Best Care Messer Podcasts (2024)

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034: Prenatal Massage and Connection 40:46

3h ago40:46

40:46

Get ready to dive into a world of relaxation and body love with our latest episode! Today I’ve got Prenatal massage therapist Nicole Trombley who joins me to chat about the wonders and the science behind prenatal massage. Nicole shares some eye-opening study results that show moms who indulge in prenatal massage, experience fewer complications duri…

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Ep #32: Diversity, Mentorship, and Innovation in Leadership with NIB President and CEO Soraya Correa 57:59

1d ago57:59

57:59

Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes a very special guest to the podcast this week: the one and only Soraya Correa, the new president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind. After starting her career as a clerk typist, Soraya rose through the ranks of the federal government to join the Senior Executive Service. She held key leadership roles at the Genera…

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033: Finding Connection During Postpartum 55:23

7d ago55:23

55:23

Dr. Rose is back and this time we are talking about your relationship during the postpartum time. There are so many complexities for sex, intimacy and even wanting to be touched in postpartum relationships. (see episode 022 from Season 1 to hear Rose talk about Sex and Intimacy during Pregnancy) Rose shares invaluable insights and actionable strate…

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Ep #31: Strategic Advocacy: Influencing Public Policy on Capitol Hill with Dan Kelly 28:52

8d ago28:52

28:52

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Dan Kelly, the Vice President of Public Policy for the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) and President and CEO of IFB Solutions. Dan is a dedicated advocate for the blind and visually impaired community, whose unwavering dedication shines through every aspect of his work.…

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032: How To Set Boundaries, a Doula Business Reset 59:36

14d ago59:36

59:36

Todays show is crafted for doulas but honestly – we can all use a little boundary refresh right? Ashley and I are joined today by Doula Heather Taylor. First, for background - Heather shares what happened during her personal birth experiences that brought her into birth work. We then begin with what kind of boundaries and filters Heather brought to…

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Ep #30: A Lasting Legacy of Employment Opportunities for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Kevin Lynch 43:45

15d ago43:45

43:45

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler has the distinct pleasure of welcoming to the podcast Kevin Lynch, president and CEO emeritus of National Industries for the Blind (NIB). He retired April 30, 2023, from a 44-year career working and serving for the blind and visually impaired community in various capacities. Kevin, a visionary leader, shares his ins…

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Ep #29: From Unemployed to Employee of the Year with Envision’s MaryBeth Clare 39:28

22d ago39:28

39:28

The human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity is strong, especially in today’s guest, MaryBeth Clare. She sits down with Dr. Hoby Wedler to discuss the setbacks she faced after losing her vision, and how those were replaced by the determination and desire to grow that have kept her going in her role as lead cashier and stocker for the military …

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Ep #28: From HR to Advocacy: Rob Buettner’s Impact at Beyond Vision 36:01

29d ago36:01

36:01

In this episode, Dr. Hoby Wedler sits down with Rob Buettner, Vice President of Relationships & Business Services at Beyond Vision, to talk about leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and where they merge. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy as a young adult, Rob faced uncertainty and darkness. It wasn’t until he found a comm…

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Ep #27: How BVI Advocates Can Make a Bigger Impact with NIB’s VP of Public Policy, Rick Webster 41:25

1M ago41:25

41:25

Today, National Industries for the Blind (NIB)’s Spring Conference and Public Policy Forum wraps up with the annual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, so it's very fitting that this week Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by NIB’s Vice President of Public Policy, Rick Webster. Rick brings a unique perspective to the podcast as a sighted person passionately commi…

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Ep #26: How Changing Public Policy Will Create More BVI Jobs with Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman 41:46

1M ago41:46

41:46

This week, Dr. Hoby Wedler dives deep into the world of policy change and advocacy with two remarkable individuals, former Congressman, Luke Messer and Jeff Mittman, CEO of Bosma Enterprises. Luke, with his extensive background in politics and public service, and Jeff, a true advocate for the blind and visually impaired through his leadership at Bo…

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Ep #25: BVI Advocacy, Public Policy, and Speaking Up on Capitol Hill with Vivian Fridas 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Are you ready to stand up and make a real impact on the world for BVI folks? In this motivating and inspiring episode of Heard & Empowered, Dr. Hoby Wedler welcomes Vivian Fridas to the podcast to share how, regardless of ability, we can all thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. Vivian was born with cone-rod dystrophy, and the discrimina…

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Ep #24: Redefining Workforce Inclusion and Employment Equality with Shannon Satterfield 35:24

2M ago35:24

35:24

As we gear up for National Industries for the Blind Public Policy Forum 2024, Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Shannon Satterfield, Director of Professional Services at IFB Solutions, to share his extraordinary journey of struggle and advocacy. Shannon was born with achromatopsia and before joining IFB Solutions, he encountered numerous challenges desp…

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Ep #23: Leading Change for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Lee Nasehi, CEO of VisionServe Alliance 36:38

2M ago36:38

36:38

You’re in for an inspiring episode this week as Lee Nasehi, the President and CEO of VisionServe Alliance, joins Dr. Hoby Wedler! The impact of Lee’s long-standing dedication to the blind and visually impaired community cannot be overstated, and it has brought significant changes. Today, Lee shares her journey of becoming a seasoned advocate and ex…

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Ep #22: The Importance of Self-Belief with NSITE Graduate Yasmin Campbell 35:04

2M ago35:04

35:04

If you're looking for inspiration on your job search, this week's conversation is sure to deliver. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Yasmin Campbell, a graduate of the NSITE program and a champion for self-belief, self-advocacy, and furthering opportunities for the BVI community. Yasmin's plans took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with retinit…

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Ep #21: You CAN Find a Career You Love with Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle's LaKenia Garnes 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

Are you encountering challenge after challenge in your job search? If so, you need to listen in. Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined this week by LaKenia Garnes, the Purchasing Assistant for the Base Supply Center at Lighthouse for the Blind Seattle. She shares how she overcame obstacles and job rejections to finally find a position that she loves and where …

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O31: Hyperemesis Gravidarum(HG) in pregnancy - Jelina’s Birth Story and Becoming a Doula 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

This show contains the reality of what pregnancy can be life if you have hyperemesis gravidarum(HG) during pregnancy. This is a condition of severe nausea & vomiting and that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and weight loss. It usually lasts through the entire pregnancy and ends once the baby is out. Our guest today is Jelina, a doula and birt…

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Ep #20: Considering a Job in Manufacturing as a BVI? Brandi Hunter Shares What You Need to Know 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

In the search for your dream job, hard work and dedication truly do pay off, a truth vividly embodied by this week’s guest, Brandi Hunter. Serving as the Human Resources Staffing Coordinator at Blind Industries & Services of Maryland (BISM), Brandi shares with Dr. Hoby Wedler her inspiring journey to securing a job she is passionate about. Her path…

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30b: How To Be A Birth Advocate 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

Todays show is all about advocacy in the birth room. While this episode is the third in our World Doula Week shows, I also don’t want to limit it just to doulas because parents will be using these skills in prenatal appointments and pediatric appointments for years to come! Traci Doula is my guest today, who will also be my guest in October when I …

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030: There's More To Birth Education Than Science and Anatomy 51:43

3M ago51:43

51:43

In our second show featuring childbirth educators, we welcome Haize Hawke. Haize is a Mother, Doula, Student Midwife, Meditation Teacher, Healer, a Life Coach and Spiritual Counselor and I am blessed to call her my soul family. This conversation is much more than regular birth education and will show you just how expanded connection between your se…

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Ep #19: Land Your Dream Job: How Hard Work Paid Off for Thomas Stivers at the Travis Association for the Blind 37:21

3M ago37:21

37:21

Get ready for an inspiring story of tenacity and hard work as Dr. Hoby Wedler is joined by Thomas Stivers, Systems Administrator for the Travis Association for the Blind at Austin Lighthouse. Ever since high school, Thomas had big dreams of working with computers, but it wasn’t until later in his career that these dreams would become reality. Thoma…

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29b: New Doula Mentoring Call, Georgia 1:15:12

3M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

We are back with our second World Doula Week Bonus show! This week Georgia joined me for a mentoring call and we had jokes! Georgia took her training four years ago, attended one birth and then took a hiatus. Time got away from her and now she is back! Georgia had her passion reignited and it’s time for the next action steps. We cover self-confiden…

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29: Mental Health For Pregnancy 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

Postpartum mental health is beginning to be recognized more in mainstream media. But what about pregnancy mental health? Did you know that signs of postpartum depression or the risks for developing it can start during pregnancy? In today’s show I have Beth Warren, a LCSW and author who specializes in perinatal mood disorders. Last year Beth and I c…

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Ep #18: How Valley Center for the Blind is Empowering BVI Individuals to Succeed 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Reynaldo Villarreal is the director of workforce development at Valley Center for the Blind (VCB) in Central California, one of NIB’s associated nonprofit agencies. He joins Dr. Hoby Wedler to share his story about blindness and the impactful work he does at VCB. Rey explains the impact a nonprofit like Valley Center for the Blind have on employmen…

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028b: New Doula Mentoring Call, Jeanne Marie 58:25

4M ago58:25

58:25

It’s March! And that means World Doula Week is almost here! This is the first of several Bonus episodes just for doulas that we are releasing this month. In today’s show we have our first mentoring call. I welcome Jeanne-Marie Paynel – a doula transitioning from being a volunteer doula in a hospital program to working as a private doula. Jeanne-Mar…

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028: Can You Bond With Your Baby Early? 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

This show is all about PRE bonding with your baby. Yes – it is possible! And bonding has many different faces – it’s not all about rubbing your belly and talking to baby(although yes, I want you to do that too). Today Ashley and I discuss the importance of intentionally bonding with your baby during pregnancy by fostering a nurturing family environ…

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Ep #17: Scarlet Nishimoto: From 60 Job Application Rejections to a Career Filled with Financial Stability at NIB's CMS Program 25:37

4M ago25:37

25:37

Scarlet Nishimoto endured over 60 job application rejections due to the bias and social stigma that exist around blindness in the hiring world. But her unstoppable and relentless nature, along with her heart-centered mission of helping the BVI community, led her to continue searching. Discover how she has built a meaningful, purposeful, and success…

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027: How To Be The Best Doula 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

In this show we are talking about our upcoming doula series and what sets it apart from other advanced doula trainings. These are not just doula classes. The Doula Education Series is aimed at deepening doulas' connections with families and enhancing their own self-awareness. This three-month mentored series not only focuses on business, growth and…

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Ep #16: Nina Bektic-Marrero: A Tale of Triumph From Vision Loss to Leading Business Consultant With the Help of National Industries for the Blind 48:07

4M ago48:07

48:07

Explore Nina Bektic-Marrero's remarkable journey from facing the adversity of war and vision loss to becoming a shining example of success in the business world. Nina's story is not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about transforming them into stepping stones towards greatness. Find out how she navigated from a humble beginning as a switchboar…

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026: Do I Need a Postpartum Doula? 1:01:03

4M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

In this episode of the Birth Education Center podcast, Darla Burns, postpartum doula trainer is back to talk to parents. There are so many ideas of what a postpartum doula is and what is included in their scope of practice. If breastfeeding is your long-term goal, having a postpartum doula would be one of your best ideas. Postpartum doulas also get…

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Ep #15: Operation Full Circle: How NIB and the Army Shaped Scott Collins' Career Leap from Trainee to Contract Management Leadership 42:51

4M ago42:51

42:51

A story of perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Scott Collins shares why it's never too late to give yourself the opportunity to succeed. From losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa to becoming the head of NIB's Contract Management Support (CMS) program, discover his unconventional journey and how he got to be in a position today where he help…

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025: Do I Really Need A Doula? Part 2 52:11

4M ago52:11

52:11

Welcome back to Part 2 with our discussion on why you need a doula! Ashley and I have been interviewed hundreds of times over the years. With those experiences, we learned what we are comfortable providing as far as services and what parents are really needing. We want to help you find the level of advocacy you are looking for. Advocacy is an impor…

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Ep #14: Teri Shirk Part 2 - How a Nonprofit Can Have a For-Profit Sister Organization and Still Fulfill Its Mission of Providing Jobs for the Blind 37:08

4M ago37:08

37:08

Discover the innovative ways in which nonprofits can generate income to fund their mission of empowering the blind and visually impaired community. Special guest, Teri Shirk, President & CEO of CABVI joins us again on this episode to share her insights on incorporating for-profit arms to serve nonprofit organizations in this fascinating show. For f…

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024: Do I Really Need A Doula? Part 1 1:00:20

4M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Today’s show is about why you should add a doula to your birth team and how doing so can cut your risk of cesarean by almost 40%! There is a lot of hesitation sometimes when the idea of a birth doula comes up. While some of it is monetary, we also hear that you are a private person and adding a stranger just seems like a bad idea. Another perspecti…

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Ep #13: Teri Shirk Part 1 - Discover How NIB Agencies Help the Blind and Visually Impaired Achieve Career Goals Both In-Site and Working Remotely 30:29

5M ago30:29

30:29

Join our host Dr. Hoby Wedler for Part 1 of an enlightening conversation with Teri Shirk, President and CEO of Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). Teri shares insights on how NIB's associated nonprofit agencies provide fulfilling jobs, financial independence, and a transitional process from social security benefits t…

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023: How to Prepare for Birth - Tamra's Hypnobirthing Story 33:30

5M ago33:30

33:30

In today’s show we are talking with Tamra about her birth story and she used the Hypnobirthing techniques to take great care of herself during labor. Tamra started her birth preparation early because she realized that she didn’t want to be dependent on outside elements to “cure” her labor. Her husband Conner did an amazing job and working the techn…

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Ep #12: Sharon Giovinazzo Shares Extraordinary Journey From Going Blind to CEO Helping the Blind and Creating Jobs and Myriad Career Opportunities for BVI 22:35

5M ago22:35

22:35

Meet Sharon Giovinazzo as she talks about how National Industries for the Blind (NIB) agencies can help people with vision loss reach their career goals. Find out how you can gain employment, achieve financial freedom, and secure benefits while making a real difference in the blind and visually impaired community. For full transcript and show notes…

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022: Sex and Intimacy During Pregnancy 45:32

5M ago45:32

45:32

Today’s show is a bit spicy! I got up close and personal with Dr. Rose Schlaff– the wizard of physical therapy and a guru of getting your groove back, especially when baby bumps and babies are in the picture! We dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping the sparks flying when you're expecting. Rose is gonna spill the beans on how she mixes a blending o…

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Ep #11: Sophia McCall’s Journey: From Depression and Blindness to a Thriving Career as an HR Recruiter 25:42

5M ago25:42

25:42

Join our host, Dr. Hoby Wedler, as he sits with Sophia McCall to discover how she learned to live with blindness as an adult due to diabetic retinopathy. Sophia was able to find a path of self-confidence and independence through the support of Lighthouse Central Florida and others in the BVI community. Discover more about her journey, struggles, an…

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021: How to Become a Postpartum Doula 1:02:39

5M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

I want to say this show is for doulas and childbirth educators BUT – there is also so much good information for parents in here! In this podcast episode, Darla Burns, a long time CAPPA postpartum doula trainer discusses the multifaceted role of postpartum doulas. I have been in Darla’s training and it was the best thing I could have taken as doula …

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Ep #10: Kyle Johnson Talks About Support, Help, and Advice to Find Meaningful Jobs for People With Vision Loss 24:24

5M ago24:24

24:24

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast by NIB, listen to Kyle Johnson as he discusses the importance of seeking help for blind or visually impaired individuals as a first step toward finding meaningful jobs. Discover career opportunities and available jobs through National Industries for the Blind. Join Kyle and our host Dr. Hoby Wedler a…

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020: How to Rank on Google Search 47:23

5M ago47:23

47:23

It’s 2024! It’s time to ramp up your website for the new year and bring in those babies! In this show, we are talking with Becky DeGrossa, a business mentor and SEO strategist! Becky is here to offer help into optimizing your website for doulas and birth workers. Becky and I talk about the importance of a strategic online presence to attract client…

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Ep #9: Inclusion in Action: Dr. Hoby Wedler on Elevating BVI Careers, Mentorship, and Shifting Corporate Mindsets 39:17

5M ago39:17

39:17

This episode is a live recording of Dr. Hoby Wedler introducing the Heard & Empowered Podcast at the National Industries for the Blind 2023 Conference as he led a panel of guests to showcase success stories, provide resources, and champion people who are blind in the workforce. He shared his personal experience of facing discrimination in the job m…

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019: The Power of Flexibility: Clarisa's Birth Story, Lessons in Embracing the Unexpected 33:06

6M ago33:06

33:06

It’s a birth story show! Trigger warning for anyone who prefers not to hear about miscarriage. Clarisa came through our Hypnobirthing series and the vision of her birth only became stronger. Labor and babies however, are a wild card in the equation and her journey to motherhood came with a twist. Clarisa discusses her decision to have an unmedicate…

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Ep #8: Brian Petraits Shares How Being Blind is Not an Impediment to Success and Career Fulfillment in Manufacturing and Warehouse Jobs 28:17

6M ago28:17

28:17

Meet dynamic Brian Petraits, an industrial engineer and Director of Manufacturing at Bosma Enterprises who lost his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa. Listen to his experience on how he proved that being visually impaired and asking for help doesn't have to be a barrier to achieving success or job fulfillment. Learn about adaptive technology at Bos…

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018: The Importance of Self-Advocacy and Community Support in Birth Work and Parenting 47:01

6M ago47:01

47:01

This is our end-of-year wrap-up show! Allie Putnam, a former doula and host of The Birth Kweens podcast, joins to interview me! These first few months of podcasting have broken me in as far as doubling my workload and they have also pushed my edges in creating something new. I have loved all of your questions and responses to our early episodes and…

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Ep #7: Lise Pace's Inspiring Path: Navigating Career Opportunities as BVI and Mindset Shifts to Rise from Volunteer to Executive Vice President in 15 Years! 29:49

6M ago29:49

29:49

Lise Pace lost her vision due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) and she discovered life isn't over when you lose your sight. You just have to find ways to do things differently. Listen to her journey from sight loss to success as Executive VP at Bosma Enterprises. NIB’s Heard & Empowered podcast offers invaluable insights into overcoming challenges, fin…

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017: How to Become a Doula: Balancing Your Passion and Self Care 41:34

6M ago41:34

41:34

So, if you're curious about the realities of being a doula and want some idea of what your life will look like, this podcast episode is a must-listen! Ashley and I talk frankly about the on-call life and keeping your family the first priority. Work life balance is one of the biggest challenges of doula life. This work attracts people that have a he…

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Ep #6: Career Mobility, Skill Training, and Mentorship for the Blind and Visually Impaired with Richard Oliver 23:50

6M ago23:50

23:50

In this episode of the Heard & Empowered podcast, Richard Oliver of Industries of the Blind in North Carolina shares how he has been in every role at his agency—except payroll and president—and has flourished in a supportive environment with mentors and training to enhance and develop skills. You, too, can find meaningful careers with upward mobili…

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016: From Fear to Confidence: Overcoming anxieties in pregnancy and childbirth 1:04:16

6M ago1:04:16

1:04:16

This podcast episode kicks off our series called Tips from a Birth Educator. I met our guest Latoya Murray Johnson, founder of The Birth Impact, online a few years ago and she is one of my favorite people! I hope you stay around until the end to hear the best birth story a childbirth educator can hope for! Latoya is a Lamaze childbirth educator in …

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Ep #5: Doug Goist on Shame About His Blindness, Hitting Rock Bottom, and Helping Others Succeed 28:51

6M ago28:51

28:51

Join us as we hear from Doug Goist, Program Manager for Workforce Development at NSITE, as he shares his story of going through the stages of grief after losing his vision due to RP and how he was able to turn it around. Nowadays he helps others succeed in their chosen careers as he trains them on how to navigate blindness successfully. Get inspire…

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