Relevate Podcast

The call to serve in missions was written early on Kathy Stewart's heart.  Her and husband, Jim, would eventually serve in Nairobi, Kenya, where her son, Griffin was born.  The family eventually returned to the U.S. but Africa would always remain in their hearts, specifically the people of Tanzania. Learn the generational impact of one family's call to servant leadership and how Griffin, now a fat...

"I am watching my 19-year-old girl change the world and bring people to Jesus from heaven..." - Cathy Semeria Even though she's no longer here on earth, Christina "Tini" Semeria continues to be a spark in the dark.  In this episode, her mother Cathy shares more about her talented and faith-filled daughter, the tragic accident that claimed her girl's life along with three of Tini's best friends, an...

"Most people want to make a difference but don't know how. Be Rich makes it simple." - Bryan Apinis Be Rich is a yearly "go do" initiative of North Point Ministries in metro Atlanta that is now having a tremendous impact on non-profit organizations and people around the world.  Learn more about what it truly means to "Be Rich", how it all began and what happens when we unite to give, serve and lov...

When it comes to parenting in a pandemic, "Patience is the name of the game," advises Kimberly Scales of Investing in Lives.  Known as "The Teen Whisperer" by some of her clients, Kimberly shares what she's learned by mentoring and loving on countless teens and emerging adults and how we can better handle the challenge of parenting in a pandemic and beyond. Please subscribe, listen and share this...

"When we get still, we meet the deepest part of who we are." - Vikki Fraker Where is God, we wonder, especially when times are tough?  Like now, in the midst of what is seemingly the never-ending Covid-19 pandemic.  Life coach Vikki Fraker of Revival 356 shines the light and walks us through the mysteries of faith.  She is here to remind us that rarely do we seek and find God in those mountaintop...

Loving someone who struggles with addiction is never an easy path to take, especially when that someone is your child. Listen to learn from the dynamic mother/son duo of Amy and Alec and the life lessons learned and love shared along the way.  And the hope that somehow still survives.   To learn more about the Alec Davis Foundation:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/269814107506000   To learn more...

The impact of addiction is devastating our families and our communities.  Learn the story of Catherine Rosborough and Bill Whitney, both in long-term recovery and now a married couple, and how they eventually found hope, healing and meaning in their lives. The two are both champions in the recovery movement where they live, in Forsyth County Georgia (a suburb of Atlanta). Catherine is the founder...

The call to serve as missionaries in a remote village of Tanzania took both Dave and Mary Ann Taylor by surprise.  Learn more about this couple's hope-filled journey and the gifts that have unfolded as a result of their faithfulness. You'll also have a chance to learn more about UboraTZ, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the once severely impoverished community of Karansi near Mt. Kil...

Pastor Tim Price shares his story of brokenness, redemption and overcoming addiction in this episode of the Relevate Podcast. From a place of humbleness and abundant faith, Tim leads his people with heart and transparency at the newly established Free Chapel Cumming just north of Atlanta.  As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, Pastor Tim encourages us it is now time to "hit refresh and resto...

"You can choose to be an overcomer or chose to be overcome."                         - Judge Kathryn Schrader At the moment of Kathryn's birth, forceps were needed to complete the delivery from her mother's womb—the procedure subsequently and permanently damaged her tiny facial nerve. Differentiated since birth, life for Kathy McCart Schrader has at times been challenging. Rather than hold her bac...

Leadership expert Dan Frey is here to coach us through quarantine/COVID-19 with some advice for leading well during these uncertain times. Receive valuable coaching tips as shared by Dan, including--how leadership is influence, why skills break down under pressure and how fear is the opposite of humility--in this jam packed session. To learn more about Dan and GiANT Worldwide, visit:  www.giantwor...

In this hope-filled episode, learn how Jen Hidinger-Kendrick turned heartbreak into hope after her husband, Ryan, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer.  Jen and Ryan-along with a legion of friends, loved ones and leaders from the Atlanta restaurant community-united to bring one of Atlanta's most innovative restaurant concepts to life, Staplehouse, along with its nonprofit sister organization, Giving...

Change has been the name of the game as many of us have been forced to adapt to a new way of life during this time of Corona Quarantine. Here to help us better navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of online communication is Erik Hawkinson, a global communications consultant. Erik is a true professional when it comes to the virtual workplace and has mastered the art of working remotely. Listen...

The thistle is classified as both a flower and weed. It's beautiful, wild and strong and grows in even the most barren and desolate of places. It's also the name of the non-profit organization founded by Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms in Nashville.  Hear Becca's story and the message of Loves Heals in this episode of the Relevate Podcast. You'll also learn more about the compelling and beautiful sto...

The depth of our character is tested when we go through difficult times. Katherine Wolf survived a catastrophic stroke at the age of 26, and along with her husband, Jay, they have since dedicated their lives to using their story of hope and love to inspire others facing similar challenges.   Katherine and Rena talk about the couple's latest book, "Suffer Strong" on this hope and joy-filled episode...

Be inspired by the mother/daughter duo of Berni Leonard and Jacque Hansard, who use their professional platform as hair stylists to lift up and serve others.  Beyond the magic they create in the salon they co-own, Berni Inc. , Berni and Jacque shine as philanthropists and fundraisers and are dedicated to lifting up the beauty profession through leadership coaching and training. Connect with Berni...

America's Top Dog is a new TV show on A&E showcasing the brilliant capabilities of K9 and civilian service dogs and the bond that exist between the dogs and their handlers. The Alpharetta (Georgia) PD has a team in the competition, Sergeant Mark Tappan and his beautiful and fearless K9 partner, Mattis, who are strong favorites to win it all and the official title of "America's Top Dog".   Listen i...

The practice of yoga is a mystery for many people. In today's episode, we dive deep with yoga rock star instructor Carrie O. (Carrie Taylor) to talk about the many health benefits of yoga. Originally from Canada, Carrie has spent her life working in the health and fitness profession as a personal trainer, massage therapist and professional bodybuilder. She is here to share a word of encouragement...

A must-listen for parents, Dr. Jeannine Jannot provides practical and valuable advice for anyone with school-age children.  A parent and student coach and author of a fantastic new book, Dr. Jannot shares what parents need to be aware of when their super smart student begins falling apart. Other topics discussed: - Learn what a rigor tipping point is - 3S's - Sleep, Screens and Stress and how your...

Listen to this powerful episode and learn how one woman turned her own journey of having a child with addiction and unthinkable loss into what would become a lifeline for others.  Carolyn Bradfield shares her and Laura's story on this episode of the Relevate Podcast.   If you've ever loved someone with addiction or fear that is the direction they may be headed, Carolyn shares from her own experien...

Switching it up for this episode, your host, Rena Olsen, is here to share some thoughts on the holiday season.  May you pause, listen and be inspired!   Please subscribe to the Relevate Podcast and share this episode.  We are thankful for your support and encouraged by those who are listening.   To learn more, please visit:  rena-olsen.com Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

For many of us, the holidays and stress go hand-in-hand. Listen in to this live recorded conversation, led by Jo Abney at The Connection (an addiction recovery support center in Forsyth County, Georgia) to learn practical tips on how to have more joy, and less stress, this holiday season!  A practical and helpful listen for those in recovery--or not--who are simply looking to find more joy this Ch...

"What's love got to do with it?" Tina Turner sang about IT with not much hope.  My guest, Sarah Crossman Sullivan, an attorney and counselor, sings a much different tune...Love has everything to do with IT. Don't miss this powerful and hopeful episode where we dig in to talk about all the ways love can transform your life and deeply impact those around you...family, co-workers, friends or total st...

Once reckless, hopeless and addicted, Dusty Labossiere reclaimed his life. Hear his difficult yet hopeful story on this episode of the Relevate Podcast.  Now a husband, father and successful real estate agent, Dusty's life serves as an inspiration to many. Please share with those who are still struggling with addiction or have been impacted by suicide or overdose and let them know...recovery is po...

It's amazing to me the impact that one person can have on the world. Such is the case with Janine Maxwell, and her husband Ian, and the call on their lives to care for the least of these in Eswatini, Africa (formerly Swaziland). The two are parents to two biological children and 252 once orphaned and abandoned children.  In her words, "We love these children back to life."  In this episode, learn...