What does it take to build a true sense of belonging in an increasingly individualized world? My good friend Sean, went from a shy first-generation Malaysian-American kid to expert community builder by being vulnerable and disciplined. Through his experiences in competitive gaming, CrossFit, and speed puzzling, he demonstrates how consistency and showing up are the foundations of developing meaningful connection.

In this episode we cover:

• How growing up as a Malaysian-American in New Jersey presented cultural integration challenges
• Transitioning from childhood shyness to becoming a community connector through consistent participation
• Finding community through niche hobbies like fighting games, CrossFit, and competitive puzzling
• Overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there when you're new to a group or activity
• The importance of acknowledging others' existence with a simple hello
• Maintaining connections by reaching out to people when they cross your mind
• Three keys to building community: consistency, acknowledgement, and accessibility
• Balancing romantic relationships with maintaining friendships and community connections
• Creating spaces where people can bring their authentic selves

You're in for a good laugh with this one as our familiar banter is ever present. Hope you enjoy the ramblings of friends!

About the Guest:

Sean Hengchua is a 1st generation American from New Jersey who has found himself in the Pacific Northwest. He has developed a knack for connecting with people earnestly.

You can find him on social @Gbursine.

Podcast Intro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life

Thanks for listening! Find me @lessonstolearnbeforeyoudie. And if you enjoy the podcast, I'd really appreciate sharing the love (share an episode or leave me a review!)

This week we dive into the transformative journey of parenthood with military spouse and mom of three Cali, exploring how she balances raising a toddler and identical twins while maintaining her personal identity and wellness.

We cover:

• The unexpected shift from career woman to stay-at-home mom
• The challenge of maintaining personal identity while dedicating yourself to motherhood
• The importance of finding community with other moms through free resources like library programs
• Strategic ways to incorporate self-care into busy mom life, even with limited time and resources
• The critical role of direct communication and co-parenting dynamics
• Practical suggestions for friends and family who want to support new moms without overstepping
• The powerful perspective that taking care of yourself is essential to being present for your children

About the Guest:

Cali Tolbert is a health and wellness professional and a Mom to a toddler and identical twins. Currently she teaches group fitness classes and stays at home with her children. Cali has her undergraduate in Kinesiology Exercise science and her Masters in Integrative Wellness. She holds certifications through ACSM, AFAA, and is a board certified health and wellness coach.

@cali_wellness

Resources:

• https://postpartum.net/
• Local Libraries
• Mom Support Groups on FB
• Postpartum yoga classes

Podcast Intro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life

Thanks for listening! Find me @lessonstolearnbeforeyoudie. And if you enjoy the podcast, I'd really appreciate sharing the love (share an episode or leave me a review!)

What happens when the future you've always imagined suddenly becomes impossible? Elin, who'd always pictured herself becoming a mom, experienced a miscarriage and later discovered her fertility level was practically zero after attempting to freeze her eggs, effectively closing the door on biological motherhood.

The grief shook her identity to the core, but eventually the loss opened unexpected doors to a fulfilling life that looks nothing like she originally planned.

In this episode we talk through:

• navigating the grief of a miscarriage
• discovering motherhood in nontraditional forms
• building empathy, compassion, and community
• finding joy in unexpected paths in life

About the Guest:

Elin Michel-Midelfort is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and a recent transplant to Portland, Oregon. As the oldest of four kids with a working mom, Elin grew up taking care of children at an early age and believed her life was going to look very different than it has so far turned out. When Elin had a miscarriage at 27 and at 34 learned she had no fertility, her future and identity were turned upside down. Through a grieving and learning process she found a new way to look at herself and her life. Elin currently works in investment real estate and has committed to apply this awareness to her daily life, and in adventures with her partner, Patricio, her dog Cas, and her three nephews.

Contact Info:

• Email: ElinMichelMidelfort@Gmail.com

Resource List:

• www.RESOLVE.ORG
• www.arcfertility.com

Podcast Intro and Outro Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life

Thanks for listening! Find me @lessonstolearnbeforeyoudie. And if you enjoy the podcast, I'd really appreciate sharing the love (share an episode or leave me a review!)