Mama Bear Dares

On Episode 103 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Becky Straw, co-founder and CEO of The Adventure Project (TAP), shares the empowering work of her organization in the battle towards worldwide justice and equality. Becky, who has been a major player in international aid for over a decade, talks about what her nonprofit is doing to ensure clean water to those who go without and shows us how she has engaged her Mama Bear in battle. Tesi and Leslie listen as Becky shares the origin story of TAP, tells inspiring stories from the field, provides research and observations on global needs and reality, and reveals the importance of the people who tend to be most supportive to the work of TAP. Can you guess who that might be? MOMS and Millennials, of course! Listen in to this Mama Bear Dares episode to be inspired by Becky's heart for social justice and consider joining her this World Water Day! Read complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website.

One Episode 102 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Carmen Sognonvi, founder and publisher of the beautiful and information-rich online destination for luxury family travel, Top Flight Family, shares her belief in traveling with kids. Carmen joins Tesi and Leslie in a discussion of the eye-opening power of traveling with children (whether abroad or in your own state or country), the sense of adventure and curiosity travel nurtures, and the value of time spent together outside your everyday environment. The women discuss the beauty of exploring different places, people, and culture with kids in tow, discuss the practical tips for making it happen, and dive into the layers of race, gender, economic privilege, and family make-up in the travel sphere. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website!

It's an all-out celebration! Tesi and Leslie take a moment to look back over their first 101 (!) episodes and appreciate all the incredible women who have shared wisdom, knowledge, perspective, and laughs at the microphone over the last year. What an amazing group of women!! The hosts marvel over their good fortune, reminisce about starting the podcast nearly one year ago, look forward to future episodes and growth, and end with a few fun segments, one that Tesi lovingly refers to as "Dreamweaver" and, finally, an "Ask Us Anything" with a question from a reader that has the hosts diving deep for wisdom. Sign up for the Mama Bear Newsletter and read complete Show Notes at the Mama Bear Dares website!

On the 100th (!) episode of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk to Esther Emery, author of the beautiful memoir What Falls From the Sky, about motherhood, womanhood, and engaging the Mama Bear in summoning the courage to do what is right for us as individuals. The women discuss what life is like without digital distraction, where personal validation comes from, and recognizing and overcoming the obstacles that keep us from being our very best selves. Leslie and Tesi adore the book and the conversation and think listeners will be fascinated by Esther's story and her wisdom. Listen in as the women unpack What Falls From the Sky and revel in a fantastic episode 100! For full Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear website!

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie talk about the Danish tradition of the "Hygge" as a means of not just surviving winter, but embracing the season and all of its gifts. They extol the benefits of fire and throw blankets in a way that ultimately prepares each of us for action and social change. Hygge sounds a lot like self care, and Tesi and Leslie discuss it's value in their 99th(!) podcast. The episode ends with a rare Pop Culture segment in which Tesi and Leslie spend a bit of time deconstructing all things Super Bowl and the episode ends with a Mama Bear wrap-up and a dare for intentional rest and better living! Full Show Notes are availabe on the MBD website, where you can also sign up for the newsletter!

On Episode 98 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Tesi grabs the mic and sits down in the living room of her new home in her new town and talks to Kate Segal, a mom, spouse, friend, life-long public servant, and former member of the Michigan House of Representatives. What does it take to be a successful politician at the state level? How was she able to mother and serve simultaneously? What's day-to-day life in politics like? How can we, as engaged Mama Bears, make sure our voices are heard? These are just a few of the questions Kate answers as Tesi dives deep into a conversation about democracy and civic responsibility. Regardless of political leanings, listeners will find the honesty and optimism of Kate to be refreshing and her life in the trenches to be fascinating! Full Show Notes can be found at www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie make an announcement about the podcast, update listeners on Leslie's health scare, and engage in a lively and honest conversation about the epidemic of busyness that they believe has taken over in the Western world. The women lament the pressure they feel to perform and the risk of wrapping individual worth with individual production. Leslie talks about how BUSY has been like a DRUG to her over the last year and about how she's learning to slow down and be better. As is often true, the new year is the perfect time to evaluate your relationship to what you give your time to and where your priorities lie. The sisters-in-law hope that listeners will find some reassurance as they share their journeys and will join the conversation on line. The episode ends with a sobering story in the segment So What Happened Was... and then lightens up a bit with a Mama Bear wrap-up and a dare for braver, better living. For complete Show Notes and to sign up for the Mama B

On Episode 96 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie sit down with Devon Schaaf to talk about mission, motherhood, and the indescribable grace that Devon has shown the world after losing an infant and a nearly full-term baby. The honesty, optimism, and quiet fortitude that Devon reveals during this interview will inspire listeners to reflect on their own lives as well as the incredible resiliency of humanity. Tesi and Leslie loved getting to know this remarkable Mama Bear who turned her grief into a salve for others and know that listeners will too! For full Show Notes, visit our website! Sign-up for the Mama Bear Dares newsletter: www.mamabeardarespodcast.com Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @mamabeardares  

One of the largest marches in our country's history happened over the weekend and co-hosts Tesi and Leslie spend Episode 95 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast discussing its meaning for the Mama Bear community. The women spend this mini episode talking about who participated, why they participated, the positives, the backlash, and, perhaps most significantly, what a Mama Bear can do now that the march is over and the real work begins. The hosts hope that listeners of all political orientations will take the time to listen to the voices around them and to carve out space and time to think about their relationship to America and the ways in which they might take action (even if it's nerve-wracking or falls out of a typical comfort zone) to make the world a more loving and compassionate place. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website!

Have you ever wanted to reach out to a parenting coach or take a class on how to be a better parent but just not been able to find the time or make the commitment? On Episode 94 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie spend an hour with parenting coach Randi Rubenstein and learn all kinds of new parenting tips and tricks. Throughout the interview, Randi offers buckets of advice on how to improve your parenting game. As an author and coach, Randi helps parents stay calm and think clearly during triggered moments with their kids and to change unhealthy patterns, including ones that were passed down through generations of their family. It’s an enlightening interview that will leave listeners with new, practical parenting tools...and a taste for more advice from Randi! For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear website!

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie talk about minimalism and how to intentionally live with less stuff ... even with a big family or kids in tow. Prompted by the new year, Tesi's impending move, and the viewing of Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things, Tesi and Leslie talk about their own consumer habits, both the good and the bad. Together, they brainstorm ideas on how to live a lifestyle free of over-consumption, how to teach children to value human beings, relationships, and interactions over the quest for more stuff, and how to embrace this counter-cultural way of life when it constantly requires swimming upstream. The new year is the perfect time to evaluate your relationship to your things, and to possibly purge, or at least pick up a few new habits. The co-hosts admit that they are nowhere close to figuring out the right balance, but are ready to learn. They conclude the episode with a segment called The Struggle Bus, admitting all the ways that they value, yet fail

On Episode 92 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi sit down with Tatiana Amico, a health coach who works to empower women to take control of their health and life. Tatiana is generous with advice and offers listeners great tips and tricks, drawing from her own experience and expertise. Tatiana reveals her past as a yo-yo dieter and negative thinker who struggled with work, her relationship to food, and anxiety and depression. Once her son was born, Tatiana’s Mama Bear came out in full force and she set out to change her lifestyle and do the work she felt most called to do. The three women discuss the ways that Tatiana began taking control of her life, learning the practical tools that she employed to leave diets behind and stop making excuses, building a successful business, and embracing a life she wants to live. Tatiana, Tesi, and Leslie spend their time focusing on the how-to behind Tatiana’s mission and the ways in which we can all stop complaining, start taking action, and love ourselves compl

On this Mama Bear Mini episode, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie talk about the reason behind your new year's goals and resolution. As a personal trainer and fitness professional, Tesi has observed countless New Year weight and fitness goals and has turned what she's witnessed into a few practical steps that she has found must be in place in order for success to be had. The women talk about the basics like working out and eating, but they also dive into meditation and therapy, the need to fail before rising strong, the power of positive self talk, and the importance of finding a community of people invested in health. Finally, Leslie gets vulnerable and tells the story of her current health journey and how she is currently wading through a health reality that has shocked and scared her. The women process all of this and then leave listeners with a resolution: You are in control of your health and destiny. Pay attention to your body and nurture it well. Why? Because at their core, Tesi and Leslie believe that every si

Natalie Hanson is a mom of five, a blogger, a woman passionate about ensuring all of Tulsa, Oklahoma is fed and taken care of, and a young woman from Georgia who married young...to Taylor Hanson. (Yes, that’s one of THE Hanson brothers). One of Tesi and Leslie’s all-time favorite guests, Julie Lyles Carr, recommended “one of her favorite people in the history of all time” and after listening to the conversation that takes place with Natalie, you’ll be able to see why. Natalie, Tesi, and Leslie dive into marrying and mothering young, involving kids in community service, teaching sons and daughters to “show up,” and taking note of what’s going on in your own backyard. As always, Leslie and Tesi highlight the incredible work their guests are doing and hope listeners take away nuggets of love in action, as all of us journey toward understanding and living our best lives! (This episode also includes The Obsess Sesh!) For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardarespodcast.com.

On Episode 89 of the Mama Bear Dares podcast, Tesi and Leslie get practical. As a family unit in a complex world, they know that listeners are just like them...they’re continually evolving and redefining who they are and where their values lie. How do we identify those values and live them out on the daily? How do we express our values as a family? One way is through the creation of a “family brand.” Tesi and Leslie follow cues from Bruce Feiler’s The Secrets of Happy Families and dive into how to make a family brand. Similar to a mission statement, a family brand is a motivator when obstacles mount and articulates success in times of celebration; can help parents make decisions in moments both big and small; and is easily repeatable and ultimately can unite your household and serve as a reminder of what you hold dear. The Mama Bears love the promise that the new year brings and today’s episode will follow the theme of new beginnings and narrow in on how our intentions of lovingkindness might play out as a fa

Like many of us, mom, friend, PhD candidate, and activist Tabitha Mpamira-Kaguri has become consumed with by the brokenness of the world. Unlike some, she’s experienced it firsthand, and, heroically, is working for redemption—not just for herself but for victims of sexual assault living in America AND those a world away in sub-Saharan Africa. On Episode 88 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi, Leslie, and Tabitha talk about what it looks like to turn heartache and rage into action and healing. They deep dive into the treatment of women worldwide, the dominance of the pervading rape culture, and the ways in which we can turn the tide toward dignity and equality. The conversation is far-reaching, and will ultimately inspire listens to be open to the pain of the world and engage their Mama Bear to work for justice in ways big and small. For complete Show Notes, visit www.mamabeardares.com.

In the final Mama Bear Dares episode of 2016, co-hosts Leslie and Tesi celebrate the season and talk through holiday preparations and expectations. The women reminisce about the ups and downs of 2016, highlight the memorable moments, and plan ahead with great hope for 2017. They also read listener comments in response to Episode 85's segment#imartyrsohard and find great relief in the fact that so many listeners came forward over the last week as Mama Bear martyrs! Tesi and Leslie wrap up this holiday mini episode with the ever-popular Obsess Sesh and encourage listeners to enjoy themselves and their families over this magical stretch of time. The Mama Bear Dares podcast is seven months in and the hosts couldn't be more grateful for YOU and your support! Happy Holidays! For full Show Notes, visit our website!

On Episode 86 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi go deep with Andrea Levoff, The Dope Ass Mom. Andrea is a writer, performer, stand-up comic (she's a Second City alum!) and mom to two. She's created a dope-ass web series that is purely comedic (and so, so funny!), but her message is earnest and aims to teach moms to find more joy in parenting. In the conversation between the three women, Andrea reveals her wisdom and shares her ongoing journey toward truth. The three women discuss what we can learn from our children, how we can guide them in their development into kind, loving human beings, how we can draw from our partner's strengths, how to let go of expectations and embrace the present, and how to ultimately find joy in the journey. Check out complete Show Notes at www.mamabeardares.com.

On this Mama Bear Mini, Leslie and Tesi discuss ways to maintain sanity and fully enjoy the holiday season. They come up with a short, snappy list of ways that they’re planning minimize the stress of the season and celebrate its joys instead. The hosts encourage listeners to allow this season to be one of managed expectations, embracing “okay” (rather than perfectionism!), and allowing a pace that’s relaxed enough to truly enjoy the special moments this season brings. In doing so, Tesi and Leslie remind listeners that in order to outwardly spread their love in the world, they need to fill up on love themselves. Finally, the co-hosts debut a new segment called I Martyr So Hard (#imartyrsohard) in which they examine the posture of a modern-day martyr and fess up to times they’ve entered martyr-mode. You won’t want to miss it! For complete Show Notes, head to the Mama Bear Dares website!

On Episode 84 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie converse with Margot Starbuck about a topic back by popular demand: Youth Sports Culture. Margot is the author of the book Overplayed: A Parent's Guide to Sanity in the World of Youth Sports and offers hosts and listeners great insight and information about the current landscape of youth sports in America and encourages us to engage our Mama Bear for the sake of our kids and the American psyche. This episode of full of great statistics and research, helpful anecdotes, and wisdom that applies to parenting athletes and non-athletes alike. Read complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website!