The EMBER Project Podcast

In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, Susan is joined again by Meghan D. Gregory for a powerful conversation about ACEs and PACEs. Together, they talk about adverse childhood experiences, protective factors, trauma, resilience, and the people who help change the direction of a life. Meghan brings both lived experience as an early mother and years of knowledge from her work in mental health and nonprofit leadership.
This conversation is honest, but deeply hopeful. Susan and Meghan talk about how childhood trauma can affect us well into adulthood, but also how healing, therapy, safe relationships, faith, mentors, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and supportive communities can help cushion the blow. They also discuss what young mothers can do when they are afraid of repeating cycles, including getting healthy, asking for help, creating emotional safety for their children, and learning that perfection was never the goal.
At the heart of this episode is a reminder that trauma matters, but it is not the whole story. We can heal. We can build new patterns. We can become protective factors in someone else’s life. And for the early mother listening, your past may have shaped you, but it does not have to define the future you are building for yourself or your children.

In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, Susan sits down with author, entrepreneur, wife, mother, foster and adoptive mom Christine Shuck for a raw and honest conversation about survival, young motherhood, trauma, self-advocacy, and building a life no one else imagined for you.
Christine shares what it was like growing up with emotionally immature parents, running away from home before her seventeenth birthday, becoming a young mom, surviving homelessness, abusive relationships, a suicide attempt, and the long, complicated road of learning how to believe in herself. Her story is heavy at times, but it is also full of humor, grit, and hard-earned wisdom.
This conversation is a reminder that one chapter does not get to define the whole story. Christine talks about finding her voice, fighting for her child, becoming her own best advocate, writing books, investing in real estate, and creating a life that seventeen-year-old Christine never would have believed was possible. If you have ever felt trapped, behind, or like your future was already written for you, this episode is a powerful reminder that the door may be open, and you are allowed to walk through it.
To connect with Christine, you can find her at www.christineshuck.com. Subscribe to her newsletter there as well as take a look at her book selection.

Most people assume that financial struggles come from bad decisions. But what if you're doing everything right and still can't seem to get ahead?
In this solo episode, Susan shares the story of a young woman trying to build a better future. She's researching financial aid, building credit, working nearly full-time hours, saving money, and making what she believes are responsible decisions. Yet one unexpected expense, a reduction in work hours, and a simple case of the flu begin a chain reaction that leaves her falling behind despite her best efforts.
Through this story, Susan explores why being poor is often far more expensive than people realize. From credit card fees and healthcare costs to the challenges of living without financial margin, she examines the systems that make it difficult for low-income families to move from surviving to thriving. Most importantly, she tackles the shame that often surrounds money and reminds listeners that struggling financially is not a character flaw. It's often the result of navigating a system that was never explained and rarely offers a safety net.
Whether you're trying to build credit, go back to school, support a family, or simply make it to the next payday, this episode offers both understanding and hope. Because sometimes the first step toward changing your future is realizing there was never anything wrong with you. You were simply never taught how to navigate the system.

In the second episode of our two part series, I am joined again by co-parenting coach Clover Johnston to unpack the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting as an early mother. They discuss how teen marriages often come with higher divorce rates, which can make co-parenting more complex. The conversation covers essential topics such as maintaining a child-first mindset, introducing new partners with care, and the importance of mutual respect between co-parents. They also explore the impact of social media on co-parenting dynamics and emphasize the need for clear communication, emotional well-being, and legal awareness. Clover encourages young parents to seek support and surround themselves with people who can help them create a stable and nurturing environment for their children. This episode aligns with the EMBER Project’s mission to empower early mothers and ensure they have the tools they need to navigate parenthood with strength and support.
 
Please visit www.theemberproject.org to learn more about volunteering, donating or asking for consideration for the program.
You can learn more about Co-Parenting, Coach, Clover Johnston on ⁠⁠INSTAGRAM⁠⁠, Her ⁠⁠PODCAST⁠⁠, or her ⁠⁠YOUTUBE ⁠⁠Channel.
To check out one of the parenting apps Coach Clover talks about, take a look at ⁠⁠OUR FAMILY WIZARD⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠2HOUSES⁠⁠.
As always please Like, Subscribe and most importantly SHARE with a mom who could use some encouragement!
 
 

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse, substance use, domestic violence, pregnancy loss, and custody trauma. Please listen with care.
In this deeply moving episode, we hear from Darian—a young woman whose story begins in the shadows of childhood emotional abuse, teen pregnancy, and devastating betrayal. Her path includes losing custody of her daughter, surviving an abusive relationship, battling addiction, and nearly dying from an ectopic pregnancy. But what follows is nothing short of redemptive.
Darian takes us through the raw moments of collapse and the powerful steps she took to rebuild her life. From reconnecting with her daughter and finding love in an affirming relationship, to facing ongoing family rejection and learning to parent through a trauma-informed lens, her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
This episode is a tribute to the mothers who were never given a fair shot but chose to rise anyway. It’s about breaking cycles, reclaiming identity, and finally discovering what love and peace can feel like after a lifetime of chaos.
 
If Darian’s story resonates with you or someone you love, we invite you to learn more about The EMBER Project at ⁠www.theemberproject.org⁠. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: 📸 ⁠Instagram⁠ 📘 ⁠Facebook⁠
 
Healing is possible. And sometimes, all it takes is one spark. Help spread this fire by subscribing to our podcast, and even more important, sharing with other women who could find encouragement in our stories.
 

In this insightful first episode of a two part series, I sit down with co-parenting coach Clover Johnston to explore the emotional and logistical challenges of raising children in a co-parenting dynamic, particularly for young and early parents. Drawing from her personal experience, Clover offers practical advice on communication, boundary-setting, and prioritizing a child’s emotional well-being. The conversation highlights the value of respectful cooperation between parents, the supportive role grandparents can play, and the importance of maintaining structure and stability. With encouragement for young parents to seek out mentorship, tools, and community, this episode offers both guidance and hope for those navigating co-parenting in complex circumstances.
Please visit www.theemberproject.org to learn more about volunteering, donating or asking for consideration for the program.
You can learn more about Co-Parenting, Coach, Clover Johnston on ⁠INSTAGRAM⁠, Her ⁠PODCAST⁠, or her ⁠YOUTUBE ⁠Channel.
To check out one of the parenting apps Coach Clover talks about, take a look at ⁠OUR FAMILY WIZARD⁠ or ⁠2HOUSES⁠.
As always please Like, Subscribe and most importantly SHARE with a mom who could use some encouragement!
 
 

She was a little rebellious. Strong-willed. A dreamer. And then she became a mom at 16 — a moment that changed the course of her life forever.
In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we meet a woman who didn’t just beat the odds — she rewrote the story entirely. After having seven children by age 30, she refused to accept the narrative society handed her. She graduated high school, earned her degree, became a licensed insurance broker, and built a life fueled by love, resilience, and relentless growth.
We talk about survival seasons, judgment, and how your fire, the same one that made you a handful as a teen, can become your greatest gift. Whether you’re a young mom, a supporter, or someone chasing your next chapter, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define your potential.
Learn more about our mission
⁠www.theemberproject.org⁠ Recommend or become a mentor
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She had her first child at 14. By 30, she was a mother of four, a bakery owner, and the unexpected face of a viral internet scandal known as Cake-Gate. But behind the headlines and the frosting is a story of deep resilience, generational healing, and bold reinvention.
In this candid conversation, Kylie Allen opens up about growing up fast, staying committed to her high school sweetheart and co-parent, and how a customer complaint turned into 8 million views—and a national platform. She shares what it was like navigating early motherhood while still in school, the highs and lows of building a family business from scratch, and the emotional toll of social media backlash. We also explore how faith, love, and vision carried her through her darkest moments, and why she believes so strongly in the mission of The EMBER Project.
Whether you’re a teen mom, a creator, or someone who’s ever been underestimated—this episode will leave you fired up and full of hope.
At The EMBER Project, we believe early mothers deserve more than survival—they deserve success. This episode is part of our mission to ignite potential through mentorship, education, and real-life stories that matter.
 
Links & Resources:⁠⁠The EMBER Project Website⁠⁠
Want to become a mentor? We’d love to have you.
⁠⁠Become a Mentor⁠⁠
Are you or do you know a young mom who could use this kind of support?
⁠⁠Refer a Young Mom⁠⁠
Follow us on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
Follow Kylie on ⁠TikTok⁠, ⁠FACEBOOK⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it helps more listeners find these life-changing stories.
 

What happens when the life you’ve built burns down—emotionally, legally, even literally? In this episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with a woman whose story is a masterclass in resilience. From navigating a traumatic marriage and leading a military family support group, to being blindsided by divorce on Christmas Day and surviving a house fire, court battles, and long COVID—her life has been anything but easy.
Yet, through every blow, she found a way to rise. She shares how she rebuilt from the ashes, protected her child’s peace, and redefined strength through love, loss, illness, and reinvention—including starting a major community festival while battling chronic health issues.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in chaos with no lifeline in sight, this episode is your reminder: strength isn’t about avoiding the fire—it’s about choosing to walk through it and come out wiser.
At The EMBER Project, we believe early mothers deserve more than survival—they deserve success. This episode is part of our mission to ignite potential through mentorship, education, and real-life stories that matter. Links & Resources:⁠The EMBER Project Website⁠
 
Want to become a mentor? We’d love to have you.
⁠Become a Mentor⁠
 
Are you or do you know a young mom who could use this kind of support?
⁠Refer a Young Mom⁠
 
Follow us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠
Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode—it helps more listeners find these life-changing stories.

In this powerful episode of The EMBER Project Podcast, we sit down with Ariana, who opens up about her journey from emotional abuse to emotional freedom. Through raw reflection and unflinching honesty, she shares how years of manipulation and control affected her sense of worth—and how returning to school became an unexpected but life-changing path to healing.
This episode explores the deep, often hidden scars of emotional abuse and the transformational role education can play in rebuilding self-esteem, reclaiming purpose, and rewriting your future.
National Domestic Violence Hotline – www.thehotline.org
⁠Ohio Department of Education - Adult Learners page⁠
As always, we appreciate it if you Like, Subscribe and Share! We believe these episodes will find the ears they are meant for and provide hope and encouragement to an early mother somewhere. Please visit our ⁠WEBSITE⁠ to learn how you can support us through donation or volunteering. If you or someone you know is a teen mom up to age 25, please fill out the form on the website for consideration into the program.