It's been years since #FreeCyntoia trended across all social media channels. In this episode, Kerry sits down to talk with Cyntoia Brown Long to discuss how her faith got her through the toughest trial anyone can face: a life sentence in prison at the age of 16. But, there was more to her story. Cyntoia reveals the ups and downs of her pardon appeal, how she trusted in God to free her from incarceration and what she's doing to improve the American penal system around the country.

In this episode of Everyday People, Extraordinary Lives, Kerry sits down with Gail Champion Barber and discusses her book, "Fleecy Clouds: One Woman's Story of Surviving and Thriving After Childhood Abuse." After the loss of her parents at a young age, Gail moved across several living situations and faced multiple threats to her well-being before finally finding her footing in a safe environment. Kerry talks through Gail's life and how she overcame heartbreaking loss and abuse, never letting the circumstances of her past take over her future. 

Meet Shantay Hinsley, an extraordinary supermom who, along with her husband Mark, took on the daunting task of raising nine adopted kids. Ever imagined what it takes to build a bustling household with children from various backgrounds? Listen in as Shantay unboxes her heartwarming journey of navigating the foster care system, starting from the adoption of a 4-year-old child merely seven months into their marriage.

This episode is a treasure trove of parenting wisdom, as the Hinsley's open up about the surprises and challenges that come with parenting nine children and their unique ways of managing their large family. They also shed light on their commitment to maintaining relationships with their children's biological families and nurturing their identities. The Hinsley's also reveal the special tradition of celebrating the day each child became a part of their family and divulge Mark's secret to staying on his toes amidst all the chaos. Be ready to immerse yourself in the life of a family that transformed challenges into opportunities to create a loving home.

Have you ever wondered how a life can be transformed through trials, tribulations, and faith? Meet Daniel Burnell, a man whose journey from poverty to purpose will inspire and encourage you. Daniel shares his story, beginning with his challenging childhood marked by an absent father, a hardworking mother, and a stepfather who provided but was emotionally distant. Yet in the midst of these challenges, Daniel discovered joy in the Atlanta Braves through his grandfather and developed a strong determination to provide a better life for his future children.

Our conversation takes an illuminating turn as Daniel shares his spiritual awakening, set in motion by a compassionate youth minister. This single act of mentorship led Daniel to a profound understanding of the Bible and Jesus, culminating in his baptism. It's a testament to how a single act of kindness can spark a transformation. We also delve into the significant role of loyalty in Daniel's life, influenced profoundly by his church, his youth minister, and a humble blackberry farmer named Jerry. These pivotal encounters led him to commit his life to service and mentorship, even adopting a local high school football team as his sons.

Reflecting on his experiences, Daniel opens up about his struggles with poverty and how they molded him into the person he is today. He shares his perception of poverty as a 'happy struggle' that helped shape his life. The church, he reveals, played an essential role in providing him with dignity and showing him glimpses of God's grace. Join us for this uplifting narrative that underscores the power of resilience, faith, and service. Daniel's story is a stirring reminder of how challenges can lead to growth and fulfillment, and how faith can guide us through the darkest times.

Have you ever felt cornered by your own mind, unable to escape the onslaught of anxiety and panic attacks? That’s the world our guest, Easton Freeze, navigated through from his early childhood. From battling crippling anxiety in fifth grade, coping with OCD tendencies, and witnessing his fears escalate into panic attacks in his teenage years, Easton's journey has been anything but easy. This episode draws back the curtain on the reality of living with mental health issues from such a young age and the fight it takes to reclaim control over one's life.

Easton's journey didn't unfold in isolation - he sought help, and that made all the difference. He found refuge in talk therapy, using it as a tool to express his thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, and gradually discovered his own solutions. He also candidly discusses his initial resistance to medication, his eventual surrender, and the impact it had on his life. His insightful experiences with medication offer an enlightening perspective on its benefits, drawbacks, and the caution needed when considering it as an option.

With the wisdom gleaned from his journey, Easton sheds light on the importance of not facing mental health issues alone. He emphasizes the significance of counseling and talk therapy, advising listeners to give it the time it needs to truly work. This episode is a soulful exploration of anxiety and mental health through Easton's lens, an encouraging reminder that it's alright to seek help, and an invitation to join a constructive conversation about these pertinent issues. Don't miss this honest, enlightening, and deeply personal exploration. Join us!

We sit down with an extraordinary woman, Denise, who bares her soul and her heartache in a conversation that touches upon life, loss, and the lasting bond between a mother and her daughter. Drawing strength from her faith, Denise shares her journey of loss - losing her daughter, Rochelle, at the tender age of 44. Rochelle, a woman of determination and independence, a music lover and a swimmer, left behind a legacy that Denise and her grandsons cherish and preserve.

From the joyous memories of their shared love for 80s music and annual beach vacations to the challenges of Rochelle's struggle with diabetes, we journey with Denise through the kaleidoscope of emotions that come with grief. Yet, amidst the pain, Denise's faith shines through, offering a beacon for others navigating the murky waters of loss. She reminds us all of the importance of keeping alive the memories of our loved ones, thrusting us into an exploration of coping mechanisms that go beyond the ordinary. So tune in to this episode: a heartfelt tribute to Rochelle and a testament to the resilience of a mother's love.