In this episode of The Commons with Karla, I am joined by the incredible Shanna Southam, a devoted wife and mother with a deep passion for advocating for her young adult children. Shanna shares her inspiring journey, revealing how she navigates challenges, leverages her strengths, and fosters a sense of community among warriors, both in her gym and in the broader context of life with advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Shanna's narrative showcases her resilience and unwavering strength, proving that while challenges may shape circumstances, they do not define. Join us as we dive into Shanna's story, drawing inspiration from her experiences and reflecting on our own strength and resilience. I hope this episode reminds you of the power within your own story.

Episode Highlights: 

●       All about Shanna 

●       Evoke Warriors- Heath & Fitness 

●       Shanna’s Family 

●       Raising children with autism & advocating for them 

●       Adoption 

●       Breast Cancer Diagnosis 

Find more on Guest:

●       Evoke Fitness website

●       Evoke Fitness on IG

●       Application for Evoke Warriors

●       Deirdre Hammon, Senior Advocate - Center for Self Determination

●       RAVE and Amplify Life

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast. 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Commons! In our regular episodes, we are privileged to hear the inspiring stories of everyday women, sharing their pivotal moments, connections, and experiences within their communities. Today, however, my dream of bringing together multiple women to explore a specific topic is becoming a reality.

I am thrilled to be joined by two remarkable women, Brooke Shay, and Stacy Fisher, each bringing her own unique story to the conversation. What binds these two beauties is a shared experience that we delve into in this episode – their Rooted Life Experience.

At the heart of our discussion is the Rooted Life Manifesto. We explore the concept that we are all created with a unique purpose, and a rooted life is one that flourishes through the integration of mind, body, heart, soul, and community. Our individual and collective stories play a crucial role in shaping our everyday lives and relationships, emphasizing the significance of understanding and reading our stories well for healing, wholeness, and living out our purpose. I hope today’s episode encourages you to pursue your purpose! 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Learn more about Brooke and Stacy

●       What is Rooted Life? 

●       Pre-work 

●       Story work 

●       Post-Groups 

●       How their relationship with themselves & God has changed 

●       Transitioning into reality post-retreat 

Links from Episode:

●       Rooted Life Website 
●       Rooted Life on IG @rootedlifeco

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to, rate, and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla! In this episode, our guest is the incredible Val Saborio, a platform software engineer based in Reno, Nevada. Beyond her coding expertise, Val is deeply passionate about knowing Jesus and spreading that passion to others. In today's episode, we explore the pivotal events and relationships that have shaped Val's journey, exploring themes of faith, prayer, meaningful conversations, mentorship, and the profound impact of community in her life. Val's story is a testament to a life fully surrendered to Jesus, revealing the inherent beauty in our ordinary, imperfect lives. Her remarkable humility and honesty serve as a guiding light, emphasizing how each of our unique narratives intersects with the larger story of God. I hope this episode will encourage you to follow your passions as well. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Learning more about Val 

●       Val’s journey with hearing loss 

●       Building community in Reno 

●       Val’s early life

●       Val’s faith and relationship with Jesus 

●       Dealing with her parent's divorce 

●       Moving to the United States from Costa Rica 

●       Starting a Prayer Ministry at Church 

●       Translating in Spanish at Church 

Find more on Guest:

●       Spiritual Authority by Dr. Rob Reimer

●       Val on IG @valesaborio_

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of The Commons with Karla, I sit down with Louise Zevan, a prayer counselor, author, and captivating storyteller. Louise shares her powerful journey of redemption and restoration, recounting her personal experience of inner healing and her subsequent training and work as a prayer counselor. Through her compelling narrative, Louise sheds light on the transformation she has witnessed in the lives of countless individuals. The conversation delves into her recent book, "Root Therapy: Short Stories of Deep Inner Healing," where she explores the profound impact of God's transformative power on the pain we endure, turning it into purpose. I hope this episode also encourages you to start the journey of inner healing. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      Getting to know Louise 

●      Louise’s early story 

●      Louise’s abusive childhood 

●      Inner Healing 

●      Mountain Light Ministries 

●      Louise’s Recent Book- Root Therapy: Short Stories of Deep Inner Healing

Find more on Guest:

●      Find Louise’s Book Here

●      mountainlightministries.org

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla, Episode 129! Today, I'm joined by Michelle Gennaro Lapp, the Southwest Mobilizer for Africa Inland Mission. Beyond her role in missions, Michelle's life is a tapestry woven with speaking, teaching, writing, and church ministry. Based in San Diego, California, Michelle shares her captivating journey, a story she delves into further in her memoir, "Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God."

Living alongside her husband and their eight combined adult children, Michelle embodies the belief that she has been comforted to be a comforter. Join me in this conversation with Michelle as we explore her experiences, her memoir, and the powerful idea that our stories can be told boldly for the glory of God. I hope this episode encourages you to tell your story boldly as well. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Getting to know Michelle 

●       Michelle’s childhood and early life 

●       Michelle’s Faith Journey

●       Michelle’s Memoir: Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God

●       Michelle’s Worst Fear Coming True 

●       Telling Your Story

Find more on Guest:

●       Miracle of Miracles by Mina Nevisa

●       Michelle’s Memoir: Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God

●       Michelle's Website

●       Michelle’s IG and Facebook

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Memory Lane Chats - use discount code SAVE50 for 50% discount until 1/8/24

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What is your family story? How can you make sure future generations know more of their own history?

Welcome back to another episode! In today's conversation, we reconnected with a previous guest, Bonnie Deach. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out episode 126 for our initial discussion, where we delved into our mutual fascination with true crime and the importance of community. During that conversation, we touched on Bonnie's deep-seated love for storytelling, and today, we're continuing that conversation.

In this episode, Bonnie elaborates on her motivation, methods, and experiences in uncovering and documenting her family's history for the benefit of future generations. Bonnie is a true enthusiast for life, history, and the art of storytelling, and her journey is bound to ignite your own curiosity. Take a moment to reflect on how you, too, can embark on the captivating journey of preserving your family's unique narrative.

Episode Highlights: 

●       Where Bonnie’s passion for preserving her family legacy 

●       Recording family members to remember their voices 

●       Bonnie’s great-grandmother’s diaries 

●       Ancestry & Family Search

●       Taking a trip down memory lane

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Memory Lane Chats - use discount code SAVE50 for 50% discount until 1/8/24

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined in conversation by Joy Smalley, a devoted wife and mother of four teenagers aged 13-17. She's deeply involved in her children's lives, homeschooling them and sharing their passions for activities like volleyball, jiu-jitsu, art, and anime. Joy is also a writer and proudly identifies as an introvert.

Today's discussion delves into community and coping with past traumas. Joy opens up about her personal experiences with trauma and its enduring effects on her faith, family, and the people around her. She offers a profound insight into her journey, chronicled in her memoir, "Abraham’s Daughter: Healing Trauma from a Childhood in Missions."

We explore the process of both writing and healing, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and maintaining a connection with one's spirituality, even in the face of life's hardships. I hope this episode encourages you to find healing and hope. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Getting to know Joy 

●       Raising teens & homeschooling 

●       Living as a missionary in Mongolia during childhood & the trauma that came with it 

●       Survival as a child

●       Signs of unresolved trauma

●       Self-harm 

●       Receiving therapy

●       Joy’s Book - Abraham’s Daughter  

●       Monica’s episodes What Defines You? and Struggling Does Not Make You a Failure

Find more on Guest:

●       Joy’s website JoySmalley.com 

●       Joy’s recent read The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis

●       Instagram @joysmalley6

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

I'm pleased to introduce our guest today, Bonnie Deach. Bonnie, a retired speech pathologist, holds a deep affection for her family, creative undertakings, and quality time spent with friends. She is actively engaged in volunteering within her community and cherishes the moments she can share with her beloved grandson. Additionally, Bonnie has a notable fascination with the realm of crime. Our conversation today delves into the true crime genre, examining what it means to be an enthusiast. We explore whether it's merely a form of entertainment, as some argue, or if there are more profound motivations and narratives behind this interest. This episode is a discussion about stories, conversations, shared passions, and much more. I hope this episode encourages you to dive into what you are passionate about! 

Episode Highlights and Mentions: 

●       Bonnie’s wonderful relationship with her grandson 

●       The genre of true crime 

●       Donating her body to science 

●       Bottom Left Drawer 

●       Bonnie’s backstory

●       Dealing with death and loss

●       Volunteering with Veterans 

●       Speech Pathology

●       OLLI classes website

●       Crime Con in Nashville 2024 

●       Bonnie’s podcast & book recommendations: 

●       The Prosecutors Podcast, Retired FBI Case Review, Generation Why, Court TV, Dateline

●       Authors - Jack Olson, Ann Rule

●       Truman Capote In Cold Blood

●       Documentaries - 9/11 

●       Best Crime Documentary Dear Zachary

●       Listen to Crystal’s episodes #9 and #62 - work with Crystal 

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Memory Lane Chats

 
Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

*Trigger Warning- This podcast episode contains discussions about miscarriage and pregnancy loss, which may be emotionally distressing for some listeners. Please exercise discretion and consider your own emotional well-being before listening.*

Did you know October is Infant and Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month? 

Today’s guest, Lauren, unfortunately, is all too familiar with the hurt and grief that comes along with the loss of multiple miscarriages. However, Lauren’s story is one of redemption and hope. Lauren, an extraordinary and courageous woman, is deeply devoted to her faith. She is married to Kyle and is the loving mother of her now three-month-old daughter, Macie. During our conversation, Lauren generously shared her personal journey, revealing how the trials she went through profoundly enriched her faith. She discovered that even in moments when she felt distant from God, He was steadfastly holding her together. We explore themes of trust, building intimate connections through adversity, and the significance of embracing our emotions, as well as the vital role of community during challenging times. If you or someone you know has experienced a similar loss, I hope that this episode will give you hope and encourage you to reach out to your community for support. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Lauren’s family 

●       Lauren’s childhood & upbringing 

●       Dealing with multiple miscarriages

●       Living through the grief and challenges of miscarriage 

●       Leaning into community

●       God is with you during the trials 

●       Seeking help to heal through counseling and community 

 Find more on Guest:

●       Lauren @_laurenriem on IG

●       Twelve 12 Ministries for resources and support

●       Episode #110: To the women experiencing Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

 Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Do you ever consider how much power your words and your thoughts have over your life? 

Today's guest, Victoria, shares with us how when she realized the impact and weight that her words had on her life- she made a conscious effort to transform them positively and shift into a more hopeful outlook on life. 

Victoria possesses a strong passion for the influence of language and the importance of following our life's purpose. She reassures us that life is too short to remain trapped in an unhappy way of living. 

During our discussion, we dive into topics such as faith, parenthood, marriage, mental health, and the importance of having an optimistic perspective toward life. I hope this episode encourages you to reframe your negative thinking and have faith that God has a great plan for your life. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       All about Victoria and her family 

●       Victoria’s faith in God

●       Changing careers

●       Mental Health 

●       Victoria’s passions

●       The power of words and positivity 

●       Being obedient to God during hard times 

Find more on Guest:

●       @itsvictoriaevans on Instagram

●       Victoria’s journal on Amazon Church Notes: Write it Down. Soak it In.

●       Victoria’s author page on Amazon - with journals for teens, recipes, and daily insights
●       Book Victoria mentions The Awe of God by John Bevere

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.