The Fresh Start Podcast

Can faith and full LGBTQ+ inclusion coexist? Pastor Stan Mitchell believes they can—and his own journey may challenge the way you think about Scripture, church, and belonging. This week, Stan shares the story of how he led his church to become fully inclusive. Together, we explore what happens when we examine this issue through fresh eyes, why religion has often created insiders and outsiders, and...

June is Pride Month, and we love celebrating alongside our LGBTQ+ friends. In this week’s episode, we share how each of us became fully affirming Christians and why celebrating Pride matters so deeply to us. If you’re a Christian living in the tension between what your heart hopes is true and what you’ve been taught your faith requires you to believe, we think this conversation will resonate with...

We all know the command to “love your neighbor,” but what does that actually look like in everyday life? This week, we’re joined by Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen, authors of the beautiful book Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community . Their insights are thoughtful, inspiring, and so needed right now. We think you’re going to love this conversatio...

Are you tired of the extreme narratives in politics these days? Then you will love our guest this week! We had a wonderful chat with Lauren Pinkston, who is running for Governor of Tennessee. I think you'll enjoy hearing her ideas about how to find some common ground in politics, whether you live in Tennessee or anywhere else in America. We hope you'll check out Lauren's website and...

Have you heard of Lymphedema? You're not alone! We hadn't either. But Lymphedema effects an estimated 140 to 250 million people worldwide, with almost 10 million in the US alone. It's a chronic condition often caused by cancer treatments or parasitic infections and our guest today, not only lives with Lymphedema but has important information we all need to know about this condition....

This week we welcome the multi-talented JP Williams to the podcast. We talk about the importance of life coaching, a little bit about the process of songwriting, and how you know when it's time to PIVOT! You'll love this conversation! ABOUT JP: JP Williams is a hit songwriter, performer, executive coach and motivational speaker who happens to be completely blind. Having lost his vision a...

It's time for February Hot Topics! Guests Staci Frenes and Amie Pronk join Marcia to discuss everything from the ICE invasion of Minneapolis, the Superbowl Halftime Shows, The Epstein Files and even the most talked about show, "Heated Rivalry". Join us as we break it all down! ------ The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset! Ho...

We have a very special episode this week. Our friend, musician and author, Marcus Royce took some time to join us from his home city in Minneapolis to share his experiences there over the last few weeks as ICE has invaded their city.  Are you wondering what you can do in this polarized climate to make a difference?  We think you’ll be moved and inspired by this hope-filled episode.  ----- About Ma...

Do you have a love/hate relationship with exercise? (Or maybe even a hate/hate relationship?) Then this episode is for you! Our guest this week is Annie Mosher. She's a personal trainer and holistic healer that will help you think differently about how to take care of your body. Get ready to be inspired! OUR GUEST: Annie Mosher is a trauma-informed bodywork specialist and Drug and Alcohol Cou...

We start the year with a fun chat with our friend Melissa Jackson who always brings some fresh perspective on current events. Join us as we kick off the new year with some New Year's Hot Topics and some fun "yays or nays!" Monk Walk For Peace Live Map: https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/live-map/ Email us at : freshstartpod2025@gmail.com Thank you for listening! Please like, su...

We had so much fun taping this episode! If you need some giggles, along with some great information about getting through the holidays, be sure and tune in today for this conversation. (.. and yes, "forks" is exactly what you think it is! Ha!) Stacey and Amie really brought some great insight on holiday self-care, and lord knows we all need some of that! Also, make sure you don't mi...

In this energizing Fresh Start conversation, U.S. Marine Officer and award-winning author Olaolu Ogunyemi shares how lessons from the military, parenting, and his bestselling book Crow From the Shadow have shaped his mission to empower the next generation. Through stories of discipline, resilience, and service, Olaolu invites us to reimagine leadership as an act of humility and renewal—one that be...

In this insightful Fresh Start conversation, Dr. Barbara Ahlquists , a certified transformative life coach and Level 3 Internal Family Systems practitioner, explores what it means to live an integrated, authentic life. Through her story of resilience, healing, and alignment, Barbara invites us to see that transformation begins by turning inward—releasing old patterns and choosing life-giving ways...

We kick off November with a Hot Topics episode! We are joined by our girl, Melissa Jackson. We cover a LOT, from the shutdown and its effects on the country, the recent elections , the ACA issues, and SNAP. Plus, I throw some unexpected "Yays or Nays" at Stacey and Melissa... join us for an informative but fun conversation! --Marcia  The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be...

We have a special bonus episode this month featuring two breast cancer survivors who are using their experience and their hearts to help other women and families going through breast cancer. We are thrilled to close out October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness month with this wonderful interview. You'll be moved by their stories and inspired as well. Welcome Lyn Haddad and Jehan Corbin to Th...

Are you struggling with seeing so many people embrace Christian Nationalism? What does the Bible say about how to move and act as Christians in today's society? Should politics be preached from the pulpit? Today we dig deep with Pastor Josh Scott about all that and more! Join us! ABOUT OUR GUEST: Josh Scott is the Lead Pastor of GracePointe Church in Nashville and the author of Parables: Putt...

What do you do when it seems everything in your life is unraveling? We've all had those "Now what?" moments in life. Author DK Kang experienced this with his wife's health crisis and the loss of his job at the same time. He has taken the tools he used to get through this difficult time and written a wonderful book to encourage anyone else who finds themselves needing a fresh st...

We are back from our summer break and coming in hot with some HOT TOPICS! So much is going on in the world right now and there is no one we’d rather discuss it all with than our friend, Melissa Jackson. Join us today as we discuss the rapture, Charlie Kirk, Tylenol, the trend of disbelief in science and more. OUR GUEST: Melissa Jackson is a strategic marketing manager, brand developer, and website...

If you're a corporate woman feeling stuck in your career, this episode is for you. Our guest today, Rosie Zilinskas, a 30-year corporate veteran, is here to reveal powerful principles to help you unlock your leadership potential and advance in your career. Rosie's mission is clear: eradicate the gender gap by empowering women in their careers. ABOUT ROSIE: Rosie Zilinskas is a Certified...

If you have been wondering how so many evangelicals have embraced Donald Trump as their leader, this episode is for you!   In this episode we are pleased to introduce Amy Hawk, author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betrayed Jesus for Power . We discuss her current and future view of the evangelical church, the intersection of religion and politics, and how authentic spirituality sometimes l...

Today, we’re honored to welcome Tina Mitchell Wilkins—a celebrated Texas-based performer, acclaimed songwriter, and the inspiring force behind the Spirit is Ageless global movement. Tina is not only a dynamic artist. Join us as we learn more about her journey of music, personal growth, and the power of ageless spirit. About Tina: Tina Mitchell Wilkins is a soulful performer, writer, and creative f...

What do you do after a betrayal? How do you regain your trust? This week, we continue our conversation with Lauren Cibene, author of "Tiger in a Lifeboat: Discovering India, Deconstructing Faith, and Deciding to Trust Again" This story tracks Lauren's external journey through India as a backdrop to her internal journey through faith deconstruction, trauma healing, and relearning how...

This week we talk with author, Lauren Cibene about her new book and debut memoir, Tiger in a Lifeboat: Discovering India, Deconstructing Faith, and Deciding to Trust Again. This story tracks Lauren's external journey through India as a backdrop to her internal journey through faith deconstruction, trauma healing, and relearning how to build trust in a broken world. About Lauren: Equal parts d...

Welcome to today’s episode! We’re honored to have Jodi Rose Gonzales of Jodi Rose Studio and the irose podcast joining us for an inspiring conversation. Together, we’ll explore how the Hero’s Journey and neuroscience intersect to help us access our own inner wisdom and make powerful fresh starts in life. Jodi will share how our repeated thoughts create neural pathways, how art-based mindfulness ca...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re excited to sit down with Corinne Auman, founder of Choice Care Navigators and author of the groundbreaking book Keenagers: Telling A New Story About Aging. Corinne is a trailblazer in the field of aging, passionate about redefining how we see and experience older adulthood. She believes aging is not a period of decline, but an opportunity for growth, resilie...