Becca Jordan wanted to create a record.  As an independent musician living in Nashville, it was a logical next step. But what did she want from this experience? A record deal? More opportunity? A tour? This... was a more difficult question to answer. In this special bonus episode of Invisible Lions, you'll hear what it's like to take a step toward a dream — even when you’re not sure where you’ll end up. 

Asking for help — it rarely feels brave in the moment but as you’ll hear on today’s episode, it’s often the most courageous thing you can do. In this episode, you’ll hear a young woman named Sarah talk about her road to healing after a lifetime of chronic pain and mental illness. A story full of redemption and beauty, you don’t want to miss this final episode of Season 1!

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Show Notes:
When I was deciding on the order of episodes for season 1, I knew from the start that this had to be the finale episode. Sarah’s story moved me so deeply and her hope, strength, and internal fire embodied everything I wanted Invisible Lions to represent. I hope it inspired you as much as it inspired me to make it.

Go deeper:

• Disney didn't invent Cinderella. Her story is at least 2,000 years old. — This Vox article details the history of the Cinderella tale. I was shocked to learn how each culture recreated it to fit their society.
• The Original Version Of Cinderella Might Shock You — Want to see a total badass and slightly weird version of Cinderella? This Bustle article details the Brothers Grimm edition and it really will shock you.
• Unlearn Your Anxiety & Depression — This book by Dr. Howard Schubiner is a workbook for people experiencing Mind Body Syndrome. It uses a combination of storytelling, meditation, journaling, and mindfulness exercises to help people find healing. I’ve personally used it and was really impressed with the tools it provides.
• How the Brain Hides Memories — This Northwestern Medicine article talks about a study done on mice that proves the brain can repress memories. It’s really fascinating and modern medicine is still discovering the implications of studies like this.

How does someone become a doula, and what do they do? Find out on today’s episode as we dive deep into Simone’s story. You’ll also hear one woman’s account of having an unmedicated birth. After listening, I hope that like me, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the incredible bravery it takes for women to speak up for what they need. We’ve got work to do as a society around race and gender equality, but I’m hopeful that by hearing stories like these, we’ll make the changes necessary.

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Show Notes:

I have a confession to make. 

When I set out to create this episode about women, birth, and doulas, I had NO idea how much I didn’t know about my own body.

Courtney, Simone, and Tessa (all fake names) were so generous with their storytelling. All three had me riveted throughout their interviews. In fact, you’ll hear my gasps and nervous laughter a lot in the background because I forgot many times that I was conducting an interview.

After listening, I hope that like me, you’ll have a greater appreciation for the woman who brought you into this world and the incredible bravery it takes for women to speak up for what they need. We’ve got work to do as a society around race and gender equality, but I’m hopeful that by hearing stories like these, we’ll make the changes necessary.

Thank you so much for listening. I’m so honored that I get to share this art with you.

— Laura

Links:

• Birth Manifesta — This is the doula services company that Simone (whose real name is Tanzye) owns and runs. If you’d like to work with her or want to support what she’s doing in the world, be sure to contact her and let her know I sent you.
• National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC) — NBEC does research and racial equity training to promote healthier birth experiences and outcomes in hospitals. Please join me in supporting their important work!
• The Health Gap BBC series — This series from 2018 dives into the different ways that gender bias affect modern-day healthcare systems. 
• The Health Gap column — It appears that the above series was so successful, that BBC created a regular column on these issues. I found many of the articles fascinating and I think you will too.
• The Case for Renaming Women’s Body Parts — This BBC article goes into detail about the patriarchal history around naming female body parts.
• CDC 2019 press release — This press release details the report I mentioned in the episode that states, “Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women – and this disparity increases with age.”