Helping Families Be Happy

The Power of Positive Influence in Families with Barry Rellaford

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins welcomes leadership expert Barry Relaford. With decades of experience in leadership development and trust-building, Barry shares insights on fostering a positive family environment through authentic leadership, building trust, and creating a lasting legacy. This episode is essential for families wanting to strengthen bonds, instill strong values, and positively impact future generations.

[00:00] Host Christopher Robbins introduces Barry Relaford, noting his work with leaders worldwide and his current focus on mentoring emerging talent. They discuss how leadership and trust-building principles apply directly to family relationships.

[05:20] Barry defines leadership as positive influence and explains that every family member can lead by setting a good example. This approach fosters trust, strengthens bonds, and encourages growth within the family.

[10:30] Reflecting on his family experiences, Barry highlights the powerful role of family legacy, emphasizing how the values we pass down shape future generations.

[15:45] Barry shares the quote, “It’s a greater compliment to be trusted than to be loved,” underscoring that trust is crucial in family relationships and often outweighs likability.

[22:00] Barry explores the process of rebuilding broken trust, emphasizing that it requires trustworthy actions and consistent boundaries to restore family harmony.

[30:15] Barry discusses the link between trust and leadership in family dynamics, stressing that parents should model integrity and accountability to foster a secure, supportive home.

[35:40] Barry concludes with optimism for future generations, encouraging families to support young leaders, as they are key to creating a more positive society.

Key Takeaways:

• Family leadership is best expressed through positive influence and setting a strong example.
• Trust is foundational to family relationships and should be prioritized over simply being liked.
• Rebuilding trust requires consistent, trustworthy actions and clear family boundaries.
• Family members play a critical role in nurturing future leaders and instilling strong values.
• Supporting young family members in leadership roles encourages a hopeful future.

Books with Soul: Transforming Communities Through Stories with Alma Guzman

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman speaks with Alma Guzman, founder of Libros con Alma (Books with Soul), a community-driven project based in Southeast Los Angeles. Alma shares her journey of launching Libros con Alma in 2021 to address the lack of bookstores and accessible Spanish-language and BIPOC-authored books in her community. By organizing book pop-ups, engaging in cultural events, and creating the recent exhibit Cuentame, Alma fosters a love for reading and storytelling in underserved areas. Alma discusses her unique approaches to connect with her community, including collaborations with local artists, the “Spanglish Book Club,” and her aspirations to establish a bookmobile. This episode emphasizes the power of community, representation in literature, and the transformative potential of accessible stories.

Episode Highlights
       
1. Origins of Libros con Alma: How Alma launched her initiative to increase access to Spanish-language and BIPOC literature in Southeast LA.

2.  Impact on Community: Alma’s insights into the significance of offering free, take-home books in her community and the reactions from local readers.

3. Cultural Engagement: Highlighting Cuentame, an art exhibit showcasing book recommendations and stories from Southeast LA residents.

4. Upcoming Projects: Alma’s plans for the “Spanglish Book Club” and her long-term goal of creating a bookmobile.
     
Key Links:
Libros con Alma on Instagram – Follow Alma’s journey, pop-up events, and upcoming projects.

Familius 10 Habits of Happy Families – Explore ways to foster happiness through learning and conversation.

See, Support, Connect: Creating a Safe Space Through Books with Kenya Kirkman

In this episode, Kenya Kirkman, founder of 18 August Avenue, joins host Adina Oberman to discuss her mission of empowering BIPOC families through diverse children’s books and community-building events. Kenya shares how the stillbirth of her twin sons, Aiden and Carter, inspired her to create a space where Black and brown families can see themselves represented in literature. She talks about the importance of offering resources for parents, connecting with educators, and fostering a sense of belonging for marginalized communities. Kenya also provides advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and shares her vision for the future of 18 August Avenue.

Episode Highlights:

1. Introduction to Kenya Kirkman and 18 August Avenue
   Kenya shares the inspiring story behind founding 18 August Avenue, a children's bookshop that amplifies BIPOC voices, inspired by her twin sons, Aiden and Carter, who were stillborn in 2019.

2. Turning Grief into Purpose
   Kenya discusses how the loss of her sons led her to create a space for expectant parents and families, providing diverse books and resources that reflect their lived experiences.

3. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
   Kenya offers heartfelt advice to listeners considering starting a business: stay authentic, pursue what feels right, and ensure your passion aligns with your purpose.

4. Breaking the Stigma Around Stillbirth
   Kenya opens up about the challenges of sharing her personal story, how it shapes her work, and how her bookshop events center on supporting parents and families in ways that are healing and inclusive.

5. 18 August Avenue's Impact on the Community
   Kenya reflects on how her pop-up events, curated books, and resources are helping families and young people feel seen, supported, and connected.

6. Looking Ahead: Future Plans for 18 August Avenue
   Kenya shares her hopes for expanding her business, with fingers crossed for a physical location in Brooklyn, and upcoming events designed to engage educators and young readers.

7. How to Support and Connect with 18 August Avenue
   Kenya provides details on where to find her online, upcoming events in the Brooklyn area, and how people can support her mission of empowering BIPOC families through books.

8. Closing Remarks
   Host Adina Oberman thanks Kenya for sharing her journey, encouraging listeners to follow and support 18 August Avenue. She reminds the audience to subscribe, leave a review, and explore more family-centered books through Familius.

Read What You Love with Sarah Gundell

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman is joined by Sarah Gundell, a passionate book blogger and advocate for children's literature. Sarah shares her journey from her early involvement with the Twilight fandom to her current focus on promoting a love of reading through her Instagram account, Novel Novice.

Sarah discusses her unique approach to engaging kids with reading by connecting their interests to the books they read. She also addresses the value of audiobooks and diverse reading formats, emphasizing that the key to fostering a love for reading is to allow children to explore what they enjoy.

Key Takeaways:

1. Align Reading with Interests: Discover how connecting reading material to children's personal interests—whether it's sports, crafting, or graphic novels—can ignite a lifelong love of reading.

2. Embrace All Forms of Reading: Audiobooks, graphic novels, and genre fiction are all valuable. The important thing is engaging with books in any format that resonates with the reader.

3. Model Reading Behavior: Demonstrate your love for reading to your children by making time for it yourself. This models positive reading habits and emphasizes reading as a rewarding activity.

4. Utilize Libraries and Bookstores: Take advantage of local libraries and bookstores to provide diverse reading materials, making books a regular and exciting part of family life.

5. Read Together: Incorporate reading into daily routines and special moments with your family to build a shared love for books and create cherished memories.

Resources Mentioned:

• Sarah Gundell’s Instagram: @novelnovice
• Sarah’s Blog: novelnovice.com (for archived book reviews)

Quotes from the Episode:

• “The goal is to keep kids engaged with reading in any form.” – Sarah Gundell
• “Books are accessible to everyone. Go get a book and discover reading.” – Sarah Gundell
• “I like to say, read by example.” – Sarah Gundell

Join the Conversation:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Subscribe to the podcast and leave us a review to let us know how we're doing. When you're ready for your next great book adventure, explore the wonderful selections at Familia to continue your reading journey.

When Mental Illness Hits Home: On Faith and Resilience with Virgina Pillars

Mental Illness and Virginia Pillars

In this episode of 'Helping Families Be Happy,' host Adina Oberman engages with guest Virginia Pillars, the author of 'Broken Brain, Fortified Faith' to discuss the complexities and journey through mental illness within a family context. This episode dives into Pillars' personal experience with her daughter's schizophrenia diagnosis, the impact on family, and the power of hope, education, and faith in navigating mental illness. Contributions from both speakers shed light on vital resources, self-care for caregivers, and the importance of ongoing learning and community support. 

 

Episode Highlights 

00:00:09 - Host Adina Oberman introduces the podcast focus on family, love, and relationships and presents guest Virginia Pillars, an advocate for mental health, sharing her start as a mother and author dealing with her child's mental illness. 

 

00:01:15 - Virginia speaks about addressing mental illness in families, emphasizing the necessity of faith, mental wellness, and education through her certification in First Aid for Mental Health and her awarded memoir. 

 

00:02:28 - The initiation of the conversation where Virginia expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her story, setting a tone of mutual respect and eagerness for the dialogue. 

 

00:02:30 - Pillars touches on the inception of her book 'Broken Brain, Fortified Faith', discussing the loneliness felt by families dealing with mental illness and her hope to provide solace and understanding through her writing. 

 

00:04:16 - An intimate discussion on the persistency of hope and the importance of lifelong learning and indulging in one's craft to contribute positively to family and personal growth, despite the dark times. 

 

00:06:00 - Virginia recounts the initial signs of her daughter's schizophrenia, the emergency that signified a major change in their lives, and the critical role this moment played in sparking a relentless quest for help and understanding. 

 

00:08:32 - Dive into the Pillars' family's journey towards recovery, detailing their unwavering effort, exploration of resources, and the eventual success in facilitating an independent life for their daughter. 

 

00:09:44 - Overview of valuable platforms like NAMI for support and education for families encountering mental illness, reinforcing the power of community and shared experiences in healing. 

 

00:11:23 - Virginia shares the personal transformation from questioning faith to drawing strength from it, underlining the spiritual journey intertwined with coping with family mental health issues. 

 

00:14:08 - Emphasis on the criticality of self-care for caregivers, using a compelling analogy with the airplane oxygen mask to highlight the necessity of caring for oneself to effectively care for others. 

 

00:16:01 - Pillars explains how her faith was 'fortified' through adversity, detailing her morning routine of reflection and prayer that provided her with the resilience required for her challenging journey. 

 

00:19:35 - The close of the episode, with Virginia sharing avenues through which listeners can connect with her and learn more about her work, encouraging outreach and dialogue on mental health issues. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Hope and education are crucial elements in navigating the journey of mental illness within a family. 

 

2. Community support, like that offered by NAMI, plays an indispensable role in understanding and coping with mental health diagnoses. 

 

3. Self-care for caregivers is not just necessary but paramount in ensuring the wellbeing of both the caregivers themselves and their loved ones. 4. Maintaining faith or personal beliefs can offer profound strength and perspective during times of adversity. 

Tweetable Quotes 

"Hang on to the hope, because hope is always there no matter the darkness." - Virginia Pillars

 "Self-care put on our own oxygen masks so that we can continue to care for other people around us." - Virginia Pillars 

"We've taken not the question of why but, this has happened now what do we do with it to move forward?" - Virginia Pillars

The Power of Representation: Children’s Literature & Hispanic Heritage Month with Kid Time Storytime

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman welcomes a celebrated YouTube storyteller known for her Kid Time, Story Time channel, which is particularly popular among kids for its engaging book readings augmented by a cast of entertaining puppets. They dive into the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, discussing the importance of cultural identity, pride, and bilingualism, particularly within the context of children's literature and upbringing. The storyteller shares her own Cuban-American background, emphasizing the value of maintaining one's heritage language and the profound impact of seeing oneself reflected in media and literature. The conversation also explores broader themes of authenticity, joy in education, and the role of children's literature in shaping a generation's understanding of themselves and their culture. 

 

Episode Highlights 

00:00:09: Adina introduces the podcast and welcomes the guest storyteller, highlighting her achievements with Kid Time, Story Time YouTube channel, and her contribution to children's literature and bilingual education. 

00:01:13: The storyteller's background as a Cuban-American and her emphasis on the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month are discussed, with a nod to her role as a modern Mr. Rogers. 00:01:56: The storyteller comments on the 'messy' nature of life and the synergy between her work and the podcast's themes of reading, laughing, and learning together. 

00:02:25: Discussion moves to how parents and educators can help kids develop a strong sense of self and cultural identity through modeling behavior and embracing their culture joyfully. 

00:04:04: Emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's heritage language within the family to preserve culture and identity. 

00:07:31: The power of children seeing themselves represented in literature and the influence of authentic experiences and characters are discussed. 

00:08:34: The storyteller reflects on her own influential figures, including family members and Celia Cruz, in shaping her personal and professional life. 

00:12:22: There's an exploration of the importance of authenticity in creating content and the impact of genuine connection with audiences. 

00:15:22: Adina and the storyteller delve into the role of children's literature in helping kids understand and appreciate their cultural identity and the diversity of stories necessary for a comprehensive cultural representation. 

00:20:40: The storyteller shares her closing thoughts on the importance of authenticity, joy, and education in shaping children's lives. 

00:26:32: Information on where to find Kid Time, Story Time content online is given alongside a message of gratitude to listeners and supporters. 

 

Key Takeaways 

• Embracing and preserving one's cultural heritage, especially through language, is essential for maintaining a strong sense of identity and pride among children.
• Children benefit significantly from seeing themselves represented in literature, which can foster a sense of belonging and self-esteem.
• Authenticity and joy are crucial in educational content creation, as they build genuine connections and make the learning experience enjoyable and meaningful for children.
• The diversity of stories in children's literature plays a vital role in shaping how kids understand and appreciate their own cultures and those of others, promoting empathy and inclusiveness.
• Family members and cultural figures can be influential in a child's development, serving as inspirations and role models in their journey of self-discovery and cultural appreciation. 

Tweetable Quotes 

"Life is messy, and embracing it together through reading, laughing, and learning is what makes us grow." - Adina Oberman 

"Being bilingual is not just about speaking two languages; it's about living two cultures, enriching your identity and your world view." - Guest Storyteller 

"Children are like sponges, they absorb every detail around them, which is why it is so important for them to see themselves reflected in books and media." - Guest Storyteller 

"Authenticity unlocks a special connection between us and our audience, making every shared moment and every taught lesson deeply impactful." - Guest Storyteller 

 

Show Notes by Barevalue.

Supporting Without Smothering: The Key to College Readiness with Cynthia Munchick

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman explores the intricacies of the college application process with Cynthia Munchick, an educational consultant with over 25 years of experience. Cynthia offers invaluable advice on navigating the often challenging journey to college, from understanding the importance of well-rounded experiences to managing stress during senior year. The conversation provides insight into fostering independence in teenagers and the vital role of parental support without overstepping. 

 

Episode Highlights 

00:00:10 - Adina introduces the podcast and welcomes Cynthia Munchick, highlighting her extensive background in education and dedication to helping families navigate the college application process. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed discussion on preparing teens for college and the parent's role in this pivotal time.

00:02:07 - Cynthia expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share her insights, illuminating the recurring theme of gratitude and collaboration between educational consultants and families striving for a common goal: the success and well-being of the students.

00:02:51 - The importance of using summers strategically is discussed, with Cynthia advising on the value of balancing rest with activities like volunteering or part-time jobs to enrich a student's high school experience and college applications. 

00:03:41 - Cynthia advocates for open communication between parents and teens, emphasizing the need for parents to offer support in managing the bustling schedule of high school life without being dominating, pointing towards fostering independence and self-management skills in students.

00:05:38 - Cynthia shares practical advice for families with underclassmen, stressing the significance of proactive planning and parental support tailored to the unique needs of each student, ensuring they are well-prepared for the college application process.

00:06:16 - Discussion shifts to the unique challenges faced by seniors and their parents. Cynthia reflects on her personal experience as a parent of a rising senior, highlighting the delicate balance between support and allowing independence.

00:08:43 - Cynthia emphasizes the congestive nature of the senior fall, underscoring the importance of time management, strategizing college visits, and dealing with the academic and emotional load during the final high school year.

00:10:40 - The conversation delves into the emotional aspects of navigating senior year, with Adina and Cynthia discussing the importance of giving teens space, understanding, and the permission to manage their responsibilities, highlighting a common thread throughout the episode: the delicate balance of parental involvement. 

00:12:23 - Cynthia discusses the concept of "pointy" vs. "well-rounded" students, stressing that neither is inherently superior and encouraging parents to support their children's genuine interests, even if they lead to a more focused set of skills or experiences.

00:16:07 - Cynthia and Adina explore the importance of self-awareness and self-care among students, emphasizing the permission to quit activities that no longer serve their growth or happiness, advocating for mental health and well-being over a packed schedule.

00:20:13 - The episode concludes with a discussion on the first-generation college application process, with Cynthia providing practical advice for navigating this unfamiliar territory and highlighting the abundance of resources available to support these families. 

Key Takeaways 

1. Summers should be utilized strategically to enhance personal growth and college applications through volunteering, work, or leisure activities that foster new skills. 
2. Open and supportive communication between parents and teenagers is crucial in managing the stress associated with high school and college applications, with a distinct emphasis on promoting independence and resilience in students. 
3. There is a critical balance in parental involvement; too little can leave a student feeling unsupported, yet too much can hinder their development of necessary life skills. 
4. Emphasis on mental health and well-being over achievement, showcasing the importance of allowing teens to quit activities that no longer serve their happiness or growth. 
5. First-generation college applicants have a wealth of resources at their disposal; it's about asking the right questions and seeking out support within their communities and schools. 

Tweetable Quotes

"Use summers strategically for growth beyond academics." - Cynthia Munchick

"Support, don't smother - the delicate balance of parenting high schoolers." - Cynthia Munchick 

"Independence in high school breeds resilience in college." - Cynthia Munchick 

"Permission to quit can be the greatest lesson in self-care." - Cynthia Munchick 

"First-gen college applicants, seek out resources - they're plentiful." - Cynthia Munchick 

Show Notes by Barevalue.

The Art of Balance: Parenting, Career, and Self-Care with Carly Shoulders

Carly Shoulders Podcast 

In this episode, Adina Oberman, a mom and former preschool teacher, explores the themes of work-life balance and making life with kids easier with Carly Shoulders, a former educator turned insurance professional and resin artist. They delve into the challenges and insights of parenting, the pressure to "do it all," and the personal journeys that led them to make significant career and life changes to prioritize family and self-care. 

 

Episode Highlights 

00:00:09 - Adina Oberman introduces the podcast, focusing on the messy yet beautiful aspects of family, love, and relationships. She welcomes guest Carly Shoulders, highlighting her background as a mother, former educator, and her current roles in the insurance industry and as a resin artist.

00:01:13 - Carly shares her journey from being an educator to finding a balance that allows her to pursue her passions and spend more time with her family. This transition was sparked by the realization that her job was not allowing her to be the parent she wanted to be, leading her to seek a career that offered better work-life harmony.

00:02:16 - The concept of giving 100% in life is discussed, with Carly explaining how splitting her energy between work and family has led to a healthier balance for her. This ideology is rooted in an understanding that it's not feasible to give your all to every aspect of life every single day.
 

00:03:23 - Carly discusses the pivotal moment when she realized that her professional life had to change. Seeking advice from a counselor, she faced the question of whether her current path was what she truly wanted for her life. This led to a deeper reflection on her values and what it means to be fulfilled.

00:04:19 - The topic of self-care and how it relates to being a parent and professional is addressed. Carly and Adina talk about the importance of assessing one's capacity daily to adequately allocate energy to different aspects of life, including self-care. 00:05:12 - Carly emphasizes the societal pressure on women, particularly mothers, to "do it all" and how unhealthy this expectation can be. She advocates for a more balanced approach that allows for personal well-being and fulfillment.

00:06:03 - Adina reflects on her own experience, resonating with Carly's journey. They discuss the societal and internal pressures parents face, highlighting the importance of making personal choices that lead to happiness and balance.

00:07:07 - Carly recounts a breaking point caused by workplace toxicity, which reinforced her decision to change careers. This moment of clarity led her to prioritize her well-being and family life over societal expectations of success.

00:08:07 - The positive impact of Carly's career change on her family is highlighted. Working from home and having more control over her work-life balance has led to a more fulfilling and happy family life. 

 

00:09:09 - Carly speaks to the empowerment that comes from making life changes for one's happiness and well-being. She encourages listeners to not be afraid of changing their path, as personal growth often requires new directions.

00:10:03 - The discussion shifts to how societal expectations can clash with personal needs and happiness. Both Carly and Adina share their experiences with career changes and how these decisions were critical to finding personal and family happiness. 

 

00:11:06 - Carly's entrance into the world of resin art as a form of self-care and creative expression is explored. This new passion provided her with a therapeutic outlet and a way to connect with her interests and talents. 

 

00:12:24 - The conversation concludes with a focus on Carly's social media presence, where she aims to support other parents with resources, tips, and personal experiences. Her journey underscores the importance of finding one's path to happiness and fulfillment. 

Key Takeaways 

Finding a balance between professional aspirations and family life is crucial for personal happiness and well-being. The concept of giving 100% doesn't mean splitting your energy equally among tasks but understanding your limits and allocating your energy in a way that aligns with your values and needs.

 

Social support and community can significantly impact mental health and parenting. Finding or creating spaces that offer support and understanding can be incredibly beneficial. 

 

Self-care is not only about personal relaxation but also about making life choices that reflect one's true needs and desires, even if that means making significant changes. 

Tweetable Quotes 

"You're enough, no matter what you're giving and no matter what your situation is." - Carly Shoulders 

 

"It's not feasible to give your all to every aspect of life every single day." - Carly Shoulders 

 

"We're all human, we're all in this together, and you are enough no matter what." - Carly Shoulders 

Show Notes by Barevalue.

Breaking the Silence: Gen Z and Mental Health with John Schlimm

In this episode, host Adina Oberman welcomes John Schlimm, a Harvard-trained educator, artist advocate, and author, to discuss the complexities of Generation Z, focusing particularly on their mental health challenges and societal impacts. Exploring John's journey into becoming an advocate for Gen Z's mental health, the episode delves into the reasons behind the high suicide rates in this generation, the role of social media, and how Gen Z is reshaping the conversation around mental health. The discussion also touches on the importance of communication across generations and offers insights into tackling mental health issues head-on. 

Episode Highlights:

00:00:09: Adina Oberman introduces the podcast and today's guest, John Schlimm, highlighting his work on unveiling the multifaceted identity of Generation Z, beyond stereotypes and media profiling. She underscores John’s innovative collaborations in art and mental health initiatives, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of Gen Z’s unique challenges and strengths. 

00:01:21: John shares his initial engagement with Generation Z, noting the generational shift he experienced while teaching. His story reveals an unexpected journey into the heart of Gen Z’s world, highlighting their openness and bravery in discussing mental health issues, which markedly sets them apart from previous generations. 

00:02:35: A dialogue on the importance of educators in understanding and connecting with Gen Z unfolds. John emphasizes the value of sitting down and engaging directly with young people, urging fellow educators to listen and learn from their students' experiences, especially regarding mental health. 

00:03:39: John dives deeper into the mental health crisis facing Gen Z, discussing its complexity and the lack of a single, definitive reason behind the high suicide rates. He challenges common assumptions and sheds light on the disparity between Gen Z's willingness to discuss mental health and society’s readiness to listen and support them. 

00:06:10: Unpacking the paradox of Gen Z’s high suicide rates alongside their forwardness in discussing mental health, John suggests that societal and individual factors play significant roles. He stresses the need for genuine conversation and listening to understand the depths of Gen Z’s experiences without simplifying their struggles. 

00:09:12: Addressing stereotypes and misunderstandings about Gen Z, John advocates for a shift in perspective among older adults. Reflecting on how stigmas and preconceptions affect both the listener and the sharer, he highlights the transformative potential of open, non-judgmental communication in bridging generational gaps. 

00:10:44: An unexpected moment with surprise fireworks becomes a metaphor for the unpredictability and vibrancy of working with Gen Z. John connects this delightful interruption to the essence of embracing unexpected insights and joyful interactions that can emerge from genuine engagement with young people. 

00:12:39: In discussing broader mental health implications, John suggests that lessons from engaging with Gen Z can be applicable across all ages, including surprising demographics such as senior citizens. He emphasizes the universal need for more open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention. 

00:21:52: As the episode wraps up, Adina thanks John for his insights and shares with the audience where to find more information about his work. The conversation concludes on a note of hope and encouragement for continuing to build bridges of understanding and support across generations. 

Key Takeaways:

- Generation Z is unprecedentedly open about mental health issues, setting a new standard for discussions around depression, anxiety, and suicide. Their readiness to share presents an opportunity for societal advancement in mental health awareness. 

Show Notes By Barevalue

 

- The high suicide rates among Gen Z underscore a complex interplay of individual, societal, and systemic factors, with no single cause. It calls for a nuanced, empathetic approach to mental health discussions and support.

- Engaging directly and respectfully with Gen Z (and all individuals facing mental health challenges) can lead to deeper understanding and solutions. Open dialogue, free from judgment and preconceptions, is crucial.

- The episode emphasizes the importance of listening and learning from younger generations, highlighting that mental health is a universal issue that transcends age and other demographics. 

Tweetable Quotes:

- "By merely saying words like anxiety and depression, Generation Z has made a historical leap in mental health awareness." - John Schlimm

- "Sitting down and talking to young people will teach you more than any research study or book ever could." - John Schlimm 

 

- "We're not pointing fingers; let's just have a conversation." - John Schlimm

 

Show Notes By Barevalue

Beyond the Bike: How Adventure and Memoir Transformed Leah Day

In this episode of the Helping Channels Be Happy podcast, host Christopher Robbins interviews Leah Day, a former clinical social worker turned cycling enthusiast and shop owner. They delve into Leah's journey from counseling to cycling, her family adventures, and how these experiences culminated in her decision to write a memoir. Listeners will get a glimpse into the transformative power of pursuing one's passions and the unexpected paths life can take. 

Episode Highlights

00:00:09 - Christopher Robbins introduces the podcast, its goals, and today's guest, Leah Day. Robbins outlines his background and sets the stage for an engaging conversation about the intertwining paths of family, love, relationships, and personal growth through Leah Day's experiences.

00:01:00 - Leah shares her transition from a clinical social worker to opening Lighthouse Bikes, reflecting on how her previous career and passion for cycling merge to create unique experiences for her and others. Her story underscores the theme of finding new avenues for personal and professional fulfillment. 

 

00:01:58 - The discussion turns to Leah's extensive biking journeys, including her acclaimed bicycle ride across the United States with her youngest son, Oakley. She touches on the impact of adventure and challenge in fostering growth and transition, highlighting her contributions to adventure cycling publications and other media. 

 

00:02:38 - Leah opens up about recent biking adventures in Morocco and Spain, bringing to life her experiences in the Riff Mountains and the unique situations she found herself in due to the locales she chose to explore. 

 

00:03:49 - The conversation shifts to Leah's memoir, "Changing Gears," focusing on the motivation behind documenting her and her son's cross-country cycling journey. This segues into a deeper discussion on the therapeutic aspects of writing and journaling. 

 

00:06:04 - Leah and Christopher discuss the process of writing a memoir, including the initial challenges, the role of blogging and journaling, and the importance of making personal stories public for broader impact. 

 

00:08:14 - Leah reflects on the feedback from readers of her memoir and how sharing personal stories can inspire and support others in their own life journeys. 

 

00:11:31 - The episode culminates with Leah sharing her favorite part of her memoir, a profound moment of role reversal with her son, which encapsulates the theme of growth and the deepening of their relationship through their shared adventure. 

 

Key Takeaways 

• Transitions in career and life can lead to fulfilling new paths that weave together personal passions and professional experiences. 
• Documenting journeys, whether through blogs, journals, or memoirs, can be therapeutic and offers a reflective insight into personal growth and understanding. 
• Stories hold power, and sharing them can inspire, connect, and impact others in meaningful ways, encouraging everyone to explore their own adventures and challenges. 

Tweetable Quotes

• "Part of the journey is becoming the kind of person who could take care of somebody else." - Leah Day 
• "Writing about it really helped me figure out what was exciting to me for the next chapter of my life." - Leah Day 
• "If we tell each other our stories, we're actually helping each other. We're not just talking about ourselves." - Leah Day 

Show Notes by Barevalue.