Brave Living

On today's episode, I talk with my friend Cindi Coker. Cindi has twin 15-year old boys who were born premature. One of Cindi's boys was born with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle control. Taking care of a person with cerebral palsy is a life-long process, requiring medical assistance and various forms of therapy. Today Cindi will talk about her journey with her son and how it has affected her life. In the midst of her pain, God stepped in and performed miracles right before her eyes. Through Cindi's story, we see that God doesn't always give us the life we expect, but he promises to be faithful and walk us through the life he has given us. I hope Cindi's story inspires and encourages you today.

On this episode, I talk with my friend Claudia Mercier. Several years ago, after the birth of her fifth child, Claudia walked through postpartum depression and severe anxiety. During this time, she heard lies whispered to her and she absolutely believed those lies as truth. When God intervened and told her to cling to the truth of who He is, she was able to hold on for dear life and make it through her darkest hour. Today she talks about her journey and what she learned about depression and panic attacks as she endured this experience. She also provides wise advice that ranges from seeking help to healthy eating. Claudia's story is both powerful and informative. I think you will really enjoy our candid discussion and hopefully gain some useful information that will help you or someone you love.

On today's episode, I talk to Cindy Ziemke and Sean Ryan about the opioid crisis and how it affected their lives. For years, Sean was addicted to heroin and it took a near overdose for him to receive the help he desperately needed. As a mom, Cindy searched for ways to help her son, finally coming upon a recovery program based in Southern California. As a State Representative for Indiana, Cindy has worked on legislation to give hope to families who are in a similar situation. Today, Sean manages a sober living community in Costa Mesa, California and is an advocate for helping those who are in the depths of addiction. Their story is one of hardship and love, but also hope and encouragement.

If anyone listening to this podcast is looking for help, please reach out and contact either Sean or Cindy and they will provide you with helpful resources. You may contact Sean at: [email protected] or at 812-212-9073. Cindy is available at [email protected]

Both Cindy and Sean have a heart to help people who are struggling with addiction and would encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out and contact them.

On this episode I talk with my cousin and friend, Denise Webb. Four years ago her daughter came out as a lesbian and today she discusses how that revelation changed the course of her life. Although her faith was questioned and she encountered a lot of backlash, today she feels she is a stronger person because of it.

Join me as I talk with my dear friend, Jen Pearce. Jen and I have a special relationship that has meant the world to me. On this episode she will talk about the painful journey of an unexpected divorce she experienced four years ago. Her story is both touching and informative. I believe her story will help many who are currently going through a similar experience.

Join me as I talk with my son's birth mother, Jaimee Kast. Listen as we talk about how our unique adoption story unfolded and what it meant to each of us at the time and now. Join us as we discover how our unique perspectives of our journey both surprise and delight each other.

Join me as we talk to Adam Bollinger from Ohio. He talks about his life journey with Tourette Sydrome and how a spinal injury nearly left him paralyzed for life.

Brave Living is born from my desire to seek an abundant and brave life. I want to hear life stories that help us all realize we are not alone. I believe by listening to other people's life stories, we can be encouraged and inspired to go after our dreams and discover the brave life that we were meant to live.

Join me as I talk to Kimberly Powell, an expert in the field of special education. Not only does Kimberly have a Masters Degree in Special Education, she also is raising a child on the autism spectrum. She gives useful information on how to handle the news that your child falls on the autism spectrum and how to engage successfully with an IEP team at school.