Live Inspired with Dr. Elona

In Episode 6 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Renee Schroeder, foster child advocate, foster parent, and Dr. Elona's "right hand" at Inspire Smiles. Renee just celebrated one year of sobriety, and her story is one of rejection, reconciliation, and the kind of restoration that doesn't make headlines but changes everything.

Renee came out as gay at 15 in a traditional Lutheran family. She was sent to conversion therapy, asked to leave the family home at 16, and lived with friends through the end of high school. Years later, after serving in the Coast Guard, finding sobriety through AA, and growing in her faith, Renee has fully reconciled with her parents. Her mother is helping plan her wedding. Her father will officiate.

In this episode, Renee shares:

• Growing up Lutheran in Marietta, California, playing soccer, with a strong early connection to faith
• Coming out at 15 and the family rupture that followed
• Her best phrase for her parents' response: "When I came out of the closet, they went in"
• Being kicked out at 16 and living with a friend's family through graduation
• Serving in the Coast Guard and medical discharge
• Years of silence with her parents, and the "don't ask, don't tell" season
• The moment her parents saw her in a mothering role and started to shift
• How sobriety became the path back to deep connection with God
• The AA Step 4 moral inventory and letting God remove character defects
• Volunteering at San Pasqual Academy supporting foster youth, starting a soccer team on campus
• Her recent 8-day dental mission trip to Honduras with no electricity and no running water
• Her closing message for anyone being rejected for who they are: "Don't give up on yourself. Love yourself fully. God has a plan."

The episode closes with the Fire of Inspire wellness shot in honor of Renee's one-year sobriety milestone, and Dr. Elona's framing of unity as the defining character of God.

"When I came out of the closet, they went in." (Renee Schroeder)

"Life is one day at a time. If you can live your best life and help people even just in one day, that makes all the difference for someone else." (Renee Schroeder)

"The most important quality or character of God is unity. Anything that brings unity is God's way. Everything that creates division is not." (Dr. Elona)

⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses family rejection related to coming out, conversion therapy, and alcohol addiction and recovery. No graphic detail. Renee's story is one of reconciliation and restored relationships today.

About Renee Schroeder Renee Schroeder is a foster child advocate and foster parent based in San Diego, where she lives on the San Pasqual Academy campus with her partner. She volunteers her time supporting foster youth through sports, mentorship, and events, and travels on dental mission trips providing care to communities without access to it. Renee works alongside Dr. Elona at Inspire Smiles and is one year sober as of October 2026.

About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly.

Connect & Learn More → Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com → Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes → Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/

Learn more about San Pasqual Academy (San Diego's residential campus for foster youth): https://www.sanpasqual.academy

New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

In Episode 5 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Jonathan "Goose" Helton — two-time MVP of the semi-pro Ultimate Frisbee Association and Team USA player from 2015 to 2023. In 2023, a motorcycle accident on a two-lane highway nearly ended his life and came within a decision of costing him his right leg. Three months in the hospital, forty-two surgeries, and countless treatments later — Jonathan is walking, coaching, and running a training program for the next generation of athletes.

In this episode, Jonathan shares:

• The details of the accident and the miracles that day — an EMT in traffic who jumped out to help, a state trooper who called it in immediately, the closest fire station, and a trauma center that saved his leg
• The decision he faced within 48 hours: amputation or experimental surgery — and why he chose the leg
• How infections turned 6 anticipated surgeries into 42
• The role of Neighbors Church, Pastor Dan, and the community that carried him through
• Why The Bible Project became foundational to his mental grounding during recovery
• Wrestling with "why did this happen to me?" through the lens of Job — and trusting God without needing the answer
• Why he doesn't believe suffering is a test God designed as a party trick to see if we can withstand it
• The concept that shaped his athletic career and now his recovery: being addicted to incremental progress
• Exceeding every doctor's expectation — from "you'll only walk around your house" to coaching five-day summer camps
• His practical advice for injured athletes and anyone in a season of long recovery

Jonathan currently coaches high school ultimate frisbee summer camps, works with the San Diego Superbloom (women's pro) and the San Diego Growlers (men's pro), and runs Game Point Performance, an online long-term athletic development program for ultimate frisbee athletes.

"If you can be addicted to incremental progress, it becomes easy to do the little things and take small steps that get you toward paths of progress." — Jonathan Helton

"Not all of life's questions are going to be met with concrete answers that feel really fulfilling. The test of Job was: can you trust God?" — Jonathan Helton

"Recovery is not a linear process. There'll be days that feel like you take many steps back. Long-minded — that's the mindset." — Jonathan Helton

⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses a serious motor vehicle accident and extended medical recovery. A graphic image is shown at 8:17.

About Jonathan Helton Jonathan "Goose" Helton lives in San Diego with his wife Kayla. He is a two-time MVP of the semi-pro Ultimate Frisbee Association and played for Team USA from 2015 to 2023. Since his 2023 accident, he has continued in ultimate — coaching high school summer camps, the San Diego Superbloom (women's pro), and the San Diego Growlers (men's pro) — and runs Game Point Performance, an online athletic development program for ultimate frisbee athletes.

Follow Jonathan → Instagram: @goose00helton → Game Point Performance: https://www.gamepointperformance.com

About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly.

Connect & Learn More → Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com → Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes → Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/

New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

In Episode 4 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Ashley Donaldson — founder and CEO of More Life Liquid, a B Corp certified juice and wellness brand based in San Diego. Ashley's story is one of radical transformation: from surviving trauma, exploitation, and addiction to building a company that hires survivors, supports local farmers, diverts waste through composting and upcycling, and curates sober-friendly wellness experiences.

Ashley also serves on the board of Inspire Changes, Dr. Elona's nonprofit dedicated to smile restoration for trafficking survivors.

In this episode, Ashley shares:

• Her own healing journey through trauma, exploitation, and addiction — and what shifted when someone believed in her
• The 30-day juice fast where she received the "downloads" that became More Life Liquid
• How the name "More Life" arrived — and why she couldn't say no
• Physical healing in her own body, and what happened when she started sharing it
• Becoming "a representation of what God can do"
• The evolution from plastic bottles to fully organic, sustainable, B Corp certified — and why every step was faith over strategy
• Her framework for stepping into calling: "You're given enough light for the step you're on"
• Why inspiration is a flame that dims and needs to be re-ignited — and how she does it: fasting, journaling, connecting with community, creating space
• The role physical health plays in spiritual momentum
• Silent walks (no podcasts, no learning) as a discipline for hearing God
• Flowers, floral arrangements, and creativity as fuel for inspiration
• Her closing charge: "Just start no matter where you are. Take inspired action."

The episode closes with a toast to the Inspire Special — a wellness elixir Dr. Elona and Ashley co-created for oral microbiome, gut health, and mental clarity. Available at morelifeliquid.com and served at Inspire Smiles.

"The plan that God has for your life is a lot bigger than you think. Say yes to God." — Ashley Donaldson

"You're given enough light for the step you're on." — Ashley Donaldson

"Just start no matter where you are. Don't be afraid of what you don't have. It will come." — Ashley Donaldson

⚠️ Content note: Ashley briefly references overcoming trauma, exploitation, and addiction. No graphic detail.

About Ashley Donaldson Ashley Donaldson is the founder and CEO of More Life Liquid, a B Corp certified juice and wellness brand based in San Diego. Through More Life Liquid, Ashley builds a circular ecosystem rooted in sustainability, healing, and purpose — creating opportunities for survivors of exploitation, supporting local farmers, diverting waste through composting and upcycling, and curating sober-friendly experiences that reimagine wellness as accessible and joyful for all. Ashley also serves on the board of Inspire Changes.

Connect with More Life Liquid → Website: https://morelifeliquid.com → Order the Inspire Special elixir at morelifeliquid.com

About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly.

Connect & Learn More → Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com → Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes → Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/

New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

In Episode 3 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Pastor Hayden Reed, young adults and youth pastor at the Point Loma campus of Rock Church San Diego. Hayden's testimony is one of generational brokenness met by radical grace — and his message is built for anyone who's ever felt like they were running out of reasons to hold on.

Hayden grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in a home marked by anxiety and instability — his parents had nine marriages and nine divorces between them. At eleven, his stepmother Michelle prayed for him and introduced him to Jesus. By twenty-one, he was fully addicted to prescription pills, had flunked out of college, and was driving back to community college in a downpour when he came close to ending his life. In that car, in that rain, he had what he calls a radical encounter with God — and his life has not been the same since.

In this episode, Hayden shares:

• Growing up in a home with nine marriages and nine divorces between his parents
• The night his stepmom Michelle prayed for him at age 11 — and how that seed eventually took root
• Falling away in high school, addiction at 21, and flunking out of college
• The rainy drive to community college and the moment he heard God say hold on
• Why he had to "rebuke the lie" that his own marriage wouldn't last
• How his dad's redemption now produces some of the best marriage advice he gets
• Why the gospel is simple — and why pre-formed ideas about church often miss it
• The loneliness epidemic in young people, and why faith doesn't make life easy but does make it not-alone
• His daily discipline: looking at "the resume of what God has done" in your life
• A direct message to anyone who feels like they can't make their bed today

"Look at the resume of what God has done in your life. Where has God been faithful? Where has God shown up? Where has God brought you out of?" — Pastor Hayden Reed

"Inspiration is a feeling. Feelings come and go. You have to manage it. Steward it. Continue to stoke the flame." — Pastor Hayden Reed

⚠️ Content note: This episode discusses anxiety, addiction, family brokenness, and a moment of suicidal ideation. No graphic detail. If you or someone you love is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988.

About Pastor Hayden Reed Hayden serves as the young adults and youth pastor at the Point Loma campus of Rock Church San Diego, where he's passionate about helping people discover the love and hope of Jesus. He is married to his wife Sarah, and together they are committed to making a lasting impact on the city of San Diego.

Rock Church Point Loma → Website: https://www.sdrock.com/campuses/pointloma → Main site: https://www.sdrock.com

About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly.

Connect & Learn More → Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com → Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes → Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/ → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/

New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

In Episode 2 of Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, we sit down with Candace Barrett — senior recovery coordinator at We See You San Diego, a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping people living homeless and addicted find lasting freedom.

Candace spent 25 years in addiction and 6 years living on the streets of San Diego. In May of 2020, after being beaten severely and left for dead under a bridge off Friars Road — surrounded by broken meth pipes, used needles, and trash — she had a tangible encounter with the living God. Today she walks the very streets that almost took her life, offering the same hope that was offered to her.

In this episode, Candace shares:

• The "epic dinner party" model behind We See You San Diego — and why she finally said yes to an invitation she'd ignored for years
• Her road-to-Damascus moment under the bridge in May 2020 — and why her inspiration is rooted in relationship, not theology or doctrine
• The God-given challenge that reframed her recovery: "Come after me the way you came after your dope"
• How addiction creates worshippers — and how that same all-in pursuit, redirected, becomes a spiritual discipline
• The brutal honesty about her past — losing her job in the military, every home, every job, her marriage, and her two children
• The miracle of restoration: 6 years clean and sober, her husband 5 years clean, her son 3 years clean and recently married, and a daughter who prayed for her every day for 15 years
• Breaking generational curses — and the unexpected gift of foster parents who taught her children to pray for their mother instead of hate her
• How she protects her relationship with God like she once protected her drug supply — and what it means to "stay connected to the Vine"
• Her closing message: a true miracle is just one breath away

About Candace Barrett Candace is the senior recovery coordinator at We See You San Diego, a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping people living homeless and addicted find lasting freedom. After spending 25 years in addiction and 6 years on the streets of San Diego, Candace encountered the love of God through the very ministry she now serves. Today she walks alongside men and women still trapped in addiction, helping them access detox, recovery homes, and long-term transformation through compassion, discipleship, and unwavering faith.

Connect with We See You San Diego

• Website: https://www.weseeyousandiego.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weseeyousandiego
• Donate: https://www.weseeyousandiego.com/giving

About Dr. Elona Dr. Elona is the creator of Inspire Smiles, founder of Inspire Changes, and host of Live Inspired. New episodes drop monthly.

• Inspire Smiles: https://www.inspiresmilessd.com
• Inspire Changes (nonprofit): https://www.inspiresmilessd.com/inspire-changes
• Inspired Lives Coaching: https://inspirelivessd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.elonagaball/

New episodes drop monthly. Subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

Welcome to Live Inspired with Dr. Elona, the podcast broadcast from the Inspiratron — a space dedicated to real stories of transformation, faith, resilience, and living in alignment with the purpose God placed within us.

In this inaugural episode, Dr. Elona is interviewed by her husband, Dr. Curtis Gaball, who introduces listeners to the woman he affectionately calls "the Fire of Inspire." Together they unpack the heart behind this podcast and what it means to truly live an inspired life.

In this episode, Dr. Elona shares:

• The divine calling behind Live Inspired and her vision for the show
• What "living inspired" actually means — and why inspiration, motivation, and action must work together
• Her personal story: being born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, growing up with a father in prison, and immigrating to the United States at age 15 without speaking English
• How she and Curtis built their life together — 32 years together, 30 years married — and brought their dream of a wellness-centered dental and facial aesthetics practice to life in Solana Beach, California
• The work of Inspire Smiles, her restorative and aesthetic dental practice transforming the experience of dentistry
• The mission of Inspire Changes, her nonprofit dedicated to smile rehabilitation for survivors of human trafficking
• The profound transformations she's witnessed — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually — in the women she serves
• Her Inspired Lives high-performance coaching program and what high performance really means (hint: it's not just for athletes and CEOs)
• Why she believes business owners and leaders have a responsibility to be the light in their communities
• What's coming in the next 12 monthly episodes — and the kind of guests you'll meet