Ep 131 // How to Pursue Goals God's Way with Kingdom Business Strategist Gabe Cox

"You can't manifest your way to a goal."

What does it really mean to chase a big dream God’s way—without burning out, striving, or placing your worth in the outcome?

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Gabe Cox, host of Pursuing Goals God’s Way and creator of Red Hot Mindset. Gabe shares her incredible story of training for and running the Boston Marathon, raising a potential Olympic athlete, and navigating the tension between high-achieving goals and Spirit-led surrender.

We unpack what it looks like to align your ambitions with God’s heart—and how to discern when a goal is from Him or from our own striving. Gabe opens up about a powerful moment of obedience where she laid something down in faith…and what God did with it will leave you deeply encouraged.

If you’ve ever struggled to align your Christian goals with God's will, this episode will show you how to pursue faith-based dreams in a way that brings peace, purpose, and productivity.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How to pursue ambitious goals without losing your soul
• What it means to surrender your dream and still stay hopeful
• A framework for discerning whether your goal is God-given or self-driven
• Why your identity must be rooted in Christ, not achievements
• What happened when Gabe took a radical step of obedience (and what it unlocked!)

Favorite Quote:

“There’s no goal that’s unworthy in God’s Kingdom—if He gave you the desire, He will make a way.”

Take a Next Step:

Feeling stirred to realign your goals with God's voice? Start by asking, “What is God asking me to surrender today, so He can bring the fruit only He can bring?”

Whether you're a dreamer, a doer, or someone trying to hear God’s voice in your next step—this episode is for you.

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith + Journal
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Listen to Gabe's interview with Megan on the Pursuing Goal's God's Way podcast: Ep 309 | Stop Chasing the Algorithm and Start Hearing God in Your Business with Megan Nilsen

Learn more about Gabe: redhotmindset.com

Ep 130 // How to Hear God and Walk in Gutsy, Life-Changing Faith with Author Gari Meacham

What happens when God speaks in your darkest moment—and asks you to stay when everything in you wants to run?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Megan welcomes author, speaker, and ministry leader Gari Meacham to share her incredible story of transformation, faith, and freedom. From growing up in a traumatic home, struggling with disordered eating and suicidal thoughts, to experiencing the redemptive power of Jesus in a college dorm room, Gari’s testimony will stir your soul and encourage your spirit.

But it doesn’t stop there—Gari vulnerably shares the heart-wrenching journey of walking through infidelity in her marriage, and how hearing God’s voice gave her the strength to stay, heal, and rebuild something beautiful. You’ll hear how Gutsy Faith isn’t just the name of her podcast—it’s how she lives her life.

She also dives into:

• How to discern God’s voice when the world’s voices get loud
• The moment she knew Jesus was real—before she even knew the word “salvation”
• What it took to break free from the bondage of disordered eating
• Why Uganda radically changed her life and birthed The Vine, a thriving global ministry
• Her and Bobby’s current 13-year prayer—and how they’re still believing boldly for it

If you’ve ever wondered: “Is this really God speaking to me?” “Is there hope after marital betrayal?” “Can God use my pain for something good?" … this conversation is your invitation to sit with the Lord, zip your lips (you’ll hear why!), and truly listen.

• You can absolutely hear God’s voice—and it changes everything
• Redemption is real, even in the messiest moments
• Scar tissue doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re stronger
• Gutsy faith means obeying God, even when it defies logic
• True spiritual hunger leads to lasting freedom

1. Have I created space to actually listen to God lately—or am I doing all the talking?
2. What area of my life needs gutsy faith right now?
3. Is there a scar I’ve been hiding that God wants to use for healing—mine or someone else’s?
4. Where have I seen God in the details, even when I wasn’t looking?

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

• Connect with Gari at www.garimeacham.com
• Learn more about The Vine Uganda here
• Check out Gari’s books: Spirit Hunger, Truly Fed, Watershed Moments
• Don’t miss her podcast with Carla: Gutsy Faith

Hearing God’s voice, redemption, Christian marriage, infidelity recovery, eating disorders, spiritual warfare, gutsy faith, mission work, Uganda, Christian women, intimacy with God, identity, freedom, discipleship, Holy Spirit, biblical healing, kingdom legacy

Ep 129 // How to Stop Playing Small and Live Unapologetically in Your Assignment with Jeanette Peterson

What would change if you lived fully into who God says you are—without apology, hesitation, or fear?

In this empowering conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Jeanette Peterson, a bold woman of faith, veteran, and kingdom entrepreneur. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, military service, personal healing, and God-given identity. Jeanette shares how she transitioned from military life to ministry, healed from deep trauma, and embraced her calling with fierce clarity.

This episode is a rallying cry for women who are ready to live unapologetically, walk in their kingdom purpose, and support one another in faith-filled community.

• Your identity is not your past—it's who God says you are.
• God doesn’t ask for perfection, but for presence and obedience.
• Healing from trauma equips you to help others find freedom.
• Spiritual transformation > behavior modification.
• The Proverbs 31 woman isn’t just one person—she’s a picture of what we can build together as women of faith.

Quotable Quotes:

"Your identity is not who you were."

"I want you to be whoever God called you to be."

"Behavior modification is not the goal—spirit-led living is."

1. What old identities do you need to let go of to embrace who God says you are?
2. How can you begin to live more unapologetically in your calling?
3. Who is in your circle that encourages you to hear God’s voice and follow it boldly?

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!
• Megan's Interview on Jeanette's Unapologetically Unstoppable Podcast // Ep 167 Untangling Your Faith Through Journaling with Megan Nilsen

Connect with Jeanette Peterson:

Website: https://jeanettepeterson.com/

Kingdom Warrior Bootcamp: https://jeanettepeterson.com/bootcamp

faith, military, identity in Christ, women empowerment, trauma recovery, personal growth, hearing God's voice, kingdom business, unapologetic living, Christian community

Ep 128 // What Legacy Are You Really Leaving? Uncovering Purpose Through Faith & Brokenness with Elisa Morgan

In this rich episode, Megan sits down with Elisa Morgan—author, speaker, and former President of MOPS International (currently named MomCo) —for a beautiful conversation about faith, motherhood, adoption, and the power of vulnerability. Elisa opens up about her personal journey of hearing God’s voice, navigating the beauty and mess of motherhood, and how brokenness can actually be the birthplace of deeper connection with God and others.

Megan & Elisa talk legacy, character, community, and what it really means to mentor the next generation—not from a place of perfection, but from authentic presence. Whether you’re in the thick of raising littles, walking through a season of empty nesting, or simply desiring deeper connection with God and others, this episode will encourage your soul.

Listen in to hear:

• How Elisa’s adoption story shaped her understanding of connection and calling
• Why hearing God’s voice is deeply personal—and how to recognize it
• The unique challenges and gifts of motherhood
• What MOPS taught her about building brave, vulnerable community
• Why brokenness is not a barrier, but a bridge to intimacy with God
• How to think about legacy as character, not accomplishment
• Encouragement to mentor the next generation, no matter your season

Memorable Quotes:

Reflection Questions:

1. When have you felt God speaking clearly to you? What did it sound like?
2. How has your brokenness led to deeper connection with others—or with God?
3. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
4. Where might God be inviting you to be more vulnerable in your current season?

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery callto see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Connect with Elisa Morgan:

• Website: https://www.elisamorgan.com
• Podcast: God Hears Her
• Instagram: @elisamorganauthor
• Books: The Beauty of Broken, Hello, Beauty Full, and more

Elisa Morgan, MOPS, MomCo, motherhood, adoption, hearing God's voice, legacy, vulnerability, community, brokenness, character, faith

Ep 127 // From Book to Breakthrough: How to Turn Your Message into a Transformational Coaching Program

What if your book isn’t the finish line—but the launchpad for deeper transformation?

In this episode, Megan Nilsen shares how authors can unlock the next level of their message by transforming their book into a powerful coaching program. Whether you’re a Christian woman who poured her heart into writing a book or you’re just dreaming of the day it’s finished, this episode will show you how that message can become a living, breathing coaching experience that truly changes lives.

Megan walks through her own journey—from writing A Beautiful Exchange to launching her first coaching group during a Zoom Bible study gone Holy Spirit wild. She unpacks the mindset shifts, structural tips, and spiritual courage it takes to stop hiding behind the page and step boldly into your calling as a mentor, guide, and coach.

Spoiler alert: your book already holds the blueprint.

• Your book is already a coaching program in disguise—learn how to mine it for themes and transformation.
• Why ministry and business are both holy—and how to decide which lane you're in.
• Common mindset roadblocks for Christian authors-turned-coaches (hello, imposter syndrome and “can I charge for this?”).
• The importance of understanding your ideal client and the specific pain point your book solves.
• Why people pay more attention when they invest—and how coaching deepens the transformation you started in your book.

• What specific transformation does your book offer someone?
• Are you currently treating your message like a ministry, a hobby, or a business?
• What mindset roadblocks are holding you back from stepping into your role as a coach?
• Who is the exact person your message is for—and how are they hurting right now?

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Connect with Meliza Farndell:

• Website: Paper Crown Media
• Facebook Group: Answering the Call to Write

*** Christian coaching, faith-based coaching program, turn your book into coaching, author to entrepreneur, Kingdom coaching, Christian women in business, hearing God’s voice, coaching from your book, ministry vs business, book-based coaching, writing to mentoring

Ep 126 // How to Hear God’s Voice and Write the Story He’s Asking You to Tell with Brian Dixon

What if the story you’ve been sitting on is the exact message someone else is praying for?

In this inspiring and wisdom-packed episode, Megan Nilsen sits down with Brian Dixon—CEO of Hope Books Publishing and co-founder of Hope Writers—to talk about the power of storytelling, discerning God's voice, and the mission of amplifying women's voices in the publishing world.

Brian opens up about the life-altering car accident that shaped his faith, the ups and downs of navigating marriage and business, and how delighting in the Lord fuels both purpose and creativity. From overcoming fear to embracing the strategic side of publishing, Brian reminds us: Your story matters—and someone needs it.

Whether you're a writer, a dreamer, or simply a woman seeking to steward your gifts well, this episode will encourage you to stop hiding, start writing, and trust that income follows impact.

Key Takeaways:

• "Julie makes it better": Marriage, partnership, and leadership are built on joyful collaboration.
• God’s voice is active and personal: Discernment is key in both writing and relationships.
• Your story is sacred: What feels obvious to you may be magical for someone else.
• Publishing is shifting: Hybrid models are opening more doors for Christian authors.
• Don’t do it alone: Building a book is more than writing—it’s about structure, support, and spiritual alignment.
• Fear of man is real—but God’s calling is greater.

Favorite Quotes:

Reflection & Journaling Questions:

1. What story in your life might God be asking you to share?
2. Where are you letting fear or perfectionism keep you from taking the next step?
3. How might hearing God’s voice bring clarity to your writing or creative calling?
4. Who can you invite into your journey to support you?

Connect with Brian Dixon:

Hope Writers

Hope Story Conference

Hope Books Publishing

Take the FREE Writer's Quiz!

Newbie's Pocket Guide PDF

Instagram: @brianjdixon

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Keywords: Brian Dixon, Hope Writers, Hope Books Publishing, women empowerment, Christian authors, storytelling, hearing God’s voice, marriage and business, faith journey, writing a book, publishing process, overcoming fear, personal growth, hybrid publishing, women in church, parenting, discernment

Ep 125 // Spirit-Led and Set Apart: From Hollywood Dreams to Holy Callings with Jenny Randle

What if the missing link in your spiritual growth isn’t more striving… but more surrender to the Holy Spirit?

In this compelling conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Jenny Randle—author, speaker, and co-founder of the Holy Spirit Ministry Center—to unpack her incredible faith journey from the glitz of Hollywood to the quiet strength of Spirit-led living.

Jenny shares how her charismatic roots, career in entertainment, and eventual radical encounter with Jesus shaped her into the woman she is today. Together, they explore the role of the Holy Spirit as an active, personal guide—not a mystical force but a relational God who empowers, heals, and leads.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, spiritually dry, or hungry to hear God more clearly. Jenny reminds us that healing often comes through vulnerability, that repentance keeps our hearts tender, and that community is a crucial piece of transformation.

Key Takeaways:

How to recognize the Holy Spirit as a person, not just a power

Navigating faith in secular spaces

The role of repentance in personal growth

Why community and vulnerability matter in your healing journey

How to live a Spirit-led life with boldness, clarity, and grace

• Do I recognize the Holy Spirit as a personal guide in my daily life—or more as a distant concept?
• Where might God be inviting me into deeper healing through vulnerability?
• Am I resisting repentance—or welcoming it as a way to realign with God’s heart?
• What role does community play in my current spiritual growth?

• Website: www.jennyrandle.com
• Instagram: @jenny.randle
• New Book! The Promised Presence: An Introduction to Holy Spirit's Power and Authority

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website:meganbnilsen.com
• Social:Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book:Untangled Faith
• Free Gift:Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery callto see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Keywords: Holy Spirit, faith journey, spiritual growth, repentance, healing, vulnerability, creativity, ministry, church, personal development, Jenny Randle, Christian women, Spirit-led life, empowerment, community, calling, gifts of the Spirit, discernment

Ep 124 // Unleash Your Royal Identity: Embracing the Power of Your Words with Chantal Santiago

What if the breakthrough you’re waiting for isn’t out there—but within you, waiting for your voice to rise in faith?

In this powerful and passion-filled episode, host Megan Nilsen sits down with author and transformational breakthrough coach, Chantal Santiago, to unpack what it means to walk in your full authority as a daughter of the King. From growing up under legalism to encountering the Holy Spirit in a transformative way, Chantal’s story is one of identity reclaimed, voice unleashed, and faith emboldened. And yes, we go deep on the American church right now!

This episode will challenge you to speak life, stop playing small, and start living like the royalty you are. Whether you’re a mom shaping the next generation, a woman chasing her calling, or someone hungry for revival—this conversation will stir your spirit.

Key Takeaways:

• Identity is everything: You are not just saved—you are royalty. A daughter of the King.
• Faith is now: Don’t wait for tomorrow to live boldly in your calling.
• Words create worlds: The power of life and death is in the tongue. What are you speaking over yourself and your family?
• Revival starts in you: You don’t have to wait for a movement. God is already moving—in you.
• Moms matter: Your words, presence, and faith have generational impact.
• Know the Word: Spiritual authority and discernment flow from knowing Scripture deeply.
• Stay in the fight: Perseverance and precision are vital in spiritual warfare.

Quotable Quotes:

“It’s time to stop playing small.”

“Revival doesn’t come from a tent—it starts in your living room.”

“If the enemy can’t steal your identity, he’ll try to silence your voice.”

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

1. Where in your life have you been playing small or silencing your voice?
2. What would it look like to fully embrace your identity as a daughter of the King?
3. How are your words shaping your world—and the world of your family?
4. What spiritual battle are you currently facing, and how can you respond with precision and authority?

📚 Resources & References:

• The Voice of a Queen by Chantal Santiago – Available on Amazon
• Bible references: Proverbs 18:21, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 2:9

Connect with Chantal Santiago:

• Instagram: @chantal.l.santiago
• Website: voiceofaqueen.com

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Wanna learn how to make Holy Spirit-led decisions? Go to holyspiritstoplight.com for your free guide!
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Ep 123 // How Vulnerability & the Holy Spirit Heal Mental Health, Marriage & Generational Trauma with Heidi Mortenson

Are you brave enough to get vulnerable—and let God transform every corner of your life?

In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Megan sits down with Heidi Mortenson—licensed marriage and family therapist, coach, and passionate follower of Jesus—to unpack the connection between vulnerability, healing, and spiritual growth.

They dive into Heidi’s own journey of personal transformation as she shares how God met her in the middle of discouragement, shame, and burnout. Through the work of the Holy Spirit (and some very real wrestling), Heidi learned to not only embrace her own worth but also break free from generational chains that had silently shaped her story.

This conversation will encourage you to open up vulnerable spaces with God, invite the Holy Spirit into your healing process, and gain practical tools for transforming your marriage, relationships, and even your legacy.

If you've ever felt stuck, weighed down by shame, or unsure how to step into the fullness God has for you—this one is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Vulnerability is the key to real connection—with God, yourself, and others.

The Holy Spirit is always inviting us into deeper healing and personal growth.

Honest conversations with God unlock freedom from shame and lies.

Healing often requires breaking generational patterns and releasing forgiveness.

Encouragement (not criticism) is the most effective catalyst for change.

Speaking life over your children and future generations creates lasting legacy.

REFLECTION + JOURNAL QUESTIONS:

1. Where is God inviting you to be more vulnerable with Him?
2. What generational patterns might God be calling you to break?
3. Who in your life needs to hear words of encouragement and life spoken over them today?
4. In what areas do you need to surrender and trust the Holy Spirit's leading?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

📚 Daring Greatly by Brené Brown — A powerful book on vulnerability and authenticity.

The Gaslight Effect: How to Spot and Survive the Hidden Manipulation Others Use to Control Your Life, by Dr. Robin Stern

Ways to Connect with Heidi:

• Website
• Listen to Strong Tower Mental Health Podcast
• Follow Heidi on Instagram
• The Brave Encourager: How the Power of Encouragement Changes the World, by Heidi Mortenson

Connect with Megan Nilsen:

• Website: meganbnilsen.com
• Social: Instagram
• Grab the Book: Untangled Faith
• Free Gift: Untangled Faith Audio Introduction
• Book a free discovery call to see if Kingdom Life Coaching could help you unlock your next right step!

Ep 121 // Divorce, Disappointment, and the Deep Work of God: A Redemption Story with David Smith

In this vulnerable and redemptive conversation, Megan Nilsen welcomes David Smith—pastor, coach, and founder of Kingdom Coaching Institute—to share his powerful journey through ministry, heartbreak, and healing.

David opens up about the disorienting experience of divorce while planting a church, the dismantling of ministry as an idol, and how God used it all to bring him into deeper freedom and purpose. From charismatic roots to construction sites, from shattered dreams to Spirit-filled calling, David's story is a testament to God’s grace in the rubble.

If you’ve ever felt like your story disqualifies you—this episode will remind you: God wastes nothing - especially not your pain.

"I didn’t want my pain to be wasted. I asked God to use it for His glory—and He did."

"Ministry had become an idol. God had to dismantle that so I could just walk with Him."

"Divorce is not the unpardonable sin. God is a redeemer. He doesn’t waste anything we surrender."

"There’s a being call and a doing call. Your purpose is about becoming before doing."

"God said to me, ‘If you give this to Me, I’ll turn it into something of gold.’ And He did."

Reflection + Journaling Questions:

1. Am I trying to run from my pain, or inviting God into it to do His deep work?
2. Where have I built identity on roles or performance rather than God’s love?
3. What “ministry motivations” might need to be surrendered?
4. How might God be using my current hardship to shape something new in me?

• Kingdom Coaching Institute (coach training & certification): kingdomcoachinginstitute.com
• Master Builder Coaching (personal coaching): masterbuildercoaching.com
• Instagram: Team Kingdom Coaching Institute
• Facebook Page: Master Builder Coaching

Connect with Megan:

• Instagram: @megan_nilsen
• Facebook: @megannilsenkingdomlifecoach
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://meganbnilsen.com/
• Ready to explore the desires of your heart and see what God has for you in the next season? Schedule a FREE discovery call to discuss what Kingdom Life Coaching could UNLOCK for you!

Want to learn how to hear God’s voice and gain Kingdom wisdom for your life?! Grab a copy of Untangled Faith: How Honest Conversations with God Lead to Deeper Connections, Clarity, and Peace.