#76: Bianca Miller's Journey from Leaving Teaching to Becoming a Full-Time Author, Sneak Peek at Book TWO, Plus an "Ask The Neighbors"/Advice Segment with Shan + B!

So excited to have my good friend, neighbor and PUBLISHED AUTHOR Bianca Miller on the pod today! This one is slightly chaotic -- enjoy ; )What we covered:How and why she decided to step away from teaching & her career journey that led her to becoming a full-time authorHow long were you planning / writing Diving In (your debut novel) before it was officially published? The first draft of a book vs. the finished product and the editing processWhat is her dream goal as an author What does her writing process look likeLittle sneak peek into book 2: The Breath Between Us (coming soon!)Best piece of advice Bianca has ever receivedPS: THERE IS CURSING. DON'T LISTEN WITH LITTLE EARS. WE'RE SORRY. ASK THE NEIGHBORS / ADVICE SEGMENT WITH SHAN + B!Advice for a teacher who wants to leave teachingNew mom feeling like she is losing friends postpartum – lots of tips & advice for moms and women navigating friendships Shout out @kcmomsclub !!! for mom get togethers! What is your guilty pleasure?Tell us about your friendship – Shanna + Bianca Instagram vs. reality – mental health / thoughts CONNECT WITH BIANCA:Instagram: https://instagram.com/biancamillerwritesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbiancamillerAFFILIATE LINKS/SPONSORS:Save on your annual app subscription of Expecting and Empowered (pregnancy and postpartum workouts) with affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN - buy hereSave on Clean Simple Eats proteins / other products & OffBeat Butters with affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN -- shop here! Shop my LTK pageShop my Amazon Storefront Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

I'm SO excited to have Kellie Bullard-Kelley BACK on the podcast today for part 2! She was on waaaaay back on episode 6 of the podcast, so today is a little life update several years later. We talk about life after losing her husband at age 26, dating and remarrying as a young widow, how she navigated her grief then and now, tips for dealing with grief or supporting loved ones through it, leaning on faith, and more. What we covered:How her new husband supports her through grief Does it help your grief that Connor knew Alex? How does Connor feel when she posts heartfelt things about Alex? Do the kids call Connor “dad”? Are you and Connor hoping to have kids in the future? Did you feel guilt dating again after losing Alex? Were family and friends supportive when you shared that you and Connor were dating? How her faith played into her grief journey & carried her through itDid you ever turn away from God after losing Alex? New / additional tips on how to support people going through grief How relationships can change - for better or for worse - after grief How to keep going after a great loss How to talk to kids about grief + death + loss and strategies she used Any special tributes or traditions for Alex moving forward? How to continue taking care of YOUR health through things like fitness, etc. when you’re going through grief What she’s looking forward to + what’s next for her family CONNECT WITH KELLIE: Follow her on Instagram at @kelliebullardPurchase her book "Behind My Smile" here (affiliate link) Affiliate Links & Sponsors:Save on Primally Pure nontoxic beauty products with my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN - shop hereSave on your annual app subscription of Expecting and Empowered (pregnancy and postpartum workouts) with affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN - buy hereShop my LTK pageShop my Amazon StorefrontBOOKS KELLIE LOVES FOR KIDS ON GRIEF/LOSS:The Invisible String (favorite)God Gave Us Heaven (favorite)Goodbye to GoodbyesHeaven is for Real (kids version)The Memory BoxSomething Very Sad HappenedThank you so much for listening & supporting the show. Please share in your IG stories & tag us so we can see -- appreciate you all! XO  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

Solo episode today! What I covered: NAPA – Levi’s therapy intensive in Colorado – recapGoals now that we’re home Random Q&A:Do we need to avoid gluten and dairy? Basic tips for someone looking to start eating healthier What I’m doing to lower my cholesterol C-section scar – how has it healed almost 17 months postpartum? Dream podcast guests I’d love to have onHow do you take care of yourself as a (medical) mom? Stroller wagon feedback / recommendations Tips for going to the store with special needs / low tone kiddos who can’t sit up in a cart – helpful alternatives AFFILIATE LINKS MENTIONED: Clean Simple Eats -- affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN for 10% off CSE proteins, other products and OffBeat Butters. Shop hereExpecting and Empowered -- affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on your annual app subscription for their pregnancy/postpartum/advanced pp workouts -- more info hereShop my LTK profileShop my Amazon storefrontTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! XOXO Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

In today’s episode, I sat down with therapists Kelsey & Tara from the Counseling Co. (women’s mental health practice located in the Kansas City area) to take a deep dive into the therapy process.What you can expect in this episode: How to find a therapist that is right for you Different types of therapy: talk therapy vs. EMDR, etc. What does a therapy session look like? How do you get started, how does it end, etc. Do you usually get action steps to work on after sessions? How often should you go to therapy?Who could benefit from therapy? Do you need to be working through “trauma” or specific issues, or can you go for general mental health / maintenance? Virtual vs. in-person therapy: pros & consDoes insurance usually cover therapy?And more! HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE COUNSELING CO. Follow them on Instagram at: @thecounselingcoInquire about services & stay up-to-date on events, etc.: https://www.thecounselingco.com/ PAST EPISODES WITH THE COUNSELING CO: Setting Boundaries -- listen here Postpartum Mental Health -- listen here AFFILIATE LINKS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:Clean Simple Eats protein powder, OffBeat Butters & more -- use affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN for 10% offPrimally Pure -- nontoxic beauty products -- use affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save Shop my Amazon storefront hereShop my LTK here Psychology Today – find a therapist  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

Today is a solo episode! What you can expect when you listen: Sharing some thoughts on health and wellness goals & habits – why motivation isn’t enough & what you need instead We’ll talk about the WHY behind your food + exercise choices, and other things that impact your overall wellnessDiscuss short-term and long-term benefits of movement + healthy eating One of my personal health goals I’m currently focusing on Can intuitive eating + working on improving lab results coexist? Affiliate Links:Use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on the Expecting and Empowered workout app: click here to learn more Use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on Clean Simple Eats protein powders, greens, hydration / energy drinks, OffBeat Butters and more! My favorites are the Simply Vanilla and Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Brownie Protein. Fav nut butters are Sweet Classic PB, Cinnamon Roll, Salted Caramel and Aloha! Click here to SHOP  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

This solo episode includes lots of random Q&A that you guys submitted on IG! I'm addressing some things like:Motherhood -- my favorite parts Do I get hateful comments or DMs on IG? Has honesty about the challenges of motherhood on IG gone too far? C-section recovery Navigating grief after a miscarriage -- tips Easy meal inspiration Can intuitive eating and weight loss go together? Recent purchases I'm lovingAnd more! I hope you enjoy this episode! If you do, please share the pod with a friend who might love it, too! XO LINKS: Amazon Affiliate Page: amazon.com/shop/wellnessforthewinRotating Car Seat: https://amzn.to/3RHsQWDEthan's new toothbrush: https://amzn.to/4cfswXtAmazon cowboy boots (update: SO cute! True to size!): https://amzn.to/4cz7ti7EXPECTING AND EMPOWERED PREGNANCY & PP WORKOUTS: use my affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on your annual app subscription!RECIPES:Chicken bacon ranch pasta dish: https://jordosworld.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole/Taco ring recipe: https://www.everydaysouthwest.com/taco-ring-recipe-with-crescent-rolls-with-crescent-rolls/ Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

This conversation is all about gestational diabetes with a Registered Dietitian who specializes in the condition -- Leslee Flannery, RD. Listen in to hear: What is gestational diabetes? What causes gestational diabetes / risk factors How can we prevent gestational diabetes Rate of type 2 diabetes AFTER gestational diabetes Risks of gestational diabetes to mom and babyDo you have to be induced early if you have GDM? Best ways to manage blood sugars with OR without gestational DMDiet & other habits Medications - are they needed? What are the options - pros & cons Relationship with food during pregnancy How to handle GDM diagnosis with a history of disordered eatingWhat to do postpartum after a gestational DM diagnosis – screenings, etc. Nutrition tips for postpartum And more! CONNECT WITH LESLEE: Follow her on IG: @gestational.diabetes.nutritionSupport Group / Resources: click here Affiliate Links: Expecting and Empowered – workout app for pregnancy and postpartum – use my code WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on your annual app subscription FullWell Fertility – supplements for before, during and after pregnancy (I love their prenatals and fish oil supps and they have lots of others, too!) -- affiliate code WELLNESSFORTHEWINTubby Todd – bath soaps, shampoos, mineral sunscreen, diaper cream and so much more for your little ones! Use my affiliate link for 10% off – click here  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

Please enjoy this random, unplanned and all over the place solo episode // also featuring my special guest, mister Rhett. ; ) Affiliate Links I Mentioned: Outdoor swing Water tableWater pump for water tableToddler boy's sweat shorts Burt's Bees Baby PowderIf you have any segment ideas or requests, shoot me a DM on IG! Please screenshot & share this episode in your stories or send the link to a friend if you enjoy the show! XOXO  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

Heather Lasco is a Registered Dietitian who specializes in working with individuals with eating disorders. In this episode we dive into all things disordered eating, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, recovery, supporting a loved one who is struggling, and so much more. What we covered: What are the eating disorders and how are they diagnosed What is binge eating disorder Are EDs a mental health disorder? What is orthorexia? Is it possible to have signs of an ED without having a diagnosis? When does dieting become disordered or a full-blown ED? Red flags that may indicate you’re struggling with your relationship with foodOzempic — thoughts Relearning hunger and fullness cues -- how? Necessary steps before intuitive eating, after extreme restrictionWhat is body dysmorphia The impact of social media — the good and the bad How to support a loved one with a suspected eating disorder How to get started with healing your relationship with food Struggle with eating around other people? Some tips Eating disorder recoveryHow to find a dietitian who specializes in eating disordersCONNECT WITH HEATHER / RESOURCES: Follow her team on Instagram: https://instagram.com/confidently_nourishedWork with her or her team: confidentlynourished.coEDRD Pro – directory of dietitians Find more ED resources on their blog HERE Affiliate Links / Sponsors: Use WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on your Expecting and Empowered app subscription! (pregnancy and postpartum workouts) - click here Use WELLNESSFORTHEWIN to save on Full Well Fertility prenatal supplements and other supplements for before, during and after pregnancy Click my affiliate link here for 10% off Tubby Todd bathtime products and more! Thank you for listening! Please share the podcast if you enjoyed, and leave a rating and review! XO  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!

Hello! Today is a random solo episode that is all over the place, per usual. Here's what you can expect: random Q&A  / would you rather recent amazon purchasessummer bucket list how I grew on Instagram a little rant about IG & comparisonmom tips & inspiration recent books i've loved and recommend  future podcast guests coming soon three year old discipline tips & resources (Dr. Becky Good Inside, Big Little Feelings, Janet Lansbury - The Unruffled Podcast, Nurtured First, Parenting with Ginger Hubbard - faith-based podcast) Shop my Amazon affiliate page HERE  Follow me on IG at @wellnessforthewin and @wellnessforthewinpod Check out my blog for healthy recipes & wellness tips! JOIN MY EMAIL LIST HERE! Please be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!