Mama Says Namaste Podcast

On this episode, we have repeat guests Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, authors of the book Six Pillars of Intimacy: Conflict Resolution: The Secret to Breaking the Conflict Cycle in Your Marriage. They share insights into navigating conflicts between spouses and breaking negative cycles. We discussed the 5 stages in the conflict cycle, and how, even when you go through them all, it doesn't always mean a healthy resolution.  Understanding conflict resolution frameworks shaped by our family of origin, as well as being intentional in identifying triggers and needs during escalations, can help manage conflicts proactively. And, we talk about intimacy and play (the last two episodes) and how healthy relationships can have a positive ripple effect on all aspects of life.  We all deal with conflict. Do you have the tools for it to not stay in a repeat pattern in your life? At one point, Nathan and I handled many disagreements with "rock, paper, scissors." It lightened the mood and helped us put what we disagreed on in per

On this episode of Mama Says Namaste, we dive deep into the importance of physical touch in relationships. We know there is scientific evidence supporting the claim that physical connection improves patience and overall connection. We challenge listeners to examine their physical and sexual intimacy with their partner, noting how finding out what kind of touch their partner likes is crucial. We emphasize the importance of carving out intentional time for physical touch and suggest ways to connect physically even during busy seasons of life. We also discuss the significance of sexual intimacy in relationships and offer tips on how to make it a daily habit. Finally, we present several challenges to take action and start today on your most intimate relationship. Join us as we explore how physical touch can enhance emotional and relationship health, leading to a deeper level of vulnerability and connection that can impact all aspects of life. "It's hard to remain emotionally distant when you physically connect on

In this episode of Mama Says Namaste, we delve into the importance of play and fun in relationships. Our habits are formed during dating and can persist throughout our relationships, but it's important to create new ones to connect with each other. Breaking negative cycles and adding fun and discovery to your relationship can positively impact all your relationships. We discuss the role that playfulness and humor play in creating a successful partnership. Join us as we explore the benefits of play and the tools to improve all our relationships, not just our marriage.

In this episode of Mama Says Namaste, the topic is all about relationships and learning how to deconstruct preconceived notions. Nathan and Ashley take us through a variety of examples, including insights from author Merrick Rosenberg on how to treat others in a way that brings out the best in them. Along the way, we see how pride can sometimes be a hindrance to communication and how recognizing and utilizing our unique strengths can help build strong relationships. Ashley shares personal stories, including her experience balancing traditional gender roles and the importance of being vulnerable in admitting one's mistakes. In short, this episode is all about recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and being open to growth and change in order to cultivate healthy and fulfilling relationships beyond an expectation or traditional role. "When you've done something wrong, admit it and be sorry. No one in history has ever choked to death from swallowing his pride."

We've officially launched our 300th podcast episode! We've summarized some of the biggest lessons learned for relationships, and bring you six powerful lessons - for yourself, your most intimate relationship, parenting, and beyond. Be sure to go to MamaSaysNamaste.com/6-lessons-for-every-relationship to dig deeper into this episode and access the audio clip and video I reference.  What lessons have you learned that you'd add? What would you like to hear on the Mama Says Namaste podcast next?

This week I bring back trauma healing practitioner Lenora Edwards, who I've had as a guest before on the podcast talking about speech therapy. We went a bit deeper into the healing she discovered during her "side hustle", and how baking, two root canals, and some YouTube videos sent her down a path of healing that has opened doors for a whole new way she helps others.  Lenora and I discuss trauma, HMR, and pathways to healing that go beyond "self-help" to truly helping yourself. 

We review the book, The Chameleon: Life-Changing Wisdom For Anyone Who Has A Personality Or Knows Someone Who Does by Merrick Rosenberg. We cover 7 essential principles we gleaned from the book. We highly recommend this book, not just for adults, but the whole family - with 22 little bird-focused parables, it's an easy and fun read and really helps you connect the dots on how you can connect with others and speak their language while still being authentic to who you are. 

Ah, the language of empathy - how do you connect with others where you both feel heard and affirmed? How do you get what you want from others while not being forceful or manipulative? It's by meeting them where they are, and, as much as we can, being willing to step into their shoes and see from their perspective. It's learning to speak their language. It doesn't discount your own "native tongue"; it simply equips you with the tools to better communicate.  Dig into some communication tips on how to connect with the language of empathy so you can truly experience how the uniqueness in each of us strengthens all of us. 

I'm back with my daughter Juliet as we share her list of the 4 pros and cons of travel. This was a fun one, as I had her write a list and then us do a podcast with me completely blind to what she wrote.  So these are true pros and cons learned from a ten-year-old who has been traveling the states since she just turned 4.  I love her perspective and how she's not only laid out the ups and downs of travel life, but how we've sought solutions to make things really flow for our family. 

As we dig into the "10 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hitting the Road", we share how we were able to hit the road full-time in our RV, and, we address how these key questions are important for you to address for ANY new adventure you're about to embark on.  Go through these questions and get clear on what you're ready to put a date on! 

Dreaming of travel, yet aren't sure where to start? Nathan and I share my friend Holly's five questions to ask yourself before any big life decision, and then we share our acronymn for full time RV travel - and how it translates to all kinds of travel. Start with these questions, and break down the details so you're fully ready to enjoy the trip.

What do you do when you can't afford a vacation? Or maybe you can't afford NOT to take a break. Nathan and I share our top tips for vacationing on a budget, and looking outside the box of what a vacation can look and feel like. 

Have you really looked at how - or what - you're co-creating with your partner? How about your kids? Oftentimes we look at co-creation being collaboration with two or more people...yet there are two other aspects of co-creation we want to address that are important to keep in mind as you're looking forward together. 

Conversations with my 10-yr-old daughter about drive, being multi-passionate, and the beautiful grace of growth and discovery. 

Nathan and I share about the book, The Go-Giver Marriage: A Little Story About The 5 Secrets To Lasting Love. As we break down the 5 secrets and how to apply them, we share the real challenge to making a marriage to work...and it may have nothing to do with your partner. 

We're in a time of "what's your pronoun", and it can be hard to navigate roles, labels and expectations in our homes. Nathan and I cover a LOT in 25 minutes! We're not here to give you "the answer"; we want to dig deep with the questions for you to gain clarity and confidence...even in the gray areas of life. Because there is a lot of gray, and that's part of this life! Maybe, instead of forcing something, we simply allow that color to exist in our lives as well? 

Boredom is the plague you hope doesn't enter your home...or maybe you want it? While a kid saying "I'm booooooooorrrrrreeeedddd" can sound like fingers on a chalkboard, it's a great launchpad for amazing innovation and creativity.  In this quick episode, we break down the B-O-R-E-D acronym and some quick tools to redirect your kids and get out of the way while they expand their minds. 

Popularity seems to be a desired commodity for kids, yet what does it really mean to be popular? It makes me think of that song from the musical, Wicked...Popular, I wanna be pop-u-lar... Join 10-year-old Juliet and Ashley as we discuss 3 key things to keep in mind to really be popular in a way that lives on beyond high school. 

This week Nathan and I discuss the book, The Danish Way of Parenting, and what the PARENT acronym stands for, as well as the importance of hygge (as well as how to pronounce it!)  

Goals, words of the year...what do they really do for you? Do they inspire you or intimidate you? Is it freeing and exciting, or stifling? We'll walk you through what goals mean for us, what words and mantras we've focused on over the past 8 years, and what we're focusing on this year, along with a different twist on it all we invite you to explore for your own family.