by Michelle Kim Hall

Growing up, Rima Sejpal Adusumalli never questioned whether or not she would become a mother, but when her first child was born, she felt unprepared for the staggering demands of modern parenting. When postpartum depression set in, Rima thankfully found the support she needed. In today’s episode we discuss how she recognized when overwhelm became a medical issue. Interestingly, Rima offers similar advice when it comes to assessing your child’s speech development: don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

In our conversation we discuss the power of story time to help both children and adults tune into the present moment and everyday routines to foster open communication within a family.

Rima also wanted to add that showing atypical skills such as reduced eye contact and low response to names could be red flag symptoms of autism and other issues beyond speech pathology.

The Slice will be taking a break for the summer. Subscribe for updates on upcoming episodes.

by Michelle Kim Hall

Today I’m speaking with Ayesha Harruna Attah, a novelist, ice cream shop owner, and survivor of a wild birth story. I’m enamored by Ayesha’s spirit. Although Ayesha endured intense medical trauma during childbirth, she approached her experience with curiosity. Postpartum also coincided with a major career milestone: Ayesha sold her third novel when she was hospitalized before giving birth.

In our conversation Ayesha shared how her personal experience helped her better understand one of her character’s during the revision process. Ayesha’s novel The Hundred Wells of Salaga is about female friendships, the power of womanhood, and her own family’s story. That book also gave birth to another story: The Deep Blue Between, which reads as a standalone novel about twin sisters torn apart during a slave raid at a time when slavery was being abolished in West Africa. We’re thrilled to partner with Lerner Publishing Group to give away FIVE COPIES of The Deep Blue Between. All subscribers to The Slice are eligible! Receive additional entires for liking and commenting on the episode in the Substack app. Giveaway closes on June 30, 2023, 11:59pm pacific standard time.

Can’t wait for the giveaway? Get Ayesha’s books on our Bookshop.org page. Buying books through our page supports The Slice at no additional cost to you.

Ayesha is a Ghanian-born writer. She lives in Senegal where she runs the ice cream shop, Popenglace. You can read more about Ayesha’s work at her website.

New to The Slice? Start HereListen to an interview with Jessamine ChanListen to an interview with Angele

by Michelle Kim Hall

Welcome to another episode of “The Slice” where we explore the transformative experience of being a mom. In today's episode, we have a very special guest, Queenie Hilfer, the owner of Reiki & Flow. Queenie has been featured in Refinery29, Voyage LA and elsewhere.

Queenie is a mom, and corporate woman turned meditation baddie. Her unique approach to healing has had a profound impact on my own life, and I am thrilled to share her wisdom with all of you.

Personal Transformation

I first met Queenie as a mother seeking balance and healing amidst the chaos of motherhood. Through her healing work, I experienced a profound transformation that I could have never anticipated and embarked on my own journey to help others.

During our conversation, Queenie sheds light on the practice of Reiki, a gentle, non-invasive method that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. She explains how Reiki, a Japanese healing technique, works by channeling universal life force energy through a practitioner's hands, restoring balance and promoting self-healing within the recipient's body and mind.

Additionally, Queenie introduces the concept of a sound bath, an immersive experience where healing sounds and vibrations created by various instruments, such as crystal bowls or gongs, help facilitate deep relaxation and meditation. She shares how sound baths can help release emotional blockages, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of calm and inner harmony.

These approaches to self-care can supplement other forms of care such as talk-therapy and medicine. As Queenie explains, reiki, sound healing, and meditation is a way to take care of yourself energetically.

The Power of Meditation

One of the key takeaways from my conversation with Queenie is the importance of incorporating meditation into our daily lives. She encourages us to be an observer of our own life in order to can gain clarity, deepen our connection with ourselves, and ultimately cultivate a sense of inner peace.

Join me on this transformative journey as I dive deeper through my conversation with Queenie Hilfer. Learn how her work at Reiki & Flow can guide you on your own path to healing and self-discovery. Together, we can unlock the power within ourselves to navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and mindfulness.

Listen to the full episode to explore the incredible healing potential of Reiki and sound bath therapy, and discover how Queenie's teachings have the power to transform your life.

Remember, dear listeners, you are not alone on this journey. Embrace the power of healing, and let's support each other as we navigate the beautiful complexities of being present for ourselves and one another.

New to The Slice? Start HereListen to our conversation with Dr. Yael SchonbrunListen to our conversation with critic, Sara PetersenBook a Virtual Meditation with Michelle