Unconditionally Her

What if the life you’ve been longing for isn’t somewhere out there waiting for you to find it— but is already hidden inside the life you’re living right now?In the middle of your ordinary days your routines, your conversations, your not-so-perfect moments— what if God is already revealing something more? Not louder. Not bigger.But deeper. More meaningful. More alive.Because maybe “immeasurably more” isn’t about changing your life completely… maybe it’s about finally seeing it through the eyes of Jesus.Today’s conversation is for the woman who feels like herlife looks too ordinary to matter ...for the one who wonders if she’s missed something along the way… and for the one who is quietly hoping there is still more of God to experience—right here, right now.Today, I’m joined by Susan Campbell, authorof Immeasurably More, a beautiful devotional that invites us to notice the extraordinary ways Jesus is already present in our everyday lives… and how following Him—right where we are—might be the doorway to more than we ever imagined.

Have you ever heard the saying, 'Busy as a bee in June?”  Well, that couldn’t be more fitting for the story we’re exploring today.  On Unconditionally Her: Conversations, join Karen Shayne and Becky Reid as they speak with author of Bees In June, Elizabeth Bass Parman  as she invites us into the enchanting town of Spark, Tennessee, during the summer of 1969—a time when the world watched in awe as humans took their first steps on the Moon. But in Spark, magic is afoot in a more earthly way.

In today’s world, conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation are more important than ever. As we navigate challenging times marked by division and uncertainty, education remains one of the most powerful tools for fostering understanding, healing, and meaningful change. In this very special episode, Sandy Williams is joining me as we honor and welcome longtime educator Cindy Fain, whose dedication to learning and community engagement offers valuable insights into how education can bridge divides and create a more inclusive future.

Often in life, we are gifted the opportunity to step outside our comfort zone and experience something transformational.  That happened to me recently when I was musically introduced to an artist by the name of Radhika Vekaria.   If I had to describe Radhika, I would start by saying she is a musical visionary whose work transcends cultural and creative boundaries. Drawing inspiration from her heritage and personal challenges, she creates art that is as universal as it is intimate, connecting people through shared emotions and experiences. Radhika’s incredible work has earned her acclaim across the globe – and with a few folks we’ve heard of - solidifying her place as a dynamic force in the creative world including her nomination for a 2025 Grammy for Best New Age Ambient and Chant Album. A captivating soul on every level.  Enjoy our time with a truly and deeply inspirational woman.

In a world that often glorifies grand achievements and monumental milestones, it's easy to overlook the significance of small things. However, the true essence of a fulfilling and balanced life often lies in the minutiae. The small things, those seemingly insignificant actions and moments Hold immense power in shaping our daily experiences and overall well being. Whether it's a brief moment of mindfulness, a kind word, or a simple act of self care, these small actions can accumulate to create a profound effect. They build habits, they nurture relationships, and they continue to contribute a sense of purpose and contentment. Embracing the small things encourages us to live in the present, find joy in the mundane, and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination. Joining me today is one of our favorite gals, Susan Campbell, and she will share with us how doing the small things can transform our lives in subtle yet profound ways, reminding us that greatness often comes in the most unassuming forms.

It's a chair every musician, artist, composer, and producer wants to be sitting in. On February 4th, 2024, Carla Patullo found herself sitting in that very chair, waiting. Then her category was announced and her name called. The Grammy was for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. The win that night found Carla with a plethora of mixed emotions.b Knowing what this could mean for her career was one thing, but the reason behind the album win was far more profound. Most people didn't know the full backstory of the album So She Howls. For Carla, years of healing came with that small, coveted golden trophy. Years of fight, years of struggling to find resilience, and years of reclaiming oneself manifested in that most beautiful and extraordinary way on that stage, that night. As Carla said her thank yous to those who held her hand along the way. Today, we welcome the incredible Carla Patullo to Conversations. A time to chat, to learn, to feel, and to heal, and we do it with the music.

Old friends are like warm hugs.  You can pick up a conversation right where you left off never once skipping a beat. That’s how I felt when I reconnected to do a catch up with Leanne Jamison.  It had been a while with life being as busy as usual, but within ten minutes of our call, it was like throwing on your favorite robe and houseshoes, getting comfy and grabbing your favorite cocktail and see who could laugh the loudest and the longest.  Within a few minutes of our call, we connected over the conversation of gratitude.  Seems that morning both of us pretty much had the same experience with our thoughts on living in gratitude.  So, today, with my sweet friend Leeanne Jamison, we’re gonna talk about living life with extreme gratitude.  With us two, who knows where this might go.

In the quiet corners of life, we often encounter individuals whose stories resonate like gentle melodies of bn the spring. Today, we step into the world of June, a widow I interviewed just two Christmases ago and a woman whose spirit deeply touched my soul.  As we sit down to chat, we unravel the woven threads of a beautiful and enduring connection to her late husband. Through her words and memories, June paints a portrait of love that withstands the test of loss and grief. We hear about the spirit of her community and how it played a role in her healing.  Finally, we will hear how her husband's memory serves as a poignant reminder that love, in its purest form, has the power to inspire and uplift even in the face of profound sorrow. Join us as we delve into June's story of her love of “fine things” while we explore the resilience of the human heart and the timeless beauty of a love that will forever live on in a little town called Clinton. 

How often in our lives do we explore the profound connection between our inner selves (our soul) and the ever-changing landscape of our lives?   Life can be surprising at times sometimes and the whiplash of unexpected changes can often send shockwaves down to the the core of our being. How does our soul respond to these shocks, and what happens to our sense of identity in the process?   Today on the show we are going to explore a personal narrative with a friend you and I have grown to love as he shares his own experiences of adjustment during times of change.  The reflection and growth I must say is pretty beautiful as he shares how he has coped and even learned to thrive in the face of life-altering shifts  Join us as we share insights about navigating soul shocks, understanding how they shape our identities, and finding the strength to adapt to life's inevitable changes. exploring how disruptions can lead to a transformative journey.

have you ever thought the clutter in your head and heart makes as much or more difference as the clutter on the desk or in your desk drawer? Well, it does. Today we're diving into the fascinating topic of organizing. Not just our physical spaces, but also our mental, spiritual, and emotional spaces. Our guest is Sara Skillen. Sara is a certified organizer life coach. She's an author, a speaker, and the founder of Skillset Coaching. Sarah brings a wealth of experience and has recently embarked on a new journey as an interfaith spiritual director. And We're going to learn how staying organized and spiritual health Go hand in hand. This conversation will be insightful and thought-provoking. So if you're looking to create a solution to your real-life order, or if you want to just expand your mind about how the stuff behind the stuff affects our lives, you found the place. Reach Sara at Sara Skillen at skillsetcoaching.com

Today's podcast is slightly different in tone due to the significance of this day. Exactly one year from today, The U. S. will exercise its most treasured and valuable act of democracy, the power to vote. This podcast embraces today's understanding there's never been a time in history that voting has been more important, especially for women. This podcast talks about the significance of the 19th Amendment and how it is crucial to understand the significance of women's participation in the democratic process and in the time it takes to listen to this podcast - 12 minutes and 28 seconds - a single vote can change history. Join Karen Shayne as we gear up for 2024 and embrace our right to vote.

Today, a heartwarming podcast reunion unfolds as Karen Shayne, the host of "Unconditionally Her," and Kiya Naka from Co-XST join forces to collaborate and share the compelling story of the film, "My First Breath: The Story of Carl Gibson." Carl's journey began at the tender age of 7 when he embarked on a hazardous path by experimenting with inhaling gas on his family's property in Dahlonega, Georgia. This pivotal decision marked the onset of a perilous journey into substance abuse, where drugs became his means of coping with the profound anxiety and depression deeply rooted in the cycle of addiction and familial abuse. In our podcast today, Carl delves deeper into the undisclosed aspects of his life story, shedding light on experiences that were not covered in the film. He is joined by his son, Nick, as they openly share the pivotal moments that have defined their current relationship. Much like the film, this podcast serves as a testament to the resilience and determination that one can summon when pursuing their dreams, safeguarding their loved ones, and realizing their full human potential, all while triumphing over the formidable challenges posed by addiction. Carl's transformation into a pillar of strength and a remarkable man with unwavering faith and a profound dedication to his family becomes an inspiring example to everyone dealing with a struggle in their life.  Prepare yourself, and grab a hankie as this touching story will surely tug at your heartstrings.

Language plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, capable of profoundly impacting our existence. Certain words, such as "commitment," "affection," and "gratitude," have the power to alter our emotions and, in some instances, even transform our life trajectories. Conversely, there exist words with darker connotations, such as "terror" and "cancer." Today's podcast episode unfortunately demands that we utter a word that I find almost too painful to bear: "Goodbye." It's with a heavy heart that I attempt to convey the deep sorrow we feel as we bid farewell to our cherished friend, Linda Ragsdale. However, knowing Linda, or "Rags," as we fondly call her, you'll embark on an emotional journey filled with laughter, astonishment, and profound inspiration. Please join me as I share, for the final time, a very special interview with this extraordinary friend. Linda is not only an enthralling and enchanting speaker but also an exceptional educator whose life took a momentous turn in 2008.

 I truly believe nothing just happens in life. My mom used to say for everything there is a reason. But imagine being in a foreign country for 10 days on a riverboat with a couple of friends who are waiting to meet yet more of their friends, whom obviously we'll be sharing living quarters with for the next 10 days. You really don't know how things are going to go, so you just wait. And you pray, and then she walks into your life. Well, on this podcast, you're going to get to meet her, too. Today, we are going to explore the role of faith in women's lives. And we're going to meet my new friend, author Susan Campbell and we're going to hear how her faith has helped her overcome challenges. Find meaning and make life changing decisions. So whether you're a woman seeking to deepen your faith or simply curious about the role of faith in women's lives, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and inspiration.

The journey toward self-discovery and personal growth isn’t easy. Whether you're feeling lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply curious about what more life has to offer, this episode is here to guide you toward a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Join us as we meet Rhonda HiIcks, a brave and inspiring woman who was unafraid to delve into the complexities of her human experience to uncover the tools and insights that helped her live a more fulfilling and authentic life. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on a journey of self-exploration together, and maybe, just maybe we might learn something new about ourselves. 

In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing the importance of loving ourselves unconditionally and how it can positively impact our lives.  As a generation of women that has been taught they can – and should – have it all, taking the time to love yourself all too often gets pushed aside. We tell ourselves we’re not worthy of our own love until we’ve run that lost those last few pounds, gotten that additional education, been there to babysit more for the grandkids, stayed later at work….yes, the list goes on. But the reality is, you already deserve your own love, as you are. We’re here today, to remind you that self-love isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.

In this introduction podcast, Host Karen Shayne welcomes all readers and new listeners tuning in to our Unconditionally Her Podcast, “Conversations”.  This episode gets ready dive into some amazing discussions with some fabulous women (and the occasional man or two).  Conversations will empower and celebrate the modern woman and provide a platform for the multi-faceted woman, from career to motherhood to even retirement all while having fun along the way.

After losing her mother to ovarian cancer in 2009, this Houston, Texas powerhouse was inspired by her mother's strength and passion enough to leave her corporate career and founded The Ovarcome Foundation, a non-profit organization. This non-profit was created specifically to raise global awareness, to fund research in search of a cure, and to provide financial, psycho-social, and information to women fighting ovarian cancer. Under the leadership of this remarkable human, over the past 18 years, Ovarcome has experienced significant growth both nationally and internationally. With a MBA from Rice University in 2004, Runsi also holds a master’s degree in Economics. She serves as an Advisory Board member of the Blanton-Davis ovarian cancer research program at MD Anderson and on the Alumni Board of Rice Business. Above all, she’s the daughter of every mother’s dream.  __________  Follow Unconditionally Her on social media!  Website: ⁠unconditionallyher.com⁠  Facebook: ⁠Unconditionally Her⁠  Instagram: ⁠@unconditionally_her⁠ 

This Wisconsin native knows her way around the kitchen!  A breast cancer survivor, Chef Mary Stodola created culinary excellence when she became CEO of her Nashville catering company, Simply Delicious. Fueled by her beloved mother, Chef Mary is an advocate for health, humor, and loving life while delighting us all with amazing recipes right from her kitchen table.  She’s her own spicy spice, always flavored with a dash of humor and hope.  Everyone, meet Chef Mary! __________  Follow Unconditionally Her on social media!  Website: ⁠unconditionallyher.com⁠  Facebook: ⁠Unconditionally Her⁠  Instagram: ⁠@unconditionally_her⁠ 

She is a wife, mother of two, a Thelma to your Louise, a corporate IT professional, and entrepreneur extraordinaire. Rhonda Hicks is also a mentor, a leader, a follower of her faith, a motivator, and a giver.  Above all, she’s a cancer survivor; a woman who knows no boundaries in leadership and no limits of how to give back after a shocking cancer diagnosis rocked her seemingly perfect life. __________  Follow Unconditionally Her on social media!  Website: ⁠unconditionallyher.com⁠  Facebook: ⁠Unconditionally Her⁠  Instagram: ⁠@unconditionally_her⁠ 

When asked to describe this next cast member I’d say, take Golden Girl Blanche, mix her with a little Dorothy, give her the attitude of Sophia and the wit of Rose, and you’d have Brookshire McDonald! This fiery gal from North Carolina took cancer, stared it in the face, and said, “You ain’t got a chance” . She’s a mother of six and a grandmother of fifteen and she’s about to knock your socks off (and probably give ‘em back cleaned and pressed with clear and defined  instructions of how not to get them so dirty next time!!!)  She’s everyone’s  knit- witted knocker poet. And we love her! __________  Follow Unconditionally Her on social media!  Website: ⁠unconditionallyher.com⁠  Facebook: ⁠Unconditionally Her⁠  Instagram: ⁠@unconditionally_her⁠ 

Rhayne Thomas is a vocalist, author, entrepreneur, inspirational humorist, breast cancer survivor, and…a prune whisperer?   This former Atlanta resident now makes her home in Las Vegas.  Her mission is to heal hearts through laughter and prunes!  As a 40+ year entertainer, Rhayne knows how difficult it can be to keep smiling when you are at your wit’s end, but she’s living proof that you can make a difference.  And she’s doing it EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  __________  Follow Unconditionally Her on social media!  Website: ⁠unconditionallyher.com⁠  Facebook: ⁠Unconditionally Her⁠  Instagram: ⁠@unconditionally_her⁠ 

A Tennessee native, author, and advocate, Navita Gunter’s belief in her own strength, and her gift for poetry, carried this single mother through and out of the horrors of cervical cancer. In 1991, she founded the Tennessee’s first Cervical Cancer Coalition. Now, Navita dedicates her time and efforts to changing the story of cervical cancer deaths in the state by educating about, and advocating for, early detection.  Meet author, poet, and advocate extraordinaire, Navita Gunter.   __________ Follow Unconditionally Her on social media! Website: unconditionallyher.com Facebook: Unconditionally Her Instagram: @unconditionally_her

In June, we celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day.   In honor of all courageous cancer survivors from around the globe, Unconditionally Her is showcasing some amazing stories from the original Survivor Stories from the Stage theater shows.  Stories from the Stage was originally produced by the Women Survivors Alliance and was created to give a voice to millions of women survivors of ALL cancers.  For over six years, in cities and on stages across the country, over 100 women survivors shared their stories of how they’ve given a purpose to their cancer journey, and how they’re using their gifts of time and experience to now give back.   Now we’re making their stories a podcast. Join this limited BONUS podcast series called “Survivor Stories from the Stage” starting in May and the entire month of June as we listen to the best, the brave, and the beautiful.   Be amused.  Be inspired.   Just be there.  Coming in May to iHeart, Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcast.