https://richardpaulevans.com/In this heartfelt conversation, bestselling author Richard Paul Evans joins Portia Louder for an honest discussion about loss, faith, family, resilience, and finding purpose after life takes an unexpected turn. Portia shares how she discovered Evans’s book The 5 Lessons years ago—and how one principle, making a decision, helped shape the choices that carried her through addiction, prison, and rebuilding her life. She also explains why Evans’s The Walk series has become so meaningful to people in prison, including the reading groups who discuss the books and find hope in their pages. Evans reflects on his own difficult experiences: growing up in poverty after his family lost financial stability, facing fear and uncertainty as a child, and later confronting the near-collapse of a business he had built. He describes the personal crisis that helped inspire The Walk—a story about losing nearly everything and asking what makes life worth continuing. Together, Portia and Richard explore how painful experiences can challenge our identities, reveal what matters most, and help us grow. The conversation also offers a glimpse into Evans’s writing process and the value of authenticity. He shares how his childhood inspired A Christmas Memory, why he learned to write for one reader rather than chase bestseller status, and how curiosity—and even AI research tools—helped him bring his upcoming historical novel, Mercy’s Child, to life. The book tells the story of Etta Wheeler’s efforts to rescue Mary Ellen Wilson, a child whose case helped change the way society viewed children’s rights. Evans also talks about the Christmas Box House, an organization he helped create to support children experiencing abuse and neglect. Over three decades, the work has supported thousands of children and families. He shares the setbacks that nearly ended the project, the moments that renewed his commitment, and why the mission remains so important. This episode is a moving reminder that a person’s hardest chapter does not have to be the end of their story. Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback, searching for a sense of purpose, or looking for a book that speaks to hope and second chances, Portia and Richard’s conversation offers encouragement to keep going—and to consider who you are becoming along the way. Learn more about the Christmas Box House at thechristmasbox.org. #RichardPaulEvans #PortiaLouder #LivingLouderPodcast #TheWalkSeries #TheChristmasBox #Hope #Resilience #SecondChances #Faith #Recovery #PrisonReentry #PersonalGrowth #ChildWelfare #Writing #Inspiration

https://richardpaulevans.com/ In this heartfelt conversation, bestselling author Richard Paul Evans joins Portia Louder for an honest discussion about loss, faith, family, resilience, and finding purpose after life takes an unexpected turn. Portia shares how she discovered Evans’s book The 5 Lessons years ago—and how one principle, making a decision, helped shape the choices that carried her through addiction, prison, and rebuilding her life. She also explains why Evans’s The Walk series has become so meaningful to people in prison, including the reading groups who discuss the books and find hope in their pages. Evans reflects on his own difficult experiences: growing up in poverty after his family lost financial stability, facing fear and uncertainty as a child, and later confronting the near-collapse of a business he had built. He describes the personal crisis that helped inspire The Walk—a story about losing nearly everything and asking what makes life worth continuing. Together, Portia and Richard explore how painful experiences can challenge our identities, reveal what matters most, and help us grow. The conversation also offers a glimpse into Evans’s writing process and the value of authenticity. He shares how his childhood inspired A Christmas Memory, why he learned to write for one reader rather than chase bestseller status, and how curiosity—and even AI research tools—helped him bring his upcoming historical novel, Mercy’s Child, to life. The book tells the story of Etta Wheeler’s efforts to rescue Mary Ellen Wilson, a child whose case helped change the way society viewed children’s rights. Evans also talks about the Christmas Box House, an organization he helped create to support children experiencing abuse and neglect. Over three decades, the work has supported thousands of children and families. He shares the setbacks that nearly ended the project, the moments that renewed his commitment, and why the mission remains so important. This episode is a moving reminder that a person’s hardest chapter does not have to be the end of their story. Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback, searching for a sense of purpose, or looking for a book that speaks to hope and second chances, Portia and Richard’s conversation offers encouragement to keep going—and to consider who you are becoming along the way. Learn more about the Christmas Box House at thechristmasbox.org. #RichardPaulEvans #PortiaLouder #LivingLouderPodcast #TheWalkSeries #TheChristmasBox #Hope #Resilience #SecondChances #Faith #Recovery #PrisonReentry #PersonalGrowth #ChildWelfare #Writing #Inspiration

Richard The Great! A Childhood Dream Comes True

Podcast Description:In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, Vanessa MacNeill shares her raw, emotional, and inspiring journey through some of life's most difficult challenges. From a childhood marked by family trauma, addiction, and loss, to her courageous fight for sobriety and healing, Vanessa’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the transformative power of hope.Growing up in Utah and California, Vanessa experienced a tumultuous family life, including her father’s tragic death and her mother’s heartbreaking loss. She candidly discusses her early struggles with drug addiction, including her first encounter with methamphetamine at just 16 years old, and how her life spiraled into a series of tumultuous events, including incarceration, mental health battles, and losing loved ones to suicide. Despite all of this, Vanessa’s story isn’t one of despair—it’s a story of overcoming, of finding strength in vulnerability, and of discovering that healing is possible no matter how dark the past may seem.Throughout the episode, Vanessa openly talks about her journey with addiction, mental health, and her path to recovery. She shares her experience of losing her father to suicide, her mother’s tragic death, and the impact of these losses on her life. Yet, amidst the pain, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of love, connection, and spirituality—finding beauty in the scars and using her story to inspire others who are struggling.Vanessa’s story is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and choosing to live louder than the pain. Her honesty about her past, combined with her unwavering hope for the future, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation, compassion, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a light waiting to be found.Join us as Vanessa reflects on her journey of self-discovery, the importance of community and faith, and her vision of helping others through her work in recovery. Whether you’re battling addiction, grief, or simply seeking inspiration to turn your life around, Vanessa’s story will touch your heart and remind you that you are never alone in your struggles.Tune in to this episode for a candid, empowering, and uplifting conversation about resilience, love, and the incredible strength of the human spirit.#LivingLouder #InspiringJourney #RecoveryStory #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #OvercomingTrauma #Resilience #SpiritualHealing #Hope #SelfLove #Transformation #MentalHealthMatters #NeverGiveUp #HeartfeltStory #Empowerment

Podcast Description: In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, Vanessa MacNeill shares her raw, emotional, and inspiring journey through some of life's most difficult challenges. From a childhood marked by family trauma, addiction, and loss, to her courageous fight for sobriety and healing, Vanessa’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the transformative power of hope. Growing up in Utah and California, Vanessa experienced a tumultuous family life, including her father’s tragic death and her mother’s heartbreaking loss. She candidly discusses her early struggles with drug addiction, including her first encounter with methamphetamine at just 16 years old, and how her life spiraled into a series of tumultuous events, including incarceration, mental health battles, and losing loved ones to suicide. Despite all of this, Vanessa’s story isn’t one of despair—it’s a story of overcoming, of finding strength in vulnerability, and of discovering that healing is possible no matter how dark the past may seem. Throughout the episode, Vanessa openly talks about her journey with addiction, mental health, and her path to recovery. She shares her experience of losing her father to suicide, her mother’s tragic death, and the impact of these losses on her life. Yet, amidst the pain, Vanessa emphasizes the importance of love, connection, and spirituality—finding beauty in the scars and using her story to inspire others who are struggling. Vanessa’s story is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving and choosing to live louder than the pain. Her honesty about her past, combined with her unwavering hope for the future, makes this episode a must-listen for anyone looking for motivation, compassion, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is a light waiting to be found. Join us as Vanessa reflects on her journey of self-discovery, the importance of community and faith, and her vision of helping others through her work in recovery. Whether you’re battling addiction, grief, or simply seeking inspiration to turn your life around, Vanessa’s story will touch your heart and remind you that you are never alone in your struggles. Tune in to this episode for a candid, empowering, and uplifting conversation about resilience, love, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. #LivingLouder #InspiringJourney #RecoveryStory #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #OvercomingTrauma #Resilience #SpiritualHealing #Hope #SelfLove #Transformation #MentalHealthMatters #NeverGiveUp #HeartfeltStory #Empowerment

Vanessa’s Story of Survival, Loss, & Love. The Ultimate Comeback

In this heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, Portia Louder sits down with her oldest daughter, Shelby, to share an honest and emotional conversation about overcoming the challenges of a family impacted by addiction and incarceration. Shelby reflects on growing up in a complicated family dynamic, her resilience, and the strength it took to navigate her mother's journey through prison and recovery.Together, they discuss vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult times. This inspiring dialogue offers hope, healing, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and perseverance can lead to new beginnings.

In this heartfelt episode of the Living Louder podcast, Portia Louder sits down with her oldest daughter, Shelby, to share an honest and emotional conversation about overcoming the challenges of a family impacted by addiction and incarceration. Shelby reflects on growing up in a complicated family dynamic, her resilience, and the strength it took to navigate her mother's journey through prison and recovery.Together, they discuss vulnerability, forgiveness, and the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult times. This inspiring dialogue offers hope, healing, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and perseverance can lead to new beginnings.

When My Mom Went to Prison

This episode provides a candid, deeply personal account of the challenges, failures, and enduring love that sustained Portia and Chad Louder through addiction, financial disaster, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and the long, difficult process of family reunification and restoration. Both the specifics of their choices and the universal themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and faith are explored in detail, serving as both testimony and encouragement to others facing overwhelming odds.

This episode provides a candid, deeply personal account of the challenges, failures, and enduring love that sustained Portia and Chad Louder through addiction, financial disaster, criminal prosecution, imprisonment, and the long, difficult process of family reunification and restoration. Both the specifics of their choices and the universal themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and faith are explored in detail, serving as both testimony and encouragement to others facing overwhelming odds.

When Your Wife Goes to Prison

Kira Webb is my little sister. We discuss all things growing up in our crazy, fun, unstructured home. The question about what it's like to have your sister go to prison comes up. #prison #weird #sister #crazy #cat #fbi #realestate #fraud

Kira Webb is my little sister. We discuss all things growing up in our crazy, fun, unstructured home. The question about what it's like to have your sister go to prison comes up. #prison #weird #sister #crazy #cat #fbi #realestate #fraud

What's it Like When Your Sister Goes to Prison?

Portia Louder is a motivational speaker and author. Yes, also an ex-con who served five years in federal prison. Portia gets real, speaking about her real life and how all of these hard experiences have taught her how to live. "I get to choose my own ending, it's going to be great," she says. Nothing is going to stop her now. #prison #fbi #federalprison #banks #fraud #livinglouder #portialouder #truecrime #redemption #comebackstory

Portia Louder is a motivational speaker and author. Yes, also an ex-con who served five years in federal prison. Portia gets real, speaking about her real life and how all of these hard experiences have taught her how to live. "I get to choose my own ending, it's going to be great," she says. Nothing is going to stop her now. #prison #fbi #federalprison #banks #fraud #livinglouder #portialouder #truecrime #redemption #comebackstory

My Journey into Prison

Portia spent four and a half years of her life in federal prison and her life was transformed. This is an account of kindness, faith and enduring friendships discovered in federal prison.

Her story is told with the passion and insight of one who lived it. 

Portia opens our eyes and hearts to the real challenges and struggles that people in prison face.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

Portia spent four and a half years of her life in federal prison and her life was transformed. This is an account of kindness, faith and enduring friendships discovered in federal prison. Her story is told with the passion and insight of one who lived it. Portia opens our eyes and hearts to the real challenges and struggles that people in prison face.

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