The Ordinary Brave with Kelly McCorkle Parkison

Home is more than four walls—it's a place where families can build a future. I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Kasey McCarty, Director of Development for Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, to talk about the incredible impact Habitat is making across our region. First off, she is delightful to chat with but, we discussed how homeownership changes lives, the importance of communi...

Twenty years of marriage. ❤️ While celebrating our 20th anniversary in the Dominican Republic, my husband and I sat down to have an honest conversation about what we've learned over two decades together. Marriage isn't about perfection…it's about choosing each other through every season. We've experienced joy, challenges, growth, and countless lessons along the way, and we're sharing some of the t...

In this episode, we sit down with Cookeville City Councilman Ali Bagci to hear the story behind his life of service…From his military background to his decision to serve the people of Cookeville on city council. We also talk about his family’s unique connection to Star Wars. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership often begins with a heart to serve others. 🎙️ Listen now. Like. Sha...

In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Bucher again, the interim director of Hope Adoption Agency, to talk about the heart behind adoption, serving birth moms and families, and the real needs facing adoptive families today. We also discuss practical ways our community can step in to support—whether through prayer, resources, encouragement, advocacy, or simply showing up for families walking th...

Their journey to becoming a family stretched across countries, oceans, paperwork, waiting, prayers, and hope. In this week’s podcast, Elizabeth Bucher shares the story of traveling to South Korea to bring their son home. It’s a story about love, faith, and the incredible reality that family is built by far more than geography. ❤️ 🎧 Listen now. Like. Share. Follow #theordinarybrave #podcast #adopt...

No parent should ever have to walk through the loss of a child. In this powerful episode, Candi Sparks shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter, Grace Ann, to coercive suicide connected to online manipulation. But through unimaginable grief, Candi chose to fight for awareness, for parents, and for change. We also discuss the legislation passed in Grace Ann’s honor and why every family...

What happens after you leave? That’s the question we explore in Part 2 of Alaina’s story. Leaving a cult wasn’t just a moment—it was a painful journey of untangling lies, rebuilding identity, and learning what real freedom looks like. This episode is honest, emotional, and deeply hopeful. 🎙️ Listen now. Like, share and follow! #faithfamilycommunity #theordinarybrave #podcast #spiritualfreedom

She spent years trapped in a cult built on fear, control, and deception. But everything began to change when she encountered something simple… a statement of faith at a classical Christian school. What started as curiosity became a journey toward truth, healing, and freedom in Christ. This part 1 or 2 episodes is powerful, emotional, and full of hope for anyone searching for truth or walking throu...

In this episode we’re going to be mixing it up a little. Rather than me interviewing someone I’m going to be the interviewee! Remember to like and follow and share this episode of the ordinary Brave if you enjoyed! #faithfamilycommunity #theordinarybrave #parkisonadventures

What does election integrity really look like at the local level? In this episode, we sit down with Michael Detwiler, Chairman of the Putnam County Election Commission, to talk about how elections are conducted right here in our community. From early voting to ballot counting, we discuss the processes, safeguards, and transparency measures that help ensure every vote is handled with accuracy and c...

What happens when a personal challenge becomes a powerful purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Hof, who shares her inspiring journey of being deaf and how it led her to create a vision much bigger than herself-Unique Cookeville. Rachel’s heart is to bring together individuals with special needs, families, and caregivers into one place for resources, support, connection, and community....

In this episode, we sit down with Beth Herren from Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic to talk about something that impacts students, families, and our entire community-sexual risk avoidance education in schools. What are students really being taught?
How does this approach equip young people to make healthy, informed decisions?
And why does it matter for their future? Beth shares insight into the curricu...

In this episode, we sit down with a passionate leader, Kerri Apple, from YoungLives right here in Cookeville who is making a powerful impact in the lives of young moms, dads, and their children. Through faith, mentorship, and unconditional love, this ministry is meeting girls exactly where they are, and walking with them toward hope, and a deeper relationship with Christ. 💛 This conversation is a...

We’re joined by Matt Bragga, head baseball coach at Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles baseball, for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to live a Godly life-both on and off the field. Coach Bragga shares wisdom from the dugout and beyond, reminding us that character, faith, and integrity matter just as much as wins and losses. ⚾️🙏 Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, or simply stri...

https://ucfostercloset.org/ There are heroes in our community who don’t wear capes, but they show up with clothes, essentials, and open hearts for children in need. ❤️ This week on the podcast, we’re shining a light on an incredible ministry right here in Cookeville-the Upper Cumberland Foster Closet, and its Director, Autumn Weitzel. They’re serving foster families in some of their most urgent mo...

What happens when a pastor’s child walks away from God? In this episode, a pastor and his wife open up about the pain, the questions, and the prayers that come with loving a prodigal child. Nothing about this is easy—but there is still hope. You don’t want to miss this one. #FaithJourney #ProdigalSon #RealTalk #Podcast

There is still hope for prodigals. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the story of a father who never stopped watching the road for his son to come home. In this episode, we talk with a pastor and his wife who are living that story right now-loving their adult child who has made some poor choices and questioning her faith. Their message is simple:
Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop loving. Don’t lose...

What does it really look like to raise a child with spina bifida? In this episode of The Ordinary Brave, a special-needs mom opens up about the realities of parenting a teenager with disabilities - the hard days, the sacred moments, and the unexpected blessings along the way. Her story is a powerful reminder that while the road may be different, it is filled with purpose, growth, and joy. If you a...

Robert Bortins, the CEO of Classical Conversations and I continue our conversation on his new book, Woke and Weaponized. We also tackle the Left’s claims about the separation of church and state - unpacking the history, the misunderstandings, and why faith was never meant to be excluded from public life. Please continue to like and share my podcast. #theordinarybrave #podcast #classicalconversatio...

In this part 1 series, Robert Bortins, founder and CEO of Classical Conversations, joins me for a powerful conversation on faith, freedom, and education. We dive into his book Woke and Weaponized, the rise of ideological activism in schools, and why homeschooling has become a refuge for families seeking truth and academic alternatives. We also tackle the Left’s claims about the separation of churc...

In this deeply personal episode, I share a story I never imagined I would have to live, the murder of my best friend, and the painful road that led me to forgive the person who took her life.

In this episode, I sit down with a local P.E. teacher whose life took an unexpected turn after a fluke weightlifting accident led to a shocking discovery: a brain tumor. What began as a routine workout became the moment that altered everything. Caleb Reese and his wife Brittany share the journey from diagnosis to uncertainty, the fear and faith that followed, and how God met him in the middle of t...

In this episode, I sit down with Highlands Insider, Clarissa Williams, who paid a high price for telling the truth. After standing firmly for her beliefs, she lost her job- but she didn’t lose her calling. Today, she’s starting a new conservative newspaper right here in our town, determined to restore integrity, balance, and trust to local media. This is a raw conversation about conviction, sacrif...

In this second part of our conversation, we continue the story of a woman who endured unimaginable loss on the mission field in Cameroon. After fleeing for her life and her family’s safety, she shares how God brought healing to her heart and her family, guiding them through the long and difficult process of restoration. She also opens up about how God brought a wonderful, godly husband into her li...

In part one of a deeply moving two-part conversation, I sit down with a courageous woman, Stephanie Wesco Deason, whose life took an unimaginable turn in Cameroon. After uprooting her entire family to serve on the mission field, tragedy struck just days later when her husband was killed in front of her and one of their children. This episode is an authentic, honest look at faith, survival, and the...