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    <title>By A Thread with Dr. Marci </title>
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    <description>By a thread with Dr. Marci is a heart-to-heart podcast for moms navigating life's beautiful chaos-the moments that stretch us thin, shape us, and ultimately make us stronger. Hosted by Dr. Marciana Laster, physician, mom and lifelong encourager, each episode weaves together real stories, honest conversations, and practical encouragement to help you hold it all together-even when it feels like you're hanging on by a thread. By a Thread reminds you that you're never alone in the struggle-and that strength often shows up in the unraveling. New episodes drop weekly-grab your coffee or energy drink, take a breath and tune in for inspiration, laughter, and community. </description>
    <copyright>© 2026 Marciana Laster</copyright>
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    <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:56:53 -0400</pubDate>
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      <title>By A Thread with Dr. Marci </title>
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    <itunes:category text="Health &amp; Fitness">
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    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:author>Marciana Laster</itunes:author>
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    <itunes:summary>By a thread with Dr. Marci is a heart-to-heart podcast for moms navigating life's beautiful chaos-the moments that stretch us thin, shape us, and ultimately make us stronger. Hosted by Dr. Marciana Laster, physician, mom and lifelong encourager, each episode weaves together real stories, honest conversations, and practical encouragement to help you hold it all together-even when it feels like you're hanging on by a thread. By a Thread reminds you that you're never alone in the struggle-and that strength often shows up in the unraveling. New episodes drop weekly-grab your coffee or energy drink, take a breath and tune in for inspiration, laughter, and community. </itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>By a thread with Dr.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:keywords>mother, inspiration, self help, children motherhood </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Marciana Lee Laster</itunes:name>
      <itunes:email>marciana.laster@gmail.com</itunes:email>
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    <itunes:complete>No</itunes:complete>
    <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    <item>
      <title>Using Creativity to Heal w/ Tugene Davis</title>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Using Creativity to Heal w/ Tugene Davis</itunes:title>
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        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Episode Summary<br></strong><br></p><p>In this episode of "By a Thread," Dr. Marci discusses the critical issue of Black maternal health with Tugune Davis, an advocate and storyteller. They explore the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and the importance of advocacy, voice, and visibility. Tugune shares her personal experiences and the journey of creating a documentary to address these issues.</p><p><strong>Key Points<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><strong>Black Maternal Health Week:</strong> Highlighting the disparities and the need for awareness and action.</li><li><strong>Tugune's Story:</strong> Her journey through motherhood, advocacy, and creating a documentary on Black maternal mortality.</li><li><strong>Advocacy and Voice:</strong> The importance of using one's voice to create change and support others.</li><li><strong>Empowerment:</strong> Encouraging women to be informed and prepared, especially in medical settings.</li></ul><p><strong>Emotional Impact<br></strong><br></p><p>The conversation is empowering and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to reflect on their roles in advocacy and the importance of supporting marginalized communities.</p>]]>
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        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Episode Summary<br></strong><br></p><p>In this episode of "By a Thread," Dr. Marci discusses the critical issue of Black maternal health with Tugune Davis, an advocate and storyteller. They explore the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and the importance of advocacy, voice, and visibility. Tugune shares her personal experiences and the journey of creating a documentary to address these issues.</p><p><strong>Key Points<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><strong>Black Maternal Health Week:</strong> Highlighting the disparities and the need for awareness and action.</li><li><strong>Tugune's Story:</strong> Her journey through motherhood, advocacy, and creating a documentary on Black maternal mortality.</li><li><strong>Advocacy and Voice:</strong> The importance of using one's voice to create change and support others.</li><li><strong>Empowerment:</strong> Encouraging women to be informed and prepared, especially in medical settings.</li></ul><p><strong>Emotional Impact<br></strong><br></p><p>The conversation is empowering and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to reflect on their roles in advocacy and the importance of supporting marginalized communities.</p>]]>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:55:18 -0400</pubDate>
      <author>Marciana Laster</author>
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      <itunes:author>Marciana Laster</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>2369</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Episode Summary<br></strong><br></p><p>In this episode of "By a Thread," Dr. Marci discusses the critical issue of Black maternal health with Tugune Davis, an advocate and storyteller. They explore the disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women and the importance of advocacy, voice, and visibility. Tugune shares her personal experiences and the journey of creating a documentary to address these issues.</p><p><strong>Key Points<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><strong>Black Maternal Health Week:</strong> Highlighting the disparities and the need for awareness and action.</li><li><strong>Tugune's Story:</strong> Her journey through motherhood, advocacy, and creating a documentary on Black maternal mortality.</li><li><strong>Advocacy and Voice:</strong> The importance of using one's voice to create change and support others.</li><li><strong>Empowerment:</strong> Encouraging women to be informed and prepared, especially in medical settings.</li></ul><p><strong>Emotional Impact<br></strong><br></p><p>The conversation is empowering and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to reflect on their roles in advocacy and the importance of supporting marginalized communities.</p>]]>
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      <itunes:keywords>mother, inspiration, self help, children motherhood </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>Finding Fortitude with Shayla Webb, Esq</title>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Finding Fortitude with Shayla Webb, Esq</itunes:title>
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        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'By a Thread,' Dr. Marci engages with Shayla Webb Esq., a multifaceted woman who embodies fortitude through her journey as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and survivor of a brain tumor. Shayla shares her experiences of humility, faith, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and the role of family support. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and business, the significance of finding rest, and the lessons learned through trials. Shayla's story serves as an inspiration for women facing challenges, encouraging them to embrace their identity and trust in God's plan.</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and Resilience<br>05:03 Shayla's Journey: From Law to Spa Ownership<br>10:00 Faith in Adversity: Overcoming Challenges<br>20:06 Navigating Medical Advocacy and Self-Advocacy<br>30:02 The Intersection of Faith and Wellness<br>40:29 Advice for Women in Difficult Times<br>50:19 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Rest</p>]]>
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      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'By a Thread,' Dr. Marci engages with Shayla Webb Esq., a multifaceted woman who embodies fortitude through her journey as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and survivor of a brain tumor. Shayla shares her experiences of humility, faith, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and the role of family support. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and business, the significance of finding rest, and the lessons learned through trials. Shayla's story serves as an inspiration for women facing challenges, encouraging them to embrace their identity and trust in God's plan.</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and Resilience<br>05:03 Shayla's Journey: From Law to Spa Ownership<br>10:00 Faith in Adversity: Overcoming Challenges<br>20:06 Navigating Medical Advocacy and Self-Advocacy<br>30:02 The Intersection of Faith and Wellness<br>40:29 Advice for Women in Difficult Times<br>50:19 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Rest</p>]]>
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      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 14:53:14 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>Marciana Laster</author>
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      <itunes:author>Marciana Laster</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>3746</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'By a Thread,' Dr. Marci engages with Shayla Webb Esq., a multifaceted woman who embodies fortitude through her journey as a lawyer, entrepreneur, and survivor of a brain tumor. Shayla shares her experiences of humility, faith, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and the role of family support. The conversation explores the intersection of faith and business, the significance of finding rest, and the lessons learned through trials. Shayla's story serves as an inspiration for women facing challenges, encouraging them to embrace their identity and trust in God's plan.</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Introduction to Fortitude and Resilience<br>05:03 Shayla's Journey: From Law to Spa Ownership<br>10:00 Faith in Adversity: Overcoming Challenges<br>20:06 Navigating Medical Advocacy and Self-Advocacy<br>30:02 The Intersection of Faith and Wellness<br>40:29 Advice for Women in Difficult Times<br>50:19 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations and Rest</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>fortitude, faith, resilience, health challenges, self-advocacy, entrepreneurship, spirituality, personal growth, women empowerment, wellness</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c25a6a05/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
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    <item>
      <title>Get to know By A Thread</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Get to know By A Thread</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://byathread.transistor.fm/episodes/get-to-know-by-a-thread</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Dr. Marci introduces the By A Thread podcast. She discusses the inspiration behind it and the 3 pillars which guide the podcasts. These pillars include: shifts in mindset, incorporation of systems of organization and gathering new knowledge.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera<br>Video editing: @visual_proximity</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Dr. Marci introduces the By A Thread podcast. She discusses the inspiration behind it and the 3 pillars which guide the podcasts. These pillars include: shifts in mindset, incorporation of systems of organization and gathering new knowledge.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera<br>Video editing: @visual_proximity</p>]]>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:24:25 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>Marciana Laster</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/62d2f16b/2b47c440.mp3" length="5458827" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Marciana Laster</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>340</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, Dr. Marci introduces the By A Thread podcast. She discusses the inspiration behind it and the 3 pillars which guide the podcasts. These pillars include: shifts in mindset, incorporation of systems of organization and gathering new knowledge.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera<br>Video editing: @visual_proximity</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>mother, inspiration, self help, children motherhood </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
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      <title>The Big 4-0: Milestones as Motivation</title>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Big 4-0: Milestones as Motivation</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Milestones in life offer the opportunity to reset and refocus on your goals. In this episode, Dr. Marci discusses how she used the milestone of turning 40 years old to reset her focus and spark motivation to accomplish her goals. Whether you are turning a year older or simply going into a new year, milestones can be just the spark you need to make a change.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Milestones in life offer the opportunity to reset and refocus on your goals. In this episode, Dr. Marci discusses how she used the milestone of turning 40 years old to reset her focus and spark motivation to accomplish her goals. Whether you are turning a year older or simply going into a new year, milestones can be just the spark you need to make a change.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:24:12 -0500</pubDate>
      <author>Marciana Laster</author>
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      <itunes:author>Marciana Laster</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/rJRP3gfx0NL8bbMtAEYJu1OI2F8w6tM9CBzGCYmiBu4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zNTRh/NjU1Y2Y4ZmQ1OTAy/Y2MzYzkwZTZmZDVj/YjRhYS5qcGc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>743</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Milestones in life offer the opportunity to reset and refocus on your goals. In this episode, Dr. Marci discusses how she used the milestone of turning 40 years old to reset her focus and spark motivation to accomplish her goals. Whether you are turning a year older or simply going into a new year, milestones can be just the spark you need to make a change.</p><p>Audio/Video: @hucabera</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>milestones, motivation, mothers, aging </itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
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