Anna went to study abroad! In this episode we unpack the lessons I learned from studying abroad. From navigating unfamiliar cultures, to finding beauty in shared humanity. Come explore with us how art documents experience, how discomfort builds empathy, and why stepping outside familiar paths opens up more meaningful choices in life.

In this episode Sarah, a Gen X mom, and Anna, a Gen Z daughter—dive into the power of paradox and explore how embracing life’s contradictions can help us grow and connect. Together, we talk about what it means to hold space for opposing truths, why it’s important to seek nuance, and how this mindset can lead to deeper empathy and stronger relationships.

We reflect on how embracing paradox has helped us understand people with different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences. By moving beyond black-and-white thinking, we can create meaningful connections and hold space for complex conversations. From stories about social media polarization and "cancel culture" to lessons learned from Michael J. Fox and gratitude practices, we discuss how to find common ground while celebrating our differences.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about growing through paradox, finding joy in complexity, and bridging the gaps between us.

Welcome to the Mom, I’m Home podcast! In this debut episode, hosts Sarah (a Gen X mom) and Anna (her Gen Z daughter) share their journey of balancing life’s big adventures with the comfort of coming home. Together, they dive into what it means to step into the unknown with courage and embrace the safe haven that family provides. Join them as they explore the beauty of being brave, venturing out into the world, and always having a place to return to. Whether it's through personal stories, generational perspectives, or the simple joys of a homemade cookie, Sarah and Anna create a space for listeners to find connection, growth, and the importance of home. Tune in for heartfelt conversations, laughter, and plenty of inspiration to start your own adventure.

Resources and Notes:

14:00 Science of Rats. The Self Driven Child by William
Stixrud and Ned Johnson.They reference The National Scientific
Council on the Developing Child for those 3 types of stress and their impact (of 13-15)

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, "Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain: Working Paper 3," Harvard University Center on the Developing Child, Reports &Working Papers, 2005, access May 16, 2017, develppingchild.harvard.edu/

23:00 Dalai Lama, & Tutu, D. (2016). The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World. Avery. Page 245.

34:00 Nagoski, Emily. Come asYou Are:The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life. Simon & Schuster, 2015, Chapter 4 , Section "The Stress Response Cycle: Fight, Flight, and Freeze," pp. 112-115.

49:00 Food, water, shelter. Maslow, Abraham H. Motivation and Personality. Harper & Row, 1954.