Jenny Schatzle

Amanda Kloots

Dancing with the Stars’, Amanda Kloots on Grief, Bouncing Forward & Single Parenting

EPISODE: 59  |   DATE: September 23, 2021

“Anytime I’m stuck in a rut or feeling sad or mad or depressed, I think about what Nick would want me to do, how he would want me to be living right now, how he would want to see me thrive and succeed and create and keep going forward.”

Google Podcasts
Spotify Momfeed
apple podcasts

Key Takeaways

Amanda Kloots is a former Broadway dancer and Radio City Rockette turned entrepreneur and celebrity trainer. Amanda joined the cast of CBS’s The Talk as a co-host in early 2021 and most recently, she joined the cast of Dancing With the Stars for their 30th season which debuted Monday September 20th! Did you vote for her? I hope so!

In today’s episode, we discuss Amanda’s new book, Life Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero, which she wrote alongside her sister, influencer and author, Anna Kloots (she’s a delight to follow on social media so do so if you aren’t already).

Amanda and I also discussed her life after losing her husband to complications of Covid 19 on July 5th, 2020. We talked about grief, single parenting, birth and death, and some of the ways she has been able to reframe some of the most challenging parts of her journey that will undoubtedly inspire you in your own life.

We also discuss what she has found helpful in her healing journey since the loss of her husband, as well as some of the not-so-helpful things. 

I’m sure you will find – as I did – that even in her grief and heartache, Amanda approaches life with positivity. You cannot help but to be in her presence and walk away feeling inspired to show up for your best life and to really and truly just live your life. To the fullest. Right now. Because you can

 

KEY CONCEPTS FROM TODAY’S SHOW:

  1. Bouncing forward vs. bouncing back (from a conversation with Sheryl Sanberg)
  2. Reframing challenging moments to see the silver linings (Amanda shares 2 particular stories about this).
  3. Amanda’s new mantra: I don’t know but I don’t have to know.
  4. Setting boundaries on what to share publicly and what to keep to herself.
  5. How cathartic and therapeutic it was to write the book so quickly after Nick passed away.
  6. How healing and therapeutic writing can be in general whenever she’s going through something challenging.
  7. One of the hardest parts for Amanda being a single parent is not having a partner with her to tell her she’s doing a great job, especially after a long day.
  8. Just because it’s been a year since someone passed doesn’t mean they are suddenly over their death. In fact, it feels even worse after the year mark.
  9. How much grief comes with dating again after the death of your spouse or partner.
  10. If you’re in a relationship, try to stay away from the dumb fights. They aren’t worth it. Remember that you are a team.

FOLLOW AMANDA:

Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakloots/

Join her Fitness Program & App: https://amandakloots.com/

 

Resources mentioned in this episode

IG Live with Sheryl Sandberg

Episode with Dave Asprey

Episode with Zoey Tzfanya on losing her husband

Episode with Sarah Klinger on divorce and single parenting 

Episode with Tala Bessette on losing her son

Episode with Randi Deskin on losing her son

IG Live with Nora Borealis on life after losing a spouse

IG post about what grief looks like over time

Thank you so much for listening!

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Continue the conversation with us in our private Facebook Group, The Mom Feed Podcast Private FB Group, and follow us on Instagram!

And remember, mama you’re doing GREAT!