S2E46: Listen, Love, Launch - with Cindy Manko

S2E46: Listen, Love, Launch - with Cindy Manko

This week on Show Me the Way, I’m joined by Cindy Manko for a conversation that couldn’t have come at a better time. In just over a month, my son Nathan begins his senior year of high school, making this episode especially meaningful for me. Introduced to me by Lisa Kupelian, Cindy shares her wisdom on navigating one of parenting’s biggest milestones—launching our children into adulthood. She offers practical advice on how to support our teens, guide them with intention, and, just as importantly, give them the freedom to spread their wings. Cindy is the creator of The Journal Project, a beautiful keepsake journal that encourages moms to document their child’s senior year through their own eyes. She gifted one to each of her three children upon graduation, and she generously gifted one to me as well. I can’t wait to fill it with memories as Nathan experiences this exciting year. Through her “Listening, Loving & Launching” approach, Cindy reminds us that while parenting is never easy, we can embrace this season with purpose, gratitude, and confidence. I hope you’ll join us as Cindy shows the way and helps us discover the tools and encouragement to make the transition from teen to adult a little easier. For more information visit Cindy's website - https://www.cindymanko.com/ [https://www.cindymanko.com/ ]and also you can purchase The Journal Project on Amazon - https://a.co/d/0iWLS1q8 [https://a.co/d/0iWLS1q8].

S2E45: No Roadmap, But We'll Find a Way - with Carol Waldman

This week I interviewed another connection from the podmatch site I've mentioned and used before to find other amazing guests. Carol Waldman is a mom of three and a true advocate for her children and others who face challenges. She is the epitome of what the Show Me the Way podcast is all about! When her oldest child was diagnosed with autism 20 years ago, there was no roadmap and she wasn't sure what the future would look like, but she quickly learned not to underestimate him or her other children and after guiding him through his younger years, allowing him to spread his wings and try on independence, she saw how much he could do and watched him excel to the point of going away to school, graduating college, taking on internships, traveling and now interviewing to find his next fit. All of this also encouraged her to start her own website - the Waldman way. This is a platform to provide neurodivergent resources to those like her son who may face difficulty as they transition from high school to secondary education and then to the workforce. What an awesome place for people to find answers and pave their own way! I know you'll learn a lot from Carol as I did and find that her advice not only applies to those with autism but others in the neurodivergent space or anyone wanting to find their own path and their own success. For more information, please visit Carol's website - https://www.thewaldmanway.org/ [https://www.thewaldmanway.org/]

S2E44: It Will Be Ok - with Christine Fusco

This week I have the privilege of interviewing my mom. She was on a previous episode for Mother's Day when I spoke with her, my mother-in-law, and my sisters and after, we commented how well she did and how much perspective we gained from her insight. I was really excited to find a time to have her back on the show. She has often told me she would have no idea what to speak about, but as I always say, everyone has a story and I encouraged her to speak about her recent move to North Carolina which then led to her giving us an understanding of all of the moves she's made with my dad - 10 times to be exact. My mom also spoke about her thoughts on Nathan's - my son's - diagnosis and remembers the call she received from me just after we heard the news. Although unrelated to the move, related to the message she wanted to convey throughout our conversation. I know you'll learn along with me as she reminds us how decisions we make affect our own lives as well as so many lives around us and that no matter what - it will all be ok!

S2E43: Gracefully Navigating the Next Chapter - with Jessica Fleury

In today's episode, my friend, Jessica Fleury, shares her recent experience with perimenopause, menopause and how she is handling her new chapter. Yes this is a topic many of the women listeners may relate more to, Jessica emphasizes topics we can all learn from and keep in mind as we navigate life and any changes we go through. She reminds us how important it is to recognize symptoms, understand we don't have to live uncomfortably or just settle with things, and how we must advocate for ourselves and take care of ourselves in order to be able to take care of or be there for others. Jessica gives such great advice and perspective and the 'nuggets' she leaves remind us all to have grace with ourselves and with others and if we allow grace, we can also, in turn, have empathy. You never know what people are going through until you talk with them or try to understand. And it may be something we go through in the near future so it's important to take a step back and try to respect the process that person is going through. Jessica is an educator by trade so we certainly can learn a lot from her and the way she shares. She also suggested doing our own research and listening to podcasts like the Mel Robbins Podcast with medical experts. The book that she really learned much from was The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Haver - https://www.amazon.com/New-Menopause-Navigating-Through-Hormonal/dp/059379625X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JVWDKWEV0J5R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NsiD6zrPzjY1dHnVPTOLecl_6T4NZtHddGdNQ20h1iH1Ad734j96bPWX-yewnsv9k0qx352io2VPqmw68sn61jKsEpQDCwqRCHg-hzKIn54TaMTb7G4YP5ogU3Te-OVeShIgtFHbyDiddXDJ_73oPD3eRjrMym8QB0n81opdHBKPXe8Ywyt9fjsSEBTqgS2MP0ywi_K27yiuSYfo82VTak4CU1vzPDJ0SAt6VU9ZR98.Jbf4gVOck4kwZKKo_Z0qmOtb-fzX9zDeD5lL6ry1fXI&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+new+menopause+dr+mary+claire+haver&qid=1782843176&sprefix=the+new+me%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1 [https://www.amazon.com/New-Menopause-Navigating-Through-Hormonal/dp/059379625X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JVWDKWEV0J5R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NsiD6zrPzjY1dHnVPTOLecl_6T4NZtHddGdNQ20h1iH1Ad734j96bPWX-yewnsv9k0qx352io2VPqmw68sn61jKsEpQDCwqRCHg-hzKIn54TaMTb7G4YP5ogU3Te-OVeShIgtFHbyDiddXDJ_73oPD3eRjrMym8QB0n81opdHBKPXe8Ywyt9fjsSEBTqgS2MP0ywi_K27yiuSYfo82VTak4CU1vzPDJ0SAt6VU9ZR98.Jbf4gVOck4kwZKKo_Z0qmOtb-fzX9zDeD5lL6ry1fXI&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+new+menopause+dr+mary+claire+haver&qid=1782843176&sprefix=the+new+me%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1]. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Jessica, she's more than open and you can find her on Facebook or reach out to the host to learn more.

S2E42: Take the Trip - Faith, Hope and Reflection with Andrea Miller

Host Andrea Miller reflects in this episode sharing about the importance of having faith and giving it all to God, taking the trip, not being afraid to take advantage of today and not waiting for tomorrow, and sharing your story and perspective with others! Andrea speaks about an upcoming trip with her and her husband and her son, Nathan's big muscular dystrophy camp trip as well. She also mentions episodes you definitely need to go back and listen to when time allows! Finally, Andrea reminds us that everyone has a story and she wants to hear yours or the story from those you refer. Please connect with Andrea through andreamiller.co [andreamiller.co] where you can listen to all episodes as well, follow Show me the Way on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/show_me_the_way_podcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/show_me_the_way_podcast/] and Andrea on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/andreajmiller2278 [https://www.facebook.com/andreajmiller2278]. Also, she started a new subscription email - please connect with her to be part of that as well and be the first to know when new episodes drop or anything new with the podcast. Thank you for continuing to show the way!!