Firestarters

🔥 Firestarters Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3
Guest: Jennifer Shook
Title: Breaking the Silence: Healing from Hidden Pain with Jennifer Shook

Episode Summary:
In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, Hilary sits down with Inner Healing Mentor, Christian Life Coach, and Speaker Jennifer Shook to explore what it looks like to find hope in the midst of hidden heartache. Jennifer shares her personal journey and the sacred work she now does to help women heal from addiction, betrayal, and family crises—especially those who feel unseen and unheard within their own church communities.

This episode is a breath of fresh air for women who love God but are secretly carrying heavy burdens. Jennifer talks about the dangers of religious performance, the freedom that comes through authenticity, and how inner healing prayer can transform shame into restoration. You’ll walk away encouraged, seen, and reminded that your pain does not disqualify you—it can become the very place where Jesus meets you most tenderly.

In This Episode, You'll Hear:

• Jennifer’s story of walking through personal and family pain

• Why so many women feel isolated in their suffering, especially in the church

• The difference between religious striving and true freedom in Christ

• What inner healing prayer is—and why it’s life-changing

• How to begin processing grief and rediscovering your identity in Jesus

Connect with Jennifer Shook:
🌐 Website: www.jennifershook.com
📱 Instagram: @jennifershook
📘 Facebook: Jennifer Galbraith Shook

🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a friend who needs to know they’re not alone. Healing is possible, and freedom is closer than you think.

In this inspiring episode of the Firestarters Podcast, we sit down with Genee Carr, the powerhouse COO of Brown Tings, a brand dedicated to elevating Black and Brown skin with luxury, culture, and care. Genee shares her remarkable journey—from experiencing homelessness to building a thriving business—and how trusting in the sovereignty of God has carried her through every season of life.

If you've ever felt like you're walking through a wilderness season, this episode will encourage you to trust God's provision, lean into your calling, and step boldly into the purpose He has for you.

🔥 How Genee went from homelessness to business ownership
🔥 The role of faith and resilience in her entrepreneurial journey
🔥 How Brown Tings is being rebranded and why
🔥 The power of trusting God’s timing and provision
🔥 Encouragement for entrepreneurs navigating tough seasons

Connect with Genee Carr:

✨ Website: Brown Tings
✨ Instagram: browntingsofficial
✨ Facebook: browntingsofficial

If this episode blessed you, let us know by leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

🔗 Join the Firestarters Community: @Firestarterscommunity
🔗 Connect with Hilary Morris: @Hilary.Morris
🔗 Learn More at: www.hilarymorris.net

🔥 Now it’s your turn—how has God shown His sovereignty in your journey? Share with us on social media and tag us! 🔥

In this episode of Firestarters Podcast, we sit down with Misty Fitch, an inspiring author, speaker, and occasional podcaster, to explore how we can feel confident and comfortable diving into God’s Word. Misty shares her journey from teaching high school English, Spanish, and creative writing for 15 years to founding Fearfully Made Ministries. Her heart for expository teaching shines as she explains how she brings the Bible to life through her speaking engagements, books, and podcast My Beautiful Chaos.

We also discuss:

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible reader or just beginning, this episode will leave you encouraged and equipped to deepen your relationship with God through His Word.

Guest Bio:
Misty Fitch is an author, speaker, and occasional podcaster with a passion for helping people feel confident in reading and understanding God’s Word. With a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish and a master’s in education administration, Misty taught high school English, Spanish, and creative writing for 15 years. She is the founder of Fearfully Made Ministries and the host of the podcast My Beautiful Chaos. Misty uses her expository teaching style to make Scripture come alive, whether at conferences, retreats, or events.

For more about Misty, visit her website at www.MistyFitch.com. For speaking or interview inquiries, email her at [email protected].

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Misty:

Connect with Hilary Morris:

Subscribe & Review:
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In this episode of Firestarters, we welcome Ashley Mikkelsen, the passionate Spanish teacher and blogger behind Srta Spanish. Ashley shares her journey into blogging, which began with her inspiration from other teachers on social media. What started as a way to contribute to the conversation has turned into a fulfilling space to share classroom resources and reflect on what has worked in her teaching.

Ashley also opens up about the importance of discerning God’s will in her vocation. She reflects on how she balances the roles of teacher and mom while serving the community of Spanish teachers, especially those working in Christian settings. With a strong focus on language acquisition research, Ashley creates resources that not only foster language skills but also encourage the following of Christ in every interaction and lesson.

In this conversation, we dive into:

This episode is a powerful reminder of how our work, whether in the classroom or elsewhere, can be a reflection of our faith and a means of serving others.

Connect with Ashley Mikkelsen:

Join the Firestarters community:

Tune in for a conversation that will encourage you to discern your own calling and serve others with your gifts, just as Ashley is doing in her work with Spanish teachers and students!

So excited to share today's guest, Tanya Gioia. She helps Christ-centered women navigate their husband's addiction. In this episode, she shares how she struggled to maintain control, and finally, at Christmas time, she surrendered. See how your story and your struggles can equip you to help others.

Connect with Tanya here.

Today's Firestarter is Amber Johnson, aka B.E.E. Channel, which stands for Blessing, Edifying, & Encouraging Others to Live Their Best Lives. She's a caregiver, blogger, and podcaster. She's sharing her story today of how God called her into nursing and caretaking in the most unique and loving way. If you've ever had to be a care taker for a loved one or you can see that journey beginning in your near future, then lean in. May we all have the opportunity to serve those in the same way they've served us. Amber's mission is to spread the love, light, and hope of God with every post.

Connect with Amber:

Website

Instagram

In this week's episode my friend Jan Touchberry is joining us to share her wisdom as a Firestarter. She's a Jesus-loving, native Texas, living in DFW. Wife to John, mom of 4 and "LaLa" to 3 (so far). She's mildly obsessed with Survivor (yes - She's seen every episode), personality tests (where are my "Green" Enneagram 8s at?) and have more than a little bit of a sweet tooth (she's working on that.)
In 2013 she started her first business and became obsessed with starting businesses and helping others do the same. She is the owner and founder of The Brand Collaborative, specializing in website design, visual branding, and podcast management (but we do a LOT of things).
In her "other life," she's in full-time vocational ministry and love serving the local church in whatever capacity God chooses to use her.

Connect with Jan:

thebrandcollaborative.co

Sina Constantine is Norwegian born to Sri Lankan parents, and currently living in Australia. She's working as a Mental Health and relationships Counsellor, as well as founding Virtue Ministry - an educational ministry focused on adult human formation and healthy relationships founded on the Virtues. Stina felt called by God to move to Australia as an 18yr old and became the first coloured young female city ambassador for the city of Wagga Wagga under the title (Miss Wagga Wagga 2019) and was then faced with a 3 year unjust deportation battle.

In this week's episode she's going to share what it means to be called to work your "plot" of God's vinyard along with all it's challenges and blessings.

Connect with Stina:

Website

This episode's Firestarter is Lauren Roskilly. She's an author, coach, and speaker dedicated to enhancing mental health and well-being through the transformative power of Christian Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBCBT).

With a global reach, Lauren serves individuals, churches, and organizations, offering impactful talks, courses, and books that inspire positive change and personal growth.

As a mother of two and a born-again Christian since 2004, Lauren brings authenticity and transparency to her work. Her journey, marked by struggles with depression, anxiety, and self-harm, is a testament to God's transformative power.

In 2019, Lauren founded 'Mindful of Christ,' a hub for valuable resources, blog posts, and services aimed at fostering spiritual growth and mental wellness.

Recipient of the 'BipolarBrave Mental Health & Faith Award' in 2023, Lauren is a three-time bestselling author, with titles including 'Christian-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,' 'Indestructible Faith,' and 'Breaking Chains.' She's also a co-author of 'Worship in the Wilderness.'

Beyond her writing and speaking engagements, Lauren offers self-publishing services, guiding aspiring authors through the entire publishing journey.

Connect with Lauren on her website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube channel to embark on a journey of healing, empowerment, and spiritual renewal.

https://bit.ly/CBCBT

https://bit.ly/Poster-Identity

https://bit.ly/FREECBCBT

Www.mindfulofchrist.net

What others are saying:

"An essential read for anyone navigating life's challenges. Lauren's insights into understanding our thought patterns are invaluable. Her book is not just informative; it's life-changing."

"Lauren's book touched me deeply. As someone who battled addiction, her message of hope and transformation resonated profoundly. A must-read for anyone seeking healing."

Cyndy Bartelli’s many years as a Human Resource Director and business owner paved the way for great entrepreneurial experiences.

While gaining all of this business experience, however, she was simultaneously exposed to a series of traumas, diseases, family deaths, breakups, and losses that added up to a mountain of secret heartbreak. As a result, Cyndy cultivated a new relationship with our triune God (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). As she matured spiritually in her relationship with the Lord, she discovered His deep love and miraculous ability to heal all wounds from her past.

Through much prayer and ministry training, Cyndy now combines her business background with her passion for helping others to seek healing from the Lord.

In 2017, she published her first book, The Heart Healer: God’s Response to Personal Prayer in a Hurting World which has brought a new level of hope to readers in many aspects of their lives. The Heart Healer Study Guide soon followed the Heart Healer. Both books are now available in English and Spanish. They are presented privately and in group settings across the U.S.

Cyndy’s passion and mission are to connect the hearts of people to the heart of God. Doors open to healing from our past in extraordinary ways by knowing the Lord on a very personal level, and recognizing His great love for us.

Cyndy will share with us about how heartbreak impacts us – even heartbreak and trauma experienced as children. And, at the end of our episode, she has a free gift for all of our listeners!

Cyndy and her husband, Terry, have been married for forty years. They currently reside in The Hill Country of Central Texas. They have four children and six grandchildren. She specializes in podcast guesting and leads online classes for group leaders of The Heart Healer globally.

Email Cyndy

Connect with Cyndy