In this festive episode, Allison and Cyndi share heartwarming stories and personal reflections on the magic of Christmas. From family traditions and holiday decorating tips to the great Santa debate and their dream Christmas day plans, they cover it all!
Discover how to navigate tricky family dynamics, embrace bittersweet memories of loved ones, and make the most of the holiday season. Whether you're looking for inspiration or simply love the spirit of Christmas, this episode is a joyful celebration of all things merry and bright.
Takeaways:
Key Moments:
00:00 The Christmas Spirit: A Family Tradition
05:08 Decorating for the Holidays: When and How
10:03 The Santa Debate: Keeping the Magic Alive
14:48 Christmas Day Plans: Celebrations and Traditions
20:07 Navigating Family Dynamics During the Holidays
25:01 Reflections on Christmas: The Beautiful and the Broken
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In this episode, Allison and Cyndi dive into the upcoming holiday season with a heartfelt conversation about Thanksgiving traditions. They share personal stories of past celebrations, the unique dynamics of hosting as a blended family, and the importance of gratitude during this festive time.
Key Takeaways:
Key Moments:
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Can you be passionate about body positivity and get plastic surgery? Let's talk!
In this episode of Kintsugi Conversations, Allison and Cyndi welcome listeners to Season Three, reflecting on their personal growth and life transitions. They discuss the challenges of family dynamics, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the complexities of parenting. The conversation also delves into body image and personal choices regarding cosmetic procedures after they both got AirSculpt liposuction since last season, emphasizing the importance of self-care and confidence. They conclude with a heartfelt sharing of their highs and lows, encouraging listeners to embrace their journeys.
Takeaways
Thank you for listening!
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Title: The Importance of Fatherhood: Leaving a Legacy
Airdate: 6/13/24
Continuing last week’s conversation about fathers, Allison and Cindy are joined by Allison’s husband, DJ. He adds a “dad’s point of view” as they expand on the discussion of fatherhood and the importance of fathers in their children's lives. Sharing their personal experiences and reflections on their own fathers, DJ especially highlights the impact his dad had on his life. They also discuss the changing role of fathers in society and the importance of supporting and appreciating fathers. The conversation touches on topics such as parenting styles, gender dynamics, and the challenges and joys of being a father.
Spoiler alert: The episode concludes Season 2 of Kintsugi Conversation with a reflection on the the mother-daughter duo’s highlights of the season and a preview of what's to coming next.
Important takeaways to encourage dads this Father’s Day:
How fatherhood is a role that many men embrace and feel honored to possess
The profound impact a relationship between a father and child can have on the child's life
Support and appreciation for fathers to encourage their involvement in their children's lives
How the role of fathers has evolved, with more fathers taking on active and involved parenting roles
The importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions that fathers make to their families
To our treasured listeners: Thank you so much for your support and feedback over the past two Seasons! We hope you enjoy your summer as we take a short break, and look forward to sharing with you again in Season Three!
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With Father's Day just around the corner, this conversation is especially appropriate, as Allison and Cyndi explore the intricate and often underappreciated aspects of fatherhood. They not only share personal anecdotes but talk through broader societal perspectives on the evolving role of fathers.
Some of the things this mother-daughter duo discuss are:
Celebration and challenges of Fatherhood: the varied experiences of fathers, from personal involvement to societal expectations.
Gifts and Acknowledgments: appropriate ways to honor fathers, including personal stories about their Father's Day traditions and gift-giving.
Father figures and influences: the impact of father figures in each woman’s personal development and their crucial role in shaping relationships and life choices.
This episode is not just a reflection on fatherhood but a celebration of the fathers who actively shape the lives of their children, proving that the role of a father is diverse and continues to be deeply impactful on their children’s lives.
"I do think that male energy is so beneficial around children... It's necessary. Having a father figure in a kid's life as they grow up is invaluable." – Cyndi
Heads up! Do you have any Father’s Day or dad-related questions? Allison’s husband, DJ, will be joining our mother-daughter duo on the next episode! Leave them in the comments, send them an email, or message them @kintsugi.conversations
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‘Tis the season!
Not Christmas (yet) but it IS time to talk #allthingssummer
Allison and Cyndi start today’s conversation talking about graduation (or “gradulation,” as Harper calls it): Cyndi reminisces about Allison’s milestones, and Allison dishes on what she has planned for her own kiddos!
And, of course, that's the perfect segue to share summer plans. You’ll want to stick around to the end, when Allison shares three hacks she’s using to make summer go smoother for the whole family.
They want to hear from you, too! Use this link to share your summer plans, hacks, ideas…whatever you got! We could all use the help! 🙂
"As a parent, I go back and forth between being very excited about summer, and dreading summer…having those little ones home more…can be a lot." – Allison
Let’s celebrate women, mothers, and the ties that bind us…
This touching episode of Kintsugi Conversations was recorded live on Galentine's Day, at an event that hosts Allison and Cindy held for family and friends. Over brunch at an Atlanta venue, they dove into the heartfelt dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, and share it with you as their Mother's Day “gift”! The event captured candid moments and raw emotions, offering listeners a unique and authentic experience.
While discussing topics such as aging and dealing with mortality, showing appreciation for loved ones, and the power of flowers and forgiveness, their conversation celebrates the love between mothers and daughters. Cindy talks about her complicated relationship with her late mother, which led to a broader discussion about ensuring meaningful communication with loved ones to avoid regrets.
The show is a poignant reminder about the challenging relationships that shape us and the importance of expressing love, appreciation, and sometimes forgiveness to those who matter most.
"We all assume that we have all the time in the world but we don’t. And so we wanted to kind of talk about the importance of giving each other our flowers while we can still smell them." – Allison
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What a poignant reminder of the inevitable challenges and changes families face as they navigate the complexities of aging, health, and caregiving! Through Cyndi and Allison’s transparent conversation, we're reminded of the resilience and beauty that can be found in the face of adversity.
The dynamic duo discusses the importance of open communication, how and what to plan for, and making the most out of the time with our loved ones…
Plus:
How do families cope with the gradual decline of aging parents?
What challenges do caregivers face when they become the ones in need of care?
Why is it important to discuss and document end-of-life wishes with your loved ones?
How can families create lasting memories with their aging parents?
"Let's make sure we create memories now, so we don't have anything left unsaid or any questions about what that person would want." – Allison
And just for fun, Allison shares some bucket list items she wants to accomplish with her mom...
Important Resources on the website:
Allison and Cyndi’s discussion guide - to make it easier to start those end-of-life conversations
Their comprehensive Mother’s Day gift guide - that sweet-and-special day is right around the corner!
Did you know?
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In this insightful episode, hosts Allison and Cindy delve into the complexities of navigating big feelings in children, especially as they relate to the empathy and sensitivity observed in Allison's daughter, Harper. The conversation explores the fine line between empathetic sensitivity and the heightened emotional reactions it can provoke. Cindy shares her experiences and strategies as a parent and grandparent, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and validating children's feelings while also managing parental reactions.
Some of the questions they discuss include:
How can parents differentiate between tantrums and big feelings in children?
What strategies can parents use to validate their children's emotions effectively?
How does high empathy in children affect their emotional regulation and sensitivity?
In what ways can parents manage their own reactions to their children's big feelings?
How can communication be improved between parents and highly-sensitive children?
“Our children need to be seen and heard... As long as those things are validated and you're given the floor to try to express what it is that you are feeling, that's important.” - Cyndi
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Yes, they even talk about the “S” word in marriage - and we’re not talkin’ sex…
Coming at the topic from two different generations, Allison and Cyndi discuss the topic of submission in relationships, highlighting the need for mutual respect and support, and how it’s impacted both of their marriages. They emphasize the importance of genuinely liking and enjoying each other's company, and keeping lines of communication open.
Their wide-ranging conversation touches on gender roles and the importance of balancing masculinity and femininity in a relationship, too. Overall, they emphasize the importance of teamwork, laughter, and appreciation in maintaining a long-lasting marriage.
Within their discussion, you’ll hear the answer to some of these questions - and many more!
How important is it to genuinely like the person you marry?
What are the two words to avoid at all costs when your spouse asks “How are you?”
What exactly does submission mean…and look like in a healthy marriage?
How do you balance the two priorities of spouse and kids?
Who does what? Balancing traditional gender roles and responsibilities while respecting each other’s skills and strengths.
At the end of the day, the three important keys to maintaining a long-lasting marriage.
Enjoy this tender and honest conversation between two moms from different generations who are learning from and supporting each other on this journey of motherhood, marriage, and…life!
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Spring is just around the corner, and in this vibrant conversation, Allison and Cyndi dive into the essence of spring, reflecting on the changing seasons and the warmth they bring. An interesting aspect is the comparison of seasons and faith and life in the UAE and Boston, where Allison and Cyndi, respectively, are currently living!
In addition to comparisons of Easter practices in other countries, the conversation blooms into a detailed discussion about the significance of Easter, personal traditions, and changes in church attendance and preferences over the years. It’s interesting to hear the different perspectives between the two generations.
Some other things they talk about include:
How can family traditions around Easter be maintained and adapted when living abroad?
What is the impact of commercialization on the true meaning of Easter?
How has the online church become a significant aspect of modern religious practice?
Lots to think about!
Check out the interactive question on Spotify - what Easter traditions did you have in your birth family? What traditions do you have now?
Also, Allison mentions the last episode of Season 1, where both ladies discuss their faith stories. If you missed that one, you can find it here: https://bit.ly/3Ir9boT
Important Resource: Are you looking for a tool to help support your children's faith development? Minno makes it easy to spark their imagination and encourage curiosity about God and the Bible. Start a 7-day free trial and explore great shows, movies, and devotionals! Use our affiliate code and get started TODAY!
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Podcast Production by Pat Fenner, Eagles Wings Services
In this heartfelt episode of Kintsugi Conversations, hosts Allison and Cindy delve into the complex and emotional topic of bullying. Sharing personal anecdotes and wisdom, they explore the nuances of bullying from early childhood through adulthood, emphasizing the importance of parental guidance and support. The episode starts with Cindy recounting her own experiences with bullying due to her quiet and skinny stature, which leads to a broader discussion on strategies to confront bullies and the vital role of family support. Both moms advocate for open communication between parents and children, the necessity of instilling confidence and kindness in kids, and the courage to stand up for oneself and others.
Some of the concepts and questions they discuss include:
The Impact of Early Experiences: How do you recognize signs of bullying in young children?
Parental Guidance and Support: How can I support my child if they have been bullied?
Changing Dynamics of Bullying: Discussion on how bullying has evolved with digital platforms and the importance of adapting strategies.
The Power of Communication: How can parents foster open communication with their children?
Instilling Confidence and Kindness: What role does empathy play in preventing bullying?
This is a solid and relevant episode you do not want to miss!
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Podcast Production by Pat Fenner, Eagles Wings Services
Welcome back to Season 2 of Kintsugi Conversations!
Well, they ended Season 1 with a holiday so they might as well kick off Season 2 with another one!
In today’s conversation, the mother-daughter duo talk about Valentine’s Day from their unique perspectives. Allison and Cyndi shared:
Each of their own memories of favorite and unique celebrations of the day
The differences between celebrating as a parent, child, and adult relationships (some are obvious, others are a bit more subtle)
The expectations they’ve had over the years
What they do “for the kids”
And more…
“I think that as we’ve matured…we have the same end goal in mind. It doesn’t matter who planned the trip…or made the reservation… I feel like I’m a lot less selfish in my relationships and looking more at the greater good…” - Cyndi
And you KNOW they’d love to hear from you! Allison will be asking over on socials, but we’re gonna ask here, too! If you have grown kids, do you still feel responsible for paying for things when you’re shopping together or out to eat?
Also:
How do YOU celebrate Valentine’s Day?
And how ‘bout “Galentine’s Day”?
Is it more for you, or (for you parents out there) for your kids?
What are some ways that you feel loved by your significant other?
What does your “dream date” look like?
Did you know?
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Podcast Production by Pat Fenner, Eagles Wings Services
As Cyndi shares the story of faith in her life, Allison learns some surprises about her mom’s past. (And, after you’ve heard this episode, make sure you head over to Patreon where Allison shares a story her mom didn’t know about, either!)
In this touching and transparent conversation, this mother-daughter duo touches on a variety of topics.
Some of the concepts they talk about are:
how Cyndi raised Allison related to church, and why,
child baptism,
church attendance,
how Allison works at modeling Christianity for her children,
setting your children up to make a faith choice later in life,
finding a church when you’re living abroad…
And as our gift to you, please help yourself to Allison’s Faith-based Gift Guide, and this PDF of discussion prompts that you can use with your family to get these conversations started.
Important Resource: Are you looking for a tool to help support your children's faith development? Minno makes it easy to spark their imagination and encourage curiosity about God and the Bible. Start a 7-day free trial and explore great shows, movies, and devotionals! Use our affiliate code and get started TODAY!
Well, that’s a wrap for Season One!
Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who have been listening and supporting us at Kintsugi Conversations. If you wish to send us a Christmas gift, we have something that absolutely won’t cost you a PENNY!
Would you consider subscribing to the show and leaving us a 5-star rating/review on whatever platform you found us? It would mean the world to us and what it means for you is that you’ll be at the ready when we start SEASON TWO!
In the meantime…
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Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas! Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, sit back and enjoy a holiday treat!
Allison and Cyndi’s conversation is full of nostalgia and fun as they talk about past Christmases.
And, grab a pen and paper and take part in their “take it or leave it?” holiday activity discussion. It’s lots of fun! (And if you do this with a friend or your spouse, you may learn something about them, too!)
For example, would you “take it or leave it” considering:
Paper Christmas cards?
Spending limits for Christmas gifts?
Having an Advent calendar?
And more!
And a special note to moms: please try not to feel pressured this holiday season! Remember, at the end of the day, it’s all about Jesus and family. If we keep that in mind, you can always have the best Christmas!
Merry Christmas from us all at Kintsugi Conversations!
May you have fun celebrating treasured family traditions while creating wonderful memories during this holiday season…
Allison mentioned this related episodes:
Episode 5 - Birthday Parties
“Moms, please don’t put too much pressure on yourself! At the end of the day, it’s all about Jesus and our families. If you can remember that, you can still have the best Christmas ever!” ~ Allison
Get a copy of our “Family Gift Guide” if you need some help shopping for some truly meaningful Christmas presents!
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps others find the support and encouragement we offer wives and moms.
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Whether you're cheering at the basketball court or swapping stories at the playground, we all have our go-to friends who just 'get' us.
Allison shares her locker room insights on juggling friendships across the courtside (her husband’s) and playdates (her kids’). She's got the scoop on keeping those bonds strong, even when life's dribbling you every which way.
From your college squad to your neighborhood BFFs, friendships, much like life, are a journey. But how do you keep those ties tight when life throws you a curveball? Allison and Cyndi have some life-tested tips to share:
Honesty is your best policy: Be real - because that's what friends are for.
Speak your truth with "I" statements: It's saying, "Hey, this is me, and here's how I feel."
Own your "stuff": We've all got baggage - carry yours with grace.
Communication is key: Keep chatting, texting, or even sending those cute emojis!
So, whether you're in the season of diaper chats or debates with teens, tune in as they unpack the art of thriving in friendships through all the seasons of life. Because, let's face it, without our friends, where would we be?
Be the heart and soul of your circle, and make every friendship count!
Allison mentioned these related episodes:
Episode 7 - LGBTQIA+ Conversations with Kids with Korie Mathis
Episode 8 - Dealing with Grief - Looking Back and Moving Forward
“Relationships go through seasons; sometimes my seasons don’t match up with your seasons - but that’s ok!” ~ Allison
Grab this free “thank you card” PDF to express gratitude to that special friend who means so much to you in this season of life! You can send it digitally or print it out - and who doesn’t appreciate some old-school snail mail these days?
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review. It helps others find the support and encouragement we offer wives and moms.
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Are you married to a man with a career that keeps him away for long periods of time? Well, you’re not (really) alone! Join us as we talk about the solo parenting life!
Importantly, we explain the difference between being a “single parent” and living a “solo parent” life, pulling back the curtain on the struggles and challenges that come with that lifestyle.
Hey, the talk is real, as it always is! We also discuss the effects of solo parenting on our marriages and how it influences our relationships with our children. And, finally, how being a solo parent affects our personal hopes, dreams, and life plans.
This isn’t a hubby-bashing convo, however. We encourage wives and mothers to be active and vocal in making their needs known openly and honestly as they seek support!
“You can’t be a whole mom if you’re not a whole person…” ~ Cyndi
Grab the journal prompt Allison talked about here!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a rating and review. It helps others find the support and encouragement we offer wives and moms.
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Allison and Cyndi reflect on “life with dad”...which, of course, got them to reminisce about days gone by.
But while it’s important to remember the past, we realize that it’s also important to move on.
If you’ve lost your parent, you’ll be able to relate to some of the phases we went through. And if you haven’t…well, we will all lose our parents at some point. So you’ll appreciate some of the tips and strategies we share. We also touch on talking about death with our children, survivor’s remorse, and how to heal and continue to live.
The important takeaway from our conversation is that working through grief isn’t a linear process. And however you deal with it, it’s your process - own it!
“What does come up for me a lot is the 'what ifs?'...how would life be different if he were still here?” ~ Allison
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Join us in a fascinating and enlightening conversation with our special guest Korie, a recent college graduate, fitness business owner, and an individual unapologetically owning her identity in the LGBTQ+ community. This episode explores a wide range of topics beginning with a simple, yet profound question from Harper and how it led to discussions about perceptions, identity, and acceptance. Korie's journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and embracing her identity are at the heart of this chat, offering a candid insight into her experiences of coming out, parental reactions, and finding a balance in her gender identity. Listen in as Korie shares the struggles of hiding her true identity, her coming out experience, and the reactions she received. This leads to a wider conversation on acceptance, respect, and love in all its forms. We discuss how parental reactions and understanding can shape a child's experience, using Korie's story as an example. Notably, Korie shares the growth of acceptance she's received from her family and friends and emphasizes the importance of having a diverse circle of friends, which further aided her self-discovery. In this heartwarming dialogue, we stress the significance of transparent conversations with children about gender, sexuality, and different kinds of love. Drawing from personal experiences and Korie's narrative, we discuss how parents can guide their children and how creating a supportive atmosphere is essential for their exploration of gender and sexuality. The episode concludes with practical advice and resources for parents navigating these significant topics. Join us in this enriching episode where we highlight the beauty of differences, the importance of acceptance, and the power of transparent conversations.
Find all episode extras: https://www.kintsugiconversations.com/episode-extras
Listen in as my beautiful daughter, Allison, and I discuss our perspectives on family size, from deciding not to have more children to embracing non-blood communities as an extension of the family. As a woman and mother, I have sometimes experienced 'baby fever', and it's a sensation that never truly goes away. But there are so many factors to consider - the financial implications, the lifestyle changes, and the impact on the children you already have. As Allison reflects on her decision to stop at two children, we also touch on the societal expectations and pressures surrounding family size. We move on to discuss our own family dynamics, considering the challenges and rewards of raising children. We highlight the unique challenges Allison's family faces, given her husband's professional basketball career overseas, and the logistics of managing a larger family. We delve into the concept of gender preference in children, and how that can affect family planning decisions. In our conversation, we also take time to respect the diverse choices that families make. We explore my own initial desire to marry and have multiple children, and why I ended up with just one. We confront the stigma of having only one child and advocate for a more open-minded approach when discussing family planning. The importance of non-blood communities is also underlined, as we agree that family isn't always tied to bloodline. We conclude with a useful PDF with conversation prompts for those grappling with the decision to expand their family. Tune in for an open, honest, and warm discussion on the intricacies of family planning.
Find episode extras at: https://www.kintsugiconversations.com/episode-extras