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.

Can you believe that the 2025 Mrs. Utah America, Mrs. Utah American, and Miss Utah for America Strong Pageant is in 11 Days? I am thrilled to interview Mrs. Utah America, Chelsi Rasmussen, as we dive into advocacy work, her pageant experience, the influence being a title holder and Queen has on her daughters, and the sisterhood found in pageantry.

After a two week break, we are excited to welcome Ashtin Pankratz to the podcast! Ashtin is a military spouse, Christian, and shares with the Highly Favored listeners her experiences with neurodivergence and getting diagnosed as an adult. She also promotes healthcare advocacy with a diagnosis of mold exposure with her brain and her journey through symptom treatment. Plus fun hyper fixations like the amazingness that is Costco.

Vanessa is a military spouse and Christian mother who started homeschooling her children as a calling from God. With humor and humility, Vanessa shares her experiences - the good, the challenges, and the misconceptions that accompany homeschooling. Vanessa is a great friend of the show host's and one of the top reasons Kim brought her on the wad not only is Vanessa hilarious and so personable, but the Jones family taught her so much about homeschooling and really opened her perspective on it. Even if you're not a Christian, this episode will share a lot on deciding to homeschool.

Join us as we interview the lovely and talented Miss Nebo Valley, Jaimee Beard, as she shares her platform, Dance with a Purpose. Jaimee has an absolute heart of gold and through this journey saw a need within the dance communities of California following the destruction created by the wildfires. Through her efforts, she raised awareness for the need of donated dance supplies and collected them throughout the state of Utah to bring to Los Angeles. Jaimee shares the impact of her faith and the importance of dance in her life and lives of her students as she makes a difference in her community through her passions.