Hard Knocks Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jourdan Watts
Sharing stories of how we overcome the unexpected struggles in life. My mission is to talk about the "hush, hush" topics - things like divorce, addiction, abuse, infertility, marital affairs, single parenting, etc. Everyone deserves the chance to tell their story - here is their opportunity.
I was super excited about this episode! I chat with Paul, a gay man about his life. Get ready for some ups and downs and crazy twists and turns! So good! Paul talks about abandonment issues from his mom, coming out as gay to his dad and school, marrying a woman, adopting two kids with his wife, divorce, marrying a man, divorce again and cancer.
In this episode, I chat with Cathy about how she grew up with only brothers, which in turn made her a pretty private person when it came to big, hard things in her life.. Things like struggling with infertility for years and having miscarriage after miscarriage, as well as thyroid cancer and divorce.
In this episode, I chat with Tyler about being unemployed and not being able to find a job, even with several degrees, which led him to be a stay-at-home dad. He also has struggled with a food addiction and then lost 100 pounds!
In this episode, I talk with Corina about how the physical, sexual, emotional and mental abuse she endured for 13 years of her childhood affected her in adulthood. Namely in intimate settings.
In this episode, Nancy share about the chronic illnesses that both her and her husband deal with on a daily basis. We also talk a lot about having anxiety and how to do with it, support someone who struggles with it and ultimately live happier!
In this episode, I chat with Kristen about a slew of medical issues she's faced since she was just a teenager. From a car accident resulting in a pulled groin to a breast cancer scare to almost dying of MRSA to being diagnosed with MS and everything in between.
In this episode, I chat with Tracy, a mother who shares her daughter's story. Unfortunately, the story ended in a self-inflicted fatality. She shares how it all unfolded, as well as lots of great advice and things that we can learn from.
In this episode, I chat with Emily about a verbally abusive marriage, to which she admits she stayed in for too long. She also shares about her son's addictions to drugs and alcohols, as well as the multiple invisible illnesses her daughter suffers from. On top of that, Emily is now helping take care of her ex-husband as he battles with stage 4 cancer.
In this episode, I chat with Shataya about her parent's divorce when she was 14, depression and an almost suicide attempt, meeting her son's biological father after High School, getting pregnant when she always swore up and down that she never wanted kids, postpartum depression, breaking up with the father, meeting her current husband, helping him deal with his alcoholism, a nasty custody battle with her husband's son that nearly ended their marriage and how she copes naturally with all of these things to stay healthy and sane.
In this episode, I chat with Kelsey about some medical issues she had when she was a child and how the medication caused her to gain a lot of weight, which in turn, led her to be bullied for it. We also talk about the losses she's had, her marriages and divorces and what it's like to be a single mom of twins.
In this episode, I chat with Lindsay about the loss of her father and two older brothers, as well as sexual abuse by one of those brothers. Lindsay talks about her mom's mental health problems, as well as an abusive relationship. All of these things have affected her throughout her life. She shares how she is able to cope with all of it.
In this episode, I chat with my friend Kati about the sexual abuse she endured as a young child, as well as the abandonment she felt by her mom as a child and teenager. Those things together really affected her and the way she viewed herself. She was constantly searching for love and always felt unworthy. After meeting her husband and trying to start a family, they have been on a roller coaster ride. Kati has struggled with infertility and has lost two sets of twins - the last miscarriage nearly destroyed her.
In this episode, I talk with Tasia about life after loss. She did her first episode (#39) where she talked about the loss of her precious baby girl, Holland, to Trisomy 18. Tasia shares about getting pregnant again, what it's like to have to resume life and mom guilt.
In this episode, Michelle shares briefly about her learning disability, a long-term abusive relationship and her infertility diagnosis. It was a combination of all those things that led her to become a self-published author.
In this episode, I answer the random questions that I ask each guest at the end of every episode.
In this episode, I chat with Ty about how the challenges he faced growing up in poverty, as well as being born with a cleft lip and palate. We also talk about how his father came back into his life randomly one day when he was a teenager, then died just a few short years later. When he got older, he became his mom's caretaker and he talks about the challenges that came along with that.
In this episode, I chat with "Isabella" about how her parent's nasty divorce at age 15 affected nearly every aspect of her life. During the divorce, there were literal death threats, as well as lots of other emotional abuse and some physical abuse. Isabella was always a good girl, but found herself doing some things that were self-sabotaging. When she realized it, she worked hard to repair all of the relationships she had lost and kicked the bad ones to the curb. She got pregnant at age 18, married the father, moved away from the small town they grew up in. Isabella shares all the things she learned during those trying times and how she has been able to forgive.
In this episode, I chat with my friend Viva about the abuse, both physical and emotional, she suffered as a child by her mother and the sexual abuse by a well-respected uncle. It took Viva years to be able to realize that the sexual abuse really did happen. She shares how those things have affected all parts of her life.
In this episode, I chat with Meghan about dealing with depression and anxiety. She believes it started when she was just 10 years old and bullied for her weight. Meghan was officially diagnosed with depression about 15 years ago and went through a ton of medications before she found the one that was right for her. A series of toxic relationships led her to have a huge mental breakdown. In turn, she lost her job and insurance. Her mom called a crisis team and after lots more trial and error, she was finally able to get the correct help she needed.
In this episode, I chat with my friend Emily about going through a three year divorce and how they ended up being friends in the end. Emily shares the other things she struggled through during that time and the things people said to her that helped her get back on her feet.
In this episode, I chat with Annie about her son's drug addiction that started when he was just a Junior in High School. Annie's own mother fed into her son's addiction by covering for him, keeping secrets for him and even taking him to get pills. This episode is a mother's perspective on her child's drug abuse and the great lengths Annie went to to investigate and prevent his addiction from going any further.
In this episode, I chat with Brandy about how growing up very sheltered and gendered (meaning girls did only certain things and boys did only certain things) affected her life as she got older. Once she was 18, she did all the things she'd never been allowed to do. Shortly after that, she found herself pregnant and in a sexually abusive relationship. After a chat with her therapist, she worked up the courage to leave him. She was still doing many self-destructive things and landed in jail. It was after she found out that her daughter had been sexually abused that she finally began to change. Brandy went on to remarry, have two more kids and get her Master's degree in Social Work.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I read a story that an anonymous guest wrote in about her experience with abortion. She shares about when she found out she was pregnant, how she felt, how she tried to work through her tough feelings, but ultimately chose the decision of getting an abortion. She shares her raw and real feelings on this topic.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Emily about the project she started called - The Kindness Matters Project. There are eight different shirts to represent the word "kindness" and they each say something different, but encouraging. There is also a wonderful message on the back of every shirt. Emily's goal with this project is to help others - kids, parents, teachers, etc. - to recognize the good.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Kirsten about two sexual assaults that happened to her - one that she hid for nearly 40 years. We also talked about her husband's porn addiction and the shocking truth that it revealed about her. Kirsten also talked about her experience with a miscarriage. She offers lots of great advice on how to make your marriage strong and how to get through a pornography addiction.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode I chat with Katelin about what it's like to be the single mom of two daughters only 14 months apart by two different fathers. She shares the struggles that she faces with her own self-image and how she has overcome some things that people, including one of the fathers, has said to her.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Kenzie about having Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) while pregnant. I am so glad she reached out to me offering to share her story about this because it is not something that is widely known or talked about. Kenzie shares about how she lost nearly 35 pounds, was throwing up 15-20 times a day, constantly passing out, being put on Home Health, getting a feeding tube and being so sick and miserable that at some points, she just wished she could die.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with an anonymous guest that we'll call Ava. Ava tells her story of being molested by multiple people - a neighbor, her father and brother. Because of all this, she suffers from depression and anxiety. In 8th grade, she started cutting herself and later in life she considered taking her own life. Ava became addicted to drugs and partying at 16 and then found herself pregnant. She is now a single mom of a child with Autism.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, you'll meet Natalie. She talks about how she was able to get out of her marriage with an alcoholic, finding a new husband and suffering with infertility, including a stillborn son. You'll also hear Natalie talk about the loss of her sister, the shocking story behind what led her to home-school her children and at the end, how all of this led her to become an author.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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Marty himself was abused and became an abuser. He was a narcissist through and through. When it came time to choose between this behavior or his son, he chose his son. He was desperate for help. For someone to speak up about this. But there was no one that could relate to him directly. "There was lots of help for people who had been abused. But there was none for people who had been abusive." Marty is changing the waves by speaking out and showing that it is possible for a narcissist to change if they want it bad enough.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Rebecca about how at 18 years old, she finally learned the truth. The truth about the man she had always known as dad. He wasn't really her dad. To the outsiders, that was totally obvious because he was black and she was white, but she had grown up always thinking this was her father, despite the differences in their skin color. This led to an identity crisis and some anxiety. Michelle has struggled with all of the unknowns.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with an anonymous guest that we'll call "Olivia." Olivia shares what it was like to be married to a narcissist and how she was manipulated and made to believe that she was crazy. Olivia was finally able to realize what was going on in her marriage and filed for divorce.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend McKel about several things. First we started out talking about how she found out that her dad was actually her step-dad. She later did find her biological father and several siblings. McKel shares about a very toxic and emotionally abusive relationship she was in. She was pregnant before marriage and once she did marry, she became a Military wife. McKel shares the struggles that come along with that. She also gets into her anxiety and lastly, a miscarriage she suffered.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Michelle about the murder of her sister. Michelle feels like the news stations did not do a good job of portraying who Melanie really was. She was more than just a drug addict. Michelle shares how they did their own detective work because the cops weren't taking the situation too seriously until a couple months after they had reported her missing. You'll hear the sad truth of what really happened.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I share all the questions and answers that I asked you amazing supporters a bunch of parenting-related questions on Instagram. Thank you to those who participated and responded!
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Carolina (care-oh-lee-nuh) about how she grew up in poverty with her mother, who also suffered from OCD and bipolar disorder. Carolina always knew she was a mistake and carried a lot of blame around from things her mother would say. Carolina suffered sexual assault by her grandfather, moved out of the house when she was 16 with two garbage bags and eventually cut ties with both of her parents.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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An episode you've all been waiting for! I chat with Colton, the husband of Jenessa (from episode 16, who admits she had an affair), to hear his side of the story. Colton also shares other things from his life, such as a nearly fatal motocross accident, being suicidal, serving a partial LDS mission and then, of course, about his marriage.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Amanda about what it was like to be 17 years old, seeing a fertility doctor. From there, we talk about her diagnosis of PCOS, infertility, a very sad miscarriage and how she and her husband heal through this hard season of life.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Heather from @divinelysensitive on IG. She shares what it's like to be a highly sensitive person and how she deals with it herself, as well as with her children. Heather also talks about different types of empaths (I'm really curious - which type are you??) and intertwined throughout are ways to find beauty in life.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I talk with Stacie about the severe emotional and physical abuse she endured as a small child, by the hands and mouth of her step-dad. Stacie shares how it has affected her to this day and what triggers her PTSD, as well as an abortion she had as a teenager. Please note that this episode is sad and very raw. You will for sure need tissues.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Breanne about the loss of her brother as a teenager, her parent's divorce that shortly followed, sexual assault of her friend by her father and finding herself while trying to navigate through all of this.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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After four years of trying to get pregnant, a miscarriage and five failed IVF cycles, Anita had basically given up. In this episode, Anita tells us about all the things she tried and did to get pregnant for years. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised to find out what ended up working for her, not once, but twice!
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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Here's another amazing and super informative episode! I was excited to chat with Rebecca, a Social Worker, who specializes in Trafficking and Exploitation. Rebecca shares an experience of her own, as well as ways people are recruited and trafficked and what to look out for.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Jess from @jessisandgetsreal on IG. Jess talks about her two children that have several special needs, as well as her having some both mental and non-mental illnesses. Jess also attempted suicide in October 2018 and she shares her story on that and about her time in the psych ward.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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I absolutely loved this opportunity with my sweet son. This is an episode I will forever cherish. His answers were completely candid. I did not tell him any of these questions beforehand. His little voice. His stories. He even sings!
Man. Ever since I started doing this podcast, Karsyn has been begging to do one. I had someone cancel, so I had a free day and he was happier than a pig in you know what. Every couple of days since we've recorded, he's asked if it has gone live yet. He's going to be thrilled this time when I can say yes!
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I talk all about business. I know it's not really considered a "Hard Knock" in life, but running your own business is not all sunshine and rainbows. It can be super hard, but also super rewarding. Listen to the lessons I've learned as well as some tips and tricks that I share.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Micah. I found her through a hashtag on Instagram. Micah shares her story of how she always had the heart for people with special needs. She knew that was her calling in life. Micah also shares about how it affects her marriage and biological children, as well as what she does for her foster children and how she ended up adopting two of them. If you are a foster parent, have adopted a child, have a child with special needs, or just want more info on any or all of these subjects, this episode is for you! It was very informative.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Bre about being raised by a single mom, moving as a teenager and the struggles that came with that, being in an unhealthy relationship with someone who was mentally and physically abusive and a marriage that ended in divorce, which led to her being a single mother.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast
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In this episode, I chat with Tasia about the loss of her sweet baby girl, Holland. She had Trisomy 18 and lived only a couple days. Tasia also talks about the loss of her grandpa, whom she was very close to. This is an episode where you'll definitely need tissues.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast
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In this episode, I chat with my sister-in-law, Bailee. We talk about how she didn't know who her dad was until she was about 4 or 5 and what led to her meeting him. We also talk about how she was constantly in between houses growing up, as well as her young marriage right out of High School.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with one of my sweet friends, Carly. We talk about how she grew up having divorced parents with siblings of all different ages. We get into her College experience and how she met her daughter's father, which turned out to be a very toxic, horrible relationship. Carly was literally scared for her life at some times during this relationship. Luckily, she was able to leave before she was seriously hurt and is now a single mom.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast
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In this episode, I chat with Teisha about her hard childhood, her drug addiction that began at age 12, dropping out of High School so she could help take care of her younger siblings, bad relationship with her mom and then having kids of her own, one of which has been sick and no one knows what is wrong with her.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast
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In this episode, I chat with Jesenia of @pmddwarriors on Instagram. She gives some insight on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, also known as PMDD. This has to do with a woman's menstrual cycle. "In short terms, it's PMS on steriods." This episode was really insightful for me. I'd never heard of PMDD before. It is interesting and could be the answer for many women that struggle more than normal when it comes to your menstrual cycle.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
Follow on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast
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In this episode I chat with my little sister about how her parent's decisions when she was little shaped how she is today, as well as her own struggles with depression and anxiety and a nearly fatal UTV accident.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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If you have a young child in your life at all, whether it be your own child, a friend's child, your grandchild, a niece or nephew, etc. you NEED to listen to this episode!
In this episode, I chat with the sweetest lady! I met Christine through her bakery in town, Sugar Bean Bakery. Unfortunately, it has since closed, but she still makes goodies from home! Lucky for us residents of Sevier County. ;) Christine shares a very powerful story! This is one EVERY SINGLE PERSON needs to hear. She shares her own story of what it's like to be the mother of a child who attempted suicide, as well as statistics and warning signs that her own child was showing and she didn't even see, until it was almost too late.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with one of my best childhood friends, Kourtney. She talks about growing up in an LDS community and how she made choices that go against those beliefs, which in turn led her to being bullied and in some toxic relationships.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this solo episode with me, Jourdan, your host, I answer questions that you amazing supporters asked me on Instagram! Topics include being a working mom and the struggles that come along with that, my tattoos, podcast talk and my two sweet kids' birth stories.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Amy about the loss of her father when she was just barely 13 years old. Amy tells all about how she felt at the time, after and how she feels to this day. She shares about her anxiety and depression, as well as the struggles being home-schooled has also made her face.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, my friend Karyssa and I talk about what it was like for her to grow up in a broken home. As the oldest, she had to take care of all her younger siblings because her dad was a drug addict and her mom struggled with some things, as well. We talk about how she fostered her youngest brother, during the midst of her postpartum depression from baby #2.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Justice about the physical and then sexual abuse she endured by her step-dad. Justice tells how they got out of the situation and the repercussions of not getting help when she needed it.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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I am so excited for you guys to hear this episode! I was pumped when Janessa reached out to me and said she was willing to share her experience as a therapist, as well as coping skills and strategies for so many situations in life. Janessa also shared about her own loss and what grief was like for her. This is one to take notes on!
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, my friend Janie and I chat about what it's like to grow up in Utah and not be married by your mid 20s. The reason I felt like this was an important topic is because it is not uncommon by any means for people to be married right out of High School and have all their kids by the time they're 25. I know in other states and cultures, this is weird.. Why would you get married at 18/19? You haven't even lived yet, etc. This is just how our culture and society is. So Janie at 25, living in Utah and still not married.. She does face some challenges and discomfort.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Sharde about the sexual abuse she endured by her step-dad.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Amanda about how she grew up with her grandpa and then when she went off to College, how he started to get sick. We talked about the shocking way they learned he had cancer and how she was his caregiver until he passed.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, my friend Shilo and I chat about her marriage that happened right out of High School and shortly followed in divorce, as well as the loss of her precious son, Brink, and then one of her best friends.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my sweet friend Josie about what it was like to be a child of an affair - when she found out, how she felt and when she met her other family. We also talked about her being in an abusive relationship with a drug user, which led her to single motherhood. She also talked about losing her bonus mom and older sister and all about making something of yourself through all the hardships.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I give a "quick" run down bringing you up to speed on where I am today.
My part 1 is episode 1. My part 2 is episode 12.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with one of my funniest friends ever, Dakota. We chat about how she is a young mom of three littles, 6 and under. Her experience with PPD (postpartum depression) which actually led to a diagnosis of RDD (recurrent depressive disorder) and from there, led to an attempted suicide.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with one of my best friends in the entire world about all the loss she has suffered. She shares a little bit about each one and then how she copes with it all, as well as what you can do for and say to someone that has lost a loved one.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, Jenessa and I talk about what led to her having an affair and how she and her husband have made their marriage work since then. It's a very powerful episode. This is something no one talks about openly and I am VERY proud of her for doing this.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my friend Jenessa about what it was like to be adopted (you'll get my reference here when you listen) and how she felt when people found out. As well as her being pregnant at 15, a Sophomore in High School, and her decision to place her baby for adoption, which then led to her meeting her birth parents!
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, Samie and I talked about what it was like to be pregnant at 15, then transitioning into a single mom still in High School. She shares what it was like to date as a single mom with a little boy that always came with on dates, then eventually meeting her husband when her son was four or five and how her husband ended up adopting her son.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with Lee, who is a self-proclaimed SPS (single parent survivalist). I actually love this term! In her email to me, she said that she has been a mom and dad to her daughter for a really long time. This episode really dives in to what it's like being a single mom for pretty much your child's whole life. Lee shares the challenges and sacrifices it takes to be a single parent. Now that her daughter is grown, Lee moved in with her and has a more minimal living approach. They also run a photography business together.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, we discuss her marriage that was filled with domestic violence, her leaving her marriage and going back, getting pregnant, single motherhood, getting pregnant and placing the baby up for adoption in 2017 and again in 2019, divorce and how her life is now and the things she's learned along the way.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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This episode was really hard for me to listen to again after I recorded to edit and type these show notes. Going into it, I didn't think I was going to cry, but talking about things really brought up past feelings and hurt, so I did cry like a little baby. Sorry for that. :) In this episode, I just talked about some things that I missed in my first episode. Listening again, I still left out a ton and maybe will have to do another one later to talk about some things I remembered while listening again or just as the days go on.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit ourhardknocks.com/2019/05/30/episode-12-jourdan-watts-some-things-i-left-out-in-my-0-18-years.
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In this episode, Carrie and I talked about lots of intense things. We started out talking about the abuse she suffered as a child, then went into her getting pregnant and being in foster care, then getting pregnant again and giving the baby up for adoption, then pregnant again for the third time and getting married. We talked about her first two divorces and meeting her second child that she placed, as well as her going to nursing school and becoming an RN by the age of 22. This is a great episode with lots of things for all to hear! Carrie is walking proof that you can do anything you set your mind to.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I talked to Janaya about how she was sexually abused at six years old by a male babysitter.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I chat with my cousin Nicole. We talked about how she met her husband, when she realized that they didn't have any kids and what they ended up doing about it. Over the first 9 years of their marriage, they saw 4 different doctors before they went to a fertility clinic, which had them pregnant within the first 6 months. Nicole shares her miracle baby story and the heartache she feels not being able to get pregnant again.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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I had the honor of sitting down with my beautiful aunt Vicki to share her powerful story about how it's never too late. It's never too late to start over. It's never too late to try again. She shared how she wanted to be a mom so badly and ended up having an ectopic pregnancy. She did end up having two darling little baby girls after that. We talked a lot about her overcoming her drug addiction and eventually, that led to the divorce of her daughters dad and then to her getting remarried and having a blended family with six kids.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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Shailee and I discuss the loss of her 18 year old brother. Hunter died in a motocross accident. Shailee shares plenty of great tips and ways to deal with grief that have worked for her.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, JaKale and I discuss her everyday life dealing with depression and anxiety. She shares her struggles and things that work for her. Her 6 year old son also struggles with anxiety and has been diagnosed with ODD (oppositional defiant disorder). JaKale shares how that affects him and what she does to help him overcome.
For full show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, Carissa and I talk about her two miscarriages and her journey with that. We also talk about things you can do to make your marriage strong.
Listen on to hear the great advice and heartfelt story that Carissa has to share.
For show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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*Please note: there are two F bombs dropped in this episode.
In this episode, Casey and I talk about what led to her divorce, what every day life is like as a single mom, trying to date and dealing with her son's allergies.
Listen on to hear the great stories and advice that Casey has to share.
For show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, I sit with Emilie Farrer and she goes on to tell me the shocking situation that led to her being a single mom. She learned at 15 years old that she had Type 1 Diabetes.
Listen on to hear the great advice and heartfelt story that Emilie has to share. Have your tissues handy.
For show notes and links to everything referenced in this episode, please visit www.ourhardknocks.com.
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In this episode, you will hear from the host, Jourdan Watts. She talks a little bit about how she grew up. Her parents divorced when she was a baby. Her dad got custody of her and then married a 16 year old girl. That 16 year old girl raised Jourdan and has the title of "bonus-mom" throughout the show to avoid confusion between her and Jourdan's bio mom.
Jourdan's mom got into some trouble with drugs when Jourdan was in 5th grade. That turned Jourdan's world upside down. Also, Jourdan had been an only child at her dad's house and finally her dad and bonus-mom had their own baby. At that time, Jourdan felt like she didn't matter anymore.
In 8th grade, Jourdan met her first love. They would date all through 8th grade, all four years of High School and about two years after high school. During this time, Jourdan got pregnant her Senior year of High School. When her son was about 19 months, Jourdan made the hard decision to leave.
Listen to find out more!
Visit our website for more info, full show notes and links to everything referenced in each episode: www.ourhardknocks.com.
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If you have your own story you'd like to share, please send me a DM on Instagram or Facebook or send me an email (hardknockspod@gmail).
In this intro, you will find out what Hard Knocks is all about. My mission is to give others a voice. I want people to know they are not alone. Help is out there. People are going through hard things every single day and it is totally possible to get through it.
Visit www.ourhardknocks.com and follow us on Instagram @hardknocks.podcast.
Show notes: https://ourhardknocks.com/2019/05/01/the-podcast-is-live/.