Thank You, Mama

Norway's most famous feminist, Marta Breen, is the author of many books including "How to be a Feminist" and "Women in Battle". She travels the world talking about equality and feminism, especially its Scandinavian model. In this episode, Marta talks about her mom Elisabeth who took part in Norway's feminist movement in the '70s and shares her lessons on the importance of getting involved as an activist, on self-sufficiency, and on teaching our children by modeling ethics. We also learn about Norway's recent history, its communist movement in the '70s, and its current ways of supporting women. You can find Marta's graphic novel on history of feminism "Fearless Females" here. To learn more about Marta, please visit her Wikipedia page. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Best-selling author, book critic and journalist, Meredith Maran, shares a deeply inspiring story about how, after a lifetime of aversions, she and her mom Rita became friends when Meredith was 69 and Rita 93. We learn so much from these exceptional ladies: not to give up before a miracle, that no one is just good or evil (not even our mothers), that anger is like drinking poison, and that people do change – even at 69. Or 93. To learn more about Meredith, and to read the article she wrote "O Magazine" about her and Rita becoming friends late in life, please go here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Ivona Brandić is a Professor for High Performance Computing Systems at the University of Vienna. She shares lessons she learned from her Bosnian mom Manda about not being afraid to follow a career in tech & science, making life plans but not sticking to them, the value of hard work, focusing on good things in life, and how cooking skills translate to computer sciences. Ivona also shares lessons she learned through her experiences of being a teenage war refugee, starting a life in a new country, and being successful in a male-dominated field: always have the courage to try something new, and always trust your own skills and abilities. You can learn more about Ivona's work here and here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

In this mini episode, I'd like to wish you happy holidays and let you know how grateful I am for you, share exciting news about "Thank You, Mama" workshops and book, and - as a special holiday treat - let you listen to the whole "Thank You, Mama" song composed with love by Oliver Kraus. Merry Christmas, happy holidays and a fantastic 2022! To contact me, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net Yours, Ana

Sanaë Lemoine is the author of "The Margot Affair", a debut novel about a mother-daughter relationship that won highest praise from reputable outlets such as "New York Times", ""Financial Times", "The Economists". Sanaë shares lessons from her Japanese mama Akiko who grew up in South America, moved around the world, and went through a surprise divorce in her mid-sixties – to become Akiko 2.0, a better and happier version of herself. We learn about the importance of creativity, showing love through food, not comparing yourself to others, and feeling good in your skin. Sanaë also talks about how a mother-daughter relationship can evolve and improve, and how we should learn that what we see in our parents' relationship doesn't need to be a blueprint for our relationships. To read Sanaë's beautiful essay about her complex relationship with her mom, visit here. To learn more about Sanaë and her book, visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

After learning from my guests that women wish their mothers taught them about two important topics: money and sex, I went on a quest of finding guests who do just that. In the last episode, we heard Dr. Mara Harvey, an advocate for financial literacy in girls and women. And in this episode, I'm excited to introduce sex and relationship coach specialized in women of faith, Octavia E. Vance. Octavia shares her American mom Betty's lessons on dealing with marital abuse and using these experiences to empower others, on second chances, and on empowering your children. Octavia talks about domestic violence, teaching our daughters about their bodies and sexuality, and turning our mothers' un-teachings into teachings. To learn more about Octavia her work, and her book please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

After 21 years in banking, Dr. Mara Harvey became a founder and CEO of "Smart Way to Start", as well as a public speaker and advocate for financial literacy in girls. She is the author of five beautiful books aiming to educate girls about money and finances. In this interview, she beautifully connects her Swiss mom Vera's story of being abandoned by her husband with Vera's teachings about financial independence, and her own passion for financial education for girls and women. You will learn not only about women and money, about the significance of financial independence, but also about why nature is important, why we need to let go of grudges, and how to recognize our parents' unique ways of showing love. You can learn more about Mara and order her financial literacy books for children here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Host of "Your Next Stop" and coach, Juliet Hahn, shares her American mom Barbara's lessons on always being yourself, being confident, treating everyone equally and with respect, not being afraid to make mistakes, and knowing that taking care of yourself isn't selfish. Juliet also shares a wonderful lesson on the importance of clear communication, especially with our loved ones. You can find Juliet under following links: Website: https://www.iamjuliethahn.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjuliethahn Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamjuliethahn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjuliethahn Clubhouse: https://joinclubhouse.com/@iamjuliethahn Fireside: https://firesidechat.com/juliethahn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/iamjuliethahn To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Prof. of Pharmacology and host of "More Sybil", Mo Sybil, shares her Nigerian mom Bukky's numerous lessons: to fight for underdogs, never saying bad things about others, being patient, helping others, praying, being open-minded, valuing education, being humble. Mo also talks about her interest in Korean culture, her journey from Nigeria to becoming a professor in the USA, and knowing that your mom's story doesn't need to be yours. To learn more about Mo and her podcast, visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Journalist and podcaster Helen King shares her New Zealander mom Jane's lessons on the nurturing side of baking, being inquisitive, knowing where you come from, having good manners, and being open to the world and different people and situations. We also talked about our shared experiences with cancer: Helen as a patient and Ana as a caregiver. Listen to Helen's "C Word: Kiwis talk about cancer" podcast here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Psychologist Dr. Nicole Monteiro shares lessons she learned from her American mom Felicia on deep compassion and humanity, loving your own company, speaking up for yourself, knowing you're worthy, and not being a victim. Nicole also talks about her work as a psychologist which took her around the world to help in cases involving child labor, immigration and asylum, disaster relief, and traffic psychology. To learn more about Nicole and her work, please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

CMO and co-founder of the "Executive Doula" agency, Lindsay Michels, shares her American mom Lori's lessons on being considerate and thoughtful, asking for help, raising children to be kind, not comparing yourself to others, and that sometimes we have to put ourselves first. We also talked about the struggles of working mothers in the United States, about getting out of marriages when they don't work, and about mental help and self-care. To learn more about Lindsay and "Executive Doula", please visit their website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Speaker, adviser and investor Selma Prodanovic shares her Bosnian and Herzegovinian mom Elfia's lessons on finding the confidence to be alone, trusting life, and not having to talk to be present. Selma also talks about the myth of a mother's sacrifice, about finding your passion, preventing burnout, and planning our lives. To learn more about Selma, her books and her work, please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Founder and CEO of the "Executive Doula" agency, Jennell Lynch, shares her American mom Bonnie's lessons on reaching high and not looking back, the only obstacle being yourself, the importance of family, and helping those who you aren't connected to. Jennell also talks about running her business while being a mom of four and working on a PhD, and about how we could better support working mothers. To learn more about Jennell and "Executive Doula", please visit their website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Author of "Consciously Connecting", Holland Haiis, is a consultant specialized in change management and a recognized thought leader on human connection. She shares her American mom Pearl's lessons on not being a victim, always finding a silver lining, focusing on those who have less than you, saying yes to opportunities (because a yes can be turned into a no), and smiling. Holland also talks about burnout, the importance of difficult conversations, and being open minded. To learn more about Holland, her work and her book, please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Financial expert Anu Bhardwaj is the founder of "Women INVESTING in Women DIGITAL", "Sheqonomi" and "The State of Women Institute". Anu talks about her Indian mom Rani and grandmother Ralita, and their lessons on questioning what you believe in and why, being open-minded, generous, resourceful, empathetic, helping others, and navigating people and life. Anu also talks about her dream of empowering women in developing countries and supporting them in finding their voices. To learn more about Anu and her work, please visit The State of Women website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Software product management leader Melissa Hyatt Hirsch shares her American mom Sharon's lessons on guilt being a wasted emotion, making exercise and self-care part of your life, teaching your children the value of work, always being put together, and the importance of being a good typist. Melissa also talks about how she and her husband created a household in which tasks and roles are equally shared, and why it's important to set that example for our children. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

English as a Second Language teacher and host of "Accented", Kimberley Law, shares her Australian mom Margaret's lessons on following your passions, changing things you're not happy with, investing in your marriage, seeing things in an equitable way, and working to live - instead of living to work. To learn more about Kim, please visit her website. You can listen to "Accented" here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Social worker Dora Poni Loro talks about her South Sudanese mama Edu who escaped Sudan as a refugee walking to Uganda, and worked while raising her nine children and keeping home. From mama Edu, we learn about resilience, about being your unique self and never comparing yourself to others, that being a woman is a blessing, about the beauty of integrity and strong moral and ethical values, and about teaching your children by example. From Dora, we learn about the history and culture of South Sudan. Please bear with us when the sound gets worse – Dora and I managed to repair it (we thought of re-recording, but you never get the same energy the second time around). This interview is brimming with wisdom, inspiration and love – it would be a pity to miss it because of the sound. Dora Poni Loro is a Social Worker with further studies in Trauma-Informed Care, disclosure of sexual abuse in children and young people, and a master's degree In child Welfare. She works in the Child Welfare Services for unaccompanied refugee minors in Bergen Municipality. In 2013, Dora was awarded the Top 10 immigrants Award by Leadership Foundation and in 2010 she was awarded the " Woman in Focus " Award by Positive Education, for her dedication and work with immigrant women in Bergen. Dora is a mother of two and a passionate social activist engaged in and advocates on issues concerning youth and women empowerment, cross-cultural parenting, migration challenges and active participation and representation of minorities in the Norwegian society. Dora stands firm in love, dignity, empowerment and full potential for herself and others. She is an enabler, and she lives to path way and create space for others, to empower and to use her voice to speak for those who cannot. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Author and journalist Kristen Millares Young shares lessons she learned from her Cuban mom Carmen on how to break ground while having a community orientation, how to be adaptable and resilient and thrive in a new environment, and on novels being a way of studying the human mind. Kristen also talks about her new novel "Subduction", about the Makah Tribe featured in her novel, and about the challenges of motherhood. To learn more about Kristen and her novel "Subduction", please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net The books we mentioned are "Wintering" by Katherine May and "Chemistry" by Weike Wang.

TV writer and producer Linda Burstyn talks about her Hungarian mom Vera, a Holocaust survivor. From Vera, we learn about hard work, intense loyalty, choosing your partner, being a feminist even when the circumstances don't allow it, and understanding that we're all one. Linda also talks about her research on female genital mutilation in the US, about the path to discovering your true passion, about raising a daughter in Hollywood, and about challenges faced by women in the US today. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

CEO and founder of "Qwaltec", a company specializing in mission operations and training for spacecrafts, Shawn Linam, talks about her American mother Carolyn's lessons on gender not being an excuse for any tasks needed to be done, diving into - and solving - problems (without complaining), and taking care of others. Shawn also talks about learning, about her career path in engineering, about being a working mom, and the importance of self care. To learn more about Shawn and "Qwaltec", please visit their website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Laila Soudi, founder of various programs providing mental health care to refugees in the Middle East, talks about her Palestinian mom Sana (meaning "light" in Arabic). From Sana, we learn about: resilience; having courage to ask, to try new things, and to not blindly follow norms; and that life is short, so we shouldn't take it for granted. Laila also talks about her path from growing up in Jordan to acquiring her MA in global health and then working to provide mental health care to refugees. We also talked about the challenges refugees are facing, especially during times of COVID. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Celebrity yoga instructor and CEO of the global body wellness product line "Cuccio Somatology", Danielle Cuccio, shares lessons she learned from her American mom Robbie. 30 years ago, Roby and her husband started a small cosmetics business and turned it into a global success. We hear her lessons on projecting confidence, working hard, finding your passion, and taking time for self-care. "Thank You, Mama" listeners get 20% off Danielle's wonderful body care products and packages with code MAMA20. To visit her "Cuccio Somatology" website and online shop go here. Danielle's Instagram. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Art historian, author and soon-to-be Zen priestess, Traude Wild, shares her Austrian mom Christine's lessons on connecting with nature and spreading love, the importance of being grounded, trusting in life, and different ways of finding one's identity. In this deep and inspiring conversation, Traude also talks about "patchwork" lives, finding yourself, relationships, and art-meditation. To learn more about Traude, her books and seminars, please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Reena Friedman Watts, TV and podcast producer and host of "Better Call Daddy", shares her American mom Maureen's lessons on being strong and optimistic during hard times, being kind to your elders, encouraging your kids to find their talents, and the importance of having difficult conversations. Reena also talks about her mother's and her grandmother's successful battles with cancer, and about the challenges being a working mom of four. You can listen to "Better Call Daddy" here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Pianist and jewelry designer Marjan Majd is the mother of Tara, my guest in the pervious episode. Marjan shares lessons she learned from her Iranian mom Fahri on Bahai religion, focusing on the positive and the beautiful in life, and "Taarof" - old Persian art of etiquette. We also spoke about differences between European, Iranian and American cultures, about arranged marriages, teaching your children about finances, and about lessons which trickled down multiple generations of women in her family. You can find Marjan's jewelry in her Etsy shop here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to a monthly dose of mothers' wisdom, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Digital media producer and host of "Who Was She" podcast, Tara Jabbari, shares lessons she learned from her Iranian mom Marjan: don't let others make you doubt yourself; when in doubt dress up; buy quality, not quantity. Tara also tells us about Bahai faith, and about Lidia Zamenhof, whose father created Esperanto. This is a little experiment of talking to two generations of women, so next week, we will hear lessons Tara's mama Marjan learned from her mother. To listen to Tara's "Who Was She" podcast, please visit here. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Tracey Tee & Shayna Ferm, creators of widely popular "Pump and Dump" comedy show and newly launched "Band of Mothers" podcast, share lessons they learned from their American mothers: why you should always drink the champagne, never skimp on eye cream, never stop learning, give yourself R&R days, always make things nice, and give your children affectionate love. We also spoke about how important it is to release the partner when it's time to separate, and to learn to stand in your own power. For more on Shayna & Tracey, please visit their website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Side hustle coach Emiko Rasmussen talks about her Japanese mom Kadzuko who taught her that teaching your children isn't about what you tell them but what you show them; to use positive reinforcement with your children, and not compare them (or yourself) with others; that women are able to juggle many tasks and still have a healthy social life; that you should always focus on the process, not on the outcome; and that you can't change your partner, but you can meet them in the middle. Emiko also tells us about the challenges women are facing in Japan. For more about Emiko and her services, please visit her website. To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected] For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Listen to this mini episode to celebrate International Women's Day and "Thank You, Mama" turning one. Ana shares with you the challenges of launching this podcast in the middle of a pandemic, while homeschooling – and talks about lessons she learned from her guests' mamas. She also shares some basic history of Intl. Women's Day; the news about a monthly dose of mama's inspiration; and invites you to join in creating a "Thank You, Mama" playlist. For more about "Thank You, Mama" and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter, please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected]

Ilona Dreyer is a 3rd generation German in Namibia, where she is running a textile business with her husband, and raising her two children. Ilona tells us about her mom Heidi from whom she learned to be diplomatic, to find a good side in everyone, to love her children equally, to give them unconditional love without spoiling them, to be thorough and efficient, and to always work with her partner as a team. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Brianne Davis, TV & Film actress (Desperate Housewives, True Blood, Nip Tuck) and author of "Secret Life of a Hollywood Sex & Love Addict", talks about her recovery from addiction, and about her mom Bonnie from whom she learned to be a strong woman and a breadwinner, to go after her dreams, and to admit to her child when she is wrong. She also talks about healthy relationships, teaching children about finances, multitasking as a (working) mom, and housekeeping. To contact Ana, and to get the code for a free Podfest ticket, please send a mail to: [email protected] For more about Brianne, and her book, please visit her website. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net

Biotech professionals and hosts of "Work in Progress" podcast, twins Dana and Angela Chou lost their Taiwanese mom Jen to breast cancer when they were only 17. In this joint interview, they share lessons they learned from her: to love your uniqueness, to be financially independent, to love yourself, and to learn from books. Dana and Angela also talk about the importance of having courage to walk away from a marriage when things aren't working, about addressing tough topics with your children, not identifying yourself with your circumstances, and changing careers. To learn more about Dana & Angela, visit their website. You can listen to "Work in Progress" here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

TV producer and host of "Diferente" Maribel Quezada Smith talks about her mom Lulu who immigrated from Mexico to the US and, in spite of not being allowed to attend college, built a million dollar business - to then graduate from college after her kids did. From Lulu, we learn how to properly use a credit card and not go into debt, that happiness isn't in the future but here and now, and how – and why - to fold underwear. Maribel also talks about her experience of living in a foreign country and being different, and about struggling with body image issues. To learn more about Maribel, please visit her website. To listen to "Diferente" go here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

In this very inspiring and positive episode, HR Expert and author of "Choosing Hope: One Woman. Three Cancers." Munira Premji talks about her Tanzanian mom Zerakhanu. Munira shares Zera's beautiful lessons on gracefully accepting what is, loving life, curiosity and continuous learning, not letting difficulties in life affect you, and - exercise. Brimming with optimism and inspiration, Munira also shares important lessons she learned through her battle with three advanced cancers: breast cancer, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma. She also talks about the importance of supporting the care givers. To learn more about Munira and her book, please visit her website. To listen to Munira's podcast (Ana was her guest on 15 June 2020) click here. To read Ana's story about the most important lessons she learned from her family's many battles with cancer, please visit Medium. To read about Ana's husband's battle with cancer, or to donate to his fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, please click here.

Poet and storyteller Andrea Grant talks about being raised in the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses by a Native American father and a Welsh-Irish mother. While both Andrea and her father left the cult, and embraced their indigenous heritage, her mother returned to it after losing her 2nd husband. From mama Glenys, we learn about strength, independence, embracing your femininity, and social grace. From Andrea we learn about honesty, not being a victim, and the dangers of self-sabotage. Andrea also describes her childhood with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and talks about Native American myths and beliefs. To learn more about Andrea and her work, please visit her website. To watch the trailer for the "Modern Native" film, please visit here: https://youtu.be/aEAlMof2SLw For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Retired preschool teacher Mitra Jordan talks about her Iranian mom Sattareh Farman Farmaian, the mother of social work in Iran and author of "Daughter of Persia". Sattareh grew up in a harem, received her university education in the USA, and returned to Iran to create the Teheran School of Social Work. She turned the school into a big success, providing the country with hundreds of social workers and projects. In 1979, the revolution broke out and, at the age of 58, Sattareh had to abandon her life's work and flee her home country to start a new life in the US. We learn about the importance of education, self-reliability, following your path, not letting your circumstances define you, and – the benefits of exercise. Mitra also tells us about life in a harem, and talks about lessons on work-life balance. You can find Sattareh's book "Daughter of Persia" here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected] iRe3R1n9nVjgT6PCBBWi

Actor, writer and coach, Courtney Bryant, talks about her American mom Shondra who recovered from a paralyzing stroke at 47. Courtney only started living with her mother at the age of 15 and they soon developed a co-dependent relationship. Through this experience, Courtney learned many important lessons on forgiveness, setting boundaries, moving on, loving yourself unconditionally, faith and manifesting. For more about Courtney and her coaching services please visit her website. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Mama, US Marine Corps combat veteran and Navy psychologist, Dr. Julienne Shin, talks about lessons she learned through her difficult relationship with her Filipino mom Corazon: about the impact of a mother's relationships with her child at a young age, about not holding on to your parents' pain, and about the importance of emotional intelligence. Julienne also shares some amazing things she learned through writing her dissertation on mothers in combat. To learn more about Julienne and her coaching practice, visit her website. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Speech Pathologist Lena Livinsky talks about her Polish mom Weronika who moved to the US at the age of 45, and beat all odds for success by becoming a hair stylist and opening her salon. From Weronika, we learn that it's never too late for new beginnings, about courage, kindness, and the importance of not comparing yourself to others. From Lena, we learn about speech pathology and how it can help with various issues from eating problems to changing one's accent. To learn more about Lena, visit her website. You can listen to Lena's podcast "Accented World" here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.thankyoumama.net To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

In this mini holiday episode, Ana is making two big exceptions, and welcoming a guest who is male and very young. Kai shares lessons he learned from his Croatian & Austrian mama – your host Ana – on the importance of imagination, being alive, cuddling, using chi, not fighting, appreciating your ancestors, and speaking different languages. Together, we're wishing you merry Christmas, happy holidays and all the best in 2021! For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Integrated marketing professional Liz Prats tells a fascinating story of her parents' immigration from Cuba to the US, and shares lessons she learned from her mom Aida. Aida paused her MBA to concentrate on her family but then never graduated, so we learn the important lesson about not putting your career aspirations on hold, especially for a man. We also learn about the importance of education and about always striving for excellence. Liz also tells us more about her family's life on Cuba, and about her aims to support women in fusing career success with spirituality. To learn more about Liz, please visit her website. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected]

Mom, NASA analyst and host of "Mommifaceted" (the community for moms of color juggling motherhood, career and real life) Rachel Pierre talks about lessons she learned from her American mom Donna: for mothers, sacrifice comes in seasons; friendships and villages come in different forms; how to show your kids a passion for work; and how to not completely lose yourself in your children. To learn more about "Mommifaceted", please visit Rachel's website. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Sheena Yap Chan, the host of "Tao of Self Confidence" talks about her Chinese Filipino mom Didi and her lessons on adjusting to new situations, not letting age to define you, learning new skills, and doing what makes you happy. Sheena also shares lessons she learned from interviewing 809 amazing Asian women for her podcast, and talks about the Philippines. You can listen to "The Tao of Self-Confidence" here. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit here. To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

Maruska Strah, Executive director of World Space Week Association, talks about her Slovenian mom Zlatka's lessons on working on love; always expanding your knowledge; spreading kindness and only saying good things about people; and loving and respecting yourself. From Maruska, we learn about space law, about ex-Yugoslavia, and about the importance of teaching our daughters about finances and to recognize their strength. For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

It's Thanksgiving and I wanted to reach out and say "Thank you" to you, dear listeners, and celebrate the global success of "Thank You, Mama" with you: only 40 episodes in, we have listeners from 57 countries, guests from 24 countries – and two international awards. You made "Thank You, Mama" into a global platform for women to connect and inspire each other, which is especially valuable during these challenging times of isolation during the pandemic. Thank you for that! And thank you to Oliver Kraus for the beautiful "Thank You, Mama" music, and to Jino Choi for the awesome art! For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

A former Lieutenant Colonel and Commander in the US Air Force, Dr. Uchenna Umeh is a pediatrician, global activist on youth suicide prevention, bestselling author and mother of three. Uchenna talks about her Nigerian mom Ngozi, an accountant and mother of six. From Ngozi, we learn about using our voices, and about understanding our children, treating each child as an individual and being present for them. Uchenna also talks about Nigeria, about respecting our differences, accepting ourselves and respecting others. Visit Amazon to find Uchenna's books: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AUchenna+L+Umeh&s=relevancerank&text=Uchenna+L+Umeh&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send a mail to: [email protected]

International Spa Consultant Paola Restrepo-Moya talks about her Colombian mom Ruby and her lessons on the importance of dealing with depression; marrying a person you can grow up with; accepting that sometimes love just goes away; staying independent within a marriage; and teaching our daughters about their bodies and sex. Paola also shares her experience of living in many different countries and being an expat wife.

Jessica Ashley, a newly divorced mom who just launched her podcast "Stay Calm Mom", talks about her American mom Donna, with whom she shares her birthday, but also her college days - Donna enrolled in college together with her daughter. From Donna we learn lessons on making decisions, willing in what you wish for, resilience, courage, kindness, and thinking outside the box. Visit www.thejessicaashley.com to learn more about Jessica, and please join The "Stay Calm, Mom!" Community on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/staycalmmomcommunity For more about "Thank You, Mama" please visit: http://www.tajder.com/ To contact Ana, please send your mail to: [email protected]