Change is supposed to be normal.
So why does it feel so heavy?

In this special episode of Brains Gone Bold, Maria and Jeanine welcome their first-ever guest: Cathy (Jeanine’s mom) for an honest, multi-generational conversation about change, control, and what it means to grow through life’s biggest transitions.

Maria opens up about recent changes that hit deeper than expected like selling her childhood home, watching her son grow more independent, and grieving chapters of life that quietly close. What looks “normal” on the outside often comes with real loss on the inside.

Cathy shares her story of change across decades in leaving home at 18, moving across the country, raising a family, and navigating life with a deep need for control as a way to feel safe. As she puts it, holding emotions in was about not losing control, even when everything else felt uncertain.

Jeanine adds perspective on how control and freedom are often connected, especially for people who’ve lived in environments where decisions weren’t always theirs to make. The conversation moves through parenting, family traditions, technology, and the question of whether change makes us stronger… or just different.

One powerful insight lands clearly: Some change is chosen. Some is forced. And how we experience it depends on who we are and where we are in life.

This is part one of a two-part conversation that ends with a big question:
What happens after the change... and do we believe in second chances?

Come for the reflection. Stay for the honesty. Tune in and come back for part two.