Are we back together? Are we not? Does this busy mom of two littles who's also a part time masters student have time for these shenanigans? Definitely not, but here goes!
I randomly got the podcast bug this week and decided to post this not-so-scary Halloween episode just for kicks and giggles.
We aren't back for good and it won't be a consistent thing, but I missed ya'll so this is just a little something for now.
I'd love to hear what you thought of the episode! Leave a comment below or contact us on Instagram or through our email.
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
As the season finale for what could be a really long break I am super excited for a bit of a different episode.
Ljuba and I have been best friends since about 2015 when I first moved to Lexington. We were at the same church and had a very close knit group of friends. Despite many of those friends moving and drifting away we have remained as close as ever.
Our friendship has only deepened over the years through my loss and just navigating adult life together. I am so excited for you all to get even just a little glimpse of her amazing mind when it comes to all things babies and mamas.
So without further ado let’s jump into our season 6 finale with the one and only Dr. Ljuba Mirsky!
DISCLAIMERS:
Resource:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage, child loss, Leigh's disease, stepparents, faith
Having Molly on the podcast has been a dream of mine ever since I read her book, The Moon Is Round, twice! I randomly won the book at a raffle at some women’s event having no idea I would some day talk with the author about the rollercoaster of her motherhood story. She is an expert at telling her story and it was wonderful to hear where she is now 10 years separated from her loss. I hope you enjoy this conversation between two Kentucky girls who are also loss moms. Let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Molly here
Resources:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topic: genetic disorder, developmental delays, Xq27-Xq28 deletion
I am so glad Maleah and I finally got to sit down and talk through her story. It took us what felt like forever to finally get together, but I’m so glad we did. Our conversation was the perfect ending to my podcast recording journey. I’m so glad we added this memory to our friendship. Her story is a bit different from what you usually listen to on this podcast so let me know what you think by reaching out on our Instagram. Let’s jump into Maleah’s story together!
You can reach out to Maleah here:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage, late term loss
This was my last remotely recorded episode and I’m so thankful to be ending on such a great note. Ashley and I met through our mutual bestie Giselle. Ashley was also on the top of our list we made so long ago of women who might eventually share their motherhood stories. I’m thankful that we finally were able to talk through her painful, yet beautiful story. So many of you in our motherhood community are going to know exactly what Ashley went through and be able to sympathize like few others can. So without further ado let’s jump into Ashley’s story.
You can reach out to Ashley here:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topic: infant loss
I will give ya’ll a heads up today. This episode is a pretty heavy one. If you aren’t in the best head space to listen to an infant loss story I’d suggest waiting til you’re ready. But if you have walked this story of loss you will feel Shauna’s tears on a deep, deep level. She shares the devastating loss that landed her in this community and brought her to our podcast. Even in the midst of her tears she does share the hope and joy that a rainbow baby can bring along with the joy of a loving family. So if you’ve got those tissues handy, let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Shauna here:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, chemical pregnancy
Yay for our second Canadian guest! I just love the fact that this community is spreading so far and wide. I couldn’t have never imagined the wide-reaching impact all these stories would have had. And Gen’s story is no exception. I am so proud of Gen for stepping up to the plate to tell her story of loss especially since she does not yet have her happy ending. Maybe by the time this story airs things will be different, but at the time of our recording in the fall of 2024 she was still holding out hope. I know you’ll be encouraged by her strength as you listen today. So let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Gen here:
Resources:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: stillbirth, miscarriage
Like so many of these stories I’ve heard, Amy has taken her grief and losses and turned them into hope and courage for other women like herself. I really enjoyed our conversation and clearly saw how passionate she is about sharing her story and helping others through their own grief. I think you’ll be just as encouraged as I was after hearing this conversation. Let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Amy here:
Listen to her podcast: Smooth Stones
Resources:
Topics: infertility, adoption, surrogacy
I can’t remember the last time I laughed this much during an interview. I have never heard a story like this one. We bonded over motherhood, our journeys, and reality TV. If you’re a DWTS fan that was and still is our shared loved. We’ve kept in touch off and on since we recorded and I’m reminded once again the amazing friends that I have gained out of this podcast. I didn’t know that I’d have friends for life that were once strangers facing loss just like I was. I hope you are able to laugh and cry right along with Rachel and I as you listen today. Let’s just right in!
You can reach out to Rachel here:
Instagram and Threads: @rachel_mangahas
Join her email community
Listen to her podcast
Resources:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: stillborn, late term loss
If you missed the first part of Michelle’s story make sure to go back and listen to last week’s episode. In that episode we heard the heart of her story and loss. Today we’ll touch more on the different aspects of her loss and how it effected her life. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and hope you do too! Let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Michelle here:
Here are the resources she mention:
https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Love-After-Youve-Lost/dp/0802419402
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: stillborn, late term loss
I was really looking forward to recording this story and it did not disappoint in the least. Michelle and I dove so deep into her story and journey that you’ll have to come back next week for part 2. We worked together for a summer and attend the same university, but this was the longest and best conversation we’ve ever shared. It was almost like making a brand new friend. I am very proud of Michelle for telling her story because she really wasn’t sure at first. I hope you are able to hear the residence and hope in her story. Let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Michelle here:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage
Today we’ll be hearing the second part of my friend Shelby’s story. Make sure you go back and listen to part 1 to get the full scope of her heartbreakingly beautiful story. She is a shining light for all those that are walking through grief and I am so thankful we finally got to sit down and record her story from beginning to the end. Let’s jump right in.
You can reach out to Shelby here:
Instagram: @sirenshell
Facebook: Shelby Peel
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage
Shelby can honestly say that she has known my husband longer than anyone else on this podcast. They were friends growing up and we just naturally clicked when I finally came into the picture over 7 years ago.
She has been a wonderful friend through it all. When I shared my loss with her she knew on a deep level the pain that we were facing and she comforted me like many others couldn’t. I am so thankful for her!
You’ll hear the entirety of her story today and then next week we’ll walk through the questions that help break down all the ins and outs of her story. So if you’re ready let’s jump right in.
You can reach out to Shelby here:
Instagram: @sirenshell
Facebook: Shelby Peel
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: PCOS, still birth
Lonna and I chatted for such a long and wonderful time. She has seen such hardship in losing her daughter and yet you can hear the happiness and joy in her voice. She has taken life’s sourest lemons and turned them into the sweetest lemonade. I am very thankful for this community and the women like Lonna that make this job of running a podcast really not a job at all. Let’s jump right into Lonna’s story today.
You can reach out to Lonna here:
Instagram: @lonnaneedles
Resources:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: infertility, foster care, IVF
Toni’s motherhood story is one that is 10 years in the making. She faced doctors telling her no, failed foster placements, and multiple IVF retrievals to finally hold her rainbow miracle baby in her arms. Back when we knew each other as little middle schoolers we would have never guessed the paths that our stories would have taken us, but we both agreed that these stories have made us better people than we were before. I look forward to you hearing this conversation we had and taking a bit of the hope she shared with you in whatever you’re facing on your own motherhood journey. Let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Toni here:
Instagram: @tstephens15
Email: toni.stephens15@gmail.com
Resources:
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: postpartum depression & anxiety
Intro: Emily has been a dear friend for several years now. We have walked through many of our life seasons together. It’s been a joy to share in them with her.
I am so thankful she felt ready to share her story of struggling with postpartum depression and anxiety. It wasn’t easy to come around to the idea of sharing, but I’m thankful that she did.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that many of you will be able to relate to her story. Whether or not you’ve struggled with postpartum depression or anxiety I know we all can relate to have a season where we just don’t feel like things are going the way we planned.
Resources:
Topic: infertility, adoption
Olivia’s story truly embodies the theme of Motherhood Off The Rails. She’s been through more ups and downs in her motherhood journey than most of us have encountered in a lifetime.
And yet, she has proven to be perseverant and a beautiful example to those who have been following her story. Her story also brings a different category of adoption to the lineup that I’m excited to dive in to. So let’s jump right in!
You can reach out Olivia here:
Instagram: @upbeat_ela
Resources:
The Lucky Few by Heather Davis The Connected Child Trust Based Relational InterventionTopics: miscarriage, PPD, adoption
Kelsey has been a great friend since we met through a women’s ministry here in Lexington back in 2018. We’ve shared many motherhood milestones along the way and I am so thankful she was able to record with me.
I hope you enjoy all the laughter and even the more serious parts of today’s episode. So let’s jump in!
You can reach out to Kelsey here:
Instagram: @kelsey_durrenburg
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage, postpartum feeding
I can’t believe that Beth and I met way back in 2007 when I went to high school with her cousin. We reunited when we were both in her cousin’s wedding and have kept in touch through social media over the years.
Talking with her today reminded me of the joy this podcast brings in connecting with so many women through their stories. Our motherhood journeys are very similar and I was able to process mine all over again while chatting with her.
I am so thankful for Beth’s support and excitement about this podcast and community. I hope you enjoyed this conversation as much as I do so let’s jump right in!
You can reach out to Beth here:
Instagram: @mebeth89
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.
Topics: miscarriage
Shanti and I knew of each other back in college and had several mutual friends over the years. But this was one of the first times we had the opportunity to sit down and really connect.
Her expertise in the counseling world added so much to her story that she shared with me when we recorded. I joked that ya’ll get a free counseling session in this episode and I’m not lying!
I learned so much from her wisdom, insight, and vulnerability from the losses she experienced in motherhood. I hope you feel less alone after hearing her story. Let’s jump in together and find out!
You can reach out to Shanti here:
Instagram: @somethingnewwithshanti
Email: Shanti@elbowtreeflorida.com
Instagram: Motherhood Off the Rails
Email: motherhoodofftherails@gmail.com
Your story, no matter how big or small, matters here.