In this episode, I am joined by Chrystal Cuellar, a sober coach passionate about helping women embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle and step fully into their God-given purpose. Chrystal shares her powerful testimony of navigating a toxic relationship, struggles with alcohol, and finding freedom through her relationship with Christ.

From being a gray-area drinker to a thriving sobriety coach, Chrystal opens up about the challenges she faced, including the pivotal moments that brought her to the end of herself and the beginning of a life led by God’s grace. She dives deep into her journey of letting go of alcohol, rebuilding her foundation on Christ, and discovering what it means to live with a sober mind.

If you’re navigating your own relationship with alcohol or feeling a nudge from God to surrender it, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for your journey.

What We Discuss:

• Chrystal’s journey from a gray-area drinker to a sobriety coach

• The impact of toxic relationships on her alcohol use

• How finding Christ transformed her life and relationship with alcohol

• The importance of accountability, mentorship, and support in sobriety

• Living a sober-minded life and demolishing other idols

• Building a fruitful, God-honoring life beyond just counting days

• The power of Isaiah 40 in Chrystal’s journey

If you’re ready to explore sobriety or deepen your walk with Christ, reach out to Chrystal or join her community to get started.

Bio:

Chrystal Cuellar is a sober coach on a mission to empower Christian women to embrace sobriety and unlock their true purpose. Having triumphed over her own battles with binge drinking, God has led her to help others find freedom too.

She approaches this through a biblical and practical approach so women can break free for good!

Anchor Verse:

Isaiah 40:31

Connect with Chrystal:

Facebook Kingdom Alliance Community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1XnvRpk2FL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: cuellarchrystal@gmail.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalcuellar

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this powerful episode to start off 2025, I sit down with my friend, Anna LeBaron, author of The Polygamist’s Daughter, to hear her extraordinary story of escaping the grip of a violent, polygamous cult and finding healing through faith, courage, and community.

Anna shares her personal journey of growing up in a household led by her father, Ervil LeBaron, a self-proclaimed prophet responsible for unspeakable acts of violence. She opens up about the trauma of being raised in a toxic environment, her eventual escape at age 13, and the long process of deconstructing harmful beliefs while reconstructing her identity in Christ.

Key topics we discuss:

• The realities of life inside a polygamous cult and its impact on identity and mental health.

• Anna’s harrowing escape and the challenges of rebuilding her life after leaving everything behind.

• Deconstructing toxic theology and learning to separate God’s truth from man-made distortion.

• How she found healing through therapy, community, and faith.

• Encouragement for those facing trauma, abuse, or the process of reconstructing their own beliefs.

Anna’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of God’s grace to bring beauty from ashes. If you or someone you know is navigating trauma, spiritual abuse, or the challenges of deconstruction, this episode offers hope, healing, and practical wisdom.

Bio:

Anna LeBaron is a n inspiring author, captivating speaker, and skilled social media strategist. Each of these components allows Anna to do what she loves most: connect with people from a diverse array of backgrounds. Anna uses her experiences of escaping from a violent, polygamist cult and her journey to freedom as evidence that every story can be redeemed for good, no matter how bleak parts of it may be. Countless women have walked away from Anna's events with a renewed desire to face their fears, overcome obstacles, and find freedom in the redemption of their own stories.

Anchor Verse:

2 Timothy 1:7

Connect with Anna:

Website: https://annalebaron.com

IG: Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/annaklebaron/

Hulu Docuseries, Daughters of the Cult: https://www.hulu.com/series/daughters-of-the-cult-ecb95c0a-c542-4716-8320-24e0a67e133b

Anna and I both love books and these are the ones mentioned during this interview:

Her book, The Polygamist's Daughter

Prophet of Blood: The Untold Story of Ervil Lebaron and the Lambs of God by Ben Bradley, Jr

Try Softer by Aundi Kolber

Attached to God by Krispin Mayfield

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Safe People by Henry Cloud

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, we welcome Lee Ann Mancini, author of Raising Kids to Follow Christ, Bible professor, and advocate for equipping parents and ministry leaders to guide the next generation in building a strong foundation in faith. Lee Ann shares insights from her extensive research and personal experience as a mother of two adult children and discusses the pressing challenges families face today in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical truth.

Lee Ann dives into:

• The alarming statistics about young people walking away from faith and the cultural factors contributing to this trend.

• Practical steps for parents and grandparents to instill a biblical worldview in their children, starting as early as infancy.

• The importance of intentional parenting and creating a family mission statement to guide your home.

• How to navigate difficult topics like gender dysphoria, digital safety, and the influence of media.

• Encouragement for parents who feel they’ve fallen short and actionable ways to move forward with grace and consistency.

Lee Ann reminds us that raising children in today’s world requires prayer, preparation, and persistence. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or ministry leader, this conversation will inspire you to take an active role in helping the next generation stand firm in their faith.

Bio:

Author Lee Ann Mancini is the award-winning author and executive producer of the Sea Kids series, which can be viewed on Answers.TV, Pure Flix, Right Now Media, and SeaKidsTV. Lee Ann earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Trinity International University), as well as two master’s degrees — one in Christian and Classic Studies and one in Biblical and Theological Studies — from Knox Theological Seminary. She serves as an adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary and hosts the award-winning podcast, Raising Christian Kids.

Anchor Verse:

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Connect with Lee Ann:

Website: https://leeannmancini.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/raisingchristiankidsministry

FB: https://www.facebook.com/RaisingChristianKids

Troomi Phone: https://troomi.com

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I am joined by Justin Kendrick, pastor, church planter, and author of Out of the Hurricane. Justin shares his powerful journey of coming to faith in Christ and the life-changing peace and hope he found in surrendering to God. Together, we explore themes of resilience, discipleship, and the importance of building an internal foundation that endures life’s hurricanes.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Justin’s Journey of Faith: From realizing his need for a Savior to experiencing freedom and transformation in Christ.
2. The Call to Church Planting: How God called Justin and his wife to plant churches in New England, one of the most challenging mission fields in America.
3. Understanding Spiritual Resilience: Why suffering is a part of the Christian journey and how Scripture equips us to endure trials.
4. The Story Behind Vox Church: The inspiration for the church’s name, rooted in John 5:25, and their mission to make Christ’s voice heard in the Northeast.
5. Insights from Out of the Hurricane: Preparing for life’s storms by building a foundation of faith, understanding the biblical view of suffering, and walking through trials with Christ.

Key Scripture References:

• Romans 6-8: Understanding the power of the new self in Christ.
• Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you…”
• John 5:25: The inspiration behind Vox Church.

Justin’s Wisdom for Listeners:

• God uses available people, not perfect people.
• Surrender to God brings ultimate freedom.

• Prepare your heart now to withstand life’s inevitable hurricanes.

We pray this episode encourages and challenges you to become stronger in God so that you are ready to walk through storms that will come your way.

Bio:

Justin Kendrick is the Lead Pastor of Vox Church, which he founded in 2011 with a small group of friends on the doorstep of Yale University. Since that time, the church has grown to multiple locations across New England, with the dream of seeing the least-churched region of the U.S. become the most spiritually vibrant place on Earth. Justin and his wife, Chrisy, live with their three sons in the New Haven area. Justin is the author of two previous books: Bury Your Ordinary: Practical Habits of a Heart Fully Alive (2021), and The Sacred Us: A Call to Radical Christian Community (2022) as well as the upcoming release How To Quiet A Hurricane: Strategies for Christian Endurance in the Midst of Life’s Storms (2024)

Anchor Verses:

Isaiah 41:10

Romans 5:1

Romans 12:1

Connect with Justin:

Website: https://www.justinkendrick.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/15PCx8vaP7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IG: https://www.instagram.com/pastorjustinkendrick

Amazon Book Link: How to Quiet a Hurricane: Strategies for Christian Endurance in the Midst of Life’s Storms

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

Today's episode is with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, nonprofit executive director, documentary producer, and a mother of eight, including a son with profound disabilities. Jessica’s newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace, is a powerful resource of encouragement and hope for caregivers navigating the complexities of caregiving.

Jessica shares her journey of faith, beginning with her son Lucas’ diagnosis after a devastating stroke and the heartbreaking season of walking alongside her late husband through brain cancer. Through these experiences, Jessica’s relationship with God deepened as He shepherded her through unimaginable pain, strengthening her trust and surrender to His plan.

In this episode, Jessica opens up about:

• How God transformed her understanding of His role as a loving Father during her most difficult seasons.

• The importance of self-care for caregivers and trusting God in seasons of exhaustion and burnout.

• Why caregivers need recognition, respite, and tangible support—and how her nonprofit seeks to meet those needs.

• Stories of caregiving challenges and the importance of community support, even in long-term situations where help often fades over time.

• The inspiration behind her devotional and how it became a lifeline during her hardest moments.

Jessica also encourages us to surrender our plans to God and trust that He is working for our good, even when we don’t understand His timing or will.

Whether you’re a caregiver or know someone walking this road, Jessica’s message is a beacon of hope and practical wisdom for finding strength in God’s presence.

Bio:

Jessica Ronne is an author, speaker, podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers, associate producer of the “Unseen Documentary,” and caregiver advocate. She is founder and executive director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to serving parent caregivers with recognition, respite, and resources.

She and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children, including their son Lucas who has profound disabilities. Her story of beauty from ashes is detailed in her memoir “Sunlight Burning at Midnight.”

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 23

Luke 22: 39-44

Connect with Jess:

Website: https://www.jessplusthemess.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessplusthemess

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AcdtaY5Mz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Learn about her nonprofit and caregiving resources: The Lucas Project

Order Jessica’s newest devotional, Caregiving with Grit and Grace: Available here.

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Christy Boulware, author of Nervous Breakthrough, as she shares her powerful journey through anxiety and panic attacks. From being a successful corporate go-getter to experiencing her first panic attack on a beach in Cancun, Christy opens up about the long, hard road to healing and how she found peace in surrendering to God. Christy discusses the importance of addressing anxiety through a holistic approach that includes physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Tune in as we dive into her story of finding freedom and how God’s faithfulness helped her break through the chains of fear and anxiety.

Key Points:

• Christy’s panic attack experience on a beach in Cancun led her down a long journey of healing and recovery.

• Navigating anxiety and panic required more than just spiritual growth—it took therapy, medication, and time to heal.

• Christy emphasizes the importance of a whole body, soul, and spirit approach to healing, not just focusing on one aspect of mental health.

• She shares the significance of surrendering control to God and how her relationship with Him deepened throughout her healing process.

• Understanding the signs of anxiety through “smoke alarms” in the body can help prevent burnout and panic.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone. God has not given you a spirit of fear. Surrender to Him, seek the help you need, and trust that healing is possible. Share this episode with someone who needs hope today.

Bio:

Christy Boulware suffered a nervous breakdown caused by severe panic and anxiety disorder in 2011. Her pain turned into purpose, and she founded Fearless Unite, a non-profit organization. She is an international speaker, author of Nervous Breakthrough, bible study creator, and leader. Christy's biggest passion in life is to see men and women of all ages overcome fear and anxiety by stepping into their God-given purpose and identity. She is happily married to the love of her life, Troy. They have three beautiful children together.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 121:2

Isaiah 55:9

2 Timothy 1:7

Isaiah 26:34

Connect with Christy and Fearless Unite:

Website: https://www.christyboulware.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/christymboulware

Fearless Unite:

Website: https://www.fearlessunite.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/fearlessunite

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, I’m joined by the incredible Tawana Lowery—an author, international speaker, and women’s leadership coach with over 20 years of experience empowering women of faith. Tawana shares her deeply personal story of overcoming unimaginable trials, including grief, divorce, and trauma, and how God turned her pain into purpose.

Tawana’s journey reminds us that no matter how broken we feel, God can use our experiences to build a beautiful testimony and equip us to lead and serve others. We discuss:

* Her “trifecta of grief” and how God met her in the hardest moments.

* The moment she realized her pain wasn’t a liability but her résumé for empowering others.

* How her ministry, Miss Overcomer, is equipping women to reclaim their courage, rediscover their identity, and maximize their potential.

* Why transformational prayer and hearing God’s voice are critical for the days ahead.

Tawana’s passion for helping women step boldly into their God-given calling is contagious. Whether you’re facing challenges, stepping into a new season, or looking for encouragement to keep going, this episode will inspire you to rise up, trust God, and keep moving forward.

👉 Ready to step into 2025 with clarity and confidence? Tawana is offering free 45-minute strategy sessions through December to help you clarify your goals and create a plan for your next steps. Book now at using the link below.

🎙️ Tune in now to hear Tawana’s powerful story and learn how to walk boldly into the calling God has placed on your life!

Bio:

Tawana Lowery is a dynamic figure in the world of Women’s Leadership and Personal Growth. She has devoted more than 20 years of her career Empowering Women of Faith in her role as Leadership Coach, Best Selling Author, International Speaker and YouTube Host, Tawana is also the Executive Director of Miss Overcomer Global... an International Leadership Training and Empowerment Center for Women of Faith (www.MissOvercomer.com). She loves sharing her Overcomer Journey that spans more than 3 Decades of Tragedy and Loss.

Anchor Verse:

Psalm 37

Connect with Tawana:

Website: https://missovercomer.com

FBK Group: Miss Overcomer Global | Facebook

Calendar: https://calendly.com/asktawanalowery/60min

YouTube: (53) Miss Overcomer Global - YouTube

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***

In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Winkler, author of Permission to Be Imperfect: How to Strive Less, Stress Less, and Sin Less. Kyle shares his personal journey of overcoming insecurity, striving, and the weight of perfectionism through the transformative power of God’s grace.

We dive into:

* Kyle’s faith journey, from childhood struggles with shyness to finding freedom in God’s unconditional love.

* The dangers of turning faith into a self-improvement project and how striving often makes things worse.

* Why understanding that Jesus came because we can’t be perfect changes everything.

* How Kyle’s app, Shut Up, Devil!, empowers believers to overcome lies with the truth of Scripture.

* The beauty of deconstructing harmful beliefs under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and discovering the true character of God.

* Moving from living for God’s approval to living from His approval as His beloved children.

This conversation will encourage you to take a deep breath, step off the treadmill of striving, and embrace the freedom Jesus died to give you.

Resources Mentioned:

* Kyle Winkler’s book: Permission to Be Imperfect

* Kyle Winkler’s app: Shut Up, Devil!

Tune in now for a refreshing perspective on God’s grace and permission to live as the wonderfully imperfect person He made you to be!

Bio:

Kyle Winkler is a practical Bible teacher who equips people to live in victory. His highly acclaimed mobile app, Shut Up, Devil!, ranks as a top Christian app. As an author, sought-after speaker, and frequent guest on Christian media, including TBN’s Praise the Lord, The 700 Club, and Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural!, Kyle is known for using his own story to boast in the power of God’s Word for victory over fear, insecurity, and issues of the past.

Kyle holds an MDiv in biblical studies from Regent University.

Anchor Verses:

Ephesians 3:17

Connect with Kyle:

Website: https://www.kylewinkler.org

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kylejwinkler

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E2fgLPBiF/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

***We’re thrilled to hear from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to become part of our podcast community and contribute to the conversation. If you’ve enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is a quick and easy process. Simply head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening and share your feedback. Your input makes a significant difference!***