Honestly, Alicia: Recent Episodes
Alicia
This is a space for conversations and stories that inspire and inform. We aren't afraid to be honest about the hard parts of our lives and our faith journeys, while simultaneously holding onto the hope that God wastes nothing. So, pop in your earbuds and be reminded you are not alone in this crazy world.
Join Alicia and her "new friend" Michelle for an honest and inspiring conversation about the power of friendship.
In This Episode We Cover:
- Taking the Initiative: Michelle shares insights on becoming a proactive friend-seeker rather than waiting for connections to come to you. Being a "there you are" person, instead of a "here I am" person.
- The True Meaning of Friendship: Michelle explores the concept that friendship is a title that is earned
- Overcoming Friendship Struggles: Get practical advice on handling recurring friendship issues and breaking patterns of unhealthy connections.
- The Trinity as a Relationship Model: Uncover how the concept of the Trinity can serve as a framework for strong, healthy relationships.
- What is Happening?!: Enjoy a lighthearted story as Michelle recounts a comical mishap involving wet stairs, heels, and a museum.
In This Episode We Cover:
Hear parts of Mark and Michelle's redemption story, and how a marriage ministry was birthed out of brokenness. Find out why Michelle spends many hours ironing sheets. Mark and Michelle explain what story work is, why it is important, and how lives can be transformed when you engage your story with compassion and bravery.
Helpful Links:
Find out more about Mark and Michelle's work-
https://thesoulreserve.com/
The Allender Center- Learn more about story work/narrative focused trauma care
https://theallendercenter.org/
Moms-
What you do matters.
How you live matters.
How you show up makes a difference.
Your work is valuable.
Honestly, Alicia
In this episode:
Krista DeYoung, a licensed, professional counselor, joins the podcast to unpack the complexities of parenting teenagers in today's world. We'll delve into:
- The Biggest Issue Facing Today's Teen? Krista shares her thoughts and what she sees repeatedly in her office.
- Emotional Triggers: Let's face it, teens can push our buttons! We'll explore common teen behaviors that trigger frustration and anger in parents, and equip you with strategies to manage your own emotions for more productive interactions.
- Phones: Friend or Foe? We can't ignore the all-encompassing presence of smartphones. What are the effects? How do we help teens be present?
- We Talk About Sex; and why this generation feels the need to label everything
- Remember, Parents are Human Too! Parenting and grandparenting is demanding, and sometimes it feels thankless. Krista reminds us that parents have feelings too and challenges us to look below the surface of our teens' emotions to see what is driving the behavior.
- Bonus! We explore so much more, including; defining family values and helping parents become more clear on rules vs. preferences.
Helpful Links:
https://setyourmindcounseling.com/ -Krista's private practice
https://www.girlabove.com/ -Girl Above challenges teen girl cutlure and its effects on depression, insecurity, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, and misplaced identity.
Krista's husband, John was on the podcast. Listen to his incredible story-https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/gmUxtjYREIb
Part 2 of John DeYoung's interview-https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/bdJWMiYREIb
In This Episode: In part 2 of this interview John goes deep. We discuss how dangerous influence can be when character isn't maturing along with the influence, how the input we absorb effects us, and why John views FOX news, and CNN daily. And, SO good.. we talk about access. (thank you Lysa TerKeurst for teaching this concept!) What access level are you giving people in your life? What access level are you giving the news? Social media? In addition, John shares about some early failures and why a golf metaphor convinced it was time to find a counselor. Hear how he really feels about therapy! And finally, another funny story of him biting it on the ice. But this time there is video proof.
Helpful Links:
For a laugh, and to see video of John slipping on the ice, go to- https://www.instagram.com/aliolynn/ OR
https://www.facebook.com/alicia.p.osborne.9
One of John's favorite leadership podcasts- https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/
Two websites to find politically neutral news-
https://join1440.com/
https://apnews.com/
Book; 6 Types of Working Genius- https://www.workinggenius.com/
In part 1 of this 2-part conversation, Alicia interviews her husband John. John has been working in the automotive industry for 26 years. In this conversation, he reflects on what he has learned while moving up in the industry slowly, one position at a time.
In this episode, we cover:
- Decision making
- Leaving a workplace or relationship with integrity
- Handling doubts and fears
- Lessons from his recent sabbatical
- Why he won't retire
Helpful Links:
- John's inspiration for taking a 12-hour walk. https://12hourwalk.com/
- John's favorite journal. https://www.leuchtturm1917.us/some-lines-a-day-the-5-year-memory-book.html
In this episode, Amy J. Brown shares about her parenting journey while navigating adoption's challenges. Amy is an author, a podcaster, and an adoptive mom. She shares how she made peace with the phrase, "special needs" mom and, how she and her friends wrote a book to encourage other moms. She brings us a practical exercise that has helped her move through mom guilt and grief, and finally, how she now mentors other moms who are handling unexpected parenting challenges. I also left in a personal interaction that she and I had at the end because she is mentoring me as well. Helpful Links:https://www.amyjbrown.com/ -Amy's website@amy.j.brown -Amy's Instagramhttps://takeheartspecialmoms.com/ -Take Heart website, find the book and the podcast
Mi Camino con Dios means, my journey with God. In part 2 of this conversation with Fabricio he shares about what it was like being an illegal immigrant, his dramatic "come to Jesus" moment, and how his life and perspective have changed through the years. In addition, he describes the work he and his wife are doing through Carballos International in Oaxaca, Mexico. And a wild story about how God really does work in mysterious ways!
Helpful Links:
https://carballointernational.com/ -Fabricio's Non-profit
Instagram-@carballointernational
Connect with Fabricio- carballofoundation@gmail.com
Mi camino con Dios means, my journey with God. In this episode, we hear part 1 of this 2-part interview. Fabricio shares about his upbringing in Mexico and how he migrated to the United States. Head's up, there here is no, "what is happening" segment on this episode because Fabricio's life is full of countless "what is happening" moments. Enjoy!
Helpful Links:
https://carballointernational.com/ -Fabricio's Non-profit
Instagram-@carballointernational
Connect with Fabricio- carballofoundation@gmail.com
In part 2 of this conversation, Karen and Alicia discuss race. Including their expectations early on in their adoption journeys, what they have learned from their children, and from listening to the voices of other people of color. Alicia shares about becoming more aware of her white privilege while attending her church. They wrap it up with Karen reflecting on her younger self and sharing wisdom for people who feel like their lives have gone off script. This is a conversation that you don't want to miss!
Helpful Links:
https://latashamorrison.com/book/ -Latasha Morrison, founder of Be the Bridge
https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/real-american - Book by Julie Lythcott-Haims, A personal narrative of growing up Black and biracial
https://uncomfortableconvos.com/ -Emmanuel Acho is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and the Host/Producer of "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man".
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673836/this-here-flesh-by-cole-arthur-riley/ -In her stunning debut, the creator of Black Liturgies weaves stories from three generations of her family alongside contemplative reflections to discover the “necessary rituals” that connect us with our belonging, dignity, and liberation.
In part one of this two-part interview, Karen shares parts of her story. Including her first encounter with acute grief after losing a child, the journey she has been on as a mother to 5, after losing her husband to cancer, and how she has become a compassionate guide for others after loss.
Helpful Links
Episode with Pastor Stephen-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gen-z-and-jesus-teaching-truth-in-a-post/id1657891362?i=1000620763198
Karen's Book-https://www.amazon.com/Over-Shoulder-Columbine-Survivors-Resilience/dp/1733651608
GriefShare is a grief recovery support group where you can find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. griefshare.org
This is the last episode in the education series, and we're finishing up with a conversation with one of the best in the business. With over 40 years of experience, Miki Kellerman, a.k.a., Mrs. K, shares her wisdom with us. She has taught K-8th grades in public and private settings and trained teachers at the university level. Currently, she is teaching at Anastasis Academy. (Hear more about the school from the founder on episodes 15 and 16) Miki's specialty is connecting with and educating kids who push other teacher's buttons. She was created to work with these kids and has spent her life mentoring and teaching them. With wit and humility Miki shares about her mean kindergarten teacher and how she knew by third grade that being a teacher was her calling. Except for the short period when she thought marrying John Wayne was her destiny. She talks about the pressure teachers face due to standardized testing, the importance of social and emotional learning, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on students and teachers. In addition, Miki tells some good stories about laminating lunch meats and wearing her husband's boxers to school.
Helpful Links:
Mrs. K. is dean of students here; https://www.anastasisacademy.com/
To see an actual photo of the laminated lunch meat; https://www.instagram.com/aliolynn/
In the second part of this discussion, Erin talks about modeling conflict resolution skills, giving the students a "thinking moment" where they think about what they are thinking about, and teaching them how to have difficult conversations with someone they disagree with. In addition, she shares candidly that there is literally not enough time in a week to accomplish all that is asked of her. And one more crazy story from teaching puberty education.
Helpful Links:
The Social Delimma Documentary-from the website, "Discover what’s hiding on the other side of your screen. We tweet, we like, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? This documentary-drama hybrid reveals how social media is reprogramming civilization with tech experts sounding the alarm on their own creations." https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/
Truth Over Tribe-from the website, "Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & PoliticsTired of the culture war? This is that podcast that’s too liberal for conservatives, too conservative for liberals. We seek to follow the lamb, not the donkey or elephant." https://choosetruthovertribe.com/
Truth Over Tribe Podcast, episode one-https://podcast.choosetruthovertribe.com/episodes/what-is-tribalism?hsLang=en
In part 1 of this 2-part interview, hear from Erin, teacher of the year in her local school district. Erin specializes in teaching 5th through 8th graders. Listen as Erin discusses the changes since COVID, how she and her teammates are meeting the students where they are currently, and helping to teach skills that were missed during the pandemic, academic as well as social/emotional skills. She also shares some fun stories from teaching puberty education!
In this episode, we hear from Heather, a kindergarten teacher from Oregon who has been in education for over 20 years. She shares the rewards and the challenges of teaching these little ones, especially the Covid Kinders. We discuss the changes she has observed in students and parents over the years, especially since 2020, and describes how she is teaching her students to tolerate being bored. In addition, she shares well-earned wisdom about finding a work/life balance. Share this one with teachers you know and parents. There are takeaways for all of us in this conversation. Oh, and we have been best friends forever!
Helpful Links:
Average screen time for teens and tweens, 2021-https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/research/report/2022-infographic-8-18-census-final-web_0.pdf
Sesame Street Opening Song, Season 1, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQSp92L88I
Sesame Street Promo for Season 53, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4Co-m5Ql14
In this post-covid culture, many students are showing up at school, socially and emotionally two years behind. How can educators help increase resilience, emotional agility, critical thinking and prepare students for success in life? What does success even look like? In the second part of my interview with Kelly Tenkely, she challenges us to ask the question, "is our education system valuing test scores above our kids?" Kelly reminds us that "learning is an abundant resource" and asks if we are preparing our kids to live outside the education system or if we are merely preparing them for the next stage of school. We discuss this and so much more, including cute stories about funny kids.
Helpful Links:
The school Kelly founded- https://www.anastasisacademy.com/
Kelly's personal website- https://www.ktsplace.com/
The learning genome project that Kelly created after listening to Pandora radio- https://www.thelearninggenomeproject.com/
Kelly's blog-https://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/
EDUCATION SERIES, EPISODE 1 of 5
Hear part one of this two part interview with Kelly Tenkley. Kelly is a former technology teacher and blogger who founded a school based on individualized education and inquiry.
Kelly began her career as a classroom teacher in the 2002/2003 school year. After a few difficult months she began to reconsider her career decision. Serendipitously, she was hired as a technology teacher and quickly became interested in using technology to enhance her students' learning. She started blogging about her experiences with technology integration, and her blog quickly became a popular resource for educators.
In 2011, Kelly founded Anastasis Academy, a private school that uses a personalized learning model. Anastasis is a kindergarten through 8th grade, innovative, non-denominational, Christian, micro-school school. Where experiential learning allows the students to explore the world through research and play.
Kelly is a strong advocate for personalized learning. She believes that all students learn differently, and that schools and classrooms can be designed to meet the needs of each individual learner. Kelly is a passionate educator who is committed to making a difference in the lives of students and creating an environment where students can love learning and be seen and known.
Helpful Links:
The school Kelly founded- https://www.anastasisacademy.com/
Kelly's personal website- https://www.ktsplace.com/
The learning genome project that Kelly created after listening to Pandora radio- https://www.thelearninggenomeproject.com/
Kelly's blog-https://dreamsofeducation.wordpress.com/
Alicia chats with Pastor Stephen, a vocalist and youth pastor who is passionate about teaching truth to Generation Z.
In this episode we cover:
- Stephen's upbringing in the church
- the lingering effects of Covid on the youth and their families
- the beauty of being involved in a multi-racial church
- Gen Z and post-Chrisitanity
- relationship versus religion
- how he takes care of himself by having a board of directors for his life
Helpful Links :
- Colorado Community Church- https://coloradocommunity.org/
Helpful Links:
VIVOBLU is a minority-founded, investor-backed water filtration company located in Denver, Colorado. Vivoblu Inc is using our uniquely designed, patent-pending water filtration solutions to provide access to clean, safe water for disaster relief, refugees in war-torn areas, and to some of the nearly 2 billion people who lack clean water. https://vivoblu.com/
MOMENTUM GLOBAL exists to develop sustainable solutions to end the cycle of poverty in India. https://momentum.global/
SHIFT AI is building a platform that will revolutionize the way we can mass-educate the world about sex trafficking and global exploitation. https://shiftai.org/
John DeYoung shares his amazing life story of being adopted from Korea as a 5 year old boy. The transition from living on the streets in Korea to life in a high achieving, structured family was not an easy one. After many ups and downs, and wrestling with God, John became a teacher and found himself back in Korea for work, steps away from his orphanage being prayed over by a famous Korean evangelist. Hear his reflections on this incredible journey in part one of this two part series.
Helpful Links:
MAP INTERNATIONAL provides medicines and health supplies to those in need so they can experience life to its fullest. https://www.map.org/
VIVOBLU is a minority-founded, investor-backed water filtration company located in Denver, Colorado. Vivoblu Inc is using our uniquely designed, patent-pending water filtration solutions to provide access to clean, safe water for disaster relief, refugees in war-torn areas, and to some of the nearly 2 billion people who lack clean water. https://vivoblu.com/
MOMENTUM GLOBAL exists to develop sustainable solutions to end the cycle of poverty in India. https://momentum.global/
SHIFT AI is building a platform that will revolutionize the way we can mass-educate the world about sex trafficking and global exploitation. https://shiftai.org/
Enjoy this interview with Monika Nielsen, she helps women breathe, one closet at a time. Monika is the founder of Your Style Rehabist. She started her company after realizing how many women experience angst and dread in their closet. As a first generation purger she's helped hundreds of women clear their closet and discover (or rediscover) their style. With compassion and absolutely no judgment, she helps women figure out who they are, how they want to show up and makes sure their wardrobe reflects that. Bonus, they get an organized closet by the time they're done! In this episode we discuss: her best tip for dressing the body you have today one simple step you can take today to feel more organized "is it me or the jeans?" why sizing is a joke what to do with clothing that we don't wear anymore but we feel emotionally attached to decision fatigue; what it is and why having too many choices is exhausting why we move so quickly to self-loathing and body shaming when clothes don't fit usHelpful Links Email: monika@yourstylerehabist.com Website: www.YourStyleRehabist.com Instagram: www.Instagram.com/monikanielsenYSR Facebook: www.facebook.com/monikanielsen Poshmark: resale clothes- https://www.poshmark.com Thred Up: resale clothes- https://www.thredup.com Dress for Success: donation sites for used clothes- https://www.dressforsuccess.org Good On You: search for ethically made clothing- https://www.goodonyou.eco Ethical Consumer: find ethical brands- https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Angie is the country director of Espwa Means Hope, an organization that does humanitarian work in Haiti. I am honored to have the opportunity to share parts of her story.
In this episode we cover:
- 1 minute crash course in Haitian history
- Why Angie was drawn to Haiti
- What the mission of Espwa Means Hope
- Success stories and how lives are being changed
- Angie's run in with a gigantic cockroach
Helpful Links:
- https://www.facebook.com/angela.maldonado.50
- https://www.instagram.com/angie5timoun/
- https://www.instagram.com/espwameanshope/
- https://www.facebook.com/espwameanshope
- for more information about women being detained and imprisoned after giving birth. https://mamababyhaiti.org/our-stories/
Hear portions of Alicia's journey as an adoptive mom and three useful concepts she learned in over a decade of counseling
In this episode we cover:
- parts of Alicia's adoption journey
- her realization after 10 years of counseling
- resilient and vulnerable nervous systems
- the "window of tolerance"
- fight, flight, freeze, fawn and flipping your lid
- practical applications
- funny stories about kids doing crazy things
Helpful Links:
Nervous System- https://healyournervoussystem.com/top-10-signs-of-a-dysregulated-nervous-system/
Adverse Childhood Experiences Quiz- https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/
Window of Tolerance and Flipping Your Lid, Dan Siegel- https://drdansiegel.com/
For more from Robyn Gobbel about the watchdog, the possum and the owl brain- https://robyngobbel.com/
Here is part two of Alicia's conversation with Andrew. If you missed part one you'll want to go back and listen. But here is a quick recap. Andrew was married for nearly nine years, he and his wife had one young son. After a significant struggle with mental health, Andrew's wife died by suicide in 2022.
In this conversation hear about; Andrew working to be aware of how his own emotional state was effecting his son's, how he learned to differentiate from his wife's emotions so he could stay healthy, being open about her struggle when she was alive and how asking for help brings the risk of unsolicited advice, in addition, hear wisdom for those who are supporting loved ones with mental and emotional struggles. Also, hear about Andrew's new relationship.
Enjoy a funny story in the "what is happening?!" segment. Hear Alicia's son, Jacob tell about a time he wore handcuffs to tutoring. If you have a strong willed child you will understand why Alicia did not just ask him to take the handcuffs off. If not, consider yourself blessed and don't judge.
Episode references:
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call 988
Differentiation: Differentiation of self is a psychological state of being in which someone is able to maintain their sense of self, identity, thoughts, and emotions when emotionally or physically close with others, particularly within intense or intimate relationships. https://www.choosingtherapy.com
For more information about differentiation and healthy boundaries- https://www.dralisoncook.com/healthy-boundaries-in-marriage/
Nectar Tutoring, https://www.yourbrainonlybetter.com
Listen to Andrew's story of perseverance after the tragic death of his young wife. Be inspired by his intentionality as he describes how he moved through grief, kept steadily looking to the future, and paused to find beauty in the present. All this while parenting his preschool son, Michael.
In this episode we discuss:
- mental health and suicide
- the metaphor of the "grief pool"
- differentiation and self-care; how they strengthened Andrew's resilience
- holding the tension between darkness and beauty
- how sharing your story can impact others
- another chicken story to make you laugh
Connect with Andrew:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-behrens-b3b24898/
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.behrens
Helpful Links:
https://curtthompsonmd.com/
https://www.beingknownpodcast.com/
- If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call: 988
Kimberly Britt works at the intersection of mental health and Christianity. For much of her life she struggled to fit in and felt unqualified for God to use her, however she is uniquely equipped to lead. Be inspired by her story of authenticity and resilience. For more information about her organization, visit myquietcave.com
Here is the second part of Alicia's interview with Grace and Noah. From bosses to boyfriends, relationships can be beautiful and messy. So can the highways around LA...Grace shares about her wild encounter with a mattress shortly after moving to CA.
Part 1 of the conversation with young adults who were training for a career in the arts in New York city when Covid hit. These are Alicia's two oldest children, hear them share what those days in March 2020 were like. In addition, they discuss topics like: how to trust God when he closes doors, is self deprication actually another form of pride? What does it mean to seek wise council and why it could be beneficial. How our prayer life can be a reflection of where we are at spiritually, and purposefully looking for how God has brought beauty from ashes during difficult circumstances.Resources mentioned in this episode:https://www.missionbible.org/Connect with us on our socials:https://www.instagram.com/aliolynn/https://www.instagram.com/_grace_osborne/https://www.tiktok.com/@noahozzy
Tired from the most wonderful time of the year? Need some validation for all the hard work you put in these last few weeks? You are not alone. Listen in for some acknowledgement of all that hard work and an invitation to breathe. Take a few minutes to reflect on last year and some ideas for making small changes that could create growth and healing in the new year. Also, hear a funny story about Alicia cheering on her black son at a predominantly white school event and why you should just buy the button.
Get a feel for the format of the show and hear portions of Alicia's story. We cover quite a few topics with thought provoking questions. Topics like, adoption, expectations for when and how God will answer our prayers, self-care versus self-sacrifice, forgetting to pick up a kid from school and going to the wrong doctors office. As well as, how to be honest about our short comings and still be kind to ourselves, trauma-versarys and flinging a dead chicken.