My guest shares how at just 3 years old she was taken from her home in Mexico and was put up for adoption. For many years she suffered from sexual, physical and emotional abuse. She turned to alcohol to escape the pain and looked for love in all the wrong places. At 18 she had her first intimate encounter and soon after found out she was pregnant. Crippled with fear and pressure from those around her she made the heart wrenching decision to terminate her pregnancy. For years she lived will the g...
Oct 21, 2022•31 min•Season 6Ep. 46
My guest shares the frightening journey of how at just 8 years old she and her little sisters were forced to leave Honduras and cross the border via a coyote from Mexico into the states. She believed she would finally be able to be with her family and live the American dream, but that was just the beginning of her painful journey. She and her sisters experienced verbal and physical abuse from their family and were later put into the foster care system where they were mistreated and separated. La...
Jun 13, 2022•24 min•Season 5Ep. 45
In Sept 2020 my guests first shared her story of strength as she overcame several traumatic experiences. As she began to heal God had been pressing her to become a foster parent. In 2021 she left her job, home and financial stability to pursue her life's calling and become a certified foster parent. Today she is fostering 7 children whom she loves as her very own and is trusting Gods plan to use her to continue to provide a safe and loving home to any child in need. Tune in to Part 1 of her stor...
Jun 06, 2022•31 min•Ep. 45
Bewindi Bobb was born in St. Lucia and came to the US in search of the American dream. Early on she knew she wanted to help and serve people but was fighting her calling. She eventually found her purpose and decided to become a licensed clinical social worker. Little did she know that an amazing job opportunity would later turn into the most difficult experience of her professional career. It was her faith the allowed her to overcome. It was that difficult experience the led her to start her own...
May 31, 2022•30 min•Season 5Ep. 44
My guest shares how she grew up in a loving and supportive family in Yonkers, New York. Then at age 15 she fell in love and left home to start a new life. Little did she know that the next 5 years of her life she would be living a life of physical and verbal abuse. Until one day she decided she had enough and found the courage to leave to give her girls a better life. Today she is happily married and a certified life coach who serves woman that have been impacted by domestic abuse. Connect with ...
May 23, 2022•24 min•Season 5Ep. 43
How the 2020 pandemic inspired two women from different parts of the world to each start a podcast in midst of chaos and loss around the world. Two complete strangers from different parts of the world who connected over social media with different perspectives and beliefs both on a mission to bring encouragement and hope to the world. My friend Sana believes you can overcome any obstacle in life if you just flex your COURAGE muscle. Tune in to this inspiring conversation. From Chicago, IL-USA - ...
May 16, 2022•32 min•Season 5Ep. 32
My guest shares how losing two important people in her life set her on a path to destruction. She was an active gang member and drug dealer who was 100% committed to the street life. Then as she was starting to turn her life around her past caught up with her and she ending up on trial and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. She says it was the unrelenting love and prayers of her mother that kept her safe and got her through the hardest moments in her life. Today she is grateful to God and her m...
Mar 07, 2022•30 min•Season 4Ep. 42
My guest Ria was born and raised in Alabama. Like many, she faced great adversity very early in life. Ria was sexually abused by her father from age 12 to 19, forced to play the role of his wife and even shared with other men. Desperate to escape she left home at 19 without a job, a car or a high school diploma. It was her now husband, who she has been with for over 20 years who gave her the confidence and courage to leave home and start a new life. Ria says "God doesn't cause the pain in our li...
Feb 28, 2022•25 min•Season 4Ep. 41
My guest first shared her story on Courageous back in May of 2020 where she shared how childhood trauma and unprocessed pain negatively impacted her life. For years she struggled in silence with crippling fear and nightmares due to her past trauma. Then one day she decided it was time to seek help and find true healing. For years God had been pressing upon her to share her story and even write a book to help others who were suffering from the same pain. Brenda has been a certified speaker, coach...
Feb 21, 2022•30 min•Season 4Ep. 40
The words a parent never wants to hear is "Mom I have cancer!" My guest will share her account of how she was there to support her daughter as she fought breast cancer and the pain of losing her in the end. Then several years later she loses her husband and best friend after 50 years of marriage. She says "it was the hardest time in my life but my faith was never shaken, it was my faith in God that got me through it. As a pastor and leader in her church she continues to support and ministers to ...
Feb 14, 2022•18 min•Season 4Ep. 39
As a little girl Susan always dreamed of changing the world but a traumatic experience led her to turn to food for comfort. By the time she was 13 she weighed close to 300 pounds. Then one day she met a weight loss coach who believed in her dreams and helped her loose 160 pounds. Today she is an Entrepreneur, Author and Founder of Sullivan Leadership Solutions where she passionately coaches woman who have faced the same struggles as she once did. She says "God gives us all gifts to use on this e...
Jun 28, 2021•14 min•Season 3Ep. 38
My guest share's the tragic story of how her mom was killed in the midst of political unrest in El Salvador in the 80's. After the loss of her mom at just 8 years old she went to live with her father, but never felt part of his new family. In 1992 she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and eventually was given up for adoption by her father. Thankfully her grandparents and brothers were there to love and support her. Later she discovered that her hearts desire was to help and serve children in the missio...
Jun 21, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 37
From the young age of 4 years old Shavon was raped and abused for many years. At 9 she began to drink to mask the pain of her abuse. At the age of 14 she joined a major gang in Chicago where she found a sense of family. After being a several abusive relationships she didn't know she was being groomed to be trafficked by her boyfriend. After years of abuse and threats against her life by her trafficker she was finally able to break free and contacted the Chicago Dream Center which is a safe haven...
Jun 14, 2021•30 min•Season 3Ep. 36
My guest will share how throughout her life she has faced many challenges and has overcome due to her strong faith in God. Then in 2020 as the country is impacted by social injustice her faith is tested more than ever as she questions who she is as a christian and what God is calling her to do in the midst of chaos. She is the creator of Becoming Her Experience and HER Transformation. Today she mentors young single woman by preparing them for a strong, lasting Christ centered marriage. Connect w...
Jun 07, 2021•33 min•Season 3Ep. 35
My guest will share her story of survival when at just 39 she was diagnosed with stage 5 breast cancer. While coping with this recent diagnosis she loses her father suddenly. Although her doctor fought her at every turn she finally found her voice and a new doctor who listened and respected her decision to have a double mastectomy. It was an encounter with God that helped her overcome this difficult time in her life. Later after having reconstructive surgery she decides to leave her nursing care...
Jun 01, 2021•33 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Happy Anniversary Courageous Podcast! Courageous launched in May of 2020 and throughout the year has shared some incredible stories of strength, hope and faith. Courageous has been downloaded 4000+ times in over 23 countries around the world. In this episode I will share who made it to the top 4 of the year and how they each impacted me and our many listeners. I also round off the top 10 episodes and share a special message of gratitude for being part of this amazing journey. To all the guests, ...
May 24, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 33
My guest was only 18 years old when she joined the Air Force. On her first deployment to Afghanistan a fellow soldier began to take an interest in her which later turned into harassment and stalking. Unfortunately her superiors did not believe or support her. It wasn't until she brought statements from witnesses and social media that they finally took action. She's says "if it wasn't for my friends watching over me I don't know what could've happened, it's sad that in 2020 woman and men are stil...
Nov 16, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 31
My guest shares after seeing the tragedy of 9/11 unfold, he felt deeply called to serve his country and joined the Marines. In 2010 while on foot patrol in Afghanistan he stepped on an explosion and lost both legs and part of his left arm. It was the unconditional love of his wife, the support of his family and his faith in God that gave him the strength to overcome. He and his wife are co-authors of "Standing Together" where they share their inspiring true story of healing. Today they are trave...
Nov 09, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 30
My guest will share how she struggled with her identity and how to fit in as a Puerto Rican girl growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her dream was to be on tv and become a reporter. At 19 she got pregnant, married and divorced by age 22. Although she faced many challenges along the way she was determined to be on television and eventually achieved her dream. Today she owns a production company and runs a non profit where she inspires not only Latinas, but a diverse community of woman where ...
Nov 02, 2020•36 min•Ep. 29
My guest will share how growing up to a single mom in the infamous Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago were some of the most difficult years of his life. Growing up he didn't have time to dream about the future as he didn't think he would live past high school. He was inspired by his girlfriend to go on to college where he was the first in his family to obtain a BA and Masters degree. He shared he would not change a thing as its made him the man he is today. He says "there's a god who has our back...
Oct 26, 2020•24 min•Season 2Ep. 28
My guest is a passionate educator who began her career in a gang infested, impoverished neighborhood in Chicago. Her first few years of teaching she ended up burying her students instead of graduating them. One day the lord said "you know you have to do something about this." Out of her tireless commitment to education and a heart for the underprivileged she began a non profit called "project 214." In 2019 she was named "Educator of the Year" and today continues to promote justice in all the ear...
Oct 19, 2020•44 min•Season 2Ep. 27
My guest will share her amazing story of strength and hope. At the age of 13 her dad was diagnosed with HIV and then later she faces the pain of seeing both her parents fight and lose their battle to cancer. Honoring her parents legacy was her motivation to push through. She says God has always been her rock and she leaned into him everyday to find healing. Today she is dedicated to being present for her children and extended family as they create new memories together.
Oct 05, 2020•28 min•Season 2Ep. 26
My guest shares how one night while out partying, she confided in someone she thought she could trust and how he took advantage of her. The guilt and shame of being assaulted was too much to bear. Until one day the lord said "I remember you, I have not forgotten you and I love you." She says "the only way to find healing is through Jesus." Today she lives in freedom and is giving back by becoming a certified foster parent so she can support families on their healing journey. Tune in too PART 2 6...
Sep 21, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 28
My guest shares how she created a very successful career on Wall Street and how her life began to fall apart in 2010 as she experienced great loss. Unable to cope with her grief she turned to alcohol to mask her pain. Until one day god used a stranger on the street to speak to her and she cried out to god for help. After losing everything she rebuilt her life and found help through rehab and therapy. Today her family is thriving and she is giving back by helping others who have struggled with th...
Sep 14, 2020•45 min•Season 2Ep. 24
How a pastor and big brother pretended to be strong as he watched his courageous sister fight cancer. He shares the pain of seeing her deteriorate and how he never took the time to mourn her loss. In life and death she taught him how to be strong, to live life to the fullest and how to trust gods plan until the very end. Today he has found healing and is counseling others on the importance of taking the time to mourn and find healing. Tune in to his wife's journey on Episode #10 - How Multiple S...
Sep 08, 2020•47 min•Season 2Ep. 23
At just 19 years old my guest was diagnosed with lupus and was told she would never have children. She shares how god blessed her with a baby and the pain she experienced after loosing him. After receiving a kidney transplant she knew that God was giving her a second chance at motherhood. Today she has a beautiful family and she and her husband counsel other couples experiencing the same hardships.
Jul 27, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 22
From a very young age my guest shares how she experienced various types of abuse by the very people who should have protected her. She shares how God still saved her, protected her and gave her the love she yearned for. Today her life's calling is to point people to Jesus and equip parents with healthy and effective tools to raise their children. As a wife and mother she declares the generational curse of abuse stops now...
Jul 20, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 21
My guest shares how the absence of her father influenced how she viewed herself and the world. How she struggled with her cultural and latin identity and how that impacted her business. Today she has found her authentic self and is successfully pursuing her god dreams.
Jul 16, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Born to immigrant parents from Mexico, David fell in love with boxing at the age of 8. How he fought to achieve his boxing dreams and making it to the Olympics. He share how fighting the World Champion Manny Pacquiao was a once in a lifetime opportunity. His motivation to push through has always been his dad and the love for his entire family. Today he is grateful and enjoying life alongside his wife and 3 sons.
Jul 13, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 19
When her child was diagnosed with Autism she planned to run away as she could not accept it. She shares how she fought with God and asked him for a sign. Then her faith was tested once again, after her son was hit by a car. Today she is proud to serve and support families with special needs kids and her son Jeremy is thriving and dreaming big.
Jul 09, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 18
