American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast

"Love is the safety net that lets our children truly thrive."In Part 2 of our special series, Deanne Taylor explores the "Emotional Bond"—the heartbeat that keeps a family steady. Curating the best insights from the 2026 Mother of the Year video interviews and written philosophies, this episode dives into how a mother’s consistent presence creates the security a child needs to grow..How does a mother’s love transform a child’s confidence? This episode explores the profound impact of creating emotional security. Deanne curates the best advice from mothers across the country on building a child’s self-esteem through the simple, powerful act of "being there."In This Episode, You’ll Hear From:The "Safety Net" Group: Real talk on how unconditional love creates the environment where children feel safe enough to fail, grow, and eventually soar.The Power of "Being There": Why showing up—even when you're exhausted—is your most significant parenting tool.Mother vs. Friend: Navigating the balance of providing emotional security while still offering firm guidance.Self-Care for the "Soul Mom": Why loving yourself and getting some sleep is essential to pouring into your kids.Key Takeaways:The Heartbeat: Understanding love as an active verb, not just a feeling. Building Self-Esteem: How emotional security at home translates into confidence in the outside world.Practical Wisdom: Real-world advice on "parenting on purpose" and aligning your life with your values.Resources Mentioned:Meet the Moms: See the faces and read the full stories of the 2026 Mothers of the Year featured on the website at AmericanMothers.org.Soul Mom Community: Follow us on social media to share your own "Heartbeat" moments and how you're building confidence in your home. Facebook: American Mothers Community American Mothers Inc.Coming Up Next:Stay tuned for Part 3: The Pivot, where we’ll talk about resilience, overcoming challenges, and finding the strength to keep going when motherhood gets tough.

"We aren't just teaching our kids what to do; we are teaching them who to be."In this kickoff episode, Deanne Taylor curates the most powerful moments from the 2026 Mother of the Year video interviews. After diving into the stories of 36 incredible women from across the country, Deanne has selected 12 "Soul Moms" to help us explore the foundation of intentional parenting.How do we actually raise kind kids when there are so many different voices out there? From the quiet power of integrity and humility to the active service of the Golden Rule, these mothers share the practical ways they are guiding their families. Whether it’s starting a summer running camp, sharing a miniature horse through 4-H, or simply learning not to be reactive in a tense moment, this episode is a beautiful reminder that your unique passions are exactly what your community needs.In This Episode, You’ll Hear From:The "Core Values" Group: Insights on teaching honesty, accountability, faith, and the bravery it takes to do what’s right.The "Golden Rule" Group: Real-life examples of service, from military family foundations and T-ball coaching to creating fitness communities for busy moms.Key Takeaways:Your Mom Intuition: Why your core values act as the internal guide for your home.The Heart Meets the Hands: How to transition from teaching kindness to living it out in your neighborhood.Intentional Kindness: A fresh perspective on the Golden Rule—asking what people need and treating them how they want to be treated.Resources Mentioned:Meet the Moms: Want to see the faces behind these voices? Read the full bios and see the videos of all the 2026 Mothers of the Year at AmericanMothers.org.Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media to share which "Soul Mom" nugget resonated with you most today!Coming Up Next:Don't miss Part 2: The Heartbeat, where we dive into the power of unconditional love and building our children's confidence.Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

With over 60% of mothers reporting they feel isolated, the need for genuine connection has never been greater. In this episode of Mom to Mom, we explore how to find your "soul mom" and build a support system that spans the country.Joining us is Kim Vogt, the 2022 Nebraska Mother of the Year® and Chair of the 2026 American Mothers National Convention. Kim recounts her surprising journey to being honored and her passion for creating spaces where moms can learn, grow, and—most importantly—connect. She then previews the excitement behind the upcoming gathering in McLean, Virginia—a space designed for mothers to learn from one another, celebrate their roles, and form lifelong bonds. Whether it’s the wisdom of Mothers of the Year® representing 40 states or the festive "Denim and Dogwood" opening night, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do motherhood alone.Key Highlights & Takeaways:Filling the Gap: A heartfelt look at how mothers who lacked strong maternal bonds can find "surrogate" moms and mentors within this community.The "Soul Mom" Connection: Why finding your tribe is the ultimate solution to the isolation so many mothers feel.Nebraska to National: Kim’s surprising journey to becoming 2022 Nebraska Mother of the Year® and her heart for the 2026 National Convention.The 2026 Preview: A look inside the upcoming National Convention in McLean, Virginia—from high-impact classes to the "Denim and Dogwood" celebration.A National Sisterhood: The power of hearing from Mothers of the Year across 40 states and the wisdom they bring to the table.Important Links & Resources:Meet the Moms: View the 2026 Mothers of the Year® from all 40 statesJoin the Celebration: Register for the 2026 American Mothers National ConventionConnect & Grow: Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.®Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

How do we help our children separate what is actually happening from the meaning they are making of it? In Part 2 of our conversation with Alan Smith, we dive into the practical side of "context." Alan shares why he chooses to replace the word "mistake" with "learning consequences" and how giving our children the space to make choices—even ones that don't work out—is the only way to build true wisdom. If you want to raise children who are thinkers rather than just "order-takers," this episode is your roadmap.Key Takeaways:The Event vs. The Meaning: Helping children (and ourselves) realize that their reaction to a situation doesn't have to define their identity.Moving Beyond "Mistakes": Why "Learning Consequences" are the greatest teachers we have.The Trap of Stagnation: Understanding that if we aren't learning from our choices, we aren't progressing.Cultivating Wisdom: How to give children the agency to make choices early so they don't grow up living "secondhand" lives.Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.®Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

Most of us live our lives based on the meaning and emotions we’ve attached to our past, often without realizing those 'stories' aren't the whole truth. Today, Deanne is joined by Alan Smith, who shares how he learned to separate the difficult events of his life—including childhood trauma and the loss of his son—from the narrative he was telling himself about them. Alan introduces a life-changing framework for breaking down our experiences to discover what is a 'secondhand' script and what is your 'firsthand' truth. This episode is a powerful guide for any mother ready to stop living by old expectations and start redirecting her journey toward a place of peace and clarity.The Framework: Redirecting Your StoryThe Event vs. The Story: Learning to see the difference between what actually happened and the emotion-driven meaning we created around it.Deconstructing the Narrative: How to look at a painful memory and ask: "What part of this is my experience, and what part was brought to me by someone else?"The Power of Firsthand Context: Moving from being "dictated to" by your past to making empowered choices based on your present truth.The "Secondhand" Discovery: Identifying the expectations, language, and "scripts" we’ve inherited from others so we can trade them for our own authentic path.Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.(R)Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

In this deeply moving episode, Deanne Taylor sits down with Shantel Dudley, the 2025 Minnesota Mother of the Year(R), to discuss a journey that defines the word resilience. Shantel opens up about a childhood marked by neglect and abuse, and the pivotal moment in her 20s when she decided the cycle stopped with her.How does a woman who stood by the graves of six of her children and survived a traumatic past go on to mother 19 children and minister in maximum-security prisons? Shantel shares the "quiet witnesses" of her youth—the people who showed her a different way to live—and how she used those memories to build a legacy of hope, adoption, and healing.Key Highlights & Takeaways:The Power of Observation: How seeing healthy family dynamics as a child planted the seeds for Shantel’s future transformation.The 20s Turning Point: Why motherhood became the catalyst for Shantel to finally step out of the "victim" role and into her "victor" identity.Redefining Family: The beautiful, complex journey of adopting 11 medically complex children from the U.S. foster care system.Finding Purpose in Pain: How Shantel navigated the loss of six children and used her grief to fuel a ministry of forgiveness and redemption.A Message for Moms: Practical encouragement for any mother feeling weighed down by her past or her current circumstances.Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.(R)Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

In a "grief-illiterate" world, how do we support those walking the path of child loss? Today, Deanne sits down with Monica Charette, a mother who has turned her personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for others. Monica shares the heart behind the ShineOnCass Foundation and her podcast, Holding the Light, which she hosts with her son, Colby. This conversation is for anyone navigating grief or for those who want to learn how to truly show up for a friend in need.Key Takeaways: Navigating a Grief-Illiterate World: Monica discusses the challenge of finding true support in a society that often doesn't know how to talk about deep loss. Child Loss is Forever: A heart-to-heart on why child loss isn't something you "get over," but something you learn to carry with you. Insights from "11 Things": Monica shares a few of the most vital lessons she learned in the wake of loss that she wishes someone had told her sooner. The ShineOnCass Foundation: The beautiful story of how Cassidy’s light continues to shine through the work Monica, Colby, and their family are doing today.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Holding the Light Podcast: Hosted by Monica and Colby Charette."In this episode, Monica shares a few powerful insights from her viral list, '11 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Child Loss.' To hear the full list and dive deeper into her journey with her son Colby, be sure to listen to their podcast, Holding the Light."ShineOnCass Foundation: Learn more about Cassidy’s legacy and how to support their mission.Learn More about American Mothers: www.americanmothers.orgShineOnCass Foundation was awarded a 2025 Golden Rule Grant award from American Mothers, Inc.(R) in honor of Monica Charette. Monica says thank you and explains how the grant helped the ShineOnCass Foundation.Disclaimer:The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.

In this special solo episode, Deanne Taylor opens her heart and her history to share the "treasures" gathered from 55 years in the trenches of motherhood. From raising eight children to welcoming six great-grandchildren, Deanne has seen parenting trends come and go, but she has found that one thing remains constant: the power of connection. Whether you are building on a beautiful family legacy or acting as an Intentional Chain-Breaker to start a new one, this episode is a reminder that you are exactly the mother your children need.In This Episode, We Discuss:The "Mom Bio": Why credentials aren't on a resume, but in the lives of the 8 children, 19 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren who call her Mom and Grandma.The Intentional Chain-Breaker: A heartfelt tribute to the mothers intentionally breaking cycles of silence or chaos to build a home of acceptance.Trusting Your Intuition: Why "Mom Intuition" is more powerful than the noise of social media or the "buck up" mentality of the past.The WIII Filter (Why Is It Important?): A simple, life-changing tool to help you filter out the expectations of others and focus on your family's true values.The 5 Pillars of a Functional Adult: How to prioritize Responsibility, Integrity, Relationships, Service, and Love.Accidental Traditions: Why a Neil Diamond song in a crowded van became a more lasting memory than a "perfect" moment. "America" from the "Jazz Singer" by Neil Diamond.A Note for the Weary Mom:"The laundry will fade and the social media posts will be forgotten, but the connection you are building—the love and the values you are instilling—that is what lasts."Connect with American Mothers:Join the conversation on the American Mothers Community Facebook Page.Visit our website at American Mothers, Inc.®

In this final wrap-up of 2025, we are revisiting the voices that taught us how to be resilient when life gets messy and how to stay connected when the world feels loud. From the science of 'survival emotions' to the art of preserving family legacies and navigating digital boundaries, this episode is a toolkit for the modern mom. Join us for Mom to Mom: Best of 2025 (Part 2) Resilience, Connection, and Tools as we celebrate the grit, heart, and wisdom of our community.Your Tribe Awaits: Simple Steps to a Thriving Mom Community with Becky Rowan and Angela Wilkes - Why consistency and "eye-to-eye" conversations are the foundation of the thriving mom community.A Family is Build on Love: One Mother's Journey from Adoption to Advocacy with Marcy Bursac - Understanding kinship care and how to support the 1 in 25 families touched by adoption.Sharing and Saving Your Stories: Preserving Family Legacy and Connection with Nek'ka Migel - Creative, simple ways to keep family stories alive (like memory quilts and family trees).A Mother's Voice: Navigating Deafness with Charise Davis - A mother’s perspective on deafness and the power of communicating with the heart.A Legacy of Logic: Helping Your Child Master Emotional Awareness (and Practical Steps for You) with Susan Major - How to move from subconscious "survival emotions" (fear, anger) to spiritual vibrations (love, peace).Mothering in the Mess: Finding Your Calm in the Chaos of an Unsteady World with Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton - The Three S’s: Creating a "soft place to land" using Safety, Stability, and Self-regulation.Become a Real-Life Superhero: Unlock your Everyday Superpowers with Mike Tomaino - Discover why true heroism starts with self-compassion and the magic of combining our strengths with those around us.The Art of Encouragement: Insights from a Warthog Pilot with Lynn Taylor - Shifting the focus from the outcome to the effort, and removing the judgment of the "courtroom."Tech and Family: Creating Healthy Digital Habits with Taylor Whitson - Practical tips for family tech agreements and modeling healthy screen habits.Stop Stressing: 4 Habits and Holiday Survival Secrets for Busy Mothers with Tamara K. Anderson and Deanne Taylor - The four essential habits (Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, and Stress Management) to find joy in the chaos.We encourage you to listen to go back and listen to each of the above podcasts to get the full story.Facebook: American Mothers CommunityJoin or Donate: American Mothers website

Welcome to a very special mid-year review! In this episode, we're hitting rewind to revisit the most inspiring, insightful, and foundational moments from the first half of the Mom to Mom Podcast’s fourth season.Join your host, Deanne Taylor, as we celebrate the powerful legacy of American Mothers Inc., hear from incredible Mompreneurs who use their maternal skills to change the business world, and gain strength from mothers who bravely turned personal trauma and unexpected challenges into Grit, Purpose, and Golden Rule service.This episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood is not just a role—it’s a platform for growth, connection, and profound impact. Don't miss these unforgettable clips!In This Episode, We Dive Into:The Power of Legacy: Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of American Mothers Inc. and the deep roots of the Mom to Mom Program (which started in 2006!). Celebrating 90 Years: A Legacy of Connecting, Inspiring, and Honoring Moms with Joyce Stevens and Leanna Lorden.Mompreneurs Who Mean Business: How skills like multi-tasking, creativity, and efficiency developed as a mom can translate into entrepreneurial success. Passion and Purpose: Mompreneurs Who Mean Business with Dr. Frances Ann Bailey, Letisha McLeod, Shawntee Reid, and Chantel Williams.The Golden Rule Grant: The life-changing impact of supporting nonprofits nominated by Mothers of the Year. Mothers Inspiring Change: The Impact of Golden Rule Grants with Emily Brooks, Marie Parente, Richard and Patty Payne.Grit and Resilience: Inspiring stories from mothers who transformed personal abuse, health challenges, and unexpected life events into purpose and strength. -Breaking the Cycle: From Abused Child to Intentional Mom with Doris Donley-The Heart of Her Mission: How Joslynn Skelton is Changing Lives Through Service-My Journey Into Motherhood Came with a Plot Twist with Wendy Hooten.- Protecting Our Kids: Proven Safety Strategies from an Expert with Michael MeyersInstant Connections: Why saying "Yes" to American Mothers can lead to powerful, lifelong friendships and connections across the nation. Unforgettable MOMents: Instant Connections with Jenessa Fillipi and Leanna Lorden.Website: www.americanmothers.orgSupport a Golden Rule Grant. There are several categories: general, military, education, adoptive/foster care, public health, survivor.American Mothers Community Facebook Page

Struggling with stress? You're not alone! In this episode, Tamara K Anderson joins Deanne Taylor to share the ultimate guide to reducing stress, featuring expert wellness habits and practical holiday survival secrets for busy mothers. Learn the 4 Key Habits—from expert Dr. Michael Olpin, Director of the Weber State Stress Relief Center—covering Exercise, Nutrition, Stress Management (including Gratitude and Breathing Techniques), and Sleep.Then, shift your focus to conquering Holiday Chaos with actionable tips on simplifying gift-giving (like giving experiences or rotating names), managing family traditions, practicing self-care (power naps!), and maintaining flexibility to make the season more joyful and less frantic. If you want a peaceful, less stressful holiday season, this is the essential episode for you!Tamara K. Anderson has given us permission to share the link to the interview she did with Dr. Michael Olpin on her personal podcast: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/dr-michael-olpin-4-habits-to-ensure-a-more-balanced-less-stressful-life

Host Deanne Taylor sits down with Marcy Bursac, adoptive mother and founder of the non-profit The Forgotten Adoption Option, whose journey began not with a plan, but with a life-changing trip to an orphanage in Europe. From that moment of seeing a profound need, Marcy's life was rerouted to a mission of love and advocacy.Marcy shares her deeply personal story—including the emotional breaking point that led her to realize her struggle was a lesson for others—and provides listeners with real-world, actionable ways they can support the thousands of children waiting for a forever family.Listen to Discover: 5 Must-Hear Takeaways 🎧From Moldova to Motherhood: The Unexpected Path to Adoption. 🌍Discover how Marcy's experience in a European orphanage and a shared family history of orphanhood led her and her husband to adopt a sibling pair from foster care, highlighting the emotional reality of the adoption process.Affordable Adoption: Why Foster Care Isn't a Financial Question. 💰Learn why adopting through the U.S. foster care system is the most financially affordable option (legal costs up to $\$5,000$ per child) and why Marcy says this path is a question of the heart, not the wallet.Advocacy for Everyone: Introduce Corporate Adoption Benefits. 🏢 Marcy explains a simple, impactful act of advocacy: contacting The Forgotten Adoption Option to get the Adoption Friendly Workplace Toolkit to share with your company's HR team. Hear the incredible story of how this small step led to colleagues signing up to adopt siblings.The Truth Matters: Why Honesty Builds a Healthier Identity. ❤️ Understand the power of transparency in adoption. Marcy shares her commitment to being truthful with her children about their origin story and why it's a vital, ongoing conversation to affirm their identity and create a strong bond.100,000+ Waiting: Get Support Navigating the Foster Care System. 📣 Marcy's non-profit, The Forgotten Adoption Option, provides essential support to help families navigate the foster care system. Find out the concrete ways you can help the more than 100,000 children waiting for a family, even if you don't plan to adopt.Actionable Next StepsVisit The Forgotten Adoption Option Website: Learn more about the non-profit and their mission.Take the Adoption Conversation Pledge: Get access to free resources, discussion questions, and the Employer Toolkit to share with your company.American Mothers, Inc.® Website: Learn more about the National 5th Grade Essay Contest "What My Mother Means to Me." Deadline: December 15th, 11:59 pm Pacific TimeAmerican Mothers, Inc.® Website: Learn more about American Mothers and Join Us!

Do you feel like you're constantly chasing a calm you can't quite catch? You're not alone. It's time to stop trying to control the uncontrollable and drop the mask of "perfect parenting." In a world that feels more erratic every day, the pressure on mothers to be the steady anchor for their families is immense—and frankly, exhausting.Join us this week as we talk with Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton and get real about navigating chaos without losing your sanity. This episode isn't about how to fix the world; it’s about fortifying yourself so you can be the resilient mom your kids need, even when things are deeply unsteady. Because let’s be honest: Motherhood is many things, but "chaos-proof" isn't one of them.In this episode, you will learn:The one mindset shift that instantly reduces your daily feeling of overwhelm. (Hint: It involves accepting the mess.)Why "coping" is the wrong goal, and how to start building true resilience in its place.Practical strategies for maintaining a sense of stability for your children when the news cycle is anything but.Why "coping" is the wrong goal, and how to start building true resilience in its place.Practical strategies for maintaining a sense of stability for your children when the news cycle is anything but.Connect with Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton:Facebook: Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton Instagram: Jjarrett13Click here to learn more about the National 5th Grade Essay Contest. Deadline: December 15th.Learn more and join American Mothers, Inc.

The Parenting Perspective and Path to MasteryIn our concluding episode, Susan Major provides a clear, actionable roadmap for processing and putting emotions into perspective. She walks us through practical techniques to deal with the energy of emotion consciously and logically, making emotional success a tangible goal. But more importantly, Susan brings her insights to the parenting challenge. Learn how to help your children early in their lives to recognize and deal with the information from their subconscious mind. This episode is a vital guide for parents who want to foster strong conscious mind awareness in their kids, setting them up for a lifetime of emotional resilience and success. Don't just manage your emotions—master them, and pass that mastery on to the next generation.Susan Major Email: [email protected] here to learn more about American Mothers and join.

In this powerful second episode, Susan Major shifts the focus to the conscious mind and its essential role in emotional intelligence. If the subconscious mind sends the information (as discussed in Episode 112), the conscious mind is the one that needs to process it. Susan teaches us the difference between feeling the surge of energy that comes with an emotion, and reacting to it. She provides frameworks to interrupt the automatic response loop, empowering you to move from an immediate, often regretful, reaction to a measured, logical understanding. Learn to see the feelings as a messenger, not a master, so you can engage with the information your emotions carry.Use this email to connect with Susan Major: [email protected] learn more about American Mothers, Inc.(R) and join: www.americanmothers.orgClick here for more information on the National 5th Grade Essay Contest:

Episode 112: The Subconscious SignalDive into the foundational episode of our series with Susan Major, who defines emotion as "energy in motion." In this episode, we explore the often-misunderstood role of the subconscious mind. Susan explains how this deep part of our brain acts as an early warning system, constantly collecting, processing, and delivering vital informational signals to our conscious awareness. Learn to recognize these 'whispers'—the initial feelings that accompany an emotion—not as a command to react, but as a crucial memo that needs to be read and understood. This episode is the first step in shifting from reacting blindly to consciously processing your emotional world.Use this email to connect with Susan Major: [email protected] learn more about American Mothers, Inc.(R): www.americanmothers.org

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's no surprise that families are looking for guidance on how to navigate the digital landscape. In this episode, Deanne Taylor is joined by special guest Taylor Whitson to discuss why "tech is top of mind for families."Taylor breaks down the importance of creating family tech agreements, a proactive approach to setting clear expectations and boundaries around device usage. She also tackles the confusion that often arises when school phone and device policies vary, offering practical advice on how to clarify and align rules at home and at school.But the conversation doesn't stop with the kids. We also explore the significant impact of adult device overuse and social media habits on children. Taylor shares powerful insights on why modeling healthy digital behavior isn't just a good idea—it's essential for raising a digitally-savvy and well-adjusted family.Join us as we dive into these critical topics, providing actionable tips and a fresh perspective on fostering a positive relationship with technology for the whole family.Taylor Whitson Email: [email protected]  Website: MilitaryMomCollective.comShare your agreement with other moms at [email protected] your thoughts, triumphs and challenges on American Mothers Community Facebook page. How did you involve your children in your agreement? What are your triumphs and challenges?If you are willing to share your tech agreement with other mothers, send it to [email protected]. We'll post it so other moms can be inspired by your ideas.

In this episode, host Deanne Taylor sits down with Lynn Taylor, a former US Air Force pilot who flew the A-10 Thunderbolt II, to discuss the profound impact of being an encourager. From his time in the cockpit to his life as a mentor, Lynn shares powerful insights on how we can all learn to lift up those around us. We explore the vital difference between encouraging the effort and just praising the result, especially when it comes to children, and how this simple shift can build resilience and confidence for a lifetime.Lynn also shares his perspective on the importance of trust in leadership, learned from his time leading in high-stakes environments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a lasting, positive impact on others.Key Takeaways from the Conversation:The Art of Encouragement: It's more than just being nice; it's a skill that can be learned and practiced to help others feel seen and valued.Effort vs. Result: We discuss the long-term benefits of encouraging effort over results, particularly in children. This approach helps them develop a growth mindset and better handle both success and failure.The Trust of a Leader: Lynn shares his experience from the Air Force, where gaining the trust of those you lead is a form of powerful encouragement that inspires loyalty and high performance.An Elevated Impact: We explore how encouragement can elevate not only the recipient but also the person giving it, creating a positive feedback loop.Quotes from This Episode:"Life is a classroom, not a courtroom." - Vincent Tolman"Expectation is the thief of joy." - Unknown"There's no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit." - Harry S. TrumanMentioned in This Episode:Living God's Light: https://livinggodslight.org/Author: https://lynntaylorwrites.com/Book: The Light After Death --- Amazon

Join host Deanne Taylor on this special episode of the Mom to Mom podcast as we feature the incredible story of Ruby Kim, the winner of the American Mothers National 5th Grade Essay Contest. Ruby’s moving essay, "What My Mother Means to Me," captured the hearts of the judges, and you'll hear her read it on the show.She'll be joined by Ruby and her mother, Sanghee, along with Jenny Cullumber, the National Chair of the contest. Jenny will share more about the importance of this essay contest and how it encourages young writers to express their gratitude and love for their mothers.Ruby will also share her experiences at the 90th National Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she presented her essay to over 200 Gala attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance. In honor of her winning essay, American Mothers awarded a $500 Golden Rule Grant to Every Child Counts, a nonprofit that Ruby chose to support.Listen in to hear Ruby's powerful essay and learn more about this heartwarming contest.Learn More:American Mothers National 5th Grade Essay Contest: Learn more about the contest guidelines and how to submit an essay at americanmothers.org/essay. The contest is open to all 5th graders or the equivalent, including those in public, private, charter, or homeschools.