Echos of Impact

What if your success as a mom was never measured by how your kids turn out? In this Mother's Day week episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Rhonda Stoppe, Christian humorist, popular speaker, bestselling author of seven books, and host of the award-winning podcast Old Ladies Know Stuff. With 40 years of experience helping women build no-regret lives, Rhonda brings wisdom, humor, and biblical encouragement to a conversation about motherhood, faith, and trusting God with the next generation. Rhonda is also a regular contributor for Crosswalk and Focus on the Family, a pastor's wife, mother of four, and grandmother of 15. Her newest book, Moms of the Bible: Life-Changing Lessons from the Fearless, Flawed, and Faithful, explores what today's mothers can learn from the women in Scripture — not perfect women, but real women whose stories reveal faith, failure, surrender, courage, and the faithfulness of God. In this conversation, Rhonda shares the heart behind Moms of the Bible and why these stories matter so deeply for moms today. From Jochebed placing Moses in the basket, to Rebekah trying to control God's promise, to Esther's influence as a stepmom, to the painful warning found in Herodias' bitterness, Rhonda helps us see Scripture through the lens of motherhood in a fresh and powerful way. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Rhonda talk about releasing control, trusting God with our children's stories, breaking unhealthy patterns, resisting people-pleasing, and remembering that motherhood is not about perfection — it's about faithfulness. Rhonda also shares personal stories from her own motherhood journey, including walking through her son's epilepsy, learning to surrender the future she imagined for him, and watching God use that very season to shape him into the worship pastor he is today. This episode is for the mom who has whispered, I'll be a better mom tomorrow. For the mom who wonders if she is doing enough. For the mom who is learning to let go. And for the mom who needs to be reminded that God has always used fearless, flawed, and faithful women to impact generations. What We Cover: The heart behind Rhonda's newest book, Moms of the Bible Why the stories of biblical mothers still matter for moms today What Jochebed teaches us about trusting God when we have to let go How Rebekah's story reveals the danger of trying to control God's promises Why Esther's influence matters deeply for stepmoms and blended families What Herodias' story teaches about bitterness and generational pain How motherhood can reveal our struggle with fear, control, and people-pleasing Why a mom's success is not measured by how perfectly her children turn out How God can use our hardest trials to shape our children's faith Breaking unhealthy generational patterns through the wisdom of Christ Encouragement for moms who feel like they are living in survival mode Remembering that the "mundane" moments of motherhood are still deeply valuable Key Quotes: "Success does not lie in how well your kids turn out. Your success is found in how well you loved and followed Christ." "Your trial's not always about you. Your trial validates your testimony to your watching children." "People pleasing isn't pleasing. Don't raise your kids for what people think of you." "You are God's appointed person in history to influence this generation." "In the seemingly mundane-ness of motherhood, please don't lose sight of the valuable investment you will make in your children, your grandchildren, and future generations." Connect with Rhonda Stoppe: Visit Rhonda's Website: https://www.rhondastoppe.com/ Learn more about Moms of the Bible: https://www.rhondastoppe.com/moms-of-the-bible-book/ Explore Rhonda's free resources: https://www.rhondastoppe.com/free-resources/ Listen to Rhonda's podcast, Old Ladies Know Stuff: https://www.rhondastoppe.com/old-ladies-know-stuff/ Follow Rhonda on Instagram: @rhondastoppe Join the Conversation: For the moms listening — what part of motherhood has required you to trust God in a deeper way? Maybe it's releasing control. Maybe it's breaking patterns you grew up with. Maybe it's watching your child walk through something painful. Maybe it's learning that God never asked you to be a perfect mom — just a faithful one. Come share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. We'd love to hear what this episode stirred in you. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing faith-filled conversations and stories like Rhonda's. And to every mom listening this week — we hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. God has always worked through imperfect mothers, ordinary moments, painful seasons, and surrendered hearts. Your motherhood matters, even in the moments that feel unseen. Until next week, friends! 💛

What happens when the weight you're carrying was never meant to be yours in the first place? In this honest and deeply relatable episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray and Cherise Thompson sit down for one of their monthly catch-up conversations to talk about the invisible weight so many women carry every single day. From moving, grief, parenting, overthinking, and major life transitions, Briana and Cherise open up about what it feels like when everything suddenly falls on you. Together, they unpack the pressure women often feel to hold everything together for everyone around them — and the difference between the burdens God asks us to carry and the ones we were never meant to hold in the first place. Cherise shares the emotional weight of preparing to sell their home and move their family, describing the experience as feeling like "transition" during labor — where there's no turning back and you simply have to keep going. Briana reflects on navigating grief, stepping into her first public speaking engagement, and learning what it looks like to surrender control instead of trying to fix everything herself. This episode is a reminder that we were never meant to carry the entire weight of the world on our shoulders. Honest, grounding, and faith-filled, this conversation will encourage anyone walking through a season that feels heavy. What We Cover: Cherise's family transition and preparing to move Briana's experience with grief and loss The emotional weight women carry in everyday life Overthinking, responsibility, and trying to control outcomes Why "helper" and "fixer" roles can become overwhelming Learning to surrender instead of carrying everything alone Practical ways to hand worries and burdens over to God What true peace actually looks like in hard seasons Key Quotes: "I think a lot of us carry more than we were ever meant to." "I'll wake up at 3 a.m. and be like, 'I should be worried about this.' When in reality, I can't control the outcome of it." "What we're doing is we're trying to take God's job." "Peace doesn't always mean the situation changes. Sometimes it means we feel more grounded even when it doesn't." Join the Conversation: Have you ever been in a season where it all felt like it was on you? We'd love to hear from you. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow, share, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue creating honest, faith-filled conversations that remind women they're not alone in what they carry. Until next week, friends 💛

No one really prepares you for the moment your kids don't need you the same way anymore. In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Kate Battistelli, bestselling author, speaker, and mentor to women in every season, to talk about identity, purpose, and what it looks like to follow God when life changes in ways we didn't expect. Kate shares her incredible journey—from Broadway performer to walking away from a thriving career in obedience to God—and how those pivotal moments shaped the way she sees purpose today. As a mom who poured everything into raising her daughter, she opens up about the unexpected emotions of the empty nest season and the question so many women quietly carry: Who am I without this role that once defined me? Together, Briana and Kate explore what it means to trust God not just in the big, life-altering decisions, but in the quiet transitions that can feel just as overwhelming. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and full of reminders that God is never finished with your story—and that He always has more for you.     What We Cover: Kate's journey from Broadway to ministry and motherhood The moment God asked her to lay down her career in obedience The emotional reality of the empty nest season Why "mom" was never meant to be your only identity The importance of generational mentorship and doing life together How to navigate adult relationships with your children The power of prayer—especially when you feel like it's all you can do Why obedience to God always has both a cost and a reward     Key Quotes: "Obedience is always going to have a cost… but it always has a reward." "God has more for you—no matter what season you're in." "Your only weapon is prayer."     Connect with Kate Battistelli: Website: https://katebattistelli.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebattistelli/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateBattistelli/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/katebattistelli Grab Her Book: The After Party of the Empty Nest https://katebattistelli.com/the-after-party-of-the-empty-nest/     Join the Conversation: Who are you becoming in this season of your life? If you've ever wrestled with identity, purpose, or what comes next—we'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share meaningful conversations like Kate's. Until next week, friends! 💛  

Ep. 29: When You Feel Forgotten by God and Everyone Else: The Power of a Simple Invitation with Sue Donaldson "I have a lot of people in my life… so why do I still feel lonely?" In this encouraging episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Sue Donaldson—author, speaker, and host of the Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life podcast—to talk about something so many of us feel but don't always say out loud… loneliness. Sue shares how her life purpose is to "dissipate loneliness" and how God often works through something much simpler than we expect: an invitation. From standing alone in a church parking lot, wondering why no one invited her in, to becoming someone who creates connection for others, Sue's story is both deeply relatable and incredibly practical. Together, Briana and Sue explore what it looks like to stop waiting to be included… and instead step into creating the kind of community our hearts are craving—without pressure, perfection, or performance.     What We Cover: Sue's journey of loneliness—even as an extrovert and connector The difference between hospitality and entertaining (and why that matters) Why simple invitations can be more powerful than we think How to move past fear, insecurity, or "not enough" thinking Letting go of perfection and trusting God to work through the ordinary Why you don't need the perfect words to impact someone's life The beauty of being "interruptible" and available to God in everyday moments     Key Quotes: "My life purpose is to dissipate the loneliness." "We don't need to pick ourselves… God has already picked us."     Connect with Sue Donaldson: Website: https://www.welcomeheart.comPodcast: Welcome Heart: Living a Legacy Life New Book (Never Alone): https://welcomeheart.com/never-alone 📲 Follow Sue: Instagram: @suemooredonaldson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suemooredonaldson/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/welcome_heart/ 🎁 Free Resources from Sue: 30 Conversation Starters for Meaningful Gatherings: https://welcomeheart.myflodesk.com/v6wwjwq7hp Sue's Favorite Relaxing Recipes: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/60db7ed16b275532b755c224     Join the Conversation: Have you ever found yourself waiting to be invited… instead of doing the inviting? What could it look like to take one small step toward connection this week? We'd love to hear how this episode spoke to you 💛 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact       Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share meaningful conversations like Sue's—reminding women they are not alone and that even the smallest act of obedience can make a lasting impact. Until next week, friends! 💛

Have you ever woken up already feeling behind… before your feet even hit the floor? In this encouraging episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Carol Feil—Christian speaker, author, and biblical lay counselor—to talk about something so many of us quietly struggle with: the inner critic. Carol is refreshingly honest about her own journey as a recovering people pleaser and the internal voice that whispered, "you're not enough." Through years of walking with God—and learning to truly apply His Word—she discovered a life-changing truth: we are seen, known, and deeply loved by the God who created us. Together, Briana and Carol explore what it looks like to recognize the lies we've believed, take our thoughts captive, and replace them with truth. This conversation is both grounding and freeing—reminding us that our thoughts don't have the final say… God's truth does.     What We Cover: Carol's journey from people-pleasing and perfectionism to freedom in Christ How the "inner critic" shows up in everyday thoughts and decisions The power of taking every thought captive and renewing your mind Why knowing Scripture isn't the same as living it The importance of boundaries—especially in seasons of motherhood and ministry How God continues to call and use us in every season (it's not too late) Learning to trust God's timing instead of comparing your journey to others     Key Quotes: "My inner critic is so strong, it has me defeated before my feet even hit the ground." "You're not the wrong mom. You're not the wrong wife. Trust where God has you."     Connect with Carol Feil: Don't miss Carol's devotional: Freedom From the Inner Critic https://carolfeil.com/shop/ Website: https://carolfeil.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolfeil/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolFeilWriter     Join the Conversation: Have you ever noticed the voice in your head being louder than God's truth? What would it look like to pause… and replace that voice with what God actually says about you? We'd love to hear from you—come share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our community 💛 Follow us on Instagram: Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Carol's. Until next week, friends 💛  

What do you do when you say yes to Jesus… and nothing changes? In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Laura Crosby, speaker, writer, and longtime ministry leader, to talk about what it really looks like to follow Jesus when it doesn't feel the way we expected. Laura has spent over 40 years in ministry, encouraging others to pursue a deeper, more personal relationship with God. And in this conversation, she brings so much wisdom, honesty, and grace. Laura shares how saying "yes" to Jesus didn't come with the emotional experience she expected—in fact, it felt like nothing at all. Together, Cherise and Laura explore what it looks like to trust God in the quiet, to recognize His voice in everyday moments, and to live with a childlike expectancy of "what's next, Papa?"     What We Cover: Laura's faith journey—from growing up in church to discovering a personal relationship with Jesus The moment she said yes to Jesus… and felt nothing The difference between faith based on feelings vs. faith rooted in truth Learning to recognize the "whispers" of the Holy Spirit Why small acts of obedience matter more than we think How God uses everyday moments to shape our purpose Letting go of titles, roles, and expectations to rest in your identity as God's beloved What it looks like to stay open, curious, and expectant with God     Key Quotes: "I said yes to Jesus… and absolutely nothing happened." "Your small yes might matter more than you'll ever know."     Connect with Laura Crosby: Listen to Laura's resources and learn more: https://lauracrosby.me/Get Laura's book Choosing Welcome at Advent: https://amzn.to/4rdJBrsFollow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauracrosby/     Join the Conversation: How are you learning to trust God—even when you don't feel anything? We'd love to hear from you—share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Laura's. Until next week, friends! 💛

What do you do when God doesn't answer your prayers the way you hoped? In this heartfelt episode of Echoes of Impact, Briana sits down with Lacey Morefield—photographer, wife, mama, and storyteller—for a deeply moving conversation about infertility, adoption, grief, trust, and the goodness of God in the middle of unanswered prayers. Lacey shares her family's long and painful road through infertility, the physical and emotional toll that season took on her, and the ways God met her in the darkest moments with tenderness, nearness, and unmistakable reminders of His faithfulness. From a Spirit-led step toward adoption to the beautiful story of welcoming their son Asher, and later the miraculous pregnancy and birth of their son Brooks, Lacey's story is a powerful reminder that even when life feels uncertain, God is still good. Together, Briana and Lacey talk about purpose, what it means to trust God when His plan looks different than your own, and why Scripture becomes the anchor that keeps us grounded when our feelings threaten to pull us under. This episode is especially meaningful for anyone walking through infertility, grief, disappointment, or a season of longing. It's a gentle reminder that God is not absent in your pain—He is present, personal, and drawing you close to Himself.     What We Cover: Lacey's journey through infertility and the grief of unmet expectations The physical pain and medical challenges that deepened an already difficult season How God led Lacey and her husband toward adoption The beautiful story of welcoming their son Asher and building a relationship with his birth mom The unexpected miracle of conceiving Brooks after years of infertility Why Lacey says she wouldn't change the hard parts—and how they revealed God's character The role of Scripture memory in suffering, waiting, and marriage How God comforts us in our affliction so we can comfort others The importance of remembering and retelling what God has done     Key Quotes: "Jesus, would You just make me more like You and make me know You." "I've come to love the fact that He is my ultimate good." "I have evidence that my God hears me." "God desires to pull you close to His side and to be the God of all comfort to you."     Connect with Lacey Morefield: Website: http://www.laceyrenestudios.com Instagram: @laceyrene.studios     Join the Conversation: Have you ever walked through a season where God felt silent—only to look back and realize He was working all along? We'd love to hear your story. Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group.     Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/     Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing powerful, faith-filled stories like Lacey's. Until next week, friends. 💛

What do you do when you still love Jesus… but church no longer feels safe? In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with co-host Briana Gray for a deeply personal conversation about church hurt, healing, and what it looks like to find your way back when church no longer feels safe. Cherise shares her faith journey—from growing up as a pastor's kid to navigating painful seasons when leadership failures and broken community left her grieving. While her relationship with God was never in question, her relationship with the church was. Through seasons of disappointment, bitterness, and rebuilding, God gently taught her how to separate His heart from human failure. Together, Cherise and Briana explore what it means to love the church again—not blindly, not naively—but with wisdom, grace, and maturity.     What We Cover: Growing up in a pastor's home and developing a personal faith A pivotal moment of obedience that shaped Cherise's walk with God How church hurt impacts community, identity, and trust The difference between losing faith in God and losing trust in people Why disengaging from church can quietly stall our spiritual growth How to rebuild trust in church without ignoring pain What to do when church doesn't feel safe anymore Learning to love people with grace instead of cynicism     Key Quotes: "Your pastor is human. If your faith was built on them instead of God, it will shake." "Rejection isn't rejection—it's redirection." "If you stop engaging in community, you stop the forward movement of His purpose in your life." "God's banner over me is love—even in the valley."     Who This Episode Is For: This conversation is for the woman who: Has been hurt by church leadership Feels hesitant to walk back into a sanctuary Loves Jesus but struggles with the institution Is tired of carrying bitterness but doesn't know how to let it go You are not alone. And your story is not over.     Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact   Join the Conversation: Have you experienced church hurt? What helped you find your way back—or what's holding you back right now? We would love to hear from you. Send us a message or share your thoughts in our community.

In fourth grade, a single sentence on a playground changed the way Adrienne saw the world—and herself. In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down with Adrienne (one of our most-loved returning guests) for an honest, faith-centered conversation about what it means to be different, to feel marginalized, and to keep showing up with courage and grace. Adrienne shares the first time she experienced racism as a child, how subtle microaggressions still show up in adult life, and what it looks like to navigate identity, belonging, and "code switching" in different environments. Together, we talk about the Church's role in acknowledging injustice, listening well, and reflecting Heaven on Earth through unity, humility, and love. This episode is tender, challenging, and deeply rooted in Scripture. It's an invitation to open our eyes, soften our hearts, and learn how to love better. What We Cover: Adrienne's first experience with racism (and how it shaped her sense of belonging) Microaggressions in adulthood (including boundaries, dignity, and autonomy) What "code switching" is, and why it's exhausting for marginalized people Being labeled as "other" even within your own community The reality of being treated differently in medical settings and the weight Black women carry Why "good intentions" don't erase real harm The Church's responsibility to acknowledge injustice and speak up What it looks like to listen, learn, and lift others up with humility Scriptures that ground Adrienne when conversations feel heavy (Mark 6:11, Titus 3:1–5) Key Quotes: "Be proud of who you are." "Acknowledging the problem is the first part of the solution." "When I say you have privilege, I'm not saying you don't struggle." Connect with Adrienne: Instagram: @[AdrienneHandle] Website: [Insert Link] Mentioned in the episode: learning resources like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work, James Baldwin, and more Join the Conversation: Have you ever realized you didn't fully understand someone's experience until you slowed down and listened? Reflection question: Where might God be inviting you to grow in compassion, courage, and humility this week? Share your thoughts with us: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue creating space for honest conversations that lead to healing, growth, and deeper unity in the Body of Christ. Until next week, friends. 💛

In today's episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana lean into a question many of us are quietly wrestling with: How do we follow Jesus without becoming hardened in a culture marked by anger, polarization, and constant noise? It feels like outrage is everywhere — online, in conversations, even within our own hearts. So what does it actually look like to hold convictions while still leading with compassion? To speak truth without becoming combative? To stay anchored in Christ without mirroring the chaos around us? This conversation is honest, reflective, and rooted in Scripture. We explore how Jesus modeled both boldness and gentleness, why anger itself isn't the problem, and how our hearts can remain soft in a world that feels increasingly reactive. In this episode, we talk about: Loving people who are angry (and what that really requires) Having real relationships with people who believe differently than you The difference between restoring a relationship and trying to win an argument Why face-to-face conversations matter more than online debates What it means to "overcome evil with good" How to guard your heart in an outrage-driven culture Ultimately, this episode brings the focus back where it belongs — our personal walk with Jesus. Transformation doesn't start "out there." It starts in us.     Join the Conversation Where do you feel most tempted to react instead of respond? Or where has God been challenging your heart to stay soft? Come share with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. We love hearing from you.     Follow + Connect with Us Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the show and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that point women back to hope, healing, and purpose. Until next week, friends 💛

What if the place that should have ended your life is the very place God used to save it? In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Pauline Boyce, a Kansas City mama and grandma whose story is living proof that Jesus is not intimidated by your past. Pauline shares how a childhood marked by deep trauma led to years of meth addiction, relapse, and ultimately prison — and how God met her there with mercy, truth, and people who refused to give up on her. She opens up about the fear and shame that tried to define her, and the daily surrender that helped her rebuild her life. Today, Pauline sees her everyday work as ministry. As a DoorDash driver, she asks God to place people in her path — and He does. From quiet moments of grief on someone's driveway to prayers whispered on the side of the road, she reminds us that purpose is not always a platform. Sometimes it is simply loving the person right in front of you. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse, addiction, relapse, and prison.     In This Episode, We Talk About: • Why shame keeps people stuck — and how bringing things into the light breaks its power • How prison became a turning point Pauline now calls God's grace • The difference between fear-based thinking and God's truth • What it looks like to depend on God daily, not occasionally • Why purpose is often found in the people God places in your path • How Pauline treats DoorDash like ministry and prays for strangers in real time     If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today. And if you haven't already, leaving a review helps more women find these stories of redemption and purpose.     Join the Conversation: Where do you feel most tempted to root your identity in what you do instead of who you are in Christ? Come share with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community.     Follow + Connect with Us: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point women back to hope, healing, and purpose. Until next week, friends 💛

If you've ever felt like you're crushing it on the outside but spiritually running on empty, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray sits down with Carole Evans, host of the Faith + Work podcast and Director of IT Support for a cell phone retailer overseeing 800 locations and 7,000 employees, to talk about identity, purpose, and what it looks like to live out your faith in everyday life. Carole shares what it was like growing up as a pastor's kid, where expectations were high and "feedback" often felt like judgment. Over time, fear of rejection and abandonment led to self-protection, emotional walls, and perfectionism. But God used seasons of motherhood, marriage, and spiritual dryness to gently draw her into a more relational, surrendered faith. Together, Briana and Carole explore how purpose is less about doing something big and more about being rooted in Christ and loving people well, no matter what role you're in. What We Cover: How identity can quietly shift into an idol (especially as we get older) Pastor's kid pressure, church hurt, and learning to trust people again What self-protection looks like: perfectionism, staying "strong," and keeping relationships surface-level What spiritual dryness can look like when you know the Bible but aren't living relationally with God The shift from reading Scripture to "find yourself" to reading it to find God Ruth as a story of redemption, endurance, and the reminder that nothing is wasted Surrendering work, ambition, and self-reliance Practical ways to bring Jesus into meetings, emails, leadership, and hard conversations "Everyone has a seat at the table" and why we should never limit who God can use Key Quotes: "People should know that I'm God's disciple by how I love them where they're at." "Sometimes we think if something is hard, maybe that's God telling us we shouldn't do it." "Kindness doesn't mean we don't have accountability." "Nothing is wasted in the hands of God." Connect with Carole Evans: Website: www.caroleevansministries.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandworkpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553997307693 Faith + Work on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-work/id1827509182 Join the Conversation: Where do you feel most tempted to root your identity in what you do instead of who you are in Christ? Come share with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. Follow + Connect with Us: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point women back to hope, healing, and purpose. Until next week, friends! 💛

What if the pain you wish away is the very place God is doing His deepest work? In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down with Lindsey Lavender, founder of Live On Mission Ministry, to talk about suffering, faith, and trusting God when life does not make sense. Lindsey shares her story of a life-altering accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, chronic illness, and years of recovery. Through it all, she has learned to hold tightly to the truth that suffering is never wasted when it is placed in God's hands. With honesty and humility, Lindsey invites us into a tension so many of us live in. Believing God is good while still hurting deeply. Trusting Him even when healing looks different than expected. This conversation does not rush to explain pain. Instead, it gently reminds us that God is present, faithful, and worthy of praise in every season. What We Cover: Lindsey's faith journey and the accident that changed her life Walking through grief, loss, and suffering with honesty before God Why following Jesus does not promise an easy life Trusting God when miracles do not come the way we hope What it means to live on mission even in weakness How God uses suffering for His glory and our growth Key Quotes: "Miracle or not, He is worthy." "Suffering is never wasted with God." Connect with Lindsey Lavender: Live On Mission Ministry Website https://liveonmissionministry.com/ Follow Live On Mission on Instagram @liveonmissionministry Follow Lindsey on Instagram @lindseyleelavender2024 Follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1Z6JC2gqZp/?mibextid=wwXIfr Listen to the Live On Mission Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SY1Hpei3PsjjJfMqLrnLN?si=3gD9dOqgSwiofYcX9Kpe-A Subscribe on YouTube https://youtube.com/@liveonmissionministry?si=ousQXKfpylmbXcC5 Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a season of suffering? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. Follow us on Instagram Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point hearts back to God's faithfulness. Until next week, friends 💛  

What if God isn't asking you to give something up because it's bad, but because He's offering something better? In this reflective and honest episode of Echoes of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for a heart-to-heart conversation to welcome a new year and explore what it looks like to listen closely when God invites us into something deeper. Together, they talk about words for the year, identity, obedience, and the quiet ways God confirms His direction in our lives. Briana shares her journey of giving up alcohol for six months—not out of shame or obligation, but out of obedience—and what God revealed to her through that season. Cherise reflects on the vision God gave her for the year ahead and how Scripture, confirmation, and everyday rhythms have shaped her sense of renewal and hope. Together, Briana and Cherise explore what it means to surrender something that may be good in order to receive something better, and how faithfulness often unfolds one small, intentional step at a time.     What We Cover: Choosing a word for the year and allowing it to unfold prayerfully How God confirms His invitations through Scripture, repetition, and timing Briana's experience giving up alcohol for a season and what it revealed spiritually, emotionally, and relationally The difference between something enhancing what's already good versus becoming a way to cope Identity, obedience, and trusting God with both public and private decisions Encouragement for anyone sensing God's nudge to pause, surrender, or listen more closely     Key Quotes: "Sometimes God isn't asking you to give something up because it's bad, but because He's offering something better." "You don't really see what something has become until you stop."     Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt God invite you into something deeper—even when what you had felt good or familiar? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community.     Follow Us: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community here: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing honest, faith-filled conversations that point people back to God's voice and direction. Until next week, friends. 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of loss (death of a spouse), alcohol use, and eating disorders (anorexia + bulimia). Please use discretion as you listen. In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray and Cherise Thompson sit down with Heather Palmer—Kansas City local, yoga teacher, and author of Gold-In Cracks—for an honest conversation about resilience, surrender, and what it looks like to let God meet us in the hard places. Heather shares her story of getting married young, walking through her husband's cancer journey, and becoming a widow with a one-month-old baby. From there, she opens up about the quiet ways shame can keep us stuck, the numbing patterns so many of us default to, and the healing that begins when we stop running and start surrendering. Together, we talk about the beauty of kintsugi (repairing broken pieces with gold), and how God doesn't waste our cracks—He can fill them with light, strength, and purpose. What We Cover: Heather's journey through loss, grief, and rebuilding her life The "bad theology" of believing: "If I'm good, life will be good"—and what Scripture actually says about suffering How shame keeps us stuck, and why grace + compassion are what pull us out Numbing, distraction, and the invitation to actually feel what we've been avoiding The powerful metaphor of kintsugi—highlighting the cracks instead of hiding them Living in the "eye of the storm": boundaries, peace, and what's actually your job to carry Breath as a spiritual practice—and why it matters more than we think Encouragement for anyone who feels like they're "too far gone" to rebuild Key Quotes: "Our purpose is to constantly redirect ourselves back in and refine who we are… to be in alignment with God." "The darkness isn't in the way. The darkness is the way." "Shame keeps me stuck. Grace and compassion is what pulls you out." "Everything inside the circle is my job. Everything outside the circle is not my job." "Maybe the cracks aren't flaws in our story—maybe the cracks are the story." "You can rebuild from anything. The moment you pair with God, you can rise again." Connect with Heather Palmer: Follow Heather on Instagram: @heather8888 Grab her book, Gold-In Cracks: Available on Amazon Heather is local to Kansas City (Lee's Summit area) and welcomes listeners to come to a yoga class—reach out to her on Instagram to connect. Join the Conversation: Where have you been trying to avoid the hard—when God might be inviting you to walk through it with Him? Come tell us on Instagram, or share inside our Facebook group. 💛 Follow & Get Connected: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. It truly helps us keep sharing stories like Heather's—stories that remind us we're not broken… we're becoming. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Amber Keller—follower of Jesus, wife, mom of three girls, writer, and coordinator of a women's prison ministry—to talk about purpose, obedience, and what it really means to follow Jesus into hard and holy places. Amber shares her story of growing up as a missionary kid in Peru during years of terrorism, navigating identity and faith after returning to the U.S., and experiencing God's tender pursuit during a season of wandering. That journey ultimately led her into prison ministry—an unexpected calling that has shaped her faith, her understanding of the Church, and her view of worship itself. Together, Briana and Amber explore how God redeems every part of our story, why serving "the least of these" is central to the gospel, and how proximity—not perfection—is often what Jesus is inviting us into. What We Cover Living on purpose: Why purpose is about connecting people to God and to one another Growing up between worlds: How Amber's missionary upbringing shaped her faith and identity Wilderness seasons: God leading us into the desert—and speaking tenderly there What prison ministry really looks like: Trauma-informed discipleship, emotional safety, and long-term transformation When God shuts a door: Being called to ministry just hours before the prison closed for COVID Redeemed skills: How Amber's Spanish and linguistics background launched a Spanish reentry program The least of these: Why Matthew 25 includes those who are incarcerated Belonging and reentry: The power of saving someone a seat at the table "Smelling like smoke": Why worship is not the end—it's the preparation to go into the darkness with the light of Christ Key Quotes "My purpose is to connect people to God, and connect them to each other." "Their journey to prison starts way before they're ever in the backseat of a police car." "Broken people don't need a meme. They need a friend." "Jesus didn't stay clean or safe. He gave Himself—up close." "I think we are supposed to smell like smoke." Scripture Mentioned Matthew 25:40–45 – Serving Jesus through serving "the least of these," including those in prison Hosea – God leading us into the desert and speaking tenderly to us Connect with Amber Amber's Website: https://highnoonatthewell.com Amber's Blog: https://willnotbetaken.com     Join the Conversation How is God inviting you to move closer—to step into places that might feel uncomfortable, messy, or unfamiliar? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. Follow Us Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     Final Notes: If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point people back to Jesus and invite us all to live with greater purpose. Until next week, friends 💛  

In this honest and reflective episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down for a behind-the-scenes conversation about something many Christians wrestle with—but don't always name: the difference between being busy for God and actually bearing fruit. We talk about how easy it is to slip into checklist Christianity—doing all the "right" things, staying involved, showing up faithfully—while still missing the deeper intimacy God is inviting us into. This episode gently challenges the idea that fruit can be forced through effort, discipline, or religious activity, and instead points us back to what Scripture teaches: fruit is the natural result of abiding in Christ. Together, we explore how the fruit of the Spirit grows slowly over time, why Scripture about "fruit" is often misused as a measuring stick for others, and how God calls us first to examine our own hearts—not manage appearances. This conversation is for anyone who feels spiritually tired, stuck in self-effort, or unsure how to discern healthy fruit in their own life or relationships.     What We Cover: The difference between being busy for God and bearing fruit Why fruit cannot be forced through behavior or performance How abiding in Christ leads to lasting heart transformation (Galatians 5:22–23) Why the "fruit" Scripture is meant for discernment—not judgment Recognizing patterns of healthy vs. unhealthy fruit over time How repentance, humility, and a contrite heart reveal true spiritual growth Navigating relationships when words and actions don't align A simple way to recognize conflict responses: avoiding, blaming, or choosing compassion Practical ways to abide in Christ during seasons of exhaustion, burnout, or uncertainty Why abiding doesn't erase your personality—it refines and strengthens it     Key Quotes: "Fruit isn't something we produce by trying harder—it's something God grows in us when we abide in Him." "You can be doing all the 'right' things and still miss the intimacy God is inviting you into." "Apart from Him, we can do nothing—but with Him, everything changes."     Scripture Referenced: Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:19–21 — The works of the flesh John 15:5 — Abiding in the vine Matthew 7:1–2 — Judging and discernment Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan Matthew 5–7 — The Sermon on the Mount     Join the Conversation: Have you ever realized you were busy for God but not actually abiding with Him? What does abiding look like in your current season? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we love hearing how God is working in your life.     Follow & Connect: 📸 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ 📸 Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ 👥 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Grow in faith, purpose, and community here: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     Final Notes: We'd also appreciate your prayers for Briana's daughter, Nora, as their family navigates upcoming medical appointments. If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the podcast and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that invite women into deeper faith, freedom, and intimacy with God. Until next week, friends. 💛

In today's episode of Echos of Impact, we sit down with Katharine Rose—writer, speaker, and host of the podcast Eternal Echoes—for a rich and deeply meaningful conversation about purpose, obedience, legacy, and listening closely to God's voice. Katharine shares her personal journey through striving, wilderness seasons, delayed obedience, and surrender. She opens up about learning the hard way that just because something is good doesn't mean it's God, and how the Lord patiently redirected her when she tried to take control of the calling placed on her life. We also dive into the heart behind Eternal Echoes, Katharine's ministry dedicated to amplifying the wisdom and faith stories of the older generation. Through powerful reflections, we explore how our culture often overlooks both single women and the elderly—and how God sees purpose, value, and calling very differently. This episode is an invitation to slow down, gain an eternal perspective, and remember that as long as we're breathing, God isn't finished with us yet.     In This Episode, We Talk About: What it really means to live out your purpose The difference between good opportunities and God-ordained direction Wilderness seasons as preparation—not punishment Releasing performance, striving, and false identity Singleness, surrender, and trusting God with unmet desires Why older generations often feel unseen—and why their wisdom matters The myth of "retirement" in God's Kingdom Legacy, obedience, and living with an eternal perspective How prayers and faith echo far beyond our lifetime     Key Takeaways: You were created on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose God's timing is not delayed—even when it feels like it Purpose doesn't expire with age, season, or circumstance Obedience often comes one step at a time, not with a full blueprint Legacy is built through faithfulness, not visibility As long as you're here, God still has work for you to do     A Quote You'll Want to Remember: "You never retire in the Kingdom of God—you get refired for your next assignment."     Connect with Katharine Rose: 🌐 Website: https://eternalechoesministry.com/ 🎙️ Podcast & Ministry: Eternal Echoes 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternalechoesministry/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eternalechoesministry/ Katharine is currently seeking guests age 65+ who have stories of faith, wisdom, and life experience to share.     Join the Conversation: How has God been reshaping your understanding of purpose in this season? We'd love to hear from you—join us on Instagram or in our Facebook community.     Follow & Connect with Us: 📲 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ 📲 Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ 👥 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point back to God's faithfulness. Until next week, friends. 💛

Trigger Warning: In this episode, Lisa shares honestly about her journey with addiction, including substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and the emotional impact on her children and family. We encourage you to listen at your own pace and take care of your heart as you do. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Lisa Herrington, a wife of 41 years, mom of four, grandmother of six, and now a Care & Compassion Pastor at Blue Oaks Church in California. Lisa's story is one of deep brokenness, radical honesty, and the life-changing grace of God meeting her in the darkest places. Lisa opens up about her journey through childhood loss, early experimentation with alcohol, and a decades-long battle with addiction that shaped both her life and her family. But she also shares how God never stopped pursuing her — from a desperate moment in her garage to an unexpected call to ministry spoken at her mother's graveside. This conversation is raw, redemptive, and full of the kind of hope only God can write. If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem your lowest moments… if He can restore what's been broken… or if He can still use your life for purpose — Lisa's story is a resounding yes.     What We Cover: ✨ Lisa's early years — losing her father at age two, growing up in a single-parent home, and the ache she didn't have words for ✨ The beginning of addiction — a single moment at age 14 that offered escape… and the chase that followed ✨ The question that broke her — the turning point when her daughter asked, "Why do you love drugs and alcohol more than us?" ✨ Understanding addiction through a faith lens — powerlessness, shame, and how the church often misunderstands addiction ✨ The miracle of recovery — what changed in her heart during her fourth attempt at sobriety and how AA became a lifeline ✨ God's supernatural pursuit — from a friend who showed up at the exact right moment to an audible calling at her mother's graveside ✨ Her unexpected calling into ministry — how God opened doors she never could have imagined: funerals, senior centers, compassion ministry, and eventually becoming a licensed pastor ✨ Marriage and family redemption — navigating the years after sobriety, healing wounds with her daughters, and how God rebuilt what addiction tried to destroy ✨ Wisdom for those struggling — practical tools, spiritual rhythms, and grace-filled encouragement for anyone battling addiction or supporting someone who is     Key Quotes: "The truth is what set me free — even when it broke me." "I am powerless without God… but that's where His power began to change everything." "God didn't move. He was there the whole time." "I owe God everything. My life is more than I ever dreamed — only because of Him."     Connect with Lisa Herrington: Blue Oaks Church: https://blueoakschurch.org Follow Blue Oaks on Instagram: @blueoakschurch     Join the Conversation: How have you seen God redeem the broken places in your story? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: ✨ Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ ✨ Life Coaching: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: 👉 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. 💛 Learn more: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? ➡️ Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     If you loved this episode… Don't forget to follow, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps us share more stories like Lisa's — stories of hope, healing, and God's beautiful redemption. Until next week, friends! 💛  

In this heart-to-heart episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for one of their monthly conversations — the kind where we open our Bibles, open our real lives, and invite you into what God has been speaking in this season. This week's episode unfolds around two powerful images: ✨ a surprising word from God — "Get your house in order" — and ✨ a vivid picture of sitting at a tiny children's table as Jesus invites Briana to "play chess" with Him, a game she doesn't know how to play. Through these moments, God begins revealing deeper truths about surrender, trust, spiritual realignment, and what it truly means to let Him lead… one move at a time. Together, we explore the many layers of "house" — our physical homes, our families, our bodies, our inner life, and our spiritual foundations — and how God lovingly restores, rebuilds, and reorders each one. What We Cover: The Chess Word Picture: Briana's vision of Jesus inviting her into a game she doesn't know how to play — and what it reveals about patience, foresight, strategy, and our part in the process. A Direct Word From God: The moment Briana heard "Get your house in order" and how it began unfolding in ways she didn't expect. God's Protection & Prompting: A startling middle-of-the-night nudge from the Holy Spirit that led Briana to check her kids' devices — and why obedience matters. Cherise's Word From Haggai 2: How God is speaking restoration, rebuilding, and generational healing, even when promises unfold slowly and require deep trust. Understanding the Different "Houses" in Scripture: Physical home, family lineage, inner life, and spiritual dwelling — and how God works in each one. Presence Over Planning: Why God invited Cherise into a season of being present instead of trying to plan five or ten years ahead. Realignment in Relationships: How surrender can shake things up — even in healthy relationships — and why God sometimes rearranges what feels secure. How to Discern God's Voice: Peace vs. anxiety, the 8 C's of Internal Family Systems, and what conviction truly feels like. Letting God Lead Step by Step: Why we don't have to know the whole strategy — we only need to look back at Jesus for the next move. Key Quotes: "Life is like chess. He's asking me to sit down and play a game I don't know… even if I knew the rules, I could still be wrong." — Briana "He's the perfect gift giver. He doesn't miss a detail." — Cherise "Sometimes God gives us a word that unfolds in layers — like a prism." "Whatever part of your 'house' feels broken, God promises the latter will be greater than the former." Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: ✨ Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ ✨ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Community: 💛 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how to grow in faith, purpose, and community. ➡️ https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready to take inventory of your own "house"? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here: ➡️ https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing honest, faith-filled conversations that meet women right where they are. Until next week, friends. 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, cardiac arrest, and near-death experiences. Please listen with care. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Kate, a Kansas City native, wife, mom of six in a blended family, nana of three, and women's Bible study leader. This conversation is tender, faith-filled, and full of the kind of perspective that only comes when God carries you through what should have been your final moments. In June of this year, at just 44 years old, Kate suffered a sudden and life-threatening heart attack — the kind doctors call a "widowmaker." Her heart stopped. She coded. And yet… God said "not yet." Her story is nothing short of miraculous. Kate shares openly about the moments leading up to the heart attack, the peace she felt when everything went dark, and how the kindness of God sustained her through open-heart surgery, rapid healing, and the emotional processing that came after. She also shares how this experience transformed her marriage, deepened her trust in God, and clarified her purpose in this season of life. Together, Cherise and Kate talk about what it means to release control, trust God with your children, and stay rooted in Scripture through every season — the ordinary, the overwhelming, and the holy.     What We Cover: Kate's journey of faith from childhood through adulthood The day her heart suddenly stopped — and the miracle moments that followed How God used her husband's presence, EMTs, and timing in supernatural ways The healing process after emergency open-heart surgery The emotional tension of "I should have died… but God kept me here" Parenting adult children vs. raising a younger child again How this experience reshaped her marriage and her view of her husband Learning to love Scripture, discipleship, and the everyday faithfulness of walking with Jesus Seeing God's kindness in both crisis and the mundane     Key Quotes: "I wasn't aware I was dying — I was only aware of God's peace. In the darkness, I just said, 'Okay God, it's me and You. What are we doing?'" "God orchestrated every detail. If it wasn't my time, it wasn't my time — and nothing was going to stop His plan."     Connect with Kate: Kate leads women's Bible studies and serves in Care & Compassion Ministries at her church in Kansas City.     Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a moment you didn't expect? Share your story with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start or clarity in your next season? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories of God's goodness and everyday purpose. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this heartfelt and restorative episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Emily Love—Kansas City native, event designer, and spiritual director in training—to talk about what it means to slow down and let God do the deeper work within us. Emily shares her powerful story of burnout, slowing down, and learning that rest can be the hardest work of all. Through seasons of exhaustion, recovery, and healing—including a serious car accident that became a defining moment of surrender—Emily discovered that purpose isn't found in constant striving, but in being present with God right where our feet are. Together, Briana and Emily explore what it looks like to release the pressure to perform, embrace gentleness toward our former selves, and "try softer" instead of trying harder. This conversation is a tender invitation to rest in the truth that we are already deeply loved, seen, and held by God—no earning required.     What We Cover: Emily's journey from burnout to rest and recovery Learning to "host yourself" before hosting others The beauty of saying no to good things to say yes to God's best How to walk at the pace of grace rather than hustle Seeing purpose as presence—right where your feet are The freedom that comes when we "try softer" and release control     Key Quotes: "The hardest work is rest work—surrendering to the reality that God's already at work." "Be gentle with your former self. She was doing her best." "You don't have to try harder. Sometimes God just asks us to try softer." "Purpose starts where your feet are."     Books Mentioned: Try Softer by Aundi Kolber — A powerful guide to healing, emotional awareness, and gentleness with yourself through God's grace. Three Mile an Hour God by Kosuke Koyama — A reflective classic on slowing down to walk with God at the pace of grace.   Connect with Emily Love: ✨ Website: emilyloveevents.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @emilyloveevents 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/emilyloveevents 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyruthlove     Join the Conversation: How is God inviting you to slow down and "try softer" in this season? Share your reflections with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 Echos of Impact Podcast 🌿 The Woman's Success Code Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step: 🌼 Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana.     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review! Your support helps us continue sharing stories of faith, healing, and purpose—just like Emily's. Until next week, friends 💛

In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise flips the script and sits down with her co-host, Briana Gray, to hear her God story. Instead of interviewing another guest, we get to lean in and listen as Briana shares how God has held her "on a short leash" through small-town beginnings, overseas mission trips, miracles on the other side of the world, and the quiet, ordinary moments of motherhood and calling. Briana is a Christian life and mindset coach, co-host of Echos of Impact, and creator of The Woman's Success Code, where she helps women discover purpose in their everyday lives and walk in deeper relationship with God. In this conversation, Briana shares how God met her in the middle of survival mode, lukewarm seasons, and the tension of "one foot in the world, one foot with Jesus," and how He gently led her into a life of purpose that feels like awakening and expansion. What We Cover: Briana's small-town Lutheran upbringing and how early traditions, memorization, and catechism gave her a strong foundation in Scripture The moment worship became personal through a tiny contemporary service in a traditional church How three overseas mission trips to Peru, Botswana, and Thailand shaped her faith and taught her how to have a real, daily relationship with God The wild story of visiting a remote village, a witch doctor's compound, and seeing God move through actual miracles—including a blind man receiving his sight What it's like to wrestle with those miracles later and still ask, "Did that really happen? Am I crazy? Could I have made that up?" The tension of living a "double life" in high school and college—loving Jesus while still looking for love and validation in all the wrong places The impact of Grandma Boots and the legacy of a praying grandmother who literally helped send Briana on mission and spiritually covered her life Stepping into marriage, three kids under four, and years that felt like pure survival mode—going to church, but feeling like there had to be more The gentle conviction of being "lukewarm" and the shift into deeper spiritual rhythms: quiet time, Bible study, journaling, and actually hearing from God How God highlighted her lifelong desire to invest in women—and how that birthed life coaching and the Echos of Impact podcast What it feels like when you're walking in your God-given purpose: awakening, expansion, fuel, and peace—even on hard days The reminder that every story matters—whether you've always believed or had a radical before-and-after moment—and how to honor where God has been faithful in your story Key Quotes: "I do believe that God created each of us on purpose and for purpose—our stories, our personalities, our passions are all like little puzzle pieces He fits together." "When you keep trusting God with the path He's put in front of you, it feels like an awakening and an expansion of yourself. That's when you really know you're on the right track." "I like to say God had me on a short leash. Even when I had one foot in the world, I never veered very far from Him—and I know my grandma's prayers were a big part of that." Connect with Briana: Listen to The Woman's Success Code & learn more about her coaching: 👉 Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Follow Briana on Instagram: 👉 @thewomanssuccesscode – faith, purpose, mindset, and encouragement for women Join the Conversation: Where do you see God's "short leash" in your story? Have there been moments where you can look back and clearly see His hand—through prayers, protection, or a sense that He never let you get too far? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we love hearing how God is moving in your everyday life. 💛 Follow us on Instagram: 👉 Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ 👉 Life Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: 👉 Echos of Impact Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Take the Next Step: Hungry to go deeper in your own journey of faith and purpose? ✨ Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community with other women who are walking this out too: 👉 https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana and start untangling what's keeping you stuck so you can walk in the life God is inviting you into: 👉 https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode and Briana's story encouraged you, we'd be so grateful if you'd follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing stories of women living out their God-given purpose—stories just like Briana's, and maybe one day, yours. 💛 Until next week, friends!

In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray and Cherise Thompson sit down with Precious Warren—a writer and homeschool mom passionate about helping families rediscover wonder. Living in Kansas City with her husband and two children, Precious shares how play and prayer often intertwine in her home, and how God literally renamed her Precious, transforming how she sees herself and her purpose. Precious opens up about healing from past trauma, moving from people-pleasing into freedom, and learning to receive God's love apart from performance. She invites moms—especially the burned-out, unseen, and overwhelmed—to create again with God, one small step at a time.     What We Cover Renamed by God: the story behind Precious's name and how identity shifts everything Wonder & Worship: using imagination in parenting to notice God in everyday life From Striving to Beloved: moving past people-pleasing and performance faith Handling the Noisy Roommate: catching negative self-talk and agreeing with God's truth Creative Motherhood: courage to make beautiful things with God (even in busy seasons) Resources from Precious: her PS 119 devotional journal and her upcoming children's book Precious Little Ewe     Key Quotes "Agreeing with God will change your life. He's always right—just agree with Him." "I thought my worth was in what I could do for God. Now I know He calls me precious simply because I'm His." "Don't lose the wonder—there's always more to discover about God's heart." "God has been waiting for you. He delights to be with you."     Connect with Precious Instagram: @preciouschalia Facebook: facebook.com/preciouschalia YouTube: youtube.com/preciouschalia PS 119 Journal (for burned-out creative moms): https://a.co/d/em9hCH5 Children's Book: Precious Little Ewe — publishing December (link coming soon!)     Join the Conversation Where has God been inviting you to wonder again? Tell us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we'd love to cheer you on. 💛 Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12     Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review—it helps us continue sharing faith-filled stories like Precious's. Until next week, friends! 💛  

Tina Smith on trading performance for God's peace ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of abuse and childhood cancer, which may be sensitive for some listeners. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Tina Smith—a licensed therapist, author, and coach for women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Tina's story is one of deep faith, perseverance, and surrender. As a mom to three children, including a childhood cancer survivor, she's walked through immense challenges that have refined her heart and renewed her faith. For over 25 years, Tina has dedicated her life to helping others heal—founding the Selah Treatment Center, a charitable organization in Canada that provides accessible, subsidized mental health care. She's also the author of Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing, a book that beautifully bridges science and faith to help readers find spiritual and emotional restoration. Together, we talk about what it means to reach the end of ourselves and find strength in surrender—how God uses breaking points to rebuild us stronger, and how we can move from performance-based faith to resting in God's love. Tina shares practical tools for taking the pressure off, creating safe community, and learning to be fully human and fully loved.     What We Cover: How surrender and faith shaped Tina's story of healing The connection between trauma, neuroscience, and Scripture Why it's okay to stop performing and start resting in grace Practical ways to take the pressure off and embrace your humanity The importance of therapy and safe community in spiritual growth Letting go of self-sufficiency and learning to trust God again     Key Quotes: "It's okay to be human. It's okay to fail. You are loved completely as you are, and God still has more for you." "Religious practices can cripple us, but Jesus restores us. He doesn't want us to perform for love—He wants us to rest in it." "When we let go of performance, we make space for God's peace to move in."     About Tina Smith: "I'm a proud mom to one young adult son—a childhood cancer survivor—and two teenage daughters. My family's journey has deeply shaped my perspective on resilience, hope, and the power of healing. For over 25 years, I've served as a therapist in the field of mental health, building a thriving private counselling practice and founding Selah Treatment Center—a charitable organization in Canada dedicated to providing accessible, subsidized mental health support. I am also the author of Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing, and a coach for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, helping them find healing, strength, and clarity so they can lead with confidence and create a lasting legacy. My life's work has not only been shaped by professional achievements but also by painful hardships, failures, and the ongoing journey of finding myself again. Through it all, I carry a passion for empowering others to rise and flourish in every season."     Connect with Tina Smith: 🌿 Website: swordandgrace.org 📚 Book: Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing 💼 Selah Treatment Center: selahsupport.ca 📸 Instagram: @tinajoansmith 📘 Facebook: Tina Smith 📩 Coaching Inquiries: swordandgrace.org     Join the Conversation: How has God met you in moments of surrender? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community! 💛 Follow us: Instagram: Echos of Impact Life Coaching: The Woman's Success Code Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community here. 💛 Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here.     If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories of faith, healing, and purpose—just like Tina's. Until next week, friends! 💛

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of child loss. In this tender, faith-filled episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Nikki Moore—wife, mom, and entrepreneur—to share her powerful story of loss, faith, and the beauty of community. Nikki grew up in Northern California but has called Kansas City home for the past 25 years. She's been married to her husband, Brent, for 22 years, and they have three children: Mia (19, sophomore in college), Micah (13, seventh grade), and Marley, forever 3½. A former first-grade teacher of nine years, Nikki has spent the last 15 years as a stay-at-home mom and 10 years working for herself—living out her passion for helping women create purposeful, family-first lives. In this conversation, Nikki shares the story of her daughter Marley's battle with a brain tumor at just 18 months old, and how her family found strength through faith and community in the midst of heartbreak. From the small miracles that carried them through hospital stays to the friends and neighbors who showed up in simple yet sacred ways, Nikki's story reminds us what it looks like when the body of Christ becomes His hands and feet. Together, Briana and Nikki explore: 💛 What it means to see God's goodness even when healing doesn't look the way you prayed 💛 How community can carry us through the darkest seasons 💛 The power of showing up for others in practical, meaningful ways 💛 Grieving differently within marriage and still choosing unity 💛 Remembering and honoring a loved one in personal ways 💛 Finding renewed purpose after loss and walking forward in hope Key Quotes: "It's not possible to do it all on your own. We're not meant to be on an island—we're meant to be in community." "You can either let the pain destroy you, or you can let it refine you. I chose to keep giving God the glory." "Silence hurts more than imperfect words. Say something. Show up." Connect with Nikki Moore: 🌿 Instagram: @nikkimoore1110 🌿 Facebook: Nikki Lewis Moore 🌿 Website: Shaklee – Nikki Moore Join the Conversation: How has God used community to carry you in a hard season? Share your story with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: 🎙 Echos of Impact 💛 The Woman's Success Code Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here. ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here. Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review—your support helps us continue sharing stories like Nikki's. Until next week, friends! 💛

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes brief discussion of abuse and excommunication within a religious setting. Listener discretion advised. In this deeply insightful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Lisa Gray — a licensed marriage and family therapist and author whose story moves from legalism to grace and from conflict avoidance to healthy connection. Lisa specializes in helping high-conflict couples and couples navigating chronic pain and illness. She shares about growing up in a biblical cult, being excommunicated after insisting abuse be reported, and how she discovered the true meaning of grace after years of spiritual confusion. Now, as the author of Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple and the forthcoming Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness, Lisa equips couples to communicate with compassion, curiosity, and Christ-centered grace. Together, we dive into what it means to live purpose in the present, how conflict can increase intimacy, and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool in both marriage and faith.     What We Cover Lisa's upbringing in a biblical cult — and what led her to walk away How she rediscovered grace and rebuilt her relationship with God What it looks like to hold boundaries and kindness at the same time The five most common conflicts couples face (and why how we fight matters more than what we fight about) How to handle conflict with curiosity and calm instead of defensiveness Why "conflict increases intimacy" — and how it can draw us closer The heart behind Lisa's books — from building healthy marriages to thriving amid chronic illness Practical tools for women who feel they're "doing all they can" in marriage How to choose the right couples therapist (what to ask before you book)     Key Quotes "My purpose is to be where my feet are—to follow the Holy Spirit and do what God's prompting me to do right now." "Conflict increases intimacy. You can't know someone fully without conflict." "Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind." "You can pay now or pay later—and later is always more expensive."     Connect with Lisa Gray 📘 Order: Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple 📖 Pre-Order: Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness (releases Nov 1) 🌐 Websites: lisagraymft.com | lisagrayauthor.com 📸 Instagram: @lisagraymft | @therapybooknook     Join the Conversation What's one area where you can invite more curiosity instead of defensiveness this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group!     How is God inviting you to slow down and stay curious this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Podcast Instagram: Echos of Impact Life Coaching Instagram: The Woman's Success Code Facebook: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana

In this special episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down—just the two of us—for a conversation that's close to our hearts: how do we hear God's voice? We don't come to this as experts, but as women who have spent a lifetime praying, listening, wrestling, and sometimes wondering if we heard Him right. Together, we share our own stories of hearing God through scripture, prayer, fasting, journaling, nature, dreams, and even those unexpected "word pictures" He places on our hearts. We talk about how easy it is to put our own spin on what we think God is saying—and how to instead hold things loosely, test them against scripture, and lean into the peace He provides. From butterflies in the driveway to whispered verses that repeat over and over, we've both seen how God is faithful to keep speaking when we slow down to notice. This episode is an honest, vulnerable conversation about discernment, intimacy with God, and the reality that His voice is often less about earthquakes and fire—and more about the still, small whisper. What We Cover: The four ways people often hear from God: seer, hearer, feeler, knower Stories from our own lives of hearing God in unexpected ways Why it matters to hold words and visions loosely and test them with scripture How nature, dreams, and repeated verses can be ways God gets our attention The importance of leaning into peace and creating space to notice His presence Key Quotes: ✨ "Lean into the peace. Lean into God's still small voice and recognize that when He passed by Elijah, He wasn't in the earthquake or the wind—He was in the whisper." ✨ "God is not going to let you miss Him. He will keep pursuing you like the lost sheep—He doesn't give up." Join the Conversation: How has God spoken to you lately? Through scripture, prayer, nature, or maybe even a dream? We'd love to hear your story—share it with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Connect with Us: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram 👉 Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community 👉 Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here. 👉 Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here. Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share real, faith-filled conversations that point back to Jesus. 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of loss and grief. Please use discretion when listening. In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Lauren Sterling Garcia—a remarried widow, mom of eight, real estate agent, "pretend farmer," and host of the Ordinary Grit podcast. Introduced by a mutual friend (and later realizing they'd just attended the same family camp!), Briana and Cherise invite Lauren to share her story of loving well, walking through an eight-month cancer battle with her late husband Scott, and choosing to keep running her race with Jesus—through grief, through healing, and into unexpected redemption. Lauren shares how simplifying purpose—to know God and glorify Him—reframed everything. From hospital rooms and back-porch conversations during COVID to sacred moments with community, she reminds us that God's truth is still true on our worst day, and that presence often matters more than perfect words. What We Cover Lauren's faith journey: from ministry and blended family to adopting five children and welcoming an eighth Walking through an aggressive cancer diagnosis during COVID and the sacred legacy Scott left "Walk to the water" faith: when deliverance looks different than we hoped Parenting grief across ages—and why purpose doesn't die when a spouse does The ministry of presence: listening, Scripture, worship, and community care Compassion reshaped: giving others the benefit of the doubt in seasons of pain Finding love again: healing, discernment, and running your race with Jesus Key Quotes "If it's true, it's true on my worst day. God's truth doesn't change when I don't get what I want." "My purpose didn't die because Scott died—I still have my race to run." "We don't move on; we move forward with Jesus." Connect with Lauren Listen to Ordinary Grit: ordinarygrit.com Follow Lauren on Instagram: @mamademucho | Lauren Sterling – Realtor Join the Conversation Where have you seen God's truth carry you through pain? We'd love to hear your story! Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Book here. Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Lauren's. Until next week, friends! 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of infidelity, substance abuse, and marital conflict. Please listen with discretion. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Erika Taphorn, a photographer, wife, and mom of five from central Illinois, to share her raw and redemptive story of marriage restoration. Erika opens up about her journey—from becoming a teen mom at 19, to moving her family to Hawaii in obedience to God's call, to walking through a painful wilderness season that nearly ended her marriage. Through separation, infidelity, addiction, and heartbreak, Erika experienced God's presence in ways that can only be described as miraculous. Her testimony reminds us that even when the foundation of our lives feels shattered, God can rebuild, restore, and redeem in His timing. What We Cover: Erika's unexpected beginning as a teen mom and the way motherhood drew her closer to Jesus The adventure of moving her family to Hawaii—and the lessons God taught them there The wilderness season that brought addiction, infidelity, and near-divorce to the surface How prayer, community, and total surrender became lifelines in the darkest moments The miracle of God stepping in "at the 11th hour" to restore her marriage Key Quotes: "I'm not going to fight with you in person—I'm going to fight for us in prayer." "If God could step in then and change his heart, how much more can I trust Him with the little things?" Connect with Erika: 🌐 erikataphorn.com (blog coming soon) 📸 Instagram: @thetaphorns | @erikataphornphoto Join the Conversation: How has God met you in your own wilderness seasons? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! ✨ Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram ✨ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: 🌟 Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. 🌟 Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana. Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us share more stories of God's power to restore and redeem. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this heartfelt conversation, Cherise and Briana sit down with Michelle McMahon—follower of Jesus, wife, girl mom, former pastor, and trauma-trained therapist—to unpack how curiosity (not control) opens the door to connection, clarity, and healing. Michelle shares how God restored what was lost in her childhood story and how that redemption now shapes her calling as a counselor for couples and individuals walking through betrayal trauma and restoration. What We Cover Purpose & Identity: Why living your purpose starts with knowing who and whose you are. Curiosity vs. Control: How curiosity draws people closer—in marriage, parenting, church, and community. "Slower is faster": Practical ways to slow down so you can truly listen, regulate emotions, and heal. Marriage Tools: The Pain & Peace Cycle (Restoration Therapy) and how to move from reaction to repair. Faith & Questions: Why it's safe—and Christ-like—to bring your questions to Jesus. Key Quotes "Control disconnects you from others. Curiosity draws them closer." "Slower is faster—when we slow down, we move toward deeper healing." "Jesus was asked 183 questions and only answered 4 directly. If that's how He lived, that's how I want to live." Connect with Michelle Counseling (In-Person or Telehealth): Michelle McMahon, PLPC — [email protected] | kcrecoverypartners.com | Work: 816-945-4208 Practice: BrianJames Therapy (Christian practice with multiple cost points) Pastoral Care Groups: ChurchWellCo Speaker One-Sheet / Bio: Google Drive Resources & Books Mentioned Curious: The Unexpected Power of a Question-Led Life by Tom Hughes — Amazon The Cost of Control: Why We Crave It, the Anxiety It Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises by Sharon Hodde Miller — Amazon Join the Conversation How is God inviting you to slow down and stay curious this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Podcast Instagram: Echos of Impact Life Coaching Instagram: The Woman's Success Code Facebook: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Michelle's. Until next week, friends! 💛

 In this season-opening conversation of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana invite you behind the curtain—what God's been teaching us lately, how testimony shapes us, and why "slow is fast" can change the way we show up at home. We talk about setting the "temperature" of our homes with peace and intention, letting the Holy Spirit lead our pace, and why learning through people's stories is often a softer, deeply transformational way to grow in faith. Together, we reflect on favorite themes from last season—friendship, forgiveness, miracles, holding grief and hope—and how those stories continue to form us. We also share what's coming this season (newsletter + landing page!) and how you can speak into future topics and guests. What We Cover Season 3 kickoff: gratitude for our community and the heart behind the podcast Slow is fast: why God keeps inviting us to slow down—and how that practically changes our days Setting the temperature at home: choosing peace, compassion, and intention (even when everyone's tired) Testimony as a softer teacher: how God uses other people's stories to shape our own Friendship, forgiveness, and miracles: themes we're still carrying forward Daily tethers to Jesus: quiet time, breath prayers, and small lifelines throughout the day Community invitation: topics you want us to cover and guests you want us to meet Key Quotes "Go slow and take the temperature. Be aware of what you're bringing into the room." "Slow is fast—God often does deeper work at a slower pace." "A wise woman builds her home… and often that looks like setting the tone with peace." "Testimony teaches—it's a softer way to learn about God's heart." "We're not promised an easy outcome, but we are promised His presence." Join the Conversation What helps you slow down and set a peaceful tone in your home? Tell us on Instagram or inside the Facebook group—we'd love to hear what's working for you. Connect with Us Follow on Instagram: Podcast — https://www.instagram.com/echos_of_impact/ Follow on Instagram: Life Coaching — https://www.instagram.com/thewomanssuccesscode/ Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community — https://www.facebook.com/groups/echosofimpact Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, follow and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing stories that point to Jesus and strengthen everyday faith. Until next week, friends! 💛  

In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Andrea Hill—a wife, mom of four, nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of Mission 212 Foundation—to hear her powerful story of finding God's peace in the midst of unimaginable trials. Andrea and her husband, Austin, walked through years of uncertainty after he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. What began as a terrifying prognosis has now become a testimony of God's faithfulness, healing, and purpose. Out of their journey, Andrea and Austin founded the Mission 212 Foundation, an organization that comes alongside fathers with cancer and their families to bring hope, support, and unforgettable memories in the middle of hardship. Andrea shares how her daily practice of gratitude, reliance on faith, and willingness to ask for help carried her through seasons of exhaustion, caregiving, and grief. She reminds us that even in the darkest caves, God's light still shines through—and that we're never meant to walk these storms alone. What We Cover: Andrea's childhood and family roots in Iowa The shock of her husband's stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis with three young kids and a newborn at home How gratitude journaling became her lifeline in suffering The birth of Mission 212 Foundation and its unique mission to support fathers with cancer and their families Marriage, caregiving, and learning to ask for help in times of weakness What it means to let God's light in during dark seasons and to live with bold faith and gratitude Key Quotes: "Gratitude has carried me through every storm. Even on my husband's sickest days, I chose to thank God for the smallest things—and it changed everything." "I want to bring light into people's dark caves, because God's presence is always there, even when we can't see it." Connect with Andrea Hill: 🌐 Mission 212 Foundation 📸 Attack Sports Performance on Instagram 📖 Mission 212 on Facebook 🛍️ Andrea's Shaklee Wellness Storefront Join the Conversation: Where have you seen God's light in your own storm? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we'd love to hear your story! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Andrea's. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for another real and raw conversation about friendship—the beauty, the wounds, and the longing we all carry for meaningful connection. After hearing powerful feedback from listeners on their last friendship episode, Briana and Cherise return to unpack what friendship really looks like through a Christian lens. Together, they explore how past hurts can create walls, how different friendships serve different roles, and why seeing Jesus as our first and most faithful friend changes everything. They remind us that friendship doesn't always have to look like hours-long coffee dates or constant check-ins. Instead, it can be woven into the rhythms of everyday life—voice messages, walks, folding laundry side-by-side, or simply a text that says, "I thought of you today." But the most important truth they circle back to is this: friendship begins with Jesus. When we learn to see Him as our closest friend, we stop demanding perfection from others and instead begin loving them with grace, freedom, and joy. What We Cover: Why friendship wounds impact how we approach new relationships How to release pressure and embrace small, meaningful ways of connecting The importance of setting boundaries while still loving like Jesus Seeing Jesus as your best friend—and what that practically looks like Modeling healthy friendships for our kids and communities Key Quotes: "Every person carries friendship wounds, but we also all carry a longing to be seen and loved." "Not every friend has to be your everything. Let each friendship be what it is." "Jesus shows us how to love people well—even when the relationship isn't perfectly mutual." "Start with yourself. Learn how Jesus loves you, and let everything else flow from there." Join the Conversation: Do you see Jesus as your friend? How has that shaped the way you show up in friendships with others? We'd love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or in our Facebook community! Follow Along: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. If this episode encouraged you, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring conversations that point back to God's love. 💛

In this wisdom-packed episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Leigh-Ann Campbell — wife, mom of five, women's ministry leader, and truth-teller with a heart for building strong families and authentic communities. Raised in New England and planted in the Midwest for the past 26 years, Leigh-Ann married her husband Troy in 1999 and has worn nearly every kind of "mama" title — foster, adoptive, biological, and fur mom. This past year alone, her forever kids have spanned grad school, college, high school, middle school, and elementary. She holds a BA in Biblical Studies with a minor in Sign Language Interpretation and works alongside private families—helping manage life's chaos and walking children through difficult seasons. Eighteen years ago, Leigh-Ann and Troy planted New Life CityChurch in the heart of downtown Kansas City — the first church plant in the area in 50 years, according to The Kansas City Star. She now leads the women's ministry there with a unique blend of grit, grounded wisdom, and feisty humor. Her heart beats for the unseen moments—serving behind the scenes, responding to emergent needs, and being faithfully present wherever God places her.     Watch by Chapter: 0:00 – Introduction 2:15 – Parenting through trauma and helping kids thrive in different schooling environments 7:42 – Creating daily habits for spiritual growth 12:10 – The value of diversity in community and how "differences demand context" 18:30 – Balancing grace and boundaries when kids or church members act out 25:45 – Navigating the harder sides of ministry without losing a soft heart 33:02 – Casting long-term vision in marriage and family life 40:21 – Practical ways to serve faithfully in the unseen moments     Key Quotes: "Differences demand context. Once you know someone's story, grace comes a lot easier." "Without vision, people perish. Look ahead, and then make sure your daily decisions match where God is leading you."     Connect with Leigh-Ann: 🌐 New Life CityChurch 🌐 New Life Women's Ministry 📸 Instagram: @leighannc5 📘 Facebook: Leigh-Ann Campbell     Join the Conversation: 💬 What daily disciplines have helped you grow in your faith and family life? Comment below — we'd love to hear from you!     Follow & Connect: 📸 Podcast Instagram 📸 Life Coaching Instagram 👥 Join our Facebook Group     Take the Next Step: 🌟 Learn about The Woman's Success Code 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana     If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, and share it with a friend! Your support helps us keep bringing powerful, hope-filled stories to the world. 💛 #parentingteens #christianparenting #ministrylife #traumainformed #faithathome #raisingkids #discipleship #echosofimpact

  In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Cassie Ferren, co-lead pastor of Midtown Church in Kansas City, foster mom, mentor, and advocate for women in ministry. Cassie's story is a powerful testimony of surrender, obedience, and what it looks like to follow God when the path ahead is anything but clear. Cassie shares how growing up in a family that planted churches during race riots shaped her love for Jesus and her desire to serve others. From launching a church in the middle of a pandemic to fostering a child while navigating infertility, Cassie's life is a reflection of choosing faith over fear—and trusting God with your family, your future, and your calling.     🔍 What We Cover: Cassie's journey growing up in inner-city ministry in Cincinnati Church planting during the pandemic—and how God showed up What it means to live as a "slave of Christ" (Philippians 2) The heartache and holiness of foster parenting Her story of infertility and God's miraculous timing How she and her husband co-lead a church while protecting their marriage Rhythms of faith, rest, and being present over performance Her passion for mentoring young women in ministry and co-leading Women Ministers KC     ✨ Key Quotes: 🟡 "I want to be a slave of Christ—to look like Him in every realm of my life." 🟡 "You're going to have to learn a lesson most parents don't until college: your kids were never yours to begin with." 🟡 "God said, 'I'm going to plant this church. You just have to have the faith and courage to follow Me.'" 🟡 "Even if I only loved her for a year, she was worth it."     🙌 Connect with Cassie Ferren: 🌐 Website: midtownkc.church 📧 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: @cassie.ferren, @midtownkc.church 📘 Facebook: Midtown KC Church 👩‍💼 Women Ministers KC: wmkc 🌍 NewThing Network: newthingkc.org     💬 Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a season of surrender? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram 👥 Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     ✨ Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here!  Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana     🎧 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Cassie's. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Rebekah Albaugh, an internationally published wedding photographer, co-founder of The Reset Conference, and host of the Honest to Goodness Podcast. Rebekah shares her powerful testimony of walking through profound grief—losing her father, her mother, three miscarriages, and most recently, her two-month-old granddaughter—while holding tightly to the truth of who God is. Through heartache and seasons of waiting, Rebekah has learned that her purpose isn't rooted in productivity or perfection, but in daily dependence on God. Drawing from Acts 17 and the story of manna in the wilderness, Rebekah reminds us that we were created to seek God, know Him, and find Him—day by day, moment by moment. This conversation is an invitation to trust God with your pain, to surrender your questions, and to press into the daily bread that sustains us, even in the darkest valleys. What We Cover: Rebekah's story of loss, surrender, and legacy The power of worship in the middle of suffering The truth about peace that surpasses understanding Why we can't rely on yesterday's manna for today's strength How grief and joy can coexist when rooted in God's presence Key Quotes: "We need to go to Him every day. If you're not feeding on the Bread of Life, you will consume something else." "I can't take credit for the peace I've experienced—it's the kind that only comes from knowing Him in the fire." Connect with Rebekah Albaugh: 🌐 Website: rebekahalbaugh.com 🎙 Podcast: Honest to Goodness 📸 Instagram: @rebekah.albaugh.photographer | @rebekah.albaugh.seniors | @honesttogoodnesspodcast 📘 Facebook: Rebekah Albaugh Photographer 📹 TikTok: @rebekah.albaugh Join the Conversation: How are you learning to trust God with your daily bread? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact Podcast Life Coaching with Briana 👭 Join our Facebook Community: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Ready to grow in purpose and faith? 🌟 Learn more about The Woman's Success Code: Click here 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Book here Final Notes: If this episode spoke to your heart, we'd be so grateful if you'd follow, leave a review, and share with a friend. Your support helps us continue sharing these sacred and powerful stories like Rebekah's. Until next week, friends! 💛    

In this honest and heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down to talk about something we all wrestle with at some point—friendship. From seasons of loneliness to shifting relationships, adult friendship can feel tender, confusing, and even painful. Briana and Cherise share vulnerably about what they've learned (and are still learning) when it comes to letting go, going deeper, and showing up with grace. This episode is for anyone who's felt like friendship in adulthood is more complicated than expected—and for those craving deeper, healthier connection rooted in faith. Together, they unpack what it means to be a safe friend, how to heal from unmet expectations, and why identity in Christ is key to building lasting relationships. What We Cover: 💬 Seasons of loneliness and friendship breakups 🧠 The stories we create—and why assumptions matter 🙏 How spiritual health shapes relational health 🤝 How to love others without losing yourself 🌱 The "bathtub / hot tub / pool" analogy of friendship capacity 💛 When God removes relationships as part of His mercy Key Quotes: "Watch your assumptions. The stories we create often hurt us more than the truth ever could." "You can't show up well in a friendship if you're not rooted in who you are in Christ." Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram: @echos_of_impact Join the Facebook group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: 💛 Learn more about The Woman's Success Code: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home 🎯 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing real, purpose-filled stories like this one. Until next time, friends. 💛

In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Rebekah Hoover—midwife, mama of six, and one of Cherise's dearest friends—to talk about purpose, surrender, and trusting God through the unexpected. Rebekah was Cherise's doula when she gave birth to her daughter Ellie, and her steady presence during that faith-stretching moment left a lasting mark. Since then, Rebekah has walked through her own journey of faith and obedience, from becoming a mom to four biological children, to adopting twice—once through a local agency and once through embryo adoption. Now a certified midwife at Glory Birth, she shares openly about the highs and lows of following God's lead, even when the road is filled with waiting and detours. Rebekah's story is a beautiful example of how God uses every part of our journey—even the pain—for a greater purpose. What We Cover: Rebekah's journey from doula to midwife and how her calling unfolded in God's timing What embryo adoption is, and why her family chose to pursue it Navigating loss and healing after miscarriage and honoring the lives of every embryo The power of surrender and trusting God when plans don't go the way you imagined The unique role of a midwife and how it differs from a doula Why honoring women emotionally and spiritually in birth matters Encouragement for women who feel stuck in the unknown or overwhelmed in the waiting Key Themes: Active faith in the waiting (Isaiah 40:31) Trusting God's timing vs. our own Honoring life in every stage—from womb to heaven Finding purpose in the parts of your story you didn't plan Key Quotes: "Even if we can't see it yet, God is still writing the story—and He doesn't waste anything." "You can feel both joy and pain at the same time—and both are valid." Connect with Rebekah Hoover: Website: Glory Birth Follow on Instagram: @glorybirthkc Connect on Facebook: Glory Birth KC Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God shifting your plans in a surprising way? Share your story with us on Instagram or in the Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Rebekah's. Until next week, friends! 💛

Ep. 31: "When God Asks for Everything: The Power of Obedient Faith" with Staci Wallace In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Staci Wallace, CEO and co-founder of Fueled by Fire, a global business consulting firm, to talk about surrender, purpose, and what it really means to reflect God in every area of life. Staci's story is one of radical obedience—from singing at the Olympics and leading multimillion-dollar businesses to giving it all away when God asked her to. Staci is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former country and Christian music artist who has shared the stage with five U.S. Presidents and worked alongside legends like Zig Ziglar. But more than any of those accolades, she is a woman deeply committed to living for God's glory. Her journey will inspire you to see purpose not just in your mountaintops, but in the valleys too. She shares how surrendering her approval addiction led to greater freedom and intimacy with the Lord—and how the real miracles in her life began when she stopped performing and started obeying. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Staci explore what it looks like to release control, embrace generosity, and allow God to shape your identity through every season—even the hard ones. What We Cover: Staci's journey from missionary kid to high-performing entrepreneur Her experience with performance-driven faith and approval addiction The turning point at age 40 that led to a 7-day fast and life-changing surrender How Staci's miraculous healing as a baby shaped her belief in God's power The seven layers of forgiveness—and what it means to truly let go What "measure of rule" means and how God tests our hearts before increasing influence How Staci's businesses now operate under kingdom principles, including mandatory tithing Why obedience in the small things prepares you for the big things Key Quotes: "God doesn't need your talent. He needs your yes." "Start small. Dream big. Obey always." "If you're living in the Kingdom, you'll feel crazy sometimes—but God always comes through." "Where the enemy tried to destroy you is likely the very place God wants to use you." "He's not asking for performance. He's asking for intimacy." Connect with Staci Wallace: Website: staciwallace.com Sign up for her free business challenge: fbfchallenge.com Instagram: @staciwallace DM Staci with the word "forgiveness" to receive her 7 Layers of Forgiveness infographic Join the Conversation: How has God asked you to surrender in this season? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana.     Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, we'd love it if you'd follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Staci's. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this heartfelt solo episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for a powerful and practical conversation on something they hear again and again: "How do I share my story?" Testimony is a core part of the Christian life—but it can feel intimidating. What do you include? What do you leave out? How do you share your story without dishonoring someone else or exposing unhealed pain? And how do you know when you're truly ready to speak? Briana and Cherise walk through the spiritual, emotional, and practical side of preparing your testimony. They offer guidance on: What We Cover: Why the enemy often tries to silence our stories The difference between "my story" and "God's story" How to honor others while still speaking truth How to know when you're ready (and what to do if you're not) Why not having a "perfect bow" doesn't disqualify you Scripture as your foundation for truth and alignment The spiritual and even physical healing that can come when you share How your story—big or small—can be the key to someone else's breakthrough Key Quotes: "Your story might be the key that unlocks a gate for someone else." "The Bible is one big book of testimonies—and yours is still being written." "God doesn't need your story to be polished. He needs it to be surrendered."   Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We'd love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring conversations that encourage and equip you. Until next week, friends! 💛

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to infant loss, sudden death of a parent, caregiving stress, and miscarriage. Please take care while listening.   In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Meagan Spires—a stay-at-home mama, military wife, and woman of quiet strength—to talk about grief, healing, and the quiet faithfulness of God. Meagan opens up about a devastating 14-month stretch that included the loss of her full-term son Camden, the unexpected death of her mother, and the weight of becoming the sole caregiver for her elderly grandfather—all while her husband was deployed overseas. Through tearful memories and honest reflection, Meagan shares how journaling, Scripture, and the presence of God carried her through. Despite unimaginable heartbreak, Meagan's story is one of hope. She's learning to share her testimony boldly, not because it's neatly wrapped up—but because even in the middle of it, God is still moving. What We Cover: Meagan's journey through the loss of her son, mother, and grandfather The loneliness of grief and how it impacted her marriage and identity The unexpected ways God provided—financially, emotionally, and spiritually How her experience shifted her understanding of calling and motherhood The healing power of journaling, community, and simply showing up Why your story doesn't have to be "finished" to be worth sharing Key Quotes: "The only answer is God and my faith in Him. That truly was the only way that I survived that season." "I feel like God, you're about to do something… I feel like I'm on the edge of something." Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We'd love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If this episode spoke to you, would you leave us a review or share it with a friend? Your support helps us continue to highlight stories like Meagan's. Until next week, friends. 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of anxiety and mental health struggles. In this freeing and heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with writer, creative, and purpose-driven voice Sarah Kruzel to unpack what it really means to take the pressure off. From social expectations to the weight of internal perfectionism, Sarah shares how her personal journey—from a small town in Michigan to a new life in Nashville—led her to start a movement against comparison culture and self-imposed standards. Through humor, honesty, and Holy Spirit-filled insight, Sarah gives us permission to breathe again. She opens up about her mental health struggles, the role of faith in finding peace, and how obedience—no matter how small—can lead to the kind of transformation you never expected. What We Cover: The real-life "Hallmark story" that brought Sarah to Nashville—and how she knew God was in it Her mental health journey and how unrealistic religious and social expectations almost crushed her The origin of the #TakeThePressureOff campaign and why it resonates with women from all walks of life How pressure—explicit, cultural, and perceived—can block us from walking in our God-given purpose The intersection of creativity and identity, and how embracing your inner child brings worship to life Navigating social media and staying true to your calling without getting caught up in the algorithm How boundaries and authenticity online help Sarah live from a place of joy instead of performance Sarah reminds us that God doesn't press down on us with impossible standards—He lifts us up with grace. When we stop performing and start listening to His voice, we're free to grow fruit that blesses others. Key Quotes: "Take the pressure off is really a reminder to get our eyes back on the throne of grace." "It's not actually humble to hide your gifts. It's an act of wild worship to use what God gave you." "God's voice isn't the one crushing you—it's the one calling you higher with love." Connect with Sarah: Substack: Take the Pressure Off Instagram: @sarahkruzel Join the Conversation: How are you taking the pressure off in your own life? We'd love to hear what spoke to you from this episode! Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. ✨ Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Your support helps us keep these meaningful conversations going. If you found this episode meaningful, please follow us and leave a positive review. Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories like Sarah's. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Echos of Impact or its hosts.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, infertility, miscarriage, and military loss. While shared with sensitivity and hope, these topics may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and know it's okay to pause or step away if needed. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Laura O'Malley—a military wife, mama, florist, and Amazon bestselling author—to unpack her story of trauma, loss, redemption, and hope. Laura grew up in a small town in Kentucky and now lives outside of Nashville, where her faith journey has been anything but simple. From surviving sexual assault to grieving the loss of her boyfriend in the military, Laura's testimony is a moving reminder that even in the darkest seasons, God is still writing the story. Laura opens up about the shame she carried, the long road through infertility and IVF, and how a dream before her boyfriend's death became a turning point in her spiritual walk. Through counseling, deep healing, and the unexpected gift of her daughter, Laura's life is a testament to the truth that God is not done. What We Cover: Laura's story of surviving trauma and navigating shame in a small-town church culture Grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Kenny, after he was killed in war The importance of counseling and spiritual healing in her recovery Her faith journey, including a prophetic dream and returning to God Walking through IVF, miscarriage, and the eventual miracle of motherhood What it means to move forward without forgetting the past Encouragement for women struggling to see the good when life feels stuck in the rearview mirror Key Quotes: "There were so many moments I thought life was over. But God wasn't done. He was still writing my story." "I didn't need to be fixed. I needed to believe I wasn't broken beyond repair." Connect with Laura O'Malley: Follow Laura on Instagram: @_lauraomalley_ as well as @bluerootflorals Order the book Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood       Join the Conversation: How are you finding God's glory in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group!: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community       Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start?  Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Laura's. Until next week, friends! 💛  

In this heart-opening episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Shayne Givens—Jesus lover, wife, mom, hairstylist, minister, and Heart Physics® coach-in-training—to talk about how true transformation begins not in our circumstances, but in the unseen places of our hearts. Shayne opens up about her powerful journey through teen motherhood, trauma, and toxic relationships, and how intimacy with Jesus brought her into deep emotional healing. She shares how learning to hear and experience God in her heart, not just her head, was the turning point that changed everything. If you've ever felt stuck in old cycles or like healing is out of reach, this episode is a must-listen. Together, Cherise and Shayne explore how practical spiritual tools—like Heart Physics®—can help us align our emotions with truth, release buried pain, and draw closer to God in a personal way. What We Cover: Shayne's story of early motherhood, trauma, and identity loss How toxic beliefs keep us stuck—and how to break free What Heart Physics® is and how it helped Shayne hear God clearly Why emotional healing is essential for spiritual growth The difference between religious striving and true intimacy with Jesus Key Quotes: "God doesn't just want your performance—He wants to live His life through you." "Everything shifted when I stopped trying to fix myself and started letting God father me." Connect with Shayne Givens: Follow Shayne on Instagram: @shaynegivens Follow her family journey: @givens.life Connect on Facebook: The Givens Life     Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God speak directly to your heart? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact | Life Coaching Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Shayne's. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Krystalle Saucedo, Kansas City native, mama of three, and founder of Lullaby of Hope, a nonprofit that curates gift boxes for women experiencing loss in the womb. Krystalle also serves on the board of Solace Photography and currently works at Harvesters, a local food bank. But behind her leadership and compassion is a story filled with both heartbreak and healing. Krystalle shares how her journey through miscarriage, stillbirth, emotional abuse, and divorce led her into a deeper understanding of God's grace and goodness—even when life looked nothing like she imagined. With honesty and hope, she reflects on what it means to be "held with purpose," and how writing her (yet unpublished) book became a lifeline in the darkest season. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Krystalle explore the complexities of faith, womanhood, and learning to trust God again after loss and betrayal. What We Cover: Krystalle's story of childhood, motherhood, and being raised in the Mormon church The founding of Lullaby of Hope and her mission to support grieving mothers What emotional and financial abuse looked like in her marriage—and how she came to name it The challenge of navigating divorce as a Christian woman Finding healing, joy, and love again after loss The unexpected gift of writing and how it helped her process trauma Her beautiful redemption story of dating again and the love that followed Key Quotes: "Divorce was the boat that saved me." "You cannot want something more for someone than they want for themselves." "My help hurt." "God's grace doesn't run out—His patience doesn't run out. He's not like us." Connect with Krystalle Saucedo: Visit: https://lullabyofhope.org Follow on Instagram: @lullabyofhopeFollow Krystalle's business Instagram: @krystallewheeler Join the Conversation: How has God met you in the middle of the unexpected? Share with us on Instagram or in the Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: 🎙 Echos of Impact 💛 The Woman's Success Code Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Click here Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Krystalle's. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Charley Laas—a worship leader, vocal coach, and songwriter—to talk about doubt, identity, creativity, and the hard but holy journey of finding intimacy with God through pain. Charley vulnerably shares her story of growing up in a Christian home, encountering heartbreak and loss, and walking through a long wilderness season that ultimately led to deeper healing and a renewed sense of purpose. Charley's music flows from a place of authenticity, shaped by trauma, counseling, and quiet moments with the Lord. Whether you've questioned your faith, wrestled with purpose, or felt like you lost your voice in the process—this episode is for you. Together, they explore what it means to be refined by God—not so we can prove ourselves, but so we can be reminded that we've always been valuable in His eyes.     What We Cover: Charley's journey through faith, trauma, and transformation Her move from Washington to Texas and what it revealed about identity The struggle of staying faithful through doubt and deconstructing How songwriting became a tool for healing and emotional connection What it means to find God's presence in the wilderness seasons The truth that we are gold before the refining even begins     Key Quotes: "Does it have to make sense to be true?" "You've always been gold—valuable the moment God picked you up."     Connect with Charley Laas: 🎶 Listen to her music: Spotify - Charley Laas 📲 Follow Charley on Instagram: @charleylaasmusic 💻 Visit: charleylaas.co for vocal coaching and more Join the Conversation: How has God used everyday moments, like tending a garden, to speak to you? Share your thoughts with us in the Echos of Impact Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Ready to dig deeper into your purpose? Join The Woman's Success Code! Learn more here. Want to work on personal growth? Schedule a complimentary Life Audit with Briana today: Book here. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Callie's. Until next week, friends! 💛       Join the Conversation: How are you finding God's glory in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group!: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start?  Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Charley's. Until next week, friends! 💛  

In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Nikki Vivas, beloved Kansas City radio personality, to talk about what it means to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn. Nikki is a longtime radio host known not only for her voice on air but also for her boldness in sharing her faith in spaces where it wasn't always welcomed. Nikki shares how losing her dream job—the morning show she built for years—forced her into a season of drought and waiting. Yet even in the midst of grief, Nikki is choosing to trust that God is not done writing her story. Together, Cherise and Nikki dive deep into identity, waiting seasons, and the power of holding on to hope when everything feels uncertain. What We Cover: Nikki's journey from a lifelong passion for broadcasting to living out her purpose through connection How trusting God through loss and unknown seasons has shaped her faith Why it's powerful (and hard) to speak openly about faith in secular spaces Finding identity in being, not just doing Encouragement for anyone navigating a waiting season or identity shift Key Quotes: "Just because your dream ended doesn't mean God's done." "You can be a mess and still be worthy of being used by God." Connect with Nikki Vivas: Follow Nikki on Instagram: @missvivas Follow The Ponch and Nikki Show on Instagram: @ponchandnikki Listen to Nikki's new podcast Vino with Vivis: Vino with Vivis on Spotify Join the Conversation: How are you finding God's glory in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Nikki's. Until next week, friends! 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of personal testimonies, including mentions of infidelity and emotional struggles. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you.   In this special episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise are joined by two dear friends, Zakiyah and Laura, to celebrate a full year of podcasting and reflect on the true heartbeat behind their journey: the power of testimony. Together, they discuss why sharing our stories matters—how testimonies don't just glorify God but also bring healing, encouragement, and boldness to others who are still in their own battles. This episode features a beautiful spoken word piece written and narrated by Zakiyah, titled "What is Testimony," a moving reminder that our stories carry the fingerprints of God's faithfulness and goodness. Whether you're walking through your own testimony or standing on the other side of a hard season, this conversation will remind you: Your story matters. Your voice matters. And God is still writing something beautiful through you. What We Cover: Why testimonies are vital for healing and encouragement How storytelling is deeply biblical (the Bible is a book of testimonies!) How vulnerability can strengthen both the storyteller and the listener The ways sharing testimony reveals God's continuous pursuit and redemption Reflections on a year of podcasting, obedience, and unexpected blessings Key Quotes: "Testimony is not just your story. It's how your story points back to God." "Your voice can unlock healing in someone else's life." Special Feature: "What Is Testimony" — a spoken word piece by Zakiyah Connect with Echos of Impact: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana! Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share stories of hope and purpose. Until next week, friends! 💛   Join the Conversation: How are you finding God's glory in your daily life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.     If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories. Until next week, friends! 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content, including discussions of childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect. Please listen with care and take breaks as needed.   In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down with Tisha Hensel, co-lead pastor at The River Church Family in Raytown, Missouri. Tisha's story is one of resilience, restoration, and radical faith. With over 20 years in ministry, a background in biblical studies, and a heart deeply rooted in community, Tisha brings a refreshing honesty to what it looks like to trust God through seasons of deep trauma, healing, and leadership. Tisha shares her powerful testimony of growing up in a tumultuous and abusive environment, finding Jesus at eight years old, and learning to trust Him with her life through unimaginable circumstances. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God is faithful not only to redeem our brokenness but to restore what was lost—and often in ways we never could have imagined. Together, Cherise, Briana, and Tisha talk about wrestling with Scripture, healing from childhood trauma, finding your voice after abuse, and what it means to love and lead others out of a place of restoration.     What We Cover: Tisha's journey from surviving childhood trauma to stepping into pastoral leadership Wrestling with Scripture as a path to living out God's purpose The critical role of community in healing from abuse and neglect How God restores what the enemy tried to steal—and often multiplies it What it looks like to love others well in small, meaningful ways Finding your voice without striving for perfection Challenges and joys of being a woman and co-leader in ministry The ongoing, layered journey of healing, counseling, and trusting God     Key Themes: Restoration after trauma Beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61) Obedience over sacrifice The importance of authentic community Liberating stories to restore connection Partnership and humility in marriage and ministry     Key Quotes: "Liberating stories lead to restored connections." "God didn't cause the brokenness, but He is perfectly positioned to restore it." "Even when I couldn't see it, God was sewing something back together."     Connect with Tisha Hensel: 📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Learn more about The River Church Family: www.rivercentral.org     Join the Conversation: How have you seen God restore something broken in your life? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram - Podcast Page Follow us on Instagram - Life Coaching Page Join our Facebook Group - Echos of Impact Community     Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman's Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.   If this episode blessed you, would you take a moment to follow us and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Tisha's. Until next week, friends! 💛