Pivotal People

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Laurel Appel returns to the Pivotal People podcast to share her inspiring journey of writing her latest book, "Fortify Your Faith." Laurel dives into overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing the transformative power of grace, and using her personal experiences to craft relatable lessons for readers.  Listeners will...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! David Dingess joins us for an enlightening conversation about his journey into self-publishing and the publication of many books. In his latest book, "Six Hours with the Savior," he writes about the significance of Jesus' final hours with His disciples, David also shares his experiences navigating the world of...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Welcome Laura Smith to the podcast, with her 14th book, "The Urgency of Slowing Down: Bibilical Wisdom for Everyday Renewal."--coming Dec. 3rd, 2024.  This is Laura's third episode with us--she is a prolific writer of really beautiful books. And this is a book all of us need! Instead of adding new habits to ou...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Listen to a fascinating and inspiring story from national speaker and author, Jay Lowder. His Crossroads assembly program for students has been presented to over 2 million students and he has participated in over 450 conferences across the country. He's authentic, humble, and an inspiring follower of Jesus. I thoroughly...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Meet Susan Binkley, the author of "From My Front Row Seat: A Collection of Stories from My Time Working Alongside Women in Recovery." For the past two decades, Susan Binkley has been faithfully working to restore the lives of women and their children who have suffered from trauma, addiction, and abuse. In the mid-9...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Discover the secrets to becoming a master closer with Bob King, renowned author and sales expert.  Bob shares insights from his new book, "The Joy of Closing: The Definitive Guide to Building Trust, Getting the Deal, and Creating Happy Customers." Tune in as we unpack the art of closing sales with integrity, delve...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Meet Katherine Hall of North Point Ministries, as we discuss her ministry and her new project, EverydayScripture.org. It's a fabulous resource to help make the Bible understandable and practical in our everyday lives. She is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and her insights into scripture are not just academic;...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! What if you could avoid burnout and discover a profound sense of joy? Don't we all want that?  Join us as we sit down with Debra Fileta, a licensed professional counselor and author of "Soul Care: Find Life-Giving Rhythms, Live Restored, Avoid Burnout, and Discover Unspeakable Joy." Debra shares her insights i...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Meet Silvia Ledon, an award-winning author, teacher, speaker, and worship leader, who shares her remarkable journey from Quito, Ecuador, to discovering her spiritual awakening at just 17.  Silvia reveals the profound solace she found in nature during a time when her family faced significant health challenges, an experience t...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of Home Depot, is one of the most humble and generous people you'll ever meet. What a privilege to speak with him and have him share his life lessons with all of us. Frank led Home Depot out of a downturn into seven years of growth with his people-first approach. Frank shares interes...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Welcome back Sherry Hoppen, as she shares her ongoing journey in "Sober Cycle: Pedaling Through Recovery One Day at a Time." Sherry shares her story about her past experience with experiencing and eventually overcoming alcohol addiction. Her honest memoir helps everyone understand the challenges of dealing with add...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Have you ever witnessed the sheer resilience of a mother caring for a child with disabilities? Jessica Patay, the founder of We Are Brave Together and author of the new book, "Becoming Brave Together" joins us for a second episode. Jessica's life is a testament to the power of community and the strength found...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Ever wondered how a love for coupons could blossom into a wildly popular website with millions of loyal fans? Laurie Hise, the savvy CEO behind passionatepennypincher.com, joins us to share her remarkable transformation from a modest coupon blogger into a business leader who helps millions of people save money every day. I m...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Author  Clare McCallan shares her vision of nurturing the creative side of any reader with her latest book, "Courage to Create: Unleashing Your Artistic Gifts for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness." She believes we all hold the potential to craft masterpieces that celebrate the divine.  She started an artists' commu...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Get to know Ricky Dickson,  former president and CEO of Blue Bell Creameries--the best ice cream ever!  We discuss his new book "One Scoop at a Time: Stories and Lessons from Fear to Faith," blending professional wisdom with personal faith.  Ricky shares how he maintained peace amidst major business challenges, and...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Have you ever felt disillusioned by the church, grappling with your scars in search of hope? Aimee Byrd, acclaimed author and speaker, joins us to discuss her  journey through faith, as detailed in her latest book "The Hope in Our Scars." She addresses church disillusionment, especially prevalent among youth, while...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Meet Janis Milham, my favorite former boss and this week's guest on Pivotal People. Janis has had a brilliant 30+ year career as a Senior Vice President with Marriott International. She is known for helping people develop in their careers and lives by taking the time to really understand who they are, and helping them u...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Definition of "Moxie": Force of character, determination or nerve. "When you've got moxie, you need the clothes to match." Synonyms: energy, pep, determination, courage, know-how, fortitude, savvy, skills, strength of mind, guts, fearlessness, heart, gumption.** We could all use a little more moxie!...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Have you ever felt the sting of spiritual hurt or the soothing balm of healing within the walls of a church? Joining us today is Ryan George, whose book "Hurt and Healed by the Church" chronicles a tumultuous yet hopeful journey through faith, pain, and redemption. In this episode Ryan shares how to  redefine the e...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Tim and Kathy Bush join us to share their 42-year marriage odyssey, a poignant testimony to resilience and faith's restorative power. Their candid revelations about early trials—a surprise pregnancy, youthful vows, and a long search for happiness—paint a starkly honest picture of marriage. Listen as they discuss Tim&apo...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Join me in my conversation with Kim Stuart, author of "Star for Jesus and Other Jobs I Quit: Rediscovering the Grace That Sets Us Free."   Kim is an author of nine bestselling books, a speaker, writing coach, and a podcast host of "For Real" and "The Writing Room" that she co-hosts with New York...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! In this episode I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Kevin Williams, Chick-fil-A franchisee and author of "Irrational Kindness: The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life." Kevin isn't just about smiles and holding doors open; he's on a mission to show the world how transformative and profound kind...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Listen in on our third conversation with Amanda Ferrin, my favorite ambassador of hope and a walking miracle. In this episode she shares her journey of starting her "Miracle Story" movement, writing a book and launching her new podcast. Amanda speaks to the very heart of what it means to live  a legacy that defies...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! Have you ever been caught up in the deceptive charm of a toxic relationship, unable to pinpoint the moment when admiration turned into manipulation? Stephanie Quayle, a celebrated Nashville recording artist and author, discusses the complex ties that bind us to unhealthy love. Her collaboration with Dr. Keith Campbell in the...

Let us know what you think about this episode and share it with a friend! When life handed Katherine Wolf the unimaginable—a massive stroke that she wasn't expected to survive—she forged a path of hope and resilience that inspires and encourages everyone. As 26-year old newlyweds with a six-month old son, Katherine and Jay demonstrate what a beautiful marriage looks like. Join us as we discus...