The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast

Victorious Living’s inspirational Christian podcast features stories and interviews designed to deliver hope to your heart and offer you tools to live a victorious life.

Pathway to a Redeemed Life with Darren Cooney 04/19/2025

Pathway to a Redeemed Life with Darren Cooney Darren thought the world revolved around him, and he lived his life to prove that. Eventually, things got so thoroughly out of control that he prayed for God to let him die. But God had other plans for Darren, and He raised this already dead man to new life in Christ. DARREN COONEY is a husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. As Alumni President for Along Side Ministries, he helps formerly incarcerated men reentering society make Jesus their foundation for a new life. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, watching football, and sharing the Gospel with the lost and hurting. "Pathway to a Redeemed Life: The Story of Darren Cooney" is found in Issue 1 | 2025 of Victorious Living Magazine. https://victoriouslivingmagazine.com/magazine/ /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/36221125

Living Water for a Thirsty Soul with Brenda Cooney 04/07/2025

Living Water for a Thirsty Soul with Brenda Cooney Brenda Cooney had spent her life searching for love in all the wrong places, and her thirst for attention led her into one broken relationship after another. Her life finally changed when she came into a relationship with the One who could quench her thirst once and for all. Brenda is a wife, mom, and grandma who helps others discover their worth through the eyes of their Heavenly Father. She mentors women in recovery, advocates for overdose prevention, and offers support to parents of addicted children and those who have lost a child to addiction. "Living Water for a Thirsty Soul: The Story of Brenda Cooney" is found in Issue 1 | 2025 of Victorious Living Magazine /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/36026655

Where There's Breath, There's Hope: The Story of Tonier Cain 04/02/2025

Where There's Breath, There's Hope: The Story of Tonier Cain Life’s hardships led Tonier into addiction, prostitution, and imprisonment. She knew she had to find a way out, but every time she tried, the trauma of her past overwhelmed her. So many times, she just wanted to die, but her body kept breathing. The turning point came when she surrendered to Jesus Christ. There she found hope and a new life. Tonier Cain is a trauma survivor and internationally known expert in trauma-informed care. She works tirelessly as an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health. Tonier gives all the glory to Jesus Christ as she uses her experiences to make a difference in the lives of those who are often forgotten. For more information, visit toniercain.com. "Where There's Breath, There's Hope: The Story of Tonier Cain" is found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 1 | April 2025. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/35967670

Running the Race with Randy Claypoole 03/31/2025

Running the Race with Randy Claypoole For 26 years, Randy Claypoole’s career in auto racing took him from the pit lanes to the pulpit. As a NASCAR chaplain, media representative, and owner of the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, he lived life at full speed. Now, as part of the Victorious Living prison event team, Randy helps those who feel disqualified from God’s race get back on track. Join VL Podcast host Brooke Maratta and Randy Claypoole, as they talk about faith, second chances, and what it truly means to run the race set before us. RANDY CLAYPOOLE’s career in auto racing spanned 26 years. During that time, he served as a NASCAR chaplain and public relations/media representative. He also owned and operated the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, a professional auto racing series. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/35934595

Gratitude: Preparing Our Hearts for God's Present and Future Work featuring Kristi Overton Johnson 03/14/2025

Gratitude: Preparing Our Hearts for God's Present and Future Work featuring Kristi Overton Johnson Join VL Podcast host Brooke Maratta and Victorious Living founder Kristi Overton Johnson as they explore how gratitude prepares our hearts for God’s work—both now and in the future. This reflective conversation will inspire you to recognize His faithfulness in every season and embrace a posture of thankfulness as you step forward in faith. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/35685375

Xtreme Transformation: How God Rewrites Stories 02/26/2025

Xtreme Transformation: How God Rewrites Stories /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/35406775

Expose Pain and Find Joy Featuring Pat Avery 02/24/2025

Expose Pain and Find Joy Featuring Pat Avery /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/35406665

You Can Have a Victorious Life in Every Season of Your Life 11/20/2024

You Can Have a Victorious Life in Every Season of Your Life Join Victorious Living Magazone Publisher, Kristi Overton Johnson, in this throwback interview recorded over 3 years ago. For more information about Victorious Living Ministreis, visit . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/34037479

Every Day Is a Miracle: The Story of Misty McGee 11/01/2024

Every Day Is a Miracle: The Story of Misty McGee The following conversation is with Misty's devoted husband, Sean McGee, and beloved friend, Sheridan Correa. On August 31, 2024, Misty went home to be with the Lord. She praised God until her last breath while enjoying precious time with friends and family. Today, Misty is cheering us on from heaven, where she is whole and free. We honor you, Misty, and say “well done.” Thank you for encouraging us with your testimony of faith. We will see you soon! MISTY MCGEE was a wife, mom, daughter, and a child of the Most High King who hoped that through sharing her story, others would look for daily blessings in their lives, even in the face of adversity. "Every Day Is a Miracle: The Story of Misty McGee" is found in Issue 4, October 2024 of Victorious Living Magazine. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/33732927

Moving Beyond Justice to Mercy with Debra Moerke 09/23/2024

Moving Beyond Justice to Mercy with Debra Moerke Foster mom and lay chaplain at a local jail, Debra Moerke faced the unthinkable when one of her foster children was murdered by her mother—who then called Debra for prayer and counseling. Only through the power of Christ in her was Debra able to move beyond her desire for justice to extend the mercy offered through the saving blood of Jesus. Could you forgive someone who murdered the one you loved? Debra Moerke’s story is a living testament to how unconditional love and relentless obedience can transform even the darkest of nights into mornings of hope. Debra's story is found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 1 | 2024. Read digitally here. DEBRA MOERKE loves spending time with her husband, Al, six children, and nine grandchildren. As a Christian author and motivational speaker, she testifies to God’s goodness by sharing biblical principles and personal stories from her life. She is the founder of the McKenzie Home; a transitional home being developed to serve single moms and their children in Wyoming. To learn more, visit . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/33168652

Trusting God With the Results: Part 2 08/26/2024

Trusting God With the Results: Part 2 Join Kristi, Pat, Sheridan, and special guest, Michael Dixon for a discussion on practically applying trusting God with the results. Family, don't give up or quit. God is working while you are waiting. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32637357

A Willing Heart with Chris Southerland 08/19/2024

A Willing Heart with Chris Southerland “Every person is a human being with a name and a story,” Chris says. A willingness to learn the details of those stories helped Chris see situations and needs from both sides—an important ability for someone God raised from clerical work all the way up to warden and regional director in the Florida DOC. CHRIS SOUTHERLAND volunteers at her church and with The Jesus Infusion and Timothy’s Gift, two prison ministries that provide incarcerated persons with hope, healing, and the love of Jesus. Chris serves the “least of these,” from youthful offenders to lifers. She enjoys spending time with her three children and two grandchildren. "A Willing Heart: The Story of Chris Southerland" is found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 3 | July 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32637037

A Vessel For His Glory with Na'Kedra Rodgers 08/12/2024

A Vessel For His Glory with Na'Kedra Rodgers We can’t escape the pain of this world, but God promises that through His Son, we can overcome it all. Trials and disappointments can deceive us into believing that God and people don’t care about us and that our lives have no purpose. But God and the Bible soundly declare that is not true. Satan will do his best to defeat you, but he is a defeated foe. Focus on what is true and let God use your circumstances to glorify Him. NA’KEDRA RODGERS is a Southern belle with sass. She enjoys empowering women as a speaker, author, and podcaster. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, and point lost souls to Jesus. "A Vessel For His Glory: The Story of Na'Kedra Rodgers" can be found in Magazine Issue 3 | July 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32383282

Trusting God With the Results: Part 1 08/05/2024

Trusting God With the Results: Part 1 Trusting God, let alone anyone, can invoke fear and uneasiness for probably most of us. We don't trust easy. Maybe we've been hurt, burnt, and betrayed. Maybe we've locked up our hearts and said, "No way am I ever gonna let someone in again to hurt me!" Friends, God is different and is so trustworthy. Trusting God with the results means surrendering our anxieties and expectations to Him. It's about believing that His plans are better than ours, even when we can't see the bigger picture. This trust is rooted in the assurance of not our character, but God's character—His love, goodness, and faithfulness. Join the VL Small Group - Kristi, Pat, Sheridan, and special guest, Mike Dixon with L.I.F.E. Ministries - as we dive into the Word of God and discuss what trusting God means. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32383262

Man of Hope with Robert Whitner 07/29/2024

Man of Hope with Robert Whitner Our choices, good or bad, have consequences, no matter who we are. Rob started as a good kid, but then his choices led him to drug addiction, murder, and 20 years in prison. Who could have imagined that God would eventually use him as a pastor, but that’s exactly where Rob’s surrendered life has put him. ROB WHITNER is the founder and lead pastor of No Limits Ministry in Goldsboro, North Carolina. His passion is connecting people to God and each other. He also serves as the Director of Ministry Advancement for Jumpstart Ministry. To connect with Jumpstart or to bring a chapter to your facility, visit jumpstartvision.org. "Man of Hope: The Story of Robert E. Whitner" is found in Issue 3 | July 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32257662

Lost Boy, Found with Timothy Kane 07/23/2024

Lost Boy, Found with Timothy Kane "You gonna be a man or a baby?" Tim was just a kid when that question came his way. His response had consequences that changed his life forever. Tried as an adult and convicted of murder at age 14, Tim thought his life was over. But God can find His children anywhere—even in the depths of solitary confinement. Tim spent the next 25 years in prison. Released in 2017, he now shares his experience with everyone he can, telling them about the incredible mercy and love of his Savior, Jesus Christ. TIMOTHY AND ERICKA KANE team up to bring the hope of Jesus and worship alongside their brothers and sisters behind prison walls. Tim is a business owner and serves with Generational Change, an outreach of Empowered to Change. In his role as chaplain, he helps give a voice to and restore the lives of others through various transitional programs. "Lost Boy, Found: The Story of Timothy Kane" is found in Issue 3 | July 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32256872

Experience Your Ultimate Purpose with Rabbi Jason Sobel 07/15/2024

Experience Your Ultimate Purpose with Rabbi Jason Sobel “Jason, you are called to serve Me.” Imagine being a Jewish Buddhist, deep in meditation, when suddenly your spirit is lifted from your body and brought before a King you can only acknowledge as Jesus, the Messiah. Life changed for Jason in that moment, and now, as a child of the one true God, he knows his purpose in life. He’d like you to know yours too. JASON SOBEL’s personal revival led him to pursue revival on a global level through his nonprofit, Fusion Global. His outreach reconnects Jewish and Christian followers of Jesus through relevant and inspired teaching. Jason works with influential creatives and collaborates with many spiritual, entertainment, and marketplace leaders. His unique message empowers audiences worldwide to discover their potential and understand their full inheritance in Christ. To learn more about his outreach or his NYT bestselling books, visit fusionglobal.org. "Experience Your Ultimate Purpose: The Story of Rabbi Jason Sobel" is found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 2 | April 2024. . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/32146897

Worthy Living: The Story of Melissa Lott 05/20/2024

Worthy Living: The Story of Melissa Lott Childhood trauma and abuse led to poor decisions and more trauma as an adult. By the time she was 23, Melissa’s heart was hard and unfeeling. But Jesus—the Light of the World and the bringer of life—restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people. MELISSA LOTT is a warrior for Christ who combats the world's ugliness with the Gospel. Jesus has restored her heart, giving her the ability to feel, forgive, and see goodness in people. She enjoys sunshine, being courageous in darkness, and being a whole bunch of trouble for Satan. "Worthy Living: The Story of Melissa Lott" can be found in Issue 2 | 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/31263617

A Lifer Set Free with Marianne Van Dongen 05/13/2024

A Lifer Set Free with Marianne Van Dongen What was supposed to put an end to her pain multiplied it instead! Sentenced to life in prison at 26 for murdering her abusive husband, Marianne blamed God for not fixing things in the first place. But the harder she ran, the more God pursued her. MARIANNE VAN DONGEN frequently returns to the same prison where she was incarcerated for 27 years, ministering to women through the Jesus Infusion (thejesusinfusion.org). She also volunteers with parole and probation programs and at various correctional institutions, helping persons who are reentering society to successfully complete the parole and probation process. "A Lifer Set Free: The Story of Marianne Van Dongen" can be found in Magazine Issue 02 | 2024. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/31263702

Finding Beauty in the Storm with Essie Faye Taylor 05/07/2024

Finding Beauty in the Storm with Essie Faye Taylor Essie found out the hard way that when we take matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God’s perfect plan in His perfect time, things can get very messy and very painful. Still, the moment we turn to Him, He turns our ashes into beauty. ESSIE FAYE TAYLOR is a wife, bilingual author, educator, speaker, psalmist, and interpreter. As the author of the "Finding the Love You Deserve" series for women and teens, she is deeply committed to sharing the healing power of the gospel. Learn more at essiefayetaylor.com. "Finding Beauty in the Storm: The Story of Essie Faye Taylor" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 2 | 2024. . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/31174902

Looking For Peace with Bill Fay 04/29/2024

Looking For Peace with Bill Fay Prostitutes, racketeering, and gambling...OH MY! As a successful professional gambler before he finished college, Bill had it all—money, power, possessions, and women. Degree in hand, he moved up quickly in both business and the underworld. But no matter how much he obtained, something deep inside him was never satisfied. BILL FAY is a graduate of Denver Seminary and a former chief chaplain for the Colorado State Patrol and DEA. He has spoken cross-denominationally for 40 years. His best-selling book, Share Jesus without Fear, has been translated into 54 languages. It provides practical tools to present the compelling message of God’s saving grace. Visit to watch videos on how to uniquely share your faith. "Looking For Peace: The Story of Bill Fay" is found in Victorious Living Magazine Oct 2023 Issue. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/30973363

Build an Unshakable Foundation with Lauren Everett 04/24/2024

Build an Unshakable Foundation with Lauren Everett “Don’t be afraid. I am here.” Mere hours after hearing these words, Lauren learned that her husband, renowned BMX racer Dave Mirra, had taken his own life. This promise from Matthew 14:27 and the foundation of faith she and Dave had built together are what got Lauren through the days and months that followed. LAUREN EVERETT helps others experience God’s tangible peace and love by serving at her local church and overseeing Victorious Living’s prison correspondence outreach. Read "Build An Unshakable Foundation: The Story of Lauren Everett" . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/30973268

Trains, Bullies, Cops...and Jesus w/ Jerry Howard 02/26/2024

Trains, Bullies, Cops...and Jesus w/ Jerry Howard At ten years old, Jerry dodged a train…and the adrenaline rush that followed kept him playing chicken for the next two decades. Jerry’s daredevil nature merged with natural leadership qualities, and he looked good…right up until everything fell apart. But that’s when he turned to God, and today, he teaches CEOs and other executives to lead like Jesus in the marketplace. JERRY HOWARD is an executive mentor, speaker, and author whose mission of God is to share the Gospel of Jesus and to “go and make disciples.” Jerry owns multiple businesses and founded iNTREPiD iMPACT Team, a comprehensive leadership coaching and business consulting agency. He is a licensed healthcare executive and has successfully overseen multiple post-acute healthcare centers. He can be reached at JerryHowardInternational.com. To read "Train, Bullies, Cops...and Jesus: The Story of Jerry Howard" in its entirety, click . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/29939933

The Beauty in Forgiveness w/ Stephanie M. Carter 02/19/2024

The Beauty in Forgiveness w/ Stephanie M. Carter When Stephanie learned her cheating husband’s mistress was pregnant, she went off the deep end. Hurt and anger became hatred. Suicidal thoughts became murderous ones, but as she cried out to God, all she heard was “Forgive them.” When she finally surrendered to that command, she found freedom and purpose for her pain. STEPHANIE M. CARTER is an author and the host of her podcast Reveal. Her heart is to help hurting and broken women learn who they are in Christ. To learn more, visit her websites at revealedgrace.com and stephaniemcarter.com. To read "The Beauty in Forgiveness: The Story of Stephanie M. Carter" in its entirety, click . /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/29939803

Head to the Cross w/ Stephen Barbee 02/12/2024

Head to the Cross w/ Stephen Barbee Preacher’s kid Stephen Barbee rebelled early despite the bright prospects before him. Alcohol, drugs, and reckless behavior dragged him right down into the pigsty next to the Bible’s prodigal son. In his strength, he failed to stay clean, but a true surrender in prison brought healing and purpose to his life. STEPHEN BARBEE serves the incarcerated and reentry communities as a mentor and community outreach specialist. As the founder of P2P (Passion to Purpose), he shares his message of hope and transformation through Christ. For more information, go to p2pministry.org. "Head to the Cross: The Story of Stephen Barbee" is found in Issue 1 | 2024 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Stephen's story, click . Are you an incarcerated brother or sister needing more encouragement? Write to us at PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836, or email us at [email protected]. We cannot communicate through our phone line; please use the email system or snail mail. We read and pray over every letter we receive. Sorry, we cannot receive COD emails or phone calls. For a free NIV Bible, please write to RESCUED NOT ARRESTED, PO Box 90606, Phoenix, AZ 85066. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/29908918

God's Plan is Still Good w/ Parker Byrd 12/18/2023

God's Plan is Still Good w/ Parker Byrd "God, I've always trusted you have a plan and a future for me. But this plan doesn't feel so good." A fun afternoon on the water turned tragic for college freshman, Parker Byrd. Twenty-two surgeries and a leg amputation later, he faced the likelihood that his dreams of playing college baseball were over. Where were God's "good plans" now? PARKER BYRD is an East Carolina University student and baseball team member. When he's not studying, working out, or playing ball, you'll find him sharing his inspiring story at various venues. "God's Plan is Still Good: The Story of Parker Byrd is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Parker's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28973598

The Best Part of Your Day w/ Stef Cabaniss 12/11/2023

The Best Part of Your Day w/ Stef Cabaniss Grief and loss are a part of life we all experience. We can be taught how to deal with and cope with grief in godly, healthy ways. What we focus on thoughts and minds on changes the way we experience and relate to life. When Stefanie's best friend Mo was diagnosed with cancer, she became M's caregiver, willingly entering into the pain and struggle of survival. But as the disease progressed, Mo's ability to find something good in every day, no matter what, baffled and angered Stefanie. What good could come from Mo's illness? STEFANIE CABANISS was a public health professional before beginning the Grief 2 Great Day Podcast. Out of her grief and pain came her purpose of helping Christian women navigate loss through understanding their grief, growing their faith, and processing daily life to find hope. "The Best Part of Your Day" by Stef Cabaniss is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Stef's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28973463

Wrong to Strong w/ Julio "JC" Almanza 12/07/2023

Wrong to Strong w/ Julio "JC" Almanza JC’s life is one of tragedy to triumph. To say JC’s life has been colorful would be an understatement at best. Years of childhood abuse set his life on a dark course. From drug running on the streets of Chicago at 11 to incarceration in a Mexican prison at 17 to finishing that sentence in a US federal facility at 24, JC didn’t have time for God. But God had time for him and intervened. Once a man to be feared, JC is now on a journey of love and healing toward wholeness and holiness. He now brings life and hope into the lives of others. Today, God’s peace and joy shine through his life as JC serves Christ wholeheartedly. Stories like JC's show us that in Christ, we are strong and courageous. We have the power to overcome anything. Yes, we make a lot of mistakes but can be determined and disciplined to experience the hope of God's redeeming transformative power and become changed. With His help, we can experience a changed life and circumstance. It’s not always easy, but when we commit to the journey, we’ll find the peace we’re all looking for. With Jesus as our guide, we can learn from our past and become better, stronger people. "Wrong to Strong: The Story of Julio (JC) Almanza" is found in Issue 4 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. Are you an incarcerated brother or sister needing more encouragement? Write to us at PO Box 2751, Greenville, NC 27836, or email us at [email protected]. We cannot communicate through our phone line; please use the email system or snail mail. We read and pray over every letter we receive. Sorry, we cannot receive COD emails or phone calls. For a free NIV Bible, please write to RESCUED NOT ARRESTED, PO Box 90606, Phoenix, AZ 85066. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28466969

There's No Limiting God w/ Dale White 11/13/2023

There's No Limiting God w/ Dale White There is neither a limit nor expiration date on what God can do in your life. It doesn't matter how old you are or what you've done - when you give your life to God, He will make your way new and your life worth living. "There's No Limiting God: The Story of Dale White" is found in Issue 3 | 2023 of Victorious Living Magazine. To read Dale's story in its entirety, Dale White is the founder of Living Harvest, a post-release residential Christian Recovery organization. He also serves as a chaplain liaison for Prison Fellowship, has served on an executive committee for the Florida Department of Corrections, and is a Celebrate Recovery Inside State Representative for Florida. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28354982

Why Not You? w/ Simone Bryant 11/08/2023

Why Not You? w/ Simone Bryant When the pressures of her job as a social worker caused a mental breakdown, Simone finally faced the scars that she herself carried from her own time as a child in the foster-care system. And she learned her true identity as a child of God and stepped into the destiny He had prepared for her. SIMONE BRYANT is a daughter of God, as well as a wife, writer, and mental health advocate with a degree in social work. She serves to deliver hope with the Victorious Living inmate correspondence team. Why Not You? The Story of Simone Bryant is found in Issue 2 | 2023. To read Simone's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28225754

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