Echos of Impact

Welcome to Echos of Impact, where we explore how God works through life’s trials, challenges, and triumphs to shape us into vessels for His purpose. Hosted by Briana and Cherise, two Midwest Christian women passionate about faith and helping women discover who God created them to be, so they can make a greater impact in their lives, their loved ones, and their communities. We believe that no story is ever wasted. Each moment—whether joyful or difficult—can be used by God. Through authentic testimonies and powerful stories of faith, resilience, and discovering purpose on a deeper level, our hope is to ignite inspiration in your own journey of trusting Him more deeply. If you’re ready to uncover how God is using your story for something greater, this podcast is for you. Join us as we reflect on His work in our lives, learn from the experiences of others, and embrace the impact He’s calling you to make. Your story matters, and we’re here to remind you that through Him, your impact can echo far beyond what you can see.

Ep. 20: Suffering Is Never Wasted With God with Lindsey Lavender 02/12/2026

Ep. 20: Suffering Is Never Wasted With God with Lindsey Lavender What if the pain you wish away is the very place God is doing His deepest work? In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down with Lindsey Lavender, founder of Live On Mission Ministry, to talk about suffering, faith, and trusting God when life does not make sense. Lindsey shares her story of a life-altering accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, chronic illness, and years of recovery. Through it all, she has learned to hold tightly to the truth that suffering is never wasted when it is placed in God’s hands. With honesty and humility, Lindsey invites us into a tension so many of us live in. Believing God is good while still hurting deeply. Trusting Him even when healing looks different than expected. This conversation does not rush to explain pain. Instead, it gently reminds us that God is present, faithful, and worthy of praise in every season. What We Cover: Lindsey’s faith journey and the accident that changed her life Walking through grief, loss, and suffering with honesty before God Why following Jesus does not promise an easy life Trusting God when miracles do not come the way we hope What it means to live on mission even in weakness How God uses suffering for His glory and our growth Key Quotes: “Miracle or not, He is worthy.” “Suffering is never wasted with God.” Connect with Lindsey Lavender: Live On Mission Ministry Website Follow Live On Mission on Instagram @liveonmissionministry Follow Lindsey on Instagram @lindseyleelavender2024 Follow on Facebook Listen to the Live On Mission Podcast on Spotify Subscribe on YouTube Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a season of suffering? We would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. Follow us on Instagram Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group Echos of Impact Community: Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point hearts back to God’s faithfulness. Until next week, friends 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/40009580

Ep. 19: Six Months Without Alcohol: A Season of Surrender 02/05/2026

Ep. 19: Six Months Without Alcohol: A Season of Surrender What if God isn’t asking you to give something up because it’s bad, but because He’s offering something better? In this reflective and honest episode of Echoes of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for a heart-to-heart conversation to welcome a new year and explore what it looks like to listen closely when God invites us into something deeper. Together, they talk about words for the year, identity, obedience, and the quiet ways God confirms His direction in our lives. Briana shares her journey of giving up alcohol for six months—not out of shame or obligation, but out of obedience—and what God revealed to her through that season. Cherise reflects on the vision God gave her for the year ahead and how Scripture, confirmation, and everyday rhythms have shaped her sense of renewal and hope. Together, Briana and Cherise explore what it means to surrender something that may be good in order to receive something better, and how faithfulness often unfolds one small, intentional step at a time. What We Cover: Choosing a word for the year and allowing it to unfold prayerfully How God confirms His invitations through Scripture, repetition, and timing Briana’s experience giving up alcohol for a season and what it revealed spiritually, emotionally, and relationally The difference between something enhancing what’s already good versus becoming a way to cope Identity, obedience, and trusting God with both public and private decisions Encouragement for anyone sensing God’s nudge to pause, surrender, or listen more closely Key Quotes: “Sometimes God isn’t asking you to give something up because it’s bad, but because He’s offering something better.” “You don’t really see what something has become until you stop.” Join the Conversation: Have you ever felt God invite you into something deeper—even when what you had felt good or familiar? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community. Follow Us: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community here: Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing honest, faith-filled conversations that point people back to God’s voice and direction. Until next week, friends. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39927555

Ep. 18: Gold in the Cracks: When Breaking Becomes Becoming 01/29/2026

Ep. 18: Gold in the Cracks: When Breaking Becomes Becoming Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of loss (death of a spouse), alcohol use, and eating disorders (anorexia + bulimia). Please use discretion as you listen. In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray and Cherise Thompson sit down with Heather Palmer—Kansas City local, yoga teacher, and author of Gold-In Cracks—for an honest conversation about resilience, surrender, and what it looks like to let God meet us in the hard places. Heather shares her story of getting married young, walking through her husband’s cancer journey, and becoming a widow with a one-month-old baby. From there, she opens up about the quiet ways shame can keep us stuck, the numbing patterns so many of us default to, and the healing that begins when we stop running and start surrendering. Together, we talk about the beauty of kintsugi (repairing broken pieces with gold), and how God doesn’t waste our cracks—He can fill them with light, strength, and purpose. What We Cover: Heather’s journey through loss, grief, and rebuilding her life The “bad theology” of believing: “If I’m good, life will be good”—and what Scripture actually says about suffering How shame keeps us stuck, and why grace + compassion are what pull us out Numbing, distraction, and the invitation to actually feel what we’ve been avoiding The powerful metaphor of kintsugi—highlighting the cracks instead of hiding them Living in the “eye of the storm”: boundaries, peace, and what’s actually your job to carry Breath as a spiritual practice—and why it matters more than we think Encouragement for anyone who feels like they’re “too far gone” to rebuild Key Quotes: “Our purpose is to constantly redirect ourselves back in and refine who we are… to be in alignment with God.” “The darkness isn’t in the way. The darkness is the way.” “Shame keeps me stuck. Grace and compassion is what pulls you out.” “Everything inside the circle is my job. Everything outside the circle is not my job.” “Maybe the cracks aren’t flaws in our story—maybe the cracks are the story.” “You can rebuild from anything. The moment you pair with God, you can rise again.” Connect with Heather Palmer: Follow Heather on Instagram: @heather8888 Grab her book, Gold-In Cracks: Available on Amazon Heather is local to Kansas City (Lee’s Summit area) and welcomes listeners to come to a yoga class—reach out to her on Instagram to connect. Join the Conversation: Where have you been trying to avoid the hard—when God might be inviting you to walk through it with Him? Come tell us on Instagram, or share inside our Facebook group. 💛 Follow & Get Connected: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast and leave a review. It truly helps us keep sharing stories like Heather’s—stories that remind us we’re not broken… we’re becoming. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39792055

Ep. 17: Smelling Like Smoke: Getting Close Enough to Make a Difference with Amber Keller 01/22/2026

Ep. 17: Smelling Like Smoke: Getting Close Enough to Make a Difference with Amber Keller In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Amber Keller—follower of Jesus, wife, mom of three girls, writer, and coordinator of a women’s prison ministry—to talk about purpose, obedience, and what it really means to follow Jesus into hard and holy places. Amber shares her story of growing up as a missionary kid in Peru during years of terrorism, navigating identity and faith after returning to the U.S., and experiencing God’s tender pursuit during a season of wandering. That journey ultimately led her into prison ministry—an unexpected calling that has shaped her faith, her understanding of the Church, and her view of worship itself. Together, Briana and Amber explore how God redeems every part of our story, why serving “the least of these” is central to the gospel, and how proximity—not perfection—is often what Jesus is inviting us into. What We Cover Living on purpose: Why purpose is about connecting people to God and to one another Growing up between worlds: How Amber’s missionary upbringing shaped her faith and identity Wilderness seasons: God leading us into the desert—and speaking tenderly there What prison ministry really looks like: Trauma-informed discipleship, emotional safety, and long-term transformation When God shuts a door: Being called to ministry just hours before the prison closed for COVID Redeemed skills: How Amber’s Spanish and linguistics background launched a Spanish reentry program The least of these: Why Matthew 25 includes those who are incarcerated Belonging and reentry: The power of saving someone a seat at the table “Smelling like smoke”: Why worship is not the end—it’s the preparation to go into the darkness with the light of Christ Key Quotes “My purpose is to connect people to God, and connect them to each other.” “Their journey to prison starts way before they’re ever in the backseat of a police car.” “Broken people don’t need a meme. They need a friend.” “Jesus didn’t stay clean or safe. He gave Himself—up close.” “I think we are supposed to smell like smoke.” Scripture Mentioned Matthew 25:40–45 – Serving Jesus through serving “the least of these,” including those in prison Hosea – God leading us into the desert and speaking tenderly to us Connect with Amber Amber’s Website: Amber’s Blog: Join the Conversation How is God inviting you to move closer—to step into places that might feel uncomfortable, messy, or unfamiliar? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community. Follow Us Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Facebook Group: Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes: If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point people back to Jesus and invite us all to live with greater purpose. Until next week, friends 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39760400

Ep. 16: Busy for God or Bearing Fruit? 01/15/2026

Ep. 16: Busy for God or Bearing Fruit? In this honest and reflective episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana sit down for a behind-the-scenes conversation about something many Christians wrestle with—but don’t always name: the difference between being busy for God and actually bearing fruit. We talk about how easy it is to slip into checklist Christianity—doing all the “right” things, staying involved, showing up faithfully—while still missing the deeper intimacy God is inviting us into. This episode gently challenges the idea that fruit can be forced through effort, discipline, or religious activity, and instead points us back to what Scripture teaches: fruit is the natural result of abiding in Christ. Together, we explore how the fruit of the Spirit grows slowly over time, why Scripture about “fruit” is often misused as a measuring stick for others, and how God calls us first to examine our own hearts—not manage appearances. This conversation is for anyone who feels spiritually tired, stuck in self-effort, or unsure how to discern healthy fruit in their own life or relationships. What We Cover: The difference between being busy for God and bearing fruit Why fruit cannot be forced through behavior or performance How abiding in Christ leads to lasting heart transformation (Galatians 5:22–23) Why the “fruit” Scripture is meant for discernment—not judgment Recognizing patterns of healthy vs. unhealthy fruit over time How repentance, humility, and a contrite heart reveal true spiritual growth Navigating relationships when words and actions don’t align A simple way to recognize conflict responses: avoiding, blaming, or choosing compassion Practical ways to abide in Christ during seasons of exhaustion, burnout, or uncertainty Why abiding doesn’t erase your personality—it refines and strengthens it Key Quotes: “Fruit isn’t something we produce by trying harder—it’s something God grows in us when we abide in Him.” “You can be doing all the ‘right’ things and still miss the intimacy God is inviting you into.” “Apart from Him, we can do nothing—but with Him, everything changes.” Scripture Referenced: Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:19–21 — The works of the flesh John 15:5 — Abiding in the vine Matthew 7:1–2 — Judging and discernment Luke 10:25–37 — The Good Samaritan Matthew 5–7 — The Sermon on the Mount Join the Conversation: Have you ever realized you were busy for God but not actually abiding with Him? What does abiding look like in your current season? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we love hearing how God is working in your life. Follow & Connect: 📸 Podcast Instagram: 📸 Life Coaching Instagram: 👥 Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Grow in faith, purpose, and community here: ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes: We’d also appreciate your prayers for Briana’s daughter, Nora, as their family navigates upcoming medical appointments. If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to follow the podcast and leave a review? Your support helps us continue sharing conversations that invite women into deeper faith, freedom, and intimacy with God. Until next week, friends. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39675505

Ep. 15 There’s No Retirement in the Kingdom of God with Katharine Rose 01/08/2026

Ep. 15 There’s No Retirement in the Kingdom of God with Katharine Rose In today’s episode of Echos of Impact, we sit down with Katharine Rose—writer, speaker, and host of the podcast Eternal Echoes—for a rich and deeply meaningful conversation about purpose, obedience, legacy, and listening closely to God’s voice. Katharine shares her personal journey through striving, wilderness seasons, delayed obedience, and surrender. She opens up about learning the hard way that just because something is good doesn’t mean it’s God, and how the Lord patiently redirected her when she tried to take control of the calling placed on her life. We also dive into the heart behind Eternal Echoes, Katharine’s ministry dedicated to amplifying the wisdom and faith stories of the older generation. Through powerful reflections, we explore how our culture often overlooks both single women and the elderly—and how God sees purpose, value, and calling very differently. This episode is an invitation to slow down, gain an eternal perspective, and remember that as long as we’re breathing, God isn’t finished with us yet. In This Episode, We Talk About: What it really means to live out your purpose The difference between good opportunities and God-ordained direction Wilderness seasons as preparation—not punishment Releasing performance, striving, and false identity Singleness, surrender, and trusting God with unmet desires Why older generations often feel unseen—and why their wisdom matters The myth of “retirement” in God’s Kingdom Legacy, obedience, and living with an eternal perspective How prayers and faith echo far beyond our lifetime Key Takeaways: You were created on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose God’s timing is not delayed—even when it feels like it Purpose doesn’t expire with age, season, or circumstance Obedience often comes one step at a time, not with a full blueprint Legacy is built through faithfulness, not visibility As long as you’re here, God still has work for you to do A Quote You’ll Want to Remember: “You never retire in the Kingdom of God—you get refired for your next assignment.” Connect with Katharine Rose: 🌐 Website: 🎙️ Podcast & Ministry: Eternal Echoes 📸 Instagram: 📘 Facebook: Katharine is currently seeking guests age 65+ who have stories of faith, wisdom, and life experience to share. Join the Conversation: How has God been reshaping your understanding of purpose in this season? We’d love to hear from you—join us on Instagram or in our Facebook community. Follow & Connect with Us: 📲 Podcast Instagram: 📲 Life Coaching Instagram: 👥 Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories that point back to God’s faithfulness. Until next week, friends. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39460310

Ep. 14: From Broken to Called — A Journey Through Addiction to Ministry with Lisa Herrington 12/18/2025

Ep. 14: From Broken to Called — A Journey Through Addiction to Ministry with Lisa Herrington Trigger Warning: In this episode, Lisa shares honestly about her journey with addiction, including substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and the emotional impact on her children and family. We encourage you to listen at your own pace and take care of your heart as you do. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Lisa Herrington, a wife of 41 years, mom of four, grandmother of six, and now a Care & Compassion Pastor at Blue Oaks Church in California. Lisa’s story is one of deep brokenness, radical honesty, and the life-changing grace of God meeting her in the darkest places. Lisa opens up about her journey through childhood loss, early experimentation with alcohol, and a decades-long battle with addiction that shaped both her life and her family. But she also shares how God never stopped pursuing her — from a desperate moment in her garage to an unexpected call to ministry spoken at her mother’s graveside. This conversation is raw, redemptive, and full of the kind of hope only God can write. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can redeem your lowest moments… if He can restore what’s been broken… or if He can still use your life for purpose — Lisa’s story is a resounding yes. What We Cover: ✨ Lisa’s early years — losing her father at age two, growing up in a single-parent home, and the ache she didn’t have words for ✨ The beginning of addiction — a single moment at age 14 that offered escape… and the chase that followed ✨ The question that broke her — the turning point when her daughter asked, “Why do you love drugs and alcohol more than us?” ✨ Understanding addiction through a faith lens — powerlessness, shame, and how the church often misunderstands addiction ✨ The miracle of recovery — what changed in her heart during her fourth attempt at sobriety and how AA became a lifeline ✨ God’s supernatural pursuit — from a friend who showed up at the exact right moment to an audible calling at her mother’s graveside ✨ Her unexpected calling into ministry — how God opened doors she never could have imagined: funerals, senior centers, compassion ministry, and eventually becoming a licensed pastor ✨ Marriage and family redemption — navigating the years after sobriety, healing wounds with her daughters, and how God rebuilt what addiction tried to destroy ✨ Wisdom for those struggling — practical tools, spiritual rhythms, and grace-filled encouragement for anyone battling addiction or supporting someone who is Key Quotes: “The truth is what set me free — even when it broke me.” “I am powerless without God… but that’s where His power began to change everything.” “God didn’t move. He was there the whole time.” “I owe God everything. My life is more than I ever dreamed — only because of Him.” Connect with Lisa Herrington: Blue Oaks Church: Follow Blue Oaks on Instagram: @blueoakschurch Join the Conversation: How have you seen God redeem the broken places in your story? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: ✨ Podcast: ✨ Life Coaching: Join our Facebook Group: 👉 Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. 💛 Learn more: Ready for a fresh start? ➡️ Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today: If you loved this episode… Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review. Your support helps us share more stories like Lisa’s — stories of hope, healing, and God’s beautiful redemption. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39376325

Ep. 13: God Told Me to Get My House in Order — Here’s What Happened Next 12/11/2025

Ep. 13: God Told Me to Get My House in Order — Here’s What Happened Next In this heart-to-heart episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for one of their monthly conversations — the kind where we open our Bibles, open our real lives, and invite you into what God has been speaking in this season. This week’s episode unfolds around two powerful images: ✨ a surprising word from God — “Get your house in order” — and ✨ a vivid picture of sitting at a tiny children’s table as Jesus invites Briana to “play chess” with Him, a game she doesn’t know how to play. Through these moments, God begins revealing deeper truths about surrender, trust, spiritual realignment, and what it truly means to let Him lead… one move at a time. Together, we explore the many layers of “house” — our physical homes, our families, our bodies, our inner life, and our spiritual foundations — and how God lovingly restores, rebuilds, and reorders each one. What We Cover: The Chess Word Picture: Briana’s vision of Jesus inviting her into a game she doesn’t know how to play — and what it reveals about patience, foresight, strategy, and our part in the process. A Direct Word From God: The moment Briana heard “Get your house in order” and how it began unfolding in ways she didn’t expect. God’s Protection & Prompting: A startling middle-of-the-night nudge from the Holy Spirit that led Briana to check her kids’ devices — and why obedience matters. Cherise’s Word From Haggai 2: How God is speaking restoration, rebuilding, and generational healing, even when promises unfold slowly and require deep trust. Understanding the Different “Houses” in Scripture: Physical home, family lineage, inner life, and spiritual dwelling — and how God works in each one. Presence Over Planning: Why God invited Cherise into a season of being present instead of trying to plan five or ten years ahead. Realignment in Relationships: How surrender can shake things up — even in healthy relationships — and why God sometimes rearranges what feels secure. How to Discern God’s Voice: Peace vs. anxiety, the 8 C’s of Internal Family Systems, and what conviction truly feels like. Letting God Lead Step by Step: Why we don’t have to know the whole strategy — we only need to look back at Jesus for the next move. Key Quotes: “Life is like chess. He’s asking me to sit down and play a game I don’t know… even if I knew the rules, I could still be wrong.” — Briana “He’s the perfect gift giver. He doesn’t miss a detail.” — Cherise “Sometimes God gives us a word that unfolds in layers — like a prism.” “Whatever part of your ‘house’ feels broken, God promises the latter will be greater than the former.” Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram: ✨ Podcast Instagram: ✨ Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Community: 💛 Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how to grow in faith, purpose, and community. ➡️ Ready to take inventory of your own “house”? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana here: ➡️ Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing honest, faith-filled conversations that meet women right where they are. Until next week, friends. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39277930

Ep. 12: Faith After Flatline; A Second Chance at Life— with Kate 12/04/2025

Ep. 12: Faith After Flatline; A Second Chance at Life— with Kate Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, cardiac arrest, and near-death experiences. Please listen with care. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Kate, a Kansas City native, wife, mom of six in a blended family, nana of three, and women’s Bible study leader. This conversation is tender, faith-filled, and full of the kind of perspective that only comes when God carries you through what should have been your final moments. In June of this year, at just 44 years old, Kate suffered a sudden and life-threatening heart attack — the kind doctors call a “widowmaker.” Her heart stopped. She coded. And yet… God said “not yet.” Her story is nothing short of miraculous. Kate shares openly about the moments leading up to the heart attack, the peace she felt when everything went dark, and how the kindness of God sustained her through open-heart surgery, rapid healing, and the emotional processing that came after. She also shares how this experience transformed her marriage, deepened her trust in God, and clarified her purpose in this season of life. Together, Cherise and Kate talk about what it means to release control, trust God with your children, and stay rooted in Scripture through every season — the ordinary, the overwhelming, and the holy. What We Cover: Kate’s journey of faith from childhood through adulthood The day her heart suddenly stopped — and the miracle moments that followed How God used her husband’s presence, EMTs, and timing in supernatural ways The healing process after emergency open-heart surgery The emotional tension of “I should have died… but God kept me here” Parenting adult children vs. raising a younger child again How this experience reshaped her marriage and her view of her husband Learning to love Scripture, discipleship, and the everyday faithfulness of walking with Jesus Seeing God’s kindness in both crisis and the mundane Key Quotes: “I wasn’t aware I was dying — I was only aware of God’s peace. In the darkness, I just said, ‘Okay God, it’s me and You. What are we doing?’” “God orchestrated every detail. If it wasn’t my time, it wasn’t my time — and nothing was going to stop His plan.” Connect with Kate: Kate leads women’s Bible studies and serves in Care & Compassion Ministries at her church in Kansas City. Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a moment you didn’t expect? Share your story with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community: Ready for a fresh start or clarity in your next season? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories of God’s goodness and everyday purpose. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39224470

Ep. 11: The ‘Yes’ Hidden in Every ‘No’: Resting in God’s Love with Emily Love. 11/20/2025

Ep. 11: The ‘Yes’ Hidden in Every ‘No’: Resting in God’s Love with Emily Love. In this heartfelt and restorative episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Emily Love—Kansas City native, event designer, and spiritual director in training—to talk about what it means to slow down and let God do the deeper work within us. Emily shares her powerful story of burnout, slowing down, and learning that rest can be the hardest work of all. Through seasons of exhaustion, recovery, and healing—including a serious car accident that became a defining moment of surrender—Emily discovered that purpose isn’t found in constant striving, but in being present with God right where our feet are. Together, Briana and Emily explore what it looks like to release the pressure to perform, embrace gentleness toward our former selves, and “try softer” instead of trying harder. This conversation is a tender invitation to rest in the truth that we are already deeply loved, seen, and held by God—no earning required. What We Cover: Emily’s journey from burnout to rest and recovery Learning to “host yourself” before hosting others The beauty of saying no to good things to say yes to God’s best How to walk at the pace of grace rather than hustle Seeing purpose as presence—right where your feet are The freedom that comes when we “try softer” and release control Key Quotes: “The hardest work is rest work—surrendering to the reality that God’s already at work.” “Be gentle with your former self. She was doing her best.” “You don’t have to try harder. Sometimes God just asks us to try softer.” “Purpose starts where your feet are.” Books Mentioned: — A powerful guide to healing, emotional awareness, and gentleness with yourself through God’s grace. — A reflective classic on slowing down to walk with God at the pace of grace. Connect with Emily Love: ✨ Website: 📧 Email: emily@emilyloveevents.com 📸 Instagram: @emilyloveevents 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/emilyloveevents 💼 LinkedIn: Join the Conversation: How is God inviting you to slow down and “try softer” in this season? Share your reflections with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: 🎧 🌿 Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: 🌼 Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. ✨ Ready for a fresh start? . If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review! Your support helps us continue sharing stories of faith, healing, and purpose—just like Emily’s. Until next week, friends 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/39010495

Ep. 10: On a Short Leash with God: Briana’s Story of Miracles, Missions & Purpose with Briana Gray 11/13/2025

Ep. 10: On a Short Leash with God: Briana’s Story of Miracles, Missions & Purpose with Briana Gray In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise flips the script and sits down with her co-host, Briana Gray, to hear her God story. Instead of interviewing another guest, we get to lean in and listen as Briana shares how God has held her “on a short leash” through small-town beginnings, overseas mission trips, miracles on the other side of the world, and the quiet, ordinary moments of motherhood and calling. Briana is a Christian life and mindset coach, co-host of Echos of Impact, and creator of The Woman’s Success Code, where she helps women discover purpose in their everyday lives and walk in deeper relationship with God. In this conversation, Briana shares how God met her in the middle of survival mode, lukewarm seasons, and the tension of “one foot in the world, one foot with Jesus,” and how He gently led her into a life of purpose that feels like awakening and expansion. What We Cover: Briana’s small-town Lutheran upbringing and how early traditions, memorization, and catechism gave her a strong foundation in Scripture The moment worship became personal through a tiny contemporary service in a traditional church How three overseas mission trips to Peru, Botswana, and Thailand shaped her faith and taught her how to have a real, daily relationship with God The wild story of visiting a remote village, a witch doctor’s compound, and seeing God move through actual miracles—including a blind man receiving his sight What it’s like to wrestle with those miracles later and still ask, “Did that really happen? Am I crazy? Could I have made that up?” The tension of living a “double life” in high school and college—loving Jesus while still looking for love and validation in all the wrong places The impact of Grandma Boots and the legacy of a praying grandmother who literally helped send Briana on mission and spiritually covered her life Stepping into marriage, three kids under four, and years that felt like pure survival mode—going to church, but feeling like there had to be more The gentle conviction of being “lukewarm” and the shift into deeper spiritual rhythms: quiet time, Bible study, journaling, and actually hearing from God How God highlighted her lifelong desire to invest in women—and how that birthed life coaching and the Echos of Impact podcast What it feels like when you’re walking in your God-given purpose: awakening, expansion, fuel, and peace—even on hard days The reminder that every story matters—whether you’ve always believed or had a radical before-and-after moment—and how to honor where God has been faithful in your story Key Quotes: “I do believe that God created each of us on purpose and for purpose—our stories, our personalities, our passions are all like little puzzle pieces He fits together.” “When you keep trusting God with the path He’s put in front of you, it feels like an awakening and an expansion of yourself. That’s when you really know you’re on the right track.” “I like to say God had me on a short leash. Even when I had one foot in the world, I never veered very far from Him—and I know my grandma’s prayers were a big part of that.” Connect with Briana: Listen to The Woman’s Success Code & learn more about her coaching: 👉 Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more here: Follow Briana on Instagram: 👉 @thewomanssuccesscode – faith, purpose, mindset, and encouragement for women Join the Conversation: Where do you see God’s “short leash” in your story? Have there been moments where you can look back and clearly see His hand—through prayers, protection, or a sense that He never let you get too far? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we love hearing how God is moving in your everyday life. 💛 Follow us on Instagram: 👉 Podcast Instagram: 👉 Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group: 👉 Echos of Impact Community: Take the Next Step: Hungry to go deeper in your own journey of faith and purpose? ✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community with other women who are walking this out too: 👉 ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana and start untangling what’s keeping you stuck so you can walk in the life God is inviting you into: 👉 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode and Briana’s story encouraged you, we’d be so grateful if you’d follow the podcast and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing stories of women living out their God-given purpose—stories just like Briana’s, and maybe one day, yours. 💛 Until next week, friends! /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38939810

Ep. 9: Renamed by God: Rediscovering Worth and Wonder with Precious Warren 11/06/2025

Ep. 9: Renamed by God: Rediscovering Worth and Wonder with Precious Warren In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana Gray and Cherise Thompson sit down with Precious Warren—a writer and homeschool mom passionate about helping families rediscover wonder. Living in Kansas City with her husband and two children, Precious shares how play and prayer often intertwine in her home, and how God literally renamed her Precious, transforming how she sees herself and her purpose. Precious opens up about healing from past trauma, moving from people-pleasing into freedom, and learning to receive God’s love apart from performance. She invites moms—especially the burned-out, unseen, and overwhelmed—to create again with God, one small step at a time. What We Cover Renamed by God: the story behind Precious’s name and how identity shifts everything Wonder & Worship: using imagination in parenting to notice God in everyday life From Striving to Beloved: moving past people-pleasing and performance faith Handling the Noisy Roommate: catching negative self-talk and agreeing with God’s truth Creative Motherhood: courage to make beautiful things with God (even in busy seasons) Resources from Precious: her PS 119 devotional journal and her upcoming children’s book Precious Little Ewe Key Quotes “Agreeing with God will change your life. He’s always right—just agree with Him.” “I thought my worth was in what I could do for God. Now I know He calls me precious simply because I’m His.” “Don’t lose the wonder—there’s always more to discover about God’s heart.” “God has been waiting for you. He delights to be with you.” Connect with Precious Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: PS 119 Journal (for burned-out creative moms): Children’s Book: Precious Little Ewe — publishing December (link coming soon!) Join the Conversation Where has God been inviting you to wonder again? Tell us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we’d love to cheer you on. 💛 Follow us on Instagram: | Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more here: Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review—it helps us continue sharing faith-filled stories like Precious’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38834000

Ep. 8: When Surrender Makes You Strong 10/30/2025

Ep. 8: When Surrender Makes You Strong Tina Smith on trading performance for God’s peace ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of abuse and childhood cancer, which may be sensitive for some listeners. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Tina Smith—a licensed therapist, author, and coach for women in leadership and entrepreneurship. Tina’s story is one of deep faith, perseverance, and surrender. As a mom to three children, including a childhood cancer survivor, she’s walked through immense challenges that have refined her heart and renewed her faith. For over 25 years, Tina has dedicated her life to helping others heal—founding the Selah Treatment Center, a charitable organization in Canada that provides accessible, subsidized mental health care. She’s also the author of Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing, a book that beautifully bridges science and faith to help readers find spiritual and emotional restoration. Together, we talk about what it means to reach the end of ourselves and find strength in surrender—how God uses breaking points to rebuild us stronger, and how we can move from performance-based faith to resting in God’s love. Tina shares practical tools for taking the pressure off, creating safe community, and learning to be fully human and fully loved. What We Cover: How surrender and faith shaped Tina’s story of healing The connection between trauma, neuroscience, and Scripture Why it’s okay to stop performing and start resting in grace Practical ways to take the pressure off and embrace your humanity The importance of therapy and safe community in spiritual growth Letting go of self-sufficiency and learning to trust God again Key Quotes: “It’s okay to be human. It’s okay to fail. You are loved completely as you are, and God still has more for you.” “Religious practices can cripple us, but Jesus restores us. He doesn’t want us to perform for love—He wants us to rest in it.” “When we let go of performance, we make space for God’s peace to move in.” About Tina Smith: “I’m a proud mom to one young adult son—a childhood cancer survivor—and two teenage daughters. My family’s journey has deeply shaped my perspective on resilience, hope, and the power of healing. For over 25 years, I’ve served as a therapist in the field of mental health, building a thriving private counselling practice and founding Selah Treatment Center—a charitable organization in Canada dedicated to providing accessible, subsidized mental health support. I am also the author of Renewing Our Minds in Love: Integrating Neuroscience and Scripture for Wholeness and Healing, and a coach for women in leadership and entrepreneurship, helping them find healing, strength, and clarity so they can lead with confidence and create a lasting legacy. My life’s work has not only been shaped by professional achievements but also by painful hardships, failures, and the ongoing journey of finding myself again. Through it all, I carry a passion for empowering others to rise and flourish in every season.” Connect with Tina Smith: 🌿 Website: 📚 Book: 💼 Selah Treatment Center: 📸 Instagram: 📘 Facebook: 📩 Coaching Inquiries: Join the Conversation: How has God met you in moments of surrender? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook community! 💛 Follow us: Instagram: Life Coaching: Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community . 💛 Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana . If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories of faith, healing, and purpose—just like Tina’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38763030

Ep. 7: When Community Becomes the Hands and Feet of Jesus with Nikki Moore 10/23/2025

Ep. 7: When Community Becomes the Hands and Feet of Jesus with Nikki Moore ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of child loss. In this tender, faith-filled episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Nikki Moore—wife, mom, and entrepreneur—to share her powerful story of loss, faith, and the beauty of community. Nikki grew up in Northern California but has called Kansas City home for the past 25 years. She’s been married to her husband, Brent, for 22 years, and they have three children: Mia (19, sophomore in college), Micah (13, seventh grade), and Marley, forever 3½. A former first-grade teacher of nine years, Nikki has spent the last 15 years as a stay-at-home mom and 10 years working for herself—living out her passion for helping women create purposeful, family-first lives. In this conversation, Nikki shares the story of her daughter Marley’s battle with a brain tumor at just 18 months old, and how her family found strength through faith and community in the midst of heartbreak. From the small miracles that carried them through hospital stays to the friends and neighbors who showed up in simple yet sacred ways, Nikki’s story reminds us what it looks like when the body of Christ becomes His hands and feet. Together, Briana and Nikki explore: 💛 What it means to see God’s goodness even when healing doesn’t look the way you prayed 💛 How community can carry us through the darkest seasons 💛 The power of showing up for others in practical, meaningful ways 💛 Grieving differently within marriage and still choosing unity 💛 Remembering and honoring a loved one in personal ways 💛 Finding renewed purpose after loss and walking forward in hope Key Quotes: “It’s not possible to do it all on your own. We’re not meant to be on an island—we’re meant to be in community.” “You can either let the pain destroy you, or you can let it refine you. I chose to keep giving God the glory.” “Silence hurts more than imperfect words. Say something. Show up.” Connect with Nikki Moore: 🌿 Instagram: 🌿 Facebook: 🌿 Website: Join the Conversation: How has God used community to carry you in a hard season? Share your story with us on Instagram or inside our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: 🎙 💛 Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: ✨ Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more . ✨ Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana . Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review—your support helps us continue sharing stories like Nikki’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38584440

Ep. 6: From Cult to Grace and How Conflict Can Grow Intimacy and Strengthen Your Marriage 10/16/2025

Ep. 6: From Cult to Grace and How Conflict Can Grow Intimacy and Strengthen Your Marriage ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes brief discussion of abuse and excommunication within a religious setting. Listener discretion advised. In this deeply insightful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Lisa Gray — a licensed marriage and family therapist and author whose story moves from legalism to grace and from conflict avoidance to healthy connection. Lisa specializes in helping high-conflict couples and couples navigating chronic pain and illness. She shares about growing up in a biblical cult, being excommunicated after insisting abuse be reported, and how she discovered the true meaning of grace after years of spiritual confusion. Now, as the author of Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple and the forthcoming Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness, Lisa equips couples to communicate with compassion, curiosity, and Christ-centered grace. Together, we dive into what it means to live purpose in the present, how conflict can increase intimacy, and why curiosity might be the most powerful tool in both marriage and faith. What We Cover Lisa’s upbringing in a biblical cult — and what led her to walk away How she rediscovered grace and rebuilt her relationship with God What it looks like to hold boundaries and kindness at the same time The five most common conflicts couples face (and why how we fight matters more than what we fight about) How to handle conflict with curiosity and calm instead of defensiveness Why “conflict increases intimacy” — and how it can draw us closer The heart behind Lisa’s books — from building healthy marriages to thriving amid chronic illness Practical tools for women who feel they’re “doing all they can” in marriage How to choose the right couples therapist (what to ask before you book) Key Quotes “My purpose is to be where my feet are—to follow the Holy Spirit and do what God’s prompting me to do right now.” “Conflict increases intimacy. You can’t know someone fully without conflict.” “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” “You can pay now or pay later—and later is always more expensive.” Connect with Lisa Gray 📘 Order: Healthy Conflict, Happy Couple 📖 Pre-Order: Thriving in a Relationship When You Have Chronic Illness (releases Nov 1) 🌐 Websites: lisagraymft.com | lisagrayauthor.com 📸 Instagram: @lisagraymft | @therapybooknook Join the Conversation What’s one area where you can invite more curiosity instead of defensiveness this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! How is God inviting you to slow down and stay curious this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Facebook: Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38579730

Ep. 5: Is That God—or Just Me? Hearing His Voice in Real Life 10/09/2025

Ep. 5: Is That God—or Just Me? Hearing His Voice in Real Life In this special episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down—just the two of us—for a conversation that’s close to our hearts: how do we hear God’s voice? We don’t come to this as experts, but as women who have spent a lifetime praying, listening, wrestling, and sometimes wondering if we heard Him right. Together, we share our own stories of hearing God through scripture, prayer, fasting, journaling, nature, dreams, and even those unexpected “word pictures” He places on our hearts. We talk about how easy it is to put our own spin on what we think God is saying—and how to instead hold things loosely, test them against scripture, and lean into the peace He provides. From butterflies in the driveway to whispered verses that repeat over and over, we’ve both seen how God is faithful to keep speaking when we slow down to notice. This episode is an honest, vulnerable conversation about discernment, intimacy with God, and the reality that His voice is often less about earthquakes and fire—and more about the still, small whisper. What We Cover: The four ways people often hear from God: seer, hearer, feeler, knower Stories from our own lives of hearing God in unexpected ways Why it matters to hold words and visions loosely and test them with scripture How nature, dreams, and repeated verses can be ways God gets our attention The importance of leaning into peace and creating space to notice His presence Key Quotes: ✨ “Lean into the peace. Lean into God’s still small voice and recognize that when He passed by Elijah, He wasn’t in the earthquake or the wind—He was in the whisper.” ✨ “God is not going to let you miss Him. He will keep pursuing you like the lost sheep—He doesn’t give up.” Join the Conversation: How has God spoken to you lately? Through scripture, prayer, nature, or maybe even a dream? We’d love to hear your story—share it with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Connect with Us: 👉 Follow us on Instagram: | 👉 Join our Facebook Group: 👉 Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more . 👉 Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana . Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share real, faith-filled conversations that point back to Jesus. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38426450

Ep. 4: Living in the Tension: Earthly Pain, Heavenly Truth with Lauren Sterling Garcia 10/02/2025

Ep. 4: Living in the Tension: Earthly Pain, Heavenly Truth with Lauren Sterling Garcia Trigger Warning: This episode includes themes of loss and grief. Please use discretion when listening. In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Lauren Sterling Garcia—a remarried widow, mom of eight, real estate agent, “pretend farmer,” and host of the Ordinary Grit podcast. Introduced by a mutual friend (and later realizing they’d just attended the same family camp!), Briana and Cherise invite Lauren to share her story of loving well, walking through an eight-month cancer battle with her late husband Scott, and choosing to keep running her race with Jesus—through grief, through healing, and into unexpected redemption. Lauren shares how simplifying purpose—to know God and glorify Him—reframed everything. From hospital rooms and back-porch conversations during COVID to sacred moments with community, she reminds us that God’s truth is still true on our worst day, and that presence often matters more than perfect words. What We Cover Lauren’s faith journey: from ministry and blended family to adopting five children and welcoming an eighth Walking through an aggressive cancer diagnosis during COVID and the sacred legacy Scott left “Walk to the water” faith: when deliverance looks different than we hoped Parenting grief across ages—and why purpose doesn’t die when a spouse does The ministry of presence: listening, Scripture, worship, and community care Compassion reshaped: giving others the benefit of the doubt in seasons of pain Finding love again: healing, discernment, and running your race with Jesus Key Quotes “If it’s true, it’s true on my worst day. God’s truth doesn’t change when I don’t get what I want.” “My purpose didn’t die because Scott died—I still have my race to run.” “We don’t move on; we move forward with Jesus.” Connect with Lauren Listen to Ordinary Grit: ordinarygrit.com Follow Lauren on Instagram: | Join the Conversation Where have you seen God’s truth carry you through pain? We’d love to hear your story! Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: | Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Lauren’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38354565

Ep. 3: Saved in the 11th Hour: God Restored Our Marriage with Erika Taphorn 09/25/2025

Ep. 3: Saved in the 11th Hour: God Restored Our Marriage with Erika Taphorn Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of infidelity, substance abuse, and marital conflict. Please listen with discretion. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Erika Taphorn, a photographer, wife, and mom of five from central Illinois, to share her raw and redemptive story of marriage restoration. Erika opens up about her journey—from becoming a teen mom at 19, to moving her family to Hawaii in obedience to God’s call, to walking through a painful wilderness season that nearly ended her marriage. Through separation, infidelity, addiction, and heartbreak, Erika experienced God’s presence in ways that can only be described as miraculous. Her testimony reminds us that even when the foundation of our lives feels shattered, God can rebuild, restore, and redeem in His timing. What We Cover: Erika’s unexpected beginning as a teen mom and the way motherhood drew her closer to Jesus The adventure of moving her family to Hawaii—and the lessons God taught them there The wilderness season that brought addiction, infidelity, and near-divorce to the surface How prayer, community, and total surrender became lifelines in the darkest moments The miracle of God stepping in “at the 11th hour” to restore her marriage Key Quotes: “I’m not going to fight with you in person—I’m going to fight for us in prayer.” “If God could step in then and change his heart, how much more can I trust Him with the little things?” Connect with Erika: 🌐 (blog coming soon) 📸 Instagram: | Join the Conversation: How has God met you in your own wilderness seasons? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! ✨ Follow us on Instagram: | ✨ Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: 🌟 Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. . 🌟 Ready for a fresh start? . Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us share more stories of God’s power to restore and redeem. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38344965

Ep. 2: How Curiosity Sparks Growth, Compassion, and Deeper Relationships with Michelle McMahon 09/18/2025

Ep. 2: How Curiosity Sparks Growth, Compassion, and Deeper Relationships with Michelle McMahon In this heartfelt conversation, Cherise and Briana sit down with Michelle McMahon—follower of Jesus, wife, girl mom, former pastor, and trauma-trained therapist—to unpack how curiosity (not control) opens the door to connection, clarity, and healing. Michelle shares how God restored what was lost in her childhood story and how that redemption now shapes her calling as a counselor for couples and individuals walking through betrayal trauma and restoration. What We Cover Purpose & Identity: Why living your purpose starts with knowing who and whose you are. Curiosity vs. Control: How curiosity draws people closer—in marriage, parenting, church, and community. “Slower is faster”: Practical ways to slow down so you can truly listen, regulate emotions, and heal. Marriage Tools: The Pain & Peace Cycle (Restoration Therapy) and how to move from reaction to repair. Faith & Questions: Why it’s safe—and Christ-like—to bring your questions to Jesus. Key Quotes “Control disconnects you from others. Curiosity draws them closer.” “Slower is faster—when we slow down, we move toward deeper healing.” “Jesus was asked 183 questions and only answered 4 directly. If that’s how He lived, that’s how I want to live.” Connect with Michelle Counseling (In-Person or Telehealth): Michelle McMahon, PLPC — michelle@kcrecoverypartners.com | | Work: 816-945-4208 Practice: (Christian practice with multiple cost points) Pastoral Care Groups: Speaker One-Sheet / Bio: Resources & Books Mentioned Curious: The Unexpected Power of a Question-Led Life by Tom Hughes — The Cost of Control: Why We Crave It, the Anxiety It Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises by Sharon Hodde Miller — Join the Conversation How is God inviting you to slow down and stay curious this week? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Facebook: Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Michelle’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38245270

Slow Is Fast: Setting the Spiritual Temperature at Home (Season 3 Premiere) 09/11/2025

Slow Is Fast: Setting the Spiritual Temperature at Home (Season 3 Premiere) In this season-opening conversation of Echos of Impact, Cherise and Briana invite you behind the curtain—what God’s been teaching us lately, how testimony shapes us, and why “slow is fast” can change the way we show up at home. We talk about setting the “temperature” of our homes with peace and intention, letting the Holy Spirit lead our pace, and why learning through people’s stories is often a softer, deeply transformational way to grow in faith. Together, we reflect on favorite themes from last season—friendship, forgiveness, miracles, holding grief and hope—and how those stories continue to form us. We also share what’s coming this season (newsletter + landing page!) and how you can speak into future topics and guests. What We Cover Season 3 kickoff: gratitude for our community and the heart behind the podcast Slow is fast: why God keeps inviting us to slow down—and how that practically changes our days Setting the temperature at home: choosing peace, compassion, and intention (even when everyone’s tired) Testimony as a softer teacher: how God uses other people’s stories to shape our own Friendship, forgiveness, and miracles: themes we’re still carrying forward Daily tethers to Jesus: quiet time, breath prayers, and small lifelines throughout the day Community invitation: topics you want us to cover and guests you want us to meet Key Quotes “Go slow and take the temperature. Be aware of what you’re bringing into the room.” “Slow is fast—God often does deeper work at a slower pace.” “A wise woman builds her home… and often that looks like setting the tone with peace.” “Testimony teaches—it’s a softer way to learn about God’s heart.” “We’re not promised an easy outcome, but we are promised His presence.” Join the Conversation What helps you slow down and set a peaceful tone in your home? Tell us on Instagram or inside the Facebook group—we’d love to hear what’s working for you. Connect with Us Follow on Instagram: Podcast — Follow on Instagram: Life Coaching — Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community — Take the Next Step Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more: Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes If this episode encouraged you, follow and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing stories that point to Jesus and strengthen everyday faith. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38173340

Ep. 38: Why Gratitude Might Be the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do with Andrea Hill 09/04/2025

Ep. 38: Why Gratitude Might Be the Most Powerful Thing You Can Do with Andrea Hill In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Andrea Hill—a wife, mom of four, nurse, entrepreneur, and founder of Mission 212 Foundation—to hear her powerful story of finding God’s peace in the midst of unimaginable trials. Andrea and her husband, Austin, walked through years of uncertainty after he was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. What began as a terrifying prognosis has now become a testimony of God’s faithfulness, healing, and purpose. Out of their journey, Andrea and Austin founded the Mission 212 Foundation, an organization that comes alongside fathers with cancer and their families to bring hope, support, and unforgettable memories in the middle of hardship. Andrea shares how her daily practice of gratitude, reliance on faith, and willingness to ask for help carried her through seasons of exhaustion, caregiving, and grief. She reminds us that even in the darkest caves, God’s light still shines through—and that we’re never meant to walk these storms alone. What We Cover: Andrea’s childhood and family roots in Iowa The shock of her husband’s stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis with three young kids and a newborn at home How gratitude journaling became her lifeline in suffering The birth of Mission 212 Foundation and its unique mission to support fathers with cancer and their families Marriage, caregiving, and learning to ask for help in times of weakness What it means to let God’s light in during dark seasons and to live with bold faith and gratitude Key Quotes: “Gratitude has carried me through every storm. Even on my husband’s sickest days, I chose to thank God for the smallest things—and it changed everything.” “I want to bring light into people’s dark caves, because God’s presence is always there, even when we can’t see it.” Connect with Andrea Hill: 🌐 📸 📖 🛍️ Join the Conversation: Where have you seen God’s light in your own storm? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group—we’d love to hear your story! Follow us on Instagram: | Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. . Ready for a fresh start? . Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Andrea’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/38006410

Ep. 37: Living Out Friendships Like Jesus with Briana and Cherise 08/28/2025

Ep. 37: Living Out Friendships Like Jesus with Briana and Cherise In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for another real and raw conversation about friendship—the beauty, the wounds, and the longing we all carry for meaningful connection. After hearing powerful feedback from listeners on their last friendship episode, Briana and Cherise return to unpack what friendship really looks like through a Christian lens. Together, they explore how past hurts can create walls, how different friendships serve different roles, and why seeing Jesus as our first and most faithful friend changes everything. They remind us that friendship doesn’t always have to look like hours-long coffee dates or constant check-ins. Instead, it can be woven into the rhythms of everyday life—voice messages, walks, folding laundry side-by-side, or simply a text that says, “I thought of you today.” But the most important truth they circle back to is this: friendship begins with Jesus. When we learn to see Him as our closest friend, we stop demanding perfection from others and instead begin loving them with grace, freedom, and joy. What We Cover: Why friendship wounds impact how we approach new relationships How to release pressure and embrace small, meaningful ways of connecting The importance of setting boundaries while still loving like Jesus Seeing Jesus as your best friend—and what that practically looks like Modeling healthy friendships for our kids and communities Key Quotes: “Every person carries friendship wounds, but we also all carry a longing to be seen and loved.” “Not every friend has to be your everything. Let each friendship be what it is.” “Jesus shows us how to love people well—even when the relationship isn’t perfectly mutual.” “Start with yourself. Learn how Jesus loves you, and let everything else flow from there.” Join the Conversation: Do you see Jesus as your friend? How has that shaped the way you show up in friendships with others? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or in our Facebook community! Follow Along: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring conversations that point back to God’s love. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37893855

Ep. 36: How to Keep a Soft Heart in a Hard World with Leigh-Ann Campbell 08/20/2025

Ep. 36: How to Keep a Soft Heart in a Hard World with Leigh-Ann Campbell In this wisdom-packed episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Leigh-Ann Campbell — wife, mom of five, women’s ministry leader, and truth-teller with a heart for building strong families and authentic communities. Raised in New England and planted in the Midwest for the past 26 years, Leigh-Ann married her husband Troy in 1999 and has worn nearly every kind of “mama” title — foster, adoptive, biological, and fur mom. This past year alone, her forever kids have spanned grad school, college, high school, middle school, and elementary. She holds a BA in Biblical Studies with a minor in Sign Language Interpretation and works alongside private families—helping manage life’s chaos and walking children through difficult seasons. Eighteen years ago, Leigh-Ann and Troy planted New Life CityChurch in the heart of downtown Kansas City — the first church plant in the area in 50 years, according to The Kansas City Star. She now leads the women’s ministry there with a unique blend of grit, grounded wisdom, and feisty humor. Her heart beats for the unseen moments—serving behind the scenes, responding to emergent needs, and being faithfully present wherever God places her. Watch by Chapter: 0:00 – Introduction 2:15 – Parenting through trauma and helping kids thrive in different schooling environments 7:42 – Creating daily habits for spiritual growth 12:10 – The value of diversity in community and how “differences demand context” 18:30 – Balancing grace and boundaries when kids or church members act out 25:45 – Navigating the harder sides of ministry without losing a soft heart 33:02 – Casting long-term vision in marriage and family life 40:21 – Practical ways to serve faithfully in the unseen moments Key Quotes: “Differences demand context. Once you know someone’s story, grace comes a lot easier.” “Without vision, people perish. Look ahead, and then make sure your daily decisions match where God is leading you.” Connect with Leigh-Ann: 🌐 🌐 📸 📘 Join the Conversation: 💬 What daily disciplines have helped you grow in your faith and family life? Comment below — we’d love to hear from you! Follow & Connect: 📸 Podcast Instagram 📸 Life Coaching Instagram 👥 Join our Facebook Group Take the Next Step: 🌟 Learn about The Woman’s Success Code 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, and share it with a friend! Your support helps us keep bringing powerful, hope-filled stories to the world. 💛 #parentingteens #christianparenting #ministrylife #traumainformed #faithathome #raisingkids #discipleship #echosofimpact /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37893945

Ep. 35: Choosing Obedience and Detaching From The Outcome with Cassie Ferren 08/14/2025

Ep. 35: Choosing Obedience and Detaching From The Outcome with Cassie Ferren In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Cassie Ferren, co-lead pastor of Midtown Church in Kansas City, foster mom, mentor, and advocate for women in ministry. Cassie’s story is a powerful testimony of surrender, obedience, and what it looks like to follow God when the path ahead is anything but clear. Cassie shares how growing up in a family that planted churches during race riots shaped her love for Jesus and her desire to serve others. From launching a church in the middle of a pandemic to fostering a child while navigating infertility, Cassie’s life is a reflection of choosing faith over fear—and trusting God with your family, your future, and your calling. 🔍 What We Cover: Cassie’s journey growing up in inner-city ministry in Cincinnati Church planting during the pandemic—and how God showed up What it means to live as a “slave of Christ” (Philippians 2) The heartache and holiness of foster parenting Her story of infertility and God’s miraculous timing How she and her husband co-lead a church while protecting their marriage Rhythms of faith, rest, and being present over performance Her passion for mentoring young women in ministry and co-leading Women Ministers KC ✨ Key Quotes: 🟡 “I want to be a slave of Christ—to look like Him in every realm of my life.” 🟡 “You’re going to have to learn a lesson most parents don’t until college: your kids were never yours to begin with.” 🟡 “God said, ‘I’m going to plant this church. You just have to have the faith and courage to follow Me.’” 🟡 “Even if I only loved her for a year, she was worth it.” 🙌 Connect with Cassie Ferren: 🌐 Website: 📧 Email: cassie@midtownkc.church 📸 Instagram: , 📘 Facebook: 👩‍💼 Women Ministers KC: 🌍 NewThing Network: 💬 Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a season of surrender? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: | 👥 Join our Facebook Group: ✨ Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Ready for a fresh start? 🎧 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Cassie’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37739195

Ep. 34: Why We Need Daily Bread: Rebekah’s Story of Trust, Peace & God’s Presence 08/07/2025

Ep. 34: Why We Need Daily Bread: Rebekah’s Story of Trust, Peace & God’s Presence In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Rebekah Albaugh, an internationally published wedding photographer, co-founder of The Reset Conference, and host of the Honest to Goodness Podcast. Rebekah shares her powerful testimony of walking through profound grief—losing her father, her mother, three miscarriages, and most recently, her two-month-old granddaughter—while holding tightly to the truth of who God is. Through heartache and seasons of waiting, Rebekah has learned that her purpose isn’t rooted in productivity or perfection, but in daily dependence on God. Drawing from Acts 17 and the story of manna in the wilderness, Rebekah reminds us that we were created to seek God, know Him, and find Him—day by day, moment by moment. This conversation is an invitation to trust God with your pain, to surrender your questions, and to press into the daily bread that sustains us, even in the darkest valleys. What We Cover: Rebekah’s story of loss, surrender, and legacy The power of worship in the middle of suffering The truth about peace that surpasses understanding Why we can’t rely on yesterday’s manna for today’s strength How grief and joy can coexist when rooted in God's presence Key Quotes: “We need to go to Him every day. If you’re not feeding on the Bread of Life, you will consume something else.” “I can’t take credit for the peace I’ve experienced—it’s the kind that only comes from knowing Him in the fire.” Connect with Rebekah Albaugh: 🌐 Website: 🎙 Podcast: Honest to Goodness 📸 Instagram: | | 📘 Facebook: 📹 TikTok: Join the Conversation: How are you learning to trust God with your daily bread? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: 👭 Join our Facebook Community: Take the Next Step: Ready to grow in purpose and faith? 🌟 Learn more about The Woman’s Success Code: 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Final Notes: If this episode spoke to your heart, we’d be so grateful if you’d follow, leave a review, and share with a friend. Your support helps us continue sharing these sacred and powerful stories like Rebekah’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37690525

Ep. 33: Is It Just Me? Why Friendship Feels So Lonely Sometimes 07/30/2025

Ep. 32: From Frozen in Time to Full of Life — Rebekah Hoover’s Story of Embryo Adoption and Midwifery 07/09/2025

Ep. 32: From Frozen in Time to Full of Life — Rebekah Hoover’s Story of Embryo Adoption and Midwifery In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Rebekah Hoover—midwife, mama of six, and one of Cherise’s dearest friends—to talk about purpose, surrender, and trusting God through the unexpected. Rebekah was Cherise’s doula when she gave birth to her daughter Ellie, and her steady presence during that faith-stretching moment left a lasting mark. Since then, Rebekah has walked through her own journey of faith and obedience, from becoming a mom to four biological children, to adopting twice—once through a local agency and once through embryo adoption. Now a certified midwife at Glory Birth, she shares openly about the highs and lows of following God’s lead, even when the road is filled with waiting and detours. Rebekah’s story is a beautiful example of how God uses every part of our journey—even the pain—for a greater purpose. What We Cover: Rebekah’s journey from doula to midwife and how her calling unfolded in God’s timing What embryo adoption is, and why her family chose to pursue it Navigating loss and healing after miscarriage and honoring the lives of every embryo The power of surrender and trusting God when plans don’t go the way you imagined The unique role of a midwife and how it differs from a doula Why honoring women emotionally and spiritually in birth matters Encouragement for women who feel stuck in the unknown or overwhelmed in the waiting Key Themes: Active faith in the waiting (Isaiah 40:31) Trusting God’s timing vs. our own Honoring life in every stage—from womb to heaven Finding purpose in the parts of your story you didn’t plan Key Quotes: “Even if we can’t see it yet, God is still writing the story—and He doesn’t waste anything.” “You can feel both joy and pain at the same time—and both are valid.” Connect with Rebekah Hoover: Website: Follow on Instagram: Connect on Facebook: Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God shifting your plans in a surprising way? Share your story with us on Instagram or in the Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: | Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Ready for a fresh start? If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Rebekah’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37351610

Ep. 31: When God Asks for Everything: The Power of Obedient Faith with Staci Wallace 07/17/2025

Ep. 31: When God Asks for Everything: The Power of Obedient Faith with Staci Wallace Ep. 31: “When God Asks for Everything: The Power of Obedient Faith” with Staci Wallace In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Staci Wallace, CEO and co-founder of Fueled by Fire, a global business consulting firm, to talk about surrender, purpose, and what it really means to reflect God in every area of life. Staci’s story is one of radical obedience—from singing at the Olympics and leading multimillion-dollar businesses to giving it all away when God asked her to. Staci is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former country and Christian music artist who has shared the stage with five U.S. Presidents and worked alongside legends like Zig Ziglar. But more than any of those accolades, she is a woman deeply committed to living for God’s glory. Her journey will inspire you to see purpose not just in your mountaintops, but in the valleys too. She shares how surrendering her approval addiction led to greater freedom and intimacy with the Lord—and how the real miracles in her life began when she stopped performing and started obeying. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Staci explore what it looks like to release control, embrace generosity, and allow God to shape your identity through every season—even the hard ones. What We Cover: Staci’s journey from missionary kid to high-performing entrepreneur Her experience with performance-driven faith and approval addiction The turning point at age 40 that led to a 7-day fast and life-changing surrender How Staci’s miraculous healing as a baby shaped her belief in God's power The seven layers of forgiveness—and what it means to truly let go What “measure of rule” means and how God tests our hearts before increasing influence How Staci’s businesses now operate under kingdom principles, including mandatory tithing Why obedience in the small things prepares you for the big things Key Quotes: “God doesn’t need your talent. He needs your yes.” “Start small. Dream big. Obey always.” “If you’re living in the Kingdom, you’ll feel crazy sometimes—but God always comes through.” “Where the enemy tried to destroy you is likely the very place God wants to use you.” “He’s not asking for performance. He’s asking for intimacy.” Connect with Staci Wallace: Website: Sign up for her free business challenge: Instagram: DM Staci with the word “forgiveness” to receive her 7 Layers of Forgiveness infographic Join the Conversation: How has God asked you to surrender in this season? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: | Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. . Ready for a fresh start? . Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, we’d love it if you’d follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Staci’s. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37349070

Ep. 30: The How-To's of Testimony 07/10/2025

Ep. 30: The How-To's of Testimony In this heartfelt solo episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for a powerful and practical conversation on something they hear again and again: "How do I share my story?" Testimony is a core part of the Christian life—but it can feel intimidating. What do you include? What do you leave out? How do you share your story without dishonoring someone else or exposing unhealed pain? And how do you know when you're truly ready to speak? Briana and Cherise walk through the spiritual, emotional, and practical side of preparing your testimony. They offer guidance on: What We Cover: Why the enemy often tries to silence our stories The difference between "my story" and "God's story" How to honor others while still speaking truth How to know when you're ready (and what to do if you're not) Why not having a "perfect bow" doesn't disqualify you Scripture as your foundation for truth and alignment The spiritual and even physical healing that can come when you share How your story—big or small—can be the key to someone else's breakthrough Key Quotes: “Your story might be the key that unlocks a gate for someone else.” “The Bible is one big book of testimonies—and yours is still being written.” “God doesn’t need your story to be polished. He needs it to be surrendered.” Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We’d love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. . Ready for a fresh start? . Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring conversations that encourage and equip you. Until next week, friends! 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37335500

Ep. 29: When God Gives You More Than You Can Handle — Meagan’s Story of Loss, Faith, and Holding On 07/03/2025

Ep. 29: When God Gives You More Than You Can Handle — Meagan’s Story of Loss, Faith, and Holding On ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to infant loss, sudden death of a parent, caregiving stress, and miscarriage. Please take care while listening. In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Meagan Spires—a stay-at-home mama, military wife, and woman of quiet strength—to talk about grief, healing, and the quiet faithfulness of God. Meagan opens up about a devastating 14-month stretch that included the loss of her full-term son Camden, the unexpected death of her mother, and the weight of becoming the sole caregiver for her elderly grandfather—all while her husband was deployed overseas. Through tearful memories and honest reflection, Meagan shares how journaling, Scripture, and the presence of God carried her through. Despite unimaginable heartbreak, Meagan’s story is one of hope. She’s learning to share her testimony boldly, not because it’s neatly wrapped up—but because even in the middle of it, God is still moving. What We Cover: Meagan’s journey through the loss of her son, mother, and grandfather The loneliness of grief and how it impacted her marriage and identity The unexpected ways God provided—financially, emotionally, and spiritually How her experience shifted her understanding of calling and motherhood The healing power of journaling, community, and simply showing up Why your story doesn’t have to be “finished” to be worth sharing Key Quotes: “The only answer is God and my faith in Him. That truly was the only way that I survived that season.” “I feel like God, you’re about to do something… I feel like I’m on the edge of something.” Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We’d love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: Life Coaching Instagram: Join our Facebook Group: Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. . Ready for a fresh start? . Final Notes: If this episode spoke to you, would you leave us a review or share it with a friend? Your support helps us continue to highlight stories like Meagan’s. Until next week, friends. 💛 /episode/index/show/dc6456bc-b00d-4098-a322-f9783ac33acf/id/37152155

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