Can Stories Change Us? with Sara Brunsvold
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Release Date: 06/20/2025
Increase Your Joy with Carrie Murphy
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Can you increase your joy? Why does joy matter? In this uplifting episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with author, speaker, and comedian Carrie Murphy to explore the transformative power of joy—even in life’s hardest moments. Recorded live at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention, this conversation dives into why joy matters, how laughter can be holy, and ways we can seek God’s abundant joy no matter our circumstances. Carrie Murphy shares personal stories, including bringing humor to unexpected places like funerals, and offers practical encouragement for embracing both our...
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Lifechanging Support for Veterans with Glenn Baker
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Today, we're diving deep into the transformative support available for veterans with host Tina Yeager and special guest Glenn Baker, a U.S. Army veteran, country music artist, and founder of the nonprofit Finish This Fight. Glenn Baker brings an incredible personal testimony—sharing his journey through unjust imprisonment, loss, and spiritual renewal, and how these experiences led him to champion injured veterans. Discover how Finish This Fight helps paralyzed veterans reclaim independence and dignity through revolutionary exoskeleton technology, giving them a chance to walk again and...
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Understanding Verbal and Emotional Abuse with June Hunt
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Welcome to Flourish-Meant, where we dive deep into topics that matter most to your emotional and spiritual well-being. In this inspiring episode, host June Hunt sits down with Tina Yeager, founder of the worldwide ministry Hope for the Heart and respected radio host of Hope in the Night, to unpack the complexities of verbal and emotional abuse. Drawing from decades of experience, Tina Yeager offers heartfelt wisdom and personal stories—revealing how emotional and verbal abuse often stems from control, manipulation, and covert behaviors that leave victims feeling isolated and perplexed....
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You Are No Imposter with Erin Harrigan
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Do you feel like an imposter? Struggling with imposter syndrome is more common than you might realize. Erin Harrigan—biblical business coach, author, and podcast host—tackles the struggles so many high-achieving women face with imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt unqualified or questioned if you’re truly in the right place, this conversation is here to remind you that you’re not alone. Erin shares her personal revelation rooted in scripture, exposing how even our doubts and past mistakes can become the foundation for impact in God’s kingdom. Together, Tina and Erin unpack why...
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Flourish When Life Pivots with Peg Arnold
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
How can you flourish after life forces you to pivot? In today’s episode, “Flourish When Life Pivots with Peg Arnold,” host Tina Yeager is joined by national speaker, international author, and self-proclaimed “drama queen for Jesus,” Peg Arnold. Together, they dive deep into how to handle major life changes—whether it’s moving cross-country, transitioning out of a long-held job, or letting go of deeply-rooted roles and routines. Peg shares her own story of uprooting after 32 years in the same home, facing the anxieties and grief that come with change, and discovering that leaning...
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How Intelligent Design Shapes Identity and Purpose with Tom DeRosa
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
How does intelligent design determine our identity and purpose? Host Tina Yeager sits down with Tom DeRosa, founder of the Creation Studies Institute and author of Evolution’s Fatal Fruit. Once an atheist, Tom shares how embracing the concept of Intelligent Design shapes our identity, purpose, and resilience. Together, they delve into the science behind creation, the incredible intricacies of our bodies, and the fundamental questions of suffering, morality, and meaning. If you've ever wondered how your view of origins impacts your self-worth and the way you see the world—or how creation...
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Will AI Steal Your Soul with Drew Dickens
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
Will AI Steal Your Soul? Host Tina Yeager sits down with Dr. Drew Dickens, an expert in theological anthropology and founder of the Encountering Peace app and podcast. Together, they tackle the captivating and sometimes unnerving question: "Will AI Steal Your Soul?" In an age where technology and artificial intelligence are evolving rapidly, Tina and Dr. Dickens address Christian perspectives ranging from hopeful embrace to genuine fear—and everything in between. They unpack what truly distinguishes humanity from machines, examining our unique spiritual dimension, creativity, and...
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Recovering from Work Hurt with Meryl Herr
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
How do we recover from workplace hurt? Welcome to Flourish-Meant! In today’s episode, host Tina Yeager is joined by Meryl Herr, owner of the Good Works Group and an expert in helping marketplace leaders navigate the intersection of faith and work. Together, they’re tackling a topic we can all relate to—workplace hurt. Whether it’s major events like being laid off or the everyday frustrations and disappointments that chip away at our well-being, Meryl shares her insights on how to recognize, process, and heal from these wounds. Through stories, practical steps, and a faith-driven...
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Proven Stress Management Strategies with Gaylyn Williams
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
What are some proven strategies to manage our stress? Host Tina Yeager is joined by Gaylyn Williams—president of Relationship Resources, author of 41 books, and a renowned motivational speaker—who brings proven, practical strategies for managing stress in our increasingly fast-paced world. Gaylyn shares insights from her work with over 50,000 people worldwide, highlighting how pervasive stress has become, how we can recognize its impact in our lives and relationships, and most importantly, how we can take actionable steps to build resilience and find peace amidst life’s chaos. From...
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Help Kids Grieve After Suicide Loss with Dr. Natalie Ford
Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly
In today’s episode, host Tina Yeager is joined by Dr. Natalie Ford, a licensed professional counselor, speaker, author, and, as she calls herself, a “Hope dealer.” Together, they tackle the pressing and often unspoken subject of how to help children grieve after losing someone to suicide. Drawing from her own personal experiences with loss, as well as her professional expertise, Dr. Ford shares practical insights on navigating the initial shock, understanding when to seek support, and the importance of honesty and routine for grieving children. The episode also guides parents and...
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/
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