The Brave Files

Their Buns, My Oven

The Brave Files returns this week with an inspiring story of friendship, surrogacy, and jumping into a familiar unknown. Heather sits down with longtime friend, Karen Kitto, this week to talk about her brave and selfless decision to be a surrogate for friends who were unable to carry their own children.One day about 10 years ago Karen had a random thought that simply wouldn’t go away. She thought about being a surrogate for her friends, who were struggling to have their own children. Karen describes the decision as her “buying them admission to the amusement park.” She could carry the baby so that they could have the lifetime adventure of parenthood. After one failed attempt to inseminate, Karen was surprised to learn she was carrying two babies! It was a wonderful shock to her and to the mother of the babies.As with all stories, there were some struggles. Learning to juggle caring for Juggling taking care of her own two children and carrying two babies was a difficult job! She also developed Intrahepatic Cholestasis during the pregnancy which resulted in an early c-section.All in all, Karen says she would make this sacrifice again if presented the opportunity.Details show notes here.

Proof of Life

This week, Heather talks with Khim Baggett who shares her incredible story of facing both death and life at the same time. At the age of 35, and completely out of the blue, Khim was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shortly thereafter, she also found out she was pregnant with her 3rd child. Prior to finding out she was pregnant, Khim felt sure cancer would be the end of her. Something about seeing her baby’s heartbeat in the doctor’s office gave her “proof of life.” Khim knew that she and her unborn child had to beat the odds and not become a statistic - - And they did!See full show notes here.

Face Everything and Rise

Broken. Abused. Whole.One moment can entirely alter our stories. Dr. Toscha Dickerson sits with Heather this week and talks about her journey through an abusive relationship and how it completely altered her life, as well as her work as a “reentry coach” helping women who are being released from the prison system beat the odds and stay out of jail.Check out the detailed show notes here: 

Give It One Last Shot

Persistence. Determination. Hope.When the going gets rough, you just have to keep going. Jenny Buttaccio sits down with us this week to talk about her journey through Lyme disease. Coping, learning, and doing what it takes to keep living with an illness that tries to keep her down.Detailed show notes here. 

Building Fireproof Houses

Persistent. Lucky. Listening.Progress is progress, no matter how much time it takes. Brian Johnson joins us this week to talk about his journey into fighting for a better, and more equal America. Sit down, turn it up, and get inspired to tackle the world!Check out the detailed show notes here.

An Introduction with Success Coach, Heather Vickery

The Brave Files are a series of interviews featuring people who are living courageously. Each episode features a new guest that has stepped out of fear and into bravery. Real stories. Real people. Real inspiration. Stories that help us connect on a deeply human level and learn that we have what it takes to do the seemingly impossible.