I've Been Better

14: w/ Andre Fanto on the other side of fighting fires

CW: death, grief, emergency services and public safety, sensitive material, motor vehicle accident
 
In this episode, host Susan sits down with good friend, Andre Fanto, to talk about the life of a fire fighter and the not-so-obvious aspects of being in the role of public service.
Andre is a flower salesman by day and fireman by night. He has spent the last year buying a house, getting engaged, becoming “successful,” and making life fulfilling and stress free. Andre likes to play guitar, video games, and wood craft. Fun fact: Andre has two pins in his ankle from a skateboard accident on the eve of his 13th birthday. He is all about "doing you" and lives by this motto daily. 
 
Instagram: @dremasterfanto
 
Thank you to all of our firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement, and any public sector individual who works to protect our communities. 
 

13: w/ Jen Bordeaux on heartbreak to happiness without breaking his windshield...even when she really wanted to

CW: marriage, separation, divorce, infidelity, loss, grief 
 
For the first episode of Season 3, host Susan sits down with friend in advocacy, Jen Bordeaux. Susan and Jen talk about finding happiness after heartbreak, what she has learned through experiencing divorce, and their shared love of musicals. 
 
Jen is formally known as the Director of Public Relations but informally known as the remover of the divorce veil and bridge builder between legal teams and the community. She is a dog mom of 2 pups: Chance and Theo, a non-recovering music addict, a shameless lover of all the dance movies, and forever a HOPEFUL romantic. 
 
Instagram: @jen.bordeaux
Website: New Direction Family Law
Podcast: The Ex-It Strategy Podcast - Move from Victim to Victorious (newdirectionfamilylaw.com)
 
Website for SAFEchild: Eliminate Child Abuse in Wake County - SAFEchild Raleigh NC (safechildnc.org)
 

12: w/ Kyle Shields on playing hard and dying fast (in baseball)

CW; graphic language, sports injury, medical procedures, death of parent, therapy, chronic pain, mention of depression
 
 
As we wrap up the second season of IBB, host Susan sits down with friend, Kyle Shields, to open up the conversation around life not working out the way we had it planned. Kyle shares about his major sports injury that lead to the end of his baseball career, all while acknowledging what he's learned along the way. 
 
Kyle is young professional working as a business development representative for a staffing company. He enjoys listening to music, working out, coaching, watching sports and spending time with friends. He also recently joined the cat club and has been posting numerous pictures of his kitten, Shine. 
 
Instagram: @the.kyle.files
 

11: w/ Tori Aldrin on not missing the little things

CW: death, loss of life, talk of suicide, accidental death, mental health
 
 
On Episode 11, host Susan and one of her best friends and fellow cat mom, Tori Aldrin, record an emotional conversation on the death of a friend. Tori currently works as an office manager. She is passionate about cooking, music and gardening. Some of her hobbies include embroidery, reading, overthinking and obsessing over past mistakes. Fun fact: Tori holds the unpopular opinion of milk first, cereal second. 
 
In honor of Hannah Hartman. 
 
If you, or anyone you know is having thoughts of taking their own life, are worried about a friend or loved one, would like emotional support, or are in need of immediate mental health assistance, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741-741 to speak with someone. For immediate assistance please call 911. 
 
Instagram: @torxcore

10: w/ Kimmie Krohn on living a passionate life and breaking the evil stepmom myth

Episode 10! On this week's episode, join host Susan as she sits down with one of her best friend's, Kimmie Krohn, to talk about making the jump into a passionate life and undoing the "evil stepmom" myth. 
Kimmie currently works in the craft beer industry and enjoys having the coast as part of her territory. She is affectionately known as “Kim” by those closest to her and considers everyone in her circle, family. She is a fur mom to her beagle mix, Dixie and tabby cat, Pelli and a stepmom to her partner’s three kids. Kimmie enjoys a nicely organized space, loves animals, crafting and indulging her inner child. 
 
 
Instagram: @literallyyykim
 

9: w/ Tessa Murray on letting go, settling down, and letting grief hit you between the eyes

CW: death, death of a parent, addiction, substance use/misuse, pregnancy 
 
On Episode 9, host Susan catches up with her close friend, Tessa Murray. Susan and Tessa cover everything from meeting as Bud Light girls in college, to experiencing death, loss, moving across the country, complex family dynamics, and more. 
 
Tessa is currently in graduate school to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. After graduating with a degree in English from North Carolina State University (go pack!), she is finally feeling confident about her career path. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and currently spends the majority of her free time looking at home-décor for the baby's room. Fun fact, Tessa has 3 passports: US, Ireland, and Barbados! 
 
Additional links:
Find a Program - SAFEchild
 
Instagram: @tessamadeleine 

8: w/ Jessica Parker on looking incredible in your grandpa's fur coat and inspiring confidence

CW: body image discussion, societal expectations for women/people who identify as women
 
For Episode 8, Susan sits down with close friend, Jessica Parker. The two cover everything from design, working in IT, being a woman with confidence, and fast fashion.
 
Jessica currently works in tech, and has a second job at a local record store and beer shop on the weekends for fun. She is currently working on launching her passion project - Bitxchcraft designs - a revamped take on thrifting, one of a kind creations while supporting sustainable fashion. Jess is a lover of crystals, astrology, and pretty much anything metaphysical. She is a major advocate for body positivity and women's rights. And last, but certainly not least, Jessica loves the Backstreet Boys, she's seen them 7 times and met them once.
 
To follow along with Jessica, check out her website at jessicataylorparker.com.
Instagram: @jurassicparkerr

7: w/ Cheryl Lundegard on having a little faith during the unknowns of pregnancy and adulting

CW: pregnancy, childbirth, labor and delivery, medical fragility
 
As IBB begins Season 2, join host Susan as she catches up with one of her closest college friends, Cheryl Lundegard, as they talk about the unknowns in bearing children, where faith became a savior, and all things adulting in 2021. 
 
Cheryl is currently living in Georgia with her husband and two littles. She spends as much time outside as she can; hiking, running, and chasing her kids at the park. Cheryl loves reading, yoga, and binge watching TV shows while drinking wine and eating all of the sweets. To follow along with Cheryl's chaotic but amazing family shenanigans, check out her Instagram handle below. 
 
Instagram: @cheryl_lundegard

Bonus: Q&A w/ Susan and Josh on life behind the podcast

As we prepare for Season 2 to drop, host Susan and sound-engineer/partner in life, Josh, share more about the pod, working together, and the vision behind IBB. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Thank you to all of our listeners. 
 
Instagram: @ivebeenbetter.pod
Guest mentions: @boporfloppod

6: w/ Leigh on eating Key Lime pie and sharing dirty laundry

CW: abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, advocacy work, disordered eating, recovery 
 
 
On episode 6, Susan talks with colleague-turned-friend in service, Leigh.
Leigh met Susan here in North Carolina while doing work for a not-for-profit organization. They’ve been friends ever since, and bond over memes, social work issues, and their pets.
Leigh’s been a professional social worker for 7 years. She specializes in sexual abuse intervention. Leigh loves all things musical theatre, music, TV, and movies. She and her partner also have a puggle named Jean Ralphio (from “Parks and Recreation”). 
 
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or if you are a child who is being maltreated, contact your local child protective services office or law enforcement agency so professionals can assess the situation. Most states have a toll-free number to call to report suspected child abuse or neglect. If you are in North Carolina, please contact: Childhelp (800-422-4453 or go to https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
 
Additional Links:
NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault: Get Help | NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault (nccasa.org)