As the series on relationships and this season of The Life Your Made For wraps up, join Audrey Kostka and Dr. Heather Penny as they talk about how life long relationships lead to amazing things! In The Life You’re Made For, Heather talk about the “tire swing”—those moments that remind us of simple joy. Sometimes people forget what brings them life. They get so caught up in doing that they forget how to be. Everyone has to shut down the mind chatter to really ask: What makes me feel peaceful? Wha...
Jun 25, 2025•50 min
If you’ve ever felt your friendships shift as life changes—like when your kids leave the nest, your schedule empties (or overflows), or you crave connection beyond surface-level chats—this episode will speak to you deeply. For this podcast conversation, we turn the tables with Kelley Gray interviewing Heather. It is a warm, honest conversation about adult friendships: the longing for deeper bonds, the awkwardness of reaching out, and the vulnerability of naming what you need. We talk about “frie...
Jun 11, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 20
In part 2 of It’s All About Relationships , Heather and Darren explore what makes a relationship truly sacred—not because it’s perfect or forever, but because it meets us at just the right moment in our lives. When a connection endures through changing seasons, it becomes something rare and deeply meaningful. We ask a question that keeps guiding us back to the heart of connection: Does the person across from me feel cared for, seen, and heard? From small gestures like remembering the little thin...
May 28, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 19
In this first episode of It’s All About Relationships , we explore the powerful role relationships play in our lives—from work and friendships to family and romantic partnerships. Learn how to build trust, communicate clearly, and navigate challenges with intention and grace. Whether you’re seeking more authentic connections or looking to strengthen existing bonds, this episode offers practical tools and heartfelt wisdom to help you grow in your relationships with purpose and love. If you like w...
May 14, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 18
Who do you turn to when you're walking through pivotal life moments? In my latest podcast episode, I sit down with Sharol Josephson, a relationship coach, mentor, and trusted guide known for her deep wisdom and heart-centered approach. Sharol has spent years walking with people through pivotal life moments—from career crossroads to relationship struggles—and brings a wealth of insight into what it means to truly support others. With a passion for helping people thrive, she unpacks the power of m...
Apr 30, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 17
Who is one of your favorite people to talk with? I had a fun conversation about good guides with one of my all-time favorite people, my husband, Darren Penny. You’ll hear us discuss the role of guides in our lives—how to seek them, how to be one, and how to navigate life with humility, courage, connection and vulnerability. Through personal stories, like Darren’s search for guidance in the absence of a father, we explore the deep need for relational wisdom during seasons of vulnerability. We tal...
Apr 16, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 16
Do you have a friendship that spans many seasons and plot twists of your life? Marriage, children, parenting, launching kids, career intersections, faith. You know, all the biggies. Someone you've had the privilege of being up close and personal with through the highs and lows. Alyssa Gluck is that person in my life. Alyssa is a credentialed teacher, holds a graduate degree in leadership, and works as an educational specialist for homeschool families. In our conversation, we reflect on how life ...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Do you have a person in your life that you can say anything to with zero filter, and you know you will be understood? Kelley Gray is this type of person. She listens compassionately and leaves her judgment at the door. All while offering valuable insight and discernment, guided by wisdom. That’s why I loved including her in my podcast series, Good Guides. I have appreciated my friendship with Kelley over the years. We met when I needed some clear guidance. The direction I received from her staye...
Mar 19, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 14
Do you have a friend that you may not speak to for months or even years, but when you do talk, it’s like you pick up right where you left off? That’s how it is with my good friend Michelle Riddell. She knows the power of presence, and she has been a welcome presence in my life. Michelle also has a reputation as a leader for inspiring and empowering people working on executive teams in global marketing organizations. What I admire most is her personal vision statement, ”I lead my life honorably w...
Mar 05, 2025•46 min•Season 6Ep. 13
When I announced that I'd be sharing my word for the year 2025, I asked you all to share what words you have chosen. Thank you for sharing them with me! I am so inspired by your intentional growth. I have heard words like... Freedom Love Wisdom Courage Focus Presence Power Faith Amplify Results Mission Grow Live Be …and even one who wants to keep it private because they are too sacred and personal to share their word out loud. What a powerful year each individual will have with words like these!...
Feb 19, 2025•28 min•Season 6Ep. 12
When was the last time you got some great guidance? Maybe you were starting a new business or sorting out a relationship. But the counsel you received shifted it all in a positive direction and helped you see things dramatically different. This is what Good Guides can do for us. They are people who are further along the journey than you, but have something to offer that you don’t have at the moment— to see things differently or explore new possibilities that encourage you to take new risks and v...
Feb 05, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 11
How do you feel about your creative abilities? Are you someone who sees yourself as creative, not creative at all, or have you never really thought about it? What does creativity have to do with being part of the story of humanity? I wanted to speak to my friend Jason Squires about all of this. Jason is a coach who works with leaders who create. Starting in the music industry, Jason has been teaching, singing, and traveling around the United States supporting music leaders. This eventually led h...
Jan 22, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Have you ever known a person that has the ability to be totally honest with themselves and doesn’t flinch at the uncomfortable truths surfacing? This is who I know Dawn Neldon to be. Which is why I asked her to join me in my Beliefs series to talk about going from scarcity to hope. I have watched Dawn over the years face some hard truths– no matter how unsettling– and most importantly, do something about it. Her transformation from a mindset of scarcity to hope has been a joy to witness. The rea...
Jan 08, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 9
It is always so great to sit down and chat with Bob Goff! In this episode we are talking about hope and whimsy. And let me tell you, the wisdom just pours out. Bob has such a gift for taking high ideals and turning them into practical realities. My favorite phrase in the whole conversation is "Hope without a plan is just a wish". Bob is also the biggest cheerleader I have ever met. I'm privileged to call Bob a friend and mentor and have seen first hand how his wisdom and guidance can help catapu...
Dec 18, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 8
Do you need to be reminded that you are not alone? This week I’m pleased to introduce you to my dear friend, Lauren Swenson. Lauren and I have been friends for decades and walked through the many seasons of jobs, children, crises, and celebrations that make up the fabric of our lives. What I’ve always appreciated about her is her loyalty, wisdom, faithfulness and authenticity. So, I thought she would be great to join my series on Beliefs . Listen in as we share insights we’ve learned along the w...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 6Ep. 7
This week I talk with my good friends, Cody Vermillion and Ryan Ross. Two faith leaders and entrepreneurs from San Diego CA. We talk about our beliefs around work, family, creativity, our passion for serving humanity, and how we are all made for more. You’ll see why I chose them to be a part of this series on Beliefs. And I can reassure you that after knowing them for years, they are the real deal. They “live out” what they believe. No matter what beliefs you hold or where you are in your faith,...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Everyone believes in something . Like your diet affects your body, your beliefs affect in your mind and heart. You are what you believe. The hope is that as we evolve and mature, we learn to evaluate what we believe and how we got there. More importantly, are there any beliefs we have outgrown or perhaps are no longer serving us? In fact, in the work I do, I see how many beliefs are limiting us. This is why I want to talk about our beliefs. So join me for the start of my series on beliefs where ...
Nov 06, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 5
We are wrapping up our Crossroads podcast series and looking ahead to a new series on Beliefs. So I wanted to re-release my conversation with Sharon McMahon from last Fall. Why? First of all, because election season is right around the corner and we need her voice ringing loud and clear. Second, because this conversation is such a great set up to talk about Beliefs and how they influence us to go after the life we are made for. Not to mention that when Sharon and I last talked, neither of us had...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 6 min
How do your beliefs drive change? How can they keep you stuck? This week I speak with my friend and former coaching client, Jen Vermillion of Made To Create. In this conversation, she shares insights from her coaching journey. Including how her beliefs shifted during our time as well as the way she helps her clients latch onto true beliefs instead of false beliefs. We also discuss the myth of "balance", especially for women, along with the difference between technical thinking and human thinking...
Oct 23, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Are you spotting the signs of burnout at the crossroads? During times of transition, there’s a lot that can come at us. It’s a vulnerable time, often with new challenges, new decisions, a new direction, and new risks that can make us feel uncomfortable or nervous. In this conversation, Leigh Burgess and I will discuss what is needed to face change. We talk about recognizing the signs of burnout, the beliefs that can creep in as well as the what's need to go from survival mentality versus a “thri...
Oct 09, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 3
I have met so many people who are camped at the crossroads of life during a transition. In those moments of life, it is hard to know what to do next. So I wanted to share the secret sauce that I use to help people take their next move at the crossroad: The Four Tires . Listen in as I break down how to identify which tires are low and get you on the road to the Life You're Made For! You can also check out this post on my website: Have You Checked Your Four Tires? Step into The Life You're Made Fo...
Sep 26, 2024•16 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Have you ever had to do a leadership hand-off? Welcome to part one of my series on Crossroads. My hope for this series is to give you the clarity, confidence and courage you need at the crossroads of life. For this first conversation, I speak with the " Business Transition Sherpa ", Laurie Barkman about how she helps business owners transition out of their roles and hand off their leadership to others. Which leads to a rich discussion about growth during transitions, how emotional intelligence p...
Sep 11, 2024•36 min•Season 6Ep. 1
This week I talk with my good friend Jennifer Morton about having grace for the journey as you lead others and yourself. For Jennifer, leading others is about acting as a rudder rather than a captain, supporting and guiding those in our care as they become everything they are made to be. Jennifer is another amazing endorser of my book and someone who truly exhibits grace space in her life and work as CEO of the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). We dive deep into responding vs reacting, bu...
Jun 19, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Do you know how to get curious about the people you lead? This week, Ken Morton Jr and I talk about pursuing freedom and curiosity in leadership. So often we think that leadership is a one size fits all approach. Ken and I discuss how leading in every sphere requires letting go of control, embracing freedom, and getting curious about what makes our people thrive. Ken is VP of Retail and Marketing at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, Author of The Little Book of Big Golf Promotions , an award-winning pho...
Jun 04, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 11
This is a very special episode! Erica Dvorak and I talk about how we put the 7 Practices of Grace Space in action with our kids, in our professions, and even with each other! Want to know more? Have a listen! Erica is a dear friend that I have had the pleasure of working with. She serves female Christian entrepreneurs and dreamers as a community builder, podcaster, writer, and business consultant. You can find Erica online at faithandgather.com Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering yo...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This week my dear friend, Laura Coostona and I unpack the idea of responding vs reacting when facing conflict or tension. When we inevitably experience conflict in our teams or relationships, the temptation for many of us is to react. We go on the defense, or sometimes even the offense. But what if we paused?... Pausing gives us the chance to have a measured response and give grace to the person we're having challenges with. Laura and I talk about how the seven practices in my book, Grace Space,...
May 08, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 9
This week, my friend Dr. John Harris and I discuss the challenges and rewards that come from leading with vulnerability and grace. We all have habits and patterns that can affect how we live and lead. Dr. Harris shares his experiences seeking feedback and pivoting as a leader in his professional and personal life. We also discuss the importance of running toward what you are seeking rather than constantly trying to outrun your weaknesses or bad habits. All of this hinges on grace for yourself an...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This week I have a deep and truly meaningful conversation with Mike Liguori about reaching for grace in hard times. Mike shares about his experience during and after serving our country in the armed forces. Whether you have served or not, Mike's perspective will hit you like a breath of fresh air. Everyone will benefit form his insight on offering ourselves grace and love when facing unimaginable challenges. This conversation is also meaningful to me because my husband, brother, father, and uncl...
Apr 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 7
This is a very special episode on leading from grace space with my good friend, and an influential leader in my life, Don DeLair. Don and I go way back to my early days of teaching. When I asked the people in my life to endorse my book, Grace Space, I wanted people who exemplified grace in their life and leadership. Don was top of the list! Listen in as we talk about leading from grace space in every sphere of our lives! Step into The Life You're Made For, I'm cheering you on! heatherpenny.com @...
Mar 26, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Are you giving the grace to fail in your relationships, workplace, parenting, and even self-talk? Dr. Lisa Smith and I have an important conversations about giving permission to fail yourself and those around you. Because when we give permission to fail, we acknowledge that none of us are perfect. We signal that there will be grace when mistakes inevitably happen. This is at the heart of Grace Space. Lisa shares how she uses Grace Space in her classroom, and I share about my need to extend grace...
Mar 13, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 5
