Ever notice how the energy you bring into a room can shift everything—good or bad—without saying a word?

In this episode, Annmarie Chereso invites us to rethink how we show up in our most important relationships—whether that’s with our kids, partners, friends, or even ourselves. She shares how tuning into your own energy and learning to trust your instincts can create more ease, better communication, and real connection.

Yes, we talk parenting—but not in the usual “tips and tricks” way. Annmarie goes deeper, helping us see how fear-based habits sneak into the way we relate, and how letting go of control can actually bring us closer to the people we love (even those strong-willed little ones... or stubborn adult children).

You’ll get practical, grounded advice on how to shift from reactive to intentional, and why understanding someone’s true nature—not who we wish they were—is the real key to connection. No fluff. No perfection required. Just real talk, thoughtful tools, and a fresh take that’s as useful in the carpool lane as it is in a tough conversation with your 25-year-old.

BIO:

Author, Meditation Teacher, and Transformational Coach, Annmarie Chereso empowers parents, children and families to discover authentic happiness and true success.

Through her playful, heart-centered approach, Annmarie combines mindfulness mastery with practical tools, helping clients cultivate self-awareness, harness their innate power, and overcome limiting beliefs to embrace their most empowered selves.

With over two decades of expertise, Annmarie has trained educators, students, and parents globally through online courses, coaching, speaking engagements, workshops, and retreats. She's collaborated with renowned leaders including Dr. Shefali Tsabary and The Conscious Leadership Group and has worked with institutions like The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, Francis W. Parker, and KIPP and The Chicago Public Schools.

Based in downtown Chicago Annmarie and her husband co-parent their blended family of nine children and three grandchildren. You'll often find her walking her dog along Lake Michigan, taking deep breaths and embracing her mantra: "It's not about parenting perfectly, it's about parenting authentically.”

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

annmariechereso.me

@annmariechereso

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Who will make sure your child with special needs or mental health challenges — even as an adult — is cared for when you no longer can? In this episode of This Way Up, Andrea sits down with Sara Ecklein, a fiduciary specializing in special needs trusts, to tackle this critical question. They unpack what a special needs trust is, why it's essential for securing a stable future, and how it can protect both care and financial support, no matter your child’s age. Sarah also shares what it’s like managing the maze of public benefits and why building a trusted team is key. Whether you're just starting to plan or already deep in advocacy for your child’s mental health or special needs, this conversation offers real-world advice, fresh insights, and peace of mind for the road ahead.

BIO

Sara Ecklein is a California Licensed Professional Fiduciary, a Certified National Guardian, and the founder of Trust & Honor, a Mindful Fiduciary Agency. Her path to fiduciary work was deeply influenced by personal experiences with loss and end-of-life care. After witnessing a loved one's final days, Sara felt a strong calling to provide healing and calm during the end of life transition.

Since 2014, she has dedicated to the private professional fiduciary profession, serving senior and disabled populations, specializing in end-of-life care, proactive planning, navigating complex family dynamics, Special Needs Trust administration and managing public benefits.

As the host of The Legacy of Love podcast, Sara shares valuable insights on trust administration and end-of-life care, featuring expert interviews and personal stories to help listeners create a meaningful legacy.

Sara lives in Silicon Valley with her husband and their young daughter.

Links to share:

LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ecklein-clpf-97460687

Legacy of Love Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2378190/15381267

Online: https://www.trustandhonor.co

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.

Parenthood messing with your mind or relationship? Psychologist Marcella Kaplani reveals the truth about Matrescence & Patrescence—and how to survive the emotional shifts.
With 15+ years of experience, she breaks down the real psychological transitions into motherhood and fatherhood that no one talks about. We’re getting raw and real about what changes in your brain, your relationship, and your sense of self when you become a parent—and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your partner).
Hit play if you're ready to stop pretending everything’s fine and start understanding what’s actually happening behind the scenes of modern parenting. Like, subscribe, and share—because you’re not the only one who needs to hear this.

BIO:

Markella has dedicated her career to assisting adults, parents, and children navigate their mental health challenges.

She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical & Counseling Psychology and has over 15 years of experience in both psychotherapeutic and educational settings.

In working with such a range of people, she’s had the opportunity to develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse systems that constitute the human experience. As such, she possesses a holistic point of view, understanding the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and their pivotal role in mental health.

After becoming a mom herself, Markella shifted her focus to mothers and couples, recognizing the challenges that parenthood presents, ironically paired with the inordinate lack of assistance provided by our institutions and systems.

Markella is passionate about elevating and empowering parents to reconnect with themselves, their partners, their children, and their dreams. She stands with compassion beside them and offers a path toward a new normal that contains even more love, even more growth, even more connection.

RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:

@markella.kaplani markellakaplani.com/podcast

www.markellakaplani.com

Instagram.com/markella.kaplani

Facebook.com/markella.kaplani

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.