing strong, lying in the fetal position, or somewhere in between, listen in and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Alli's new book,  Standing Strong Connect with her on Instagram Find her on the web Called Creatives  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are in our 10-part series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, this series is cool because you're getting bonus interviews. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout the series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to treat their kids like lab rats to see if my book actually works. I want to make sure if you grab a copy of Calm the H*ck Down that it's going to help you, as well as hopefully make you laugh. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Jen from Colorado about Calm the H*ck Down. We talk about trying to play video games with our kids, letting our kids experience consequences, and the time I charged my daughter for a Mommy Uber driver. And then, stay tuned, because author, speaker, and business coach Alli Worthington is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Alli is the mother of five boys and has a new book coming out called Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence. We chat about how losing everything - her husband's job, their home, filing bankruptcy - led to her work-from-home life. She talks about getting rid of mom guilt, letting kids be who they are, and what helps her calm down about parenting. Whether you're standing strong, lying in the fetal position, or somewhere in between, listen in and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Alli's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310358760/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310358760&amp;linkId=07387565447023c8f16a5beeb6405455" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Standing Strong</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alliworthington/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://alliworthington.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find her on the web</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.calledcreatives.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Called Creatives</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #129: Alli Worthington

Today's podcast is sponsored by a bag of frozen riced cauliflower that I found in my freezer, because in a freak podcasting accident, I gave myself a gigundous fat lip. Seriously, so painful. I'm just trying not to talk with a lisp right now. Alex saw me holding the frozen cauliflower bag on my face and I muttered, "I hate podcasting," and he observed, "It's certainly more dangerous than I thought." And this is a day in the life of someone as clumsy as I am. While trying to strap on my fancy headphones, I clocked myself in the lip. We are halfway through our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, this series is cool because you're getting bonus interviews, two for the price of one...which is still free...I'm not really sure about the math on that. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the Hck Down. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to use their kids as guinea pigs to see if my book actually works. I want to make sure if you grab a copy of Calm the Hck Down that it's going to help you, as well as hopefully make you laugh. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Sarah from Michigan, mother of two boys, one on the autism spectrum, about Calm the Hck Down. We talk about the book and also what it was like getting an autism diagnosis, and she offers advice for parents in the middle of getting an autism diagnosis. And then, stay tuned, because writer and army wife Lorren Lemmons is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Lorren is a writer, a military spouse, and a former pediatric nurse. She talks about packing and moving with kids, and what it looks like preparing your kids to move. She has three kids and her four-year-old lived in four states before the age of four, so she knows a lot about this. We also talk about expectations she had going into parenting and how she calms the heck down. Lorren's got some really fun ideas, so listen in, and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Lorren's website Connect with her on Instagram  The Magic of Motherhood  It's Not Fair  Women Are Scary  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today's podcast is sponsored by a bag of frozen riced cauliflower that I found in my freezer, because in a freak podcasting accident, I gave myself a gigundous fat lip. Seriously, so painful. I'm just trying not to talk with a lisp right now. Alex saw me holding the frozen cauliflower bag on my face and I muttered, "I hate podcasting," and he observed, "It's certainly more dangerous than I thought." And this is a day in the life of someone as clumsy as I am. While trying to strap on my fancy headphones, I clocked myself in the lip. We are halfway through our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, this series is cool because you're getting bonus interviews, two for the price of one...which is still free...I'm not really sure about the math on that. In addition to an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, I've also invited 10 beta testers from all over the country to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the Hck Down</a>. They were given an early copy of my book and volunteered to use their kids as guinea pigs to see if my book actually works. I want to make sure if you grab a copy of Calm the Hck Down that it's going to help you, as well as hopefully make you laugh. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Sarah from Michigan, mother of two boys, one on the autism spectrum, about Calm the Hck Down. We talk about the book and also what it was like getting an autism diagnosis, and she offers advice for parents in the middle of getting an autism diagnosis. And then, stay tuned, because writer and army wife Lorren Lemmons is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Lorren is a writer, a military spouse, and a former pediatric nurse. She talks about packing and moving with kids, and what it looks like preparing your kids to move. She has three kids and her four-year-old lived in four states before the age of four, so she knows a lot about this. We also talk about expectations she had going into parenting and how she calms the heck down. Lorren's got some really fun ideas, so listen in, and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out <a href="https://lorrenlemmons.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lorren's website</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lorrenlemmons/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310084601/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310084601&amp;linkId=859644ea4e612a3a0c4b2a8e53db2104" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Magic of Motherhood</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310342147/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310342147&amp;linkId=6d753fb759a5b415af341bb0be6dec76" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> It's Not Fair</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310341051/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310341051&amp;linkId=d85a6adec0e4618ed902408b63ebf52a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Women Are Scary</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #128: Lorren Lemmons

Sarah Hauser

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Erin Mohring from Nebraska about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because my friend Sarah Hauser, mother of twins, writer, and our resident recipe guru at Coffee+Crumbs, is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Sarah Hauser is a food blogger who, in addition to creating delicious recipes, writes about the theology of food. She has three kids, including twins, and describes herself as a writer, speaker, and omnivore. If you're struggling with depression, this conversation is for you, and honestly maybe all of us are struggling more than usual right now because of this unusual time. Sarah shares candidly about depression and starting medication for it. I love her approach to cooking because she sees it as a creative outlet, and her recipes are accessible for regular people like me. We talk about what it was like finding out she was pregnant with twins, nursing twins, the parts of motherhood that are boring, and road-tripping with kids. Get comfy, listen in, and lighten up Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Sarah's essay on Coffee+Crumbs, "You Don't Have to Do It All" Find Sarah online Connect with her on Instagram Million Praying Moms  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Erin Mohring from Nebraska about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because my friend Sarah Hauser, mother of twins, writer, and our resident recipe guru at Coffee+Crumbs, is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Sarah Hauser is a food blogger who, in addition to creating delicious recipes, writes about the theology of food. She has three kids, including twins, and describes herself as a writer, speaker, and omnivore. If you're struggling with depression, this conversation is for you, and honestly maybe all of us are struggling more than usual right now because of this unusual time. Sarah shares candidly about depression and starting medication for it. I love her approach to cooking because she sees it as a creative outlet, and her recipes are accessible for regular people like me. We talk about what it was like finding out she was pregnant with twins, nursing twins, the parts of motherhood that are boring, and road-tripping with kids. Get comfy, listen in, and lighten up Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Sarah's essay on Coffee+Crumbs, "<a href="http://C+C%20Essay%20https:" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You Don't Have to Do It All</a>"</li> <li>Find <a href="https://sarahjhauser.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah online</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="http://instagram.com/sarah.j.hauser" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.millionprayingmoms.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Million Praying Moms</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #127: Sarah Hauser

Jamie Sumner

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Sallie, IVF mom and former schoolteacher from South Carolina, about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author Jamie Sumner is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Jamie is the author of  Eat, Sleep, Save the World, a book for special needs parents filled with encouragement about what we're already doing right. Jamie was so much fun to talk to. She has a son with cerebral palsy who's in a wheelchair and communicates with a speaking device AND she's the mom of twins. We chat about that weird place called IEP meetings, or individualized education plan for the uninitiated, the real fears in parenting, both big and small, and what helps her calm down. I had a great time with Jamie and I can't wait for you to meet her too, so listen in and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Jamie's book,  Eat, Sleep, Save the World Find Jamie online Connect with her on Instagram Armchair Expert podcast  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Sallie, IVF mom and former schoolteacher from South Carolina, about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author Jamie Sumner is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Jamie is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1535971096/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1535971096&amp;linkId=d0ceae7a7a553d91fca1f90df0803bee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eat, Sleep, Save the World</a>, a book for special needs parents filled with encouragement about what we're already doing right. Jamie was so much fun to talk to. She has a son with cerebral palsy who's in a wheelchair and communicates with a speaking device AND she's the mom of twins. We chat about that weird place called IEP meetings, or individualized education plan for the uninitiated, the real fears in parenting, both big and small, and what helps her calm down. I had a great time with Jamie and I can't wait for you to meet her too, so listen in and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Jamie's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1535971096/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1535971096&amp;linkId=d0ceae7a7a553d91fca1f90df0803bee" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Eat, Sleep, Save the World</a></li> <li>Find <a href="https://jamie-sumner.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jamie online</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamiesumner_author/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://armchairexpertpod.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Armchair Expert podcast</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #126: Jamie Sumner

Bronwyn Lea

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Staci from Tennessee about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author Bronwyn Lea is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Bronwyn is the author of  Beyond Awkward Side Hugs and also a super wise mom. I loved hearing what she's learning about parenting, what her kids need from her, and how she calms the heck down. Whether you're driving to work, jogging, folding laundry, or hiding in the bathtub, hopefully with chocolate, listen in, and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Bronwyn's book,  Beyond Awkward Side Hugs Find Bronwyn online Connect with her on Facebook  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you're just joining us, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Staci from Tennessee about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author Bronwyn Lea is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Bronwyn is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400215005/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1400215005&amp;linkId=ecdee0ef104d43af3c87481a24e2631e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Beyond Awkward Side Hugs</a> and also a super wise mom. I loved hearing what she's learning about parenting, what her kids need from her, and how she calms the heck down. Whether you're driving to work, jogging, folding laundry, or hiding in the bathtub, hopefully with chocolate, listen in, and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the Hck Down! Calm the Hck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Bronwyn's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400215005/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1400215005&amp;linkId=ecdee0ef104d43af3c87481a24e2631e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Beyond Awkward Side Hugs</a></li> <li>Find <a href="https://bronlea.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bronwyn online</a></li> <li>Connect with her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bronleablog" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #125: Bronwyn Lea

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you missed last week, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book,  Calm the H*ck Down. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Gianina from Florida about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author and podcaster Kara-Kae James is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Kara-Kae is the founder of ThriveMoms, a ministry dedicated to encouraging and inspiring moms to more than just survive motherhood. She’s the author of  Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood and a new book  Together: A Journal for Mom and Me, and she co-hosts the podcast Asking for a Friend. Pop in some earbuds, pull up a chair, listen in, and lighten up! Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the H*ck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:   Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood  Together: A Journal for Mom and Me Find Kara-Kae on Instagram Kara-Kae's podcast, Asking for a Friend  Introverted Mom by Jamie C. Martin  Raising White Kids  Little Women 

We are in our series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and if you missed last week, let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1982114363/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1982114363&amp;linkId=c1d953b65053834cc6beade5a28732ac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Calm the H*ck Down</a>. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Gianina from Florida about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because author and podcaster Kara-Kae James is joining me to talk about how she lightens up about parenting. Kara-Kae is the founder of ThriveMoms, a ministry dedicated to encouraging and inspiring moms to more than just survive motherhood. She’s the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830773088/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0830773088&amp;linkId=cf67eb9b3538a3bb86740dba5e2335e3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood</a> and a new book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830773126/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0830773126&amp;linkId=95104e7c9969c6c2f7bcdd4f49dd4814" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Together: A Journal for Mom and Me</a>, and she co-hosts the podcast Asking for a Friend. Pop in some earbuds, pull up a chair, listen in, and lighten up! Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the H*ck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830773088/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0830773088&amp;linkId=cf67eb9b3538a3bb86740dba5e2335e3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830773126/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0830773126&amp;linkId=95104e7c9969c6c2f7bcdd4f49dd4814" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Together: A Journal for Mom and Me</a></li> <li>Find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karakae.james/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kara-Kae on Instagram</a></li> <li>Kara-Kae's podcast, <a href="http://karakaejames.com/askingforafriend" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Asking for a Friend</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310354978/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310354978&amp;linkId=ff6ea389cd4659f2d7f01d5d8bb58798" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Introverted Mom</a> by Jamie C. Martin</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501878077/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1501878077&amp;linkId=03fb6e7104b9d01569b608c90ef05125" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Raising White Kids</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147514010/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0147514010&amp;linkId=765a845f53e423d789221c4a55774a26" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Little Women</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #124: Kara-Kae James

Jennifer Fulwiler

Today I'm kicking off a new series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, Calm the H*ck Down. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So first up, today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Kelly from Minnesota about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because radio host and stand-up comedian Jennifer Fulwiler is joining me to talk about her new book, Your Blue Flame. She's funny! She's smart! I had a blast talking with her about parenting, following her dreams, and her new book Your Blue Flame. We talk about expectations she had going into parenting, the one thing she does every night to calm down, and how her kids are making her laugh. She decided to become a stand-up comedian and worked hard and made it happen, and she has fantastic advice for us as we pursue what makes us come alive. We chat about how can we identify our own blue flame, how do we find time to pursue our blue flame, and then she gives us a peek behind the curtain about how she developed her comedy routine and booking her first comedy tour by herself. Talking with Jennifer is fascinating and inspiring, as well as hilarious, so listen in and lighten up Free Pandemic Parenting ebook when you preorder Calm the H*ck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show:  Check out Jen's book,  Your Blue Flame Jen's new podcast Catch up with Jen on Instagram 

Today I'm kicking off a new series, "Lighten Up about Parenting," and let me tell you why I'm so excited. Not only do I have an awesome guest line-up for you throughout this 10-part series, but I'm putting myself in the hot seat and inviting 10 beta testers to share their honest thoughts about my upcoming book, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Calm the H*ck Down</a>. These beta testers hail from all over the country and they were given an assignment: read an early copy of my book, then come on the show and tell me what they thought. They volunteered to go first and kick the tires on this thing, you know, make sure the book works before you buy it. This is the most nervous I've ever been on my own show, because I had no idea what they'd say before they came on. So first up, today I'm chatting for a few minutes with Kelly from Minnesota about Calm the H*ck Down, and then stay tuned, because radio host and stand-up comedian Jennifer Fulwiler is joining me to talk about her new book, Your Blue Flame. She's funny! She's smart! I had a blast talking with her about parenting, following her dreams, and her new book Your Blue Flame. We talk about expectations she had going into parenting, the one thing she does every night to calm down, and how her kids are making her laugh. She decided to become a stand-up comedian and worked hard and made it happen, and she has fantastic advice for us as we pursue what makes us come alive. We chat about how can we identify our own blue flame, how do we find time to pursue our blue flame, and then she gives us a peek behind the curtain about how she developed her comedy routine and booking her first comedy tour by herself. Talking with Jennifer is fascinating and inspiring, as well as hilarious, so listen in and lighten up Free <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting ebook</a> when you preorder Calm the H*ck Down! Calm the H*ck Down comes out December 8, and if you preorder it now, you'll immediately receive my ebook, <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/books/calm-the-heck-down/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pandemic Parenting: How to Calm Down When the World's Messed Up</a>, available exclusively to those who preorder. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Jen's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031034977X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=031034977X&amp;linkId=bce25a1140198c3508a7f29eb49d9454" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Your Blue Flame</a></li> <li><a href="https://jenniferfulwiler.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jen's new podcast</a></li> <li>Catch up with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenniferfulwiler/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jen on Instagram</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #123: Jennifer Fulwiler

Author Melanie Dale is perpetually trying to figure out how we can all calm the heck down about parenting, friendship, getting older, and the world around us. Each episode she chats with a friend about ways we can let go and lighten up.

I heard about this podcast from Surviving Sarah and I’m so glad I started listening. Melanie is equal parts hilarious and informative. She is not afraid to share the good, bad, and ugly. And her laugh is AMAZING!!

So funny!

Melanie is hilarious &amp; her guests are great. Two thumbs waaayyy up!!

I love this podcast!

Lighten Up with Melanie Dale

Melanie Shankle

Today we're wrapping up our Friendship Over 40 series with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle! Ahh, you guys, she's so funny. I laughed my way through this whole thing. We chat about her 30-year friendship with her best friend Gully and how it's hard making new friends during this stage of life, as well as the things we're talking about with our friends, sexy things like waning eyesight and needing readers to see a menu, the joys of perimenopause, and our 40-something periods. (Women in their forties are so hot, and I do mean literally.) Between her funny memoirs, Big Mama blog, and Big Boo podcast, Melanie has kept me laughing for years, and today we're hanging out right here, so pull up a chair, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show:  Sparkly Green Earrings Check out all of Melanie's books! Find Melanie on Instagram or Twitter Listen to the Big Boo Cast Read the Big Mama Blog Where the Crawdads Sing Little Fires Everywhere Dark Matter  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today we're wrapping up our Friendship Over 40 series with New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle! Ahh, you guys, she's so funny. I laughed my way through this whole thing. We chat about her 30-year friendship with her best friend Gully and how it's hard making new friends during this stage of life, as well as the things we're talking about with our friends, sexy things like waning eyesight and needing readers to see a menu, the joys of perimenopause, and our 40-something periods. (Women in their forties are so hot, and I do mean literally.) Between her funny memoirs, Big Mama blog, and Big Boo podcast, Melanie has kept me laughing for years, and today we're hanging out right here, so pull up a chair, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414371713/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1414371713&amp;linkId=711f344b692f796f814c0f6c44c8bc69" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sparkly Green Earrings</a></li> <li>Check out all of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;keywords=melanie%20shankle&amp;index=aps&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;linkId=41672ef4e2a66c41fb348fcee58d094e" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Melanie's books</a>!</li> <li>Find Melanie on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melanieshankle/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>or <a href="https://twitter.com/BigMama" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li>Listen to the <a href="http://bigboo.libsyn.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Big Boo Cast</a></li> <li>Read the <a href="https://thebigmamablog.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Big Mama Blog</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078GD3DRG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B078GD3DRG&amp;linkId=09accd52f371694e73aedf84e38dcc87" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Where the Crawdads Sing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735224315/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0735224315&amp;linkId=6d5943423bbddc3b3fdcbdb6c94d6e83" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Little Fires Everywhere</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1524763241/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1524763241&amp;linkId=06970d3938bd279b35e9afec88703f60" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dark Matter</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #111: Melanie Shankle

I'm celebrating my 100th episode! ONE HUNDRED. This reminds me of the 100th day of school shenanigans when our kids have to bring in 100 items and dress up like 100-year-old people. It's basically, "Let's work in another stupid spirit day." I will not make you do homework to observe this 100th episode milestone, although if you want to celebrate by leaving me a review on iTunes, I would love that so much. I'm celebrating the day by sharing some big news that I've wanted to tell you for a while. I've got stuff percolating over here, and it starts with a broken promise. So listen to the episode to find out what's up, and then, my buddy Sarah Bragg and I talk about work, career, and purpose for our final monthly crossover of the year. We share funny stories from our first jobs, chat about what our dream jobs would be, and discuss how we can find our purpose, whether that's parenting, a dream job, or a dream-adjacent job, something you never thought you'd be doing. It's all important, and how do we figure out what we're supposed to be doing with our lives? Join us to discuss all the things, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show:  Coffee+Crumbs "Exhale" community Big Magic Check out my new book, Infreakinfertility Sign up to be email friends with me Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation on work and purpose! Go be friends with Sarah Bragg!  Instagram Facebook Twitter   

I'm celebrating my 100th episode! ONE HUNDRED. This reminds me of the 100th day of school shenanigans when our kids have to bring in 100 items and dress up like 100-year-old people. It's basically, "Let's work in another stupid spirit day." I will not make you do homework to observe this 100th episode milestone, although if you want to celebrate by leaving me a review on iTunes, I would love that so much. I'm celebrating the day by sharing some big news that I've wanted to tell you for a while. I've got stuff percolating over here, and it starts with a broken promise. So listen to the episode to find out what's up, and then, my buddy Sarah Bragg and I talk about work, career, and purpose for our final monthly crossover of the year. We share funny stories from our first jobs, chat about what our dream jobs would be, and discuss how we can find our purpose, whether that's parenting, a dream job, or a dream-adjacent job, something you never thought you'd be doing. It's all important, and how do we figure out what we're supposed to be doing with our lives? Join us to discuss all the things, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li>Coffee+Crumbs <a href="https://www.exhalecreativity.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">"Exhale" community</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594634726/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1594634726&amp;linkId=bc00a3fbb8ed2f3e10b52cc28b5761fa" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Big Magic</a></li> <li>Check out my new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H7S52ZD/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07H7S52ZD&amp;linkId=232a5c8452f4e010b7748f77f277ba55" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Infreakinfertility</a></li> <li><a href="http://unexpected.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be email friends with me</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation on work and purpose!</li> <li>Go be friends with Sarah Bragg! <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Lighten Up #100: ONE HUNDRED. We did it. I need a nap.

Anna Quinlan

If you like laughing hysterically, you guys are in for a treat today. My friend Anna Quinlan, a freelance writer and copywriter, is on the show and she tells the most epic tale of falling off a treadmill at the gym. I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard, and then we bonded over our mutual hatred of crafts. We chat about freelance writing, how she adopted one of her boys out of foster care, and sporty sporty fitness. Anna shares about competing in races, training for an Ironman, and how people like me who are not so much with the exercise can challenge ourselves. Whether your thighs are so strong you can crack walnuts between them or you're more like me and can't remember the last time you were on a treadmill, listen in and lighten up! Favorite quote from the show: "If you're at the table, you're family." Also: "Step away from the glue gun." Links from the show:  The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life Find Anna on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Coffee+Crumbs The Sitting Shirt: It's a Thing SNL workout pants video 

If you like laughing hysterically, you guys are in for a treat today. My friend Anna Quinlan, a freelance writer and copywriter, is on the show and she tells the most epic tale of falling off a treadmill at the gym. I couldn't breathe I was laughing so hard, and then we bonded over our mutual hatred of crafts. We chat about freelance writing, how she adopted one of her boys out of foster care, and sporty sporty fitness. Anna shares about competing in races, training for an Ironman, and how people like me who are not so much with the exercise can challenge ourselves. Whether your thighs are so strong you can crack walnuts between them or you're more like me and can't remember the last time you were on a treadmill, listen in and lighten up! Favorite quote from the show: "If you're at the table, you're family." Also: "Step away from the glue gun." Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/04/lighten-guidelines-laughing-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life</a></li> <li>Find Anna on <a href="https://twitter.com/annaquinlan" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/quinlananna/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/560754035" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Coffee+Crumbs</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2015/02/sitting-shirt-thing/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Sitting Shirt: It's a Thing</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU55auqDD28" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">SNL workout pants video</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #72: Anna Quinlan

Sarah Bragg

It's time for our monthly crossover with Sarah Bragg, where we take a topic and talk about how to lighten up about it over here and how to survive it over on her podcast, Surviving Sarah. This month we're tackling marriage, and oh my gosh, on today's Lighten Up episode we're lightening up about sex in marriage. Sarah and I start off sharing our engagement stories - spoiler alert, Sarah robbed the cradle and mine's poop-related. We talk about when you can start farting in front of each other, and then obviously, farting is a perfect segue to sex...in some alternate reality. We have some real talk about sex, when sex is hard, lowering our expectations, planning it during those busy parenting years, how infertility destroyed my sex life, intimacy versus efficiency, and how your marriage doesn't have to look like anybody else's. Let's talk about sex baby...so listen in and lighten up! Links from the show:  Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation! Sarah Bragg on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Your Marriage Doesn't Have to Look Like Anybody Else's 

It's time for our monthly crossover with Sarah Bragg, where we take a topic and talk about how to lighten up about it over here and how to survive it over on her podcast, <a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah</a>. This month we're tackling marriage, and oh my gosh, on today's Lighten Up episode we're lightening up about sex in marriage. Sarah and I start off sharing our engagement stories - spoiler alert, Sarah robbed the cradle and mine's poop-related. We talk about when you can start farting in front of each other, and then obviously, farting is a perfect segue to sex...in some alternate reality. We have some real talk about sex, when sex is hard, lowering our expectations, planning it during those busy parenting years, how infertility destroyed my sex life, intimacy versus efficiency, and how your marriage doesn't have to look like anybody else's. Let's talk about sex baby...so listen in and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation!</li> <li>Sarah Bragg on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://mudroomblog.com/your-marriage-doesnt-have-to-look-like-anyone-elses/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Your Marriage Doesn't Have to Look Like Anybody Else's</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #67: Marriage Crossover with Sarah Bragg

Jamie Ivey

Today I'm kicking off a fun series called the Dog Days of Summer, and my first guest is the author of If You Only Knew and host of the popular podcast Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Jamie's a friend of the show and I'm so happy to have her back to share some dog stories. I love dogs, but sometimes they are a handful and we have some funny, funny stories this month of dogs getting into all kinds of trouble. Jamie shares about the first dog she and her husband Aaron ever owned, who she calls, "the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my entire life." Summer is the perfect time to kick back and share stories, so grab a glass of something cold, cuddle up with your dog or lovable hamster, listen in, and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by FabFitFun! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It's basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they're giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at fabfitfun.com. Links from the show:  Dog Days of Summer super googley research:  Wikipedia National Geographic Farmer's Almanac Almanac.com     Check out Jamie’s new book, If You Only Knew Find Jamie:  Listen to The Happy Hour Facebook Instagram Twitter   Waterloo Style Jamie's previous visits to Lighten Up:  episode 3 episode 56   The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life 

Today I'm kicking off a fun series called the Dog Days of Summer, and my first guest is the author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462749720/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1462749720&amp;linkId=b26389c6ef3f6946ea5b76fafb1a36dd" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">If You Only Knew</a> and host of the popular podcast Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Jamie's a friend of the show and I'm so happy to have her back to share some dog stories. I love dogs, but sometimes they are a handful and we have some funny, funny stories this month of dogs getting into all kinds of trouble. Jamie shares about the first dog she and her husband Aaron ever owned, who she calls, "the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my entire life." Summer is the perfect time to kick back and share stories, so grab a glass of something cold, cuddle up with your dog or lovable hamster, listen in, and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">FabFitFun</a>! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It's basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they're giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fabfitfun.com</a>. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Dog Days of Summer super googley research: <ul> <li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_days" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a></li> <li><a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/150710-dog-days-summer-sirius-star-astronomy-weather-language/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">National Geographic</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/what-are-dog-days-summer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Farmer's Almanac</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.almanac.com/content/what-are-dog-days-summer" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Almanac.com</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Check out Jamie’s new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1462749720/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1462749720&amp;linkId=05dc6ed349809f3c821d94cc3ab63f1f" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">If You Only Knew</a></li> <li>Find Jamie: <ul> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/jamie-ivey/id880741976?mt=2&amp;ign-mpt=uo%3D4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Listen to The Happy Hour</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JamieIvey5678/?ref=bookmarks" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamieivey/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/jamie_ivey" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="http://www.waterloostyle.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Waterloo Style</a></li> <li>Jamie's previous visits to Lighten Up: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2016/05/lighten-up-3-jamie-ivey/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">episode 3</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/01/lighten-up-56-jamie-ivey/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">episode 56</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/04/lighten-guidelines-laughing-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #81: Dog Days of Summer with Jamie Ivey

It's the monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah, and this month, we're chatting about personal growth. I mean, in between just keeping all my plates spinning I hope I'm growing as a person, at least a little, right? A lot of what contributes to my personal growth are the books I read, the things I listen to, and the products I love. So Sarah and I start out with the books we're reading, and I have a bit of a diatribe about the importance of reading fiction, then we talk about what we're learning right now, and we wrap up with products we're loving. (Between the two of us, we spend an exorbitant amount of time on coffee.) Whether you're totally growing as a person or are already perfect and need no help whatsoever, listen in and lighten up! Links from the show:  Little Fires Everywhere The Nightingale All the Light You Cannot See Something Borrowed Borrowed &amp; Blue Baby Proof How to Lead When You're Not in Charge Present Over Perfect Breathing Room Who Needs God? podcast Sherlock Holmes vol. 1 and vol. 2 Talking as Fast as I Can Tell the Wolves I'm Home Peter Rollins podcast The Sacred Enneagram Defiant Joy Laugh It Up Lion Coffee Pacific Bone Broth The Lazy Genius podcast Trader Joe's Fair Trade Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee Clicklist John's Crazy Socks A Wrinkle in Time 

It's the monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah, and this month, we're chatting about personal growth. I mean, in between just keeping all my plates spinning I hope I'm growing as a person, at least a little, right? A lot of what contributes to my personal growth are the books I read, the things I listen to, and the products I love. So Sarah and I start out with the books we're reading, and I have a bit of a diatribe about the importance of reading fiction, then we talk about what we're learning right now, and we wrap up with products we're loving. (Between the two of us, we spend an exorbitant amount of time on coffee.) Whether you're totally growing as a person or are already perfect and need no help whatsoever, listen in and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0735224293/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0735224293&amp;linkId=a1b9cea235e5ad7226ded94485c30f75" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Little Fires Everywhere</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250080401/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1250080401&amp;linkId=34c90486fab80eea07ab3651e40940f6" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Nightingale</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501173219/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1501173219&amp;linkId=e815d027fb8efed9bb4efcf72cf3f505" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">All the Light You Cannot See</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312321198/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0312321198&amp;linkId=59315a2d46a6c3cefbdaad6890e3d9c3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Something Borrowed</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/125007083X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=125007083X&amp;linkId=e03b9a6e167f963ed7820fd235b6d4d3" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Borrowed &amp; Blue</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312348657/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0312348657&amp;linkId=e1e80a473f8b8011665fd9e7a9c1eb2e" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Baby Proof</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310531578/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310531578&amp;linkId=1dea18c5efb3fa8cdea7e132ea9c6c41" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">How to Lead When You're Not in Charge</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310342996/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310342996&amp;linkId=87aba7cc06a9d044086011099cd68bd5" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Present Over Perfect</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943535345/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1943535345&amp;linkId=da68f6f7899a0e1a6daab569ae9f1555" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Breathing Room</a></li> <li><a href="https://whoneedsgod.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Who Needs God? podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553328255/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0553328255&amp;linkId=3ad4253f564afa7153a66fee416cadc1" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes vol. 1 and vol. 2</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0425285197/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0425285197&amp;linkId=299899ea393a8ec6b46d4084dec53fbf" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Talking as Fast as I Can</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812982851/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0812982851&amp;linkId=89fa1f3a6f03edbd30e623526d9ff75c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Tell the Wolves I'm Home</a></li> <li><a href="https://peterrollins.com/podcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Peter Rollins podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310348277/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310348277&amp;linkId=4afb02dded29cb94c3b87b3a4e890a77" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Sacred Enneagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072TL6KLN/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B072TL6KLN&amp;linkId=cc2e049c9cbce2dba78d5804340ee099" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Defiant Joy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310350565/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310350565&amp;linkId=abc3033c2e8e34bbfb4b2e8d2b8ade62" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Laugh It Up</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q51WLG/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B004Q51WLG&amp;linkId=0e624858889c7b7e4006b7984b6553e4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lion Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0146I1AP0/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B0146I1AP0&amp;linkId=5886b544443d7cf162b822c14a3cb9e8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pacific Bone Broth</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/podcasts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lazy Genius podcast</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYO4XK4/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00BYO4XK4&amp;linkId=fbf0cfd04c49cbd57b269f17e4e8a686" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Trader Joe's Fair Trade Shade Grown Ethiopian Coffee</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.kroger.com/topic/clicklist" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Clicklist</a></li> <li><a href="https://johnscrazysocks.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">John's Crazy Socks</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312367546/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0312367546&amp;linkId=9a7967d61c0390ebc77ce668c368d04d" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Wrinkle in Time</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #71: Personal Growth Crossover with Sarah Bragg

Kelly Minter

Today I'm talking with Kelly Minter, Bible teacher and author of the beautiful new cookbook,  A Place at the Table. Years ago I went to a group for moms where we went through Kelly's study of the book of Nehemiah, which was about this guy who goes back to his hometown to lead his people to rebuild their security wall that had fallen down. It's this ancient Hebrew scripture about leading a big group project and all the challenges along the way. And anyway, at the end of each chapter of this really cool book about leadership, Kelly shared a recipe. And they were good recipes, and pretty easy to pull off. So when her new cookbook landed on my desk, I got excited and knew I wanted to have her on the show to wrap up our series on hospitality. We are going to talk charcuterie boards, potlucks, and how cooking is the hope for community. As a single woman, Kelly gives great insight about how couples with or without kids can be inclusive for our single friends, so listen in and lighten up!  Links from the show:    A Place at the Table  Kelly's  Nehemiah study Find Kelly on Instagram 

Today I'm talking with Kelly Minter, Bible teacher and author of the beautiful new cookbook, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1535941138/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1535941138&amp;linkId=843847b2dd6c47a7f06f6dfdbe2fd072" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Place at the Table</a>. Years ago I went to a group for moms where we went through Kelly's study of the book of Nehemiah, which was about this guy who goes back to his hometown to lead his people to rebuild their security wall that had fallen down. It's this ancient Hebrew scripture about leading a big group project and all the challenges along the way. And anyway, at the end of each chapter of this really cool book about leadership, Kelly shared a recipe. And they were good recipes, and pretty easy to pull off. So when her new cookbook landed on my desk, I got excited and knew I wanted to have her on the show to wrap up our series on hospitality. We are going to talk charcuterie boards, potlucks, and how cooking is the hope for community. As a single woman, Kelly gives great insight about how couples with or without kids can be inclusive for our single friends, so listen in and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1535941138/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1535941138&amp;linkId=843847b2dd6c47a7f06f6dfdbe2fd072" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Place at the Table</a> </li> <li>Kelly's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1415873429/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1415873429&amp;linkId=53ea6776c0a387ffd8f7ae43539bd8c6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Nehemiah study</a></li> <li>Find Kelly on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kelly_minter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #116: Kelly Minter

Today's our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. I look forward to these episodes so much and I hope you're enjoying them, too. This month Sarah and I are chatting about contentment. We talk about contentment over on her show and then here on Lighten Up, we're digging into discontentment and how discontentment can really lead to both positive and negative things. So we unpack the good and bad sides of it, how we avoid discontentment from social media, and what's making us feel content right now. Pour some coffee, drag over a beach chair, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show:  Sign up to be email friends with me Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment! Go be friends with Sarah Bragg!  Instagram Facebook Twitter     Heart of the Matter, by Emily Giffin The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova The Swan Thieves, by Elizabeth Kostova The Shadow Land, by Elizabeth Kostova The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life 

Today's our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. I look forward to these episodes so much and I hope you're enjoying them, too. This month Sarah and I are chatting about contentment. We talk about contentment over on her show and then here on Lighten Up, we're digging into discontentment and how discontentment can really lead to both positive and negative things. So we unpack the good and bad sides of it, how we avoid discontentment from social media, and what's making us feel content right now. Pour some coffee, drag over a beach chair, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="http://unexpected.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be email friends with me</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment!</li> <li>Go be friends with Sarah Bragg! <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250043735/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1250043735&amp;linkId=75c8ee60ec383199be21c1545412d937" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heart of the Matter</a>, by Emily Giffin</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316070637/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0316070637&amp;linkId=8187ce63d6cc792933efe732b57cc386" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Historian</a>, by Elizabeth Kostova</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031606579X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=031606579X&amp;linkId=69b7a7faf5842af4bb194fb8c69cf75f" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Swan Thieves</a>, by Elizabeth Kostova</li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345527879/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0345527879&amp;linkId=b9d9ad21c13d762be5ffc83cf5ef0bd4" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Shadow Land</a>, by Elizabeth Kostova</li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/04/lighten-guidelines-laughing-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #80: Contentment Crossover with Sarah Bragg

Hey and welcome to episode 96 of Lighten Up with Melanie Dale. AND Alex Dale. Because today my husband is joining me to talk about our new book, Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard, which is available today! This book has been a dream of mine for many, many years and today I can say, it’s here! Please visit the Amazon and go buy it! Maybe listen to this podcast while you do. Alex and I chat about two main things, our experience with infertility and our experience working together on this book. Lemme just mention here at the beginning in case you’re cranking this podcast around small children, we’re going to be talking a bit about reproductive biology, so…biological terminology ahead. Peach and eggplant emojis, people. Peaches and eggplants. You’ve been warned. So whether you’re dealing with infertility yourself, have a loved one who is, or have experienced the joys and challenges of working with your partner on a project, or appreciate a good penis illustration, there’s something here for everyone, so listen in and lighten up. Links from the show:  Check out Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard Get a monthly email from Melanie with stories, updates, and fun things Subscribe to Lighten Up on iTunes or on Stitcher 

Hey and welcome to episode 96 of Lighten Up with Melanie Dale. AND Alex Dale. Because today my husband is joining me to talk about our new book,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0692190171/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0692190171&amp;linkId=2ec7a7e8125f000d7ca0d34016b91941" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank"> Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard</a>, which is available today! This book has been a dream of mine for many, many years and today I can say, it’s here! Please visit the Amazon and go buy it! Maybe listen to this podcast while you do. Alex and I chat about two main things, our experience with infertility and our experience working together on this book. Lemme just mention here at the beginning in case you’re cranking this podcast around small children, we’re going to be talking a bit about reproductive biology, so…biological terminology ahead. Peach and eggplant emojis, people. Peaches and eggplants. You’ve been warned. So whether you’re dealing with infertility yourself, have a loved one who is, or have experienced the joys and challenges of working with your partner on a project, or appreciate a good penis illustration, there’s something here for everyone, so listen in and lighten up. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0692190171/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0692190171&amp;linkId=2ec7a7e8125f000d7ca0d34016b91941" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard</a></li> <li>Get a <a href="https://us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">monthly email from Melanie</a> with stories, updates, and fun things</li> <li>Subscribe to <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lighten-up-with-melanie-dale/id1102252426" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Lighten Up on iTunes</a> or <a href="https://www.unexpected.org/stitcher" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">on Stitcher</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #96: Infreakinfertility with Alex Dale

Today I'm back with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah for our monthly crossover episode, where we take a topic and chat about how we can lighten up about it on this show and how we can survive it over on her podcast. Guys, I hate today's topic. It is so hard for me but somehow seems to be a theme right now. Last month over on Jamie Ivey's Happy Hour podcast I shared about my history with an eating disorder and today Sarah and I are talking about body image. Blech, I know. This is hard stuff. We all struggle in some way with accepting something about our appearance. So today we're talking about it and how we can lighten up about it. Who or what in your life shaped your view of what the "ideal" woman should look like? Sarah and I talk about ours, and we go deep into the 80s and early 90s on this one. Then we share the craziest products or procedures we've ever attempted to achieve our ideal look and our experiences with everything from sports bras to Spanx. Do you also struggle with perfectionism and comparison when it comes to body image? Listen in and lighten up.   Links from the Show:  Surviving Sarah Podcast - check out the other half of our conversation! Sarah Bragg on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Raising Girls by Sissy Goff If You Only Knew #1 - my interview on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey 

Today I'm back with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah for our monthly crossover episode, where we take a topic and chat about how we can lighten up about it on this show and how we can survive it over on her podcast. Guys, I hate today's topic. It is so hard for me but somehow seems to be a theme right now. Last month over on Jamie Ivey's Happy Hour podcast I shared about my history with an eating disorder and today Sarah and I are talking about body image. Blech, I know. This is hard stuff. We all struggle in some way with accepting something about our appearance. So today we're talking about it and how we can lighten up about it. Who or what in your life shaped your view of what the "ideal" woman should look like? Sarah and I talk about ours, and we go deep into the 80s and early 90s on this one. Then we share the craziest products or procedures we've ever attempted to achieve our ideal look and our experiences with everything from sports bras to Spanx. Do you also struggle with perfectionism and comparison when it comes to body image? Listen in and lighten up.   Links from the Show: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> - check out the other half of our conversation!</li> <li>Sarah Bragg on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310272890/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0310272890&amp;linkId=042bfa0959e603f290f807a12fb43ff8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Raising Girls</a> by Sissy Goff</li> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/if-you-only-knew-1-melanie-dale/id880741976?i=1000399141929&amp;mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">If You Only Knew #1 - my interview on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #63: Body Image Crossover with Sarah Bragg

Today is our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. You guys know the drill. Two podcasters, one topic, and we have a ton of fun doing it. You can listen to one half of our conversation here, and then check out the other half over on Surviving Sarah. Today is our very angry episode. So much anger. I know it's called Lighten Up over here, but I feel super comfortable on the dark side of life. Anger! We talk about our favorite angry characters, how anger can be used for good, how to process it and do good things with it instead of stuffing it, how to peel back the anger to see what's underneath it, and times in our lives when we were really angry...in a funny way. So, go Hulk smash a pillow, listen in, and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by FabFitFun! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at fabfitfun.com. Links from the show:  Sign up to be email friends with me Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment! Go be friends with Sarah Bragg!  Instagram Facebook Twitter   The episode with Melanie's engagement story 

Today is our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. You guys know the drill. Two podcasters, one topic, and we have a ton of fun doing it. You can listen to one half of our conversation here, and then check out the other half over on Surviving Sarah. Today is our very angry episode. So much anger. I know it's called Lighten Up over here, but I feel super comfortable on the dark side of life. Anger! We talk about our favorite angry characters, how anger can be used for good, how to process it and do good things with it instead of stuffing it, how to peel back the anger to see what's underneath it, and times in our lives when we were really angry...in a funny way. So, go Hulk smash a pillow, listen in, and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">FabFitFun</a>! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fabfitfun.com</a>. Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="http://unexpected.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be email friends with me</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment!</li> <li>Go be friends with Sarah Bragg! <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/03/lighten-up-67-marriage-crossover-with-sarah-bragg/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The episode with Melanie's engagement story</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #88: Angry Crossover with Sarah Bragg

Liz Ditty

Today I'm talking with Liz Ditty, a spiritual director and teacher at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and the author of God's Many Voices. We start out laughing about the embarrassing side of meal trains, and then we chat about hearing from God. Have you ever heard from God? Is it a big booming voice in the sky? Does everyone hear God the same way? How do we even talk to God and is God even listening? What if God seems silent? Whether God spoke to you this morning or you'd prefer that he didn't, listen in and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by FabFitFun! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at fabfitfun.com. Links from the show:  Check out Liz's book, God's Many Voices Find Liz on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Liz's website Propel Women "5 Ways to Pray" 

Today I'm talking with Liz Ditty, a spiritual director and teacher at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley and the author of God's Many Voices. We start out laughing about the embarrassing side of meal trains, and then we chat about hearing from God. Have you ever heard from God? Is it a big booming voice in the sky? Does everyone hear God the same way? How do we even talk to God and is God even listening? What if God seems silent? Whether God spoke to you this morning or you'd prefer that he didn't, listen in and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">FabFitFun</a>! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fabfitfun.com</a>. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Liz's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/168397252X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=168397252X&amp;linkId=992e23f982ec065c8fa9c95e93772e34" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">God's Many Voices</a></li> <li>Find Liz on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/lizdittycom" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizditty/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/lizditter" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.lizditty.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Liz's website</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.propelwomen.org/content/5-creative-ways-to-pray-when-it-feels-like-youre-talking-to-the-ceiling/gk9a04" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Propel Women "5 Ways to Pray"</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #87: Liz Ditty

Beth Bruno

Today I'm talking with Beth Bruno, the founder and director of a nonprofit aimed at preventing domestic minor sex trafficking and the author of a new book for moms and daughters. We chat about her time as a missionary in the Middle East, and she offers some wise advice for people interested in missions. We talk about how she's lightening up in her regular routine, then we have a really NOT light, but super important conversation about her work preventing sex trafficking and how we can help keep kids safe in our own communities. Then we talk about her new book, A Voice Becoming: A Yearlong Mother-Daughter Journey into Passionate, Purposed Living. No matter where you live or whether you have daughters or not, this conversation is really helpful and really important so listen in and lighten up. Links from the show:  Check out Beth's book, A Voice Becoming Beth's husband's book, Man Maker Project Find Beth on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Beth's site Beth's anti-trafficking organization, A Face to Reframe The Very Worst Missionary Barbie Unveils 17 New Dolls Based on Inspiring Women 

Today I'm talking with Beth Bruno, the founder and director of a nonprofit aimed at preventing domestic minor sex trafficking and the author of a new book for moms and daughters. We chat about her time as a missionary in the Middle East, and she offers some wise advice for people interested in missions. We talk about how she's lightening up in her regular routine, then we have a really NOT light, but super important conversation about her work preventing sex trafficking and how we can help keep kids safe in our own communities. Then we talk about her new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1478974656/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1478974656&amp;linkId=ab4a8cc5c0132babd7593bd3651b79fa" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Voice Becoming: A Yearlong Mother-Daughter Journey into Passionate, Purposed Living</a>. No matter where you live or whether you have daughters or not, this conversation is really helpful and really important so listen in and lighten up. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Beth's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1478974656/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1478974656&amp;linkId=ab4a8cc5c0132babd7593bd3651b79fa" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Voice Becoming</a></li> <li>Beth's husband's book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1498206158/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1498206158&amp;linkId=f9baa4191ea69307fdad36581e71cfb6" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Man Maker Project</a></li> <li>Find Beth on <a href="https://twitter.com/bethhbruno" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethhbruno/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BethHillaryBruno/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bethbruno.org/avoicebecoming" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Beth's site</a></li> <li>Beth's anti-trafficking organization, <a href="http://afacetoreframe.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">A Face to Reframe</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451496531/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0451496531&amp;linkId=8d7ed5e8353b10192b5edee37170d2ea" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Very Worst Missionary</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.boredpanda.com/international-women-day-inspiring-role-models-barbie-dolls/?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=BPFacebook" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Barbie Unveils 17 New Dolls Based on Inspiring Women</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #70: Beth Bruno

Kimberly Stuart

Today I'm talking with Kimberly Stuart, writer of romance and author of the new book, Heart Land. Kimberly is incredibly fun and very patient with me as I ask ridiculous questions about romantic things, cite Fabio on the covers of the books at the grocery store checkout, and unpack my hangups with romance, both as a genre and in my sadly pragmatic actual life. We discuss our feelings about The Greatest Showman, our romantic experiences both on the page and off, "bodice rippers," and her new book Heart Land. I'm dubbing her our "romantic Yoda." Meet us at the corner table with a red rose pressed between the pages of Wuthering Heights, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show:  Check out Kimberly's latest book Heart Land Find her on Instagram video of audition for The Greatest Showman Matchmaking for Beginners Marisa de los Santos books Same Kind of Different as Me Pride and Prejudice The Picture of Dorian Gray 

Today I'm talking with Kimberly Stuart, writer of romance and author of the new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501180568/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1501180568&amp;linkId=d00a1d1850c3c373c8af2b88e8ec1848" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heart Land</a>. Kimberly is incredibly fun and very patient with me as I ask ridiculous questions about romantic things, cite Fabio on the covers of the books at the grocery store checkout, and unpack my hangups with romance, both as a genre and in my sadly pragmatic actual life. We discuss our feelings about The Greatest Showman, our romantic experiences both on the page and off, "bodice rippers," and her new book Heart Land. I'm dubbing her our "romantic Yoda." Meet us at the corner table with a red rose pressed between the pages of Wuthering Heights, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Kimberly's latest book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1501180568/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1501180568&amp;linkId=d00a1d1850c3c373c8af2b88e8ec1848" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Heart Land</a></li> <li>Find her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.stuart.writes/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLFEvHWD_NE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">video of audition for The Greatest Showman</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLFEvHWD_NE" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Matchmaking for Beginners</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;keywords=marisa%20de%20los%20santos&amp;index=aps&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=xm2&amp;linkId=98fb6c3bb4ca08aeea924c70bb2cd79c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Marisa de los Santos books</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/084991910X/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=084991910X&amp;linkId=419cc385297075e3dc51d070767bf359" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Same Kind of Different as Me</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07693B4FV/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B07693B4FV&amp;linkId=b20b7cf62275e08c7a88d91b28693500" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Pride and Prejudice</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486278077/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0486278077&amp;linkId=fc3257217d13d5dc19ae0dfc76336b0c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Picture of Dorian Gray</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #91: Kimberly Stuart

Shaunti Feldhahn

Alex and I got married almost 18 years ago and one of the first books I was given was a cute, little stripey book that contained a window into the minds of men. On today's episode, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn joins me and tells the story of how she ended up writing her bestselling book, For Women Only. Then she shares how she thinks we need to lighten up and we talk about her new devotional, Find Rest, and what her research uncovered about the primary causes of stress for women. She talks about the eight essential elements of rest, the definition of true rest, self care and soul care, and then I get her to tell us her not-guilty-at-all beach read pleasure. Feeling tired and stressed? Listen in and lighten up. Links from the show:  Check out Shaunti's new devotional, Find Rest Shaunti's site For Women Only Find Shaunti on Instagram Twilight 

Alex and I got married almost 18 years ago and one of the first books I was given was a cute, little stripey book that contained a window into the minds of men. On today's episode, social researcher and best-selling author Shaunti Feldhahn joins me and tells the story of how she ended up writing her bestselling book, For Women Only. Then she shares how she thinks we need to lighten up and we talk about her new devotional, Find Rest, and what her research uncovered about the primary causes of stress for women. She talks about the eight essential elements of rest, the definition of true rest, self care and soul care, and then I get her to tell us her not-guilty-at-all beach read pleasure. Feeling tired and stressed? Listen in and lighten up. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Check out Shaunti's new devotional, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0997636890/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0997636890&amp;linkId=7ab5d04b8e898b253a345a9e19d23785" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Find Rest</a></li> <li><a href="http://findrestbook.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shaunti's site</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601424442/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1601424442&amp;linkId=85bf601f9b4f7850be277a3f1fc025e8" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">For Women Only</a></li> <li>Find <a href="http://instagram.com/shauntifeldhahn" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Shaunti on Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316015849/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0316015849&amp;linkId=31ab0966a95b491e0c2e18e92418ef2b" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twilight</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #66: Shaunti Feldhahn

Alia Joy

Today I'm talking with Alia Joy, author of Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack. We start out trading colonoscopy stories. Anytime I can exchange poop stories with someone I'm pretty much in heaven. You know. After that, we chat about how we need to lighten up about grammar, then Alia shares about living with bipolar disorder, how she was diagnosed, and the stigma of mental illness. I know I'm not supposed to have favorite episodes but this one is so good. It's my favorite balance of fun and serious. Mental illness can feel so isolating, and Alia's openness with hers sheds light and helps us understand, empathize, and feel less alone. Whether you've had a colonoscopy, struggle with mental illness, or love someone who does, listen in and lighten up. Links from the show:  Preorder Alia's new book, Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack Find Alia on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Alia's website  Alia's essays:  The Hospitality of Marriage The Fluency of Hope When I Am Bipolar Coming of Age in This American Life 

Today I'm talking with Alia Joy, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801093341/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0801093341&amp;linkId=ef1347846231ed522d1c669682748b0c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack</a>. We start out trading colonoscopy stories. Anytime I can exchange poop stories with someone I'm pretty much in heaven. You know. After that, we chat about how we need to lighten up about grammar, then Alia shares about living with bipolar disorder, how she was diagnosed, and the stigma of mental illness. I know I'm not supposed to have favorite episodes but this one is so good. It's my favorite balance of fun and serious. Mental illness can feel so isolating, and Alia's openness with hers sheds light and helps us understand, empathize, and feel less alone. Whether you've had a colonoscopy, struggle with mental illness, or love someone who does, listen in and lighten up. Links from the show: <ul> <li>Preorder Alia's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801093341/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0801093341&amp;linkId=ef1347846231ed522d1c669682748b0c" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack</a></li> <li>Find Alia on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AliaJoyWriter/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AliaJoyH" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliajoy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li>Alia's <a href="http://aliajoy.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">website</a></li> </ul> Alia's essays: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.incourage.me/2018/04/the-hospitality-of-marriage.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Hospitality of Marriage</a></li> <li><a href="http://aliajoy.com/the-fluency-of-hope/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Fluency of Hope</a></li> <li><a href="http://mudroomblog.com/when-i-am-bipolar/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">When I Am Bipolar</a></li> <li><a href="http://mudroomblog.com/coming-age-american-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Coming of Age in This American Life</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #99: Alia Joy

It's time yet again for our monthly crossover episode with my good friend Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. This month we're shooting the breeze about fashion. Because no one knows fashion like a couple of middle-aged moms living in the suburbs of Atlanta. We share our personal fashion and makeup rules, fashion trends we'd like to see die a fiery death, and our daily routines. Also, we play fashion police and at one point I use the phrase "bubular area." Pull on your sweatiest yoga pants with the hole in the crotch, listen in, and lighten up. Links from the show:  Sign up to be email friends with me Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment! Go be friends with Sarah Bragg!  Instagram Facebook Twitter   

It's time yet again for our monthly crossover episode with my good friend Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah. This month we're shooting the breeze about fashion. Because no one knows fashion like a couple of middle-aged moms living in the suburbs of Atlanta. We share our personal fashion and makeup rules, fashion trends we'd like to see die a fiery death, and our daily routines. Also, we play fashion police and at one point I use the phrase "bubular area." Pull on your sweatiest yoga pants with the hole in the crotch, listen in, and lighten up. Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="http://unexpected.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be email friends with me</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment!</li> <li>Go be friends with Sarah Bragg! <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul>

Lighten Up #92: Fashion Crossover with Sarah Bragg

This week I've combined our Dog Days of Summer series with our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah! So as always with these monthly episodes, you can hear one half of our conversation here on Lighten Up, and the other half over on Surviving Sarah. Today Sarah shares her favorite dog story, and did she commit a crime or not? You be the judge. Then, we tackle back to school. Back to school. What the heck? How is it already that time?! Here in Georgia, the season in upon us so we might as well talk about it. We cover school supplies (Who IS Dixon Ticonderoga?!), our own back to school memories, the first time we sent our kiddos to school, and how it's changed as our kids have grown up. We share tips for navigating back to school, what not to do (ask us how we know!), how to have reasonable expectations about school involvement, how to partner with teachers, how to stay organized with all your kids' papers, and tackling the morning routine, ugh. So whether your kids go back this week, next week, or not for another month, listen in and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by FabFitFun! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at fabfitfun.com. Links from the show:  Sign up to be email friends with me Surviving Sarah Podcast – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment! Go be friends with Sarah Bragg!  Instagram Facebook Twitter   Episode 68 with Wynter Pitts 

This week I've combined our Dog Days of Summer series with our monthly crossover episode with Sarah Bragg of Surviving Sarah! So as always with these monthly episodes, you can hear one half of our conversation here on Lighten Up, and the other half over on Surviving Sarah. Today Sarah shares her favorite dog story, and did she commit a crime or not? You be the judge. Then, we tackle back to school. Back to school. What the heck? How is it already that time?! Here in Georgia, the season in upon us so we might as well talk about it. We cover school supplies (Who IS Dixon Ticonderoga?!), our own back to school memories, the first time we sent our kiddos to school, and how it's changed as our kids have grown up. We share tips for navigating back to school, what not to do (ask us how we know!), how to have reasonable expectations about school involvement, how to partner with teachers, how to stay organized with all your kids' papers, and tackling the morning routine, ugh. So whether your kids go back this week, next week, or not for another month, listen in and lighten up! Episode sponsor: Today’s episode is sponsored by <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">FabFitFun</a>! FabFitFun is a seasonal subscription box with full-size beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products. It’s basically like getting a birthday present in the mail four times a year. It retails for $49.99 but always contains products totaling over $200, and they’re giving Lighten Up listeners $10 off your first box when you use code LIGHTENUP at <a href="https://fabfitfun.com/welcome/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">fabfitfun.com</a>. Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="http://unexpected.us6.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=817a982d3f53ce19b313ffbc3&amp;id=a021271619" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sign up to be email friends with me</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.survivingsarah.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Surviving Sarah Podcast</a> – check out the other half of our conversation on contentment!</li> <li>Go be friends with Sarah Bragg! <ul> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sarahwbragg/?hl=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/survivingsarahpodcast/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/sarahwbragg?lang=en" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/04/lighten-up-68-wynter-pitts/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 68 with Wynter Pitts</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #84: Dog Days of Summer with Sarah Bragg

Kelly Balarie

Today I'm talking with Kelly Balarie. Kelly is a delight and I can't wait for you guys to meet her. We talk about grocery shopping cart road rage, which is a thing. You know what I'm talking about. And then we talk about Kelly's new book, Battle Ready. She has faced some serious battles, from financial to relational to medical, and instead of letting them bring her down, she's risen to the challenge and in this book, she shares her strategies for combating doubt and all those ways our minds can feel under attack. If you're struggling with insecurity and uncertainty, Kelly has some good news to help you defeat it, so listen in and lighten up. Quote from the show: "You can be a light in your community by showing your own darkness...We're all on a search for what's real." Links from the show:  Check out Kelly's new book, Battle Ready Find Kelly on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Kelly's website The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life 

Today I'm talking with Kelly Balarie. Kelly is a delight and I can't wait for you guys to meet her. We talk about grocery shopping cart road rage, which is a thing. You know what I'm talking about. And then we talk about Kelly's new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801019354/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0801019354&amp;linkId=3a04547c212ecf124c567406b2f5df29" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Battle Ready</a>. She has faced some serious battles, from financial to relational to medical, and instead of letting them bring her down, she's risen to the challenge and in this book, she shares her strategies for combating doubt and all those ways our minds can feel under attack. If you're struggling with insecurity and uncertainty, Kelly has some good news to help you defeat it, so listen in and lighten up. Quote from the show: "You can be a light in your community by showing your own darkness...We're all on a search for what's real." Links from the show: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0801019354/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=0801019354&amp;linkId=3a04547c212ecf124c567406b2f5df29" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Check out Kelly's new book, Battle Ready</a></li> <li>Find Kelly on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellybalarie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/purposefulfaith" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/kellybalarie" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.purposefulfaith.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kelly's website</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/04/lighten-guidelines-laughing-life/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Lighten Up Guidelines for Laughing at Life</a></li> </ul>

Lighten Up #79: Kelly Balarie

Callie Feyen

Today for our friendship over 40 series I'm talking with my friend Callie Feyen, author of The Teacher Diaries: Romeo &amp; Juliet and Twirl. We chat about how making friends has changed for us as we've gotten older and how our conversations have morphed from nap schedules to navigating our teens' technology and talking about our jobs. Callie introduces us to her friends in her memoir Twirl, so we talk about she's maintaining these friendships from high school all the way into her forties, as well as what she would tell her thirty-year-old self. We talk about hanging out without the kids, how we coach our kids to be kind to each other so the adults can still hang out during these volatile middle school years, and how, thankfully, we are separate from our kids, with separate friendships. Come on over and hang out with Callie and me, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: Check out Callie's books:  Twirl The Teacher Diaries: Romeo &amp; Juliet  Find Callie on Twitter and Instagram  Callie was on episode #61! To All the Boys I've Loved Before Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl  _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Today for our friendship over 40 series I'm talking with my friend Callie Feyen, author of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943120218/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1943120218&amp;linkId=20c87278df3c4776eb7616ea64377cac" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Teacher Diaries: Romeo &amp; Juliet</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943120277/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1943120277&amp;linkId=8a2e6f12f5614fc29987bcf3eda5e2b0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twirl</a>. We chat about how making friends has changed for us as we've gotten older and how our conversations have morphed from nap schedules to navigating our teens' technology and talking about our jobs. Callie introduces us to her friends in her memoir Twirl, so we talk about she's maintaining these friendships from high school all the way into her forties, as well as what she would tell her thirty-year-old self. We talk about hanging out without the kids, how we coach our kids to be kind to each other so the adults can still hang out during these volatile middle school years, and how, thankfully, we are separate from our kids, with separate friendships. Come on over and hang out with Callie and me, listen in, and lighten up! Links from the show: Check out Callie's books: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943120277/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1943120277&amp;linkId=8a2e6f12f5614fc29987bcf3eda5e2b0" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twirl</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943120218/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1943120218&amp;linkId=20c87278df3c4776eb7616ea64377cac" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Teacher Diaries: Romeo &amp; Juliet</a></li> </ul> Find Callie on <a href="https://twitter.com/calliefeyen" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/calliefeyen/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.unexpected.org/2018/02/lighten-up-61-callie-feyen/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Callie was on episode #61!</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DA9PX0A/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B00DA9PX0A&amp;linkId=7b61c94da196bd18c9a31b68c7395375" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">To All the Boys I've Loved Before</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1419719602/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=unexpectedorg-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1419719602&amp;linkId=06e19aaa7f831bd50675502143713645" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Me, Earl, and the Dying Girl</a></li> </ul> _________ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Lighten Up #110: Callie Feyen

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