In this episode of the Old School podcast, the host, Michele Vrabel, invites Carla Arges, an author, mental health coach, and podcast host known for her transparent discussions about her journey through mental health issues. Carla shares her harrowing experiences of childhood trauma, clinical depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar, which she faced and overcame. She emphasizes the importance of daily decision-making in the process of personal healing and the positive impact of combining mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in dealing with mental illnesses. Throughout the episode, both women share their faith-based perspectives on forgiveness, resilience, and finding purpose amid life's difficult challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:48 The Journey Begins: Carla's Story

03:24 The Struggles and Triumphs of Mental Health

07:16 The Power of Forgiveness and Healing

11:28 Understanding Mental Health and Illness

13:37 The Role of Faith in Mental Health

16:33 The Impact of Trauma and the Path to Recovery

22:22 The Importance of Sharing Our Stories

29:59 Conclusion: The Power of Choice and Responsibility

Connect with Carla:

IG: @carla.arges

Website: carlaarges.com

This episode covers an engaging conversation between Michele and Andi & Charlie, who share their  transformative journey from small-town life in Yuba City, California, to building a life in  Sacramento and eventually moving to Nashville, Tennessee. Their story explores the early  challenges of teenage marriage, substance abuse, and financial hardships, leading to a pivotal  moment of spiritual awakening that reshaped their lives and values. The couple discusses the  impact of this transformation on their relationship, their exploration of faith, the development of  their artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors, and their initiative to open the Art House, a creative  community space. The discussion also highlights the significance of hospitality, community  building, and the couple's upcoming collaborative book, enriching the conversation with insights  into personal growth, faith, and the power of storytelling.  

Andi & Charlie share their story of becoming influential figures in the Christian artistic community. Initially facing challenges as young parents with substance abuse  problems, their lives took a significant turn due to what they describe as divine intervention. This set them on a path of spiritual discovery, exploring questions around the Bible and its perspectives  on women and authority. Their story unfolds as they move to Sacramento, then to Nashville, driven  by a dream for a better future for their family and a calling in the music and arts scene. Eventually, they established the Art House, a creative space that served as a hub for artists, musicians, and  thinkers to explore faith and creativity. The discussion also touches on their upcoming book, written  as letters, distilling wisdom from their experiences and the Art House's ethos of community and  hospitality without an overt agenda. Their journey emphasizes the importance of faith, forgiveness,  and following one's calling, culminating in a life rich with personal growth and community impact. 

00:00 Introduction and Initial Misunderstandings  

00:41 Growing Up in Northern California  

02:14 Early Marriage and Struggles  

03:08 Finding Faith and Overcoming Challenges  

03:59 Exploring Feminism and Christianity  

09:16 Reflections on Faith, Forgiveness, and Grace  

10:32 Moving to Nashville and Building a New Life  

17:57 The Power of Obedience and Divine Guidance 

23:23 Buying an Old Country Church and New Beginnings  

23:54 The Birth of the Art House  

25:05 Transforming the Art House into a Home  

25:59 The Impact of the Art House on Personal Growth  

27:25 The Art House: A Creative Space with a Faith Worldview

30:16 The Art House: A Platform for Sharing Stories  

30:29 The Evolution of the Art House  

31:39 The Power of Storytelling and Connection  

31:50 The Journey of Publishing a Book  

34:55 The Art House: A Testament to Hospitality and Community

36:30 The Art House: Inspiring a Book of Letters  

40:45 The Art House: A Catalyst for Meaningful Conversations

43:36 The Art House: A Legacy of Love and Connection  

Buy their book

Facing the Miracles and Complexities of Life with Matt Brown

Michele interviews Matt Brown, an author and senior pastor at Sandals Church in Riverside,

The Power of Miracles and Redemption: A Conversation with Matt Brown

In this podcast episode, Matt Brown, author of 'Every Day, A Miracle', discusses his personal journey

00:03 Introduction and Guest Background

01:32 The Journey to Becoming a Pastor

04:19 Experiencing God's Miracles

05:27 The Complex Nature of Healing

05:50 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

06:05 Technical Di􏰀iculties and Resuming the Conversation

06:54 The Impact of Emotional Healing

19:16 The Power of Prayer and God's Will

24:52 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Our guest is Darla Czeropski, author of 'Just Say Hello' and founder of Oh So Free Ministries for Women. She shares her journey from the trauma of her past, including abuse and divorce, to a path of emotional and spiritual healing through her deepened relationship with God. Discussing the importance of tearing down the metaphorical walls we erect in our lives, Czeropski emphasizes the key role of relationships, particularly our relationship with Jesus. She recounts the satisfaction and transformation she experienced while writing her book and launching Oh So Free Ministries, which now aid other women in similar circumstances. Lastly, she highlights that understanding and applying scriptures in our life is more essential than merely memorizing them.

Connect with Darla:

Website: www.ohsofree.org

ohsofreeministries.com

IG: @ohsofreeministries

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

Today we welcome our teacher, Adi Tilford. Adi Tilford is an adoptive mom, long-time educator, advocating for therapeutic, trauma-informed living. Adi hosts the 8000 Promises Podcast, writes a monthly essay for her newsletter subscribers and guest preaches at First Presbyterian Church, Grand Junction. She also serves on the women's ministry team, enjoying both low and high impact adventures with Pray and Play!

Adi’s writing and speaking engagements illuminate the therapeutic love of Jesus, the ongoing journey of healing from complex developmental trauma, and the in-the-trenches experiences of becoming a therapeutic parent, educator and friend.

Most of the year, Adi prays and plays in the desert of Colorado where the cactus bloom and coyotes caper in the front yard. She is making her home the place she loves to be with her hubby Sam and their two incredible daughters.

Adi's Nugget:

“My story is embraced, rather than erased. So each time facing it – more is dealt with”.

Connect with Adi:

Website: aditilford.com

IG: @aditilfordwrites

Podcast: 8000 Promises

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

Today we welcome our teacher, Christa Spaeth, author of A Busy Mom’s Prayer Journal. Christa Spaeth is a wife, mom of two boys, an unexpected author of two books and podcaster! She's also a woman ignited with a burning passion to walk in the rhythm of God's plan, each day. Back in 2022, she took a bold step, bidding goodbye to her long-standing career as a Registered Dietitian at a high-profile food manufacturing company. It wasn't an easy step, but it was a step of faith - one that led her closer to the purpose God had for her: encouraging others through Christ.

Christa is a foodie and an avid traveler with only two more continents to visit!

Christa’s Nugget:

“I wish someone would have told me how special a relationship I could have with Jesus, back when I was younger."

Connect with Christa:

Website: christajoyministries.com

Powerful Whispers Devotional: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Instagram: @powerfulwhisperspodcast

Instagram: @christajoyministries

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

We welcome to class as our teacher, Jake Thomas, founder of Life Like Jake.

Jake is originally from New Orleans, and has a passion for personal service that stems from being a United States Marine. He is the founder and CEO of Life Like Jake where he derives the ultimate satisfaction of serving others and helping them achieve the goals of health, happiness and wealth. We follow one another on social media which is where we met over a particular post of Jake’s that was incredibly raw and transparent. It created a connection and that is what lead to my desire to have him as a guest to share his journey.

Jake's Nugget:

“Shut the f*ck up and listen more.”

Connect with Jake:

Website: lifelikejake.com

IG: @lifelikejake

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

Today we welcome our teacher, Sarah Geringer, author of Hidden Manna on a Country Road.

Sarah Geringer is a writer, speaker, podcaster, artist, book launch manager, creative coach, and author of six books, including Hidden Manna on a Country Road: Seeing God’s Daily Provision All around Us.

When she’s not reading over 100 books per year, Sarah enjoys painting, baking, gardening, and playing the flute. Her daily must-haves are hot tea, dark chocolate, and fresh flowers.

She is a fifth-generation resident of southeast Missouri, where she lives with her three teens and beloved Labrador retrievers.

Sarah’s Nugget:

“The power of compound interest. I wish I had been

investing much earlier in my life.”

Connect with Sarah:

Website: Sarahgeringer.com

Instagram: @sgeringer

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

Today we welcome our teacher, Dr. Gladys Childs. Gladys is a speaker, author, church leader, professor, pastors wife, and mother. Helping people deeply connect with God through speaking, leading retreats, and writing, Gladys is a straight-talking Religion professor, pastor’s wife, and mom.

She currently serves as Chaplain at Texas Wesleyan University. Authentic is the word most used to describe Gladys and her ministry. Her passion is meeting people at the intersection of life and faith to provide a relevant understanding and hope in God.

She is funny and direct as she connects with her audience, talking openly about her pilgrimage through life's unexpected joys, sorrows, and struggles.

Gladys and her husband Thomas have been married since 1995 and have one son and a miniature poodle who loves being the center of attention. She and I follow one another on social media and crossed each others path as a divine appointment.

Gladys’ Nugget:

“I think we innately know from a young age who we are supposed to be and what path we are supposed to go down. If I could go back and let go of other people’s voices telling me otherwise”.

Connect with Gladys:

Website: www.gladyschilds.com

IG: @drgladyschilds

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.

Today we welcome our teacher, Isabella Lafferty of Isabellas’s Loft. Isabella is the founder of the Rookie Movement, a company with a mission to encourage and inspire youth to learn from the real world and embrace ROOKIE MISTAKES.

She is an Interior Decorator & Content Creator through her online design platform: Isabella's Loft where she has accrued a community of over 160,000 people. She is a member of and serves on the board for YPO Next Generation Los Angeles (YNGLA) as Communications Chairman. Our families have been friends since before Isabella was born and I consider her a precious addition to the family.

Isabella’s Nuggets:

“I wish I would have realized at 19 when I began my first company, that happiness is rooted in helping others, having a passion and truly giving back”

"I keep a list of random things that make me happy and I list out and remove the things that take my energy."

Connect with Isabella:

Website: isabellasfinds.com

Instagram: @isabellasloft

Connect with Michele:

⁠⁠⁠⁠MicheleVrabel.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@sweetartbyshelly⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@oldschoolwithmichelevrabel⁠⁠⁠⁠

Thank you for coming to Class. If you could go to whatever platform you listen to podcasts and rate and review Old School with Michele Vrabel, I would greatly appreciate it. Subscribe and click on notifications if you would like to know when future episodes drop.