Highly Favored

This episode dives deep into the world of Claire Cain, a prolific author whose stories blend strength, vulnerability, and the unwavering spirit of military life. Whether you're a romance lover or just curious about the powerful stories behind the pages, Claire’s journey, her purpose, and her heart come alive right here.

In this episode:

• Claire Cain shares how her literary criticism background shaped her writing style
• The inspiration behind her focus on military romance and its real-life impact
• The importance of found family, resilience, and authenticity in her characters
• How her stories aim to showcase strength without brokenness, reflecting real relationships
• The emotional power of her scenes that sometimes move even her to tears
• Insights into her daily routine as an indie author juggling life, family, and marketing
• The connection of her stories to supporting nonprofits and empowering women veterans
• The significance of escape, hope, and joy through the genre of romance

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why Claire Cain’s stories matter
02:15 - Claire’s background in literary criticism & transition into romance
04:51 - The spark: Military romance as a joyful escape
07:12 - Balancing authenticity with storytelling: Military life in fiction
09:34 - Evoking real characters: The importance of research and experience
12:14 - Why writing about hope and resilience is vital amid heaviness
15:05 - The power of romance as an emotional refuge
16:31 - A day in the life of Claire: Creativity and self-care in motion
20:00 - Marketing, managing authorpreneurship, and the challenge of self-promotion
26:09 - Common misconceptions about military relationships and how Claire addresses them
30:33 - Crafting emotionally impactful scenes and favorite characters
43:23 - The role of resilience in her characters and personal life
46:28 - An emotional scene that unexpectedly moved Claire to tears
49:18 - The joy of her readers’ connections and moments of “pinch me”
54:42 - How she ends her podcast episodes: Red and green lights of life
55:03 - The importance of outdoor air, hydration, and embracing vulnerability
56:30 - Farewell and excited anticipation for the upcoming event in Utah

Join us this Sunday, April 26 in Ogden, Utah at The Romantics Archive! Dive into the veterans’ experience, celebrate love, and support women veterans through our special event. Don’t miss your chance to meet Claire in person, grab signed copies, and embrace the power of romance to transform and uplift!

This episode is a heartfelt journey through the transformative year of Jaimee Beard, Miss Utah for America Strong 2025. She opens up about the raw, real moments of competition, personal growth, and the profound impact of staying true to herself. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be perfect or wondered how to keep your integrity in the spotlight, this is your story.In this episode:

• Jaimee shares her emotional experience of winning and her genuine support for fellow queens
• The incredible power of being authentic and approachable as a pageant queen
• How pageantry became a tool for healing, purpose, and spiritual connection
• The importance of supporting others and building community beyond competition
• Insights on mental health, autoimmune awareness, and redefining success
• The lessons learned from navigating social media authentically
• The significance of impact over numbers and storytelling over perfection
• Her final message: being true to yourself and loving others

• Dance for Life
• Divine Choreography - Spiritual Inspiration
• Autoimmune Awareness Month

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & introduction to Jaimee’s heartfelt journey
02:32 - Supporting each other in pageantry and beyond
03:44 - Personal trials & letting sisterhood uplift you
04:51 - Recognizing growth and embracing authenticity
06:01 - Connecting with others as "the people’s queen"
07:25 - Inspirational stories of queens influencing others
09:02 - Overcoming self-doubt and personal darkness
10:24 - How pageantry strengthened her confidence
11:05 - Spiritual guidance and divine choreography in life
12:31 - Representing Utah & the significance of faith
13:11 - The role of divine timing & trusting the process
14:07 - Jaimee’s journey into pageantry & proving herself
15:37 - Reflection on personal growth & coming home to herself
17:31 - Supporting women in their journey & celebrating sister queens
18:33 - Overcoming insecurities & supporting others' growth
19:15 - Building genuine friendships & community through pageantry
20:35 - The importance of showing up & supporting others
21:00 - Facing the temptation to quit & persevering through grief
22:42 - The unexpected rewards of hardship & spiritual moments
23:10 - The impact of speaking out & sharing light in dark moments
26:33 - How our words can heal & inspire in future generations
28:26 - The power of influence, no matter the size of your audience
30:45 - Embracing vulnerability & changing perspectives on success
32:38 - Redefining what it means to fully embody your role
34:05 - The significance of feeling confident in your gown & state of mind
36:34 - Wearing the gown that reflects your authentic self
38:38 - Final walk & the emotional significance of growth & transition
40:16 - The meaning behind her crown & journey of self-discovery
43:45 - How the title gave purpose during difficult times
45:51 - Addressing misconceptions about pageant queens & health
49:54 - Moving past societal expectations & embracing health & self-love
50:59 - Surprising lessons from her reign & unique organizational dynamics
54:41 - The importance of sisterhood & community in pageantry
57:21 - Learning from other women & the beauty of shared experiences
60:06 - Navigating social media, advocacy, and vulnerability
66:11 - The value of authentic engagement & impact over stats
68:39 - The true power of influencing even one person
69:28 - Final message: living true & authentic in every step
72:53 - Jaimee’s green & red lights: support, doing the work, and healing
76:48 - Closing words: inspiring others to rise & lead with loveResources & Links:Connect with Jaimee Beard:This episode reminds us—your voice, your authenticity, your love—are what truly make the impact. Your story is powerful. Your light is needed. Be bold, be real, and keep shining!

Most women’s stories hold power — but what happens when you turn trauma into a voice that changes lives? Sheri Murray’s journey from deep trauma to fierce advocacy will shatter your limits and ignite your courage. She’s a survivor, a pageant queen, and an unstoppable force of transformation—and now, she’s here to tell YOU it’s never too late to rewrite your story.This episode dives into Sheri’s raw and inspiring truth: surviving years of betrayal, battling legal battles, and choosing to use her pain as fuel for purpose. You’ll discover how she turned her darkest moments into a platform that helps others find their voice and break free from trauma. Her story isn’t just a testament to resilience — it’s a call to action. If you’ve ever felt silenced, afraid, or stuck, this is your wake-up call.

We break down her powerful "Trauma to Grace" mission, how pageantry became her tool for healing, and the unconventional strength of women lifting women. Sheri shares how she pushes beyond insecurities—whether it’s the size of her dress, self-doubt, or societal expectations—and why embracing the scary is the only way to grow. You'll learn how to face your own fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and step boldly into the life you deserve.Why does this matter? Because in a world that often keeps women small, Sheri’s story is a revolution.

It’s about empowerment, community, and rewriting the narrative. This isn’t just an episode for pageant lovers—it’s for anyone yearning to rise above, claim their power, and live out loud.Get ready for a bold, unfiltered dose of inspiration—because your story matters. If you’re ready to say yes to your own transformation, this episode is your sign. Hit play and let Sheri show you how to turn trauma into grace and fears into fierce freedom. You won’t want to miss this.

Get ready to feel inspired, empowered, and uplifted! In this episode, Amy Winder shares her heartfelt story of stepping into the pageant world for the first time, her powerful platform advocating for women’s health, and the bold steps she's taking to make a difference. This is a call to all women to embrace their unique beauty, voice, and purpose — because your story matters.

• Amy’s journey into her first pageant and her spontaneous leap of faith
• The power of creating a custom gown and owning your uniqueness
• Her powerful platform advocating for women’s medical research and healing
• Overcoming fears around swimsuit prep and embracing confidence at any size
• The sisterhood and support culture that makes Utah pageantry extraordinary
• Fun behind-the-scenes of bedazzling dinosaur heads and sparkly costumes
• Practical tips on turning challenges into growth opportunities
• Insights on advocating for health and breaking through stereotypes
• Amy’s personal mission to bring relief and research to women in need
• Heartwarming stories about family, resilience, and shining in your authenticity

00:00 - Meet Amy: First-time pageant contestant with a powerful passion for women’s health
02:41 - Amy’s bold "yes" that launched her pageant journey and love for spontaneity
04:36 - Favorite parts of competing—costumes, costumes, costumes!
05:44 - Building her own gown from scratch—turning creativity into confidence
07:23 - How showing up in sparkle and glam boosts women’s self-esteem
08:27 - The entertainment and sisterhood aspect of Utah pageantry
09:41 - Facing fears in swimsuits—body positivity and mental strength
11:02 - Making stage confidence a family affair—kids bedazzling and cheering
12:18 - Breaking stereotypes—pageants as platforms for advocacy and change
13:29 - Supporting each other—Utah’s deep sisterhood in competition
15:22 - The joy of designing and creating your own dress—personal expression
19:45 - Amy’s platform: Fighting for women’s medical research and support
22:06 - The importance of listening, advocating, and breaking down medical dismissals
23:54 - Combining her passions: pet therapy and community service
26:49 - The need for greater empathy in healthcare—women’s pain as real and valid
29:31 - Creative solutions like animal therapy for pain management
30:08 - Advocating for women through action, education, and community
31:32 - The true spirit of modern pageantry—passion, purpose, and power
34:40 - Small things bringing joy—motherhood, self-care, and embracing authenticity
37:04 - How pageants create lifelong memories and confidence for women and their families
38:40 - Kids’ excitement about the journey—families supporting women’s dreams
39:29 - The “lights” segment—green for love, advocacy, and sparkle; red for societal norms and grime
45:48 - Lessons from pageantry: Investing fully leads to growth and transformation
50:49 - The unstoppable power of women choosing to go all in—your life, your platform

• Amy Winder on Instagram
• Her Foundation - Supporting research for pregnancy conditions
• Panda Express Fundraisers - Partnering for medical research funding

Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, Kimberly Chatto and Ashton Pankratz explore the themes of friendship, women's ministry, prayer, and personal growth through the lens of their experiences. They discuss the importance of supportive friendships, the impact of women's ministry in fostering community, and the power of prayer in their lives. Additionally, they share insights from Kimberly's pageant experiences, highlighting the emotional challenges and triumphs that come with competition. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building connections, celebrating each other's successes, and navigating life's challenges together. In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Chatto and Ashtin Pankratz delve into the multifaceted experience of pageantry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of competing, the importance of body positivity, and the significance of community and friendship. They also explore the complexities of dating and relationships, including the pitfalls of matchmaking services, while emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and personal growth. The discussion is rich with insights on navigating life as a single mother, the pressures of societal beauty standards, and the joy of forming meaningful connections.

Keywords

friendship, women's ministry, prayer, pageants, personal growth, community, support, faith, empowerment, Christian women, pageantry, self-confidence, body positivity, community, dating, matchmaking, relationships, personal growth, motherhood, friendship

Takeaways

Friendship is a strong support system.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics

Re-released episode! Crystal is a dear friend of Kim's and while working together, Kim came to realize that Crystal is also a Christian. Through their friendship Kim realized how incredibly powerful Crystal's testimony is and could be to so many. The Highly Favored Team is so incredibly excited to have her on today's episode. Crystal discusses many challenging topics such as abuse and overcoming incredible adversity. Her resiliency will inspire you and she also shares about strength found in communities such as Christian-based organizations like Celebrate Recovery.

https://celebraterecovery.com/

As we wrap up the pageant series, we are excited to welcome Ashlee Stratton, Mrs. Spanish Fork, with this episode releasing the day before the Mrs. Utah America/n and Miss Utah for America Strong pageant. Ashlee's platform, "Frozen to Forward," discusses actionable steps to reaching your goals and it is the perfect head space leading into the pageant.

Today's episode is dual hosted by Kim and Mrs. Vineyard, Aubin Palmer. As both women prepare to compete is the Mrs. Utah America/n and Miss Utah for America Strong pageants, they discuss empowerment and standing tall together as they overcome insecurities and grow as they go after their goals.

Michelle Jones, Mrs. Herriman, shares her pageant experience as she competes in the 2025 Mrs. Utah America and Mrs. Utah American pageant. She has a passion in advocacy against child abuse and believes in using her voice to inspire others to overcome their abuse. "Be Brave, This is not your ending...it's theirs. Yours has yet to come!"

Today's episode highlights one of the amazing women competing in the 2025 Mrs. Utah America and Mrs. Utah American pageant, Portia Blanchard. As Mrs. Maple Mountain, her platform, You are Worth Living For, shares the same title as her internationally-selling book as she advocates for making the most of your life and seeing yourself in the best light. As a mother of seven, Portia also shares the experience of going through a pageant through the perspective of her children.