A is for Adversity

A is for Adversity

”Now, every time I witness a strong person, I want to know: What dark did you conquer in your story? Mountains do not rise without earthquakes.” (Katherine MacKenett) We all experience hard times but those troubles can create depth of character, resilience, empathy, and so much more--if we let them work within us for that purpose. Join me and a variety of guests every Thursday as we talk about our identity within motherhood through the lens of adversity.

Episodes

June 13, 2024 14 mins

Let Yourself Bloom

 In this episode, Jen Banks reflects on hitting their stress ceiling and the need to make changes for a healthier life. She discusses the upcoming launch of a new podcast mini-series, 'The Best Birth,' focusing on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum preparation. The host also announces this as the final episode of 'A is for Adversity' and shares excitement about launching a new podcast 'Let Yourself Bloom' in Fall 2...

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Reflecting on Four Years of Podcasting and Preparing for a New Chapter

In this episode, the host shares personal insights and lessons learned from four years of podcasting. She discusses initial challenges, content creation, audience building, and the importance of networking. As she moves into a rebranding phase with her new podcast 'Let Yourself Bloom' and an upcoming book, she reflects on personal growth and offers advice for ne...

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Unlocking the Language of the Stars with Kambria Davis

In this episode, the host explores the world of astrology during Gemini season with guest Kambria Davis, the resident astrologist at Daybreak. Davis shares her personal journey into astrology during a pivotal time in her life, emphasizing that astrology is a language rather than a belief system. She discusses how astrology can offer insights into one's life purpose, personality...

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Journey To Self-Discovery: A Conversation with Rachel Cox Taylor

In this podcast episode, Jen shares updates from her life, including getting back into routines after a trip, editing her book, and personal family stories. The focus then shifts to an insightful conversation with guest Rachel Cox Taylor, who shares her journey and insights on personal growth, the importance of unconditional love, and understanding one's core values. ...

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Unleashing the Power of Authorship: A Journey of Empowerment and Community

This joint episode from the "I Was Born To Do This" podcast (hosted by Keira Brinton) and "A Is For Adversity (hosted by Jen Banks) was recorded shortly after an intensive authoring retreat in Mill Valley, California. The episode features a vibrant discussion with three guests: Trisha Biesinger, Jennifer Banks, and Brooke Anderson, who have just completed wr...

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May 2, 2024 10 mins

Exploring Identity Through an Acrostic Poem

In this episode, Jen Banks announces she is writing a book titled 'Let Yourself Bloom' set to release in September and hints at an upcoming rebrand. The episode's primary focus is on identity, particularly for mothers trying to maintain their own identity through motherhood. Using the acrostic poem format with the word 'IDENTITY,' each letter is used to highlight an aspect of personal ide...

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Icebergs and Illusions: Navigating Life's Expectations and Realities

In this solo podcast episode, Jen Banks delves into the topic of 'Icebergs and Illusions,' discussing how expectations about having more time, energy, money, influence, and better relationships often don't align with reality. Through personal stories and reflections, the narrative explores the illusions that many people have about improving aspects of their lives,...

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April 18, 2024 11 mins

The True Essence of Motherhood in 2024: Challenges and Joys

Jen Banks dives into the life of a mother approaching Mother's Day, discussing the unpredictability and demanding nature of motherhood in 2024. It humorously outlines a 'job description*' for being a mom, emphasizing the lack of tangible benefits and the never-ending responsibilities, from executive support to janitorial duties, without any financial compensation. Jen enco...

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Honing In On Intimacy w/ Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife

In this episode, Jen engages in a compelling dialogue with Dr. Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, an LDS sex therapist, to delve into topics of sexuality, intimacy, and identity. Dr. Finlayson-Fife shares insights into her unique approach to enhancing intimacy in relationships, the impact of personal identity on sexual dynamics within marriage, and the challenges couples face in fostering ...

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April 4, 2024 29 mins
God Is In The Details w/ Morgan Jones In this episode, the host shares their love for April Fool's Day and the creative ways they celebrate with their family, including memorable pranks. The guest for the episode is Morgan Jones Pearson from the All In podcast, who discusses her journey from being a listener to hosting her own podcast. Morgan shares insights into her personal life, living in Philadelphia with her husband and baby, ...
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March 28, 2024 21 mins

Graceful Resilience w/ Kyrie Blaney

This podcast episode captures a conversation between Jen Banks and Kyrie Blaney, the host of 'The Confident Mompreneur' podcast, where they discuss a range of topics including personal growth, overcoming adversity, entrepreneurship, mental health, and the importance of community and vulnerability. Kyrie shares her journey through difficult life experiences, includin...

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March 21, 2024 29 mins

Feng Shui, Personal Strengths, and Navigating Adversity with Tina Falk

This podcast episode features an interview with Tina Falk, a Feng Shui master with years of experience and deep knowledge in the practice. The host begins with updates and an invitation for listeners to follow her on Instagram and announces her upcoming book. Tina shares her personal journey, moving from the Twin Cities to Utah and discovering her strengths with...

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Overcoming Adversity with Amanda McCombs: Teaching, Pageantry, and Personal Triumphs

This podcast episode features an inspiring interview with Amanda McCombs, a first-grade teacher, Mrs. Daybreak, and a contestant in the Miss Utah America pageant. Amanda shares insights into her life, discussing the joys and challenges of being a part of a blended family, her journey through the adversity of a shingles diagnosis that led to signifi...

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A Is For Adversity presents an encore presentation of the International Women's Day panel made up of Daybreak residents.

Empowering Women: International Women's Day Roundtable Discussion

This episode on Ride The Wave Media is a powerful roundtable discussion hosted by Becks Nielsen and Jen Banks on International Women's Day. The podcast convened women from various walks of life including real estate, entertainment, coaching, birth ...

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March 7, 2024 29 mins

Empowering Moms to Maintain Identity and Achieve Work-Life Balance

In this episode, Jen welcomes Tina Salisbury, a master life design and performance coach who specializes in helping successful working moms achieve work-life balance. They discuss the importance of mothers maintaining their identity through motherhood, the challenges of saying 'no' to maintain one's priorities, and strategies for understanding and pursuing personal ...

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Empowering Connections & Embracing Opportunities w/ Karen Scoffield

Jen Banks has an intriguing conversation with Karen Scoffield. Karen discusses her experiences juggling motherhood and her passion for real estate. She gives insights into her background that include growing up in Draper, Utah, and her educational journey. Karen also recounts supporting her husband through law school while maintaining her career. On her love fo...

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February 15, 2024 21 mins
Do It Today w/ Dan Rawls In this podcast episode of 'A is for Adversity', host Jen Banks first introduces Dan Rawls, an entrepreneur with 35 years of experience. In the conversation, Dan talks about his business interests in nutrition through his company Juice Plus, which offers whole food nutrition products, and his networking business group where he helps people earn revenue and referrals through professional connections. Dan als...
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Cake As A Catalyst For Growth w/ Carissa Starks

In this podcast episode, host Jen Banks interviews Carissa Starks, a mother, wife, and cake decorator. Carissa shares her entrepreneurship journey that began with baking a cake in a rice cooker in her apartment in Japan, leading to a successful business, 'Eat My Sweets By Carissa.' Carissa shares her experiences living in Japan, her change of career, and her goals for growing her busi...

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February 1, 2024 29 mins
'Celebrations By Design w/ Carla Lifferth' In this episode, Carla from Liffcake Parties discusses how her party planning and rental business helps clients create memorable events within their budget. She shares that her children, especially her son, were the inspiration behind starting her own business. She gives insight into how event planning is more than just organizing a party, it's about creating magical experiences for her cl...
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Summary

In this episode, the hosts introduce the new year and discuss their New Year's resolutions. They then welcome their guest, Jen Banks from 'A is for Adversity', and discuss the inspiration behind her podcast name. Jen shares her journey of creating 134 episodes and her plans for the upcoming season. The hosts ask for advice for female entrepreneurs and starting a podcast. Jen emphasizes the importance of embracing the messy ...

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