Over a cup of quality coffee that Vanessa says smells like it would come out of her pores, we share our deeply personal reasons behind wanting better for the next generation, specifically in relation to Tonia’s daughters who, of course, are Vanessa’s nieces. Throughout our relationship we’ve discovered and processed the many ways we both want to positively impact the kids and how we can create more vulnerable and safe environments for them to thrive in because they weren’t always available to us growing up. What elder millennial can’t relate to that sentiment?

Rather than looking back and judging the past we’re rocket boosting the next generation with tools we wished we’d had from the lessons it took to heal and break cycles along the way. We talk about Tonia’s 10 year estrangement from her mother and a glimpse at the experience that finally allowed her to make peace with such a terrifying, empowering decision.

Are we perfect? F*ck no! It’s about perspective and love. It’s about connection and integrity. It’s about autonomy and honesty. And we’re jam packing episode two with all of it. Who is influencing your children and helping to mold their future? Who is in your village? What do those environments look like and how are you fostering vulnerability and safety? Let’s have the hard conversations together.