Life Stories Podcast

Join us for an inspiring episode where we dive into the heart of The Clean Love Project—a remarkable initiative dedicated to distributing clean love kits to women and girls. These kits not only provide essential hygiene products but also uplift and empower recipients. Lacey Catarino shares the transformative story behind this impactful program, and you won’t want to miss it! Learn how you can supp...

Join me on the podcast as I chat with herbalist Hunter Gibson, who shares fascinating ways to integrate herbs into your daily routine. In just one conversation, I discovered tips that will completely transform my herb garden this year. Tune in to explore how you can enhance your life with herbal remedies and be inspired to make changes of your own!

Sometimes it is easy for me to think I can handle something on my own, and more often than not I really need help. Recently I've understood three different ways we need the people in our lives to help us, and I bet that you can relate. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I sit down with my courageous friend Jennifer, who escaped sex trafficking as a teenager. Her gripping story of survival and resilience is both powerful and eye-opening. We dive deep into her experience, and due to its profound impact, I’ve split our conversation into two parts. Don’t miss these compelling and essential insights. Thank you for tuning in!

What unique skills do you have that could make a difference for others? Katie Leatherwood’s story will inspire you to use your talents for a greater cause. Through her non-profit, Designed to Live, Katie is making a profound impact by providing free prosthetics to individuals in Latvia and surrounding areas. Tune in to hear how you can channel your own abilities to help those in need and be part o...

Join me for an inspiring chat with Tana Mason, a dedicated volunteer Puppy Raiser with the Guide Dog Foundation. Discover how Tana trains puppies in basic obedience and house manners, preparing them to become life-changing service and guide dogs for those in need. This amazing program touched my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you! Learn more about the Guide Dog Foundation at guidedog.org...

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you are enjoying the first day of 2024. On the podcast today I share some thoughts about what I've learned as I hosted Life Stories in 2023. There was lots of growth for me in multiple ways, and I am hopeful about what is in store for the podcast in the new year. May you listen and reflect and be encouraged for the growth in your own life, be it in big or small ways...

Today’s conversation with Jenna Cooley is incredibly moving! Despite knowing Jenna since childhood, I never knew the full story of her journey to motherhood. Hearing it from her own perspective was truly inspiring, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Tune in for a heartfelt and uplifting episode. Thank you for listening!

While exploring unique non-profits across the US, I discovered Icing Smiles and was thrilled when they agreed to join me! Icing Smiles is an amazing organization that bakes cakes for families with children battling critical illnesses. They’ve found that a simple cake can bring a smile to a child's face during tough times, and it truly works! I absolutely love what they do and I hope you enjoy our...

Imagine the dedication it takes to grow a 150-acre farm solely to combat food insecurity. That’s the incredible mission of JK Community Farm in Purcellville, VA. With the support of thousands of volunteers each week, this farm donates hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh produce annually to local food pantries. I was thrilled to speak with Samantha about their impactful work. Tune in to learn...

In today's episode, I sit down with Norma Norris, the visionary founder of Candle, Inc. (Reality Tour). This remarkable non-profit uses innovative methods to educate both children and adults on the long-term consequences of drug use. Based in Pennsylvania, Candle, Inc. has expanded its reach to several states. Discover more about this impactful program at candleinc.org . Don't miss this eye-openin...

This episode is close to my heart as we dive into the world of disability-inclusive theater with Melissa Smith. She founded Backlight Productions, a theater company showcasing actors with disabilities, and I’m excited to see their shows live! Melissa has also penned her first book, The Great Changeup , to guide interactions with people with disabilities. Pre-order it at friendsoffranklincounty.com...

I had a fantastic chat with Izabel from People Helping People Utah! This organization is transforming women’s lives by preparing them for workforce success. Learn more about their impactful work at phputah.org . Thanks for tuning in!

Today’s podcast features an inspiring chat with Nechami Tenenbaum, CEO of Defiance Beauty. Nechami is making waves in women’s advocacy, and I was thrilled to learn about her impactful work. Discover more about Defiance Beauty at defiancebeauty.com . I hope you enjoy our conversation—thanks for listening!

Today, I chat with the co-founders of OHgo, a non-profit in Ohio that brings essentials and joy directly to communities in need. It was a pleasure speaking with them, and I hope you enjoy our conversation. Discover more about OHgo at ohgoreach.org . Thanks for listening!

Music plays a huge role in my family’s life, and today I explored how neurologic music therapists at Perfect Harmony Health are making a difference daily. Discover their impactful work at perfectharmonyhealth.com . For more on music therapy, check out musictherapy.org and nmtacademy.co . Thanks for listening!

If you love fiction, don’t miss my chat with Harry Whittaker, who completed the last book in the Seven Sisters series for his mom, Lucinda Riley, after her passing. We had an engaging conversation, and I hope you enjoy it! Discover more about Harry’s work at harrywhittaker.co.uk. Thanks for tuning in!

To mark my podcast’s one-year anniversary, I’m thrilled to share my chat with Kimberly Spencer. I met Kimberly at the Behind Her Brand conference and have been inspired by her ever since. She’s passionate about empowering women in business, and our conversation was truly uplifting. Thanks for listening!

What is the standard by which you live your life? Today I talk a little bit about the standard I try (and fail) to live mine by and how I handled a tricky situation this week. I'm also starting something fun a little earlier than planned. Thanks for listening!

I discovered Comeback Coolers through #peoplehelpingpeople, and their work is truly inspiring. This non-profit delivers coolers packed with drinks and essentials to those affected by natural disasters. Their kindness makes a real difference, and I hope our conversation inspires you to support others in your community. You can find out more about how to help at comebackcoolers.org.

Join me for an engaging conversation with author Trisha Fenimore, known for her impactful 60-second sermons on Instagram. We dive into her remarkable journey from former atheist to faith-filled author, her experiences with sobriety, and her time at a Black seminary. Trisha’s insights and stories are both inspiring and entertaining. Don’t miss this episode! Discover more about her and her book Pray...

I've always liked starting something new. Today on the podcast I talk a little bit about the new things going on in my life and encourage you to maybe try something new in your own. Thanks for listening!

I had the honor of chatting with my dear friend, Jana (Ewing) Syvrud, about her inspiring journey. Despite facing deep tragedy and loss, Jana has maintained an unwavering faith and transformed her pain into a beacon of hope for others. Her equine therapy nonprofit, Jake E’s Riding Roundup, offers healing and support to many. Discover more about Jana's incredible work at https://www.jakeesrr.org/....

Today, I had an inspiring conversation with Sheryl Kurland, founder of Find Your Fabulosity. Through her nonprofit, Sheryl collects and distributes lipsticks to domestic violence survivors in shelters nationwide, offering them a touch of beauty and hope. We dive into her journey with FYF and explore ways you can make a difference. Learn more and get involved at findyourfabulosity.org. Don’t miss t...

I have talked often about being thankful, and I'm talking about it again today. I know that life is hard, trust me. I also know that we can all find something to be thankful for. Today I talk about a few things that I am thankful for today. I hope it inspires you to do the same. Thanks for listening!