Heart to Heart with Abagaba

Abigail Dominguez
  • 4.8 (19)
  • Kids & Family
  • Updated Biweekly

To be childlike is a beautiful adventure! Heart to Heart with Abagaba Podcast is a joyful celebration of childhood—starting with the child within each of us. Here we celebrate the love, laughter, and little moments that make families shine! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the magic of childhood, this is your place. We share real stories, inspiring voices, and joyful conversations that warm the heart and lift the spirit every week. So grab a cozy seat — it’s time to go heart-to-heart.

  1. 1d ago

    Building a Good Life, One Choice at a Time | Kirana Sidin

    What does it really mean to live a good life? In this episode, I’m joined by Kirana Sidin, an author and strategic life coach from Jakarta, Indonesia, whose work explores one powerful question: What does it really mean to build a good life? Kirana’s debut book, Cheers for a Good Life, became an Amazon #1 New Release and #1 Best Seller in its categories. Through her writing, coaching, and speaking, she brings together philosophy, psychology, and everyday experiences to offer practical wisdom for modern living. Our conversation explores the idea that a meaningful life isn’t something we simply discover—it’s something we build through the choices we make each day. Together, we talk about: 🌻 What it really means to live a good life 🌻 Staying intentional in a world full of distractions 🌻 What timeless wisdom can teach us about modern life 🌻 Making better decisions when life feels uncertain 🌻 Building healthy relationships without losing ourselves 🌻 Raising resilient children in a high-pressure world 🌻 The role of money in a meaningful life 🌻 Discovering purpose in ordinary moments 🌻 The small choices that quietly shape who we become Kirana shares a positive, practical, and encouraging perspective on living intentionally—and reminds us that we don’t have to transform our entire lives overnight. Sometimes, meaningful change begins with one small choice. A question to take with you: What are you building with the choices you’re making today? Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this community. If this conversation encouraged you, please consider sharing the episode with someone who might need the reminder that a good life can be built one ordinary choice at a time. 🌻 About Kirana Sidin: Kirana Sidin is an author and strategic life coach based in Jakarta, Indonesia. She is the author of Cheers for a Good Life and draws from philosophy, psychology, and everyday life to help people gain clarity, make better decisions, and build lives of greater intention and meaning. Connect with Kirana: Cheers For A Good Life! – Strong Mind. Calm Heart. Good Life.

  2. 2d ago

    EPS 150 : - The Long Road Home: A Father’s Journey Through Addiction, Faith & Hope ⭐️

    What happens when someone you love is struggling with addiction—and love alone isn’t enough to save them? In this heartfelt conversation, award-winning author and speaker Robert N. Ruesch opens up about his family’s decades-long journey through addiction, uncertainty, faith, heartbreak, and hope. Robert, whose writing career spans more than five decades, co-authored The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction with his daughter, Jennifer Lyn Ruesch. The book offers an honest look at the realities families can face when addiction becomes part of their story—and the strength, faith, and perseverance it can take to keep going. In this episode, Robert shares: • The moment he realized his daughter’s addiction was beyond what love alone could fix • What families can misunderstand when trying to help someone struggling with addiction • How faith carried him through years of uncertainty • The difficult reality of tough love • The difference between supporting someone and enabling them • The role that Teen Challenge and other resources played in their family’s journey • What he wants parents to hear when they feel exhausted and without hope • What it was like to write this deeply personal story alongside his daughter • His beautiful story of reconnecting with and marrying his high-school sweetheart • The legacy he hopes to leave through his writing and speaking Robert’s story is ultimately a reminder that even when the road is long, there can still be hope, healing, redemption, and new chapters ahead. Guest Robert N. Ruesch Award-winning Author & Speaker Co-author of The Long Road Home: A Family’s Journey Through Addiction Connect with Robert to explore his works, books and more: Robert N Ruesch – Writer – Speaker – Christian – Humorist and seeker of chorolate! A Question to Reflect On What does it look like to love someone deeply while also recognizing that you cannot walk their journey for them? Disclaimer This conversation is for educational and inspirational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or addiction treatment advice.

  3. 6d ago

    EPS 149: - Collaborating with God: A Journey of Healing AfterTrauma

    In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I welcome Carolyn Sherrow—a trauma survivor, mental health advocate, author, speaker, and former physician assistant. Carolyn openly shares about her personal journey through trauma and healing and how her more than two decades in medicine shaped her understanding of trauma and dissociation. We have an honest conversation about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), misconceptions surrounding dissociation, and the importance of understanding the ways the mind can respond to overwhelming experiences. Carolyn also shares about her transition from medicine into writing, speaking, advocacy, and ministry. At the heart of her approach to healing is the idea of “collaborating with God” and recognizing the role faith can play in the healing journey. Together, we explore: 🌻 Carolyn’s personal journey with trauma and healing 🌻 Trauma, dissociation, and DID 🌻 How medical training influenced her understanding of trauma 🌻 Common misconceptions about Dissociative Identity Disorder 🌻 Carolyn’s transition from medicine to advocacy and ministry 🌻 What “collaborating with God” means in practical life 🌻 Her understanding of soul ties 🌻 What she discovered about the mind and brain through her healing journey 🌻 Finding hope and purpose after trauma This is a conversation about courage, faith, understanding, and the possibility of healing. Content note: This episode includes discussion of childhood trauma, abuse, dissociation, and mental health. Please listen with care and honor your own emotional boundaries. Connect with Carolyn: https://cordsofgrace.com Thank you for joining us for another Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. 🌻 Sometimes the journey toward healing begins simply by being willing to understand our story—and believing that hope is still possible.

  4. Sep 11

    EPS 148: - 1. Then Came Joy: Finding Faith and Hope in the Hardest Chapters with Jodi Cowles

    What happens when life takes us places we never expected to go? In this heart-to-heart conversation, author and storyteller Jodi Cowles takes us on a deeply personal journey through grief, faith, culture, family, and the unexpected ways joy can find us again. Jodi spent more than half of her adult life living and working in seven different countries, including eight years in Istanbul, Turkey, where she lived with her husband and daughter. Her experiences abroad gave her a unique perspective on culture, connection, and the beautiful—and sometimes hilarious—ways human beings misunderstand one another. But Jodi’s story goes much deeper than cross-cultural adventures. Her memoir, Then Came Joy, explores grief, trauma, faith, and the fierce fight to find joy when there are no easy answers. She shares what it meant to leave “Flannelgraph Jesus” behind and wrestle with a faith that could hold both honest questions and profound pain. Jodi also brings her expertise as the co-founder of Blue Hat Publishing and WellTold Studio, where she helps independent authors tell their stories with authenticity and intention. In this episode, we talk about: • Finding gratitude and joy in the aftermath of grief • What Jodi means by leaving “Flannelgraph Jesus” behind • Navigating faith when life doesn’t make sense • The vulnerability of writing a deeply personal memoir • Why everyone should consider writing their life story • What it means to be a Third Culture Kid • The blessings and challenges of raising children across cultures • Lessons learned from living in seven different countries • The funniest realities of cultural misunderstandings • Common mistakes independent authors make when building their brands • Why Jodi believes this may be the best time in history to be an author • Finding hope when there are no easy answers A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway Sometimes joy doesn’t arrive because everything has been fixed. Sometimes joy comes while we are still healing, still questioning, and still learning how to make peace with the story we’ve been given. And sometimes, telling that story is part of the healing itself. About Jodi Cowles Jodi Cowles is an American author, storyteller, and co-founder of Blue Hat Publishing and WellTold Studio. After spending much of her adult life living and working internationally, including eight years in Istanbul, Turkey, Jodi brings a rich cross-cultural perspective to her writing and storytelling. Her memoir, Then Came Joy, explores grief, faith, trauma, and the courageous pursuit of joy. Connect with Jodi : Jodi Cowles | Author of Then Came Joy Listener Invitation What chapter of your own story deserves to be told? Share this episode with someone who may need a reminder that grief and joy can coexist—and that even when there are no easy answers, there can still be hope.

  5. Sep 11

    EPS 147: - What’s Really in Your Fridge? Jordan Robinson on Food Safety & Anxin

    How much do we really know about the food and products we bring into our homes? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Jordan Robinson, founder of Anxin, a platform designed to help families stay informed about food recalls, restaurant health inspections, ingredient safety, and other everyday risks. Jordan shares what inspired him to create Anxin, how the platform connects information from grocery receipts and household products, and why being informed can help families make safer choices without living in fear. We also talk about food recalls, restaurant safety, and the importance of closing the gap between when a safety issue is identified and when families actually hear about it. This conversation is a reminder that knowledge is powerful—and sometimes, a little more information can make a big difference. Listen, learn, and share this episode with a family member or friend who might find it helpful. 🌻 Connect with Jordan & learn more about Anxin: https://pieceofmind.fyi #HeartToHeartWithAbagaba #FoodSafety #Anxin #FamilySafety #FoodRecalls #HealthyFamilies #StayInformed

  6. Aug 29

    EPS 146 : - From Searching to Shalom: Barbie’s Journey to Jesus Christ 🌻

    What happens when the questions in your heart are bigger than the answers you’ve been given? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Barbie Lavick Van Cott, author of Shalom Barbie: A Jewish Girl’s Journey to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Raised in Hollywood and Jewish by faith and tradition, Barbie describes herself as a tender-hearted, deep-thinking girl who often felt like she didn’t quite fit in. Her desire to understand God and find answers led her on an unexpected journey of questioning, discovery, faith, and ultimately, a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Barbie shares how following her questions—and eventually a prompting that took her on a Hawaiian adventure—became part of a much bigger journey than she could have imagined. Now a wife, mother, grandmother, missionary, seminary teacher, temple worker, and speaker, Barbie has felt inspired to share her story with others. Her book won first place in the nonfiction division at the American Night Writers Association conference. ❤️ In this heart-to-heart conversation, we talk about: Growing up as a Jewish girl in HollywoodBeing a sensitive and deep-thinking child who often felt differentThe questions that began her spiritual searchLearning to follow promptings and trust the journeyThe meaning of shalom and what it means to her todayHow her faith journey shaped the woman she becameSharing her testimony and personal story with othersThe importance of allowing ourselves—and our children—to ask questionsWhat she would say to the little girl she once was Barbie’s story reminds us that the questions we carry can sometimes become the doorway to discovering truth, purpose, and faith. 🌻 Join us for this beautiful conversation about searching, believing, and finding peace along the way. https://a.co/d/0b7SsPSW 💕 Connect & Reflect What question have you carried with you that eventually led you somewhere unexpected? Sometimes the journey to faith doesn’t happen all at once. Sometimes it begins with simply being willing to ask, “Why?” and having the courage to keep searching. 🎧 Listen to Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba Where every story has a heart, every heart has a story, and every conversation has the possibility of making a difference. 🌻❤️

  7. Aug 22

    EPS 145: - Every Child Has a Story: The Heart of Learning with Wahida Mohamed

    What if education were about more than lessons, grades, and classrooms? What if we made more room for curiosity, storytelling, culture, wellbeing, and the unique voice of every child? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I sit down with Wahida Mohamed — author, educator, poet, and podcaster with more than 30 years of experience in London classrooms. Wahida is a qualified MFL, ESL, Montessori, and Early Years teacher and the founder of Wisdom Feast Ltd., where she brings together storytelling, transformational education, cultural connection, and wellbeing to help children and adults learn with greater purpose and heart. During our conversation, we explore: 🌻 How Wahida found her path into education 🌻 Her own experiences of school and how they shaped her educational philosophy 🌻 How children learn best 🌻 Why storytelling can be such a powerful connecting thread 🌻 The importance of culture, identity, and connection in learning 🌻 Her Mind, Body, Family approach to wellbeing 🌻 How educators and parents can empower children to take greater ownership of their learning 🌻 What child-led projects can look like in real life 🌻 The role stories played in Wahida’s own childhood 🌻 The inspiration behind her book and the message she hopes readers will carry with them This conversation is a beautiful reminder that education isn’t simply about filling a child’s mind with information. It’s about nurturing the whole person. And sometimes, one of the most powerful things we can do for a child is simply to listen to their story. Meet Wahida Mohamed Wahida Mohamed is an author, educator, poet, and podcaster with more than three decades of classroom experience. Through Wisdom Feast Ltd., she creates storytelling-led, wellbeing-focused learning experiences designed to help educators, parents, and young people learn with purpose and heart. A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway After listening, try asking a child in your life: “What is something you’re curious about right now?” Then pause. Listen. Let them lead. Because every child has a story — and every story has value. 🌻 Connect & Share : https://www.wahidamohamed.com/ 5 Successful Strategies To Education Through The Power Of Storytelling: A Transformational Approach to Wellbeing, Creativity and Learning https://a.co/d/0dZUUARG If this conversation touched you, please share it with a parent, teacher, educator, caregiver, or anyone who believes children deserve to learn with purpose and heart. And if you enjoyed this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this conversation. Thank you for joining me for another Heart-to-Heart. ❤️ I’m Abagaba — and I’ll see you in our next conversation.

  8. Aug 21

    EPS 144: - Your Children Are NOT Your Report Card: Loving Without Losing Yourself with Gigi Baxter

    What happens when we begin measuring our worth by how our children are doing? As mothers, we can love our children so deeply that their successes feel like our successes—and their struggles can feel like our failures. But what if our children’s lives were never meant to be our report card? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Gigi Baxter, author of Your Children Are NOT Your Report Card: How to Love Your Adult Children Without Losing Yourself. Gigi is a wife, mother of three adult children, and self-described “recovering fixer.” After spending decades quietly measuring her own worth through her children’s successes and struggles, she began a journey of learning how to let go of control without letting go of love. Her message is honest, funny, compassionate, and deeply relatable for mothers navigating the ever-changing journey of parenting. In this episode, we explore: * What it means to view our children as our “report card” * Why loving mothers can so easily measure their worth through their children’s lives * The “imaginary versions” of our children that we may need to grieve * The difference between supporting our children and fixing, rescuing, or controlling * The emotional “suitcases” we carry for our adult children * Gigi’s “Mute & Pause” practice for difficult conversations * The “Parenting Olympics” and why comparison can be so exhausting * What it means to have a “Board Seat, Not CEO” role in our adult children’s lives * How to create healthier boundaries without becoming cold or disconnected * Rediscovering our identity beyond motherhood * What Gigi would say to the mother lying awake at 2 a.m., wondering, “Did I fail?” A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway Our children are going to make their own choices. They will experience successes, disappointments, mistakes, joys, and challenges that we cannot always prevent. And that’s one of the hardest parts of loving someone. We can be present without taking over. We can listen without fixing. We can support without rescuing. And we can love our children deeply without making their lives the measure of our own worth. Our children’s lives are their stories. We are still allowed to live ours. A Question to Carry With You If you’ve ever found yourself carrying an adult child’s problem, worrying about a decision you cannot control, or wondering whether your child’s struggles mean you somehow failed as a parent, pause and ask yourself: “Is this mine to carry?” Sometimes love means stepping in. And sometimes love means stepping back—with an open heart. Connect With Gigi To learn more about Gigi Baxter and her work, and to explore Your Children Are NOT Your Report Card: How to Love Your Adult Children Without Losing Yourself, be sure to connect with Gigi and follow her journey. Not Your Report Card | Gigi Baxter Your Children Are NOT Your Report Card: How to Love Your Adult Children Without Losing Yourself https://a.co/d/0hrHIWxh Thank you for joining me for another Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. Until next time, remember: you can love your children deeply without losing yourself in the process. 🌻

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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

To be childlike is a beautiful adventure! Heart to Heart with Abagaba Podcast is a joyful celebration of childhood—starting with the child within each of us. Here we celebrate the love, laughter, and little moments that make families shine! Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the magic of childhood, this is your place. We share real stories, inspiring voices, and joyful conversations that warm the heart and lift the spirit every week. So grab a cozy seat — it’s time to go heart-to-heart.

Information

  • Creator
    Abigail Dominguez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Abigail Dominguez
  • Show Website
    Heart to Heart with Abagaba