Munch and Mingle

I love when Munch & Mingle gets to work its way through a family tree! Today I sit down with the sister in law of a past guest (Alyssa Mecham - The S Word).
Corinne Mecham and I have never met in person until this episode, all I had heard about her was how awesome she was as a sister in law, a mother of 3 and she delivered all 3 naturally.
I became intrigued and interested, especially with my past two birthing experiences, so I had some questions for Corinne.
While we definitely talk about her experiences, what I wasn't expecting was how open and knowledgeable Corinne was in her answers and how she didn't make me feel like that was only one option to child birthing, but how ultimately to change my view on birthing as a whole!
It's an INCREDIBLE episode for anyone who is wanting to have kids, pregnant or even has had kids already, because it's not just about birth, it's about moving forward in all things without fear!
I can't wait for you to meet and love Corinne as much as I do!

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Corinne's Insta: @corinnemecham

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

I can't wait for you to meet Blondie (yes, it's one of those friends again with the nicknames ;)  ) and hear her story. What I love so much about this episode is going through her timeline, because it's filled with so many redirecting. I think sometimes we think there is only 1 path to get to the 1 destination we want, but Blondie just reminded me of how redirecting is truly what can bring some of the most fulfilling and rewarding moments of growth in our lives.
I hope as you listen, you can look for some redirecting times in your own life, whether in the past, right now or yet to come, but whenever, I hope this inspires you to welcome them and whatever is on the other side of them.
Blondie also talks a lot about how she is still finding purpose in her own life as a SAHM but also in how becoming a Mom has made her feel even more full, which seems to be the opposite if you ask "the world" about becoming a Mom.
You are definitely in for a treat!

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Mikel's pages:
@thebackdropshop_utah
@learnandearnwithkel

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

And here we are again on the roller coaster ride that is through McKenna's head.
Today I will be talking and catching you up on all things that have been going on during my 1st trimester of this 3rd pregnancy, a quick little pep talk on preparing for the Holiday Season and lastly, a topic that I heard this last week referring to the "Gray Area" and just what I think about that.
And don't forget to check out this episode's sponsor, BetterHelp, and click this link for 10% off your first month of Therapy!
https://betterhelp.com/munchandmingle

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Hannah and I recorded this episode in the middle of the summer, right after we had attended Girls Camp.

I'm so excited for you all to listen and to meet Hannah. She is one of the girls that everyone needs in their arsenal of confidants. 

Hannah talks about her time playing BYU rugby, meeting her husband, a very powerful lesson she learned (and teaches us) about the Savior and His Atonement and finally our whirlwind of a ride at Girls Camp and how everything in life truly happens for a reason.

While we do jump around in this episode, quite a bit, I promise you will want to listen to the very end!

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

And just like that, it's Fall and our Social Media Detox is over!
I wasn't originally going to post today, but didn't want to miss a time to remember what today is and what happened.
I share a bit of the exciting news we have in our family at the moment and how this year's detox went!
Don't forget to let me know how your summer went and also be sure to check out our sponsor, BetterHelp!

Sign up and meet your therapist TODAY! 10% off your First Month!
https://betterhelp.com/munchandmingle

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Happy 1 year, Munch and Mingle!

And what better way to celebrate then with a full on fan-girl moment! The one, the only, Julianne Donaldson!

Julianne Donaldson is an award-winning author whose books have been published in over a dozen different languages. Her books, Edenbrooke and Blackmoore are definite must reads!

Edenbrooke won awards for 2012 Best Novel by a New Author—Whitney Awards, 2012 Best Romance Novel — Whitney Award and was 2012 Book of the Year Award Finalist — Foreword Magazine

Blackmoore was the Winner for, 2013 Best Romance Novel—Whitney Award, Winner, 2013 Best Novel—Whitney Award, and 2013 Best Romance Novel Finalist — Foreword Magazine

She loves to create magical experiences for others through storytelling and hosting unique events. She lives with her five children in Utah, where she marvels at the beauty of the mountains in every season. She is currently represented by Lane Heymont of The Tobias Agency.

This was truly such an honor and pleasure to interview Julianne and I hope y'all enjoy getting to know the behind the scenes of her writing journey and where she is now, it's incredible!

Spoiler Alert : 16:50 - 33:50 : Julianne and I go over the story plot and characters, if you haven’t read the books it could spoil some of the elements of the book for you, so this is your warning sign (;

If you'd like to purchase any of Julianne's books or connect with her, you can visit her website here:
https://www.juliannedonaldson.com/

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

It's McKenna, checking in on your summer, your detox, your everything!

In this episode, I give one last shot at pushing a social media detox for yourself, an update from last year's Service Project and a little pre-party before next week's episode, where Munch and Mingle turns 1!

Reminder: No new episodes in August so you have the whole month to catch up on any missed or favorite episodes from the past year! (:

H.A.G.S

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Past Episodes Mentioned:

First Episode Ever! 
Introduction Episode - July 31, 2022

Kiana's Episodes: 
Hair Girls - Kiana + Pancakes - Oct 18, 2022
If it Happens, It Happens - Kiana + Body Armor

September's Episode: 
The NICU - September + Trader Joe Pretzels - Sept 23, 2022

Service Project Episode: 
Service Project Deets - Dec 14, 2022

Detox Prep Episodes:
Social Media Detox + Homemade Cornbread - Sept. 8, 2022
The Detox - Round 2 : Protein Yogurt - May 29, 2023

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

American's favorite Stake President is back!

David and I go head first on the topics we've both been feeling recently that need to be addressed.

Mortality.
Getting back to the "spiritual" basics.
Revelation.
Navigating truth.

This conversation spoke to my heart so much and I know it will yours too!

Wanna catch up on David's last episode, where we go over his background and life?
Episode: I Can't Wait to See What Happens Next - October 6th, 2022

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

I cannot wait for yall to hear this episode!

What was just a normal drive through Midway, like Britt and I always do, ended with me seeing a sign I never noticed before to not having one of the most coolest interviews with some of the coolest people.

Cascade Academy is a residential treatment center that specializes in treating anxiety in teenage girls during some of their most critical years, between the ages of 13 and 18.

This interview will be one that I never forget and that's thanks to the whole Cascade Academy Team but especially to Caleb (one of the Founders), LeaKae (Director of Admissions) and Bekah (CEO, Clinical Mental Health Counselor) who I sit down with today.

We talk about how Cascade Academy was started, how it looks like and then also a little bit of what the girls go through and how they are helped.

This can be a very touchy subject, but one thing I hope you get from this interview is that there always is a way. If you are suffering with anything debilitating in your life, just know there are so many resources.

If you or anyone you know is a teenage girl who struggles with crippling anxiety, definitely check out Cascade Academy or even if you would like to support their efforts be sure to go to:
https://cascadeacademy.com/

Maybe you are suffereing with Anxiety, OCD, Depression but you arent an adolescent any more, something that I loved in this episode is the message that, if you think there is something wrong, there's no harm in getting it checked out.

Research therapists in your area use DOPL, the state of Utah's website that verifies individuals with occupational or professional  licenses.
https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

You can even check out online services such as Betterhelp, which is an entire website with real, licensed therapists who connect with you all online vs. in office.
https://www.betterhelp.com/

Above all, just know this world is a better place with you in it, I too have my own issues with anxiety, specifically 'Mom Anxiety' and if there's one thing I got from this episode, it's okay to admit that and it's okay to admit I need help with that. Not only to help myself but to help my family.

We're in this together, y'all!

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

The S word... trust me, it's not what you are thinking!

This is an episode that I guarantee you will want to listen the whole way through!

Frizz (not her given name (; ) walks me through her current life and how she is truly blooming where she is planted.
Are you in a current situation or season that you are just wanting to get to the end of, then settle in because this episode will take you through all the emotions but what I love most is how Frizz really is able to remind us all that sometimes we have to sit in the season we are in and trust the Gardner, a.k.a God. We need to trust Him in His timing, rather than ours.

This episode is so near and dear to my heart, especially at this time and I'm just so thankful for Frizz being so open and real on this episode, be sure to share this episode with anyone else who is going through a hard season in their lives, so that they know they are not alone.

Links:

Bucked Up Promo Code: Britthogan87 (10% off code)
https://bckd.co/XwgiVeT
https://bckd.co/T3R5sIf (Free Sample!)

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

The Challenge of all Challenges is HERE!!!! (: 
The Detox Challenge!... specifically the Social Media Detox Challenge!

The Detox is 100 days total: May 30th- Sept 7th!

This is carrying on from my 1st time doing this challenge last year and loving the benefits and experiences I had last year, that I had to do it again! 

But maybe you don't want/need to detox from Social Media, but something else? Then come along with whatever it is you are wanting to take a break from and let's get it!

And what better time to do it then the Summer?

I promise the benefits of being off social media (or anything else for that matter) for an extended amount of time FAR OUTWEIGH the reasons for staying with it.

I've included some tips this episode to help you make this as smooth as a transition as possible! I'm so excited for you to have the best summer! And even if you're seeing this episode after summer, you will never regret a detox in my humble opinion.

So do it! Start now! And imagine where you'll be and how you'll be on the other side!

Original Social Media Detox Challenge Episode: Sept 8, 2022

Bucked Up Promo Code: Britthogan87 (10% off code)
https://bckd.co/XwgiVeT
https://bckd.co/T3R5sIf (Free Sample!)


Ashley Heatherington explanation of friends: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtr3VtjHDIM    (Time Stamp: 2:46)

Ashley Hughes Protein Yogurt video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwX2rOO6XSw   (Time Stamp: 16:54)

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Welcome back to McKenna's Head.

Had a bit of swirling thoughts in my head, which always leads me to another TIMH episode. And honestly, I hope you love it as much as I do, it's a bit therapeutic! (;

Today's thoughts include: My REAL relationship with food, how I'm learning to choose what really is the best thing for quality of my personal life, marriage and family (and just how much I am like Martha in the scriptures) and lastly, what mortality is really made up to be and reminding myself, I wanted this life, good and bad.

Hoping there might be a little gold nugget y'all can pull away from one of these thoughts for yourself, but if not, as always thanks for listening and being here in this space! I love having you here!

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Surprise! He's back! Mr. Munch & Mingle! And he's graduated! In none other than Exercise Science/Wellness so I pick Britt's brain on what is such a hot topic right now.
To give you a hint, it's pretty simple, but that's the beauty of this life, isn't it?

We tackle on 4 different Blocks that we feel make up "good health" Britton is so passionate about this topic and I can't wait for you to hear it!

As always, we don't know your specific health diagnosis, so just know we are speaking in a very general way, so before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle or diet,  you should always check with your specific doctor or health professional!

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Is anybody else feeling that shifting or stirring happening around them? Just me?
I have to think someone else is feeling this. 
Something is calling us all to be a little less 'earthly' and a little more 'heavenly'. To not be mean, but to be kind.
This was a topic I studied in my scriptures last week and felt very moved to share what I learned. What I thought was super cool is a lot of this episode was brought about, line upon line and I walked away receiving more then I had even started with!
I know the same will happen with you, anything that you bring to the Lord, He is going to help you understand it, in time. The least we could do is remember why we are here in the first place and follow in our Savior's footsteps and to be kind to those around us.

Upcoming Summer Schedule:
May 29th: Beginning of Social Media Detox Challenge
June/July: 1 episode every other week 
August: M&M Summer Break ( No new episodes )

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Trust me when I say, Linda is much more then just the Avon Lady! Come with me as we sit down with who is affectionately known in our house as, Grandmommy. 
The great-grandma to my boys, but also someone I'm so thankful I'm blessed to have in my life.
We go through Grandmommy's timeline of starting at Avon and the ripe age of 47 and working all the way up and through the executive chain for almost 15 years.
This is a great listen to for anyone who is currently feeling pressured on deciding to stay at home or to go to work.
I think Grandmommy gives the perfect antidote to fix that problem!

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Mikell is back! And I'm so happy she is! I had seen on one of Mikell's instagram stories that a recent change had happened in her life: She started homeschooling.

Mikell will tell you that she was the last person that would ever think about homeschooling her kids. What I think is most amazing about this episode is how it really was, bit by bit, that Mikell's mind was opened to homeschool and how she now says her life has not only flipped right side up but her mental health has improved!

I promise, whether you are thinking about homeschool or not at all, you need to hear Mikell's take on this!

Past episodes: Mikell (#14: Placental Abruption)

Past Homeschooling Episodes: (#9 - Called to Homeschool, #10 - She’s Homeschooled and She’s Normal)
Mikell's Instagram: @mikellcolohan

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

This is an episode that every parent needs to hear for sure, but after listening through it multiple times (because yes, it's just that good) everyone needs to hear it!

I talk with Alliesha today who is the owner of the Aquatics Academy, a swim school in South Jordan, Utah. Alliesha goes through how water has played a big part in her life, how her and her husband turned an old rec center into what is now known as The Academy/Aquatics Academy and how the very program she and her staff teach to kids, is the very thing that saved her own son's life.

*Warning - During this episode, Alliesha explains two stories of children who found themselves in water without adult help, but were able to survive, thanks to Alliesha's method of survival float. This is a very raw and emotional part of the episode and can be very triggering to anyone who has lost a loved one to drowning. If you would like to skip through this, it begins at 28:32 - 32:28.
If you can, I highly suggest listening through these stories as it does bring an awareness and urgency on the issue of helping kids learn to survival float/swim as soon as possible!*

I'm so grateful to Alliesha for coming on and all she and her team is continuing to do to help so many families, including ours!

Instagram: @aquatics.academy


If you would like to see the statistics on drowning that Alliesha mentioned in this episode, you can view those here:
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

We've made it to Sunday! Easter Sunday! I'm so grateful to have had y'all along for the ride this week and just pray that you feel God's Spirit today ( and always) and rejoice in the fact that we have a Savior and He is Risen!

Passion Week Devotional:
https://www.thismotherhen.com/adult-passion-week-devotional/p/2022

Scriptures mentioned: 
Luke 24: 1-9, John 20: 11-23, 3 Nephi 11: 3-10, 14-15

Music included in this episode:
Mark Magnuson - Easter Morning (Instrumental Music Acoustic Guitar) : 'I Know That My Redeemer Lives', 'How Great Thou Art', 'Be Still My Soul'

Cain - Rise Up : 'The Commission'

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Hi Ya, Saturday! The day that isn't talked about too much, and too often skipped over, trust me when I say, you don't want to skip this day or this episode!

Come along with me as I study a 7-day devotional I found online, put together by Heidi Anderson (This Mother Hen) based on Passion Week, the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
I will be posting an episode every day this week, as I go along Heidi's devotional, leading up to Easter!  
From what I can already tell, this is going to be a week I never forget and I hope for you as well!

If you would like to follow along, more in depth, you can purchase the 30 page, weeklong devotional from Heidi here: 

https://www.thismotherhen.com/adult-passion-week-devotional/p/2022

Instagram: @thismotherhen

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com

Good Friday. This episode might be my favorite so far, because it opened up my own heart and mind the most!

Come along with me as I study a 7-day devotional I found online, put together by Heidi Anderson (This Mother Hen) based on Passion Week, the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
I will be posting an episode every day this week, as I go along Heidi's devotional, leading up to Easter!  
From what I can already tell, this is going to be a week I never forget and I hope for you as well!

If you would like to follow along, more in depth, you can purchase the 30 page, weeklong devotional from Heidi here: 

https://www.thismotherhen.com/adult-passion-week-devotional/p/2022

Instagram: @thismotherhen

Insta: @munchandminglepodcast

E-mail: munchandminglepodcast@gmail.com