Elevate Life Podcast

What does it really mean to be housing insecure?

For many families, it doesn’t start with homelessness—it begins with impossible choices. Choosing between paying rent or buying groceries. Living paycheck to paycheck, wondering if one unexpected expense could mean losing the place you call home. Housing insecurity affects millions of families and creates ripple effects that impact physical health, mental well-being, education, employment, and relationships.

In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric explores the realities of housing insecurity, why it’s about so much more than having a roof over your head, and how stable housing serves as a foundation for long-term success. He discusses the cycle of poverty, the barriers families face when trying to achieve stability, and why temporary assistance, while essential, often isn’t enough to create lasting change.

You’ll also hear how Elevate Life Network is helping break that cycle through personal development, career training, financial literacy, workforce preparation, and a supportive community that empowers individuals to build sustainable careers and stronger families. Rather than simply addressing immediate needs, ELN focuses on creating lasting transformation that leads to generational impact.

Whether you’re a community leader, employer, nonprofit partner, church member, or someone who simply wants to better understand the challenges facing families in your community, this conversation will encourage you to see housing insecurity through a new lens—and inspire you to become part of the solution.

In this episode you’ll discover:

Because everyone deserves more than a place to live—they deserve the opportunity to build a home, a future, and a legacy.

Learn more about Elevate Life Network: https://www.elevatelifenetwork.com

In a world filled with notifications, busy schedules, constant stress, and endless distractions, one of the greatest gifts we can give another person is our presence.

In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Diana Spaulding shares a powerful message from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering on the transformative impact of being fully present with the people around us. Originally planned before a difficult day of conflict and heightened emotions within the community, this message became an even more timely reminder that our greatest challenges often reveal just how important presence, empathy, and intentional listening truly are. 

Through personal stories, practical strategies, and reflections on relationships, Diana explores the difference between simply being physically present and being emotionally present. She challenges listeners to consider how distractions—whether technology, stress, or busy schedules—can quietly rob us of meaningful connection with the people who matter most. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why presence is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer another person

Diana also shares a touching personal story about disconnecting from technology during a family vacation and discovering the power of uninterrupted connection. Through that experience—and through the mission of Elevate Life Network—she reminds us that people may not remember every gift we give them, but they will remember how we made them feel. 

Whether you’re a parent, spouse, friend, coworker, leader, or simply someone wanting stronger relationships, this episode offers practical tools to help you become more present, more intentional, and more connected.

Because in a world where so many people feel unseen, unheard, and alone, the gift of presence may be one of the most life-changing gifts we can ever give.

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit dedicated to overcoming economic, relational, and spiritual poverty through career development, coaching, mentorship, and authentic community.

Learn more, volunteer, donate, or get involved:

🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

We all need a plan.

Plans give us direction. They give us purpose. They help us take the next step toward the life we’re trying to build.

But what happens when the plan falls apart?

What do you do when the money doesn’t come in? When your child gets sick? When you lose your job? When legal issues, family challenges, or unexpected setbacks suddenly force you off the path you thought you were on?

In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding explores one of the most common realities of personal growth and life transformation: learning how to adjust when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Through personal reflections, leadership lessons, and practical insights gained from working with individuals overcoming significant barriers, Eric discusses why having a plan is still important—even when that plan needs to change. More importantly, he explores how resilience, adaptability, and perseverance often become the most valuable tools we have when the future feels uncertain.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why having a plan matters—even when it doesn’t unfold exactly as expected

Whether you’re facing career challenges, financial setbacks, family struggles, health concerns, or simply feeling stuck in a season you didn’t anticipate, this conversation will encourage you to keep taking the next step.

Because success isn’t reserved for people whose plans work perfectly.

It’s often found by those who learn how to adapt when they don’t.

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit helping individuals overcome barriers, build sustainable careers, and create lasting life transformation through coaching, community, accountability, and career development.

Learn more, volunteer, donate, or get involved:

🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

Growth sounds exciting… until it starts costing you something.

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a challenging and deeply personal message recorded live from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering. In “Built Through Change,” Eric unpacks the uncomfortable reality of transformation—how real growth often comes through pressure, discipline, consistency, and learning to respond differently when life gets difficult. 

As Leaders in Elevate Life Network move deeper into Skill Development, many are experiencing the tension between the life they’ve always known and the future they’re trying to build. This episode explores what it truly takes to change—not just externally through career development, but internally through mindset, habits, ownership, and perseverance.

In this episode, Eric discusses:

• Why the life you want requires a different version of you

Blending biblical truth, personal stories, modern life examples, and practical encouragement, Eric challenges listeners to stop waiting until they “feel ready” and start building the habits necessary for lasting transformation.

This message is especially for anyone who feels stuck in the middle of change—tired, overwhelmed, uncertain, or struggling to stay consistent. Because as Eric reminds us:

“You are not stuck. You are being built.”

About Elevate Life Network

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, accountability, community, and career development.

Learn more or support the mission:

Life transformation is about more than finding a job—it’s about finding a path forward.

In this honest and deeply personal episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a raw “brain dump” conversation inspired by real challenges faced by several Leaders at Elevate Life Network this week. Through stories, reflection, and practical insight, Eric explores what it means to help people not only build a career path, but also develop a healthier direction for their lives, relationships, mindset, and future.

This episode dives into the reality that growth is messy. Success is rarely linear. And sometimes people don’t just need advice—they need structure, support, accountability, and a community willing to walk beside them.

In this episode, Eric discusses:

• Why many people need a life path—not just a career path

Eric also shares the heart behind Elevate Life Network’s mission to combat economic, relational, and spiritual poverty through workforce development, mentorship, and authentic community.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain about your future, or simply in need of people who genuinely care—this episode is for you.

And if you’re looking for a way to make a difference, Eric closes this episode with a direct invitation to become part of the Elevate Life community through your time, prayers, support, or financial partnership.

Get Involved with Elevate Life Network

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit in Canton, Ohio helping individuals build sustainable careers, stronger relationships, and healthier futures through coaching, community, and career development.

Learn more, donate, or get involved:

How you see yourself shapes everything.

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, we feature a transformational message from guest speaker Vera Thomas, recorded live at an Elevate Life Network Family Gathering. In her talk, “See Your Windows, See Your World,” Vera challenges us to examine the lens through which we view our lives—and how that perspective impacts our confidence, decisions, and future.

With over 40 years of experience in personal development, leadership coaching, and youth mentorship, Vera brings a deeply personal and inspiring message rooted in resilience. Having overcome childhood trauma, homelessness, and loss, she now dedicates her life to helping others recognize their worth, overcome emotional barriers, and step into their full potential.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How your self-perception (“your window”) shapes your reality and life outcomes

Vera’s message is both motivational and practical, offering tools that can be applied in your career, relationships, and personal life. Whether you’re navigating challenges, working toward a new beginning, or seeking clarity in your purpose, this episode will encourage you to shift your perspective and take ownership of your future.

Through her work with Instilling Greatness, Vera continues to impact individuals, families, schools, and organizations by equipping them with the tools needed for lasting transformation and growth.

About Elevate Life Network

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.

Learn more or get involved:

What if something as simple as kindness could transform your life—and the lives of those around you?

In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a powerful message from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering on the impact of acts of kindness. Blending biblical teaching with modern scientific research, Eric explores how kindness is not just a moral value—but a practical, life-changing force.

Drawing from the teachings of Jesus in Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 24), this episode highlights how kindness is deeply rooted in faith and is a reflection of how we are called to live. But beyond scripture, research shows something incredible—kindness has a measurable impact on our mental health, physical wellbeing, and relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How kindness is modeled and encouraged by Christ in Matthew 24

• The science behind kindness and how it benefits the giver, receiver, and even observers

• Why acts of kindness can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall happiness

• How kindness builds stronger teams in the workplace and healthier cultures

• Practical ways to incorporate intentional kindness into your daily life

Kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership development, and community transformation. Whether you’re at work, at home, or in your community, choosing kindness can create a ripple effect that impacts far more people than you realize.

At Elevate Life Network, we believe real transformation happens through both personal responsibility and meaningful relationships—and kindness is a key part of that foundation.

About Elevate Life Network

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.

Learn more or get involved:

🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

What do you do when relationships get hard?

Whether it’s family, coworkers, friendships, or community—differences are inevitable. Different backgrounds. Different perspectives. Different expectations. The question isn’t if we’ll face conflict… it’s how we respond when we do.

In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Diana Spaulding shares a powerful message from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering on Working Through Differences. Drawing from real-life experience, biblical wisdom, and the heart of Elevate Life’s mission, Diana unpacks how we can move from frustration and division toward understanding, growth, and stronger relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why conflict is a natural part of growth—not something to avoid

• How to approach differences with humility, patience, and self-awareness

• The role of communication and listening in resolving conflict

• How unresolved differences can hold us back in life and career

• Practical ways to build healthy, lasting relationships in any environment

At Elevate Life Network, we believe transformation doesn’t just happen through career development—it happens through community. Learning to work through differences is a critical step in building the kind of life, relationships, and future we’re all striving for.

Whether you’re navigating tension at work, challenges at home, or learning how to better connect with others, this episode will equip and encourage you to handle conflict in a way that leads to growth—not division.

About Elevate Life Network

Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.

Learn more or get involved:

🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

On this powerful Palm Sunday message, we explore one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture—Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—and the tension that still challenges us today.

The crowd welcomed Jesus as King… but for the wrong reasons.

They wanted a Savior who would fix their circumstances.

Jesus came as the Savior who would transform their hearts.

In this message, we unpack the difference between the King we want and the King we need, and how that same struggle shows up in our lives today.

Are we following Jesus for what He can do for us… or surrendering to Him as Lord?

This episode challenges you to:

Move from expectation to surrender

Embrace personal responsibility in your faith

Understand the true mission of Jesus beyond comfort and convenience

Step boldly into discipleship and life transformation

And if this truly is the greatest story ever told…

are we willing to share it?

What is love… really?

In this special episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, we revisit a powerful message originally shared at Elevate Life Network’s Family Gathering just before Valentine’s Day. In a world where culture, music, and media constantly define love for us—often in conflicting ways—it’s time to take a step back and ask a deeper question: What is love meant to be? 

Through real-life insight, cultural reflection, and timeless truth, this episode challenges the way we’ve been taught to think about love—and invites us to rebuild our understanding from the ground up.

You’ll discover:

How culture (especially music and media) shapes our view of love

Why men and women often experience and define love differently

The gap between what we feel love is… and what it actually is

A deeper, more grounded definition of love that leads to stronger relationships and personal growth

Whether you’re navigating relationships, healing from past experiences, or simply trying to understand love on a deeper level, this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you.

This isn’t just about romantic love—this is about how love impacts your decisions, your identity, your growth, and your future.

🎧 Listen now and redefine what love truly means.