Episodes

  • What It Really Takes to Be a Calming Nature Doula with Shannon Johns (Part 2)

    What It Really Takes to Be a Calming Nature Doula with Shannon Johns (Part 2)
    Jun 9 2025
    Ep. 126 So you saw a TikTok about doulas and thought, “That looks fun”? Before you order your business cards, press play on this episode. Doulas Kelly Marie and Shannon Johns reveal the reality of doula care, birth education, and fighting for maternal health equity. In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Shannon —founder of Calming Nature Doula Services—demystifies what it actually means to be a doula and what characteristics she looks for in a potential member of her team. With over a decade of experience, Shannon brings clarity and compassion to a misunderstood field, sharing why birthing families deserve more than just medical care—they deserve education, advocacy, and emotional support. You’ll learn how to prepare for childbirth with confidence, and why Medicaid coverage for doula services is a game-changer in the fight against maternal mortality. Whether you’re expecting, supporting someone through pregnancy, or thinking about becoming a doula yourself, this episode will leave you informed and empowered. 🔑 Key Topics: How doulas support the emotional and physical journey of childbirth What birthing families should ask before choosing a care provider Misconceptions about doula work and how to get certified Why maternal health advocacy is more urgent than ever Practical tips for building a trusted support network before labor begins 🎧 Notable Quote: "You have a voice. Utilize your voice. You can ask as many questions as you like... to make an informed decision for yourself and for the baby." – Shannon Johns Contact Shannon at Calming Nature Doula info@calmingnaturedoula.com 223 Grant St Buffalo, NY 14213 Calming Nature Doula Website https://www.calmingnaturedoula.com/ 🎤 Hosted by Kelly Marie | Front Seat Life LLC📩 Email your thoughts to frontseatlife@gmail.com💜 Crisis Support: Call or text 988 anytime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • From Teen Mom to Birth Doula: Shannon Johns' Journey (Part 1)

    From Teen Mom to Birth Doula: Shannon Johns' Journey (Part 1)
    Jun 2 2025
    Ep. 125 You’ve heard me hint at her. You’ve heard me talk about how she walks the halls like a birth superhero. And today—she's finally here. Shannon Johns, the heart and soul behind Calming Nature Doula Services, joins the Healthy Illness Podcast for a deep and raw conversation about what it really takes to care, to show up, and to reclaim our power—especially as Black women navigating motherhood, mental health, and healing. This is not your typical “how I became a doula” story. Shannon shares her truth—from becoming a mother at 14, to redefining strength, to stepping into her divine calling as a full-time doula changing lives across New York and beyond. Her voice? Unapologetic. Her journey? Unshakable. Her lessons? Universal. Contact Shannon info@calmingnaturedoula.com 223 Grant St Buffalo, NY 14213 Calming Nature Doula Website https://www.calmingnaturedoula.com/ ⚠️ WARNING: You will want to take notes. And you’ll definitely want to be back next week for Part 2. 👑 Tap in, tune in, and tell a friend. 🎤 Hosted by Kelly Marie | Produced by JazzCast Pros 📩 Email your thoughts to frontseatlife@gmail.com 💜 Crisis Support: Call or text 988 anytime 00:00 - The Guest You've All Been Waiting For: Shannon Johns is HERE 01:12 - Welcome to the Healthy Illness Podcast 02:12 - Why I Admire Shannon So Much 03:04 - How Calming Nature Doula Services Was Born 07:04 - Becoming a Teen Mom at 14: A Life-Altering Start 09:51 - What We Were Taught About Birth is All Wrong 11:28 - Why They Didn't Want Me to Speak: Telling the Truth About Teen Motherhood 13:56 - Setting a Schedule, Owning the Responsibility 17:27 - A Doctor Who Believed in Me at 13 Years Old 20:02 - Youth Empowerment and Body Ownership 22:48 - The Power of “Knowing” in the Black Community 23:06 - Teaching People to Trust Themselves 24:59 - Why Birth Trauma Repeats Across Generations 25:53 - A Deep Admiration—and We’re Not Done Yet! 26:44 - Crisis Help is Available: Call or Text 988 27:10 - Come Back Next Week for Part 2 of Shannon’s Story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Grounding in Faith: Baptised in America's Storm

    Grounding in Faith: Baptised in America's Storm
    May 27 2025
    Ep. 124 As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Kelly Marie leans deeply into her faith—offering a timely reflection on love, compassion, and the power of spiritual recommitment in the face of national uncertainty. “We say we believe in families… but our policies don’t match our prayers.” Kelly shares her decision to be baptized again—an act of public faith rooted not in doctrine, but in divine love. She reminds us that Christian values are not political tools, but spiritual principles grounded in mercy, forgiveness, and grace. ✨ Whether you're questioning your own walk, feeling anxious about the state of the world, or simply seeking reassurance that you're not alone—this episode offers a moment of mindfulness, grounded in truth and filled with hope. 📖 “No matter who you are, no matter where you are, you can rededicate yourself to love—right now, in this moment.” — Kelly Marie If you're in crisis or need someone to talk to, call or text 988 for 24/7 mental health support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • How the Soft Girl Era Supports Healing and Self-Care

    How the Soft Girl Era Supports Healing and Self-Care
    May 12 2025
    Ep. 123 What does it really mean to embrace your soft girl era? This week, Kelly Marie explores how softness isn’t weakness—it’s a powerful act of self-love. 💅🏾✨ In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and Mother’s Day, Kelly shares how a simple beauty treatment sparked a deeper reflection on mindfulness, self-care, and breaking free from grind culture. 🌸💆🏾‍♀️ 💬 “It’s not about the look—it’s about the healing.” Tune in for: 🌿 A fresh take on the “soft girl era” 🛑 The importance of boundaries 🧘🏾‍♀️ Mindfulness, meditation & emotional wellness ❤️ How to show up for yourself with compassion #HealthyIllnessPodcast #SoftGirlEra #MentalHealthAwareness #BlackMentalHealth #SelfCareIsntSelfish #FrontSeatLife #KellyMarie #HealingOutLoud #MindfulLiving #PodcastForHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • The Weight of the Cape — Healing from the Superwoman Schema

    The Weight of the Cape — Healing from the Superwoman Schema
    Apr 28 2025
    Ep 122: Have you ever felt like if you don't hold everything together, it will all fall apart? If so, you're not alone — and it's time to set yourself free. After giving a keynote speech with the Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Kelly Marie continues the conversation about the Superwoman Schema — the invisible weight you may be carrying. In this episode, you'll explore how the pressure to be strong at all costs impacts your mental and physical health, contributing to issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and untreated depression. You'll be encouraged to rethink the roles you’ve accepted, set healthier boundaries, and embrace the truth that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. If you've ever felt like you have to do it all, Kelly reminds you: your wellness matters just as much as your willingness to serve others. 🌟 You are human. You deserve care. You don't have to carry it all alone. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Resources: 988 - Suicide Prevention Hotline 211 - Local Services Helpline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Top Five Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula

    Top Five Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula
    Apr 14 2025
    Ep. 121 This Black Maternal Health Week Kelly Marie explores essential questions to ask when choosing a doula, focusing on training, services, compatibility, availability during labor, and backup plans. Drawing on her experience as a doula, Kelly emphasizes the importance of establishing clear communication and understanding individual needs. She also briefly touches on the impact of doulas in maternal health and offers resources for finding support services. Stay tuned for insights from upcoming guests, Shannon Johns and other doulas, who are transforming the maternal health landscape. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 4:57 Please tell me about your training and experience as a doula 5:57 Understanding Doula Certification and Medicaid Coverage in New York 10:54 What services do you provide and how much do they cost? 11:25 Do you work with people like me? 12:38 When do you show up once labor begins? 14:07 What happens if you're not available for my labor? 21:16 Mental Health Support and Resources for Challenging Times Crisis helpline phone numbers: Dial 988 for immediate assistance or 741741 for text support Use 211 as the helpline for resources 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    25 mins
  • Don’t Hire a Doula Until You Hear This: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

    Don’t Hire a Doula Until You Hear This: Questions Every Parent Should Ask
    Apr 8 2025
    Ep. 120 Hiring a doula? Don’t do it until you hear this! As a certified doula in New York State, I know firsthand how choosing the right support for your birth journey can shape your entire experience. In today’s episode of the Healthy Illness Podcast, I’m sharing what I wish every expecting parent knew before hiring a doula—from the questions you should ask during interviews to how to spot a red flag. 🗣️ “This is your birth journey, and I want you to feel empowered to own this part of your experience and ask the questions without shame, without apology.” – Kelly Marie We’ll talk about everything from doula philosophies and training to emotional support, communication styles, and even payment plans. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, a home birth, or something in between, this episode will empower you to advocate for your needs and build a birth team that truly supports you. 🧘🏾‍♀️ Your birth. Your voice. Your power. Let’s talk doulas. 🔑 Key Takeaways ✨ Interview more than one doula—this is a personal decision, and finding the right fit matters. ✨ Ask about training, experience, and familiarity with local hospital or birthing center policies. ✨ Doulas aren’t regulated—so trust, communication, and clear expectations are everything. ✨ Emotional support is just as important as physical support during labor. ✨ Clarify logistics upfront: payment, availability, communication style, and backup plans. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life LLC 📲 Instagram @‌thefrontseatlife FB @‌thefrontseatlife, Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal Chapters: 00:00 – Importance of interviewing doulas. 04:01 – General Background Questions 06:01 – Philosophy and Approach 07:09 – Services and Availability 09:08 – Collaboration and Hospital Interaction 10:48 – Support Techniques 13:32 – Emotional and Mental Health Support 16:02 – Logistics and Payment 18:08 – Fit and Communication 20:11 – Backup Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Who’s Advocating for You? The Role of Doulas in Maternal Health

    Who’s Advocating for You? The Role of Doulas in Maternal Health
    Mar 31 2025
    Ep. 119 👶🏾Your voice matters in the delivery room. But is anyone truly listening? The reality is, Black women face higher risks during childbirth—but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. A doula can be your advocate, your guide, and your support system, ensuring that your birth plan is heard and honored. In this episode of Healthy Illness, Kelly Marie breaks down the difference between doulas and midwives, why holistic birth support is more important than ever, and how you can take control of your birthing experience. Plus, she’s offering a FREE session to help you create a birth plan tailored to your needs. Key Takeaways: Black women in the U.S. face significantly worse maternal health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Midwives are medically trained professionals who provide clinical care during childbirth, distinct from doctors. Doulas offer non-clinical support focused on preparing and supporting pregnant individuals through childbirth and beyond. 🎙️ Hosted by Coach Kelly Marie, founder of Front Seat Life 📲 Instagram @thefrontseatlife FB @thefrontseatlife, Email KellyMarie@FrontSeatLife.com 🎧 Produced & edited by JazzCast Pros 🔗 Click Here to rate & review on Apple Podcasts 🚀 Rate & Share this Podcast from Spotify 🔐 Add this show to your collection on Pandora. 💪 Support the Show with a one-time donation on PayPal 🎧 Tap in now—because your safety, your peace of mind, and your birth experience matter. #HealthyIllnessPodcast #BlackMaternalHealth #DoulasVsMidwives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins