Hear Where You Belong

Christmas has a way of stirring everything—joy and grief, gratitude and longing, connection and loneliness—all at once. In this special solo Christmas episode of Hear Where You Belong , I sit with the quiet question so many of us carry this season: Do I really belong? Before the traditions, before the carols, before the wrapped gifts and full tables, Christmas was a declaration. A God who crossed...

What happens when the “successful” life you built starts to feel like a prison made of your own numbness? In Episode 74 of Hear Where You Belong, Alexis Leigh courageously pulls back the curtain on a childhood shattered by her mother’s—she was sick, then addicted, then gone when Alexis was only 12. Like so many of us, Alexis did what kids do: she packed the grief away so she could survive. But bur...

Ever tried to keep Jesus at arm’s length… only to feel Him gently (or not-so-gently) pull you closer? In this tender and powerful Episode 73 of Hear Where You Belong , ordained deacon and author Constance Hastings shares the story she never planned to live: → A happy English teacher who resisted church membership for 20 years → Giving up music for Lent… and hearing God say “It’s time” → Trading th...

What if the life you’re living feels safe… but completely wrong for your soul? In this powerful Episode 72 of *Hear Where You Belong*, Jennifer Mecham (owner of Elevated Thinking with the Coal Miner’s Daughter) shares her raw journey from growing up in Utah coal-mine poverty, marrying at 19, earning advanced degrees, and still waking up every night knowing she didn’t belong, to finally breaking fr...

Do you struggle to connect authentically? This is the conversation you need to hear. Scott Maderer, certified human behavior consultant, pulls back the curtain on the most vulnerable parts of his journey, revealing the commitment that fundamentally changed his life: The Power of Unconditional Commitment: Growing up in an alcoholic household, Scott only remembered his father saying "I love you...

What does it mean to truly belong—after a childhood marked by loss, trauma, and constant change? In this powerful episode, T.J. Johnson, a former foster child turned faith-filled leader, opens up about his journey from brokenness to belonging. T.J. shares how his early years in the foster system shaped his understanding of love and identity, and how God used his pain to prepare him for purpose. To...

What if freedom from food, addiction, and self-condemnation starts not with willpower—but with surrender? In Episode 69 of Hear Where You Belong , I sit down with Dr. Laurette Willis , cognitive behavioral therapist and founder of Weight Loss Without Willpower , to explore how neuroscience meets Scripture in the fight for lasting change. Laurette opens up about her battles with overeating, alcohol...

 What if belonging didn’t end when life does? In this deeply moving episode, host Dea Irby welcomes Holly Lux-Sullivan , founder of Heartwood Death Doula and Bereavement Care and former hospice chaplain, to explore how compassion and presence transform the way we face death—and live life. Holly’s journey from journalism to chaplaincy to death care reveals how courage, humor, and heart can soften f...

 What happens when faith meets obedience—and doubt gives way to divine direction? In this episode of Hear Where You Belong , Dea Irby welcomes Dan Parr , publisher of the Easy to Understand Read Bible and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. From his miraculous birth to his mission to simplify Scripture, Dan shares how surrendering to Christ transformed his life. Hear how a calling to record the...

At 72, retired attorney and Vietnam combat veteran Rand Timmerman hiked the Appalachian Trail—nearly 1,500 miles of reflection, resilience, and rediscovery. In this episode, he shares his journey through war trauma, sobriety, and the healing power of nature, faith, and service.

What does it mean to belong when your story begins in an orphanage? In this powerful episode of Hear Where You Belong , Pat Welsh shares his extraordinary journey—from being abandoned at three days old in Dublin, Ireland, to adoption, faith, and a 40+ year career as a lawyer, police executive, and criminal justice trainer. Pat opens up about resilience in the face of tragedy, the faith that carrie...

 From corporate accounting to purpose-driven entrepreneurship, Sherrika Sanders shares how faith guided her leap into business, the lessons she learned transforming the “GAAP,” and what belonging means when you’re walking in your calling. Join host Dea Irby for a powerful conversation about courage, identity, and trusting God’s plan—one step of obedience at a time. #FaithDriven, #Entrepreneurship,...

In this uplifting episode of Hear Where You Belong , host Dea welcomes author, podcaster, and lifelong entrepreneur Jessica Danel —a woman whose life proves that faith and grit can turn even the hardest chapters into triumph. From her small-town beginnings and personal trauma to reinvention and healing, Jessica’s memoir Bucket List from a Redneck Girl and her Jess Saying with Jessica Danel podcast...

From long-haul truckers to lipstick and leadership, Jean MacDonald has built a life of daring reinvention. A communication and business strategist, corporate sales trainer, and author of Be Wild, Be Crazy, Be You , Jean shares how she left a thriving insurance agency to chase joy—and wound up earning ten Mary Kay career cars, including five iconic Pink Cadillacs. In this conversation, Jean reveals...

What does it mean to belong when life takes you across continents, through the military, and into unexpected adventures? In this episode of Hear Where You Belong , host Dea Irby sits down with Andy Dietrich , first-generation immigrant, U.S. veteran, and author of Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes . Andy shares his journey from Berlin to Alaska, the Marine Corps to Las Vegas, and the lessons le...

In this episode of Hear Where You Belong , host Dea Irby sits down with Christine Sadry—award-winning author, speaker, and fierce advocate for resilience. Born behind the Iron Curtain in Poland, Christine endured 13 years of silence and hardship before making her way to America at just nine years old. She faced abuse, isolation, and the devastating loss of her family connection—yet through determi...

In this episode of Hear Where You Belong , host Dea Irby sits down with Christine Sadry—award-winning author, speaker, and fierce advocate for resilience. Born behind the Iron Curtain in Poland, Christine endured 13 years of silence and hardship before making her way to America at just nine years old. She faced abuse, isolation, and the devastating loss of her family connection—yet through determi...

What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy of impact? In this inspiring episode of Hear Where You Belong , I sit down with Dennis Szymanski, a leader, mentor, and visionary who has dedicated his life to building communities that thrive. Dennis shares his journey of leadership—both the triumphs and the challenges—and reveals how intentionality, compassion, and belonging have shaped his path. From...

At 67 years old, Diane Gansauer laced up her boots and finished walking 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. But this wasn’t just a hike—it was a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and redefining what it means to belong. In this deeply moving Hear Where You Belong episode, host Dea Irby sits down with Diane, a Master Life-Cycle Celebrant and interfaith minister who h...

In this riveting episode of Hear Where You Belong , Dea sits down with visionary entrepreneur and technologist Eric McHugh , whose career spans from Snap Inc. to founding mission-driven startups aimed at rehumanizing the digital experience. Eric’s latest venture, Dataing , isn’t just another dating app—it’s a revolution in how we form meaningful connections through technology. Leveraging AI, Datai...

What does it mean to belong when your roots stretch across continents and centuries? In this episode of Hear Where You Belong , host Dea Irby sits down with Joseph Bolton —author, adventurer, and creator of the enchanting Old Grandmother’s Tree series. From parachuting out of planes to leading troops overseas, Joseph’s life has been a tapestry of daring adventure and deep introspection. But it’s h...

What if the one thing keeping you from vibrant health, meaningful relationships, and a life aligned with your deepest purpose… was a belief you didn’t even know you had? In this powerful episode of Hear Where You Belong , I sit down with Dr. Alain Salas—#1 bestselling author, Chiropractic Physician, and founder of the Mind Clearing System—to uncover the hidden roadblocks that keep us stuck. Dr. Sa...

In Episode 54 of Hear Where You Belong , I sit down with Larry Onan—father, grandfather, author, and trusted voice in faith-based fund development—for a profound conversation on belonging, legacy, and living a life of purpose. With over 30 years of global experience coaching ministries and a record of helping raise over $150 million for the Kingdom, Larry’s not just a man of generosity—he’s a man...

What does it mean to belong when life has handed you trials that would shake even the strongest foundation? In Episode 53 of Hear Where You Belong , I sit down with Rev. Cheryl Kincaid—Presbyterian minister, author of five books, and lifelong advocate for God’s redemptive grace. From supporting survivors of violence to writing children’s books that touch the soul, Cheryl’s ministry is steeped in h...

Ever feel like you don’t belong—even in a room full of people? Dr. Albert Bramante, talent agent, professor, performance psychologist, and author of Rise Above the Script , joins Dea Irby in Episode 52 of Hear Where You Belong to dismantle self-doubt and sabotage and show how mindset, language, and community can become your greatest assets. From childhood memories of feeling out of place in a spor...