Drive Like A Motha

The Season Finale is Here!

We've heard the saying "Kids don't come with a parenting guide" over and over but there are people who are making waves to change that. Domari Dickinson is one of those people. She is an accomplished educator who has done extensive training and has the experience to teach us a thing or two about how to raise children in a more peaceful, respectful, and purposeful way.

On the podcast, Domari shares so many tips- from how to identify our triggers, to changing the language we use when talking to our kids. 

Domari stressed the importance of first identifying your family's core beliefs. What does your family value and what are your beliefs? Identifying your triggers will help you respond differently and communicate better with your children. Sometimes this work may require therapy. 

How you communicate matters:

1. Get clear with your directions - Clean your room vs. make your bed, vacuum, dust, etc. 
2. Be specific - Stop jumping on the furniture vs. Go outside to burn off some energy for 30 minutes.
3. Focus on the positive - thank you for using walking feet in the house vs. pointing out every time they run in the house.

The most impactful take away from my time with Domari on this episode was the idea that we don't have to CONTROL our kids to be a good parent. We must give them the chance to practice using their voice, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.

Domari offers positive parenting classes, one on one coaching, and her next cohort begins October 1, 2020 (online of course ;) ). Go to www.DomariDickinson.com for more information. 

Follow Domari on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @DomariDickinson.

Breast cancer survivor, phenomenal mom to three sons, tv show host, and producer - Lisa Johnson Smith joined me in an interview to talk about everything from raising three boys to surviving breast cancer and post-op complications. This woman is strong! She has survived what many of us may not have.

During the interview, she shared that while she has worked on many shows, Teen Summit was the best television production experience. She talked about her current project which is her oldest son’s show #Simplyput, very reminiscent of Teen Summit.

Here are some takeaways from the episode:

1. You can’t parent each of your kids the same way. They are individuals and need to be treated as such.
2. Fight for your rights in health care and have an advocate with you whenever possible.
3. Hardships will happen in life and you have to learn from them.
4. Speak up when someone mistreats you.
5. Live on purpose and be thankful for each day.

Check out Lisa’s production with her oldest son Chaz, #SimplyPut. 

Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisajohnsonsmith

"The one predictable thing about the coronavirus is that it is unpredictable."

Twin sister doctors, Dr. McDonald and Dr. Wardlaw go on to discuss the coronavirus and how to protect our families during the pandemic. They pointed out that COVID Fatigue is real but stressed that we cannot let up because it is badly affecting our health. 

During our conversation, the doctors also talked about vaccine research and data to support vaccines and why it is important that we ask questions to make an informed decision on vaccines. 

Tips

1. Lead by example and wear a mask and wash your hands. Have your child also wear a mask
2. Remind children about why they cannot go on with their normal routine and check-in with their emotions.
3. When vaccines are available, ask the doctor questions that will allow you to make an informed decision.

Reach out to @twinsisterdocs on Instagram and Twitter for more info.

On this episode of the Drive Like a Motha podcast, I talked with Dr. Jerika Johnstone. She is a wife, mother of three, and serious yogi! She shared so much wisdome about Kemet Yoga, a style of yoga used to tap into the energy of our ancestors. Kemet, we know it as Egypt, has a rich history as the land of the beginning. Kemet Yoga is the practice of connecting with ancestors through poses and hand gestures during yoga and meditation.

Jerika also uses these techniques with her kids to calm their bodies through intentional breathing. This helps them communicate effectively without letting emotions take over.

This episode educated me on so many things. The most freeing part of the episode is when Jerika shared that we don't have to make meditation this whole big ordeal. Make it work for you. "We are walking mediations. We are living temples".

You can find Jerika on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVmHetehnQE . Follow her on Instagram @ka.kemetic.yoga

In this episode, we have Ladawn Lanier, Sexologist, and Psychologist. I feel that the majority of moms who listen to this episode will walk away feeling relieved. LaDawn normalized everything I was feeling. I literally felt like I went to a therapy session. 

A sexologist is usually a psychologist or therapist who has taken specialized courses in sex education. LaDawn shares that the biggest myth is that if you go to a sex therapist, you'll be required to have sex right there in the office- that's NOT going to happen she says. 

Take comfort in knowing that our sexual wants/desires change over the course of our life and the best thing we can do is to communicate and be sure our partners comprehend what we are saying so that we continue to stay on the same page. 

Here are some key takeaways from my time spent with LaDawn:

1. Everything doesn't have to be a penis and vagina! Enjoy the journey start the four play in the morning- send text messages, stick post-it notes in most visual areas.
2. Don't limit yourself to the bedroom.  
3. Put sex on the calendar and/or get a babysitter- go to the hotel!
4. To get in the mood- take a shower; know and communicate what feels good to you. 
5. Get some sleep!

LaDawn is a professor, certified psychologist, and sex therapist. You can find LaDawn on Instagram @sexologist_lala

Another good friend joined me on the Drive Like a Motha podcast today. Her name is Natalie Swain Cargile. She started her own networking company and television production company. This woman is a dynamic mom of three (which includes a set of twins), a business owner, and a wife. On the podcast she shared some really good tips about the importance of creating a system, knowing your "why", aligning yourself with the greats in the field of your choice, and overcoming fear. 

Natalie offers coaching and business consulting for women. She is also franchising her company. If you are in the Midland, TX area turn on local Fox tv and check her out in the mornings. 

Natalie can be reached on Instagram:
@Nataliesnetwork
@theconnectnetwork.llc

Email @Natalie Swain Cargile 

Mom Tips from Natalie:

1. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and find out if they are willing to coach you.

2. Study how they move

3. Be active on your platform 

On this episode of the Drive Like a Motha Podcast, we are talking about credit and wealth. They go hand in hand. I have had my fair share of pitfalls from college years through adulthood and I have to say that I am finally wiser about the way I use credit. Terri "The Credit Lady" Couser joins us on this episode to discuss how to maximize our credit to get the things we want. 

Terri's whole entire episode is a GEM! Here are some MAJOR takeaways:

• Know what is on your credit report, not just your score.
• Late payments can drop your score up to 100 points!
• Know your goal and then credit your strategy. Mortgage credit is different from credit to finance a car.
• Sacrifice in a season what you are trying to get for a lifetime
• Start talking to your children about credit and money as soon as they learn how to count. Teach the kids how to save, invest, and donate early. 
• Use your credit to put it into something that is going to generate passive income such as real estate, dividends, and/or stocks. 
• If you have 1 job and 20 bills, you cannot build legacy.

It is my hope that you refer back to this episode as many times as necessary to gain more understanding about credit and how to build wealth for your family. Thank you for tuning in and for reading the show notes. Check out some other tools below.

Terri Couser YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF7w0v-NMgBZfArgDgjHdbQ

Recommended Books for Kids:
Finance 101 for Kids
How to Turn $100 into $1 Million
How to Use Credit: Smart Kids Guide to Personal Finance

On this episode of the Drive Like a Motha Podcast, we were joined by Emmy-nominated actress, Crystal Lee Brown. She shares on the podcast how missing one opportunity as a child has shaped her into being intentional and strategic about going after her goals. But more than anything, Crystal is a dedicated mom and wife. She shared how she has to juggle to make it all work, but it doesn't come without the mom guilt rushing in. 

Crystal gives words of advice to moms and women who want to become actresses:

• You need training even if you are talented
• Constantly work on your craft, there are always new things to learn.
• Know your purpose and why you chose to be an actor?
• What do you exude? No one is going to try to figure you out.
• Networking and do a good job when you accept an opportunity. these opportunities will potentially create a group of people who root and vouch for you.
• Know when to say yes and when to say no.

Living in Los Angeles often feels like your on an island away from family and friends. What makes moving from any city to Los Angeles, California more special is finding like-minded friends who are also living out their dreams. Crystal was just that. She and I had babies a few months apart. She knew right away how important a tribe is and taught me the same. When I returned to work, Crystal agreed to watch my firstborn, while home with hers. That was very giving and I will always appreciate and cherish her for that.

Check out Crystal on The Good Lord Bird, starring Ethan Hawke. She has also been in some of the movies and tv series you've seen; Hidden Figures, Black Lightning, and Uncle Drew to name a few.

You can catch Crystal on Showtime's tv series The Good Lord Bird with Ethan Hawke, airing August 9th.

The Good Lord Bird trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Tm63y-S4s

Psychologist, Comedian, professor, author, and mom- Dr. Erin A. Harper sat down with me to discuss the benefits of staying creative. She wrote a book titled, Dear Mom, You Don't Get to Have Nice Things. In this book, Erin shows the many ways we adjust to our new lives with kids. 

Erin also talks about how being creative balances her more serious role as a graduate-level psychology professor. "Just get started," was Erin's advice when I asked for her advice on the process of writing her book. As moms, career women, etc, we sometimes feel we have to be one dimensional, and anything else will take credibility away from the other. This is a myth! Multifaceted moms renew their energy by being creative, tapping into their strengths, and release their gifts into the world.

Dr. Harper's Tips for Moms

1. Have a flexible schedule; having a loose schedule is helpful for parents and children
2. Do the best you can
3. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out, and get help.
4. We are physically isolated, but we don't have to be emotionally disconnected. 

You can find out more about Dr. Erin Harper on her website.

Get your copy of Dear Mom, You Don't Get to Have Nice Things at Target Walmart or Amazon. I've included the link here -  https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Dont-Have-Nice-Things/dp/1543993311

Self Magazine Article - https://www.self.com/story/kids-coronavirus-coping-tips

Thank you for listening and reading the show notes!!!

Today's guest is very near and dear to my heart. We were raised in the same home for the majority of my early childhood. Our mothers are sisters. Crystal Roberson is my cousin. She is a mother of three and one of the strongest women I know. She loss her son Jalen to brain cancer on February 2, 2020 and wanted to share her story with us and provide encouragement and advice to other moms who are having a similar experience. 

During this episode Crystal shared profound advice and wisdom. She stressed the importance of paying attention to the details when it comes to the information and recommendations from doctors and nurses; understanding parent and child rights; and being determined to do the work that is required to take care of a disabled child. 

Mom Tips from Crystal Roberson

1. Put your faith in God
2. Be an advocate for your child
3. Have the knowledge and/or be willing to learn

Crystal shared that her family celebrates Jalen's life by visiting his grave, her middle son honors him by wearing his clothes, they sing his favorite songs, and even write letters. 

If you are a mother experiencing grief or loss and need some encouragement or companionship with another mom who knows your struggle or pain, Crystal is offering connection. Her email is cjarob@gmail.com.

Thank you for listening and reading the Drive Like a Motha Show notes. 

My good friend Dr. Loni Tabb joined me on the Drive Like a Mother podcast to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, how it affects Brown and Black Americans, and what we can do to protect our health and wellness and reduce the impact if we contract the virus. 

One of the most important takeaways during my conversation with Dr. Tabb was her emphasis on the relationship between the coronavirus survival rate and cardiovascular health. She shared that people who had healthy hearts and lungs were able to recover with a less severe impact. Here are the seven things people can do to improve their cardiovascular health:

Follow The American Heart Association's Life's Simple Seven:

1. Manage Blood Pressure
2. Control Cholesterol
3. Reduce Blood Sugar
4. Get Active
5. Eat Better
6. Lose Weight
7. Stop Smoking

More info - https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/my-life-check--lifes-simple-7

Dr. Tabb shares her expertise around biostatistics research and most importantly mothering children and navigating family time in a pandemic. Dr. Tabb is a mother of two, wife, and professor at Drexel University. 

Today's Drive Like a Motha pick:
If you are a teacher, podcaster, or do anything online that involves hosting, then this headset appears to be a game-changer. Dr. Tabb had it on during our interview. Here's the link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWG12QS?pf_rd_r=77J1QDX2J6HDNYHMJ7AY&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee

In this episode, Christine Krzyzanowski shares how she has been able to build her business while being a mother. We discussed hardships in life and those we've encountered during the COVID - 19 pandemic. She also shared lots of great tips for moms including a list of financial resources that will help moms start a business. 

• Grants.gov
• National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grants.
• Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program.
• Amber Grant.
• IdeaCafe Grant.
• #GIRLBOSS Foundation Grant.
• Cartier Women's Initiative Award.
• GrantsforWomen.org.
• Golden Seeds for Women (focuses on PA)
• Morgan Stanley Grants
• FedEx Women's Small Business Grants
• SBA Small Business Loans

You have to do some work to get funding but it is well worth it. She stressed that getting grant funding is better than pulling lines of credit. 

CK is a graduate of Drexel University, TEDx Speaker, and the owner of PLLAY Labs, Inc. She even shared a ton of resources for moms who are looking for funding to start their own business.

If you need advice on getting your company off the ground, reach out to Christine at ck@pllay.me.

This episode was so meaningful to me for so many reasons. COVID-19 has put heavy restrictions on the human to human connection. We are hard-wired to have physical contact with one another. We have been forced to create new schedules, routines, habits, and have basically restructured our lives around our new normal. 

In this episode, Elana Clark-Faler explains why having a “can-do attitude” can make all the difference. Not in the sense of pretending everything is easy, but more to the point of not getting into the habit of “whoa is me”. This is important because if we let pessimism win, then we will spiral downward. If you have already begun to feel down, reach out for help by seeking out a mental health professional. 

Elana also shares strategies to maintain a connection with all of the important people in our lives, including intimacy with our partners. Lastly, but most importantly, she discusses how to take care of ourselves during this time. Making sure we carve out time for self-care is the first priority.

Elana’s Tips

• Create a morning routine and schedule for yourself and your family
• Make space for YOU in your home
• Have morning meetings with your family to discuss the to-dos of the day
• Schedule mini-breaks for yourself throughout the day and build in transitions from work to home life by taking a walk in the evenings.
• Stay connected with friends and family by thinking out ways outside of the box such as handwritten letters, social distance small gatherings (with masks), creating photobooks for parents and grandparents.
• SCHEDULE SEX with your partner

Elana Clark-Faler, LCSW, CSAT-S, CST, CGP

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

elana@recoveryhelpnow.com

Recovery Help Now, Inc.

7421 Beverly Blvd. Suite #2

Los Angeles, CA 90036

p  888.851.2666  |  f  323.951.1119

recoveryhelpnow.com

Follow her on Twitter @recoveryhelpnow

Find her on Facebook facebook.com/recoveryhelpnow

In this episode, Dr. Abdulla shares how she has grown her business by providing a top-notch customer experience and making her clients feel "right at home". She also talks about juggling family and business. 

Dr. Abdulla is my personal dentist and quite honestly, I feel she's one of the best. There are magazines that second my opinion. She's been featured on local television stations, Philadelphia Magazine, and other media outlets. 

She also shared some tips on oral care for us busy moms. 

1. If you haven't done this already, GET AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH! On lazy and exhausting days, an electric toothbrush gives your teeth a good cleaning with less effort.
2. Get an herbal tonic mouthwash. The one suggested in this episode can be found here.

My biggest takeaways from this episode:

• Dental Care is linked to our overall health  
• What ever business you want to start or grow, make sure that you give your client a top-notch customer experience. 
• Be passionate about your work

Rittenhouse Dental Group has three locations: 

RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
1801 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 545-8600

CITY LINE
2 Bala Plaza Location
333 E. City Ave, Suite IL 43
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Phone: (610) 664-6115

MAINLINE
711 W Lancaster Ave
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: (610) 520-9600

This Drive Like a Motha Podcast episode features Elaine G. Johnson, Founder of Latinas in Motion, host of the Mogul Mami Podcast, and creator of the Pray, Plan, Slay planner. This mother of 2 is a whole mood. She is innovative and takes action. In this episode, Elaine shares how her belief in her vision has lead to other doors opening such as sharing her vision for Latinas in Motion on stage at the Michelle Obama book tour in Philadelphia. 

In this episode, Elaine stresses the importance of creating a vision for your life and making it happen through prayer, planning, and execution. Here are Elaine’s top mom tips: 

1. Create a list of non-negotiables. These are the things that you must do no matter what- such as dinner with your family, morning meditation or prayer, etc.
2. Gratitude changes things! Be grateful for what you have because no matter your situation, it is probable that you have more than others. 
3. Make sure you have a tight village. Friends who support you, your family, and your dreams.
4. Get an accountability partner.

Follow Elaine G. Johnson on Instagram @Elaine_G_Johnson. Subscribe and tune in to the Mogul Mami Podcast on any and every podcast platform. 

You can buy the Pray, Plan, Slay planner here: https://www.amazon.com/Plan-Pray-Elaine-Gonzalez-Johnson/dp/1981927913

The Naked Manicure Gelie-Cure kit can be found here: 

https://www.zoya.com/content/category/Geliecure_System_Professional_Sets.html 

Kristen Feden is an award-winning lawyer based in Philadelphia. She is a wife and mother of two boys. On the Drive Like a Motha podcast, Kristen shared that she is a fighter for victims of violence and abuse. She is a protector by nature and will go the distance to ensure her clients feel that they are supported and protected. 

As a mother Kristen manages home and life by creating a support team. She keeps it all in the family by hiring her husband as her manager and asking her sisters for help when needed. Dissecting cases and preparing for the courtroom can sometimes be exhausting. Kristen blows off steam by running, spending time with family, and having fun singing karaoke with friends (including me!). She even has a karaoke machine and microphones in her home! Kristen is an advocate for women’s rights and is proud of the journey that led her to build and win the case against Bill Cosby. Kristen has won many awards including the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 under 40. She is an adjunct professor at Rosemont College and speaks around the country. Recently, Kristen joined the Saltz Mongeluzzi law firm. You can follow her online @kgfeden on Twitter and Instagram. She can also be reached at kgfeden@kgfeden.com. 

Highlights from this episode:

• Have high expectations of your children
• Be prepared for your opportunity to shine
• Stay true to yourself

**This episode was taped before the social distancing order of COVID 19 pandemic took place. Also, we had to stop recording and switch spaces in the middle of the episode, so you will hear a slight difference in the sound as you move through the interview.**

Leaving a job is never easy. It’s the expenses of benefits like life insurance, health care, built-in paid sick days, predictable work hours, and having a consistent paycheck that keeps many moms bound to their jobs. However, there comes a point for some of us where we have to make the decision to take the “leap of faith” and go into business for ourselves. How else will we ever know what our skills are really worth and what reaching our fullest potential actually looks like? 

Today I am joined by mompreneur LaJewel Harrison. This mother of two sat down to talk to me about how she transitioned from Executive Director of WES Health System to becoming the President of LGH Consulting- a company that assists other companies with program design, community engagement and revamping programs and services. 

LaJewel took us step by step on how to go from employee to entrepreneur. Here are some of her tips:

1. Say what you need out loud, this will open doors and allow others to help you.

2. Find your passion by volunteering first to see what you like

4. Make a plan

6. Have a female mentor and female mentees and peers who are where you are. 

7. Speak well of yourself; You are your best resource

8. Leave your job when your passion begins to take up all of your time.

If you are looking for a business consultant, LaJewel can be reached at lajewel@lghconsultingservices.com.

In this episode, we also mentioned Odyssey Capital Advisors, a financial company. If you want to learn more go to https://www.odysseyadvice.com/.   

In this Drive Like a Motha episode, Karen Peterkin-Lewis opens up about her journey from miscarriage to finding love. More specifically she talks about her grieving process after losing her son Ellis and not giving up on love.

Miscarriage is hard, unforgiving, confusing, and discouraging. Doctors are scientific, bosses are not empathic, and the world keeps moving. After having miscarriages in 2017 and 2018, I thought something was wrong with me. I grieved. I questioned my body. I felt alone. My friend Karen felt the same way even though she knew the support was there. Her son Ellis, was diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality called Trisomy 13*. It wasn't until she found the Mis Foundation, did she feel that she had support that had experienced her pain and grief. Losing Ellis was the hardest thing Karen had ever endured, but she left her heart open for love.

In this episode you will learn:
- The importance of getting the support you need
- The importance of communicating
- Resources for families who have experienced grief

*Trisomy 13- A third strand of DNA on the 13th chromosome.

https://missfoundation.org/

Becoming a mother is an evolutionary process. It is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of womanhood. This transition also comes with the challenges of hormonal changes, figuring out how to manage your new life, accepting your new body, and learning a new human. We aren’t given an instruction manual after delivery, but we can rely on the resources that are provided to us in this day in age and ask for help when needed. 

Our guest mom in this episode is Jabina Coleman. She is a mother of two, a board-certified lactation consultant, and therapist. In her line of work, she provides counseling and lactation support to mothers in hopes to help ease their transition into motherhood. Jabina shares how her motherhood journey created her passion for maternal health and wellness support. She has a wealth of knowledge that ranges from psychotherapy to resources for moms who are in food deserts. 

In this episode, Jabina mentions Kimberly Seals Allers, a breastfeeding advocate and author of a research report on the access to breastfeeding. Jabina also shared other resources such as the Maternal Wellness Village, located in Philadelphia, PA (also offers virtual support) and The Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, www.PMHAPOC.org. You can find a silicon breast pump online (the one mentioned in this episode is called a Haakaa) at stores like buybuy Baby, Target, or Amazon). Most importantly, if your baby blues are lasting longer than 3 weeks, reach out for help. Contact your doctor or therapist. If you do not have a therapist, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for a list of providers or contact Postpartum Support International at 1-800-944-4773.

Jabina offers these five tips for moms:

• Find your local resources- WIC, support groups
• Create a village- family, partner, friends
• Secure a therapist
• Trust yourself - you can do this!
• Trust the process- take it one week at a time

In this episode you will learn:

• When to seek help
• The types of postpartum mental disorders  
• Where to find resources 

Jabina Coleman can be reached at the @lactationtherapist on Instagram or you can visit her website at www.thelactationtherapist.com.

BONUS: Video from Standford on hand expressing milk:  https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/breastfeeding/hand-expressing-milk.html 

We are all on different journeys in life. Some of us want to be educators while others want to practice law. The point is that we are all on this journey to achieving our life long goals. This podcast was created to provide community so that none of us feel we are on the path alone. 

In this episode, Jania Daniels describes what it is like to be a restaurant owner and real estate agent and investor. What is most intriguing about this episode is how she and her husband turned a heavy family loss into purpose. 

By listening to this episode you will learn:

- What it takes to create a successful business
- How to get things done while mothering
- How to create actionable steps to achieving your goals

Follow @JaniaDaniels on Instagram
Rose Petals Cafe and Lounge is located in Jenkintown, PA. 

Please tune in weekly for more episodes.
#entrepreneurship #restaurantowners #realestate #investing #moms #mothers