The RISE Experience

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Have you ever found yourself stuck rewriting the same email or redoing a project until it feels “just right”? That quiet pull toward perfection might not be about fear—it might be about trying to feel enough.

Welcome to The Rise Experience Podcast, where faith meets leadership and growth begins from within. I’m Shannon Denniston, and my heart is to walk alongside growth-minded leaders who want to rise with integrity, courage, and compassion. Together, we explore how lasting impact starts by leading ourselves well—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

Episode Highlights

Perfectionism often looks like striving for excellence, but underneath, it can be a quiet attempt to feel worthy or safe. I talk about how the brain reacts to success and failure, creating patterns that keep us chasing validation instead of peace. There’s also a closer look at those subtle “workarounds” we use, like procrastination or overplanning, to protect ourselves from discomfort. By learning to notice these habits, take small, direct actions, and practice self-compassion, it becomes easier to move forward without the constant pressure to be perfect.

Main Takeaways

• Perfectionism often stems from inadequacy, not fear—it’s the brain’s way of seeking safety and worth.
• The dopamine rush from success and stress response from failure keep us trapped in a reward-punishment cycle.
• “Workarounds” like procrastination or overplanning are forms of self-protection, not laziness.
• Worth is inherent and unchanging—it’s not tied to performance or productivity.
• Progress happens when we choose direct, imperfect action over endless tweaking.
• Faith reframes perfectionism: God delights in our obedience, not our performance.
• Self-compassion and vulnerability create space for real growth and connection.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 The Hidden Side of Perfectionism

02:35 Perfectionism and Self-Worth

04:13 Workarounds and Self-Protection

08:31 Reflecting on Perfectionism

09:36 Resetting the Mindset

11:30 Steps to Break the Loop

13:18 Embracing Presence Over Perfection

Call to Action

If this message spoke to you, share it with someone who’s caught in the pressure to be perfect. Let’s keep rising together in faith and freedom. Make sure to follow The Rise Experience Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
• Business: https://msha.ke/shanden
• Coaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon
  
  
  

Thank you for tuning in today. My prayer is that this episode helps lift the weight of perfection and reminds you that peace doesn’t come from getting it right — it comes from being rooted in truth. See you next time on The Rise Experience Podcast.

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We all stumble sometimes — but what if those moments weren’t failures at all, but chances to rise stronger?

Welcome to The Rise Experience Podcast, where faith meets leadership and growth begins from within. I’m Shannon Denniston, and my mission is to help growth-minded leaders rise with integrity, courage, and heart — creating real impact that starts on the inside.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I talk about the importance of resilience over perfection. I share how small stumbles can become stepping stones when we shift from shame to strategy. You’ll also learn the “Rise Again Rhythm” — a five-minute reset process designed to help you recover quickly, stay consistent, and build a culture of honest problem-solving.

Main Takeaways

• Consistency isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up 24 days out of 30 and not quitting when things go wrong.
• Stumbles aren’t disqualifying; they’re valuable feedback for growth.
• “Bounce back time” matters — shortening it helps build true resilience.
• The difference between conviction and condemnation: God shepherds, not shames.
• The “Rise Again Rhythm” — breathe, name it, normalize it, and take the next faithful step.
• Modeling grace and resilience helps others rise again too.
• Progress is found in persistence, not perfection.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Progress Over Perfection and Consistency

01:56 Understanding Stumbles and Responding Effectively

04:19 The Voice Inside Our Heads and Conviction vs. Condemnation

07:27 Practical Steps for Resilience and Consistency

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you, follow The Rise Experience Podcast and share it with someone who might need a reminder that it’s okay to stumble — what matters is rising again.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
• Business: https://msha.ke/shanden
• Coaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon
  
  

Thanks for tuning in and choosing growth over perfection today. Keep rising, keep learning, and remember — it’s not about never falling, it’s about rising again with faith and purpose.

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The words spoken inside your mind shape the person you become — and the leader you are becoming.

Welcome to The Rise Experience Podcast, where faith meets leadership and growth begins from within. I’m Shannon Denniston, here to guide growth-minded leaders in rising with integrity, courage, and heart — creating lasting impact that starts on the inside.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I talk about the incredible impact of self-talk on personal growth and leadership. I share insights from both research and scripture that show how the words we say to ourselves can either build confidence or create limitations. I also walk through how shifting our inner dialogue helps us strengthen resilience, build healthier mindsets, and lead teams with a spirit of truth and encouragement.

Main Takeaways

• 95% of emotions are shaped by self-talk — what we repeatedly tell ourselves determines what we believe.
• Positive self-talk helps leaders build resilience, confidence, and purpose.
• Language creates culture — how leaders speak shapes how teams respond, grow, and innovate.
• Shifting from blame to learning fosters a culture of growth and accountability.
• “Words build worlds” — both personally and organizationally.
• Faith-driven leadership begins with truthful, life-giving language.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 The Power of Self-Talk and Its Impact on Leadership

02:28 The Role of Positive Self-Talk in Personal Development

03:07 Practical Examples of Positive Self-Talk

04:51 The Impact of Language on Organizational Culture

06:40 Practical Exercises for Positive Self-Talk

06:58 Biblical and Philosophical Support for Positive Self-Talk

09:15 Encouragement for Leaders and Coaches

Call to Action

Take a moment today to replace one negative phrase you often say to yourself with a truth that aligns with who God says you are.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
  
  
  

Thanks for tuning in to The Rise Experience Podcast. Keep speaking truth, leading with heart, and rising with purpose — one word at a time.

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God never asked for perfection. He asked for faithfulness. And that changes everything.

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith meets leadership and purpose meets growth. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is all about helping growth-minded leaders rise into their calling with integrity, courage, and heart, creating impact that starts within and extends outward.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I open up about the hold perfectionism has had on my life and leadership and how faithfulness, not flawlessness, is what God asks of us. I share how I’ve learned to choose progress over perfection, take small imperfect steps, and trust that God fills the gaps when I fall short.

Main Takeaways

• Faithfulness, not perfection, is the standard God calls us to live by.
• Perfectionism often masks fear and can keep leaders stuck.
• Consistency matters more than flawless performance, and showing up regularly creates growth.
• Affirmations and faith-based self-talk can reshape how we view our worth.
• Modeling imperfection and courage permits others to grow.
• God continues His work in us, even when we feel far from “done.”

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Perfection vs. Faithfulness

01:28 Affirmations and Self-Talk

02:44 Consistency vs. Perfection

04:35 Leadership and Progress

06:02 Embracing Imperfection

08:33 Faithfulness Over Perfection

09:41 Prayer and Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on one area where perfectionism has kept you from moving forward. Then, take one small, faithful step, no matter how imperfect it feels.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
  
  
  

Share this episode with someone who might need the reminder that faithfulness is enough. Thanks for tuning in and rising with me today. Let’s keep choosing faith over flawlessness, one imperfect step at a time.

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True leadership doesn’t come from constant motion — it comes from knowing when to pause.

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith meets leadership and purpose meets growth. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is all about helping growth-minded leaders rise into their calling with integrity, courage, and heart — creating lasting impact from the inside out.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share why rest is one of the most powerful — and often overlooked tools in leadership. I talk about how rest builds trust, renews clarity, and helps us lead from a place of overflow rather than depletion. You’ll also hear practical ways to create simple rhythms of rest that strengthen not only your leadership but also your relationships and walk with God.

Main Takeaways

• Rest is a countercultural practice that builds trust and combats fear.
• Leading from rest allows for greater creativity, patience, and clarity.
• Small, intentional rhythms of rest can have lasting impact — even a few minutes of quiet or a phone-free dinner.
• Rest isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a leadership strength rooted in biblical truth.
• Choosing rest means trusting that God is still at work even when we pause.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Rest as a Counter-Cultural Practice

02:37 Balancing Work and Life

05:13 The Importance of Rest for Leadership

09:05 Practical Steps to Incorporate Rest

11:48 Overcoming Guilt and Building Habits

14:43 Leading from Overflow vs. Emptiness

Take a moment this week to reflect: are you leading from overflow or emptiness? Try protecting one small rhythm of rest and see how it reshapes your days. 

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
  
  
  

Thank you for tuning in. I’m grateful you’re part of this community of leaders learning to rise with purpose and rest. If this episode resonated, share it with a friend or leader who might need the reminder. Let’s keep rising together. See you in the next episode.

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We often think holding on makes us stronger — but what if real leadership is found in letting go?

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share what it looks like to transition from being a doer to stepping fully into leadership. I open up about the fears that often keep us holding on too tightly — fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of losing our identity and why real leadership is about stewardship, not control. You’ll learn how perfectionism can create bottlenecks, how trust fosters leadership, and why letting go is an act of faith that empowers others to rise alongside us.

Main Takeaways

• Leadership begins when I release control and steward what’s been entrusted to me.
• Fear of failure, judgment, or disappointment often drives the need to hold on too tightly.
• Perfectionism doesn’t strengthen leadership; it bottlenecks it.
• Delegation fosters trust and empowers others to exceed expectations.
• Excellence should never become the enemy of empowerment.
• Leadership is about faithfulness, not doing everything myself.
• Letting go is not laziness; it’s leadership that multiplies impact.

Episode Chapter

00:00 Intro

00:05 Transition from Doer to Leader

05:05 The Impact of Perfectionism

05:41 Scriptural Perspective on Leadership

07:47 Building Trust and Empowering Others

08:55 Practical Steps to Letting Go

10:02 The Role of Faith in Leadership

Call to Action

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow leader who may need a reminder that leadership is about stewardship, not control. Be sure to follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations designed to help us rise together.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
  
  
  

Friendly Closing

Thanks for spending time with me today. My prayer is that you walk away encouraged to open your hands, trust more deeply, and step fully into the leader God’s called you to be. I can’t wait to continue this journey with you in the next episode.

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Good overcomes when courage, passion, patience, and perseverance work together.

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share the message of Good Overcomes — a reminder that resilience is less about perfection and more about persistence. I break it down into four key ingredients that have shaped my own perspective: courage, passion, patience, and perseverance. I’ll walk through how each one can strengthen faith, guide leadership, and help us keep moving forward even when life feels heavy.

Main Takeaways

• Resilience isn’t about pretending struggles don’t exist—it’s about holding on long enough to rise above them.
• Courage means moving forward despite fear, not waiting for it to disappear.
• Passion connects you to a bigger purpose that fuels endurance.
• Patience is waiting without giving up, knowing real growth takes time.
• Perseverance is staying the course even when results aren’t immediate.
  
  
  

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Good Overcomes: Introduction and Theme

02:38 Defining Resilience

04:48 Key Ingredients of Resilience

09:24 Personal Stories and Examples

11:29 Action Steps and Encouragement

Call to Action (CTA)

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who may need a reminder that resilience can carry them through. Be sure to follow the podcast so we can rise together in faith, leadership, and purpose.

Supporting Information

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: Rise Experience
• LinkedIn: Shannon Denniston
• Business: https://msha.ke/shanden
• Coaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon

Friendly Closing

Thank you for listening. May this episode remind you that resilience doesn’t have to look perfect; it simply has to continue. Keep rising, keep believing, and remember, good always overcomes.

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Feedback can sting, but what if it’s actually one of the greatest tools for growth and leadership?

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share why feedback is one of the greatest gifts a leader can receive. I discuss how it often triggers defensiveness or self-doubt, but also how reframing it can transform feedback into a tool for growth. I bring in biblical examples, personal stories, and practical tips to help you handle feedback with humility, curiosity, and grace — so it strengthens your leadership, improves systems, and deepens relationships.

Key Insights

• Feedback is a growth tool God uses to sharpen leaders and refine their calling.
• Defensiveness and self-doubt are natural, but they don’t have to define your response.
• Biblical leaders like Moses, David, and Paul grew through correction and humility.
• Silence from others isn’t always satisfying, seeking feedback creates loyalty and trust.
• Curiosity and grace are key when receiving feedback, even if delivery is clumsy.
• Leaders who actively seek feedback strengthen their culture, systems, and emotional intelligence.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Feedback as a Gift

03:11 Reframing Feedback

04:15 Customer Experience and Feedback

06:12 Practical Tips for Handling Feedback 

09:47 Feedback's Impact on Leadership

Call to Action

If this episode encouraged you to look at feedback in a new way, share it with a fellow leader who needs this reminder. Tag me on social media to continue the conversation, and help spread the message of growth through faith-filled leadership.

Supporting Links

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19VCfbQZvv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanden-ccxp
• Business: https://msha.ke/shanden
• Coaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon

Friendly Closing

Thanks for tuning in to the Rise Experience Podcast. Feedback may feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most powerful ways God shapes leaders. Stay humble, stay curious, and keep rising into your calling.

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Criticism comes with leadership — but the way we handle it determines whether it crushes us or grows us.

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share how leaders can handle criticism with resilience and wisdom. I discuss the various types of criticism we encounter — constructive, emotional, and toxic — and how each should be approached. I explain why feedback can be a gift, how to filter what’s worth keeping, and why our worth must stay anchored in God, not in the opinions of others.

Main Takeaways

• Constructive criticism can reveal blind spots and strengthen leadership systems.
• Emotional criticism often reflects the critic’s insecurities, not your shortcomings.
• Toxic criticism requires firm boundaries and refusal to engage.
• Feedback can highlight areas for growth while also healing deeper insecurities.
• Tools like pausing, breathing, and prayer help leaders respond with grace.
• True resilience comes from remembering that identity and worth come from God, not applause.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Handling Criticism in Leadership

03:25 Constructive Criticism

08:44 Emotional Criticism

09:23 Toxic or Malicious Criticism

10:57 Growth Through Pressure

14:30 Healing Deeper Wounds

20:35 Tools for Coping with Criticism

22:10 Final Reflections and Prayer

Call To Action

As you listen, reflect on how you’ve been responding to criticism. What feedback is worth keeping, and what do you need to release? Share this episode with a fellow leader who could use encouragement in navigating criticism with wisdom and strength.

Supporting Links

• Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19VCfbQZvv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanden-ccxp
  
  
  

Thank you for tuning in to the Rise Experience Podcast. I’m grateful for the chance to walk this journey with you. Keep growing, keep leading, and remember criticism doesn’t define you. Your identity and worth are secure in Him.

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Leadership was never meant to drain the soul; It was meant to multiply impact. The real question is: are you leading from overflow or depletion?

Welcome to the Rise Experience Podcast, where faith, leadership, personal growth, and purpose align for lasting impact. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this show is for growth-minded leaders who want to rise into their God-given calling while leading with authenticity and heart.

Episode Highlights

In this episode, I share how leaders can create a lasting impact without burning themselves out. I discuss why service should never lead to self-destruction and how boundaries, rest, vision, and delegation can help sustain influence. I also explain why leading from identity, not insecurity, enables us to lead with clarity, conserve our energy, and present ourselves in a way that genuinely impacts those we serve.

Main Takeaways

• Leadership without boundaries leads to burnout, not breakthrough.
• Rest and delegation are not weaknesses — they are multipliers of impact.
• Leading from identity fosters trust and prevents decisions driven by insecurity.
• Saying “no” with purpose protects energy and sustains influence.
• How leaders show up directly shapes the experience of those they lead.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:07 Leading with Impact Without Burnout

02:45 Building a Foundation for Sustainable Impact

04:47 Leading with Purpose and Protecting Energy

10:15 Practical Steps for Leading with Impact

Call to Action

Take a moment to reflect: are you leading from wholeness or hustle? Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that sustainable impact begins with protecting energy.

Supporting Links

• 
  Instagram: @risewithshannon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19VCfbQZvv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanden-ccxp
  
  
  

Friendly Closing

Thanks for listening to the Rise Experience Podcast. I’m grateful you’re here and part of this journey. Keep leading from overflow, not depletion — I’ll see you in the next episode.