When we share our stories, we feel less alone
Bare it all with me
Hebrews 4:13
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
The Naked Podcaster is unconventional, gritty, explicit and raw. My guests cry sometimes but they are willing to share and for that, I am incredibly, overwhelmingly grateful. It's edgy, vulnerable, fun, upbeat and I adore giving my guests the opportunity for shameless self-promotion. I don't think we talk about ourselves in a positive way nearly enough.
How can I be Mom of 18 AND The Naked Podcaster? The story began a few years ago….
In 2015 -- My kids came forward and shared with me their stories of abuse. I grew up with dysfunction and abuse, had 18 kids and did foster care for 15 years so that my kids wouldn't have to experience abuse. That is called a cruel irony. It would be wonderful to say that one event was the extent of dysfunction the range my 18 kids have suffered, but that would be a lie. For many of them, they have experienced physical, sexual and emotional abuse from their relationship choices, bullying, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, cutting, etc. Not things a Mom wants to watch her kids experience.
In 2016 -- I wrote my book about my story of dysfunction growing up. I wanted to be an example to my kids and for them to know they weren't alone in their struggle, even if the "issue" is different. I also wanted them to be unafraid of sharing their story, getting help and building a support team and tools.
In 2017 -- 9-months after the book release, the podcast was launched and my goal was to share OTHER people's stories of struggle and what was part of the toolbox they built to get through their trials using the same format I used for my book.
With ALL THREE situations, I was determined, deliberate, focused and driven. My desire is to help other people in their struggle - to make it faster, easier and more supported - for my listeners, and sometimes even for my guests. Most definitely for my kids.
From the original podcast series, 2 additional sub-categories have been released. One is 'Stripping with my daughters'.
So far, three of my daughters have been on my show. The first time I cried on the podcast was because one daughter described her suicide attempts and what saved her - I wasn't aware of the full story. If I didn’t know that story, they have other stories I don’t know about. Struggling alone is agonizing.
The second sub-category is 'The Coaching Series', where previous guests showcase their businesses and coaching styles by using me as a client.
I want my kids - most who are adults now - to embrace their stories, be unashamed, to heal and to flourish. To embrace confidence and high self-esteem. To grow into the best humans they can be. And that's what I want for my guests and my listeners as well. My goal is to hold space and create a safe place for stories to be shared, and for all of us to lean into who we are.
I hope you love all of them as much as I do.
Thank you to my kids for showing me how to stand up and be more than I ever imagined I could be.
Thank you for my guests for your willingness to Bare It All with me.
Thank you to my listeners for giving me the opportunity to share stories that are heard. My guest’s desire - and my own - is that their story and the tools they've gathered will help you.
We are stronger together!