Shows
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP124 Making Hard Choices with Clarity and ConfidenceWhen you’re parenting a child who struggles with substances, it can feel like you don’t have a choice. The options in front of you often feel terrible, and the weight of helplessness colors everything. I know this firsthand—during the years of my daughter Helanna’s substance use, I felt like my life was completely at the effect of hers. Without a sense of agency, everything felt horrific, like there was no “in-between”—just unbearable.But the truth is even when you don’t like your options, you are still choosing. And recognizing that changes eve...
2025-08-2623 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP123 Why It’s Not About the Alcohol with Guest Colleen FreelandGuest Colleen Freeland opens up about her 20-year struggle with daily drinking, even while maintaining what looked like a “perfect” high-achieving life. She shares the pivotal moment when she realized alcohol wasn’t the real problem—it was what she believed about herself—and that what she truly needed was to do less, not more.That insight led her to create a whole new approach to change. In this episode, Colleen explains why emotional sobriety matters more than willpower, why drinking less doesn’t mean giving up joy, and how she helps women cut back by up to 80% with...
2025-08-1640 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP122 Why Confrontation Backfires And What to Do InsteadYou’re told to “hold them accountable” but what if that’s not moving them toward change? Heather shares the science behind why constant confrontation often creates more shame, hiding, and resistance. She offers a clear two-step framework to help you shift perspective and use a balanced approach that’s proven to increase motivation. This isn’t about ignoring reality, it’s about using strategies that actually work, and it can completely change how your child responds to you.Resources From Heather Ross Coaching If you want answers and support to help you and your child Sign up...
2025-08-1122 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP121 Modeling Resilience for Your Family With Guest Pam LanhartIn this heartfelt conversation, Heather sits down with Pam Lanhart from Thrive Family Recovery Resources to explore how to keep living with purpose, joy, and connection when life throws everything at you—family challenges, health scares, and the unpredictable ups and downs of a child struggling with substance use.Together, Heather and Pam discuss:•How to reclaim moments of joy without feeling like you’re betraying your child who is struggling•Why mental and emotional health require daily, intentional “work”•The power of routines, gratitude, and small daily practices to anchor you in the har...
2025-08-0339 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP120 The Connection Bank Account: A Quick Win to Strengthen Your Relationship TodayWhen your child is struggling with substance use, it can feel like every interaction is high-stakes. You want to help, but even well-meaning conversations can backfire. That’s why today’s episode is all about a simple but powerful tool: The Connection Bank Account.You’ll learn:• What the Connection Bank Account is and how it works• Why connection is your most effective parenting tool• Real-life examples of deposits and withdrawals• What to do when your balance is low• A small challenge you can take on today to start buildin...
2025-07-2717 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP119 Living Beyond Our Walls: The Wisdom and Humanity of Incarcerated VoicesIn this heart-opening conversation, Heather is joined by Debby Kerr-Henry who is the sponsor of The Unlimited Gavel Club, a Toastmasters group where approximately 60 incarcerated men learn to write, speak, debate, and reclaim their sense of purpose. In this episode,Debby shares why she believes their stories - especially about substance use and recovery - belong in the conversation far beyond prison walls.Together, Heather and Debby explore:•What it’s like inside an incentivized prison and how The Unlimited Gavel Club works.•Who these men are beyond their sentences and the humanity and ho...
2025-07-0831 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP118 Why You Can’t Say No To Your Child – Even When You Want ToIf you’ve ever decided not to give your child money and still felt like your heart was being ripped out so you said yes anyway… this episode is for you.In this episode, I’m unpacking what really happens when we stop giving from a place of survival, and why that decision can feel so excruciating, even when we know it’s right.Learn:• Why saying no can feel like you're severing the last thread of connection• What your child might be experiencing at a nervous system level when you say no
2025-06-2727 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP117 Taking Your Life Back Without Letting Go of Your ChildIf you’ve ever felt stuck between loving your child and losing yourself, this episode will help you see that taking your life back doesn’t mean letting go. It means leading the way with compassion, clarity, and strength.Heather shares how years of fear, guilt, and hopelessness kept her stuck — and the exact moment she found a path forward. She introduces the two-part approach that helped her feel hopeful again: healing herself first and learning the skills to support her daughter in a way that built connection.You’ll walk away with a new perspect...
2025-06-2124 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP116 Guilt vs. Truth: One Keeps You Stuck, the Other Sets You FreeGuilt is one of the most common emotions parents face when their child is struggling with addiction, but is it always telling the truth?In this episode, I’m sharing some personal reflections and hard-won realizations about guilt: how it became my default emotion, how it blocked me from feeling what was actually true, and what happened when I finally stepped out of guilt and into my true emotions that guilt was covering up.You'll learn:The difference between helpful guilt and default guiltWhy guilt keeps you from meeting your needsHow guilt dysregulates your ne...
2025-05-1736 min
Courageous Church PodcastThe Beautiful Life | Pastors Chris & Heather RossGrowing up Spiritually, Part 3
Pastors Chris & Heather Ross - Live from Orlando, Florida
May 11, 2025
2025-05-1347 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP115 Q&A Should I Kick Them Out?Today we’re tackling one of the most painful questions parents face when their child is struggling with substance use - "Should I kick them out?"You’ll hear why this question is far more complicated than it’s often made out to be and why it deserves careful thought, not quick advice based on outdated, stigmatized ideas like "tough love" or "rock bottom."In this episode, Heather shares:Why the words we use when making hard decisions affect how we feel and show upWhat factors to consider before asking your child to leave, includ...
2025-04-2927 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP114 Our Kids Don’t Steal Our Peace – We Give It AwayFor years, I lived with my peace tied directly to my daughter Helanna’s addiction. When she struggled, I felt powerless, sick, exhausted, and consumed by fear. But everything began to shift when I realized that peace isn’t something that can be stolen—it’s something we either protect or give away.Even in the most heartbreaking moments, I discovered that I still had agency over how I related to my emotions. That realization didn’t erase the pain, but it gave me something solid to stand on. And I want that for you, too.We’ll ta...
2025-04-1218 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP113 The Hidden Judgment in Pity—And How Switching To Compassion Builds ConnectionThere is a crucial difference between pity and compassion—and this distinction can deeply impact your relationship with your child. When we pity our kids, we see them as helpless victims, stripping them of their agency and reinforcing our own feelings of hopelessness.But compassion is different—it sees their struggles without defining them by them, offering support in a way that preserves dignity and connection.Heather shares personal experiences that have shown her the stark contrast between pity and compassion. We’ll also explore how parents often unknowingly judge their child’s struggles, assuming they are...
2025-03-1927 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP112 How Making Whole Helps Men In Early Recovery Rebuild Their Lives: Guest Jeremy FrenchIn this episode, Heather interviews Jeremy French, the founder of Making Whole, an organization that fills a critical gap in the addiction recovery treatment system. While traditional recovery programs often focus on short-term stabilization, Making Whole provides the missing piece—long-term support through meaningful work, mentorship, and personal growth.Jeremy shares his journey of asking a pivotal question: Why do some people thrive in long-term recovery while others struggle or don’t survive?Through his exploration, he identified key elements that support sustainable recovery—mentorship, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate uncertainty. These...
2025-02-2042 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP111 The Truth About Codependency and EnablingIn this heartfelt episode, Heather shares her perspective on the damaging labels of codependent and enabler that are often placed on parents. She explains why these labels are not only unhelpful but also undermine a parent's natural instincts—instincts that are, in fact, a powerful tool for connection and support.Heather emphasizes that parents don’t need warnings about what not to do. Instead, they need clear, actionable guidance on how to help their child struggling with substance use while staying connected in a meaningful way.Listeners will discover:Why parental instincts are not the...
2025-02-1411 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP110 How To Make Sense of Behaviors That Don’t Make Sense (To You) Pt 2In the last episode, we explored why our kids can excel in unexpected areas—like chess, gas prices, or mental math—but struggle with everyday tasks like making a phone call or getting to an appointment on time. We looked at the brain science behind these inconsistencies and how substance use impacts different cognitive functions.
But now comes the next step: How do we work with these realities instead of fighting against them?
In this episode, we’ll focus on practical ways to help your child follow through on tasks, build new skills, and gain confid...
2025-02-0427 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP109 How To Make Sense of Behaviors That Don’t Make Sense (To You) Pt 1Have you ever felt completely baffled by your child’s behavior? Maybe they can play chess skillfully but can’t seem to get ready for an appointment on time. Maybe they have zero concept of time but can tell you the gas prices at every station in town. These inconsistencies can feel frustrating and even personal—like they don’t care or aren’t trying.
But what if there’s a scientific explanation?
In this episode, we dive into the brain science behind these confusing behaviors. I’ll break down how substance use affects different areas of the b...
2025-02-0418 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP108 Q&A How Can I Live a Happy Life Knowing My Child Might Die?When we have a child struggling, it’s easy to feel like our happiness is tied to theirs. That belief, often summed up in the phrase, "You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child," can leave us feeling powerless and overwhelmed. But
what if letting go of that belief could create more peace, joy, and connection—not just for you, but for your child as well?
In this heartfelt episode, Heather dives into three powerful questions inspired by a mom from her Facebook group:
How do you live a happy life knowing your child might die?
...
2025-01-2321 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP107 Siblings Supporting a Brother or Sister Struggling with Addiction - Guest Dominique Dajer from For Love of RecoveryIn this episode, Heather welcomes Dominique, founder and
host of the podcast For Love of Recovery, which focuses on helping siblings navigate the challenges of having a brother or sister struggling with substance use. Together, they dive into the unique experiences that siblings face, which are often overlooked.
Dominique shares her personal journey, the inspiration
behind her podcast, and insights into the sibling perspective on addiction and recovery.
The conversation explores topics like the pressure to be the
"perfect child," the effects of stigma, how parents can better
support siblings, and the emotional complexities of...
2025-01-1740 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP106 How to Navigate the Holidays with Peace and IntentionThe holidays can be one of the most challenging times of the year, especially when your child is struggling with substance use. The stress, uncertainty, and longing for things to be different can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to define your holiday season.
In this episode, Heather shares simple yet powerful strategies to help you take care of yourself, honor your emotions, and create moments of peace, connection, and even joy. These practical tips are rooted in compassion and intention, helping you navigate this time of year with greater clarity and resilience.
What You’...
2024-11-2223 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP105 Manipulation or Desperation? How to Tell the Difference & Respond EffectivelyHeather explores the complex topic of manipulation in the context of addiction and family dynamics.
When your child is using substances, it’s common to experience behaviors that feel manipulative or self-serving. However, Heather emphasizes the importance of stepping back to see these actions through a compassionate lens, which can empower parents to respond with clarity rather than react out of frustration or hurt.
Heather covers:
Understanding Manipulation:
What manipulation is and isn’t, and how labeling behaviors as manipulative can reduce loved ones to harmful stereotypes.
Influence vs. Desperation: How
to distinguish when beha...
2024-11-1230 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP104 What To Do When You Can't Stop CryingDescription: In this episode, Heather offers gentle
support and guidance for those days when it feels like you can’t stop crying. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by emotions and unsure of how to move forward,
this episode is here to help.
Heather shares tools for self-awareness, honoring
your feelings, and finding the willingness to sit with discomfort. She also provides practical tips for managing the really hard days. Whether you’re navigating grief, sadness, or anxiety, this episode offers comfort and
reassurance that it won’t always feel this hard.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching...
2024-10-1818 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP103 Acceptance MeditationIn this short meditation (pairs with ep#102), Heather guides you through a calming practice designed to help you embrace acceptance.
Remember, acceptance is a practice—listen to this meditation as often as you need to regain clarity and find peace.
Let this be your go-to tool whenever you need a moment of stillness to process and reset.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
GROUP COACHING PROGRAM - Join the waitlist - Be
the first to get details.
https://heatherrosscoaching.com/peace-of-mind-community/
If you want answers and support to help you and...
2024-10-0408 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP102 How To Accept The UnacceptableIn this episode, Heather delves into the concept of acceptance, highlighting that it's not a final destination but a continuous practice requiring intention and effort—especially when life unfolds in ways we never anticipated and find unacceptable.
We'll define what acceptance really means, why it’s so
critical for your peace of mind, and provide three actionable steps to help you move closer to it. You’ll also hear about the role of grief in acceptance and the importance of separating facts from the stories we tell ourselves. Plus, discover how self-compassion can help you let go of res...
2024-10-0432 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP101 Overcoming Overwhelm With Guest Debby Kerr-HenryIn this episode, Heather welcomes Debby back for another deep conversation about wellness and the overwhelming pressures many women face today. They discussed why so many women are on the edge of
burnout—juggling multiple roles like mother, spouse, friend, and employee while feeling unseen and disconnected from themselves.
Heather and Debby dive into how living in a state of
overwhelm has become the norm for so many, and how this sense of losing oneself can actually be a turning point for rediscovery and empowerment.
They reflect on their personal experiences with overwhelm and how st...
2024-09-1038 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP100 How To End The ChaosIn this episode, you’ll learn six impactful changes that can
transform your approach to loving your child through their addiction. These insights will help you reduce the chaos using practical tools. You’ll also learn the value of shifting your focus from trying to control the situation or your child to controlling what is within your power—you. By reducing the chaos and taking charge of your own
responses and behaviors, you can create a more stable and supportive environment for your whole family.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
Invitation To Change Group For Parents Enrolling NOW...
2024-08-2741 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP99 ACEs and Addiction: Strategies for Healing and GrowthThis episode offers a heartfelt exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their far-reaching impacts, providing valuable insights for parents, caregivers, and anyone impacted by these experiences. Through this lens, we explore the often-overlooked trauma that ACEs represent and the importance of understanding these experiences. Join us as we navigate these complex issues with compassion and a commitment to healing.
Key Takeaways:
ACEs defined
Their impact on physical and emotional health
How ACEs can affect parenting styles and children's development across generations.
How to mitigate the effects of ACEs for healing and healthier family dynamics
Resources Fr...
2024-07-2633 minLiving While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP98 Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionNew season, new name, and Heather’s unfiltered perspective.
Topics covered in this episode:
The significance of creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
The impact of stigmatized language and beliefs.
The concept of "rock bottom" vs. "turning point" in
addiction recovery.
The double standards in labeling parental behavior as codependent in
addiction cases vs. other illnesses.
Offering practical skills rather than telling parents to stop “enabling.”
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
GROUP COACHING PROGRAM FOR MOMS - Join
the waitlist - New Group Starting soon! Be the first to get details.
https...
2024-07-1116 min
Sideline SessionsHeather Sumlin — Master-Level Mental Management Coach on Controlling Your Mind Under PressureHeather Sumlin is owner of Sumlin Solutions, a company specializing in helping women reach their potential in sport, competition, and in life. Heather is a Master Level Mental Management Certified Coach trained personally by the Founder of Mental Management, Olympic Champion Lanny Bassham.We discuss:What is Mental Management?Why the mental game is vital to success in sportHaving control of your mind when under pressureHow parents can get started supporting their child with the mental game of sportsHabits and attitudes of a championFiguring out where your child s...
2024-05-0748 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP97 Saving Lives: The Never Use Alone Hotline’s Role In Overdose Prevention with Guest Mike BrownIn this podcast episode, guest Mike Brown, president and founder of the Never Use Alone Hotline (NUA), shares his journey from substance use to becoming a recovery advocate. Mike started NUA in response to his experience with the treatment industry, focusing on harm reduction and overdose prevention. NUA operates as a peer-led nonprofit, offering support to individuals using substances alone through human connection and non-judgmental assistance. NUA operates nationwide and has partnered with emergency services to ensure timely assistance if needed.
Mike addresses common barriers to calling the hotline, such as
lack of trust...
2024-03-0722 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP96 Respecting Autonomy While Positively Influencing Your Child with Guest Lara Okoloko LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker Lara Okoloko and Heather discuss the delicate balance of influence and autonomy in parent-child relationships, particularly in the context of addiction. Lara empathizes with parents caught in the bind of being blamed for the negative aspects of enabling without receiving any credit for the positive influence they may have.
She shares personal insights, reflecting on the power dynamics and responsibilities that come with being a helper, the importance of respect and autonomy in relationships, and the need for a balanced approach to supporting loved ones with substance use disorder.
Her passion for reducing stigma and respecting...
2024-02-2543 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP95 Nourishing Hope: An Expert's Compassionate Approach to Eating Disorders with Guest Alice BakerYour Questions Answered. A few months back, Heather reached out to her Facebook group to inquire about their burning questions on eating disorders. Why? Because navigating a child's struggle with both substance use and an eating disorder can feel like playing an endless game of whack-a-mole. Just as you address one issue, another one seems to surface. Eating disorders are often as misunderstood as substance use, which is why Heather has been on the lookout for the perfect expert to address your concerns.
Our guest, Alice Baker, is a seasoned professional in the field of eating disorders...
2024-02-1541 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP94 Regret Free Interactions and The Art of ConnectionDo you want regret free interactions and a stronger connection with your child? The art of authentic communication takes you from resentment to connection. You can find out how to achieve this result while taking care of yourself.
This podcast episode takes an emotional turn, as the host shares her journey of self-awareness and vulnerability. The episode doesn't just offer valuable advice for parents; it's a deeply personal exploration of the nuance of connection.
In this episode, you will:
Learn how nurturing personal needs cultivates
self-awareness and helps us deal with discomfort without reacting...
2024-02-0831 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP93 Cultivate Connection, Effective Communication, and Insight With Your Child by Understanding Memory Distortion and RecollectionThe pain of feeling disconnected from your child can be overwhelming, but there are powerful ways to shift your approach and create the deep, meaningful connection you desire. Empathy, compassion, and effective communication are at the root of human connection. They’re also a critical component of shaping your experience of your child’s addiction.
When you access painful memories with feelings of guilt, blame, and shame you block connection because that creates cycles of defensive behaviors, avoidance, negative self-perception, and emotional withdrawal. Every time you access a memory you distort it. That means you can increase the...
2024-01-2525 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP92 Unlearning Shame: A Mom's Path to Harm Reduction with Guest Kathleen CochranDoes this sound familiar? As a parent of a child struggling with addiction, you may have been told to use tough love and set strict rules to help them recover. However, this approach can often lead to feelings of guilt, frustration, and helplessness as you watch your child continue to struggle or get worse. It's time to discover a more effective and compassionate approach to
supporting your child in their recovery journey.
Join us as we explore Kathleen Cochran's journey of navigating her child's addiction. Find out how her maternal instincts led her to embrace harm reduction...
2024-01-1047 min
Better MeEP 131 The Year of HeatherBirthdays often get people thinking about their lives and the coming year. In this episode, I talk a bit about some recent travels and some thoughts on how I plan to spend my 53rd year around the sun.
2023-11-2005 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionBONUS Episode: Happy Enough HolidaysDo you have a child or loved one struggling with addiction or mental health issues? Are you dreading the holidays?
Happy Enough Holidays is an interactive workshop hosted by Heather Ross and Beth Syverson on Tuesday, November 14th, 4:30 -6:00 pm PST / 7:30 - 9:00 pm EST $20 for a 90-minute
interactive workshop.
Here's What You Get:
A Supportive Immersive Experience: Curate your holiday
experience with other parents who face similar challenges and understand you during this live workshop. Custom exercises tailored to your needs and situation to help you create a clear vision for supporting yourself and your chil...
2023-11-0809 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP91 Discover the Healing Power of Personal Stories: Empowerment Through Embodiment With Author Debby Kerr-HenryIn a world full of responsibilities and societal expectations you may find that instead of the self-discovery and empowerment you crave, you're left feeling disconnected and unseen. It's all too common for women to lose themselves in their various life roles, especially under the immense pressure of helping a child struggling with substance use. Yet, this journey of being lost can often serve as the catalyst for finding your true self, awakening to your heart’s desires, and ultimately unleashing your empowerment as you embrace the path aligned with your true desires for yourself.
Author and speaker De...
2023-10-2150 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP90 Understanding The Back and Forth of Ambivalence in Recovery with Guest Pam LanhartHeather and Pam Lanhart from Thrive Family Recovery Resources dive deep into a topic that's often misunderstood in the world of recovery: ambivalence. It can be one of the most challenging aspects that families face when dealing with a loved one's journey towards change. Ambivalence is complex but often oversimplified and stigmatized which leads to shame, blame, and labeling. Open and honest conversations about ambivalence are crucial in normalizing it within the change process. It’s important to look at our own struggles with ambivalence to help us understand the struggles and the challenges faced by our loved ones....
2023-09-1455 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP89 How To Find Peace And Possibility Beyond The Pain With Author Barb Klein Part 2 of 2Living your life fully and wholeheartedly even when you're in a challenging place. That's the focus of part 2 of Heather's conversation with Barb Klein, Family Recovery Coach and the Author of 111 Invitations Step Into the Full Richness of Life.
Topics covered in this episode:
How not to abandon yourself
Honoring yourself
Cultivating a heart that can hold it all
The importance of daily practices that work for you
Learn more about Barb Klein
Website https://www.inspiredpossibility.com/resources.html
Book https://www.amazon.com/111-Invitations-Barb-Klein/dp/1504355261/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid...
2023-09-0742 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP88 How To Find Peace And Possibility Beyond The Pain With Author Barb Klein Part 1 of 2Author of 111 Invitations Step Into the Full Richness of Life and Family Recovery Coach Barb Klein shares her experience loving and supporting her son Nate through his struggles with substances and an eating disorder for over 13 years. She shares how it’s important to live your life fully and independent of your child’s experience and find peace and possibility beyond the pain.
Topics covered in this episode:
Barb’s son Nate and her experience parenting him
The significance of the words you use to describe your child
Viewing your child as an empowered adult rather than a...
2023-08-3142 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP87 Addiction, Recovery, and The Human Condition with Guest Mary TilsonMary Tilson is a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, Trauma-informed Yoga and Meditation Teacher, the Founder of Sun & Moon Sober Living, and a person in long-term recovery. There is so much you can learn by listening to Mary's journey from substance use to recovery. Instead of focusing on your differences, Mary’s story offers a chance to recognize our shared human experiences. Look for your common ground, and discover the similarities that connect us all.
In this episode, you'll uncover valuable insights on healing, support, and connecting with your child to create lasting changes within your family.
T...
2023-08-2445 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP86 CRAFT's Family-Centered Healing Approach With Guest Gail Embt From Recovery Club AmericaLearn the unique advantages of using Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) to support your child’s recovery journey with guest Gail Embt, a Certified CRAFT Clinician. CRAFT offers powerful tools, yet many professionals and parents who need it don’t know about it. Whether you’re seeking solutions or understanding, this episode offers valuable insights to support your family.
Topics covered in this episode:
CRAFT overview
The benefits of CRAFT for you and your child
Using existing knowledge to support change
Navigating setbacks
Contact Gail/Recovery Club America to learn more about Parent Inner Circle
2023-08-1745 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP85 Regulating Emotions to Cultivate Connection with Author Susie ArmstrongIn this episode, we hear from Susie Armstrong, a multi-talented writer, healer, actor, artist, mother, and one of the key figures in Heather’s recovery journey for 8 years. Every time you've heard Heather refer to her counselor, she’s talking about Susie.
Susie's journey has been shaped by her unique experiences and her commitment to sharing love through various mediums. As a Life Coach, Certified Hypnotist, and Certified EFT Practitioner, she has guided countless individuals on their paths to self-discovery and personal growth.
Some of the topics discussed in this episode are:
The difference betwee...
2023-08-1247 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP84 Closing The Gap Between Havoc and Hope With Author Michelle WeidenbennerHeather talks to Michelle Weidenbenner the founder of Moms Letting Go and the All-Mighty Mom Tribe. Michelle is a passionate advocate, podcaster, and author dedicated to stopping the stigma of substance use disorder and providing hope, courage, and support to moms with addicted loved ones. Her latest book, "Unhackable Moms of Addicted Loved Ones, Closing the Gap between Havoc and Hope," offers a 30-day program for healing.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Coping with relapse and supporting long-term recovery
Helping your child see you aren’t blaming or shaming them
Raising grandkids while also maintaining a co...
2023-07-2041 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP83 Practicing Conscious Bravery with author Pamela BrinkerIn this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with author Pamela Brinker, whose book "Conscious Bravery: Caring for Someone with Addiction” explores the intersection of parenting and substance use. Pamela shares her personal experiences and insights, starting with her journey that led her to write the book. We dive into the concept of conscious bravery and how it relates to her work, emphasizing the importance of personal growth even when faced with a child struggling with substance use. We explore the profound impact that her experience with her son's substance use had on her parenting style and the tr...
2023-07-0546 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP82 Your Anger Is A Powerful MessengerIn this episode, Heather discusses the misunderstood emotion of anger and explores its valuable purpose. The discomfort that anger causes can lead to numbing and distracting behaviors that keep you from tapping into anger’s powerful messages. Heather offers 5 insights about anger to help you embrace and learn from it, and a 3 step process to move through your anger. Listen and gain a new perspective on anger and learn to unlock its hidden wisdom.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
New Support Group Starting in June
Use the link below to find out abo...
2023-06-0823 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP81 "The Enabler" Stigmatized Just Like Addiction with Guest Andrea Seydel from Saving You is Killing MeJoin Heather and guest Andrea Seydel from the Saving You is Killing Me podcast as they delve into the challenging world of supporting loved ones struggling with addiction. In this episode, they share their experience with the stigmatized beliefs surrounding the term "enabling" and offer alternative perspectives that prioritize compassion, support, and understanding.
Together they explore the negative connotations associated with the term "enabler" and challenge the beliefs that perpetuate shame and judgment. Heather and Andrea invite listeners to reframe their perspectives in order to create an environment that fosters healing, growth, and positive change for both...
2023-06-0849 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP80 Transforming Together - A Mother's Personal Recovery Process with Guest Marcie SteinbergHeather and guest Marcie Steinberg discuss her journey of reliance and transformation. Hear her heartfelt account of learning that attending a wilderness
program was just the first step in her son’s recovery journey and how she pivoted to learn the skills she needed to walk beside her son on her own recovery journey.
Some topics discussed in this episode:
Learning that addiction/recovery is a marathon, not a sprint
Coping with your adolescent child being away from home while attending a long-term recovery program
Lessons learned when her son came hom...
2023-05-1245 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP79 From Grandparents to Parents, Navigating the Complexities of Relative Caregivers With Guest Catherine BeckerIn this episode, Heather speaks with Catherine Becker, founder of the nonprofit group Joys and Challenges of Relative Caregivers, along with her daughter Katie, who shares her perspective as someone in recovery from substance use disorder and a mother whose children were adopted by her parents.
Catherine shares her experience of becoming a full-time parent to her grandchildren. She explains how she started her nonprofit group to provide
support and connection for relative caregivers, and how it has grown to provide financial assistance, programs for families, and a 24/7 online
interactive forum.
Katie shares her emotional...
2023-05-0537 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP78 Mom, Wife, and Addiction: The Ripple Effect of Stigma, Shame, and Values with guest Amanda Lockyer from Addiction Makes ThreeAddiction within a family can be a challenging experience, particularly when more than one family member is affected. Whether it's a child or a spouse, the common thread is the experience of stigma and shame. In this episode, guest Amanda Lockyer from Addiction Makes Three, shares her experience as a wife, and Heather shares her experience as a mother. They candidly discuss how shame and stigma made everything harder for them at the beginning of their journeys with their loved ones. Both women felt isolated without support and disconnected from their loved ones. As they reflect on their journeys...
2023-04-2752 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP77 Q&A with Jeff Foote, PhD author of Beyond Addiction How Science & Kindness Help People ChangeJeff Foote, PhD co-founder of the Center For Motivation and Change and author of Beyond Addiction How Science and Kindness Help People Change answers questions submitted by members of Heather's Invitation to Change groups and Facebook group.
Topics covered in this episode:
Talking to your child about substance use when there are no green light moments
How parents can use Motivational Interviewing in conversations with their child
Processing fears about relapse and helping with relapse prevention
How to introduce mental health professionals to the concepts in Beyond Addiction
Why your child that's using substances can't show...
2023-04-2046 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP76 Why Emotional Eating Doesn't Fix Worry, Stress, or Anxiety with guest Corinne CrabtreePrioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential when navigating the challenges of supporting a child struggling with substances. Taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather necessary for your own well-being so you can support your child in a sustainable way. Today's guest Corinne Crabtree is a master weight and life coach. Her program isn’t about WHAT you eat, it’s about WHY you eat when you’re not hungry and how to take better care of yourself. Self-care encompasses various aspects, including how you eat, sleep, and think about yourself. It's important to practice self-c...
2023-04-1351 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP75 Challenging Beliefs About What "It Works" Means With Guest Cordelia Kraus from Helping Families HelpHeather and guest Cordelia Kraus talk about addiction, recovery, and parenting while challenging traditional beliefs and exploring alternative perspectives and approaches to what “it works” means. Their hope is to provide insights, information, and support while encouraging thoughtful reflection and understanding in navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery within a family context.
The statement "it works" generally implies that a particular approach or strategy is effective in achieving its intended outcome. Many parents’ only intended
outcome is for their child to achieve and maintain abstinence or sobriety. This may not be applicable or effective for everyone though...
2023-04-061h 00
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP74 The Compassion Antidote With Guest Cathy TaughinbaughHeather Interviewed parent coach Cathy Taughinbaugh. As a result of her journey with her own child's drug use, Cathy wanted to become an advocate for parents and create awareness about substance use disorder. Cathy is the author of The Compassion Antidote: A Path to Change for You and Your Child Struggling with Substance Use. She is also the creator of the Regain Your Hope online course. Cathy has Level 1 Certification in Invitation to Change and facilitates ITC groups. Her mission is to support parents through the struggle of having a child misuse drugs or alcohol.
2023-03-2441 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP73 Testing Genetics & Biochemical Pathways Leads To Individual Treatment Rather Than A One Size Fits All Approach With Dr. Evelyn HigginsAddiction is influenced by bio-psycho-social factors, yet biology has been mostly left out of treatment considerations - until now. Dr Evelyn Higgins from Wired For Addiction® created a genetic test that measures brain chemicals, hormones, and specific genes linked to risk taking, impulse control, addiction, depression, and anxiety. Measuring those risk factors takes the guesswork out of treatment and make it specific to each person’s individual needs.
In this episode you will learn:
How the Wired For Addiction genetic test works
How the results of the test are used to form an ind...
2023-03-0934 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP72 How Adoption Trauma Can Contribute To Substance Use With Guest Beth SyversonAdoptees are almost twice as likely to develop substance use disorder. That statistic gave Beth Syverson insight into why her adopted son Joey was struggling with substances. Beth is using her lived experience to help adoptive parents who are coming "out of the fog" and realizing the adoption that created their family also created trauma for their child. Even if you haven't been touched by adoption this episode will give you insight into the impact of trauma and mental health struggles.
Learn more about Beth Syverson, the Unraveling Adoption podcast, and APtitude support group:
https://ww...
2023-02-2341 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP71 What To Do With The Shame Piles In Your Mind & Closet With Guest Judith GatonShame doesn't just show up in your mind, it shows up in your closet too. When you're struggling with your child's addiction and life is throwing challenge after challenge your way; self-care and what you put on your body might not be a priority. Heather talks with master certified coach and personal stylist Judith Gaton about how your thoughts and feelings about yourself are reflected in what you wear and how you care for yourself.
A few of the topics covered in the episode:
Nothing is wrong with you if the pants don't fit
Going through y...
2023-02-0935 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP70 How to Forgive YourselfDo you feel guilty or blame yourself a lot? Forgiving yourself is the path to emotional freedom and connection. If you feel guilty about something you did or didn't do or you're blaming yourself for your child's substance use then forgiving yourself is how you work through it. If you don't forgive yourself, the guilt and blame keep you stuck. In this episode, Heather gives you 5 steps to self-forgiveness.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
NEW GUIDE ABOUT ENABLING - If you've ever worried about enabling, this guide is for you!
ht...
2023-01-2523 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP69 How To Get Relief From Your Anxiety TODAYEvery parent experiences anxiety worrying about their kids, but parents who are watching a child struggle with substance use experience even more intense levels of anxiety and more instances of it.
It doesn't have to be that way though. You can start changing your anxiety experience today. All you have to do is take the time to bring yourself into the present moment so you can define the emotion under the anxiety, listen to what that emotion is telling you, process it, and reframe your thoughts about it.
In this episode you will learn:
What...
2022-12-2525 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP68 Sober Powered Support Group With Guest Gillian TietzHeather talks to guest Gillian Tietz who is the host of Sober Powered, a top 50 mental health podcast, and the founder of Sober Powered Media, a podcast network with 5 other top mental health podcasts. Gill was Heather's first guest on the podcast for episode #9. In that episode, they talked about some of the science behind substance use. This time Gill is here to talk about her Living a Sobered Powered Life support group. Many parents feel like they are their child's only support person. Family support is critical, but your child needs additional support options from people who understand...
2022-12-1640 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP67 Are You More Influenced by Stigma Than Science?Today marks one year since Helanna passed away from a fentanyl overdose. This podcast would not exist without Helanna so her interview is being released again to honor her memory. It is one of the most listened-to episodes on the podcast. Heather also shares some of the realizations she's had since Helanna passed, in an updated intro to the episode.
Link to find Naloxone If you can't find Naloxone using the link, search for a recovery alliance or harm reduction organization in your county.
Original Episode Show Notes: This week I got to interview my daugh...
2022-12-0256 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP66 What if your child Says They Want to Quit Using Substances, but doesn't quit?Did you know we can want two things that contradict each other at the same time? It's called ambivalence and it's a complex emotion. It’s part of the messiness of being human. When we feel complex competing emotions the last thing we want is someone to minimize how we feel by oversimplifying it, yet that’s what we do when we label our kid’s ambivalence about substances as denial or accuse them of not being serious about recovery. It's possible for your child to want to quit using substances and keep using them.
3 things you’ll learn...
2022-11-2815 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP65 How Breathwork Eases Stress and Helps You Stay in The Present MomentHeather interviewed Certified Master Breathwork Facilitator Victoria Starr. Your breath is your body's only system that is voluntary and under your control. Intentional breathing can reduce anxiety, help with sleep and digestion, increase energy, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure. You experience the most peace in the present moment, even during stressful situations. Projecting into the future, getting stuck in negative thought loops, and disconnecting from your body changes your breathing and keeps you stuck in fight or flight. Changing your breathing pattern has an immediate impact on your mind and body.
A few things...
2022-11-2244 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP64 The Difference Between Worry, Stress, Anxiety, and Overwhelm and How To Regulate ThemDo you know that the amount of stress you feel and the intensity of the emotions you feel along with it are based on your beliefs about your ability to handle the situation? The amount of stress you feel comes from your thoughts rather than the situation. That means stress can be reduced by gaining the skills you need to handle the situation and being intentional with how you think about it. Otherwise, you get stuck worrying, not learning the skills you need and you increase your stress instead of regulating it. When you understand the difference between worry, str...
2022-10-2426 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP63 Family Recovery, A Return to Health and Well-Being with Guest Pam LanhartIn celebration of National Recovery Month, Heather talks to guest Pam Lanhart about her own family's recovery and how she supports other families in their recovery. Pam is passionate about helping families use evidence-based best practices to help families find peace, stay regulated, create the conditions that support recovery and move their loved ones toward change. She believes that a healthy family gives their loved ones the best opportunity to activate recovery. Pam is a certified family recovery coach, peer recovery specialist, Invitation to Change and CRAFT practitioner and Arise trained interventionist.
3 topics you'll hear in this...
2022-09-221h 02
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionFree CRAFT Workshop - Make Sure You Sign Up!Heather is hosting a free CRAFT workshop about positive communication Wednesday, September 21st at 7 PM EST. Studies show that 70% of people who use CRAFT are likely to get their loved ones to seek treatment within a year. CRAFT also helps family members improve their own lives whether their loved one seeks treatment or not.
CRAFT is an acronym for Community Reinforcement And Family Training - a scientifically supported, evidence-based, clinically proven approach to helping families of substance users. CRAFT originated at the University of New Mexico and was developed by Robert Meyers, Ph.D., and colleagues. Research a...
2022-09-1505 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP62 How CRAFT and Coaching Transform Relationships With Guests Beth Syverson and Joey NakaoBeth, Joey, and Heather talk about how CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) and coaching transformed their family so you can hear real-life examples of how this work can change your family too. The highlights of this episode are hearing how Joey feels about the changes he made and how Beth's mindset has shifted about Joey's substance use and the peace of mind she creates for herself. Joey doesn't know how CRAFT or coaching works, but he knows how it feels to him. That's a beautiful testament to how much impact and influence you can have as a parent.
2022-09-1252 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionBONUS Why You Should Focus On Your Similarities With Your Child Instead of Your DifferencesOn August 31st, 2021 Heather spoke at the Volusia County Recovery Alliance Keeping Hope event. It was their 4th annual overdose awareness and remembrance day held in Daytona, Florida. The event is in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day which acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends and remembers those who have died due to drug overdose. The day helps reduce the stigma of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), showing that recovery is possible and that overdoses can be prevented.
Heather's speech focuses on:
1. Remembering and honoring Helanna
2. What Heather wants others to know reg...
2022-09-0110 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP61 A Mother's Search For Peace With Guest Susan LynchHeather Interviews author Susan Lynch. Her memoir Life After Kevin A Mother's Search for Peace and the Golden Retrievers that Led the Way is a story about finding meaning when life challenges you in the hardest ways, healing through community, spiritual connection, and the transformation that comes from learning how to sit with intensely painful emotions to gain answers and clarity.
Susan’s son Kevin died from multiple drug intoxication in 2015. She kept the cause of his death a secret for 2 years because of shame and stigma. Shame separates us from community and connection. It also keeps us...
2022-08-311h 00
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP60 Sobriety Can't Be Your Only Measure For SuccessDo you feel like you're failing because your child isn't sober yet? Supporting your child through their addiction is a marathon, not a sprint. The belief that "it's not working" can be very painful and cause you a lot of frustration. It can also make it harder for you to regulate your emotions around your child. When you have other measures for success on your journey, then you create rewards for yourself for the changes you're making and the tools you're learning and using. Those rewards give you the momentum you need to keep moving forward. They also make...
2022-08-1813 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP59 What To Do BEFORE You Set A BoundaryHeather shares 3 steps that will set the tone for how you and your child experience the boundaries you set. These steps will also make it easier for you to uphold the boundaries after you set them.
This episode is a prequal to episode #10 about how to set boundaries. It’s what you need to do BEFORE you set a boundary.
The 3 steps are:
1. Like your reason for setting the boundary
2. Decide ahead of time what you think about the boundary
3. Know your yes
Episodes to...
2022-08-0417 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP58 Motivating Change: Insights Into The Stages of RecoveryHeather talks about the stages of change model. Making major changes that last concerning substance use is not easy for our kids. Knowing and understanding the stage of change your child is in will help you know what to do to support them and remove barriers to make it easier for them to move to the next stage.
3 things you’ll learn from the episode:
The 6 stages of change
What happens in each stage
Strategies for motivating change and offering support at each stage
Episodes to Listen to next:
...
2022-07-2928 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP57 Why Early Recovery Is So Challenging With Guest Nicole MillerHeather and guest Nicole Miller who is a certified drug and alcohol counselor and teaches addiction pharmacology to college students talk about how the brain is affected by substance use. The better we understand addiction the easier it is for us to collaborate with and support our kids. It also helps us take it less personally and have more compassion.
3 things you’ll learn from the episode:
How drug use affects the reward center of the brain
Why early recovery is so challenging
What Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is and how it helps someone in recovery.
Episodes to Listen to...
2022-07-1550 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP56 Rehab Expectations VS Reality From A Mother's PerspectiveHeather and returning guest Kelly Hatcher talk about what it was like when their kids went to rehab. They both experienced a major gap between their expectations about what rehab and sobriety would be like vs reality. Addiction and recovery are complex. Rehab and sobriety are stops on a lifetime journey. They are not destinations. Heather and Kelly hope that that by sharing their experience it will make rehab and sobriety easier for you and help you support your child as well.
3 things you’ll take away from the episode:
The unrealistic expectations Heather and Ke...
2022-07-0756 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP52 Recovery, Connection, and Healing Through LoveJoin Heather as she explores three vital messages that can transform your perspective and help you navigate your journey with renewed strength and resilience:
1. Your Personal Recovery Matters: Discover the significance of your own healing journey and why it's equally important alongside your child's recovery. Heather shares insights into dispelling the
stigma surrounding addiction and the transformation of understanding.
2. You Are Not Alone: Suffering in silence is a heavy burden. Explore the healing power of community and the importance of connecting with others who share similar experiences. Together, we find solace and support.
3. C...
2022-05-2722 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP49 Beyond Addiction How Science and Kindness Help People Change author Nicole Kosanke PhDGuest Nicole Kosanke, one of the authors of the book Beyond Addiction How Science And Kindness Help People Change and I talk about the book. Hear powerful insights about using CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), positive reinforcement, and other strategies to help yourself and your child that's struggling with addiction.
In this episode we discuss:
What's happening in your child's brain during active addiction & during recovery.
What CRAFT is and what people struggle with the most to implement it in their life.
Enabling and tough love.
Is relapse a part of recovery?
Is using a...
2022-03-2358 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP45 Honoring Helanna & How I'm Working Through My GriefThis is the hardest episode I've ever recorded and also the most important episode I ever recorded.
There's no way I can move forward helping other parents without stopping to honor Helanna's life and what her time on this earth gave to me.
This podcast wouldn't exist without her.
I wouldn't be who I am today without her.
The day that Helanna died I started wondering if I could continue my work helping other parents with their child’s addiction.
I didn’t know if I could face it anym...
2022-01-2646 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionBONUS One Poisonous Thought Can Affect All Areas of Your LifeYour thoughts create your reality. One poisonous thought can cause you a lot of unnecessary pain. It can be the difference between discomfort and great suffering. Recently I realized I had one thought about my future that was draining my creativity, making me feel like I had a limited time to enjoy myself, and it was setting me up to create a bad experience when I have the ability to create a really positive experience.
Link to the episode that explains the model:
https://anchor.fm/heather-ross9/episodes/Episode-16-The-Self-Coaching-Model-eref06
If you want coa...
2021-11-0530 min
Safe Home PodcastParent Coaching - with Heather Ross - Ep 10Two moms talk about how they've managed their own lives while trying to support their kids struggling with substances. Beth chats with Heather Ross, who was her and Jan's parenting life coach last year, and who has an amazing podcast called Living With Addiction.
===============
💌 Sign up for our Safe Home Families email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX
===============
Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and his moms Beth Syverson and Jan Mabie
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Cover art by Joseph Nakao, photo by Beth Syv...
2021-10-1039 min
Unraveling AdoptionParent Coaching - with Heather Ross - Ep 10Two moms talk about how they've managed their own lives while trying to support their kids struggling with substances. Beth chats with Heather Ross, who was her and Jan's parenting life coach last year, and who has an amazing podcast called Living With Addiction. =============== 💌 Sign up for our Safe Home Families email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX =============== Safe Home is created by Joseph Nakao and his moms Beth Syverson and Jan Mabie Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao Cover art by Joseph Nakao, photo by Beth Syv...
2021-10-1039 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP43 Why You Feel RejectedHealing your own emotional wounds is where the magic is when it comes to your child’s addiction. We’re all responsible for our own healing just like we want our kids to be. When you’re reactive no matter how hard you try not to be, then your child is triggering an emotional wound. The worst part about emotional wounds is we recreate them over and over again with our perception. We all want love, acceptance, and connection but the rejection wound keeps us from getting it. Today I give you 3 steps to heal the rejection wound.
Episo...
2021-10-0118 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP42 When you argue with reality you loseWhen you argue with reality you lose, but only 100% of the time - Byron Katie
When you accept reality, your options are limitless - Heather Ross
Your child's addiction can leave you feeling limited and hopeless. There are always more options than your brain is offering you. In this episode I walk you through moving beyond resistance into solutions.
I mentioned tapping in the podcast today. Here's a link that explains what it is:
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-eft-tapping
If you want coaching about your child's addiction or an...
2021-09-2321 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP41 Interview With My Daughter Helanna Johnson Part 1This week I got to interview my daughter. You've been hearing my experience of her addiction so I think that it's important to hear what her experience was like. Some of the things we talked about:
· What was it like when I looked to you to be ok to make me feel better instead of me being stable for you?
· What else did I do that wasn’t helpful to you?
· What did I do that was helpful to you?
· Is there anything I could have done differently to help you not stru...
2021-09-1647 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP36 What to do about all the liesHow mad do you get about lies? In this episode I tell you how to take the emotional charge out of lies so you can keep your peace of mind. I also tell you why it doesn't matter if your child lies or not. You're still in control.
In this episode I mentioned two podcasts that you should follow up with:
https://anchor.fm/heather-ross9/episodes/Episode-23-How-To-Create-Self-Confidence-eve62m
https://anchor.fm/heather-ross9/episodes/Episode-26-The-Benefits-of-Making-Decisions--How-To-Get-Started-e10qd93
If you want coaching about your child's addiction or anything else S...
2021-08-1224 min
The Empathy EdgeHeather Hiscox: The Surprising Empathy Gap in Social Impact That Hinders ChangeWhen you think of empathetic organizations, you think of nonprofits and community organizations. Today, I talk with Heather Hiscox who discusses the need for those in the social impact space to embrace empathy so they can innovate, iterate, and better serve the communities they seek to benefit. We talk about how social impact organizations can apply design thinking and we tackle the mindset shift social impact leaders need to make from “creating for” to “creating with” their stakeholders. Finally we discuss how leaders of any sector can prepare for the journey of empathy and embrace vulnerability in order to understa...
2021-07-2034 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP32 Surrendering To Life's Ups and DownsYou can let disappointment and challenges be as easy as possible. Life is a balance of both positive and negative emotions, and surrendering to this reality can make difficult situations easier. Surrendering is not a one-time action, but rather a continuous process of releasing control to find peace and acceptance.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
GUIDE ABOUT ENABLING - If you've ever worried about enabling, this guide is for you!
https://heatherrosscoaching.com/perspective-about-enabling/
If you want to coach about your child's addiction or anything...
2021-06-2511 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP15 Saving You Is Killing Me - Guest Andrea SeydelGuest Andrea Seydel, author of the book Saving You is Killing Me Loving Someone With an Addiction. This episode is full of easy to implement concepts and actions to help you build strength and resilience while going through a loved one's addiction.
A few of the topics we covered:
What positive psychology is and how it can help you
The concept of struggling well
What resilience is and how to create it
If you want to learn more about Andrea or her book you can go to her website
https://www.andreaseydel.com/sa...
2021-02-2536 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP05 Control - Why You Do it and How To StopWhen you try to control your child, you’re doing it to create relief from your emotional discomfort. It's one of those "solutions" that often leads to more emotional pain and discomfort.
Today I give you some empowering alternatives to trying to control your child and their addiction. I also share what's behind the major difference I see in parents who are still struggling with emotional chaos because of their child's addiction and parents that are showing up calm and confident and are no longer at the effect of their child's addiction.
Resources From Heather Ross...
2020-12-1720 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP04 Did you know you've got a super power to help you with your child's addiction?The good news is you already possesses this super power, you just don't know how to put it to work for you yet.
In this episode I explain how it works and how to make it work for you instead of against you.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
GROUP COACHING PROGRAM – Join the waitlist – New Group Starting soon! Be the first to get details. https://heatherrosscoaching.com/peace-of-mind-community/
Get answers and support to help you and your child Sign up for a 45-minute $17 Road to Recovery call with me using the link bel...
2020-12-1021 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP03 What to do When You're Paralyzed With Fear That Your Child Will Overdose & DieHow often do you send a text to your child who struggles with addiction and breathe a sigh of relief because the text went through, or look on social media to see if they’ve been active, or do a drive by just so you can have a little peace of mind?
It's easy for fear to take over your life. You get stuck with horrible images and thoughts about them overdosing and all the worst case scenarios. You live your worst fear day in and day out, losing sleep, and wondering how the hell all this hap...
2020-12-0319 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP02 How To Connect With Your Child Who is Struggling With AddictionHow often do you intend to have a positive interaction with your child, keep it light and polite, just give them a little love, but instead it turns into disconnect, arguments, and you end up bewildered about where it went wrong?
I used to find myself in that position constantly. I would plan something fun with my daughter to make memories and connect with her and we would end up fighting, I would feel uptight, rushed & bitchy.
Today I tell you what causes that disconnect and how to change it into a connection.
R...
2020-12-0325 min
Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionEP01 Introduction to Living While Loving Your Child Through AddictionIn this introduction episode I talk about my journey from feeling totally powerless and thinking nothing would ever help with my daughter's addiction, to being willing to try anything. When I decided to break the mold of doing things the way I always did, I became confident in my ability to support my daughter, created a better relationship with her, and learned a process that gives me clarity and discernment in every situation.
Resources From Heather Ross Coaching
If you want answers and support to help you and your child Sign up for a 45-minute $17 Roa...
2020-12-0343 minBetter MeEP 24 Changing Minds and Hearts to Make the World a Better Place (with Heather Fenyes)In this episode I chat with my good friend Heather Fenyes about her work through various education initiatives to foster critical thinking and civil conversations about the challenging issues the world is facing.
2020-08-0827 minBetter MeEP 07 A Tween Perspective ft Sydney B.For this episode, Heather sat down with her 11-year-old daughter, Sydney, to get her take on getting through all of this physical distancing and why she’s the “super-fan” for the University of Saskatchewan women’s basketball team.
2020-04-1215 minBetter MeEP 06 Life is a Verb’ Even During a Pandemic ft Patti DighIn this episode, Heather spoke with writer, speaker, and social justice educator Patti Digh about how the elements within Digh’s book “Life is a Verb: (“say yes”, “be generous”, “speak up”, “love more”, “trust yourself”, and “slow down”) are so relevant in these difficult times.
2020-04-1021 minBetter MeEP 05 Remember Your ‘Why"’ ft Loleen BerdahlHow can you get through the pandemic while taking care of yourself, your family, and your team? Heather spoke with Professor Loleen Berdahl, Head of Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan about what Berdahl sees as the key that helps her get through this while looking out for her family, her colleagues, and the students - remember “why” you’re doing it.
2020-04-0530 minBetter MeEP 04 - Getting Past Your ‘Mego’ (Guest Ted Mouradian)Heather sits down with author, speaker, entrepreneur, and president of The 2% Factor Inc., Ted Mouradian to talk about his Law of Cooperative Action and getting past your “mego” during these difficult times.For more information about Ted, the Law of Cooperative Action, and The 2% Factor, see the2percentfactor.com or email Ted at Ted@the2percentfactor.com
2020-04-0129 minBetter MeEP 02 Self-Care For Those Who Support Others (Guest Reverend Daniel Brereton)In this episode, Heather chats with Reverend Daniel Brereton about the importance of self-care for those whose job it is to support others through their struggles. Also, learn about what Daniel would do to help his 12-year-old self, and what advice the adolescent Daniel would have for his grown-up version.
2020-03-1328 minBetter MeEP 01 Welcome the Better Me PodcastIn this introductory podcast, host Heather Ross talks about the importance of being honest about our struggles.
2020-03-1314 min