Zen(ish) Mommy Jessica Gershman

Have you ever thought about giving yourself permission to stop, sit, and read a book in the middle of the day? Giving yourself that gift of it being okay to do nothing? Our guests for today are an incredible sister-duo, Michelle Anderson, and Laura Massarella, hosts and creators of Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project. These are two ladies that talk the talk and walk the walk and live their lives in all things cozy. With a finger on the secret to destressing, being fully engaged in their lives, and getting all the good feels, they live by following the Danish principle of Hygge (“hoo-gah”). This is a Danish word that means the art of living in coziness. It’s all about surrounding yourself with things like smells, textures, tastes, people, etc., that make you feel happy, or in other words, cozy. In our conversation today, we hear how they became rooted in mindfulness and the role therapy played in their healing journeys. We are introduced to the Danish principle of Hygge and what it means to live by it. They share key insights on how to approach slowing down and truly being okay with doing less, or nothing, for even a little while. If you want to learn more about embracing the Hygge way, then don’t miss out on this great episode!


Key Points From This Episode:


How they became rooted in mindfulness.How therapy played a role in Michelle’s healing journey. A thought on finding healthcare professionals to facilitate healing in our lives. The Danish principle of Hygge and what it means to live by it.Lauren talks about the Blue Zones and the importance of connection.An elaboration of the difference between mindfulness and Hygge.What Hygge and the associated lifestyle can offer to people who embrace it.Lauren and Michelle share their process of embracing the Hygge lifestyle.How to approach slowing down: be okay with doing less or nothing for a little bit.Finding the Hygge for you.Michelle shares her favorite definition of Hygge.They share their red flags; a signal to return to self-care and Hygge.The best piece of advice they’ve ever been given. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Michelle Anderson on LinkedIn
Lauren Massarella on LinkedIn
The Sister Project on Instagram
Lauren Massarella Yoga
The Sister Project Blog
What Is Hygge?
Cozy Conversations with The Sister Project Podcast
The Candle Collection
Ted Lasso
The Zen Mommy
Zen Mommy Instagram
Zen Mommy Youtube
Zen Mommy Facebook
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Happy summer, mamas! Today we’re talking with pediatric physical therapist, early development enthusiast, and mama Kailee Noland. Kailee speaks with us about movement milestones, those stages of development that give you feedback on your baby’s progress and needs. Kailee knows firsthand what it’s like not only to give advice to parents, but to be the parent getting the advice herself, and how difficult that can be. She shares with us her tips for getting the care you need for your baby should you need it, as well as information on her upcoming Thriving in the First Year Summit–a completely free summit for parents and clinicians to learn all about how to help their babies (and themselves) thrive in that first year of life. 



Kailee’s Movement Mama Blog
Thriving in the First Year Summit
https://themovementmamablog.com/explore-the-courses
Shoe Recommendations
https://themovementmamablog.com/post/shoes-for-new-walkers-a-pediatric-physical-therapist-s-guide?rq=shoes




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Hey there, Zen Mamas. As many of us head into menopause, every news story or medical pamphlet seems to be warning us that our sex lives (and our lives in general) are about to become very bleak. And yet, studies show that menopause and the years after can be some of the most exciting years of our lives. Here to talk with us about the entirety of our sex lives is Mary-Margaret Sweeney, a certified sex therapist, sex educator, and licensed clinical social worker in the state of Indiana. Mary Margaret is adamant that so much of what we’re told about our sexuality is an incomplete truth, and that by communicating and exploring further, we can discover a sex life that is more connected and passionate than we’d ever imagined. 


Mary Margaret’s Website  




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Hey there, Mamas. We know that life as a parent can get so overwhelming that there are those days when it feels overwhelming. We forget dentist appointments and picture day and it’s all normal, but if it feels like we can never catch up to our lives, maybe there’s something else going on. Today we’re talking with Franki Bagdade, a master-level educator and clinical social worker. Franki specializes in ADHD and is a published author, speaker, therapist, ADHD coach, and mom. With ADHD diagnoses among women skyrocketing in the past few years, we’re here to give you the facts and the necessary info so that you can be empowered to find out more for yourself or for your kiddos. 



Franki’s Website
Franki on Instagram


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Hey there Zen Mamas! This week, we’re working with a mantra meditation that will help bring a smile to your face. “Everything works out for me” is one of those things that instantly puts us at ease. So get cozy, whatever that means for you–lie down, sit in your favorite chair, go for a walk in the woods–and listen in to connect with yourself for this short meditation. 


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Hey Mamas! Have you ever had a parenting moment of chaos and then burst out laughing? Isn’t life just so much easier when we’re making jokes and having fun? This week, we’re speaking to comedian and mom Alyce Chan. A standup comic who performs all over the world, Alyce has a dedicated fanbase of moms all over the world who adore her for both her unique brand of humor and her honesty about life as a mom. 



Alyce on Instagram
MomCom NYC
Alyce on TikTok
Alyce on YouTube


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