She, Illuminated | Real Talk & Strategies for Middle Age Women Ready to Ignite Passion and Renew Confidence

Why practicing self-compassion, connecting to your spiritual center, & setting emotional intentions work wonders for busy moms raising uniquely wired kids - Ep. 21

Are you a busy mom feeling overwhelmed by the daily juggle of responsibilities and the desire for a more joyful, heart-centered life? 
 
In this episode, I dive deep into the transformative practices of self-compassion and intention-setting as gateways to a more fulfilled and joyful existence.
 
Join me as I share insights from my recent family vacation to Costa Rica, revealing how setting intentions for joy can turn even the most challenging experiences into moments of bliss, and discover how the power of focused intentions and finding meaning in what we value most can manifest the life we desire.
 
This episode is a sequel to our last conversation with the gifted spiritual medium, Jessica Rachel, and builds upon our exploration of tapping into our intuitive sides. I'll share snippets of my personal reading with Jessica to illustrate how connecting with our spiritual selves can offer deeper insights into our lives and guide us toward greater self-awareness and healing.
 
I’ll also lead a guided exercise on self-compassion to soothe and nurture yourself during times of stress, teaching you to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you offer others.
 
Tune in to transform your approach to life's challenges and step into a more joy-filled, purpose-driven motherhood journey. 
 
With love and light,Jana
 
Connect with me:www.janafuchscoaching.comIG: @janafuchscoaching
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

Channeling spirit guides and harnessing intuition. How busy moms can pause, connect, and vibe up, with Jessica Rachel (Part 1) - Ep. 20

Finding our true calling can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when we're on a path that no longer fulfills us. 
 
This is even more challenging when you're a busy mom, trying to juggle the world for your children with ADHD or autism.
 
In this heart-opening episode, I am joined by Jessica Rachel, who shares her transformational journey of self-discovery, from feeling lost and stressed as a school teacher to finding her calling as a spiritual medium and channeler. 
 
Find out how Jessica listened to her inner voice, embraced the signs from the universe, and stepped into a life filled with deeper meaning and fulfillment.
 
We'll dive into the power of intuition, self-discovery, the guiding presence of spirit guides, and the transformative impact of embracing your true path. 
 
Join us and discover how tuning into your spiritual journey can bring a sense of calm and direction, particularly when you're doing the demanding yet rewarding work of parenting neurodivergent children.
 
With love and light,Jana
 
Connect with me:www.janafuchscoaching.comIG: @janafuchscoaching
 
About Jessica:
Jessica Rachel is a psychic medium and intuitive coach. She channels divine guidance from your spirit guides to help you become the truest and most aligned version of yourself in this life. Jessica truly believes that her intuitive gifts are not unique and that everyone can access their spirit guides. She has made it her mission to help everyone discover their own intuitive power and trust that the answers they seek are always within.
Connect with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicarachel.coIG: @iamjessicarachel
Discount code: SHEILLUMINATED for a 10% off discount.
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

How to find hope and calm with other moms who “get it”: Fresh perspectives on your child’s ADHD or Autism diagnosis, with Jana Zalmanowitz, SLP and Mom. - Ep. 19

For many parents, receiving a diagnosis like ADHD or autism for their child can feel like an unexpected detour, filled with fear, shame, and uncertainty about the future.
It's easy to feel alone and overwhelmed, but there's a way to move beyond these feelings, to find hope, gratitude, and joy again.
Our guest, Jana Zalmanowitz, a Speech Language Pathologist and a devoted mother of two, shares her personal journey through acceptance and support for her neurodivergent kids.
Find out how you can create a supportive home environment and why community support like connecting with other moms who understand the unique challenges of Autism & ADHD can make all the difference.   
Learn about the importance of emotional resilience to embrace the challenges of raising children with unique needs, advocating an inclusive approach for our children’s milestones, and why parental self-care matters not only for one’s self, but for the whole family’s health.
There is so much power in embracing our reality with more empathy and less judgment. Let's lift one another up as we navigate our neurodivergent parenting journeys!
 
With love and light,Jana
Connect with me:www.janafuchscoaching.comIG: @janafuchscoaching
 
About Jana:Jana Zalmanowitz is a speech-language pathologist and mother of two neurodivergent children. She had been supporting autistic kids and their families for over 10 years when she noticed her work and her home life had a lot in common...because her son was autistic (and the other had ADHD)! Jana continues to move through every emotion as she learns how to let go of what she thought parenting would look like to make room for the beautiful, messy, challenging and delightfully surprising journey of appreciating her children, for exactly who they are meant to be.
 
Connect with Jana: Email: speakwithjana@gmail.com
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

How to adapt your career as a special needs parent for more work-life balance with Katie Read - Ep. 18

Have you ever wondered if a career overhaul is even possible in the middle of your successful professional life?
That's something most of us aren't ready for, but as you'll see, with courage, flexibility, and vision, a career overhaul in the midst of life's changes can lead to greater fulfillment professionally and personally.
In this episode, our guest Katie Read, a longtime psychotherapist who works as an online coach for therapists, shares how she managed a career change that eventually turned out to be more impactful for her and her family.
Katie and her husband faced a period in their lives where they had to change their family dynamics after learning about the special needs diagnosis of their children. A lot had to change, including their professional lives.
Join us in this episode where Katie shares the reasons why and how she transitioned from being a successful psychotherapist to becoming an online business owner, what are the challenges and adjustments she’d had to face, and how you too can adapt to a new career tailored to your passion and lifestyle that will give you the work-life balance you deserve.
From tips for special needs parenting to claiming a successful online business, let this conversation inspire you to take heart and let the change you’re facing be a path to your personal growth.
 
With love and light,
Jana
 
Connect with me:
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
 
About Katie:
Katie Read is a successful longtime psychotherapist (though not currently practicing) special needs mom of two, international conference speaker, retreat leader and seven figure business owner with a successful evergreen coaching program for therapists. Katie's decision to start her online business changed her entire life for the better, and she now helps other women from around the world to grow their businesses, too.
Connect with Katie:Website: katieread.comIG: @heykatieread
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

Scattered, but savvy: How to both honor the gifts of adult ADHD while managing its challenges - Ep. 17

Remember feeling restless during class or constantly misplacing your keys? 
 
Imagine that being your daily hurdle. That was my world, and it might be yours too.
 
Today I will take you through my own battle as a woman with ADHD.
 
We'll dive into the brainy bits of adult ADHD and I’ll breakdown the infamous question “what is executive functioning” into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. We'll also talk about dopamine, a chemical in your brain, and its role in keeping us on track—or not.
 
I'll share some super simple strategies for managing ADHD and staying ahead of the game. Plus, we'll explore why it's super important to have an ADHD diagnosis early and how being kind to yourself and learning about your brain can make a huge difference.
 
And if you're thinking, "Where do I even start?" don't worry! I've got you covered with tips on finding the right people to talk to and how to build a support network that's as strong as a superhero team.
 
So, whether you're curious about ADHD, think you might have it, or just want to understand what a friend or family member is going through, this episode is packed with stories, advice, and a whole lot of heart. 
 
Tune in to learn, laugh, and maybe even see yourself in a new light.
 
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
Connect with me:
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

Why pausing to celebrate the wins matters: How to find joy and balance in motherhood. - Ep. 16

Do you ever feel like you're running non-stop but not getting anywhere?
 
It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of being a mom and forget to recognize how far you've come. 
 
In today's episode, I'm going to shake things up and help you see the power in pausing and appreciating your personal achievement.
 
As a mom, therapist, and coach, I know the struggles of juggling life, especially when you have a child with unique needs. That's why I'm here to share my personal growth and how these roles shape but do not define us entirely.
 
I'll take you through my self-reflection, from just dreaming about this podcast to making it a reality, and from launching my coaching practice to supporting moms like you. We'll talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
 
You'll learn the importance of celebrating your wins, no matter how small, and how to find joy in the everyday moments. 
 
So, if you're ready to feel inspired and learn how to celebrate life, tune in to this episode. 
 
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
 
Connect with me:
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

How to support and connect with neurodivergent kids? A perspective from my son Leo, with ADHD and Autism - Ep.15

What's it like to experience the world as a child with ADHD and autism? 
 
A world that often feels puzzling, yet is rich with wonder.
 
Join me on this heartwarming episode where I sit down with a very special guest - my amazing 10-year-old son, Leo.
 
We explore Leo's one-of-a-kind perspectives on special education programs, his passionate interests, and the often misunderstood world of gaming he so loves. 
 
Together, Leo and I give an inside look into the ups and downs of neurodiversity, touching on the challenges but even more so the gifts, humor, and how he has learned empathy in autism and developed his own coping mechanisms for ADHD.
 
So come listen in as we explore his experiences and perspectives as someone with a neurodivergent mind. 
 
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
 
Connect with me:
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
 
Books Mentioned:
The Author is Kathy Hoopmann:
All Dogs Have ADHD
All Cats Are On the Autism Spectrum
All Birds Have Anxiety
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

Overwhelmed mom of an autistic or ADHD child? When saying no to others is an act of self love - Ep.14

Are you a burnt out mom who’s constantly juggling the needs of your neurodivergent child, combating societal expectations, and feeling overwhelemed with how to prioritize your own well-being? Do you find yourself often saying yes to others when you really want to say no because you or your family don’t have the bandwidth to succesfully cope with every given social opportunity ?
As a mother of an autistic / ADHD child, I know how hard parenting a neurodivergent kid can be really be. At times, I have even forgotten how to prioritize my own emotional wellness. The guilt, doubts and my own limiting beliefs held me back.
In this episode, I give you good reasons on why you need to learn to say no for the sake of your emotional wellness. I will discuss the significance of learning to stop and pause, so you can respond with clarity and intention, all while using the power of visualization. It’s not just about saying no; it's about saying yes to a life where you and your children flourish.
Let this year be the time of nurturing connections, community building, and strengthening mental health support. Let's illuminate the path together!
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
 
Connect with me:
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

How to balance a career and family life effectively? An inspiring talk with Whitney Reynolds - Ep.13

Are you feeling the weight of managing professional success while nurturing personal well-being and family life? 
 
If you're a burnt-out woman or mom struggling to juggle your career and family life, know that you’re not alone in this complex journey.
 
In our final episode for 2023, I'm thrilled to have Whitney Reynolds with us. Whitney, an Executive Producer and host of The Whitney Reynolds Show, shared her journey from dreaming about a media career to making it a reality, all while overcoming a tough childhood.
 
We dive into Whitney's life, revealing how she managed work-life integration and being a mom to twins. She talked about the importance of working with her spouse to meet each child's unique needs, a strategy that any parent can learn from for an easier family life balance.
 
Whitney also discussed her personal growth, focusing on self-love and mental health. Her story shows us how to stay strong and true to ourselves, even when others may judge.
 
As we wrap up 2023, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional growth as we step into the new year.
 
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
Connect with me:
www.sheilluminated.com
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
About Whitney:
Whitney Reynolds believes in more seats at the table, inspiration in the hard moments and hope for all. This mindset for unique programming originally bucked the trend when The Whitney Reynolds Show launched in 2012 on PBS. The show's inspirational mission developed from Whit's firsthand experience with a challenging childhood. She had the gift to gab & combined that to create a program that flips the script. One that invites the viewers to switch seats and feel seen for exactly where they are.She is the Executive Producer, Host and the "Chief Inspo Officer" of the Telly Award winning and Emmy® Nominated Whitney Reynolds Show. Prior to launching her nationally syndicated program, she worked in news for NBC and went on to launch her first talk show on that network. During college at Baylor University she interned for Good Morning America and fell in love with the national stage and its potential reach. When Whitney was just 25 years old she stepped into owning her own show and creating Whitney Reynolds Media. Not being owned by the network truly jump started her entrepreneurial journey. Whit’s business mentor is Melissa Bernstein of Melissa & Doug who like Whitney, also started her business in an extra space in her home, however it has since grown to a 500 million dollar company.
Whitney’s “safe space” mission however, doesn’t stop with her TV program. Since 2013 she has hosted a motivational “give back” segment on iHeart Radio and in 2021 launched a national iHeart Podcast, Pop and Positivity. She also authored Beyond The Interview, in 2023 did a TedX talk at Wrigley Field and also made Crain’s 40 Under 40 list. Over the years Whitney has helped in fundraising over 2 million dollars for local and global charities through her media work. She currently sits on the Board of Managers for The Service Club of Chicago.
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Whitney’s learned how to combine southern charm with big city hustle. Her motto is: “If the door closes, find the darn window.” Whitney lives in Chicago, in the Roscoe Village neighborhood with her husband (Dave), twins (Marlowe + Acher) and shih tzu (Sir Crouton). When she's not on camera, it's guaranteed you will still find her talking, she simply loves people and their stories.
Connect with Whitney:
Website: whitneyreynolds.com
IG: @whitney_reynolds
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati

How to set boundaries and stop the people pleasing trap with Kelly Neupert - Ep.12

Have you ever caught yourself agreeing to things against your better judgment? We're here to unravel the origins of people pleasing and its impact on our emotional well-being. 
 
Join me and my special guest, Kelly Neupert, a Licensed Psychotherapist and Personal Development Coach, as we deep dive into the often challenging world of people pleasing and the significance of boundary setting. 
 
We also touched on the societal influences on behavior and the unique challenges they pose, particularly for women. 
 
It's time to embrace the process of setting boundaries for healthier, more fulfilling relationships and personal growth.
 
So, if you're ready to take steps towards self improvement and empowerment, this episode is just what you need. 
 
Tune in and let's illuminate the path to a more authentic and joyful you!
 
Keep Shining Brightly,
Jana
Connect with me:
www.sheilluminated.com
www.janafuchscoaching.com
IG: @janafuchscoaching
About Kelly:
Kelly Neupert is an ex-corporate professional turned licensed therapist and personal development coach. She’s the owner of KJN Coaching, a high-end, psychodevelopmental coaching practice. As a people-pleasing expert, she helps millennial and gen-z women gain the courage to ditch others’ expectations and live life true to themselves.
 
Connect with Kelly:
Website: kjncoaching.com
IG: @kjncoaching
 
 
This podcast episode was produced by Juliana Barbati