Navigating the Christian Film Industry with Chevonne O'Shaughnessy

In this engaging episode, producer Chevonne O'Shaughnessy shares her journey from an unexpected setback in Rome to becoming a major figure in the Christian film industry. She discusses how Divine guidance and strategic thinking helped her establish and grow her career, from working with Universal Studios to creating quality faith-based content. Siobhan also provides insights into the challenges and successes of producing Christian media, including the importance of understanding market needs and navigating industry obstacles. With stories from her experiences at Hallmark, Up TV, and her own American Cinema Inspires, this episode is filled with valuable lessons for aspiring filmmakers and those interested in the world of faith-based entertainment.

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:36 Host's Background and Podcast Purpose

01:22 Guest's Early Life and Career Beginnings

02:43 Life-Changing Moment in Rome

04:15 Starting Over in Orlando

05:35 Entering the Film Industry

08:54 Transition to Faith-Based Films

13:42 Challenges and Innovations in Faith-Based Media

23:38 Navigating the Publishing World

24:09 Divine Guidance and Personal Faith

25:59 Challenges and Changes in the Industry

26:42 The Role of Men in Media

33:35 Breaking into TV Production

35:58 Success with Love Find You Series

37:51 Adapting to Market Demands

46:08 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Connect with Chevonne:

FB: Chevonne O’Shaughnessy

IG: @chevonneinspires

Navigating Financial Crisis and Finding Peace with Karen Moon

In this episode of Old School, host Michele Vrabel welcomes Karen Moon, the creator of The Money Organizer. Karen shares her journey as a mortgage industry professional and the life-altering experience of the 2008 financial crash, which led her to establish her financial coaching organization. They discuss the importance of simplifying finances, setting up a daily money flow, and the balance between following strict financial plans and maintaining flexibility. Karen also touches on the significance of mentorship, particularly for women dealing with life transitions such as divorce or widowhood, and emphasizes the value of real estate and preparing for future financial needs.

00:00 Introduction to Karen Moon and The Money Organizer

01:33 The Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis

03:14 Navigating Career Changes and Financial Turmoil

07:27 The Role of Coaching in Financial Recovery

09:55 Empowering Women Through Financial Education

15:10 The Philosophy Behind The Money Organizer

24:09 Financial Wisdom from Dave Ramsey

24:53 The Importance of Tithing and Obedience

25:39 Divine Financial Interventions

26:58 The Value of Mentorship

29:20 Stress and Financial Clarity

31:14 Minimalism and Financial Freedom

40:00 Planning for Retirement

41:40 Final Thoughts and Nuggets of Wisdom

47:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

Empowered by Faith: Embracing God’s Strength with Becky Beresford

In this episode, host Michele interviews author Becky Beresford about her new book, 'She Believed He Could So She Did,' which explores the concept of embracing Christ-centered empowerment. Becky shares her journey of moving from self-reliance to relying on God's strength, discussing themes of inadequacy, healing, and the pressures women face today. They dive into the importance of surrender and letting go of burdens by trusting in God's sufficiency. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, Becky encourages women to find freedom and empowerment through faith.

Michele warmly welcomes Becky Beresford, author, speaker, and coach, to share her journey of navigating the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and special needs parenting while finding strength and empowerment through Christ. They explore the theme of restoring what was lost in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing the importance of surrender, reliance on God over self, and the transformative power of faith and forgiveness. This enriching conversation offers profound insights into living a Christ-centered life amidst the challenges of today's world.

05:39 Introduction to Becky Beresford

07:06 Becky's Story and Book Inspiration

07:55 The Garden and Women's Empowerment

09:22 Personal Struggles and God's Calling

13:27 Writing Journey and Rejections

15:12 The Message of the Book

16:07 Society's Lies and God's Truth

20:38 The Burden of the Cross

21:22 Childhood Memories and Abuse

22:59 The Power of Forgiveness

24:42 Healing Through Community and Truth

27:21 Physical and Emotional Healing

39:08 The Importance of Surrender

44:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Becky:

www.beckyberesford.com

IG: @becky.beresford

FB: Becky Beresford Author

The Battle for Identity and Forgiveness with Karen McCracken

In this episode of Old School, the host welcomes Karen McCracken, an inspirational speaker, author, and host of the Woman Inspired podcast. Karen shares insights from her book 'Woman Stand Firm' and her journey of overcoming anxiety, fear, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They discuss how her faith has shaped her identity beyond societal and personal labels. The conversation dives deep into the importance of forgiveness, not just of others but of oneself, as it can significantly impact one's life path. They also touch on personal stories of forgiveness, the struggle of maintaining identity through various challenges, and how Karen's passion for reaching out to women has guided her ministry and writing.

In this compelling episode of 'Old School,' Michele interviews Karen McCracken, author of 'Woman Stand Firm' and host of the 'Woman Inspired' podcast. Karen delves deep into her personal journey of dealing with identity, anxiety, and unforgiveness. She shares touching stories about overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder, going through a painful divorce, and managing her condition of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The conversation highlights the struggles women face with their identity in today’s culture, the importance of forgiveness, and how faith plays a crucial role in healing. Both Michele and Karen share impactful anecdotes and discuss the significance of telling one's story and learning from the experiences of others. They also emphasize the need for self-forgiveness and the detrimental effects of holding onto unforgiveness.

00:00 Introduction and Setup

01:02 Meet Karen McCracken

04:12 Karen's Journey to Identity

06:46 The Struggle with Identity Labels

13:50 Forgiveness and Healing

20:56 The Impact of Unforgiveness

29:10 Navigating Anger and Forgiveness

30:35 Letting Go of Retaliation

31:24 Emotional Awareness in Marriage

32:53 Children's Perception and Family Dynamics

34:15 Challenges of Raising a Special Needs Child

35:46 The Power of Forgiveness

36:32 Impact of Unforgiveness on Family

38:43 Consistency in Parenting

40:12 Forgiveness and Future Relationships

41:09 Stories of Extreme Forgiveness

43:51 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsJourney to Healing and Forgiveness: An Interview with Karen McCracken

Connect with Karen:

Website: womaninspired.com

FB: Woman Inspired

Womaninspired.blogspot.com

Tracy Graves Podcast

An in-depth conversation with Tracy Garvis Graves, the best-selling author of 'On the Island' and 'The Trail of Lost Hearts'. Tracy discusses her journey from self-publishing to having her book optioned for film, the intricacies of the publishing industry, and her creative process, including her unique approach to crafting playlists for her novels.

An Author's Journey: Tracy Garvis Graves on Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success

In this episode, Tracy Garvis Graves, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction, shares her inspiring journey from being a voracious reader to becoming a celebrated writer. She discusses her breakthrough debut novel 'On the Island,' her self-publishing success, and the unexpected twists that led to a film adaptation offer. Tracy delves into her creative process, including crafting character arcs and developing book playlists. This conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring writers and a behind-the-scenes look at the publishing and film adaptation process.

Overcoming Adversity: Tracy Garvis Graves on Writing, Publishing, and Finding Success

In this episode, host Michele welcomes Tracy Garvis Graves, a bestselling author of contemporary fiction. Tracy discusses her journey from being a voracious reader in childhood to becoming a successful writer. She shares insights on her first novel, 'On the Island,' and the unexpected success it found after being self-published. Tracy also talks about the challenges of breaking into the publishing industry, the nuances of traditional vs. self-publishing, and her experiences with the Hollywood adaptation process. She emphasizes the continuous need to prove oneself with each new book and offers advice for aspiring writers. The episode is filled with Tracy's personal anecdotes, creative processes, and the importance of perseverance in achieving one’s goals.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

01:12 Meet the Guest: Tracy Garvis Graves

03:30 Tracy's Journey to Becoming an Author

05:02 The Challenges of Getting Published

07:10 Self-Publishing Success

12:00 From Book to Film: The Hollywood Connection

18:26 The Impact of Self-Publishing Promotions

20:32 Publishing Breakthroughs and Book Deals

20:54 The Journey of Writing and Author Groups

21:57 Amazon's Role in Visibility

23:09 Creating Playlists for Books

26:55 Character Arcs and Writing Philosophy

33:31 The Reality of Publishing Multiple Books

36:18 Final Thoughts and Podcast Conclusion

Connect with Tracey:

www.traceygarvisgraves.com

 https://www.facebook.com/tgarvisgraves

Sam Rodriguez: Navigating Faith: From Podcasts to Publications and Productions

In this episode, Michele’s guest Sam Rodriguez talks about his early faith journey, his advisory roles to three U.S. Presidents, and blending faith with his Hollywood film projects. They dig into Sam's new book 'Fresh Oil, Holy Fire, and New Wine,' the importance of spiritual intentionality, his movie productions including 'Breakthrough' and 'Flaming Hot,' and the power of divine intervention in storytelling. The conversation also touches on the significance of keeping integrity in personal and professional life.

Michele has an inspiring conversation with a special guest about their shared experiences and faith journeys. They discuss the power of the Holy Spirit, the healing process through trauma, and maintaining integrity in one's life. They also dive into the Sam’s new book, 'Fresh Oil, Holy Fire, and New Wine', and explore the significant moments that inspired its writing. The discussion includes the importance of spiritual preparation, the impact of prayer, and the transformative power of faith.

 Starting the Podcast

 Overcoming Challenges

 Spiritual Preparation and Healing

 Introduction to the Guest's Book

 Keys to a Spirit-Filled Life

 Filmography and Storytelling

 Final Thoughts and Insights

Connect with Sam:

www.pastorsam.com

IG: @pastorsamuelrodriguez

Journeys of Faith, Grief, and Writing with Dorina Lazo Gilmore Young

This episode features a conversation with author Dorina Lazo Gilmore Young, discussing her experiences and works spanning across children's literature, devotionals, and her latest book, 'Breathing Through Grief'. The host and Dorina delve into the nuances of writing for a diverse audience, the impact of faith in Dorina's life, especially in dealing with the loss of her first husband to cancer, and how storytelling and writing have been therapeutic for her and others. Dorina also shares insights from her life, including her move from Chicago to California, her missions in Haiti, and her return to teaching journalism. Additionally, she previews her upcoming children’s book, 'Kailani’s Gift', and talks about the importance of perseverance and recognizing God-given talents. The episode emphasizes the healing power of sharing stories, the significance of faith in overcoming grief, and the role of writing in Dorina’s multifaceted career.

Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

In this podcast episode titled 'Navigating Grief and Finding Purpose with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young,' the host engages in a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, an award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster known for her works on grief, faith, and healing. Dorina shares her multifaceted journey from the south side of Chicago to becoming a writer inspired by a childhood teacher, her experience as a newspaper reporter, her life-changing mission trip to Haiti, and how she navigated through the grief of losing her first husband to cancer. She delves into how writing and sharing her story became a healing process, not just for her but also for her daughters. The podcast touches on the themes of grief, healing, missionary work in Haiti, and the power of storytelling. Dorina also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming children's book, 'Kailani's Gift,' and talks about the release of her recent works, 'Breathing Through Grief' and 'Create in Me a Heart of Mercy.' The episode encourages listeners to explore how grief can lead to personal growth, the importance of sharing one's story, and using one's gifts and talents to make a difference.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:38 Navigating Audience Expectations and Content Focus

05:38 The Journey of a Writer: From Childhood Dreams to Diverse Genres

13:23 Personal Stories of Grief and Healing

15:50 The Impact of Storytelling and Community Support

25:08 Navigating New Chapters: Life, Loss, and Ministry Post-Grief

28:49 Upcoming Projects and How to Connect

31:09 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Dorina:

• Connect with Dorina at www.DorinaGilmore.com, where you can sign up for her

• Glorygram letter. You can also find her as @DorinaGilmore

• on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Lisa Appelo Podcast

This episode features a dynamic conversation between Lisa and Michele, delving deeply into the realms of leadership, spiritual growth, grief, and the transformative power of storytelling. Lisa, a newcomer to leadership within a Christian podcasting community, alongside Michele, shares insights into organizing and future planning, even amidst personal challenges like tax season. They explore the intricacies of collaborating with other groups and the potential platform transition from Facebook to a more bespoke community space, discussing the implications for engagement and connectivity. The dialogue also journeys into Michele's personal story of unexpected tragedy leading to a deep, introspective look at grief, healing, and the redefinition of life post-loss, highlighted by her transition from attorney to a life centered on faith and writing. Lisa counters with her own experiences, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, journaling, and seeking God in the storms of life. Together, they underscore the belief that life's second acts can be as fulfilling as the first, anchored by faith and community.

Navigating Grief and Embracing New Beginnings

This podcast episode features an interview with Lisa Appelo, an ECPA bestselling author and former litigating attorney, who shares her journey from living through the unexpected loss of her husband to embracing a new chapter of life marked by writing and ministry. Lisa discusses the initial reluctance to revisit her grief through writing, but how it ultimately became a powerful tool for healing and reaching others. The conversation also touches on the importance of journaling, seeking God's goodness in the midst of loss, and how one can find joy and purpose in what may initially seem like 'Plan B' of life. Lisa and the host exchange thoughts on the significance of telling one's story for personal healing and ministering to others, with Lisa providing insights on her book 'Life Can Be Good Again' and how she moved beyond her grief to rediscover joy and purpose.

00:00 Stepping into Leadership: A New Role in Podcasting

00:21 Planning and Collaboration: Setting the Stage for Success

01:39 Navigating Platform Changes and Community Engagement

03:24 Embracing New Ideas and Addressing Challenges

06:42 The Power of Storytelling: Introducing Lisa Appolo

09:00 Navigating Grief and Finding Community Through Writing

20:02 Finding Support in Faith and Family

20:41 Embracing the Call to Write and Heal

21:20 Navigating Divorce and Personal Growth

23:44 The Healing Power of Journaling and God's Word

30:22 The Journey to Publishing: Blogging, Self-Publishing, and Beyond

36:09 Embracing Plan B as God's Plan for Life

38:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Ventures

 Leadership and Organization

 Community Collaboration and Transition

 Grief, Healing, and Transformation

Connect with Lisa:

IG: @lisaappelo

Website: www.lisaappelo.com

This episode features an in-depth and personal conversation with Theresa Miller, exploring her journey from difficult personal struggles to finding healing and purpose. Theresa shares her experiences with an eating disorder, the transformative power of journaling, and her path to becoming a published writer and bible study author. Alongside host Michelle, Theresa discusses the importance of self-compassion, trust in God, and how her trials have shaped her ministry and writing. The episode also touches on the creative partnership with her sisters in 'Dandelions, Potholes, and Wrinkles' and anticipates Theresa's future projects.

The Journey of Theresa: Faith, Healing, and Writing

This episode dives into the spiritual and emotional journey of Theresa Miller, exploring her transition from the wooded East to the vast expanse of Wyoming, her devotion to family, ministry, and her passion for writing. Theresa shares her struggles with an eating disorder, her journey to healing through faith, journaling, and the powerful influence of storytelling. Join us as we navigate her experiences with motherhood, her role in women's ministry, her writing endeavors, and the profound impact of her faith and community involvement.

 Introduction to Theresa Miller

 Theresa's Personal Journey

 Struggles and Healing

 The Role of Journaling and Faith

 Writing Projects and Future Plans

Finding Healing Through Journaling

 Upcoming Projects and Ministry

 Discussing Mental Health and Faith

 Dandelions, Potholes, and Wrinkles

Connect with Theresa:

IG: @theresammillerauthor

Website: www.theresammiller.com

From Atheism to Evangelist Filmmaker: A Story of Transformation and Redemption

In this heartfelt and emotional podcast episode, Tim shares his incredible journey from a life of atheism and a severe gambling addiction to becoming a devoted Christian filmmaker. After being fired from his prestigious law firm, he experienced a dramatic spiritual awakening in a hotel room where he accepted Jesus Christ. This transformation led him to a successful career in Christian filmmaking, culminating in his latest project, 'The Firing Squad'. The film aims to convert a million people to Christianity and is set for a wide release. Tim also addresses the challenges of facing critiques from both secular and lukewarm Christian movie critics and stresses the importance of authentic faith. Through personal anecdotes, he highlights the power of evangelism and the importance of living a Christ-centered life. The conversation also delves into the societal issues affecting Christians today and the ongoing spiritual battle they face.

In this episode, Michele interviews Tim Chey, a former attorney turned Christian filmmaker who shares his dramatic transformation from atheism to faith. After being fired from his prestigious LA law firm due to a severe gambling problem, he rediscovered his passion for filmmaking, eventually directing a film for Universal Studios. Hitting rock bottom after losing his director's salary in one night of Blackjack, he found solace in a Gideon's Bible and dedicated his life to Jesus. With 16 Christian films under his belt, including the new release 'The Firing Squad', he discusses the challenges and triumphs of Christian filmmaking. The film aims to win a million souls for Jesus and features a powerful evangelistic message. The dialogue also touches on the real-life inspirations behind his films, the opposition faced from secular and lukewarm Christian critics, and the broader mission of spreading the gospel through cinema.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:14 A Journey from Atheism to Faith

00:26 Struggles and Redemption

01:42 The Impact of Christian Films

02:14 Reaching a Million Souls

02:41 Challenges and Criticisms

04:09 Recognizing True Believers

05:07 Addressing Skepticism and Abuse

05:56 The Nature of Sin and Grace

06:16 The Evidence of Heaven

07:51 Dealing with Modern Challenges

10:45 The Importance of Love and Forgiveness

11:09 Experiencing Persecution

16:06 The True Story Behind the Movie

18:38 Connecting with the Story

19:22 Facing Attacks and Staying True

20:39 Discussing the Media and Faith

21:11 The Last Film and Financial Security

21:31 Inspiration from a Singapore Broadcast

22:18 Christianity and Media Bias

24:30 Political Views and Personal Faith

28:49 Challenges in Christian Filmmaking

38:33 Personal Reflections and Regrets

43:43 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Connect with Tim:

www.TimChey.com

IG: @tim_chey

FB: Tim Chey