Episodes

The burden we women often carry is feeling we're supposed to be the fixers of everything, right? Well friend, we can't fix everything and that's a good thing. In today's episode I'm talking with my friend Laurie Troup Smith. Laurie is an amazing woman of God wife to Travis, mom to two amazing teenage daughters, and she's an author of Amish fiction. But we're not just talking about her Amish fiction, we're talking about other things life brings--hard things, like grief, aging parents, and difficu...

How can we gain a whole new perspective on comparison? How can we experience the gift of Sabbath rest? What is a Shabbat meal? Amber unpacks all this and more on this episode of the Fierce Calling Podcast so listen in while I have a chat with Amber Cullum. Amber Cullum is the podcast host behind Grace Enough. She is first and foremost a child of God, saved by His grace alone, but doesn't always act like it. She is wife to Sam, mom of 3, a Physical Therapist, a Kentucky native living in Raleigh,...

Show Notes Meg Glesener was raised by a father who was atheist and mom of little faith. When Jesus got a hold of Meg's heart as a teen He transformed her life and brought new hopeAA. Her life's joy is being a mom and she especially loves being a mom to teens and adult children who are parents themselves. Hear what it means to be a mentor mom and important take-aways in loving our teens and adult kids well. You will be encouraged by her words today, so listen in as I have a chat with Meg Glesener...

Show Notes Hello and welcome to episode 31 of the Fierce Calling Podcast. I’m your host Doris Swift. This podcast is about a community of women who are rising above difficult circumstances and taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. They are using their gifts to impact the world for Christ and I hope this podcast encourages other women to take action and use their gifts to impact the world--because every woman of God has a Fierce Calling. In today’s episode, Lov...

In this episode I'm talking with my friend Vona Johnson. She helps others find courage to walk in their calling and live a life of purpose and meaning. Find out the real reason her career took a short detour and how that's applicable to all of our lives. Her story, her confidence in Christ, and her God-given gifts are all being used for the furtherance of the Kingdom. She is walking in her Fierce Calling which is to help others walk in theirs. Listen in while I have a chat with Vona Johnson. V...

Angel has an amazing story of faith and encouragement to share with you! While walking through the diagnosis of a brain tumor, brain surgery, and having to relearn to walk, talk, and eat, Angel knew God was with her. Hear how she is spreading Jesus joy, sharing her story with others, and using her gifts to impact the world for Christ. Her story will inspire you so listen in! Angel Faulk is a 51 year old brain tumor survivor, wife and mom, fitness professional, health and wellness advocate and e...

As life ebbs and flows, we can find ourselves wondering what God is calling us to in the season we find ourselves in. How can we discover if what we are doing lines up with God’s plans and timing? Today I welcome my friend Misty Phillip. Misty shares how God sparked something unexpected and new in her that changed the trajectory of her calling. Countless others are being positively impacted by this one step out in faith. Hear how that all came about and the message of encouragement she has for...

In this special Mother's Day edition episode, we're talking all about the relationship between mother and daughter. But this isn't just about Mother's Day, it's relevant every day. Relationships between mothers and daughters can be messy and hurtful. Dr. Helen McIntosh understands the uncertainty of a strained relationship and the scars that can develop. Raised by a mother who battled anxiety, anger, and alcoholism, Helen struggled to understand her mom’s verbal abuse, thinking something was wr...

Evelyn shares about the importance of intentional remembrance. Every storm she has faced has been weathered by remembering the promises of God. Evelyn has faced some dark places of depression and anxiety. Even when she knew the truth about God, It wasn't until she chose to lean in and rely on Him and His word that she found hope. Even then, It took time to climb out of the hole of despair. You can connect with Evelyn at evelynsherwood.com, Facebook, Instagram, and evelynsherwoodauthor@gmail.com...

Fierce Calling is all about taking action where our passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. But what actions should we take? With so many ideas swimming in our heads, how do we know which steps are the right ones? That's where my friend Christa Hutchins comes in. Her ministry to women, Do a New Thing, is also her business and she takes that complicated word splash swimming around in the heads of her clients, and helps them simplify and prioritize what matters. She helps women eliminate t...

In this episode I'm talking with my friend Karen Iverson. Karen experienced a difficult season when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She writes about her journey in her memoir Winning the Breast Cancer Battle: Empowering Warriors and Guiding Loved Ones. This is not only her story, but a guide to help women and their loved ones and caregivers navigate through breast cancer. So much more than that, Karen has a heart for helping others through all the experiences, gifts, and talents the Lord h...

"Life is hard. I write words to make it softer." - Anne Peterson In this episode I'm talking with my friend Anne Peterson, a gifted poet, author, and speaker. Anne learned through Tribe Writers we should write what we know. Anne knows grief. shares her story and recites her beautiful poetry for us. Hear the powerful words from the Lord has put on her heart to bring comfort and hope hearts that are hurting. God said to Moses in Exodus 4:12, "Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what ...

Lisa Meiners, founder of Deeper Still Ministries, is a Christian speaker, author and Bible study teacher. Her passion is to see believers not only know the truths of God’s Word, but to go Deeper Still by applying and living out these truths in their daily lives. Lisa has authored two Bible studies and a 31-day devotional, and has shared the message of God’s truth at events throughout the country. To find her Bible studies and upcoming events, connect with Lisa at deeperstillministries.com, on F...

When unexpected news pulled the rug out from under Katy Epling's family, she experienced depression and feelings of uncertainty about her special needs child's future. On the day she grabbed that onesie to dress her son, she cried out to God that life wasn't fair. It was at that moment she experienced a turning point, a pivotal moment when she heard the voice of God. What He said changed her life. What did that onesie say? What did God say? Hear how that unfolded and how Katy is taking action an...

Today I'm talking to friend and author Page Geske. Through disappointments, a life-altering accident, emotional abandonment, major illness, and loss, Page Geske persevered. Learn how she got through these unwanted transitions in her life and how she is bringing hope and inspiration to others through her story. Page Geske is the author of Milepost 95: From Wreckage to Redemption. She is passionate about encouraging and connecting people and inspiring them to navigate transitions triumphantly. Sh...

What can God do through ordinary women? Amazing things for His glory. What do women like that have in common? They never give up, even in the face of rejection by the world and traveling a sometimes lonely road of faith. Listen in as I have a chat with Jamie Janosz and be encouraged by what God wants to do through you. Want to win a copy of Jamie's book, When Others Shuddered: Eight Women Who Refused to Give up?! Comment and share this episode on your favorite social media site for a chance to ...

Do you have a dream? Have you ever said, "One day I would love to...." without believing it could ever come to be? Is there a dream on your heart but you think maybe it's too late? Laura Thomas knows all about having a dream and waiting on God's timing. She shares how she is living out her fierce calling and God-given dream and how it all began. Listen in while I have a chat with Laura. Her story will inspire you to live out your dream, too. Laura Thomas is a published Christian author and wri...

Are you a busy mom who needs help finding time to connect with God? Need some fresh ideas on how to invite your littles into your quiet time with God? Want some great tips on avoiding distractions when meeting with God and reading the Bible? In this episode, I'm talking with my friend Tara Cole. I've known Tara for many years and I love her heart and passion for helping families grow closer to God and each other. Tara shares fantastic and fresh ideas on how to connect with God throughout your d...

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling, award-winning “Hope Prevails: Insights From A Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the award-winning companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study” and the recently released “Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises” (Sept 2019). She has been a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. This doctor knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professio...

Welcome to the Fierce Calling podcast with your host, author, blogger, and speaker Doris Swift. We are a community of women who are taking action where our passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. We are using our gifts to impact the world for Christ and the mission of this podcast is to encourage and inspire other women to do the same. What is it like when the Holy Spirit shows up in a powerful, life-changing way? What does it look like to go from knowing about Jesus to experiencing a vi...

Welcome to episode 14 of the Fierce Calling Podcast. This podcast is about a community of women who are taking action where their passion, compassion, and conviction intersect. They are answering God’s call on their lives, rising above difficult circumstances, and using their gifts to impact the world for Christ. We serve an awesome God, yet life can take an unexpected turn and what do we do with that? Today I welcome my friend, Mary White. Mary has been in ministry for over 20 years and is pa...

Do you or someone you know struggle with food guilt, weight obsession, and yo-yo dieting? In today's episode, my friend Johnna Myers shares her story of an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise and how she got free. Now she shares this message of freedom with everyone she meets and we are blessed to be among them. Johnna is an energetic, full-of-life communicator who loves to share the transforming rescue of Jesus. In addition to being a police wife and stay-at-home-mom to two teenage ...

Relationships can be messy, amen? In today's episode, hear from Licensed Professional Counselor and Mental Health Service Provider, Judy Herman. Judy's story includes a devastating divorce, a dark season in her second marriage due to her husband's Bi-Polar Disorder, and a heartbreaking experience at age 16. Through it all, God led her on a path to freedom, wholeness, and the rediscovery of her authentic self. Through all her experiences and training, she is helping others find their way back to...

Today I welcome my friend Donna Jensen. Donna is the Executive Director of Grace House Pregnancy Center. She shares her story of the difficult decision she made years ago to have an abortion and how God is now using her to minister to women who also made that choice. After her abortion, her life began to spiral downward, but we serve a God who heals and forgives and brings hope and restoration. Grace House offers hope and life-affirming options for those facing a crisis pregnancy. Hear about th...