Relevate Podcast

In this very special episode of Relevate, you'll hear from our host, Rena Olsen, with the exciting news of a project she's been working on to help connect people with purpose! Don't miss Rena's big news and the chance to be among the first to get the full scoop on Uncommon Philanthropist. Please search for her new podcast, Uncommon Philanthropist, and remember to subscribe and share. To learn more...

It takes the strength of a warrior to overcome all that Adam Cherney has endured during his young life...a devastating fall, multiple surgeries followed by complications, and a rare disease eventually landed him in a wheelchair.  His recovery and mission to live a life full of purpose and adventure is now reaching new heights through his new nonprofit, cherneysjourneys.  Listen to Adam's faith-fil...

Mark Goodman is an expert on forgiveness.  Lord knows we all need coaching on this subject!  Mark has written a new book about his journey from abuse survivor to forgiveness advocate in, "Forgiving a Good Man". You'll learn from Mark that freedom awaits for those who choose the sometimes difficult yet intentional act of forgiveness. Who do you know that needs to hear this episode?  Please share! T...

Breakthrough often requires a radical approach, especially when it comes to adolescents who are struggling with mental health and other challenges. My friend, Dr. Weston Robins, a psychologist, is leading the charge through "radical youth work" for teens and young people through his organization, Eternal Strength. Dr. Wes is here today on the Relevate Podcast to share more about his highly effecti...

The call on my heart to serve in Africa came later in life through my work as a communications consultant for the nonprofit Ubora Tanzania. Ubora (a Swahili word for excellence) serves a rural village in the valley of Mount Kilimanjaro and has for over 20 years now.  In this hope-filled episode, you'll learn more about the beautiful land of Tanzania and her people and the work of Ubora! I also sha...

"The more we have accepting and adventurous eaters, the more that people are accepting and open to different cultures and different people--that adds to progress in the world." - Skye Estroff Atlanta food celeb and social media expert Skye Estroff and Rena Olsen, the host of Relevate, are both serious food aficionados.  The two chat about the Atlanta food scene and wax poetic about the many ways f...

"A lot of people I see fail (in recovery) is because they are unwilling to do the simple disciplines that are required." - Kirk Driskell, Founder-Vision Warriors Church Freedom from drugs and alcohol is not easy, but possible--it takes the heart and discipline of a warrior, according to Kirk Driskell.  Listen to Kirk's journey to 10,000 days of recovery and the hard truths he's learned along the w...

This episode contains sensitive information on the topic of suicide.  If you or a loved are facing a mental health crisis, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  800-273-8255. Heather Palacios has struggled to live since she was 8-years-old.  Today she has become an impassioned advocate to choose life over suicide, a path she continues to walk out every day.   During the pandemic when s...

Sunshine and storms often follow one another as we make our way through life on Earth.  For Jason Clawson, the storms hit early and suddenly, as his wife was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer.  Listen to his powerful yet hopeful story and the unexpected gift that helped him find new life and purpose again--and eventually the chance to give sunshine to others. To learn more about Jason and his G...

There is, perhaps, no greater mystery than love!  Author Kim Sorrelle walks us through what love is and what love is not, as instructed by Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.   Kim is the author of the new book, Love Is:  A Yearlong Experiment of Living out 1 Corinthians 13 Love.  While many of us may have said these very words when we got married, chances are the full meaning of the "life i...

"It's my story for God's glory." - Nakia Cole Unresolved childhood trauma, though rarely visible, is often still there, lurking in the shadows and darkness.   Rather than hide it, my friend, Nakia Cole, has written a book on her difficult yet ultimately hopeful story, in hopes of inspiring others who've walked a similar path. Warning, this episode contains content that is not appropriate for child...

Devastating illness can define us.  Lara MacGregor first found out she had breast cancer when she was 30 years old and 7 months pregnant and the unthinkable--chemo and pregnancy--had to cooccur.  Her and her son both survived.  15 years later and multiple occurrences of the disease, there's a lot we can all learn from Lara's story.  Rather than being overtaken by it all, Lara instead chooses to st...

The joy that exudes from Tiffany Huff-Strothers is palpable.  To meet her, you would never suspect a back story of hopelessness and domestic abuse that nearly took her life.  Listen to learn how this amazing woman learned not only to survive, but thrive. To learn more about Tiffany:   https://tiffanyhuffexperience.com To learn more about Rena, the host of the Relevate Podcast:   https://rena-olsen...

"We are called to get engaged in our communities..." Dr. Ann Price  An important and timely conversation with Dr. Ann Price, a community psychologist and founder of Community Evaluation Solutions about our role in getting involved in helping solve complex societal issues and working toward improving our communities and our world.  Rena and Ann talk about root causes, racial reconciliation, the imp...

It was a day like any other for Kayla Bergeron when she went to work in the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.  Hear her story of surviving that harrowing day and the trauma she still carries.  And how a second DUI arrest ultimately became her lifeline. To learn more about Kayla, simply Google "Kayla Bergeron, 9/11 survivor". Should you have resources, connections or other wa...

Dogs...they really are man's (or woman's) best friend.   This episode is for the dog people of the world or those who might be considering the addition of a canine kid to the family.  Beth Bruchmann of Chattahoochee Kennels shares more about the Goldendoodle breed, tips for puppy training and what you should look for when choosing a breeder.   Please subscribe to the Relevate Podcast for more upbe...

"God placed inside of me a warrior, but I was also scared." - Teemaree To see the confident, beautiful and radiant Teemaree, one could easily assume "charmed life". But looks can be deceiving.  Listen and be inspired as leadership coach and author Teemaree shares her personal story of heartbreak to triumph.  And how she's discovered joy and resilience through transformation.  You'll also receive v...

"If people have that desire to do something good in the world, they should go out and chase it." - Megan Kitt, founder of Tuli Jewelry Something as simple as fashion jewelry has the ability to impact the world for good.  Listen to learn the inspirational story of Megan Kitt and the company she founded, Tuli.  Tuli is a jewelry company that provides women in East Africa with meaningful work and sus...

Listen and learn what happens when love of neighbor is lived out fully with Will Acuff and Shana Berkeley from the Nashville nonprofit Corner to Corner.  A hope-filled and inspiring conversation about pursuing God-sized dreams and the fantastic work of Corner to Corner. To learn more about Corner to Corner:  https://cornertocorner.org To learn more about Rena Olsen, the host of the Relevate Podcas...

"When you're called into a new role, your job is not to be the person that was there before...don't be them, that's not your job." - Tyler Reagin There will all be times in our life we were are called to step up and lead something.  Leadership expert Tyler Reagin sits down with Rena to talk about what it means to lead well and share tips from his new book, "Leading Things You Didn't Start".  Tyler...

Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia are difficult to understand and manage, dramatically impacting both patients and their caregivers.  Lisa Skinner, a behavioral expert in dementia and other brain diseases, provides helpful information for families impact by the disease.  She also offers ways we all can protect our own brain health. Lisa Skinner is the author of Not All Who Wander Nee...

The call to serve is written on each and every person's heart.  But often we get stuck, afraid or unwilling to reach for that higher calling in our lives. In this episode Dave Burgess, an engineer with a degree from Georgia Tech, shares his story of how he moved on from a place of comfort as an engineer to assuming a leadership role of the nonprofit, UboraTZ, that serves a community of people livi...

"Wherever you are is fine...what isn't fine is staying there." - Chris Widener Here's to a new year, fresh starts and believing that better days are ahead! To kick off this season of the Relevate Podcast, motivational speaker Chris Widener is here to help us 'reset' and move forward with thoughtful advice on how to pursue  a life of success, filled with meaning. To connect with Chris:  https://chr...

While this year's COVID-19 pandemic has threatened our physical health, it has also deeply impacted our mental health.  Rev. Stephen Walters of the Summit Counseling Center in metro Atlanta shares his thoughts on coping through Covid, dealing with anxiety, and other ways we can seek to preserve our mental health during the pandemic. To connect with Stephen or other counselors at Summit Health:  su...

It's easy to get comfortable with where we are in life, to take a 'pass' on new opportunities that don't seem to make sense at the time.  In this episode of the Relevate Podcast, veteran journalist Jaye Watson shares her journey of leaving the job she loved in television news to forge a new path in healthcare journalism.  And in so doing, she found new purpose and meaning in life.   Don't miss the...