I met Amas “coincidentally” while camping in Hawaii and we ended up becoming friends as I evidently love to do with strangers! He’s raising his kids here in Laupahoehoe and teaching them how to be warriors instead of entitled Americans. His background and knowledge is definitely something all of us can learn from! *Be advised: Some language may not be appropriate for children*

This conversation gets real QUICK and doesn’t stop till the end! From females being named a “junior” to him going to prison and then finding a new way of life in a myriad or areas… Seth takes us in and reminds or informs us that the journey of life will always be a roller coaster ride, but every high, low, twist, turn, flip, pause, or stop is worth the journey.

Averett University’s most recent women’s head soccer coach recently resigned to focus on her growing family. Meghan got married a little over 4 years ago to Kenny (currently Averett’s head baseball coach) and they have a gorgeous son, Roman, who will soon be 3 years old and… spoiler alert… he’s about to be a big brother to TWIN BOYS!!! Needless to say, everything in their life needed a reassessment with this news and the doors that opened and closed were simply providential. Meghan talks about her crunchy/organic nature and how she prefers more natural alternatives, especially considering some medical issues she’s had. She even makes her own soap and deodorant at home!!! Her upbringing instilled a discipline to push herself in her strength and athleticism as well as a foundation of faith that she, like most of us, has had to refocus and realign herself with in different seasons of life. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @mauzyrati_

Kenzie and I go wayyy back to our teenage years and it’s been so cool to watch her evolve as an entrepreneur, business owner, designer, wife, and mom! She talks about the tremendous blessing of having a supportive family that set her up for success and affirmed her from childhood to now in her 30s. We also discussed the self-motivation and self-discipline that being your own boss requires and how to be adaptable, especially with family dynamics changing and the roller coasters of busy seasons! Look up her work on Etsy and order some customized and textured letterpress stationary for business cards, wedding invitations, thank you cards, letterhead, or whatever you need that will inevitably stand out and make a big impression (pun intended 😜)— www.etsy.com/shop/TheFlywheelPress and follow her on Facebook and Instagram @theflywheelnc and her personal account @kenzie.shore 😁

As we were ending the last episode, I asked Christian a question that spurred this PART 2 conversation, “Why are we here?” Obviously, that was way too deep of a question for a short answer, so this follow-up conversation gives us a glimpse into his perspective! Which, I must say, is pretty fascinating, intriguing, and eye-opening! Follow Christian on Facebook and Instagram: @charris171

Christian has allowed his own story of self-indulgence and addiction followed by surrender, deconstruction, and resurrection to propel his passion of seeing not only other lives transformed, but houses as well! In our conversation, a question about the meaning of our existence sparked a need for a “part 2” episode, so get ready!

A newlywed couple and their fresh journey together as a chiropractor and a school teacher tell their story and how they “accidentally” found each other but how God ordained their connection! Aaaaaand there’s a fun surprise at the end!!!

Jonna’s story is one of humble beginnings, relational heartbreak, serving people in the emergency department of hospitals, helping people to be their healthiest self with exercise/meal plans, honoring her family, and honing in on her faith journey to learn more about Jesus and the Bible. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @jonnashirley5

© Kathryn Church (August 2023)

** Warning: topics we discuss may be for more mature ears.**. 4 high school students were thrilled to sit with me and have a round table discussion in the middle of their week at camp to talk about life from their lenses. Different churches are represented here, but these 4 are fantastic leaders, with or without a title, so they’re making sure everyone feels a sense of belonging. We get real and transparent about things that we’ve struggled with and/or been traumatized by, as well as how rampant and accessible so many destructive things are today. These kids gives me hope though!! Man…… they’re doing the dang hard thangs. I believe in the next generation! Let these guys inspire and motivate you to live more intentionally and full of joy!

At 22 years old, Reshad is on track (no pun intended) with his goals as he coaches a high school track team and middle school football team! He majored in Physical Education with an emphasis on Coaching at Winston-Salem State University and has been active in sports throughout his life. His aspirations are not only to enhance the athletic skills in kids, but also to encourage them in their academia as well. While currently coaching at the two schools he attended, he is able to work alongside some of his own teachers and coaches, and what a proud moment for them to see the success of one of their students! I met Reshad when he was a young teenager and I was his youth pastor, and I knew very quickly that he had a gift of humble leadership. He continues to use that at his job at Walmart, the summer camp he directs in the apartment complex where he grew up, on and off the track and football fields, and at home. I’m proud of his achievements and even more proud of his heart!

Terri is a solid friend, a hard worker, and a genuine human. As a life coach and motivational speaker, she started her own organization (Unleash Life LLC) on top of her full-time career that sets out to deliver hope to all demographics of people and where she’s also able to use her gift of singing. Not that she needs more qualifications, but she is also an ordained minister and chaplain! She and her husband, Eddie, have a sweet and rambunctious fur baby, Steele! Implementing self-discipline is a part of her daily routine and she is always seeking out opportunities to serve her family and her community. Her drive is commendable and she remains humble in her calling. Find her on Facebook (Terri Lambe or Unleash Life LLC) or contact me if you want her info!

These two sisters who have become bffs in their adulthood are wonderful creatures, altruistic humans, yet so different in nature, which make them the ideal duo for soul mates. Their journeys through infancy loss, self-identity, and spiritual awakening are both hopeful and thought-provoking. This episode “wasn’t supposed to happen” for all intents and purposes, but divinely orchestrated, and you’ll see why.

I have the pleasure of being friends with many of the Bikers Against Trafficking members in Virginia and these guys have such hospitable and genuine hearts that want to help whoever they can. Their specific calling and mission right now is to raise awareness of human trafficking to help more people be rescued and freed from being sold and abused. Go to bikersagainsttrafficking.org to read up, get involved, donate financially to help with safe houses and rescue missions, and then also follow their social media pages, more than just the Virginia pages! Spread the word that if someone is in need of help personally of being trafficked, text “HELP” to BeFree (233733). If you know of someone or suspect that someone may be being trafficked, get law enforcement involved by calling 911 or letting local police officers know where suspicious behavior is. It’s better to look like a dummy and be wrong than to be right and not do anything. ALSO!!!!!! Go watch “Sound of Freedom” NOW while it’s still in theaters!!!! And support these guys at Bike Night at Buffalo Wild Wings in Danville VA every 2nd Wednesday 6:30-10pm and at other events that come up that they’ll post in their social media pages!

On her 29th birthday weekend, I got to have a wonderful conversation with my friend that I met randomly and divinely at St Francis Springs Prayer Center. We connected as two independent, Jesus-loving women who are fighting for prison reform, religious freedom, and who are also both on a journey of healing and self-realization. In our personalities, we can relate as an Enneagram 7 and it was evident when she invited me to hike El Camino with her last summer after only one lunch conversation, and I tried to make it happen but unfortunately couldn’t on short notice. She still went by herself and had one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime! Her story is rich with fulfillment, heartbreak, joy, walks with her dog, living in other states, and walking people through some of their hardest and most traumatic moments of grief. Meredith is a rare gem and a blessing to have as a friend and confidant and I can’t wait for all pending adventures!! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram: @merrawlz

This conversation is geared directly towards fathers or men who aspire to be! My dad is a dad to everyone! He was my 1st ever fan and has been present throughout my entire life. It was mutually beneficial for us to have this conversation and reminisce on sweet memories while also learning some new things about each other! I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for this man and I’m so proud and blessed to be his daughter. He raised me to love God and follow Jesus, put family first, be generous and hospitable, stay teachable and never stop learning. I’m now following in his footsteps with insurance and being an independent broker helping people prepare for retirement, Medicare plans, and getting the most out of their 401(k), etc. Never thought I’d be doing this, but I’m 2 years in and I only wish I had started sooner! He showed and continues to show a fantastic example of integrity and compassion. I know you’ll be blessed by his words and heart!

The slogan of their new CrossFit gym couldn’t be more true. These two put in WORK on a daily basis, and have for years. Their drive to be their best selves is contagious and the self-discipline with their bodies allows them to splurge every now and then 😜 As full-time firefighters, with Jonathan now being Captain, their schedules were pretty insane even before opening their own gym, but you won’t hear them complain. All varieties, body types, and ages from teens to 90s are welcome at CrossFit Lucky City and every workout can be modified to suit individual needs! Jonathan and Erin will make you feel like family! Trust me, I’m a witness! Find and follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@erin_kalynn @jj_moore947 @crossfit_lucky_city) and be sure to check out crossfitluckycity.com!!

Monica’s southern charm is sweeter than sweet tea! She’s one of the most intentional encouragers I know, and she coined the term “Kathrynisms” where she texts and inspires me with my own words from several of my podcast episodes. While her job entails administering MRIs, she’ll tell you that her calling and greatest joy is raising her two beautiful children, and quite uniquely at that as her son has autism and is mostly nonverbal. She was raised Jehovah’s Witness and had several faith and perspective changes into her adult life that led to confusion and making some harmful and dangerous life choices. After getting more stable in her faith journey, she began to make wiser and healthier decisions and she wants to instill the worth and belonging in her kids what she yearned for. A primary form of therapy for Monica and a source of solace is her plants… boocoos of them! If you’re lucky, you may even get one of them as she has plenty to share and her love language is gifts! Find her on Facebook at Monica Coleman Stephens and Instagram @mstephens0814

“Just Bob” is a member of Spiritual Directors International and was formed in spiritual direction through Fairfield University, a four-year Ignation Spirituality program. I met and became instant friends with him at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville NC, where he used to be on staff, and he greeted me at the door with a warm smile and a gentle “Welcome home”— a moment that eternally marked me. Additionally, he is a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order - the Franciscan Family of Greensboro, a widowed father of 5, grandfather of 17, and he has retired 3 times!! His passion is meeting those who are seeking ‘more,’ and who are open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Bob can be emailed at BobPearsonOFS@gmail.com to schedule a Spiritual Direction meeting with him.

The 3 of us sat down together on an unexpected mountain getaway to talk about all things motherhood! What was it like for my mom raising me and my sister? How did my sister’s two birthing experiences differ from a traumatic hospital delivery to a beautiful at-home delivery in the bathtub? Yes, you read that correctly! You can read her entire birth story and see pictures on her social media pages (@bekahleannephotography & @iambekah). These two women have taught me so much about living a simple, holistic, fun, cultured, and Godly life and I consider it a HIGH honor to call them family. Enjoy this episode full of sentimental moments, short appearances from my two nieces, Alaska Violet James & Daisy Montana Blue Bowling (how stellar are their names?!), bursts of laughter, shared memories, empowering and encouraging women while being sensitive to those who may have less than favorable experiences. ****ALSO, if you don’t already know, my sister and her husband, Jesse, are world-class wedding and family photographers!!! Go book a session now!!! Bekahleannephotography.com and on Instagram and Facebook