This Magic Life Podcast

This Magic Life #139: Writing Children's Books with Christine Devane

29 min · 29. apr. 2026
episode This Magic Life #139: Writing Children's Books with Christine Devane cover

Description

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new] In this engaging conversation, Christine Devane shares her journey as a children's author and mother. She discusses her two books, 'Elephant Beach' and 'Lola and Sophie's ABC Adventure,' highlighting the themes of inclusion and the importance of pet rescue. Christine reflects on her experiences as a second-grade teacher and how they shape her parenting style, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding of each child's unique personality.  She also shares practical time management strategies for busy moms and the challenges of transitioning from a structured teaching environment to the unpredictability of motherhood. Additionally, Christine recounts memorable travel experiences and the sentimental value of her elephant collection, concluding with valuable life lessons learned from her classroom and motherhood. Takeaways Christine's books aim to make shy kids feel included. Teaching has a significant impact on parenting styles. Time management is crucial for busy mothers. Each child has unique needs that require different parenting approaches. Transitioning from teaching to motherhood can be challenging. Being present for children is essential in a busy life. Travel experiences can leave lasting impressions on families. Collecting elephants has sentimental value for Christine. Patience is key in motherhood and parenting. Not everything goes as planned, and that's okay. Elephant Beach | Christine Devane [https://www.christine-devane.com/] Titles Embracing Shyness: Christine Devane's Journey Motherhood Unplugged: Christine's Pregnancy Stories  sound bites "It's okay to take a little while to warm up." "I have three extremely different children." "You can find me on my website and Instagram." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christine Devane and Her Books 03:08 The Journey of Motherhood: Pregnancies and Deliveries 05:49 Teaching Second Grade: Insights and Inspirations 08:15 The Impact of Teaching on Parenting 10:52 Time Management Strategies for Busy Moms 15:16 Transitioning from Teaching to Motherhood 18:18 Travel Experiences and Their Lasting Impressions 19:30 The Lucky Elephant Collection: A Personal Story 22:04 Lessons from the Classroom for Life 23:48 Reflections on Motherhood and Patience 25:40 Finding Christine Devane Online 28:05 -4368177764148443366.mp3 This episode of This Magic Life is sponsored by Knead Obscura LLC - Edith Harris. Through intentional bodywork, therapeutic massage, and restorative care, Edith creates space for deep relaxation, nervous system support, and reconnection to yourself. Edith’s approach is grounded in compassion, intuition, and whole-body wellness. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of living this magic life. Knead Obscura | Clinic [https://www.kneadobscura.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

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149 episodes

episode This Magic Life #144: Laura Key Understood.org artwork

This Magic Life #144: Laura Key Understood.org

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new]  Get ready to explore the nuanced world of ADHD with Laura Key, VP of content strategy at understood.org and host of the ADHD AHA! podcast. Laura shares her personal journey, insights on understanding ADHD in women, and how re-framing ADHD as a potential superpower can both help and hinder. Main topics include: * Laura Key’s personal ADHD diagnosis and the moment of clarity * The unique presentation of ADHD in women and girls * The role of shame and societal expectations in mental health * How podcasts build community and reduce stigma * Transition points and life events that trigger ADHD diagnosis * Practical strategies for supporting children with ADHD * The "Aha Moment Blueprint" in understanding adult ADHD * The impact of the superpower framing on self-esteem * Universal lessons in mental health and parenting Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Laura Key and her work at understood.org 00:45 - Laura’s personal ADHD diagnosis story and light bulb moments 01:43 - Revisiting childhood journals and understanding long-standing struggles 03:31 - The different presentation of ADHD in women versus men 04:22 - The silent and pervasive shame associated with ADHD 05:19 - The importance of credible resources and community support 07:11 - Details of the recent study on women with ADHD and the power of podcasts 08:41 - Overcoming shame through shared stories and community 09:06 - Managing overwhelm and the importance of external support 10:22 - The significance of understanding sensory sensitivities 11:24 - Recognizing signs in children and trusting parental instincts 12:42 - Supporting children in school, accommodations, and the importance of patience 13:48 - Parenting a child with ADHD and shared empathy 16:55 - The "Aha Moment Blueprint" and its application to adults and children 17:39 - Transition points that influence ADHD diagnosis 20:32 - Co-occurrence of ADHD with other challenges like trauma or grief 21:47 - The complex relationship between anxiety and ADHD 22:31 - Practical tips for reducing distractions and supporting focus 25:58 - Recognizing signs girls with ADHD might mask their struggles 27:59 - The evolving understanding of ADHD in educational settings 29:23 - Framing ADHD as a superpower and its implications 31:35 - Navigating self-talk and societal messages about ADHD 32:18 - Applying universal lessons on shame and support beyond ADHD 34:15 - The myth of brain scan differences in ADHD 34:43 - First steps for parents suspecting ADHD in themselves or their children 36:20 - The importance of asking for help and building a support system 37:11 - Motherhood’s lessons and advice to younger self 40:39 - The joy of parenting despite challenges and the deep love for children 41:45 - Connecting with Laura’s work and resources at understood.org and the ADHD AHA! podcast Resources & Links: * ADHD AHA! Podcast [https://u.org/podcasts/adhd_aha] * understood.org [https://understood.org/] * Study on Women with ADHD and Podcasts [https://u.org/study-women-adhd-podcasts] * The Understood Podcast Network [https://u.org/podcasts/] Connect with Laura Key: * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/laurakey] | Twitter [https://twitter.com/laurakey] This episode of This Magic Life is sponsored by Knead Obscura LLC - Edith Harris. Through intentional bodywork, therapeutic massage, and restorative care, Edith creates space for deep relaxation, nervous system support, and reconnection to yourself. Edith’s approach is grounded in compassion, intuition, and whole-body wellness. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of living this magic life. Knead Obscura | Clinic [https://www.kneadobscura.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

3. juni 202642 min
episode This Magic Life Episode #143: The People Place with Robyn + Kazia artwork

This Magic Life Episode #143: The People Place with Robyn + Kazia

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new] Building Community from the Ground Up: The Heartfelt Story of The People Place In this episode, Bonnie sits down with Robyn Murgio and Kazia Kumbler, co-founders of The People Place, a vibrant community hub for parents and families in Los Angeles. They share how their personal journeys and shared values fueled the creation of a supportive, non-judgmental space dedicated to authentic connection, belonging, and intentional parenting. Main Topics: * How their early experiences with community gaps inspired the founding of The People Place * The evolution of their support groups from in-person to virtual during COVID, and finally to a physical space * The importance of vulnerability, trust, and friendship in building a successful partnership * The role of gender inclusivity, paid family leave, and social support in modern parenthood * Overcoming challenges like licensing, space design, and community needs * The science of matrescence and brain changes in postpartum women * Celebrating community-created friendships that last for over a decade * Practical advice: riding the waves of parenthood and embracing imperfection Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Robin and Kejia’s vision for The People Place 02:15 - The origin story: from lonely new moms to community builders 05:04 - How the pandemic transformed their support groups into a thriving brick-and-mortar space 07:48 - The creative process behind designing a welcoming parenting space 10:53 - The secret to a strong partnership: communication, trust, and shared values 13:14 - Non-judgmental support: removing shame from parenting conversations 15:23 - Building lifelong friendships among members—it's more than just support 18:10 - The importance of clear boundaries and open dialogue in business partnerships 22:58 - Exploring the science of matrescence and brain changes post-birth 28:49 - The evolution of modern parenthood: from caregiving to inclusivity and shared responsibility 33:35 - Challenges faced: licensing issues, space adjustments, and community needs 37:09 - The power of connection: on social media and in real life 42:30 - Advice for new parents: trust your intuition, embrace imperfection, and ride the waves 45:00 - The impact of shared history and mutual support among members 50:27 - Final thoughts: the importance of community, self-compassion, and living with intentionResources & Links:   * The People Place [https://thepeopleplace.com/]   * Brain Science of Matrescence Study [https://example.com/matrescence-study] (hypothetical link for context)   * Heather Cox Richardson Podcast [https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/podcast]   Connect with Robin Murgio and Kejia Kumbler:     Note: This episode celebrates the power of This episode of This Magic Life is sponsored by Knead Obscura LLC - Edith Harris. Through intentional bodywork, therapeutic massage, and restorative care, Edith creates space for deep relaxation, nervous system support, and reconnection to yourself. Edith’s approach is grounded in compassion, intuition, and whole-body wellness. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of living this magic life. Knead Obscura | Clinic [https://www.kneadobscura.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

27. maj 202647 min
episode This Magic Life #142: From Personal Need to National Brand: The Atlas Bars Journey with James Oliver artwork

This Magic Life #142: From Personal Need to National Brand: The Atlas Bars Journey with James Oliver

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new] Summary In this insightful interview, James Oliver, founder of Atlas Bars, shares his journey from personal nutrition challenges to creating a successful brand that emphasizes clean, functional protein bars. Discover how his background as an endurance athlete influences his product design, the importance of science-backed nutrition, and his vision for the future of food and wellness. Atlas Bar – 20g Protein, 1g Sugar, Real Food [https://atlasbars.com/] Key Topics Journey from personal challenge to product creation Science-backed nutrition and blood sugar impact Brand development and scaling challenges Future trends in food and wellness This episode of This Magic Life is sponsored by Knead Obscura LLC - Edith Harris. Through intentional bodywork, therapeutic massage, and restorative care, Edith creates space for deep relaxation, nervous system support, and reconnection to yourself. Edith’s approach is grounded in compassion, intuition, and whole-body wellness. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of living this magic life. Knead Obscura | Clinic [https://www.kneadobscura.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

20. maj 202638 min
episode This Magic Life BONUS EPISODE: Astrology for our Kids, Astrology as a language for emotional needs and temperament artwork

This Magic Life BONUS EPISODE: Astrology for our Kids, Astrology as a language for emotional needs and temperament

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new] Summary Exploring the 12 zodiac signs and their meanings in children, this episode offers insights into emotional strengths, challenges, and how understanding astrology can help parents love and support their kids better. Astrology 101 | Complete Beginner's Guide [https://www.astrologyrising.com/learn/astrology-101] Key Topics Astrology as a language for emotional needs and temperament Characteristics and needs of each zodiac sign in children How understanding zodiac signs can improve parenting strategies Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

16. maj 202615 min
episode This Magic Life Episode #141: Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Chanda Coston artwork

This Magic Life Episode #141: Building a Business That Fits Your Life with Chanda Coston

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/fan_mail/new] About | Achieve Your Goals Today — Chanda Co. Strategist [https://www.chanda-co.com/about] Episode Summary: What if the key to success isn’t doing more—but doing what actually fits your life? In this episode of This Magic Life, I sit down with business strategist, U.S. Navy veteran, and mom of five, Chanda Coston, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business without burning out. Chanda shares her journey from military service to corporate leadership to entrepreneurship—and the powerful lesson she learned along the way: your business should align with your life, not compete with it. We talk about the concept of “seasons of life” and why so many women feel overwhelmed trying to match someone else’s pace or version of success. Chanda breaks down how misalignment shows up (hello, exhaustion and resentment), and how to recognize when it’s time to pause, pivot, or simply slow down. This conversation is a grounding reminder that building something meaningful doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being, your family, or yourself. In this episode, we cover: * Why aligning your business with your current life season is everything * The subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of burnout and misalignment * How to conduct a personal “life audit” to understand your true capacity * Why consistency matters more than rapid growth * How to stop chasing someone else’s version of success and trust your own path If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to do it all—and wondering why it feels so heavy—this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Because the goal isn’t just to build a successful business… It’s to build a life you actually want to live. This episode of This Magic Life is sponsored by Knead Obscura LLC - Edith Harris. Through intentional bodywork, therapeutic massage, and restorative care, Edith creates space for deep relaxation, nervous system support, and reconnection to yourself. Edith’s approach is grounded in compassion, intuition, and whole-body wellness. Because caring for yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s part of living this magic life. Knead Obscura | Clinic [https://www.kneadobscura.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2245062/support] * Website: booksbybonnielippincott.com * Instagram: @books_by_bonnie_lippincott * TikTok: @entrylevelmom * Email: booksbybonnielippincott@gmail.com Charity: Baby2Baby is a national non-profit organization that provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. To learn more and get involved, visit www.baby2baby.org [http://www.baby2baby.org/]

13. maj 202641 min