Spark Directory

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, host Doris Swift sits down with Kate Battistelli—author, speaker, and one of the hosts of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. Kate shares her powerful story of stepping from a career in theater and the New York Broadway scene into an unexpected life of faith, family, and purpose after coming to know Christ at the age of 29.

Together, Doris and Kate explore what it means to step into unknown seasons—such as the empty nest—and discover new meaning and purpose beyond motherhood. Kate reflects on her journey, from being a Broadway understudy to embracing roles as a mother to the award-winning Christian music artist, Francesca Battistelli, grandmother to 7, wife, and writer, all while encouraging women to boldly obey God’s call, even if it means venturing outside their comfort zones.

We’re talking about her career in theater opposite a well-known actor, how she met her hubby, their sweet salvation story, and how God has amazing plans and a powerful purpose for each of our lives.

You’ll also hear practical tips for navigating life transitions, building strong marriages, mentoring the next generation, and saying “yes” to unexpected challenges—whether it’s writing a book, starting a podcast, or simply volunteering.

Stick around until the end for a special offer from Kate, and get ready to be inspired to step out where your passion, compassion, and conviction intersect!

00:00 “Writer, Podcaster, Former Actress”

04:20 Exciting Stories and New Offers

10:25 From Understudy to Leading Role

12:45 “Unexpected Encounter at Holiness Church”

14:35 “Life-Changing Divine Calling”

20:30 Faithful Obedience and Calling

22:12 Redefining Life After Parenting

25:44 “Preparing for Future Goals”

28:20 Prioritize Relationship Over Parenting

31:31 Finding Purpose Beyond Motherhood

34:32 Pray for Prodigal Children’s Return

38:02 Impact Through Obedience

42:06 “Join, Share, and Connect”

You can connect with Kate at katebattistelli.com where you’ll find her books, social media links, podcast, blog, and even some amazing recipes!

Plus, If you’d like to read the introduction and the first chapter of The Afterparty of the Empty Nest for free, just text: afterparty (all one word with no spaces), to 44144. And you’ll get a couple of other fun goodies as we

Welcome to Stories from America – Live from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, a special Conversations with Christians Engaged podcast series featuring powerful testimonies from Christian leaders across the nation.

In this first episode, Bunni Pounds sits down with Misty Phillip—COO of Trilogy Works, founder of Spark Media, and author of the brand-new book Spark Your Influence.

From leaving a corporate career to launching a ministry platform that empowers Christian communicators, Misty’s journey is full of wisdom, humility, and boldness. Whether you’re a young mom, a seasoned leader, or in a season of transition, this conversation will encourage you to walk in your God-given calling—right where you are.

Be inspired to embrace your purpose, lead with boldness, and let God spark your influence in every area of life.

Subscribe to our channel for weekly episodes of Conversations with Christians Engaged as we inspire you to pray, vote, and engage with biblical clarity and conviction.

We exist to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ to:

• ​PRAY for our nation and elected officials regularly
• ​VOTE in every local, state, and national election to impact our culture
• ​ENGAGE our hearts in civic education or involvement for the well-being of our local communities and our nation

Learn more about Christians Engaged: christiansengaged.orgSupport our mission: christiansengaged.org/donateTake the Pledge to PRAY, VOTE, & ENGAGE: christiansengaged.org/pledge

#StoriesFromAmerica #ChristiansEngaged #SparkYourInfluence #NRB2025 #PrayVoteEngage #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndCulture #ChristianPodcast

Welcome to a new season of the Fearless and Free podcast! In this episode, host Dana Grindal challenges us to consider whether we’re living on God’s timeline or our own. Drawing from her personal journey and biblical wisdom, Dana unpacks the idea of time as a gift from God—one that we’re called to steward intentionally and purposefully.
You’ll hear insights on how God is sovereign over time, how outside voices can hijack our schedules, and practical ways to align your days with God’s purposes. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or behind, this episode will encourage you that it’s never too late—God can multiply and redeem your time. Step into your calling, fearless and free!

Outline:
(00:02) Redeemed Time Through Faith
(04:05) "Divine Time and Seasons"
(07:51) "Making the Most of Time"
(10:25) "Discovering Purpose in Time Management"
(14:48) "The Enemy's Lies"
(19:59) "Guided by Faith, Not Media"
(21:10) "Challenge of 'No Time' Mindset"
(25:48) "Reclaiming Time Through Spiritual Guidance"
(27:40) Morning Prayer: Ask, Listen, Meditate
(33:28) "Praying for God's Will"
(36:11) "Inner Healing and Time Management"
(40:27) Prayer for Guidance and Trust

Insights/Recommendation:
Words Shape Our Reality
True stewardship of time means intentionally asking God for His priorities
Time as a Divine Gift
It’s never “too late” or “not enough time” when God is part of your story

About The Host:
Dana Grindal is the dynamic host of the "Fearless and Free" podcast, where she promotes a holistic approach to healing and wholeness, encompassing spirit, soul, and body. As the founder of Whitestone Ministries International, Dana is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for Christians to connect and embrace the abundant life offered by Christ. Her mission is to challenge believers to live fearlessly, tapping into the full potential of their faith. After a brief hiatus, Dana is eager to re-engage with her audience, bringing fresh insights and updates to the new season of her inspiring podcast.

fearlessandfreecommunity.com

danagrindal.com

How can we respond to suicide grief?

In today’s powerful episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with bestselling author Tracie Peterson—affectionately known as the queen of historical fiction—to explore the complicated and often unspoken aspects of suicide grief.

Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research for her latest novel, Tracie opens up about why she chose to address suicide in her fiction and how storytelling can offer a gentle, healing space for those processing loss. Together, Tina and Tracie discuss the stigma and secrecy historically surrounding suicide, the different ways people move through grief, and the vital importance of finding safe, supportive communities—whether that means close friends, faith leaders, or professional counselors.

Tune in to find both comfort and practical insight as we break the silence, shed shame, and highlight the biblical and scientific truths that can help us respond compassionately to those grieving after suicide. Whether you’re in the midst of loss yourself or seeking to better support loved ones, this episode offers hope and understanding for a journey that is never meant to be walked alone.

Here are some key takeaways from this episode:

• The Power of Story: Fiction offers a safe space to process hard emotions and see your experiences reflected, sometimes helping you take steps toward healing when you're not ready for counseling or direct conversations.
• The Weight of Stigma: Historically and today, many cultures surround suicide with secrecy and shame—which only compounds the pain for those left behind. Tracie’s work addresses these silences and offers a message of compassion and biblical hope.
• A Safe Place for Grief: Healing often begins by seeking “safe people”—those you can trust with your vulnerability, such as mature faith leaders, therapists, or supportive friends. It’s okay if your journey looks different from others—there’s no timeline for grief.
• Moving Forward: You may never get over the loss, but you can get through it. God’s love is deeper than our pain, and nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8).
• How We Can Help: If you’re walking alongside someone grieving a suicide, simply being present—without trying to “fix” their pain or rush their process—makes a vital difference. And above all, pray continually for comfort and healing.

Dial 988 to access the Suicide & Crisis Hotline.

If you’d like to read Tracie’s new Hope of Cheyenne series, starting with A Constant Love, you can find more at traciepeterson.com.

We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

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