Strong(er) in the Broken Places

Marine Conservation Institute’s Angela Nardo-Morgan is sustained by her deep connection to earth and sea. This inspiring mother offers lessons from her long career as an environmental educator, activist and scientist. When then eighty-three year old Jane Goodall told her, “I know that you feel discouraged, but I don’t want you to give up. There is still time left to save the planet,” Angela dug deep and kept going. She joins Barb and Vicky to discuss ways we can all stay engaged, inspired, and take action to save this planet for future generations. Marine Conservation Institute: https://marine-conservation.org https://education.ucdavis.edu/ccs-salmon-classroom Angela’s favorite resources: https://www.count-us-in.org/en-gb/ https://www.earthday.org https://www.charitynavigator.org https://www.guidestar.org The history of Earth Day: http://www.nelsonearthday.net/nelson/ http://www.rachelcarson.org/SilentSpring.aspx Inspiration from their chat: https://www.janegoodall.org https://www.clarissapinkolaestes.com

In this tender mini-episode and first video podcast, relinquishing birth mother Barbara and her adoptee daughter Vicky ponder a deep question. What if Barb made a different choice and kept her baby? Find Barb and Vicky:  Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Website: https://www.freeyourselfthrough.com/

Black Adoptee Support Group founder Artreese Basnight was called to help others. Adopted from foster care by parents of the same race, she provides a safe community for many adoptees to connect. Raised an only child, Artreese is finding joy and healing through connection to siblings from multiple families. She joins Barb and Vicky to discuss life after closed adoption, becoming a sister and the healing found in her adoptee support group. Find her on Instagram @immetreesetheadoptee and @blackadopteesupportgroup Learn more about Treese and her work supporting Black Adoptees: https://linktr.ee/TreesetheAdoptee Find Barb and Vicky @freeyourselfthrough.com

Gifted listener and dynamic speaker Mary Jo Lorei is a spiritual beast - throwing folksy wisdom like truth bombs. Mary Jo joins Barb and Vicky to discuss her journey from caretaker daughter of two alcoholics, one-time celebrity girlfriend and Beverly Hills stylist, to Self Mastery Mentor and now writer of the book, Practical Inspirations. She believes her parent’s struggle and recovery demonstrated the power of humility and courage, inspiring her passion for connection. To learn more, visit her website: https://www.maryjolorei.com/ Connect with Mary Jo on social media: https://www.instagram.com/maryjolorei/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryjolorei/ https://www.facebook.com/selfmasterymentor

Guest Diana Raab wrote Lust to “Bring more love into the world.” This episode begins with a reading from her book of erotic poetry. She joins Barb and Vicky to discuss her writing process, Valentine’s Day and the many ways love can be expressed. Poet, author and mentor Diana Raab’s journey was born in pain after finding her beloved grandmother dead from an overdose of antidepressants. Diana’s mother was consumed by her own grief, and presented young Diana with a diary. Finding comfort and healing through journaling, Diana shares that message with others: encouraging them to dig down to the essence of experience, in all its beauty and ugliness. Find Diana’s books, courses, and newsletter on her website: https://dianaraab.com/

Guest Lisa Hubler dreamed of singing opera but life chose a different path. After the loss of her beloved father, Lisa’s search for peace led her to develop a unique model for deepest change and healing: Restorative Hypnotherapy. She is now teaching her method, encouraging students to develop their own blend of lyricism, language and deeply restful postures. Learn more at her website https://www.amindmatters.com/

Thriving in these times demands a lot of tools, eh? We could all use some help. Adventure Traveler Akemi Rico was a fearless child, encouraged by her father to dream big. A brilliant manifestor, she’s the perfect first guest for a new year. Akemi finds inspiration in unexpected places, and teaches others to remain open to new experiences.  Check out her website to learn more: www.akemirico.com

Filipino-American recording artist and physical therapist Charmaine Clamor sang before she spoke. Raised in open adoption, she blends ancestral spiritual healing with improvisation; turning physical therapy into an expression of art. She describes open-hearted grieving after the loss of her adoptive father, and the healing power of music.  To find out more about Charmaine Clamor:  www.charmaineclamor.com www.bewelltherapy.co Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @fy_t

What’s new with you? These are challenging times. Are you stronger now? Or struggling? In Season Two, your favorite (they hope) Mother and daughter team laugh and learn from amazing guests, exploring the healing power of music, honest connection and meditation that saw them through. Warning: There may be occasional bouts of raving lunacy. If you are struggling, you are not alone - subscribe and find connection with Barb and Vicky. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @fy_t

Class clown Felise Seiler turned childhood bullies into friends and became an improv and stand-up comic at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles, California. During a life-threatening illness, she found strength and connection in humor. Listen to her triumphant story and be inspired. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_y_t

Barbara and Vicky answer listener questions, and talk about what’s next for Season Two. Subscribe today and be among the first to hear Season Two…The healing power of music, connection and meditation. Barbara and Vicky dive into theory and offer simple tools for living with freedom and happiness. Contact us: Website - https://www.freeyourselfthrough.com Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

We want to hear from you!  In the last episode of Season One we will answer your questions. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t Leave a voice message https://anchor.fm/victoria-graham1/message

Barbara and Vicky found compassion for their bullies, but it took years. If you are struggling with bullying, we recommend you get help. See links below. Resources addressing bullying across all ages and types: United States Official Website  Australian Website  Specifically for children: The social action campaign inspired by the film BULLY. US website Australian website Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

Vulnerability is brave. And therapy helps. Lots of therapy. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

Warning! This episode goes deep. Barbara and Vicky had different journeys, but with help found courage to trust others and themselves. Their secret? Baby steps. And patience. And lots of time. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

Barbara and Vicky contemplate the question, can I be honest with you? After 25 years, they were both surprised to unearth old baggage. In this episode they deal with sensitive issues and things unsaid. Messy? Yes. And healing. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

What is it about fathers and daughters? From little girl adoration through teenage rebellion, Barbara and Vicky both idealized their imperfect fathers. They traveled separate journeys, each finding more healthy, loving relationships in adulthood. Vicky discusses her feelings about her biological father’s continued rejection. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

Barbara and Vicky reflect on Mother’s Day traditions, and trying to be perfect daughters. It took years for them to break from past family dysfunction, using mother-daughter templates for communication and “Care-taking 101.”  When they realized they were speaking two different languages, laughter and awkward experiences helped them to forge a new relationship. Their own. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

In this touching episode, Barbara and Vicky discuss sweet moments meeting family and reflect on bitter truths that resonate in their lives today. Finally meeting after closed adoption exposed family secrets, not something everyone was prepared for. Their reunion was joyful for some, confusing for others. Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

A birth mother and her daughter reflect on their first phone call and finally sharing a hug, 30 years after Barbara gave Vicky up for adoption in this poignant, funny and honest episode. Barbara used an experienced search agency to help her look for Vicky: over a four-year period of searching and therapy. Their awareness of the emotional issues attached to adoption, Vicky’s right to privacy and consent, helped Barbara to be more sensitive to her needs. Even at 30, Vicky was completely unprepared for that call. Hearing from Barbara threw her into a crisis - how was she going to tell her parents? Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t

Hi! We are mother and daughter separated by adoption, reunited after 30 years. Why listen to us? You’ll laugh, you’ll cry...and hopefully you’ll relate. We strive to be fun, honest and kind, sharing our adventures, struggles and messy truth. We built an honest relationship - but it wasn't easy. In our podcast this season we explore what it took to get here.  Contact us: Email: freeyourselfthrough@gmail.com Instagram: @freeyourselfthrough Twitter: @Free_ y_t