Pivotal People

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Have you ever been caught up in the deceptive charm of a toxic relationship, unable to pinpoint the moment when admiration turned into manipulation? Stephanie Quayle, a celebrated Nashville recording artist and author, discusses the complex ties that bind us to unhealthy love. Her collaboration with Dr. Keith Campbell in the book "Why Do We Stay? How My Toxic Relationship Can Help You Find Freedom" helps readers understand narcissistic relationships. Stephanie shares her personal saga and her healing process to help readers who may be impacted by similar relationships.

Learn more and get in touch with Stephanie at:

https://www.stephaniequayle.com/home

Her book comes out April 30th and you can pre-order it here:
https://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-We-Stay-Relationship/dp/140024451X

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

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When life handed Katherine Wolf the unimaginable—a massive stroke that she wasn't expected to survive—she forged a path of hope and resilience that inspires and encourages everyone. As 26-year old newlyweds with a six-month old son, Katherine and Jay demonstrate what a beautiful marriage looks like. Join us as we discuss Katherine's new book, "Treasures in the Dark," to discuss the intertwined journey of joy and suffering. Her new book offers 90 reflections that promise to light the way for those navigating through their darkest times, showing that even in the shadow of hardship, hope can thrive.

Katherine's story, as told in "Hope Heals" and "Suffer Strong," co-authored with her husband Jay, is one of a love that defies statistics and a life reclaimed through faith and community. We discuss the 'Good Hard Second Chance Life', a concept that embraces the full spectrum of joy and suffering.

We also discuss Katherine and Jay's contribution to creating inclusive spaces like their camp retreat for families affected by disability and their new coffee shop "Mend", both offering respite, joy, and connection. We share how you can engage with Hope Heals to be a part of their uplifting work.

Connect with Katherine and Jay at
www.HopeHeals.com
https://hopeheals.com/
@HopeHeals on social platforms
Order Katherine's new book
https://hopeheals.com/treasures/#treasures-retailers

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

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Meet Jessye Wilden – bestselling author of We Wrote Your Name in Color, host to the heartfelt podcast The Molden Cast, and experienced grief coach. Jessye’s journey through unthinkable loss, grief, trauma, joy, and healing has woven a life full of resilience and inspiration.

In this episode we discuss her upcoming retreats being held at the Oaks Retreat Center in Ramona, CA with Bob Goff. Her personal experience of surviving trauma, death and grief has made her an expert in connecting with anyone trying to navigate life in the midst of any kind of pain and suffering.  She inspires everyone she meets to see more joy and hope in our everyday lives., regardless of our individual circumstances.

Learn more about her retreats here and sign up for the next retreat April 26-28, 2024: https://www.jessyewilden.com/

As the mom of five kiddos, including those through adoption, she offers tangible encouragement for anyone navigating the intricate dance of a blended family. She continues to write and speak to groups using her unique perspective and exciting storytelling to help others hold onto goodness when life hurts most.

Jessye lives with her husband and partner-in-crime, Ryan, and their children in Mount Shasta, California, where bears rattle the garbage cans and deer occasionally pose dramatically in the backyard. When she finds spare time, you will find her skiing down hills, camping under the stars, playfully snapping towels, binging a Netflix series, or singing in her car with the music up and the windows down.

Join Jessye Wilden on a journey that goes beyond words on a page. Together, discover a life filled with love, audacious hope, and a profound strength found in sharing stories.

Connect more with Jessye:  [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/jessye_wilden

Subscribe to the Pivotal People newsletter for new episodes, giveaways and more: https://stephanienelson.com/newsletter/
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Order Stephanie's book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential 

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Listen in on a helpful and practical conversation with Stephanie May Wilson. She is an author, podcaster, and encourager of millions of listeners and website visitors, helping people make life decisions that fit their true hopes and desires, not necessarily the expectations of outside voices.

Did you know that 80% of life's most defining moments happen between the ages of 25 and 35? That's a lot of potential pressure--and Stephanie calls it the Everything Era. Stephanie's new book, "Create a Life You Love, How to Quiet Outside Voices So You Can Finally Hear Your Own" comes out April 30th. You can PRE-ORDER the book now and you can get a FREE chapter today. Go to https://stephaniemaywilson.com/create  for more.

Through her  books, courses, and podcast, she helps women take off the pressure of what they think their lives are supposed to look like by now — and then intentionally, confidently, and authentically build the life they actually want to live.

Get in touch with Stephanie:
https://stephaniemaywilson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/smaywilson/

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

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Have you ever been captivated by a story shared by a great storyteller? This is the art that Heather Adams, CEO of Choice Communications and host of the Make Me Known podcast,  shares with us.  As a communications expert for 25+ years and the CEO/Founder of Choice Communications, she has practical advice for all of us.

The simple act of sharing our stories can be powerful.  Heather delves into why these narratives are far more than just cocktail party chatter—they're the fibers that really bring people together. She persuades us to move beyond life's surface conversations and into authentic engagement. This is the key to engaging listeners and inspiring or motivating people. It's an episode that serves as a reminder: every story matters, and the way we present ours can entertain, educate and inspire rather than painfully boring other people!

And we talked about Heather's upcoming Choice Summit conference! Imagine a place where women professionals gather, not just to network, but to truly grow and thrive together.  Heather gives us a sneak peek into this vibrant event being held in Franklin, Tennessee on April 29th. Pivotal People listeners can even save 10% with a special code she shares with us.

Learn more about the Choice Summit conference here:
https://www.choicemediacommunications.com/choice-summit-1
Use the code GOODCOMPANY10 to get 10% off the conference fee

Connect with Heather at Choice Communications here:
https://www.choicemediacommunications.com/

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

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Watching a loved one's memory fade isn't just heartbreaking; it's a call to action. That's precisely what propelled Rob Liebreich to initiate the Stronger Memory program, an approach that offers hope and tangible results for those grappling with cognitive decline.  Rob is the compassionate CEO of Goodwin Living, who walked us through the program's inception — a personal mission kindled by his mother's memory loss. Through a blend of reading, handwriting, and math exercises, the Stronger Memory program has shown remarkable improvements in cognitive function, a testament to the simple yet powerful impact of these activities.

Our conversation took an uplifting turn as we shared the story of this extraordinary woman's cognitive journey. Diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, she refused to let her diagnosis define her. Now, she teaches bridge, learns Mahjong, and advocates fervently for brain health. The centerpiece of her and over 10,000 others' success? A 177-page workbook, a gift to those facing memory challenges, supported by George Mason University's encouraging research and free of any pharmaceutical intervention. This story serves as a beacon of hope, highlighting the unheralded potential of cognitive maintenance tools and the importance of keeping our minds agile, irrespective of age.

We wrapped up our episode by focusing on the broader community's role in dementia care. Goodwin House's pilot program, a beacon of innovation, has integrated a social component that's strengthening cognitive resilience in senior centers across Maryland. The enthusiastic feedback is a clear indicator that accountability paired with cognitive exercises can make a profound difference. With a mission to touch 100,000 lives and resources like the facilitator's guide from strongermemory.com, this program isn't just a beacon of hope—it's a catalyst for change. Join us in this movement to empower minds and combat cognitive decline—one workbook, one community at a time.

Learn more here:
Stronger Memory Program  https://goodwinliving.org/stronger-memory/
Learn more from videos about the program:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCavNYuTN_xph8ZrasOVQyWQ/featured

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

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Are you yearning for a conversation that merges faith, mental health, and the joys of building connections? Look no more, as bestselling author Laura Smith is our guest today, bringing with her a wealth of wisdom from her latest book, 'Holy Care for the Whole Self.' We tackle the often-ignored subject of mental health within Christian circles, shedding light on the crippling effect of shame and the healing power of empathy and understanding.

Ever wondered how to initiate meaningful friendships and harness the power of connection? Laura shares her personal experiences and practical tips on meeting new people, setting ground rules for engaging discussions, and celebrating the joy of forming bonds. We firmly believe age doesn’t dictate the possibilities of making new friends, so tune in to get inspired.

Lastly, we take a deep dive into the importance of maintaining mental health through practical steps. From nurturing creativity and implementing a prayer routine to prioritizing exercise and healthy habits, Laura also shares how maintaining a relatable presence on social media platforms encourages and inspires many. Hear more about Laura's writing process, her future projects, and how embracing biblical principles can lead to a more abundant life.

Order Laura's book "Holy Care for the Whole Self" on Amazon, available Feb. 6th
Connect with Laura at https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

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Imagine this: You're part of a small church, fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection. Sounds exciting, right? Now, what if you were given practical insights on how to achieve this, straight from the authors of "The Art of Missionary Spirituality"? Join us as we invite Jeremy and Monica Chambers to share their unique perspective on micro church planting and the practices that foster a vibrant spirituality. Drawing wisdom from their experiences in over 40 different countries, they'll unravel the success factors of small churches, focusing on simplicity and adaptability.

But, that's not all. Ever wondered how to find time for God in your buzzing life? Or the power of unseen acts of kindness? We get personal and share our own experiences to help you do just that. We also explore how secret acts of kindness, done without expecting recognition, can lead to true humility. So, you're not just hearing from Jeremy and Monica but us too. This episode is a candid discussion about spirituality, humility, and connection, a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering a sense of community and a deeper relationship with God. Join us to discover how to resonate God's affirmation instead of human approval. It's all here - the journey to a deeper spiritual connection.

Order "The Art of Missional Spirituality" Here and download your FREE chapter:
https://www.jemochambers.com/the-art-of-missional-spirituality
Find Monica on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mograpalocha/

JEREMY AND MONICA CHAMBERS have participated in launching movements that make disciples and networks of microchurches in over thirty-five countries with a special heart for Denver, CO, Richmond, VA, and Costa Rica (Monica's home country). They currently work with Forge America, The Pando Collective, and The Arise Network. They love rock climbing, chess, mixed martial arts, hardcore metal, dubstep, and indoor plants. Prayer is of utmost importance in their lives. Jeremy has master’s degrees in both Intercultural Studies and Christian Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 

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What if you could halt the ceaseless hustle, confront your past traumas, and find a new purposeful path? Our guest today, Mark Bannon, bravely faced his past and found an unexpected lifeline amidst the chaos. As an author, speaker, and professional coach, Mark shares his transformation from a relentless workaholic to a man of faith and purpose. He takes us through his journey of writing his forthcoming memoir "The Boy from the Cave: A Soul-Stirring Journey from Hopelessness to Faith" You'll get insights into his childhood, the traumas that triggered his relentless work-desire, and the subsequent epiphany that made him hit the pause button and reexamine his life.

Join us as we explore the significance of addressing past traumas, mental health, and finding balance in life, with personal stories from yours truly. I'll share my personal journey towards spirituality and the peace I find in nature, alongside the changing attitudes towards therapy. As we navigate through our shared experiences, Mark unveils his 16-year immersion into Eastern philosophy and spirituality, leading him to find refuge in Christianity. He urges listeners to explore the Bible on their own, sharing how his faith shapes his daily existence. Don't miss this enlightening discussion highlighting hopelessness, purpose, faith, and personal growth.

Download the first 4 chapters FREE Here: https://markabannon.com/sample-chapters
Connect with Mark at https://markabannon.com/

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What if art and beauty were the most potent tools for evangelizing in the 21st century? Join me as we explore this intriguing concept with Emily and Isaac Gay, founders of Parallel Society. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Emily and Isaac shed light on the transformative power of artistry - how the triad of goodness, truth, and beauty can point to the divine. They highlight how their journey as artists led to the realization that artists can be today’s evangelists, communicating gospel truths through their work.

We don't just stop at understanding the potential of artists, we dive right into the role they play in society. Emily and Isaac elaborate on how artists, often undervalued within the church, have their fingers on the pulse of culture, shaping ideologies, impacting legislation, and education. Referencing insights from Vaclav Havel, the former Czech Republic president, they underline the power artists wield in shaping a nation's heart. Together, we envision a future where artists are nurtured both within and outside the church, enabling them to reach the lost.

Our discussion takes a fascinating turn towards the power of art and beauty, especially in times of crisis, using real-life examples such as a video of a woman playing the violin in a Ukrainian war bomb shelter. We reflect on the importance of imagination and creativity in maintaining our humanity in the face of adversity, inspired by the experiences of Victor Frankl in a concentration camp. As we wrap up, we peek into the future of faith-based art, discussing how it can embody Christ's ethic and morality, and the potential for artists of faith in the future. Tune in for this enlightening journey through faith, art, and beauty with Emily and Isaac Gay.

Learn more about The Parallel Society: https://www.theparallelsociety.co/
Reach Isaac Gay @imisaacgay
https://www.instagram.com/imisaacgay/

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