In this episode, I sit down with Ja’Bette, who shares her journey of becoming pregnant at 16 years old during her freshman year of college. She opens up about the stigma and challenges of being a pregnant teen, how it strained her family relationships — including a rift with her sister that lasted more than 25 years — and the determination it took to keep pursuing her dreams.

Ja’Bette reflects on the critical role of support, such as what she received from a college mentor and a teacher who believed in her when she needed it most. Because of that encouragement and her own persistence, she went on to complete multiple degrees, build a successful career, and dedicate part of her work to supporting teen and student parents.

Her story is a powerful reminder that pregnancy does not end possibility. Ja’Bette shares a message of hope for pregnant teens and young mothers everywhere: you can still follow your dreams — and achieve them.

Learn more about Ja'Bette and her company, Wishful Doing, here: https://wishfuldoings.com

Happy Early New Year! In today's episode, I sit down with Lacey, an attorney and mom of two. Lacey’s oldest son, Christian, was born with a rare medical condition of a cleft that extends up into the area of his eyes, resulting in blindness. She shares what it was like entering motherhood with a medically complex baby (while balancing being in law school!), the surgeries and systems they’ve navigated, and how Christian has grown into a confident, happy teenager who doesn’t let his disability limit his life.

Lacey shares about the importance of visibility, representation, and the belief that children like Christian deserve to be seen, celebrated, and treated like any other kid. Her younger son, Chandler, has autism and this has led to her having a very interesting experience of parenting kids with two types of disabilities - one you can see and one you cannot, and she shares how her sons have been treated differently due to this.

Her family's journey inspired Lacey’s professional path as well. Today, she works as an attorney advocating for clients with disabilities, drawing from her lived experience to challenge systems, break stigmas, and help families access the support they deserve.

This mama and her family are so incredible, and I'm honored to share her story as we begin the New Year!

Follow Lacey at:

@laceybuchanan on IG

Lacey Nicole Buchanan on FB

and at www.laceybuchanan.com

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

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

Janelle shares:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

- Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find Shannon on IG @shanb_mamasqd

TikTok @Shanb_mamasqd

Information on Mother Forward: motherforward.org

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

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

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

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

- alyssaswishes.org

- IG @alyssaswishes

- FB Alyssa's Wishes

- X @AlyssasWishes15