
Hey Hannah: Lessons of Love, Loss, and Parenthood
Mya Rae·173 episodes·Bi-weekly
Hey, Hannah is a heartfelt podcast that provides a platform to share the invaluable lessons of love, parenting advice, grief, and encouragement with a broad community. Created by a loving mother who tragically lost her precious daughter, Hannah, this podcast addresses the profound grief of infant loss, honors her memory, and shares the invaluable lessons she longed to impart.
Together, let's navigate the beautiful yet challenging path of parenthood, find solace in grief, and discover the transformative power of love, resilience, and shared experiences.
Episodes
Latest Episode

July 22, 2026 · 10m
Summary In this episode, Dr. Mya shares heartfelt insights on preparing for the new school year, emphasizing the importance of spiritual grounding, intentional prayer, and cherishing family moments amidst the busy back-to-school season. Keywords parenting, back to school, faith, prayer, family, childhood, spiritual growth, parenting tips Key Topics Preparing for the new school year with intentionality The importance of prayer for children, teachers, and friendships Using scripture as an anchor for children and families Cherishing family moments amidst busy schedules Spiritual growth and confidence in children Takeaways Cherish the final weeks of summer with family moments. Choose a family Bible verse to serve as an anchor. Pray daily for your child's confidence, teachers, and friends. Remind children of their worth through scripture. Prepare your child's heart as intentionally as their backpack. Chapters 00:00 Welcoming listeners and summer reflections 00:32 Preparing for the new school year emotionally and spiritually 01:26 Cherishing family moments before school starts 02:22 Understanding behavior and heart issues in children 03:15 Using scripture as an anchor for the school year 04:13 Praying for children’s confidence and relationships 05:37 The importance of daily prayer and spiritual preparation 06:00 Encouragement to share and cherish these moments
More Episodes

Jul 15 · 11m
Are Disney's Water Parks Worth It? Our Honest Family Review & TipsIn this episode, Dr. Mya shares her honest review of Disney's water parks, highlighting why they are a must-visit part of your Disney vacation—especially during the summer. She discusses tips, personal favorites, and whether visiting water parks enhances the Disney experience. Main Topics:Benefits of visiting Disney water parks and seasonal promotionsHighlights of both water parks' features (slides, lazy river, wave pools)Practical tips: packing, food options, character interactionsUnique merchandise and amenitiesWhy water parks might be the underrated gems of Disney vacationsThe value of free water park tickets with Disney resort stays during summer promotionsHow combining both Disney water parks in one day can be a fun, full experienceThe relaxing aspects of water parks that contrast with traditional theme park daysLittle conveniences like provided knee towels and Disney-themed swimwearThe quality and variety of food options and Disney character appearances in swimwearThe decreased availability of PhotoPass photographers at water parksTips for families, including locker use and exclusive merchandisePersonal reflection on how water parks create memorable, slow-paced momentsDisney Water Parks OfficialDisney Seasonal PromotionsDisney Gift Shop MerchandiseDisney Dining Plan DetailsInstagramTwitterIn this episode:Timestamps:00:00 - Why Disney water parks are an underrated family experience00:36 - Disney's seasonal promotions offering free water park admission01:03 - Benefits of visiting both Disney water parks in one day01:55 - Water parks' variety of attractions for all ages02:24 - The joy of the wave pool and simple fun memories02:52 - Practical tips: towels provided, less packing needed03:21 - Surprising quality of water park food and snack ideas03:48 - Character interactions in swimwear and relaxed atmosphere04:14 - Limited PhotoPass photographers: tips for capturing memories05:07 - Water park amenities: lockers, pen trading, merchandise05:34 - The unique Disney swimwear options and family matching outfits06:04 - Why the water parks provide a restful break during busy vacations06:32 - Final thoughts: adding water parks to your Disney itinerary

Jul 8 · 24m
Planning a Disney trip can be overwhelming, but in this episode, I share practical insights, hacks, and personal stories to help you make the most of your visit. From staying on property to creating unforgettable memories, this guide will inspire your next magical adventure. Key Topics:Why staying on Disney property enhances the experienceThe importance of using a Disney travel planner for stress-free planningSplurging on unique experiences and character diningPractical tips like refillable popcorn buckets and building resort timeLessons learned: skipping the dining plan, how to be flexible with weather, and capturing more videosDisney hacks: character dining advantages, specific snack tips, and avoiding autographs from Darth VaderThe Disney MVP awards for resorts, rides, character meals, snacks, and surprisesReflecting on Disney’s focus: making family memories beyond ridesJennifer with a Pair of Years Travel – Disney travel plannerGuardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind – Ride infoMickey and Minnie's Runaway RailwayGarden Grill RestaurantDarth Vader Autograph Note – Learn about autographs in the parksInstagramTwitterTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and overview of Disney recap series00:26 - Experiences shared in parts one and two, and episode preview00:55 - The most helpful tips for future trips01:24 - Staying on Disney property: why it adds magic01:52 - Benefits of boardwalk in resort and moments you can't plan02:44 - Using a Disney travel planner to ease planning stress03:38 - The value of splurging on a memorable experience05:29 - Upgrading to character dining and special events07:08 - Practical tips: refillable popcorn, resort activities, and scheduling09:35 - What we do differently next time: skip dining plan, shorter park days, more flexibility with weather11:57 - Capturing more videos and handling weather changes13:23 - Disney hacks for character dining, autographs, and snacks15:39 - Tips for enjoying Epcot and shopping considerations16:07 - Disney family MVP awards: resorts, rides, character meals, snacks, and surprises19:33 - The true magic of Disney: making lasting family memories20:21 - Final thoughts and encouragement to embrace the messiness of parenting and family adventuresResources & Links:Connect with Dr. Mya:Note: Remember, the magic is in the memories and moments shared with loved ones. Happy planning and making memories!

Jul 1 · 18m
Show Notes – Hey Hannah PodcastEpisode Title: Disney World with Kids: Our Honest Review of Rides, Character Dining & Park Favorites (Part 2)In Part 2 of our Disney vacation recap, I’m sharing our favorite park experiences from our recent Disney World trip with the boys! From thrill rides and character dining to fireworks and practical family tips, this episode is packed with honest thoughts to help parents planning their own Disney vacation.We visited Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, and I’m breaking down what we loved, what surprised us, and what we’d recommend for families traveling with kids.✨ Our favorite rides at Hollywood Studios✨ Why Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was a surprise family favorite✨ Honest review of Tower of Terror with kids✨ Why Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a must-do✨ Ronto Wrap review — worth trying?✨ Hollywood & Vine character dining experience✨ Character meet-and-greets (including Darth Vader!)✨ Why I don’t consider Hollywood Studios a full-day park✨ Magic Kingdom highlights✨ TRON Lightcycle / Run review✨ Was the Magic Kingdom Dessert Party worth it?✨ Tips for fireworks viewing with kids✨ EPCOT favorites✨ Why staying at BoardWalk makes EPCOT even better✨ The famous Disney “Birkin” bag review✨ Maple popcorn (yes, it deserves its own mention!)✨ Garden Grill character dining review✨ Why Garden Grill became one of our favorite meals🍴 Ronto Wrap🍴 Hollywood & Vine🍴 Garden Grill🍿 Maple Popcorn at EPCOT🍿 Blue Popcorn at Hollywood StudiosPlan ahead—but don’t overplanPrioritize your family’s must-do experiencesCharacter dining can be worth the splurgeSpecial add-ons can reduce stress with kidsLeave room for spontaneous magicSometimes the best Disney memories aren’t the big-ticket rides—they’re the unexpected moments: late-night swimming, character interactions, and watching your kids experience pure joy.Disney’s BoardWalk InnHollywood StudiosMagic KingdomEPCOTRock ‘n’ Roller CoasterTower of TerrorMickey & Minnie’s Runaway RailwayTRON Lightcycle / RunHollywood & VineGarden GrillMagic Kingdom Dessert Party🎧 Next Episode: Disney Tips, Hacks & What I’d Do Differently Next TimeThanks for being part of Hannah’s Hive. If this episode encouraged you or helped with your Disney planning, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with another parent who loves making magical memories with their family.In This Episode, We Cover:Our Favorite Disney Dining from This Episode:Biggest Takeaways for Disney Families:Mentioned in This Episode:

Jun 10 · 13m
Disney World Family Trip Review: Staying on Property & Dining Experiences.In this episode of the Hey Hannah Podcast, Dr. Mya shares a detailed review of her family's recent Disney trip, focusing on the benefits of staying on Disney property and the pros and cons of the Disney dining plan. Whether you're planning your first trip or a return visit, her insights will help you make informed decisions to maximize your Disney experience. Key Topics:Benefits of staying at Disney's Boardwalk Inn, including proximity to Epcot and transportation options.The vibrant nightlife and entertainment at Disney resorts, especially the Boardwalk area.Character interactions outside the parks, highlighting magical moments.An in-depth review of the Disney dining plan, including quick service and character dining experiences.Managing meal credits and deciding if the dining plan offers value for your family's travel style.Tips on using a Disney travel planner to simplify trip planning.Personal reflections on what worked well and what she might do differently on future visits.Upcoming episode tease: park experience, favorite rides, and restaurant reviews.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview00:25 - Staying at Disney's Boardwalk Inn & first night at Waldorf Orlando00:52 - Benefits of staying on Disney property01:17 - Transportation options and resort amenities02:15 - Exploring the Boardwalk area’s entertainment and dining02:42 - Pool features and resort atmosphere03:12 - Magical character moments in the lobby03:37 - Disney dining plan overview and value considerations04:06 - Details of the Disney dining plan, including credits and benefits04:34 - Quick service vs. table service dining05:29 - Managing meal credits and character dining tips05:58 - Purchasing tickets for special events like dessert parties06:19 - Observations on unused meal credits and trip management06:46 - Reflection on value and family eating habits07:16 - Benefits of using a Disney travel planner08:15 - Tease for next episode & closing remarks


May 7 · 45m
HeyHannah replay

Apr 30 · 59m
HeyHannah Replay

Apr 22 · 27m
Show Notes: In this heartfelt and deeply honest episode of the HeyHannah Podcast, Dr. Mya sits down with Ashley Donegan—a mom, entrepreneur, and children's book author, who shares her powerful journey through trauma, loss, healing, and ultimately, purpose. Ashley opens up about some of the most pivotal moments in her life, including a near-death car accident, miscarriage, and a season of deep questioning and spiritual awakening. Through it all, she reveals how those experiences, though painful, became the foundation for her healing and growth. Together, Dr. Mya and Ashley explore:What it looks like to move from “Why me?” to “What now?”How grief and trauma can awaken deeper purposeThe role of motherhood in healing and transformationOvercoming fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndromeUsing creativity as a tool for inner child healingWhy community and support are essential during hard seasonsAshley also shares how her daughter inspired her to step outside her comfort zone and begin writing children’s books—turning moments of connection and creativity into something meaningful for other families.This conversation is especially for:Moms navigating healing and unexpected life changesWomen searching for purpose after loss or traumaAnyone feeling called to something new but unsure where to start💡 Key Takeaway:You don’t have to have it all figured out. Healing is not linear, and sometimes the very things that break you open are the same things that lead you to your purpose.Ashley Donegan🌐 Website: onemommashart.com📚 Books: Adventures of Snugs, Pirate Chickens Under AttackIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who may need hope today. Your share could be the encouragement someone else is looking for.✨ Connect with Today’s Guest💛 Share the Encouragement

Apr 15 · 49m
Episode Title:The Simple Habit That Boosts Your Leadership and Builds Unshakable ConfidenceWhat if the key to stronger leadership and unshakable confidence isn’t doing more—but showing up more authentically?In this episode of the HeyHannah Podcast, Dr. Mya sits down with branding strategist and founder of Brand Studio Creative, Katie Holmes, for a powerful conversation on authenticity, empathy, and the emotional work behind being truly seen.Together, they explore how to lead with intention in a noisy, over-saturated world—and why the simplest habits can make the biggest impact on your confidence, relationships, and purpose.This conversation goes beyond branding. It’s about identity, grief, growth, and the courage it takes to show up as your full self.Why authenticity is the foundation of confident leadershipThe simple habit that strengthens relationships and builds connectionHow to navigate imposter syndrome and comparison in the digital ageWhat empathetic leadership looks like in real lifeHow to share your story without oversharing or feeling performativeWhy slow, steady growth is still powerful growthHow grief and hard seasons can shape your purposeConnection over comparison: Real relationships matter more than curated online momentsAuthenticity builds confidence: The more you show up as yourself, the more secure you becomeSmall steps matter: Growth doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningfulEmpathy is a leadership advantage: People thrive when they feel seen and supportedYou don’t have to become someone else to lead wellKatie on reaching out to people when they cross your mindThe truth about “bed rot” and disconnection in the digital ageA powerful reflection on grief and continuing forwardWhy imperfect, human-created work stands out more than AI perfectionKatie Holmes is a branding strategist and founder of Brand Studio Creative. She specializes in helping purpose-driven businesses build brands rooted in clarity, empathy, and authenticity. Katie is also an executive contributor to Brains Magazine and Authority Magazine.Website: brandstudiocreative.comInstagram: @brandstudiocreativeFollow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who is building, leading, or finding their voice.You don’t have to become someone else to be impactful.You were created to lead from alignment, empathy, and truth.Episode Description:What You’ll Learn:Key Takeaways:Memorable Moments:About the Guest:Connect with Katie:Connect with HeyHannah:Closing Encouragement: