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We pick right up where we left off!  During what was a heavy cocaine addiction, Karina shares the night she almost died alone in her bathroom and what she envisioned. It's a night that changed her life forever. A couple weeks later she asked Jesus to save her, and it took some time for her to realize and understand all that she went through that night. That's only the first 10 minutes!

Karina as she shared relapsed a year ago and since then her entire life has been a 180 for Jesus. Now that doesn't mean her life became abundant with material things, as she'll tell you eating Ramen is often an evening meal, but she's picking up the pieces every day and adjusting to a life where she's not making all the money she was on Only Fans. That's more than okay with her. As Karina also shared, being a Christian doesn't mean your life on earth is an easy one and you get all the material or temporal things you want. 

Karina is a walking testimony for Jesus and not shy about her story, sure she still struggles with things, same as anyone else. When she's not working as a repo agent, she spends much of her time coaching and encouraging others with similar struggles. 

Her story is unique, it's filled so many layers that go deeper and explain so much about her life's journey so far. We are humbled that Karina took the time to share so much with us. Thanks Karina for stopping by! 

We hope Karina's story resonates and impacts many more people not for her own gain, but for the glory of God. Karina's story shows that no one is never too far gone. 

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

Thanks y'all for listening!

Keep up with Karina on IG @dolly.lyfe

To learn more from her story - https://calendly.com/dollylyfesupplyco/60min

#addiction #cocaine #drugaddiction #onlyfans #jesussaves #redemption #demons #truelove #family #nevertoofargone #youareloved

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Karina has amassed quite the following on social media with hundreds of thousands of followers. We went out on a very thin limb to invite her on as a guest. She responded and after a few messages back and forth, here we are. We're glad she did and excited to share her story with all of you.

They say you when you meet someone, that you never know where you are meeting them in their story. We had no idea the layers of Karina's story. In this episode, you'll learn of her self-doubt as a young girl, in high school wanting so bad to fit in and make friends took her down a long, dark, almost fatal, road of drug addiction. Her stint on OnlyFans. Her drug relapse last year (now a year sober!). Her new identity in Jesus!! What we intended to share as an "only fans to Jesus" story, ended up being so much deeper. This is only part 1!

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

**This episode covers some pretty heavy and mature topics. Parents we caution you to listen first. Others, if you think this will cause you to stumble, guard your heart, and be cautious.**

To be concluded...

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We had a great time catching up and we fit quite a bit of the many stories along Steve's journey into this episode. 

As you'll hear, "he's a legend in his own shower" and not one to take too many leisure trips because he's constantly traveling for work, doing what he not only loves but believes is his calling. 

He recalls how a "stupid" move to LA with his wife Kristine many years ago, turned out to be something far bigger than they could have ever imagined. 

One trip to The Capitol at the request of a friend turned into an ongoing mission (Word On The Hill) for the last eleven years. You think your number of steps are high. Wait til you hear what Steve does in a short two day period twice a month!

Of the thousands of performances Steve has done, it was this one singing of the "The Star-Spangled Banner", our National Anthem, that he'll never forget.

His mission is be an encourager no matter where he goes, and you can see much of that impact in what he's done in Washington D.C., on both sides of the aisle, over the last eleven years. 

If he's not singing in a church on Sundays somewhere across North America, you'll find him in the studio during the week singing for a movie or television show or singing about the qualities of a certain automobile or airline for a commercial. With more than 175 feature films and television shows to his credit. 

When Steve isn't traveling, you'll find him enjoying time, still in California of course, with his wife, Kristine, their two children, Matthew (wife Vanessa) and Katherine (husband David) and their six grand children.

We appreciate Steve for taking the time to visit with us and we hope you all enjoy the episode. Thanks for listening!

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

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www.steveamerson.com - Keep up with all that he's doing or to book him for a performance!

www.wordonthehill.org - to learn more about what he's doing in D.C.

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*Thanks as always to Matt Andre for his editing skills*

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Today’s guest is one of my true friends, Tom Coverly. As you’ll hear in the podcast intro, I didn’t know what we were going to talk about but I knew it was going to be good. Imagine in the other room you overhear the most casual and open conversation, filled with laughter and a mix of light and heavy moments, 

On the lighter side, we both grew up in the South Jersey/Philly area (if you know you know), with one of us being born in maybe the roughest city in America. We also take a moment to acknowledge our fan hood for the reigning Super Bowl champs. Go birds! (if you know you know). 

Bullied as a kid. The loss of his dad last year. Two strong considerations of suicide in his past. Tom has been through some very heavy moments in his life, yet he continues to spread hope and inspire others. His why behind what he does will do the same for you. 

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

UPDATE: We're going to have him again down the road to dive a bit deeper into his story.

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To book Tom and to learn more check out the socials and links below:

TomCoverly.com

DestroyIllusionsTour.com

KindnessWinsCruise.com

Tiktok | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

@TomCoverlyTour

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FULL BIO:

Tom was born in one of the roughest cities in America, Camden, New Jersey. Growing up, Tom was a poor and skinny kid which made him vulnerable to school bullying. As a child, Tom always felt like an underdog.  Even in college, a professor tried to steer Tom in a different direction than public speaking because he would shake and talk with a stutter when he was nervous.  That day, the underdgog mentality disapeared.  There was no internet to learn how to be a better speaker, so Tom hit the library and read every book he could on public speaking, took extra speech classes and spoke everywhere he could to gain experience.  He made it his goal to be the best speaker on campus.  

​Fast forward, Tom Coverly is now one of the most requested motivational entertainers in America, a TV show host, comedy magician and motivational speaker. Tom has performed live on stage for over 5 million people around the world headlining several tours.  Music superstar, Paula Abdul says "Tom Coverly is straight-up a magical inspiration".  Tom was recently featured in LA WEEKLY for the TOP 10 positive people in America.  He was also featured in Forbes for being an entrepreneur reaching millions with his school assembly program. 

​Tom Coverly is President of Influencer Pro University and founder of the Kindness Wins Movement. Tom is known as one of the most raw, real & relevant speakers today!  His "Destroy Illusions" talk has become one of the most requested talks for corporate events, school assemblies, universities, police departments and teachers mental health in the nation.

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If you have a story to share email us at [email protected]. We'd love to hear it!

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Today! We welcome my longest friend, someone who has not only become a brother on earth, but even better, one who is a brother in Christ. He's a movie buff so in the words of Dom Toretto, he's "mi familia".

Kev didn't stop by to promote anything other than his story. God has blessed so many people in life with knowing Kev and after listening you'll know why and want to know him too.

His episode I’ve been anticipating for a long time, and today it's here!

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

#bestfriend #hope #hisstory #love #family #whywepod #podcast 

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This episode was recorded before the murder of Iryna Zarutska and assassination of Charlie Kirk. With heavy hearts we remember Charlie Kirk and Iryna Zarutska. Two people from perhaps different walks, who both believed in hope of a better life. Both lives taken in a senseless manner. We ask God to bring their families peace and comfort.

If you are hurting, confused about anything going on around you, seek out someone that will talk with you in truth and love. 

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In this episode, Ann-Marie Murrell stepped out from behind the scenes to stop by and discuss her book - Walking Each Other Home: A Cargiver’s Journey of Grace, written about the 5+ years she spent caring for her mom and dad while they simultaneously  battled Alzheimer’s.  Ann-Marie did all of that while battling her own disease, Multiple Sclerosis. Then in 2024 Ann-Marie was diagnosed with COPD and Early Onset Alzheimer’s, two diseases that killed her mother. 

Ann-Marie also shares some lighthearted moments in her life, including about how she got her big break as an actress, the people she met along the way, including the one person that had her star struck, and we’ll reminisce a little about her time living in the Hollywood world. 

Despite all that she’s been and currently going through, Ann-Marie is filled with joy, which comes from her faith in Jesus, her family, and maybe because her grandkids consider her to be “the best Nana to have ever lived!"

Ann-Marie is someone you want to know and is someone that I am very grateful to know. Her story is already changing lives and it’s a privilege to share it with all of you.

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

Learn more at annmariemurrell.com

Get all 3 of Ann-Marie’s books on Amazon.com:

Walking Each Other Home: A Cargiver’s Journey of Grace

Walking Each Other Home: A Caregiver’s Devotional

Walking Each Other Home: A Caregiver’s Journal

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Every now and then I want to take an episode to shine light on people in my life who I am grateful to know or to have known. This first one sadly, is the latter and it's about one of my closest friends and someone I consider a brother - Guy Ikpah. He was someone that didn't need an introduction. He had a gift of attracting people to him no matter where he went. I wish he was here today for him to share his story and for us to share some laughs. I'm honored to share what I knew of Guy with all of you. I know one day I will see him again but not yet. Not yet. 

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

Have a story? Send us an email at [email protected]. We'd love to share it!

Follow us on IG: Why We Pod

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We had so much to talk about with Jeanette that I needed a little more time with my friend. In this episode, we dive deeper into Jeanette's story.  If it was a book, I'd buy it!

Ibn Battuta said "Traveling -- it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." Jeanette has been given the gift of storytelling long before any of her travels. Her story may leave you speechless, but hopefully it will inspire you to tell your own story.  

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

Keep an eye out for Season 6 of "Buried in the Backyard" on Peacock. Jeanette has some other amazing projects coming up that I wish I could share her but my lips are sealed, so make sure to follow her:

IG: @reeltraveller * TikTok: @reeltraveller * website: reeltraveller.com

Thanks for listening!

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Jeanette Jolley - an award-winning TV producer and creative force behind shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin. With over 26 years in the industry, she’s shaped stories for CBS, TLC, FOX, Discovery, and more, while also leading national campaigns for top brands like Chevrolet, Hilton, and La-Z-Boy. (full bio below)

Jeanette and I have been friends for a little more than 7 years and I'm so glad she agreed to share her story with us. In this episode, we're introduced to Jeanette's childhood, as she shares what it was like growing up as a foster child. We'll also dive into her illustrious 26 year career and where her travels have taken her. I may have even sidetracked a bit to talk about her work on one of my favorite shows. Okay I definitely did. 

Jeanette has such a magnetic presence, a smile that you can feel when listening to her speak, and a story that I believe is going to hit home with lots of people.

This. Is. Why. We. Pod.

To be concluded...

Bio:

Jeanette Jolley — an award-winning TV producer, visionary creative director, and strategic communications expert whose story is as inspiring as it is accomplished. With over 26 years of experience in the fast-paced world of television and commercial production, Jeanette has brought unforgettable stories to life for major networks like CBS, TLC, FOX, HGTV, Discovery, NBC, and Paramount.

She’s the powerhouse behind some of TV’s most beloved shows, including the Emmy Award-winning Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the Emmy-nominated Ocean Treks with Jeff Corwin. As the former Creative Director for a Fortune 500 outdoor brand, Jeanette also orchestrated over 55 national campaigns, capturing hearts and earning prestigious accolades like the Telly, Communicator, and Davey Awards. Brands like Chevrolet, La-Z-Boy, Kraft, Hilton, and Marriott have trusted her to craft narratives that connect deeply with audiences.

But Jeanette’s story isn’t just about success — it’s about relentless hope and resilience. Navigating a fiercely competitive entertainment industry, she never gave up, even when doors closed or the path forward seemed unclear. She believes in the power of pushing through, adapting, and staying true to your voice no matter how tough the climb.

In 2023, Jeanette faced one of her greatest personal battles yet — a life-threatening blood clot in the center of her brain, landing her in the hospital for four days and confining her to bed for seven grueling months. Yet again, she rose. Her journey through recovery strengthened her mission to live with intention, to tell meaningful stories, and to inspire others to persevere through their own storms.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jeanette is a regional Emmy judge, a film festival panelist, a sought-after university guest speaker, and a passionate advocate for orphan and foster care children — drawing from her own experience as an adoptee. She’s also a globe-trotter who has traveled to over 80 countries, documenting culture, adventure, and the human spirit with breathtaking authenticity.

Jeanette Jolley brings heart, wisdom, and an unshakable belief in second chances — both in life and in storytelling. Today, she’s here to share her remarkable journey of creativity, resilience, and hope.

Follow Jeanette:
Instagram: @reeltraveller
TikTok: @reeltraveller

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Have you ever randomly reached out to someone whom you didn't know yet they were gracious enough to respond? Then 8 years of silence by you and out of the blue you reach out to them once more and yet again they are gracious to respond. Well, that's a quick recap of how our conversation with our friend Sandy Pagnotti came to be. 

Sandy has been President/CEO of the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, MD, since 2010. Before that, Sandy spent 15 years with Feats, Inc. and also worked for the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. A frequent speaker and panelist and colleges and professional settings all over, has won multiple awards and honored three times as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women. 

I have known Sandy since around 2018 when our goal back then was to film inside the Baltimore RMHC since that is a place my family knows all too well. 99% of our conversation has been via email but today Sandy carved out some time to chat with me. Sandy is a sweet, genuine person who has a larger than life smile and an even bigger heart and I’m stoked to share our conversation with all of you.

This is Why We Pod.

(Thank you to Vicky Laws, Brenda Brown & Emily Zikorus for playing a key in role in making sure my initial 2018 email got to the right person!)

Learn more at https://rmhcmaryland.org/

#whywepod #whywepodpodcast #childhoodcancer #cancercharities #whywehope #cancer #rmhcmaryland

Follow us on IG @whywepodpodcast and learn more about my family's story at www.whywehope.org

Thanks for listening!