Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, a raw and redemptive autobiography that takes readers through a childhood marked by tragedy, trauma, and abuse — and the unwavering faith that helped her rise from it all. At just three years old, she tried to save her mother from a house fire. Tragically, her mother didn’t survive, and shortly after, her father placed her up for adoption.

What followed was a journey through emotional, physical, and mental abuse — but also a path toward healing, resilience, and forgiveness. Through her book, her speaking, and her bold transparency, Avonley helps others find beauty in brokenness and strength through their scars.

She’s here today to share her powerful testimony, how God carried her through the darkest valleys, and how listeners can find freedom and purpose — no matter what they’ve been through. You can learn more about Avonley and get a copy of her book at https://avonleylightstone.com.

​Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp (co-authored with Nicole Blum), the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck . She writes the Substack newsletter Crone Sandwich and has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts. For more information and to buy her books, visit https://www.catherinenewmanwriter.com.

NFDA.org Spokesperson, Stephen R. Kemp, CFSP, is the owner of Kemp Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. His professional journey began in scientific research, working as a research associate at the Henry Ford Heart and Vascular Institute, VA Medical Center, and Biosan Laboratories. Transitioning to funeral service, Stephen earned his mortuary science degree from Wayne State University and has since dedicated his career to serving families with compassion and professionalism.

At the national level, Stephen represented Michigan on the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) Policy Board and served as an at-large representative on the NFDA Board of Directors. His national service also includes work on the Professional Development and Advocacy Committees and the Environmental Workgroup. Stephen’s expertise has been recognized through invitations to lead workshops on embalming and risk management at the NFDA International Convention & Expo.

Stephen has played a significant leadership role within the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA), serving on numerous committees and the association’s board of directors. Notably, he made history as the first African-American president in MFDA’s 125-year history, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the profession and fostering inclusivity. In addition to his leadership in Michigan, Stephen has contributed to funeral service education as an instructor and clinical preceptor at Wayne State University, mentoring the next generation of funeral professionals. Learn more about funeral homes like Stephen's at https://www.rememberingalife.com/.

Leslie has lost many loved ones, including two babies in infancy. When her twenty year old son, Austin, died in 2016, she began to speak out suicide prevention and awareness. Leslie's story continues to impact and inspire many and we know that her story has something that we can all learn from. For more about Leslie and her work, visit https://leslieshope.org/.

Keith Sampson believes that business is the greatest untapped vertical for personal purpose and fulfillment. For over 20 years, he has been helping people and organizations choose to grow through life instead of choosing to go through life, unlocking their potential, building culture, and inspiring action.

At the age of 19, Keith experienced a life-changing moment that shaped his life, laying the foundation of his mission: to change the world through business, one person at a time. That moment fueled his passion for leadership, sales, and culture, and continues to guide every stage, session, and conversation he leads today.

You can learn more about Keith and his work at https://iamkeithsampson.com/.

At the age of nine, Laura was diagnosed with an eye disease and faced the difficult reality that she would become blind. Over the next ten years she experienced the traumatic transition of adjusting to life without sight. She is the author of the book, Harnessing Courage. Laura founded Ubi Global, which is an organization that provides speaking and coaching to empower all people to overcome challenges and obstacles with grit and gratitude.

Rick and Clancy Denton of The Loud Quiet (https://www.theloudquiet.com/) joined us today to talk about the good, the bad, and the sad that happens when your children move out. The two started their podcast, "The Loud Quiet-Empty Nest Living" when their youngest went to college. You can listen wherever you get your podcast. Watch out for their book in 2026!

Susan Shaw is a writer, speaker, and a mother who is learning to live following the profound loss of her son, William, who died in a ski accident in 2019. Susan shares her story, writing prompts, and resources and tips to move forward following loss on https://www.bereavementmom.com/. She also supports families who are grieving through https://www.williamsbeyourselfchallenge.org/.

Ellen O’Clover writes stories about love, identity, and belonging for both teens and adults. Her debut romance, The Heartbreak Hotel, was a Book of the Month selection and a regional indie bestseller. Her debut young adult novel, Seven Percent of Ro Devereux, was named a Best Book of the Year by The Bank Street Center for Children’s Education and a finalist for both the Colorado Book Award and the Florida Sunshine Young Readers Award. Ellen lives near Boulder, Colorado with her rocket scientist husband and two perfect bulldogs. Read more about her and get signed copies of her books at ellenoclover.com.

Jane is a highly experienced and trained professional nurse, holistic health coach, health and wellness advocate, grief educator, speaker, and workshop presenter. As a master facilitator of lifestyle change, Jane knows that certain approaches and techniques bring about the changes people want and need to feel healthy and whole. This perspective and practices come directly from integrating her professional and personal life as Jane has experienced health challenges throughout her life and most recently as a bereaved parent after her middle son died 2 years ago. These experiences along with her educational experiences have created methods and techniques she now shares with her clients and her audiences. If you are looking for a proven presenter who will connect with and engage your audience—all while educating them around how to find ways to move forward in their life with greater health, compassion, and meaningful experiences everyday - you’ve come to the right place.