I’m thrilled to bring you this episode of Being Different with a very special guest, Congressman Tim Burchett from Tennessee’s 2nd District. I’ve been tuning in to Tim’s podcast, Tennesee Talks, and honestly felt like I knew him before we even met. His straightforwardness and willingness to call out corruption in Washington really struck a chord with me.Tim opens up about his upbringing and the formative experiences that shaped his perspective on politics and ethics. We dive deep into the ram...

So, why the fuss around vaccines? Why does mentioning them feel like dropping a bomb? That's what bugs me. Can't we just talk about it without it turning into a political showdown? That's why I sat down with Dr. Jason Hall again. And this time it's not about mommy makeovers, but about the state of vaccine discussions in the US.We cover it all - from the history of vaccine development to the ethical questions around financial incentives. As far as I'm concerned, it's important to start asking ...

Today I wanna chat about staying true to your purpose no matter what the world says. Liz here with some thoughts on that buzz-worthy commencement speech by Harrison Buctker, the Kansas City Chiefs' kicker. Now, I'm not one for football, but this guy stirred the pot.He speaks at a Catholic college about sticking to your God-given role, and the internet erupts - especially feminists. Turns out, it wasn't all that wild. Mostly about men stepping up and leading, with a shoutout to his wife for ow...

There is one book that has totally changed my perspective - and I've read a lot of parenting books. Michaeleen Doucleff is the author of "Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans." She joined me on the show to get real honest about the struggles of modern parenting and how it's making us and our kids miserable.Michaeleen shares how the families she visited in other countries just seem so much happier - their kids are w...

When every day feels like chaos, how are you supposed to make time time for your relationship? Ashley Willis co-hosts of the Naked Marriage podcast with her husband, Dave. I was so excited to sit down with her for a raw and real take on the joys and challenges of married life.We talked about balancing marriage and parenting, especially with little ones running around screaming. Like, how can you not feeling resentful towards your partner while navigating the everyday rollercoaster of parentin...

At first I thought there was no way, but after talking to her I am seriously impressed. Our husbands were friends in law school and now we both have kids - but let me tell you, her son has never seen a screen! At first I was like no way, but Lindsay filled me in on how they do it. Between juggling work and kid stuff, Lindsay Hall's dedication is next level. Her son is so well-spoken and curious about everything. He just plays with his toys for hours! Lindsey and I will be getting r...

Y'all, I'm really struggling with all the changes I've seen in youth sports. It seems like leagues are starting earlier and earlier, and the pressure to participate becomes a handful to balance along with family life. Are we pushing too hard, too young?I decided to talk with my old friend Mark Pancratz to get his opinion. Mark is not just your average sports enthusiast—he's been in the game his whole life, from playing sports himself to coaching at UT, and now, he's figuring it out with his t...

What would you grade yourself as a parent? In this solo episode, I'm gonna give you an honest update on what it's been like transitioning to being a full-time stay-at-home mom after working for so long.I'll fill you in on all the things I'm still struggling with, like getting Mack to school on time and keeping a consistent bedtime routine. Cooking dinner, money management, and more. And how about all the extracurricular activities? Spoiler alert: I just don't see the point of it yet!At the en...

Alisha Owen is an advocate for justice. In this episode, we discuss the importance of parenting, drawing boundaries, and teaching children moral values and responsibility. Alisha opens up about her own upbringing and experiences with abuse. We also talked about the goals of Alisha's organization Epstein Justice, which is calling for an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate coverups of Epstein's crimes. Have you listened to part 1? Hop back to my feed to hear more...

After speaking with Nick Bryant about trafficking networks among high-profile people, I knew I needed to know more. In this first part of my conversation with Alisha Owen, it became clear that this really can happen to anyone. Alisha began her journey as a whistleblower and advocate for victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse when she was 19 years old. Now, as the Associate Director of Epstein Justice, she continues to advocate for trafficking victims, and educate the public on the...

Our pastor said we really do have more control over our kids than anyone else and that was something that really hit me. Today I want to talk about using my power as a parent for good, being consistent with discipline, and really listening to what each kid needs. Being a mom is just the wildest ride, and every kid is so different that you're constantly having to adjust. I talk about why Mac's in trouble at school this time and how I'm still trying to find the right approach with my defiant...

Get ready for a reality check. Liz sits down with and Dr. Jason Hall to peel back the layers of the "mommy makeover" phenomenon. They talk about what it really entails, the sobering truth about recovery times, and the importance of aging gracefully in a world obsessed with youth. Jason Hall, M.D., F.A.C.S., is the director of Trillium Plastic Surgery, and the host of The Trillium Show podcast. He is quick to share that it's not just about the physical—it's also about the mental headspace...

Have you ever felt pressure to choose between pursuing your career ambitions or prioritizing your family responsibilities? Today, host Liz Durham is joined by successful Knoxville real estate agent Debaran Hughes to swap stories from their experiences and share how their perspectives have evolved over time. From juggling work responsibilities to battling feelings of guilt over not spending enough time with their kids, Liz and Debaran lay it all on the line. They're not afraid to confront the...

Step back in time with Liz Durham and former KGB spy Jack Barsky. In part two of their conversation, Jack peels back the layers of his journey—from disillusionment with communism to his unexpected embrace of Christianity. Prepare for some straight talk as Jack shares how his experiences in the US shattered his belief in communism and led him down a path towards faith. As you'll learn, Jack's journey is filled with twists, turns, and hard-earned wisdom. Listen in as Liz and Jack dissect...

Liz Durham first heard Jack Barsky's story on Jordan Peterson's podcast and she knew she needed to talk to him - but she didn't think in a million years he would ever respond. Jack is the author of "Deep Undercover: My Secret Life and Tangled Allegiances as a KGB Spy in America," and today his story is on Being Different.  In part one of this mind-blowing interview, Jack shares his unbelievable life experience—from his days growing up under communist rule in East Germany to his recruitment...

Liz lays bare her raw and real experience with postpartum emotions and body image after welcoming her third bundle of joy. From feeling like a walking zombie to battling insecurities about her post-baby bod, Liz holds nothing back as she dishes on the rollercoaster of emotions that come with new motherhood. Liz gets real about the hormonal rages and the struggle of feeling like she's not being heard by her oh-so-supportive (but sometimes clueless) husband. Spoiler alert: it's not all...

With the news of child sex trafficking rings running rampant, host Liz Durham wants to know: Is real justice actually served to perpetrators? In this episode, Liz sits down with journalist and author Nick Bryant to shed light on the hidden corners of child exploitation, justice, and reform. Nick shares insights from his book "The Franklin Scandal," which uncovered a trafficking network involving high-ranking officials in the 1980s - and now, seems eerily similar to the Jeffrey Epstein case....

Are people making their kids "soft" by protecting them too much? In this episode, our host Liz Durham is joined by Armando SanMiguel, her former boss and mentor, for a conversation about coddling and its impact on children's development.  Drawing parallels from their professional experiences, Liz and Armando discuss how shielding kids from adversity can hinder their growth and resilience. Armando shares insights into his management approach and emphasizes the importance of preparing his...

Ever wondered about the secrets to raising resilient children? Turns out, farming and the animal care can offer some valuable insight. Today, Liz Durham is joined by Lexi Young Peck to discuss how she helps her kids navigate the process of life and death. They both agree: facing difficulties head-on shapes confident children who embrace challenges rather than shying away from them. After their last conversation about homebirth, in this episode Lexi shares her experiences handling a...

Liz Durham's experience raising chickens on her farm has been far from easy. From foxes to hawks, raccoons to skunks, Liz dishes on the relentless attacks on her feathered friends.  She talks about the various predators that have attacked and killed her chickens over the past year, and shares a chaotic story about trapping and relocating a raccoon that had been decapitating her chickens.  But after she posted a video online, she received backlash about animal cruelty. Find out why she's...

Modern parents are getting caught up in unneccessary fears and excessive reliance on parenting books. But after reading "Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow" by Lenore Skenazy, our host Liz Durham has some new ideas about embracing a more liberating approach to parenting and fostering confident, resilient children. Now with three children, Liz shares stories of how things changed after she granted her son more independence - and what she learned while...

From new iPhones and after school curricular activities to college tuition - how do parents decide where to draw the line with financial support? In this episode, our host Liz Durham is joined by Armando SanMiguel, her former boss and mentor, for a conversation about parenting, money, and how to instill a strong work ethic in the next generation. Liz reflects on watching her mom sacrifice a career to raise her children, and the decisions she makes now as a parent. Armando shares how hard his...

Women are faced with polarized roles in today's society: either being a stay-at-home mom or pursuing a career. But Liz wants something more. In this episode, she advocates for finding a middle ground that allows women to have successful careers while also prioritizing their families. This polarization has been happening for decades. Drawing parallels to historical technological advancements like the printing press and washing machines, Liz delves into the unintended consequences of progress...

And then, there were three! Liz is navigating a transformative season with her newborn son, Cooper, at the center of it all. In this solo episode, she shares the whirlwind of emotions and challenges that come with caring for three young children while recovering from childbirth.  Liz shares her personal struggles, from the complexities of nursing Cooper to the daily juggling act of getting her kids in and out of the car and keeping up with household chores. She also reflects on the isolating...