Diamond Within : Finding Joy Through Life’s Challenges

When was the last time you watched The Sound of Music? Have you ever seen the play? Music teacher and director Meagan Thorup and I discuss our recent experience with being involved in the orchestra for our city’s production of The Sound of Music. We discuss how the movie and the play are different, what life lessons we can gain from it, personal experiences that have shaped us, and what our big ta...

When we think about darkness, we instinctively shy away from it because things in the dark are things that are unknown or scary. Even as kids some of us were afraid of the dark. The darkest times of our lives can rarely feel anything but divine. In this episode, TedX Speaker, Author and founder of Platinum Partners Group Erik Sorensen remembers and takes you to the darkest times of his life and ho...

National Guard Soldier Alex Mikle tells of her story of enduring difficult army training, earning a defining nickname, suffering a near death experience that set her way back, and what has led her to starting her own online Fitness Coaching Business. Alex is proof that doing more doesn't always equate to true authenticity. It was only by being forced to slow down that she was able to truly see her...

Homeschooling, medical complexity, and mom guilt collide in this deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to build a family life that works. Amanda Cox shares how she went from reluctant homeschooler to finding freedom, resilience, and unexpected joy in a season shaped by five kids, food allergies, therapies, and one life-changing birth story. Courtney Hancock creates a candid space f...

When Lee first shared his story, I was heartbroken. How could someone with such a traumatic past live a life where he calls himself The Happiness Energizer? Listen and see how he turned a traumatic past into his greatest triumph.

Trials and tribulations push us to our limits. When something hits us hard, we sometimes look to the next best or newest thing that promises fast results and make life easier. I hate to break it to ‘ya, but the formula for enduring our challenges hasn’t changed. It’s been the same for ages. We are just too stubborn to and just want something to take away the pain, when the solution is much more si...

We often hear about pressure and how bad it is. But what if that pressure is actually good for you? What if it’s shaping you into who you’re going to need to be in 10 years? Teen Entrepreneur Rose Patton joins the podcast and shares her wisdom and experience with dealing with pressure and how we need it in our lives. She also shares help and tips when you’re dealing with all that pressure so you s...

Who remembers what it was like to be a child?? Remember the imagination, what you wanted to be when you grew up, and feeling limitless? Why do we lose that when we grow up? How do we find it again, and how can childlike wonder help us in difficult times? Courtney shares personal experience and heartfelt thoughts of why we need childlike wonder all through our lives.

Ever have days where you go from being Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde? Like you’re two different people? One minute you’re fine, and the next you’re angry, sad, depressed or downright monstrous!! How do you endure the rollercoaster? How do you cope with feeling like you’re trapped by a ‘serum’ or beast/ monster inside? Courtney shares how she frequently has times where she feels calm and mentally with it...

The podcast episode features a conversation between Courtney and Jennifer, exploring topics related to Thai yoga, natural wellness, and the ocean of consciousness. They delve into the connection between physiology and consciousness, the journey to stillness, and the impact of stress on the body. Practical steps for healing the nervous system and addressing chronic stress are also discussed. The co...

Have you ever had a panic attack? If you have or know someone that has them, you know they’re scary and feel terrible. But what if there’s a hidden lesson? Could something good actually come from one? Courtney shares a recent experience and what she learned from it.

No matter what you do, whatever movement you’re trying to create, work you’re trying to do, you’re always going to have haters. Courtney shares an experience of a negative book review and what it taught her.

Have you ever woken up to dense fog? Do you freak out when you have to get out and drive in it? Do you complain about it wishing the sun would shine again? Courtney shares a recent experience of encountering dense fog and how it impacted her day.

Do you ever think a bad moment is a sign or bad omen of things to come? Is it an indication of worse things to come? Or is it just a bad day or moment? Courtney shares an experience of how a bad moment on a very particular day could have been seen as a bad omen.

Do you ever feel like no one notices you, like you’re invisible? Sometimes we want to feel invisible, other times we wish to be seen. Courtney shares an experience of when she was noticed and seen by an acquaintance that was both unexpected and deeply appreciated.

Ever have nights where you have trouble sleeping, you get woken up, or you have some pesky health issue that keeps you awake? Courtney shares an interesting experience where it seemed God used it to teach her a lesson.

Courtney reads a letter that was given to her as a Christmas gift and shares her thoughts of why it was so meaningful to her.

Courtney shares how a school bus driver is making a difference and the impact it has had on her life.

Courtney tells of a story of a man she met during a mastermind event in Roseburg, Oregon.

Have you ever heard of living with intention? What is it? What does it look like? How do you do it? What do I need to watch out for? Courtney dives into these questions and shares new insights into how to live with powerful intention.

Do you ever get weighed down by your trials and struggles? Does it seem like you can’t see anything else and that your problems are bigger than anyone else’s? Trials can make us myopic and forget the bigger picture. Courtney shares powerful insights and stories about how to shift your perspective and remember how small we are compared to the bigger picture.

Do you hate waiting for things? Especially when you’re enduring something hard? Do you wonder if your blessing or miracle will ever come?? If you have had thoughts like this, you’re not alone. Courtney shares insights and life experience along with familiar scenarios to demonstrate why the waiting period is divine.

Do you ever feel like trials are never ending? Does the weight feel too heavy to bear at times? Do you find it hard to find any happiness in the storms of life? Courtney answers these questions with reassurance when life feels like a constant storm.

Do you ever feel the need to vent your struggles? Do you wonder if you should or shouldn’t open up and suddenly get vulnerable? What would happen if you do? What will they think of you? If these thoughts run through your mind, you aren’t alone; but opening up can have its advantages. Courtney shares new insights and personal experience to help you with this

Do you feel that God seems distant? Do you feel that despite all your best efforts your circumstances don’t seem to change? Do you feel like He has abandoned you? Here is why this isn’t the case and why He is closer to you than you realize. Courtney shares real life experiences and reassurances that will help you endure your most difficult days.