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Katie Bynum returns to the podcast to share about her incredible new ministry, E3. Katie has had a passion to create a safe space to encourage, equip, and embrace all things motherhood for women since her own motherhood journey began 16 years ago. Katie and I talk about the foundations of E3, but we go on to discuss common anxiety triggers in motherhood, and practical tips to help manage all the changes that come with starting a family. Katie's kindness and passion shines through with every word and tip she shares. I hope you hear today's conversation and are encouraged to know you are not alone, equipped knowing it takes daily renewal, and excited to continue to embrace your high calling of motherhood.  As you listen and are inspired, please share this podcast with your loved ones and help spread the missions of E3 and Embrace. Live. Thrive. Remembering that it's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. If you are struggling, please reach out and let's figure out your next step to health and healing. Ways to Find Katie: E3 Registration: https://2rivers.churchcenter.com/registrat.../events/2034953 Facebook: (1) Facebook Instagram: Katie Black Bynum (@katiecbynum) • Instagram photos and videos E3 Details: The vision of E3 Moms Group is to encourage and equip moms of all ages and stages to embrace the high calling of motherhood. Each week we will apply God’s Word to mothering and incorporate all 3Es; Encourage, Equip and Embrace. Through E3 Moms a community will form which will allow moms to support and encourage one another. 2 Corinthians 3:4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." E3 will meet on Fridays twice a month from 9:00-11:00 am Childcare will be available (must register your children) 

Kelly Wever, Owner of Breath Deep Counseling, joins me on the podcast and shares her incredible story of living with Cystic Fibrosis, learning about true surrender, and ultimately receiving a double lung transplant. Her story is one of faith, strength, and hope. Kelly waited over three years on the transplant list and watched her health decline. She knew that she wasn't ok not being here for her daughter and fought hard during every hospital stay to get back home. During that time Kelly learned a lot about realistic expectations, time and energy management, and how to focus on being intentional with the time that she had with her family. Now, seven years post-transplant Kelly is determined to support and encourage those struggling with chronic illness. One basic principle that helps us understand healing is to see the connection of how our thoughts influence our emotions, and our emotions often control our behaviors. That is why mindset work is pivotal for all of us. Please like and share this episode and consider leaving a review. Help Embrace. Live. Thrive. spread awareness and encourage those struggling with depression and anxiety. Because it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Books: Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge Ways to Find Kelly: Website: Breathe Deep Counseling | Systems Theory | O'Fallon, MO Facebook: Facebook Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook Kelly's Bio: I am a proud transplant recipient and have lived with chronic illness. I know firsthand the struggles and losses endured and have a deep empathy for my clients and families. Coping with chronic illness, grief and loss can be some of life's longest, hardest roads to walk. It can be isolating, terrifying, depressing and anxiety-provoking. Those are chapters of our lives that we want to skip through, but at the end of the day, those are the chapters that shape us and strengthen us. I have a Master of Social Work degree and a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. I am passionate about helping older adults and those with disabilities. I am clinically licensed in the State of Missouri. Additionally, I am a proud member of the Society for Transplant Social Workers, Natural Lifemanship, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. I have worked with clients and caregivers in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, hospice, and skilled nursing facilities helping support clients and families through the toughest seasons of their lives. It would be honor to walk alongside you on your journey to finding peace.

Today on the podcast I am joined by Cathy Pemberton. Cathy is a retired schoolteacher who has a passion to teach others about what they are putting into their bodies. Cathy has self-studied for many years and has an incredible understanding of nutrition. She also has the tenacity to share it wherever she is able to share. She does an excellent job breaking down the main components of nutrition and take some of the scariness out of what it all means. I had a blast chatting with Cathy and was reminded about the importance of understanding where nutrition starts and how to keep moving forward.   Please listen and share this episode with all your friends to help encourage knowledge and understanding about the importance of what you are eating. There are so many additives to the connivence foods that line the shelves at the stores these days. Cathy teaches us, that those foods feed us rather than fill us. Changing eating patterns that you may have had for decades can be overwhelming, but when you focus on just taking one step at a time, you are capable of anything.  *If you are interested in chatting with Cathy, please contact me and I will connect you.  Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Today, Jessica Holman, owner of Nurtishop- St. Peter's, joins me on the podcast and shares her inspirational story behind her own health journey and why she chose to open her stop. She is passionate about supporting individuals on their own journeys and helping them feel the importance of good nutrition and supplementation. When you come into her store you are entering a wellness community that is focused on you as an individual and finding what is going to serve you best. The word supplementation or phrase "taking supplements" are things you hear more and more these days, but what does that mean? Why is it important to you? Our bodies, our walks of life, and our goals are all unique and making sure we are prioritizing what is fueling our bodies is a super important concept to understand. Jessica does a fantastic job explaining and teaching us some of the basics around the concept of supplementation and how it can increase your energy, focus, improve sleep, and so much more. Make sure to listen all the way through to hear all of the awesome resources Nurtishop - St. Peter's has to offer. Please like and share, share, share this episode to help support your friends and family as they navigate their own health journeys and learn about this important concept of supplementation. Also, sharing helps Embrace. Live. Thrive. continue to grow and spread awareness that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Ways to Find Jessica: Email: [email protected] Website: St. Peters (nutrishopstpeters.com) Instagram: Nutrishop St. Peters (@nutrishopstpeters) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Facebook TikTok: @nutrishopstpeters Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook

Today, Maura Eliza, owner of Flex Health with Maura, joins me on the podcast as we have a wonderful conversation about healing and being intentional about listening to your body. Eliza has overcome adrenal fatigue twice and learned so much with her second recovery she wrote her course "The Vibrant Way" to teach others about the journey she went on not only to heal, but to thrive. "The Vibrant Way" is a course designed for the woman struggling with overwhelm, fatigue, and exhaustion. Maura had set it up where you slowly received the 5 hours of content over a period of time, so you have plenty of time to watch, and then integrate into your real life.  Maura teaches that your body doesn't have to hold you back and you can have the energy for yourself and your family.  You are not going to want to miss this course. After you listen to this episode, please like and share this episode with anyone who popped into your mind. We grow by supporting each other and spreading awareness that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Book: Feeling Buried Alive Never Die by Karol K. Truman Ways to Find Maura: Instagram: Maura Eliza (@flex.health.with.maura) • Instagram photos and videos Website: Essentials For A Healthy Life | Breast Implant Illness | Chronic Health Issues | (flexhealthwithmaura.com) Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook Maura Bio: ELEVEN YEARS AGO, MY BODY NEEDED HELP. I went to doctors, but they couldn't give me answers or effective advice. So, I started exploring natural options. It was scary to go against the norm, but it was the best decision I ever made. Stepping outside the mainstream made me realize how amazing our bodies are at healing themselves.  I learned to appreciate the Earth's gifts that keep us healthy and happy. I discovered the incredible connection between our minds and bodies. This appreciation led me to become a Traditional Naturopath through the Institute of Holistic Integrative Studies in 2023. Helping others is what I love to do. I want to help you understand your body better so you can have flexible health and feel great. Let's embark on this journey together!

Today. Kilah Lawson, owner of Elephant Baby & founder of Healthy Kingdom Mammas joins me on the podcast, and I am so excited to share our conversation. Kilah is someone who inspires me daily. As a fellow mom of 5 kids, she is well aware of the struggle of how to manage all the things and works to find balance. She shares her own story of postpartum depression and struggle after the birth of her 5th child and describes how she became determine that no mother should have to experience the same thing.    Kilah is an advocate for women not only in their postpartum journey, but also for physical and spiritual healing. Healthy Kingdom Mommas is breaking chains of women who are struggling inside of the church and reminding Christian women the victory they can see as they claim their identity in Christ and peruse stewardship, restoration, and soul reformation. Please listen, like, and share this episode and join Kilah and I as we educate and encoruage women to know that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Let's find you the resources you need to take that next step to become healthy, happy, and whole. Ways to Find Kilah: Website: Extensive Postpartum Support For Moms |St. Louis, MO (elephant-baby.com) Facebook: (1) Facebook Elephant Baby FB: (1) Facebook Instagram: Kilah Lawson (@kilahlawson) • Instagram photos and videos Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook Kilah's Bio:  I'm super pumped you're here! For years, I have been living in my purpose of restoring transformational care in our community! I started my work as a postpartum doula. While working with new moms, I noticed a few things: more and more moms are experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety/loneliness/lack of support/complete burnout/exhaustion and so much more. 😩 I have also noticed that the struggle often lasts for YEARS after childbirth. I'm ready to teach you how to deeply heal and replenish in your postpartum journey (even if you're a few years in) so that you can show up to be what you want to be in your motherhood journey! I understand that every single aspect of health matters--physical, mental, spiritual and emotional. I'm ready to give you the tools and support that you need to thrive. It's really important for me to decolonize postpartum work and get back to the traditions that truly help us to heal in motherhood.  It's time to reclaim postpartum and I'm ready to serve you! Professional Accomplishments: ⭐︎ B.S. Psychology ⭐︎Owner Elephant Baby: Full-Service Postpartum Support ⭐︎ Full-Spectrum Doula Training  ⭐︎ Creator/Instructor-Restoring Transformational Postpartum Care (holistic postpartum enhancement training for professionals) ⭐︎Creator/Coordinator- The Postpartum Wellness Revolution (membership for postpartum mothers) Zones of joy and genius:   holistic postpartum healingpostpartum nutritionpostnatal depletion prevention & recoveryaddressing postpartum depression/anxiety without pharmaceutical drugshormone balance 

Happy Holiday season friends!! Today, Britt Smith, founder of She Is Kindred, joins me on the podcast and we get real about what it means as mothers when hear the phrase "holiday season". To be honest that is a loaded phrase often associated with exhaustion and endless lists of things to accomplish. But why? Who sets those boundaries and expectations? The short answer is we do!!  So, what if we start to change that narrative?  Britt and I talk though how to be intentional during this season and the importance of about quality interactions over quantity. Kids look back and remember moments. Setting boundaries with activities and events is key for your mental health during this season. Please remember your responsibility is to support your family and your health and maybe that makes the holiday season look a little different this year and that is ok!  Please like and share this episode with all of your friends and let's start normalizing a slower pace around the holidays and simply encouraging each other to be present. I hope you find this episode empowering and I want to wish you a joyous season filled with laughter and time spent with the ones you love.  #109: She is Kindred: A Storytelling Collective w/ Britt Smith  Ways to find Britt: Instagram: Brittany Smith (@brittnikelsmith) • Instagram photos and videos Instagram: She is Kindred (@sheiskindredco) • Instagram photos and videos Website: Home (sheiskindred.org) Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embracelivethrive) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Embrace, Live, Thrive | O'Fallon MO | Facebook Britt Bio: Brittany Smith is the vision casting dreamer behind She is Kindred. She's a full-time creative, with a thriving photography + film business that she owns with her husband, Smitty. Britt is a lifelong writer + musician with a heart for storytelling through the arts, and She is Kindred is a project that she believes God has been forming in her for much of her adult life. She lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, Smitty, their four homeschooled kids, and their incredible au pair from Ecuador.

Today, Carla Powderly, owner of Carla Powderly Counseling, joins me on the podcast. We talk about what I consider to be pivotal topic for all healing journeys, the concept of gratitude. Manors dictate that we say thank you and appreciate what individuals have done for us, but the practice of gratitude has a deeper meaning and purpose. It is the ability to see and acknowledge the good that surrounds you no matter what circumstances you are walking through, and it is the driver of joy. Carla does an excellent job of explaining to us the basics of gratitude and even helps us to understand what gratitude is not. We talk through many important concepts around the mental and physical benefits, but here is one of the most important things I want you to understand, it starts wherever you are. Not sure what I mean? Take a listen and let Carla validate whatever you are feeling and help you take another step on your healing journey.  Plus, she shares some super fun exercises to help get you started with the practice of gratitude. Please listen, like, and share this episode and help us continue to spread awareness that it's ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there.  Book Mentioned: Try Softer By Aundi Kolber Ways  to Find Carla: Website: Therapy for Individuals, Couples, & Families | St Charles, MO (carlapowderly.com) FB: (10) Facebook Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos Carla Bio: I received my MA in Counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary and am a licensed counselor in Missouri. My personal life experiences are vast and help me to understand and connect with clients from varied backgrounds. Years in the corporate and non-profit sectors give me a unique ability to relate to clients in any profession. Helping people discover the importance of their stories, and helping them navigate their unique process of healing and renewal, are some of my greatest delights. I believe accessing our creativity, wandering about in nature and allowing quiet exploration in times of solitude and silence are integral components of the healing process. I offer walk-and-talk therapy as an alternative to traditional in-office therapy, when appropriate, and as weather permits. I am a contracted preferred counselor for pastors and their families through Converge Mid America, and spent three years leading women’s cohort groups at Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. I am available to lead retreats, workshops and seminars, and enjoy partnering with area churches, businesses and community organizations. Grief, sorrow and desperation are familiar companions, and I know shame and fear. Likewise, the joy of childlike belly laughing, goofy dancing around the kitchen, and celebrating life’s myriad minuscule triumphs buoy my soul. Let’s be human together.

Today, Christy Brimm, owner of Two Bridges Counseling joins me on the podcast. Chisty was my counselor, and her calm spirit and gentle guidance helped me get through some of the darkest moments of my life.  She joined us back on episode #3 and taught us all about imposter syndrome and is back today to educate us about mindset. Mindset is a something you have likely heard about but may not completely understand. It is foundational to our healing journeys and an indicator of how we are moving forward. Christy does an incredible job of explaining the difference between fixed and growth mindset and gives us 5 tips on how to encourage growth mindset in our everyday life. Please like and share this episode and help us continue to grow. Embrace. Live. Thrive. is on mission to destigmatize mental health issues in motherhood and educate on foundations of healthy living. Change can't start without awareness and knowledge of how to move forward. It's time to understand that it is ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there. Books: Mindset by Carol Think Again by Adam Grant Ways to Find Christy: Website: Two Bridges Counseling | Therapy | O'Fallon, MO 63366 FB: (8) Facebook Instagram: Two Bridges Counseling (@twobridgescounseling) • Instagram photos and videos Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos Christy Bio: Hi. I’m Christy Brimm. I’m so glad you found me at Two Bridges. I grew up in the St. Louis Metro area but on the Illinois side. When I married and moved to Missouri with my husband, the bridge between our states seemed like a great divide. I felt equal parts excitement about what my future might hold and grief about what I was leaving behind. When we moved to St. Charles, it was yet another bridge for me to get back home. I’ve done a lot of work to integrate who I have always been with what life has taught me—making me who I am today. I know that I wouldn’t be complete without embracing my past, and I need that part of my life to launch me into my future. My way of doing therapy is to focus on your story. Your identity is not locked into where you came from; it is also who you are becoming. In that quest there is joy and sorrow. Pain and beauty. Hurt and healing. Maybe some of those hurts require “two bridges” to restore. I would be honored to walk with you through your past—the triumph and the regret—to help you realize a peaceful present and anticipate a hopeful future. I currently live in St. Charles, MO, with my husband of 24 years, 3 teenagers, and a sweet dog named Blu. I find my “happy place” in a good cup of coffee, walks in nature, and belly laughs with friends and family. I value my faith as part of my wellbeing and am open to exploring yours with you as well. I’m looking forward to getting to know you and your story. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 636-896-5693.

Today, Joselyn Miller, owner of Motherhood Strong joins me on the podcast cast and we have such a fun conversation. Becoming a mother is something that changes every priority without you even realizing it. It also changes the way you are able to do a lot of things, including your ability to exercise and be active. Especially when you are "in the trenches" those first 18 months to 2 years. Joselyn started Motherhood Strong to build community and support women in ways that was helpful to the specific season they are in with prenatal and postnatal fitness. She knows that your body is different as you are preparing for having a baby and then again after you deliver. Maintaining your fitness or regaining your fitness has to look different and Joselyn knows just how to teach you how to listen to your body and still get the results that you want.   She teases that she actually put this community together so she could have friends. Please check out her website and social media. Be sure to share this episode with all of your mom friends and let them know they are not alone if their exercise currently looks really weird. We know that the season of motherhood is one of the hardest we will experience so together let's be Motherhood Strong. Ways to Find Motherhood Strong: Website: Motherhood Strong Facebook: Facebook Instagram: Motherhood Strong (@motherhoodstrongstl) • Instagram photos and videos Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos Joselyn Bio: Joselyn, the founder of Motherhood Strong, is a mother of three and lover of movement. With a background in dance as well as CrossFit, guiding people to move efficiently and functionally has always been a passion. Since becoming a mother and realizing that there is very little guidance for training during the motherhood journey Joselyn has made it her mission to help other women have the best and most comfortable prenatal and postpartum experiences possible. Joselyn is a certified Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism (PPA) coach and Level 2 CrossFit Trainer.

Today, Sara Chandler, from The Grace Period joins me on the podcast. Sara is one of those people that you meet and can't help but smile. Her passion to support and encourage everyone she meets was clear from the first time we met. Sara's story of struggle is unique in that many of us have never heard the phrase "working homeless".  As a young adult, Sara moved out on her own and ran into difficulty as she navigated roommates, money management, and the appeal of addicting substances. Although she was still working, she got evicted from her apartment and had difficulty getting back on her feet. Sara and her story of redemption, healing, and inspiration to now help others who have similar struggles is incredible.  The Grace Period is on mission to adults and families who can't yet afford stable housing into self-sufficiency by utilizing transitional housing, high accountability, education and goal setting led by a family-like, faith-based team of staff and volunteers. Please see website and social media for more details. Episode #129 is another way to bring awareness, understanding, and empathy to all those around us. We know life is hard and we are all struggling with something.  If you are having a hard time and help finding direction. I have coaching spots available and would love to talk more about how to start your journey moving forward.  Remember, its ok to not be ok, but let's not stay there.   Ways to Find The Grace Period: Website: Non-Profit faith-based organization | The Grace Period Facebook: (3) Facebook Phone #: 636-542-2720 Homeless Helpline: 211 Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos Sara's Bio: Sara drives the organization forward and fulfills the Treasurer function, managing and overseeing the financial affairs (including investments, annual budgets and annual reports).  “As a kid, I had two hard-working parents who struggled financially. We didn’t know how to access available resources. As I grew up, I realized that we weren't the only ones going through this. I was the girl who had the open house friends who were homeless or who didn't have food or electricity in their house. I started The Grace Period for parents like mine, for families - like my friends’ families - who just need a little help to get through a hard time. The Grace Period aids in creating self-sufficiency in a society that doesn’t always understand the impact of circumstances that are beyond one’s control. The Grace Period could have helped my parents get their family to a more stable place.”

Today, Michelle Wallweber, Owner of The Drip Factor joins me, and we have a fantastic conversation all about IV nutrition and the importance of supplementation. Michelle is knowledgeable and driven to help individuals start targeting the root cause of their struggles and not just symptom modification. Michelle explains that IV nutrition is a great way to get the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need in a completely bioavailable form. That means our bodies can use it as soon as it enters the body. Please check out Michelle and The Drip Factor at her website, Facebook, and Instagram. Managing your health is making sure you are taking one step and then another and another. Remembering that it is importance to consider what you are putting in our bodies as that becomes the fuel for every process in our bodies. After listening to this week's episode please be sure to hit that like button and share with your friends. Our mission to support mommas that are struggling continues and we know that nothing can change without awareness.  Healing will never be linear but will always require forward motion.  Ways to Find Michelle: Website: The Drip Factor | IV Therapy & Hydration In Lake St. Louis Facebook: (8) Facebook Instagram: The Drip Factor LLC (@thedripfactorx) • Instagram photos and videos Ways to Find Embrace. Live. Thrive.: Website: Embrace, Live, Thrive! (embracelivethrive.com) FB: (1) Embrace, Live, Thrive | Facebook Instagram: Sarah Meyer (@embrace.live.thrive) • Instagram photos and videos Michelle Bio: After 20 years as a Registered Nurse with 9 of those coordinating infusion centers and more than 2 years teaching IV Therapy in a nursing program, The Drip Factor gives me the opportunity to combine what I KNOW with what I LOVE! As I continue to work through another graduate program, this time in the Family Nurse Practitioner Track, my ultimate vision is for a Functional Medicine Practice which incorporates IV Therapy.