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In our second episode, we’re taking things deeper as we explore what it truly means to thrive within a community. Building on the foundation of Episode 1, we shift from the basics of connection to focus on how to create support systems that actively enhance personal and collective growth. This episode covers how belonging influences mental well-being, the power of a shared purpose, and hands-on strategies for cultivating spaces where everyone can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative team, or neighborhood group, this episode offers fresh insights to deepen your connections and fully embrace the strength of community.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
In this episode, we explore what it means to truly thrive within a community, from fostering meaningful connections to building support systems that uplift personal growth. We dive into how belonging impacts mental well-being, the power of shared purpose, and practical tips for creating environments where both individuals and the collective can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative group, or neighborhood circle, this conversation will leave you inspired to deepen your connections and embrace the beauty of community living.
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Courtney Joseph Fallick is a passionate follower of Jesus and proud mother of two college students—her 20-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. She also shares her life with a beloved 9-year-old dog named Snowball. Living in Ohio, she and her family are devoted fans of Ohio State.
For seven years, Courtney homeschooled her children before they transitioned to a Christian school, and now both are pursuing higher education. She holds a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship from the Moody Bible Institute, though she humbly describes it as a reflection of her deep love for studying God’s Word and serving others.
Raised in a strong Christian household as the youngest of three sisters, Courtney married her high school sweetheart after four years of dating, sharing 19 years together. In 2015, the end of her first marriage brought unexpected challenges, but Courtney’s journey took a surprising turn in 2023 when she remarried a widower from her church. Now, she is joyfully blending families, embracing the new adventure with her husband, his two daughters, and a son-in-law. While life brings challenges, Courtney remains deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness through life’s storms.
In her day-to-day, Courtney finds joy in coffee, good books, fresh flowers, lighting candles, and walks with her dog. While not a fan of exercise, she still commits to working out 4–5 times a week. She describes herself as an optimistic idealist who sees the glass half full, though she wishes for better cooking skills and more organized closets. Her favorite place to recharge is by the ocean.
Galatians 6:9, “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up,” serves as Courtney’s life verse, grounding her faith and purpose. With a heart full of gratitude, she approaches each opportunity to share encouragement with humility and prayer, always reminding others of God’s unfailing love: "Keep walking with the King!"
LINKS: FACEBOOK: @womenlivingwell INSTAGRAM: @womenlivingwell WEBSITE: COURTNEY J FALLICK -
Paul Weigel is a father, a six-time Ironman triathlete, a college professor, and a self-described professional dabbler. A lover of the outdoors and hiking, he spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest, finishing countless races and climbing many mountains including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. Now living in Arizona, he is exploring different ventures while checking things off his bucket list with regularity. But his real passion, and his real inspiration, is creating unforgettable memories with his daughter.
LINKS: FACEBOOK: /paulweigel INSTAGRAM: @paulformesa -
Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author who specializes in topics of faith, mental health, and relationships. She is known for her insightful writing on emotional and spiritual well-being, blending her clinical expertise with a compassionate, faith-based perspective. Debra's works often explore themes such as dating, marriage, self-care, and personal growth, with a focus on helping readers navigate life's challenges while deepening their faith. She is the author of several popular books, including True Love Dates, Choosing Marriage, and Are You Really OK?, offering practical advice for building healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Debra also hosts a podcast, "Love + Relationships," where she continues to share her wisdom on living a balanced and fulfilling life.
LINKS: WEBSITE: DebraFileta.com INSTAGRAM: @DebraFileta -
You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
I explore the essential yet often overlooked practice of resting, a cornerstone of thriving in all facets of life. Through personal reflection and experiences, I emphasize the multi-dimensional aspects of rest—spiritual, emotional, and physical—that together, support a vibrant and fulfilling existence.
Spiritual Rest: I delve into the importance of reconnecting with one’s spiritual roots to find peace and direction. I share how moments of solitude, prayer, and meditation not only rejuvenate the spirit but also fortify us against life's tumults. It's about creating spaces to listen and respond to what God might be whispering to our hearts. Emotional Rest: Here, I discuss the necessity of emotional boundaries to maintain balance and health. I talk about the power of saying no and the freedom found in prioritizing personal mental health. Through practices like journaling and engaging in meaningful conversations, I've found ways to declutter my emotional world, making room for more authentic joy and less imposed stress. Physical Rest: I emphasize how vital it is to respect our bodies through restorative practices. Whether it's committing to regular sleep schedules, integrating gentle exercises like yoga, or simply taking time to breathe deeply, I highlight the importance of listening to our physical needs and responding with kindness and care. Integrating Rest into Everyday Life: I conclude the chapter with practical strategies for incorporating rest into a bustling lifestyle. I share how small pockets of rest can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our daily routines, enhancing overall well-being without compromising our commitments and productivity. Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.
The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.
No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.
The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.
No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief BOOK WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief PODCAST -
No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief BOOK WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief PODCAST -
I explore the essential yet often overlooked practice of resting, a cornerstone of thriving in all facets of life. Through personal reflection and experiences, I emphasize the multi-dimensional aspects of rest—spiritual, emotional, and physical—that together, support a vibrant and fulfilling existence.
Spiritual Rest: I delve into the importance of reconnecting with one’s spiritual roots to find peace and direction. I share how moments of solitude, prayer, and meditation not only rejuvenate the spirit but also fortify us against life's tumults. It's about creating spaces to listen and respond to what God might be whispering to our hearts. Emotional Rest: Here, I discuss the necessity of emotional boundaries to maintain balance and health. I talk about the power of saying no and the freedom found in prioritizing personal mental health. Through practices like journaling and engaging in meaningful conversations, I've found ways to declutter my emotional world, making room for more authentic joy and less imposed stress. Physical Rest: I emphasize how vital it is to respect our bodies through restorative practices. Whether it's committing to regular sleep schedules, integrating gentle exercises like yoga, or simply taking time to breathe deeply, I highlight the importance of listening to our physical needs and responding with kindness and care. Integrating Rest into Everyday Life: I conclude the chapter with practical strategies for incorporating rest into a bustling lifestyle. I share how small pockets of rest can be seamlessly woven into the fabric of our daily routines, enhancing overall well-being without compromising our commitments and productivity. Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.
The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.
No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs -
Jessica and her husband Greg are herald as adoption advocates across New York State. After adopting a sibling group of two from foster care in 2015, they discovered the massive need for foster and adoptive parents.
They founded All 4 One Adoption Awareness, an organization focused on highlighting the 110,000 children in foster care who are freed to be adopted and need a forever family. For three years straight, Jessica has promoted and organized a 110 mile run across St. Lawrence County which is held on National Adoption Day to raise awareness for this need.
Jessica was a contestant on Season 8 of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior where she shared her story and passion for adoption. She was featured in Runner’s World Magazine in 2018 for attempting to run 110 miles through a snowstorm on National Adoption Day. Jessica has the privilege of presenting a TEDx Talk in November 2020 entitled, “How to Win at the Race Called Life”.
When Jessica is not running marathons or after her children, she also loves reading, Tim Hortons, and kayaking with her family.
Related Links: AMAZON: Unlimited Motherhood WEBSITE: Jessica Hurlbut -
You can thrive and live an abundant life in every area and in every season. You can practice the lost arts of being a vibrant human being. And you can be energized and enjoy more of what matters most spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and relationally.
The closer a courageous, rooted, and thriving woman gets to realizing her life’s purpose, the more she understands that abundant living is nothing like what she once thought it was. It’s not perfect circumstances; it’s perfect peace within those circumstances. Thriving Beyond Belief gives women practical tools to improve every relationship they have by doing the hard work of knowing “the real you” and learning to be vulnerable. Deep satisfaction comes from women knowing who they are, overcoming their fears, facing the difficult stuff of life, and making lasting change. And it all starts with the journey of knowing and understanding who God made them to be.
No matter where you’ve come from, what you’ve experienced in the past, or the mistakes you’ve made—you can learn to thrive the rest of your life. This book shows you how.
Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief BOOK WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief PODCAST -
Melissa L. Johnson is a celebrated author renowned for her evocative storytelling and deep exploration of human emotions. Her latest work, "Soul-Deep Beauty," delves into the intricate ways beauty manifests both within and beyond the physical realm, captivating readers with its profound insights. With a background in psychology, Melissa skillfully weaves themes of self-discovery and personal growth into her narratives, making her a beloved figure among readers seeking both entertainment and enlightenment. Her writing not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and identity. Melissa's unique voice and thoughtful prose continue to earn her a place in the hearts of those who cherish literature that resonates on a soul-deep level.
Related Links: AMAZON: Soul-deep Beauty: Fighting for Our True Worth in a World Demanding Flawless WEBSITE: Impossible-Beauty.com -
Jane Lee Rankin is a farmer and founder of Apple Hill Farm, an award-winning first-generation farm in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. She is an advocate for farmers through her leadership and involvement in the North Carolina Agritourism Networking Association, Watauga County Farm Bureau, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission, the Watauga County Agricultural Extension, and local chamber of commerce. She frequently speaks about farm tourism and the benefits of diversifying your farm portfolio at conferences locally and nationally.
Apple Hill Farm is an agritourism destination for thousands every year who tour, shop, and learn about raising a farm family of animals. With a wide selection of fair trade and American-sourced yarns, socks, and apparel items made from alpaca wool, the Apple Hill Farm Store participates in six yearly craft or fiber shows across North Carolina. The farm and store are open year-round for shopping and tours. Since 2010 more than ninety thousand visitors have come to tour the farm and hear Lee’s story. In 2021, Lee won runner-up for North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year.
Lee is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and her first book, Cookin’ Up a Storm: The Recipes of Annie Johnson, is a culinary memoir and tribute to her dear friend and mentor.
WEBSITE: Jane Lee Rankin BOOK: farm family -
Stephanie May Wilson: An experienced guide for women navigating life transitions, Stephanie empowers her audience through books, courses, and podcasts, helping them build lives that resonate with authenticity and joy. Fluent in Spanish with a touch of French, she fosters deep connections and enjoys sharing meals with friends. Based in Nashville, originally from Denver, Stephanie delights in the familiar comfort of pizza and treasures time spent in Spain and at home. Her work emphasizes personal development, encouraging women to pursue their genuine desires.
Stephanie May Wilson's Links: WEBSITE: StephanieMayWilson.com FACEBOOK: /LipstickGospel INSTAGRAM: @smaywilson YOUTUBE: @girlsnightpodcast -
Robert J. Morgan recently transitioned to serve full time as leader of Robert J. Morgan Ministries, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose goal is to energize God’s people with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Bible and Christian heritage. Preceding this transition, Rob was involved in pastoral ministry for over 40 years in Nashville Tennessee. He is a best-selling, gold-Illuminations, and gold-medallion winning writer with more than 35 books in print and approximately 5 million copies in circulation in multiple languages. Rob has appeared on numerous television and radio shows. He speaks widely at churches, conferences, schools, and corporate events.
Rob was also a homemaker and a caregiver for his late wife of 43 years, Katrina, who battled multiple sclerosis and passed away in November of 2019. He and Katrina have three daughters and sixteen grandchildren.
Robert Morgan's Links: WEBSITE: RobertJMorgan.com FACEBOOK: /RobertJMorganMinistries INSTAGRAM: @robertjmorganministries TWITTER: @robertjmorgan -
I started blogging in college on LiveJournal. (Remember that? It was a whole lot of Dashboard Confessional lyrics and was incredibly emo.) In 2007, I moved to WordPress and wanted to bring joy to people through my satirical writing. I wanted to be the next version of “The Onion,” if you can believe it. Then, over the years, the content began to change. I started sharing more about my life and suddenly I realized that there were people reading this blog that weren’t just my dad and my sister. So, while the content certainly changed over the last 13+ years, the mission certainly has not. True joy from within looks different than I thought it once did. When you step into this little space, I genuinely want you to feel like you’re hanging out with a dear friend. So, what are you going to find here? Here I’ll talk about everything from ethical fashion and clean beauty, to my passion for ending human trafficking, child sponsorship with Compassion International, clean beauty (and my favorite mascaras!), real food and some easy recipes, my life as a wife and mom, and so much more. I pray you’re encouraged.
Website: https://www.stillbeingmolly.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillbeingmolly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillbeingmolly -
My Story: Finding my voice.
My twenties were categorized as driven and successful. My resume boasted of working for influential organizations. I was a popular communicator traveling across the globe to speak to students. And I became an author at the young age of 27.
But then, I turned 30, had kids, faced some rejection and was felt like I had peaked in life. Where the twenties were driven with confidence, my thirties felt like a lonely space. Having accomplished so much in life to that point, I wondered if this was it. I felt like there was a formula to life, a certainty to things. But my thirties proved that life was more uncertain than I had believed.
In those years, I longed to communicate with women again. I longed to connect with others through conversation. In October of 2015, the podcast, Surviving Sarah, was born. It was to be a place where I could use my voice again to help other women know they aren’t alone. It was a place where I could help women survive right where they are—in their life, their relationships, their work and their faith.
After years of living and learning, I wrote a new book about how motherhood has raised me. “A Mother’s Guide to Raising Herself: What Parenting Taught Me About Life, Faith and Myself” is a guide that captures that journey of realizing that as I was parenting my girls, I was actually parenting myself.
In 2024, I released my next book: “Is Everyone Happier Than Me? An Honest Guide to the Questions That Keep You up at Night.” This book is an honest look at the questions we ask in midlife. It’s a book that helps us navigate those questions and hopefully discover how to find a sense of happiness, peace and connection right where we are.
Now, my forties are categorized as a different confidence—a confidence in the journey of discovering who I am and stepping confidently into that person. It’s a journey defined by curiosity and surrendering to the uncertainty of it all. And as Anne Lamont says, “The opposite of faith is not doubt, it’s certainty.” By embracing the uncertainty with curiosity, my faith has been reconstructed.
WEBSITE: Sarah Bragg INSTAGRAM: @SarahBragg AMAZON: Book: is everyone happier than me? - Visa fler
