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Have you ever thought about giving yourself permission to stop, sit, and read a book in the middle of the day? Giving yourself that gift of it being okay to do nothing? Our guests for today are an incredible sister-duo, Michelle Anderson, and Laura Massarella, hosts and creators of Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project. These are two ladies that talk the talk and walk the walk and live their lives in all things cozy. With a finger on the secret to destressing, being fully engaged in their lives, and getting all the good feels, they live by following the Danish principle of Hygge (“hoo-gah”). This is a Danish word that means the art of living in coziness. It’s all about surrounding yourself with things like smells, textures, tastes, people, etc., that make you feel happy, or in other words, cozy. In our conversation today, we hear how they became rooted in mindfulness and the role therapy played in their healing journeys. We are introduced to the Danish principle of Hygge and what it means to live by it. They share key insights on how to approach slowing down and truly being okay with doing less, or nothing, for even a little while. If you want to learn more about embracing the Hygge way, then don’t miss out on this great episode!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How they became rooted in mindfulness.
• How therapy played a role in Michelle’s healing journey.
• A thought on finding healthcare professionals to facilitate healing in our lives.
• The Danish principle of Hygge and what it means to live by it.
• Lauren talks about the Blue Zones and the importance of connection.
• An elaboration of the difference between mindfulness and Hygge.
• What Hygge and the associated lifestyle can offer to people who embrace it.
• Lauren and Michelle share their process of embracing the Hygge lifestyle.
• How to approach slowing down: be okay with doing less or nothing for a little bit.
• Finding the Hygge for you.
• Michelle shares her favorite definition of Hygge.
• They share their red flags; a signal to return to self-care and Hygge.
• The best piece of advice they’ve ever been given.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Michelle Anderson on LinkedIn

Lauren Massarella on LinkedIn

The Sister Project on Instagram

Lauren Massarella Yoga

The Sister Project Blog

What Is Hygge?

Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project Podcast

The Candle Collection

Ted Lasso

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Zen Mommy Youtube

Zen Mommy Facebook

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Happy summer, mamas! Today we’re talking with pediatric physical therapist, early development enthusiast, and mama Kailee Noland. Kailee speaks with us about movement milestones, those stages of development that give you feedback on your baby’s progress and needs. Kailee knows firsthand what it’s like not only to give advice to parents, but to be the parent getting the advice herself, and how difficult that can be. She shares with us her tips for getting the care you need for your baby should you need it, as well as information on her upcoming Thriving in the First Year Summit–a completely free summit for parents and clinicians to learn all about how to help their babies (and themselves) thrive in that first year of life.

Kailee’s Movement Mama Blog

Thriving in the First Year Summit

https://themovementmamablog.com/explore-the-courses

Shoe Recommendations

https://themovementmamablog.com/post/shoes-for-new-walkers-a-pediatric-physical-therapist-s-guide?rq=shoes

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Hey there, Zen Mamas. As many of us head into menopause, every news story or medical pamphlet seems to be warning us that our sex lives (and our lives in general) are about to become very bleak. And yet, studies show that menopause and the years after can be some of the most exciting years of our lives. Here to talk with us about the entirety of our sex lives is Mary-Margaret Sweeney, a certified sex therapist, sex educator, and licensed clinical social worker in the state of Indiana. Mary Margaret is adamant that so much of what we’re told about our sexuality is an incomplete truth, and that by communicating and exploring further, we can discover a sex life that is more connected and passionate than we’d ever imagined.

Mary Margaret’s Website

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Hey there, Mamas. We know that life as a parent can get so overwhelming that there are those days when it feels overwhelming. We forget dentist appointments and picture day and it’s all normal, but if it feels like we can never catch up to our lives, maybe there’s something else going on. Today we’re talking with Franki Bagdade, a master-level educator and clinical social worker. Franki specializes in ADHD and is a published author, speaker, therapist, ADHD coach, and mom. With ADHD diagnoses among women skyrocketing in the past few years, we’re here to give you the facts and the necessary info so that you can be empowered to find out more for yourself or for your kiddos.

Franki’s Website

Franki on Instagram

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Hey there Zen Mamas! This week, we’re working with a mantra meditation that will help bring a smile to your face. “Everything works out for me” is one of those things that instantly puts us at ease. So get cozy, whatever that means for you–lie down, sit in your favorite chair, go for a walk in the woods–and listen in to connect with yourself for this short meditation.

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Hey Mamas! Have you ever had a parenting moment of chaos and then burst out laughing? Isn’t life just so much easier when we’re making jokes and having fun? This week, we’re speaking to comedian and mom Alyce Chan. A standup comic who performs all over the world, Alyce has a dedicated fanbase of moms all over the world who adore her for both her unique brand of humor and her honesty about life as a mom.

Alyce on Instagram

MomCom NYC

Alyce on TikTok

Alyce on YouTube

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What if there were a relatable team of superheroes to intervene and teach your kids bravery, kindness, calm, and grit when they need it most? Julie Anne and Darren Penn wanted their son to grow up understanding that true power comes from within, so they wrote a series of books to help him find the necessary tools to navigate life. Their books are designed to teach children the importance of regulating their emotions and provide parents with the resources to help when they need it most. Their four books, Benny the Brave, Keisha the Kind, Chloe the Calm, and Gen the Grit empower kids to take control of their feelings and give parents the vocabulary to guide their little ones through day-to-day challenges. Tune in today to hear their story, the response they've received, and an outline of the basic principles kids can connect to in the book, which they can carry throughout their lives. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Welcome to today’s guest duo, parents and authors Julie Anne and Darren Penn.
• What motivated Julie Ann and Darren to write the books.
• Input that led to their choices of the four superpowers.
• Why, if they had to choose, Keisha the Kind would be their favorite book.
• The response from children and parents across the nation.
• What parents love about the series: you can take it as far as you choose.
• How the books grow with kids as they age.
• The appropriate age group for the books.
• What Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on and how the book draws from these principles.
• How looking at your thoughts from an outsider's perspective can help diffuse a situation.
• Applying CBT to everyday life.
• How adults can apply the same principles to emotional management.
• Something that happens when you know you have the power to change.
• A reminder that you never know when your kids will tap into what you have taught them.
• How representation is embedded in the brand.
• What’s next for Supercrew.
• Owning and embodying the characters and their superpowers.
• All the factors leading to a loss of control and the need to educate our kids.
• How the characters guide kids through a simple CBT process to empower them when they need it most.
• Why it's so important to be selective about the stories you tell your children.
• Where to find Supercrew online.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Team Supercrew

Team Supercrew

Team Supercrew on Instagram

Team Supercrew on Facebook

Julie Anne Penn on Instagram

Darren Penn on Instagram

Sergio De Giorgi on Instagram

The Zen Mommy

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Zen Mommy Youtube

Zen Mommy Facebook

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Hey there, all you Zen Mamas! Have you gone through breakup after breakup and noticed that you seem to be dating different versions of the same person? Have you struggled to define your “type” or to articulate exactly what it is that you’re looking for in a relationship? Today, we’re speaking with Tal Yardeni, a relationship coach who teaches that the most important thing we can do to build a great relationship with someone else is to first learn to love and trust ourselves.

Tal Yardeni on Instagram

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