Taking the Middle Seat next to Marcy Larson, Andy's Mom

On episode 46, I’m talking to Dr. Marcy Larson, host of the podcast, Losing a Child: Always Andy’s Mom (Facebook). She is a pediatrician, wife and mom to 4 including a daughter, 2 sons and 1 foster son. Her son Andy was killed in a car accident in August 2018. As she navigated life in the days and months after her son’s death, she was looking for a podcast that could speak to her grief and found there wasn’t any out there. So, she started one herself. Her story and the stories of those on her podcast are POWERFUL. If you are grieving or you know someone who is grieving or you know that you’ll be touched by grief as we all will, you will benefit from this podcast and Marcy’s words. I love how Marcy gives listeners permission to cry, to ask for help, to see joy, and to care for others well in their grief.

She talks about a faith-based grief support organization she found very helpful, Starlight Ministries. Marcy writes a really incredible blog as well. I have gleaned so much from her writing and reflection there. I mention a podcast I love, Terrible Thanks for Asking. I also love the podcast Everything Happens.

You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach out to me at Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Erin Eising

On Episode 41, I’m talking to Erin Eising. She is a mom, adventure seeker, therapist and entrepreneur. She does so many things, we could only scratch the surface. She’s a representative for Trades of Hope (Facebook, Instagram) which empowers women around the world by partnering with artisan businesses to sell gorgeous fair trade and ethically made accessories and gifts (see my FAVE item here). Connect with her to shop or set up an event. You’ll learn and get cute stuff. Win. Win.

Erin is also a therapist. She loves working with children, teens and parents. She especially loves teens that seem to have challenging behavior. She connects with the teen and encourages the parents which we ALL need! She’s a wealth of experience and she connects so well with her clients through her authenticity and humor. Check out her therapy practice at Counseling Center of West Michigan.

But wait, there’s more… Erin sits on the board of Derek’s Place, A Recovery Cafe. You’ll remember this rad organization from Episode 36 with Teresa Adkison. Erin is a huge advocate for this organization and would LOVE for you to check out their upcoming family event. Get all the details here.

Erin’s favorite things include her son Riley (who you might hear on this episode), Caramel Marvel from Biggby, and travel!

I hope you learn a ton from Erin and I hope you reach out to her.  Refer your teens, your friend’s teens, your neighbors who are teens to her.  Set up a Trades of Hope event. Attend the Derek’s Place event this weekend. You’ll be taking hte middle seat and I know you’ll fnd adventure and authenticity and magic, right there.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Lisa Anderson with Grace's Table

On Episode 31, I’m talking to Lisa Anderson, the founder of Grace’s Table (Facebook, Instagram), an organization that serves young mothers ages 13-24 in the areas of spiritual exploration, parenting, adolescence, career and education. Lisa founded the organization through a desire to serve young moms; an experience that is near to her heart because she experienced motherhood for the first time at age 17. Lisa is an incredible example of service, perseverance, and unconditional love.

Listen closely for the story of how Lisa found Grace’s table at a garage sale held by a woman named Grace. How can we be a Grace to someone in our lives?

Lisa has always dreamed BIG for Grace's Table and the dream she’s working on right this second is A Space for Grace. Grace’s Table needs to the WHOLE community to rally around this. You can learn all about this campaign to secure a gorgeous house surrounded by beautiful greenspace that will provide an environment that can really care for every aspect of young mothers and their children. I invite you to join me in donating financially to this cause. We ALL benefit from young women being made to feel whole and wanted.

Lisa talks about Chelsea’s story and you can see that here. I LOVE lovety LOVE the idea that Grace’s Table is all about paying it forward.

If you’re looking for a way to connect to your neighborhood, check out The Turquoise Table. It could be one way to get started. Need a recipe to feed a crowd that will make you feel like a connection rockstar? Check this out.

Lisa mentioned some favorite things: Diet Coke, charcuterie boards (Squibb is my fave place for a cheese board), and lazy rivers. She also mentioned loving her time in therapy each week. Yassss! I love that. #shoutouttotherapy

Remember to give a little or a lot to A Space for Grace! What a great way to make an impact and support women, community, and beauty for all. Until next time, remember to take the middle seat. I know you’ll find magic and meaning there.

Taking the Middle Seat next to Sarah Hartley with Holl & Lane Magazine

On Episode 21, I’m talking to Sarah Hartley, Editor in Chief of Holl & Lane Magazine. She describes the magazine by saying, “This is a revolution to show women, you are perfect as you are and there are other women just like you who have been standing right where you feel you are right now.” A REVOLUTION!! Yes!!! Soak in the whole Holl & Lane manifesto. We talk about the manifesto in our conversation and how it guides the intention of every issue.

The next issue of Holl & Lane is coming out Tuesday, October 16! And what exact subject do we need right now? Sarah knew we’d need this. It’s all about IMPACT. Subscribe right this minute. You’ll be so glad you did!

Follow Holl & Lane on Facebook and Instagram. Sarah and Jess craft gorgeous social media posts. I also just discovered that Jess has a rad business called Chaotic & Collected where she creates handmade party decor. So cool! If you’re a writer, check out H&L Writes too! The third member of the H&L team, Mia, helps with that and has an awesome blog you should follow.

I love Sarah’s idea of creating a “Sunshine Folder!” I keep a pile of cards that I’ve received in my desk drawer. So fun to look at those on the hard days.

Sarah’s favorite things include This is Us (I think I’m the only human who does not watch this), Armchair Expert podcast, photography, and Chatbooks.

Go take the middle seat, dear listener!  You'll love the magic you find there.

Sarah Hartley, Editor in Chief of Holl & Lane Magazine

Taking the Middle Seat next to Megan Seeley

On episode 16 of Taking the Middle Seat, I'm talking to Megan Seeley, owner of The Goal Designer.  She does Planner Matching and 1 on 1 coaching.  She also runs a rad Facebook group called Moms Reclaiming Their Time Guilt-Free.  She was inspired to create all of this after a very hard season when she had a baby and was diagnosed with a chronic illness, Grave's Disease.  She now encourages moms as an anti-productivity coach.  Isn't that awesome!  

I would definitely encourage you to take Megan's Planner Quiz!  She'll give you some great ideas on what to look for in a planner that fits your lifestyle.

The planner that Megan uses is The Simplified Planner from Emily Ley.  I'm doing a planner match session with Megan really soon so I'll let you know which one I pick!

Megan talks about her favorite self care is doing lots of things she loves all-at-the-same-time.  One of the things she loves is Lush bath bombs.  A locally made bath bomb soap maker I love is Maggie Ann Soap Co.  

Megan loves true crime.  She is my people.  Best true crime podcast of all time... My Favorite Murder.  SSDGM!

She also loves the Courage and Clarity Podcast with Steph Crowder.  Megan was on that podcast on this episode.

Her other loves... cozy mysteries, author Karen McInerney and Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. 

I'll be back soon to explore the magic in the middle seat. 

Taking the Middle Seat next to Justine Braford

On episode 3 of Taking the Middle Seat, I talk to Justine Braford, a mom of 4 who has walked through losing two of her children. She's also a trail-blazing sex therapist and social worker.  She talks truth about sexual health, caring for people in their grief and the joy that is lash extensions.  We cover it all in this one.

Check out Justine's therapy practice and contact her here.

The incredible seminars Justine mentioned are called the Wonder of Women Series.  Register for them here.  You're not going to want to miss the next one on March 15! 

Lash extensions at Siren and Proper.  Treat yourself!

And a couple of books we mentioned.  Brene Brown's Braving the Wilderness and 30 Days of Sex Talks from Educate and Empower Kids.  

I'll be back soon with another episode but until then, keep taking the middle seat.