The Kindred & Brave Project

I’m sharing something special with you all today. After 5 years I finally got the courage to write a eulogy for my mom. We never got to have a service and I was never able to honor her in this way; I’m sharing some of the stories that describe who she was as a person, a mother, colleague, and grandmother. My hope is that you can learn more about me by learning more about her - some might say we are two peas in a pod. This is also a testament that your grief journeys and rituals can look like whatever you want or need them to. If you never got to speak about your person the way you’d hoped you can use this as a practice for yourself. Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid and the universe has your back. With Gratitude, Mandy

I am honored to introduce you to today’s very special guest - my dear husband Andy Lundquist. Andy has spent 15 years as a high school educator focusing on social studies and religion, having taught in Washington, Indiana and Illinois. Following his masters in transformational leadership, Andy began his PhD in Bluey over a year ago alongside fellow student, our now four year old daughter Zoey. We talk about how the show Bluey has helped us on our parenting journey and how we can learn right along with our kids. Andy serves up insightful observations about some episodes from this lovable children’s show that remind us about how hard adult friendships can be to cultivate, how to be fully present with our kids, and releasing control over how things “should” go. Resources https://www.bluey.tv/ Season 1: Episode 6 // The Courageous Act of Grieving Season 1: Episode 7 // Finding Friends & Community in Mid(ish) Life With Gratitude, Mandy

Today’s conversation features Brie Overton, the clinical director for Experience Camps, an award-winning national nonprofit that transforms the lives of grieving children through summer camp programs and innovative, year-round initiatives. We dove into the ways that she was supported early in her grief journey and the class that changed how she thought about death and dying. Brie shares the impact of Experience Camps and talks about the many ways she helps kids and teens build a toolbox to cope with their grief. We bond over the openness in literature and language we share with our kiddos about grief and loss. Brie’s book, “My Grief Comfort Book” just hit the shelves and she discusses how a variety of activities, physical and emotional, are important to our grief journeys. “I know a lot of folks say I don’t want my kids to see me cry, but they need to see you cry. They need to know it’s ok to have these emotions.” Brie Overton Resources // Experience Camps My Grief Comfort Book Gentle Reminders With Gratitude, Mandy

This episode is all about grief. We need to understand that there are different types of grief and when we know more we can do better. Grief wasn’t meant to be done alone. I believe the first step in helping to build our grief literacy begins in our classrooms and is built on learning the language of grief. I’d love to hear from you all - I’ve created a short survey that asks about your experience with grief - whether you learned what it was, if you talked about it in your families or with your friends, and what, if any education you received about this every human, very common experience in your educational experience. It would mean so much to me if you took a few moments to share your responses and experiences. Resources // Please take the survey here With Gratitude, Mandy

Welcome to the Wellness Check. These are mini-episodes that serve as a quick reflective moment and opportunity for perspective. Today I’m talking about Hope and the power of finding it, being it, and spreading it. Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back. Resources Working Mom Notes // LA Wildfire Stuffed Animal Recovery List: A Community Effort to Bring Comfort to Children With Gratitude, Mandy

We did it! One full season of a podcast! I talk about what I’ve learned in another year around the sun (Capricorn, baby) and share some ideas for ending 2024 with intention. Think about an anchor word for the new year, something you can return to for guidance and inspiration. Ponder what you’re leaving behind in 2024 - what are you ready to let go of thinking, being, doing? I have really big ideas for next season - some monthly topics and themes, another series, dream guest pitches, and a peek into the brain of my Bluey loving husband (as he says, every life event has a Bluey episode that correlates). If you’ve enjoyed the journey, have a favorite episode or are just looking to support the show please take a moment and make sure you are following the podcast, then leave a written review - that helps others to find it! And sharing is caring - pass along your favorite episode on social media! Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back. I’ll talk with you in 2025! Resources // Work Your Light Oracle Cards With Gratitude, Mandy Jankus

“About a quarter of U.S. adults (23%) are now part of the so-called "sandwich generation," according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2021. These are a group of Americans who are caring for children under 18 and older relatives at the same time, providing hours of unpaid labor—from transportation and doctor visits, while also dealing with the demands of being a parent.” I’m sharing the story of how I learned about this term, how I’m navigating (fumbling through) it, & some lessons I’ve learned in the process. Your support is so important to me - please follow the podcast, share episodes, & leave a review. Resources: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2013/01/30/the-sandwich-generation/ https://www.apa.org/topics/families/sandwich-generation Donna Ashworth: Loss With Gratitude, Mandy-