Up from the Muck Podcast

She expected the hard parts of new motherhood. She did not expect to try to stand up after delivery and realize she could not walk. Erin Simpson joins us to tell the story that begins on August 21, 2021, when a complicated labor, multiple anesthetics, and a C-section lead to a shocking postpartum injury and a long season of unknowns. Before doctors confirm sciatic nerve damage, she is treated unde...

The distance between West Monroe, Louisiana and Guatemala may be measured in miles, but for Abby Wood and her teenage son Gavin, that gap closed into something far more meaningful during their recent mission trip. What began fifteen years ago with a simple $43 monthly commitment to sponsor a child has blossomed into relationships that transcend borders, languages, and cultural differences. When th...

Joanna Herman shares her journey through divorce after seven years of marriage and how she discovered that her circumstances don't define who she is in God's eyes. • Facing fears of financial insecurity, loneliness, and judgment as a worship leader going through divorce • Battling shame and the feeling that divorce "wasn't supposed to happen" to her despite doing things &q...

Laura Womack shares her powerful journey through postpartum depression following the birth of her second child. After struggling silently for two years while putting on a brave face for others, she found healing through an unexpected spiritual breakthrough that transformed her relationship with God and restored her joy. Some highlights of our discussion: • Experienced postpartum depression after h...

Our latest episode dives into the ins and outs  of Hallie Dye's new book, "You're Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have)". Her book addresses what it means to be a good mom on God's terms.  This conversation emphasizes the worth of a mother. In order to do so, Hallie takes us all the way back to Genesis, where ever...

Step into the profound journey of faith as we sit down with Dr. Troy Bostick, my father-in-law and trusted dentist, to unravel the incredible story behind the Gideons. Originating from a simple idea to counter the saloon culture of the late 19th century, this evangelistic association has blossomed into a monumental force for spreading the Christian faith across the globe. Discover how two determin...

In this episode, I talk with Tara Fuller as she shares with me a moment from her life that used to clouted with shame, but is now counted as joy.  Tara is an elementary teacher, a wonderful mother of two, and my friend.   In this episode, she opens up about her early struggles with identity, anxiety, and depression, culminating in a life-altering suicide attempt in 2015. She shares how seeking app...

When you find yourself at a career crossroads, the leap of faith into your true calling can be both thrilling and daunting. Mr. Damon Nailer, a man of many talents: educator, author, motivational speaker, and beacon of divine inspiration, has walked this path. In our heart-to-heart, Damon unwraps the layers of his journey, revealing how he navigated from a traditional educational role to fulfillin...

" ...We also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,   endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.   This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5 This episode with Jana Hutzler speaks pf brokenness and grief, but also cour...

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Woods Watson as we talk about both of his books "Northeast Louisiana: A Community of Innovations" and "What in the World is God Doing in My Life". Woods has been on staff at First West  church for 20 years, and is currently serving as their Adults Pastor. Last summer Dr. Woods Watson came out with his latest book "Northeast Louisiana: A...

In this episode, I talk with Abigail Avara about the abuse she endured by her first husband, and how the Lord rescued her out of that situation.   This story is also about how Abigail has re-learned her value and self-worth and how important it is to be rooted in God's word. There's also a bit of romance in there as she tells all about how she met her now new husband, Brent. So take a li...

Porn addictions and sexting are two transgressions that would send any marital partner spinning. Beyond questioning the whys? Hows? and How many times? The bigger question is...should we divorce? In this episode, Cassidy Carpenter , shares with us her most vulnerable hurts and her heart on how she wades through the transgressions and confessions of her husband. Lamentations 3:1-23 Grit and Grace M...

Chris Craighead Jr. is currently the College Pastor at North Monroe Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. In today's episode we'll unveil a trauma that he experienced as a child and how that event has impacted his life into adulthood. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9   says, "We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; w...

Mentoring is not just for the young. It's for all of us all at ages and stages. And there is no better place for it than in the body and community of other believers.  In this episode you'll hear from my friend, Krystal Farnell, and learn how she strives to find good mentors in her life. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone you need to mentor too? Listen on and be encouraged!   Clic...

For 68 episodes, I have interviewed other people, and not once have y'all heard from me, so I thought it was time to share one of my stories.  With Easter just a few days behind us, I thought the best story for me to share would be  my Salvation Story.  May you know that you also are made for more. So take a listen and be encouraged!  *Trigger Warning* - I do talk about suicidal thoughts. Cli...

In today's episode I talk with West Monroe High School Senior, Mallie Cole .  She shares with me the moments of her sweet salvation with Jesus, how to came to that decision, and impact that decision has had on her life since. You're in for a treat! Take a listen and be encouraged! LINKS Jason Curry -that weekend's speaker Verses mentioned in the show. John 3:16 Matthew 10:32-33 Acts...

When life suddenly takes a left turn down a path that we never thought would be our own, it is sometimes hard to remember the goodness of God. In this episode listen to how Kayla finds herself on a path she never thought would be hers, but was able to cling on to hope by remembering the goodness of God. Take a listen and be encouraged! Click HERE for access to my Patreon Account for Merch and othe...

In this episode I talk with the Minister to Young Adults at Fair Park Baptist church, Clayton Bryan. We discuss how he dealt with the revelation of his father having a pain killer addiction while he was a teenager-the impact of that revelation on his family and ultimately his relationship with the Lord. Take a listen to this heroine story and be encouraged!  LINKS Lamentations 3:22 Shane and Shane...

I'm wrapping up this series with my current favorite woman of the Bible, Abigail. I look to her example for guidance in so many areas of my life. In this episode I asked Kristin Cook to come along side me to discuss who the woman of Abigail was and what we can learn from her even still today. What to know who she is and why I love her so much? Press play and find out. LINKS 1 Samuel 25 Mt. Ca...

This week is part three of the Women of the Bile Series. In this episode we'll be exploring the characters of Miriam and Hannah-both Old Testament Women. Both have so many virtues and wisdom to learn from-even a few mistakes. Take a listen and be encouraged! LINKS Age Samuel may have been weened (3 or 4) Praises Rise by Valerie Barley (feat. Katie Ashcraft & Enrique Magana) We Bless Your...

Join me today with Lifeway content writer, Alecia Bryant, as we dig in and discover more about Lydia and Anna of the Bible. Links Lifeway The Gospel Project Map of Thyatira- Lydia's Hometown Map of Ancient Greece Click HERE for access to my Patreon Account to learn a little extra about the guests I interview.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my...

While there are many great men in the Bible, there are also many great women of the Bible too! But somehow, the women sometimes get over looked. So, in this 4 part series, I've chosen some amazing women for us to uncover and apply their life lessons to today. In Part One, I invite local radio host of 88.7 The Cross, Bri Dunn , to come and discover Deborah with me. There is so much to learn ab...

Watching a love one suffer and succumb to cancer is heartbreaking, when that person is your spouse of over 30 years, it's down right debilitating. It's challenging to stay steadfast to anything when faced with those circumstances, much less our faith. But in today's episode you'll hear from both Terry and Jill Slawson , as they share how they were able to hang on to Jesus throu...

Living life after the death of a loved one is sometimes too hard to even fathom, epsecially when the loss comes sudden and out of nowhere. In this episode, Austin George shares about the loss of his brother, Tyler George . As you listen to his story, it is our hope that you are given hope and encouragement for this life and the next. May you know that there IS LIFE after death and that THIS life i...

The way that church is often structured can sometimes leave people wondering...where do I fit? Where's my community? This was Krystal's situation. Listen on to how she decided to fight for community and how she came to find it. LINKS Click HERE   to listen to extras content on my Patreon Account.  Send us Fan Mail Support the show Click HERE for access to extra content through my Patreon...