Picking Strawberries with Rhonda Brunson: Recent Episodes
Rhonda
Every day we are surrounded by amazing beauty but sometimes the crazy of life makes it hard to see. Join Rhonda Brunson every other Thursday on RhondaBrunson.com as she searches for that beauty with her guests. If you are hungry for inspiring conversations, growing your capacity for wonder or just need a break from the normal, this podcast is for you.
In this episode, Rhonda welcomes one of her favorite people - her son Joseph Brunson. Rhonda and Joseph discuss his controversial decision not to go to college. For Joseph, he’s got a life path in mind as a professional jiujitsu athlete…and as he explains, more school just seems like it would be in the way. Tune in to hear how and why Joseph made this decision, and how his parents understand and support him.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- A day in the life of Joseph Brunson, high school junior
- The pandemic focused Joseph’s life on Jiujitsu
- College vs. a life path with other goals
- Laser focus on his sport
- Highlights of Joseph’s recent years
- Moving on from disappointments and challenges
- A major shift - overcoming the fear of losing
- The draw of the jiujitsu sport and lifestyle
- Finishing high school - the focus is still on sports
- Plans after graduation
- Share this podcast with a parent who might need it!
Resources:
Joseph Brunson IG
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
In this episode, Rhonda welcomes Sarah Pyles, Founder of Fuel the Fire Athlete Nutrition. Sarah is a woman of many talents including fitness and nutrition coach, chef, pro-fighter, and martial arts athlete. Sarah’s personal story is intense and emotional, including being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder that left her blind and on bed rest for a period when she was a teen. Tune in to hear how this incredible woman lifted herself out of a downward-spiraling illness with nutrition and fitness, and how she may be able to help you as well.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- A day in the life of Sarah Pyles
- An emotional backstory
- Seeing the best doctors - couldn’t help her
- What turned things around?
- Finding self-motivation
- Jealousy as a motivator
- Sarah’s gluten-free tiramisu recipe - check the resources section!
- Showing up no matter what
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Fuel the Fire IG
The Devil’s Cupcake Links
Fuel the Fire Gluten-Free Tiramisu Recipe
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
In this episode, we celebrate all Dads with guest Chris Keith, often known as Super Dad of 5 kids. From an unimaginable tragedy in childhood to parenting 3 bio-kids and 2 adopted kids ranging from 19 to 2, Chris and his wife are challenged daily by parenting, but somehow manage to rise above and continue to spread positivity in the world.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Chris’ family and his daily work to show up for his kids
- Losing his mom at age 5 and how it informs daily life
- Being a mentor is important
- Parenting challenges
- Fostering and adopting kids from the foster system
- Serving on the Board of Choose Courage
- How can we support people living in abusive situations?
- Inspiration - hearing stories of other’s perseverance
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Chris’ Story
Chris Keith IG
Chris Keith Facebook
Chris Keith LinkedIn
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
My own medical aesthetician Tana Oakes is my guest on the show today, and to kick off the hot Texas summer season let’s hear what Tana has to say about our skin care routines. From micro-needling to gut health, sunscreen, monthly facials, and collagen, Tana breaks down the best ways to maintain beautiful skin at any age.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- What services are provided by medical aestheticians?
- Tana’s background and the path to her career that began at 49
- Best tips for summer skin, when to reapply sun screen
- The #1 tip for maintaining great skin
- Mistakes we make
- Collagen - when, how, and who needs it
- Seeing what’s beautiful in the world
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
TSO Skinlab on FB
TSO Skinlab on IG
TSO Skinlab Website
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
My guest today is Sarah Shelby, a vibrational sound therapist who helped me immensely when I had torn cartilage in my hip and surgery was not an option. Sarah is forever curious, and started in health and wellness with massage therapy, which led to exploring sound with tuning forks and eventually Tibetan singing bowls.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Sarah got started, how Tibetan singing bowls work - with both their weight and their sound - on the body, and the different meditative and healing benefits people can experience.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- How sound therapy works as a relaxation modality
- Tibetan singing bowls and how they are used in one-on-one sessions
- Directing energy with sound
- Sound therapy for groups or events
- How Sarah got started in health and wellness
- Researching sound therapy and Tibetan bowls for her practice
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system work
- Individual results vary from simple to dramatic
- How sound therapy fits into a holistic protocol
- Sarah’s self-care is critical
- Look for what light’s you up and makes you curious
- Seeing what’s beautiful in the world
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Email Sarah
Sound in Balance on IG
Find a Vibrational Sound Therapist in Your Area
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
My guest today is Cicely Adri-anna, whom I met when photographing women for the Choose Courage Foundation. Cicely is the author of the best-selling, “The Silent Jewel Speaks”, and also a Certified Transformation Coach, a self-described “retired strong friend,” mental health warrior, and domestic abuse survivor.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Cicely’s violent experiences led to her choosing to live a gentle life for herself and her kids, how she defines self-care, and more about how a gentle life has helped her heal through the years.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- How surviving domestic abuse led to ‘choosing’ a gentle life
- Having children necessitated creating a good home environment
- The book Silent Jewel Speaks
- Staying gentle in a hard world
- Self-care redefined
- The retired strong friend, asking permission before ‘unloading’ on a friend
- What Cicely sees as beautiful
- Inspiration for Cicely
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Cicely Adri’anna Website
Cicely Adri’anna IG
Cicely Adri’anna Facebook
Book: The Silent Jewel Speaks
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
My guest today is Amanda Mazey, TV sports anchor and reporter, mom, and general sports fanatic.
Amanda is married to a WVU baseball coach, a mom of three kids, an ESPN+ reporter, she co-hosts a weekly TV show called Mountaineer GameDay - a regional/national WVU Football pregame show, and she’s the Director of Social Media for Country Roads Trust.
In this episode, you’ll hear Amanda discuss her love of sports and television as a young kid, her start in television on air after college, adventure stories, and the nearly fatal accident involving her son Weston on the baseball field, after which her family founded Team Wammer to help other parents detailing with their kids' traumatic injuries.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Amanda’s intro and beginning in tv
- Adventure- doesn’t have to be climbing mountains
- Amanda as a child
- An unexpected hiking and bad weather story
- Time for self-care and relaxing?
- Family and sports
- The baseball accident with Weston and Team Wammer
- What is beautiful to you? Kindness can make a big difference
- Lightning round personal questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Amanda Mazey on IG
Amanda Mazey LinkedIn
Team Wammer
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
My guest today is Jennie Pinkerton, CrossFit instructor and fitness and nutrition coach. Jennie is here to talk about food and how you can heal your unhealthy relationship with it.
In this episode, you’ll hear Jennie discuss how her journey to nutrition and coaching started in an unhealthy place, tips and tricks around shopping for, and eating food, and practicing things like deep breathing, staying present, listening to your body, and Jennie’s own story around healing and food.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Jennie’s path to nutrition and health
- Motivation to become a nutrition coach
- Shopping for food - what do you crave?
- Give yourself ‘space’ between the craving and choosing foods
- First steps for ‘healing’ the relationship with food
- Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous systems
- Jennie’s passion for coaching began when she couldn’t zip up a dress for a funeral
- Weighing, measuring, and logging her food became an obsession
- Being told she had “disordered eating” habits
- Lightning round questions
- Share this podcast with someone who might need it
Resources:
Jennie on Facebook
Firebird Coaching
Jennie on IG
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Today’s guest is Linda Volleman, a coach at Intensity Training Systems, where the mission is to help everyday people become stronger physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. As a former teacher for six years, Linda now coaches upwards of 200-300 people every week in group classes (including me!).
In this episode, you’ll hear Linda talk about her past as a teacher and how she uses those skills as a coach, some advice for listeners around focusing on what you CAN achieve and ARE doing, rather than your final goals. Body image is a problem for nearly all her clients, and Linda discusses how she coaches clients around this issue.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- 200-300 people receive group training every week at ITS
- At ITS, Linda uses her passion for teaching and fitness
- Favorite aspects of being a fitness coach
- Body image issues exist at size 0 or with curvy girls - when do we stop?
- Separating our value from our body size or shape
- Focusing on what you CAN do, and the little improvements to be grateful for
- Sleep and walks in nature can break your focus on body image
- Rapid fire questions segment
- Share this podcast with someone who might need motivation
Resources:
Intensity Training Website
Intensity Training on Instagram
Intensity Training on Facebook
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Today’s guest is Tina Howard, a great friend who I’ve known for years. Tina is the founder/owner of two businesses, Leaves Book and Tea Shop, and Stir Crazy Baked Goods, both in Fort Worth Texas.
In this episode, you’ll hear Tina talk about the many career pivots she experienced before becoming an entrepreneur, her natural tendency to be a “connector” (that led to her opening two very community-oriented businesses), how she has dealt with challenges in growing her businesses, and how she manages to stay grounded, authentic, and intentional with family, friends, and colleagues.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Tina’s early career and later pivots
- Early jobs prepared her for entrepreneurship
- A natural ease in connecting people grew into opening the Leaves shop
- Building and supporting the community- through Covid and other challenges
- Balance - no such thing as “work/life balance” - priorities are always shifting
- What Tina wishes she knew five years ago, and what has surprised her
- Dealing with imposter syndrome
- Staying grounded, authentic, and intentional
- Entrepreneurial lessons learned
- Beauty in the ‘tiny moments’
- Advice - throw ideas against the wall and ‘see if they stick’
- Rapid fire question segment
- Share this podcast with someone who will be inspired!
Resources:
Tina Howard LinkedIn
Leaves Book and Tea Shop Website- Order direct!
Leaves on Instagram
Stir Crazy Baked Goods
Stir Crazy Baked Goods Facebook
Book- Unoffendable
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Today’s guest is Donna Harris, CEO and Founder of Life After Felony, a nonprofit organization geared toward criminal justice, sentencing, and prison reforms. After Donna herself completed an 8-month federal prison term, she was driven to fight against the injustices she witnessed in the prison system. Ms. Harris is also a survivor of domestic abuse, and we met several years ago through the Choose Courage Foundation.
In this episode, you’ll hear Miss Donna get vulnerable and discuss the three major ‘start overs’ she has pushed through so far in her life, including escaping domestic abuse in one marriage, re-marrying when she found ‘her person,’ and the challenges she faced during and after her prison sentence.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Three major start-overs in Donna’s life - domestic violence, re-marriage, and incarceration
- Pushing through the fear of starting over, using fear as a motivator
- Donna’s child was the reason Donna got out of an abusive marriage
- The most difficult situations - leaving family because of incarceration
- Blessings - finding a voice, believing in yourself, sharing your story to help others
- Being an advocate
- What Donna of today would tell young Donna
- What future Donna will be proud of
- The beauty of human resilience
- Advice - give yourself grace
- Rapid fire question segment
- Share this podcast with someone who might be considering starting over
Resources:
Life After Felony Facebook
Life After Felony on Instagram
Life After Felony Website
Donna Harris Instagram
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Today’s guest is actually my own therapist, Laura Martinez, a licensed therapist, shamanic spiritual healer, author, speaker, and meditation guide. Miss Laura holds a Masters in Clinical Mental Health, is an LCP-A licensed therapist, and has co-authored several books including ‘Psychoneuroplasticity Protocols for Addictions’, ‘Animal and Nature Rituals’, and ‘Mind Body Solutions’.
Laura blends her scientific training and understanding of psycho-neurological problems with her genetic inheritance and understanding of shamanic terms. She is the great-granddaughter of a famous healer, Guadalupe Galvan Rivera (1906-1970), whose abundant healing skills were well-known in Mexiquito, Texas. The validity of many of these healing approaches can now be understood through the light of how negative psychological imagery can become locked into the neurological patterns that entangle and terrorize our lives.
In this episode, you’ll hear Miss Laura discuss how traditional therapy can be combined with shamanic healing to speed recovery and heal trauma, the continuing relevance of the ancient practice of shamanism, and how she keeps herself healthy for her patients with an abundance of self-care routines including exercise, meditation, hot yoga, journaling and more.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Shamanic healers help people tap into their own healing powers
- Blending traditional therapies and shamanic healing
- Shamanic healing is ancient, but it’s still completely relevant today
- The steps Laura takes in starting therapy with a person
- When is the right time to seek professional help?
- Keeping yourself healthy as a therapist
- Seeing the beauty in a hard world
- What’s next? More retreats and meditation events in 2023
- Rapid fire questions segment
- Share this podcast with someone who might be considering therapy and healing
Resources:
The Sacred Life
The Sacred Life Facebook
The Sacred Life Instagram
Upcoming Retreats
Book: The Four Agreements
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Would it shock you to learn that around 1.5 million teens will be victims of dating violence and abuse in 2023? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, and our Choose Courage teen ambassadors are getting ready to take over our social media channels to speak to their peers about healthy dating.
Today’s guest is high-school junior Makenzie, one of those Teen Ambassadors. Makenzie has been with our teen ambassador program for three years and is an active and involved student. She loves sports, and plays softball and volleyball, she is on the cheer team, and the National Honors Society and is enrolled in a number of AP and dual-credit classes.
In this episode, you’ll hear why Makenzie enjoys working with Choose Courage, how her eyes have been opened to teen dating violence, her advice for parents of teens who may be dating, and how she is educating and exposing her 11-year-old sister to “good” male role models and appropriate behavior.
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Makenzie was unaware of the epidemic of teen dating violence until she was asked to join the Choose Courage Foundation, and now is a strong advocate for her peers
- Adults should stop comparing their teen dating experiences to teens today - the world and kids are completely different now
- Parents can help by setting good co-parenting examples if divorced, setting limits on social media time, and keeping the family together and communicating openly
- Teens must work on realizing their own worth, don’t accept poor treatment or lack of respect
- The thoughtful and authentic interviews that Choose Courage is doing for February are Makenzie’s favorite part of being an ambassador
- Taking her younger sister along with groups of her guy friends is hopefully showing her appropriate male behavior
- High school seemed to fly by for Makenzie, her future may include being an educator, nurse, or pediatrician, as well as starting a family
- Rapid fire questions segment
- Share this podcast with a young person in your life
Resources:
Love Is Respect.Org Website
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson Website
Rhonda Brunson Instagram
Today’s guest is Candi Tebbs – a Texas Native and beautiful friend who lost her 32-year-old son Clinton to a drowning accident 3 years ago. She is finding and searching for beauty through grief.
In this episode, you’ll hear what happened the last time Candi saw her son Clinton before he died, how Candi thinks her son would want to be remembered, some of Candi’s experiences working through grief with support groups and family, and how she finds beauty today in her “new reality.”
I’m Rhonda Brunson, host of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that
can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Candi’s most cherished memories of her son Clinton
- Clinton’s legacy was gathering friends and family together
- How Clinton would want to be remembered
- How grief has changed Candi’s perspective in life
- Reaching out during bouts of grief
- Sharing through Griefshare.org support groups
- The beauty in Candi’s new normal
- Moments of joy with grandkids, and surprises
- The isolation of grief - advice for others
- The importance of reaching out during grief and communicating your needs
- Rapid fire questions segment
- Share this podcast with someone going through grief right now
Resources:
Griefshare Website
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson LinkedIn
I’m Rhonda Brunson, and this is the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Today’s guest is Dr. Michelle Wallis Hurst, Michelle is a writer and science educator in Texas. Her writing has appeared in places such as The Mighty, Grit and Grace Project, Grown and Flown, and (in)Courage. She tackles tough topics like faith, chronic illness, hope, relationships, and middle age. Reading, writing, hiking, and napping are some favorite activities, and she’s a mom of two and wife to a great husband.
In this episode, you’ll hear Michelle and I talk about “letting go” of a high school senior child, and the challenges around being an educator, writer, mom, wife, and friend. Showing up and being present is extremely important but not always easy, but Michelle knows she can “do the hard thing” and get through it.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Letting go of a high school senior child
- Observing life as a writer
- Deciding what to write- what am I learning?
- Speaking to our younger selves
- Showing up and “doing the hard thing”
- Seeing other people “show up” makes Michelle happy
- Finding bright spots in tough seasons
- Beauty is… growth
- Writing a book is the dream
- Rapid fire question segment
- Share this podcast with someone who would enjoy it!
Resources:
Dr. Michelle Hurst Website
Dr. Michelle Hurst Instagram
Grown and Flown Website
Grit and Grace Website
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson LinkedIn
I’m Rhonda Brunson, and this is the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Today’s guest is Ashley Baker - a life coach, business coach, yoga teacher, and culture coordinator. Her education and experiences have equipped her with extensive knowledge in holistic nutrition, health coaching, and preventive health. Drawing on the vast array of skills and knowledge in life and wellness, she will work with you to help you make lifestyle changes that produce real and lasting results – results that will help you reach new levels in your life.
In this episode, you’ll hear about Ashley’s recent trip to Guatemala to help distribute hearing aids to people, how she balances life and ambition, her upcoming book that is currently underway, and some of the many positives that Ashley sees around her in the world.
Picking Strawberries is brought to you by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Ashley’s recent mission trip to Guatemala
- Treasuring every day with teenage kids
- Balancing ambition with being at peace with yourself
- Ashley and Chris (her husband) are balanced well together
- True crime podcasts help Ashley unwind
- Inspirational people at rehab centers
- The vulnerability of writing a book
- What lights Ashley up
- Connectedness and people are beautiful
- Life purpose - to show others what they can’t see about themselves
- Rapid fire question segment
Resources:
Ashley Baker Coaching Website
Choose Courage Website
Choose Courage Facebook
Choose Courage Foundation Instagram
Choose Courage on Twitter
Rhonda Brunson LinkedIn
Rhonda Brunson Website
I’m Rhonda Brunson, and this is episode one of the Picking Strawberries podcast. We highlight positive stories that can make each of us better. This is a community that looks for the beauty in each person, each day, and each experience. We have authentic conversations about how we can give back and make our world a better place.
Did you know that 1 out of every 3 women (and 1 in 7 men) will be victims of domestic abuse in their lifetime and most will never reach out for help? My first guest on the show is Tammy Phillips, Founder of the Ambassadors of H.O.P.E. Foundation. As a survivor of domestic abuse herself, Tammy started the foundation to inform, reform, and transform the mindset of survivors of violence. Their programs and activities are designed to be a catalyst that helps survivors reach their goals and fulfill their potential.
In this episode, you’ll hear Tammy’s journey from domestic violence victim to inspirational leader helping others heal and find their future. I speak with Tammy about her personal experience finding hope in her own life, and how she guides others to find that first glimmer of light and beauty after the trauma of domestic violence.
Picking Strawberries is powered by the Choose Courage Foundation. Choose Courage works to break the shame, stigma, and silence of domestic violence. What began as a photography project, photographing the beauty in survivors of domestic violence, soon became a charity art show and eventually a national nonprofit. As the CEO and Board President of the Choose Courage Foundation, Rhonda Brunson curates a message of hope and inspiration through social media and is committed to the mission of increasing awareness of domestic violence, and works to inspire victims to seek help and prevent the next generation of abuse.
Discussion points:
- Tammy’s past experience with domestic abuse and how it shapes her ‘now’
- Time is the best gift for healing
- Triggers - defusing them and self-care
- Ambassadors of Hope - Tammy’s reasons for starting the organization
- Seeing that first glimmer of hope in a survivor
- Tammy’s love of a cleansing rain
- A trip to Prayer Mountain
- Continuing to be a voice and an inspirational story for other women
- Rapid fire question segment
Resources:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) | 1-800-799-7233
Chat safely and securely online at The Hotline.org
Ambassadors of Hope Website
Choose Courage Website