Can Stories Change Us? with Sara Brunsvold
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Release Date: 06/20/2025
American Faith and Freedom with Coach Joe Kennedy
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Is American freedom connected with faith? How do we need to protect our rights? Host Tina Yeager sits down with Coach Joe Kennedy, a former Marine and high school football coach whose bold stance for religious liberty led him all the way to the Supreme Court. Joe shares the story behind his landmark case, revealing how a simple act of giving thanks through prayer after football games grew into a nationwide discussion about freedom of speech and religious rights in America. Together, Tina and Joe explore the deep connections between American faith and freedom, the personal and legal battles Joe...
info_outline
Connecting Tech Obsessed Kids with God's Word with Allen Brokken
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Are all kids tech-obsessed these days? Maybe—but some young minds are uniquely wired to build, create, and tinker. Today’s episode shares how to connect Tech Obsessed Kids to God's Word. Expert guest Allen Brokken joins host Tina Yeager to show us how to reach and disciple kids who might otherwise feel left out in traditional church settings. Here are some highlights and practical takeaways from the conversation: Understanding the Tech-Obsessed Child Allen shares from his personal journey as a lifelong “technology kid,” explaining how classic Sunday school—full of singing, listening,...
info_outline
Can Stories Change Us? with Sara Brunsvold
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Could stories actually change you? Tina Yeager and Christie Award-winning author Sarah Brunsvold explore the transformative nature of storytelling, discussing how both fiction and true stories can shape our character, deepen our empathy, and impact our relationships. Drawing from her own writing journey and research, Sarah reflects on the unique ways stories reach places in our hearts that nonfiction sometimes can’t, offering both inspiration and caution about the types of stories we let into our lives. Tune in for practical insights, personal experiences, and an inspiring look at how...
info_outline
Healing Father Wounds with Rosann Coulon
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
How can we heal father wounds? In this heartfelt episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with Rosann Coulon—author and founder of Leaving a Well Ministries—to tackle the sensitive yet vital topic of healing father wounds. Rosann shares her personal journey growing up as a pastor’s daughter and facing the pain of her father’s struggles with chronic illness and addiction. Together, Tina and Rosann delve deep into how our relationships with our earthly fathers shape our perceptions of God, often leading to trust issues, shame, and struggle within our faith. You’ll learn practical steps for...
info_outline
Finding Purpose in Challenges with Jane Kirkpatrick
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Can we claim hope and purpose in challenges? Tina Yeager sits down with the prolific and award-winning author Jane Ann Kirkpatrick, whose passion for historical fiction has led her to write over 40 books about courageous women overcoming personal trials. Together, they explore how we can find purpose in our challenges—whether we're facing the struggles of young motherhood, separation from loved ones, financial hardship, or the deep pain of grief. Facing Hardship with Purpose Jane dives deep into why overcoming trials is a recurring theme in her novels—especially her latest, Across the...
info_outline
Second Chances with Kimberly Woodhouse
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Are Second Chances for Everyone? How do you know when you're ready for a second chance? Tina Yeager is joined by bestselling author of over 40 books, Kimberly Woodhouse, for a heartfelt conversation about “Second Chances.” Together, they explore how grace, forgiveness, and God’s unwavering love make second (and twentieth!) chances possible—whether in our careers, relationships, or faith journeys. Kimberly shares insights from her latest novel, An Unexpected Grace, reflecting on characters who need renewal and the real-life experiences that shaped her storytelling. Hear stories of...
info_outline
Breaking Barriers for Women with Amy and Rob Dixon
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
How can we break barriers for women in God's service? In this episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with husband-and-wife co-authors Amy and Rob Dixon to explore the important topic of breaking gender barriers in church leadership and service. Drawing from their experiences, latest picture book Penny Preaches, and years of ministry, Amy and Rob share compelling stories and practical insights about empowering both women and men to use their God-given gifts fully within the church. Together, they discuss the power of seeing role models, the impact of tradition and history on church culture, and...
info_outline
5 Keys to Living Your Best with Dawn Damon
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
What’s the secret to living your best? Get the 5 Keys to Thriving in this episode of Flourish-Meant! Host Tina Yeager engages in a deep conversation with Dawn Damon, an award-winning author and coach, about the keys to living a fulfilling life, particularly for midlife women. Dawn introduces the BRAVE acronym, which stands for Bold Vision, Real Identity, Able Mindset, Virtuous Speech, and Excellent Actions. The discussion emphasizes the importance of courage, purpose, and resilience in navigating life's challenges and finding significance in the second half of adulthood. Dawn shares personal...
info_outline
Women as World Changers with Brooke Kehl
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Can any woman change the world? Discover the potential of women to be world changers with this week's inspiring guest, Brooke Kehl! Brooke Kehl, Marketing Director of Eastern European Mission, explores what it really means for women to step into their calling, take faith-driven risks, and create ripple effects of hope across the globe. Brooke shares her personal journey growing up in a missionary family, the powerful influence of other women’s testimonies, and moving stories of transformation—like Zara’s courageous faith despite its manifold risks to her life. This episode is...
info_outline
Reclaim Joy Power as a Woman with Danette Joy Crawford
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Feeling stressed, empty, or a little bit down? Have you lost your joy? Learn to reclaim power and joy from this week's incredible guest, Danette Joy Crawford. Our heartfelt and empowering conversation was recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas with Danette Joy Crawford—TV show host, evangelist, author, and international speaker, known for her popular program “Joy with Danette Crawford.” Together, we tackle the timely and important topic of reclaiming a woman’s joy and power. Danette shares her personal journey of overcoming deep challenges,...
info_outlineCould stories actually change you?
Tina Yeager and Christie Award-winning author Sarah Brunsvold explore the transformative nature of storytelling, discussing how both fiction and true stories can shape our character, deepen our empathy, and impact our relationships. Drawing from her own writing journey and research, Sarah reflects on the unique ways stories reach places in our hearts that nonfiction sometimes can’t, offering both inspiration and caution about the types of stories we let into our lives. Tune in for practical insights, personal experiences, and an inspiring look at how stories can help us grow, strengthen our faith, and remind us that we’re not alone.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode:
🌱 The Power of Storytelling:
Sara and Tina discuss how fiction allows us to experience life through different lenses, opening safe spaces to process emotions and explore topics we might otherwise avoid. Sara highlights how the stories we encounter can speak to us in ways that nonfiction sometimes can’t, meeting us right where we are.
🌿 The Psychology Behind Stories:
Tina shares insights into why we’re so impacted by stories—how our brains receive them in the same space as music, scent, and memory, making us more open and receptive (and sometimes vulnerable!). Sara reflects on why fiction often inspires us to seek out deeper truths, sometimes leading us to explore nonfiction and scripture on themes like forgiveness.
🌸 Discernment in Story Selection:
Not all stories lead us toward growth. Sara candidly discusses the risks of absorbing ideas from fiction that might not align with our values and the importance of approaching stories with discernment and community support.
🌗 Stories Changing Relationships:
Learn how fiction can build compassion and empathy, helping us understand others’ motivations and break down relational roadblocks. Discussing literature together can even give us new perspectives on familiar experiences.
✨ Real-Life Transformation:
Sara shares reader stories—including how her own novel touched the life of an elderly man who wasn’t a believer—which show how deeply fiction can affect our beliefs and self-understanding.
A Key Takeaway from Sara:
Come to every story—whether it’s familiar or outside your comfort zone—with expectancy. Trust that there’s something waiting for you, and let God meet you in the pages.
Stay Connected with Sara Brunsvold:
You can find free resources and get to know Sara better at sarahbrunsvold.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook for uplifting conversations and book updates!
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you been transformed by a story? Comment here or join us on social media to share how fiction has shaped your life.
We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.
To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/
Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive supplement, Cardio Miracle! I love the energy and focus this health-boosting drink mix provides without toxins, caffeine, or sugar! Get a discount on your purchase with my link: http://www.cardiomiracle.com/tinayeager Use the code TINA10 at checkout.
To flourish in all seasons of life with the highest quality nutraceutical health supplements that benefit charitable causes, shop NutraMedix wellness supplements. Be sure to use my link https://www.nutramedix.com/?rfsn=7877557.b6c6785 and add my special code TINA to get 10% off your entire purchase!
If you're a writer, subscribe to Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/
Manage stress and anxiety in 10 minutes a day with the course presented by 15 experts, Subdue Stress and Anxiety https://divineencouragement.onlinecoursehost.com/courses
Connect with Tina at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager