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.

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

Miracles Still Happen w/ Josh Rogister 11/01/2023

Miracles Still Happen w/ Josh Rogister As a new believer, 15-year-old Josh was diagnosed with a rare, treatment resistant illness. When he learned that his disease could lead to coma or even death, Josh looked to the miracle working God of the Bible for hope and deliverance. He was not disappointed. JOSH ROGISTER is the youth pastor at Christ Hope Church where he helps people of all ages develop authentic relationships with Jesus. Miracles Still Happen: The Story of Josh Rogister is found in Issue 3 | 2023. To read Josh's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28225688

Rebuilding the Life that Heroin Tore Apart w/ Amber Leason 10/24/2023

Rebuilding the Life that Heroin Tore Apart w/ Amber Leason From childhood, Amber was aware of the dark, empty place inside her. For years, she tried to fill it with relationships, excuses, and drugs, yet every attempt left her feeling emptier than before. But then God showed up in an undeniable way, and Amber’s life was changed. AMBER LEASON works in special-needs education and enjoys sharing the love of Jesus with her students. Using her life experience, she serves with Thrive, a women’s ministry that facilitates a space for women to connect with God and encourage each other in their faith. Rebuilding the Life that Heroin Tore Apart: The Story of Amber Leason is found in Issue 3 | 2022. To read Amber's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28225616

Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances w/ Carol Kent 10/11/2023

Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances w/ Carol Kent With the arrest of their son for first-degree murder, all that was comfortable and familiar in Carol and Gene Kent's lives came crashing down. Already ministry leaders, they quickly discovered that while God's process of "working things out for our good" can be painful, He is always faithful to keep His promises. Carol Kent is the founder and executive director of Speak Up Ministries, a multifaceted organization that teaches Christian speakers, writers, and leaders to communicate well. Carol and her husband, Gene, founded the nonprofit Speak Up for Hope to provide resources to inmates and their families. For more information, visit and . Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances: The Story of Carol Kent is found in Issue 3 | 2023. To read Carol's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28225511

Becoming a Person of Victory w/ Nicole Dyson 10/09/2023

Becoming a Person of Victory w/ Nicole Dyson Victory comes to anyone who submits and surrenders their heart, mind, and will to God. Nicole knows that now, but it took falling down and losing it all to find that out. Nicole was a spoiled brat who wanted what she wanted when she wanted with little consideration for others. Imagine her surprise when that self-absorption led her straight into prison where everything she had meant nothing at all-but then she met the God who turns defeat into victory. Nicole Dyson knows firsthand the importance of being loved and heard. She and her husband, Randy, are invested in infusing the love of Jesus into the lives of people on both sides of prison walls. For more information, visit . "Becoming a Person of Victory: The Story of Nicole Dyson" is found in Issue 3 | 2023. To read Nicole's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28264775

God Can Change Your Future w/ Mike Jenkins 10/04/2023

God Can Change Your Future w/ Mike Jenkins Mike had never thought of himself as anything more than a poor kid from the hood, the son of a crack addict. A waste of talent, space, and effort. He had given up any hope or effort to be more. But God knew who He had created Mike to be, and He didn’t let up until Mike surrendered. MIKE JENKINS is the FCA character coach at East Carolina University. He is passionate about helping young men find their identity in Christ. God Can Change Your Future: The Story of Mike Jenkins is found in Issue 2 | 2023. To read Mike's story in its entirety, /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/28225577

Will You Trust God? with Paula Fox 06/05/2023

Will You Trust God? with Paula Fox Paula never expected the phone call informing her that her son was going to prison, but it came. How could God let this happen? And how could she make it better? Paula soon learned that she couldn't - but God, in His impeccable way, could. She needed only to trust Him. PAULA FOX loves the Lord and serves His children behind bars. She volunteers her time at Kairos Prison Ministry and Victorious Living. "Will You Trust God?: The Story of Paula Fox" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 2 | 2023 or to /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26963013

Love Like Jesus w/ Pastor Chuck Foreman 05/29/2023

Love Like Jesus w/ Pastor Chuck Foreman After more than 20 years in ministry, both in the US and Taiwan, Pastor Chuck thought he knew what serving God with an open heart and open mind meant. And then God asked him to open his church to a group of former prison inmates. Would a staid and older congregation accept this group of people? Chuck Foreman and his wife Kathy, have established roots at First Christian Church of Phoenix, AZ, a church known for humbly serving its community. In addition to being proud parents and grandparents, Chuck and Kathy consider dozens of men and women part of their beloved family of disciples. For more information visit . "Love Like Jesus: The Story of Pastor Chuck Foreman" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 2 | 2023 or to /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26962968

Put Down the Walls with Mary Beth Barefoot 05/22/2023

Put Down the Walls with Mary Beth Barefoot Being a preacher's kid didn't keep Mary Beth from years of emotional and spiritual instability, mistrust, and distance from God. Only through surrender did she find peace and purpose. Mary Beth Barefoot serves on the creative team at Opendoor Church in Greenville, NC. She shares her story in hopes that people will overcome shame and step into healthy, authentic relationships with God and His people. "Put Down the Walls: The Story of Mary Beth Barefoot" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 2 | 2022 or to /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26913543

It's Going To Be Okay with Joshua Brown 05/16/2023

It's Going To Be Okay with Joshua Brown "It's going to be okay. You're going to make it." Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Joshua couldn't see how those words could possibly be true. What he didn't know yet was that with God, even thriving through incarceration is possible. Joshua Brown gives God all the glory for his redemption story and for the success he has experienced in the free world as a contractor, in his relationships, and in his ministry. Today, he serves on the board of directors at Society-First and is on staff at Multicultural Family Church in Brandon, Florida. "It's Going To Be Okay: The Story of Joshua Brown" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 4 | 2022 or to /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26856039

Embracing God's Plan with Kyle and Bobbie Robinson 05/09/2023

Embracing God's Plan with Kyle and Bobbie Robinson The Robinsons both grew up in church and lived godly lives. When God allowed their firstborn son to be autistic, their dreams and plans shattered around them. But God had bigger plans than Kyle and Bobie had ever imagined. Kyle and Bobbie Robinson are the founders of Aces For Autism. Families seeking autism support may contact Aces For Autism by email at or call (252) 689-6645. "Embracing God's Plan: The Story of Kyle and Bobbie Robinson" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 3 | 2022 or to /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26789727

That's Not My Name Anymore with Thaddeus Bruce 04/03/2023

That's Not My Name Anymore with Thaddeus Bruce Thaddeus Bruce spent his life searching for meaning and acceptance, but those things aren't found in this world. They're found in surrender to the never-ending, relentless love of God. Thaddeus combines his powerful testimony of redemption with his musical and writing talent to help others find direction, transformation, and a closer relationship with God. For more information, visit . "That's Not My Name Anymore: The Story of Thaddeus Bruce" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 4 | 2022. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26249367

Keep Pressing On with Melisha Johnson 03/27/2023

Keep Pressing On with Melisha Johnson Melisha Johnson walked out of federal prison a woman on a mission. No longer an inmate, she is a voice for those she left behind. Working with churches and prison ministries, she shares her experience to help them better understand the needs of the incarcerated. She is the founder of Jesus is the Key to Re-Entry, a Christ-centered ministry and podcast promoting advocacy on behalf of the incarcerated. "Keep Pressing On: The story of Melisha Johnson" is found in Issue 2 | 2022, Victorious Living Magazine. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26249352

More of Jesus, Less of Me with Ronnie Hopkins 03/20/2023

More of Jesus, Less of Me with Ronnie Hopkins John 3:30 says, "He must become greater; I must become less." Ronnie Hopkins lives his life by this scripture. But that wasn't always the case. Years of anger and self-pity kept Ronnie from recognizing anything good in his life and landed him straight into prison. With no other choice, he finally stopped long enough to hear God's voice, quietly saying, "Trust me, Ronnie." The Story of Ronnie Hopkins can be found in Issue 1 | 2023 Victorious Living Magazine, "More of Jesus, Less of Me". /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26249274

You Have Purpose with Juliana McFadden 03/16/2023

You Have Purpose with Juliana McFadden Juliana McFadden once struggled with the shame of being the sister of a murderer and a growing resentment toward God. But God had a purpose in her pain, and today she uses her experience to help others see Christ in their circumstances as well by ministering to formerly incarcerated women through SISTER Ministries. Her story can be found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 1 | 2023. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/26248350

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones w/ Kristi Overton johnson and Christina Kimbrel 01/05/2023

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones w/ Kristi Overton johnson and Christina Kimbrel Kristi Overton Johnson and Christina Kimbrel share how they overcame fear and uncertainty in discomfort. God called each of them out of their comfort zones and they learned God will always equip where He leads. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/25513449

Find Hope in the Hands of a Merciful God w/ Rodney Massey 01/05/2023

Find Hope in the Hands of a Merciful God w/ Rodney Massey "Those who knew me from my past would never imagine the man I am today." Rodney Massey is the campus pastor of Statesville Correctional Center in Illinois. He finds joy in helping others discover the hope, wholeness, and identity available in Jesus Christ. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/25513422

A Place to Belong with Sheridan Correa 01/05/2023

A Place to Belong with Sheridan Correa In this episode, Sheridan Correa shares her journey of transformation and restoration. All her life, Sheridan struggled with feeling unloved, inadequate, and lost. Her search for belonging led her through dark valleys of depression, drugs, attempted suicide, and jail, until she surrendered to the One who loved her first and loves her best. Sheridan Correa is a biblical counselor who is trained in trauma-informed care. She’s a wife, mother of two teenage boys, singer, and avid runner who has been radically changed by Jesus. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/25513365

God Restores What Has Been Taken w/ Sharon Dutra 01/05/2023

God Restores What Has Been Taken w/ Sharon Dutra Before Sharon Dutra met Christ, her life was like a desolate place, stripped bare by a swarm of locusts. Everything had been devastated by sin, rebellion, and demonic forces. But thankfully, God has restored what these "locusts" had eaten. Sharon Dutra is cofounder of Be Transformed Ministries and the author of three books that have been translated into over four languages. /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/25513284

God is Close to the Broken Hearted 02/04/2022

God is Close to the Broken Hearted Pat Avery is the Partner Care and Development Director for the Victorious Living Magazine. Pat is one of the most encouraging people you could ever meet! He puts the needs of others first before his own, and he lives a life sold out for Jesus. He shares his story of losing his oldest son and how he battled depression shortly after. Pat shares with us the times Jesus met him during the hardest days of his life. He encourages us to trust in The Lord amid the pain! Pat Avery is a wonderful friend, husband, father, and grandfather! /episode/index/show/victoriousliving/id/22029074

The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast

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