The Commons with Karla

Have you ever wondered what comes next?    Today’s guest, Brandy, has asked this question many times. Whether completing missions around the world, moving to Iceland, or homeschooling her two children- Brandy has faithfully listened to God’s voice and followed the direction He has for her life. Sometimes, the waiting in the mundane season of life holds the most important work that you will ever do...

What does self-care look like to you?    It can be different for everyone. Some people may feel refreshed by going to the spa, while others may enjoy going for a jog, and some people may even feel energized by just quietly meditating at home. Today’s guest, Pamela Zimmer, is a self-care concierge- who helps other women learn the importance of taking care of themselves. Pamela was diagnosed with Po...

Are you truly enjoying your life?    Today’s guest, Shayla Palmer would answer that question with a resounding- yes! Shayla is a mom of two beautiful daughters who share her love of traveling and exploring the world. Shayla creates goals for what is most important to her, plans to achieve those goals, and then executes them. She models how important it is to live a full life by doing what you enjo...

May is National Foster Care Month!    Today I am in conversation with Tawnya Robertson. Tawnya is a devoted and loving Christian, wife, mother, and Social Worker. We all have pivotal moments that shape the trajectory of our lives. Tawnya is vulnerable with us in sharing the trauma and hardships she faced as a child. However, she also tells us how those experiences led her to become a Social Worker...

Today I am in conversation with a dear friend of mine, Angie, from High School. Angie is a wife, and a mom of two boys who are in High School and Middle School. Angie’s sons are very involved in sports all year around, which usually fills her schedule and keeps her busy.  She is a woman who enjoys bringing people together. Angie talks with us how her community has evolved over the years- from High...

Did you know that May is Foster Care Awareness Month?    You may recognize today’s guest, Nikki, from episode 78 of the podcast. In this episode, we get to catch up with Nikki to see how she is doing. She also educates us on what foster care is, a little bit about the foster care system, and some of her own personal experiences as a foster parent. Also, we are so excited to announce the release of...

Are you a chronic comfort seeker?   Today’s guest, Lisa, describes her early years as being comfortable. Things seemed to go exactly how they were supposed to, and it always felt “easy”. However, Lisa was forced into the uncomfortable when she faced a life threatening illness post pregnancy with her daughter that ended in an unwanted hysterectomy. This pivotal moment shifted Lisa into starting to...

Have you ever stopped in the middle of a decision, and paid attention to how it feels in your body?    This practice is one way of listening to your intuition. Our guest today, Jules, dives deep with us into how you can listen to your body and follow your intuition when you are faced with a decision. Jules is a beautiful and genuine woman living her best life as a wife, mom, friend, and human. Jul...

Today I am in conversation with Nicole. Nicole is a determined wife, mother, and servant of God. A self-described serial entrepreneur, today we dive into Nicole’s story and how God has led her to creating a community and resources for women experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss. She demonstrates purpose beyond motherhood with her heart and work with Twelve 12 ministries and as a podcast host...

Today’s guest, Whittni Adkins, is a wonderful and empathetic woman with a full life. As you listen to her story you will hear about Whittni’s many roles and how she navigates them day to day. Whittni shares her past and present story including the pivotal moments and the community that have shaped her.  Whittni is a dynamic, resilient, and talented human who values community. Get ready to be inspi...

“No one ever prepares you for this.”    Today’s guest, Leanna Bogetti, shares with us today how no one can really prepare you for some of the toughest obstacles life can throw at you. Leanna is a part of what is known as the “sandwich” generation. This means that she is currently raising her own young twin boys while simultaneously caring for her beloved mother who has been diagnosed with cancer....

What if you could turn your pain into your passion?   Today’s guest, Staci Alonso, is the perfect example of using your hardships to fulfill God’s plan for your life.  Unfortunately, Staci had to navigate the sudden loss of her son’s father while she was still pregnant. Through this tremendous loss, her two dogs are one of the main things that helped her get through. As a Shade Tree Shelter board...

Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers?    Lori Valentine is a prayer warrior, a perfect example of following God’s will for her life through dedicated prayer and patience. You may be surprised by what that looks like daily and over the course of her life. Currently, Lori is in a waiting season as she uprooted her life to move closer with family.  Lori is here to tell her story about faith,...

Have you ever felt misunderstood?    Today’s guest, Kate, is a perfect example of blazing your own path in a world that often feels cookie cutter or one size fits all. From a young age, Kate noticed that she was different from other people in the fact that she feels so deeply, and longs for intentional connection with people around her. Instead of shying away from traits that made her unique, Kate...

This week we are replaying my conversation with Katie from April of last year. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I enjoyed having it. We will be back next week in conversation with a new guest. If you listened to episode 55 of the podcast, you heard Lisa, Katie’s mom, and I talk about adventures. Now, I am privileged to meet and speak with Katie for the first time. Katie v...

How do we learn to connect emotionally with people when that hasn't been modeled for us?  In today’s episode, I am speaking with my friend Carol. By day Carol is a Director for a global organization, working on process improvement and integration projects. By night, Carol is a wife, mom, and friend, connecting with her people and enjoying life. In this episode, Carol talks with us about how g...

In today’s episode I am in conversation with Julie. Julie is a dynamic woman, a wife, a mother, and a trial lawyer.  I am confident that the topics that we cover in today’s episode will be relatable to so many women, in all different seasons of life. Julie has a very important job advocating for people in her community, as well as a very important job being a mother and wife to her family at home....

Today I am in conversation with Natalie. Natalie is a mom and a wife, a brave and loyal woman who values her family. Natalie talks with us about how her childhood experiences shaped who she is today.  We talk about foundation, faith, and family. We also dig deep into the in-between times of our lives, what we learn from them, and how we grow and mature because of them. I hope this episode encourag...

Welcome to Episode 100 of The Commons with Karla!    We are LIVE at Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen in Reno, NV. Instead of recording in my closet, using zoom and having a conversation across the miles, I am having conversations with women face to face. I am surrounded by friends - beautiful women who are supportive and also enjoy conversations and laughter - and maybe margaritas and tacos. This episo...

What Happens When the Unexpected Interrupts Your Life and Plan?   Today’s guest, Lisa Morris, dedicates her life to helping others find their way back after uncertainty. In this episode, Lisa discusses how she has had to deal with uncertainty and interruptions in her own life as well. From dealing with grief of losing close friends to overcoming a devastating medical diagnosis - Lisa still finds b...

Being a stay-at-home mom is a job that is so rewarding and beautiful but can also be filled with a bit of chaos and challenges. Today’s guest, Amy, is in this current season of being home with littles and talks with us about the ups and downs of being a stay-at-home mom.  Amy and her husband have a 4-year-old, 2-year-old and one on the way. Amy shares the challenges of balancing a social calendar,...

Today I am welcoming back Melanie, a previous guest from episode 87. She  is back at The Commons talking about the work she is doing to empower women around the globe out of poverty and human trafficking. Melanie shares her why, what, and how. Together we can expand awareness and take action that makes a difference. We hope our conversation brings clarity to you about the problem and what your rol...

Have you ever made a New Year’s Resolution that was fitness related, only to fall short of that goal within the first few months of the year?                                                       Today, I am talking with Sarah Carne, a fitness coach. Sarah loves to encourage busy women to feel empowered to take care of themselves through fitness and nutrition along with self care. Sarah shares her...

Have you been feeling weary? If so, then this episode is for you.  Welcome to our first episode of 2023! Today I am welcoming two guests back to the show - Amy Lathrop and Crystal Ricciardi. It is the beginning of 2023 and many women are reflecting and refocusing on the year ahead. Amy, Crystal, and I talk about our process for reflection. Then we take a deep dive into the topic of rest. Some of u...

Welcome to this week’s Bonus Episode! It is the week between Christmas and New Year’s. If you are like me, you are carving out some time to reflect on 2022 and consider your plans for 2023. For some of you that will mean setting goals - for one or more areas of your life. For others you will keep marching on - taking one day at a time and creating zero goals or plans. For others you will choose a...