On episode 47 I’m talking to Shannon Cohen, (Facebook, Instagram) difference maker, speaker, writer, entrepreneur and encourager. She is like no other. I’m telling you right now. She hosts her own inspiring podcast called Tough Skin, Soft Heart Podcast. I don’t miss an episode. She a line of merchandise that is so much more than gifts and cards. They are unique pieces that speak to the receiver’s soul and encourage them to shine their light. And, she speaks in venues large and small to let leaders know that they are people with feelings and spirits, to let teams know how to really see each other, and to let organizations know that true equity and inclusion is the only way forward. She is an absolute power house and I love her work so, so much.

Shannon has created and co-created several community spaces that we talk about: Sisters Who Lead, Rockstar Women Brunch, Tough Skin, Soft Heart Community.

Shannon talked about some favorite things: Marco Polo and travel!

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

I’m serving up a 2019 Taking the Middle Seat gift guide! My guests are a treasure trove of gift ideas so I’m looking back over my episodes to help you (and me) get great ideas for spreading love and connection this year!

1. Knots of Love - Macrame knot earrings

2. The Bandit Zine - Body Posi Pin Pack

3. Stronger Than Death by Rachel Pieh Jones

4. Toni Rain’s Hair, Body and Massage Creams

5. Trades of Hope with Erin Eising - Trove Earrings

6. Sacred Self Pathways - Gift Card

7. Tree Shrugger membership

8. Lady Ace Boogie music and concerts

9. Maggie Ann Soap Co. - Lotion Bar

10. Derek’s Place donation to Paypal [email protected]

11. We Are Lit Libro.fm membership

12. Grace’s Table donation

13. Little Shrines commission

14. Your Pretty Pennies Ultimate Financial Planner

15. E + L Salon gift certificate

16. One-on-one yoga with Emily Martin at Any Body Yoga

17. Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities donation

18. Be A Rose donation

19. Adored gift certificate

20. Shannon Cohen “Girl You Have Greatness in Your Bones” cards

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

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

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

On episode 45, I’m talking to Jess Fields with Knots of Love (Facebook, Instagram). She is a macrame artist and teacher, a graphic designer and a health advocate for people with endometriosis, adenomyosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (Please do your own research. There is plenty of junk information out there). I met Jess when I saw a friend of mine wearing her earrings. They were gorgeous and peachy, super funky and light as a feather… I was in love. After I purchased earrings and an ornament, I looked more at Jess’ website and learned her story weaves together (see what I did there) art, pain, creativity, coping and connection. If you’ve ever felt like you haven’t been heard in a medical setting, you will feel so encouraged by Jess’ story.

Jess mentions a Facebook group she received a lot of support from, Nancy’s Nook Endometriosis Education. She also has her own Instagram account about her endo journey. Jess talks about the term “spoonie.”

Jess will be at 2 of the coolest holiday markets - UICA Holiday Artists Market on December 7 and possibly Made Market on December 14.

So go take the middle seat! I know you’ll find support, advocacy and beauty right there.

On episode 44, I’m talking with Lydia VanHoven-Cook and Courtney Stuart from the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival (Facebook, Facebook event, Instagram). This year’s Film Festival will be on October 27 at the Wealthy Theatre. They are in their 6th year and offer a FREE day-long film festival for all ages. The films are all short films, 20 minutes or less, “dedicated to elevating voices and showcasing talent from historically underrepresented groups in mainstream media.” The Film Fest will feature the film Teeth and have a keynote by Joyce Pierpoline. You’ll be able to get a rad t-shirt from Citizen Shirt, enjoy a jillion cool films and listen to panel discussions that span so many topics. They’re also partnering with The Learning Commons at Fountain Street Church.

Lydia mentions her zine, The Bandit Zine (Etsy, Instagram). You’ll LOVE her zines and buttons. Think holiday shopping, people.

Lydia and Courtney mention a few past films that they loved: Le Clitoris and Wrap My Hijab by Mona Haydar. So, get involved! You can volunteer and small and big ways. I think you’ll find your people there.

Lydia and Courtney mention some favorite things that include the show Pose, Instagram account @hetsexplainyourselves, Lizzo, Better Body Image Conference, affinity spaces, animal rescue.

So go to the Film Festival! Take your friends! Take your neighbors! Take the middle seat and I know you’ll find belonging, learning, and connection right there.

On Episode 43 I’m talking to Rachel Pieh Jones (Instagram, Facebook). Rachel is a writer living in Djibouti which is in East Africa, and is bordered by Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. Of writing, she says, “I can’t help it.” It is her work. Rachel is originally from Minnesota. She moved with her husband in 2003 and has lived abroad since. She has written several books (Welcome to Djibouti and Finding Home) and many published articles including an interview she did with her daughter that is great! She has a brand new book coming out in October 2019, Stronger Than Death.: How Annalena Tonelli Defied Terror and Tuberculosis in the Horn of Africa. Please purchase it. It sounds FASCINATING. Rachel also writes the kind of newsletter you will WANT to read, Stories From the Horn.

Until September 22, you can enter to win a hard copy of her book. Here are the details… “Go to Net Galley and download the book https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/162744

Write a review and post it publicly by SEPTEMBER 22. Blog, newsletter, Facebook.

Paste the link to the post here
https://www2.plough.com/acton/media/18872/stronger-than-death-giveaway

And voila! Entered to win.

Rachel talks about living cross-culturally and cross-spiritually. Rachel is so wise and wonderful. I cherish her social media posts. I think her perspective is so rich with nuance and complexity because she has such a depth and breadth of knowledge. Since we recorded, Rachel has shared that her thyroid cancer has returned so she sometimes speaks to living with cancer in her writings as well. I know Rachel would love your prayers, and maybe even more than that, she would love for us to be curious about each other, care for each other, and honor each other as I know she encourages us to do.

Some of my favorite resources that go along with this conversation are: No White Saviors, an Instagram account that talks about white privilege and white saviorism. (If you are a person who holds white privilege and decide to follow this account, please LISTEN, listen, listen. Do not comment.) Imperfect Courage, a book by Jessica Honegger (Episode 19)

If you’d like to follow along with what I’m up to, head to Facebook or Instagram. I’m also a therapist at Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy. Until next time, keep taking the middle seat.

On Episode 42, I’m talking with Toni Rain (Facebook). She does 1,000,000 amazing things INCLUDING writing a book called I Was Supposed to be Nothing, creating her own skin, hair and body products, and modeling. She talks about leaving a written legacy for her nieces and nephews and showing them how there is strength in vulnerability. I absolutely LOVED talking with Toni and speaking into the spaces that people shy away from. We talk about sex as self care (clutch your pearls), gender roles, relationships, friendships, race, business and so much more. The short chapters are GREAT for a quick daily inspirational read or a book you read with a group of friends. You will love her and her book! (and keep an eye out for the next book, hint, hint)

Toni lives her life to the fullest and loves so many things. She loves meditation, juicing (local people head to Malamiah Juice Bar!), herbal tea, walking in nature. Her products are available at local shops Nourish Your Curls and Reflections so go grab them and pamper yourself. I also mention a podcast that I love, Therapy for Black Girls. It’s SO great! If you’re looking for a therapist, TBG offers a great directory too.

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

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

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

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

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

On Episode 40, I’m talking to Becky Haderer, owner of Sacred Self Pathways (Facebook, Instagram). She is an innate traditions and well woman healer provider. She helps women align with their soul and move from surviving to thriving. She utilizes ancient traditions to help women access the wisdom that resides in all of us. She offers services for alignment that can help women stay accountable and connected to practice rituals and rhythms that raise their vibration. Becky is also a post partum doula and offers a a variety of services that make women in the post partum phase feel supported and cared for including healing ceremonies. Becky also talks about yoni steaming which may be new for listeners but stay open. You’ll learn so much! Becky is a Reiki provider. You’ll hear the calm in my voice at the beginning of the interview and that is 100% due to a Reiki session right before we recorded. Becky’s energy and love is incredible. I would love for you to connect to her and learn from her.

Becky’s favorite things include her coach Nova Wightman and Nova’s book Awake & Aligned, Unleash Your Heart Healing & Empowerment Circle, putting her feet on the ground in nature, real people, playing with her kids, water, and watching TV in bed with her husband

Remember to follow Becky and reach out to her for all of her amazing services. And go take the middle seat! I know you’ll find wisdom and healing, right there.

On Episode 39, I’m talking to Marta Johnson. She is the creator of Treeshrugger (Facebook, Instagram) which offers programs and community that help us align our desire to help the environment and our complex lives. Treeshrugger is “…here to tackle the gap between now and what's next for people that care about the planet but aren't seeing those values in their habits and decisions.” Marta talks about what ripples we can all create to make a tidal wave of change. I love how she talks about improvements over perfection.

She loves a good mason jar (of course she does!) and running. She clearly loves people and her Eastown community. She’s the absolute real deal and I know you’ll love her! Happy listening and go take the middle seat!

On Episode 38, I’m talking to Lady Ace Boogie (Facebook, Instagram). She is a hip hop artist, community leader, collaborator, storyteller, and all around inspirational, incredible human. Can you tell I adore her? She is a deep well of experience and wisdom and love that is all rooted in her history and path. If you haven’t checked out her music, you are absolutely going to want to follow her. The video you need to watch IMMEDIATELY is You’re Magic. It is impactful for absolutely every age and stage and person.

UICA event Off the Wall is coming up on March 23! Lady Ace Boogie will be performing along with other area artists at this fundraising event for UICA programming. There will be food and drinks and eclectic arts. You should go!

Check out another event on July 20 at The Pyramid Scheme, Lady Ace Boogie Presents: A Dope Ass Lineup.

Lady Ace Boogie has another cool event coming up in August, 2019, The Michigan Framily Reunion.

Lady Ace Boogie talks about her wife and…. oh my goodness. The way she speaks of the love she has for her wife will have you all up in your feels. I could not stop smiling hearing about her relationship and connectedness and safety within her marriage. She mentions the Blue Bridge and Love Wins.

This episode taught me yet again… you’ll never be disappointed by taking the middle seat. There is connection and wisdom and magic right there.