PODCAST · business
The EMBER Project Podcast
by susan5q3
A podcast featuring women who were teen mothers. Our content is encouraging and uplifting, meant to empower our listeners. We have guests from parenting experts, financial experts and other topics of interest.
Episodes
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You Deserve More Than Survival
In this solo episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, Susan talks about three powerful threats from the book Be Your Future Self Now and how they show up in the lives of young mothers. This is not just a conversation about personal development. It is a conversation about poverty, survival mode, low...
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Sorry Tina... Maybe We Need Another Hero!
If you've ever wondered what The EMBER Project is really all about, this is the episode to listen to. In this deeply personal solo episode, Susan shares the beliefs that keep so many women stuck: the idea that we have to earn support, earn belonging, earn encouragement, and even earn love.…
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What Shapes Us, Can Save Us
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, Susan is joined again by Meghan D. Gregory for a powerful conversation about ACEs and PACEs. Together, they talk about adverse childhood experiences, protective factors, trauma, resilience, and the people who help change the direction of a life.…
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The Door Is Open, Walk Through It
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, Susan sits down with author, entrepreneur, wife, mother, foster and adoptive mom Christine Shuck for a raw and honest conversation about survival, young motherhood, trauma, self-advocacy, and building a life no one else imagined for you. Christine...
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Why Being Poor Is So EXPENSIVE!
Most people assume that financial struggles come from bad decisions. But what if you're doing everything right and still can't seem to get ahead? In this solo episode, Susan shares the story of a young woman trying to build a better future. She's researching financial aid, building credit…
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Advanced Co-Parenting Tools - Conflict, Custody and New Partners
In the second episode of our two part series, I am joined again by co-parenting coach Clover Johnston to unpack the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting as an early mother. They discuss how teen marriages often come with higher divorce rates, which can make co-parenting more complex....
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Reclaiming Motherhood - Darian's Story of Pain, Power and Healing
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse, substance use, domestic violence, pregnancy loss, and custody trauma. Please listen with care. In this deeply moving episode, we hear from Darian—a young woman whose story begins in the shadows of childhood emotional abuse…
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Co-Parenting 101- Boundaries, Balance and Baby Steps
In this insightful first episode of a two part series, I sit down with co-parenting coach Clover Johnston to explore the emotional and logistical challenges of raising children in a co-parenting dynamic, particularly for young and early parents. Drawing from her personal experience, Clover offers...
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From Rebellion to Resilience: A Mother's Fire
She was a little rebellious. Strong-willed. A dreamer. And then she became a mom at 16 — a moment that changed the course of her life forever. In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we meet a woman who didn’t just beat the odds — she rewrote the story entirely. After having seven children…
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Baking Through The Backlash: A Teen Mom's Journey To Joy
She had her first child at 14. By 30, she was a mother of four, a bakery owner, and the unexpected face of a viral internet scandal known as Cake-Gate. But behind the headlines and the frosting is a story of deep resilience, generational healing, and bold reinvention. In this candid conversation,...
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Divorced on Christmas, Stronger by Spring - Shannon's Story
What happens when the life you’ve built burns down—emotionally, legally, even literally? In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with a woman whose story is a masterclass in resilience. From navigating a traumatic marriage and leading a military family support group, to being...
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One Mom's Journey - Slivers of Sunshine
In this powerful episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with Ariana, who opens up about her journey from emotional abuse to emotional freedom. Through raw reflection and unflinching honesty, she shares how years of manipulation and control affected her sense of worth—and how returning…
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Love, Lies, and Leaving Alive
**This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, stalking, and attempted murder. Listener discretion is advised, especially for those sensitive to these topics. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233…
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Rooted, Not Broken: The Rooted Female’s Journey from Trauma to Transformation
What happens when a third-generation teen mom, dismissed by doctors and disconnected from her roots, decides to trust her body and rewrite her story? In this powerful episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with The Rooted Female—a former nurse turned holistic healer, course creator…
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The Power of the Pelvic Floor: What Teen Moms Should Know
She isn't a gynecologist, she is a Pelvic Florist, and she is here to talk all things bloom, bladder and bounce back after birth. We talk about everything from her college pregnancy and the preconceived notions that came with it, to why some women tinkle when they sneeze. It is a great episode…
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Still She Rises: One Mom’s Journey from Crisis to Career
Welcome to Season Two of The EMBER Project Podcast!! This episode bounces from Walmart shifts and unpaid clinicals to landing two job offers in one day. You will meet a young woman who will teach you that resilience isn't always loud or flashy. She teaches us that early motherhood doesn't mean…
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Ask the Mental Health Expert: Real Answers for Teen Moms
This is the fourth installment of our 4 part series recognizing Women's Health Awareness and Mental Health Awareness Month. We are joined by Kelly, a Mental Health Care Professional who thrives on creating ways for people to learn, grow, and take care of their well-being. She shares actionable...
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Too Young to Fall Apart? Postpartum Truths for New Moms
In this episode, we meet Leslie, a Maternal Mental Health Counselor with One Health Ohio - Baby on Board Program. We talk about postpartum depression and how it can affect teen moms in different ways than other mothers. To find help for your postpartum depression concerns, please scroll down.…
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Trapped by Tradition: A Woman’s Fight to Leave
In our second episode honoring Mental Health and Women's Health Awareness month, we talk not only about domestic violence, but the way women were supported (or not) in the 60s and 70s as opposed to now. We've come a long way baby, and although domestic violence is still a horrific experience…
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We Were More Than Statistics - The Weight Of Stigma On Mental Health
Welcome to Week 1 of our 4 part series on Mental Health, Women's Health and how it's a little different for teen moms. This week I talk with Rea, who experienced a lot of stigma and shame related to her pregnancy at 14. We discuss how the things said to us and about us stayed with us, and played…
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Compassion in Action - A NICU Nurse's Unexpected Family
In this long awaited episode, (I have been pestering Katrina for months to get her to let me interview her... ) You may have seen Katrina's story on Instagram or even on the news! It is an amazing story and I admire Katrina immensely even though she maintains that she is "Just a mom...." As…
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From Surviving to Thriving - Helping Others Do More Than Just Get By
In this episode, we talk to Meghan, teen mom, mental health nurse and one of the driving forces behind Thrive 10:10. She is another great example of early parenthood paving the way for a heart for helping other women (and men) to live the life they were created for. To learn more about Thrive…
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Serving More Than Food - From Teen Mom to Restaurateur
I am so very excited about this interview. In this episode, we meet Gabby. She is an amazing example of a teen mom maturing into a wonderful example of an advocate for women.. particularly the ones who happen to come to work at her restaurant. I first saw Gabby on Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen...
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Healing, Hope & a Crown - Heather's Path to Empowerment
In this episode, we meet Heather, teen mom, 2016 Miss America and the driving force behind the Ohio non profit, Clothed In Strength. I was blown away by Heather's humble beauty and willingness to devote her time and money to other women in need. It was amazing meeting her and hearing about her...
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Navigating Life's Curveballs: From Teen Mom to Career Comeback
In this episode we have the pleasure of meeting Jerrie, a wildly successful woman, who got pregnant the very first time she had sex at 14. Rather than allowing that to derail her dreams, she hits here first set of life goals before she was 30!! It is amazing how resilient we can be when we have…
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Teen Mothers, Healthy Futures - An OBGYN's Perspective
In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Kristie, a local OBGYN who shares her expertise with us on all things teen motherhood. After listening to the episode, if you have any questions for Dr. Kristie that we didn't cover, please drop them in the comments. As always, please…
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Breaking the Cycle: A Journey from Trauma to Healing
In this episode, we get to know my friend Sophia. She was born to a teen mother who unfortunately didn't give her a great start to life. Luckily she and her brother were adopted by their grandparents and are given a few years of peace and love. Then the computer age comes along and ruins it. As...
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A Family United - A Teen Mom's Journey Continues Through Autism and Adoption
In this long awaited episode, we get to hear the second installment of Megan's story that began with "Unseen But Unstoppable: "Parenting and Persevering with Anxiety and Undiagnosed ADHD" (you can click it if you want to listen to that interview first) and now continues with Noah's adoption.…
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Clearing the Room - Breaking Free From Just Surviving
Today we talk with Delisa, and discuss how a life of just surviving affected both her and her children. Her oldest, a daughter, also became a teen mom leading Delisa to understand that she wanted more than survival for herself and her family. Fast forward a few years and she publishes a book,...
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The Hidden Connections - Early Puberty, Trauma and Parenthood
In this episode we explore connections between precocious puberty, childhood trauma and the connection to teenage pregnancy. We are joined by Lisamarie, a nurse practitioner specializing in functional medicine. To learn more about Lisamarie and what she offers, visit her Facebook Page Here. To...
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Three Days To Decide - A Mother's Impossible Choice
In this episode, we talk to Kristin, a woman who practically force to give her son up for adoption at 17. Her mother was controlling and manipulative, but in the end, she could not keep Kristin quiet. Kristen now runs Diva Donations, a formal clothing closet dedicated to uplifting students in our...
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Reflections of a Teen Mom’s Daughter -Lessons in Grace, Growth and Gratitude
In this episode we meet Dee, the grown daughter of a teen mom. We get to hear how her mother’s struggle shaped her to be the independent successful woman she is. To learn more about The EMBER Project, visit us at www.theemberproject.org. To volunteer please CLICK Here and nominate a mother,...
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My Grandmother’s Episode
My grandmother’s name was Violet, but she was neither shy nor delicate.. She was a fierce woman who protected her 3 daughter’s cost of losing 2 of the 3. This not sound like a story of empowerment, but listen anyway. Grandma Violet will stick with you long after this short listen. To VOLUNTEER...
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Episode 6 - Mothers of the Projects: A Legacy of Love and Resilience
In this episode we have the pleasure of talking to Melissa Winston, author of "Mothers of the Projects". You can find her book on Amazon by CLICKING HERE. I can't wait for my copy to arrive today! Remember, to become a volunteer or mentor, please CLICK HERE to fill out the volunteer intake...
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Unseen But Unstoppable: Parenting and Persevering with Anxiety and Undiagnosed ADHD
In our first two part episode, we meet Megan. A young woman learning to navigate her mental health challenges at the same time as she learns what it means to parent a child on the Autism spectrum. Then, make sure you listen to part two on January 16th, when Megan and Noah share a VERY SPECIAL day...
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Choose your fuel....
In this episode, we talk about an excerpt blog by Seth Godin about choosing your motivation and how choosing the wrong motivation can actually hurt you.
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The Life She Never Thought Was Possible
Serena was born into a story that seemed destined to repeat itself. Her mother became a young mother under tragic circumstances, carrying trauma that would echo through the generations. By sixteen, Serena found herself pregnant too, following a path that looked all too familiar. Growing up...
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From Survival to Service Part 2
When we left Monica's story, she was standing at one of the darkest moments of her life. Isolated, exhausted, and overwhelmed by the weight of young motherhood, she had begun exploring adoption for her daughter and questioned whether she could keep going. What happened next would change the…
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From Survival to Service. Monica's Story Part 1
What happens when a frightened teenager becomes a wife, a mother, and the sole person responsible for holding everything together before she's even had a chance to become an adult herself? In Part One of Monica's story, she takes us back to a childhood marked by upheaval and trauma, an unexpected...
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Your Mother's Age Does Not Determine Your Future
Welcome to Season Three!!!! In Episode 1, We talk about not only public figures born to teen mothers, but also the position of The EMBER Project as a whole. We discuss our new programs for 2026, as well as six public figures born to teen moms.
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Growing Up Together
In this powerful and deeply honest episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with a mother and daughter to explore what early motherhood looks like across generations — not through statistics or stereotypes, but through lived experience. Latresha became pregnant at seventeen, facing fear,...
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When an EMBER is left unprotected.. Tori's Story
In this powerful conversation, Tori shares her journey into motherhood as a teenager while navigating unresolved trauma, grief, and a deep desire to feel loved and safe. She reflects on the close relationship she had with her father and the lasting impact of losing him at a young age, as well as...
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Stalking Awareness with Shielding Angels
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, host Susan Sutton sits down with Angel, president of Shielding Angels, to shed light on what stalking really looks like in 2025 and why awareness is so urgently needed. January is recognized nationally as Stalking Awareness Month, and this…
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Every Mother Counts: Jessica Brooks-Woods on Maternal Health and Equity
In this powerful episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, I sit down with Jessica Brooks Woods for a conversation that goes far beyond statistics and into the systems that shape maternal health outcomes in this country. We talk honestly about maternal health equity, bias in healthcare, and why young...
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2025 Year in Review - Still here and still on fire
This episode of The EMBER Project Podcast is both a year in review and a look ahead to what it truly takes to build something meaningful. I reflect on a year of extraordinary growth for EMBER, from a packed first fundraiser and community-wide support to real, tangible impact for young mothers. I...
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Fueling Your Finances - Holiday Debt, Refunds and Resets
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, I’m joined once again by my friend Ra’Cole Taltoan, CEO of Rockbrook Business Services, LLC, accountant, nonprofit strategist, and community advocate, for an honest conversation about holiday debt, tax refunds, and financial recovery. The holidays may...
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Unwrapping the Holiday Myth: Understanding Burnout and Asking for Help
The holidays are supposed to be joyful… but for so many early mothers, they are heavy, overwhelming, and emotionally draining. In this powerful two-part conversation, Susan explores the truth behind holiday burnout with both a mental health expert and a young mother living it in real time. First,...
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Unwrapping the Holiday Myth -Cookies, Toys, and Not-Enoughness
In this powerful solo episode, I open up about my very first Christmas as a young single mom. I talk honestly about what it looked like to try to create a magical holiday with almost no money, a handful of used toys, super cheap decorations, and Christmas cookies paid for with food stamps. I…
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She said I'd never make it... So I had to.
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, I sit down with my guest Mary, who became a mother just days before her fifteenth birthday. For the first time publicly, Mary shares how she navigated early motherhood, judgment, and a medically fragile newborn while fighting to build a life that no…
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Shattered But Not Broken: Rising From Pain to Purpose
In this powerful episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, I sits down with Lakeyta Johnson, a woman who turned years of bullying, isolation, and emotional abuse into a mission of self-love, faith, and healing. Lakeyta shares her journey from being a teenager bullied for her body and skin tone to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast featuring women who were teen mothers. Our content is encouraging and uplifting, meant to empower our listeners. We have guests from parenting experts, financial experts and other topics of interest.
HOSTED BY
susan5q3
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The EMBER Project Podcast have?
The EMBER Project Podcast currently has 63 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The EMBER Project Podcast about?
A podcast featuring women who were teen mothers. Our content is encouraging and uplifting, meant to empower our listeners. We have guests from parenting experts, financial experts and other topics of interest.
How often does The EMBER Project Podcast release new episodes?
The EMBER Project Podcast has 63 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The EMBER Project Podcast?
You can listen to The EMBER Project Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The EMBER Project Podcast?
The EMBER Project Podcast is created and hosted by susan5q3.
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