Empowered to Connect Podcast

Latest Episodes:

[E207] The Healing Power of Art with Jill Stockburger Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

This week on the podcast, Jill Stockburger joins us to explore how art, music, and movement provide powerful ways to express, heal, and connect—at any age!

Art isn't just about creativity; it's a language of healing that reaches us when words fall short. From little kids to teens and adults, anyone can use artistic expression to process emotions, find meaning, and even rewire the brain for resilience.

We’re diving into the neuroscience behind why art and play help, and how they’ve been used throughout history as a way to communicate, cope, and create beauty in hard times.

If you or your child struggle to express emotions, this episode is for you!

#parentingpodcast #empoweredtoconnect #connectedparenting #expressiveartstherapy #arttherapy #thepowerofplay

[E206] Hey You: It's Ok To Be You Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

We’re all on a journey of growth—learning, evolving, and discovering new parts of ourselves. Each of us brings unique personalities, gifts, passions, and stories to the table. And guess what? There’s room for all of us!

You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to grow at your own pace. You’re allowed to be exactly who you are, right where you are.

This week, we’re sitting down as friends and coworkers to talk about how we’ve grown—as people, as spouses, as parents! Join us for an honest conversation about the beauty of evolving and the freedom in embracing who you are today.

[E205] Stress & Trauma 101 Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Join us this week as we go back to the basics! What is stress? Did you know that there are multiple types of stress, and not all of it is bad?! What is trauma? How do stress, trauma, and adversity impact us and our kids?

In this episode, we’re breaking down:
- The different types of stress + trauma
- How trauma affects brain development, the body, and the spirit
- The difference between everyday stress and life-altering trauma

Let’s get back to the basics and build a better understanding together!

Click here for a list of resources, including printables, podcast episodes, videos, and more!

[E204] The Worthy Conversation: Courtney Tierra on Empowering Your Child Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

On this week’s podcast episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of worthiness with the incredible Courtney Tierra! Courtney reminds us of a powerful truth: Our worth exists simply because we do. It’s not tied to grades, appearance, or accomplishments— just by being here, we are worthy and hold inherent value.

Today, we will discuss:
- How knowing your worth can empower better decisions
- The importance of affirming your child and building them up
- Why grace and kindness—toward yourself and the kids in your life—are game-changers
- The impact of language, especially around adoption, on a child’s sense of self

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for parents who want to instill confidence, self-love, and resilience in their children while continuing their own lifelong journey of embracing worthiness.
If you want to learn more about Courtney and her story, you can find her website by clicking here.

You can buy purchase book on Amazon or by visiting her website.

If you'd like some Worthy merchansise, you can find it here!

Finally, follow Courtney on Instagram @theworthyreminders.

[E203] Wintering is The Gift We Really Need Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

What if we embraced the slower pace of winter instead of resisting it? In this episode, we’re talking about “wintering”—not just as a season, but as a state of being. We’ll explore why rest and recovery are essential, even when they feel hard to prioritize; and in doing this, we are actually modeling for our kids that it is okay to have needs!

We are human and limited, and being able to name our needs and have them met within our family structure is a beautoful picture of connection. Join us this week as we talk through what it could look like to embrace the slowness of this next season!

[E202] Why Re-Adjusting is The Answer To Your Resolution Nightmares Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

It’s that time of year again….New Year’s Resolutions! Some of us love them, some of us… not so much. But no matter how you feel about resolutions, RE-ADJUSTING can give moments to reflect.

Seasons change, jobs change, responsibilities change— what if, instead of looking for more ways to perform, we took the time to ask ourselves:
- What do I want more of this year?
- What do I want less of?

Instead of resolutions that feel rigid or overwhelming, what if we focused on creating checkpoints? Little moments to check in with ourselves, reflect, and adjust.

This week on the podcast, we’re diving into how resolutions (or the freedom to skip them!) can actually bring freedom and rest in 2025.

Let’s explore how this year can be more about progress than perfection.

[E201] Why Cultivate Connection is Woven Through The Wooley's World Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

If you aren’t familiar, Cultivate Connection is our “flagship” parenting course. In it, you'll learn helpful parenting practices and strategies for kids of all ages! These practical skills are rooted in research on brain-based parenting, attachment, trauma, sensory processing, and more. You can participate in Cultivate Connection through a local Facilitator in your area. If you lead, support, or encourage parents, consider joining our Facilitator Training!

This week, the Wooley’s tell us why they decided to become Cultivate Connection Facilitators, how it impacted their relationship and their family, and they mention some of their favorite parenting tools they’ve learned along the way!

If you have ever considered becoming a Facilitator, this is the episode for you! Learn how Cultivate Connection and Facilitator training works, details about the class, and how you can apply for our next cohort which starts in January!

Are you a parent who wants to learn more? You can apply to be a Cultivate Connection Facilitator by clicking here! The new cohort begins January 7th, 2025!

[E200] Help! My Kid & I Aren't On The Same Radio Frequency! Dec 03, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever feel like there’s a wall between you and your kids? Like no matter how hard you try, you're just... missing each other--or tuning into completely different stations? This week on the podcast, we are diving into what it looks like to "tune in" to your child.

From personality clashes to communication styles and even attachment patterns, we’ll explore:

Why we often “miss” each other in conversations.
How our own experiences shape the way we interact.
The power of slowing down, turning the dial, and tuning into their wavelength.

Connection starts with understanding, and as parents, it’s up to us to take the lead. Your relationship with your kids doesn’t have to feel like static. Let’s figure out how to meet our kids right where they are and create space where everyone feels seen and heard.

To find out more about us, check out our website here.

Are you a parent who wants to learn more? Our Cultivate Connection class begins January 7!

If you want to see the "Be Attuned" downloadable that was discussed in this episode, click here for this free resource.

[E199] Why Won't They Act Their Age? Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

If you’re a parent, or you work with kids in some capacity, chances are that you've noticed how kids can seemingly change from day to day! They can go from being able to clean their room 18 times, to a complete meltdown from simply being asked.. If you have had the thought of, “Ugh! Why can’t my kid just______.”, you are not alone!

On today’s episode, Tona, Jesse, and Becca talk about a helpful framework for looking at kids through a nuanced perspective. It all goes back to a phrase we say often: “Parent the child in front of you.” Kids' ability to handle challenges changes from moment to moment, so don’t be surprised if they can’t do what they did yesterday. Today’s stressors might be different—whether it's school, social pressures, or just life itself.

This week, we're diving into how to tune into your child's current state and gauge what they can handle right now. Because sometimes, it's not about what they should do, but what they can do in that moment.

To find out more about us, check out our website here.

Are you a parent who wants to learn more? Our Cultivate Connection class begins January 7!

If you want to see a visual of the stress capcity that was discussed in this episode, click here for this free resource.

[E198] Why Dr. Deborah MacNamara Says You Need to Feel Empty In Order to Feel Full Nov 05, 2024

Show notes

On today’s episode we had the biggest honor of sitting down with clinical counselor and developmental scientist, Dr. Deborah MacNamara! Trust us when we tell you that you do NOT want to miss this episode! Why?? Jesse and Dr. Deborah dive into some deep and pressing issues such as how attachment and food are related, what happens when behavior becomes bigger than connection, recipes for relationships, and even de-constructing the idea of “picky eaters”. You’ll learn, you’ll find encouragement, and you might even shed a few tears in this really informative and life-giving episode of the Empowered to Connect podcast. LISTEN TO THE EPISDE AND DROP THE SECRET WORD IN THE COMMENTS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF DR. MACNAMARA’S “NOURISHED.”

Find Dr. Deborah MacNamara on...

Facebook: Dr. Deborah MacNamara

X: @debmacnamara

Instagram: @drdeborahmacnamara

Subscribe to Dr. Deborah MacNamara’s Kid's Best Bet NewsletterWebsite is here!

Buy her newest book Nourished