JUST DO YOU.
The JUST DO YOU. podcast is a vibrant space for authentic conversations designed to connect, inspire, and empower us. Through these conversations, we explore the journey to finding confidence, discovering our unique voice, and embracing our truth. Along the way, we just might uncover new perspectives that help us step into what I call the JUST DO YOU. sweet spot — the space where you're fully, unapologetically yourself.
Each week, I’m honored to sit down for unscripted conversations with friends, family, colleagues, community leaders, and influencers as they share their personal stories. Together, we’ll laugh, maybe shed a few tears, but most importantly, we’ll remind ourselves that no one journeys through life alone. I hope you enjoy these moments as much as I do.
So, are you ready? WELCOME to the conversation!
JUST DO YOU.
PRIDE REPLAY - S1E38 with Sara Cunningham - The Hug That Started A Movement
🌈 PRIDE Month REPLAY 🌈
In celebration of PRIDE, we're revisiting one of our most powerful and heart-warming episodes — my unforgettable conversation with Sara Cunningham, founder of FREE MOM HUGS, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Last year, I attended the local Oceanside Pride festival where I stumbled upon a group of incredible women wearing shirts that read FREE MOM HUGS. Not only did I receive one of the most affirming hugs of my life, I also knew instantly that I had to learn more about this beautiful movement — and the woman who started it.
In this special replay, Sara shares her deeply personal journey of faith, family, and transformation. After initially rejecting her son Parker’s sexuality due to her conservative Christian upbringing, Sara found herself in spiritual turmoil. But instead of turning away, she turned inward — and then outward — exhaustively searching her faith for answers. What she discovered led her from the church pews to the Pride Parade… without losing her faith.
Her first act of visible allyship came on June 20, 2015, when she attended Oklahoma City's Pride festival wearing a homemade FREE MOM HUGS button. The first hug she gave was to a young woman who tearfully confessed, “It’s been four years since I got a hug from my mom because I’m a lesbian.” That hug — and the hundreds that followed — sparked a nationwide movement of love, visibility, and radical acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sara's story is one of unconditional love, healing, and the brave power of showing up. She's a mom, a trailblazer, and truly, a gift to us all.
❤️ Don't miss this beautiful conversation. And if you’ve heard it before, it’s well worth another listen — especially during Pride.
🔗 Learn more about FREE MOM HUGS: https://freemomhugs.org/
🎥 Watch the Mama Bears documentary: https://kinema.com/films/mama-bears-wskofa
Thank you for joining us and we can't wait to welcome you back again next week! New episodes drop every Thursday and can be found wherever you find your favorite podcasts!
Remember to like, rate, share and subscribe to the JUST DO YOU. podcast in order to receive our weekly episode updates! If you like what you hear, please leave us a review at Apple Podcasts!
To follow us on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/justdoyoupod/
Want to learn more about our host, Eric Nicoll? Visit: https://ericnicoll.com