Jodi Orgill Brown was living the perfect "white picket fence life" when the dizziness and headaches first began. Life quickly changed when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Jodi has learned through many hard trials including multiple surgeries, hospital stays, and a variety of health challenges that thriving looks different at different stages in your life. Even if you can't always be the mom you thought you would be, you are enough for your kids.

Learning to thrive is a process. But no matter what is happening in your life, the sun still shines! You get to choose everyday if you will see the light.

Listen to Thriving With 8 Episode 91 to learn more about Jodi’s experience and how she chooses to thrive each day.

A thriving marriage doesn't just magically happen! Just like motherhood, marriage is an arena for growth. We must be intentional if we want to become the best spouse we can be. It is a process of becoming. Perfection is the lie that can discourage us from trying.

In this conversation in episode 90 of Thriving With 8 Podcast, with couples coach and podcaster, Julia Woods, she teaches 5 tips to develop and maintain a thriving marriage. You are probably already doing some of them, but there's always room for improvement as you partner together with your spouse. Listen as she explains the importance of growing through tension, negotiating, weekly partnering, playing and chatting with your spouse. Even better, listen together! And then commit to starting small steps to improving your marriage relationship.

What motivates you to be the best mom possible?

Listen to Regan Barnes, Chairmom of the nonprofit Momivate, in Thriving With 8 episode 89 to learn more about what it means for moms to RAISE UP society and her vision to empower and support moms.

Being a full-time mom encompasses SO much so give yourself a pat on the back for all you are doing! You’re developing relationships, creating a wonderful atmosphere in your home, managing schedules, pursuing personal pursuits… the list could go on and on!!

Also... Momivate is hosting their Enrich Motherhood Convention March 9, 2024. Hope you can come join the connect with others moms and leave feeling nourished and empowered.

Use discount code: THRIVING to save some money :)

Happy New Year! Do you have a word or phrase for the year? What will you focus on? Are you going to let the year happen to you or are you going to be intentional in your thriving?

The choice is up to you! First of all, give yourself credit for the progress you have made this past year. Second, set yourself up for success, even if your progression comes through baby steps.

In episode 88 of Thriving With 8 Podcast we discuss how THRIVING has nothing to do with perfection. There is no "perfect mom". Thriving comes by not giving up, being steadfast, and striving for impovement. It's all about progression, not perfection!

2023 has come to a close and it’s time to announce the top 3 episodes for this year! Drum roll please…

3- Episode 80: Let’s Struggle Together//Erin Stewart

2- Episode 78: Strengthening Families Through Game Playing// Grandpa and Grandma Beck

1- Episode 81: Stewardship vs. Ownership in Motherhood//Ganel-Lyn Condie

Congrats to these amazing guests!! And thanks to you wonderful listeners!!

Motherhood is not a solo job. We need Christ by our side in our motherhood journey. It's our responsibility to seek Him. As we courageously lean into this relationship and partnership with God, we will receive spiritual guidance that blesses us and our children.

In episode 87 of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Neill Marriott, mother of 11 and spiritual giant, shares stories and ideas of how she sought Jesus as she raised her wonderful family.

Neill is also the author of "Seek This Jesus", a book I highly recommend.

Who around you is experiencing grief and loss this holiday season? The holidays are joyful for most. But there are people of all ages who dread the holidays. It can be a time of grief as they miss a loved one who is gone, struggle to buy gifts for loved ones, or split family time due to divorce.

In this Bonus episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Tiffany Papageorge (guest from episode 86 and author of “My Yellow Balloon”) beautifully shares the importance of remembering those who are suffering during the holidays.

Tiffany Papageorge was a grieving teen when her english teacher announced they would be doing a unit on death in class. Tiffany dreaded this unit, never anticipating how it would change her life and influence many others for good.

As part of the unit Tiffany wrote the first draft of her book “My Yellow Balloon”, completing the final draft years later as an adult. It is a beautifully illustrated story about a young boy who experiences loss, grief, healing, and hope.

How do you help your kids with their grief and loss? Listen to Thriving With 8 Podcast Episode 86 to hear more about Tiffany’s story and her insights into helping our kids acknowledge, feel, and heal from grief and loss.

We've all seen them. The "Please Be Patient Student Driver" bumper stickers. When Meghan Mitchell of The Little Lessons Podcast saw this sticker one day, it changed her. She realized that we are all "Student Humans". This has led to greater compassion, grace, and patience with others, especially her own children.

So how do we remember that our children really are students and be patient with them when we feel they are not reaching their potential? How do we transition from "what will people think of my child" to "how can I best support my child?" After all, we're student moms and we're all just trying to do our best!

Do you ever "pretend" that you are a patient, organized, or fun mom? There are times in our lives when we try characteristics on for size to see how they fit.

In this episode of Thriving With 8 Podcast, Life Coach Jody Moore helps us embrace who we are as moms as we strive to become the next version of ourselves. We gain true confidence and authenticity when we embrace both our strengths and our weaknesses.