Life Conversations with a Twist

“Let them. The clothes, the style— it’s going to change. The point is they want to be seen and they want to feel understood. You, accepting whatever from they’re in that moment and rolling with the changes gives them that freedom to figure out who they truly are.” —Caitlyn Severin “What’s important is, at the end of the day, what is the feeling that your daughter walks away with when she thinks about you and your relationship, not the little nitty gritty day-to-day things.” —Aliah Singh "It's not too late. This is your child and you’ll hopefully have a strong adult relationship with them. This is the foundation of that." —Hannah Takajo   Parenting a teenager isn’t about control, it’s about connection— even when connection feels impossible. If you’ve ever wondered why your once-chatty child now slams doors or retreats behind headphones, you’re not alone. The truth is, raising tweens and teens means navigating a maze of shifting moods, boundary-testing, and moments that challenge everything you thought you knew about being a parent.  Cultivateen Roots was founded by therapist Caitlyn Severin, special ed teacher Hannah Takajo, and school counselor Aliah Singh to support parents through the challenges of raising teens. Combining empathy with practical guidance, they empower families to strengthen relationships and confidently navigate adolescence.  Tune in as Heather sits with Aliah, Caitlyn, and Hannah to unpack the real challenges of parenting teens and tweens, share actionable strategies for building trust, setting boundaries, and handling tough conversations—so you can stop surviving and start connecting. Connect with Heather:  Website [https://theconnectionhive.co/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587?mibextid=ZbWKwL]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.connection.hive/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/] Episode Highlights: 02:41 Parenting in the Fast Lane 09:32 Ditching the Fear: Celebrating Teen Years 16:19 Hormones and the Teen Brain 21:09 Shame, Repair, and Connection: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Teens 25:24 Guiding Teens in the Digital Age 31:08 Listening Over Lecturing and Navigating Friendship Drama 38:27 Supporting Identity, Style, and Self-Discovery and Addressing Mean Behavior 42:41 The Sex Talk and Beyond 51:59 Advice for Raising Amazing Teens  01:00:43 The Importance of Self-Care for Parents   Connect with Cultivateen Roots:  The Founders Aliah Singh Aliah holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and has over a decade of experience as a school counselor. She specializes in guiding middle and high school students and their families through the emotional and developmental challenges of adolescence, with a focus on building resilience, confidence, and independence. Caitlin Severin Caitlin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience supporting teens and families across private practice, nonprofits, and schools. She helps families navigate adolescence through emotional resilience, healthy communication, and personal growth. Hannah Takajo Hannah holds a Master’s in Special Education and has spent the past 10 years teaching and case-managing high school students. She specializes in inclusive education and works closely with families to advocate for students with diverse learning needs, promoting collaboration and student success. Website [https://www.cultivateenroots.com/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761977/support]

“It’s the failures, it’s the adversity, it’s the sorrow, it’s that not so good effing stuff that is essential to have you be your highest and best self.” —Rhonda Farrah Most of us spend years trying to outrun our past, hide our pain, or wait for life to finally go our way. But what if the real breakthrough comes from embracing the mess, not escaping it? If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’re living on autopilot, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. Rhonda Farrah is a transformation coach, author, and podcast host who’s turned her own life’s toughest moments—surviving federal prison, battling stage three breast cancer, and rebuilding after heartbreak—into a blueprint for growth. With a background in psychology and a gift for helping others find strength in struggle, Rhonda’s approach is all about real talk, radical self-love, and practical steps to move from surviving to thriving. Tune in as Heather and Rhonda dive into the art of turning setbacks into comebacks, the surprising power of self-reflection, and why loving yourself is the ultimate game-changer.  Press play and get ready to see your story in a whole new light! Connect with Heather:  Website [https://theconnectionhive.co/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587?mibextid=ZbWKwL]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.connection.hive/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/] Episode Highlights: 01:31 Real Credentials from Life Experiences 06:11 Federal Indictment and Prison  16:38 Life After Prison and Breast Cancer  28:23 Chapter 2 of Midlife Connection Crisis  39:20 Transformation and Personal Growth 41:35 Fix Your Reflection First Coaching Program 44:28  Life is a Precious Gift Connect with Rhonda:  Rhonda Farrah is a transformation coach, author, and podcast host with a background in educational psychology, counseling, and psychotherapy. Drawing on her extensive professional training and profound life experiences—including overcoming incarceration and breast cancer—Rhonda empowers others to embrace self-love, resilience, and personal growth.  As the founder of "Fix Your Reflection First and Live Your Best Life Ever," she offers group coaching programs and is passionate about helping others find the gift in every challenge and awakening hearts, minds, and spirits to their authentic power.    Website [https://helpmerhondanow.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rhonda.helpmenow/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HelpMeRhondaNowInternational/]  X [https://twitter.com/helpmerhondanow] Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/fix-your-reflection-first-and-live-your-best-life/id1747768471] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761977/support]

"You deserve to be loved and to love yourself— flaws and all. And you can move powerfully from that." —Audra Bryant   Perfection is a myth—real beauty begins the moment you dare to show your scars. We spend so much energy hiding our scars—physical or emotional—believing they make us less worthy. But what if embracing those imperfections is the key to real confidence, deeper relationships, and a life that feels truly free? If you’ve ever felt trapped by self-doubt or the pressure to be perfect, this episode is your permission slip to let go and start living boldly. Audra Bryant is a burn survivor who spent years unable to look at her own reflection, only finding the courage to face herself in the mirror at age 25. Now a certified life coach and author, she draws on her extraordinary journey to help others embrace their scars, rewrite their stories, and step boldly into self-acceptance. Join Heather and Audra as they explore the journey from self-criticism to self-acceptance, share practical ways to rediscover joy as an adult, and reveal why your story—scars and all—deserves to be seen and celebrated. Connect with Heather:  Website [https://theconnectionhive.co/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587?mibextid=ZbWKwL]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.connection.hive/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/] Episode Highlights: 01:19 Audra’s Journey— Creating Enjoyable Experiences  05:45 The Impact of Embracing Scars  11:05 Own Your Scars 14:12 Pivotal Moment of Self-Acceptance  21:27 Bring More Ease Into Your Life  26:04 “I’ve Got Scars, Baby” Resources 📖Book I've Got Scars, Baby!: How To Embrace Your Scars and Power Your Purpose by Audra Bryant [https://www.amazon.com/Ive-Got-Scars-Baby-Embrace/dp/B09DMRJG3X]  Connect with Audra:  Audra is a certified life coach, author, and speaker based in California, dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their unique stories and find strength in their scars. Drawing from her personal journey as a burn survivor, Audra specializes in wellness, personal empowerment, and healing, offering coaching, workshops, and community events that blend creativity and fun with deep personal growth.  Audra is the author of "I've Got Scars, Baby: How to Embrace Your Scars, Empower Your Purpose," and has delivered an inspiring TED Talk on self-acceptance. Audra is passionate about supporting high achievers and those who are often the backbone for others, helping them cultivate self-love, resilience, and authentic connections. Website [https://audrabryant.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/AudraABryant/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761977/support]

“I don’t necessarily think that the logo and website you launch with is going to be your forever. You will eventually outgrow it.” —Puja Malhotra Your brand isn’t your logo—it’s the feeling people get when they think of you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by branding, stuck chasing perfection, or unsure how to stand out, you’re not alone. The truth? The most memorable brands are built on authenticity, not just aesthetics. Forget the pressure to have it all figured out from day one.  Puja Malhotra is a seasoned branding expert and founder of Roop Creative Agency [https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/], a branding agency dedicated to helping female founders craft brands that grow with them. With nearly a decade of experience, she’s passionate about mentoring women to break stereotypes and build businesses that reflect who they truly are. Tune in as Heather and Puja unpack what really works (and what doesn’t) in branding, from starting simple and evolving, to embracing your story, learning from mistakes, and focusing on what truly matters—so you can build a brand that’s both unforgettable and unapologetically you.  Connect with Heather:  Website [https://theconnectionhive.co/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587?mibextid=ZbWKwL]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.connection.hive/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/] Episode Highlights: 02:02 Breaking Stereotypes in the Branding Industry  07:16 The Importance of Owning Your Identity in Business 17:52  Imposter Syndrome Among Entrepreneurs 23:12 Designing Timeless and Transformational Brands 25:42 Trends in Branding and Personal Branding  26:56 Puja’s Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Connect with Puja:  Puja Malhotra is the founder of Roop Creative Agency [https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/], a boutique branding agency dedicated to empowering female founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. With a background in design and over nine years of experience, Puja specializes in creating impactful brands and websites that reflect her clients’ unique stories and ambitions.  Born and raised in Canada to South Asian parents, she is passionate about increasing representation in her field and mentors women to break industry stereotypes. Puja is committed to fostering confidence and visibility for women in business, drawing inspiration from her own journey and the diverse clients she serves. Website [https://www.roopcreativeagency.com/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pujamalhotra/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/roopcreativeagency/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761977/support]

“Self-fulfilling prophecies are real things. It's not going to happen for the person who says it's not going to happen. But if you convince yourself that you’re going to make this happen, you'll achieve whatever it is. Your brain will look for ways to prove you right.” —Amy Chambers   The difference between who you are and who you want to be begins with a single moment of radical self-belief. And that moment often arrives not when you feel strongest, but when you're most vulnerable—when you're willing to admit you don't have all the answers and are ready to embrace the discomfort of growth.  Amy Chambers is a transformational coach, author, and ultra-marathon runner who pivoted from a 21-year career in financial services to walk the path of personal development. With two bestselling books on leadership and personal growth, she's dedicated her life to helping individuals break through mental barriers and create extraordinary lives. Tune in as Heather and Amy explore how embracing discomfort, challenging limiting beliefs, and taking radical responsibility can transform your career, relationships, and inner landscape, as well as the power of personal accountability, leadership strategies, and the transformative journey of self-discovery.  Connect with Heather: Website [https://theconnectionhive.co/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/heather.nelson.7587?mibextid=ZbWKwL] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/the.connection.hive/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercelestenelson/] Episode Highlights: 01:06 From Finance to Coaching 05:51 Leadership Decoded: 7 Virtues of Exceptional Leaders  08:37 Leadership Beyond Titles 14:10 The Ownership Principle 19:01 Rock Bottom Transformation 25:47 Authoring Change 33:42 The Ultimate Life Hack: Self-Belief Resources: Books 📖The 6 H.A.B.I.T.S. of Powerful People: Autographed, Limited-Edition Hardback with Personalized Message by Amy M. Chambers [https://amymchambers.com/product/amy-chambers-second-book/]  💲Use discount code and get 15% off: habits15  📖The 7 V.I.R.T.U.E.S. of Exceptional Leaders: Becoming a Legendary Leader Who Transforms Teams by Amy M. Chambers [https://amymchambers.com/product/virtues-the-seven-practices-of-becoming-an-exceptional-leader/]  💲Use discount code and get 15% off: virtues15 Connect with Amy:  Amy Chambers is an Executive Coach, Leadership Consultant, and Motivational Speaker with over 21 years in financial services and 15 years of leadership experience. As former COO of SkyOne Federal Credit Union, she played a key role in its growth. She's the bestselling author of 7 V.I.R.T.U.E.S. of Exceptional Leaders and 6 H.A.B.I.T.S. of Powerful People, offering practical strategies for leadership and personal development. With degrees from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from USC, Amy combines academic insight with real-world expertise. She’s also an active community leader and passionate athlete, having completed over 230 half-marathons and 12 full marathons. Based in Long Beach, CA, Amy helps individuals and organizations achieve meaningful transformation through mindset and leadership development. Website LinkedIn [https://amymchambers.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/amymchambers/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/CoachAmyChambers] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxz1qcALRrXzYuG36u9ryrg] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1761977/support]