Pivotal People

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Author  Clare McCallan shares her vision of nurturing the creative side of any reader with her latest book, "Courage to Create: Unleashing Your Artistic Gifts for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness." She believes we all hold the potential to craft masterpieces that celebrate the divine.  She started an artists' community in Boston called The St. Joseph's Home for Artisans, which has become a sanctuary for faith-driven creators in the city of Boston.

Art has the profound power to connect us to the core of our humanity, a theme we explore in this conversation with Clare. We discuss the  beauty of adding depth to everyday life through art--in whatever form fits with each of our individual personalities. Be inspired to explore your creative side after hearing from Clare.

Connect with Clare:
https://www.instagram.com/clare_mccallan/

www.avemariapress.com/products/courage-to-create

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Get to know Ricky Dickson,  former president and CEO of Blue Bell Creameries--the best ice cream ever!  We discuss his new book "One Scoop at a Time: Stories and Lessons from Fear to Faith," blending professional wisdom with personal faith.  Ricky shares how he maintained peace amidst major business challenges, and his story in growing the ice cream brand by focusing on service, kindness and a sense of purpose.

Ricky shares the grittier aspects of leadership as Blue Bell navigated major challenges with integrity. Ricky's story is a masterclass in ethical business practice and the relentless pursuit of trust.

Order the book:
https://www.amazon.com/One-Scoop-Time-Stories-Lessons/dp/1957616709

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rickydickson007/

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Have you ever felt disillusioned by the church, grappling with your scars in search of hope? Aimee Byrd, acclaimed author and speaker, joins us to discuss her  journey through faith, as detailed in her latest book "The Hope in Our Scars." She addresses church disillusionment, especially prevalent among youth, while confronting the dark shadows of abuse and cover-ups in religious communities. Amy's candid revelations offer encouragement to those on a quest for a genuine connection with God, amidst the struggles of growing up in the Southern Baptist Convention and coping with her parents' divorce.

The conversation takes a sharp turn into the stormy debate over traditional gender roles within Christianity, inspired by Aimee's  book "Why Can't We Be Friends?" As we explore the assumptions and implications of these views on discipleship and church relationships, Aimee's insights spark a much-needed call for balance in representing both male and female voices within the scriptures.

Aimee and I delve into the pangs of "church hurt" and the essential human need for belonging. Aimee shows us how through our spiritual trials, our scars can manifest growth, a richer understanding of divine love, and an unwavering pursuit of hope.

Connect with Aimee and learn more about all of her books:
https://aimeebyrd.com/

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Meet Janis Milham, my favorite former boss and this week's guest on Pivotal People. Janis has had a brilliant 30+ year career as a Senior Vice President with Marriott International. She is known for helping people develop in their careers and lives by taking the time to really understand who they are, and helping them understand themselves. Today, as an Executive Coach with  Questage, she continues to help people develop both personally and professionally. In this episode she  shares her insights on the Enneagram's role in helping people become their best selves. 

It's a heartfelt reminder that each of us can benefit from the opportunity for guidance and support. Join us for a dialogue that promises to leave you with lessons on harnessing the power of personality for professional success and personal fulfillment.

Connect with Janis:
https://www.questage.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janismilham/

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Definition of "Moxie":
Force of character, determination or nerve. "When you've got moxie, you need the clothes to match."
Synonyms: energy, pep, determination, courage, know-how, fortitude, savvy, skills, strength of mind, guts, fearlessness, heart, gumption.**

We could all use a little more moxie! Karen Brothers' book,  "Moxie Matters: True Tales of Rolling Through a Messy, Muddled and Magical Life" is an entertaining, enlightening and inspiring story of growing up in the 70s, with unstructured outdoor adventures and the simple rule of coming home when the streetlights flicker on. Karen is a professional writer and storyteller, and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing her life lessons through the lens of her younger self, at each age.

Karen  shares her motivations for writing her memoir from the perspective of her younger self, reflecting on how her childhood experiences and subtle family dynamics shaped her journey. It's fun to be reminded of memories from our youth including moon boots, Pop-Tarts,  Hi-C! At the same time, Karen walked through difficult and painful family circumstances that shaped her character.

We talk about the therapeutic power of sharing personal stories and the raw honesty required to connect deeply with others. Her practical advice on overcoming the fear of writing, the benefits of consistent journaling, and even using voice memos is invaluable for anyone looking to document their own narrative.

**excerpt from Karen's book, "Moxie Matters"

Invite Karen to your book club! Reach out to connect with Karen and order her book at www.karenbrothersauthor.com

Order Moxie Matters HERE
https://moxiematters.myshopify.com/

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Have you ever felt the sting of spiritual hurt or the soothing balm of healing within the walls of a church? Joining us today is Ryan George, whose book "Hurt and Healed by the Church" chronicles a tumultuous yet hopeful journey through faith, pain, and redemption. In this episode Ryan shares how to  redefine the essence of a Jesus-centered life in spite of past spiritual hurts.  Ryan explains his past within the restrictive confines of the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement and how he came to understand the simplicity and beauty of Christ's teachings.

The path toward healing from spiritual trauma is seldom straight, but it's rich with lessons on grace and the power of community.

If your spirit thirsts for a faith journey that's as adventurous as it is genuine, tune in to learn more from Ryan George.

Order his book "Hurt and Healed by the Church: Redemption and Reconstruction after Spiritual Abuse"
Connect with Ryan:
booksbyryan.com

https://www.instagram.com/ryplane/

https://www.facebook.com/ryan.george/

https://www.threads.net/@ryplane  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangeorge/

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Tim and Kathy Bush join us to share their 42-year marriage odyssey, a poignant testimony to resilience and faith's restorative power. Their candid revelations about early trials—a surprise pregnancy, youthful vows, and a long search for happiness—paint a starkly honest picture of marriage. Listen as they discuss Tim's  personal transformation at age 47, offering hope to all who believe in the possibility of change within a relationship.

The Bush's aren't just survivors of marital strife; they care about helping others in their marriages.  They teach "The Art of Marriage" course around the world. Their story is a hopeful example for others, showing that even the most hopeless marriages can  heal, survive and thrive.

Connect with Tim and Kathy via their ministry website, War Room Ministries
https://warroomministries.com/

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Join me in my conversation with Kim Stuart, author of "Star for Jesus and Other Jobs I Quit: Rediscovering the Grace That Sets Us Free."   Kim is an author of nine bestselling books, a speaker, writing coach, and a podcast host of "For Real" and "The Writing Room" that she co-hosts with New York Times Bestselling author Bob Goff. In her new book she explores the topic of grace in a fresh new way. She reminds all of us that we don't have to perform for God to gain His favor or earn our way to receive his grace. It's a fun and uplifting topic to discuss.

To say I admire Kim is an understatement. She is talented, wise, kind, smart, entertaining and funny--and above all, very humble. Her faith leads her steps in every area of her work and her life, and she inspires anyone who knows her to live a more authentic, faith-filled life. I was thrilled that she agreed to come on this podcast and if you don't know her yet, I know you'll enjoy her too.

SPOILER ALERT: I've read all of her books and they are EXCELLENT! Every single one. Buy all of them.

Get in touch with Kim at www.KimberlyStuart.com

Follow her on Instagram @kimberly.stuart.writes

Order her books   https://www.kimberlystuart.com/books

Subscribe to her newsletter! It's hilarious and always has a good recipe too.
https://www.kimberlystuart.com/subscribe

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In this episode I had a fun and inspiring conversation with Kevin Williams, Chick-fil-A franchisee and author of "Irrational Kindness: The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life." Kevin isn't just about smiles and holding doors open; he's on a mission to show the world how transformative and profound kindness can be. We explore his philosophy that every encounter is a chance to make a positive change, whether it's through seeing the potential in others, embracing our failures, or turning a fast-food encounter into a life-changing moment.

Kevin shared the remarkable story of Alex Gomez, which started in his birthplace in Mexico to the academic excellence in the United States. Imagine overcoming every obstacle thrown your way to not only succeed but to inspire a city to celebrate "Alex Gomez Day." It's stories like Alex's that remind us of the joy and impact of lifting each other up in a world that too often focuses on pulling us down.

We wrap up with a heart-to-heart on the power of connection and community.  This is more than a conversation; it's an invitation to weave irrational kindness into the tapestry of our daily lives.

Connect with Kevin via:
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-williams-90b183151/
Instagram: @irrationalkindness
Order Kevin's book:
"Irrational Kindness: The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life"
https://www.amazon.com/Irrational-Kindness-Crazy-Pursuit-Extraordinary/dp/1631952951/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?

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Listen in on our third conversation with Amanda Ferrin, my favorite ambassador of hope and a walking miracle. In this episode she shares her journey of starting her "Miracle Story" movement, writing a book and launching her new podcast. Amanda speaks to the very heart of what it means to live  a legacy that defies expectations.

In discussing Amanda's life, we're reminded that miracles are part of our everyday existence, affirming God's presence and the healing that awaits us, whether on earth or in heaven.

Connect with Amanda

Amanda's Miracle Movement: Watch Amanda's video message about herMiracle Movement walking team:
https://amandaferrin.com/miracle

Register for the Miracle Movement walk here:
https://myevent.com/amiraclemovement

Learn more--Amanda's message about her Miracle Movement:

Amanda Ferrin is a walking miracle. She is living life with a terminal illness and wakes up everyday thankful that she is still alive when her Doctor's have told her time and time again, she shouldn’t be. One complication from her “one in 10 million” case of scleroderma is that she has broken 25 bones in the last few years. She’s been told countless times she would never walk again… so quite literally every step IS a gift. Every mile is a miracle. 

At the beginning of 2024, Amanda figured out how many steps it would take to walk across the country and made it her goal to do so in a year. A year doctors say she shouldn’t be alive to see. She’s been amazed by the people who have come alongside to help her share my message of hope. In coming together to get her miracle story out into the world, she has seen the power of what working together can accomplish is something much bigger than any one person could on their own. From that, an idea was born! 

We are inviting everyone to start walking toward a miracle. For Amanda, her current goal is releasing her book, that never should have been written, and believing she will be alive to see it! 

You might have your own miracle you’re believing for, or perhaps you are inspired to join together a team with a mission that’s bigger than you, to bring a message of hope that’s greater than anyone one person could share. 

We believe in a month we could collectively walk the miles Amanda dreamed to do in a year. Who knows, maybe with enough people, we can walk around the world! Because it isn’t just about a walk. 

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Order Stephanie's book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential