Givercise™ Shorts |Inspired Storytelling|Christian Inspirational Fitness, Health, & Lifestyle Short Stories

      In this episode, our storyteller is Julie Castro. Julie Castro resurrected Fiesta Publishing, the company her mother co-founded over 20 years ago in order to publish the book she wrote, On Earth as It Is in Heaven, a Personal Allegory.  It was the catalyst for her call to ministry, a call she didn’t know existed until a few years ago.  Obedience to God’s instruction to write the book opened the door for Julie to assist with the women's ministry at her local church where she was responsible for minor tasks; this led to her current position as the women’s ministry director. Her faithfulness with the small things then opened doors to minister at local churches, pray for the Body of Christ and serve other ministries. Being unconventional in her walk with Jesus, Julie does not limit how the Lord wants to use her and the messages she shares. She passionately pursues Jesus, and her relentless fire for the Holy Word of God is leading her toward her destiny. Website: www.fiestapublishing.com Email: info@fiestapublishing.com​ For more information on this episode, please visit www.giverciseshorts.com

In this episode, our storyteller is John Di Lemme. In September 2001, John Di Lemme founded Di Lemme Development Group, Inc., a company known  worldwide for its role in expanding the personal development industry and teaching business owners  how to be successful in any economy.  As President and CEO, John strives for excellence in every area  of his business and believes that you must surround yourself with a like-minded team in order to stay  on top of your game.    In addition to building a successful company, John has changed lives around the globe as an  international, elite speaker that has spoken in over five hundred venues.  Over the past fourteen years,  he has shared the stage with the best of the best including Les Brown, Zig Ziglar, Jim Rohn, Rich  Devos, and Denis Waitley only to name a few.  John was also a featured speaker for Dr. John  Maxwell’s Impact Leadership Network and has spoken at other events at his home church, Christ  Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida pastored by Todd Mullins.  This is truly an amazing feat  for someone that was clinically diagnosed as a stutterer at a very young age and told that he would  never speak fluently.  John’s teachings have also been featured on Fox Small Business, Inc. Magazine,  CNBC, and in many other media outlets.  For more information, please visit: www.giverciseshorts.com

There’s something very special about Damien. Actually, “special” may not be the best word. In times like  these, in the world that we live in, there’s something relevant,  significant and necessary about Damien---  and people like him.  You can go to pretty much any search engine, put “Damien Horne” in the search field and read about his  life story and credentials. The cliff notes is that he’s from Hickory, North Carolina. He’s one of 12 children (a  blended family). He’s a middle child, adores his mother, is the first in his family to earn a high school  diploma and now devotes a lot of his time and resources trying to make a better life for his loved ones  and those around him. Although they din’t grow up with a lot of monetary wealth (barely any to speak  of), Damien’s mother had a love for God that inspired him to develop a personal relationship with Christ  at the age of 7.   It’s there where his hope journey began…  The loss of a brother, experiencing family members being incarcerated and figuring out how to make  ends meet led Damien to want more for himself. As a young adult, he first moved to LA. After being  homeless a couple of years, he returned back to North Carolina and saved enough money to move to  Nashville. Damien found himself homeless again. Only this time, a country star by the name of John Rich  (of Big & Rich) put a nice chunk of change in his guitar case---and extended an invitation…to basically a  whole new life.  As a musician.  As a public speaker.  As a world changer.  From Faith Hill and Keith Urban to Robert Randolph and John Legend, Damien has either opened up for  or performed alongside these award-winning artists. He’s been a part of a country trio known as The  Farm. He’s also had a publishing deal with BMI and released several solo projects including his latest EP  The Love Saga Vol.1. Yes, he has a few bragging rights.  But if you were to ask Damien what he’s most passionate about, his answer might surprise you. After  receiving his associate’s degree from Free Will Baptist Bible College and becoming an ordained minister,  Damien is intentional about giving back.   Giving back by sharing his testimony.  Giving back by serving at his home church, The Salvation Army.  Giving back by offering words of encouragement, support and faith---anywhere he can.    Damien recently started a blog that centers around his mission to surround others with hope. It’s called      encourageinspiremotivate.com. Each week, there are new videos and articles on platforms he’s  committed to: homelessness, human trafficking, prison ministry, world outreach, youth, adoption and  the Word.  For more information on this episode, please visit www.giverciseshorts.com

In this episode, our storyteller is Kathy Strahan. As a totally blind person (since age two), she naturally inspires people. Inspire them just by being her. She sees herself as a regular person who finds that blindness for her is the least of her life’s challenges. For most people, her attitude about her blindness is surprising and inspirational. Especially when they observe that she has a regular life. She is Married to a sighted guy. Running their household. Teaching others about preparing healthy meals, making healthy lifestyle choices, ditching the standard American diet and learning how to optimize their nutrition etc. One of her favorite scriptures is: Philippians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Even as a small child she’s always been someone who encourages others to be the best they can. What she teaches her subscribers is that healthy living is a journey. There is no need to make massive changes all at once. Go one small step at a time. She encourages her readers to go within and see what changes make sense right now.  She has found that the first step that will give the biggest bang and major bounce to better health is to “dump the junk”.  Dump anything that comes packaged from one of the major food manufacturers. If the item has more than 3 ingredients that you cannot pronounce and you have never heard of then it likely is not good for your health.  Then the next step is figure out what to replace the junk with.  Her book has lots of good ideas for how to prepare healthy meals that taste good, cost less, and that will help you fast-track your body to health and vitality. For more information on this episode, please visit www.giverciseshorts.com

In today’s episode, our storyteller is Elliott Katz. Elliott Katz is a professional speechwriter in Toronto and the author of seven nonfiction books. Audiences find him informative and lively. He teaches the principles in this book to men and women, and speaks at seminars and conferences. After the end of a relationship, Elliott Katz sought to learn about being a man in a relationship. He found books on marriage and relationships said little to him. He found powerful timeless insights in the lessons that fathers and other older male role models taught younger men. People started seeking his advice and found these improved their relationships. They often asked, “Why didn’t someone tell me this before? Moving beyond the trendy ideas about a man’s role – that just don’t seem to work – Elliott Katz shares insights on being a man that have withstood the test of time. Interestingly, these insights are the traits that he heard many women complain were lacking in men today.  To learn more about this episode, please visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com 

In this episode, our storyteller is Alexis Nicole White. ALEXIS NICOLE WHITE was born in Gary, Indiana, where she lived with her grandparents. Raised an only child, Alexis developed a passion for the arts; reading, writing and acting. As early as middle school, she began to expand upon her creative talents by writing books, plays and even publishing poetry. In college, her talents grew into professional journalism with blogging, radio and television.  After moving to Atlanta to pursue her career in journalism, Alexis’ passion for writing became stagnant after not being able to secure a full-time paying position. Still, she has used her voice to empower the disenfranchised and promote awareness to various social problems. Currently, Alexis is raising awareness to emotional abuse disguised in forms of deceit, mischief and betrayal in her memoir, The Covered.  Today, Alexis is a multi-faceted powerhouse.  As an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and entertainment personality, Alexis is dominating every avenue of entertainment. The story you are about to hear is called The Covering of God's Protection. For more information on this episode, please visit: www.giverciseshorts.com  

​In this episode, Nancy Virden will be sharing her story. She is a suicide attempt survivor who is passionate about sharing hope with those in emotional pain. She is also an author, a Mental Health and Recovery Advocate, and Founder of Always the Fight Ministries. Her books titled​, Called to Live: A Chronicle of Recovery After Attempted Suicide, and Always the Fight: A Living Testimony of What Only God Can Do, inspire readers to relate and find hope. You can learn more about these and her third book They Were Real: Short Story Gateways Into the Thoughts of Bible Characters, on her website, NancyVirden.com. If you'd like to discuss having her come to share with your group, email her at NancyVirden.hope@gmail.com.  For more information on this episode, please visit: www.giverciseshorts.com  

In today’s episode, Braxton Cosby will be sharing his story. Braxton Cosby is a father of three girls and a husband of one amazing wife. He is a believer and has been called to share his experiences of his life as a Christian. Also, he is an award-winning author and currently has about ten books out in the marketplace. For more information, please visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com/  

In this episode, our storyteller is Mrs. Sonya McGirt. She is married with five children (2 step-children). She obtained her masters in Social Work in 2007 and is currently in college to obtain her masters in Organizational Management. She and her husband have a Christian non-profit known as Crossroads Christian Counseling Center Inc. She has had the organization for 2yrs. The reason she started the organization was to counsel those who were seeking help, but using Christian concepts to help them. Also they assist with clothing, meals, and whatever else they can for the homeless. She has a longing in her heart to help others and also to speak to others about what God can do in their life. She recently had her first book published through Cosby Media Productions, A Woman's Journey: Living Through Christ Victoriously. She just finished her first kids book and have started a book in regards to marriage. She hopes to help people remain active in their relationship with God through her books. For more information, please visit http://www.giverciseshorts.com

In today’s episode, David Ingerson is our storyteller. He is a father of five children and served 24 years in the US Air Force as an officer and pilot. Now as a civilian corporate pilot, he frequently travels to Africa, South America, and Europe. He owns a dry clean laundry enterprise and invests in real estate. He also enjoys teaching and speaking about God, his relationship to Him, and his faith as well as the importance and benefit of having hope in the midst of heartache. For more information, please visit   http://www.giverciseshorts.com/

In this week’s episode, our storyteller is Christy Johnson. Christy has a free ebook available on her website, How to Live Soul Healthy in a Toxic World. To receive your free copy, visit www.christyjohnson.org. Christy Johnson is a national speaker, soul-health trainer, founder of Living Soul and the author of Love Junkies, 7 Steps for Breaking the Toxic Relationship Cycle. Her life’s journey through domestic abuse and the death of her youngest son leaves audiences spellbound. But counting it all as loss, she uses the tragedies of her past as a pathway to inspire other women to ditch the drama, walk in forgiveness and live soul healthy lives. For more info and a free ebook, How to Live Soul Healthy in a Toxic World, visit Christy at www.ChristyJohnson.org. Love Junkies, 7 Steps for Breaking the Toxic Relationship Cycle: http://www.christyjohnson.org/store/ Find out more info about leading a Love U for Love Junkies small discipleship group visit:Lead a Group http://www.christyjohnson.org/lead-group/ For more information on this episode, visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com

In this episode, Dr. Daniel Twogood will share his story. Dr. Twogood graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 1973 and from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Los Angeles in 1983. He started practicing at the International Sports Medicine Institute in West Los Angeles where he treated many of the athletes in the 1984 Summer Olymics. He opened his own practice in 1985 in Apple Valley, California where he discovered the diet/pain connection. He has written four books on Chronic Pain. His newest is Chronic Pain Gone 90 Days. For more information on this episode, visit http://www.giverciseshorts.com/ 

In this episode, our storyteller is Mr. Damon Nailer. He is a husband, father of four, entrepreneur speaker, author, producer, recording artist, talk show host, and business owner. For more information on this episode, visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com    

In this episode, our storyteller is Cherie Rickard. Cherie Rickard, Published author/speaker, delivers a powerful message on Building Confidence, overcoming tragedy, grief recovery and learning to live a life with passion and purpose. It is a message Mrs. Rickard has learned from her own life and one she is helping others apply to their lives. Her award-winning book, Wake-Up Call...A Mother's Grief Journey, is a true story written after her 17 year old son was killed tragically in an auto accident. Mrs. Rickard's widely recognized book, Healing Your Wounded Spirithit #1 on Amazon in Love & Loss and gives guidance and support others need after divorce, death of a loved-one and broken friendships. She delivers a stimulating message based on her new book Strong Women which will not only guide you but show you how to improve your life through boosted confidence, interviewing skills, self-esteem and independence.Mrs. Rickard frequently appears as a featured guest and expert on numerous radio programs and is a sought after beauty pageant judge. Mrs. Rickard has been featured in Publishers Weekly, awarded special recognition through several Book Awards and has had numerous articles published on other websites and social media. She is a popular motivational speaker to a wide variety of audiences; including business and networking organizations, corporate employees, social and charitable / non-profit organizations, students (ranging from high school to college), women's organizations and the healthcare, hospice and bereavement industries.Mrs. Rickard's skills and experience expands with over 20 years in the Healthcare industry as a Registered Nurse, Senior Medical Sales Specialist and Certified Grief Counselor. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, Women Speakers Association and Director of the Bryant Kite Scholarship 5K Foundation Fundraiser. For more information on this episode, please visit our website at:  http://www.giverciseshorts.com/

In this episode, our storyteller is Lady Charmaine Day. Lady Charmaine Day is a Pastor,wife, author, publisher & radio host who is a leader in the business, literary, music, television and radio industries, cherished for her commitment to her community. Always funny and candid about herself and the world she helps to shape, Lady Charmaine Day has created a on-line ministry, Unlimited Help Ministries that supports Lady Charmaine Day efforts in transforming individuals mind, body and spirit utilizing the principles of Jesus Christ. Lady Charmaine Day is an author and publisher of six books: a Christian wisdom book called “Zero Mathematics: The Science of Today”, her autobiography entitled “Size 7 ½: Walk A Mile In My Shoes," her memoir called “One Step From Insanity: Actual Words From the Psych Ward," a  book of wisdom called "Trinkette's Wisdom For Every Day Living", a book of self-help and sequel to her autobiography called "H.E.E.D. S.I.M.P.L.E.") and  her latest book, co-authored with Brooklyn Mike aka Mike Troy, a book of Christian comedy/philosophy  called "MINDF.U.C.C."  All of her books are available on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Itunes, or Google Play websites.  Whenever she is providing a consultation or is in front of an audience, you will be guaranteed that transformation will occur! For more information, please visit www.ladycharmaineday.com For more information on this episode, visit our website at:  http://www.giverciseshorts.com/  

In this episode, our storyteller is Trillion Small. Trillion Small is the Founder of the Trillion Small Company. She is an author, national speaker, and mental health counselor. She is also a certified John Maxwell trainer and coach. She considers herself a self-reflectologist because in everything that she does she challenges people to become more self-reflective and introspective in their life. Trillion is a Doctoral Candidate (PhD) in Clinical Counseling at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She obtained her M.S. in Professional Counseling from Lipscomb University and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Missouri. Trillion has been seen on national and international television and heard on several local news and nationally syndicated talk show radio stations.  She published her first book August 2013 titled Internal Navigator: Basic Steps to Get You From Point A to Point B in Your Life.  In this book Trillion reveals her passion to teach all to live a totally fulfilling life according to his or her purpose.  She desires to see everyone live a life that is Maxed Out™! She is also the author of The Caged in Heart: How Your Childhood Wounds are Affecting Your Adult Life.  In this book Trillion shares fundamental principles about abuse and ways to break the cycle. In this book she reveals her hearts desire to help see people emotionally and mentally healed so that they can form better relationships with themselves, others, and God. Trillion’s philosophy is that everything that you desire and need is already inside of you! She lives by the motto that if you want to change the world around you change the world within you. Website: http://www.trillionsmall.com/Books:​ The Caged in Heart: How Your Childhood Wounds are Affecting Your Adult LifeInternal Navigator: Basic Steps to Get You From Point A to Point B in Your Life For more information on this episode, visit:    http://www.giverciseshorts.com

In this episode, our storyteller is Mrs. Jenny Maher. Mrs. Maher grew up in California, joined the Air Force directly after high school graduation, though she was medically discharged because of her mental illness. She now lives in Richmond where she owns her own place and lives independently. She has two cats that keep her company, Pouncy and Sly. She recently published her book NEVER GIVE UP: HOW DETERMINATION AND GOD GAVE ME A BETTER LOOK AT LIFE, and is working on a Christian Devotional. Her main focus is on her painting, as she hopes to open a studio in the future. For more information on this episode, please visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com  

In this episode, our storyteller is Ruth Pearson. Ruth Pearson is an inspiring motivational speaker and writer who utilizes her own personal experiences to empower others so that they too can overcome life's challenges. She is an experienced coach, consultant and counsellor. She has written her first book, 'Listening for God's Voice: 40 Days of Developing Intimacy with God' in which she shares her miraculous healing testimony. She is also the founder of 'Listening to Your Voice Ltd.' For more information on this episode, please visit our website at:    http://www.giverciseshorts.com/

​In this episode, I’m going to share what you can expect from the Givercise™ Shorts Podcast, our mission, how you can submit your story to the show, and more info about the host, Ashley Ward. Givercise™ Shorts is a Christian storytelling podcast about inspirational fitness, health, and lifestyle experiences. It is affiliated with our Givercise™ fitness company where participants host fitness parties while supporting and giving to partnered charities. We are giving through exercise. It's Givercise™! For more information on this episode, visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com/  

In this episode, our storyteller is Donny Pitts. Donny Pitts gives God glory for the inspiration for his first book. The Lamb and the Dragon is the culmination of 18 years of inspired, creative talent.Donny was born in Doerun, Georgia, in 1951 into a family of nine. Along with his three brothers and three sisters, he grew up in an old house with only three bedrooms and one bathroom. Donny has obtained numerous degrees and is also an ordained minister at multiple churches. He has been married to his wife Christal for ten years and is currently serving as Assistant to the Children’s Church Pastor at LifeSpring Community Church. He has also served for four years as a missionary in Honduras, Central America. Listen as he shares his experience with Meniere's disease.   For more information on this episode,visit: http://www.giverciseshorts.com/

In this episode, our storyteller is Karen Newman. Karen Newman is an inspirational speaker, world record-breaking triathlete, author and survivor of two life-threatening diseases. Her real-life stories have been giving people hope: helping free them from the bondage of shame, secrets and addictions; inspiring them to be authentic, to dream big and risk living the life they were meant to live. Karen has been featured in numerous publications and shows, including the NBC Today Show, and has lectured all over the country. She has also received many awards, such as the Connecticut Sportswriter’s Association’s “Courage Award,” and American Cancer Society’s “Determination Champion” for her tireless charitable efforts. Karen is the author of a book entitled “Just Three Words” – a gripping story about the challenging experiences that brought her to her knees and then to her life’s purpose, and the miracles that kept her alive and winning athletic events around the world. He book is available to pre-order now and will be out in hard cover in January 2016.Karen is an eight -time All-American triathlete and was the 2012 Silver Medalist and top American finisher at the Age Group Triathlon World Championships in Auckland, NZ; this, despite enduring over four years of cancer treatments throughout her training. She followed in 2013 as a gold medalist for the United States in both triathlon and the 5k road race at the National Senior Games in Cleveland, OH, and then repeated with golds in both events at the Huntsman World Senior Games, while breaking the world record in the women’s triathlon there.As a triathlon coach and Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition, Karen has had a long career educating and encouraging people in health and nutrition, as well as on the track. A University of Vermont alumnae, she married her college sweetheart, Peter, and together they have three amazing boys—Stetson, Chase and Trent—who inspired her to survive and thrive.For more information on this episode, visit:  http://www.giverciseshorts.com/