Motherhood comes with its own challenges, but what happens when disappointment, grief, and forgiveness become part of the journey? In this episode of Freedom Fridays with Michele Leona, I sit down with Austin to talk about her journey from pain and hurt to healing and reconciliation.

As a single mom, Austin found herself navigating co-parenting struggles and the absence of the support she longed for. To make matters worse, deep grief, anxiety, and depression weighed heavily on her the summer after her son’s father passed away. But through prayer, scripture, and surrender, God gave her the strength to heal and move forward.

We’ll also talk about:

Listen in as Austin shares her powerful testimony of faith, motherhood, and the grace to forgive.

Connect with Austin:

Instagram: @_toldbybella_

TikTok: @_toldbybella_

YouTube: @ToldbyBella

Connect with Michele Leona:

Website | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok

God often uses relationships to refine us, exposing pride, fears, and insecurities we didn’t even know were there. In this episode, I’m opening up about how marriage became a mirror I didn’t know I needed—one that revealed so much about my heart.

From discovering areas where pride resides to navigating trust as a choice, I’m sharing some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on my journey as a wife. Whether you’re single, engaged, or married, this episode has something for you.

Let’s lean in, Freedom Fridays Fam—this one’s filled with truth, vulnerability, and a lot of heart.

Scripture References

For more encouragement, visit micheleleona.com. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs it! 🫶🏾

Motherhood: the word itself can stir up a mix of emotions—joy, excitement, fear, and uncertainty. In this special episode of Freedom Fridays with Michele Leona, I sit down with my first guest of the season, Natasha Renee, to explore her beautiful journey into motherhood. From her perspective before becoming a mom to the lessons she’s learned along the way, Natasha shares heartfelt stories and wisdom about the joys and fears of being a mom.

We also delve into the challenges and revelations that come with this season—confronting fears of parenthood, embracing grace for ourselves and others, and trusting God’s plan for our families. Whether you’re a mom, a mom-to-be, or someone wondering about this chapter of life, this episode is for you.

Scripture References and Topics:

Listen in and discover how faith transforms fear, and how God’s grace makes room for strength, peace, and joy in every season.

Connect with Natasha Renee:

Instagram: @iam_natasharenee

TikTok: @just_tasharenee

YouTube: @justnatasharenee (Coming soon)

Do you ever feel like God is distant? Or maybe you know He’s close, but it seems like He’s choosing not to intervene?

Life’s storms can leave us questioning Jesus’ role in our struggles: Is He careless, or is He faithful? In this episode of Freedom Fridays with Michele Leona, we explore Mark 4:35-41, where the disciples faced their own storm—and their own doubts—on the Sea of Galilee.

This Week’s Takeaway:

Jesus’ presence is His intervention—enough to carry you through every storm.

Scripture References and Topics:

1. Deuteronomy 31:6 – God’s promise to never leave or forsake His people.

2. Isaiah 41:10 – God’s strength and unwavering support.

3. Psalm 23:4 – Finding comfort in God’s presence through the darkest valleys.

4. Matthew 28:20 – Jesus’ assurance of being with us to the very end.

5. Mark 4:35–41 – A deeper look at trusting Jesus’ authority and His presence, even when fear tries to take over.

As you reflect on this episode, may you find peace in the truth of His faithfulness, even in the midst of your storm.

What’s your perspective in the storm—is Jesus careless or faithful? Let’s journey to freedom together.

For more encouragement, visit micheleleona.com. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs it!

In this inaugural episode of Freedom Fridays with Michele Leona, we dive into the struggle of waiting for the “right feeling” before stepping out in faith. Have you ever been stuck, waiting to feel ready to forgive, love, or take that leap of faith? You’re not alone—but here’s the truth: the feeling may never come.

We unpack what it means to choose faith over feelings, and I share my personal story of transformation—how God worked in my life to replace internal anger with freedom and purpose. Together, we explore Scripture that challenges and equips us to imitate Christ, embrace humility, and walk in alignment with God’s Word. This is your invitation to move forward, no matter how you feel, and let the Holy Spirit lead your transformation for the glory of God.

Scripture References and Topics

1. Ephesians 4:25–32 – Practical steps for imitating God: speaking truth, dealing with anger, and forgiving others.

2. Ephesians 5:1–2 – The call to imitate God and walk in love.

3. Philippians 2:2–5 – Unity, humility, and adopting Christ’s mindset.

4. James 1:19–22 – Being quick to listen, slow to anger, and living by God’s Word.• Emphasis on verse 20: Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

5. 2 Corinthians 3:17–18 – Transformation by the Spirit of the Lord.

6. Romans 12:2 – Renewing your mind and being transformed.

7. Matthew 5:13–16 – Living as salt and light for God’s glory.

What’s one step of faith you can take today, even if you don’t feel ready? Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! Visit micheleleona.com for more.

Hello Humans! My name is Michele Leona and I want to welcome you to the Freedom Fridays podcast. This is for people who desire to walk in freedom.

Vulnerable, Transparent, God-Centered.

So let's lean in…it’s Freedom Friday.

Visit My Website

Join Michele Mitchell, designer, author and human rights advocate in episode 3 of season 2, “Your Self Check-In.” In this episode Michele talks about the very important practice of checking in with yourself, and shares some tips to doing it in a way that is low in stress and high in wellness. 

Links to articles mentioned: 

Her View From Home by Erinne Magee “25 Self Care Questions To Ask Yourself Every Day” 

https://herviewfromhome.com/25-questions-for-checking-in-with-yourself

HelloRory.com 

16 Essential Self-Check-In Questions to As Yourself Every Week 

https://www.hellorory.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/checking-in-with-yourself-IG.jpg

Join Michele Mitchell, designer, author and human rights advocate in the second episode of season 2. Yeesss...It's a #marchbabies birthday today, and that doesn't mean the advocacy stops. In this episode Michele highlights the elephant in the room that has been sounding off in your social timelines—anti-Asian violence, xenophobia, and hate crimes—and shares how you can be an ally.

Links to articles mentioned:

Berkeley expert: In times of crisis, anti-Asian violence is an American tradition

https://news.berkeley.edu/2021/03/17/berkeley-expert-in-times-of-crisis-anti-asian-violence-is-an-american-tradition/

“7 Ways to Provide Allyship to the Asian American Community”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.adweek.com/inside-the-brand/7-ways-to-provide-allyship-asian-american-community/amp/

STOP AAPI HATE Website

Our communities stand united against racism. Hate against Asian American Pacific Islander communities has risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we can stop it.

https://stopaapihate.org

Welcome and welcome back to Freedom Fridays Season 2! Join Michele Mitchell, designer, author and human rights advocate as she talks about Amanda Gorman's excellence, the insurrection of January 6th, and challenges you to take a closer look at 2020. Reminding you of your greatness while giving you the boost you need to break free from your limiting beliefs and move forward.

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/michelethecreativist

Website (Portfolio & Shop)

https://www.michelemitchell.art

Join Michele Mitchell, designer, author and human rights advocate as she uplifts you with the reality of the words “I made it this far,” shares from her experience at the Black Girl Magic Summit by Boss Women Media, and spotlights Melissa Bradley of 1863 Ventures. Reminding you of your greatness while giving you the boost you need to break free from your limiting beliefs and move forward.

Spotlight on Melissa Bradley and two of her companies

1863 Ventures 

1863 Ventures has programs and resources that accelerate new majority entrepreneurs from high potential to high growth.

1863Ventures.Net

Ureeka

Ureeka is a community where small businesses gain unprecedented access to the expertise needed to grow their business.

Ureeka.biz