Meet the people who stretch the limits of what we think is possible and hear "I don't know how you do it" every single day. Each week we talk with a guest whose life seems unimaginable from the outside. Some of our guests were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Others chose them voluntarily. People like: The athlete who learned to walk again and became a paralympic gold medalist after being in a coma for four years…The woman who left the security of her job and home to live full-time on a small sailboat...The child-welfare advocate who grew up homeless and turned his gut-wrenching childhood into a lifetime of making a difference...The mother who worked with scientists to develop a custom treatment for her daughter’s rare disease…They share their stories of challenge and success and dive into what makes them able to do things that look undoable. Where do they find their drive? Their resilience? Their purpose and passion?You'll leave each candid conversation with new insights, ideas, and the inspiration to say, "I can do it too," whatever your "it" is.
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Jessica Waite, author of the bestselling memoir "The Widow's Guide to Dead Bastards." Jessica shares her raw and honest account of navigating the complex emotions following her husband's sudden death and the subsequent discovery of his hidden life.Jessica's story is one of resilience, grace, and ultimately, hope. She offers valuable insights on dealing with betrayal, finding moments of peace in the midst of chaos, and the healing potential of embracing beauty even in our darkest times.You'll Learn:Why anger can be a useful part of the grieving process, and how to recognize when it becomes corrosive. How to use being present in the moment as a healing technique. How to put yourself in the way of beauty.How to change your perceptions and beliefs, and why you might want to. Why there may be a time for some healthy revenge, and how you might find forgiveness, too.And so much more...Find out more about Jessica Waite:WebsiteInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
9/17/24 • 36:10
In this milestone 75th episode, host Jessica Fein reflects on the journey of her podcast and announces a summer hiatus. As a special bonus for listeners, Jessica shares an excerpt from her memoir Breath Taking, reading a poignant piece about a memorable Fourth of July.Is it possible to find a taste of normalcy in the midst of parenting on the precipice? Jessica wants to give it a try. But what starts as a simple outing to see fireworks turns into a night of unexpected challenges - from getting lost in the woods and temporarily misplacing her son, to an emergency surgery for her daughter.Through this deeply personal anecdote, Jessica explores the complexities of parenting a child with serious medical needs while trying to maintain a semblance of typical family life. She touches on themes of guilt, fear, resilience, and the struggle to bridge the gap between her family's reality and the outside world.This episode offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Jessica's experiences and writing, perfectly encapsulating the podcast's mission of diving into lives that seem unimaginable from the outside. It's a fitting bookend to the season, leaving audiences with much to reflect on until the show's return in September.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
7/2/24 • 18:54
Does your life have a clear before and after? A single moment that changed everything irrevocably?That's what happened for Heather Straughter.In this deeply moving episode, Heather shares her journey of love, loss, and finding meaning after her son Jake's unexpected medical crisis and tragic passing. Heather's story begins when Jake was just eight months old and had his first seizure. From that moment, their lives were forever changed as they navigated the challenges of caring for a medically complex child.Heather takes us through the 117 days they spent in the hospital, the search for a diagnosis, and the profound shift in her identity as a mother. She shares the joys and struggles of parenting a child with special needs, the incredible bond she shared with Jake, and the devastating loss her family experienced when he passed away at just four years old.Through it all, Heather found strength, purpose, and a new perspective on life. She turned her pain into promise by founding Jake's Help From Heaven, a non-profit organization that has provided more than $1.7 million in grants to families with medically complex children.Heather's story is a testament to the power of a mother's love, the resilience of the human spirit, and the possibility of finding light in even the darkest of times.You'll learn:Why you should listen to the pit in your stomachHow it's your right to question doctors and share what's best for your familyThe beauty of focusing on what someone can do, rather than what they can'tWhy the comments that make us mad and make us hate the person who said them can be exactly what we need to hearThe value in sharing your journey, even -- and maybe especially -- in your darkest times Learn more about Heather:Jake's Help From Heaven Jake's Help From Heaven IGHeather on IGJake's Help From Heaven FBHeather on FBRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
6/25/24 • 44:03
How many times in life do we completely reinvent ourselves? How different can our life look five years from now by making 2 percent changes?In this inspiring episode, bestselling author Jean Meltzer shares her unique journey from Emmy-winning TV producer to rabbinical student to bestselling romance author. After becoming disabled by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), Jean had to reimagine her life and find new ways to create meaning and joy, even from her bed.Jean discusses how she shifted from chasing external goals to living her values, and how focusing on small incremental improvements transformed her life over time. She opens up about the challenges of being a disabled author and the importance of disability representation in fiction.Through her bestselling novels like The Matzo Ball and Mr. Perfect on Paper, Jean brings a much-needed perspective to the romance genre as both a Jewish and chronically ill writer. Jean's story is a powerful reminder that we can face incredible hardship and still find ways to lead joyful, purposeful lives. Her insights on resilience, career pivots, and redefining success will resonate with anyone who has confronted unexpected roadblocks. Jean's message is ultimately one of hope - that no matter where you are today, embracing your authentic self and taking small steps forward can lead to a life beyond your wildest dreams.You'll learn:How 2 percent increments of better can get you where you want to go. Why living your values is a better formula than setting dream goalsHow it's possible to create joy without even leaving your room for the long-termThe power of the question "where are you?"And so much more...Learn more about Jean:Jean's WebsiteFacebookInstagramSubstack: JeanMeltzer TikTok: JeanMeltzerThreads: JeanMeltzer Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
6/18/24 • 40:46
How can we use ritual to create a life of joy and meaning when our world is turned upside down? What's a no-bullshit zone, and how can we dress ourselves in psychological teflon?Tune in to this conversation with Myra Sack, author of 57 Fridays, and find out. When Myra's daughter Havi was diagnosed with a fatal neurodegenerative disease in 2019, Myra knew nothing would ever be the same. In this deeply moving conversation, Myra shares the sacred family rituals and "shabirthdays" that brought joy and holiness into their devastation.With candor and wisdom, Myra opens up about creating a "no bullshit zone" to shield her family, building "psychological teflon" to navigate the outside world, and the profound lesson that grieving is a way to keep expressing love. Myra also shares why she founded E-Motion, a nonprofit ensuring community, movement and ritual as rights for the grieving.Whether you're walking a path of loss or want to meaningfully support someone who is, Myra provides indispensable insights on:Inhabiting the "both/and" of grief and joyHow our loved ones can tell us what they need without wordsThe power of yearning over fear in griefIntegrating loss through small, manageable ritual actsWhy community is crucial, but so often lacking, for grieversHow workplaces can become grief-literate to better help employeesAnd so much moreLearn more about Myra:57 FridaysInstagramE-MotionRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
6/11/24 • 41:06
With a book and top-rated podcast that are both titled "Grief is a Sneaky Bitch," you might get a sense of Lisa Keefauver's irreverent humor and area of expertise. In this episode, we get all that and more. Lisa has been faced with repeated profound loss and grief and is a powerful voice showing us how to confront grief head-on and move forward rather than "move on." In this conversation, Lisa opens up about her late husband's death, her own battle with cancer, and how she found light by becoming a "grief activist" who helps reimagine our narratives around loss.With her trademark warmth and humor, Lisa demonstrates how we can hold both sorrow and wonder at the same time, not as a Pollyanna illusion but as a way to turn towards our darkest experiences. She shares profound insights on speaking up for our grief, finding community and ritual to make it suck less, and tools we can use to nourish our mind and spirit for the road ahead. Whether you're personally grieving or want to support someone who is, Lisa provides actionable advice on how we can all hold space for the bereaved and bear witness to the profound experience of loss.You'll learn:The power of both/andHow to spot a grief thiefWhy our grief beliefs are set early on and how we can Marie Kondo them to serve us betterWhy grief is so sneakyWhy time is so confusing for grieversThe best ways to show up meaningfully for the people you care aboutHow to respond when someone says something hurtfulAnd so much more...Learn more about Lisa:Order the book Listen to the podcastSubscribe to the newsletterInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
6/4/24 • 52:48
If something looks wrong, feels wrong, or smells wrong...it's probably wrong.Meet Dawn Oates, a disability rights advocate, educator, and entrepreneur who has made it her mission to challenge disability discrimination and redefine what true inclusion looks like. Through her journey fighting for her daughter's rights, she's sparked ripples of change that are reshaping entire communities.Listen in as Dawn shares her playbook for turning obstacles into opportunities and refusing to stay small when faced with exclusion. From insisting on accessible playgrounds to taking on elite private schools, her story underscores the impact one person can have by persistently advocating their truth.You'll feel inspired by her unwavering optimism and creative approach to educating others about disability differences. Whether speaking up for your child or becoming an upstander for others, this episode will embolden you to create the inclusive world you wish to see.You'll learn:How to challenge discrimination with courage and strategic persistenceWhy it's important to educate from a place of optimism to open minds and heartsWhat to do when things feel a little too easyHow one person's actions can create ripples of changeAnd so much more...Learn more about Dawn:The Play Brigade WebsiteInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
5/28/24 • 47:53
When not one, but two of her children were diagnosed with devastating rare genetic disorders, Parvathy Krishnan's world was turned upside down. Her daughter battled multiple conditions for years before passing away just after her fourth birthday. And her teenage son is a five-time cancer survivor.In this profoundly moving and insightful episode, Parvathy pulls back the curtain on what it means to be a parent in constant crisis mode - the relentless anxiety, the hospital stays across multiple cities, and having to parent two children with rare diseases simultaneously.Yet Parvathy's story is ultimately one of incredible perseverance, radical hope, and unconditional love. With wisdom and candor, she discusses brutal concepts like "ambiguous living," and shares hard-won strategies for staying present and techniques like visualizing being "stuck in tar" to center yourself amid the unimaginable.Parvathy's journey has also sparked a new purpose - founding an advocacy organization to build support systems for other families facing ultra-rare diseases and catalyzing patient-centered care revolutions like insisting full medical teams round inside patient rooms.You'll learn:Why you should admit that things suckHow to start fixing things, even if you're still in your PJsHow to advocate for your care or the care of your childWhy being stuck in tar can be a good thingThe immense value that comes from sharingAnd so much more...Learn more about Parvathy:InstagramKrishnan Family FoundationRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
5/21/24 • 41:18
Can an extraordinary life of adventure and pushing boundaries lead someone to find fulfillment in the ordinary? In this riveting episode, we speak with Beth Rodden, a pioneering rock climber who has scaled some of the world's most challenging peaks. Beth takes us on her trailblazing journey, from shattering climbing records as one of the best female climbers of all time, to a terrifying kidnapping by armed militants in Kyrgyzstan that forced her to grapple with trauma, mental health struggles, and her very identity.With raw honesty, Beth opens up about her disordered eating, the challenges of motherhood for a professional athlete, and pushing past society's expectations of what a woman can or should do. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and redefining what it means to embrace a "softer strength." From the dizzying heights of climbing success to the depths of personal darkness after a difficult divorce, Beth's path reveals profound truths about finding purpose, joy and wonder in the ordinary moments of life.Key Takeaways:If your current strategies aren't working, look to your loved ones - their approach may inspire new solutions.The things you're passionate about don't have to be pursued in one narrow way. Find freedom in new perspectives.Listen closely to your body's signals before your mind catches up - it can prevent you from exceeding limits.Don't self-censor based on assumptions. Ask anyway - you may be surprised by people's supportive reactions.An extraordinary life can prepare you to deeply appreciate the beauty found in the ordinary.Learn more about Beth:WebsiteInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
5/14/24 • 38:12
What happens when your child's life depends on you parenting perfectly? How do you reconcile what it's like to live on the precipice all the time, with wanting to be a present and joyful person for your children, your partner, and your friends?On this episode, we sit down with Jessica Patay, author of the powerful new book "Becoming Brave Together." Jessica opens up about the constant vigilance required in caring for her son Ryan, who has Prader-Willi syndrome and shares why and how she formed a community for other moms with intense caregiving needs.Jessica's new book is an anthology amplifying 21 other caregiving mothers' stories as well. By elevating these diverse voices, she provides an invaluable perspective into the unseen battles and exceptional bravery of parents raising children with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Whether this is your world or not, Jessica's wisdom and the community she's cultivated offers insights and understanding that can change the world we live in.In this episode, you'll learn:How to find or form communityWhat you deserve as your birthrightWhy self-care isn't a curse wordHow to stay connected with the people who matter to youAnd so much more...Learn more about Jessica: WebsiteInstagramFacebook The Book Brave Together PodcasRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
5/7/24 • 39:46
Have you ever wished you had a guidebook to be by your side as you navigate the complexities of life? One that was written by a best friend, told you what to expect, and gave practical advice to help you through?That's exactly what Kelley Coleman has written in her book, "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child." In this episode, Kelly shares her personal journey of raising a son with multiple disabilities and offers invaluable advice not only for parents navigating similar paths, but for every human who wants to understand how to interact with empathy and show up in meaningful ways for others.You'll learn: Why we should all be following people whose life experience is different from our own. Who to turn to when you want to learn something about another community.What's a better strategy than filling the air with words when you don't know what to say. How and why to encourage self-advocacy in children.Why it's important to acknowledge the hard.And so much more...Learn more about Kelley:WebsiteInstagramFacebookRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
4/30/24 • 48:36
Any great movement requires not only the ability to generate creative ideas but also the skill of mobilizing people around those ideas and bringing them to life. How do you do that?Introducing Nell Merlino, a creative catalyst and trailblazer who has dedicated her life to advocating for women's empowerment and raising visibility and recognition of women and girls' contributions. With an impressive track record of mobilizing people and ideas, Nell brought Take Our Daughters to Work Day to life, reaching an astonishing 25 million people worldwide. As the founder of Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence, she also facilitated women's access to billion-dollar financing, grants, contracts, and markets. Nell's current project, Crown Quest, further amplifies women's achievements by creating beautiful visual tributes to their influence and impact.In this episode, you'll learn:The first step in taking an idea from theory to realityHow inspiration can be found in unexpected placesWhy we have to recognize our own valueWhat it means to be a lionessThe power of being able to read a roomLearn more about Nell here.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
4/23/24 • 40:48
What happens when your family's ideology prevents you from helping the person you love most?That's what happened to today's guest, Kathleen Blackburn. Kathleen Blackburn was the oldest of five children, a 12-year-old from Lubbock, Texas, whose evangelical family eschewed public education for homeschooling and wove improbable scientific theories into literal interpretations of the bible. Then her father, a former air force pilot, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer at the age of thirty-eight, and, as Kathleen writes in this searing memoir, “it was like pouring gasoline on the Holy Spirit.” Stirred by her mother, the family committed to an extreme diet and sought deliverance from equally extreme sources: a traveling tent preacher, a Malaysian holy man, a local faith-healer who led services called “Miracles on 34th Street.” What they didn’t know at the time was that their lives were entangled with a larger, less visible environmental catastrophe. Fire-fighting foams containing carcinogenic compounds had contaminated the drinking water of every military site where her father worked. Twenty-five years later, Kathleen's memoir, Loose of Earth, reckons with her past, her upbringing, the loss of her father, and the environmental story that shaped the landscape that for years she called home. Kathleen now lives in Chicago and teaches creative writing at the University of Chicago. You'll Learn:The difference between shame and regret, and which one is usefulHow literature can be an antidote to violence and silenceWhat we do when we're told there's nothing we can do to help someone we loveAnd so much more...Learn more about Kathleen:Website Instagram Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
4/16/24 • 42:56
When we encounter death, we're forced to confront life's biggest questions. Why do we suffer? Where is God in our darkest moments? Can we find beauty and meaning in the midst of grief?Our guest is writer and former pastor Jonathan Foster who joins us for a profound and incredibly moving conversation about his book "Indigo: The Color of Grief," which he wrote after the tragic loss of his daughter.In this raw, poetic dialogue, Jonathan invites us into the "liminal space" between hope and despair that he's inhabited since his daughter's death. He shares how this experience shattered his traditional beliefs about an omnipotent, omniscient God and led him to be "disinvited" from his religious denomination.Jonathan reframes beauty as an act of defiant resistance against tragedy. And ultimately, he reveals the surprising power in simply being present with those who are suffering - not trying to solve or fix, but sitting alongside them in their "hell."Whether or not you've experienced profound loss, Jonathan's perspective contains valuable wisdom for anyone confronting life's toughest challenges. By the end, you'll have a new appreciation for the profound presence of absence and be inspired to live with deeper intention.You'll learn:Why you don't have to choose between hope and despairWhy your pain doesn't get smaller, and why you might not want it toWhy beauty is an act of resistanceWhat we call the person who sits with us in hellWhy "no thing" is a very big somethingAnd so much more...Learn more about Jonathan:websiteIndigoInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
4/9/24 • 34:02
Have you ever felt a pang of regret for not saying yes to an opportunity that scared you? Or wondered what hidden potential lies within you that others see, but you can't quite yet?This week's episode will light a fire under those very questions. Physician and writer doctor Mimi Zieman joins us with a truly extraordinary story - the time she said a resounding "yes" to an invitation that most of us would never have the audacity to accept.At just 25 years old and one year into medical school, Mimi agreed to become the sole medical professional and only woman on a climbing team attempting a new, never-before-done route up the treacherous east face of Mount Everest. Oh, and they'd be doing it without supplemental oxygen.In our riveting conversation, Mimi doesn't hold back on all the behind-the-scenes details you'd never imagine - from tap dancing in psychedelic tights on a boulder to leading a Passover Seder at 20,000 feet. You'll hear firsthand how she grappled with imposter syndrome while responsible for the lives of her teammates.But ultimately, Mimi's journey becomes one of vulnerability, feminism, and an examination of what it truly means to feel vibrantly alive in the face of risk and uncertainty. Her hard-won wisdom and candidly beautiful writing will make you question how you too can start living more authentically and courageously.Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or can't fathom leaving your living room couch, Mimi's inspirational story and perspective is one you won't want to miss. She'll have you pondering what you're willing to risk in order to discover your deepest self and make your own life itself a work of art.You'll learn:Why you should trust the people who see potential in you that you don't yet see in yourselfA simple tool to help combat imposter syndromeWhy "coming of age" is an ongoing processWhy you should get out of your safe zoneHow curiosity can be the most interesting life guideAnd so much more...Learn more about Mimi: website.InstagramThreads Facebook X Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
4/2/24 • 33:41
It's no secret that many of us feel lonelier and most isolated than we did in the past, so much so that there's a consensus that we're experiencing a "loneliness epidemic."In this revealing episode, Jessica sits down with Jinhyun Shin, a mental wellness entrepreneur and founder of the "social being" app Penciv. Jinhyun shares his powerful personal experiences that sparked his drive to prevent suicide and how that led him to working to combat the modern "loneliness epidemic." Jinhyun reframes grief as the ultimate form of loneliness and shares his insights for honoring legacy. His innovative perspective will shift how you stay connected to yourself and build authentic community. You'll walk away with practical tools like the "feelings wheel" to identify nuanced emotions, as well as Jinhyun's three-step process for sharing your "wounds" to overcome loneliness.Don't miss this candid conversation where Jinhyun gets raw about the difficulties of discussing mental health in the workplace, and hear his advice for receiving others' vulnerability as a precious gift. Whether you're grieving, disconnected, or simply crave deeper human bonds, this episode will leave you inspired to start meaningful conversations that combat isolation.You'll learn:The 3 steps to honoring your lost loved onesWhat you need to do before you can share your emotions with othersWhy we need to expand our emotional language beyond mad/sad/glad How to treat your emotions as important dataHow to share vulnerably and what to do when someone gets weird in responseAnd so much more...Learn more about Jinhyun:YoutubeBlogMedium Article: A House of RoomsMedium Article: Life is Not About HappinessRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
3/26/24 • 37:46
If you've ever encountered mom guilt; or felt trapped in a maze of protocols, paperwork, and policies; or found it impossible to juggle a corporate job with the intense caregiving for your child, you'll want to meet Jaclyn Greenberg.Jaclyn is a mother, writer, and advocate whose experiences have ignited a passion for accessibility and inclusion in our communities. Jaclyn shares the emotional rollercoaster she experienced when her second son was unexpectedly born with severe disabilities caused by a virus she contracted during pregnancy. Jaclyn takes us through the shocking diagnosis, the lack of guidance and resources after leaving the hospital, and the constant struggle to get her son the support and accommodations he needs. Despite her background in business and tax accounting, Jaclyn found navigating the systems for disabled children to be exhausting, time-consuming and confusing.Jaclyn reveals how this life-altering experience ultimately led her to become a writer and advocate, determined to share her family's story in hopes of promoting greater understanding, inclusion, and accessibility in the community. She discusses the importance of self-care, finding balance, and not being too hard on yourself when life's plans go in an entirely different direction than what you'd expected.You'll learn about:What could be done differently when sharing impossible newsA strategy that could make a huge difference to parent who are facing daunting diagnosesWhere the real answers and support can be foundThe importance of spending time doing things that make you feel like youThe power of sharing your story to raise awareness, increase inclusion, and connect with others going through similar experiencesAnd so much more...Learn more about Jaclyn at her website.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
3/19/24 • 43:29
When a trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience is blindsided by her own debilitating grief after losing both parents, where does she turn? In this deeply moving conversation, Meghan Riordan Jarvis takes us on her journey from professional expert to admitted patient at the same treatment facility where she once sent her toughest cases.With raw honesty, Meghan shares how grief affected her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. From finding spirituality in a documentary about mushrooms to spontaneously road-tripping across America during COVID with her kids, Meghan's personal transformation insights will reframe how you think about loss, healing, and what's really needed to support grievers.Meghan's hard-won wisdom disrupts our cultural awkwardness around grief as she calls on employers to stop avoiding this universal human experience. Get ready to question everything you think you know about the "rules" of mourning as you hear:Why talking about the five stages of grief is like saying the world is flatWhy you should ignore some of the most common advice grievers hearWho needs to step up to change things in Western cultureThe surprising places you might find new sources of spiritualityWhat we can learn from children about processing difficult emotionsAnd so much more...Learn more about Meghan:InstagramFacebookWebsiteRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
3/12/24 • 59:12
Zibby Owens is the ultimate authorpreneur, seamlessly juggling writing, publishing, podcasting, and running an independent bookstore and community. How does she do it al?In this inspiring conversation, we dive into how Zibby built a universe of readers and writers—dubbed the "Zibbyverse"—while also raising four kids.We talk about how Zibby published her first essay -- as a teenager, what it's like to produce a podcast every single day, the stories behind Zibby's debut novel Blank, and why it's time for authors to be treated like rockstars. We also cover Zibby's boundless energy, how she lifts up other authors, and her advice for writing authentically. Hear Zibby's advice for marketing creative work and how she's building engaged communities around books.You'll learn:Why it makes sense to do the next right thing even if you don’t have the whole path mapped out yetThe kind of sharing that resonates with readersHow to reframe failuresThe magic in saying, "Yes"The origins of the funniest character around: "deodorant guy!"And so much more...Learn more about Zibby:WebsiteInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
3/5/24 • 34:22
Life with a rare disease can be isolating and confusing. But as these 12 people can attest, there's so much more to the story -- the lessons are abundant, the paradoxes are persistent, and the community is full of passionate, inspiring, and resilient people.In honor of Rare Disease Awareness Day on February 29th, tune in to hear some of the most powerful moments from past conversations with host Jessica Fein and members of the rare disease community.Whether you're personally affected by a rare disease or want to understand the experience, this compilation episode delivers inspiration, insight and a reminder that while each disease may be rare, rare diseases as a whole affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. You'll learn:Why connecting with people who share something in common with you can be the most isolating thing of allHow to statistically increase your chances of getting helpWhy living with rare disease brings so many paradoxesWhat the rare disease anthem and motto should beHow hope can be a double-edged swordWhether resilience is innate or developed over timeSpecific ways to provide meaningful support to a friend who's hurtingAnd so much more...Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
2/27/24 • 44:08
What happens when you don't accept your child's diagnosis? When you think you can "fix her," only to discover that you're the one who needs fixing?Join us as Cathy Shields, author of The Shape of Normal, delves into the truths and lies parents tell themselves when faced with unexpected challenges. From denial to acceptance, Cathy recounts her emotional rollercoaster and the evolution of her relationship with her daughter, Jessica.With honesty and vulnerability, Cathy explores the deep-seated ableism she had to confront, rooted in societal expectations and personal experiences. Through her story, she sheds light on the importance of awareness, acceptance, and finding strength in embracing reality.You'll learn:Why finding others on a similar journey can change everything.How to move from denial to acceptance to celebration.The key to looking at what people can do rather than what they can't.How we can begin to change the deep-seated ableism in ourselves and society.Why sharing honestly is so important in changing perceptions.And so much more...Learn more about Cathy:Instagram Website Facebook Linkedin Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
2/20/24 • 25:18
What's it like to have families counting on you in their time of greatest need? How do you separate work life from home life when every workday is literally life and death? How can you bring more humanity into what it at its heart is totally scientific?Meet Dr. Rachel Fleishman, a Neonatologist, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, and Director of Narrative Medicine. Dr. Fleishman's shares what it's like to care for sick and premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), explaining how the practice of narrative medicine – analyzing patients' stories – helps her empathize with families and see their babies as more than just diagnoses. She shares insights into making space for open communication, overcoming self-blame, and cherishing the roles every member of the professional and family team provides.We also dive into Dr. Fleishman's journey from studying literature to becoming a physician, how traumatic births have informed her care, and coping strategies for healthcare workers bearing witness to suffering. You'll learn:How to see people as multifaceted individuals with stories, not just diagnoses or problems. Why you need to care for yourself when caring for others.How to move forward with hope and help instead of blaming yourself for situations outside of your control. How to leave work at work, even in the most intense work situations.And so much more...Learn more about Dr. Rachel Fleishman:WebsiteInstagramXRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
2/13/24 • 39:02
Megan Nolan is a rare dynamo, channeling her profound resilience and determination into advocacy that's creating real change. After her son's challenging medical journey to get a diagnosis, Megan sprang into action - launching a nonprofit to fund research in just 3 months. And if that wasn't enough, she also created an online magazine, rareparenting.com, to provide much-needed support and resources for the rare disease parenting community.In this conversation, Megan shares her unwavering commitment to helping other families avoid the struggles she faced. We explore how she balances intensive caregiving with running two organizations, while also prioritizing self-care and maintaining a sense of hope. Megan offers guidance on how to be an supportive ally when your friend is parenting a child with complex medical needs. You'll learn:How to listen to your intuition and push for answers.Why believing you can make a difference is one of the most powerful motivators for taking action.How to use your unique skills and experience to make an impact, like Megan did in the rare disease community.Why delegating can be the key to getting it done, whatever your "it" is.What kind of help to offer when you want to help a friend in need. Learn more about Megan:Rareparenting.comChildren's Rare Disorder FundMegan's InstagramRareParenting InstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
2/6/24 • 47:48
Have you heard these myths about writing your book? Myth #1: You have to be a perfect writer to start. Myth #2: You need a big block of time to make progress. Myth #3: You have to have a groundbreaking idea. #4: You need an external credential to call yourself a writer. Elizabeth Lyons joins us to bust these myths and so many others about what it takes to start...and finish your book.Elizabeth is a seasoned writer and book editor with six published books under her belt. Through her popular online courses and the "Write the Damn Book Already" podcast, Elizabeth shares invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of writing, publishing, and launching a book. Her relatable and humorous approach resonates with aspiring writers, encouraging them to break free from self-doubt and embark on their writing journey with confidence. Elizabeth highlights how writing can serve as a form of therapy, allowing us to process personal experiences, find humor in challenging situations, and facilitate growth. Regardless of whether your work will be published or remain personal, diving into the healing power of writing can provide huge benefits. Using writing as a tool for self-expression transforms it into a journey of personal exploration, revelation, and ultimately, healing.In this episode, you'll learn:Why so many of us have imposter syndrome when it comes to creative endeavorsThe myth that any of us knows what we're doingHow to give ourselves grace and compassion with our creative projectsAt what point in the process we need to trust ourselves mostHow to get started without getting out of your pajamasAnd so much more...Learn more about Elizabeth:WebsiteInstagramFacebookLatest BookRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
1/30/24 • 47:41
Have you ever dreamed of leaving everything behind and setting off to travel the world? When Dr. Marcy Cole's partner suggested they do just that, Marcy didn't hesitate. She packed up her Los Angeles home where she'd lived for nearly 20 years, and together they set off on a nomadic adventure.What Marcy learned on the road was more than how delicious the pastries in France are. She had five main takeaways, each of which is a valuable lesson that can be applied back at home. Marcy also rediscovered a core piece of her identity during her journey. You don't need to travel the world to be inspired by Marcy's takeaways.In this episode you'll learn:Why leaving your bubble can teach you so much about yourselfWhat happens when we go public with our dreamsWhy we need to stay in the ringHow what happens can work for you not to youWhat to do when we set the intention for grace and ease and things take a different turnAnd so much more...Dr. Marcy Cole is a holistic psychotherapist, life coach, and wellness educator She founded First Tuesday Global in 2000, with the aim of fostering a sense of community through social connectivity, personal and professional development, and social service. Learn more about Marcy:Marcy's WebsiteFacebookFirst Tuesday GlobalRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
1/23/24 • 41:02
Here we are in mid-January when our new year resolutions are beginning to be put to the test. For some of us that means we're drinking more water or going on long walks or trying to meditate daily. But there's another category of resolutions that we're going to explore over the next few weeks. The first seems simple on the surface: "I want to have more fun." If only it were as easy as it sounds. Today's guest, Dr. Mike Rucker is the author of The Fun Habit: How the Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life, which has been featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Forbes. A joy-seeking psychologist, Dr. Rucker challenges us to break free from the happiness trap, reclaim lost hours, and embrace the pursuit of joy and wonder in everyday life.You'll learn:Why we get stuck in the happiness trapHow to use the time audit and Play Model to figure out where we can add more joy and fulfillmentHow to incorporate fun into workWhy anticipation is more than half the funWhy fun is important physicallyThe difference between fun, joy, and whimsyHow we can fit fun in even when our lives are immensely complicatedAnd so much more...Learn more about Dr. Mike Rucker:WebsiteXFacebookInstagramLinkedInPinterestThe Fun Habit bookRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
1/16/24 • 43:36
Host Jessica Fein turns the tables for episode 50. The ineffable Effie Parks of the award-winning "Once Upon a Gene" podcast returns to the show to interview Jessica about how she does it. They talk about:The rewards of openly sharing personal experiences for growth and survivalIntegrating joy and grief The value in naming ambiguous griefHow a long shot is still a shot and the worst thing that can happen when you take itWhat to do when there's no light at the end of the tunnelThe power of podcastingJoin Jessica's launch team for Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Dreams. DM here at https://www.instagram.com/feinjessica/Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
12/26/23 • 41:34
Have you ever felt something so strongly in your bones and yet everyone you turn to dismisses your concerns? Maybe they tell you you're over-reacting. Maybe they even tell you there's something wrong with you for not letting go of your instincts. What if your child's life were at stake?Navigating misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting, Karen DeBonis discusses the arduous journey she embarked on to ascertain her son's actual medical condition. Karen began to question herself and doubted her fortitude for motherhood, ultimately needing to overcome her instinct for people pleasing and unleash her inner "she bear" to make the medical community and even her own family take her seriously. Finally, desperation broke through her fear of conflict, and she demanded answers, only to be horrified by the truth. Brain surgery and a promise of complete recovery for her son convinced Karen her battle was over. But she was wrong. The ensuing years launched her on a journey of perseverance and personal growth she never imagined, teaching Karen just how weak she is, and then exactly how strong.In this episode you'll learn:How to learn to trust your own instincts despite persistent resistanceWhy the weak can be stronger than the strongWhat post-traumatic growth can look likeAnd so much more...Karen's debut memoir "Growth: A Mother, Her Son, and the Brain Tumor They Survived," was released by Apprentice House Press in May 2023. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, HuffPost, Newsweek.com, Today.com, and numerous literary journals.Learn more about Karen:Website FacebookXInstagramRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
12/19/23 • 36:40
There's growing up in bubble, as so many of us do, and then there's growing up in a truly insular world. If you're feeling trapped by the expectations of your community and unable to express your true self, you're not alone. Maybe you've been trying to fit into the mold of your community, but deep down you know it's not where you belong, and the struggle is taking a toll on your emotional well-being.That's what happened, in a huge way, to Beatrice Weber.Beatrice is a former member of a Hasidic Jewish community, who found her voice and broke free from restrictive religious and cultural norms. After navigating the challenges of an arranged marriage at a young age, having 10 children, and facing the pressure of societal expectations, Beatrice embarked on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately choosing to leave her marriage and relocate with her young children. Today, Beatrice is a published author, TEDx speaker, interfaith minister, and executive director of Yaffed, a nonprofit organization. Her story of resilience and empowerment serves as an inspiration to those seeking fulfillment and independence outside of traditional constraints.In this episode, you'll learn:The questions to ask as you listen to your inner voiceHow to take the first step toward fearless fulfillmentHow spirituality isn't just one thing, it's many thingsAnd much more...Learn more about Beatrice:Instagram Linkedin WebsiteRate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
12/12/23 • 42:10
Since October 7, many of us have been glued to our screens, scouring every bit of news out of Israel. Today's guest, Trauma Therapist Lisa Fliegel, knew that if she stayed home in Boston, she'd be filled with anxiety. Instead, three hours after news of the Hamas massacre reached her, she booked a plane ticket to Israel.Lisa spent a full month with the survivors of the October 7 attack who have relocated to a hotel in Eilat. There, Lisa spent time with children and adult survivors, counseled other therapists, and created a therapeutic milieu out of the hotel lobby.Lisa is a trauma specialist with extensive experience in providing support to individuals coping with significant psychological trauma. With dual citizenship and having served in the Israel Defense Forces, Lisa's connection to Israel runs deep. She lived on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava desert for 20 years and has a strong commitment to social justice and social change. Lisa is a special clinical consultant to the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute a grassroots non-profit that serves survivors of victims of homicide. She is an author and journalist. Her book-in-progress "Bulletproof Therapist: My clinical adventures in Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, and Inner-City Boston is waiting to hatch amid various missile attacks, gunfire and social upheaval. In this episode, you'll:Find out why you don't need to be the best therapist (or the best mother, or the best anything else)Discover how to be a student when people teach us what they needLearn what to do when there's nothing to be doneUnderstand why we need to recognize when other people make a meaningful impactUncover the profound effects of shame on trauma survivors and learn what the difference is between tragedy and traumaLearn how being fully present can profoundly impact trauma support and activism efforts.Learn more about Lisa:Facebook Bulletproof Therapist Lisa's BlogLinkedIn Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "This is my go-to podcast for inspiration and to discover new approaches to embrace the challenges in my life." If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me reach more people -- just like you -- find strategies and insights to do the things that feel undoable. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. Follow now! Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about these remarkable stories at www.jessicafeinstories.comOrder Jessica's memoir, Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken GenesMusic credit: Limitless by Bells
12/5/23 • 47:45
