UR Mom Podcast

Ep 13: Grace & Grief: How a mom of four navigated the loss of her husband to suicide

In this deeply moving episode of host Rachel Anne sits down with Cerissa Hocker for a profound conversation about love, loss, and resilience. Cerissa shares her journey through the heartbreak of losing her husband Dave to suicide and the immense challenges and growth that followed. They delve into the complexities of grief, mental illness, and the strength it takes to rebuild life after immense loss. Rachel and Cerissa also discuss the impactful intersections between faith, personal healing, and the enduring power of storytelling. Join us for a testament to resilience and the importance of finding light even in the darkest moments. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone. Help is available. You can call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988—it's simple, free, and available 24/7. If you're more comfortable texting, reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. Whether you're in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., they're there to listen and support you. For those of you who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide, I encourage you to explore resources like the Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors at www.allianceofhope.org [http://www.allianceofhope.org]. Their community and support can be a beacon during incredibly challenging times. Healing isn't linear, and grief doesn't come with a timeline. But recovery is possible. Therapy can be a powerful tool to navigate pain and rediscover hope. Platforms like BetterHelp (www.betterhelp.com [http://www.betterhelp.com]) offer accessible, online therapy to help you take that first step.

Merry Christmas from UR Mom

Get ready for a Christmas card like no other in this special episode of 'Merry Christmas.' We're ditching the sugar-coating and diving into the real deal: the joy, the heartbreak, the laughter, and the tears of the holiday season. From my personal rollercoaster of emotions to the beautiful mess of life, this spoken card captures it all. We'll hit on the highs and the lows, the chosen family who stick around, and the quiet moments that bring peace. Perfect for those who love a mix of sass, sincerity, and a bit of nerdy charm. Tune in on Apple and Spotify Podcasts for a refreshingly honest take on Christmas that'll warm your heart and tickle your funny bone. Happy holidays!

Menopausal Dog Moms: Navigating loss, change, and love in midlife with Victoria Conner

In this episode, Rachel sits down with her longtime friend, Victoria Conner, who made a life-changing leap from music marketing at MTV to running a charming boutique in Bar Harbor, Maine. Victoria opens up about embracing dramatic shifts in her career and personal life, navigating the ups and downs of change, and finding new anchors when old ones slip away. The conversation touches on a range of deeply personal topics, including: * Dog Moms Unite: Rachel and Victoria share heartwarming, and often tear-jerking, stories of their beloved pets. From the unconditional love of dogs to the difficult decisions all pet owners face, their bond as dog moms is both emotional and relatable. * Losing Loved Ones: Victoria shares the poignant story of her dog, Boris, and the intimate, dignified choice of in-home euthanasia. This touching moment offers a window into how we cope with loss and the importance of honoring those we love. * Menopause & Midlife: The conversation shifts to the challenges of midlife, touching on mental health, burnout, and the delicate balance of maintaining independence within relationships. * Love & Relationships: Rachel and Victoria open up about navigating love and finding a safe, supportive partner. They discuss the importance of generosity, acceptance, and leaning on loved ones during tough times. * Reflections on the Past: Looking back on their time at MTV and the twists of early adulthood, the two reflect on the lessons learned, emphasizing kindness, connection, and the unpredictable journey of life. Join Rachel and Victoria for a candid, heartfelt conversation filled with laughter, tears, and valuable life insights. This episode is a reminder that none of us have it all figured out, but we're all in it together. Show mentions: Victoria's store: https://www.mydarlingmaine.com/ [https://www.mydarlingmaine.com/] Old dogs, new digs: https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/ [https://www.olddogsnewdigs.com/] Dr. Pooler, Veterinarian: https://www.islandveterinary.care/ [https://www.islandveterinary.care/] Border Tails Rescue (where I got my dogs!): https://www.bordertailsrescue.org/ [https://www.bordertailsrescue.org/] Great Lakes Bernedoodles (where I got my big girl!): https://www.greatlakesbernedoodles.com/ [https://www.greatlakesbernedoodles.com/] The Gap and the Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362 [https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362]

Travel with Kids: How two die-hard travelers continued loving travel after becoming moms

Join Rachel Anne and Laura as they grab their passports, kids, and questionable sanity for an audio escapade like no other. Ever thought about globe-trotting with tyrannical toddlers in tow? Well, pop that anxiety bubble because these moms are here to spill the tea (and probably some Fanta) on the beautiful chaos of traveling with little ones. From making fancy travel snacks out of thin air to navigating jet lag saboteurs, Rachel Anne and Laura have pretty much seen and survived it all. Laugh it up over stories of luxury yacht upgrades, narrowly dodging stray bullets while trying to fetch groceries, and let's not forget Emerson's culinary experiments that could make Gordon Ramsay weep. Whether you're planning family jet-set goals or just want to indulge in the hilarity of others juggling parenting and packing lists, this episode of UR Mom is your ticket to adventure. Tune in, top up your teacup or tequila, and let's get real about the magic—and madness—of family travel. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Laura's Background 01:56 Travel Memories 02:55 Travel Tips with Kids 04:13 Travel and Friendship 28:38 Jet Lag Tips 36:23 Budget Travel 11:20 Benefits of Travel 01:17:07 Closing Thoughts

Just Wing It: Navigating careers, chaos, and life changes with Chrissi Sperduto

Join Rachel as she welcomes the dynamic Chrissi Sperduto, a coach for small business owners, a certified life coach, and a full-time air traffic controller. Chrissi shares her insights on managing multiple roles, turning negativity into empowerment, and encouraging action. With a focus on 'doing the dang thing', Chrissi offers practical advice on starting new ventures, tackling fear, and asking for help. Listen in for motivation, whether you're launching a business or making life changes. Don't miss Chrissi's podcast, 'Do the Dang Thing', for business and life inspiration. Find Chrissy on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissisperduto Website: https://www.chrissisperduto.com Become an Air Traffic Controller! https://www.faa.gov/be-atc [https://www.faa.gov/be-atc] 00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Chrissy 01:04 Understanding Aviation Terminology 02:19 Chrissy's Career and Coaching Philosophy 04:30 The Realities of Air Traffic Control 12:36 Overcoming Rejection and Taking Action 18:30 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 34:51 Balancing Responsibilities in Relationships 35:08 Creative Ways to Ask for Help 35:54 Building Community Support 36:57 Accepting Help from Others 37:39 Overcoming Self-Judgment 39:07 Sharing Responsibilities at Home 41:08 Reevaluating Standards and Expectations 43:11 Outsourcing Tasks for Efficiency 46:18 Prioritizing Personal Choices 48:48 The Value of Coaching and Support 01:01:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement