Persistence U with Lizbeth

When life throws unimaginable challenges—raising four kids, one with special needs, and then losing your husband to cancer—what comes next? For author and advocate Julie Barth, the answer was purpose . In this moving episode, Julie shares her journey from family chaos to crisis and ultimately to the creation of CJB Outreach, a nonprofit named for her late husband, Colin James Barth. The organizati...

In this heartfelt episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth , Emily Moon, a therapist and high-conflict divorce specialist, shares her personal and professional journey of resilience. From navigating her own challenges to helping families and individuals redefine their identities after loss or crisis, Emily provides actionable insights on how to rebuild your life with grace and purpose. Emily discusse...

Dr. Tolia discusses the challenges of transitioning from a structured medical career to the creative freedom of art, how she merges her passion with purpose by supporting charities, and the therapeutic benefits of art for the brain. You Will Learn: 1. How Dr. Tolia transitioned from medicine to art and found new meaning in life. 2. The connection between art, neuroscience, and mental health. 3. Wh...

Retired firefighter and union leader Rich Cheatham's life was forever changed by tragedy, resilience, and redemption.   After the heartbreaking murder of his son and a life-altering injury, Rick faced immense challenges that tested his faith, resolve, and purpose. Rick shares how he overcame a downward spiral of anger, grief, and depression, using his AIM framework—Awareness, Intention, and M...

In today's bonus episode, we welcome Gina Economopoulos, author of Shake the Dust Off Your Feet and Walk. Gina shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming physical disabilities, grief, and spiritual searching, which ultimately led her to discover her life’s purpose as an author and an end-of-life doula. Gina opens up about the challenges of growing up in a family of able-bodied siblings,...

In this uplifting episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, Dominiece Clifton shares how she rebuilt her life from one of its most challenging periods. Amid the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial loss, and a crumbling marriage, Dominiece found solace and transformation in a 90-day challenge that focused on healing her mind, body, and spirit. Dominiece, a clarity coach and podcast host of The S...

Today, we dive into the fascinating journey of Sandra Schnakenburg, author of The Housekeeper’s Secret: A Memoir. Sandra shares how a deathbed promise to her family’s housekeeper led her on a years-long investigation filled with unexpected twists, profound discoveries, and the ultimate challenge of uncovering hidden truths while writing a deeply personal memoir. Sandra reveals the process of uncov...

Dr. Nancy Locklin was already an author, professor, and specialist in pre-modern Europe before she dug in to a series of unsolved murders that occurred in Tennessee a century ago. A professor at Maryville College in Tennessee, Dr. Locklin shares the incredible journey behind her collaborative project exploring the unsolved case of the Night Marauder, a serial killer who terrorized East Tennessee i...

In this powerful episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, we are honored to share the incredible story of Dr. Fidele Sebahizi a massacre survivor from Congo who overcame unimaginable odds to create a life of purpose and service. Dr. Fidele shares his journey from surviving a brutal attack in a United Nations refugee camp to becoming a police officer, earning a Ph. D., and inspiring others through hi...

Patrisha McLean, founder and CEO of Finding Our Voices, shares her personal journey from being the wife in a picture-perfect marriage to a survivor of intimate partner violence who now empowers others. Patrisha’s story highlights the courage it takes to leave a well-known partner amid public scrutiny and the transformative power of advocacy. From finding solidarity in unexpected places to launchin...

Episode Summary:Welcome back to Persistence U with Lizbeth! As we kick off Season 5, Lizbeth reflects on the ups and downs of 2024, shares personal milestones, and previews the exciting guests and topics coming in 2025. From publishing her novel Tilka Faces the Odds to planning an anthology of solo women travelers, Lizbeth discusses the power of celebrating effort, embracing resilience, and living...

Persistence U will begin a new season in January, 2025. Enjoy the extensive backlist until then! Wanda Malhotra is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Crunchy Mama Box. Connect with Wanda at CrunchMamaBox.com. Wanda shares her journey of resilience and mission-driven entrepreneurship, from her beginnings in Brazil to building a community in the U.S. dedicated to holistic wellness and ethical b...

Before Kim Sorrelle was an author, speaker, and director of a humanitarian organization, she was proud to be a wife and mother to a large family. And just when she and her husband were preparing for their next chapter as empty-nesters, cancer struck them both. Connect with Kim about her book and work at kimsorrelle.comKim shares her profound journey of love, loss, and resilience, and how she trans...

Author of the inspirational memoir Laughing at the Sky, Heidi’s journey is one of resilience and determination. After surviving a violent childhood trauma, Heidi sought healing through a remarkable 12,000-mile, five-year sailing journey. Along the way, she learned to overcome PTSD through calming practices, weathering both internal and external storms. Connect with Heidi at heidiloveauthor.com. He...

In this episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth, we have the of hearihonor of hearing from Hera McLeod, a survivor and advocate who bravely shares her story of unimaginable loss after leaving an abusive relationship. Connect with Hera McLeod, activist, professional speaker, and author of Defying Silence: A Memoir of a Mother's Loss and Courage in the Face of Injustice and learn more about her b...

Rebecca Galli was no stranger to hardship by the time her son died of a degenerative disease, her daughter diagnosed with autism, and an unusual infection left Rebecca in a wheelchair when her children were young, shortly after her once idyllic marriage ended in divorce. Rebecca learned to parent from a wheelchair, and to turn her writing talents into a career as a columnist who continues to focus...

Sarah Westbrook, author of Trauma Bonded: A True Story of Navigating Attachments Forged in Complex PTSD was raised in a tightly controlled, fundamentalist religious environment. Today,Sarah shares her journey of breaking free from the Mormon Church, overcoming generational cycles of trauma, and finding her authentic self. From challenging the concept of polygamy to raising children with special ne...

Malumir Logan, a dynamic leader and creative from Ontario, Canada, to share her remarkable journey from challenging beginnings to finding her voice and purpose. Malumir’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and the courage to step into the unknown. To connect with Malumir Logan, visit her on LinkedIn or check out her website at acornandburdock.ca or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mal...

Bill Mitchell is a devoted father whose life was forever changed when his daughter Kristin became a victim of dating violence. Connect with Bill at WhenDatingHurts.com and listen to his podcast and book by the same name. Bill shares the harrowing experience of losing Kristin to dating violence and the journey he and his family have taken since her tragic death. He discusses the pervasive nature of...

Rhonda Parker Taylor is a bestselling author, academic, and mentor whose journey is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of small steps. Rhonda shares her surprising path from a small-town Indiana girl who never considered herself academically inclined to becoming a best-selling author and earning a doctorate. She opens up about the struggles she faced, including feelings of in...

Lu is a university professor. A dancer. And a woman who's battled a hidden heart condition for many years before receiving the correct diagnosis: non-obstructive microvascular dysfunction. This episode sheds light on the power of self-advocacy, the importance of supportive relationships, and the necessity of trusting oneself in the face of persistent medical issues. You will learn:Trust and A...

Donn King has worn many hats. Methodist pastor. Associate professor. Author. Professional speaker. Communications coach. Confidence Connector. But his role as a husband and father take precedent. Prioritizing the care of both his disabled daughter and his wife, also partly disabled, could have brought his professional world to an end. Instead, he found a way to arrange his work world in a way that...

Host of Living Beyond Limits podcast Marcy Langlois had a tough start in life. Born with a cleft palate that required many surgeries, Marcy spent much of her life trying to cover the pain of not feeling pretty enough or good enough. A later car accident as a teen that left three people dead weighed on her for years, and Marcy found herself over-drinking, then over-working until she got clear on wh...

Facing the unthinkable loss of her teenaged daughter Maya, author Eleanor Vincent knew she had the ability to help another family save their loved one. What happened next became the memoir Swimming With Maya, the award winning memoir by Eleanor Vincent. You will learn:* Organ donation is a life-giving choice that may help some donor families in the healing process.* Writing about a lost loved one...

Jack Maher, a historical novelist and retired TV news executive, is a man of his word. Jack shares his heartfelt journey of writing his novel "Poppy," inspired by the lives of his grandfather and his late brother, Chris. Through their stories, Jack delves into themes of mental illness, survival, and the transformative power of keeping promises. You will learn:The Power of Promises: Jack...