I Know I’m Crazy with NAJA HALL

Randall and Scarlett Tandy, founders of EnjoyingYourBlendedFamily.com chat revolving doors, family conflict, & unexpected joy.

To watch this episode https://youtu.be/z_m0iIPyolY

MEET THE TANDYS: We officially started our blended family journey in 2008, after dating a year and a half. We started with our 3 kids (one "his baby" and two "her babies") and then later fostered a teenager.

We both were raised in blended families, and both had been divorced before we found each other.

Desperately wanting our family to work, we learned as much as we could in church, other resources, and through all of our many blended family challenges.

Jamie Scrimgeour is a wife, stepmom of three, and mom of one. Professionally she is a Life Coach with a specialization in Stepfamily Dynamics, a podcast host, and a digital content creator. After gaining an instant family, she found herself needing help with the tricky transition. Jamie inspires other Moms and Stepmoms to live a KICK-ASS life as she creates her own.

Get 120 Ways To Be A KICK-ASS Stepmom: https://jamiescrimgeour.com/ebook
For more from Jamie Scrimgeour visit www.jamiescrimgeour.com
Follow along on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jamiescrimgeour
Follow along on Facebook: www.facebook.com/scrimgeourjamie

Katie Davie, founder of Coparenting Peacefully stops by I Know I'm Crazy with Naja Hall to chat raising balanced kids, conflicted coparenting and life after love. Katie is a seasoned co-parenting Mama, co-parenting coach, and aspiring mediator. As someone who was previously trapped in a high-conflict relationship, she has been through it all. 

coparentingpeacefully.com
https://www.instagram.com/coparentingpeacefully/

Naja chats with fellow Southern belle and Family Lawyer, Nicole Sodoma about how her perspective on divorce changed after she experienced her own.

Nicole Sodoma is the Founder and Managing Principal of Sodoma Law. For the past 25 years, Nicole has pioneered a way through the often-dreaded field of family law with integrity, compassion, and tenacity. As a marriage-loving divorce attorney, Nicole was shocked on the day she chose herself, her happiness, and her future over her 13-year marriage. In her debut book, PLEASE DON’T SAY YOU’RE SORRY, Nicole provides a witty, honest, and wildly relatable account of the stripped-down realities of marriage, separation, and divorce. Using her personal stories and (sometimes unbelievable) experiences as a family law attorney of two decades, Nicole layers in laughter, compassion, and legal savvy to deliver empowering principles that will help guide readers through both the humorous and not-so-humorous realities of divorce.

Naja chats with Coparenting Coach, @Kevin__Meeks. Kevin became a father at the tender age of 13! And he shares how "growing up" with his own son, now 22, tested their relationship and the unique vantage point he has gained in order to help other fathers in stressful coparenting situations. Kevin drops gem after gem so grab your pen and pad and be prepared to usher your children into a more peaceful childhood experience.

Kevin, along with his wife Alicia Meeks, Founder @spoiledwives club have a blended family of 5. Kevin, with the help of his wife, also gained custody parent of his youngest son.

Visit https://www.instagram.com/kevin__meeks/
https://www.instagram.com/thefamilydynamics/

In anticipation of our upcoming Crime series, Naja chats with Investigative Journalist about his own blended family background and how his early experiences opened his natural curiosity regarding human suffering and led him to a highly successful career. 

Steph is an investigative journalist and TV Producer specializing in Crime and Justice television with an emphasis on missing persons cases, unsolved murders, and cold cases. Steph has an established and trusting relationship with national law enforcement, members of the legal community, crime survivors and victims’ family members. He is frequently on CNN, and most recently appeared in Vanity Fair Confidentials’: "Natalee Holloway: Lost in Paradise" He also created, produced, and appeared in ID’s highest-rated series, “JonBenet, Ramsey, An American Murder Mystery" and Casey Anthony, An American Murder Mystery” Steph is also featured in Oxygen Network’s new hit series “Notorious” and is a Special Correspondent for the syndicated crime show “Crime Watch Daily. In 2017, Steph launched WattsUProductions and is currently in development on several new true-crime series.  Steph is the go-to guy for justice, and a known voice for the missing, murdered, and misunderstood.

Imagine never knowing what your father looked or sounded like for the 1st 38 years of your life! Our guest Corey Andrew did just that. On today's episode of IKIC, Corey shares his experience of growing up fatherless to all of a sudden gaining a Dad and 9 siblings overnight. 

About Corey: I wear many hats as a copywriter, content producer and podcast host/interviewer. I have significant experience in art direction, video production, video editing, music writing and producing on-air promos.

I was an integral part of the in-house marketing team for The Vitamin Shoppe from 2011 to 2016, hired first as a copywriter. After two years of successfully contributing to the company's rebranding initiatives, product development, and retail store expansions, I was promoted to the role of Manager of marketing copy.

After three years of freelancing, in 2019, I accepted a full-time role of Content Manager / Content Producer for the National Society of Leadership & Success, the nation’s largest leadership honor society with over 1.3 million members. In 2021, I became the new host of the popular NSLS podcast, ‘Motivational Mondays.’ My debut episode features an interview with Tokyo Olympics silver-medalist, Raven ‘The Hulk’ Saunders, discussing mental health in professional sports.

Additionally, I am a Billboard Breakout recording artist, a Verified artist on Spotify and I've been a Recording Academy member and Grammy voter since 2011.

Visit Corey online at linktr.ee/Coreyandrewmedia

This is a Tony Takeover! Naja's Hubby, her muse taps in to talk to all of the Dads in I know I'm Crazy-land. Trying to raise GOOD kids in a BAD situation is daunting for the most mindful man. As a father, your nature is to protect your kids but when your efforts are undermined, conflict is inevitable. This episode is for all the fellas! 

Naja chats with Coach Bee Chatman about her experiences going from being a single girl to having an instant family. Inheriting an awesome Dad and his two kids from previous relationships, Bee was thrust into unfamiliar waters and she made the decision to swim upstream.

To learn more about Bee, visit ChatWithBee.com 

Naja catches up with an IKIC fave Mindful Bree Gordon about her NEW life! Since her last visit, Bree has become a Mom and her stepkids have turned 18 years old. She shares so many gems about her modern epiphanies and things she wishes she would've known before all of her major life changes. Spoiler Alert: Sweating the small stuff doesn't get us anywhere.

Does your child's other parent villify you every chance they get? If so, this episode will help you combat the lies your child is being fed in real time. If your coparent fills your child's head with lies and toxicity, it is YOUR obligation to provide the child with references so they can have access to the truth.

It is quite unfair to adultify a child, however, if your coparent is committed to doing so, it is YOUR job to provide the afflicted child with references to refute the lies. You no longer have the luxury of trying to preserve their childhood by telling them fairytales. They've already been exposed to a very real, very harsh reality. The truth is the tool they will need to fend for themselves one day.
-Coach Naja

P.S. This episode is abbreviated as we're having some technical difficulties. We still wanted to put it out because this message was too important not to share. Enjoy and see you next week!

After a daunting weekend on Auntie duty, Naja sits down with parenting experts Kira Dorrian and Deana Thayer of futurefocusedparenting.com. The awesome duo have created a community that focuses on raising 'future adults' as opposed to just barely making it through childhood.

After a bit of a family shake-up, Naja comes back on air and brings her hubby along for a very transparent marriage check-in. Grab your partner and a cup of tea and be prepared to smile (and gasp)!

Attorney Aaron Thomas is a 2002 graduate from Harvard Law School and a 1998 graduate of Emory University. Since 2004, Aaron has been known as a skilled litigator, winning dozens of jury trials and bench trials in several metro Atlanta counties. He’s known as a family law specialist, representing clients in cases of divorce, custody and child support.

Learn more about “the prenup that helps you stay married,” by downloading the free ebook “7 Financial Strategies for Building a Rock-Solid Marriage” at www.prenups.com

Naja chats with Cameron Normand, host of The Stepmom Diaries podcast, co-founder of The Stepmom Summit, and founder and CEO of This Custom Life, where she provides stepmoms with tools and advice to help them embrace their blended family lives. She is a Certified Stepparent Coach, the creator of the BLENDED Family Formula For Stepmom Success, and author of The Stepmom’s Gratitude Journal.

Cameron received her BA from the University of South Carolina and her JD from Emory University School of Law. By day, she is a corporate politico in the Washington, D.C. area and serves on several non-profit boards. She was named one of the Washington Business Journal’s, “Women Who Mean Business.”

Cameron is known as “Cammie G” to four stepchildren. In her spare time, she loves pop culture, good coffee, spending time with her husband, and trying to achieve that elusive concept of “balance.” You can find Cameron at www.thiscustomlife.com and follow her on social media at Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Have you ever wanted to talk to an actual psychologist that testifies for families in court? Today Naja chats with an actual psychologist that's gone to Family Court over 300 times! Dr. Baker. Kelley Baker earned her Ph.D. in Developmental, Social, and Personality Psychology and she has counseled individuals and families since 1994. Dr. Baker specializes in providing mental health services to families during divorce and post-divorce.  She has completed over 190 hours of specialized training for mental health professionals working with families of divorce and alienation. She has worked with over 300 cases since beginning her private practice and provided testimony throughout central Texas.

In Dr. Baker's own words, " I will not make light of the realistic loss and pain that accompanies this transition, but I will not allow the client to remain entrenched in fears that are irrational and will destroy their children. I am interested in helping adults who believe in the unity of all human beings and the ultimate goodness from which we come. The primary objectives aim at teaching the client how to end their marriage in a way that uplifts them personally and spiritually, models appropriate and healthy relationship skills to their children, and increases their ability to make psychologically healthy choices for themselves as they move on with their lives."

To learn more, visit her at www.kelleybakerphd.co

Today Naja chats with Coach Ralph about overcoming narcissistic abuse, how she personally recovered from narcissistic abuse, and her mission to help others!

Ralphiel Toulon is a badass wife, mother, and bonus mom who turned her darkest time dealing with the effects of being in a narcissistic relationship, into a mission to help women struggling in their relationships. Ralphiel got focused and did the work on herself first, and shortly after became certified as a professional coach. While serving her clients, Ralphiel went back to become a mastered certified professional coach to continue to help women put a name to what they’re experiencing, survive, heal and have healthier relationships they deserve.

Visit Coach Ralph online!

www.ralphieltulon.com

Instagram @RalphTheCoach

We have all had the misfortune of dealing with a jerk at some point in our lives. Today on the I Know I'm Crazy with Naja Hall podcast, I am chatting with author Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D. about his extensive life's work on adverse personalities.

Jeremy Sherman, Ph.D. is a science researcher and writer who has written 1000 blog articles for Psychology Today under the title Ambigamy: Insights for the deeply romantic and deeply skeptical. For a quarter-century he has collaborated closely with Harvard/Berkeley neuroscientist and biological anthropologist Terrence Deacon developing a theory for the origins of life's struggle for existence, in other words explaining trying or effort from its chemical origins. Sherman writes academically but most of his writing is about everyday decision-making. He has just written a book now available as a free podcast called "What's up with a**holes? Advanced Psychoproctology for beginners.

Visit Jeremy online at www.jeremysherman.com

WATCH this episode on youtube https://youtu.be/20IO3nbg79E

We tried a different format for this episode. As opposed to the regular interview style, we decided to have a casual chat on hot topics from Naja's facebook group. It gets heated and today, Let's Argue!!

Naja chats with Attorney Meghan Freed. Meghan is Managing Co-Partner of Freed Marcroft, a Connecticut law firm that devotes its practice exclusively to divorce and family law. Meghan is particularly experienced with alternative dispute resolution, including arbitration and mediation, is a graduate of Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation, and has supplemented her formal legal education with advanced training in mediation. In this high-energy episode, Naja and Meghan discuss lessons learned about relationships from the divorce perspective, how to Have the Most Amicable Divorce and Meghan even helps the IKIC audience to map out a divorce plan!

Visit Meghan online at https://freedmarcroft.com/

Naja chats with tiktok sensation and psychotherapist Stepanie Ward about childhood trauma and how to become the parent you wish you had. Stephanie is a coparenting mother, and psychotherapist specializing in childhood trauma, parent wounds and narcissistic abuse. She helps to people to understand their earliest attachments and foundations of love.

www.stephaniejw.com
www.instagram.com/stephanietherapy

Naja chats with one of her faves, Coach Kate Anthony. 

Kate Anthony is the host of the critically
acclaimed and New York Times recommended
podcast The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast
and the creator of the groundbreaking online
coaching program, Should I Stay or Should I
Go? which helps women make the most difficult
decision of their lives using coaching tools,
relationship education, geeky neuroscience,
community support, and deep self-work.

No stranger to the camera, Kate spent the first
30 years of her life as an actor, with a career that
began with five years on Sesame Street and
concluded with five years on Grey's Anatomy.
Kate empowers women to find their strength,
passion, and confidence even in the most
disempowering of circumstances and helps
them move forward with concrete plans,
putting their children at the center (not in the
middle) of all decisions.

Kate spent 3 years and over 500 hours training in
various coaching modalities with two of the top
coach training organizations in the world, and is
widely known as an expert in communication,
co-parenting, divorce, and emotional
intelligence.

In addition to her private practice, Kate spent
three years coaching Fortune 500 executives in
communication, presentation skills and
emotional intelligence.

Kate lives in Los Angeles with her son (whom she
lovingly co-parents with her ex), two pups, and a
handful of fish.

Visit Kate online at https://kateanthony.com/

Today I am chatting with internet sensation and Texas-based legal eagle Vonda Bailey. Vonda has garnered millions of views by issuing judgments in a unique, yet relatable way on her hit Youtube show Support Court with Judge Vonda.

Vonda Bailey is a native of Dallas, Texas where she is the managing partner of the Law Office of Vonda Bailey, PLLC. She provides legal assistance in family law, which includes child support, child custody, divorce, and adoption.

Beyond Vonda’s leadership achievements, her family is the center of her life. Vonda is married to Christopher Shaw, the Police Chief of The University of North Texas at Dallas. They have two children, Austin and Arielle.

As of July 2021, Vonda is launching her campaign for Judge of 255th Family District Court.

https://www.facebook.com/vonda.s.bailey
https://www.facebook.com/SupportCourtJudgeVondaB/
IG; supportcourt_judgevondab, vote_vonda, nodrama_vonda
TikTok: @vondabaileyforjudge, @judgevondab
Twitter: Judge Vonda B, Vote Vonda for Judge

Naja chats with her internet Bestie, Beth about queerness, stepmotherhood, and her journey of self-rediscovery.

Beth McDonough is a Certified Stepfamily Coach and one of three moms raising one feisty redheaded stepdaughter. She specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, being a childless stepmom, infertility, and strengthening stepfamilies through focusing on your relationship with your partner. She is also growing and learning about the process, pain, and healing of parental alienation. Beth has been featured in Stepmom Magazine, Stepparent Magazine, SheKnows Parenting, Bustle, TravelZoo, BabyCenter, and ParentMap.

Visit Beth online:

www.theinclusivestepmom.com

@theinclusivestepmom

Naja Hall chats with a high school classmate, Kim Gaither about how breast cancer made her grateful. Kim was diagnosed in her 30s and her life immediately took a pivot. With a great job, a loving husband, and a dedicated family, her circle has come together as she conquers cancer. Still in the midst of her treatment, Kim has vowed not only to live, but she is inspiring others to kick cancer's booty. Follow Kim on Instagram at www.instagram.com/knicolebrandinc

Love and money can make people act funny ESPECIALLY in blended families. Today Naja chats with Family Law Attorney, Natalie K. Howard about ALL things assets! How does one protect their coin from a rabid ex? Should you have a will or a trust? Should you do a postnup after marital infidelity? (hint: hell yes!)

Attorney Natalie K. Howard specializes in all areas of family law, including divorce, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, custody, child support, legitimation,  contempt actions, wills, and trusts.   She understands that sometimes family and relationship problems can be emotionally draining, so she aims to lift a great deal of the burden from your shoulders by finding the best possible solution to your legal issue.​​​​​​​

Follow Natalie everywhere and if you're in Georgia, look her up!

Website: https://www.nkhlegal.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nkhlegal

Would you invite your stepchild's mom to your wedding? Stepmom Kisha Batsuli did! In this episode, Naja chats with Kisha Batsuli, creator of BlendedonTheRock.com, a community that bridges the gap between moms and stepmoms.

About Kisha: Kisha is dedicated to bring unity in blended families and provide a community for bio and bonus moms to flourish. She is the facilitator of the Blended Mom Meetup which is a free virtual monthly meetup that gives bio and bonus moms a place to communicate, share their feelings, and connect with other moms.

This week's guest Richard Capriola spent 11 years working as an addictions counselor for Menninger Clinic in Houston Texas before retiring in 2019. Menninger Clinic is one of the top ten psychiatric hospitals in the United States and specializes in the assessment, stabilization and treatment of adults and adolescents with substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. During his tenure there he worked in the Adolescent Treatment program and the adult Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment and Stabilization program. Working closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and nurses he was responsible for comprehensive assessments and individual and group counseling with patients diagnosed with substance use disorders. Visit Richard online at https://helptheaddictedchild.com/

Author Lorraine Rogers has a wonderfully large blended family of 14 children! During this chat, she shares her story of love, loves lost, and starting again. Follow her online at:

Www.lcrogersbooks.com
Facebook: @pocketbookdiaries
Twitter: L.C. Rogers
Instagram: l.c.rogers

In the final installment of our pseudo case study on the members of the Husband In Law podcast, we are talking to Jessica's ex-husband Steve. He shares his entire transition from a married dad to living his truth. To check out their podcast Husband In Law on iTunes click here. Also, follow them on IG @husband_in_law.

Last week we heard from Jessica about her unorthodox coparenting relationship. This week, we are meeting her husband, Matt. Matt came with two kids of his own. Jessica's family is blended on both sides and Matt is sharing what it's like to be a friend's with Jessica's gay ex and how he handles a less-than-ideal coparenting situation.

Jessica discovered her ex-husband was gay BUT they've since become great friends! Naja chats with Jessica about the breakdown of her marriage, the Morman Church, and finding love again. Jessica Frew is a mom, wife, ex-wife, step-mom, lover of all things active, and an entrepreneur. 

Jessica's Bio My first husband (Steve) and I were active members of the LDS/Mormon and just a few months into our marriage when my husband came to terms with the fact he is gay. We stayed married for another 6 years while he worked through understanding and accepting this part of himself. We had an amazing marriage at that time. It was hard but we loved and supported each other and at the same time, we came to love ourselves in a whole new way. We also brought an amazing little girl into our lives. We did eventually divorce but we have stayed best of friends through it all.

Today I am remarried to another amazing man (Matt), I have 2 step kids, still active in my church, and my ex and I are still best of friends. Not only that, my husband and ex-husband are now great friends as well. We understand and relate to all things co-parenting because while we have an exceptional relationship with Steve, Matt's ex is very high conflict.

My ex-husband, my husband, and myself host a podcast together called Husband in Law. We are sharing our stories of love, marriage, coming out, infidelity, divorce, and co-parenting. We are doing this to help individuals view themselves and others in a new light so that they can see not only their own self-worth but also the worth of others. We are changing how people view themselves and others to create stronger relationships. You can find our podcast, social media, accounts, Jessica’s Book, BOLDology Journal, and everything else we have to offer by following this link. https://linktr.ee/theboldlogic

Coach Naja chats with New York-based comedian and host of Hulu's, Up Early Tonight, Aminah Imani. Once a member of the HCBM (high conflict biomom), through self-awareness, therapy, and the strong desire to protect her son, Aminah has transformed her coparenting relationship into a space of boundaries and mutual respect. Aside from cracking us up, Aminah is schooling us on her healing journey and encouraging all "angry baby mamas" to focus on what's most important.

Visit Aminah Imani online at www.aminahimani.com and follow her on social media @aminahimani.

Coach Naja and Christina Nelson, host of The Radical Stepmoms Podcast chat about stepparenting before an ours baby, handling a HCBM with finesse, and how to quickly get your relationship back on track post drama. 

If you enjoyed this podcast, visit https://vipstepmom.com to listen as we continue the conversation and go WAY deeper! The MEMBERS-ONLY version is exclusively available at https://vipstepmom.com. 

CHRISTINA NELSON, is a clinical social worker serving specialized populations in Seattle. This stepmom, mom and wife co-created the “Radical Stepmoms” podcast and says she’s committed to sharing her raw experience, letting others know they aren’t alone. Christina also provides support for stepmoms and their partners, helping them get unstuck so they can build on their love and live more happily.

We know you're not used to Kid-Friendly content at IKIC but this week I'm talking to Avery, a 17- year old who lives with her dad and stepmom. Avery gives a VERY honest interview about her true thoughts about her blended family and what she wishes could be different.

In this episode, Naja chats with Deborah Pino about her CRAZY experiences as a Family Court Attorney. The two ladies managed to turn a very serious topic into a hilariously, REAL converstaion. Grab your notepad and your tea!

Deborah is an attorney and Guardian Ad Litem in the State of Florida. She has conducted thousands of child support establishment and child support and alimony enforcement bench trials during her time with this office.  After promotion to a Senior Attorney position and serving as acting Managing Attorney in that division, Deborah was offered a position as Senior Attorney enforcing support for all of Broward County, Florida.  It was during her time with Broward County, that Deborah decided to open her own firm.  The Law Offices of Deborah Pino, P.A. was founded in February 2005 where Attorney Pino currently practices family law, which includes paternity, divorce, adoption, child support enforcement and modification.  The firm also handles personal injury matters and simple probate.  The passion Deborah has for children has steered her in the direction of providing a voice for our youth and she has been trained to serve as a Guardia Ad Litem in all Florida Courts.  Recognizing the importance of competent representation in non-traditional venues, Ms. Pino become a member of the Seminole Tribal Court.

Visit Deborah online at https://dpinolaw.com/

Everyone, including Naja is finding love online. Naja chats with a few popular singles about the new trends in dating apps. Riot DaGod is the #1 Influencer on Plenty Of Fish, Natoya Matthews is a Pageant Queen, and Rox Amir has been a lucky lady in love— ALL from dating apps! This hilarious episode will thoroughly entertain you, even if you have a boo!

Natoya Matthews is a native of Memphis, TN and the reigning 2021 Ms. Black Tennessee International Ambassador. With an esteemed career in finance of over 8 years, she currently serves as a Senior Financial Analyst. Her passion is her business- Miss Tennessee Beauty Pageant. A pageant that is geared toward youth, confidence, and scholarship.

Riot DaGod, Sanford Florida native and Social Media Influencer, Model,Actor and Live-streamer on POF. You can find me or POF: Riot Da Ruler 

Or Instagram @Riot_dagod 

Rox Amir, Memphis native and IT professional who advocates for online dating as the new norm. You can find her on IG @roxthewise

This week's guest, Dr. Toyin was born in Ithaca, New York, grew up in Ibadan, Nigeria and she currently resides in Chicago.

According to her personal bio: "As a clinician-researcher in Infectious diseases, I have published in the medical literature but always dreamt of writing at least one book.

For the last 12 years, I have been a divorced mom of 2 amazing daughters who inspire and challenge me daily to be the best me. Our journey together inspired this book, my first. The decade after; thriving after divorce, is a labor of love and I am delighted to have you read it!

While initially conceived as a model for "sharing tips" with divorced moms, this book emphasizes personal growth and empowers women of all ages, irrespective of marital status to celebrate their awesomeness."

#getbetternotbitter #thrivingafterdivorce

Visit Dr. Toy online at https://www.thedecadeafter.com/ and follow her on social media @drtfal

Belinda Munro stopped by IKIC to catch up with Naja and reminisce on their days as single Harlem girls. She talks glow up, marriage, stepparenting, fertility, and much much more!

Belinda is a multi-talented Vocalist, Songwriter, Performance Coach, and Mentor who ignites the unspoken with her Powerful vocals, grace, poise, and dynamic stage presence.  She transcends musical borders as she brings her Soulful styling, infused with Gospel, Jazz, and Blues flavoring, to the stage.

Visit Belinda online at https://www.belindamunro.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @iambelindamunro 

We chat a lot about coparenting drama BUT what about toxic siblings?! Jummy joins IKIC to help us redefine how we see familial trauma and cutting ties with problematic relatives.

Jummy is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Life Coach, Speaker and Podcaster. She is also the owner of Focus Counseling, a counseling group practice in Grandview Heights, Ohio where she provides individual and couples therapy.

She earned her Bachelor's in Psychology and Natural Science from Canterbury Christ Church University College, England. She also has a Master's of Arts (MA.) degree in Counseling Ministries from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

You can find Jummy online at

www.focuscounselingclinic.com
www.jummyolawale.com
https://www.instagram.com/jummyolawale_the_therapist/channel/
https://www.facebook.com/jummyolawaletherapyandcounseling
lifeloveandtherapy.libsyn.com

I am a married mother of 2 lovely children, I love coffee, cooking and listening to audiobooks and podcasts in my spare time.

In Part 2 or 2, Dr. Torri shares how her relationship with her stepdaughter and her mother almost caused her to lose her marriage. After meeting her father at age 31, only to have him pass away just 2 years later, Dr. Torri was forced to redefine her identity and her life in an instant. She shared some vulnerable moments and got really REAL. Grab a pen and pad because she's dropping jewels!

Naja has a high energy girlfriend chat with Dr. Torri. The conversation took a turn and ended up becoming a healing moment. This is a 2 part conversation fyi!

Dr. Torri J. is the passionate CEO of The Fatherless Generation Foundation. She is a national speaker on the positive influence reunification of fatherless children with their biological fathers has on all parties involved and how reunification ignites the healing necessary to reduce the impact negative stigmas associated with growing up fatherless are having on our society. She is the proud recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from the 44th President of The United States Barack Obama. Dr. Torri J. is a regular on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show with her segment “Father’s Day.” She is also an author, speaker, wife and bonus mom.

Her personal journey of growing up in a single-parent household and then reuniting with her biological father has fueled her mission to reunite fatherless children worldwide with their fathers.

Dr. Torri J. launched The Fatherless Generation Foundation (TFGF) in 2009. TFGF is a non-profit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia providing services to 98 cities within 33 states where we are reuniting fathers and their children all while providing the resources and services that strengthen, support, and elevate a commitment to fatherhood and family values. Our services include Husband & Wife Team Mentor Teams, Peer Groups hosted in The Boys & Girls Clubs across America, Tutoring through Kumon, and at the helm of the organization is the Commitment to Fatherhood Program.

Since the launch, TFGF has hosted 52,000 fatherless children through their Peer Groups, mentored 216 fatherless children through our Husband & Wife Mentor Teams, Tutored 34, and reunited 3302 fatherless children with their biological fathers!

Follow Dr. Torri:

www.tfgf.org
www.drtorrij.com
@werfatherless
@Iamtorrij

Naja chats with IKIC friend, Tim Watson of the Blendcredible podcast about getting caught in the middle of a stepmom/biomom battle. Naja and Tim's brands, integrity both came under siege and almost became casualties of the never-ending war between skirts. Check out this salacious, hilarious, and unbelievable episode while you're having your tea because this one is piping hot!

We buried my maternal Grandma Lillie on October 7th. My paternal Grandma passed away on July 30th. My Husband's maternal Grandpa passed July 17th. This season has taken the last of my family's elders and we all sat down for a coffee table chat over loss, love, and navigating grief. As my parents remember their mothers' and Tony and I embrace our Grandparents' deaths, we know we have a long road of healing ahead of us, but it sure felt good to talk about it. Life is but a dream.

Naja chats with Amelia Lane on convert parental alienation. Amelia Lane is a wife, mother of two and stepmom to one. She and her husband each brought a daughter into their relationship almost 10 years ago and added our “ours baby” 6 years ago. She's always had a passion for helping; previous to her current work as a certified stepfamily coach, she worked as a Personal Support Worker for 10 years in long term care as well as provided care in a variety outpatient psychiatric group homes.

www.lanestepfamilycoaching.com

FB & IG: lane.stepfamily.coaching

Naja chats with Belle, a Wife, Mom, Stepmom and the daughter of an alienated father about unraveling the murky waters of her parents' divorce and the years of estrangement from her father. In a turn of events, she reconnected with her father..but at a cost.

Knowing yourself, accepting your role and showing compassion in a blended family with Naja Hall

Host Bree Gordon talks with Master Stepfamily and Family Life Coach, Naja Hall.  Naja hosts the popular podcast, "I Know I'm Crazy", and is the Founder of VIP Stepmom and Blended and Black.  In this episode, Naja talks about the value of self-awareness when entering in a blended family, particularly as it relates to generational and childhood trauma.

Subscribe to the Mindful Mentor podcast.

The storm has cleared and Naja is ready to strike back at the Toxic Tammy's in our lives. She chats with Dr. Glenna Anderson about WHY we need to get back at toxic people and why we're afraid to set boundaries against them. 

Visit Dr. Glenna online at https://www.drglenna.com/

Naja explores the lessons in the recent back-to-back deaths of her grandparents....who were in blended families! 

Naja delves into her duality as a Coach and a woman. Recently triggered by a toxic interaction with a dumdum, she gives her tried and tested tools to rid herself of an energy vampire's stench. This is a must-listen for anyone that has the misfortune of learning to silence a constant negative force or a high conflict person.

During a candid and TOTALLY impromptu chat with her Husband, Tony, Naja is challenged on her popular method of helping people align their expectations with their reality in order to kill anxiety. Tony believes that our expectations can control our reality. In the most peaceful married quarrel ever, Tony and Naja come to a happy medium that works for everyone.

Back on Episode 26, April easily became a stepmom fan favorite and she's back to give IKIC listeners some advice as only she can! This time April is dishing on her relationship with someone's baby daddy and she gives other stepmoms keen advice on how to make their lives that much more peaceful!

Be sure to listen to Episode 26 before you enjoy this one. Thank me later!

Naja chats with Priscilla Appeaning, founder of The Stepmums Club of London. Cilla is responsible for the viral video produced by BBC that forged a tense conversation between biomums and stepmums. In a spirited conversation, Cilla and Naja dug deep into high-conflict coparents, getting ignored by baby mamas, and the cycle of trauma.

ABOUT CILLA: At age 27, I married a man who had two children from two different women- both whom disliked me in very unique ways. I went from all hands on deck to depressed and angry with my husband, the Birth mothers, and my husband's family. Through it all, I developed a platform called The Stepmums Club to help me work out how to navigate the poo of blended families and then ended up helping other Birthmums and Stepmums become just as unapologetic as I am. I am now 32 happily married with 3 birth children and 2 stepkids.

Connect with Cilla www.instagram.com/thestepmumsclub

Naja chats about the race revolution that's happening as we speak! George Floyd's murder seems to have sparked another round of enraged citizens as the United States protests police brutality and the obvious disparity between black lives mattering and deep-seeded racism. The popular podcast host also talks about the foundations of White Supremacy and the reason its' being dismantled before our very eyes. To check out Naja's recent blog on the topic, visit https://wp.me/p7c3xR-2qL. To watch this episode on youtube visit, https://youtu.be/hWEFxxlvp64

In this solo episode, Naja discusses child support quarantine drama, her theory on the hardships of marriage, and she helps a torn Dad on Reddit to determine if he's the as$hole of his blended family. To check out more about Naja and her podcast, visit www.NajaHall.com

Finally, Anthony is the creator of The Divorce Course and The Custody Course. These online programs provide clients with all the tools they need to master their case without paying legal fees

Addressing the slaughter of #AhmaudArbery, Naja accepts an interesting challenge from her White friends. When implored to offer tips on how to be more sensitive, Naja tapped an outspoken friend, Eddie Eads to encourage his fellow White Americans to adopt a different perspective. HERE are the reading materials mentioned during the show.

Naja decides to braid her hair and Tony helps her. Men get surveyed on why they didn't commit to certain women. This episode is funny, genuine, and honest. Watch it on youtube for quirky visuals.

https://youtu.be/xqKq9Mm4YHM

 Naja chats about the girlfriend snafus of this year's NFL draft picks as she explores online dating during times of pandemic, social distancing, and isolation. Hint: This is the BEST time to find iLove! If you want to watch this episode and all the cool visuals on youtube visit, https://youtu.be/WbCGAPFA-F8

Naja Hall, host of I Know I'm Crazy podcast hosts a special edition episode. If you want to WATCH this episode, visit https://youtu.be/c41KI2PWZJ8. Naja chats with family law attorney Alison Macdonald about what to do if your coparent is not social distancing. She also shares some advice with a worried mom on the #AskNaja segment. To subscribe to the podcast and check ALL of the episodes, visit https://najahall.com/podcast. 

In the wake of #coronavirus, we will be posting new episodes each Tuesday. We will keep this schedule until the world opens back up. Against the grain, Naja shares some new hilarious segment ideas. She also introduces 2 of her stepkids in a fun snippet. To join in a segment of #AskNaja, email [email protected]! Let's conquer corona together! 

Typically, Naja releases a podcast episode every other Tuesday, but these are not typical times. Today's date is March 19, 2020 and the world is in the middle of a deadly pandemic. COVID-19, or the coronavirus, as it is commonly called, has caused mass hysteria around the globe. This flu-like illness causes damage to the upper respiratory tract and has taken thousands of people under. Because there is no treatment, cure, and it is highly contagious, society has been instructed to practice social distancing and we are under strict orders to quarantine ourselves.

As a blended family coach, Naja held an Emergency Town Hall to answer community questions regarding coparenting, shared custody during these extenuating circumstances. This interactive episode includes an open Q&A from people from all over the world in many unique situations. 

I had an awesome chat with Jaynay C. Johnson, MFT. She is an award-winning teen therapist, entrepreneur, author, and speaker. She owns Teen Talk, premier therapy practice and educational company as well as the co-founder of The Black Brain Campaign. She was named in Huffington Post as one of the 10 black female therapists to know. She is a sought after speaker on teen emotional issues. Featured as a media personality that has written or been featured by Thriveworks, Essence, Philadelphia Tribune, and more. She holds a BS degree from Delaware State University and an MA degree from La Salle University. To learn more about her visit www.teentherapytalk.com

Naja chatted with Family Law attorneys Kristen and Sam about everything custody related! The Custody Queens are such a down-to-earth dynamic duo. They were so sweet on the show but they're sharks in the courtroom. They spilled some invaluable tea about how to WIN your case, how to make sure your lawyer fires you and the science behind picking the right attorney.

Kristen and Sam envisioned a team that offers sophisticated legal analysis, combined with a unique, individual and personal approach based on the belief that everyone involved in a divorce or custody case should be treated with respect and compassion.

Each case, each party, each child, and each opposing party is unique and requires its own individual approach, strategy and action plan. Attorneys, nor cases, are “one size fits all”, and that is important to remember when making decisions that affect your future, your children, and your livelihood. Additionally, an attorney should always tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. That is what separates the Custody Queens from other attorneys.

At the end of the day, this is your case and your life. The attorney you choose should provide you with the tools, education, and representation necessary to achieve your goals. Our clients learn how to achieve the most beneficial outcomes for their children, and set themselves up for success as parents for years to come.

Visit the Custody Queens online

www.instagram.com/custodyqueens
www.facebook.com/custodyqueens
www.twitter.com/custodyqueens

Naja chats with money expert Larvizo about the older generation and how our aging parents' lack of planning will affect our households. 

Larvizo Wright currently lives in Chattanooga, TN with his wife, Brinkley, and two children, Layla and Logan. Larvizo has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, an MBA from Capella University, and is a licensed CPA Larvizo currently serves as Director of Corporate Audit at Unum which is a publicly-traded, Fortune 500 company. Larvizo also serves as President of Urban League - Young Professionals of Chattanooga, Vice State Director of East TN for Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc., and as Minister of Music at his church. In Larvizo’s free time he loves to spend time with his family and dog, Wrigley (a Golden Doodle), reading, exercising, and helping other become more comfortable with financial literacy and discipline. Last but not least Larvizo enjoys writing blogs through on his website, https://beupwright.com/. “In all that you do seek to Be Upwright!”

Does it seem like your stepchild is afraid to like you? This All-Star cast episode covers Loyalty Binds in a unique way because we get to hear from notable industry experts. Also, download the loyalty binds FREE eBook> https://www.vipstepmom.com/loyalty-binds-ebook/

In the premiere episode of Season TWO of IKIC, Stepfamily Coach Naja Hall decides to go on a journey of self-discovery. While on holiday vacation in her hometown Memphis, TN she sat down with her Mom, Dad and twin sisters to chat about her upbringing and the things that shaped her into the woman that leads a burgeoning media empire. After 42 years of marital bliss, Naja's parents Nate and Nancy also give their off-the-cuff advice on how to make it last. Her sister Nadia, a successful playwright shares insight on entrepreneurship and helping our kids start a business. Season TWO of I Know I'm CRAZY with Naja Hall is going to be bold, soft, fun and electric!

Visit www.NajaHall.com for more info and to connect with Naja's work.

Naja and actor Tomike Ogugua talk about his role on Power, being a dad, finding love and so much more! This was a very high energy, fun interview!

Tomike Ogugua is a Nigerian American Actor based in NYC. He is a father to a young daughter that balances his career with the demands of fatherhood. Look for Tomike in Season 6 “Power” in his recurring role as Marshal Macedon.

@tomikeog IG @TomikeLee Twitter @Tomike Ogugua FB

I had a chance to chat with a real-life girlfriend April. In this comfy episode we have a BM/SM role-play exercise and ultimately decide if April should quit while she's ahead or give love a chance.

Naja chats with fellow Southern Belle and badass, Ashley Nicole Russell. The sad fact is that many of our marriages end and have devastating effects. Ashley-Nicole Russell, is a lawyer advocating for a more collaborative approach to work through this grief-filled process. She exposes divorce for what it is: A broken system that is breaking children, families, and employees. Her book, The Cure for Divorce Culture, contains the recipe for a healthy life through divorce. Her innovative approach is changing the divorce culture for generations to come!

Visit Ashley online at Www.anrlaw.com
@anrlaw

I had a chance to chat with Emili Wadkins, the creator of The Unapologetic Stepmom Facebook Group. We spoke about the common misconceptions of new stepmoms, how to really identify a high conflict mom and how she has managed to remain Unapologetic. Be sure to show her some love and stop by Emili's pages, Facebook Group and Instagram.

Join www.VIPStepmom.com for access to all of our tools curated and created just for Stepmoms.

Check out Emili's write up on the blog!

Today I sat down with Ali Wilkes of StepCoupling.com to chat about the challenges of running a stepfamily business while having adult stepkids. She is also a child advocate and we dug deep on foster and adoptive parenting as compared to stepparenting. They are surprisingly similar but respectfully very different. Ali also gives us some insight on loyalty binds and how to connect with conflicted stepchildren. Visit VIPStepmom.com to sign up for exclusives!

Naja is stunned as guest, Kirsten Cobabe teaches new tactics to deal with the spirited teen years. Kirsten Cobabe is a social worker who specializes in supporting families through the waves of adolescence. She combines the powerful of mindfulness with a modern approach from which to see teenagers in a whole new light. 

Visit Kirsten online at www.raisingunicorns.co 

www.kirstencobabe.com

I chat with Bill Gobin, a dad that gave up his cushy life in LA to move to the coal mines of the midwest. He has gone to family court 47 times and represented himself 17 times. Spoiler Alert: He has custody of both of his girls! To learn more about Bill visit his website,https://www.billgobin.com/

Naja chats on how to go gracefully end a relationship. We have all felt duped by man to whom we’ve given our all…only to get peanuts in return. We then go on a rampage, attacking him, the things he loves and his entire being….all the while neglecting the fact that THIS MAN HAS A RIGHT TO PURSUE HIS VERSION OF HAPPINESS! And, sadly we may no longer be a part of his vision for his present and (foreseeable) future. OUCH! 

Host, Naja chats about her own high-conflict family experiences and shares coping mechanisms for handling baby mama drama. Check out her book www.GirlBye.info to learn more about the system she mentions in the podcast. Also visit www.VIPStepmom.com for more info on overcoming stepmom woes.

Naja chats with comedian and single dad Kenny Warren on how he has turned his experience with divorce, co-parenting, kidnapping and raising two sons into a hilarious stand-up routine.  Kenny resides in NYC with his son. For more info on Kenny, visit https://www.facebook.com/kwabm/

If I could chose a co-mother, it would be Shoni. She is so cool! So evolved! As so drama-free. My guest Shoni was uber honest about her humble beginnings as a coparent and now she'd bend over backwards just to see her family blend. Surprisingly (sarcasm), it's not always BioMom that causes the drama!

This episode is a bit wonky. I forgot to turn my mic on and there was a weird internet connection. The CONTENT and MESSAGE were so powerful that I just had to post it. I'm chatting with Tim Watson, founder of Blendcridible and an around great fella. As a 2nd time Stepdad, he helps shed light on the REAL difference between Team SM and Team SD and he offers a perspective that might help some families have an attitude shift. For more info on Tim and his work, visit https://blendcredible.com/

Keep it real. Had you known all the struggles, hardships and pressure that can accompany Stepmotherhood, would you still have moved forward with your relationship? Well, I asked the internet and they responded in FULL FORCE. The answers were pretty brutal. To check out the blog page, visit https://www.vipstepmom.com/say-yes/. 

And follow my new page on IG @VIPStepmom

I realized that many of fellow StepSistas (stepmoms+sisterfriends) listen to me because of my approach to stepmomming. After careful thought, planning and execution, I created a space just for us. It's a site where I am pouring all of my stepmom tools, resources and content in one private community. There's a discussion forum where you can post anonymously and we even have Group Coaching sessions. 

Please visit https://www.vipstepmom.com/ TODAY to sign up! And if you've actually read this, here's a 10% off discount for ya. Use code LAUNCH10 during checkout!

Email me with any issues, questions or concerns at [email protected]

I recently chatted with my friend Brian Barnett. He is not only an expert on Borderline Personality Disorder, he's actually rid himself of the terrible disorder that plagues 4% of Americans. This podcast takes an in-depth look at BPD and the people that it affects. Brian is proof that there is hope beyond borderline.

To learn more about Brian, visit www.blendedandblack.com/podcast

This week Naja chats with the founder of Erasing Family, Ginger Gentile. According to www.Erasingfamily.org, in the US alone, over 22 MILLION PARENTS are being erased from their children’s lives after divorce and separation. Ginger offers tips on how to cope as an erased family member and how to handle your child when they come back. Read more  https://www.blendedandblack.com/podcast-010-erasing-family/ ‎

Naja chats with Danisha Braugun about the "Marcia Complex" a phenomenon that occurs when our close friends begin to envy our accomplishments. If you want to read more visit www.blendedandblack.com/podcast-marcia-complex

Danisha Baughan (Dani) is a New York State certified school and mental health counselor. Harlem native, Dani is a busy mom of two girls. In her spare time, she volunteers with the NAACP and Take Care of Harlem organizations. She is a documentary filmmaker, a frequent contributor to many online publications and she hosts Chat N Chew, a social reconstruction and relationship building forum. 

Naja chats with Psychotherapist and abuse survivor, Anita Bentata. She hails from Australia and she shares her own experiences with abuse and how she has turned her life experiences into a life-changing platform.

Naja talks with Coach Jennifer Arnise about her unique perspective on Toxic Motherhood and how to recognize it. She drops some powerful gems that may anger some and liberate others. Check out the write up at https://wp.me/p7c3xR-2dQ

I chat with Brenda Ockun, the publisher of Stepmom Magazine. She's been a Stepmom for over 15+ years and she gave the most organic and REAL advice on how to come out on top! She's always been a friend (in my head) and this was the 1st time we've actually ever spoken and OMG, Brenda is literally amazing. Grab your notepad because she is offering advice that we all need to hear! Check out the blog write up here! https://wp.me/p7c3xR-2dJ

Host, Naja Hall shares her personal 14 stepmom affirmations. This is not exactly Deepak Chopra style BUT you'll certainly be jolted back into the present. Play this on repeat when you need a boost! The affirmations can be found at https://wp.me/p7c3xR-2dm

Are you dealing with a nasty ex, stepkid or anyone that speaks negativity into your life? Most of us have come across people with harmful personalities and we just can't seem to shake them. Naja talks with future Ph.D. and addiction specialist, Chris Wilkins (@do.your.dailies) about ways to overcome conflict-based anxiety and how to kick that bad person outta your head. This episode literally felt like a motivational chat with a longtime friend! 

I couldn't wait until the premiere date next week to share something! The IKIC podcast line up is AMAZING!!! I recently chatted with the Pompeo's for their online series Parenting After Divorce. I was able to be transparent and quite open in this interview and I thought it would be a great opener to the first season of IKIC! If you'd like to see all of the experts, visit www.raisingblendedfamilies.com 

Host, Naja Hall pops in to talk about I Know I'm Crazy and what to expect from our very 1st season! Please subscribe NOW because the 1st episode will be posted April 1st (it's not an April Fool btw).