
Hosted by Becky Brouwer · EN
The hardest part of achieving a goal is starting. Being sendy means making courageous decisions to try something before you have all of the answers. This podcast will remind you of the remarkable life you are living and will give you new ideas to make your life more meaningful and exciting and give you courage to accomplish your goals by stopping the negative voices in your head and just sending it!

Christie Skousen grew up in a household where practicing piano two hours a day was as non-negotiable as brushing your teeth — the daughter of the legendary Irene Peery Fox, who was performing at Carnegie Hall while pregnant with Christie. By age nine, Christie was teaching piano to pay her own way. By eighteen, she was on her own. And by the time she walked into Leon Fleischer's studio at Peabody as the only freshman he admitted that year, she had already learned the lesson that would define her life: if you do the work, you can do whatever.In Part 1, Becky and Christie dig into what it was really like to grow up inside competitive classical piano — the strategy, the brutality, the subjective judging, and the complicated relationship between talent, hard work, and identity. Christie gets refreshingly honest about how she survived competitions not by leading with her love of music, but by leading with her competitive fire. She shares what she'd tell any kid whose heart is in music but who keeps walking away from competitions empty-handed. And she lays out the philosophy behind the Peery Method — the step-by-step system that has since taken her students to Juilliard, Eastman, and conservatories around the world. Also: she bought a cockatoo in junior high with her own money.Meet Christie Skousen, Founder of the Peery Piano Academy and author of the Peery Method. Trained under Dr. Irene Peery-Fox, Dmitri Boshkirov, and Leon Fleisher at Peabody. An international competition winner and soloist, her students have gone on to Harvard, Yale, Juilliard, UC Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and more.Key Takeaways:Process beats destination — alwaysCompetitiveness is a tool, not a character flawLet your kids own their stuffThe journey IS the rewardDon't quitChapters:00:00 Meet Christie01:13 The Peery Music Academy03:04 What? Kids Can Pay For School?05:19 How Many Kids Buy a Cockatoo for a Pet?08:10 High-Capacity Parenting with Irene Peery Fox11:55 Navigating Competitive Classical Piano 19:03 Performance Anxiety and Personal Growth25:40 The Toll of Exactness34:43 The Long Game of Music EducationResources:Peery Piano AcademyHow to Survive Life's Blow-Ups: Lessons from a World-Class Pianist and MomIf You Loved This Episode, Try:12. Music, Disability Parenting, and Playing for the Love of It29. How to Push Past Limits and Find Your "Current Perfect"37. Resilient Parenting, Risk-Taking, and Medical Aesthetics Done RightSubscribe & Connect:👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com 👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar

At fifteen, Leslie Morley boarded a plane to Nepal alone. She lived in a rural village, served in an orphanage, and came home with a worldview she’s still unpacking. But the bravest thing she’s ever done wasn’t Nepal—or starting her art business painting Heavenly Mother.The bravest thing is staying: showing up for her kids, her faith, her creativity, and the work of being known.In this episode, artist Leslie Morley joins Becky to talk about faith and courage, creative motherhood, and how to raise brave kids without losing connection. They explore imposter syndrome, gratitude vs. guilt, and what it means to live “alive and awake in Christ.” This conversation weaves together Latter-day Saint faith, sacred art, and the daily courage it takes to stay connected to God, your family, your community, and yourself.If you’ve ever felt afraid to share your gifts, unsure in motherhood, or disconnected from your faith, this episode will ground and encourage you.Meet My Guest:Leslie Morley is a Christian artist known for paintings of the Divine Family—Heavenly Father, Heavenly Mother, and Jesus Christ. She studied art at Southern Utah University and art history in Italy. Her work invites a deeper relationship with God through sacred art. A mother of two, Leslie believes creativity is a form of testimony: you are known, you are held, and heaven is closer than you think. Find her at LeslieMorley.com and @lesliemorleyarts.Key Takeaways:• How to raise brave, resilient kids through daily connection• Faith over fear: turning belief into action• Creativity as grounding for overwhelmed moms• Gratitude vs. guilt and overcoming comparison• Imposter syndrome in motherhood and creative work• Emotional vulnerability as real courage• Connecting with God, family, self, and community• Using your gifts without fearChapters:00:00 Who is Leslie Morley?04:40 On Being an Imposter09:06 Lessons from India: Gratitude and Humility15:28 Oregon Nomads: A Year of Free Range Learning16:57 Connecting with Nature as a Grounding Force23:06 Building Love in Your Family25:11 Connecting with Children29:12 Midway30:39 Connecting with Yourself through Creating34:14 Out From the Bushel Blog36:22 Family Mottos38:23 Leslie Morley Art45:42 Mosaic of Christ47:08 Savoring Moments of Motherhood49:38 Rapid Fire QuestionsResources:The Four Connections That Make a Life Feel WholeSubscribe & Connect:👉 sendymom.com👉 becky@sendymom.comBecky’s Free Coaching CalendarIf you loved this episode, try:How To Not Die in the Wilderness and Learning to Smell the DaisiesHow to Connect with Your Children: The Science of “Good Enough” ParentingArt After Motherhood: Creating Without Guilt

She lost a child. She’s raising a daughter with Down syndrome and autism. She battled breast cancer—and still chose to say yes.In this powerful episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Kim Dodds shares how she navigates grief, special needs parenting, and serious illness with resilience, faith, and a forward-moving mindset. Rather than staying stuck in “Why me?”, Kim opens up about accepting reality, leaning on community, and choosing growth through life’s hardest seasons.A mother of six with a degree in Exercise Science from BYU, Kim brings both lived experience and practical wisdom to this conversation. We talk about supporting a child with complex needs, coping with loss, strengthening family relationships, and using tools like movement, connection, and mindset shifts to heal.If you’re facing a difficult season, Kim’s story offers hope, perspective, and real-life encouragement to keep going—even when life feels unfair.Key Takeaways:Resilience grows when you accept reality and choose your responseAdversity in childhood and parenting can build empathy, strength, and adaptabilitySupport systems and community resources are essential for navigating hard seasonsGrief and trauma take time, but healing and growth are possibleCreative outlets, movement, and journaling support mental health and recoveryStrong relationships, faith, and perspective shape how we endure and thriveChapters:00:00 Introducing Kim Dodds04:33 When a Parent Has Mental Health Issues08:08 Raising a Special Needs Child14:14 Changing Careers: Choosing Your Hard20:15 Hard Chooses You: Losing a Child25:57 Inspiring Distractions29:38 Navigating Life Choices and Resilience34:28 Faith Through the Trial37:35 Sex After Marriage40:53 Crossroads: Children Leaving the Nest43:29 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer49:11 The Sendy Support Group52:07 Positive Outlook During Trials56:40 Rapid Fire Questions If you loved this episode, try:How to Connect with Your Children: The Surprising Science of “Good Enough” ParentingMusic, Disability Parenting, and Playing for the Love of ItParenting Complex Needs, TBI, and Choosing Empathy with Candace BerquistResources:How to Say Yes When Life Feels Unfair: Raising Special Needs Kids, Cancer, and LossFree Coaching & Subscribe:👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com 👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar

She lost a child. She’s raising a daughter with special needs. She battled cancer.And somehow… she chose to say yes.In this powerful episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Kim Dodds shares how she faced life’s hardest trials—grief, special needs parenting, and a breast cancer diagnosis—without becoming bitter or stuck in “Why me?”Instead, Kim chose a different path. She learned to accept reality, lean on faith, and keep moving forward with resilience and purpose.We talk about what it really looks like to support a child with Down syndrome and autism, how to cope with loss and grief, and the mindset shifts that help you stay strong during hard times. Kim shares practical tools for emotional healing, the importance of community support, and how choosing growth over victimhood can change your life.If you’re navigating a difficult season, this episode will give you hope, perspective, and real-life strategies to help you keep going—even when life doesn’t feel fair.Meet My Guest:Kim Dodds is a mother of six and caregiver to a daughter with Down syndrome and autism. With a degree in Exercise Science from BYU, she chose to focus on raising her family while navigating challenges including loss, special needs parenting, and breast cancer.She is passionate about staying active, building community, and finding joy in everyday life. Her story offers insight into overcoming adversity, strengthening family relationships, and choosing a growth-focused mindset.Key Takeaways:Resilience comes from accepting reality and choosing your responseParenting a child with special needs requires adaptability and supportCommunity resources like respite care can be life-changingGrief takes time, but healing is possibleFinding meaning in trials can reduce sufferingCareer changes are possible at any stage of lifeCreative outlets support mental and emotional healthPhysical movement can aid healing during stress and illnessOpen communication helps families process hard experiencesWriting can be a powerful tool for emotional healingMarriage and intimacy require intentional effortFaith and community strengthen you through trialsA positive perspective can improve overall well-beingChapters:00:00 Introducing Kim Dodds04:33 When a Parent Has Mental Health Issues08:08 Raising a Special Needs Child14:14 Changing Careers: Choosing Your Hard20:15 Hard Chooses You: Losing a Child25:57 Inspiring Distractions29:38 Navigating Life Choices and Resilience34:28 Faith Through the Trial37:35 Sex After Marriage40:53 Crossroads: Children Leaving the Nest43:29 Diagnosis: Breast Cancer49:11 The Sendy Support Group52:07 Positive Outlook During Trials56:40 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Find all of the show notes hereHow to Connect with Your Children: The Surprising Science of “Good Enough” ParentingBrades’ PlaceAspen Grove Family CampUtah Quilt GuildIntimately Us AppThe Orphan Keeper by Camron WrightThe Rookie on HuluTabitha’s Way - Local Food PantryFree Coaching & Subscribe:👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com 👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar

You’re right. There is a secret to raising resilient children. In this episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, host Becky Brouwer sits down with parenting expert, TaLisha Landon to talk about connecting with children in nature, understanding where tantrums come from, and how to show up with consistency, love, and a willingness to keep trying. With a 30% rate of good parenting, you can raise highly capable children who are well-equipped for the challenges of life.If you wondered if you were messing it all up, you’re not. This episode is for you. TaLisha and Becky also discuss practical ways to connect with your children outdoors and ways to uncover hidden talents in yourself and in your children by being a “Generalist”.Meet My Guest:TaLisha has a degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Human Development from Utah State University. She is trained in several research-based parenting programs (EveryDay Strong, Circle of Security Parenting, Strengthening Families Program 10-14). As a parent of 4 children, she prioritizes emotional safety, connection, and building confidence.TaLisha’s current project is writing and illustrating a children’s book. This project weaves together the outdoors and what we know about raising resilient children. It demonstrates to kids they’re strong enough to climb, safe enough to feel, and loved enough to keep going, building resilience on the trail and in life.Key Takeaways:You can learn anything if you’re willing to be a novice at itIt takes consistent action to produce monumental resultsObservation can be a superpowerTeenagers don’t always want to do what you think should be funGive your children choices with family vacations and valuesOur thoughts are powerfulWhat it means to be Sendy in life and parentingThe role of outdoor activities in building resilienceApplying Maslow's hierarchy of needs to parentingCreating secure attachments with childrenThe importance of emotional safety and connectionChapters:00:00 Introducing TaLisha Landon04:15 An Emulous Observer09:12 What is a Generalist or Polymath15:02 Everyday Strong Program: Build Resilience in Kids21:30 Connecting Through Outdoor Activities26:57 Circle Security Parenting31:15 The Benefit of Imperfect Parenting33:04 Midway35:21 Learning New Creative Outlets36:53 Why TaLisha is Sendy40:00 Outdoor Adventure with Kids43:20 Practical Advice for Hiking with Children45:33 Regulating Emotions: Child and Parent49:10 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Everyday Strong with United Way of Utah CountyCircle of Security ParentingStrengthening Families Program 10-14Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David EpsteinSHARP SurveyThe OfficeOgden Nature Center@utahmountainmamaFree Coaching & Subscribe:👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com 👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar

What would you do if your home country suddenly went to war?When Russia invaded Ukraine, Svitlana Miller watched from Utah as friends and family fled their homes. Instead of feeling helpless, she acted.What started as a small effort to help loved ones grew into To Ukraine With Love, a nonprofit that has helped thousands of displaced Ukrainians.In this powerful Podcasthon 2026 episode, Svitlana shares war stories, unexpected miracles, and why ordinary people often create the greatest impact.This conversation may change how you see your own ability to help.Meet My GuestSvitlana Miller is the founder of To Ukraine With Love, a humanitarian nonprofit that has raised over $60 million and helped house 4,000+ displaced Ukrainians since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Born in Kyiv, she moved to the U.S. to attend Brigham Young University and worked in higher education consulting before launching the nonprofit. Svitlana lives in Utah with her husband and three children and believes courage means acting despite fear.Key Takeaways• Courage grows one small action at a time• You don’t need 100% capacity—give the 80% you have• Extraordinary impact often comes from ordinary people• Children frequently lead with compassion and creativity• Faith can grow even in difficult circumstances• Crisis can spark community building and innovation• Instead of asking “Why?”, ask “What are we going to do next?”Chapters00:00 Defining a Sendy Mom06:45 Svitlana's Ukraine Story09:50 A Mother's Dreams12:12 Building a Business in Post-Soviet Ukraine21:47 Navigating Faith as a Teenager35:30 Midway38:14 Dreams and Miracles45:32 The Impact of War54:37 Building Hope: To Ukraine With Love01:00:28 From Urgent Needs to Rebuilding Communities01:04:47 A Child's Heart and Commitment01:13:55 Non-Profit Status Miracle01:18:21 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the ShowResources are found at sendymom.comTo Ukraine With Love – please consider donatingPodcasthon 2026Episode #039 – Meredith ParfetEpisode #024 – Rachel Miner (Bellwether International)The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten BoomTurning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War (Netflix)Faith MattersRising Phoenix Tutoring nonprofitFree Coaching & Subscribe👉 Subscribe: sendymom.com 👉 Email Becky: becky@sendymom.com Becky’s Free Coaching Calendar

How do you hear God in a noisy world?In this powerful episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, Becky Brouwer sits down with certified forest therapy guide and author Brittney Barney to explore how slowing down in nature can heighten your spiritual awareness and deepen your connection with God.After navigating divorce, rediscovering herself through service in Guatemala, and learning to tune into divine promptings, Brittney found healing in nature and eventually became a certified forest therapy guide. She now helps others experience peace, presence, and spiritual renewal through guided sensory awareness outdoors.Together, Becky and Brittney talk about:How to hear God more clearlyUsing music as prayerHealing after divorceWhat forest therapy actually isSlowing down as a spiritual practiceWriting a faith-based bookBeing a “Sendy Mom” by following divine nudgesIf you feel overwhelmed, spiritually disconnected, or just exhausted from the noise of daily life, this conversation will gently guide you back to stillness.Meet My GuestBrittney Barney holds degrees in English and Secondary Education and is a certified forest therapy guide. She teaches music at two private schools in Eastern Washington and is the mother of seven children. She is the author of Becoming a Mighty Pray-er: Encountering the Lord with All Your Senses and is passionate about helping others reconnect with God through nature, mindfulness, and heightened spiritual awareness.Key TakeawaysBeing “Sendy” means following God’s promptings—even when it’s uncomfortable.Slowing down increases spiritual sensitivity.Music can become a powerful form of prayer.Service helps restore identity after loss.Divorce does not diminish your worth.Forest therapy invites presence, not performance.Nature quiets the noise so we can hear God.You don’t have to wait for your kids to grow up to pursue your calling.God multiplies your time when you follow Him.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Brittney Barney and Her Journey04:21 What is a Sendy Mom?06:09 Family Dynamics from an Idaho Girl08:50 The Musical Prayer10:05 Navigating Divorce as a Young Adult12:53 Healing Through Serving18:05 Becoming a Certified Forest Therapy Guide20:34 Forest Therapy: A Unique Approach to Healing28:16 Midway30:42 Writing a Book: Dealing with Criticism34:26 Volunteering Can Lead to Career Opportunities36:03 Managing a Busy Schedule37:44 Crossroads: Determining the Next Step43:32 The Gift of Being Seen44:57 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Find all the mentions at sendymom.com https://sendymom.com/2026/02/26/overwhelmed-mom-how-30-minutes-in-nature-can-change-your-spiritual-life/Schedule a free life coaching call here: https://calendly.com/becky-sendymom/30min

What do you do when life permanently changes?In this deeply honest conversation, Meredith Parfet — CEO, crisis strategist, hospice chaplain, and mother — shares how losing a sister, surviving a near-death childbirth, and navigating business failure reshaped her understanding of grief, identity, and courage.We talk about advocating for yourself when it matters most, teaching your children to advocate instead of rescuing them, shifting from achievement to curiosity, and finding meaning through suffering.If you’ve ever faced loss, supported someone in crisis, or wondered how to stay alive and engaged through heartbreak — this episode will steady you.Meet My Guest:Meredith Wilson Parfet is the founder and CEO of Ravenyard Group, where she leads individuals and organizations through high-stakes crisis — from legal and regulatory action to complex family disputes and reputational collapse. With nearly two decades in asset management and hedge funds, including serving as COO for alternative investment funds, Meredith brings both operational precision and deep human care to her work.After experiencing profound personal loss, a near-death childbirth, and business failure, Meredith developed a rare capacity to walk toward hardship rather than away from it. In a full-circle twist, she also serves as a humanist hospice chaplain, sitting with individuals and families at the end of life.A fifth-generation Colorado native, Meredith restores the Sendy way — in the mountains with her family, chasing curiosity, courage, and meaning.New here?Try these episodes: What is a Sendy Mom?How to Normalize Risk & Set Impossible GoalsThe Truth About Parenting Neuro-Divergent KidsChapters:00:00 Introducing Meredith Parfet 06:29 Being a Spiritual Traveler 12:07 Dealing with Grief When a Child Dies Suddenly 13:57 Near Death Experience in Childbirth: Advocate for Yourself 20:03 Teaching Children Advocacy: Dyslexia and Finding Friends 25:48 Crippling Perfectionism: Learning from Failure 27:01 Balancing Achievement with Curiosity 29:55 Transformative Experiences in Crisis Management 32:42 Finding Meaning in Grief 38:22 Midway 39:49 Learning To Process Emotions as an Adult 42:30 The Importance of Nature and Play 46:08 Reflections at the End of Life 50:57 Future Aspirations and Creative Pursuits 59:40 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Find links at: https://sendymom.com/2026/02/16/when-life-falls-apart-navigating-crisis-with-clarity-and-compassion/How to Handle Grief at Work and Beyond - Meredith Parfet - TEDProject Hail Mary by Andy Weir Bridgerton on Netflix Emily in Paris on Netflix hospice4utah.com - become a volunteer at a hospice!FREE LIFE COACHING with Becky BrouwerBe Sendy and Subscribe! sendymom.com

Most of us are waiting for clarity before we move forward. But what if clarity comes after we take the step?In this powerful conversation, Amy Antonelli and Becky Brouwer challenge the idea that life must follow a predictable order. Instead, they invite you to hold a visual vision of who you are becoming—and to trust that God is co-creating that future with you, even through uncertainty, pain, and unexpected turns.Together, they explore courage, faith, and what it means to live out a customized curriculum—a deeply personal path of growth that rarely looks the way we expect but often leads to profound purpose.New to Sendy Mom? Start here:Episode Trailer: What Is a Sendy Mom?Episode #028: The Truth About Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (And Why You’re Not Alone)Episode #036: Normalize the Risk: 7 Lessons from Jenn Drummond on Setting Impossible GoalsMeet My Guest:Amy Antonelli is the CEO of HXP (Humanitarian Experience), a faith-centered humanitarian organization that has sent nearly 40,000 teenagers to more than 70 locations worldwide since 2016. Before HXP, Amy spent seven years serving in leprosy colonies in India as the first Executive Director of Rising Star Outreach.Amy’s background also includes leadership roles in Silicon Valley, where she worked as a spokesperson for Apple’s executive team, including Steve Jobs, helped build PowerSchool, and later led mission-driven initiatives at Facebook. She holds a master’s degree from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University.Married for the first time at age 50, Amy is now navigating life as a wife and stepmother and believes deeply that loving God and loving people always creates miracles.Key Takeaways:Understanding your customized curriculumDeveloping a visual vision for who you are becomingWhy finding purpose is not a one-time eventCo-creating your life with God when things don’t go as plannedDon’t wait for life to improve—get goingHow HXP builds confidence, resilience, and identity in teensWhy positive peer groups matter long after service trips endAssuming positive intent can transform relationshipsCo-parenting with mutual respect is possibleShared spiritual practices strengthen familiesService helps youth discover who they truly areChapters:00:00 Introducing Amy Antonelli04:20 Defining a Sendy Mom06:31 Co-Creating Your Customized Curriculum11:01 The Power of a Visual Vision17:57 Navigating Life’s Unexpected Turns33:33 Get Off the Bench39:25 First Marriage at 50 & Blended Family Life46:00 How HXP Changes Teens57:19 The Impact of Service01:05:12 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Find links to the show notes: Amy Antonelli #038Be Sendy and Subscribe!

How do you teach your children structure and resilience—while also recognizing when your own life needs to change?In this episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, host Becky Brouwer sits down with Rachel Lark, a former ICU and ER nurse turned medical aesthetics entrepreneur, to talk about parenting, courage, identity, and choosing growth even when the path isn’t clear. Rachel shares how structure and empathy shape her parenting, how she knew it was time to pivot professionally, and why medical aesthetics can enhance natural beauty without compromising who you are.If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or quietly longing for more—this conversation will help normalize the risk of making a change.New to Sendy Mom? Start here:Episode Trailer: What Is a Sendy Mom?Episode #028: The Truth About Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (And Why You’re Not Alone)Episode #036: Normalize the Risk: 7 Lessons from Jenn Drummond on Setting Impossible GoalsAbout the Podcast:Sendy Mom helps women build courage, resilience, and connection by learning from women who do hard things. If she can do this, so can you. It’s not too late.Meet the Guest: Rachel LarkRachel Lark grew up learning the value of hard work and high standards. Alongside her husband, James Lark (former BYU quarterback), she focuses on teaching her children structure, empathy, and joy. After years working in the ICU and Emergency Room, Rachel courageously pivoted into aesthetic nursing and now runs a successful medical spa from her home. Her story is a reminder that change is often “figuroutable”—even when you don’t know where to start.Key Takeaways:Teaching children structure prepares them for real lifeEmpathy grows when kids interact with diverse and neurodivergent peersRecognizing dissatisfaction is the first step toward changeCourage often comes after actionMedical aesthetics can enhance beauty without erasing identitySelf-love matters in a culture of comparisonChapters:00:00 Introducing Rachel Lark03:14 Creating Family Values08:07 Love and Marriage: Building 1 from 216:54 Teaching Resilience and Problem-Solving22:06 Career Path as a Nurse Identified at HXP24:02 Soccer Dreams Derailed30:58 Working in a Mental Hospital34:09 Teaching Empathy38:21 Midway40:33 Working in the ICU and Emergency Room47:05 COVID for Nurses48:37 Opening a Med Spa54:09 Botox Stigma55:25 Collagen Filler Benefits01:00:37 Rheumatic Fever01:02:39 Rapid Fire QuestionsMentioned in the Show:Find links at sendymom.comSkylight Calendar52 Modern Manners for KidsThe Truth About Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (And Why You’re Not Alone) with Marci MorrisonOnly the Beautiful by Susan MeissnerEternity Stocking Stuffers for the SoldiersKamut Bread Recipe from The Food Nanny