Rise & Climb

Join us in a FIRST EVER podcast! The tables have turned and Michael is interviewing ME about the time I almost got married to someone, cause…why not? While I am not proud of the pain I caused, I am thankful that I realized I was in the wrong relationship before it was too late. Now we are able to enjoy the story for what it is, and be grateful that it ended up well for us in the long run!  They sa...

A lot of what makes our marriage so strong is attributed to the mountain climb of overcoming shame, confusion, pain, and sexual sin.  While we aren't afraid or shy when it comes to sharing our story, this is the first time our story is put out in a public format like this.  Join us as we dive into Michael's story of overcoming idolization of women, sexual promiscuity, and ultimately a se...

Today's episode dives in Sandy Lutz's story of her teen pregnancy that landed her into a cold and sterile room where her four month old baby would eventually be aborted against her wishes.  How does a woman go from facing the shame and guilt to experiencing God's redemption, counseling women and families in crises situations, & adopting two sons, one born as a result of rape?  Join u...

After being carried out of the jungles of Laos while being drugged with opioids as a 4 year old girl, living in the refugee camps of Thailand, before finally making it to Milwaukee, WI, See continues on with her story in Part 2 of this interview.  We pick up the story where See is sharing about her marriage as a teen, despite her father's wishes, learning the hard way why it wasn't the wisest...

You have a 4 & 2 year old and a wife that is 7 months pregnant.  You are being hunted by North Vietnamese Soldiers because your older brothers helped in Americans in the Vietnam war.  What do you do?  You make it out alive, but don't know the language and have no money, what do you do?  Join me in this 2 part interview as we learn See's story and one very similar to many Hm...

Join me as I read a story from the ' Angels Beside You ' book by James Pruitt. This is one of Michael and my favorite books that recounts stories of angels in the battle field.  This is a story from WW2 and a miraculous account that changed the course of one Soldier's life. It's an amazing way to honor those fallen in combat. 

Rising & Climbing is so much easier when you have energy and passion to do so. Dana is a perfect example of the power of health and a passion. Check Dana out at: https://www.vitalityholistichealthllc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/vitalityholistichealthllc

What's it like being a sk8r boy? We kick this podcast off by checking in with my 14 year old nephew, Owen, as he is pursuing a passion of his, skate boarding!  At around 5 minutes we get into the main interview with Caleb, my now 16 year old nephew.  This Subway Sandwich Artist knows more than just his favorite sub, he knows about my strengths and weaknesses as a parent, AND has some tho...

If you are anything like me, I have been wondering what is going on in Ukraine and desiring to hear from someone who has fled and what life is now like. Join me as we travel with Natasha and her family on this climb that no one WANTS to take, but must arise to when war strikes. What struck me was how much joy Natasha still carries.  I hope this story helps you overcome the hardships you are facing...

We bring EVERYTHING we have talked about in the past 3 episodes with Ben together in this third interview.  Join us as we bring the Spiritual Gifts concepts that Ben has introduced to life in some real applicable examples of the spiritual gifts at play in a mountain climb setting.  To find out how to bring this teaching to your area go to: www.navigatemygift.com :) 

If you tuned into part 1 or were just waiting for the extended interview, this is your podcast! In this interview we dive into Ben's journey to creating the course and what each spiritual gift is. We go into more depth regarding the gifts of: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, & mercy based off of Romans 12.  Towards the end we talk more about what Ben is also doing with retreat wee...

Ever wonder how God uniquely made you?  Do you know what your spiritual gift is?  Do you have more than one?  What is a spiritual gift and what is a manifestation of the Spirt? Join us as we learn more about how discovering and stewarding our spiritual gift can help us navigate up the mountains of life more empowered! In this 3 part series, I interview Ben Lenz, Pastor and soon-to-be Author, as he...

If you woke up to bombs going off in the early morning hours what would you do?  Where would you go?  What would you pack?  Would you bring your animals?  How much money do you pack?  What do you do with the family that is left behind?  How do you say goodbye to your wife and 3 year old little girl in the cold, dark, night at a border?  These are all stories we t...

This is a podcast where I take you on a journey through my postpartum journey with my most recent baby.  This was a time that I felt a wave of heaviness overcoming me and how I was able to Rise & Climb to hear from God.  Today's sponsor is brought to you by White Chapel Pottery: eat & drink in style with Kate's creative, classy, modern, classic drink and dish ware. My personal fa...

This is a special interview with a friend, author, entrepreneur, leader, mom, wife, daughter, & Christ follower, Joyel Vandenboogart!  She shares her story of being raised with a father who is in the public eye of a very active ministry, trials with pregnancy & mental health, longings for adoption, the book she has co-authored, AND the women's conference she has recently taken over! H...

Success leaves clues.  If you want to be successful in ANY area of your life you can follow the trail of the people who have gone before you.  The Last Dance is a documentary on Netflix that covers Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bull's 8 year run to winning 6 championships, never done before and yet to be attained since.  Follow along with Rob and I as we discuss key takeaways and h...

"If your job feels joyless & impossible it might mean you're trying to do God's job" - Tiffany Thompson  We want to be the best we can be, but raising kids is NO JOKE, will pull on your last nerve, and bring out the momster in you.  Tiffany Thompson is a mother of 4 grown children, author, and speaker shares some POWERFUL truths to help tame the momster or dadster (which actually doe...

I first heard of what Ellen Van Groll was up to at a Women's Conference called Known. I loved her message on faith and fashion and thought she was cool.  THEN I learned about her blog: www.madenewstyle.com - check it out!  She also has some great content on IG: @made.new.style - if you love redemption stories, realness, style tips, and being inspired in your faith you will love her and l...

With the times we are in you hear 'Love Thy Neighbor' followed by a suggested way they best feel loved.  But what does God say about what love looks like and how to love your neighbor? Join me as we follow a story given by the One and Only Himself, Jesus and what He has to say loving your neighbor is! 

Michael and I miscarried in May of 2021. The full story on that is previously recorded.  This podcast highlights that journey but focuses on how this pregnancy as different. First off how we approached this birth, and then how we came to decide to have a home birth.  The podcast then goes on to talk about the birth story from both our perspectives.  For a link to the blog and some a...

What does Love Thy Neighbor really mean?  We hear it circulating a lot these days revolving around some very controversial topics.  Join me as we go through a timeless story brought on by a very legitimate question: Who is my neighbor?  Check out the blog here: https://annarbrayton.wixsite.com/riseclimb

In this episode of Rise & Climb we talk about Candace Owen's book Blackout and the different points she brings up.     We start by laying the foundation of the other books I was reading at the time and how that played into Blackout.   I encourage you to read the book for yourself, but this does give the cliff notes to the book Blackout by Candace Owens!  It falls in th...

Are you concerned of the rhetoric being used today to get us to comply with a one tracked agenda towards community health?    Are you curious about what 'the other side' is thinking or feels when they hear strong rhetoric about what is best to do to 'love your neighbor'?    This video covers the Story of Athlete A & How It Relates To Today and the climate of the verbiage we...

Join my special co-host, my husband Michael, and myself as we summarize the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, & Spy.  What led a man of God to be involved in the plot to kill Hitler?  What kind of man would rise up in the church to protect Jews while he jeopardized his own life and safety?  Join us as we explore his life.  What will YOU learn and take aw...

Following up from my Part 1 podcast, I continue on with my journey of overcoming people pleasing and what it has led to in my life.  I discuss calling off an engagement & more!