The Big Purple Blob PODCAST

The Big Purple Blob
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We offer emotional support for EFMs and Expats around the world. A group of specialists who are trained Life Coaches bring wisdom & understanding to all of us facing the challenges of frequent moves and life overseas. Parenting, Marriage, and YOUR questions answered.

  1. FEB 25

    Talking about SEX in a Healthy Way w/Expert Scotney Young

    Here is a list of the resources, feel free to share any you think would be helpful. My website and instagram as well.  Scotney IG: https://www.instagram.com/rootsandboundaries?igsh=b2VveThpankyZDgz  Scotney's consulting website: https://www.rootsandboundaries.com/     Great resources for parents:  The Sex Education Answer Book: By the Age Responses to Tough Questions Kids Ask Parents About Sex: A definitive guidebook to assist parents with answering a child's questions about sex and demystifying sex for both parent and child.    Kids Ask Script-building resource to help tailor conversations for parents/adults towards children around self-esteem, healthy relationships and making informed decisions.  Amaze.org - resources for youth(8-14) and parents about sexuality, bodies, and relationships https://amaze.org/parents/  Porn: fact or fiction Amaze video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdB2rmGqqNU&ab_channel=AMAZEOrg  Guide to talking about porn:  https://amaze.org/parents/guides/porn/    Culture Reframed  - Free self-guided programs on build your child's resilience and resistance to hypersexualized culture and the impacts of pornography  https://parents.culturereframed.org/course/parents-of-tweens/  Sex Ed Reclaimed - Resource for Christian Families https://www.sexedreclaimed.com/    Sex ed tips for Muslim parents - https://resources.muslimkids.tv/sex-education/  How Jewish parents can talk to kids about sex https://mizrachi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/HaMizrachi_Yom-Ha_Atzmaut_Israel_2021_58.pdf  Great Podcasts:  This is so Awkward puberty podcast (and great newsletter) Birds and bees and kids with Amy Lang Sex Positive Families: Massive database of sex-positive books and resources for every age.    From Susie: I love https://www.youtube.com/@asklisapodcast for all topics tween and teen related, including sex, drugs, hormones and study habits.

    43 min

  2. FEB 11

    Mentally Strong FS Kids w/Dr. Fae Frederick

    Join me for a conversation with Dr Fae Frederick, about mental health and our FS kids.  We talk about tips for families, for every day and also for times of transition, roles and responsibilities for parents, preventative care and getting the support you and your family need, especially while overseas.  As always, a great resource, Dr Fae has great supplemental links to share. Resources mentioned: Where to find Dr Fae: www.drfae.com Information about the groups Dr Fae mentioned: www.drfae.com/groups Resource guide for FS folks and families: https://online-therapy.net/blog-home/mh-guide Some great books to explore about development and communication: Body-Brain Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/Brain-Body-Parenting-Managing-Behavior-Resilient/dp/0063061317 How to talk so kids will listen: https://www.amazon.com/How-Talk-Kids-Will-Listen/dp/1451663889 How to talk so little kids will listen: https://www.amazon.com/dp/150113163X Ages and stages: https://www.amazon.com/Ages-Stages-Parents-Childhood-Development/dp/0471370878 Life Cycle Completed: https://www.amazon.com/Life-Cycle-Completed-Extended-Version/dp/0393317722 Erik Erickson and all his wisdom

    50 min

  3. JAN 28

    Job Search, The EFM Way

    Marcelle Yeager is an Executive Career & Job Search Expert — and a fellow EFM (Eligible Family Member).  In this episode, she shares practical insights on how EFMs can land high-level positions by tapping into the strengths they already possess. From crafting a resume that tells the story of your impact to reframing your international experience as a competitive advantage, Marcelle offers encouragement and actionable tips to help you own your value and advance your career, no matter where in the world you are. Contact Marcelle directly at Career Valet: www.careervalet.com   Need some parenting advice? Sharoya Ham: www.embracebehaviorchange.com or  Some support in making life less challenging? Lisa Tilstra: www.makelifelessdifficult.com

    35 min

  4. JAN 21

    Sharoya Hamm, Changing Roles after Diplo-living

    Considering moving forward to a new position in life?  Wondering what the future opportunities are for work?  Seeking employment after many years of trailing spouse life?  Sharoya is a welcoming, brilliant and insightful part of our Big Purple Blob community and this is her story.     Get in touch with Sharoya directly: www.embracebehaviorchange.com

    42 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    $$$: Should I dip into my SAVINGS accounts as a Diplo-Employee?

    Former USAID Comptroller Michael Dillard opens up about experiencing unemployment twice.  Once, choosing to tap into his TSP; the next time, choosing not to—and the lessons that shaped both decisions. Michael brings deep insight into financial wellness, helping listeners understand if using retirement funds to pursue a dream makes sense. His story offers both practical guidance and inspiring clarity for anyone considering betting on themselves.   Have you ever thought of using your 401K or TSP funds in a new venture?  Join us for this incredible interview with Sharoya Ham and Michael Dillard   Work with Sharoya here: www.embracebehaviorchange.com/   Find out more about the BIG PURPLE BLOB at www.thebigpurpleblob.com/

    29 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    SOBRIETY in the Foreign Service Life

    In our episode today, Emily shares her personal journey to sobriety, including her struggles with alcohol and the various resources and support systems she has utilized and continues to utilize throughout her recovery. She discusses her experiences as a sober Foreign Service employee, addressing challenges with medical clearance, navigating social situations, and building a support network within the Foreign Service community. Emily emphasizes the importance of finding community and resources for recovery, treating sobriety as a fragile process, and encouraging open conversations about alcohol use while providing healthy coping mechanisms. List of Resources:   TO REACH EMILY: https://www.emilycornell.com/contact    SOBRIETY COMMUNITY SUPPORT Alcoholics Anonymous/12-step Meetings:  Online and in-person meetings. Searching "AA English meetings in [country/place]" will often lead you to the local "intergroup" page with listings. Many areas also have online meetings. There is a Foreign-Service-specific online AA meeting open to USDHs, EFMs/MOHs, and contractors of any agency under COM. Email diplomatic.sobriety@gmail.com for details/questions. The Luckiest Club: https://www.theluckiestclub.com/ TLC is a non-12-step, online sobriety support community with meetings on Americas + European timezones.  USG-RELATED RESOURCES Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP)  For more information email MEDECS@state.gov or call: 202-634-4874. [taken from this Department page] The Health Unit or RMOP, if at post PODCASTS and BOOKS: There are a myriad of recovery-focused and sober-curious podcasts and books. Google "sobriety podcast" or "quit lit" for ideas. RECOVERY COACHES: Int'l Assoc of Professional Recovery Coaches directory: https://www.directory.iaprc.org/home TO REACH EMILY: https://www.emilycornell.com/contact

    42 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Moving Stateside in 2025

    The Big Purple Blob is here to discuss the hardships and offer helpful ideas for folks moving to the US this year.   Find out more at The Big Purple Blob.com   www.thebigpurpleblob.com/

    44 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    Foreign Service Without Pay?- Financial Hardship 2025

    Check out The Big Purple Blob at https://www.thebigpurpleblob.com/ Talk to Susie at https://healthyexpatparent.com/ Talk to Angi at https://teenlines.com/ Send us your thoughts and share your stories with us at The Big Purple Blob

    29 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

We offer emotional support for EFMs and Expats around the world. A group of specialists who are trained Life Coaches bring wisdom & understanding to all of us facing the challenges of frequent moves and life overseas. Parenting, Marriage, and YOUR questions answered.

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