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Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?

Curious Living

Release Date: 11/01/2025

Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing? show art Episode 78: Is my story worth sharing?

Curious Living

We all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story! Guest Info After nearly 20 years in business and finance, I had what I can only describe as a divine interruption. God placed it on my heart to write my own book—not just to tell my story, but to leave a spiritual legacy. That single act of obedience unlocked a greater calling: to help others do the same. I...

info_outline 77: Can our faith heal our trauma? show art 77: Can our faith heal our trauma?

Curious Living

More and more adults are realizing that they have experienced trauma in their lives. We may not have realized it at the time. But, now, as adults, we are working through issues, emotions, and struggles and coming to terms wtih the fact that we've carried the burden of trauma for years. Or, perhaps we are very aware that we experienced trauma in our past and are trying to work our way through it while wondering if our faith in God could help us. It's an intriguing question and one that our guest knows all too well. If you have been wrestling with trauma and seeking God in your healing, this is...

info_outline 76: How Can Young Adults Find Their Purpose? show art 76: How Can Young Adults Find Their Purpose?

Curious Living

As a parent of a young adult, I've been a witness to this void of purpose my kids seem to have. They have floundered through so many things - aimless and frustrated. As a parent I want to help them, but it's hard to help and honor boundaries all at the same time. We, as a community, want to help the young adults around us find their purpose, but we simply don't know where to start. Brittany was a fantastic and wise resource to help us tackle this curious question. Take a listen! Guest Info: Brittany Sawrey-Coulson is the Director of Content at Trueface and a Licensed Professional Counselor in...

info_outline 75: Are churches greedy because they ask for money? show art 75: Are churches greedy because they ask for money?

Curious Living

Financial generosity is vital to our mission as followers of Christ to transform the world in His name. Yet, when churches talk about giving, some people hear “greed” instead of “grace.” In this episode of Curious Living, we dig beneath the surface of the church’s “ask” and explore why generosity matters, what it really supports, and how we can reframe the conversation. Heather was an incredible guest—so insightful and wise. I walked away with new clarity, and I know you will too.   Guest Info: Heather M. Day is an author and communication specialist with more than...

info_outline 74: How can we cure the loneliness epidemic? show art 74: How can we cure the loneliness epidemic?

Curious Living

Our church participated in a demographic survey last year and we were astonished at how many people shared that they feel incredibly lonely. And what surprised us the most was that the largest demographic experiencing loneliness was young adults. So we were excited to talk with Dr. Jake Thurston to get his perspective. He is a young adult and works with young adults so he can speak directly to our curious question. Guest Info Dr. Jake Thurston is the lead pastor and church planter of Resilient Church, a growing ministry that serves a large number of students and young adults in the college...

info_outline 73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better? show art 73: How can I get my spouse to change for the better?

Curious Living

When we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well. Couples tend to spend a great deal of energy looking for ways to "change" their mate, when, in fact, they don't have the power to create change in others. So, what do you do? How can you encourage your partner to make positive changes?  Our guest on this episode has written two amazing devotional...

info_outline 72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences? show art 72: How can we learn to communicate better across our differences?

Curious Living

In today’s world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it’s harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often deepen the divisions between us. Scripture speaks profoundly to this struggle, particularly in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to communicate across divides. In the Christian tradition, we call this moment "Pentecost." This year, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8, 2025....

info_outline 71: Where can we find God in Classic Rock? show art 71: Where can we find God in Classic Rock?

Curious Living

This episode guest hosts, Rev. Wesley Smith and Kevin Ward, dicuss the curious question; Where can we find God in Classic Rock? Our two guests this week are both avid rock enthusiasts and musicians, playing guitar in their spare time. Let's here them dive into our latest curious topic on how God relates to rock and roll greats.

info_outline 70: What are the blessings and challenges that come with adopting a child? show art 70: What are the blessings and challenges that come with adopting a child?

Curious Living

Our guest host, Mary Ana Smith, sits down with Rev. Carrie Wright to discuss her journey as an adoptive mom. Adoption seems to many as more of a challenge than a blessing, but Carrie feels the opposite having not only adopted two children, but also having fostered many. If you have considered fostering or adopting then this episode is a must listen! Guest Info What gives Carrie life is spending her days with people of all ages learning to give praise to God.  We are all on this journey in different stages but each of us are called to praise in one way or another.  The arts are...

info_outline 69: Can helping those in need actually hurt them? show art 69: Can helping those in need actually hurt them?

Curious Living

It certainly feels good to help others in need. We donate food, money, and even time to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And, oftentimes we assume that we have done what's best for them. But was it the best for them? Or, was it something that made us feel good in the moment? This is a tough question to ponder and our guest on this episode shares some incredible insights and wisdom to help us tackle it. Guest Info Kevin Ward is the Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Missions at Williamson's Chapel UMC in Mooresville, NC.  He is married to Amy Ward and has two children,...

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We all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story!

Guest Info

After nearly 20 years in business and finance, I had what I can only describe as a divine interruption. God placed it on my heart to write my own book—not just to tell my story, but to leave a spiritual legacy. That single act of obedience unlocked a greater calling: to help others do the same.

I founded The 1 and Only Publishing to serve aspiring authors—especially those who feel called to write but don’t know where to begin or how to afford it. We help everyday people turn their God-given messages, expertise, and experiences into powerful, professionally published books. And we don’t just offer services—we offer support, clarity, and belief when others have said “not yet.”

My story resonates with faith-based audiences, entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven people who’ve been sitting on a message for too long. I can speak to:

Finding purpose in a season of transition or loss
Building a mission-led business from scratch
The practical and spiritual journey of writing a book
How ordinary people can create extraordinary impact through publishing

My mission is bold—555,000 books in 10 years, in 10 different languages. But it’s not about me. It’s about equipping others to leave a legacy, reach those they’re called to, and fulfill their God-given assignment through the written word.

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