Tattoos of My Soul

Our most recent podcast highlights a topic I am extremely passionate about- exercise! Leah Mawdsley, professional athlete and life and fitness coach, joined me to talk about this very topic and how we can use exercise and a healthy lifestyle to positively influence our kids toward an active lifestyle of their own. We also talk about the depth of working out and how it is so much more than being a certain size or weight; it is truly a form of therapy and can transform your mindset. If you are looking for some extra motivation in this area or need to get started, take a listen. Leah is transparent, motivating and has a lot of great advice to share! 

I loved my conversation with Dr. Libby Wilson! We talked about so many great topics, with the underlying theme of how difficulty in life can be used as opportunities for growth, increased understanding, and to better ourselves. She has such great insight as a Functional Medicine Doctor, Life Coach, and author. Her personal reflection will encourage and inspire you, and it comes at the perfect time as we begin the New Year! 

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose perspective on life truly amazes you. The way they view an extreme hardship is beyond encouraging, and deep wisdom and insight is shared. That's exactly what happened when I spoke to Mandy Ellis, who went into labor with her son, Maverick, at 19 weeks. After complete bedrest and many attempts to delay labor, she and her baby ended up having a life-or-death circumstance when she experienced a complete placenta abruption. Listen to her amazing story and how she explains that "God had her back" every step of the way. Her outlook is truly remarkable.

Sometimes we hear stories that literally make our jaw drop. They seem unbelievable because they are so dramatic. As you will see though from listening to our latest podcast, when God is involved, nothing is impossible. Listen as Jules Lemaster shares the incredible story of her mother's near-death experience and how God truly worked a miracle in their lives. It is nothing short of inspirational! 

October is an awareness month for many important issues, one being domestic violence. I had the privilege of sitting down with Karla Bradley who is a second-time guest on the podcast, and hearing her personal story as it relates to this topic. At first glance, you would never guess that domestic violence is a part of Karla's history, and this goes to show that everyone has a story and something they've had to walk through. I appreciate her courage and transparency so much as she articulates what it was like to live in this kind of reality day in and day out. I encourage everyone to listen to this episode. She provides deep insight and wisdom and also shares how God took something that was meant for harm and turned it into good. This is truly an example of beauty for ashes.

If you are in a season of painful struggle, I encourage you to listen to our latest podcast with Jill Reid. Jill experienced great pain when her husband of 32 years passed away after a two-year battle with esophageal cancer.

While this time in her life was extremely difficult, she did not allow it to decrease her faith. In fact, Jill talks about the many "gifts" she received during this time like the intimate conversations she had with her husband, and ultimately, a closer relationship with her daughter.

Jill's energy, mindset, and outlook are a breath of fresh air in a world where so many have a doom and gloom and a "why me?" attitude. Jill even talks about how these types of circumstances in our life are opportunities to ask, "What can I learn?' rather than "Why is this happening to me?" Her perspective is truly one of faith, trust, and wisdom.

Our latest podcast is nothing short of encouraging, inspiring, and possibly for some, even life-changing. David Hines is a survivor of a rare and aggressive form of cancer. His diagnosis in 2021 was extremely serious, and his father had passed away from the exact same cancer years prior. David did not let this defeat him though. He made his mind up early on to be positive and hope-focused. He clearly states, "I didn't have another option, there was no way I was going to grovel and be negative." His approach to cancer was three-fold: God, nutrition, and treatment. We strongly encourage anyone who is dealing with a similar situation to listen. His outlook, combined with Lindsey Duncan's expert guidance is absolute gold. This could be the health advice you desperately need, the spiritual hope you are seeking, or a combination of the two. ❤️

We all have a vision of how we think our life will be. We all have things we want for ourselves. Heather Burton is no different. She had always dreamed of being a mother, but at age 42, still unmarried and with no children, Heather was deeply struggling with God's plan for her life. Through her trials of disappointment, Heather held onto a verse and finally, one day, out of desperation, called God out on His word. Listen to her amazing story of how God's plan for us sometimes looks incredibly different from what we envision for ourselves. In the moments she was spiritually dying God stepped in and showed her the way. 

Episode 15! Meet Larry and Laura Hufford. I have known this sweet couple for many years, and have been so encouraged by their story. What started out as a typical family vacation in Florida in the summer of 2022, ended up being a 35-plus day stay that involved emergency rooms, MRIs, surgery, and much more. Larry has never been one to post or share much on social media, but since going through this very serious and rare health condition, he has become quite vocal about his story, experience, and most of all, his faith in God. His perspective on this situation is simple and straight to the point- with every post, he says, "My story, His glory." In Larry's opinion, his health challenges are simply an opportunity for God to work through him and for him to encourage others. I'm really happy to share this podcast because there is an abundance of people going through scary and uncertain health issues just like Larry has. I believe he and Laura's words can be the shift in perspective many people need and are desperately searching for. Their words give hope. When I saw the video Larry shared recently on Facebook of him walking up the stairs for the first time at church (after doctors said he probably would never walk again) I was so inspired. He is a true example of believing despite the odds and even despite what experts say.

Nothing is off-limits here, as you will see. Our guest, Mitchell Burton actually said before recording: “I’m not sure if you will be okay with me talking about this.” When he explained his journey, I said, “Absolutely. Let’s do it. People need to hear what you have to say.”

So, I encourage you to take a listen as Mitchell shares his story and very human struggle. I believe the more stories we tell, the more people we help. As I often say, everyone is going through something. Pain is pain. We need to help each other out. Sharing stories like Mitchell’s helps people realize they are not alone. In addition, when you see someone cling to their faith like he has, it makes you realize God is always there to step in and help- we don’t have to rely on our own strength.

On this week’s podcast I talk to Chris DiRoma, who is one of our newest team members with AllIn Nutritionals. He and Lindsey have known each other for many years, and we are really happy to have him joining the family! Chris shares his story, which includes a near death experience he had six years ago. It’s truly a miracle he is alive. Chris describes himself as not the typical “church-goer” but talks about his faith, and how he sees God in the simplest things now. I really enjoyed getting to know him more and hearing all he’s been through and learned from. On top of that Lindsey made his first appearance on the TOMS podcast, as he sits in for the first several minutes! Be sure to take a listen, and as always, if you like what we are doing, please share!

One of the things I love the most about our podcast is the people I have the privilege of meeting and talking with. This week is no different. Charlie and Faith Russell of Nashville, Tennessee, have an incredible story. I first read about it when a member shared a post (that Faith had written) in the Tattoos of My Soul Prayer Group on Facebook. For several months I along with many others, followed the updates and prayed for their situation. Charlie almost died from Covid and was unconscious for 6 weeks, all the while Faith gave birth to their daughter, Charity. Take a listen as they describe what they went through and how God gave them a miracle…taking what was meant for harm and using it for good. And…if you like what we are doing here on the podcast, please share! Help us reach others by sharing inspiring stories of finding faith in deep waters.

My guest on this podcast is someone I see almost every day because she just so happens to be a barista at my favorite local coffee shop! Becky Smiddy and I did not know each other until just a couple of months ago. Each morning, when I stopped in for a coffee, she and I would visit a little as I waited. One day recently, she asked me about Tattoos of My Soul, and what exactly I do. I shared a bit of my background and story with her and the meaning behind Tattoos of My Soul. With that, she said, "I have a story I'd like to share!" Right away I loved her energy and transparency. It's so awesome how God opens doors for us to meet new and amazing people!
In this Podcast, Becky shares her very real and raw story about growing up in an alcoholic family, working as a missionary, and later dealing with addiction in her own marriage. She shares some deep insights into all she has learned throughout these unique experiences. Take a listen! You will be encouraged and inspired.  
If you like what we are doing, please share!!

On this episode, I talk to Aaron Stratton. He works at the local gym here, Springfield Health and Fitness, runs a charity called Beardman's Full Bellies and is working on building a mobile food pantry called The Magic Food Bus that supplies local children in need with food, clothing and supplies. He also shares his story of overcoming huge health issues including a heart attack, intractable hiccups and even contemplating suicide. Aaron's story is a great example of what we love to hear on the Tattoos of My Soul Podcast...stories of people turning trial into triumph. His story will definitely uplift and encourage you. Take a listen. :)

On today's podcast I talk to Angie Miller, who works as a Life Coach at the Safe Harbor House, which is an amazing local treatment center. The Safe Harbor House is a place where women can go to seek treatment who have dealt with significant trauma such as abuse, addiction and even trafficking. Angie not only helps these women, but has an amazing story herself. One that is full of pain, abuse and addiction, but that ultimately turns into strength and triumph. I so appreciate her ability to just be completely raw in this podcast. Take a listen, you will be inspired and encouraged.

In this episode, I have my good friend and personal trainer, Alexis Fourman, back with us as our very first return guest! We go over a lot of helpful things revolving around staying motivated, developing a consistent workout routine and eating healthy. We also talk about the importance of finding someone who can help and even workout with you. I hope you like it and get as much out of it as I have!

Licensed to be foster parents in 2019, Brent and Megan Neer have been on a journey of great uncertainty for over two years. At just four days old, twin boys were placed in their care and soon after, the Neer's knew God was calling them to adopt. Their path has been full of both joy and despair, as there have been many times the fate of the boys was completely unknown. The Neer's are true examples of "Finding faith in deep waters" and receiving God's blessings when all you can do is trust. Listen to their story...their example of incredible blind faith will no doubt encourage you. 

Kelly Savage has a serious story of about every trauma, tragedy and pain you can think of; I can't believe all she has been through. Listen as she tells her incredible story of life as an addict, the painful road she was on, her breaking point when she finally said, "I've had enough" and her moment with God that changed everything. She is the prime example of someone who has used painful tattoos of her soul to grow, persevere and flourish.

On this podcast I talk with my close friend and personal trainer, Alexis Fourman. If you need motivation to get moving, make sure to listen...you will be ready to hit the gym!. Alexis and I also talk about the synergistic connection between the mind and the body. Exercising is not just about obtaining a certain number on the scale...it's SO much more.