This week on The Ordinary Brave, I sit down with Lisa Uhrik, co-owner of Plenty Downtown Bookshop, to talk about business, community, and a unique opportunity that's putting our town on the map.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the National Constitution Center selected Cookeville as one of the pilot communities for its Constitutional Cohorts initiative. Hosted by Plenty, these gatherings bring neighbors together to read, discuss, and better understand the U.S. Constitution through thoughtful conversation and civic engagement.

I love seeing local businesses partner with our community in meaningful ways. When businesses become gathering places for learning, connection, and civic involvement, our entire city benefits.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Lisa about entrepreneurship, community partnerships, and why Cookeville was chosen for this exciting initiative.

🎙️ Listen now!

#TheOrdinaryBrave #FaithFamilyCommunity #Cookeville #America250 #Constitution CivicEngagement SupportLocal CommunityLeadership

What does it really mean to advance freedom, reduce government overreach, and empower local communities?

In this episode of The Ordinary Brave, I sit down with the Upper Cumberland Director of Americans for Prosperity for a thoughtful conversation about the issues shaping our communities and the role citizens can play in making a difference.

Whether you're passionate about public policy, civic engagement, or simply want to better understand the conversations happening across Tennessee, I think you'll enjoy this one.

Listen in, and let me know what stood out to you most!

#TheOrdinaryBrave #FaithFamilyCommunity #Podcast #UpperCumberland #CivicEngagement #Leadership #CommunityConversations

As a homeschooling mom, this conversation was especially meaningful to me.

I recently sat down with Darrin Crockett, director of Daniel 1 Academy, to talk about homeschooling, the role of an umbrella school, and how families are being supported and encouraged throughout their homeschool journey.

Whether you're a seasoned homeschool family, just beginning to explore homeschooling, or simply curious about how it all works, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. We discuss the freedoms, responsibilities, and blessings of educating our children, as well as the community that makes homeschooling such a rewarding experience.

I'm thankful for leaders like Darrin who invest in families and help parents confidently educate the next generation.

I hope you'll tune in, and if homeschooling has impacted your family, I'd love to hear your story in the comments!

#theordinarybrave #podcast #homeschool #homeschool life #daniel1

I sat down with Diane Roland, founder and director of Next Step, a ministry right here in Cookeville that is changing the lives of individuals struggling with addiction and bringing hope and healing to them and their families.

As we talked, I was reminded that every person has a story, every life has value, and that restoration is always possible. Diane shared the heart behind Next Step, the challenges so many families face, and the incredible transformations that happen when people are given hope, support, and the opportunity for a fresh start.

I'm grateful for leaders like Diane who have dedicated their lives to serving others and making our community stronger.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch this conversation. I believe you'll be encouraged and inspired by what God is doing through Next Step. #theordinarybrave #podcast #theordinarybrave #nextstep

Home is more than four walls—it's a place where families can build a future.

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Kasey McCarty, Director of Development for Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, to talk about the incredible impact Habitat is making across our region. First off, she is delightful to chat with but, we discussed how homeownership changes lives, the importance of community partnerships, and the many ways volunteers, donors, and local families come together to make the dream of homeownership a reality.

I left this conversation with an even greater appreciation for the work Habitat for Humanity does to strengthen families and our communities.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch our conversation. Whether you're looking for a way to serve, support a great mission, or simply learn more about the work happening here in the Upper Cumberland, I think you'll be encouraged!

#podcast #theordinarybrave #habitatforhumanity#uppercumberland

Twenty years of marriage. ❤️

While celebrating our 20th anniversary in the Dominican Republic, my husband and I sat down to have an honest conversation about what we've learned over two decades together.

Marriage isn't about perfection…it's about choosing each other through every season. We've experienced joy, challenges, growth, and countless lessons along the way, and we're sharing some of the things that have helped strengthen our relationship.

Whether you've been married for 20 years, 20 months, or you're hoping to be one day, we pray this conversation encourages you.

Take a listen, and let us know what lessons marriage has taught you over the years. We'd love to hear your thoughts! ❤️ Please follow my page, like, and share with others. #faithfamilycommunity #theordinarybrave #podcast #marriage

In this episode, we sit down with Cookeville City Councilman Ali Bagci to hear the story behind his life of service…From his military background to his decision to serve the people of Cookeville on city council.

We also talk about his family’s unique connection to Star Wars.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership often begins with a

heart to serve others.

🎙️ Listen now. Like. Share. Follow.

#CookevilleCityCouncil #MilitaryService #faithfamilycommunity #Podcast #theordinarybrave

In this episode, I sit down with Elizabeth Bucher again, the interim director of Hope Adoption Agency, to talk about the heart behind adoption, serving birth moms and families, and the real needs facing adoptive families today.

We also discuss practical ways our community can step in to support—whether through prayer, resources, encouragement, advocacy, or simply showing up for families walking the adoption journey. ❤️

This conversation is inspiring, informative, and a powerful reminder that every child deserves hope and belonging.

🎙️ New episode streaming now. Like. Share. Follow.

#Adoption #HopeAdoptionAgency #faithfamilycommunity #theordinarybrave #podcast

Their journey to becoming a family stretched across countries, oceans, paperwork, waiting, prayers, and hope.

In this week’s podcast, Elizabeth Bucher shares the story of traveling to South Korea to bring their son home.

It’s a story about love, faith, and the incredible reality that family is built by far more than geography. ❤️

🎧 Listen now. Like. Share. Follow

#theordinarybrave #podcast #adoption #hopeadoptionagency #faithfamilycommunity

No parent should ever have to walk through the loss of a child.

In this powerful episode, Candi Sparks shares the heartbreaking story of losing her daughter, Grace Ann, to coercive suicide connected to online manipulation.

But through unimaginable grief, Candi chose to fight for awareness, for parents, and for change. We also discuss the legislation passed in Grace Ann’s honor and why every family needs to be paying attention to what our children are facing online today.

This conversation is emotional, eye-opening, and deeply important.

🎙️ New episode streaming now. Like, share and follow!

#Podcast #Parenting #OnlineSafety #theordinarybrave #MentalHealthAwareness #faithfamilycommunity