Bryn is a self-proclaimed Californian, by way of Wisconsin. By way of an old RV at that! She was way ahead of her time. She is a young mom with three kids (one biological, one adopted, and one foster) and one on the way!

Life was not always California and Lake Tahoe dreamin’. Growing up Bryn faced some real struggles, finding solace in her Heavenly Father and clinging to Him alone through the ins and outs of growing up. She talks about what led her and her husband to foster care and adoption, as well as the real dilemma she has with people claiming to live the “Christian life,” so many of us have talked about in recent months.

This is an amazing conversation filled with tidbits and wisdom and grace and forgiveness in the face of trials and sufferings of this world.

Be sure to follow Bryn on Instagram @brynwied or on her blog Broken But Running.

Catch up with me off the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @mrswendyjolson or on my website www.wendyjolson.com

Liz Griffin is one of the cool kids…in my head and on Instagram. Her and her husband Jady pastor a church in Austin called Antioch Austin, within the Antioch movement. After planting several churches and daydreaming of being a dentist, (just kidding, you’ll get that one once you listen,) they settled down in Austin just two years ago with their four kids, two biological, two adopted…and three of them are nine. Yes, three. 

Liz had the privilege of visiting a lot of other countries when she was younger, traveling with her dad, and eventually lived in Russia for several years as well. This gave her the unique perspective of seeing church outside America and gave her a heart for people we normally would stereotype and stick in a category. Her heart for social justice is what drives her today, and she was even instrumental in helping build a Waco-based anti-trafficking organization called Unbound, now with several chapters in other cities. Liz is also a stroke survivor and we jump into that right away. This conversation is deep AND fun and we go all the places! 

This is our last episode of 2018! See you next year!

Be sure to follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @mrswendyjolson or visit my website to catch up with me in between podcast episodes.

If you have questions or would like to share YOUR story, email me at [email protected] !

Jami Amerine is not just a mom, but she is an adoptive mom, a foster mom, a marine mom, a blogging mom, and an author mom. She is also a wife and a sweet friend. After raising four kids of their own, her and her husband decided to go on the journey of adoption and foster to adopt. Now with her two #vandals at her side, she is rockin’ that mom mobile back and forth through the drop-off line once again, all while making it look easy on Instagram.

She blogs from the heart and shoots straight from the hip. Her vulnerability in both of her books, “Stolen Jesus” and “Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors” is what makes her fans love her, and her followers eat up every word.

She admits to walking through a dark season and how being in the public eye can feel quite harsh. Her story is one of knowing, wanting to forget, and holding paradox, all while walking through her Jesus journey in truth and love, loving the ones in front of her the best she can. 

If you don’t already know her, meet my friend (and co-fan of crime TV) Jami Amerine.

Follow Jami on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. And read her blog at www.sacredgroundstickyfloors.com

Be sure to check out Stolen Jesus and Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors where all books are sold!

To catch up with your host, Wendy J Olson, visit www.wendyjolson.com or follow me on all the social media platforms: @mrswendyjolson

On this week’s episode we talk with Alexis Busetti of Cistern and Grove. Alexis is a financial coach for those of us who haven’t quite figured out this thing called adult-ing and money. I first met Alexis through the amazing Michelle McKinney, and I was introduced to her book, “Entrusted With Money,” which walks you through some of the pitfalls we find ourselves in when it comes to the almighty dollar. Her and her husband talk about the generational and modeled behaviors money can have in our lives, as well as how personal finance is more personal than finance.

With an open and honest, transparent heart she recounts her own tale of how she learned her lessons the hard way and what that means for us as women, struggling through our own stories right now.

You can follow Alexis on Instagram and Facebook @cisternandgrove and find out what else she is up to, as well as book an appointment with her over on www.cisternandgrove.com 

Also be sure to order her book! Available on Amazon!

 

 

For more info on your host, Wendy J Olson, head on over to my website or follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, search @mrswendyjolson !

Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review!

On this week’s episode we get to part three of my series, War on Women. Today’s talk: spiritual warfare. We are under attack, ladies. And it is not from who you might think. Just remember, we’re all in this together. You, me, and Jesus.

Be sure to listen and subscribe for updates when new episodes become available!

Loving this podcast? Be a good friend and leave us a five star review!

Visit www.wendyjolson.com for more fun with me, or feel free to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Twenty episodes! Yeahhh!!! On this very special episode, I interview the incomparable Michelle McKinney, the Dream Architect for her company, Dreams Unleashed. In early 2018 she left her job in the corporate world to pursue her God-given ability to help launch people into THEIR God-given purpose. Since then she has been interviewed by Jamie Ivey, Jessica Honegger, Jess Connolly, and many more. Anytime she speaks, wisdom just falls out! She is the MC for the upcoming SHINE conference hosted by Noonday Collection, and she’s just such an inspiring and amazing woman to watch.

In this episode she shares about what life looked like after her mom passed away when she was only 5 years old, and being separated from her brother soon after. She also opens up about her struggle with suicidal thoughts in her teen years. This is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Michelle is the best friend you never knew ya needed, until you met her.

Be sure to check out all that she is up to on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

And check out Dreams Unleashed for coaching, speaking engagements, meetups, and all things Michelle, which consequently, are ALL fabulous.

 

 

For more from Wendy J Olson, visit www.wendyjolson.com or follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

On this week’s episode I talk with Emily Mills, founder and Chief Ideation Officer for Jesus Said Love and Lovely Enterprises. Jesus Said Love’s sole purpose is to “extend Christ’s love and belonging to those impacted by the commercial sex industry; to awaken hope and empower change.” Emily and her husband, and partner Brett, started out as worship leaders and saw a need in Waco and rose up to meet it. Now JSL is in multiple cities, leading job training classes, and has start Lovely Enterprises to establish micro-businesses through their non-profit. (Emily and Brett still continue to make amazing music, be sure to check out that link below.)

We talk about all things social justice, which you know is my FAVORITE subject, parenting, entrepreneurship, war on women and warring FOR women, social change, and other women’s issues inside and outside the church. This is easily one of my favorite conversations! Be sure to leave us some feedback on social and tell us what you think!

www.wendyjolson.com

Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter and Pinterest!

**I planned on posting some of Emily and Brett’s music on the episode, but I’m technologically challenged, so feel free to check it out here, or search Brett and Emily Mills on Apple Music, Spotify, or wherever you stream music.

Find Emily on Instagram, and Jesus Said Love on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Visit jesussaidlove.com to find out how to get involved in your area, and don’t forget to shop Lovely Enterprises this holiday season!

 

Monica Harris is somebody you wanna know! She’s a mom, a foster to adopt mom, (hello brave lady!) a first responder’s wife, and the content creator behind Creation Refined. In this episode she shares with us her journey, raised by a single mom, estranged from her father, and what it was like the first time she met her future husband…at 13!

We delve in deep as Monica opens up about infertility and the adoption process. Monica’s story will bring healing and a sense of belonging when you realize you are not the only one with this kind of story. She is someone who loves Jesus with a passionate heart, but also loves style as much as me!

We got to collaborate on a Fall Fashion Guide for 2018! Be sure to visit my page or hers for the details on how to get that in your inbox RIGHT NOW! (links below)

And Follow Monica on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter and Facebook group, which I’m already a part of and it is fantastic!!

For more from me, Wendy J Olson, visit my website www.wendyjolson.com or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

This week’s episode is with my friend, Jenn Ahart. Jenn is former executive director of Rescue Houston, a 24/7 hotline for anyone looking to exit the sex industry. Jenn hails from Dallas, Texas, where she was raised by a single mom. Jenn’s dad signed over his rights to his daughter when she was just 3 years old, and Jenn looks back at how that played a crucial role in her life. As she found her way through some tough years, Jesus was working behind the scenes, preparing Jenn for the work she would be called to do work in the Freedom Movement, anti-sex trafficking ministry. Jenn was involved in three such ministries, partnering with Elijah Rising through Rescue Houston, and with a girls’ home in Bryan/College Station called Stillcreek Ranch.

Jenn is an Aggie, although we won’t hold that against her. She is also a mom and a wife and currently lives in Houston with her family.

Make sure you listen in to this extremely powerful story about trusting Jesus, walking in freedom, and living a fearless life.

You can connect with Jenn on Instagram!

Find more on wendyjolson.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram as well.

Leslie Poole is yet another Instagram friend I made over the summer. Like I said, I will stalk you and become your friend on the IG. Leslie is a mom, and a newly adoptive mom, a speech pathologist, a writer, and a Noonday Collection Ambassador.

In this episode, Leslie talks about the darkest day of her life, the turning point for everything that happened when she was just 12 years old, but how it turned her into the amazing person we get to hear from today.

She is currently writing a book that is under review about her life’s journey and she shares some of those details with us on this episode. Not only is her Carolina accent endearing, but her words are wisdom.

Be sure to follow Leslie on Instagram and Facebook to hear all about what is next for her new book, and of course to read more of her “flogging” (Facebook-blogging) about her journey with their newly adopted son, Freddie.

And check out www.lesliebrewerpoole.com

For more information about your host Wendy J Olson, head on over to www.wendyjolson.com