Love What Matters

Latest Episodes:

Walker - Party of Eight: Our International Adoption Story | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

Rock Your Kindness highlights extraordinary stories of everyday people experiencing life changing kindness. Whether it's a random act, saves a life or helps you be kinder to yourself, these stories will increase empathy, compassion, and hope. You never know how your kindness can change the trajectory of your life or the life of another.

Rock Your Kindness is hosted by Tracey Ferrin. Tracey is a mother, wife, best-selling author and TikTok superstar. She is often called a "breath of fresh air" by those who know and meet her. She is a mom of 4 and has been married to the love of her life for 18 years. Together, they call Texas home.

In this episode, Tracey and Jamie chat about Jamie meeting her husband and early days of creating a family, and a home. Jamie discusses how meeting the founders of The Raining Season changed the trajectory of their family plan in a way she never imagined adding not one but two boys to their family, and how life has been throughout the adoption, after adoption and much more!

“If someone told me right then, you have to decide right now. Take them or leave them. I would've taken them no questions asked and just figured it out later.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] “One man's desire to adopt. One woman's reluctance to adopt and the family's journey to embracing two brothers from Sierra Leone taking their family of six to a family of eight.”
[0:24] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:58] Jamie details out meeting her husband in school, marriage and early life growing a family
[9:26] “We had four healthy children, like we would have no reason to adopt..”
[10:28] In the summer of 2013 made for new opportunities and new challenges
[12:23] Connecting with Jason and Erica, Founders of The Raining Season
[13:39] Pencils of Promise
[14:35] Jan 2019, Joe prepared for his first trip to Sierra Leone
[16:27] Joe met James in 2019. At this point adoption was was nowhere on the radar
[17:59] July 2019, Jamie tells of Joe’s second trip to Sierra Leone
[23:00] Jamie expresses her reasonings for going to The Raining Season in November 2019
[24:14] Meeting Abraham and James for the first time… “It was magnetic.”
[28:32] “If someone told me right then, you have to decide right now. Take them or leave them. I would've taken them no questions asked and just figured it out later.”
[32:44] November of 2019, Jamie and Joe started started the process of adoption
[36:31] In September 2021, Jamie and Joe received were approved to adopt the boys
[38:56] “Walker. Party of eight was officially all together, all home.”
[41:15] Abraham’s first birthday cake
[42:45] James gets his first birthday cake!
[42:58] Question: What do the boys think of these viral videos? What are their thoughts?
[45:02] Question: Going through all of this as a family, what kind of perspective have James and Abraham brought into your guys' family as a whole, as individuals, and for you?
[47:50] Check out more about The Walker Family and their story on instagram @jamie.n.walker
[47:52] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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Kindli: Find Your Kind | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Martin talk about his social media app called Kindli, and the mission behind the social platform. Martin also discusses some potential dangers on other social platforms, what makes Kindli different from other platforms, the use of Kindli cards and how they’re spreading positivity around the world, and more!

“It's time for social change. And it is in many ways, both in society and on social media.” Martin Diamond

Show Notes:

[0:00] “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” Steve Jobs
[0:18] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:52] Question: What inspired you to start Kindli?
[2:24] Question: What was it that you saw firsthand or heard about that made you believe or feel that these other (social media) platforms were just being irresponsible?
[3:32] Question: What is kindli?
[7:46] “Studies have concluded that over 50% of the world's human trafficking starts on social media.”
[12:13] “It's time for social change. And it is in many ways, both in society and on social media.”
[14:15] What does it mean to pay it forward?
[14:47] Question: Tell us about the Kindli bus and Kindly cards, and what the goal is there?
[28:10] Question: Are there trigger words that Kindli blocks on the platform?
[32:07] Question: Are there any questions that I didn't ask you or any last minute thoughts that you would like to share?
[33:33] Download Kindli on both an iOS or android devices or kindly.org if you prefer not to use an app
[34:39] Parting notes by Tracey
[34:50] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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‘My Aunt Saved Me’: Katie’s Story | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Katie talk about Katie’s childhood where she experienced extensive trauma and child abuse from her biological parents. She also details out the lifechanging day her aunt saved her, and why she uses her darkness to shine light on the topic of child abuse so others can find their voice within.

“The healing begins when the story is told.” Katie Emde

Disclaimer: This story contains details of child abuse that may be triggering to some.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to the episode with guest Katie Emde
[0:24] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:58] Katie leads into discussing her childhood and why she is so open about talking about it to raise awareness
[2:30] “I was raised by people who should have never reproduced for the years I was in their care. I have endless memories of how I almost didn't make it to the next day.” -Katie Emde
[7:59] The single knock that changed Katie’s life moving forward
[9:01] Question: You said your aunt came early. What was it that she saw the day that your life changed?
[12:39] Question: So her intention on coming to get you for the movie was really to take you away from your biological parents. Was that her plan?
[14:17] Question: When she took you away from the house, did you actually go to the movie?
[19:54] Question: Where are you as an adult now? As an adult? Have you been able to forgive your biological parents?
[20:35] Question: What's the difference between forgiving and moving past?
[22:04] Question: What are important lessons to you that you've learned from what you went through that just stand out above all else?
[24:01] “The healing begins when the story is told.” Katie Emde
[25:35] Katie shares her story on a Facebook Page called A Journey for Avery if you would like to connect and read further about her stories or you can check it out on Moms Beyond
[26:01] Question: Is there anything on your heart that you wanna share with the listeners before we go?
[29:06] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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Imani Rescue Center International: Part Three | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Veronicha Richards chat about how Veronicha and her husband are turning their dreams into a passion project with the creation of Imani Rescue Center International. Veronicha shares intimate details around what domestic abuse looks and sounds like in Kenya, and why she is driven to help women and children in Kenya. The Imani Rescue Center International project is a growing non profit with many ways to support Veronicha’s cause.

Disclaimer: This story contains details of domestic abuse that may be triggering to some.

“Growing up in it… being that kid that went to school with no shoes, at times we went hungry, but I get to go back and show those kids in the village. ‘Your circumstances don't define you.’ There is hope.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to part three episode with guest Veronicha Richards
[0:31] Welcome back to the Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:50] Check out Veronicha’s full Love What Matters story HERE!
[2:55] “Veronica, one day you will go to a far away country and you will come back and help people here.” -Veronicha’s Aunt
[5:04] Veronicha explains reasons that the domestic abuse rates are high in Kenya
[5:34] Question: Would you say that women aren’t valued as much as men in Kenya?
[8:00] The dream turned into a passion project…
[10:49] First step… buying the land
[16:18] “Growing up in it… being that kid that went to school with no shoes, at times we went hungry, but I get to go back and show those kids in the village. ‘Your circumstances don't define you.’ There is hope.”
[22:53] Tracey shares part of Veronicha’s experience hearing abuse during the night at age ten in Kenya
[24:10] The best way to support the Imani Rescue Center International is to donate. Click HERE for more information!
[26:10] To check out the vision behind Imani Rescue Center International click HERE and to learn more about Veronicha and her mission check her out on her Facebook @ImaniRescueCenter, and Tiktok @theimanifamily
[34:32] Question: What ways can people donate? Monthly or one time donation?
[34:51] Text KENYA to 53555 for information on donating
[36:31] Veronicha ends the episode with a reading titled ‘Imagine’
[40:51] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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Imani Rescue Center International: Part Two | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Veronicha Richards chat about Veronicha’s daughter Sophia, whose pure love for first responders and all she does for her community turned into being sworn in by the county sheriff as the first-ever junior deputy.

“We encourage and support her mission because sometimes even grownups can learn from kids how to be kind.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to the episode with guest Veronicha Richards
[0:23] Welcome back to the Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:50] Check out Veronicha’s full Love What Matters story HERE!
[0:53] “We traveled back to a small town in central Illinois where we started our lives together, learning kindness from our daughter.”
[1:26] Veronicha explains why she and her husband waited a while before having their daughter, Sophia
[7:09] “We encourage and support her mission because sometimes even grownups can learn from kids how to be kind.”
[8:40] Question: What do you think has shaped Sophia into being the kind, compassionate little lady she is today?
[11:14] Question: Do you feel with Sophia that you have to protect the kindred soul within her?
[13:36] Question: Can you tell me and the listeners about the Sophia’s interests with first responders?
[17:44] “We’re so grateful to be able to see her being a light in a very dark world that we live in.”
[17:51] Check out Sophia on FaceBook SophiaSalutesFirstResponders
[22:12] “Our faith had bigger plans for us to return to a small village where my husband and I met to help abused women, widows and orphan children…”
[22:44] To check out the vision behind Imani Rescue Center International click HERE and to learn more about Veronicha and her mission check her out on her Facebook @ImaniRescueCenter, and Tiktok @theimanifamily
[23:04] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

In part three, next Thursday, Veronicha tells her story about her return to her village to help women in her country rise above being victims of abuse and provide them with a safe haven through the Imani Rescue Center.

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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Imani Rescue Center International: Part One | A Love What Matters Podcast Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Veronicha Richards chat about Veronicha’s international love story, how her and husband made a very long distance relationship work, the challenges they faced with communication, and more!

“Learning to trust your intuition and shutting out the fear of others is a powerful skill that, when exercised properly, can guide your life, but also allow miracles to take place.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to the episode with guest Veronicha Richards
[0:17] Welcome back to the Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:50] Tracey introduces Veronicha by reading a part of her Love What Matters story to the listeners
[7:05] Question: What were your thoughts during that time when he was being “ballsy”?
[15:08] Veronicha details out the process of an engagement in Kenya
[19:05] “If you find someone that you love, that you believe will take care of you, who am I to say, no? You go for it..”
[20:47] We planned the wedding through letters to each other, through emails, and those very expensive phone calls.
[27:03] Traveling from Kenya to Chicago
[27:28] Veronicha details out experiencing the midwest cold for the first time
[31:05] Question: Would you say that for your husband it was love at first sight?
[31:39] Question: What did you and your husband have to do to make your long distance relationship work?
[32:59] “Learning to trust your intuition and shutting out the fear of others is a powerful skill that when exercised properly can guide your life, but also allow miracles to take place.”
[33:10] To check out the vision behind Imani Rescue Center International click HERE and to learn more about Veronicha and her mission check her out on her Facebook @ImaniRescueCenter, and Tiktok @theimanifamily
[33:12] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

In part two, next Thursday: Tracey and Veronicha Richards chat about Veronicha’s daughter Sophia, whose pure love for first responders and all she does for her community turned into being sworn in by the county sheriff as the first-ever junior deputy.

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

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Purified in the Flame: Elizabeth Quiroz’s Story | A Love What Matters Podcast Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Elizabeth talk about Elizabeth’s abusive childhood and how her teenage years turned into being a human trafficking victim. Elizabeth details much of her experience with drug use, how she was groomed by predators, and ultimately how she used these three necessary steps to successfully create a whole new life for herself.

Disclaimer: This story contains details of self-harm, abuse, human trafficking, and drug use that may be triggering to some

“No matter what you've had to endure, you have what it takes to rise above it all and become the person you want to be.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to the episode trailer with guest Elizabeth Quiroz
[0:17] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[1:04] RYK guest, Elizabeth shares the beginning of her childhood abuse
[2:47] I didn't know what consent was. I didn't know what good touches, bad touches were. I just knew that any attention was good attention.
[7:07] Question: Elizabeth, how would you go about asking such a sensitive question such as “are you okay?” without wanting to offend or seeming intrusive?
[9:21] Warning Signs of Human Trafficking
[11:15] Question: You were 15 soon to be turning 16.. And running away. What does that look like?
[12:10] Question: Was he grooming you? Did he know what he was doing or was he just honestly wanting a girlfriend?
[15:29] Language of human traffickers
[21:10] “Eventually at the age of 26, I got arrested for the last time”...
[22:20] Purified in the Flame
[23:07] Question: How did you go from that life to the one you have now?
[23:27] The turning point… and 3 necessary steps to successfully create new patterns in your life
[24:54] Question: How was it that you took this pain and you turned it into purpose and you turned it into helping others?
[25:23] Women's Recovery Services
[26:07] Question: Who might be more at risk for human trafficking?
[27:53] Question: What ways do traffickers get their victims?
[29:49] Question: What are some of the signs that we can look for, maybe with someone who is involved with human trafficking?
[32:15] Question: If someone is dealing with sex trafficking, where can they go for help?
[32:54] To report a suspected trafficking situation, call the BCA at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.
[34:07] Question: Can you tell us about your foundation, Redemption House of the Bay?
[34:43] Julie Purse Project
[40:32] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Simple Difference | A Love What Matters Podcast Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Becky talk about how to cultivate simple acts of daily kindness, the importance of prioritizing kindness in the home, insights on how to navigate grief and suffering for yourself and others, Becky’s own journey with anxiety and much more!

“Right where you are with exactly what you have, you have the ability to make a difference in this world.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Introduction to the episode tailor
[0:23] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:45] Becky gives a brief introduction of herself to listeners
[0:46] Check out Becky’s Love What Matters story HERE!
[1:03] (In)courage
[2:43] Question: What inspired you to write your book: What inspired you to write the book? The Simple Difference, How Every Small Kindness Makes a Big Impact
[3:34] Check out Becky’s first book: No Better Mom for the Job
[7:54] “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast my stone across the waters to create many ripples.” -Mother Teresa
[15:03] Question: Do you have any tips or insights on how to support others during a time of grief or suffering?
[18:01] “I've learned one of the most powerful things we can say is simply, I'm so sorry for your suffering.”
[23:07] Kindness starts within the home…
[24:32] The Simple Difference
[27:15] Question: Can you talk a little bit more about your journey and your path with anxiety?
[32:51] Question: With someone who is suffering and dealing with anxiety, how do they show kindness to themselves?
[32:56] Question: How can we show kindness to someone in our life that is dealing with it?
[36:54] The power behind how you ask ‘how are you doing?’
[37:39] Question: Is there anything that you want to mention about kindness or anxiety or anything that you feel like maybe I just didn't tap into in our conversation?
[39:16] Check out Courageous Kindness HERE!
[40:47] Listeners can connect with Becky on IG @beckykeife or check out her website https://www.beckykeife.com/
[41:13] Parting words from Becky’s book The Simple Difference
[41:37] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Restoring Faith in Humanity…TikTok Style | A Love What Matters Podcast Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Krissi chat about Krissi’s depression during the pandemic that ultimately led to her to become the CEO of making people cry, challenges faced regarding social media and mental health, Krissi’s ‘why’ behind restoring faith in humanity and much more!

“When hard times hit, there is something to be said about turning outward and serving others.”

Show Notes:

[0:14] Introduction to the episode with Krissi
[0:20] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[3:08] Question: Do you remember what the video was that was most popular?
[6:05] Krissi’s most popular video on tiktok
[6:22] Question: Why was it that one that just seemed to resonate with so many people?
[8:47] One Woman’s Journey Becoming a LIVE Organ Donor
[10:09] “I'm really taking notice for every one negative comment that they get or I get or anybody gets, there's a hundred good comments.”
[10:27] Tracey recalls the tiktok that stuck with her.. Warning! tear jerker
[13:15] Deer getting stuck tiktok
[13:59] Question: Restoring Faith in Humanity. Why is that?
[21:19] Stepping away from social media for your own mental health
[22:51] Question: How long did you pull away from social media?
[28:08] Question: Has there ever been anything that stood out to you that maybe someone did something for you?
[31:25] Question: What keeps you motivated to continue to ‘Restore Faith in Humanity?’
[34:05] Krissi explains her career in the medical field and some of the challenges she faces
[40:27] Question: What is kindness? And, what does that mean to you?
[41:20] “When hard times hit, there is something to be said about turning outward and serving others.”
[41:38] To check out more of Krissi’s videos check out her TikTok page @krissimallory
[41:39] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness

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Social Links:

Website: https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/
Instagram: @lovewhatmatters
Facebook: @lovewhatmatters
YouTube: @lovewhatmatters

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This was a ‘God Thing’ | Rock Your Kindness Podcast Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tracey and Jill Wagner talk about how Jill and her family decided on fostering a child before meeting him, why it wasn’t as difficult for her to go through the fostering process as some others may have experienced, how their story lead to legal guardianship, and why her newly addition to the family actually helped save her marriage, along with much more!

“I don't think a lot of people realize that really after age nine, your chances of being adopted go extremely down.”

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Rock Your Kindness Podcast, hosted by Tracey Ferrin
[0:49] Introduction to the episode with guest Jill and her adoption story
[5:52] Question: How old was Hakeem when you took him into your home?
[6:02] “I don't think a lot of people realize is that really after age nine, your chances of being adopted go extremely down.”
[6:19] Question: How was it that you were able to go through the adoption process so much easier than other guests we’ve had on previous episodes?
[7:12] Question: What was the process like for you to foster?
[7:42] Question: How long did you foster him before your next step?
[9:31] Guardianship
[9:38] A little bit about Hakeem
[13:38] Question: Does he still see anyone from his family?
[15:58] Question: What for you has been the most challenging but also the most rewarding?
[19:00] Question: What impact has bringing Hakeem into your home done to the other three children?
[19:59] Question: For your three biological children, did it make them a little bit more appreciative of their life, seeing the flip side and what other kids have to deal with?
[20:31] Question: How did bringing Hakeem into your family affect your marriage?
[23:13] Question: How are you still married to the same man after all these years?
[26:01] “I would say it's been a battle and it's been a choice, and it's been something that we have continually gone together. And I think that God has just really blessed that in our marriage.”
[27:08] Heart Work Over Hard Work…coming soon!
[29:36] Question: What's next for you and your family?
[31:12] Question: What does your story represent to you that you want other people to know?
[37:35] I’m peeing… can I get some privacy?
[38:17] Question: How has your TikTok platform changed your life or what has it done for you and your family?
[39:50] Listeners can check out Jill’s content on tiktok @jillwagner81, on IG @authenticallyjill, and on FB @jillschrestwagner
[41:32] Thanks for listening to this episode of Rock Your Kindness. If you know someone this story might resonate with, send them a link to this episode. Also tag me Tracey Ferrin on Instagram at @Traceyferrin and let me know what part of this story resonated with you the most. The best way to help support this show is to rate, review and subscribe. :) Until next time.. Rock Your Kindness