Mama Bear Dares

On Episode 223 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie sits down with Kelly Welk, hostess extraordinaire and anti-sex trafficking advocate. Years ago, Kelly looked around and saw extra — extra food in her refrigerator, extra space in her home, extra seats at her table — and felt compelled to find ways to share her plenitude. She started by throwing a dinner party for friends to raise money for Rescue Freedom International and has since raised tens of thousands of dollars for trafficked girls, started a business, and engaged her community in big and beautiful ways. The women talk about how to act on your big and bold dreams, how to channel what you love into making a difference in what you care most about, and how to find the courage and wisdom to engage the Mama Bear to share your abundance. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 222 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi dig in and discuss all things summer. They begin with a conversation about self-love and body shame…namely how we as women internalize the messages surrounding what we wear to the beach. The co-hosts believe deeply that we all have bikini bodies and encourage listeners to celebrate theirs! The women also discuss new research and parenting teens with screens over the summer months. They wrap up the episode talking about health, healthcare, and advocating for ourselves as women seeking attention, understanding, and treatment. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

On Episode 221 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Justine Nobbe, the co-founder of the Adventure Mamas Initiative and all-around Mama Bear. The co-hosts couldn’t wait to talk to Justine after a listener wrote in and said this: “The organization [Adventure Mamas] is hell-bent on seeing mamas take the time to take care of themselves and to find a strength they didn’t know they had among a group of supportive and badass women. Justine is our brave warrior leading with intention, authenticity, KINDNESS, and verve. I admire her work, her family, and her badass survival skills.” Justine lived up to every work of this high praise…and more! Listen in as the three women discuss adventure and motherhood, maternal wellness, emotional health, why movement matters and intersectional inclusion in a male-dominated space. It’s an uplifiting conversation, friends. Listen in! (For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.)

On Episode 220 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, co-hosts Leslie and Tesi drop back in with Tatum Drewes to talk about health, healing, and helping. Not only is Tatum an inspiring woman, pioneer, and business owner who believes in helping others live their best, pain-free life, but she's also an expert in CBD oil and the medicinal properties of the hemp plant. Tatum owns Higher Healing and is generous in sharing her passion and knowledge as the hosts learn more about this natural healing phenomenon and how much it can benefit women across a country in the midst of an opioid drug crisis. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 219 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Ashley Asti, a woman who is using her Mama Bear to form relationships with men and women incarcerated in our country. Ashley became a pen-pal to over 30 prisoners and extends her spirit and care as someone who teaches and encourages women in prison to put pen to paper and express themselves through writing. The women discuss mass incarceration, Bryan Stevenson’s Just Mercy, the lost art of letter writing, and poetry as activism. Ashley is a powerhouse of love and compassion and her intentionality and thoughtfulness extends into her skincare line as well, which is also discussed on the podcast. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 218 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie settle in for a discussion about slowing down and savoring life, even in the midst of the school’s end, summer’s arrival, and the never-ending spectacle of the White House. Lunch, really, is a metaphor for political activism, a fight against the patriarchy, and self-care. The women remind listeners to take a step back the perfection demanded of women by society and instead embrace their true nature during this season, whatever it may be. The sisters/co-hosts end the episode with an impassioned OBSESS SESH, during which they discuss books, television, recipes, clothing, and a questionable DIY health remedy. Check out complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 217 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Huda Essa, an extraordinary woman who uses her training and experience to educate and influence communities across the nation as a Cultural Competency Consultant. Huda is a TEDx speaker and the author of a motivational children's book, Teach Us Your Name, which is focused on empowering children to take pride in their many identities while showing respect for themselves and others. Throughout the conversation, the three women discuss the importance of recognizing personal biases, understanding the influence of our culture, and the small yet profound steps all of us can take in order to promote a more accepting and inclusive world. Check out complete Show Notes on the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 216 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down the phenomenal Kristen Carbone. Kristen lost her mother to breast cancer and knew that she, too, could face the possibility of cancer head-on. In 2013, she took her life into her own hands and had a preventative mastectomy and silicone implant reconstruction. This experience changed her identity … immediately and forever. Kristin shares her story and inspires listeners with her courage, honestly, and hard-won wisdom. Check out the Mama Bear Dare website for complete Show Notes.

On Episode 215 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, co-hosts Tesi and Leslie devote their Mama Bear Mini to talking about terrorism, what it is, who is committing acts of terror, and how the media, politicians, and our culture contribute to how we view the topic. It’s an interesting discussion that’s less about actual acts of terrorism and more about the way this modern threat shapes the way we think and the way we live our lives. Leslie also reports on the flooding in the Midwest. This episode is a bit intense, but as always, the sisters do their best to educate and inspire. Check out the Mama Bear Dares website for complete Show Notes.

On Episode 213 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie and Tesi re-release an episode that aired last summer with the late Rachel Held Evans. The two struggle to say goodbye to this thinker, writer, and modern-day prophet. Rachel was someone both women looked up to immensely and the sisters grieve at her passing. During this conversation, Tesi and Rachel talk about the faith, justice, and a Mama Bear's response to the world we live in. They specifically dive into Rachel's book, Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again, and wade through new answers to age-old questions like: How do you love your neighbor when you vehemently disagree with their beliefs? How do you overcome personal insecurities and be an advocate for truth and justice? What can we learn from the bible about satire, resistance, peace, and cultural disruption? Leslie and Tesi will spend the week mourning the loss of this sister and fellow Mama Bear. They hope listeners will continue to read Rachel’s books and blogs an

On Episode 213 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie discuss a few headlines that have their attention lately. They spend the hour looking at politics around the globe and the ways in which women are insisting upon and leading major change. They discuss the female-led protests in Sudan where women have shown up and watched their dictator, Omar Al Bashir, step down from decades of horrific leadership, and the power that women, particularly women of color, have in the upcoming caucus and election here in the States. They encourage listeners to watch for the women around them who are leading us to more love and more compassion and do what they can to lift their sisters up and encourage positive change in all corners of the world. View complete Show Notes at the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 212 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Leslie sits down with Jane Mobacher Morris, author of Buy the Change You Want to See and CEO of To the Market, a global company which connects consumers and businesses to ethically made products from all over the world. During the first five years of her career Jane worked in counter-terrorism at the U.S. Department of State, but after a trip to India during which she visited businesses that liberate women from the sex trade and provide a safe work environment in the artisan industry, Jane decided to make her career switch and start her own company. Leslie and Jane discuss her fascinating journey, their shared belief of the power each of us holds in our pockets books, and explore practical tips and actionable advice for becoming a more informed consumer and how to use our purchasing power for good. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 211 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie discuss the college admissions scandal and the influence of wealth, privilege, race, and connection in accessing higher education in America. The two discuss the waste of the mama bear exhibited by the people involved in “Varsity Blues” … and ask themselves hard questions: If we had the wealth and influence, would we do the same? Are there ways in which our mama bear has gone wild in her own unique way? Has she been wasted? The women discuss ways that the mama bear can indeed go wild and how we can actively work on reigning her in when need be. They challenge listeners (and themselves!) to NOT be the ones to use our voices and our rage for those who are already at the top and who are already the benefactors of all the privilege the world offers, but rather use the mama bear on behalf of the truly vulnerable among us. For complete Show Notes visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 210 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie take a break from politics and gnashing of teeth to reflect, recharge, and “get their house in order” so that they can be more effective in the passionate march toward more love and more justice. The women talk about the beauty of simplicity and the challenge of finding peace and balance as a modern-day American woman. They focus on money, media, parenting, and relationships and within each category discuss ways to simplify life in order to live with clearer intentions and meaning. The Mama Bear road to revolution is always complex and today it points inward. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 209 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Lisa Leonard, the woman behind the much-celebrated international company Lisa Leonard Designs. During this conversation, Lisa pulls back the curtain on her success and reveals that for most of her life, she struggled with perfection and self-worth … trying to be the perfect mom and the perfect wife, all while running a thriving business. Lisa shares the story of how her world crashed down around her and how through reflection, therapy, a supportive community, faith, and hard work, she is now living a life of more balance, more honesty, and more joy. These three women bring it ALL to the table and their conversation is authentic, relatable, and completely inspiring! View complete Show Notes on the MBD website.

On Episode 208 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie talk about the power dynamics of language in relation to gender. In an episode that critiques the culture in which we are raising both boys and girls, they share stories, statistics, and why it’s important to encourage one another and teach our daughters to stand up for ourselves in conversation. The sisters are vulnerable, passionate, and adamant about encouraging listeners to recognize the power of your own voice and use your Mama Bear strength to assert your words in the world. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares podcast website.

On Episode 207 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi sits down with the fabulous women of Pantsuit Politics, Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland to talk about the importance of productive political dialogue and how we can be patient, vulnerable, and grace-filled even in the most hot-button conversations. The women discuss their new book, I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening), as well as topics that range from the Dixie Chicks to Covington Catholic High School to the importance of women talking about politics and how to do so with our kids. Listeners will love the spirited dialogue and come away better prepared to engage in the politics and policy that so crucially impact our everyday lives. For complete Show Notes, visit the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 206 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down with Leslie’s personal Patron Saint of Time Management, Laura Vanderkam. A hugely successful author and expert, Laura offers listeners researched and thoughtful advice on managing the precious resource of time, setting priorities, and structuring a day, week, month, or year to experience the most love, peace, joy, and productivity possible. In a light-hearted and information-rich conversation, the women also dive into balance, women in the workplace, and parenting schedule-savy kids. Find out more on the Mama Bear Dares website.

On Episode 205 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie sit down for a fascinating conversation with Grace Estripeaut, a mental detox expert and all-around fascinating woman. The three jump right in to discuss Grace’s story and life’s work. Grace helps listeners with stories and practical steps to guide them to a calmer life with more clarity. Grace shares tips on how to switch off your busy mind and decompress so you can actually sleep and start the next day refreshed, how to boost your energy and improve your mood, how to find SPACE in your life, and ways to fuel your tank, encourage your vision, and stay focused on what matters most -- regardless of what’s happening around you! Listeners will be blown away by this conversation! Find out more on the Mama Bear Dares Podcast website.

On Episode 204 of the Mama Bear Dares Podcast, Tesi and Leslie go back to school to learn more about intersectionality. The co-hosts are earnest in their discussion and do their best to define the term, learn its history, and drive home the importance of considering interectionality in our feminism, advocacy, and march toward justice. Visit the Mama Bear Dares website for complete Show Notes.