Beyond the Struggle: Rise and Thrive

From Lost to Aligned: Coming Back to Yourself After Hardship

Today's episode explores how to find your way back to yourself after life knocks you off course. Whether you've experienced heartbreak, burnout, loss, or slow seasons of disconnection, this episode offers gentle steps—slowing down, asking what feels true now, and taking micro actions—to realign, reclaim identity, and rebuild with resilience.
Grab a cup, breathe, and join us as we move from being lost to aligned—one small, intentional choice at a time.

Raising Neurodiverse Kids. How to Stay Calm, Connected, and Confident.

Host LaFortune sits down with Melissa Schultz, MSBC.BA, to explore real strategies for single parents raising neurodiverse children. They cover what neurodiversity means, common misconceptions, and how to stay calm, connected, and confident through meltdowns, school advocacy, and daily overwhelm.
Listeners will learn simple, practical tools—reset techniques for parents, sensory and connection strategies, the "beads in a jar" idea for daily connection, and ways to advocate collaboratively with schools. Resources and support are highlighted, including MomFlexApp (visit momflex.org) and to learn more about what Melissa is doing and how she can help. Visit: https://www.melissaschulz.com/ For her free guide go to: https://www.melissaschulz.com/free-guide
 

Parenting From the Sidelines: When Non-Parents Think They Know Best

 In this episode, we explore the frustration of unsolicited parenting advice from people who’ve never parented, how judgment wears parents down, and how compassion, boundaries, and community can make the journey gentler. You are not alone — keep showing up, keep rising, and keep thriving beyond the struggle. Visit www.momflex.org to join our village.

Resilience, Parenting Through Adversity, and Building a Strong Village of Support for Single Parents

Today’s guest is Olaolu Ogunyemi — U.S. Marine officer, award-winning author, leadership mentor, and founder of Parent-Child Connect. In this episode he shares personal stories and practical strategies for cultivating resilience, modeling emotional intelligence, building supportive villages, and guiding children through adversity. Tune in to learn how small daily habits, honest communication, and intentional community can transform family life and empower the next generation of leaders. Learn more about Olaolu here https://parent-child-connect.com/

Cancel Culture and Generational Trauma: breaking the cycles as single parents

In this episode we talk cancel culture and generational trauma: Breaking the cycles as single parents.

The Emergence of Single Motherhood and Men’s Influence on the Perception of Single mothers.

Welcome back to Beyond the Struggle, Rise and Drive with LaFortune. In this episode we unpack the history and stigma of single motherhood, examine how male-dominated institutions shaped public perception, and call for accountability, systemic change, and community support.
To single mothers: you are not less than — you are rising. To everyone else: listen, amplify, and help build a fairer narrative.

Discipline or Abuse? Reclaiming the Line for Single Parents

Single parenting can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode we explore the difference between discipline and abuse, share real stories from exhausted single parents, and offer practical ways to set loving boundaries with confidence.Learn how to stand firm with compassion, distinguish harm from healthy accountability, and find emotional support from others who understand the struggle.Find community and resources at MomFlex — the village web app for single parents. Visit momflex.org to install the app and take the first step toward a stronger, more supported you.

Unspoken Truth: What I Wish My Child Knew

In this episode, host LaFortune opens the curtain on the hidden sacrifices of parenting — the sleepless nights, missed meals, extra jobs, and quiet prayers done so children can feel safe and cared for. A heartfelt message for parents and their children about love, resilience, and understanding.