Advertise on podcast: Reframing our Stories: The Podcast

This podcast revisited the topic of child loss. Many people experience this, and it is a topic that too many of us don’t want to approach. Grief is something that affects us profoundly if we choose to invite it into our space and have a conversation with it. My friend Susan Shaw, also known as the Bereavement Mom, has not shied away from her grief from the loss of her son and is making it a point to help other families heal who have experienced the same loss. .   Susie Shaw is the Founder and Executive Director of William’s Be Yourself Challenge (WBYC), a nonprofit she created in honor of her son William after his death in 2019. Through WBYC, Susie works to support grieving families and build more grief-aware communities through programs, partnerships, and its flagship initiative, The Green House—a planned retreat home in Falmouth, Massachusetts, offering cost-free, restorative stays for families navigating profound loss. Susie’s work is rooted in lived experience and informed by training. She is certified in Claire Bidwell Smith’s Conscious Grieving Training and has completed Meghan Riordan Jarvis’s Grief Mentor Method. For more than six years, she has sat in support circles listening to hundreds of bereaved parents and children—experiences that shape her compassionate, peer-led approach to grief support. In addition to leading WBYC, Susie writes the Substack newsletter Dear William, where she pens intimate letters to her son reflecting on grief, memory, and continuing bonds. She has spoken about grief on podcasts and in lectures and wrote the preface to her husband Nick Shaw’s book, My Teacher, My Son. Through her writing, speaking, and leadership, Susie offers a raw yet hopeful vision of how life can be lived—and meaning rebuilt—after loss, honoring the many different ways people grieve. Susan through her work was recently interviewed in People’s magazine, NPR, New York Times, Boston Globe, Cape Cod Times, and Falmouth Enterprise.  https://www.bereavementmom.com/

Marriage is seen as a form of rite of passage in our society. We set our systems up to benefit those who are married and much of our entertainment industry revolves around love and how we can have the end goal of being betrothaled. However, we also do very little to prepare people to enter into the commitment of forever. This is what Dr. Andrea Gurney noticed too as a couples and family therapist.    Dr. Andrea Gurney has been teaching Marriage 101 at Westmont College since 2005 and it is a class that is repeatedly full. She calls herself a “Champion for relationships.” Beyond being a professor, Dr. Andrea Gurney is also a licensed clinical psychologist and author.  She specializes in couples and family therapy and has a clinical practice in downtown Santa  Barbara.   In addition to working with individuals, couples, and families, her speaking and writing focuses on relational health and wellness. Her first book, Reimagining Your Love Story: Biblical and Psychological Practices for Healthy Relationships was the basis for her online course, Marriage Bootcamp. Dr. Gurney frequently speaks in the local community and beyond on topics ranging from Wired for Love: The Importance of Early Attachment, Marriage: What You Should Know Before You Buy or Accept The Ring, What’s Psychology Got to Do With Love?, Safety First: Talking with Children about Sex and Sexuality, Building Resiliency in Children and Adolescent, and Helping Children Cope with Trauma. Dr. Gurney, thank you for being on the show.   https://andreagurney.com/

Back in 2023 I was honored to be asked to be an expert voice and contribute to the writing of a chapter in the book Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults published by Eerdmans and edited by Jeremy Myers and Kristina Frugé. I contributed to the chapter called: Sex is a Gift: The Bigger Gift is Talking About It. I will tell you that I could not have done this chapter without Kristina. She was so instrumental in the entire process for all of the 22 authors involved in the project. This book, I think is so important for faith leaders to read on what many young adults are wanting in their church spaces and beyond. I invited Kristina here to talk about the project and the wisdom she had in helping to create and what she learned in the process.   Kristina has worked in ministry for twenty-five years and currently serves as the Director of Congregational and Community Initiatives, where she leads the Riverside Innovation Hub at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With an MA in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary, she has worked alongside dozens of congregations inviting them to be curious about their call to become vital neighbors in the ecosystem of their local neighborhoods. In all her work, she aims to animate the truth of our generous connection to one another, rooted in a belief that the Holy Spirit is activated in our relationships helping us to repair, problem-solve, love and flourish. This includes her work as a mother, wife, friend and neighbor in her South Minneapolis Longfellow neighborhood, where her family has lived for over twenty years. https://hungryforhopebook.com/ https://www.augsburg.edu/riversidehub/

On this episode Kara talks with Cynthia Coufal who is a seasoned educator, teen anxiety coach, and the founder of The Anxiety Maze Navigator. With over 25 years of experience as a school counselor, Cynthia has a gift for helping teens and young adults understand and manage their anxiety while discovering their strengths and values. Through one-on-one coaching, she guides teens in navigating school, friendships, and the pressures of growing up with greater confidence and clarity. Her work is so important since so many teens talk about anxiety. In her classes Kara gets a lot of questions around how to help them with their anxiety. Cynthia works with families and youth to provide them with the tools they need to help them find their calm.  You can find Cynthia's work here: https://www.betterregulatethannever.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cynthiacoufalcoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-coufal-836a2236/

Perfectionism has a way of stopping us from moving forward, going after what we really want, or not experiencing the little joys that surround us each day. In this episode Kara talks with another Kara who set out on a journey to discover how playing can help us overcome perfectionism. Adults often forget how to play with the demands of life, but play not only opens us up to new ideas, it can also heal the inner child within who often goes forgotten but is never silent. Kara teaches adults how they can tap back into their playful side and go after what they want with more clarity.  Kara Latta is changing the world with the power of play. As the Founder of The Playful Warrior, Kara helps ambitious, sensitive humans overcome perfectionism, and rediscover joy and creativity through the magic of play.  Kara is also a Certified Life & Success Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, chocolate chip cookie monster, dog lover, and latin & hip-hop dancer. Kara’s playful approach to healing perfectionism has resonated with thousands, and she has been featured on The Morning Show, Breakfast Television, and Shondaland. She also plays with many organizations, including Starbucks, Nestle, Lindywell, and many more. Kara’s message is that play is anything but fluffy; it’s the secret sauce to breaking free from self-doubt, unlocking your creativity, and making life more fun and fulfilling. You can learn more about her PLAYShops, courses, and coaching at theplayfulwarrior.com or follow her on Instagram at @‌theplayfulwarrior.

To many of us find ourselves trapped in not pursuing our dreams. The fear of rejection and not getting it right often get in the way. We may also had been given messages as children that we weren't good enough to go after what we dreamed of. If this resonates with you then this is the episode for you. In this episode Kara talks with Janice Burt who lives her life with the motto: One Fear per Year.   Janice has transformed her life by taking on a fear per year to grow and learn something new. It hasn't always been easy, but it has led her into understanding more of herself and reframed a lot of the stories she had told herself through the years. Janice Burt is an inspirational speaker, podcast host, court certified Spanish interpreter, voiceover artist, actor, yoga instructor, and author. She has spoken on the TEDx stage twice, with topics such as kicking the people-pleasing habit and walking through one fear per year. Her purpose in life is to share hope and encouragement with others through the power of words and messy action. Website: https://www.janiceburt.com/ Instagram: spanish_janice   Music for this episode was created by Lacey Brown. You can find her music at laceybrown.com

In this episode Kara shares some new changes within Reframing our Stories. She also shares a bit of what she has been learning and some exciting news for the future. Kara also invites you to share some of your own stories for future episodes in the next coming months.  Remember to follow Reframing our Stories on Instagram @reframingourstories for new information for the show and to access the form to become a storytelling. Please also visit the website at www.reframingourstories.com to subscribe to her newsletter for information on shows, resources, upcoming workshops, and tools to help you reframe your own story around sexuality and relationships.  Please share the show with others and leave a review!

In this timely episode relating to conversations in the United States, Kara speaks with Danielle Tumminio Hansen, author of Speaking of Rape: The Limits of Language in Sexual Violence.  RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization) notes that every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Kara and Danielle speak to their experiences around sexual assault and how it looked different from what they had learned, leading to confusion for both of them. In their conversation, Danielle explains how her book spells out why there is confusion on what constitutes sexual violence and how this continues to harm us.  Danielle Tumminio Hansen is an Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Spiritual Care at Emory University. She's the author of several books, and her articles have been featured on national and international news outlets, including CNN and The Guardian. She's also an ordained Episcopal priest. www.danielletumminiohansen.com www.instagram.com/drdanielleethansen www.facebook.com/danielle.tumminio www.rainn.org

We keep learning more and more about the brain and how it can change with us and create new pathways. Kara got to totally geek out talking with Stefanie Faye about her favorite subject, the brain. They discuss how the brain chemically bonds us, the way we can hijack our own brain, how mistakes can help us grow with intention, and ways to regulate ourselves. Stefanie has a wealth of information and this episode is not one to miss. Stefanie Faye is a neuroscience specialist with expertise in optimizing learning, performance, attentional control, cognitive flexibility, neurodiverse challenges and emotion regulation using biofeedback, cognitive training and frameworks that integrate childhood experiences and family systems. Her graduate degree from New York University and fieldwork at the NYU Institute for Prevention Science focused on neuroplasticity, empathy and emotion regulation. She has worked as a school and family counselor, cognitive trainer, reading therapist, research analyst, coordinator of learning programs, and has analyzed many physiological aspects of nervous system states and brain functioning including electric conductance of the skin (GSR), facial electromyography (EMG), heart rate variability and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). She integrates all of this with her experience training in monasteries with meditation masters from Vietnam, India and West Africa. She currently runs the Neuro-Coach program, helping coaches and consultants integrate neuroscience into their programs. stefaniefaye.com instagram.com/stefanieffaye youtube.com/watch?v=Ix8o9EiDD3E

In this podcast, Kara had the opportunity to interview a man who reframed her story as a youth, her youth minister Ken Grant. While Kara was a teenager in the 90s when youth groups were all the rage and the purity movement was in full swing, she considers herself lucky. Though she was influenced by the purity culture, she never got the message from her youth minister that she needed to be demure. Instead, he encouraged her to lead and use her voice. This was the first time Kara has spoken to Ken since she was 18 and was able to express to him what he meant to her. Listen as they discuss topics including leadership, what Christianity is today, social media, race and white privilege. Ken spent time teaching religion in high schools and universities, and has worked full time as a dad and in youth ministry. Ken was born and raised in small-town southeast Wisconsin, the sixth of seven children. After graduating from Ripon College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg where Ken met and married his wife Denise. Through moves to North Dakota, Michigan, Indiana, Texas and back to Michigan, Ken and Denise raised their family and served in the church. Ken has his PhD from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in History, served as a supply pastor, and in 2020 became an ordained pastor for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and works as the head pastor at Genesis Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI.

There is so much packed into this little episode with Shannon Savage- Howie. We start this interview by acknowledging mid-life and perimenopause. Shannon experienced so many unanswered questions related to her health that later was diagnosed as an autoimmune disease that technically “didn’t fit.” She was so frustrated but experienced a calm when talking with other women who experienced the same thing. Shannon is a contemplative coach and spiritual director and discovered that many people are unsettled with not knowing, but when listened to and are invited into a space where they feel cared for are able to acknowledge what they really need. This episode takes us through this journey of the mysteries of mid-life, the need for women to be heard, and to know the power of listening.    Shannon Savage-Howie, a certified spiritual director and contemplative coach, has dedicated over two decades to guiding individuals through profound journeys of self-discovery and spiritual growth. With a nurturing and empathetic approach, she creates a sacred space where people can explore their deepest questions, find grounding practices, and align their lives with their core beliefs and values. Having embarked on her own spiritual quest filled with twists and turns, Shannon deeply understands the diversity of human experiences and belief systems. Her extensive background includes storytelling for community healing, and invaluable experience in addiction treatment settings, where she has honed her skills in supporting individuals of all ages and genders. In addition to her professional pursuits, Shannon has embarked on a deeply personal journey navigating an autoimmune diagnosis and exploring the complexities of female health in mid-life. This journey has imbued her with a profound understanding of resilience, self-care, and the intersection of physical and spiritual well-being.  Shannon shares her life with her husband, who travels the world working in the entertainment industry, and their three vibrant children. Through her work and personal journey, Shannon embodies a profound commitment to helping individuals navigate life's complexities with authenticity, resilience, and deep spiritual insight.   https://www.ransackedsoul.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/ransackedsoul/   #Spiritual #contemplative #spiritualwellness #spiritualdirector #perimenopause #autoimmune #listening #holdingspace #healing

In this episode, Kara talks with another educator around body literacy, media and the flipping the script around puberty. Many experienced shame and fear in their puberty education and that is why parents seek help from people like Konika Ray Wong who make puberty education for girls fun and empowering.  Konika Ray Wong is the founder of Girl Power Science. She is an author, science educator, and a mom on a mission to flip puberty positive. For over two decades, Konika has been a kindergarten through sixth grade science educator. Her children's book, "One in a Million - A First Book About Periods" is a best seller on Amazon.  She is passionate about body literacy, destigmatizing periods and puberty, and building communities of empowered learners that confidently celebrate growth. Learn more about Girl Power Science: Website Instagram Facebook

We are influenced by a lot in our early years that affect our sexual lives. Those who work on college campuses and teach human sexuality have noted that there is a rise in rough sex among the students. Some of what this rough sex involves is choking. Dr. Debby Herbenick has recognized how this can be problematic for many reasons, but one is that any constriction of breath can cause damage to our bodies and our brain. Her book, Yes, Your Kid helps parents navigate the necessary conversations that are needed in the home around sex and the exposure to porn. Often as parents we tend to think, “Not my kid.” However, the reality today is that with social media and 24 hour access to porn, this could very well be something your child has experienced or maybe thought about.  Dr. Herbenick is a Provost Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion, and an AASECT-certified sexuality educator. Her newest book is “Yes Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today’s Teens and Sex” which has been highlighted in the New York Times and on CNN.com. Her research focuses on women’s sexual health, US population-representative research, as well as trends in sexual attitudes and behaviors. She has published more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles related to sexual and reproductive health and serves as Principal Investigator of the award-winning National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, which has been ongoing since 2009. Dr. Herbenick's research, books, and expertise have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Vogue, NPR, CBC, the Tamron Hall Show, Tyra, Discovery Health, The Doctors, and in thousands of others media. Learn more: www.debbyherbenick.com www.linkedin.com/in/debbyherbenick www.debbyherbenick.com/books-media

When it comes to reproductive rights that are occupying the attention of the nation and threatening the lives of women, Kara asks the question, “What about the men?” It takes two to tango as we know but men seem to be left out of the conversation. This is why Kara reached out to Men4Choice co-founder Oren Jacobson to get his take on things. Oren and Kara talk about how men are stakeholders in what is happening in our country around reproductive rights as well and how Oren is fostering conversations nationwide with other men around this very idea. Oren Jacobson is a civic entrepreneur, thought leader, and organizer focused on addressing systemic problems. He's the co-founder and co-Executive Director of Men4Choice, a multi-state advocacy organization working to bring male allies into the fight for reproductive freedom. Founded in Illinois in 2015, Men4Choice now organizes in Florida and Georgia and is expanding into North Carolina and Arizona in 2024. He's also the political chair of Personal PAC, Illinois' leading pro-choice political action committee that is widely recognized as one of the most powerful and successful political organizations in the state. Oren is the former National Chapter Development Director for the New Leaders Council, where he helped grow NLC into the largest leadership development organization in the progressive movement. He holds a Master of International Relations from the University of Chicago, a Master of Economics and Policy Analysis from DePaul University, and a Master of Business Administration from Regis University. Learn more: www.men4choice.org www.instagram.com/men4choice www.facebook.com/men4choice twitter.com/Men_4_Choice

In this episode, Kara talks with Anna Hayek and Marco Orlando on the topic of sexuality health education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the community that supports them. Anna works for Mad Hatter Wellness, a business that creates comprehensive sexual health education programming that educates, trains and empowers people with intellectual disabilities and their support systems. She is a 200 Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, as well as a Certified Yoga Calm Youth Instructor and is certified to teach K-12 ESL and Spanish. She uses these certifications within her sexuality education classes.  Anna appreciates opportunities to empower people to connect to their breath, body and community.  Marco Orlando is a trained peer educator on the Empowered Together curriculum, on the topics of healthy relationships and sexual health, designed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The lessons were created to be co-led by a professional educator and peer educator. He is on the Board of Directors for Speaking Up For Us (SUFU), an organization in Maine that advocates to empower people living with developmental disabilities to speak up and take action in ways that improve their lives.  Learn more: Anna Hayek @ madhatterwellness.com Marco Orlando @ sufumaine.org/marco-orlando