Finding Sobriety and Getting Pregnant With Skyler
A Thousand Tiny Steps
Skyler’s story is full of ups and downs from having a rocky childhood to getting pregnant while addicted to then finding sobriety with a husband that supports her. Through her journey she has posted on social media sharing her story, most recently of the last words she said to her mom and the things that will stick with her for a lifetime. Key Takeaways: [1:48] My parents were addicts, being abused, and starting to use drugs [8:28] Getting pregnant, trying not to relapse, and losing my child [15:22] My child’s father dying and finding out in the worst way ...
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The Forgotten Ones: Sibling Grief
A Thousand Tiny Steps
As I got into an argument with Gracie, it made me dive deeper into a topic that’s not talked about enough: sibling grief. People often focus more on the parent’s and not the child that has just lost the person they spent their formative years with. This can cause Gracie and I to have very different views and ways of grieving, but it has also opened my eyes on how to be more understanding. Key Takeaways: [2:30] Sibling vs parental grief [5:07] Gracie lost her person in this world that she did everything with [11:23] Our argument over the MollyB Gala and Gracie...
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Our Dad Was 82 When I Was Born With Eleanor
A Thousand Tiny Steps
This week, I sat down with my sister Eleanor who had a very different upbringing than me considering our father was 82 when she was born. She talks about the judgements people have, having to work hard to forge connections in the family, and how she looks past ageism to come from a place of understanding. Key Takeaways: [2:58] My dad was 82 when I was born, but my childhood was normal [10:46] Misconceptions people had about my dad being older [18:15] Meeting people where they’re at and having patience [26:24] Family dynamics, finding out we’re sisters, and...
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I Miss Molly
A Thousand Tiny Steps
In this episode, I just ask for you to sit with me in grief of losing my child. My thoughts on the birth of all my children, what I love, what I miss, and why dates are so important to people who are grieving. I contemplate Jack’s personality and the parts of both Molly and Gracie I can see in him. Key Takeaways: [1:37] Jack’s birthday and my children’s births [4:53] Dates are important and I can’t stop thinking of Molly [8:00] Not wanting to go into labor so soon and Molly’s birth [15:28] What Jack is like and how we handle holidays [18:26] My next...
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Finding Balance with Michelle
A Thousand Tiny Steps
Michelle and I sat down to have a conversation on her work with the nervous system, biofeedback, neurofeedback, traumatic responses, and addressing the root of a problem. She takes on work that’s not traditional in a therapist’s office, but is so needed because of the mind/body connection. Key Takeaways: [3:15] Michelle is a complementary therapist and looking at the nervous system [10:34] Teaching the next generation, trusting them, and rolling with the changes [18:41] What neurofeedback is and traumatic responses [33:27] Learning from a situation and...
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Trauma, 3 New Siblings, and a Therapist Walk Into a Bar…
A Thousand Tiny Steps
When Amy’s best friend's parents were murdered she suddenly didn’t just have a brother, but three new siblings who needed a lot of help after the trauma. That left Amy in limbo with her family dynamics and not feeling like she had a place. It shaped her identity as she went on to become a therapist. Key Takeaways: [2:33] Amy’s friends parent was murdered and suddenly they were all living with her [7:48] College was a huge adjustment, I thought I knew what I wanted, but hated it [11:44] Moving to Wisconsin, the cold sucking out Amy’s soul, and doing home...
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Finding a New Life with Emily
A Thousand Tiny Steps
I got to talk with Emily, a former runner of mine who was a highliner, dealt with Lyme Disease, chatted about how the cycle of trauma can continue, and the life that she’s living now. A nomadic one with more freedom to run her own business and take of her own life. Key Takeaways: [2:33] How Emily got into highlining [12:09] Dealing with Lyme disease [20:37] Splitting up from her husband [25:11] Generational trauma [35:23] Getting an RV, living a nomadic lifestyle, and a jewelry business Resources: Connect with Barb: ...
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The Season of Guests
A Thousand Tiny Steps
In this episode, I talk about my season of guests, how the podcast has changed, and debating what will happen in the future with the podcast. I have some amazing guests lined up who are all in some way connected to me. Key Takeaways: [3:28] My first season was about Jack and the second was about Molly [4:21] My third season about trauma and the fourth season was about being a mom [6:17] Season 5 and 6 in high school and the next were about chaos [9:43] Sharing the journey of 3 amazing women who have gone through trauma [15:00] Talking to the dance kids...
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Dead Molly Money
A Thousand Tiny Steps
Filing a lawsuit came with its trials and tribulations, but it also came with a check: dead Molly money. It has taken me so much time to process Molly’s death and put together a foundation. I have finally decided it’s time to really make the foundation into something, instead of just giving money away because doing so will help the true spirit of Molly. Key Takeaways: [1:45] Having to be quiet from the pain of settling lawsuits [7:40] The Dead Molly Money blog post [12:27] The amount of money I’ve given away and what the event will be like [15:01] The...
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Period Stigma in Schools with Jenn
A Thousand Tiny Steps
This week, I sat down with my friend Jenn, a teacher who has helped create a thrift store and a period program for students. The Red Dot Program helps people have access to all types of period products and clothing without having to go to the nurse or make a big announcement. Key Takeaways: [2:56] What the Red Dot Program is and Jenn’s first period [7:22] Periods are not taken as seriously as other health issues [8:54] What products are in the lockers as well as clothing [13:06] The pushback the program has experienced and giving education [21:05] Jenn’s...
info_outlinePeriod poverty and the stigma surrounding getting products, learning how to use them, and having them on you is an uphill battle. People miss school, sports events, and other important life activities all because they might not be able to afford period products or are too ashamed to ask for free ones.
Key Takeaways:
[2:07] The pop culture movies that shaped how many women feel about periods
[9:54] Social stigma around not knowing how to use products or having a period
[14:43] The marathon runner that bled while winning
[16:23] Not having access to quality products, missing school, and the reality of prisons
[22:23] India and Kenya’s unique culture problems surrounding periods and solutions
[31:13] Decreased sports participation and taking pain seriously
[35:03] Experience teaching health, having boys take ownership, and my past athletes
[42:55] Women with the worst outcomes medically and a transmans experience
[47:59] Free period products in schools and how women are seen as gross
[53:20] People shouldn’t be embarrassed to talk about their periods
Resources:
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