Episode 55: All Moms: A Community for Modern Parents,
A Conversation with Kasey Cummings, Founder of All Moms
This week on The Millennial Life Podcast, we’re joined by Kasey Cummings, founder of All Moms. From her early career as a music therapist working in special education classrooms, her passion for supporting children and families led her to begin teaching early childhood music classes, where she witnessed the power of connection and community. Inspired by these experiences, she founded All Moms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering mothers through support, education, and community-building. Tune in to get to know the organization, discuss how important connection is in motherhood, and relate over the challenges moms face!
EPISODE NOTES:
If you are partnered, it’s important to have more than one person to talk to.
So many moms feel isolated. Connecting with other moms is crucial to your mental health.
Relationships are a strong, relational resource. Communities can heal you.
If moms want healthy families, they have to take care of themselves first.
With so much information overload now, it’s healthy and important to do what works for your family. And to do it unapologetically.
The practice of self-compassion is so powerful.
Check out All Moms
Follow All Moms on social media
Check out Braiding Sweetgrass here
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Tawwab
Learn more about Laura Pierce, LMFT
The Family Spectrum, founded by Felili Rincon
Liz Higgins: (00:32)
Hello everybody! I'm excited for a really fun episode on the podcast today. I have a personal friend of mine who's doing some really, really big things in our community in Dallas - Kasey Cummings - joining me on the podcast. So, hello Kasey!
Kasey Cummings (00:49)
Hi! Thank you for inviting me on. This is a first for me, so I'm excited!
Liz Higgins: (00:57)
I'm very excited because I think, for you, it's gonna be the first of many conversations you probably have with community organizations, therapists, things like that. You're doing some really awesome things. So, for those that have not heard of Kasey (because I know some listeners are friends and family, so you may know her,) she is the founder of All Moms, and she's gonna tell us a little bit about what All Moms is. But first, let me introduce you, Kasey. You started your career as a music therapist working in special education classrooms, and later transitioned to private practice work.
Liz Higgins: (01:34)
Her passion is in supporting children of families, and that led her to begin teaching early childhood music classes. That feels like it could have been stressful. And that's cool because that's a touchpoint for us.
Kasey Cummings (01:51)
Yeah.
Liz Higgins: (01:51)
You were my daughter's preschool music teacher. Blast from the past, prior to COVID. So, um, this is where you, Kasey, witnessed the power of connection and community. And so inspired by these experiences. Kasey founded All Moms, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering mothers through support, education, and community building. Love it. So, Kasey, tell us a little bit more like, I guess about you and the journey to creating All Moms.
Kasey Cummings (02:26)
Yeah, so we, you know... As you said, I was teaching music classes and our preschool was through our church. And so, they started up a mom's group for preschool parents, specifically, at our church. And, um, I was a part of it and I actually kind of fell into leading it by accident. 'Cause I was so excited to be a part of a mom's group, and I heard that it was happening, and then all of a sudden it was like, 'Oh, the lady who was gonna lead it can't do it anymore.' So I was like, 'O'h man, I guess I can do it. You know, like, just open the door, let people come in and talk or whatever. And turned out to be a lot more involved.
Liz Higgins: (03:16)
I was gonna say, I feel like you had being a leader in you, and that was just kind of the door cracked open and it was like, 'Oh, okay, I'll do this.' But yeah, it's a huge endeavor.
Kasey Cummings (03:27)
It's true. It's true. I was definitely open to it. And then after, like, being thrown in, I kind of realized that this was a passion of mine and, um, it really was so accidental to have this career. Like the journey end here or along the way.
Liz Higgins: (03:50)
So many great things begin as accidents, right?
Kasey Cummings (03:53)
Yes. Yes. So yeah, as the group grew and evolved, we felt a little limited by the parameters of, lik,e being a church ministry, and being just for preschool moms. And we just felt like there was an entire group of women being excluded that we wanted to be in community with. So, we wanted to open the group up to moms with children of all ages, different religious backgrounds, or no religion. Moms from different generations, et cetera. And, you know, I believe in the power of belonging and honoring each mom's unique identity. And so strongly, like motherhood should not mean losing yourself. That's one of our main, uh, values. And so -
Liz Higgins: (04:49)
That's so huge. That's so huge. I can tell that one's meaningful to you. And, as a therapist on the other end over here, we definitely have people coming in, uh, individually or with their partners, and it's like parenthood is really just throwin' 'em off course in terms of who they are, you know? Where they're going, changed expectations in life And all that stuff. And you know, what really stuck out to me, too, about something you said is it sounds like a real differentiator of All Moms is that you were trying to cultivate something that wasn't just for preschool moms, but could continue on. And I think that's such a need because it's like, your kids are in preschool for like two, three, maybe four years, and then after that it's like, oof. They're shifting to a different kind of school and your relationships sort of shift and transition or maybe even just disappear.
Liz Higgins: (05:49)
So that's cool to hear it sort of, like, maintains a continuity of relationships.
Kasey Cummings (05:56)
Yeah. And I, I, I certainly believe that there is power in like true peers, right? Like, we're all going through the exact same thing. But I just, I, my heart just wanted to have something more expansive than that. Like, I wanna be in community with grandmas and, you know, pregnant moms, and we can all just benefit so much from that true spectrum of community. Right?
Liz Higgins: (06:26)
Right. That's really cool. So, so if a person were to go to an All Moms meeting, what would they experience? What would it be like?
Kasey Cummings (06:35)
Yeah, so we have meetings every two weeks and - or twice a month I should say. And, um, you know, we really want moms to feel like they are taking time for themselves. Like, it should feel like you're treating yourself when you come to an All Moms meeting.
Liz Higgins: (06:55)
Not like an obligation, you know? Sometimes I think parents feel like they gotta be a part of these groups to fit in kinda. And so this is more of a, like, you're really wanting them to feel like this is something they're looking forward to. This, like, really fills their relationship cup.
Kasey Cummings (07:12)
Yes. We, I always say we are in the business of filling cups, so... There ya go.
Liz Higgins: (07:16)
Oh, I love that. You are.
Kasey Cummings (07:17)
So, um, yeah, walk in, see friendly faces, um, drop your kid off at childcare (if you have, you know, young kids.) Um, and then we will always have food and beverages. We do different things every time. Like, we have sponsors, so we've had, like, Tongue In Cheek or...
Liz Higgins: (07:41)
Nice! Um, delicious ice cream for those not in our area. I don't know if they're like a chain or...
Kasey Cummings (07:48)
Yeah. So we've had like Dutch Brothers in the morning. Of course we'll always have coffee in the morning. Um, and we try to make that nice, have all the things that you would need to make it your way. Um, and then we have activities. So, some meetings we have speakers, and other meetings we have just activities that we facilitate. So activities, like, just authentic conversation, maybe some creative things, educational elements, like sometimes we'll dig into the Enneagram or, you know, different little interests.
Liz Higgins: (08:25)
Yeah. That one can be dense though. I don't know about little!
Kasey Cummings (08:28)
Well, yeah, you're right. We usually, we usually don't do Enneagram because, like, people are at so many different, could be at so many different levels with it. Right? But, um, let me think of a better example.
Liz Higgins (08:44)
That's really cool though, I have to say. Like, that's a very meaning, meaningful thing to explore too.
Kasey Cummings (08:50)
It is, 'cause it's an identity thing, right? Yeah. We had someone come and talk about dreams one time, so, like, just little interests. And then speakers. Of course, we have great speakers. We have a therapist that, you know! Taylor's coming. Yes.
Liz Higgins: (09:10)
Yeah. She is actually, uh, just recorded on the episode before us. So that's great for anybody that maybe liked what they heard there, she'll be speaking at one of your meetings. Perfect.
Kasey Cummings (09:22)
Um, yeah, community activists. This year one of our themes is Dwell In Possibility. So we have, uh, like really successful moms in our community. Like, um, Felili Rincon, who is a developmental specialist who started a non-profit called The Family Spectrum, serving neurodiverse families.
Liz Higgins: (09:45)
Oh yes. That's fantastic.
Kasey Cummings (09:50)
Yeah. Just different cool speakers. And that's what you'll experience at a meeting. They're two hours long, so it's a good chunk of time.
Liz Higgins: (09:59)
That is really good. It's not like, you know, pop in, pop out. And is there, like, childcare? Or is it something where that's...
Kasey Cummings (10:06)
Yep, there's childcare. Yes.
Liz Higgins: (10:10)
Very cool! Okay. So you gotta say a little more about, what was it? Dwelling In Possibility? What sparked that?
Kasey Cummings (10:18)
Yes! So, we have a theme every year and then, some sub themes. Okay. So this year a theme is Let's Be Friends. And so, it's kind of all based on, around like, getting deeper into our relationships with each other. And then we talk about our other sub themes, which Dwell In Possibility is one. So it's like, just, dreaming of like, what is possible in your life? What do you want to achieve, you know, in your family? Personally? And so we, that's kind of how we structure our meeting plans.
Liz Higgins: (10:56)
Yeah. Yeah.
Kasey Cummings (10:57)
Like that they have to deal with the theme for the year.
Liz Higgins: (11:01)
Yes. Well, and I'm having like two thoughts about what you're talking about.
Liz Higgins: (11:06)
One is like, how amazing! Because when you're in the throes of parenting, whatever age, whatever stage, to have a community and a group like yours that's kind of putting those ideas out on the table, you know? It can feel so hard to be creative when you're in those phases of motherhood, parenthood. But then the, the flip, I'm wondering too, do you find that, you know... Can trying to cultivate that, or ideate, or be creative be really hard for some of your community? And what do you say to that? To those that are like, that almost feels like, too overwhelming or more work for me to try and dream right now? Like I'm smothered in children.
Kasey Cummings (11:47)
Oh my gosh. Yeah. I mean, that's such a valid question. And first, I wanna say like, one of the things I love about creating All Moms is we create a space that you can just arrive and it's there for you. Like you don't have to be doing all this extra, you know, seeking, searching, reading outside of it. Like, we've created something that you can just show up and have all of these, you know, rich experiences that are already planned out for you. Um, so that's one thing. But, like, we, we are accepting anyone as they come. So, if you are overwhelmed that day, like you're gonna sit back and you're gonna be doodling. Like, I don't care what you do in our meeting. Like, if you felt like you needed to be there. And I always say at the beginning of our meetings, just the fact that you came here is enough. That's enough.
Liz Higgins: (12:49)
Mmm. Yep. I think so many people need a space just like that right there. That's really great.
Kasey Cummings (12:58)
Yeah. And even just to, I mean, we're not doing all these grand, bold things. And if it's not your thing then, you know, you know before you come to a meeting what we're gonna be doing. And if it's not your thing, I mean, we don't mind if you choose to sit that one out or, you know, wanna participate in whatever level you feel is comfortable for you.
Liz Higgins: (13:20)
Right. I wonder if you can say more about why the connection and the relationships can be so significant for moms in any stage and you know, like specifically these relationships of community that you help cultivate. 'Cause it is different from even like a partnership.
Kasey Cummings (13:39)
Mm-hmm. For sure.
Liz Higgins: (13:40)
So why do you think those are so important?
Kasey Cummings (13:41)
They are so important. Um, you know... If you are partnered -not all of our moms are - but, if you are partnered, it's important that you have more than one person to talk to. Like, I always tell my husband, I can't be everything to you, you know? I can't be your therapist, your friend. Like, you need to hear others' perspectives outside of mine. I think that's healthy. And you know, being a mom is so uniquely challenging that I think it's complicated for non-moms to understand the full spectrum of what motherhood entails and can be.
Liz Higgins: (14:21)
I feel like to that, like sometimes I've experienced the opposite of what you're talking about. Because, you know, I am a mom too, and sometimes in life I almost feel like I can't, I can't relate to a person without children anymore. It's weird.
Kasey Cummings: (14:35)
Oh wow.
Liz Higgins: (14:36)
You know, it's just like, what's that life like over there? I don't know. And so I, I hear what you're saying with like, you know, the flip of that or whatever.
Kasey Cummings: (14:44)
That is interesting to think about. And like, we don't wanna be exclusive or anything. But, um...
Liz Higgins: (14:51)
Just different perspective.
Kasey Cummings: (14:53)
It's, yeah. So yeah. I mean, no one is meant to do this life alone, you know? And even just with one partner, um, so many moms feel isolated. And connecting to other moms is crucial to your mental health, I think.
Liz Higgins: (15:14)
Yes. Well, I think what you think is spot on, right? And like, there is more and more research that just hones in and highlights the significance of relationships as a resource for people.
Kasey Cummings: (15:27)
Mm-hmm.
Liz Higgins: (15:27)
As a source of real healing. Like communities can heal you. It's amazing.
Kasey Cummings: (15:31)
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. I believe that. And I think, as moms, we need to hear like, 'Me too, I'm also struggling like, have you tried this? What do you need? I'm here with you. Let's tackle this together.' All those things, you know?
Liz Higgins: (15:49)
Yeah. And that openness and vulnerability really can get kind of contagious. Do you feel like you see that happen in your meetings or just time that people have together?
Kasey Cummings: (15:59)
Yeah. And like you said, it's at different levels. Like, you know, there will be moms that are quiet and, um, may not feel ready to be so vulnerable yet.
Liz Higgins: (16:10)
Yeah.
Kasey Cummings: (16:11)
And then you can see them like becoming more and more comfortable every time. And then you'll get in a conversation with them and you're just like, 'Oh, I feel like I know you better now.' And they open up and yeah. Um, it's really sweet to watch those relationships grow.
Liz Higgins: (16:31)
That's amazing. I have a random question. And I don't know if it's too much of a segue, but I do think it's relevant for listeners because even just for me, in my practice, I work with plenty of like leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and so that's like kind of your arena.
Liz Higgins: (16:47)
And I'm wondering, being the leader of this great community and kind of spearheading its cultivation, um, do you feel like you are still able to like, receive as much from All Moms being that, you know, you kind of are organizing a lot of it and leading it up?
Kasey Cummings: (17:06)
That is a great question. I have had issues with this in the past, you know? Feeling like, 'wait, I need this too.' And everyone is there for me if I need it. Um, but two things. One, I have gone outside of the group, or yeah, for other, you know... Done little small groups and things so that I can have that, uh... It is work for me. So, you know, have that removal from work and personal life and that's been great. And then also, my team, like, I have them facilitate meetings sometimes, so that I can just enjoy it.
Kasey Cummings: (17:55)
And so I get to do that. Um, I have a hard time like compartmentalizing uh, you know, I'm a little anxious when I'm in a meeting, so I'll walk around and try to dip in and out of conversations. But it's hard to be fully present in both of those roles.
Liz Higgins: (18:15)
Yeah, totally. But I think what you just shared is, like, a really healthy perspective of a leader. A lot of times leaders and, you know, just people that are facilitating something meaningful. Like, they really get lost in the process of that. 'cause it, it does become that work and that thing you have to do. So it's good to hear you have found your places to kind of just sit back and get outside perspective.
Kasey Cummings: (18:41)
Yeah. I think that's important for me for sure.
Liz Higgins: (18:44)
Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah. So I am kind of circling back to the thing of identity.
Liz Higgins: (18:50)
And I know that's a huge pillar of what All Moms is a space for, is just, you know, those parents that have felt that part of them maybe lost in the mix, or whatever. And so I'm just wondering, like, what are some of the common experiences you've maybe seen related to that? Or, you know, just even ways you have seen All Moms help people that are in that place of, you know, they come to their first meeting and it's like, I'm just, I'm just a tapped out, burned out parent. And I don't really feel connected to who I am.
Kasey Cummings: (19:25)
Yeah. It, that is something that affects me. Like, I just feel for every mom who experiences that loss of identity. And I think there's a pressure for moms, like, to have to do it all.
Liz Higgins: (19:43)
Oh, yeah.
Kasey Cummings: (19:44)
You know? And also to put their families first.
Kasey Cummings: (19:50)
Before themselves. So, I think that's, like, naturally what's expected of moms. And that puts us in a really tough position. Um, you know, I've heard it called like Mommy Martyrdom. Which I am just adamant that if moms want healthy families, they need to take care of themselves first. And so, you know, it's my dream to, like, help anyone I can get to that place where they're taking time for themselves and not just losing themselves. You know?
Liz Higgins: (20:26)
Yeah. Yeah. And you're speaking to, like, these huge expectations that our culture, society sort of has placed on moms somewhere along the way. And I think you're so spot on the whole like, do it all. Like we are just, I don't even know where that came from, but yeah. It's like, it's in my bones of like, 'No, I'm supposed to do that. No, I need to do that. Well, who else is gonna do it? Well, yeah, I have a partner, but like, it should be me.' Yeah. And it can get kind of crazy. So, yeah. I think that piece is really, really significant.
Kasey Cummings: (20:58)
Yeah. It's just, I, I think I've also seen like, in other generations, mothers that when their kids go to college, I mean, they're lost. Like when they have empty nests. They love their kids, and they have done such a great job, um, raising their children that they've completely lost them their own identity. And how sad must that be to realize, 'Okay, now what do I have?' you know?
Liz Higgins: (21:34)
Right. And the sadness kind of rises for me around so many of those moms were going along that whole time thinking that precisely was what they were supposed to do. Mm-hmm. And I think that, you know, speaking as an adult Millennial and having sat with a lot of adult Millennial clients, there's that real complicated, almost like grief and just frustration or, or sadness from the adult child of like, why didn't my parent live a life?
Liz Higgins: (22:05)
Like, do something for themselves. Like, you know, that actually impacts the children too.
Kasey Cummings: (22:11)
Yeah. Like, we want our kids to see us pouring into ourselves, right?
Liz Higgins: (22:17)
Right, right. Yeah, I had to do some work around that because I thought that that was like selfish, you know?
Kasey Cummings: (22:25)
You're not alone.
Liz Higgins: (22:27)
It wasn't putting my family first so it wasn't right or rubbed up against some other values that had been there for me. And it's like, you know, yeah.
Kasey Cummings: (22:37)
A lot of moms feel guilt about that, and that's why I wanted to mention it because it's so common. And it shouldn't be, you know? We should not feel guilt about taking care of ourselves. .
Liz Higgins: (22:51)
Yeah. Well that's why, uh, when I read, um, some of the, the things we were chatting about, just an email before we recorded this podcast, you said something about, um, being a part of the cycle breaking generation. And I was like, hell yeah. Because we are. I think it's really cool. And not that past generations didn't do their cool thing. I think we all have those capacities and every generation has offered something really incredible to the next, but it feels kind of special to be a part of this now where there is a movement like All Moms, you know, and mm-hmm. Y'all aren't the only ones, but like, I think it's amazing for a community like Dallas, and Richardson, and those surrounding areas that this is something you felt so strongly about to make it this entity and this space for people to come.
Kasey Cummings: (23:42)
Yes. And I mean, we're still so young, and fresh, and growing.. And it's been an exciting ride to start. I mean, this is our first year as a non-profit, so.
Liz Higgins: (23:54)
Okay. Yeah. Because you like transitioned everything last year, right?
Kasey Cummings: (23:58)
Yes. Yes. So, we're about to come up on our one year anniversary of becoming a non-profit. And so I need, like leadership. I need to learn about that side of it too. There's a lot there that I have... I'm taking this course, um, like non-profit management course coming up and so.
Liz Higgins: (24:21)
Nice!
Kasey Cummings: (24:22)
On that side, I have a lot of learning to do, um, because of course my passion is for the cause.
Liz Higgins: (24:31)
Yeah.
Kasey Cummings: (24:31)
And that's not all that I have to do. Like I have to basically run a business, which I don't have experience in. So I'm learning a lot.
Liz Higgins: (24:43)
And that's where I'm sure the power of a team really comes into play. And you mentioned your, did you say leadership? Like there's, there's others surrounding you. And it's non-profit. So explain a little bit more about, like, your team, and who those individuals maybe are, and the roles that they have to help build up All Moms.
Kasey Cummings: (25:02)
Yeah, so our team is what I'm calling our board. Um, so we have a board of directors. It is a large board of members. They're all members of our group, um, who have stepped up to help me do things like social media, um, program management and you know, our finances, things like that. And then, so those are our members. And then I have an advisory board of women who have had more experience in the non-profit sector. Um, that give me advice and things like that.
Liz Higgins: (25:40)
Okay. That's awesome. So you're like, set up for success and I think like, for being such a young organization, that's phenomenal.
Kasey Cummings: (25:49)
I hope so. Yeah. I mean, I play by the rules, so... I, I, I, I, I have a lot of like resources and people that helped me put everything in order. So.
Liz Higgins: (26:04)
I mean, that just speaks to the essence of All Moms, you know? Yeah. You're not gonna rise to the top just doing it all yourself. So, you really started this whole thing, bringing in that support and yeah. Just additional people power.
Kasey Cummings: (26:20)
Mm-hmm. For sure.
Liz Higgins: (26:22)
So, I'm curious if you have any like, success stories you could share with listeners. Just, like, highlights of All Moms experiences you've seen, or maybe even just heard about. And I know y'all have gotten out into the community and done some really cool things. So can you say more about that?
Kasey Cummings: (26:38)
Yeah. So, one of the initiatives we have in the community is putting in diaper changing tables into places that don't have them. So that's one thing that we've done. I've had members share that All Moms saved their life. Like, we've heard a lot of stories about moms having postpartum depression and then finding All Moms and feeling so supported and reconnected.
Kasey Cummings: (27:09)
Um, so of course it's always good to hear that. You know, we met virtually throughout the pandemic, and so the women who participated during that time have a really special bond.
Liz Higgins: (27:23)
That's awesome.
Kasey Cummings: (27:24)
Yeah. We, you know, shared our struggles and just sobbed together on these phone calls, like yeah. We would leave little treats on people's doorsteps and it was a sweet, you know... Hard but sweet time. Yeah. And so, uh, I always like to talk about that because for the ones who were there, they're like, oh, that made all the difference in the pandemic.
Liz Higgins: (27:51)
That's awesome.
Kasey Cummings: (27:52)
Um, we've done things like, uh, L-G-B-T-Q Ally training, and so after that a mom reached out to us to tell us that she could confidently support, like, queer members of her family after doing that. So I love hearing that. We had a fundraiser called Mom Prom.
Liz Higgins: (28:14)
Oh yeah. I went to that!
Kasey Cummings: (28:16)
You were there!
Liz Higgins: (28:17)
That was so well put together. It was awesome. It was amazing.
Kasey Cummings: (28:21)
Thank you. It was so fun. And I mean, that's a success story, just, like, letting moms have such a fun time.
Liz Higgins: (28:30)
Is that like gonna be an annual thing, Kasey?
Kasey Cummings: (28:33)
It is eventually! Um, this year, you know... It's funny. Last year, I planned it literally like three months before it happened. Everything lined up. Yes.
Liz Higgins: (28:47)
Yeah, it did.
Kasey Cummings: (28:49)
And this year we started in October. Could not get a date, could not get a venue, could not get people to help me run it. Like...
Liz Higgins: (29:01)
Interesting.
Kasey Cummings: (29:02)
I know. It was just like, nothing was lining up. Let me retract that "people to help me run it". There were volunteers ready to go, but it just wasn't gonna happen. Like I had to give up. It just, it was like the universe was saying, 'you're not gonna do it.'
Kasey Cummings: (29:21)
But I hope we can do it again 'cause it was just a fun night for everyone.
Liz Higgins: (29:26)
Yeah. Yeah. Well, and it seems like that's something that feels important to you, just weaving in some of those bigger, uh, just fun ways of kicking back and doing something special. Just outside of those regular meeting times.
Kasey Cummings: (29:42)
Yes, yes. So yeah, we take care of our moms. Um, oh! Another one, one of our moms has a chronically ill husband and, uh, he didn't have the capacity to do some basic, like, electric things in their house. And so she reached out to us and we had a local company donate their time and services to complete all of their, her little handy jobs that she needed done. So.
Liz Higgins: (30:13)
Wow.
Kasey Cummings: (30:13)
It's little things like that that come up throughout the year that we have funds to put towards, and that's why we raise money.
Liz Higgins: (30:25)
Yeah. To serve your community. The families, the parents in your, in your organization. So like, does a person need to become a member before they show up at a meeting? Or are you like, walk-ins welcome and we'll help you decide if you wanna get set up or?
Kasey Cummings: (30:42)
Yeah, so I like to say, um, to anyone who has interest, come to a meeting first before you sign up just to see if it's a good fit, to see if you like it. Um, that's totally fine. And then, uh, if you like it, you can become a member and then you can come do all the fun stuff.
Liz Higgins: (31:03)
Yeah. Um, I think that's amazing. You know, one of the things I'm thinking about too, that I probably meant to ask earlier, but it's fine. I, but I still really wanna get your perspective. I'm just thinking about all the parents that attend All Moms, and participate in stuff. And I love how you said just show up, no expectations. You know? Because I think, generationally, there's just so much information out there. How to be a good parent, how to discipline your kids, how to blah, blah, blah. Like how to be a good partner, you know? I mean, just so much information overload, right? If a, if a mom or parent is really struggling with that kind of thing, what would you say to somebody like that if they were in your meeting? You know, just really overwhelmed by everything going on in parenthood.
Kasey Cummings: (31:49)
Yes. Well that is, I mean, the information overload is so real, so real. And I'm one who, like, started off reading every parenting book, like following all the Instagram accounts, podcasts, everything. And in the group, moms with older kids often talk about, like, the parenting fads and how they can lead to so much anxiety if they aren't working for your child.
Kasey Cummings: (32:15)
And so, um, that leads you to think either something's wrong with your child or you're not doing it right. Which is so hard. And it's hard when you're needing to deal with something really stressful. Um, and so I think it's healthy to do what works for your family and like, unapologetically. I tried using certain parenting philosophies that were not in line with what my daughter needed. And I think I did that for too long. And I feel like it created a disconnection between us. So I wish I would've changed courses earlier. Um, so all that to say, I think it's important. Like, we're not, again, we're not there, like, with parenting advice every time. Like we're there for you. So Tthe things that we're doing are self-care things. You know, we have information and we have resources available, but we're not like shoving that down your throat every single time, every single meeting.
Liz Higgins: (33:25)
Not this, like, agenda through All Moms to put anything anywhere, but maybe to like, just lay some things out on the table and you get to take what you need, really.
Kasey Cummings: (33:38)
Yeah. And we check in with each other.
Liz Higgins: (33:40)
Taking that step to join a new community or something that is amazing as All Moms, it can be kind of intimidating. I imagine you have introverts and extroverts that participate. So, just because I know it can be a little trickier for the introverts, what would you say to the introverted listener right now that's like, 'Okay, that sounds really cool, but ugh, I don't know.'.
Kasey Cummings: (34:02)
Yes. That is so common! And like, feel free to lurk a little while. You know, we have different social media accounts or, you know, things that you can look and see what we're up to, But yeah, it's not easy to join a group that's been together for a while, but we do have new members that join all the time.
Kasey Cummings: (34:24)
So it's never just, you know, people are... New people are always coming in. And, um, I have to brag that our moms are like the nicest, most down to earth people you will ever meet. Um, one thing you can do is ask a friend to come with you to a meeting so you don't have to walk in alone. Yeah. That's totally fine. Um, so bring a friend if you have one. Like I said, anyone can try the meetings to see if it's a good fit. And... Oh, also! Some of our, all of our moms are not able to attend meetings, so we have other offerings like book club and Moms Night Out. So some moms don't do the meetings at all. They just come to book club.
Liz Higgins: (35:10)
Yeah. Okay. So like Mom's Night Out would be what, like a dinner type thing? Or what?
Kasey Cummings: (35:15)
So we have one a month. And it's always a different thing. So we have dinner, we have, um, like little workshops. We have done, like, a barre class or a yoga class before, and then we'll go out after. And then our book club is a very high quality book club. Okay, it is good.
Liz Higgins: (35:37)
Okay! What are you reading?
Kasey Cummings: (35:37)
Right now we're reading the Boundaries book! The, um, oh, what's it called? By Nedra Tawwab.
Liz Higgins: (35:50)
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. What is it called? Oh...
Kasey Cummings: (35:54)
Yeah, I don't remember what it's called. But yeah, it might just be called Boundaries. I think it might be. Yeah. Okay. So that's what we're reading right now. Um...
Liz Higgins: (36:03)
That's great.
Kasey Cummings: (36:04)
Yes. But we are very, our book club members are real close.
Liz Higgins: (36:13)
Oh, that's awesome. And, and with the book club, can you pop in anytime or anywhere in there? Do you have to kind of start at the beginning? And how often do y'all meet for that?
Kasey Cummings: (36:22)
You can pop in anytime. We kind of do, I would say kind of a quarterly Okay. Book and then it changes up. Like if it's a memoir or something like that, we'll just meet once. And then we've done a cookbook club before, where, uh, we have a cookbook and everybody cooks one thing and then they bring it and we all try the different things. So, yeah.
Liz Higgins: (36:51)
I was wondering if maybe you were gonna say Wicked.
Liz Higgins: (36:55)
Oh my gosh. I hear that book is, it's a little off the charts.
Liz Higgins: (37:00)
Yeah, I did just read it though, because you know, everybody in this universe is in the Wicked phase right now. I was like, I gotta, I gotta see how this closes out, but yeah. So, maybe a conversation for another day? Well, I was a little sad honestly, that I didn't get closure. Like it's a series obviously, and I read Wicked, which is the Wicked book. Um, and it did not close up, like, everything that I thought, that I think will happen in the movie. So Broadway and the book kind of divert and take some different directions from each other, is my understanding, so.
Kasey Cummings: (37:35)
Okay. Mm-hmm.
Liz Higgins: (37:36)
Yeah. But anyways. That's so cool! So it sounds like you do a variety of books and so.
Kasey Cummings: (37:43)
We do!
Liz Higgins: (37:44)
Yeah. That's probably really important too. It's not all self-help and you know, improving relationship.
Kasey Cummings: (37:50)
No! It's not. And honestly, like our favorite book, I'll just throw this out to y'all. Two of our favorite books, one was Braiding Sweet Grass.
Liz Higgins: (38:02)
Oh, I have that book.
Kasey Cummings: (38:04)
Have you read it? You would love it!
Liz Higgins: (38:06)
Really? I gotta open it. I get a little intimidated. I'm like, it's really, it looks small.
Kasey Cummings: (38:11)
It is, it is. And a tip is I got it on Audible. And so, it's just, like, the most soothing thing to listen to.
Liz Higgins: (38:22)
Oh, that sounds lovely.
Kasey Cummings: (38:24)
It's beautiful. That's a beautiful book. Um, and then Self-Compassion.
Liz Higgins: (38:28)
Kristen Neff!
Kasey Cummings: (38:31)
Yes. Kristen Neff, thank you. That's one of our all-time faves that we are always talking about. So yeah, just a couple different ones that we've done.
Liz Higgins: (38:41)
That's so great. I mean, as a therapist too, I gotta say like, you know, your stuff, you know? So it sounds like you've got the, the good gems picked out that they definitely come top of mind for me is things that I've sat and talked about with clients. That self-compassion practice is just so, so powerful.
Liz Higgins: (38:59)
Yeah, totally.
Kasey Cummings: (39:01)
That changed my world, like all of us. That was another moment that I'll never forget in All Moms, where we were like, 'Wait, this is important stuff.'.
Liz Higgins: (39:13)
Yeah. Yeah. And that's really powerful. I can't think of another word. Well, A) to like learn that practice, just for yourself, with yourself. You can do it alone, like literally in your home or whatever, but like to know, there's a group like All Moms where you're weaving that in and you're, like, doing something that deep alongside this community, this group. That's really special.
Kasey Cummings: (39:38)
See, I am the type of person, I love the deep stuff. Like, yes. It doesn't take a lot for me to get vulnerable. And so, um, you know? Come on the ride with us, like, we're here for it. We're here for the deeper connections. And it's okay if it takes time to get there too.
Liz Higgins: (40:00)
Yeah.
Kasey Cummings: (40:00)
Like somehow that all works out naturally in the group.
Liz Higgins: (40:05)
That's fantastic. Well, I, I have to imagine it has to do with safety, you know, being inclusive, accepting, and just so welcoming to others. Those are really kind of the ingredients I hear coming from you about this group.
Kasey Cummings: (40:21)
Yeah. I feel like we draw a really, um, quality crowd of people.
Liz Higgins: (40:28)
That's awesome, Kasey! I'm so excited for you guys and what you've started, you know? I think for you that's, I'm sure, that's just gonna make your heart burst the more you see it expand and just continue to touch people's lives. And yes, it is like for the moms, for the parents, but I do think - full picture, bird's eye view - of just all the children that benefit from their parents doing something like this.
Kasey Cummings: (40:57)
Yes, for sure. Seeing their parent just more fulfilled and...
Liz Higgins: (41:02)
Yeah. Totally. So how can people find out about you, um, about All Moms? And you know, where to maybe hop into a meeting... Stuff like that?
Kasey Cummings: (41:13)
Yeah, so we have all the social media accounts @AllMomsRichardson. Okay. And our website is allmoms.org. Um, we have evening meetings for, you know, workin' mamas, and then we have morning meetings. So our next meetings are, uh... February 6th is our evening meeting. And so that goes from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. And we meet at Arapaho United Methodist Church. Um, a, a reminder, we are not a church group. We just meet there. And then we have our morning meeting on February 7th. Yeah.
Liz Higgins: (42:02)
Oh yeah, the next morning. Did I guess that?
Kasey Cummings: (42:04)
Yes. Yeah. February 7th. And that goes from 9:00 to 11:00. And we have a speaker, uh, Laura Pierce, who is also -
Liz Higgins: (42:16)
Oh, yay!
Kasey Cummings: (42:17)
- Our network.
Liz Higgins: (42:18)
Oh my gosh. Yeah. Go back to, I don't remember the podcast she's on, but it's gold.
Kasey Cummings: (42:24)
Oh, yes. She's the best. I didn't know she was on a podcast. Oh, oh, on your podcast!
Liz Higgins: (42:30)
On this one! Yeah. Actually, that's funny. I just connect, reconnected again. She was like, 'Let's do it again!' So I'm excited for that. But yeah, for those that don't know, that are listening, she is a therapist, a child therapist primarily, right? Um, but does some, like, parent coaching stuff as well. So that's really cool that you're gonna have her at that next morning meeting.
Kasey Cummings: (42:52)
She's brilliant. And she'll be at the evening meeting and the morning meeting, so.
Liz Higgins: (42:57)
Oh, cool.
Kasey Cummings: (42:58)
I know. So excited to have her. Maybe I'll just go to the evening meeting and then sleep over and just wake up for the morning meeting.
Kasey Cummings: (43:05)
Perfect. Do it all again. It's so cute... She thought of this theme to say, like, what's the plan for blank? And so people are just gonna ask like, okay, what's the plan for this, you know, for their kids. So it's gonna be fun.
Liz Higgins: (43:22)
Very cool. And I know you mentioned too, did I get this correct, Kasey, that y'all do offer scholarships for some people if they're really interested and, yeah?
Kasey Cummings: (43:31)
Yeah. So we offer unlimited scholarships, um, no questions asked. You can just check that box when you're checking out. So yeah, really nothing else to it.
Liz Higgins: (43:44)
Yeah. Yeah. I'm just, uh, the, the list of reasons why you wouldn't go are just dwindling.
Kasey Cummings: (43:51)
I know, I know.
Liz Higgins: (43:52)
And so many people are probably like, 'but busy.' But I mean like, just, I'm kind of validated by everything you've talked about today. Like, we need this stuff in our life. As parents, as people. And so it sounds like a big open door from All Moms.
Kasey Cummings: (44:07)
It is. And I do wanna say like, yes. We are all busy. And every time I see a mom who hasn't been in a while, she's like apologizing to me like, 'I'm so sorry, I haven't been, I have this, I have that.' And I'm like, 'You are a part of our community. Like, that is also enough.' You know, like, come when you're ready. And use resources when you need them. Like, you don't have to always be there. Like, we're here when you're ready. Yeah. So no guilt involved.
Liz Higgins: (44:43)
That's awesome. Thank you so much for sharing about All Moms. I feel enlightened. I feel warm and fuzzy right now. I'm like excited to go attend myself, maybe gather some other mom friends that I know would benefit! And I hope people, you know, feel excited about the things that you're doing because it's big. So thank you.
Kasey Cummings: (45:04)
Thank you. And let me plug one more thing. We do have sponsors for all our meetings. So, if you are a business owner or, um, just someone local who wants to sponsor one of our meetings, we always have like little snacks and drinks and things. And als, if you are interested in donating to us for things like scholarships and the community work that we do, you can do that at allmoms.org/donate.
Liz Higgins: (45:37)
Fantastic. And we're gonna have all of the links to everything that Kasey mentioned, all the social handles, everything! So that you can very easily connect with All Moms and get to one of these upcoming meetings.
Kasey Cummings: (45:50)
Thank you for valuing the work that we do. Like it means a lot.
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