The Kindred & Brave Project

Life is messy and hard and full of opportunities to learn and grow. We believe that our humanness makes us kindred and sharing our stories makes us brave. The goal of The Kindred & Brave Project is to talk about the interconnection of strength and struggle in our lives by digging into topics such as mental health, emotional wellness, grief, motherhood, partnership, communication, and how to be learner instead of a knower. Mandy will share experiences from caretaking to the college classroom and beyond and offer actionable practices for listeners to try in their own lives.The Kindred & Brave Project aims to cultivate community by focusing on heart first, human centered, story driven connection.

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • iHeartRadio

Episodes

Monday Jul 01, 2024

In this episode, I share a few coaching reflections to help you think about what we’ve accomplished together so far this year & how we can hope to grow into the remainder of the year. I've got some practical tips for celebrating the everyday moments & reminding yourself that you have permission to give yourself a midyear review.
 
Reflect //
What have you done in this half of the year that you feel proud of? 
What feels sticky or tough? Where are you stuck in your life?
How can I grow in the next 6 months?” 
 
Giveaway Alert //
 
Win a copy of Natasha’s book All Signs Point to Paris, a travel size “Breath of Fresh Air” face toner from Lush Cosmetics (mentioned in this episode), & a one hour coaching session with Mandy!
 
Here’s How to Enter //
Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Take a Screenshot of your Review
Share it on FB &/or Instagram tagging Mandy (@ kindredcoaching)
Winner will be announced during Episode 25!
 
Live Listener Coaching Episodes Alert!
 
I’m looking to do some episodes where I coach a guest live in real time. Imagine having one-on-one support to uncover a block, or setting a goal, looking at how you process an emotion, etc. for 45 minutes - I get excited just thinking about it! If you are interested in this please send me a DM on Instagram @ kindredcoaching or an email at mandy@kindredandbrave.com. 
 
Remember - your stories matter, your feelings are valid, and the universe has your back! Thanks for listening!

Thursday Jun 20, 2024

Mandy talks with bestselling author Natasha Sizlo about her book All Signs Point to Paris: A Memoir of Love, Loss, & Destiny. They discuss what they learned from Grief Training & the ways (including right in this recording) they feel their beloved guiding them. 
Natasha talks about how her grief journey turned into a spiritual one & all the ways she’s learned to honor her father - always believing in magic & love. It's a deep discussion about the healing work of grief, parenting while grieving, & being open to the signs & possibilities from the universe.  
 
All Signs Point to Paris // 
https://natashasizlo.com/about/
 
Yoko Sen - My Last Sound 
End Well 2018 //
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4r4RKQs7aQ
 
GIVEAWAY ALERT // 
Win a copy of Natasha’s book All Signs Point to Paris, plus a travel size “Breath of Fresh Air” face toner from Lush Cosmetics (mentioned in this episode), & a one hour coaching session with Mandy 
 
Here’s How to Enter //
Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts
Take a Screenshot of your Review
Share it on FB &/or Instagram tagging Mandy (@ kindredcoaching)
 
Winner will be announced during Episode 25!

Monday Jun 03, 2024

In this touching episode, Mandy talks with author and Child Life Specialist Jessica about following her calling and supporting others through the most difficult times in their lives. 
 
Jessica has a passion for supporting children going through difficult life experiences. This passion was amplified after she and her family personally went through several miscarriages and the stillbirth of their little girl, Maggie. Jessica has supported families going through a large variety of losses related to death, life-changing events, and new diagnoses.
 
Since 2018,  Jessica has been heavily involved in supporting her local grief community. She assisted with raising over $240,000 for a local pregnancy and infant loss non-profit organization. Additionally, Jessica and her family have been fundraising money to create a respite room at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center to allow families to have more time with their children who are dying/have died in a more relaxed, home-like environment.
 
Mandy and Jessica talk about how they passionately believe in sharing and honoring the stories of others, including supporting them in their grief journeys. 
 
You can find Jessica here // 
 
https://www.kidsgriefsupport.com/
 
Her book The ABCs of Grief is available for purchase

Thursday May 30, 2024

In this episode, Mandy talks about how our mental health is important all year round and how we can tune into it.  She talks about the connections between the mind and the body including how our body gives us signs that our mental health may need a check up. 
 
Also, Mandy offers up some suggestions for us to check in with our own mental health and using research to remind us how to move through our emotions. 
 
Please take a moment right now to subscribe to the podcast, rate it AND leave a review. There will be a giveaway next month where I provide some free coaching sessions to folks who leave a review on apple podcasts and share them on social media! Get ready! For now - after you leave your review go ahead and take a screenshot! There will be more info next week!
 
Resources //
 
Emily MacDowell: https://emandfriends.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdf1Z3R31A0IA0TH2jYTSizO9V07C2lfFhrL5dugnMwgfCtCbz56W5xoC0a0QAvD_BwE
 
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking The Stress Cycle:
https://www.burnoutbook.net/
 
Feeling Feelings Card Deck:
https://www.bando.com/products/feeling-feelings-card-deck

Thursday May 23, 2024

In this episode, Mandy and Les go deep using a garden metaphor for life to talk about mental health, emotions, & accepting the seasons that life has. They dig into what it’s like to take a leap, practice real self-care, and ride the highs & lows of life.
 
Les Alfred is an award-winning podcast host, speaker, and content creator. For nearly a decade Les has created inspiring, approachable wellness content leveraging her expertise as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and certified yoga instructor. 
 
As the host of Balanced Black Girl, a chart-topping weekly podcast, Les facilitates thoughtful interviews and insightful solo episodes exploring the various aspects of life that contribute to wellness. Balanced Black Girl covers everything from wellness, to productivity, to personal finance, to self-care. Her mission is to help others create nourishing habits that help them create necessary space to live their best lives. 
 
Please share this conversation, rate, review, & subscribe to the podcast - it means so much! 
 
You can find Les here // 
Les Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedles 
Les TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@balancedles 
Balanced Black Girl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancedblackgirlpodcast 
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/balancedblkgrl 
Website: https://www.balancedblackgirl.com    
Balanced Black Girl on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/balanced-black-girl/id1438982040 
Balanced Black Girl on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46muBfvOgp2U44ycqZJPPN?si=ebebd88eae914d28 
Card Deck // Rebecca Campbell Work Your Light Oracle Cards 

Monday May 06, 2024

On today’s episode Mandy talks about the history of Mother’s Day (it’s not what you may think!) as well as how to practice Celebrating AND Communicating with those you love on this day. 
 
Mother’s Day is a holiday that serves as a trigger for many - motherless daughters, women yearning to become mothers, mothers who have lost babies, and women who have complicated relationships with their mothers. We can show up for all of these women by practicing curiosity and empathy.
 
Mandy serves up some suggestions on what you may say or send to those you are thinking about and some of the platitudes to avoid. 
 
Resources //
 
Time Article about Mother’s Day: 
https://time.com/4771354/mothers-day-history-origins/
 
When It’s Not Fair (it really isn’t) by Kate Bowler:
https://katebowler.com/books/have-a-beautiful-terrible-day/

Thursday Apr 25, 2024

Digging Deeper Episodes are conversations that support being grounded in heart-first, human-centered, story-driven connection.
In this episode, Mandy talks with Leslie Foy-Toon about a vulnerable social media post that helped many practice empathy & share their own stories. Leslie is a former teacher turned real estate agent (with an episode on House Hunters!) who opens up about the challenges of being a Type 1 Diabetic and her own journey with her body.  
Mandy & Leslie talk about the experience of losing a parent, what grief is like, and how storytelling creates a legacy for those we’ve lost.
This is a brave conversation that you don’t want to miss. Share this episode far & wide. Please rate, subscribe, & leave a review - it really matters! 

Tuesday Apr 09, 2024


“The goal here is to create a situation you no longer have to escape or a life you don’t have to numb. The achievement of sobriety is not the point; it’s a by-product of the work. The work is the point. Addiction is the hook that gets you in the door, and quitting is the catalyst to heal deeper wounds.” Excerpt from Quit Like A Woman by Holly Whitaker.
Mandy talks about her relationship with alcohol & why she chose to stop drinking for the time being. She speaks about the fears she had, her family history, and the questions she asks herself each day. 
A reflective episode - this one is for anyone who is sober curious or has questions about how they cope with big emotions. 
Questions to ask yourself:
What is this bringing to my life?
What is this taking away from my life? 
How am I using this? 
https://www.amazon.com/Quit-Like-Woman-Radical-Obsessed/dp/1984825070
Please rate & review - your thoughts are so important to me!
Join me in Collective Cut - Women’s Group // https://www.eventbrite.com/e/collective-cut-group-coaching-for-women-tickets-873033475627?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Monday Apr 01, 2024

This episode is airing on April 1, the same date in 2020 that Mandy’s mom, Diana Lynn Jankus took her last breath at 4:41 pm. In this episode, Mandy shares some of the things grief has taught her in the past 4 years. Today's podcast serves as a dedication to those we have loved & lost as well as a reminder that you are not alone in your grief. 
 
Please follow the podcast on Apple & rate & review! 
 
You can follow the latest reflections & news by subscribing to this free Substack here // 
https://kindredcoaching.substack.com/
There are two more FREE Collective Cut women’s meetings! Sign up here // 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/873003646407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Monday Mar 25, 2024

In this episode, Mandy shares some big learnings from a SXSW EDU session she attended with Ross Szabo, an author & educator who focuses on creating a common language for mental health. 
Learn how Ross defines mental health as well as the six categories he says are included in understanding the concept as a whole. 
Mandy includes some personal examples of how we are never too young or old to start talking about our mental health. 
Please remember to follow, rate, & review the podcast - it helps others find us!
 
Follow Kindred Collective on Substack - a place where Mandy will share thoughts, essays, & discussions related to podcast // https://kindredcoaching.substack.com/publish/home
Ross Szabo Ted Talk // https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH-nFjMWcUY

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Hi, I'm Mandy

The KIndred & Brave Project Podcast is a place to share stories and grow together. It's a place to feel seen. 

I believe pizza cures all, water heals, and starting conversations with strangers provides that warm, fuzzy feeling. I believe that humans are good (but animals may be better); we just have a lot of learning to do. I believe that creating is a gateway to good vibes (so are goat cuddles, champagne toasts, and beach glass hunting).

 

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