Thank You, Mama: Recent Episodes
Ana Tajder
Our mothers’ lessons are an immense treasure, which so many of us never articulate. This podcast does just that: award-winning author and journalist Ana Tajder talks to women of different backgrounds, nationalities, ages, and professions about the most valuable lessons they learned from their mothers. This weekly trip around the world allows the colourful experiences and wisdom of global mothers to inspire, motivate, and maybe teach the listeners a lesson or two.
A published poet, author of “Novice”, and mom, Nida Sophrasarun talks about how her poetry is influenced by her family on two ends: on one end, it was her family’s inability to communicate emotions that lead her to finding her voice in poetry. On the other end, the birth of her son lead her to finding herself again through writing. Nida talks about her Thai mom Kobkua, “a tiger”, as Nida describes her, from whom Nida learned important lessons, in spite of their challenging relationship. Nida talks about showing love and connecting through food; about the solace of mysticism; about finding her unique voice; and understanding what really belongs to us - and what is just an illusion. Nida also read her poem "Starling" for us.
To order Nida's book of poems "Novice", go here.
You can read Nida's beautiful poem Violent Femmes here.
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To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Widely known as the “Mother of Mindfulness”, Dr. Ellen Langer is a foundational figure in the study of mindfulness outside of meditation traditions. Dr. Langer is the first woman to ever receive tenure in psychology at Harvard, where she has researched, in her own lab, mindfulness for over 40 years. Dr. Langer has published well over 200 research articles and 13 best-selling books, (“Mindfulness”, “The Mindful Body”, “The Art of Noticing”, “Counter Clockwise”, and “The Power of Mindful Learning”) in which she has written on the illusion of control, aging, stress, decision-making, and health without meditation. In our interview, Dr. Langer talks about these topics, and also shares lessons she has learned from her American mom Sylvia.
To learn more about Dr. Langer, visit her website here.
To order her latest book, visit here.
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To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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A mother, a US Marine Corps combat veteran and a Navy psychologist, Dr. Julienne Shin, talks about lessons she learned through her difficult relationship with her Filipino mom Corazon. We learn about the impact of a mother's relationships with her child at a young age, about not holding on to your parents’ pain; and about the importance of emotional intelligence. Julienne also shares some amazing things she learned through writing her dissertation about mothers in combat.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Authors of “What To Do When I’m Gone” and “What to Do When You Get Dumped”, a mother-daughter team, share their mothers’ lessons. Suzy Hopkins is a former newspaper reporter and magazine publisher. Her daughter Hallie Bateman is a freelance writer and illustrator based in Los Angeles whose work has been published by The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Awl and others. Suzy talks about her mother, a soft-spoken librarian, and mother of six, who suffered domestic abuse and managed to leave the marriage after 30 years - only after she found out her husband had a mistress. We learn about leaving the moment somebody lifts a hand to you; about asking for help; talking about elephants in the room; and knowing what you have the right to expect from a relationship. While Suzy learned what not to follow, Hallie learned from Suzy’s example: how important it is to talk about everything; the power of unconditional love; and turning the sense of discovery and question-asking into art. Suzy also talks about recovering from grief after her husband or 30 years surprisingly asked for a divorce, a process which took four years, during which she wrote highly inspiring and comforting “What to do When You Get Dumped”.
To learn more about Suzy, follow her on Instagram here.
To learn more about Hallie, visit her website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Project Associate at UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and co-founder of Diaspora Creatives, Audrey Kodjo tells us about her mom Lucy, who, in spite of having the status of a queen in Benin, had to master many obstacles both in her childhood and adulthood – from being a foster child to facing marital challenges. We learn about Benin, and what it means to be a queen there, but we also learn many life-lessons about teaching your children values and strong roots; why women are the backbone of a family; the eternal split between family and your dreams; the power of spirituality; and why it’s important to take risks.
To learn more about Diaspora Creatives, visit their website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Psychodynamic psychotherapist, Alejandra Wild Proano, talks about her Ecuadorian mom Desiree, and shares her inspiring story. Desiree went from the first female guide through the Amazon to finding herself widowed, with two small children, a foreigner in the US. Not giving up, she took classes and became a licensed psychotherapist. We learn many wonderful lessons from Desiree: to follow your path and never give up; to see the invisible - the spiritual, energetic, magical side of our existence; to protect our relationships by cherishing what’s important and letting go of small things; and to not see things in black and white. Alejandra and I also talk about many different phases in a woman’s life, and about allowing our mothers – and ourselves - to be different things at different times.
To learn more about Alejandra, please visit her website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Dr. Briana Chen is a postdoctoral neuroscientist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she researches sex differences in stress resistance and psychiatric disorders. Briana is particularly interested in developing sex-specific treatments for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. She won numerous awards for her scientific work and was included in Forbes 2023 list of 30 under 30. Briana shares her Chinese mom May's lessons on the value of education, continuous learning, and curiosity about the world; about how important it is to question things and to always try understanding the “why” – as Briana explained, this helps her to find motivation for her scientific work and for pursuing grants and awards for her research. Finally, we learn about giving back – for Briana, it meant using her research to support those who are often overseen by the scientific and medical establishment – in her case, women.
To learn more about Briana and her work, please visit her website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Career and leadership coach based in Paris but originally from New York, Zeva Bellel, talks about her mom Karen, an artist from Brooklyn. Karen teaches us about becoming interesting people by following our curiosity; not getting hooked on a specific goal because it seemed right and good to others but thinking about choices that would expand our perspective and personality; building a healthy relationship with money; and recognizing what we want, and knowing that we deserve it. Zeva also talks about coaching and why it offers help our friends and family cannot provide. She also talks about always knowing she wanted to live and Paris and making the big move - which made her dreams come true.
To learn more about Zeva and her work, please visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Founder of “Carrie’s Touch”, a non-profit supporting Black women during their breast cancer battles, Tammie Denyse, talks about her mom Carrie, whom she lost at the tender age of 11 to domestic violence. Tammie shares Carrie’s lessons on unconditional love, faith, and the power to say no, and to leave painful relationships. Tammie also talks about her own experiences which turned her into a survivor. We’re learning from her not only about surviving life’s biggest challenges, and the incredible strength we carry inside, but also about the power of forgiveness, about faith, community, and the importance of supporting others.
To learn more about Tammie and "Carrie's Touch", please visit their website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Grief specialist and psychotherapist with multiple degrees in psychology, psychotherapy, and international healthcare, public policy, and economics, Adina Belloli is also the founder of the international charity “In-Visible” (which served 1.7 mio meals to children in the Philippines), founder of the “Motherless Mothers” community, and host of “Motherhood Beyond Books” podcast. Adina tells us the incredible story of her American mom Marilyn who did the impossible to be able to marry the love of her life, but was tragically killed in a car accident by a drunk driver when Adina was only six months old. Marylin was such an exceptional person, that even in her absence, she taught Adina some of life’s most important lessons. Adina talks about bravery, which can help us achieve the impossible; about being aware of the impermanence of life and thus living with intention, gratitude and appreciation; about the power of the full spectrum of emotions; and about loving fiercely, and intentionally communicating our love.
To learn more about Adina and her work, please visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Reinvention coach, author of "Uncaged" and "A Great Move", speaker, and meditation teacher, Katia Vlachos was - before her own reinvention - a security and defense analyst. Katia talks about exiting the “good girl” mode, which often functions as a cage, about reinventing ourselves, especially if we feel stuck, and about self-mothering. She shares her Greek mother Natasha’s lessons on nurturing others (but she warns this can lead to self-sacrifice); resilience and discipline; and self-validation – which, as she explains, doesn’t necessarily equate with self-love.
To learn more about Katia, her coaching and her books, please visit her wesbite here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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New York Times and USA Today-bestselling and award-winning children's writer, Jennifer L. Holm, is known for “Our Only May Amelia” (a book inspired by her a great aunt’s diary), “Penny From Heaven”, and “Turtle in Paradise”. Jennifer collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on several graphic novel series including the “Babymouse” series, which has sold over 3.2 million copies and won the Eisner Award, the “Sunny” series, which is a NY Times-bestseller, and finally, the “Squish” series, which was turned into an animated series and aired on HBO MAX. Her latest novel, “The Lion of Mars” is a USA Today - bestseller. Jennifer talks about her American mom Penny who raised five children and worked as a nurse. From Penny, we learn about creating your own family rituals, family history, and teaching girls they are equal to boys. Jennifer is also sharing how she became a children’s book author and what she learned from writing for children. One of her lessons: we don’t do our kids any favors by shielding them.
To learn more about Jennifer and her books, please visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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In this Christmas special, you host Ana Tajder talks with her son Kai about Christmas and lessons he learned from her. To his mom’s surprise, Kai (10) talks about some deep lessons that are actually good to remember around this festive time of the year: to be grateful for basic things in life such as health, home, warmth and food; to not wish time away expecting something better to come your way; to be present (and sometimes to just do nothing); and that things are often better than they seem. And with these beautiful lessons, Kai and I are wishing you Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Visual artist and choreographer from Croatia, Nina Kurtela, talks about working in Ana’s mom Jagoda Kaloper’s art studio, researching her creative legacy, and learning from her. As Jagoda’s lessons, Nina shared being diversified and not defining yourself as just one thing/profession/position; surrounding yourself with people and bringing them together; and being persistent and not giving up on yourself, even after longer breaks, or during the struggles of midlife. Nina also talked about her mom, from whom she learned the same lesson - do not give up on yourself - but from a different angle.
To learn more about Nina, and see the archive of Jagoda Kaloper's creative work, please visit Nina's art collective's website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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I'm respoting this episode form 2021 becuase it inspires us to stay positive and happy despite challenging times - a message we need right now. Munira Premji, HR Expert and author of “Choosing Hope: One Woman. Three Cancers” is one of the happiest and most inspiring people I have ever met. Allow her to shine some joy at you while she talks about her beautiful Tanzanian mom Zerakhanu. Munira shares Zera’s inspiring lessons on gracefully accepting what is; loving life; curiosity and continuous learning; not letting difficulties in life affect you; and - exercise. Brimming with optimism and hope, Munira also shares important lessons she learned through her battle with three advanced cancers: breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. Three years after our conversation, Munira continues to share light and inspiration through her beautiful work.
To learn more about Munira, her book, and her work, please visit her website here.
Or find her on Instagram here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Psychiatrist, coach working with immigrant women, and the Executive Director at Minnesota Department of Human Services, Dr. Soniya Hirachan, talks about her Nepalese mother Asha (meaning “hope” in Nepalese) who grew up in a remote village in the mountains of the Himalayas. Every summer, mama Asha walked for a whole week to reach the nearest city where she helped her father sell the produce from their farm. Later in life, Asha built a profitable restaurant business and sent her children to the best schools in Nepal, India and the US. Asha teaches us about beating the odds, creating new opportunities for the next generations, resilience, hope, humbleness, independence, and accepting that it’s ok to be different.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Rhiana Spring is an award-winning international human rights expert and entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Spring ACT, which launched "Sophia" - the world's first chatbot empowering survivors of domestic violence. She tells us about her work using modern technology to support human rights across the globe. Rhiana also talks about her Welsh mother Lorraine, a nurse and acupuncturist, who left home at 16, traveled the whole world, moved 51 times, raised two children, wrote books, and touched many people’s hearts. From Lorraine, we learn how unconditional support and love can give wings and power; to be our authentic selves; that life is an adventure; and that we can simultaneously be open, warm and nurturing - and strong. Rhiana also spoke about why we should be teaching self-love to our children.
To learn more about Rhiana and her fascinating work, please visit the Spring ACT website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Singer, musician and writer, Orenda Fink is famous for being one half of the duo “Azure Ray”. Orenda just published her beautiful first memoir “The Witch’s Daughter: My Mother, Her Magic, and the Madness That Bound Us”, about her relationship with her mother suffering from borderline narcissistic personality, which made her fight with everyone, including her three daughters. Orenda tells us about her career in indie music, about writing her fascinating and deeply inspiring book, and about becoming a certified Jungian coach. From her mother, we learn that no one is all bad or all good; that art is a priceless form for catharsis and self-expression; and the power of magical thinking. Orenda also spoke about self-mothering, about individuation, about going No Contact with one’s family.
To learn more about Orenda and to order her book, please visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Author of her family memoir “Once Our Lives”, Qin Sun Stubis, shares lessons she learned from her Chinese mom Yan. Yan was given away by her mother as a baby, and struggled keeping her four daughters from starvation while her husband was a political prisoner for 14 years. We learn about the history of China, and about the Chinese historical bias against female children (the worst version being female infanticide). Yan teaches us about the power of education to break generational patterns; that we’re much stronger than we can imagine; that we can find a way – even to survive – by being creative and not giving up. Qin also talks about her mother, like many mothers, not being able to teach her self-care and self-esteem. And she talks about the holy responsibility mothers have, and the power to transform next generations through connecting with their children.
To learn more about Qin and her book, please visite her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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American activist, organizer, writer, TV producer, feminist, president of Soapbox, Inc., and a long-time consultant to the American feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Amy Richards, shares lessons she learned both from her mom, and from over 30 years of working closely with Gloria. Amy also gives us a brief history of feminism and explains why it’s just as important now as it ever was, and talks about the female shared experience. From her American mom Karen, we learn about tenacity; not getting caught in drama; that what makes you different can make you stronger; humbleness; showing up; and accepting help. From Gloria, we learn to live your values; that you can learn something from everyone; to be a good friend; and ask and work hard for things you want.
To learn more about Amy, please visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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As the thrid Replay episode of Summer 2024, here's episode 86 with best-selling author, book critic and journalist, Meredith Maran, who shares a deeply inspiring story about how, after a lifetime of aversions and conflict, she and her mom Rita became friends when Meredith was 69 and Rita 93.
This story is a great reminder of how a crisis (in this case COVID) forces us to re-evaluate things and focus on what really matteres in life. We learn so much from these exceptional ladies: not to give up before a miracle; that no one is just good or evil (not even our mothers); that anger is like drinking poison; and that people do change – even at 93. Or 69.
To learn more about Meredith, visit her website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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The second episode in our Summer of 2024 Replay is episode 17 with the Molecular Biologist Dr. Özlem Yüce Petronczki. This is one of the very early interviews, but one that stayed deeply anchored in my heart for a few reasons: we learn how incredibly strong women are and how are able to beat all odds. We also learn how powerful gentle and loving support is in helping our children to achieve great things. But also: since my move back to Vienna, Özlem became a dear friend.
Özlem talks about her amazing Turkish mama Fatma who wasn’t allowed to go to school but lovingly pushed her daughters to complete their PhDs. Listen for her lessons on being open minded, honest, not judgmental, on women’s strength, courage, and overcoming boundaries and pushing your children to live up to their potential. You will also learn about Alevi culture, and lives of women in Turkey.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anatajder/
As the first epiosde for our summer 2024 replay, I'd like to share with you episode 17, in which I shared the most important lessons I learned from my mama Jagoda Kaloper. As I just turned 50 and shared with you 50 lessons I've learned in 50 years, I thought it might be interesting to hear which of these I've learned from my own mother.
My incredible mama Jagoda ("strawberry" in Croatian - thus the podcast design) was a celebrated actress and visual artist - but more importantly, she was a big "mensch" and an incredible (yet definitely not perfect) mama. Losing her in 2016 was the reason I started this podcast. I share the most important lessons I've learned from her about: passionately loving life; leaving a mark; being your own source of happiness; ageing gracefully; having it all by taking one step at the time; and being present and connected.
To learn more about Jagoda and her fantastic achievements, please visit her Wiki page.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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In this special episode, Ana celebrates her 50th birthady with you! As this podcast is all about life-lessons, she recorded this episode in which she shares 50 lessons she has learned in 50 years. Learn about gratitude, mindfulness, meditation, courage, self-protection, burnout, self-care, ageing, breathing, evolving, celebrating, and so much more. If you’d like to find a transcript of the episode, please visit the blog section of Ana's website.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Family Medicine doctor and author of “Medicine and Miracles” and “From Mountains to Medicine”, Dr. Erica Elliott, shares the story of her breakdown in her early 20s which, under the guidance of a skilled psychotherapist, lead to finding her true self at this early age. This lead to another breakthrough: Erica found love and forgiveness for her Swiss mom who was a very harsh mother. This changed not only their relationships, but Erica’s parents’ marriage, the dynamics of the whole family, and even the new generations. Erica shares this inspiring story and other deep lessons she learned both from her mom and by herself. Most importantly: the magic of forgiving, that giving love is more satisfying than receiving love, and that you should never waste a bad experience.
To learn more about Erica please visit her website. You can order her books on Amazon.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about "Thank You, mama" creative writing workshop, visit here.
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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Account Manager at a leading pharmaceutical company and owner of a boutique, Valarie Tutuh shares her incredible professional journey which involved counseling and owning an executive protection agency – all while raising two children by herself. Watching her mom's life of service and care for others, Valarie decided to do things differently and follow a professional path. What she wished she knew: you don't have to do everythign by yorself. Valarie shares lessons she learned from her American mom Emma: to be independent and able to take care of yourself and your children; to invest into education and learn from life-lessons; that success comes from serving others; but also that you don’t have to do it all and that it’s OK to let other people help carry the load.
You can connect with Valarie on Instagram here, or visit her boutique's website here.
Subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter here.
To contact Ana, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama", please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Connect with Ana on social media:
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A mom of four, life coach and host of “Mom on Purpose” podcast, Lara Johnson, talks about the non-profit she co-founded to help young terminally ill parents, and about her work with coaching mothers in which she teaches the most important lesson: to avoid the state of not-enoughness by celebrating your daily small achievements. She tells us about her mom Valerie who had five children but managed to pursue her careers as a nurse, and later a flight-attendant. We learn from Valerie to appreciate previous generations and forgive their flaws and continue improving with each generation; to have a sense of humor; to always show up; to follow your dreams; and most importantly: that being a good mother does not mean being a stay-at-home mom.
To learn more about Lara, her podcats and her work, please visit her website.
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High-profile entertainment publicist turned tarot card reader to Hollywood stars, Angie Banicki, talks about her professional transition, about her experiences with reading cards, and about her new tarot deck “Explorer of the Soul”. Angie tells us about her mom Andrea who at first was uncomfortable about Angie’s new career but with time learned to embrace it. From Andrea and Angie, we learn to use our voices and share ourselves with the world; to be open minded in order to support others; to trust in our intuition; and to heal for the sake of our children.
To learn more about Angie, her tarot deck, and to subscribe to her newsletter, please visit her website.
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Telecom engineer Adela Mehić-Džanić talks about her Bosnian mom Fadila who passed away during the Bosnian war in 1993. In spite of losing her at only seven years old, Adela learned many important lessons from her mother: how vitally important it is for women to be financially independent; that a marriage should be a partnership; that we must act against domestic violence; that women need support to leave abusive relationships; but mostly to be stoic and not complain about challenges life serves us.
You can connect with Adela on LinkedIn here.
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Professor of Psychology and author of numerous books incl. “The Positive Shift”, Catherine Sanderson, teaches us that although some of us are born “not happy” (something she’s witnessed with her mother), we can change this by making conscious decisions. As a special treat, Catherine shares her tips on how to do this in this episode. Connected to this, she talks about her research on courage and healthy ageing. Catherine tells us the story of her American mom Judith who bravely faced all challenges life served her to build an impressive career while being a mother of two. We learn from Judith about perseverance and not allowing challenges to define us; the value of family or community; and the importance of writing well.
To learn more about Catherine and her work, please visit her website.
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A nurse and expert on tissue regeneration, co-Founder & CMO of FetTech, a biotech company specialized in the healing process, Danielle Fette shares her American mom Jill’s lessons. Jill grew up in extreme poverty, married her high-school sweetheart and had a perfect family life until her husband betrayed her. Now in her 70s, Jill is living her best life with her partner and her two daughters and their families in Florida. From Jill, we learn that the second act can be our happiest; that there will always be challenges and we just have to deal with them; about unconditional love for our children; that money doesn’t buy happiness; and about people pleasing and setting boundaries.
To learn more about Danielle and FetTech, visit their website.
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Internal medicine physician, work-life integration researcher and author of “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity”, Saundra Dalton-Smith talks about burning out when she became a working mother, which inspired her to write her book about the seven kinds of rest and become an advocate for restoring wellbeing in workplace.
Saundra lost her birth-mother during childbirth and was raised by her American great-grandmother Fanny, who lived to be 103. Fanny teaches us about having a strong sense of self; about listening to your body and eating well; and about enjoying nature and the still moments of meditation, nature, prayer and “listening to the wind.” We also learn from Saundra’s birth-mother Sarah, who teaches us that we never know when our time will come so every moment is precious and we should leave nothing unsaid, and most importantly: we must always express our love to our loved ones. We also learn that our hearts are big enough to have multiple mothers who come in different forms – on top of being raised by her great-grandmother, Saundra also had a step-mother who was an important mother figure to her.
To learn more about Saundra, her work and her book, please visit her website.
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Award-winning writer, mythologist specialized in Celtic Studies, and a psychologist, Sharon Blackie, is also the bestselling author of “If Women Rose Rooted”. Sharon talks about her work with the feminine in myths, fairy tales and folklore and how these traditions can help us deal with issues we women are dealing with such as menopause, burnout, and the mother-daughter relationship. Sharon also talks about her mother Doris with whom she had a difficult relationship due to Doris’ alcoholism and controlling nature, and how she managed to distance, and heal, herself from this relationship, partially through learning how to fly a plane. She shares Doris’ lessons on tenacity, daring to be authentically yourself, and accepting that you’re not the center of every story.
To learn more about Sharon, her books and her work, please visit her website.
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Therapist, coach and teacher specialized in mother-daughter relationships Rosjke Hasseldine, is also the author of “Mother-Daughter Puzzle” and founder of Mother-Daughter Coaching International. She talks about the major topics she deals with in her work: mother blaming and estrangement, mapping your mother-daughter history, patriarchy and culture of female service, and identifying your needs and voicing them. She also talks about her mother Tineke who was born in Indonesia, raised in the Netherlands, spent two years in a Japanese camp during WWII, and later immigrated to New Zealand. Tineke was a mother of five who sacrificed her teaching career to take care of others. As Rosjke describes her, she was a stoic and emotionally silent woman who carried her martyrdom as a badge of honor. We learn from her to avoid a life of self-sacrifice for others and instead to find what we need and claim it for ourselves. We also learn that martyrdom isn’t actually good for anyone – it is more valuable to find your talents and joy, and share them with the world. We also learn that caregiving should be a two-way street of giving and taking.
To learn more about Rosjke and her work, visit her website.
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Dunja Bonacci-Skenderovic is an independent consultant for elimination of violence against women. In the beginning of our interview, Dunja gives us an overview of types of violence women globally are facing today (from domestic violence, rape, trafficking, to femicide), shares some statistics, and shares what we can do to prevent violence against women - not only as women, but also as mothers. Dunja also talks about her Croatian mother Tanja, a mom of three, who was a rare female professor of engineering in former Yugoslavia (now Croatia), had a drivers license when her husband didn’t, always insisted on all domestic work being shared with her husband, and who faced her cancer treatment with enviable rationality and determination. Tanja teaches us about independence, about hard work and persistency, about tackling problems. But we also learn how important it is to be able to do nothing, to show emotions, to tell our children how proud we are of them, to celebrate small things in life, and to teach our daughters about their bodies and sexuality.
To learn more about ending violence against women, visit the UN Women website here.
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Lisa Friscia, Leadership Coach and founder of Franca Consulting, talks about her mother Franca who immigrated from Italy to America via Canada as a child, and later quit her corporate job to take care of her three daughters. Mama Franca teaches us to take care of people through details; to create a space where everyone is welcome and included; to respect those who have less; and to know your privilege and give back. Lisa talks about her own professional path from a teacher to the head of HR for a group of 25 schools, her dealing with burnout, and her decision to start her own consulting business. But one of the most interesting aspects of this conversation is the way Lisa connects self-care with work – she wonders if some of Franca’s frustrations came from quitting her work in order to care for others, and if keeping her work would have actually been an act of self-care for ther mom. A very important food for thought for many women.
To learn more about Lisa and her consultancy, please visit her website.
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Janice Malone is the founder and CEO of “Vivian’s Door”, an award-winning NPO assisting minority-owned entrepreneurs implement their ideas and grow their businesses. Janice is a mother of two who quit corporate America to become an entrepeneur in her early fifties, and subsequently found “Vivian’s Door” in her early sixties. She talks about her American mother Pearlie who was a mother of 15 (yes, you read this right) and taught Janice to find solace in cooking; to lean on faith trusting that God will make way where we see none; to keep a clean house; and to have patience because life has a way of reshaping itself. Janice also talks about her inspiring professional journey and her new start in her 50s. She talks about being open to allowing God to work through you, about the magic that happens when we help others, and about how important it is to take care of ourselves – so we can be there for our children.
"Vivian's Door" was named after Vivian Malone Jones, the first Black University of Alabama graduate. To learn more about "Vivian's Door" please visit their wesbite.
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In this beautiful Christmas special, we’re learning from the most famous of all mothers: Mary, the Mother of God. My guest Christine Valters Paintner is the author of “Birthing the Holy: Wisdom from Mary to Nurture Creativity and Renewal”. Christine has a PhD in Christian Spirituality, is an abbess and the author of over twenty books on spirituality. Christine tells us about her American mother Suzanne, a United Nations employee, who struggled with rheumatoid arthritis but turned her suffering into a gift for others as she earned an MA in social studies to became an advocate for people with disabilities. Suzanne teaches us to empower other people, to not be victims but turn challenges into gifts for others, and to embrace the power that comes with older age. In the second part of the episode, we talked about Holy Mary and her lessons: to show up in the world, to accept the calling to create, to embrace the power of the sacred feminine (such as the intuition, creativity, dreams, gestation), and to be a loving and present witness both in birth and death, positive and negative. Suzanne also talked about one of the most important lessons for most women: that we’re not responsible for everything, and that sometimes, we also need to be taken care of. Finally, she talked about healing our ancestors by healing ourselves. And I invite you to think about Mary and her presence, and what she represents to you, during these holidays. I wish you, dear listeners, blessed holidays and a happy 2024!
To learn more about Christine, please visit the Abbey of the Arts website.
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Einat Nathan is a mother of five, a parenting expert, a counselor, and the bestselling author of a parenting book called “My Everything”, which got translated in 11 languages. Einat talks about her Israeli mother Miriam who died at a young age from Multiple Sclerosis. From Miriam, we learn about connecting to others and being able to rely on yourself; about beauty and importance of the whole spectrum of emotions; and about learning not to be a people pleaser. Einat openly talks about raising five children and having a career, about stillbirth, and raising an autistic child. From her, we learn one of the biggest and most freeing truths: that life is messy. And that it’s good that way.
To learn more about Einat, please visit her website.
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Jojo Mehta is a co-founder of “Stop Ecocide”, the global campaign to make ecocide (destroying the environment) a crime at the International Criminal Court. Jojo shares lessons she had learned from her mother, singer and poet Jehanne Mehta, whose work is deeply connected to nature and her Celtic roots, but also lessons she had learned from Mother Earth. From Jehanne, we learn about grounding and finding joy in connecting with our land and planet Earth; about writing and love of language; and the fine balance of simultaneously liberating and supporting our children. From Mother Earth, we learn to recognize that we are part of a whole; that life is cyclical and comes in seasons; that we can regenerate if we allow ourselves time and peace; and that we need to keep a large perspective in mind, not get bogged down by little dramas. Jojo also talks about her inspiring work, tells us how to take action - and together, we celebrate a huge milestone: a day before our conversation, EU criminalized environmental damage “comparable to ecocide.”
You can learn more about Jojo and "Stop Ecocide", and take action here.
To learn more about Jojo's mom Jehanne Mehta, please visit her website.
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Author of “The Baby on the Fire Escape: Creativity, Mothering and the Mind-Baby Problem”, Julie Phillips, talks about what she learned through writing a book about the intimate struggles of brilliant 20th century artists as they tried to balance the demands of creative work with the demands of motherhood. Jullie's lesson: we can keep centered in our creative space even if we do it in little bits. Julie also shares her mom Kit's lessons on being curious and wanting to understand the world by naming things; connecting with loved ones by reading out loud; and the value of not parenting too much. Julie also talks about setting boundaries, and having to figure out the professional world by herself as her mother was a stay-at-home mom.
To learn more about Julie's work, please visit her website.
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Beating all odds, as a young female student, in a country ruled by men, archeologist and writer Parveen Talpur single-handedly set wheels in motion for the establishment of the Department of Archeology at the University in Karachi, Pakistan. She went on to Cornell University, where she worked on decipherment of the ancient script from the Indus Valley Civilization, and publish a few books. Parveen tells us about her mother Zeib, who as a newly married woman lived in purdah (women’s segregation). After giving birth to six children, Zeib moved with her family to the city, received education and started writing stories of the women in her village. Hear Parveen’s inspiring sotry of determination, and Zeib’s story of cher hange – relatively late in life - from a simple village girl to an open-minded city woman. In this beautiful and informative conversation, Parveen shares Zeib’s lessons on determination; it never being too late for personal evolution; fighting for women’s rights, whatever the circumstances; and the magic of storytelling.
You can learn more about Parveen and her work on her website.
To learn more about Parveen's writing retreat in Greece, please visit here.
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Psychotherapist, coach and consultant, author of “Reinventing Supermom”, co-host of “Motherhood Uncut” podcast, and founder of “Parent and Family wellness Center”, Kate Kripke, talks about her family legacy of strong and successful women. Kate’s great-great aunt Margaret Fuller was a pioneer in suffrage, the first American female war correspondent and the author of the first major feminist book in United States. Her mother Margaret was a groundbreaking lawyer, a leading expert in mediation and arbitration in New York in the ‘70s, who kept breaking glass ceilings. Kate tells us how her mother ran herself to the ground to achieve great things and be loved and accepted, never learning to give herself acceptance and self-love. We learn from her that as women, we can do and be anything we want to be; to give our children unconditional love by accepting all of their sides; and to be gentle with yourself, and question what is worth your self-sacrifice. Kate speaks about accepting that you are enough, and don’t need to be perfect; about a definition of “fierce”, which we concluded is a definition of “female”; and about anxieties of high-achieving mothers.
To learn more about Kate and her work, please visit her website. You can follo Kate on Instagram.
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Gerontologist, biohacker and advocate for women’s health during the menopausal journey, Zora Benhamou, is also a host of “Hack my Age” podcast. Zora’s motto is “Menopause is inevitable, but suffering is optional.” Zora lost her Ukrainian mom Anastasia to breast cancer at the tender age of 23. She shares her mother’s lessons on never forgetting where you come from; taking care of yourself by always looking your best, while also caring for your health; death being a solitary experience; and not caring what people think. Zora also talks about her work with menopause, about making healthy choices, about being a nomad and raising multi-cultural children, and wishing her mom taught her the importance of being financially independent.
You can learn more about Zora on her website here, and listen to her podcast here.
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Psychotherapist specialized in the “Mother Daughter Journey”, and co-host of “Motherhood Uncut” podcast, Deb Rubin, talks about her American mom Lois. Lois is a mother of two who went back to school to earn her Bachelor’s Degree once her daughters left for college – which beautifully teaches us that it’s never too late to take the next step. We also learn from Lois to be true to ourselves and follow our unique paths, and to honor our emotions and give them room in order to not get stuck in them. Deb also shares many wisdoms she gained in her long experience as a therapist, especially with supporting mothers in raising adolescent daughters. Her most important tip: conscious listening instead of immediate problem solving! Because, as she explains, “we all want to be heard.”
To find out more about Deb and her work, visit her website here.
You can listen to Deb's and Kate's podcast here.
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Michelle Grosser is a former attorney and law professor turned mom, motherhood coach, and host of “The Calm Mom” podcast, in which she discusses high-impact habits, work-life rhythms, parenting, marriage, spirituality, and more. Michelle talks about her mom Nancy, who worked while raising five children, which resulted in burnout, and later she divorced her husband – only to fall in love with him again. From Nancy, we learn not to give all of us away until there’s nothing left; that we have infinite worth just by our existence; and that we’re more resilient than we think. Michelle also talks about parenting and staying calm; about the loss of identity we sometimes experience in motherhood; and the way our mothers’ decisions influence our lives.
To learn more about Michelle and her work, please visit her website.
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Sara Petersen is the author of “Momfluenced: Inside the Maddening, Picture-Perfect World of Mommy Influencer Culture”. Her essays about feminism, domesticity, and motherhood have appeared in the New York Times, Harper’s Bazaar, Washington Post, InStyle, Glamour, and elsewhere. Sara shares her American mom’s lessons on connecting with the natural world, finding pleasure in small things in life, and keeping a sense of humor in difficult situations. Sara also talks about feminism, avoiding the empty-nester syndrome, the image of the ideal mother, and teaching our daughters that motherhood is a choice.
You can learn more about Sara on her website.
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Kanwal L. Haq is a Medical Anthropologist specialized in Women’s Health and author of "Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health". She talks about her Pakistani mom Zahida who has been struggling with a connective tissue disease for more than 20 years. Zahida’s stuggle inspired Kanwal to dedicate her work to women’s health. From Zahida, we learn that if you believe in something, you have everything you need inside of you to make your dreams true; that education and knowledge is something no one can take away from you; and the importance of community. But most importantly, we learn that by taking care of yourself, you take care of people you love.
You can find Kanwal here:
Website: www.takingcareofyoubook.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenshealthbook/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@womenshealthbook Twitter: https://twitter.com/womensbook To subscribe to Ana's new "Mama Loves…” newsletter, please go here.
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Interior designer Fabiana Hoy talks about her Peruvian mother Maria del Rosario and shares many valuable lessons she learned from her, like having faith (Rosario hosts a weekly prayer group of 45 women, which Fabiana joins from South Africa by Zoom), being a present mom, the importance of having a tribe of women (having these friends is Rosario’s way of self-care). She also teaches us to find beauty and good, even in the simplest situations, and to care for others. Fabiana also speaks about wishing her mother was able to have woman-to-woman conversations with her, and about accepting that a woman’s life comes in various stages.
To learn more about Fabiana, vist her website.
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Hilary Truong is a therapist for teen girls, and a mother-daughter relationship expert. She talks about her mother Nancy, who raised four children and turned her love for cooking into running a cooking school. From mom Nancy, we learn about empathy, caring for others, and connecting with the world around you; that it’s possible to support your family by doing something you love; and that you always make it work out, always find a way. Hilary also talks about raising teenage daughters, about managing your children’s social media and phone usage, and about learning to take care of yourself, not only of others.
To learn more about Hilary and her work, please visite her website.
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Kanchan Koya, author of “Spice Spice Baby”, combines her PhD in Molecular Biology from Harvard and her training from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to bring healing spices and their health benefits to kids and families everywhere. Kanchan talks about her Sindhi mother Shohba who taught her about the importance of self-care, and that self-care can be simple; to put her emphasis on education and career first, because “every donkey can get married.”; to pay attention to detail and use this to slow down and be present; and to have fun with making herself look presentable. Kanchan also talks about learning to accept failure as a possibility, especially when we’re trying new things; and accepting that sometimes, it’s ok to relax and to do nothing. Kanchan talks about healing properties of spices and healthy nutrition, and about the challenge of collecting the courage to make a big change in your life.
You can find Kanchan's recipe's on her website here. Or connect with her on Instagram here.
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Zoryana Kushpler is an opera singer who performed with the Vienna Opera, Carnegie Hall, and Royal Albert Hall. She talks about her Ukrainian mom Ada (herself a pianist), and shares her lessons on resolving your problems by yourself, making decisions and sticking to them, previewing every situation a few steps ahead, finishing what you started, and thinking about what you’re going to do in your 60s, 70s and 80s. Zoryana also talks about inheriting her intuition from her mom, and being grateful about her mom always focusing on Zoryana’s career instead of pushing her to get married and have children. She also talks about their relationship being quite complex, and how she managed, with the help of books and therapy, to set healthy boundaries.
To learn more about Zoryana, please visit her wesbite.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Expert, Change Management Specialist, and Host of “Reinvention Rebels” (a podcast for women 50-90 years young ready to reinvent themselves), Wendy Battles, shares her American mom Elaine’s lessons. Elaine started a new life after the divorce in in her 50’s, and is teaching us to not let anything stop you from doing what you want, ge back to the community, appreciate little things, and value quality over quantity. Wendy also talks about navigating disappointments, learning from failures, the fine balance between quality and negative perfectionism, and about it never being too late to reinvent yourself.
To learn more about Wendy and her podcast, please visit her website.
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Singer, musician, songwriter and author Judith Holofernes (of German band “Wir Sind Helden”) talks about achieving – and then quitting - her dream life of a rock star in order to heal from burnout and reinvent herself. Judith shares the biggest lesson she learned on her fascinating journey, and also talks about growing up with her lesbian mom in a small town in Germany. Judith shares mama Cornelia’s lessons on tolerance, openness, curiosity and willingness to learn, and keeping a wide view on politics and history. Judith also talks about motherhood, entertainment industry, writing, life in Berlin, and ADHD.
You can visit Judith on her Patrion, or follow her on Instagram.
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Creator and host of “Old Chicks Know Shit”, Jennifer Arthurton, talks about her Irish mom Eilish, who left home at 17 to move to Germany, and later moved with her husband to the Caribbean, and then Canada. Eilish was always a free spirit, true to herself, never taking herself or any problem too seriously, experimenting with life, and believing in a power greater than us. Jennifer shares her lessons on believing in yourself, knowing that you can find a solution to every problem, being unapologetically yourself, and believing in a greater power. She also talks about lessons she learned from her guests, midlife women who live happy and fulfilled lives.
You can find Jennifer and her podcast on her website.
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Author, professor and a former wildland firefighter Ruth Nolan, shares her American mom Beverly’s lessons on being kind to people and teaching everyone with respect; choosing your attitude in life; being independent in voice, career, selfhood and financially; and it never being too late to explore life. Ruth also talks about why the struggle for independence often skips generations, why women can never stop fighting for their rights, and about the experience of being an empty nester after her daughter and her mother moved away.
Learn more about Ruth here.
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Illustrator Tijana Lukovic talks about her Serbian mom Ljiljana’s lessons: How do we raise quirky children with acceptance, and nurture their authenticity? Does motherhood need to equate to self-sacrifice? Is me-time selfish? How do we raise resilient children? What is wrong with being overprotective mothers? How can we support our children through burnout and dark times? Tijana also speaks about how becoming a mother to a little girl inspired her beautiful illustrations of “sacred women” surrounded with nature and magic. You can see Tijana’s work on her Instagram here. You can purchase her illustrations on her website here.
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Attorney, former marine, financial expert, and author of “It’s Not About the Money”, Scarlett Cochran, talks about her Guyanese mom Carol and her lessons. We learn about the value of education, and how important it is to teach our children how to learn; about always continuing to reinvent yourself in your career; about the importance of having a partner who is your equal in many aspects – and how this will enable you both to be present in your parenting. And finally, through her complicated relationship with her own mother, Scarlett learned to create a relationship with her children based on trust, love and respect. Scarlett also talks about changing our relationship to money, and how to make right financial decisions.
To learn more about Scarlett, please visit her website.
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1 Eva Feldman is a psychologist and psycho-educational influencer. On her Instagram feed @TooMuchEva, she shares wisdom and inspiration to help us analyze our inner life, including many of her Croatian mom Lada’s lessons. In this beautiful episode, we learn from Lada that when someone throws you a ball, you don’t need to catch it. To believe them when they say they’re not good enough for you. That every panic attack is weaker than the one before, and that in order to manage it, you should dive into panic instead of fighting it. To beware of partners who put you on a pedestal. That you don’t have to get married and have children to be a woman. That we can be great mothers, even if this wasn’t modeled by our own mothers. Eva also talks about allowing ourselves sadness and other uncomfortable emotions. And about showing our children how to heal conflicts in partnerships.
You can find Eva on Instagram under @TooMuchEva.
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Nayomi Munaweera is the award-winning author of novels “Island of a Thousand Mirrors” and “What Lies Between Us”. She has been named one of “Twelve Women of Color Writers You Need to Know” by Bustle Magazine and “One of the Asian American Women Writers Who are Going to Change the World” by Electric Literature. Nayomi talks about her Sri Lankan mom Upamali who first immigrated to Nigeria and then to the USA, where she founded and successfully ran Montessori schools. We learn about how important it is to hear our mother’s (or anyone’s) story, about divorce and finding new happiness in one’s 60s, about the resilience of South Asian immigrants in the US, and about arranged marriages. Nayomi also talks about the civil war in Sri Lanka, about patriarchy and healing our mother-wound. She shares her enlightening experience with ayahuasca, which lead her not only to appreciate her mother but also to feel the urgency of honoring and healing Mother Earth.
For more about Nayomi and her work, please visit her website.
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Amanda Craig is a licensed marriage and family therapist in NYC and Connecticut, and the author of “Who Are You and What Have You Done With My Kid: Connect with Your Tween While They Are Still Listening.” Amanda talks about creating an early emotional connection with our children, about why she wrote a book about parenting tweens, and about her American mom Sharon, a single mother who worked three jobs to provide for her two daughters. Amanda shares lessons she learned from her mother about substance use and parenting, education as source of independence and self-confidence, about taking care of your finances, and the importance of finding your purpose.
You can find Amanda's book on Amazon. To connect with Amanda, you can find her on Instagram or LinkedIn.
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Stay-at-home mom Arlyn Kostelac talks about her Philipino mom Felina’s life and lessons. We learn about harsh circumstances of being a working-class woman in the Philippines, about loss, sexual abuse in families, domestic violence, and femicide. From mama Felina, we learn lessons on resilience and hard work, self-sacrifice for your children, and being resourceful and creative. We also learn that we are stronger than we think, that we shouldn’t care too much about other people’s opinions of us, about being content, and about the importance of friendships. Arlyn also talks about her decision to be a stay-at-home mom, and about wanting her family to live a simple and mindful life.
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Doroteja Gradištanac, Head of the Austrian radio station “FM4”, shares her Serbian mom’s lessons on not blindly following groups, on why hard work is an act of feminism, on loyalty to one’s family, and on achieving women’s equality. Dodo also speaks about her personal journey towards learning to believe in herself and to stand to herself, and how she managed to achieve a lightness of being. She also talks about being an immigrant in Austria and growing up in a foreign country.
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As a holiday special, instead of an episode, I’d like to give you a little gift in form of a guided meditation. Since I started meditating in 2000 as part of my tai-chi practice, meditation stayed my daily habit. It has helped me to stay sane and healthy through all these years marked by many challenges. If you’ve never meditated before, maybe I can motivate you to start. If meditation is part of your practice, maybe I can bring some new aspects to it. If you find my voice soothing, it’s a bonus - and a special gift for Tiffany, my dear friend who asked me years ago to record myself talking to help her fall asleep. I hope this meditation will help you relax, center yourself, and feel re-energized.
I wish you blissful holidays and a fantastic 2023, and I’m very excited about sharing more amazing women, their mothers, and lessons with you in the New Year. I am deeply grateful to you for sharing this journey with me.
To contact me, to be a guest, or suggest a guest, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Gayle Brandeis is the award-winning author of the memoir “The Art of Misdiagnosis: Surviving My Mother's Suicide”, the novel in poems “Many Restless Concerns", as well as several novels, a poetry collection, and a writing guide. Her essay collection “Drawing Breath” will be released in 2023. Gayle’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post, Salon, and more. In this episode, Gayle talks about healing from her mother’s suicide, living with her delusions, and using writing to instigate change. From Gayle’s mom Arlene, we learn about using art and creativity as a source of meaning and joy, listening to your intuition, and knowing that your voice can make a difference. We also learn about the importance of setting boundaries, and the art of navigating conflicts.
Gayle mentions “American Foundation for Suicide Prevention” as one of the most important resources that helped her with her healing process. For more information, please visit their website.
For more information on Gayle and her work, please visit following links:
- Gayle's website: http://gaylebrandeis.com
- Gayle's forthcoming book, Drawing Breath: Essays on Writing, The Body, and Loss from Overcup Books (February, 2023)
- An essay from the collection, "My Shadow son: A stranger insisted he was my child for more than a decade"
- Gayle's Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaylebrandeis
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Dana Rimawi is the CEO and founder of A’myn, a company that promotes social justice through rugs designed and hand-made by local artisans and refugees. She talks about her Palestinian mother Fairuz who was forced to leave her home in West Palestine in 1948 and has since lived in Jordan, Syria, USA and Saudi Arabia. Mama Fairuz teaches us about being adaptable and flexible, reinventing yourself at any age, being financially independent, thinking positive and visualizing, having faith, growing from any given situation, and always learning and working. We talked about the experience of being a refugee, and how it becomes a generational trauma. Dana speaks about learning to stand to your identity, as difficult as it can be in some situations, and preparing your children for the real world, and real people, out there. She shares her own journey of a Palestinian American born in Kansas, raised in Texas and currently based in Jordan, and talks about her work with refugees, something she also learned from her mom.
You will find Dana's rugs on the A'myn webiste.
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A paramedic, and a sexual abuse awareness advocate, Regina V. Carrico, talks about their own experience as a sexual abuse survivor and what we are still missing in child sexual abuse prevention. Regina also talks about gender identity and being gender fluid. They share lessons they learned from their mom Bozena, a Polish nurse, on cultural appreciation and curiosity; love for learning; financial and practical independence, and gardening. Regina talks about wishing they learned from their mother how to take a break, how to love their body, how to be non-judgmental, and how to talk about their feelings. We learn about Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD or body dysmorphia) and the effects our criticism of our bodies has on our children, as well as the effect of being overly judgmental.
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Professor of Business Administration at the University of Delaware and co-author of “Both/And Thinking”, Dr. Wendy Smith, shares three of her Canadian mom Jewel’s most important lessons: It’s all about people, so create a community; focus on possibilities, not obstacles; and make time for fun in life. We also spoke about Wendy’s work with strategic paradoxes, and how now, more than ever, we need to shift from either/or thinking to both/and thinking. Wendy discusses this “inclusive” way of thinking and shares a few tips on using it every day to grow from dilemmas (like balancing work and family) instead of shrinking from them. We learn about the history of paradox theory, and its connection to quantum physics, psychoanalysis, and spirituality.
You can learn more about Wendy and "Both/And Thinking", and connect to her, here:
Book Website: www.bothandthinking.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendykimsmith/
Twitter: @profwendysmith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wendy-Smith-111141458290288
Instagram: @prof.wendysmith
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Relationship and Divorce Coach, Natasha Mahtani, shares her Sindhi Indian mom’s lessons on giving children values and wings, having faith in something bigger than yourself, and the fine line between tolerance and enabling unaccaptable behavior. We also spoke about Sindhi Hindus and why they moved all around the world (Natasha was born in Liberia, West Africa), about breaking generational cycles, about semi-arranged marriages, and about our mothers learning self-care from us.
To learn more about Natasha and her work, please visit her website.
To follow her om social media, find her on Instagram.
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Cathi Hanauer is the New York Times bestselling author of three novels and two essay anthologies, including the 2002 bestseller "The Bitch in the House" and the follow-up, "The Bitch is Back," which was an NPR “Best Book” of 2016. She’s published articles, essays, and criticism in The New York Times, the Washington Post, Elle, O, Real Simple, and many other magazines, and is the founder, along with her husband, Dan Jones, of The New York Times “Modern Love” column.
Cathi talks about her American mom Bette who got married at 20 and raised four children while making her narcissistic husband her priority. Cathi learned from Bette what she didn’t want in her marriage; that instead of seeking perfection, you can let things go and concentrate on your priorities; to not be selfish; and to strive towards patience, acceptance, and empathy for others. Cathi also learned that sometimes, you must use lies to protect yourself or your children. And finally, a huge lesson: children can’t fix their parents’ marriage.
For more about Cathi and her work, please visit her website.
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Deb Flashenberg is the founder and director of “Prenatal Yoga Center”, the first of its kind in New York City. Deb shares how her American mom Harriet rebuilt her life, showing up for her children after her husband passed away in an accident and leaving her a widow at 55. We learn from Harriet about being in (but not wallowing in) dark times; making your friends into your family; allowing yourself to enjoy life; and resilience and hard work. We also hear a recipe for a joyous “3rd act”; what it was like being a child in the 1970’s - and how our generation tries to be great parents by learning from these experiences.
To learn more about Deb and her "Prenatal Yoga Center", please visit her website.
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Elizabeth Yang is the CEO and founder of Yang Law Offices based in Los Angeles, and a best-selling author with a total of 6 books including “Social Marriage”. Elizabeth shares her Taiwanese/Chinese mother Kelly’s fascinating immigration story, and her lessons on being organized and setting goals; being independent and self-sufficient; the importance of learning and education; resilience; and the importance of learning languages. Elizabeth also spoke about creating your own mother figure, Transformational Training, The Secret, and manifesting.
To learn more about Elizabeth, please visit her website.
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Welcome to episode 100! Trade unionist Tanja Vicas, shares lessons she learned from her Austrian/Canadian mom Ingrid, a prison guard and parole officer. We learn about how amazing we women are; being true to yourself; taking a break when you need one; being honest; being true to yourself and not letting anyone define who you are; and importance of education and financial independence. Tanja also talks about the difficult times her parents faced as young Austrian immigrants in Canada, their resilience and hard work. She also describes her work at the Austrian Trade Union.
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CEO and business consultant specialized in sustainability, Thekla Wilkening, is a co-author of “Bio-Pizza Dilema”. Thekla shares lessons she learned from her German mom Heidrun on being a bold woman; living consciously; having understanding and patience for people; and Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative (act the way you want others to act). We also talked about sustainability and about cultural differences.
To learn more about Thekla, please visit her website.
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Book author, journalist and editor Joanna Czechowska shares lessons she learned from her English mother Christine on being a good conversationalist; being thrifty, making things and never wasting anything; being strong-minded and never following the “herd”; loving literature and words; and loving music.
Joanna also talks about her mother’s Catholic faith sometimes being too strict, which made her learn that people, with their imperfections and frailty, are more important than dogma. Joanna also talks about her books “The Black Madonna of Derby” and “The Sweetest Enemy”, based on the experiences of her childhood in a Polish community in the UK.
To learn more about Joanna, please visit her website.
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Karen C.L. Anderson, author of “Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters”, talks about her work with complicated mother-daughter relationships, and shares her American mom Cynthia’s lessons on being bold, spirited, unexpected, and getting what you want; not being afraid of traveling by yourself; being adventurous with food and cooking; and hating one’s body and shaming oneself. Karen talks about wishing her mother taught her that women have been socialized to believe that there's something wrong with them because it protects them in a culture that doesn't value women equally, and punishes women when they don't conform to the norms of said culture - the shame as borne of "protecting."
To learn more about Karen, please visit her website.
You can find Karen's book on Amazon.
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Prehistoric archeologist, Dr. Katharina Rebay-Salisbury, talks about her research on motherhood in prehistory and about our romanticized idea of giving birth in the old times; how our bodies have changed through evolution; the history of birth complications and c-sections; and the identity change when becoming a mother. Katharina shares her Austrian mom Monika’s lessons on juggling work and family; creating strong family ties; love of learning and travelling; but also struggling with not having time for friendships or relaxing. She also talks about how we, as senior women, must make the fusion of work and motherhood easier for the new generations. You can read more about Katharina and her work here.
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Witches, artists, activists, and perpetual students, Risa Dickens and Amy Torok are hosts and authors of “Missing Witches”. “Missing Witches” is a labour of love, research, and web-weaving, dedicated to creating an intersectional, feminist history of ideas; and uncovering feminist and marginalized ideas about what is and what’s possible; and helping to build communities of care with other magical beings. Amy and Risa talk about their Canadian moms Sheryl and Shiela and what they’ve learned from them: not to be a slave to social norms, to look at the beauty of the world, to be compassionate and non-judgmental, to not let your gender determine who you will be, to understand where people are coming from, and to tell the truth. They also talk about witches, the history of witch hunt, patriarchy, capitalism, and role models.
To learn more about Risa and Amy, and "Missing Witches", please visit their website.
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Sarifa Moola-Nernæs, CEO of Ubuntu Coaching, is a Makhuwa woman, an African feminist, businesswoman, life coach and speaker with extensive experience in refugee services and social and economic inclusion. Sarifa talks about her South African mom Jamaila and her lessons on being grounded, being of service, and respecting and supporting others. Sarifa also talks about the Makhuwa matrilineal society, about the Ubuntu philosophy, and about learning to be fearless. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
You can find Sarifa on Instagram here.
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Dr. Galit Atlas is an internationally renowned psychoanalyst. She is a clinical supervisor and psychoanalyst at a private practice in NYC, as well as a member of the faculty of the New York University postdoctoral program in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. Galit has published numerous academic books and papers, and teaches and lectures throughout the US and internationally. Her newest book “Emotional Inheritance: A Therapist, Her Patients and the Legacy of Trauma” explores the ways our ancestors' experiences shape our lives.
In this episode, Galit talks about her Syrian/Israeli mother Shoshi from whom she learned about the joy of food and hosting, to be brave and outgoing, and to work hard. We also discussed inherited trauma, motherhood, and learning to take care of yourself and to be alone.
To learn more about Galit an dher book, please visit her website.
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Laura Davis is the author of six non-fiction books, including “The Courage to Heal: For Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse”, “Becoming the Parent You Want to Be” and “I Thought We'd Never Speak Again: The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation”. Her ground-breaking books have been translated into 11 languages and sold more than 1.8 million copies. Laura shares her American mom Temme’s lessons on valuing friendships, forgiving and learning to love someone who hurt you in the past, travelling the world, and cherishing community. We also talk about Laura’s battle with cancer, her mother’s reaction after Laura remembered she was sexually abused as a child, Temme’s Alzheimer’s, about learning deep intimacy with a partner, and allowing your children “psychic privacy” and emancipation.
To learn more about Laura, her books and writing retreats, go to her website here.
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Psychology professor, neoclassical composer, and mom of three, Antonija Pacek, shares lessons she learned from her Croatian mama Slavica who grew up after WWII in very harsh circumstances, abandoned by her own mother. From Slavica, we learn that everything is possible and that we should believe in our dreams; to invest in education; to leave something behind; to have the courage to express our creativity; and to be kind, smile and give to others. Antonija also talks about leaving toxic relationships, and about learning to love ourselves, know ourselves, and be alone, so that we don’t even enter those relationships. She shares how she escaped Croatia during the war at the age of 17, and supported herself throughout university to build a new life in Austria. With this episode, we honor all people who had to flee Ukraine and are now building new lives in new countries – all while dealing with their loss and trauma. To learn more about Antonija and listen to her music, visit her website here.
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A single mother of an autistic son, Alessandra Bester is the CEO and founder of NONO, a functional food company. She invented functional chocolate for her son who has autism, celiac, epilepsy and various allergies, and started NONO after other parents asked her to make some for their children with special needs. Alessandra shares her Polish mom Regina’s lessons on caring for others without giving up oneself; moms taking care of themselves, so children don’t feel like they must; the possibility of a happy new life after decades of challenges; the importance of addressing issues in the family; purposeful neglect; and surviving extreme circumstances by staying calm. At NONO, Alessandra employs people with autism, single mothers, and autistic women artists. And right now, instead of increasing prices due to inflation, she decreased prices to help with the increased cost of living. You can learn more about NONO here.
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Marcelle Little is an Executive Coach and a Holistic Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma-integration and spiritual psychology. Marcelle’s American mama Claudette nursed her husband during his battle with HIV and AIDS, and later fought her own battle with alcohol, which she did with the help of AA. Marcelle shares Claudette’s lessons on loving with wisdom, without attachments and self-sacrifice; seeking support when needed; not allowing trauma to define you; and surrounding to the source. Marcelle also talks about compassion burnout, inherited family trauma, codependence, finding the right support, and soul psychology.
You can learn more about Marcelle and her work on her wesbite.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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TV Presenter and Voice Coach, Jasmin Gonzales, just published her first book “We are the Daughters of the Witches You Couldn’t Burn”. Jasmin had a very difficult childhood, marked by physical and psychological abuse, alcoholism and mental disease. In this episode, she talks openly about her German mom Greta Marie, who suffered from manic depression, and shares lessons she learned from her. We learn about the importance of self-care, especially of taking care of one’s mental health; about why it’s important to follow your dreams, especially as a mother; and about asking for help being a sign of strength, not weakness. Jasmin also talks about the witch hunt, both throughout the history, and in current times. As you will hear, in spite of all the challenges Jasmin met in life, her optimism, strength and joy are contagious.
You can learn more about Jasmin and her book on her website, or find her on social media.
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Norway’s most famous feminist, Marta Breen, is the author of many books including “How to be a Feminist” and “Women in Battle”. She travels the world talking about equality and feminism, especially its Scandinavian model. In this episode, Marta talks about her mom Elisabeth who took part in Norway’s feminist movement in the ‘70s and shares her lessons on the importance of getting involved as an activist, on self-sufficiency, and on teaching our children by modeling ethics. We also learn about Norway’s recent history, its communist movement in the ‘70s, and its current ways of supporting women.
You can find Marta's graphic novel on history of feminism "Fearless Females" here.
To learn more about Marta, please visit her Wikipedia page.
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Best-selling author, book critic and journalist, Meredith Maran, shares a deeply inspiring story about how, after a lifetime of aversions, she and her mom Rita became friends when Meredith was 69 and Rita 93. We learn so much from these exceptional ladies: not to give up before a miracle, that no one is just good or evil (not even our mothers), that anger is like drinking poison, and that people do change – even at 69. Or 93. To learn more about Meredith, and to read the article she wrote "O Magazine" about her and Rita becoming friends late in life, please go here.
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Ivona Brandić is a Professor for High Performance Computing Systems at the University of Vienna. She shares lessons she learned from her Bosnian mom Manda about not being afraid to follow a career in tech & science, making life plans but not sticking to them, the value of hard work, focusing on good things in life, and how cooking skills translate to computer sciences. Ivona also shares lessons she learned through her experiences of being a teenage war refugee, starting a life in a new country, and being successful in a male-dominated field: always have the courage to try something new, and always trust your own skills and abilities.
You can learn more about Ivona's work here and here.
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In this mini episode, I'd like to wish you happy holidays and let you know how grateful I am for you, share exciting news about "Thank You, Mama" workshops and book, and - as a special holiday treat - let you listen to the whole "Thank You, Mama" song composed with love by Oliver Kraus. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a fantastic 2022!
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Yours,
Ana
Sanaë Lemoine is the author of “The Margot Affair”, a debut novel about a mother-daughter relationship that won highest praise from reputable outlets such as “New York Times”, “”Financial Times”, “The Economists”. Sanaë shares lessons from her Japanese mama Akiko who grew up in South America, moved around the world, and went through a surprise divorce in her mid-sixties – to become Akiko 2.0, a better and happier version of herself. We learn about the importance of creativity, showing love through food, not comparing yourself to others, and feeling good in your skin. Sanaë also talks about how a mother-daughter relationship can evolve and improve, and how we should learn that what we see in our parents’ relationship doesn’t need to be a blueprint for our relationships.
To read Sanaë's beautiful essay about her complex relationship with her mom, visit here.
To learn more about Sanaë and her book, visit her website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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After learning from my guests that women wish their mothers taught them about two important topics: money and sex, I went on a quest of finding guests who do just that. In the last episode, we heard Dr. Mara Harvey, an advocate for financial literacy in girls and women. And in this episode, I’m excited to introduce sex and relationship coach specialized in women of faith, Octavia E. Vance. Octavia shares her American mom Betty’s lessons on dealing with marital abuse and using these experiences to empower others, on second chances, and on empowering your children. Octavia talks about domestic violence, teaching our daughters about their bodies and sexuality, and turning our mothers’ un-teachings into teachings.
To learn more about Octavia her work, and her book please visit her website.
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After 21 years in banking, Dr. Mara Harvey became a founder and CEO of “Smart Way to Start”, as well as a public speaker and advocate for financial literacy in girls. She is the author of five beautiful books aiming to educate girls about money and finances. In this interview, she beautifully connects her Swiss mom Vera’s story of being abandoned by her husband with Vera’s teachings about financial independence, and her own passion for financial education for girls and women. You will learn not only about women and money, about the significance of financial independence, but also about why nature is important, why we need to let go of grudges, and how to recognize our parents’ unique ways of showing love.
You can learn more about Mara and order her financial literacy books for children here.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Host of “Your Next Stop” and coach, Juliet Hahn, shares her American mom Barbara’s lessons on always being yourself, being confident, treating everyone equally and with respect, not being afraid to make mistakes, and knowing that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. Juliet also shares a wonderful lesson on the importance of clear communication, especially with our loved ones.
You can find Juliet under following links:
Website: https://www.iamjuliethahn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuliethahn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjuliethahn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjuliethahn
Clubhouse: https://joinclubhouse.com/@iamjuliethahn
Fireside: https://firesidechat.com/juliethahn
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/iamjuliethahn
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Prof. of Pharmacology and host of “More Sybil”, Mo Sybil, shares her Nigerian mom Bukky’s numerous lessons: to fight for underdogs, never saying bad things about others, being patient, helping others, praying, being open-minded, valuing education, being humble. Mo also talks about her interest in Korean culture, her journey from Nigeria to becoming a professor in the USA, and knowing that your mom’s story doesn’t need to be yours.
To learn more about Mo and her podcast, visit her website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Journalist and podcaster Helen King shares her New Zealander mom Jane’s lessons on the nurturing side of baking, being inquisitive, knowing where you come from, having good manners, and being open to the world and different people and situations. We also talked about our shared experiences with cancer: Helen as a patient and Ana as a caregiver.
Listen to Helen's "C Word: Kiwis talk about cancer" podcast here.
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Psychologist Dr. Nicole Monteiro shares lessons she learned from her American mom Felicia on deep compassion and humanity, loving your own company, speaking up for yourself, knowing you’re worthy, and not being a victim. Nicole also talks about her work as a psychologist which took her around the world to help in cases involving child labor, immigration and asylum, disaster relief, and traffic psychology.
To learn more about Nicole and her work, please visit her website.
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CMO and co-founder of the “Executive Doula” agency, Lindsay Michels, shares her American mom Lori’s lessons on being considerate and thoughtful, asking for help, raising children to be kind, not comparing yourself to others, and that sometimes we have to put ourselves first. We also talked about the struggles of working mothers in the United States, about getting out of marriages when they don’t work, and about mental help and self-care.
To learn more about Lindsay and "Executive Doula", please visit their website.
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Speaker, adviser and investor Selma Prodanovic shares her Bosnian and Herzegovinian mom Elfia’s lessons on finding the confidence to be alone, trusting life, and not having to talk to be present. Selma also talks about the myth of a mother’s sacrifice, about finding your passion, preventing burnout, and planning our lives.
To learn more about Selma, her books and her work, please visit her website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Founder and CEO of the “Executive Doula” agency, Jennell Lynch, shares her American mom Bonnie’s lessons on reaching high and not looking back, the only obstacle being yourself, the importance of family, and helping those who you aren’t connected to. Jennell also talks about running her business while being a mom of four and working on a PhD, and about how we could better support working mothers.
To learn more about Jennell and "Executive Doula", please visit their website.
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Author of “Consciously Connecting”, Holland Haiis, is a consultant specialized in change management and a recognized thought leader on human connection. She shares her American mom Pearl’s lessons on not being a victim, always finding a silver lining, focusing on those who have less than you, saying yes to opportunities (because a yes can be turned into a no), and smiling. Holland also talks about burnout, the importance of difficult conversations, and being open minded.
To learn more about Holland, her work and her book, please visit her website.
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Financial expert Anu Bhardwaj is the founder of "Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL", "Sheqonomi" and "The State of Women Institute". Anu talks about her Indian mom Rani and grandmother Ralita, and their lessons on questioning what you believe in and why, being open-minded, generous, resourceful, empathetic, helping others, and navigating people and life. Anu also talks about her dream of empowering women in developing countries and supporting them in finding their voices.
To learn more about Anu and her work, please visit The State of Women website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Software product management leader Melissa Hyatt Hirsch shares her American mom Sharon’s lessons on guilt being a wasted emotion, making exercise and self-care part of your life, teaching your children the value of work, always being put together, and the importance of being a good typist. Melissa also talks about how she and her husband created a household in which tasks and roles are equally shared, and why it’s important to set that example for our children.
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English as a Second Language teacher and host of “Accented”, Kimberley Law, shares her Australian mom Margaret’s lessons on following your passions, changing things you’re not happy with, investing in your marriage, seeing things in an equitable way, and working to live - instead of living to work.
To learn more about Kim, please visit her website.
You can listen to "Accented" here.
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Social worker Dora Poni Loro talks about her South Sudanese mama Edu who escaped Sudan as a refugee walking to Uganda, and worked while raising her nine children and keeping home. From mama Edu, we learn about resilience, about being your unique self and never comparing yourself to others, that being a woman is a blessing, about the beauty of integrity and strong moral and ethical values, and about teaching your children by example. From Dora, we learn about the history and culture of South Sudan. Please bear with us when the sound gets worse – Dora and I managed to repair it (we thought of re-recording, but you never get the same energy the second time around). This interview is brimming with wisdom, inspiration and love – it would be a pity to miss it because of the sound.
Dora Poni Loro is a Social Worker with further studies in Trauma-Informed Care, disclosure of sexual abuse in children and young people, and a master’s degree In child Welfare. She works in the Child Welfare Services for unaccompanied refugee minors in Bergen Municipality. In 2013, Dora was awarded the Top 10 immigrants Award by Leadership Foundation and in 2010 she was awarded the " Woman in Focus " Award by Positive Education, for her dedication and work with immigrant women in Bergen. Dora is a mother of two and a passionate social activist engaged in and advocates on issues concerning youth and women empowerment, cross-cultural parenting, migration challenges and active participation and representation of minorities in the Norwegian society. Dora stands firm in love, dignity, empowerment and full potential for herself and others. She is an enabler, and she lives to path way and create space for others, to empower and to use her voice to speak for those who cannot. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Author and journalist Kristen Millares Young shares lessons she learned from her Cuban mom Carmen on how to break ground while having a community orientation, how to be adaptable and resilient and thrive in a new environment, and on novels being a way of studying the human mind. Kristen also talks about her new novel “Subduction”, about the Makah Tribe featured in her novel, and about the challenges of motherhood.
To learn more about Kristen and her novel "Subduction", please visit her website.
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The books we mentioned are "Wintering" by Katherine May and "Chemistry" by Weike Wang.
TV writer and producer Linda Burstyn talks about her Hungarian mom Vera, a Holocaust survivor. From Vera, we learn about hard work, intense loyalty, choosing your partner, being a feminist even when the circumstances don’t allow it, and understanding that we’re all one. Linda also talks about her research on female genital mutilation in the US, about the path to discovering your true passion, about raising a daughter in Hollywood, and about challenges faced by women in the US today.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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CEO and founder of “Qwaltec”, a company specializing in mission operations and training for spacecrafts, Shawn Linam, talks about her American mother Carolyn’s lessons on gender not being an excuse for any tasks needed to be done, diving into - and solving - problems (without complaining), and taking care of others. Shawn also talks about learning, about her career path in engineering, about being a working mom, and the importance of self care.
To learn more about Shawn and "Qwaltec", please visit their website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Laila Soudi, founder of various programs providing mental health care to refugees in the Middle East, talks about her Palestinian mom Sana (meaning “light” in Arabic). From Sana, we learn about: resilience; having courage to ask, to try new things, and to not blindly follow norms; and that life is short, so we shouldn’t take it for granted. Laila also talks about her path from growing up in Jordan to acquiring her MA in global health and then working to provide mental health care to refugees. We also talked about the challenges refugees are facing, especially during times of COVID.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Celebrity yoga instructor and CEO of the global body wellness product line “Cuccio Somatology”, Danielle Cuccio, shares lessons she learned from her American mom Robbie. 30 years ago, Roby and her husband started a small cosmetics business and turned it into a global success. We hear her lessons on projecting confidence, working hard, finding your passion, and taking time for self-care.
“Thank You, Mama” listeners get 20% off Danielle's wonderful body care products and packages with code MAMA20. To visit her “Cuccio Somatology” website and online shop go here.
Danielle's Instagram.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Art historian, author and soon-to-be Zen priestess, Traude Wild, shares her Austrian mom Christine’s lessons on connecting with nature and spreading love, the importance of being grounded, trusting in life, and different ways of finding one’s identity. In this deep and inspiring conversation, Traude also talks about “patchwork” lives, finding yourself, relationships, and art-meditation.
To learn more about Traude, her books and seminars, please visit her website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Reena Friedman Watts, TV and podcast producer and host of “Better Call Daddy”, shares her American mom Maureen’s lessons on being strong and optimistic during hard times, being kind to your elders, encouraging your kids to find their talents, and the importance of having difficult conversations. Reena also talks about her mother’s and her grandmother’s successful battles with cancer, and about the challenges being a working mom of four.
You can listen to "Better Call Daddy" here.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Pianist and jewelry designer Marjan Majd is the mother of Tara, my guest in the pervious episode. Marjan shares lessons she learned from her Iranian mom Fahri on Bahai religion, focusing on the positive and the beautiful in life, and “Taarof” - old Persian art of etiquette. We also spoke about differences between European, Iranian and American cultures, about arranged marriages, teaching your children about finances, and about lessons which trickled down multiple generations of women in her family.
You can find Marjan's jewelry in her Etsy shop here.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Digital media producer and host of “Who Was She” podcast, Tara Jabbari, shares lessons she learned from her Iranian mom Marjan: don’t let others make you doubt yourself; when in doubt dress up; buy quality, not quantity. Tara also tells us about Bahai faith, and about Lidia Zamenhof, whose father created Esperanto. This is a little experiment of talking to two generations of women, so next week, we will hear lessons Tara’s mama Marjan learned from her mother.
To listen to Tara's "Who Was She" podcast, please visit here.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Tracey Tee & Shayna Ferm, creators of widely popular “Pump and Dump” comedy show and newly launched “Band of Mothers” podcast, share lessons they learned from their American mothers: why you should always drink the champagne, never skimp on eye cream, never stop learning, give yourself R&R days, always make things nice, and give your children affectionate love. We also spoke about how important it is to release the partner when it’s time to separate, and to learn to stand in your own power.
For more on Shayna & Tracey, please visit their website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Side hustle coach Emiko Rasmussen talks about her Japanese mom Kadzuko who taught her that teaching your children isn’t about what you tell them but what you show them; to use positive reinforcement with your children, and not compare them (or yourself) with others; that women are able to juggle many tasks and still have a healthy social life; that you should always focus on the process, not on the outcome; and that you can’t change your partner, but you can meet them in the middle. Emiko also tells us about the challenges women are facing in Japan.
For more about Emiko and her services, please visit her website.
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Listen to this mini episode to celebrate International Women’s Day and “Thank You, Mama” turning one. Ana shares with you the challenges of launching this podcast in the middle of a pandemic, while homeschooling – and talks about lessons she learned from her guests’ mamas. She also shares some basic history of Intl. Women’s Day; the news about a monthly dose of mama’s inspiration; and invites you to join in creating a “Thank You, Mama” playlist.
For more about “Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Ilona Dreyer is a 3rd generation German in Namibia, where she is running a textile business with her husband, and raising her two children. Ilona tells us about her mom Heidi from whom she learned to be diplomatic, to find a good side in everyone, to love her children equally, to give them unconditional love without spoiling them, to be thorough and efficient, and to always work with her partner as a team.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Brianne Davis, TV & Film actress (Desperate Housewives, True Blood, Nip Tuck) and author of “Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict”, talks about her recovery from addiction, and about her mom Bonnie from whom she learned to be a strong woman and a breadwinner, to go after her dreams, and to admit to her child when she is wrong. She also talks about healthy relationships, teaching children about finances, multitasking as a (working) mom, and housekeeping.
To contact Ana, and to get the code for a free Podfest ticket, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
For more about Brianne, and her book, please visit her website.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
Biotech professionals and hosts of “Work in Progress” podcast, twins Dana and Angela Chou lost their Taiwanese mom Jen to breast cancer when they were only 17. In this joint interview, they share lessons they learned from her: to love your uniqueness, to be financially independent, to love yourself, and to learn from books. Dana and Angela also talk about the importance of having courage to walk away from a marriage when things aren’t working, about addressing tough topics with your children, not identifying yourself with your circumstances, and changing careers.
To learn more about Dana & Angela, visit their website.
You can listen to "Work in Progress" here.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
TV producer and host of “Diferente” Maribel Quezada Smith talks about her mom Lulu who immigrated from Mexico to the US and, in spite of not being allowed to attend college, built a million dollar business - to then graduate from college after her kids did. From Lulu, we learn how to properly use a credit card and not go into debt, that happiness isn’t in the future but here and now, and how – and why - to fold underwear. Maribel also talks about her experience of living in a foreign country and being different, and about struggling with body image issues.
To learn more about Maribel, please visit her website.
To listen to "Diferente" go here.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
In this very inspiring and positive episode, HR Expert and author of “Choosing Hope: One Woman. Three Cancers.” Munira Premji talks about her Tanzanian mom Zerakhanu. Munira shares Zera’s beautiful lessons on gracefully accepting what is, loving life, curiosity and continuous learning, not letting difficulties in life affect you, and - exercise. Brimming with optimism and inspiration, Munira also shares important lessons she learned through her battle with three advanced cancers: breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. She also talks about the importance of supporting the care givers.
To learn more about Munira and her book, please visit her website.
To listen to Munira's podcast (Ana was her guest on 15 June 2020) click here.
To read Ana's story about the most important lessons she learned from her family's many battles with cancer, please visit Medium.
To read about Ana's husband's battle with cancer, or to donate to his fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, please click here.
Poet and storyteller Andrea Grant talks about being raised in the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses by a Native American father and a Welsh-Irish mother. While both Andrea and her father left the cult, and embraced their indigenous heritage, her mother returned to it after losing her 2nd husband. From mama Glenys, we learn about strength, independence, embracing your femininity, and social grace. From Andrea we learn about honesty, not being a victim, and the dangers of self-sabotage. Andrea also describes her childhood with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and talks about Native American myths and beliefs.
To learn more about Andrea and her work, please visit her website.
To watch the trailer for the "Modern Native" film, please visit here: https://youtu.be/aEAlMof2SLw
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Retired preschool teacher Mitra Jordan talks about her Iranian mom Sattareh Farman Farmaian, the mother of social work in Iran and author of “Daughter of Persia”. Sattareh grew up in a harem, received her university education in the USA, and returned to Iran to create the Teheran School of Social Work. She turned the school into a big success, providing the country with hundreds of social workers and projects. In 1979, the revolution broke out and, at the age of 58, Sattareh had to abandon her life’s work and flee her home country to start a new life in the US. We learn about the importance of education, self-reliability, following your path, not letting your circumstances define you, and – the benefits of exercise. Mitra also tells us about life in a harem, and talks about lessons on work-life balance.
You can find Sattareh's book "Daughter of Persia" here.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
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Actor, writer and coach, Courtney Bryant, talks about her American mom Shondra who recovered from a paralyzing stroke at 47. Courtney only started living with her mother at the age of 15 and they soon developed a co-dependent relationship. Through this experience, Courtney learned many important lessons on forgiveness, setting boundaries, moving on, loving yourself unconditionally, faith and manifesting.
For more about Courtney and her coaching services please visit her website.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Mama, US Marine Corps combat veteran and Navy psychologist, Dr. Julienne Shin, talks about lessons she learned through her difficult relationship with her Filipino mom Corazon: about the impact of a mother's relationships with her child at a young age, about not holding on to your parents’ pain, and about the importance of emotional intelligence. Julienne also shares some amazing things she learned through writing her dissertation on mothers in combat.
To learn more about Julienne and her coaching practice, visit her website.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Speech Pathologist Lena Livinsky talks about her Polish mom Weronika who moved to the US at the age of 45, and beat all odds for success by becoming a hair stylist and opening her salon. From Weronika, we learn that it’s never too late for new beginnings, about courage, kindness, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others. From Lena, we learn about speech pathology and how it can help with various issues from eating problems to changing one’s accent.
To learn more about Lena, visit her website.
You can listen to Lena's podcast "Accented World" here.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
In this mini holiday episode, Ana is making two big exceptions, and welcoming a guest who is male and very young. Kai shares lessons he learned from his Croatian & Austrian mama – your host Ana – on the importance of imagination, being alive, cuddling, using chi, not fighting, appreciating your ancestors, and speaking different languages. Together, we’re wishing you merry Christmas, happy holidays and all the best in 2021!
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Integrated marketing professional Liz Prats tells a fascinating story of her parents' immigration from Cuba to the US, and shares lessons she learned from her mom Aida. Aida paused her MBA to concentrate on her family but then never graduated, so we learn the important lesson about not putting your career aspirations on hold, especially for a man. We also learn about the importance of education and about always striving for excellence. Liz also tells us more about her family's life on Cuba, and about her aims to support women in fusing career success with spirituality.
To learn more about Liz, please visit her website.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Mom, NASA analyst and host of “Mommifaceted” (the community for moms of color juggling motherhood, career and real life) Rachel Pierre talks about lessons she learned from her American mom Donna: for mothers, sacrifice comes in seasons; friendships and villages come in different forms; how to show your kids a passion for work; and how to not completely lose yourself in your children.
To learn more about "Mommifaceted", please visit Rachel's website.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Sheena Yap Chan, the host of “Tao of Self Confidence” talks about her Chinese Filipino mom Didi and her lessons on adjusting to new situations, not letting age to define you, learning new skills, and doing what makes you happy. Sheena also shares lessons she learned from interviewing 809 amazing Asian women for her podcast, and talks about the Philippines.
You can listen to "The Tao of Self-Confidence" here.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit here.
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Maruska Strah, Executive director of World Space Week Association, talks about her Slovenian mom Zlatka’s lessons on working on love; always expanding your knowledge; spreading kindness and only saying good things about people; and loving and respecting yourself. From Maruska, we learn about space law, about ex-Yugoslavia, and about the importance of teaching our daughters about finances and to recognize their strength.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
It’s Thanksgiving and I wanted to reach out and say “Thank you” to you, dear listeners, and celebrate the global success of “Thank You, Mama” with you: only 40 episodes in, we have listeners from 57 countries, guests from 24 countries – and two international awards. You made “Thank You, Mama” into a global platform for women to connect and inspire each other, which is especially valuable during these challenging times of isolation during the pandemic. Thank you for that!
And thank you to Oliver Kraus for the beautiful "Thank You, Mama" music, and to Jino Choi for the awesome art!
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
A former Lieutenant Colonel and Commander in the US Air Force, Dr. Uchenna Umeh is a pediatrician, global activist on youth suicide prevention, bestselling author and mother of three. Uchenna talks about her Nigerian mom Ngozi, an accountant and mother of six. From Ngozi, we learn about using our voices, and about understanding our children, treating each child as an individual and being present for them. Uchenna also talks about Nigeria, about respecting our differences, accepting ourselves and respecting others.
Visit Amazon to find Uchenna's books: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AUchenna+L+Umeh&s=relevancerank&text=Uchenna+L+Umeh&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
International Spa Consultant Paola Restrepo-Moya talks about her Colombian mom Ruby and her lessons on the importance of dealing with depression; marrying a person you can grow up with; accepting that sometimes love just goes away; staying independent within a marriage; and teaching our daughters about their bodies and sex. Paola also shares her experience of living in many different countries and being an expat wife.
Jessica Ashley, a newly divorced mom who just launched her podcast “Stay Calm Mom”, talks about her American mom Donna, with whom she shares her birthday, but also her college days - Donna enrolled in college together with her daughter. From Donna we learn lessons on making decisions, willing in what you wish for, resilience, courage, kindness, and thinking outside the box.
Visit www.thejessicaashley.com to learn more about Jessica, and please join The "Stay Calm, Mom!" Community on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/staycalmmomcommunity
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
This episode is a bit different, because in this episode you host Ana Tajder will tell you her guest’s mother’s story. Because of technical difficulties with recording between US and China, the recording of the interview turned out blank, but Ana believed mama Chen’s inspiring story must be shared, so she shared it herself. Ana’s guest is the Beijing based artist and industrial design professor Xue Hongyan. Xue talks about her mom Chen who, after a life of hard work in a factory, started her own business at 50. Listen for a glimpse into a life of a working-class woman in China, and for important lessons on hard work, resilience, and courage to start a new professional phase in your 50s
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Personal chef Ana Kasparova talks about her Armenian mother Margarita who lost both of her parents at a very young age, and had to escape her home in Azerbaijan under very dramatic circumstances because of ethnic cleansing. Today, Margarita runs her very successful bi-lingual school in Bellevue, Washington. We hear about her lessons on strength, focus, determination, hard work, modesty, and gratefulness.
To learn more about Chef Ana and her services, visit: https://www.anakasparova.com/
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
I would love to hear your feedback, or your mom's lessons, so if there's anything you'd like to share, please get in touch by mail: info@thankyoumama.net
Rev. Michelle is a metaphysical minister, family constellation facilitator, and a clinical hypnotist helping women to heal their “Mother Wound”. Michelle talks about her mother Karen who was an addict and lost her three children to foster homes, and shares the very profound lessons she learned from her: that we have to find compassion for the full woman our mother is, that we are inter-dependent with our ancestor, that we can never escape what we reject, and that our healing is tied to our mother’s healing.
For more about Rev. Michelle, please visit: https://revchelle.com/
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Psychologist, author and homicide survivor, Dr. Jan Canty, talks about her mom Lou’s lessons on seeing setbacks as an opportunity, remembering there’s always someone that has it worse then you, being grateful, and treating others how you want to be treated. Jan also talks about her experience of being a homicide survivor, her battle with cancer, adopting her special needs daughters, her inspiring trips to Africa, cross-cultural psychotherapy, importance of imperfect parents, and facing sexism in 1950s America.
For more about Jan and her work, please visit: http://www.jancantyphd.com/
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
France Winddance Twine is a sociology professor and author of “A White Side of Black Britain”, which examines interracial parenting among white English and Irish mothers of children whose fathers are of African-Caribbean heritage. Winddance talks about her mother Lois and her many lessons on embracing diversity, value of cultural capital, women’s friendships, enjoying life, discipline, self-reliance, and respecting our parents' secrets. Winddance also talks about racism, art as a bridge between cultures, importance of sexual education, and knowing that our mothers did the best they could.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
This special episode deals with the academic discourse on modern motherhood. Social anthropologist Dr. Charlotte Faircloth, author of “Militant Lactivism”, talks about her research on attachment parenting, about how (and why) motherhood has changed through history, about the intensity of modern motherhood, and shifts in parenting culture. Charlotte also shares very practical lessons she learned from her British mom Carolyn, a specialist early years teacher.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Dr. Zsuzsa Berend, a sociology professor at UCLA and author of “The Online World of Surrogacy”, talks about her Hungarian mother Rosa, who at 14 was the only Holocaust survivor in her family. Zsuzsa shares Rosa’s touching story of abandonment, survival and depression, and talks about lessons she learned from her: the consequences of not dealing with trauma, the danger of believing in fairy tales, and the effects of over-protective parenting. Zsuzsa also shortly talks about surrogacy and motherhood.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Ambi Kavanagh, author, astrologer, reiki master and sound healer from Los Angeles, talks about her Sri Lankan mom Rajeswary’s lessons on faith, rituals, discipline, self-care, humility, getting help, and owning a home.
Ambi's website: https://alchemywithambi.com/
For more about Ana and "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Ashura Kayupayupa, a lawyer from Tanzania specialized in human rights, talks about her mother Rose, who, after her husband was killed in a car accident, was disowned by his family. In this episode, we learn about widow abuse, a problem that’s still widespread in Africa. But mama Rose prevailed, and from her, we learn about hope, endurance, hard work, patience, and focusing on your life. We also learn that what truly matters is what we make out of a difficult situation, not why it had happened to us.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
Annie Averett is a mom of three from Seattle where she runs a small teaching and children's safety business. She talks about her mom Grady who runs her own HR consulting company. Grady taught Annie not to fall in love with the mirror, to be kind to others, and if failing - to fail with pride.
For more information about Annie, please visit her business website: https://teaching-hands.com/
For more information about Ana and "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/
You can contact Ana by mail: info@thankyoumama.net
Sloane Ketchum is a business tycoon, best-selling author, coach and public speaker from Hawaii. Sloane talks about her mom Shelley who grew up in traditional Chinese culture, and her lessons on changing oppressing traditions, determining your future, and getting out of hard situations. Sloane also talks about her experience of being a teen mom, about not letting your circumstances to define you, and allowing yourself and others to sometimes not be ok.
More about Sloane: http://www.sloaneketcham.com/
More about "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
You can contact Ana at: info@thankyoumama.net
Intuitive and creative coach, Mara Marchesi, shares lessons she learned through healing herself in order to change her relationship with her mom. We learn that we need to accept people as they are (including their limitations), that we can only change (or heal) ourselves, not others, that we can change old patterns by managing our emotions before responding, and that we have everything we need inside of ourselves.
For more about Ana and "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
If you'd like to contact Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumama.net
To learn more about Mara:
www.theintuitionqueen.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrgTmoed3quUTObDg4g8IQ
Mara's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/intuitive-queens-podcast/id1477108959
Sophia Wise One, a singer, speaker, teacher and transformational storyteller, shares her mom Grace’s lessons on loving your body, applying yoga to your life, making decisions, and accepting change. From Sophia, we learn about empowering stories behind yoga poses, ancestral healing, chronic fatigue syndrome, letting things roll off your back, and saying “No".
More about Sophia: https://www.sophiawiseone.com/
More about "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
If you'd like to contact Ana, please send an email to: info@thankyoumama.net
Hamidah Thanawala, a financial consultant from New Jersey, talks about her Burmese mama Zubeda, and her numerous lessons. We learn to be content with what we have, to give, to celebrate life, that we are the owners of our experience, that trouble comes our way to teach us something, and that believing is achieving. We hear a very unique marriage story and as a little extra, we also learn how to prepare a Burmese dish called Kaukshwe.
Hamidah's podcast "Sharing Life Lessons": https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sharing-life-lessons/id1495248815?uo=4
More about "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
If you'd like to get in touch with Ana, please send your mail to: info@thankyoumamapodcast.net
Writer, co-author and editor of several life-style books, and a true New Yorker, Caitlin Leffel, talks about her mom Victoria, whom she lost when she was only 23. From Victoria, we learn to value our happiness, turn our passion into a profession, and that children do not guarantee happiness. Caitlin also talks about her experience of losing a mom, facing death with respect and dignity, the process of letting our mamas go, and learning to stand on our own.
For more about "Thank You, Mama" go to: http://www.tajder.com/
To contact Ana, please send a mail to: info@tajder.com
To listen to The Pumping Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pumping-podcast-l-motherhood-babies-family/id1474667560
Psychiatrist and coach Dr. Soniya Hirachan talks about her Nepalese mama Asha (“hope” in Nepalese) who grew up in the Himalayas, and every summer walked for a week to the nearest city to help her father sell the produce from their farm. Later in life, Asha built a profitable restaurant business and sent her children to the best schools in Nepal, India and the US. She teaches us about resilience, hope, humbleness, independence, and that it’s ok to be different.
The Pumping Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pumping-podcast-l-motherhood-babies-family/id1474667560
For more about Ana and "Thank You, Mama":
http://www.tajder.com/
If you have comments, or a mama you'd like to share, you can reach Ana at: info@thankyoumama.net
Leisa Peterson is a money and business coach, and author of “The Mindful Millionaire” (coming out today!). Leisa talks about her mom Jacquie, who was a hippie in Berkley during the ‘70s. Jacquie faced many struggles but always worked hard to support her children. We learn from her to not let the past dictate your future, to be independent and do whatever it takes to provide for your family, to be strong and never let them see you sweat. We also learn about the importance of savings and having a “nest egg”, and to take care of our mental health. And from Leisa, we learn about growing up with hippie parents in the heart of the hippie movement, and about healing ourselves and our relationship with money.
More about Leisa, her book and podcast: www.mindfulmillionairebook.com
Leisa's free chakra balancing meditation: www.abundancegift.com The Pumping Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pumping-podcast-l-motherhood-babies-family/id1474667560 More about Ana and "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/ Share your thoughts - or your mama: info@tajder.com
Susan Moylan-Coombs is an Australian First Nations woman, and an advocate for social justice. A member of the Stolen Generations, Susan talks about lessons she learned from both her adoptive mother and her biological mother. We learn that some situations are often not about you - it’s about others, that sometimes you should just walk away, and to not allow trauma to dictate who you are. We also learn about Australian history, the Stolen Generations, Australia’s First Peoples, and how their wisdom could help save the planet.
To learn more about Susan and her work, go here: https://www.gaimaragal.com.au/home/
For more about Ana and "Thank You, Mama": http://www.tajder.com/
School counselor Rev. Dr. Marisha Stewart talks about her mother Rev. Patricia, and her lessons on believing in yourself, finding your faith, having courage, helping the ones who are forgotten by the society, and being a great mother. Marisha also shares her beautiful wisdom on raising a son.
For more information on "Thank You, Mama" please visit www.thankyoumama.net
Economist Elisa Sitbon talks about her Tunisian Jewish mom Corinne and her lessons on being open-minded and establishing meaningful connections, not depending on others to make you happy, being incorruptible in a relationship, taking risks, and things not always being as bad as they seem.
In this solo episode, your host Ana Tajder talks about her mama, Jagoda Kaloper. Mama Jagoda was a celebrated actress and visual artist from Croatia and the reason Ana started this podcast. Ana shares the most important lessons she learned from her incredible mama about passionately loving life, leaving a mark, being your own source of happiness, aging gracefully, having it all by taking one step at the time, and being present and connected.
Molecular Biologist Dr. Özlem Yüce Petronczki talks about her amazing mama who wasn’t allowed to go to school but pushed her daughters to complete PhDs. Listen for mama Fatma’s lessons on being open-minded, honest and non-judgmental, on women’s strength and courage, on overcoming boundaries and pushing your children to live up to their potential. And as a little extra, learn about Alevism and women's lives in Turkey.
To contact Ana, please email at info@thankyoumam.net
For more information about "Thank You, Mama", please go to www.thankyoumama.net
Mindset coach Dr. Manuela Powell, a former breast cancer surgeon at the famous Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC, talks about her Brazilian mother Andrea, a psychologist who taught her to stop and think, to consciously decide what you want from life, that you can build a successful new career in your 40s, and that you'll never feel ready for big things in life - so you should just do them. Having dealt with both, Manuela also gives us some great thoughts on burnout and cancer.
Wanjiku Kiarie, an accountant and podcaster from Kenya, talks about her mama Frasia, a teacher who raised and supported her four daughters during her husband’s battle with drinking. The episode is bursting with lessons on finding God; forgiving and giving; working hard, saving and investing; raising amazing women; and honesty.
Stephanie Mitchell, a game producer from Seattle, talks about her mom Tanya who raised her three children as a single mother while working as a bar tender. We learn about hard work, being a people’s person, how much independence is too much, and the importance of recognising and dealing with addiction running in the family.
Monica Cermeno, former performance testing engineer at Boeing, talks about her Mexican mama Fina, a seamstress who became a business owner. We learn to control our actions and not other people’s, that good deeds come back three times, about working hard and making the best out of our circumstances, and the importance of saying “I love you.”
In this special mini episode, seven little girls, Olivia, Elise, Gabriella, Lola, Sophia, Penny and Bailey, share the lessons they learned from their mothers. You will learn how to protect lettuce from naughty bunnies, avoid fighting, speak Spanish, Korean and Slovak, make lasagna, jump rope, that we all actually have many mamas who will love us forever, no matter how many mistakes we make, and many more awesome lessons.
Writer and podcaster Ronit Plank talks about her mom who left to follow Guru Bhagwan in India. We learn that while most people don’t change, some do; that the way people treat you shows who they are, not who you are; the importance of expressing feelings in a vulnerable and constructive way; and to always use more herbs than the recipe calls for.
Ines Abejon, a stylist from Madrid, talks about her mom Pilar who grew up in Spain during Franco’s dictatorship and became a successful lawyer, happy wife and mother of three. From her, we learn the importance of staying independent within a marriage, what makes the right partner, to always look the part, and that no one is perfect.
Karen DiConcetto is a TV-writer and a former pop-star from New York. Karen talks about her New Jersey mom Kathy, a nurse who bounced back from a divorce in her sixties and is now happily married. We learn from Kathy that it’s never too late for a fresh start, to be authentic, not to take things personally, and that we don't need to do everything ourselves.
Roxanne Derhodge, a therapist and consultant specialized in resilience, talks about her mother Carol from Trinidad who had six children, and teaches us about caring for others, unconditional love, but also the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and walking away when things aren’t working.
Kathryn Sermak was Bette Davis’ personal assistant and best friend during the last ten years of Davis’ life. Davis wasn’t Sermak’s mom, but we’re making an exception for the Hollywood legend, and celebrating her birthday by learning from her about marching to the beat of your own drum, owning your mistakes, making decisions, trusting your instincts, and living life to the fullest.
Doris W Lee, a former marketing expert, now a busy mom of three, is sharing her mama Sophia, a nurse from South Korea who is teaching us about being brave but also kind and sweet, having a healthy suspicion of people, not taking the first thing you get, and empowering your children by teaching them about sex.
Los Angeles based TV and movie actress Laura Allen talks about her stay-at- home-mom Julie, from whom she learned the importance of a career, the courage to age naturally, respect for other women, and how to embrace change.
Jaynie Jackson, a music talent manager from Los Angeles talks about her mom Florence who beat cancer in her seventies, and raised her nine children with a strong sense of religion, altruism and love for performing arts. Mama Florence teaches us the power of prayer, family values, art of sharing, loving and serving people, and living your passion.
Claire Bidwell Smith, best-selling author of three books on loss (The Rules of Inheritance, After This, Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief), a grief therapist, and a Charleston-based mom of three (or six!), lost her mama Sally when she was only 18. From Claire, we learn about “healthy grief” and that there is no right way to grieve. From mama Sally, a food stylist, we learn to embrace the messiness of life, not to try fitting into boxes, and to face pain.
Rupa Chawla, a retired United Nations employee from Austria and India, talks about her Burmese mother Ada who, at 86, is still the pillar of the family. Ada still meditates and practices yoga every day, and teaches us about gentle honesty, real strength, life without judgement, being self-contained, the magic of letting things be, and the blessings of gratitude.
Our mothers’ lessons are an immense treasure, which so many of us never articulate. This podcast does just that: award-winning author and journalist Ana Tajder talks to women of different backgrounds, nationalities, ages and professions who share the most valuable lessons they learned from their mothers. This weekly trip around the world should allow the colorful experiences and wisdom of global mothers to inspire, motivate, and maybe teach the listeners a lesson or two.