My Heart Is Aiken

On this episode Mara chats with Karrie Lemansky, business coach & strategist and ADHD educator, about getting an ADHD diagnosis later in life, and how you can work the chaos of your brain to be your most authentic f-ing self.Karrie's WebsiteKarrie's InstagramKarrie's Podcast on YoutubeAmerica Ferrera's Barbie monologue

On this episode, Mara talks with Activist, Advocate, and Mother Shannon Striner about staying informed, fighting for our children's rights, and the importance of protecting Medicaid and the Department of Education from being totally gutted.Important Links:Shannon's BlogFind Your Congress MembersFind Your PA State LegislatorsEducation Voters of Pennsylvania5 Calls To Make Your Voice HeardThe ACLUThe Commonwealth Triple Whammy VideoSchoolhouse Rock Video About Branches of Government

On this episode, Mara chats with Amy Vogel Hart, founder of Sophie's Potluck, a not for profit in Southwestern PA that welcomes everyone to their events, regardless of their diagnosis. They talk about how Sophie's Potluck got started, the importance of fostering healthy friendships for kids with disabilities, and how the PA State Capitol building isn't the most accessible spot for a place called "The People's Building."Sophie's Potluck Website"Welcome to Holland" a poem by Emily Perl KingsleyLearn more about the Disability Crawl in Harrisburg, PA

On this episode, Mara chats with Life Coach Becky Parker about trying to maintain your sanity, and your relationship, when you have three young kids at home who need all of your time, attention and energy.Becky is offering all listeners her "Self-Worth Awakening" training FREE when you use the Code "Worthy" at checkout!All Things Becky:Website: relationshipsuccess4life.comInstagram: @BeckyParkerrr

On this episode Mara is beyond excited to make an authentic connection with a woman who is delightfully talking the talk and walking the walk as she teaches entrepreneurs how to embrace their messy, awkward, and mundane selves on the internet. That's right, the force of nature behind the Instagram sensation No Shame Sales Game, the best selling book "Don't Make it Weird" - She's the CEO & Founder of Digital Sales Growth Community, a Digital Authenticity Expert, a Speaker, a Mom, a Wife - holy shit when does she sleep? - It's COLLEEN NICHOLS!All things Colleen:Her Website: colleennichols.comHer Book: Don't Make It WeirdInstagram & Threads: @NoShameSalesGameFacebook: facebook.com/micnichDigital Sales Growth Community

On this episode Mara talks to Jessica Patay, Founder and Executive Director of We Are Brave Together, a supportive community for Moms of children with disabilities and all unique needs. They talk about the challenges of motherhood, finding support in community, and about the new book from the We Are Brave Together community, "Becoming Brave Together," an anthology of Mothers' stories about facing "unimaginable challenges with unwavering courage." We Are Brave Together: www.wearebravetogether.org/Buy the Becoming Brave Together book here: https://tinyurl.com/Brave-Together

On this episode, Mara explains why her "couple of weeks" hiatus turned into several months. New episodes starting next week!

We're taking a brief, very brief, hiatus while we work on new stories. Mara has a quick message about her plans for the future, and we have an encore of the letter she wrote to new moms who have babies born with Down syndrome.If you have suggestions for topics you'd like us to discuss, or someone you think Mara should talk to, please drop us a line at www.myheartisaiken.comWe'll be back in a couple of weeks with new episodes!