Episodes
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When Jessica Patay's second son Ryan was born, she knew something was different. Ryan didn't cry like other newborns and had trouble feeding. After a month in the hospital with no answers, a DNA test finally revealed Ryan had Prader-Willi syndrome - a rare genetic disorder causing low muscle tone, developmental delays, and an insatiable hunger starting in childhood.
Jessica found herself thrown into the world of caregiving for a child with extraordinary needs. But she was fortunate to quickly find a local support group and mentor parents also caring for children with Prader-Willi. This community proved vital, giving Jessica the tools, understanding, and lifeline she needed to not just survive, but to thrive as a "caregiving mom."
Over time, Jessica turned to writing and blogging to share her raw, honest journey. This awakened her passion for bringing caregivers together and empowering them through connection and community. In 2017, she founded the non-profit We Are Brave Together to serve mothers like herself on the brave path of caregiving.
5 Uplifting Lessons in Jessica’s Story:
1. The power of shared stories: Sharing our truth allows us to heal and others to feel seen, heard, and validated.
2. Normalize asking for help: As caregivers, we must have the courage to voice our needs and allow others the opportunity to be supportive "uplifters" in our lives.
3. Surround yourself with believers: Having people who understand your mission and believe in your ability to grow as a leader is critical when starting any new venture.
4. Progress over perfection: You don't have to have everything perfectly planned. Take imperfect action by using the resources you do have and believing in your vision.
5. Self-care is essential: Carve out time for the activities, relationships, and solitude that refill your cup as a human being first.
Human beings are not machines meant to simply serve others. We all need community, compassion, and the courage to prioritize our own needs as well. Jessica's story inspires us to share our authentic struggles so we can uplift and be uplifted in return.
Check out the beautiful anthology Becoming Brave Together here.
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Meet Sandy Samberg, a nurse practitioner turned serial startup founder.
Sandy’s ventures have spanned the full life journey. Her first, BABY-C, created health educational starter kits for parents & caregivers of infants. She then co-founded SOUL RYEDERS, an organization that provides personalized resources, innovative programs, and community support to people impacted by cancer. Most recently, as Director of The Joe & Sandy Samberg Foundation, she’s turned her focus to psychedelic-assisted therapies to help those approaching end-of-life as well as a wide range of mental health conditions.
Through each stage of her journey, Sandy has stayed true to her mission and purpose. She looks for problems to solve and then teams up with smart people to solve them in ways that make a positive impact on others.
Sandy's approach to problem-solving blends an attitude of humble curiosity with a willingness to take bold action. From launching a wig exchange program to involving multi-generational volunteers, she exemplifies how uplifters can create waves of change.
5 Uplifting Lessons from Sandy:1. Identify needs and get creative about filling them. Don't be deterred if the solution doesn't yet exist - you may be the one to create it.
2. Build diverse teams of collaborators. Gather people with varied perspectives and strengths to tackle challenges together.
3. Adopt a "win or learn" mindset. View setbacks not as failures but opportunities to gain wisdom for the next endeavor.
4. Ask "Does this person want to be helped, heard or hugged?" Then tune into how you can be of greatest service.
5. Prioritize self-reflection and self-care. Make time to look inward, pinpoint areas for growth, and replenish yourself through practices that spark joy.
Sandy was nominated by the always-inspiring, Lia Buffa De Feo from episode 44 of The Uplifters! If you aren’t reading Lia’s Substack, Fly Bravely you’re missing out on her beautiful and courageous lens on life.
Follow the Uplifters podcast on social media or our Substack www.theuplifterspodcast.com.
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Missing episodes?
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Imagine stepping onto a stage, a solitary spotlight illuminating your face as you prepare to bare your soul to a room full of strangers. Now imagine all of those strangers silently encouraging you, laughing and crying along with you, and cheering you on. This is the essence of The Moth, an organization that has captivated audiences worldwide with its celebration of raw, unscripted storytelling. Our guest today,
Kate Tellers
, reminds us of the transformative power of sharing our truths.In this episode, Kate leaves us with five Uplifting lessons:
1. Embrace vulnerability: It's the gateway to forging deeper connections and understanding ourselves and others.
2. Listen with intention: True listening is an act of generosity that creates spaces where people feel heard and valued.
3. Balance productivity and presence: Living fully means savoring the world around us, not just checking boxes.
4. Nurture your creative outlets: Exploration and expression in various forms can replenish and inspire us in unexpected ways.
5. Share your truth: The stories that have changed us hold the power to change others, reminding us that we're never alone.
Kate Tellers is a storyteller, Senior Director and Director of MothWorks at The Moth, host of their live events, podcast, and Peabody Award-winning Moth Radio Hour and co-author of their fourth book "How to Tell a Story” which debuted on the New York Times bestseller list. Her writing has appeared on McSweeneys and The New Yorker.
Kate was nominated by the fabulous storyteller, Susie Jaramillo from episode episode 2 of The Uplifters!
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Susie and Kate! Kate will host an interactive workshop on storytelling for real life and Susie will give a talk on the importance of risk-taking! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a screeching halt, but for Kristy Jeansonne, life took an even more unexpected turn. As the weeks of lockdown ticked by, her husband Brian's sprained ankle stubbornly refused to heal.
With doctor’s offices closed it took a stroke of luck - a pediatrician friend's plea into the void of an online medical community - to finally get answers. But those answers knocked the wind out of Kristy, Brian, and their five children. Amidst the eerie silence of a shuttered hospital, a doctor delivered the life-altering diagnosis: Brian had ALS, a brutal neurodegenerative disease.
Though the Jeansonne family was shaken by Brian's ALS diagnosis, they didn't crumble - they rallied together with grit and grace. Kristy became her husband's fiercest advocate and caregiver. Her commitment was matched by their children, who stepped up with maturity beyond their years.
Rather than letting ALS rip them apart, the challenges drew the Jeansonne clan tighter. Kristy made space for deep conversations about embracing every moment and prioritizing quality time as a family. The kids soaked up the lessons of patience, empathy, and cherishing loved ones. Though exhausting, caring for Brian revealed their collective resilience. Together in the trenches, they were a unit - sharing laughter and tears and squeezing every drop out of each day.
5 Uplifting Lessons from the Jeansonne Family:
1. Adapting is Thriving: When ALS tried to strip away Brian's abilities, the Jeasonnes adapted finding new ways to share experiences and even a method for Brian to pen an 83,000-word book with just his eyes.
2. Love is Intentional: Facing mortality head-on, Kristy and Brian doubled down on quality time and communication.
3. Beauty Blooms Anywhere: Even in ALS's harsh landscape, the Jeasonnes found light, laughter, and reasons to smile every day. Joy is a choice.
4. The Present is a Gift: Forced to live one day at a time, this family unlocked the gift of being utterly present and slowing down life’s pace.
5. Hope is Resilient: When the deck seemed stacked against them, the Jeasonnes' hope just wouldn't break. Their story redefines the depths of the human spirit's resilience.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Kristy! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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Rahti Gorfien is a one-of-a-kind coach for creatives and adults with ADHD. From her hazy days as a young, mischievous actress to embracing her new identity as "Rahti" in an ashram to earning the impressive distinction of getting kicked out of a cult, her journey towards self-discovery and purpose is a wild and wonderful ride.
These days, Rahti spends her time guiding others to overcome the "Five Emotions That Stop Success" - shame, grandiosity, envy, boredom, and fear. Get ready for juicy storytelling and eye-opening insights as she joyfully calls out our self-sabotaging BS with her signature playful candor.
Whether you're a creative soul, a self-proclaimed weirdo, or just desperately seeking some clarity amongst the chaos, Rahti's take on unlocking your truest desires will leave you feeling uplifted and ready to embrace your beautiful imperfections.
5 Musings to Marinate On:
1. The uncomfortable pause after "I don't know" is where the magic happens. Stay there.
2. Negative emotions like shame, grandiosity, and boredom are just hauntingly fun masks. You decide if you want to keep wearing them.
3. FOMO on not completing that project? Just get 'er done, baby! Imperfect efforts still count as success. (She calls this “completing the gesture,” which I love!)
4. Wanting to be famous and wanting to be significant are two very different (and delicious) cookies. Which one are you actually craving?
5. Chocolate for breakfast, dancing with odd creatures, and sleeping 'til whenever - self-care is an art.
Rahti was nominated for the Uplifters by Kym Dakin from episode 24. After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Rahti and Kym, who will be signing their books! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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April is Sexual Abuse Awareness Month- a time to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it, honor survivors, and show those who have been impacted by sexual violence that they are not alone. Please share this story.
Violated by the adults she looked up to, emotionally abandoned by her parents, and failed by the institutions designed to keep her safe, trauma seeped into every corner of Janelle Hill’s existence.
Yet, Janelle embarked on an extraordinary journey, defying the odds and committing herself to healing with unwavering determination. Through therapy, extensive study, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, she transformed her pain into power, becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and the owner of Refuge Mental Health Services.
But Janelle's mission is more than personal triumph. As a board member of The Army of Survivors, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and promoting accountability for sexual violence against athletes, she is a signal of hope for others. She proves that even when healing seems impossible, we can come out stronger on the other side.
Please join us on this uplifting journey through pain to healing. I hope Janelle’s story ignites a spark of courage and resilience that emboldens us all to keep growing.
5 Key Uplifting Lessons:
1. Embrace vulnerability: Confronting our deepest wounds requires immense courage and vulnerability. By sharing our stories, we not only heal ourselves but also inspire others to embrace their own journeys of transformation.
2. Challenge limiting beliefs: Our beliefs shape our reality. Examine the thoughts and narratives that hold you back, and consciously rewire your neural pathways to align with your authentic self.
3. Seek support: Healing is a complex process, and seeking professional help and guidance from trauma specialists can provide invaluable support and resources on your journey.
4. Practice patience and self-compassion: Transformation takes time and self-reflection. Embrace the process with patience and self-compassion, acknowledging that healing happens at its own unique pace.
5. Ignite a ripple effect: Your personal growth and transformation have the power to positively impact future generations. Embrace change not only for yourself but also for those you love.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Janelle, who will speak in our mastering meaning and purpose panel discussion! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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In 1967, a young runner named Kathrine Switzer made history by becoming the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon. Her defiant act of fearlessness paved the way for generations of female athletes.
As Kathrine took off down the marathon course, an infuriated official named Jock Semple realized she was a woman and tried to forcibly remove her from the race. In a dramatic scene captured in a series of Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, Semple lunged at Kathrine and tried to rip off her bib number. Her boyfriend at the time, a burly hammer thrower, shoved Semple away, allowing Kathrine to keep running and ultimately finish the race.
That pivotal moment sparked a lifetime journey for Kathrine to challenge gender barriers and create opportunities for women in running and beyond. From organizing some of the first women-only road races to helping lobby for the women's marathon to be included in the Olympics, her fearless determination left an indelible mark.
Now, 57 years later, Kathrine continues to inspire through her nonprofit 261 Fearless, emboldening women around the world to unleash their inner strength as runners, coaches, and human beings.
In celebration of this Monday's Boston Marathon, where half the runners will be women, here are 5 Uplifting Lessons from Kathrine Switzer that you'll hear in episode 55:
1. Fear can be a catalyst for courage. Kathrine used the opposition and doubters as fuel to propel her forward.
2. Create opportunities where there are none. When women were excluded, Kathrine organized new races and events to open doors.
3. Big dreams take persistence. It has taken decades to make running accessible to women globally, but Kathrine never gave up.
4. Pass the torch to the next generation. At 77, Kathrine is focused on empowering future leaders to carry her mission forward.
5. Fearlessness applies to all aspects of life. Kathrine's spirit extends beyond running into facing fears, pursuing potential, and living boldly.
Connect with Kathrine on Instagram and read more about 261 Fearless and the upcoming Every Women’s Marathon.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE. Check out all the fun we’re gonna have! ⬇️
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Some environments will lead you to believe that something is fundamentally wrong with you. I was finally able to sit back and realize there's nothing wrong with me, I just learn differently and I operate differently. When you're able to discover your uniqueness you discover how you individually contribute to the beauty in the world.
-Taylor Ratliff
This week's episode of The Uplifters Podcast features Taylor Ratliff, the remarkable Founder and CEO of Chocolate Babies in STEM, whose passion for creating a supportive learning environment is radical.
Imagine a room full of rowdy, outspoken teenagers, and then envision Taylor's genuine interest in them transforming it into a haven of acceptance and encouragement. Before embarking on her mission to share the gift of STEM with more students, Taylor was my daughter's favorite teacher, passing along the excitement she herself had received from another inspiring educator – a beautiful legacy of mentorship.
With warmth and wisdom, Taylor emphasizes the importance of understanding each student as an individual and investing in a nurturing classroom culture. Her insights shed light on the pressing need for better access to STEM education and her dreams for the future of Chocolate Babies in STEM.
The conversation is a poignant reminder of the power of love and acceptance and of embracing individuals for who they are. As you listen, I hope you’ll carry with you, as I did, invaluable techniques for nurturing safe and richly diverse communities wherever life takes you.
🔬 Lessons from Miss Ratliff (I still can’t call her Taylor):
- Investing in classroom culture and understanding individual students are keys to creating a supportive learning environment.
- Promoting diversity in STEM education is crucial to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
- Empowering students to embrace their uniqueness and providing resources tailored to their learning styles can lead to greater success.
- Collaboration and a shared mission among educators, parents, and the community are essential for supporting students' growth and development.
Connect with Taylor on Instagram and Facebook.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Taylor, and many other inspiring women! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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Have you ever thought you were too old to try something new? In today's episode of The Uplifters Podcast, Gerilynn Berg is going to prove it's never too late. In fact, like Gerilynn, your whole life may have been preparing you for your next big adventure.
Recently, on her 70th birthday, Gerilynn competed in a bodybuilding competition. She oiled up, taped her breasts in place, slid on her stilettos and a skimpy bikini, and strutted her stuff while competing with women at least 25 years younger. You can see a clip of her big moment here.
Gerilynn recognizes bodybuilding isn't for everyone, but believes fitness is. Her goal is to bust the myth that getting older automatically leads to declining fitness and less vitality. She's living proof that getting fit at any age is possible if you're willing to challenge self-limiting beliefs.
Competing on her 70th birthday was particularly momentous for Gerilynn, as she is a recent cancer survivor – something she thought she'd never have to say. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Even though the prognosis was good, she didn't know if she would celebrate her 70th birthday. She is not 100% cancer-free, but she continues her rigorous strength training and nutrition discipline, believing a strong body helps you have a strong mind, be fearless and courageous, and overcome life's most challenging obstacles.
A few uplifting lessons we can all take from Gerilynn:
* The three Ms – mindset, muscles, and macros – are key elements in achieving fitness goals.
* Having a supportive community and friends can greatly impact your fitness journey.
* Strength training is essential for building lean muscle and improving body composition.
* Setting goals and embracing challenges can lead to personal growth and transformation.
* Fitness and wellness are lifelong pursuits that can enrich us at any age.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast, including Gerilynn, who is one of our featured panelists, and many other inspiring women! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE and use code BIRTHDAY FOR 50% off the registration fee this month.
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Dr. Aziza Shad, a pediatric oncologist, was nominated for The Uplifters Podcast by Terri Tomoff, whose son was cared for by Dr. Shad during 5 rounds of cancer treatment, beginning at age two. In episode 15, Terri described the family’s journey through their 27-year battle. In this episode, you’ll hear from Dr. Shad how she approaches caregiving as a team effort that involves families, neighbors, and a holistic crew of care providers. Her well-rounded approach also extends to her work leading The Aslan Project which has transformed health outcomes for pediatric cancer patients in Ethiopia. Dr. Shad's story is a testament to the impact one person can make in the lives of many when we tackle big problems in a community-focused way.
Chances are, most of you reading this aren’t pediatric oncologists, but here’s why I hope you’ll listen. No matter where we find passion and purpose, Dr. Shad shows us that:
Empathy is the core skill needed to turn individuals into aligned teamsMultidisciplinary support is essential for addressing complex challengesSelf-care and healthy boundaries are vital to sustaining the work of uplifting othersEveryone has the power to make a difference and give back to their community, no matter how small their contribution may seemClick to learn more about Dr. Shad and support The Aslan Project.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors you’ve heard on our podcast and many other inspiring women! Learn about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE and use code BIRTHDAY FOR 50% off the registration fee this month.
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One year into the Uplifters Podcast, sharing stories of inspiring women and understanding how they overcome obstacles and grow, and yet, we haven’t talked about periods once! I’m 49 years old (as of yesterday 🎂) and live with two teen daughters, so there’s plenty of talk about periods (coming and going) in our house.
In this candid episode, I'm joined by Konika Ray Wong, founder of Girl Power Science, mom, and former science teacher. Together, we dive into the importance of body literacy and empowering girls during puberty and women navigating perimenopause.
Get ready to explore:
🌺 How Konika's upbringing shaped her passion for this work
🔥 The surprising "superpowers" (yes, including mood swings!) of each menstrual phase
🌈 Practical tips for supporting girls through their first periods
🌼 Reframing puberty and perimenopause as privileged growth opportunities
💫 Actionable steps to develop deeper body literacy
Whether you're a woman, a girl, or someone who loves one, this open discussion will shed light on the beauty and power of the menstrual cycle. Hit play for an empowering look at this often-taboo topic!
Learn more about Konika and Girl Power Science at www.girlpowerscience.com or on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube @girlpowerscience.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors that you’ve heard on our podcast and lots of other inspiring women! Learn all about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE and use code BIRTHDAY FOR 50% off of the registration fee this month.
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We have joined with other family members who have paid the price for society's failure to act and we pour out our pain to demand action. -Amy Cohen
In today’s episode of The Uplifters Podcast Amy Cohen, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets, shares her journey from motherhood to advocacy after her son Sammy was killed in a traffic incident.
As I prepared for this episode, I had to confront the fact that the fear of my children being hit by a car is one of my biggest worries as a parent. I was struck by a car when I was 6 years old and only barely survived. It had long-term effects on my sense of safety out in the world. I’m now raising two daughters who set off on foot into some of the most dangerous intersections in America (and maybe the world) every single day to get to school.
Just a few blocks from us a 7-year-old from our school community was struck and killed in a traffic accident late last year. Recent research by Families for Safe Streets showed that one in three New Yorkers has been personally impacted by traffic violence, or knows someone who has. Amy and her team of families who have been impacted by traffic tragedies are facing this crisis head-on by pouring out their pain to create change, so that we can all move through our streets more safely, in NYC and across America.
Takeaways
American streets are twice as dangerous as Canada, four times as dangerous as almost every European country, Australia, Japan, and much of Asia. Traffic violence is a preventable crisis that requires legislative and policy changes to improve road safety.Advocacy and support groups like Families for Safe Streets play a crucial role in raising awareness and demanding action.Personal stories and connections can amplify the impact of advocacy efforts and drive change.Self-care is essential for individuals engaged in emotionally heavy work, and support from others is invaluable.Please join me in taking action to support Sammy’s Law and Families for Safe Streets.
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet 33 of the inspiring Uplifters Ambassadors that you’ve heard on our podcast! Learn all about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
Follow our show at www.theuplifterspodcast.com.
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Sean Wachter is a business guy, a husband, and a father of two young girls. He also happens to be a former two-sport collegiate athlete and a former pro football player, and after battling and surviving a rare form of melanoma, he is using wrestling – of all things – to raise awareness and raise funding for cancer research (all while finishing his MBA and working with several major cancer organizations).
Sean’s story challenges us all to live large, make the most of every moment, and maybe even do big, crazy sh*t to make a difference. His story is so inspiring that he’s our very first male Uplifter Ambassador! 🌟
What you’ll hear in this episode
How this video of Inky Johnson changed the course of Sean’s lifeHow a rare cancer saved Sean’s life and gave him his family and a powerful purposeHow Sean ended up in a wrestling ring at almost 40- winning titles and raising lots of money to fight cancerThanks to Janet Prete for nominating Sean. Follow Sean’s adventures inside and outside the ring on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Find lots more from The Uplifters Podcast on our Substack www.theuplifterspodcast.com
After you listen, grab your ticket 🎟️ for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll meet Sean and 26 of the other Uplifters Ambassadors that you’ve met on our podcast! Learn all about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration HERE.
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Uplifters, we are going on a magical musical adventure with this week's guest - world traveler, songwriter, and creativity coach Caroline Scruggs!
Caroline invites us into her radically courageous creative journey and shows us how embracing imperfection helped her find her authentic voice (and resulted in a song about roadkill).
Caroline shares the power of building safe spaces for creative growth and gives us the keys to unlock our vocal confidence - starting with something as simple as a hum - even if like me, you have some deep insecurities about singing.
Caroline's infectious energy and musical manifesto will leave you ready to leap into creative truth and self-expression. So tune in and turn up the volume on inspiration! Allow Caroline's songful story to kindle your own creative spark. You never know what beautiful tones your unique voice might hold. (Bonus: you’ll also learn what a theramin is!)
After you listen, grab your ticket for Uplifters Live on May 17, where you’ll hear the live premiere of our season 2 theme song. You can learn all about this one-day in-person gathering for creative growth and collaboration with the Uplifters Podcast Ambassadors and Community HERE. 💓
You can always listen right here in your email, where you’ll also receive full transcripts (edited and condensed for clarity). But please also subscribe directly to The Uplifters on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Substack, or YouTube, or follow our TikTok for uplifting daily videos. Just click one of those links to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
CarolineCaroline Scruggs is a world-traveling music artist, songwriter, and voice and creativity coach. She has taught 400 creatives around the world to own their voice and express themselves authentically through the tool of songwriting with her virtual programs Uke Camp and Raise Your Voice. She is currently best known, though, for playing the theremin, the world's first electronic instrument and one of the only instruments played without physical touch! https://www.carolinescruggs.com/
Thank you to Julie Hartigan for nominating Caroline for The Uplifters!
*Connect with The Uplifters and Aransas Savas:*
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*For more uplifting content, resources, and community support, visit...
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“Not only does it feel good to laugh, but when you find yourself laughing, whether you realize it or not, you're reminding yourself that you're still in there. It's like, ’ Oh wait, I'm still me.’”
In the final episode of our Uplifting series on grief and loss, you’ll meet Rebecca Soffer, co-founder of Modern Loss, author of the bestselling “The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience,” and co-author of the book "Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome."
«Check out other episodes from the series HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.»
In this conversation, Rebecca and I discuss:
How her work at The Cobert Report primed her to use humor to navigate the long and messy arc of grief after losing both parents early in her adult lifeHow shared grief can be a shortcut to intimacy and deep connectionHow humor reminds us that we’re still here when we’re losing so much of what makes us feel like ourselvesThat there’s no right or wrong way to grieveHow to take care of ourselves and our boundaries during the many stages of loss
RebeccaRebecca Soffer is cofounder of Modern Loss, which offers creative, meaningful, and encouraging content and community addressing the long arc of grief. She is also the author of the bestselling “The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience,” which Gayle King named a favorite book of 2022. Rebecca is also co-author of the book "Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome," Her writing has appeared in outlets such as The New York Times, TIME, Glamour, and NBC and she has spoken on loss and resilience around the world, including at Capital One, Amazon U.S. and UK, HBO, and SoFi. Rebecca is a Peabody Award-winning former producer for The Colbert Report and a Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism alumna.
Thank you to Susie Jaramillo for nominating Rebecca as an Uplifter. Please join Susie, me, and a host of other Uplifters on May 17 for Uplifters Live. You can learn all about it
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My grandfather, Philip Dwight Baker, was born on February 7, 1929. He would’ve been 95 this week. Just as he thought he was done rearing children, he and my grandmother stepped in to raise me when my parents couldn’t. He couldn’t always live on his own terms, but he got to leave on them.
Alongside my grandmother, mother, and aunt, I had the privilege of sitting with him in hospice during his last days. It was a rowdy week of takeout, reminiscing, family reunions, online shoe shopping, laughter, and tears. It was one of the most meaningful weeks of my life and one of the greatest honors of my life to be in that room.
Today, as part of our month-long series on grief, I am joined by Stefanie Elkins, Founder of Be Present Care and Death Over Drafts, where she fosters candid and courageous conversations with individuals, families, and caregivers about end-of-life planning.
«Check out other episodes from the series HERE, HERE, and HERE.»
In this conversation, Stefanie and I discuss:
How my multi-generational household normalizes death, dying, and last wishesWhat Stefanie learned about her father by playing a “lively party game” called The Death DeckHow to meet people where they are when broaching sensitive topics like death and dyingWhy life and death are labors of love, and the types of support needed during these timesHow to navigate complex emotions when making end-of-life decisionsHow I’m training now to be the old lady that I want to becomeIf you’re a paid subscriber of this podcast, please join Stefanie and me for a conversation on Advanced Care Planning and end-of-life decisions on February 15 at noon ET. (Check your inbox for an invitation.)
The Uplifters is a listener-supported publication. To receive invites to intimate, virtual monthly conversations with our guests and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
StefanieStefanie Elkins has over 15 years of diverse non-profit experience in the eldercare field. “To meet individuals where they are,” Stefanie started Be Present Care, where she facilitates and guides caregiving and end-of-life conversations and educates and develops care plans and programs for families, healthcare, and senior-focused professionals and organizations. Before starting her own company, Stefanie served as the Medical Outreach Manager, an integral part of the Compassion & Choices California Campaign team, where she assisted in passing and then implementing the California End of Life Option Act that was authorized in 2015.
Stefanie also founded Death over Drafts, a community event held at breweries to spark conversation, connection, and conversation around death and dying. She is...
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At the end, almost everyone says, “I wish I had listened to other people less. I wish I had lived larger.” It makes me cry to think about it, to imagine myself at the end of my life, and to think I had the chance, but I didn't out of fear or out of self-imposed limitations. I want to go out knowing I tried everything and I did everything.
Today, as part of our month-long series on grief, we are joined by Sundari Malcolm, who has experienced way more than her fair share of grief (if there is such a thing).
Check out other episodes from the series HERE and HERE.
At 27 years old, and after seven years of being her Caregiver, Sundari lost her mother to Breast Cancer. Four years later, she lost her father. As a death doula and a BIPOC Grief Educator and Care Curator for The Dinner Party, she has immersed herself in life’s final moments and what comes afterward for those who grieve. Along the way, she’s learned how to live.
In this conversation we discuss
Anticipatory grief during caregiving How Sundari found roots after losing both parents at an early ageThe importance of setting boundaries during intense periods of loss and caregivingHow to find and create safe spaces for grievingThe power of seasonal reflection and intention-settingHow Sundari uses a "self-care bowl" to bring play to her self-carePlease join us on May 17 for Uplifters Live. You can learn all about it HERE.
SundariSundari is a native New Yorker, born to Yogi parents, and raised with the teachings of Integral Yoga. Since losing her parents, Sundari has made it her mission to equip people with the tools they need to manage life’s greatest transitions. She sits as the BIPOC Grief Educator and Care Curator for The Dinner Party. Sundari is a Birth, Grief, and Death Doula. She is the founder of A Healing Doula. She is a Yoga and Meditation teacher and a recent publisher of the book Grief Gems.
Thank you to Lia De Feo for nominating Sundari as an Uplifter.
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"I hope that my story will provide hope and peace to those who are accepting a life that isn’t what they envisioned."
Lia: I always wanted to be a mother. I always had a maternal instinct. I always wanted to raise a child.
Aransas: What did you imagine the journey to motherhood would be?
Lia: The journey to motherhood would begin with falling madly in love with a man who would be an amazing partner and father. And that would happen a lot sooner than it actually did. I understood that becoming pregnant might be more challenging for me. But I thought the challenge would be in getting pregnant and that once I was pregnant, the vision was that pregnancy was going to be wonderful. It was gonna be this beautiful experience. We tried for quite a long time on our own, and then we did IUI. And I thought it was gonna be smooth sailing from there. It wasn't.
Nothing about activist, author, and mother-through-surrogacy, Lia De Feo’s, journey to motherhood was what she expected. Her story is marked by extraordinary heartbreak over and over again, but it’s also a story of the transformative power of community, sharing our truth, and finding purpose through pain.
Please listen and share Lia’s story with the people who need to hear it.
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*For more uplifting content, resources, and community support, visit www.theuplifterspodcast.com
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It’s that time of year when we reassess what’s working, ask ourselves what we want more and less of, set intentions for the year ahead, and wonder if this year will actually be different than last, all while quietly hoping that this is the year that will be.
Some of the things we do at this time of year can be really helpful. Many of them are counterproductive and defeating. After 20 years in the goal-getting industry, I feel a big responsibility this time of year to challenge the mental models that help us and those that don’t tend to work so well.
So, I called in one of my funniest new friends, Robin Hopkins, an actor, writer, host of Well…Adjusting Podcast, and the gal behind the Substack page
Sh!t I Learned From My Crappy Childhood
where you can find stories about parenting, finances, taking care of yourself, and other life stuff. In the latest episode of The Uplifters Podcast, we talk about mindset tricks and traps, including:
Why resolutions don’t workWhy we get so fired up to set resolutions to speed up at this time of year- even if it’s a time better suited to slowing downHow to take advantage of sparks of motivation and fire them upHow to work toward goals we want, but that are out of our controlThe magical difference a little supportive accountability can make in our goal-gettingCould you use an extra boost this year? Robin and I think it would be fun to crew up this year to help us all stay truer to our goals, celebrate tiny progress that we might miss otherwise, and cheer each other on. Want to join us? Complete the form linked here and let us know!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0eMRizIWdf3urG2wJHG34w5Lv-svPF9y07-MO7AlfMhzn0A/viewform?usp=sf_link
*Connect with Aransas Savas:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aransas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/
*For more uplifting content, resources, and community support, visit www.theuplifterspodcast.com
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When Rachel Everson Fink was in her 20s healing from anorexia and an abusive relationship, she discovered the power to change her health through meditation, yoga, quality food, qi gong, and Intention Based Field Resonance Testing.
Like so many Uplifters, Rachel Everson Fink loves to give and serve, and she feels things deeply. And like so many of us, she’s learned the hard way that without consistent boundaries, she can lose herself in caring for others.
In this episode you’ll learn:
The steps Rachel took to learn how to care for herselfHow she teaches her patients to become self-healersThe difference between emotional transparency and emotional vulnerability (Somebody please send Brené Brown because I need to talk to her about this. Rachel’s insight kinda blew my mind.)What it means to be an overfunctioner and what to do about itWays to let go of what was never really yours to carryAnd as a special bonus, Rachel will guide us through two of the most powerful practices she uses with her clientsRachel was nominated for The Uplifters Podcast by Jaclyn Dupont. Join Rachel, Jaclyn, me, and a bunch of other inspiring women in NYC on May 17 for Uplifters Live. You can learn all about it HERE.
*Connect with Aransas Savas:*
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aransas_savas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_uplifters_podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theuplifterspodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aransas
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theuplifterspodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aransassavas/
*For more uplifting content, resources, and community support, visit www.theuplifterspodcast.com
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