Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Episode Title: Breaking the Grip of Anxiety with Dr. Michelle Bengtson Description: In this powerful episode, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her personal and professional insights on overcoming anxiety’s relentless grip. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and her own journey through anxiety and depression, Dr. Bengtson offers a unique perspective on the mind-body-spirit connection—and how true healing goes beyond just managing symptoms. You'll discover practical tools rooted in both science and faith, as Dr. Bengtson discusses the causes of anxiety, common misconceptions, and effective strategies to find lasting peace. Whether you're personally battling anxiety or supporting a loved one who is, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and equipped to break free. Key Takeaways: The difference between clinical anxiety and everyday stress Why anxiety is not just "in your head" Faith-based strategies for rewiring anxious thought patterns Hope for healing: what recovery can really look like How the T-R-U-S-T acronym can help you break the grip of anxiety Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

One of the biggest challenges stepmoms face is figuring out where they actually fit in. Are you a parent? A friend? A bonus mom? Or just… in the background? In this episode, we unpack the confusing, ever-shifting role of a stepmom in a blended family. From navigating parental boundaries to defining your emotional responsibilities, we explore how to find your place in a way that feels authentic, healthy, and sustainable—for you. Whether you're brand new to stepmom life or still trying to define your role years in, this conversation will help you feel more grounded and confident. Help for Stepmoms Here: Blog | The Smart Stepmom Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Grace Beyond Failure, we explore the hidden strength found in our most broken moments. Whether you're wrestling with personal setbacks, professional disappointments, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will remind you don't have to let failure have the final say — it’s the beginning of a brand-new start. We dive deep into what it means to give yourself grace, find purpose in pain, and rebuild from the ashes with clarity and courage. Through honest reflections, real-life stories, and practical insights, you'll learn how to reframe failure not as a defeat, but as a doorway to growth and an opportunity to let God work all things out for your good. Tune in for a refreshing reminder from Paula Michele and Monica that you are not defined by your mistakes — and that it's never too late to rewrite your story. Today's Giveaway: 3 Ways to Rewrite Your Story RR3Ways to Help You Rewrite Your Story Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When Denette Schaer lost her 17-year-old son in a tragic accident, her world was shattered. What followed was a journey through the deepest valleys of grief—a place where time stood still, and the future felt unimaginable. In this powerful episode, Denette shares her story with raw honesty and quiet strength, recounting the pain of unimaginable loss and the slow, sacred process of healing. Through the shadows of sorrow, Denette discovered glimmers of hope—moments of connection, faith, and unexpected grace that helped her begin to breathe again. Her story is not just about loss, but about love that endures, and the courage it takes to move forward. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or are walking alongside someone who has, this conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human heart—and a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, hope is never fully out of reach. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever felt selfish or guilty for setting boundaries? You’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we explore how to set clear, compassionate boundaries without the emotional baggage. Learn why boundaries are a form of self-respect, how to communicate them with confidence, and why guilt has no place in your growth. Whether it’s with family, friends, or at work, discover how to protect your energy and show up as your best self — guilt-free. ✨ What we cover: Why guilt shows up when we set boundaries How to reframe boundaries as an act of love Real-life examples of boundary setting in action If you're ready to stop people-pleasing and start honoring your needs, this episode is for you. Guest: Debi Russell, Christian Counselor Debi Russell Speaks Today's Giveaway: Boundary Cheat Sheet Boundary+Cheat+Sheet+(2).png (1545×2000) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

My guest today shares that change is sometimes spelled H-A-R-D. Yet if we remain open to what God is doing in our lives change can bring the transformation that we want and need. Whether it's a cross country move, a new job, or relationship loss change is always right there with us. Change can bring disruption and doubts but if we can hold on to hope change can guide us into a brand new season. On this episode Ginger Harrington shares how change has impacted her life and the practical ways she employs to make the most of change. You don't have to let change derail you. Instead, you can let change serve as a guide into new chapter with a stronger and better you. . Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, Shakia a beautiful, professional, single mom raising 3 children. What you can't see is that Shakia was sexually abused by several members as a young child. This along with other circumstances led her down the path and drugs and addiction. Her story will bring you hope as Shakia faced the hard things with the help of Blue Monarch Ministries. Shakia's story is proof positive that it is NEVER too late to rewrite your story. #singlemom #addiction #restoration #itsnevertoolate #rewritten Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Is it ever too late to find love? In today's episode, we explore the journey of finding love later in life — and the courage it takes to let go of the past in order to move forward. Whether you're healing from old heartbreaks, rediscovering yourself after a long relationship, or simply wondering if love has a timeline, this conversation will remind you that your story isn't over. Stephanie Johnson will share her personal journey and offer insights and practical advice on embracing vulnerability, trusting again, and opening your heart — no matter your age. Some of Today's Highlights: Rewriting your love story at any stage Healing from emotional baggage Navigating dating after divorce or loss Building healthy, intentional relationships later in life Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Cyndi Galley was a pastor working in ministry and at one point took her eyes off of what God was doing in her life. Instead, Cyndi started to look at other people and what they had. The more she looked the more she found herself wanting to be married. After all, it seems most everybody else was married. Then it happened - she met a man. A fine-looking man at that. He wasn't a Christian man, but he had watched Joel Osteen a few times :). Cyndi settled - she compromised her faith for a relationship with a man. Of course, it didn't end well. It never does. Now Cyndi is able to share with confidence that being single and over 40 can be the adventure of a lifetime. While Cyndi still desires to be married - her first priority is the Lord. Cyndi says she is happily single and works with other women to help them see that with God the single life (even after 40) can be a blessed and adventure filled life. Cyndi's message is simple don't settle - and live a fulfilled single life until God brings you just the right one. Today's Giveaway: Declarations of God's Word. Use the link below. Scripture_SIS_SIS E-book Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this raw and compassionate conversation, licensed counselor Kimberly Haar pulls back the curtain on her own devastating journey as a domestic violence survivor. Assaulted and kidnapped by her ex-husband and witnessing the man she loved shot 10 times; she offers a lifeline of hope to those wrestling with seemingly unrecoverable pain. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, she reveals how it is possible to navigate life’s darkest seasons with vulnerability, faith, and resilience so that you can ultimately embrace hope, find joy, and rediscover God’s deep and abiding love for you. Today's Giveaway: Grief and Trauma Tools for Your Healing Resources - Kimberly Haar | Grief and Trauma Tools Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.