The Kindred & Brave Project

Season 2 Episode 12: Letting Go of Should & Releasing Control

Does anyone else have some anxiety about how the first half of the year has gone? Maybe you aren’t “on track” with your goals, or life is "lifing" too hard that you feel stuck?
Today, I want to share some ideas about what happens when our brain tries to take control by using some of my own stories about the last 6 months. Spoiler: not a lot has gone as planned. 
I’ll leave you with some reminders & a lucky duck glimmer that I hope will make you feel seen & have a giggle at the unpredictable nature of life.
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy 

Season 2 Episode 11: Renegade Grief with Carla Fernandez

In this episode, I talk with Carla Fernandez, author of Renegade Grief and co-founder of The Dinner Party. We share grief stories and the power of connection during times of grief and loss. Carla shares important insights for how to navigate the Mother's Day and Father's Day holidays and ways to be an ally for other grievers and create rituals. 
 
https://www.carlafernandez.co/
 
https://www.thedinnerparty.org/
 
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy 

Season 2 Episode 10: A Eulogy // The Life of My Beloved Mama

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

Season 2 Episode 9: Wellness Check // What is a Grief Bomb?

Grief Bombs. The reality is that no amount of time keeps them away. And that's ok. It's hard. And it's natural. 
 
In this episode, I share the story of the “biggest” grief bomb I’ve had in the almost 5 years since my mom has died, how I dealt with it, and how I’ve reflected on it. 
The idea in these moments is to pause and let it be. Give yourself a moment to recognize what you feel and honor it. Don't push it away. 
 
Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back.
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy

Season 2 Episode 8: Oh Biscuits! // What We Can Learn From Bluey

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

Season 2 Episode 7: Allowing the And/Both of Emotions

Today I’m talking about what it felt like to have the most significant opportunity of my career by presenting at SXSW EDU and embracing the AND/BOTH of big feelings. 
There is so much we can learn when we have the courage to lean into the discomfort of being afraid and still work through it. I don’t believe the work removes the fear but it allows us to hold fear AND courage - that’s a powerful thing.
There were some big lessons (and winks from my mama) in my time in Austin. I hope you take what you need. 
Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back. 
Resources 
Prism Oracle Deck 
 
Episode 13: A Language For Mental Health: Why It Matters
 
I would be honored if you shared this episode. Please remember to like and subscribe to the show - it makes a big difference in who can find it online! And if you took the time to write a written review that is the icing on the cake - I would be so grateful. Your support means so much to me.
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy

Season 2 Episode 6: Comfort & Connection in Grief // A Conversation With Brie Overton

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

Wellness Check: The Wound Is The Way

Welcome back for another Wellness Check episode; mini-episodes that serve as a quick reflective moment and opportunity for perspective.
Today’s episode is inspired by my amazing producer, John. I’m talking about how the wound is the way -  a simple phrase he handed to me after our last recording. 
I invite you to go for a quick walk or grab something warm to drink as I share some of the invitations that have come from a recent wound and the hilarious (and embarrassing) effects. 
My hope is that you can get curious about what wounds might be holding invitations for you. You might be surprised. 
Thank you for listening. Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back. 
Resources // 
Gabrielle Bernstein Super Attractor Deck
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy 

Season 2 Episode 4: Grief 101

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

Season 2 Episode 3: Acknowledging Collective Grief

In this episode, I talk about the many ways that our world is experiencing collective grief. In honoring this difficult emotion I offer some ways to tend to yourselves during a time of fear and uncertainty. 
I share some of the ways that we can bring ourselves back to baseline so we can be present for our communities, families, and friends. 
We have to name it to tame it and feel it to heal it. 
Resources // 
Support our friend Natasha Sizlo who lost her home in the Palisades fire & listen to our conversation:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-support-natasha-her-kids-after-the-fire
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-21-signs-the-magic-of-the/id1715926509?i=1000659637687
Emotion Wheel 
Open App
With Gratitude,
 
Mandy