The Fresh Start Podcast

What do you do when it seems everything in your life is unraveling? We've all had those "Now what?" moments in life. Author DK Kang experienced this with his wife's health crisis and the loss of his job at the same time. He has taken the tools he used to get through this difficult time and written a wonderful book to encourage anyone else who finds themselves needing a fresh start. 

ABOUT DK KANG:

DK Kang is an author, life learner, and wellness advocate who helps people build strength—physically, mentally, and spiritually—through discipline and daily action. After walking through his wife’s cancer battle, job loss, and financial hardship, DK now shares practical tools for turning setbacks into fuel for health, healing, and personal growth. In 2024, DK published the book, Mindset Metamorphosis: A practical and transformative guide in mastering your mind for growth and success.

Website:

www.dkkang.com

Mindset Metamorphosis:

Amazon.com: Mindset Metamorphosis: A practical and transformative guide in mastering your mind for growth and success: 9798336884586: Kang, DK: Books

The Kimchi Connection Cookbook:

Amazon.com: The Kimchi Connection Cookbook: Integrating Kimchi into Every Dish (Fusion Series): 9798327344563: Kang, Dae Kyu: Books

Enneagram Prompts

A core Enneagram principle is integration of head, heart, and body. This in many ways parallels what we have heard from DK today. 

1. Thinking (Intellectual Exploration)
 Let’s notice our thoughts as we face setbacks.
 Ask: “What story are we telling ourselves about this challenge or transition? Are our perspectives limited, or can we open ourselves to new possibilities?”

2. Feeling (Emotional Connection)
 Let’s pause together and check in with our emotions.
 Ask: “What emotions are we experiencing right now? How might grief, hope, or motivation be showing up for us—maybe even at the same time?”

3. Doing (Action & Application)
 Let’s consciously reframe our responses with more nuance.
 Ask: “What action could embody both self-compassion and courage as we begin again? How can we use our strengths, values, faith, or wellness practices to move forward together?”

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

We are back from our summer break and coming in hot with some HOT TOPICS! So much is going on in the world right now and there is no one we’d rather discuss it all with than our friend, Melissa Jackson.

Join us today as we discuss the rapture, Charlie Kirk, Tylenol, the trend of disbelief in science and more.

OUR GUEST:

Melissa Jackson is a strategic marketing manager, brand developer, and website creator. She works for the General Council on Finance and Administration for the United Methodist Church as their marketing services manager. She is currently in training to be a spiritual director. She loves to write, read, vacation with her husband and two daughters, fish, play board games and listen to her vinyl collection. 

For information on the GAMG 2026 Retreat: https://godandmygirlfriendsministries.org/retreats  

or email us at: [email protected] 

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share on your favorite listening platform!

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

If you're a corporate woman feeling stuck in your career, this episode is for you.

Our guest today, Rosie Zilinskas, a 30-year corporate veteran, is here to reveal powerful principles to help you unlock your leadership potential and advance in your career.

Rosie's mission is clear: eradicate the gender gap by empowering women in their careers.

ABOUT ROSIE:

Rosie Zilinskas is a Certified High-Performance Coach, Kolbe Certified Consultant, and former Executive Vice President with over three decades of corporate leadership experience in the insurance industry.

As the founder of No Woman Left Behind, Rosie helps high-performing, mid-career women rise into the leadership roles they deserve—without waiting to be chosen.

Through her Promotion Readiness Roadmap, her free Promotion Readiness Quiz, and her top-rated podcast, Rosie provides not just advice—but a proven pathway to career transformation.

Rosie’s Website: https://nowomanleftbehind.com

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/RosieCareerCoaching

Get Rosie’s Career Readiness Checklist: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/6526f787b315de001400d1e0

TOPICS COVERED:

1. Promotion Readiness Roadmap
2. How limiting beliefs can hold you back 
3. How to know it’s time to change jobs
4. The importance of a good resume writer
5. The difference in men and women in pursuing a career
6. The Story Vault process
7. Do you need cover letters?
8. How do you negotiate pay and how to get around the gender pay gap?
9. How does coaching and community help in this process?

Find out Enneagram prompts related to this topic on our website:

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

As part of your career search, you may want to understand how can the iEQ9 be utilized as an effective tool for life’s changes. Stacey is a great resource for iEQ9 coaching and her linktree has a connection to her site:

• Understand your motivations and how they influence your career choices.
• Recognize patterns—both helpful and limiting—so you can make intentional changes.
• Leverage your strengths and address blind spots as you navigate transitions.
• Communicate more effectively with colleagues and mentors by appreciating diverse perspectives.

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

If you have been wondering how so many evangelicals have embraced Donald Trump as their leader, this episode is for you!  In this episode we are pleased to introduce Amy Hawk, author of The Judas Effect: How Evangelicals Betrayed Jesus for Power. We discuss her current and future view of the evangelical church, the intersection of religion and politics, and how authentic spirituality sometimes leads Christians away from traditional / fundamentalist spaces. Once free from the challenges of a politicized and dualistic faith, how do we steward our freedom? 

ABOUT AMY:

In 2016, Amy Hawk was a hyper-patriotic, Jesus-loving, white, evangelical, church-attending, and ministry-leading wife and mom living in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. She came into the election determined to vote Republican, but when she saw the video of Donald Trump mocking a disabled journalist, she hurled herself off the Trump train and never looked back. Shunned by some in her conservative evangelical community, her world was shattered and her faith tested as she was forced to reevaluate the Christian institutions she devoted her life to. Disoriented and confused by the church’s embrace of a man who is the antithesis of Jesus, Hawk turned to the Scriptures for answers. Her journaling with God turned into a book, titled, THE JUDAS EFFECT: HOW EVANGELICALS BETRAYED JESUS FOR POWER.

Amy has written two books, she also has a background in broadcast journalism and in teaching Bible Studies. . . she is a YouTuber and writer at amyhawk.com 

Buy her book here: Amazon link

Connect with Amy:  Her Instagram        Her YouTube Channel

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

• How Amy found evangelicalism and became involved:
• Seeing the spiritual alliance between Trump and the evangelical church:
• What happened to Amy when she began voicing her concerns within her church community:
• What symptoms of corruption do we see in the evangelical church today?
• What can we learn by listening to the voices of marginalized people of faith?
• How do you navigate this polarized landscape?
• How Amy stays hopeful.

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

Today, we’re honored to welcome Tina Mitchell Wilkins—a celebrated Texas-based performer, acclaimed songwriter, and the inspiring force behind the Spirit is Ageless global movement. Tina is not only a dynamic artist. Join us as we learn more about her journey of music, personal growth, and the power of ageless spirit.

About Tina:

Tina Mitchell Wilkins is a soulful performer, writer, and creative force based in the Texas Hill Country.

Her musical journey began with chapters in Los Angeles and Nashville, where she was a sought-after session and stage singer. Over time, Tina developed a signature songwriting style-honest, poetic, and deeply attuned to the beauty of everyday life. She has released six solo albums, including Moonflowers (2016) and Night Jasmine (2018)

Beyond her music, Tina is the visionary behind Spirit is Ageless-a global movement and annual festival created to inspire women to embrace their soulful power and radiant authenticity at every age. What began with a song gifted to her in 2015 has blossomed into gatherings, retreats, art, and sisterhood.

In May 2025, Tina completed her Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation, deepening her passion for helping others awaken to their intrinsic wholeness and timeless essence.

Tina’s Website: https://www.tinamitchellwilkins.com

Find Tina on Spotify: Tina Mitchell Wilkins - Spotify 

Spirit is Ageless on Facebook: www.facebook.com/spiritisageless 

Topics discussed:

• Making a Fresh Start in Austin
• The Story of Spirit is Ageless - a movement of connection and belonging
• Tina’s graduation- after 2 years of “putting her heart and soul” into her degree program
• The power of presence in her life
• Kabbalah - “unconditional presence, and just being with who you’re with.”

Enneagram Prompts

Thinking Prompt (Intellectual Exploration): How might reflecting on the idea that ‘spirit is ageless’ influence how you focus your thoughts?

Feeling Prompt (Emotional Connection): Can you recall a time when you felt an emotional draw toward being present with yourself? What emotions did that experience bring up for you?

Action Prompt (Application): What is one step you could take this week to pause and tune in to being present?

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Join our Facebook group: Here

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Watch us on YouTube: Here

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

What do you do after a betrayal? How do you regain your trust?

This week, we continue our conversation with Lauren Cibene, author of "Tiger in a Lifeboat: Discovering India, Deconstructing Faith, and Deciding to Trust Again"

This story tracks Lauren's external journey through India as a backdrop to her internal journey through faith deconstruction, trauma healing, and relearning how to build trust in a broken world.

About Lauren:

Equal parts doubter and believer, Lauren Cibene explores the messy middle of faith, hope, and humanity through writing. Her work embraces life’s big questions with courage and candor, creating space for readers to find their own stories within hers.

By day, Lauren crafts marketing copy that converts; by night, she pens essays on Substack, where thoughtful conversations about faith, creativity, and resilience unfold.

Website: https://laurencibene.com

Lauren's Substack: https://laurencibene.substack.com/

Topics discussed in this episode:

--What does is mean to be a “bridge” person? And how do you do that?

--How travel can change our preconceived notions about other people and cultures.

--How understanding someone’s story helps you understand their perspectives.

--Why some people find it easy to dismiss people on the bottom of society.

--How to find a post-evangelical church - hint: check out https://www.postevangelicalcollective.org/

--Why telling our story can impact others in big ways.

Enneagram Prompts: 

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
How does your worldview help you understand how you cope with uncertainty or loss of trust?

Consider: What mental patterns or narratives does your type default to when your worldview is shaken?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
There is a tension between the life you’re living and the life you want. How does your Enneagram type experience and process this emotional tension?

What feelings arise when you’re caught between old beliefs and new possibilities?

Doing (Action & Application):
Relinquishing a false sense of control is a step toward healing and rebuilding trust. What is one practical way you can practice letting go of control this week—in relationships, faith, or self-expectations?

How might this small act open space for trust to grow?

Link to Marcia’s chicken fajita marinade here: https://marciaramirez.substack.com/p/losing-our-christian-compass

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

This week we talk with author, Lauren Cibene about her new book and debut memoir, Tiger in a Lifeboat: Discovering India, Deconstructing Faith, and Deciding to Trust Again.

This story tracks Lauren's external journey through India as a backdrop to her internal journey through faith deconstruction, trauma healing, and relearning how to build trust in a broken world.

About Lauren:

Equal parts doubter and believer, Lauren Cibene explores the messy middle of faith, hope, and humanity through writing. Her work embraces life’s big questions with courage and candor, creating space for readers to find their own stories within hers.

By day, Lauren crafts marketing copy that converts; by night, she pens essays on Substack, where thoughtful conversations about faith, creativity, and resilience unfold.

Website: https://laurencibene.com

Enneagram Prompts: 

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
How does your worldview help you understand how you cope with uncertainty or loss of trust?

Consider: What mental patterns or narratives does your type default to when your worldview is shaken?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
There is a tension between the life you’re living and the life you want. How does your Enneagram type experience and process this emotional tension?

What feelings arise when you’re caught between old beliefs and new possibilities?

Doing (Action & Application):
Relinquishing a false sense of control is a step toward healing and rebuilding trust. What is one practical way you can practice letting go of control this week—in relationships, faith, or self-expectations?

How might this small act open space for trust to grow?

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Learn about segmentation

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

Welcome to today’s episode! We’re honored to have Jodi Rose Gonzales of Jodi Rose Studio and the irose podcast joining us for an inspiring conversation. Together, we’ll explore how the Hero’s Journey and neuroscience intersect to help us access our own inner wisdom and make powerful fresh starts in life. Jodi will share how our repeated thoughts create neural pathways, how art-based mindfulness can help us rewire our brains, and why the guidance we seek is most powerful when it comes from within. Whether you’re facing change or simply looking to deepen your self-acceptance, this episode will inspire you to see creativity as your compass home.

ABOUT JODI:

In a world hungry for wholeness, Jodi Rose Gonzales reminds us that creativity is our birthright, and healing is always possible. She's a self-described "girl in the woods" and fifth-generation homesteader, also recognized as a Top Artist, Empowered Woman, and Global Impact Artist by Marquis Who's Who in America and the International Association of Top Professionals. Through art therapy, mindful movement, and nature-based practices, Jodi weaves together visual art, therapeutic wisdom, and embodied wellness. Bringing a spirit that both grounds and elevates, Jodi proves that transformation isn't just possible—it's an art form.

Find out more on her site: https://www.jodirosestudio.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jodirose.studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodirose.studio

Jodi's podcast: https://www.jodirosestudio.com/blog

Download free art prompts: https://www.jodirosestudio.com/free-art-prompts

This free pdf download offers an introduction to art-based mindfulness, and 30 free art prompt designed to help listeners break through creative block and establish a nourishing creative practice.

Enneagram Prompts: The Hero’s Journey Within

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
Reflect on a challenge or “call to adventure” you’ve experienced recently. What limiting belief or old narrative might you need to re-examine in order to cross your personal threshold?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
Notice what emotions come up as you consider leaving your comfort zone. Where do you feel excitement, fear, or hope as you imagine embracing a new path or beginning?

Doing (Action & Application):
What is one small, courageous step you can take this week to move forward on your Hero’s Journey? Find a creative resource (art, journaling, mindfulness practice) to help you listen to your inner wisdom and support your next step.

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re excited to sit down with Corinne Auman, founder of Choice Care Navigators and author of the groundbreaking book Keenagers: Telling A New Story About Aging. Corinne is a trailblazer in the field of aging, passionate about redefining how we see and experience older adulthood. She believes aging is not a period of decline, but an opportunity for growth, resilience, and renewed purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to plan for a meaningful future, challenge ageism, and discover fresh starts at any stage of life.

About Corinne:

Meet Corinne Auman, a trailblazer in the field of aging and founder of Choice Care Navigators, a company dedicated to helping families navigate the aging process. Corinne is dedicated to fostering personal growth, resilience, and authentic living at every age. With a background in psychology, Corinne's passion lies in reshaping how we perceive older adulthood, a vision she beautifully encapsulates in her groundbreaking book, "Keenagers."

"Keenagers," released in June 2023, challenges conventional notions of aging, emphasizing that 55-80 years old is an extended middle adulthood, not a decline. It's a guide to life planning, not just financial planning, addressing the crucial question of finding purpose and meaning in the post-retirement phase.

Corinne is on a mission to change the conversation around aging. In a culture where many avoid thinking about older adulthood until the last minute, she urges us to embrace aging in a positive light. Corinne's success is not only in authoring "Keenagers" but also in running a thriving company that addresses critical pain points in care management. Her goals align with her book's message – to discuss ageism, changing perspectives, and bringing attention to the topic.

Find Corinne’s book, Keenagers, here: https://amzn.to/3Y6bmqP

Keenagers: Telling a New Story about Aging.

Her website: Corinne Auman's Website

IG: https://www.instagram.com/keenagersbook/

Enneagram Prompts: Healthy Aging and New Stories

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
What belief or stereotype about aging have you accepted without question? How might learning more about true aging challenge and expand your perspective?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
When you imagine yourself or loved ones growing older, what emotions come up? How can you foster a sense of curiosity and possibility around the aging process?

Doing (Action & Application):
What’s one lifestyle choice or daily practice you can start today to support healthy aging for yourself or someone you care about? Seek out a conversation, book, or activity that reframes aging in a positive light.

Podcast Outro

Thank you for joining us and Corinne Auman in today’s inspiring conversation about embracing aging with positivity and intention. We hope you’re encouraged to see aging as an extended opportunity for personal growth, connection, and thriving. Remember, the story you tell yourself about aging can shape your journey—so choose to make it a courageous, authentic, and uplifting one. Stay curious, keep growing, and celebrate every chapter of your life.

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org 

In Episode Seven, Marcia and Stacey discuss some of their favorites moments from the podcast so far, as well as how they both have changed their approach to celebrating Easter and how they find the Enneagram helpful these days.

Here are short recaps for Episodes 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Fresh Start Podcast with Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, based on the content you provided:

Episode 3: Making a Fresh Start as an Activist — V.L. Cox

Renowned artist and activist V.L. Cox joins the podcast to share her journey at the intersection of art and activism. We hear about her impactful "End Hate" project and her fight for human rights and equality, as well as strategies for anyone wanting to take bold steps toward change in today’s complex social landscape. 

Episode 4: Faith, Family, and the Power of Redefinition — Staci Frenes

Singer/songwriter, author, and advocate Staci Frenes offers an honest look at embracing her daughter’s LGBTQ+ identity while redefining her Christian faith. This heartfelt episode explores acceptance, authenticity, and the courage to re-examine deeply held beliefs, showing how beauty and grace can be found in every chapter of life. Staci’s story and her gift for storytelling will resonate with anyone on a journey of love and spiritual growth.

Episode 5: Reinventing Success and Following Your Passion — James Casto

James Casto shares his remarkable transformation from corporate leader to respected songwriter and founder of the acclaimed HOME BY DARK concert series. 

Episode 6: Saying Yes to Change at Any Age — Angela Litwiler

Angela Litwiler, a self-described former "change avoider," explains how she became a “change adorer” through life and career transitions, international moves, and ongoing learning—proving it’s never too late for a fresh start. Her story is an inspiring reminder that with openness and courage, we can embrace new possibilities at any stage of life and in any location.

Season Highlights Recap:
This season celebrates voices who embrace fresh starts in activism, faith, creativity, and personal reinvention. Each episode offers stories and wisdom to inspire listeners to courageously face change, redefine their journey, and write the next chapter with purpose and hope.

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Learn about segmentation

Support the show

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org