Embrace Zoe

What does it take to say yes to foster parenting — and would you be willing to do it alone? In this powerful episode of Embrace Zoe Series 2 Episode 4, we share Mackenzie's inspiring story--a woman who answered a deeply personal calling to become a foster parent despite uncertainty, fear, and the reality of doing it no matter the cost. Her journey is one of courage, faith, resilience, and unconditional love. This conversation dives into the emotional realities of foster care, the urgent need for foster families, and the life-changing impact one person can make in the life of a child. Whether you're considering foster parenting, supporting children in crisis, navigating single motherhood, or searching for purpose-driven stories that inspire hope, this episode will encourage and challenge you. Topics discussed include: • The foster care system and children in need • Faith, purpose, and courageous life decisions • Adoption, parenting, and community support If you've ever wondered whether one person can truly change a life, this episode is your reminder that courage often begins with one simple "yes." Listen now to Embrace Zoe Series 2 Episode 4 and join the conversation around foster care awareness, family support, and answering the call to love boldly.

In Embrace Zoe Season 2, Episode 3, we share the powerful true story of Claudia, a woman from Cameroon whose dream of becoming a nurse seemed impossible—until it wasn't. After waiting more than three decades, her journey unfolds as a profound testament to patience in the unknown and the life-changing power of entering into a sacred covenant with God. Through years of delay, uncertainty, and unwavering faith, Claudia's story reveals what it means to trust God's timing when doors remain closed. Her testimony is one of perseverance, divine alignment, and purpose fulfilled—not overnight, but through steadfast belief and spiritual endurance. This inspiring episode speaks to anyone who has ever felt forgotten, delayed, or discouraged, reminding us that God's promises are never denied—only developed through time, faith, and obedience. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How to remain faithful while waiting on long-delayed dreams The power of trusting God's timing over your own What it means to walk in a covenant relationship with God A real-life story of perseverance spanning over 30 years How purpose can still be fulfilled—no matter how long it takes 🎧 Listen now to Embrace Zoe Season 2, Episode 3 and be encouraged by a story that proves it's never too late for God to fulfill His promises.

In this moving episode of Embrace Zoe, we share the remarkable true story of a United States Army veteran whose battles didn't end when he came home. Struggling with addiction and the devastating loss of his son, Erie found himself standing at the edge of hopelessness—until tragedy became the turning point that transformed his life. Through grief, grace, and purpose, he rose again—this time, as a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker devoted to helping others find hope in their darkest moments. 🎧 Listen now to hear how one father's pain became the foundation for healing, redemption, and a renewed embrace of life itself.  For those looking to connect with Erie, you can find him on LinkedIn: Erie Hebert. 

In this powerful Season 2 premiere of Embrace Zoe, we share the incredible true story of a young man diagnosed with congestive heart failure, who died not once—but twice—before receiving a life-saving heart transplant. His journey through near-death, resilience, and hope is a moving testament to the power of organ donation, medical miracles, and a faith that stands the tests of the unknown.  🎧 Listen now to hear how Abraham's life was forever changed in more ways than one. 

Episode 12 is our series 1 finale. It concludes our first 12 episodes by packing a punch of courage and faith into our hearts.  Prepare your heart to hear from Joanna Avin who despite enduring loss and physical abuse did not let that define her story. Instead, she shares how a divine moment led her to heal, forgive, and build. Today, Joanna is helping others transform their lives as the founder of Heartwork Mentoring and author of Heartwork of the Soul. Let's receive this encouragement together, and share this episode with others that may benefit from its power. 

In Episode 11, Jayme Shiarla — a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach and published author — shares her journey of discovering why her life is worth fighting for. Get ready to hear the raw and unfiltered moments that led Jayme to find her passion for helping others. To connect with Jayme, click here.   

Episode 10 journey's through what it was like for Laci Waner, MD, to resist the calling of becoming a medical doctor. Ultimately, the divine plan on her life could not be avoided. As you follow along, take hold of how tragic events led to her greatest strength—learning to surrender. Dr. Waner is using her years of extensive medical experience and pairing that with a holistic wellness plan to support her patients. To find out more about her click here.

Episode 9 is a part 2 of an impactful conversation we had with licensed professional counselor Ragan VitaNuova in episode 4 on the grief cycle. Truth is, any life event or non-event (like an unfulfilled dream) can send us into the grief cycle. Understanding what each phase of that cycle represents and how we can process through each of those phases can be found in episode 4. For this episode, prepare to learn how our body stores its response to trauma, and what we can do to celebrate being in the grief cycle instead of allowing shame in.  Ragan is the founder of Sacred Counseling. To learn more about her practice click here. 

Episode 8 marks two months of powerful, bold and courageous testimonies that showcase we have the spark that it takes to rise up in the dark. This story is another great example of struggle turned into strength. In this raw conversation, Maleah Staton unveils what it took to heal her eating disorder, ultimately leading her to become a registered dietician nutritionist that now empowers others to love themselves too.  Maleah is committed to transforming the way we view and treat ourselves. Connect with her here.

Episode 7 touches on the profound effects of the infertility journey for a courageous woman, Lexie Tidwell. Her bold testimony is a reminder that a desire can only take us so far—but faith can take us even further. I opened this conversation by sharing my own journey with motherhood. 

Episode 6 takes us to the story of a warrior mother who once faced the reality of a difficult diagnosis, while pregnant with her second child. Some doctors at the time gave Careese Vieregge's child only hours to live after birth. Careese rejected the option to neglect life to her baby, and instead blogged through this difficult chapter to channel the intricacies and blessings of having a medically fragile child. To read more on her bold testimony click here.

Episode 5 shines a light at what it's like for a cowgirl in a world full of cowboys, through the lens of Kim Rounds. Agriculture and livestock have always been part of Kim's life. She has paved a way as a notable member in her industry, landing her on Cowgirl Magazine 30 under 30. She competes with her horses, raises cattle and advocates for her industry, just to name a few. Kim's true strength, however, comes from embracing her vulnerabilities.  To follow Kim's lifestyle in the industry, her new found joy in motherhood and beyond, please visit www.kimrounds.com. 

Episode 4 navigates the different phases of the grief cycle--the model that helps people understand their emotions. Together, we learn that we all grieve differently and we can celebrate each stage of the process. The grief can be from a loss of any kind: a person, an expectation, a dream not accomplished, a lost job, a heartbreak, a transition. This thoughtful and raw conversation is led by licensed professional counselor Ragan VitaNuova, founder of Sacred Counseling. "To be alive also means to be exposed to life's heartaches and the grief cycle is a tool to help us make meaning of it all." - Michelle Salinas   

Episode 3 digs into the concept that money is not a villain. As America's financial educator, Derrick Kinney, shares in his story: it all starts with our heart and a holistic approach to success. Derrick is the author of Good Money Revolution, the host of  Good Money with Derrick Kinney podcast, and the founder of gettheraiseyouwant.com.

Episode 2 takes us on a revival journey centered around Catherine Garcia, once an orphaned unwanted newborn child, and how a dream led to her redemption story. Catherine is a senior pastor at Freedom Life Church in Mission, Texas, a mentor and a professional public speaker. She was inspired by the power of her own story and started Freedom Empowerment Hub with her husband to support orphanages around the world.

Episode 1 dives into the making of a professional Cameroonian soccer player, Eyong Enoh, and what it took for him to pave a way to international success. Eyong played in the World Cup and for various clubs around the world, but ultimately finding his true purpose outside of the field became his true identity. Eyong is the founder of 4pBaller, the author of How to Become a Successful Footballer and Game Changer, and a mentor to athletes around the world.  https://4pballer.com "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it." John 1:5