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Coffee Convos with Kail Lowry and Lindsie Chrisley
01:10:10 9/26/2018

Transcript

The battle for Cheltenham glory begins and no matter which side you're backing. Paddy Power have you covered with great offers like a free five euro bet on any race on Tuesday at Cheltenham. Paddy Power makes one for you. Five. You're about per customer per day decency to play 18+ Please gamble responsibly. Play safe gambling here. -.A. As a parent, I don't like to get caught as trustees, often for children to relieve pain and fever in infants and children from teething pain, earache and headache, sprains and strains to sore throats and cold and flu symptoms, ask for it by name. He's often feeling better already in pharmacies, only to not exceed the stated dose is often for children. 100mg per five mil should only be given to infants aged three to six months, who are more than five kg contains ibuprofen. Always read the label. Hey, guys, welcome to coffee combos. We are at the Avalon Hotel today in Alpharetta, Georgia, and we have a special guest. Yes, our special guest is a friend that I met at Children's Health Care of Atlanta a few years ago, and it is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month for the month of September, and we decided to bring her on as a fellow mom and tell her story. So welcome, Anna. Thank you. I'm excited to be here. So exciting. So I haven't really told like the background story of how we met. So do you remember how we met? Oh yeah. Yeah. Yes. You want me to? Yeah. Okay. Well, so my son Lake was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and we actually met Lindsey three years later in 2015. Her family came up to children's health care about and Eggleston to bring Love your melon hats to all the kids up there. And we actually were in clinic that day. Alec was getting chemo and probably a blood transfusion. And yeah, that's what he was doing to try and get in blood. Yeah. And so they came up there and of course, they the nurses came by and asked, You know, did we want to have a visitor? And of course, he said yes because he always wanted visitors. And then when they came in, he was especially excited because he saw pretty ladies. He was quite the ladies man. And so they came and visited and gave us all of your medicine hat and me and Lindsey just, you know, kind of clicked and became friends on Instagram and just, you know, through social media and we kept up that way. Well, so I remember setting up the visit to Children's, and I was kind of hesitant to do it because I take everything so. Like, too hard. So when I go and do those visits, I have to have like a detox almost from it for like six months before I can go back because it's so hard on your pulse, on your heart strings. Yeah. I get so emotionally invested in those kids and then I want to, like, follow their stories and see where they are. And then to see if something like happens to one of them, it makes me feel devastated worse. So that's a hard thing. I love giving back and like visiting the children because I know they love it so much. And I, you know, talk to some nurses at children's and told them, you know, that's kind of how I felt and made me feel so sad to see like, why God, you know, like why them? And they said, But you don't understand, like how much of an impact you're making on these kids lives because they love to have visitors, because this is their day today, you know, and this is what they deal with on a daily basis. And there was a little girl I went, I've done three love your mission trips to children's and did a tour with and met the dog and children's and a little girl that she's now in. Her mission had just messaged me. It was very ironic last week that it was just like our picture from when I visited, and she had said that it was like the best day of her life and she was so happy and she just wanted to like, follow up and see how I was doing. And you know, she's got all of her hair back now, so she looks completely different. And oh yeah, it's I mean, it's so sweet. How does that work? Do they just get visitors like not randomly? Or how do you set it up through the hospital? Like, how does that work? Well, so I went through. There. I guess they have like a marketing team there, I guess. Okay. Yeah, that's how I got it set up and through like the giving program where it's how you can come, like if you give to children, then you can come in and visit. And you know, also, I didn't know that families liked visitors because they're going through, so they're going through so much that they might not want to talk. And so when I first went into the hospital and you know, I start seeing the kids, you know, on my first visit, I thought, Wow, how am I even going to talk to these parents? But I was like, I can't relate, you know, and I don't want to. I don't know what to say. I don't know, you know, how to act. I don't know what to do. I just know that I want to partner with love your melon and help these kids, you know, and just like, give them a bright spot of their day. And you know, some families did, you know, weren't receptive to it. And they, you know, didn't want visitors that could have been like a new diagnosis. You know, you don't know. And then you can't go into the bone marrow trance, you know, like for kids that need to travel, you need like to go on. You can't go in that unit because there has to be very like sterile so you know, germs and can't have a lot of people like in and out and out. Yeah. So that's kind of heartbreaking for the family or the kids that would want to see somebody and they can't can't. That was probably the hardest one of the hardest parts of our journey because like how to bone marrow transplant and we were literally stuck in our room for like over a month and I had a newborn too. And so it was like, we couldn't, you know, we couldn't leave, we couldn't have visitors. And he obviously is very he was very friendly and very active and like wanted to be around people. So that was like a huge struggle. So Lake knew about Chrisley Knows Best from WWE. Is that right? Yeah. And he loved wrestling. Yeah, yeah. He loved wrestling and we'd gone to see a wrestling match and your dad was there. Yeah, I remember he was with him. I don't, I think my little brother. Yes. Yeah. And yeah, so anyways, he kind of put it like all together, like, once you know, I came to visit. Yeah. So I was when I first went and he was like the first kid that I saw because he was like, right at the front, whenever you come in and he was sitting in the little chair getting his transfusion. And, you know, you could tell that like he was looking and I don't know if he thought like we were there to specifically see someone or what, but like he was just like, Look, I just remember him looking around. And you know, again, this was the first time I'd ever been. I didn't know how to act. I didn't know what to do. And it was weird the feeling that I got going up the elevator to go to the floor because I just felt like my heart was already breaking before you were even up there. Yeah, I was even there. So for our listeners that don't know your story, can you kind of walk us through from his initial diagnosis to. Just your journey. Yeah. Well, so Lake was diagnosed in 2012, and he was five years old, he was well, two weeks shy of a sixth birthday and he'd always just been really healthy. And so it was a huge surprise for us. But he was having random fevers, some ear infections. He'd never had before. And so finally, we figured out what was wrong with him, and it was cancer, which was we definitely thought he was just like, maybe anemic or just really didn't know what was going on. And so finally, pediatricians and us did children's, and he was diagnosed there and he was diagnosed with AML, which is a form of leukemia, and it's a really aggressive form. And so that's that was like one of the main things that they told me was that, well, you really don't want him to have AML. And the next day they came in and they're like, he has AML. So we had to cancel immediately. Your heart starts thinking, Yeah, yeah, but I will say, like, I went into complete like mom mode and like, you know, like, I just knew I had to like, fight. I mean, I had to, you know? So anyways, I just he he went through chemo. He had four rounds of chemo and he went into remission and he did great. Everything was going well. It was just he just said that chemo before around, he just did chemo because they said he had like a pretty good genetic marker. They felt that he would need a bone marrow transplant. So we started with chemo. And so he did the four rounds of chemo. But we were in the hospital for like a month at a time, which that was really hard. So each round was like a month. Yes, that we had to be in the hospital because the chemo would like wipe out his immune system. And at the time, I had one and a half year old, he had a little brother. And so that was really difficult. But I had a great family support system. They helped. It was, you know, everything was good. And so at the end of that day was diagnosed in May came to like October. He was dying and I found out I was pregnant. So we were like, you know, I just really felt like this was God, you know, like this rainbow after the storm, like he's the dark and bright spots. Yeah, yeah. So like, everything was going great. He went back to school, everything was back to normal. And then that next April, just at a routine checkup because he would have to go month to have his blood checked. We found out he relapsed and I was like a month away from giving birth, and I was just like, This is like the worst timing ever, you know? And you know, you just always you want things on your timing and you feel like, Wow, I got like, Why would you do this? Like, this is just terrible timing. But we went with it, and at that point, they told us that he had to have a bone marrow transplant. So that's where things got real. OK, so I'm just going to take a quick break to talk about the designer jeans that fit you perfectly and feel amazing, and you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars. My bow have permanently changed the game with $200 designer jeans for half the price. Introducing Martin Broadcom, where you can get designer jeans for half of what you pay somewhere else for seven or J brand. They look incredible and are also super comfortable. You will want to live in them. These are luxury jeans for a hundred bucks, and they're only available at Martin Bow dot com. 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Plus, their September savings event means that you will save 20 percent off on everything at Martin Bow.com/ coffee. That's M O T T and B o w.com/ coffee for 20 percent off everything. This is their best deal anywhere, but it's only for the month of September, so save 20 percent off during September savings event at my Infocom slash coffee. They pretty much tell you upfront that it's a very likely chance that you will pass away during transplant. And so I mean, you know, he had to start chemo immediately to get into remission. And so at that time, then I had the baby, so I've just given birth and they're like telling me all these things. You know, that my child may not make it, which then added in the factor to that, he's biracial. So it's really hard to find a bone marrow donor when you're biracial. And so, yeah, I didn't know that yet. And so that's why I'd be the match is huge and why, if any, you know, biracial really, they need any kind of ethnic diversity on them. And this might be an ignorant question. So if your child is biracial, do they need a biracial transplant? Yes, because all my kids are biracial. That has to be a biracial. Oh, wow, yes. So not just, you know, if my kids are Hispanic, it can't just be just Hispanic aspiration. Yeah. Wow. That's why. I mean, that's why it's so like people you see all the be the match all the time. I mean, that's why they encourage everyone to swab. Because I mean, you could be that one person that has like a really different race or ethnic background, you could be, you know, their match. So anyways, we they found they did not find an actual person match. They found a cord blood match. Oh, wow. So the same thing. If you have a baby and you are not going to bank their cord blood yourself, you can donate it and it's all free. And they use that. I didn't know you could donate it. Yeah, they used stem cells from that. And so they found they found a cord blood. And that's that's all anonymous. Like when you don't see that, like, you know, if it's a person you would never know, the donor would never know if it's a person you can choose. After a year after the transplant, you can choose if you if both of you all want to meet one another, you can bet when it's a stem cell that's like all anonymous. Like, you have no idea. So I would never know who, but. So we. He did the transplant in August of 2013, and he was such a rock star like he was just he did so good like everything that they told me he was going to go wrong and everything went right, like he did so good. Like we weren't there for as long as they said we were going to be there. And so going back to when, you know, I was like, this timing is all wrong and like, looking back now, I just I know that God gave me that baby for a reason and that it all happened at that time because, like, she was such a bright spot, like she like when he couldn't get out of bed because he was so sick, like he would get up to like, you know, hold her or see her smile. And so like, I just I totally look back on that now and I'm like, I know now, like, I know this is like why it happened that way. I didn't know it at the time, but and that's why you know, you a lot of times just have to trust God's timing and stuff. So anyways, he did great. He went through the transplant. We, you know, he came home a lot sooner than we thought he would, but he couldn't. We couldn't do anything like we had to just be at home. We couldn't go to school. And so they kind of told us, you know, the year mark is like, what you need to get to if if you can get to a year post transplant, like we're probably in the good. So everything was going great and he was doing really good. And in May of 2014, the day before his birthday, we went for his regular checkup and they told me that he had come back and that was probably harder than when they first told me he had cancer. And that's because by then, I like knew so much more about what was probably going to happen. And I knew that since we'd already done a transplant, that there probably wasn't going to be much more that they could do for him. And by now or by that time, he had become so mature because he'd hospital lived for so long and he knew what was going on. And I think it's the first time that he ever really like, you know, felt like he knew he was really sick and he knew that it wasn't good. And you know that that was probably the hardest part for me because, you know, that day when they came in and they took him out and they told me and then they brought him back and he saw me crying and he said, I'm going to die or not. Yeah. And so that was like the hardest part for me. Was hearing him like, say, those words, because he was only, you know, he was about to be eight years old. He was only seven. So, you know, we the doctors talked to us and they kind of pretty much said what I knew and that was that there was not really much more they felt that they could do for him. And so we, you know, looked at a lot of different options. Of course, you know, a lot of other hospitals like St. Jude and a lot of the hospitals you hear about often trials and stuff that you can do. But they pretty much had told us that whatever we chose to do, if we chose to go to another hospital, that like these trials, I mean, there's no guarantee. So it's like, do we, you know, it was like the worst position as a mother to be on because you don't want him to suffer no more rights. So they're like, Do you want quality or do you want quantity? You know what I mean? And it's like just knowing like in his spirit and like all that he'd already been through, like, I just wanted his quality of life to be good. You know, I didn't want to, like, go to another hospital and him die there, just me and him without my family, you know, without his family, his siblings. And so we just really prayed about it. And I just I never had a piece about any of these trials that were offered. And really, there weren't that many, to be honest anyways. And none of them were like a super great option. And our doctors here were not super excited about any of them, like they just didn't feel like they would be a cure for him. It would be just to prolong his life, and probably not in a good way. Do you know what I mean? Right? So we decided to kind of do that because, I mean, at the time, they were like, you know, you could take him home now and not do any more chemo, not do anything. And you know, he's probably going to pass away in the next few months. Or you can like, go to a trial somewhere or you can stay here at your home hospital and we can do chemo and we can do some things to give him a little bit of life. And so that kind of life is, well, that's what they felt like. He wouldn't be suffering like it would be outpatient chemo. He can still like, go to school like kids could still have, you know, some somewhat of a life. We could go and do things, you know, whatever. And so that's what that's what we ultimately decided that we were going to maybe do another transplant if we could, you know, get him into remission and see where it went. And so we did that. And yeah, you know, I I don't know. I mean, they all like looking back, you know, there's always I always like kind of question, you know, did I do the right thing? But now looking back at the time, they told me, Well, even doing this, like, you probably have maybe four or five months with him, and he lived an entire year. Oh, wow. Yeah. Pass that. And sometimes I feel like that was God saying, you know, like, I'm giving you this with him, you know, and it was like good quality time. Like we he wasn't like when he when he relapsed, he wasn't like super sick. He didn't have a lot of cancer at the time. So he he went to camp that summer. He went to camp sunshine. We did his Make-A-Wish. We went to the beach like we. He went back to school. He played baseball like he lived like pretty normal, like pretty normally. And like, if you didn't know, like he didn't lose his hair that time, say, like if you didn't know, like you wouldn't have even known probably that he was sick, you know. 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And I felt like whenever I took it, it just helped me understand more so what I needed and what I was lacking, where you might not really think about that on a daily basis, right? So your subscription box includes individually wrapped packets with your vitamins and supplements for easy grab and go. You'll receive a 30 day supply shipped right to your door. And it honestly saves me from having to make extra trips to the store, and it curbs my impulse buying because I am very much an impulse buyer when I go on vitamin aisles and see things that I might need or I might not need, but I buy them anyway. I love care of because it's helpful, you know, like I said with the quiz, it just is eye opening what you know, what you need and what you might not need that you might be taking. And it's easy to travel, and it's honestly, really easy to remember to do that because it takes no thought. It's just the pack. You take it every day and that's it, so you can modify your subscription at any time. And the best part is it costs about 20 percent less compared to similar brands at local drug and health food stores. Kirov also has delicious, nutrient packed quick stick powders that can be added to your monthly delivery for an extra easy boost whenever you need it. I can't wait to try this. Plus, they have pre and postnatal supplements for all the moms out there. This is perfect because obviously you guys know Lindsey and I are moms, and for 25 percent off of your month of personalized care of vitamins, visit take care of dot com and enter promo code coffee. Let's get back to the show. So, but, you know, we so we kept doing that and and then about Christmas time is when we really kind of started to see, I mean, we knew eventually the cancer would start to like take over. And so I guess about Christmas time, he really started feeling worse and kind of, you know, getting more sick. And in February of 2015, which I think you all came. I feel like it was after this. OK, so in February of 2015, he got really sick, he got an infection in his port and he was getting blood and it sent the infection like straight to his heart. And so he, like, coded on the floor and oh yeah. So we thought we were going to lose him then and so that he went to ICU. And so basically he went into septic shock. And so at that point, they looked at us and were like, you know, his heart is not functioning properly. So a transplant is like off the table, like he would never make it through a transplant. And so we I think we all saw we he got out of the house, we got out of ICU, he came back home, you know, everything was just kind of go and he was really sick. I mean, he had to be in a wheelchair. He was. He couldn't really walk anymore. I want to say when we came, it would have been it was still cool outside, but I want to say late March. I feel like it was the march because I know when y'all came, he was sick. I mean, he was he looked bad and because he was kind of quiet. When you're OK, he was. And I remember he just touched my heart so much that when I got home, I wanted to like, find you on social media because I was like, So she's going to lose her baby. Yeah, yeah. I mean, yeah, you, you knew that. I mean, you knew like when you saw him. Hmm. And then when you had posted that he passed. I mean, I couldn't imagine how you felt because. My whole day was like. How do I even like reach out? To her and say, like, what would I even say so? Right? Yeah, so he yeah, so he passed away May the 1st of 2015, a few months after he had that. And we kind of knew when he got that the when he went into septic shock that that was kind of like the beginning of like the end. But, you know, it's weird. We I just for me personally and like every family, is different and everybody handles things differently. But I they started talking about hospice and I did not want him to pass away at home. I felt more comfortable, like personally with him passing away at the hospital around the nurses that had loved him for three years that knew how to they could manage his pain or just, you know, whatever. I didn't personally feel comfortable. And so we went into the hospital on a Sunday. I know on a Monday, just as a regular clinic visit to get blood and platelets, and he had a fever. And so they said, Well, we really think we need to just keep you here. And so do you think they knew? I had. No, I don't think anybody knew that this was like that. This was about to happen. Like, we knew that he was going to die. We did know that, but like, it happened very quickly and very sudden. And so we got admitted into the hospital and. But it is. It's so strange because like one of the nurse practitioners came in on a win like that Wednesday, and we had this like really great week at the hospital, which I know that sounds crazy. But even though he was like really feeling bad and sick, like he was like all over the hospital, like just, you know, wanted me to wheeling around and like, see everybody that, you know, in the gift shop and like all the different things. And so we had this great week, and on Wednesday, Colleen, it was the nurse practitioner and she came in and she said, I don't know because I don't think that you should go home today. I think that you need to stay. She's like, you're going to be getting chemo anyways. And. And she said, but maybe later. And he said, I'm going home on Friday. And it was just like, so weird how he said it is. I'm going home on Friday. And so we were all kind of like, OK. And so that he passed away that Friday. Yeah. And so it was like just such a I don't know, like he just had the spirit about him. I felt like he knew and he like was not scared, like he was so firm and like his faith and stuff that, like he knew he was going to have it. You know what I mean? And I mean, even for me as an adult, know about y'all. But like when I think about like dying, I mean, it's still scary. It's so scary, even though I do feel like I'm going to heaven. I'd still scary. And I just feel like he was like, So at peace with that. And he so that Thursday night, he he just he started having trouble breathing and so that like, we stayed up all night long and he was he passed away like really early in the morning, but he was like trying to talk to me and like, tell me stuff. He had like labored breathing. And so the nurse was sitting there with us and he, like, told me something and he, like, hugged me and I was like, You know, what is he saying? And she was like. And I thought, this what he said, the nurse was like, he just said, You're my best friend. Oh yeah. And I was like, Oh. I mean, I just knew. And I mean, he passed away like two minutes later. And I just like, I don't know, I just he was like my little best friend who was like my sidekick for three years, like we were together all the time. He was my everything, you know? I mean, I was his caregiver, and I would always say as a mom, like, you shouldn't be your kid's best friend. Yeah, you know, you're not. You're actually. But it was like, this was a different, you know, situation. And so it was like, you know, that was like so meaningful, like for me. Now, if that were my teenage daughter, that'd be different. You know, see this thing right? But you know what I mean for the situation we've been in, like it was just that was like such, I don't. Now, when I look back at it, because there's I mean, still three years later, I mean, you know, I think about these things every single day. And I think about that moment all the time. And but I feel like it's like what God gave me to like, give me a piece for me to even be able to like function normally, you know what I mean? I think like as a believer, my granddaddy passed away and I see you too. And he said something similar. And I think that they see like where they're going before they pass because my granddaddy said he was going to the party. And like, I asked him what party he was. 012 and he was like, Oh, it's where all these people are dancing and like singing, and he basically described heaven. Yeah. And then he passed. So I think that they know and I think maybe when they're in that situation and they know what's going to happen, that God gives them that peace, that they're going to be OK and they're going to a better place than where they are. Yeah. And I think that he wanted me to. I think he was more worried about me. Yeah. And and that's like, honestly, you talking about going to the children's hospital if you ever see a child like on the Aflac floor, really in the hospital in general at children's fair, especially on the cancer floor. It's just different and it will change your life forever. And they have a most of them have a part about them that cares more about you and others than they do about themselves. And it's like that sometimes that's harder for me to think about, you know what I mean? Just because I'm like, he was more concerned about me than he was about himself, and he could hardly breathe. But he wanted me to know that, you know, as his best friend. And that's just how, like so many of these children are. And that brings me to why I'm so passionate now about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Just because, you know, I don't want to see families continue to go through what we went through. So really quickly. I just want to ask if you guys tried better brand yoga pant dress pants yet and if you haven't tried them yet? I don't know what you're waiting for because they're seriously the most comfortable pants I've ever worn. And you should try them, too. I know I have a friend that's an attorney, and she wears them to work. I wear them wherever because I feel like I am not really working a traditional job, so they just work for me no matter what. You really aren't kidding. They're so comfortable and really super cute. They have straight leg crop and leggings selections for all shapes and sizes, and it's really hard to choose from all of the options. But I went with the skinny black legging dress pants, and like I've said before, this is just a staple that I put in my suitcase because they really match any, you know, Dresser. You can dress them down. You can, you know, throw on like a band T-shirt with it, make it look cute with vans or, you know, you can whatever like you can just make them look super cute anywhere that you go. So I love them. It's a good staple to have, so you guys should definitely try them if you haven't. They're perfect when you want to be comfortable, but also still look great at work or wherever you're going. That's why I started wearing Beta Brand's dress pant yoga pants, visit beta brand dot com and use our code coffee to get 20 percent off yours. Millions of women agree these are the most comfortable pants you'll ever wear to work. That's beta brand dot com. B e t a b r a indeed.com and use our code coffee to get 20 percent off your dress pant yoga pants. I was telling Kael that I see on your Instagram all the time that you're constantly giving back and I don't know how. As a mother that's lost a child to something. How you could be so. Just like giving to other families that are also going through. I would be so bitter, I feel like. But I've also never experienced it, so maybe that's like part of it at first. Yeah, yeah. You know, through it and get through, don't think that I don't have my moments where I'm like pissed and angry. And I mean, grief is like a rollercoaster. I mean, you go through like all the different stages of grief, but they happen like all the time and it's ongoing. And so there are times, I mean, like, really like, I'm so ready for September to be over with. I mean, yes, I love bringing awareness and like doing things, but at the same time brings back memories just like, Oh my gosh, like, can this be done, you know? But I guess like for me personally and it's different for everyone again, I always say that like, everybody's journey is different and everybody handles grief different. Everybody handles like situations differently. But for me, when I'm able to, like, help someone else or like give back it like makes me feel good, like I no longer have my son. But like, if I can, like, help someone else like in his like glory and memory, then it like helps me. It's like therapeutic. A. Yeah, I mean, I just feel like he had such a purpose. And like, I feel like now it's kind of like my job to like, you know, keep his purpose like going. But there are times when I'm like, Oh yeah, know angry. Yeah, I mean, there's times when I'm like, Why? Like, Why did this happen? Like, Why am I a child? But then you can't really say that because like, why not? Like, why should it not? I mean, it can happen to anybody, and nobody's really should be, you know, like no one's any better than anyone else right from it. You know, when I think that, you know, now that I have a child, that. I guess it's selfish, but when I do my visits to children's, it's literally like six months. It's like a rollercoaster and I have I feel such anxiety. It's like if he falls and gets a screw up and it doesn't heal in two days, I'm like, Oh my God. We're like, Think, Well, yeah, yeah, well, and I mean, like, that's that. That's my problem now. That's my issue now because you had two other cats and every time and this might be ignorant to I just don't know much about it. So is it genetic? Well, there's they do, because I know you have two more kids. I do so well since I so Lake's biological father was not in the picture. And so my husband now, who I met when Lake was two, was pretty much like his dad. So the doctors have said because they are not like felt like they had different fathers. That like the likelihood of like my other two children, getting cancer is like very low. Because do you see what their genetic makeup is different? Yes. But I mean, I'm just going to say it. I mean, I know a lot of families that have had to children have cancer. It does happen. And that like terrifies me and even. And these were a lot. I mean, these were like, you know, biological siblings or. But I mean, it happened to him. I mean, it could happen to my other kids, too. And that's the thing, the whole genetic thing. And that's where like, they they don't really know which children's cancer is so different than adult cancers. And most of the time, you know, when an older adult gets cancer, you know, sometimes yes, there's like environmental, environmental, like just different things. But we're children. That's not the case. I mean, there are children that are born with cancerous tumor, so they haven't even been exposed to like anything, anything that we know, right? And so at this time, yeah, I mean, they feel like it's like something within like a cell, like they they feel like that, like had cancer when he formed in my womb. I mean, you know, like he had that all the time, like the whole time, the whole time until, you know, until it was manifested. Yeah. And whatever brought it out, we don't know. But nothing that could be where like the environmental factor or something trigger it. But there's no and that's why. That's why I come on. And that's why I talk to people. Because like childhood cancer is like very underfunded, like the National Cancer Institute only gives four percent of their funding to childhood cancer. And so which makes no sense to me because like our children are our future. Of course. Right? Yeah. So like, why would you not put a focus? Not to mention the fact that the child cancer instances are increasing like every year? And that's what we don't know, and that's why we want to know these things is why is it increasing? And to me, I do feel like some environmental factors are happening, not necessarily that the family's doing something, but like where you live, right? Or do you live close to power like, you know, city or wherever? Yeah, yeah. Yeah. And so those are things that we don't know, but it's happening. So I feel like the research really needs to be focused on how to treat these children because the reason why Lake really died was because his heart failed and his heart failed because of how much cancer, I mean, how much chemotherapy he got. You see what I'm saying, right? And so like, you'll see some like more targeted immunotherapy is like in the news a lot recently because it's like a new way to treat cancer, but it's for adults. And so that's what they're trying to now do a lot of research for children to figure out. How can we target the cancer in a child's body without ruining the rest of its body with chemo? Now, because chemo like just say, it's pretty much sure. I mean, it is sick or end the back, right? Mm hmm. And so like, if you have this targeted therapy, it literally just attacks the cancer cells instead of attacking like your heart and like all your important organs. And so now that sort of like what you know, we really try because with the type of cancer he had AML, it's rare for children to get it. It's usually an old person's disease, which is crazy. And so like, there's just it's one of the most underfunded cancers or they just don't have a lot of information on it. Yeah. Like if you like, you have the bone marrow transplant. And after that, if that doesn't work, they're like, Well, that's it. There's nothing else we can do. And like, I just don't feel like that's acceptable. Yeah, that's not acceptable, especially with like science and how much money that is available if allotted correctly. And there's no reason why there shouldn't be more research on it. And I mean, it's just I mean, like, that's like the worst thing that a parent could ever hear is like, this is the end of the road, like, this is your last ditch effort, you know? And that's why I say, like when he was first diagnosed. You know, I was like, OK, we can do this, we're going to like there's a protocol like they tell me what this is, what we need to do and we're going to do it. And I was like, OK, I got in like Mama Bear mode and like, you know, we did it. But then after they relapse and you've done all the things they've told you to do or done all the treatment that you know, is there available, then it's like, Oh, well, that didn't work. So you know, there's nothing else we can do. And so that's why we started. So he had made a little friend in the hospital and she had the same cancer, Mary Elizabeth. And we also met another family whose daughter was a little bit younger, Melissa. They both had AML and they both passed away too from the same thing. And, you know, late had a long, pretty long battle with it three years, which is a long time for AML. They only lived for, you know, 18 months to 12 months after diagnosis. That's crazy. And so we teamed up together and and I brought them with me. These are our cards for our fund. And so that's you can kind of read their story. But all of the money that goes to our fund through cure goes all to research. Yeah. So that's sort of like our passion now is just to try to, you know, bring awareness, raise money for this fund. And we've actually done really big things with it. Like since we started it, we gave over three hundred and fifty thousand dollars to go to a doctor in Seattle who's doing huge, huge things for pediatric AML. So, you know, I just feel like that's the only like nothing can bring back. But if I can like, you know, make it easier for another family or make it so another child doesn't have to go through this, then like that, that's what I want to do. You know? Let's take a quick break and talk about clean teeth, one of my favorite topics that you will never get old, ever. You guys know it. The truth is that most of us are brushing our teeth wrong and not for long enough, and we forget to change the brush on time. And that's because most brands focus on selling flashy gimmicks rather than better brushing. So quip is not that way. What makes Quit so different? For starters, Quip is an electric toothbrush that is a fraction of the cost of the bulkier brushes, while still packing just the right amount of vibrations to help clean your teeth. Quicks built in timer helps you clean for the Dennis recommended two minutes with guiding pulses to remind you when to switch sides, and I know that seems like something that would be like common sense, or you would be able to think about that time, but it just takes again the thinking out of it. When it vibrates, you move sides. Next quip subscription plans are for your health, not just convenience. They deliver a new brush, heads on a Dennis recommended schedule every three months for just five dollars that is so cheap and just great. So including free shipping worldwide. Quip also comes with a mount that sections right to your mirror and unsexy to use for a cover for hygienic travel wherever you take your teeth. I literally will take the toothbrush off the mirror, and then I take the little holder thing and I stick it over as a cover. And then when I get to a hotel, I stick the mirror the toothbrush back to the mirror. Wow, that's selfish. And I feel so. And finally, everyone loves quip that they were on Oprah's O list, named one of Time's best inventions and is the first subscription electric toothbrush accepted by the American Dental Association. Plus, they're backed by a network of over 20000 dentist and hygienists and hundreds of thousands of happy brochures will use quip every day. Quip starts at just twenty five dollars, and if you go to get quip.com/ coffee right now, you'll get your first refill pack for free with a quick electric toothbrush. That's your first refill pack free at quip.com/ coffee spelled G T QIP.com/ coffee. OK, let's get back to the show. So. On a lighter note, I guess it's not really a lighter note, but I know that you did TLC say yes to the dress. How did that even come about? Well, because you got married after your dad? Yeah. So while I was going through cancer, we had had a plan. We were engaged. But so we'd had this plan to get married. And then he relapsed and we knew he had to have a transplant. So we were like, we can't get married. Like, you know, we don't know how he's how well he's going to do. So I really had just like tossed the idea, like out the window. I'm like, you know, we'll get married later. But you know, when he passed away, like he wanted us to get married so badly and he had my last name and he wanted Travis's last name. So about us, yeah, because his other sibling has had it Travis's last name, and it was just like me and him were like the only one, you know? But then he knew I was going to get Travis his last name, so he, like, really wanted it. So when he passed away, we were like, you know, like, what? Better way to like honor him than to like to get married? Yeah. And we knew we did not want. I mean, we were both older, like as our first marriage, but we were older. We'd waited and we just we didn't want to have like a big wedding. So we were literally just going to have family. And I had, like ordered a wedding dress online and it was like, I mean, I just didn't care. I mean, during all that, I didn't have time to think about dress. I was like, whatever. It just wasn't like. My priorities had changed. Like, your outlook on life changes was like, it doesn't even matter. So I had this dress from online. We were going to get married like out on a farm, you know, no big deal. And so the Rally Foundation, which is another cancer organization here in Atlanta, say yes to the dress, had reached out to them and said, Do y'all know any, you know, moms of like kids have cancer that, like, you know, are getting married and they gave them my name. And so I did not know, but I guess they got into well, they they called me and I did like this like Skype interview with them and just telling them my story and they're like, Oh, we'll get back to you. Like, never heard back from them, but I'd given them all my mom's info. So they got with my mom kind if I had my back. And so they showed up at my mom's house two days before my wedding. My parents live in Athens, Georgia, which is like right out, right outside of Atlanta. Dogs, yes. And so we I came we were getting married on a Friday evening and I came into town on Wednesday just to start, you know, getting ready for a wedding. And they were at my house and they surprised me. So Lori and Monte had set my mom's like living room up as like a bridal beauty routine with all these dresses. And I like, you know, tried on dresses and they were so sweet. They're like, Pick out any dress you want everything. They gave me everything veil, dress, jewelry. Yeah. And so I got my wedding dress two days of her own wedding. So it was I mean, honestly, it was so sweet, and I feel like it was another like like, totally did that. No one, because he knows I hate to be on TV and being filmed because he would always like, try to film me with his Ampad and, you know, whatnot. I was like, Stop filming me. So I know he thought that was funny, that I ended up on TV like my biggest fear. I get to be on TV because I went to my mom's house and had on like, no makeup. Oh, of course your hair wasn't done. My hair had not been washed in like three days. Nobody looks like seriously a hot mess. I don't think how can I put on makeup more like, no, because we've already started filming. Yeah, yeah. So they wouldn't let me do anything. But anyway, so but also, you know, of course, I was super excited to be getting married. I mean, a part of me was like, super sad because he wasn't there. And I feel like, you know, because they came and, you know, not just because I got some beautiful gown, but just the whole thing of it. It was like so special and you felt like he was like a part. Yes. It like, made the day better. And I'll show you when we get done. But I know seen some of my wedding pictures. But so it was how I told Kail about, yes, I was out in this field, but there was an orb that followed me around in every single picture. Stop. Yeah. So I got home that Friday night after the wedding and the photographer started like sending me. She's like, Anna, she's like, This is crazy. She's like every single picture. And to choose from, like, over here, one time he was like, right up my heart. Like, he was just like all over the pictures. And so like, I don't know, I just feel like that whole thing was just and she photoshopped him in. Yeah. And then she took one picture of us like me and my husband and my two kids and put him in the. A picture like, you know. And that photo went viral, that was kind of crazy, I never thought that that would happen. And that was a little crazy, but I mean, it was just such a special sweet picture and not that it had never been done before. But I think and just like I guess, people knew my story or, you know, saw my story and how it was shared and just like really connected with it or whatever. And so and she's had, like so many people, I feel kind of bad for her. She got, like inundated with people that were like, Oh, I want you to do a picture like that for me. And it's kind of, I think it's like hard to do. Oh, I'm sure. Yeah. To make it look like, I mean, part of the picture. So I mean, I think you could probably do it and it might not like, look as well. Yeah, but like hers looked so good. And so that was just really neat. And I just those are like the ways where I feel like he's like, shown up. Oh, so many, like so many things. All right, guys, let's take a quick minute to talk about how you can get super lush skin. Any guesses? You guys know it. That is bio clarity. Bio clarity helps fights break out. Suits can minimize redness. It reduces pores, eyes and even skin tone. That's something that I've definitely benefited from. You guys can get results with garden wash ingredients, and as little as two weeks, you know, at bio clarity is delivered straight to you. And it's an easy to use three step skincare routine that's 100 percent vegan. Plus gluten and cruelty free bio clarity is a complete skincare with two different daily routines. I use the clear skin routine because you guys know I suffer from acne and I get blemishes all along my jawline and my chin, so that's what I use. And now they have a mask, which I love. Whether you want to try the clarifying glow getter, which is one that I love, or the hydrating mask, which is something that I've been using because I've been super, super dry, your skin will be looking its best. As I just said, the hydrating mask called the glow getter. It draws out any of the impurities and adds moisture to your skin for those of you who have dry skin, but it's also just a good like purifier for your skin. I just absolutely love it, and it just makes your skin feel smooth and gives you that glowy look. If you're ready to detox and rebalance bio clarity, products are loaded with soothing ingredients like flora locks from chlorophyll. They're hydrating but also lightweight, and it's like green juice for your face. Get started on a healthier habit with your skincare. Just go to bio clarity dot com. Our listeners will get their first month for 50 percent off our routine. Plus, shipping is free and it comes with a 100 percent risk free money back guarantee and you need to enter our code coffee. That's bio clarity dot com and enter our code coffee. Let's get back to it. Also, tell us about your other two kids, so a Trenton is my middle, and he is now eight years old and then Kambouris is my littlest and she's five. Yeah, and I want her why she's so cute. And she said, We don't have girls, so we're always like, Who's having the next girl? And she's always wearing cute clothes. She's a diva, though. All girls are so different. I was like a boy mom, too, and I'm like, What do I do? Like, What do I do? Yeah, she definitely runs the show. But she was like, Baby, I mean, she was like obsessed with her, called her baby girl, and he just loved her. But you know, they've honestly, they're probably the only reason that I'm sitting here and functioning because if I didn't have them, I don't know. I'm probably. Yeah, I think things might have, like been a lot worse, taking a different turn. Yes. And you know, that's what is heartbreaking for me is I see other parents that have lost their only child or and they're like teenagers and not that a child could ever replace it. I mean, like, they're not going to have any more kids. Do you know what I mean? Like, yeah, this was their only child. And like I said, it makes it any better that they lost that child because they have others that replace it. Right? Just the feeling of that's their only child. And now they're not. They don't have anything to keep them going. Essentially, my kids keep me going. Of course you're still, you know, I just cannot fathom, right? I cannot fathom if like, I didn't have those other two kids and what like if we did? Yeah, like what would? And I mean, I love Travis to death, but it's just a different nature to different and it's a different. Yeah. Of course, I still had to like care for them and be there for them because when when he passed away, they were still little. I mean, Camry wasn't even two years old yet. So I mean, I really had to be, you know, in it. And so they seriously have been like my saving grace and they've they've really done amazing. I, you know, I really try to like be super open about legs like, I mean, there's pictures of him all over our house. We look at pictures all the time. We look at videos like I want them to remember him because like, I know she really can't remember him. So like, I really like, show a lot of videos and I just want her to know, like how much she liked to look up to her. Yeah, and then turned into like he loved her and that was his brother, you know, and so like and turned and remembers a little bit more. And he talks about him, you know, sometimes, you know, he makes comments like, I really miss my brother or we would be doing this together. And so, you know, hurt for them too, you know, and that's kind of like when you lose a child, like it's not just you, it's like your kids, like they've lost their sibling. And a lot of times I think people don't really think about that. Like, it gets overlooked a little. Yeah, well, and I think too, like I feel like we weren't put here on this earth to bury our kids, you know, like so hard. It's fair to bury that. Yeah, it's very unnatural to have to bury a child. So I mean, I can't even honestly imagine what that would feel like. I'm paranoid about it just because of children's. And the more you read about childhood cancer and how much more prevalent. Yeah, it's it's like more common and. It's rare, you know, like I knew this family that the child could not get over a cold and kept developing, you know, it would get over it for a day and then wake up the next day and, you know, have this horrible cold and fever. It was cancer. Yeah, that's right. Yeah, pretty much what happened to us, too. And it's like, that's not that should not be. I feel like we're as moms, like we're not trained, but we know what signs to look for when our kids get sick, right? So we know, OK, if they have a fever, you know, maybe they're teething, or maybe they have like a virus, but you never think, know, oh, it's cancer. That's like the like, there's no signs, I feel like, because it's they vary and they're so different. And that's the last thing that I think that anyone would think. And that's what I tell people all the time when I'm like, you know, trying to, like, bring awareness. Some like, you know, don't be me, like, I was that person that like would see the St. Jude commercial and be like, Oh, that's really sad. But like, I don't know anybody who has cancer. Like, like, what could I really do to help? I mean, do you know what I mean? Like, I just I was like, I don't ever happened, you know, like, that's so rare. No. See, I'm the opposite in that then because you I hear it on kicks or the bowl or, you know, whatever and what your radio stations in Atlanta. For those of you who don't know when I hear it, I change the channel because I'm paranoid, right? It's anxiety. It makes me feel, you know, when I get the letters and the mail from St. Jude makes me feel like it's like a bad omen. Like, OK, why am I getting this to my house? You know, like, I just, I don't know. Like, I'm overly paranoid because the more you read about stuff and when you've been around these kids, you're like, Please God, and I pray like every single day I wait until Jackson goes to sleep and I go and pray over him and I say, Please keep him happy, safe, but mostly healthy, right? You know, because you just, you know, yeah, you don't know. But at least I mean, you are like aware because like I like I said, I mean, I was just so like, I'm with you. Like, I just kind of like, I don't know that that would happen to me. It's so rare. But yeah, but now I'm now like you. But I mean, I just before I just didn't really know anything about it, and that was not on my radar when all this stuff was going on with like. And I mean, I never even imagined like cancer didn't even like, enter my thoughts. Like and when he told me that, like when the pediatrician said that he was like, he's like, I'm sorry to tell you this, but like, has cancer, like he has leukemia? I was like, what? I mean, did I just hear you? Yeah. Like, I couldn't even like, cry the moment. Like, I was like, because you were in shock. Yeah. Like, are you serious? Like, what do you mean? Like, what do you mean? And he's like, Oh, I'm serious, and it's very serious. Like, you need to go to the hospital right now. And then I was like, Oh, but I mean, all the pieces, yes. But now, I mean, I'm more like you and you know, I do. I have that anxiety all the time. I mean, I try not to think about it. But I mean, we already have so much like mom anxiety without cancer. It's like this just added to it is like it's so much. And that's why, you know, when I say that too and I share stuff on my Facebook and it's I'm like, This is not to add to like your mommy anxiety and stuff it just so that you know, and and I told you this to like, you have to be your child's advocate. Yeah. Like if there's ever a time that you feel like that runny nose keeps coming back or you know that that random fever keeps coming, like ask for the bloodwork, like, be that, you know, advocate for your child like you have to be, because even some pediatricians, it's like not on their radar because it just doesn't like happen or not. So that's not the first thing they think of, and you can't blame them for that. But like, you have to advocate for your child, not just with cancer and everything. Yeah. And like within it, any kind of other illness or anything like you have to be that person because they don't have a voice. And my pediatrician has basically told me to chill out because you ask for everything. Well, yeah, because I at I do ask for everything and I want to know everything. You know, it's like when I go to routine, you know, doctor's appointments for the year, I'm like, OK, what percentages is he falling in his head too small? Like is, you know, I ask for everything. If he gets a rash, I'm like, Do I really use the antibiotic ointment or try to, like, let it heal itself and get tested again? Do I send it to the lab? Yeah. Do I send it to the lab? Like what? Yeah. So I don't know. I think they're just going to children's. I've always been bad with anxiety, but going to children's even more so and more where I keep going. Yeah, more aware. But then yet I keep going because I know. There's kids there, the head brightens their day, yeah, and I mean, just to like, go back to that like you just you really don't understand like what that does. I mean, he he for that love your and high and it was like all way too big for him. But he like a war, that thing around the house and like everywhere for so long. And he talked about war and looked at the picture and just was so about it. And I mean, he just I don't know, like the littlest things for them, like for these kids in the hospital, like right in there. I'm like the tiniest thing that you would never think it like makes their day just because they're so stark, you know, like they don't get. The crazy thing is, though, as you would think. With him having to have so much help and having to be dependent on physicians and their parents and family. You would think that it would make them regress and be more baby like. But they're very advanced. Yeah, that's right. I when you said that, it was like, OK, that to me, that makes sense because they're around doctors and nurses. So they they have. Yeah. But you would hear a lot of. Right. And so they learn. Yeah, right. And I don't know. I feel like it just like makes them like wise or like beyond their years. And it just, I don't know, it just does something that makes just, yeah, because when I visited, it's like, I don't know. And sometimes I feel like some of the kids are like, hard to the world. You know, sometimes it's hard, especially like the teenager. Yes, yes. Yes. It's very hard to talk to them. Like, I tend to gravitate towards the babies and the little kids because you can tell the teenagers are just angry and rightfully so. I feel like, yes, I say that all the time. I'm like, I think all the time I'm like, I feel like so blessed, like with Lake's age, just because he was like, you know, younger and he was like, kind of naive to stuff. Because, yes, teens, they are, you know? Well, first of all, most of them are going to lose their hair and you know, how like, traumatic that is for an adult. Can you imagine as a teen, they're missing out on stuff, they're not having a normal life like they're way more aware. Yes, they know, like they're aware of like death. I mean, like when when, like, found out he had cancer. I mean, he was like was like death was not in his head. But if you tell a teen that they that's what they equate cancer with is dying and an old person and like. So I mean, yes, like I feel like a lot of times, you know, people overlook, you know, like certain cases of cancer just because, you know, they don't. But but I'm with you and there's there's a lot of nurses, too, that, you know, only some gravitate towards the teens, but others, like, can't handle it like they could. Yeah, it's so hard, like emotionally for them. So I understand. I mean, I totally get that. And you can tell, like when you know, I had set up the visit and invited my family to go with me because I want I don't want to go by myself and to. I just felt like it was a good experience for everybody to go and kind of see, you know, it opens up your eyes to the real world and like things that are going on and parents are having to deal with. And, you know, grandparents and yeah, families and I, when we went into the room to like color with the kids and stuff, my siblings gravitated more towards the teenagers. And I think maybe because they could relate. Age wise, maybe it was like easier for them. And then the little kids were all over me. So, you know, it's like different. Yeah, it was very hard, very hard to connect with them. So I wish there was like a better way. To have help, you know, for like the older ones, because I feel like sometimes I know with my visit would be easier to overlook because they act like they don't want to talk to you. You know, so yeah. Are there specific people that you know, like, come and talk to just the teenagers or, oh, well, they do try to do things, you know, at Eggleston, there's that voice. You know, and so a lot of celebrities like, you know, come there, I did an event there, actually, did you OK? So, you know, I mean, I think a lot of times the teens gravitate towards stuff like that and they do. And I will say this that a lot of times nurses, if they know, like certain people are coming up and they know a child like really loves football and like a football player is coming, you know, like a team, they know he loves the Falcons, like they're coming right? You know, they'll they'll make sure that they see those people right. You see what I'm saying? And and then, you know, with the little kids, like they just everybody just kind of goes around there. A lot of times the little kids are just more like open. They just want to play for a lot of times the teens, you know, they're sleeping or they're just like, not up for like talking, you know, it's harder. They're like more emotional because they've already gone through puberty and stuff, you know? Yeah, a lot or going through. So it's yeah, it's different. But yeah, I did an event at Eggleston. They had like the mini putt putt and stuff in the basketball courts and it was like set up like a little fair and the kids got to come down and that was fun to be able to play with the kids. Oh, that's yeah, it's really fun. Yeah, they do a carnival out in the garden sometimes. And yeah, I mean, they actually they're I mean, they're really amazing. Like if you have to take your child anywhere and especially if you're having to kind of live there like, I feel like children's is like the place to be like after, like, passed away. Sometimes I like miss the hospital and I believe that was your home. Yeah. Like, mom, that's so weird. Like, why do I miss the hospital? And she's like, Well, one is because you were with Lake, but to it's just like, I mean, that was like where I was familiar. And I mean, it's taken me. I mean, I'm and I'm like, still working on it. But like, I was really lost after he passed away. Like, that was like what I did for three years was like, be his caregiver. And I was I was sort of like, What do I do with my life? I to refine your purpose? Yeah, like, I mean, I have two other kids. I know that. But like, I had two other kids and I took care of him. So they were already a part of it. So now it's like, now I don't know. Like, you know, what do I do? Like, what do I do with myself? And I mean, I'm still like working on that. But I think doing, you know, doing the things that I'm trying to do, I mean, I think that that's part of it. I mean, I'm still trying to figure out, you know what? You know what my life is going to look like? I don't know. Well, thank you so much for coming on. We appreciate having you on. For anybody who wants to follow in a story, we have had a prayer page for Lake, which was like, so huge for us. I mean, it was so helpful and I kept up with it like even after he passed away. But then it just like got to be. It just got to be a lot like for me. I mean, I had a personal Facebook page in y'all. Before Lake was diagnosed, I had no social media at all. And everybody's like, You need to get to be able to keep people updated, like you've got to get a page. And so I made him a prayer page, and then I eventually caved and got my own Facebook page. But so I really don't keep up with that anymore. But we have a United for a Cure page, OK? And so that is our fund through here like I was talking about earlier. And so it's called United for a Cure, The Mary Elizabeth Melissa Lake Fund. And we actually have a Facebook page on there and we share things that we're doing if you're local. We share things, you know, events and stuff that we're doing and ways you can give back or, you know, donate or whatever. And then I do have an Instagram account, but it's private. Okay, sorry, guys. I know I'm united for a cure is probably the best one anyways. All right, guys. Well, that is all that we have time for today. And if you guys have any questions you can send as a direct message on our Coffee Convos podcast and we can get the questions over to Anna since her Instagram is private. We hope you guys enjoyed the episode and we will be back next week. All right, see ya. Thank you, guys. This podcast is brought to you by way of podcast network. Check out all of our shows, including the Brain Candy podcast, I don't get it. Babies and babies coffee convos. And let's talk about it.

Past Episodes

CC399: On this month's bonus episode.. Lindsie is saying very suspicious things and one of Kail's kids unexpectedly drops a swear word during the Superbowl watch party. Kail addresses the speculations as to why we stopped hearing from Kristen all of a sudden. Because we recorded before Valentine's Day, Lindsie and Kail share their plans for Valentine's. Lastly, someone asks AITA in the Facebook group and today's Foul Play has the marriage relationship we all strive for.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

Branch Basics: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code Coffee at BranchBasics.com/Coffee #branchbasicspod 

Happy Mammoth: Get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use the code COFFEECONVOS at checkout.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

01:16:39 2/17/2025

CC398: Kail and Lindsie give their experiences with giving and receiving the silent treatment but are flabbergasted at the idea of anyone doing it to their children. Are you a LawnMower parent? Today we learn a new parenting term that Lindsie might be a part of and Kail explains how she wants self sufficient kids. And speaking of kids, another parenting article mentions the importance of teens balancing their family time which resonates with Kail. News of a lady sending fart videos to her boyfriend's ex is so unhinged and we are NOT here for it.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Lume Deodorant and get 15% off with promo code Coffeeconvos at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod

Orgain: For 30% off your order, head to Orgain.com/CONVOS and use code CONVOS.

01:15:42 2/13/2025

CC397: Kail and Lindsie are ready for this week to be over. Kail gives an update on her boob job and how she's been navigating co-parenting scheduling conflicts. Lindsie has ALSO been having co-parenting problems, and speaks on the Disney Dad theory that one parent always gets to be the fun parent while the other does not. A listener's daughter doesn't like swearing, and today's Foul Play makes us glad we're not school bus drivers.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.
Calm: Visit Calm.com/CONVOS for 40% off a Calm Premium subscription.
Honey Love: Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/COFFEE! #honeylovepod
IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help
RoBody: Find out if you?re covered at Ro.Co/COFFEECONVOS. Go to Ro.Co/Safety for boxed warning and full safety information.
Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or get the Wayfair mobile app.

01:06:55 2/6/2025

CC396: Lindsie is having co-parenting issues that is on the verge of escalating, which Kail can relate to. Kail talks about the faux coochie emergency, their thoughts on the Blake Baldoni scandal, and is unconditional love a good thing? A listener asks a super sus question that has Kail and Lindsie concerned about the listener's relationship.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Happy Mammoth: Get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use the code COFFEECONVOS at checkout.

Honey Love: Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/Coffee! #honeylovepod

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at Hungryroot.com/convos and use code CONVOS

Orgain: For 30% off your order, head to Orgain.com/CONVOS and use code CONVOS.

Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or get the Wayfair mobile app

01:20:34 1/30/2025

CC395: On this month's bonus episode... Lindsie and Kail ask their children to do as they say, and not as they do. Kail talks about new tax breaks and her stance on them as someone who came from poverty. Lindsie goes through her recent Instagram stories that had Kail and Elijah laughing in their beds the night before. Kail explains to Lindsie a new term, but not a new concept, called future faking. Listeners ask, how long should an engagement should last? And today's Foul Play teaches us about Colposcopy..

Thank you to our sponsor!

Branch Basics: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code coffee at branchbasics.com/coffee #branchbasicspod

CookUnity: Go to cookunity.com/coffeeconvos or enter code COFFEECONVOS before checkout for 50% off your first week.

DraftKings: Download the DraftKings Casino app and sign up with promo code COFFEE

Thrive Causemetics: Get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/COFFEE

01:25:12 1/27/2025

CC394: Lindsie gives an update on a beloved family pet and Kail plans to stay on RedNote forever. I'm sure many parents can relate to this article on Parental mental load, just as Kail and Lindsie have. They give their experiences and thoughts on how to deal with different issues. Lastly, we have listener questions and a Foul Play that has our coochies cringing. 

Thank you to our sponsor!

Calm: Visit Calm.com/CONVOS for 40% off a Calm Premium subscription.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

RoBody: Find out if you?re covered at Ro.Co/COFFEECONVOS. Go to Ro.Co/Safety for boxed warning and full safety information.

Rocket Money: Manage your expenses the easy way by going to RocketMoney.com/COFFEECONVOS

01:12:16 1/23/2025

CC393: Lindsie and Kail are all in for a potential return of Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag - aka Speidi. Both of them double down on their opinions on last week's topic about spending separate time with OG family members. News of insurance companies dropping fire coverage in California months before the devasting fires has Kail and Lindsie feeling some type of way... And this Tiktok ban isn't helping. A listener asks if they should tell their BFF that they don't like their husband... Oof, we've all been there! 

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help.

Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @lumedeodorant and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that?s over 40% off) with promo code Coffeeconvos at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod

Orgain: For 30% off your order, head to Orgain.com/CONVOS and use code CONVOS.

Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

01:15:08 1/16/2025

CC392: Kail and Lindsie had a ROUGH holiday break that included therapy, surgery and tears. We start the episode with high emotions! Kail tries to figure out Lindsie's sibling dynamic on BOTH sides. Does anyone else struggle with parenting during their coparent's time? A listener asks if it's weird that their spouse's family is planning a family outing without the spouses and children?

Thank you to our sponsor!

Calm: Visit Calm.com/CONVOS for 40% off a Calm Premium subscription.

Honey Love: Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/COFFEE! #honeylovepod

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

RoBody: Find out if you?re covered at Ro.Co/COFFEECONVOS. Go to Ro.Co/Safety for boxed warning and full safety information.

Rocket Money: Manage your expenses the easy way by going to RocketMoney.com/COFFEECONVOS

Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or get the Wayfair mobile app.

01:12:32 1/9/2025

CC391: Lindsie and Kail struggle with the trend of butterfly skirts being too short for certain ages. We are big supporters of four day work weeks and Kail explains how it would make a real difference in some familial situations. Lindsie watched the Lisa Frank docu-series on Amazon Prime and shares all the crazy details with Kail. One of today's Foul Plays is a reminder to Kail that she refuses to live with dementia.  

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

CookUnity: Go to cookunity.com/coffeeconvos or enter code COFFEECONVOS before checkout for 50% off your first week.

Thrive Causemetics: Get an exclusive 20% off your first order when you visit thrivecausemetics.com/COFFEE

01:09:43 1/2/2025

CC390: For the LAST episode of 2024 let us revisit the FIRST episode of 2024...

Lindsie recaps her hectic last days of 2023 and Kail shares her word of the year. Kail shares the unexpected message she received from her mom, and how in the same day she got in touch with her sister. Lindsie has some thoughts about Cher asking for conservatorship over her son and talks about the time her brother Kyle was under Todd's legal guardianship as an adult. A listener asks for advice on their 18 year-old daughter wanting to move out under objectionable circumstances, and for Foul Play someone gets a vasectomy scare.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

Kiwico: Get 50% off your first crate at kiwico.com, promo code COFFEE

Progressive: Visit Progressive.com to learn more!

Rocket Money: Manage your expenses the easy way by going to RocketMoney.com/COFFEECONVOS

01:28:02 12/26/2024

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Premium Episodes

CC400: To the surprise of no one, Lindsie reads that oatmeal is the healthiest breakfast food for you.. But Kail will not be participating in that. What Kail IS interested in participating in is babysitting swaps with BFFs or family members after reading about another mom's experience with this hack. A listener shares a situation that many may relate to when it comes to friendship dynamics changing during pregnancies and after birth. Kail explains how she also experienced a sense of loneliness throughout her pregnancies and how they differed. Lindsie talks about her struggle when she first let Jackson see her cry and lose her cool. Today's Foul Play is giving foul but in a good way!

Thank you to our sponsor!

Boll & Branch: Visit bollandbranch.com and get 15% off your first set of sheets when you use code COFFEECONVOS

Calm: Visit Calm.com/CONVOS for 40% off a Calm Premium subscription.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

RoBody: Find out if you?re covered at Ro.Co/COFFEECONVOS. Go to Ro.Co/Safety for boxed warning and full safety information.

01:17:35 2/20/2025

CC399: On this month's bonus episode.. Lindsie is saying very suspicious things and one of Kail's kids unexpectedly drops a swear word during the Superbowl watch party. Kail addresses the speculations as to why we stopped hearing from Kristen all of a sudden. Because we recorded before Valentine's Day, Lindsie and Kail share their plans for Valentine's. Lastly, someone asks AITA in the Facebook group and today's Foul Play has the marriage relationship we all strive for.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

Branch Basics: Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code Coffee at BranchBasics.com/Coffee #branchbasicspod 

Happy Mammoth: Get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use the code COFFEECONVOS at checkout.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

01:16:39 2/17/2025

CC398: Kail and Lindsie give their experiences with giving and receiving the silent treatment but are flabbergasted at the idea of anyone doing it to their children. Are you a LawnMower parent? Today we learn a new parenting term that Lindsie might be a part of and Kail explains how she wants self sufficient kids. And speaking of kids, another parenting article mentions the importance of teens balancing their family time which resonates with Kail. News of a lady sending fart videos to her boyfriend's ex is so unhinged and we are NOT here for it.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.

IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help

Lume: Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Lume Deodorant and get 15% off with promo code Coffeeconvos at LumeDeodorant.com! #lumepod

Orgain: For 30% off your order, head to Orgain.com/CONVOS and use code CONVOS.

01:15:42 2/13/2025

CC397: Kail and Lindsie are ready for this week to be over. Kail gives an update on her boob job and how she's been navigating co-parenting scheduling conflicts. Lindsie has ALSO been having co-parenting problems, and speaks on the Disney Dad theory that one parent always gets to be the fun parent while the other does not. A listener's daughter doesn't like swearing, and today's Foul Play makes us glad we're not school bus drivers.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Better Help: This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/coffee today to get 10% off your first month.
Calm: Visit Calm.com/CONVOS for 40% off a Calm Premium subscription.
Honey Love: Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/COFFEE! #honeylovepod
IQBar: Get 20% off every IQBar product plus free shipping when you text CONVOS to 64-000. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from IQBAR. Message and data rates may apply. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at IQBAR.com. Reply "STOP" to stop, "HELP" for help
RoBody: Find out if you?re covered at Ro.Co/COFFEECONVOS. Go to Ro.Co/Safety for boxed warning and full safety information.
Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or get the Wayfair mobile app.

01:06:55 2/6/2025

CC396: Lindsie is having co-parenting issues that is on the verge of escalating, which Kail can relate to. Kail talks about the faux coochie emergency, their thoughts on the Blake Baldoni scandal, and is unconditional love a good thing? A listener asks a super sus question that has Kail and Lindsie concerned about the listener's relationship.

Thank you to our sponsor!

Happy Mammoth: Get 15% off on your entire first order at happymammoth.com just use the code COFFEECONVOS at checkout.

Honey Love: Start the new year off right with Honeylove. Get 20% OFF by going to honeylove.com/Coffee! #honeylovepod

Hungryroot: Get 40% off your first box PLUS get a free item in every box for life at Hungryroot.com/convos and use code CONVOS

Orgain: For 30% off your order, head to Orgain.com/CONVOS and use code CONVOS.

Wayfair: Visit Wayfair.com or get the Wayfair mobile app

01:20:34 1/30/2025

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