Heart to Heart with Abagaba

Abigail Dominguez

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. 6d ago

    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. 🌻❤️

  2. 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.

  3. 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. 🌻

  4. Aug 15

    EPS 143: - Don’t Ask Why, Ask Why Not: The Courage to Keep Going with Jay Setchell

    What if the question isn’t “Why?” but “Why not?” What if the purpose doesn’t have an expiration date? And what if the setbacks, failures, and unexpected changes in our lives aren’t the end of our story—but invitations to find a new way forward? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Jay Setchell, an entrepreneur, former Marine, corporate professional, and lifelong believer in resilience, perseverance, and the power of choosing to keep going. Now in his mid-70s and living with significant physical challenges, Jay remains actively involved in multiple ventures and has no intention of stopping. Raised on a working farm, Jay learned early that worthwhile things rarely come without effort. His life has taken him through military service, entrepreneurship, marriage, children, faith, loss, setbacks, and countless opportunities to choose courage over defeat. At the heart of our conversation is his powerful philosophy: “Don’t ask why. Ask why not.” In this episode, we explore: ​Where Jay’s “Why not?” mindset came from and how it has shaped his life​How our choices and decisions help shape who we become​Why our purpose can change as we grow and enter new seasons of life​Finding motivation and meaning in our 70s and beyond​The courage to keep pursuing dreams despite physical or unexpected challenges​What failure can teach us is that success sometimes cannot​Building resilience, grit, determination, and perseverance​How faith, family, service, and life experiences shape our understanding of what matters​Redefining success as our circumstances and priorities change​Why helping others can become part of our own journey toward a meaningful life​What Jay would say to someone who feels stuck, discouraged, or believes their best days are behind them A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway Sometimes life changes the way we imagined it would. Our circumstances may change. Our bodies may change. Our responsibilities may change. Our dreams may even change. But change doesn’t necessarily mean stop. Jay reminds us that purpose can evolve as we do, and that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can be found in the courage to begin again, the resilience to keep moving, the willingness to adapt, and the determination to continue contributing to the lives of others. And when life gives us a reason to ask “Why?”, Jay challenges us to consider another question: “Why not?” A Personal Heart-to-Heart Sometimes, as a host, you begin a conversation thinking you’re going to learn something from your guest—and then their words unexpectedly speak directly to something you’re carrying in your own heart. Jay’s perspective on life, purpose, and never giving up reminded me that dreams are worth continuing to pursue, even when the road ahead looks difficult. I hope this conversation offers you that same encouragement. Perhaps there is a dream you’ve quietly put aside. Perhaps you’ve convinced yourself it’s too late. Perhaps you’re looking at the obstacles instead of the possibilities. Maybe it’s time to ask yourself: Why not? Connect With Jay: https://neverquittrying.com Book: https://a.co/d/0eCVaKrm To learn more about Jay Setchell, , his work, ventures, and the wisdom he continues to share, be sure to connect with him and follow his journey. Thank you for joining me for another Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. Until next time, remember: your story isn’t over simply because one chapter has ended. There may still be beautiful pages waiting to be written. 🌻

  5. Aug 13

    EPS: 142 - On the Same Team: Building a United Front in Marriage with Pesa Shayo

    Marriage brings two people together—but it also brings together two families, two histories, and sometimes two very different cultures. So what happens when family expectations, in-law relationships, cultural differences, loyalty conflicts, and faith begin putting pressure on the marriage? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Pesa Shayo, author and co-founder of Live Your Best Marriage, to talk about one powerful idea: building a United Front in marriage. Pesa helps cross-cultural Christian couples navigate outside pressures while learning to stop turning against each other and start facing those challenges as one team. Our conversation takes us into some of the difficult—but deeply important—questions couples may face when love, family, culture, and loyalty collide. In this episode, we explore: What it really means for a couple to build a United FrontWhy in-laws and family expectations can create tension in marriageThe difference between honoring family and allowing family to divide a marriageCommon loyalty conflicts between spousesWhat to do when one spouse feels their partner continually chooses family over the marriageHow cultural differences can affect communication and conflictSetting healthy boundaries with parents and in-laws while still showing love and honorNavigating very different cultural, ethnic, and family backgroundsHow Christian faith can shape the way couples approach conflict, forgiveness, and outside pressureOne practical step couples can take to stop fighting each other and begin facing challenges as one teamConnect with Pesa ; Pesa Shayo | Christian Marriage Author & Co-founder of Live Your Best Marriage A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway Sometimes the problem isn’t husband versus wife or wife versus husband. The real question may be: Are we turning toward each other—or turning against each other? A strong marriage doesn’t mean two people will always agree. It means they can learn to communicate, establish healthy boundaries, honor their families, navigate their differences, and still remember that they are on the same team. And when outside pressure comes, perhaps the goal isn’t to ask, “Whose side are you on?” Perhaps it’s to ask: “How do we face this together?” Continue the Conversation Our conversation with Pesa was so rich that we knew there was more to explore—which means this Heart-to-Heart doesn’t end here. Stay tuned for Part 2 with Pesa Shayo, where we continue the conversation about marriage, family, culture, faith, boundaries, and what it really means to choose each other. To learn more about Pesa, Live Your Best Marriage, his books, podcast, and marriage resources, be sure to connect with his work. Thank you for joining me for another Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. Until next time, remember: there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered in a heart-to-heart conversation. 🌻

  6. Aug 12

    EPS: 141 ~ Money Mindset: Raising Financially Confident Kids with Greg Junge

    What if teaching our children about money isn’t really about teaching them to count dollars and cents—but about helping them develop confidence, healthy habits, responsibility, and a positive relationship with money? In this episode of Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba, I’m joined by Greg Junge, entrepreneur, author, co-owner of Your Clean Books, and founder of Money Mindset Academy. Greg is the author of Teen Money Mindset and Parent Money Mindset, and he brings years of experience in business and real estate to this important conversation about financial clarity, cash flow, money habits, and raising financially confident children. We talk about how our own beliefs and experiences with money can influence the way we teach our children, why parents don’t need to be financial experts to begin these conversations, and how families can make money a topic that is approachable rather than stressful. In this episode, we explore: Why Greg created Money Mindset Academy and wrote Teen Money Mindset and Parent Money MindsetHow parents can unintentionally pass their money beliefs and habits to their childrenWhy you don’t have to be a financial expert to teach your kids about moneyWhen to begin talking with children about moneyCommon mistakes parents make when teaching saving, spending, and earningHelping children balance saving, spending, giving, and enjoying moneyPractical financial skills teenagers should understand before leaving homeHow families can talk about money without fear, shame, or anxietyOne simple step parents can take this week to begin building financial confidence A Heart-to-Heart Takeaway Financial education doesn’t have to begin with complicated budgets or big lessons. Sometimes it begins with an everyday conversation. The goal isn’t to raise children who simply know how to handle money. It’s to raise children who feel confident, responsible, thoughtful, and empowered when making financial decisions. And perhaps one of the most important lessons we can give them is that money is something we can learn about—not something we have to be afraid of. Connect With Greg : https://www.moneymindsetacademy.com https://a.co/d/01p86SOR https://a.co/d/0cYvhP40 Want to learn more about Greg Junge, Money Mindset Academy, Teen Money Mindset, Parent Money Mindset, and his work helping families develop healthier money habits? Be sure to check out Greg’s work and continue the conversation beyond this episode. Thank you for joining me for another Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. Until next time, remember: there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered in a heart-to-heart conversation. 🌻

  7. Jul 29

    EPS 140 - Turning Pain into Purpose with Tracy Brinkmann

    What happens when the darkest seasons of life become the foundation for a greater purpose? In this heartfelt conversation, Tracy Brinkmann shares his powerful journey of resilience, redemption, and rebuilding. As a father of four, entrepreneur, and host of The Dark Horse Entrepreneur – AI Escape Plan and Your Success DNA, Tracy opens up about the experiences that shaped him and the lessons he learned along the way. (Apple Podcasts⁠) Tracy’s story is one of transformation. After walking through addiction, the heartbreaking loss of his 18-month-old daughter, divorce, and bankruptcy, he discovered that setbacks do not have to define the future. Today, he uses his experiences to encourage parents and small business owners to create opportunities through AI, automation, podcasting, and intentional action. (Dark Horse Entrepreneur Schooling⁠) In this episode, Tracy and Abagaba talk about: 🌻 How dark seasons can shape our character and purpose 🌻 The power of mindset when rebuilding your life 🌻 Turning pain into a source of strength 🌻 How busy parents can use AI to create income systems 🌻 The importance of storytelling and sharing your journey 🌻 Building habits that create lasting success 🌻 Why your past does not determine your future Tracy reminds us that no setback is final and that every person has the ability to write a new chapter. Connect with Tracy Brinkmann: Learn more about Tracy’s work, podcasts, and resources: https://www.darkhorseentrepreneur.com Explore his AI and entrepreneurship resources and discover how he helps parents and entrepreneurs build smarter systems. (Dark Horse Entrepreneur⁠) Thank you for joining us on Heart to Heart with Abagaba. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who may need the reminder that their story is not over. Keep loving. Keep believing. Keep becoming. 🌻 A Father’s Love: Finding Meaning Through Loss One of the most touching moments in this conversation is when Tracy shares about the loss of his 18-month-old daughter and the precious final moments he had holding her before she was called home. Through unimaginable grief, Tracy discovered that love does not end with loss. The bond between a parent and child continues to shape us, guide us, and remind us of what truly matters. His story is a powerful reminder that even our deepest pain can become a place where compassion, purpose, and hope are born.

  8. Jul 26

    EPS 139 - The Courage to Live Authentically: A Heart-to-Heart with Lynda Leonce

    Have you ever felt like something was missing, even when everything looked fine on the outside? In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with authenticity coach, author, and mentor Lynda Leonce to explore what it truly means to reconnect with yourself and live a life of authenticity and alignment. Lynda shares her personal journey, the experiences that shaped her calling, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Together, we talk about the courage it takes to embrace who we really are, the wisdom that comes from life’s challenges, and the freedom found in living true to ourselves. Whether you’re navigating a new season of life, searching for purpose, or simply longing to feel more like yourself again, this episode offers encouragement, hope, and practical wisdom for your journey. In this episode, we discuss: * Lynda’s journey to becoming an authenticity coach * What authenticity and alignment really mean * Her biggest “aha” moment * The life lessons that have shaped her * What she would tell her younger self * Why she wrote her book * Encouragement for anyone feeling disconnected from themselves Connect with Lynda : https://www.livefromyourtruth.com Thank you for listening to Heart-to-Heart with Abagaba. If this conversation encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little hope today. You can also connect with me at abigaieledominguez.com to learn more about my books, podcast, upcoming events, and my mission to encourage children, families, and communities through stories of hope, faith, and grace. Until next time, remember: your story matters, and there is grace at every age.

See All (148)

Trailer

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
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Abigail Dominguez
  • Show Website
    Heart to Heart with Abagaba