"Have you ever been in a season of confusion, doubt or pain and felt like God didn’t hold up His end of the bargain? Paula’s guest this week knows that space of heartbreak intimately. 

Grammy Award-winning music artist, season 5 “American Idol” finalist, and fellow AccessMore podcaster https://www.accessmore.com/pd/Out-of-the-Dark-with-Mandisa--Laura-Williams Mandisa joins Paula for an honest and raw conversation about wrestling with God, navigating depression and fighting through the shadows to find God’s light. 

We all know and love Mandisa’s hit song, “Overcomer,” that reached number one on the Billboard Christian Top 20. This song was written about one of her best friends and back-up singers, Kisha, who was battling breast cancer while pregnant. The anthem was personal to Mandisa, as she recalls praying with full confidence that Kisha would beat her illness. 

So when Kisha passed, ultimately unable to overcome, Mandisa’s anger towards God was overwhelming. She recalls entering into a season of deep darkness that had her questioning everything. Was God hearing her? How could this happen? Did He even exist? 

Mandisa shares with Paula how this dark place would lead her to withdraw, wrestle with God and fall into a deep depression, locking herself inside her house for nearly three years.  

But even in the darkness, she would discover that God was at work, calling her into the light. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or love someone who is, don’t miss the two lifelines that Mandisa says helped her step out of the dark – which also happens to be the title of her new book, available now - Out of the Dark. 

Mandisa also talks with Paula about the early years of pursuing her calling. Find out how she kept singing in the midst of ordinary jobs, like typing in Sunday school orders at a publishing company, and in the midst of extraordinary fears, like facing Simon Cowell on national TV. Yet another reminder that nothing is wasted when it comes to our faith and calling! 

This personal conversation covers deep topics and is a mix of heart and heavy, so a special note for those with young ears around. 

Pick up Mandisa’s new book, Out of the Dark. 

Follow Mandisa on Instagram  

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These are wild times we are all living through, ripe with conflict and confusion. No matter the personal circumstances you’re up against, we all could use a safe space to talk about the issues on our heart – a space where shame isn't allowed. 

This week’s “Faith & Calling” guest has a remarkable gift for navigating uncomfortable conversations and has become a groundbreaking change-maker in the process. Paula sits down with Emmanuel Acho, the host of the viral hit video series “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man.” He’s also a former NFL player, current Fox Sports analyst, New York Times best-selling author and even starred as host on The Bachelor’s After The Final Rose.

Emmanuel takes Paula back to the moment he was moved to step into the middle of our nation’s most-heated conversation about race in America. Hear how the combination of seeing a need, turning inward and ignoring what everyone around him called “logic” led him to turn on the camera, pick up the microphone and invite others into a long-overdue uncomfortable conversation. 

Turns out Emmanuel’s first episode of “Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man” would go viral – reaching 25 million views in just five days, catching the attention of big names like Matthew McConoughey and Oprah, who called him up to keep the conversation going. All this success and impact, he tells Paula, is directly linked to his ability to push doubt aside, channel a childlike faith and “act and think illogically.” 

And that just happens to be the message behind his new book, Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits, which hits stores today. Hear Emmauel lay out the vision and calling he felt to write this book with the reminder that our horizons are endless. Find out why he says how we talk to ourselves matters more than we know and why we need to be “dumb enough” to believe in the impossible. And if you’re feeling stuck, Emmanuel tells Paula what he thinks is often standing in the way of our ability to tap into our giftedness - and how you can uncover it, develop it and use it to change the world. 

Two words for this episode: Buckle up! 

Pick up Emmanuel’s new book, Illogical: Saying Yes to a Life Without Limits  

Watch Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man on Youtube  

Follow Emmanuel on Instagram  

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, an essential weekly newsletter for the working mom that drops every Sunday!   

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He’s a two-time national champion, Heisman Trophy winner, first-round NFL draft pick and a former professional baseball player. She’s a South African model and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Universe 2017. While on the surface a professional sports player and a pageant queen may not have a lot in common, it turns out Tim and Demi-Leigh found they share “a whole lot in purpose.” Another thing they have in common? Navigating the high-highs of their big careers and the low-lows of identity loss when the public titles fade away. For Tim, the pain of getting cut from the NFL this past year. For Demi-Leigh, turning over her crown as Miss Universe.

This episode of “Faith & Calling” is especially for anyone finding their way through the loss of a title, the sting of rejection, or the lingering frustration of life not going as planned. Basically all of us at some point. Turn this one up, because Tim and Demi-Leigh have been there too, and their stories - both individually and together - point to the truth that God can use you right where you are with what you have.

That’s also the message behind Tim’s brand new book, “Mission Possible: Go Create a Life that Counts.” Tim breaks down the difference between what he calls our macro purpose and our micro purpose. Hear how knowing both has challenged and changed his best laid plans for the better.

Did we mention yet how adorable these two are together? Having been long-distance for most of their dating life, Tim and Demi-Leigh are experts at meaningful conversations, and this one is no different! Hear how they knew with total confidence that their first date would be each of their last first dates forever and what it was like to say “I do” just months before the world shut down. Plus, Paula finds out how they keep the conversation going and their love flowing today, amidst their very full platforms - and very full house of three dogs!

Pick up Tim’s new book, Mission Possible: Go Create a Life that Counts
Learn about Tim and Demi-Leigh’s latest work with the Tim Tebow Foundation
Follow Demi-Leigh on Instagram
Follow Tim on Instagram 

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, an essential weekly newsletter for the working mom that drops every Sunday!

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From the choir of an Oklahoma church, all the way to the bright lights of Broadway, this week’s episode will have your soul singing! Paula’s guest is the incomparable Kristin Chenoweth, whom we know and love as the Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer whose rendition of “Glinda” put the mega-hit musical “Wicked” on the map.

As a child prodigy, Kristin knew her calling well before she knew how to drive. She tells Paula how her parents, who were both engineers and very into athletics (Read: not theater types) helped their daughter discover and navigate her extreme giftedness at a young age, and why she says choosing a normal childhood in lieu of early stardom was the best path for her. Hear about her big break in New York and the lessons she’s learned about giving up a sure thing for a long shot, all while discovering nothing is wasted in God’s economy.

Kristin’s latest project (out today!) is a whimsical children’s book called “What Will I Do with My Love Today”. As a child of adoption, hear why the message of the book resonates so deeply with her and how she lives it out in her everyday life. Don’t miss the best advice her Auntie G gave her years ago that’s carried her through these turbulent days we’re all living in.

It’s been a banner year for the Broadway icon, who is also planning a wedding with her fiance, musician Josh Bryant. She tells Paula all about their first date at the Waffle House. Learn the beautiful meaning behind her engagement ring and why she says she’s no longer a “runaway bride.” Paula does her best to squeeze out wedding plan details. So did the Waffle House make the shortlist for the venue? Disclaimer: This episode was not sponsored by the Waffle House but maybe it should be… IYKYK!

Learn more about Kristin’s latest events and projects by visiting her website.

Follow Kristin on Instagram 

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, an essential weekly newsletter for the working mom that drops every Sunday!   

Follow along with CARRY Media on social media: @carry_media 

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook  

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks.  

Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling” 

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This week’s episode of “Faith & Calling” has been over a year in the making – and it was well worth the wait. Paula is one-on-one with the one-and-only Tyler Perry!

You know Tyler as one of the most influential men in entertainment today. He’s a living legend with an accomplished career as a writer, actor, producer, director and the owner of Tyler Perry Studios, the largest production facility in the country. 

But what you may not know is that behind the giant success of Tyler’s media empire is one jaw-dropping life story. In this episode, Tyler tells Paula about the highs and lows of a life both scarred by abuse and saved by grace.

Learn the pivotal piece of advice he picked up from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as a young person that would heal his pain and reveal his purpose. Hear how his path from broke to billionaire was paved by hearing the audible voice of God and having an enduring faith, which he defines as “getting up to try again.” Get his best advice, as a self-taught creator, for anyone doubting they have the right experience for the calling on their heart. And discover the tried and true Bible verse he turns to when it comes to working for his dreams. Hint: it’s no shortcut. 

From dead ends to dreaming bigger, Tyler is one of the hardest working and most successful storytellers in Hollywood, with dozens of feature films, stage plays, and tv shows credited to his name – including his most famous character, Madea, who is back for “A Madea Homecoming” on NETFLIX! Paula gets the scoop on what the pandemic had to do with everybody’s favorite grandma coming out of retirement, plus what Tyler’s next big project is – and why it’s been 26 years in the making! 

“To whom much is given, much is expected” and Tyler’s life is a testament to what striving to be faithful in all circumstances looks like. If you’re looking for the encouragement to put in the work, challenge the norm, embrace the valleys and keep persevering with whatever lies before you – then consider this special conversation an open floodgate of faith and fortitude from the wildly talented Tyler Perry.

Follow Tyler on Instagram 

Check out Tyler’s latest work, including the trailer to “A Madea Homecoming” at TylerPerry.com      

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, a weekly newsletter that just launched!  

Follow along on social media: @carry_media  

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook  

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks.  

 Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling”

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This week on “Faith & Calling” Paula is talking to one of the kindest, wisest and most influential teachers out there, Max Lucado – who happens to be a best-selling author of over 40 books that have sold more than 120 million copies worldwide! Max is often referred to as “America’s Pastor” (a title he very quickly shrugs off)... and after listening to this week’s thought-provoking and hope-renewing conversation, it’s clear to see how the nickname stuck.

Paula and Max’s friendship goes way back to when Paula was at ABC. The last time they spoke, Max had just received a life-threatening diagnosis that rocked his faith with the weight of the unknown. Max catches Paula up on the amazing turn of events and how “the peace that surpasses all understanding” showed up in the midst of his mess. If you’ve grown discouraged in navigating a painful diagnosis of your own or simply the unknown that lies before you, you’re going to want to listen in to hear the bold declaration prayed over Max that led to his miraculous update.

Paula also asks Max to retrace his steps from the very beginning of both his faith journey and his calling to be a writer. Hear how he made the dramatic shift from drinking a 6-pack nearly every night to finding himself in the front row of his college’s Bible class to writing a feature in his church’s weekly bulletin – a part-time hustle would turn out to be a full-on calling.

Max’s latest book is a rerelease of one of his all-time bestsellers, “3:16 - The Numbers of Hope.” Paula asks Max to break down what led him to revise and update this book based on the Bible’s most famous verse for a new generation of readers. Spoiler: He likens it to dropping a chlorine tablet in the pool of our society (Ok. How good is that analogy? And how needed is that tablet!).

Paula and Max squeeze in time to talk about the big questions throughout this episode. What’s the purpose of it? Why is life so hard? Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s an impossible task to take on the hardest of questions while softening the hardest of hearts, but Pastor Max, with his abiding hope in the Christian faith and God’s Word, shies away from neither.

As Max puts it, our hardships can make us bitter or better. If you’re looking for the path towards better, then let this episode mark the spot.

ONLINE bible study absolutely free… starts on March 27, ends on Easter

Now with brand-new content added, one of Max’s all-time bestselling books is updated for a new generation!

Follow Max on Instagram

Check out Max’s latest release, "

This week’s episode of “Faith & Calling” is special for SO many reasons. This conversation is dropping on the day after Valentine’s Day and marks the third anniversary of the Heaven homecoming for Paula’s beloved dad. 

With love, loss and legacy being front of mind, Paula invites her adorable mom, Carol, and adoring husband, John, to join her for a memorable heart-to-heart-to-heart.

With Carol’s 53 years of marriage and Paula and John’s shared 21, this episode is packed with 74 years of highs and lows of wedded wisdom – including the pivotal advice Carol received early in her marriage that she would pass on to Paula during a particularly rocky patch. 

To make things fun, Paula gave you, her lovely listeners, an opportunity to ask about anything - and you certainly understood the assignment. From dealing with loss to fun date nights to fears about moving to Paula’s most endearing (and not-so-endearing!) habits. It’s ALL in here, friends!

We promise this episode will give you all the feels, from sentimental to silly. And don’t miss the most beautiful ending in “Faith & Calling” history. Paula’s mom is treating us to a special song on her ukelele - a belated valentine for you! Consider this chat an easy opportunity to widen your heart and your smile and be reminded that you are so, so loved.

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook 

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, a weekly newsletter that just launched!

Follow along on social media: @carry_media

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks. 

Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling”

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If you are a loyal listener of “Faith & Calling” then you know we drop new episodes every Tuesday. This Tuesday with Paula is special because she’s talking to "Tuesdays with Morrie" author - Mitch Albom! 

It’s been over 20 years since Mitch wrote about the most impactful life lessons he learned from his beloved former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was losing his battle with ALS. That book became not just a best-seller, but nourished the hearts of millions, emboldening us to truly live with the real reminder that death is waiting. 

Since then, Mitch has grown to be an internationally-renowned author, whose books have collectively sold more than 40 million copies in 47 languages worldwide. Before the acclaim of his books, Mitch was a nationally-celebrated sports journalist. With that string of success, you might think Mitch was born a writer. But that’s not how his story began. 

Hear how Mitch pursued his early dreams of music (including a piano-playing gig on the island of Crete where he became known as the local Elvis!). Learn how he navigated the crossroads of a stalled dream and an evolving calling into writing. How standing in a supermarket and saying “yes” to someone else’s need led to the beginning of what he calls his greatest reward.

If you find yourself frustrated that not all the lights are turning green for you right now, consider this a red light to stop and listen to someone who’s been there too. As Mitch says, “My whole life has been a series of things that turned out to be the best thing that happened, even though I didn’t want them right away.” 

Mitch and Paula also discuss the power of storytelling, why tragedy is often our best teacher, the inspiration behind his newest book, "The Stranger in the Lifeboat", and his hands-on humanitarian work with the Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage. This is one full episode that will leave both your heart and your head brimming with hope and possibility. 

Follow Mitch on Instagram 

Check out Mitch’s books, including his latest release, “The Stranger in the Lifeboat”

Learn more about the Have Faith Haiti Mission & Orphanage 

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, a weekly newsletter that just launched!

Follow along on social media: @carry_media

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks. 

Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling”

Subscribe & Listen to more episodes of the Podcast: Access More | Spotify | Apple

When you’re faced with a challenge, do you know the difference between just praying for it and actually believing for it? If that question makes you pause, then go ahead and press play on this week’s episode of “Faith & Calling” because the answer is here and it’s a game-changer. CeCe Winans, the best selling, most awarded female in Gospel music history, is joining Paula on this week’s episode of “Faith & Calling,” and we’ll go ahead and call it an anointed appointment because CeCe is taking us to church! 

Move the unmovable… Break the unbreakable… God we believe… God we believe for it

These lyrics are from her goosebump-inducing latest worship anthem, Believe For It, and CeCe breaks down the powerful process of praying AND believing for it. She shares how she fights back when doubt comes to mind and opens up about the most recent way she saw God “break the unbreakable” on the very day this conversation was recorded – after years of praying and believing it would come to pass. Goosebumps, again. 

While CeCe’s work has been marked by an outstanding music career, her life is also a testament that God’s calling on your life has no limits. Paula and CeCe retrace her early gospel roots, her life-long reluctance to be in front of people (God has a great sense of humor), and how a word from God – against her plans to sell her house and move to California – led CeCe and her husband, Alvin, to become founding pastors of Nashville Life Church in 2012. 

CeCe also takes a moment with Paula to remember the late Whitney Houston, whom she called both her best friend and her sister, with next month marking 10 years since Whitney’s passing. Hear how their friendship continues to impact and carry CeCe today, how Whitney stood up for Cece, and why CeCe was Whitney's safe place.                                    

Follow CeCe on Instagram

Watch the making of her latest single, Believe For It, on YouTube

Learn more about CeCe’s church, Nashville Life Church

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, a weekly newsletter that just launched!

Follow along on social media: @carry_media

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks.

Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling"

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What happens when you have a finance degree but find yourself bankrupt? 

That happened to this week's guest. He wound up studying "God's and grandma's ways" of handling money, got out of debt and journeyed onto a powerful path that would help MILLIONS of people change their financial futures. Talk about falling into your calling!

Paula is joined in this episode of “Faith & Calling” by Dave Ramsey – finance personality, radio show host, best-selling author, and businessman – for a don’t-miss conversation on how losing everything opened up a highway of healing for himself, his family, his community – and now millions of Americans. 

But it didn’t happen overnight. As Dave tells Paula, sometimes you do nine things wrong and one thing right. But day-by-day and with the light shining in, that one right thing can turn into your life’s greatest work. 

Find out why being an Enneagram 8 (read: a challenger!) was a catalyst for writing his latest book, Baby Steps Millionaires – and learn the surprising trait he discovered the majority of millionaires today share. Do you have it, too? 

If you’re looking for hope or just help in building your financial confidence in 2022, Dave has a promising message for you: despite any of your dire past circumstances, ANYONE can build wealth. Whether you need advice on how to get started, how to take your next step, or how to connect with the deeper WHY behind it all, you’ll find it here – along with Dave’s hot take on Crypto and NFTs!

Let’s just say expect a big return from investing your time listening to this week’s straightforward, practical, and lively conversation with the one and only, Dave Ramsey!

Follow Dave on Instagram

Check out Dave’s latest book, Baby Steps Millionaires

Learn more about Paula’s new company CARRY Media™ and sign up for CARRY™ ALL, a weekly newsletter launching in January!

Follow along on social media: @carry_media

Connect with Paula & share what you are feeling called to in this season of your life: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook 

Sign up for Paula’s new and improved newsletter to get a message from her every two weeks.

Order Paula’s Book - “Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True Calling”

Subscribe & Listen to more episodes of the Podcast: Access More | Spotify | Apple