Polished Podcast: Refining the Details of Life

Join Kat Armstrong and Jane Doerman in this special relaunch episode of the Polished Podcast! As they embark on Polished Podcast 2.0, they reflect on memorable moments, share insights, and introduce Jane as the new host. Whether you're a long-time listener or tuning in for the first time, buckle up for a ride down memory lane and a glimpse into the exciting horizon of Polished Podcast 2.0. Stay with them as they unfold the pages of the Polished Podcast story—past, present, and future. A celebration of the past and a warm welcome to what's to come!

Embark on a journey with Executive Director Amy Cedrone as she unveils the mission of Polished Network—emboldening women in their faith and work. Discover the avenues, from Polished Chapter gatherings to WiM Collaboratories and online resources. Get a sneak peek into the upcoming BOLDLY 2024 conference and explore the vision for Polished's future. Whether you're new or a long-time listener, find out how to actively engage with this dynamic community. Join us for insights, inspiration, and the heart of Polished Network.   Links: Polished Network is on mission to embolden working women in their faith and work. Learn more at polishednetwork.org   Learn more about:   Polished Chapter Gatherings   WiM Collaboratories   Online Resources   Boldly Conference 2024   Boldly Conference 2023 Recordings   Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube   Attune to Grow   Reach out to Amy Cedrone directly: amy@polishednetwork.org   Learn more about what it looks like to start a Christian Employee Resource Group including how to address HR and legal concerns at the virtual T-factor event Polished is offering in partnership with the Rooted Sisters. It's scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st. Registration is free.    Our Lent Guide is coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled on our website- polishednetwork.org!

Introducing Jane Doerman, the new host of the Polished Podcast! Join her as she shares her incredible journey—from a transformative experience at Asbury University, through a wilderness season, to unexpected opportunities that led to the launch of the God's Word at Work Podcast. Learn how God's guidance and trust in His plan opened doors, ultimately, leading  her to the relaunch of the Polished Podcast. Jane's story inspires trust in God's immeasurable plans, encouraging listeners to embrace faith in every aspect of life. May this be the beginning of a beautiful season of deep trust in God's faithfulness the emboldens us to keep moving forward!   Polished Network Links:   Polished Network is on mission to embolden working women in their faith and work. Learn more at polishednetwork.org   Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube   Connect with us at a Polished Chapter Gathering near you! Because at Polished, we're not just building a network – we're creating a community that leads with love.   Join a WiM Collaboratory this year! New groups are launching in 2024 including an online group that starts April 9th! We want you to be a part of it!    Learn more about what it looks like to start a Christian Employee Resource Group including how to address HR and legal concerns at the virtual T-factor event Polished is offering in partnership with the Rooted Sisters. It's scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st. Registration is free.  Our Lent Guide is coming soon! Keep your eyes peeled on our website- polishednetwork.org!

Bailey T. Hurley is a writer and speaker who invites women to creatively build rooted community in the corner of the world!  She lives in Denver with her husband, Tim, and their two children, Hunter and Liv. As a family, they share a passion for welcoming people into the folds of godly community—especially Hunter who likes to have “all the peoples” over all the time. She earned her M.A. in Leadership from Denver Seminary and uses her education to build a meaningful home and ministry that impacts how we daily lead our communities.

Feleceia Benton Wilson is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who is finding her voice not only as a business owner, but as a performer on the musical theater stage. This week as we continue to celebrate the stories of black women, we hear her chat about Audra McDonald - a Tony award winning African American performer whose unique voice has inspired singers like Wilson to embrace their own authenticity.  Follow Feleceia:  Instagram.com/heyfeleceia Feleceia.com

Cheryl Luke is committed to helping people connect with their God-given purpose and challenges them to embrace the story of their lives. With over 35 years in ministry, Cheryl's goal is to equip and inspire others to acknowledge Christ's unyielding love and share it with those around them. Her warmth and wisdom resonate as she delivers God's message of restoration and hope. Cheryl lives in Austin, Texas and works at Shoreline Church. Connect With Cheryl Instagram: @cherylluke Website: Cherylluke.com Verses: Galatians 5:1 " It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Romans 15:13 " May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished event Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

In the first episode of our "Cultivating Relationships in the Workplace" series, licensed professional counselor, Tricia Gordon, joins our host, Kat Armstrong, to discuss how to work through relational breakdown, tips for connecting in our current world, and the healing space she's creating for black women. Tricia's perspective on what it looks like to really come together in every aspect of life will inspire you to get creative and intentional with connection in your own life.  Tricia Gordon is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor in private practice at You Matter Counseling in Dallas, TX. She is a compassionate, insightful, inspiring leader and entrepreneur with 15+ years' experience working with Fortune 500 corporations, non-profits, healthcare agencies, and government and faith based initiatives. Tricia is passionate about helping women turn down the volume of their internal negativity in order to hear the truth of their intrinsic value, worth, and capabilities. To that end, Tricia's most recent venture is developing a space for black women to recognize and heal from trauma.   Connect with Tricia:  Instagram: @soulreparation Website: youmattercounseling.com Links from the show: Shutterfly puzzles  Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished Webinar  Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

In our latest episode, Jo Saxton shares about her favorite woman in the Bible, Deborah. And let us tell you. Jo absolutely makes her story come alive. Honestly, Deborah's story couldn't be more timely. Her courageous leadership during an extremely devastating and difficult time in history provides us with the example we all need for how to boldly lead during the Covid-19 crisis and its aftermath. In a world that often puts us into prescribed boxes, Jo's wisdom on how we can break free of stereotypes we might feel trapped in and confidently embrace our God-given gifts is a treasure. And if that's not enough, Kat and Jo also discuss Jo's latest book, Ready to Rise. Regardless of wherever you find yourself in life right now, you will find courage and freedom in today's episode. Jo Saxton, a Londoner born to Nigerian immigrants, is an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. After founding an initiative supporting women who lead, Jo now coaches female leaders around the world through her online leadership development program and advises organizations on how to develop and support women in leadership. Jo has written books on leadership, identity, and legacy, including The Dream of You. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Chris, and their two daughters. Connect with Jo Instagram: @josaxton Website: josaxton.com Links from the Show: Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence by Jo Saxton  Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified and Marginalized Women of the Bible  No More Holding Back by Kat Armstrong  Verses: Judges 4  Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished Webinar  Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area

In light of the devastating Covid-19 situation and it's significant impact on each of our lives, we can't think of a more fitting woman to be apart of our “Best of Polished Podcast” series than with THE Beth Moore. Having dedicated herself to the study and practice of God's word for decades, Beth Moore is the older sister in the faith we all need right now. Let us tell you. If you need to be reminded that reading the Scriptures really is worth it and that the God of the Bible is who He says He is, then this episode is for you. In today's episode, Beth Moore shares about how she came to love the Scriptures, what it looks like to dedicate herself to her craft while prioritizing her family and the story behind her latest book, Chasing Vines. While this episode was recorded before the start of the pandemic, Beth Moore's discussion with our host, Kat Armstrong, is so timely in this moment and full of the hope we need right now. We are so thankful to Beth for sharing her story and about the ways God continues to work in her life. We hope that Kat's conversation with Beth Moore brings hope and a renewed curiosity for Scriptures to you wherever you are in your faith today.  Connect with Beth Instagram: @bethmoorelpm Facebook: Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

You can't be a cheerleader for someone and want their life. On this episode of our Best of the Polished Podcast series, our host , Kat Armstrong continues to mix things up as she talks with Jamie about the kind of intentionality that's necessary to celebrate other women from a place of authenticity. If you've never heard speaker, author and podcaster extraordinaire Jamie Ivey, your ears are long overdue for something very special. Filled with wisdom, candor and straight-up realness, Jamie is legit. If you struggle with celebrating other women, it's important to ask yourself why. And if you want to get better, you'll want to turn your ear to Jamie. She's got things to say. And we've got time to listen.

The Polished Podcast is back and we're ready to star the new year off right with the Best of the Polished Podcast Series! We're kicking things off with our friend Hosanna Wong.  Hosanna is a Bible-teacher, author, & spoken word artist empowering this generation to know who they are and boldly live out their purpose. She joins Kat Armstrong on this week's podcast to discuss one of her greatest losses in 2020, losing her identity in her father and men, and finding it in Jesus. 

Christie serves as the Executive Director for Rock Recovery, a nonprofit that helps people overcome disordered eating by combining clinical and community care. Having gone through recovery herself, she understands the depth of emotional, physical and spiritual support needed to recover and is passionate about spreading the message that freedom from disordered eating is possible. She is an active speaker and shares her story with organizations and media outlets across the country. Christie lives in Washington, DC with her husband Ryan, who serves as a pastor at their church in Northern Virginia

#BeTheLight is the personal mission statement for Shelly Bratcher, who is a lover of Jesus, a mom to Trent (17), and a girlfriend to Mike.    Shelly is dedicated to helping all women understand their worth, their identity, and their value.    Shelly is an author to her new 10 day devotional series, Knowing Your Identity, and uses her free time to mentor women as they  walk in their calling.  Shelly is an author, speaker, blog post writer,  facilitator of events, consultant, and has led small groups for years.   Shelly has been in the field of education for 27 years and  currently serves as the Director of Special Services for Lubbock ISD. She is also an adjunct professor for Lubbock Christian University.  Shelly currently serves on the board of advisors for the Lubbock Dream Center and the New Legacy Home for Women.  In 2011, Shelly received her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Texas Tech University.   Find her her on Facebook or Instagram through the link on her website at: www.bethelightproductions.org

Julie has one big dream: to empower leaders to change the world. She does this by by partnering with The 4Sight Group to develop leaders through one-on-one coaching, consulting with teams, and communicating with groups. After receiving her communications degree from Texas A&M University, she led communications and marketing efforts for Insight for Living, Prestonwood Baptist Church, and Nokia Mobile Phones. For almost a decade, she served pastors and teams at Irving Bible Church as Directional Leader to Women, leader of the Communications team, and as an Executive Team member. Later on, she was invited to serve as Director of Leadership Development for Valley Creek Church where she led, taught, and launched their Follow leadership conference, staff leadership development efforts, LeaderStep leadership classes, and Valley Creek Leadership Academy (a nine month gap year program for young adults). After all this leadership fun, Julie's favorite roles continue to be wife and mom. She has been married to her college sweetheart, Brian, for over 23 years. She has two teenage boys and a labrador who keep her on her toes and expect her to pack plenty of snacks.

Dr. Stacia' Alexander is a therapist, strategy coach, corporate trainer, author, talk show host, consultant, and sought-after speaker. As a success strategist, she focuses on mental health, human development, and corporate wellness. For nearly a quarter of a century, Dr. Stacia' has owned Positive Influences, a privately held counseling agency in Dallas. She is also the Mental Health Director of the on-campus counseling center providing services to the Paul Quinn College student body. A licensed professional counselor, certified by the Texas Board of Professional Counselors, she received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Amberton University and a Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology from Walden University. A wife and mother, she is a Dallas native. She exudes a spirit of self-actualization and authenticity. She's engaging and concerned; devoting her many talents, which also include home improvement, gardening and graphic designing. She's a real jewel and spreads love, joy, and healthy living wherever she goes.

Mariana is an award–winning journalist, best-selling author and viral speaker, as well as the co-founder of “GoLike”, a premium multimedia production company specialized in motivational storytelling. Her TEDx Talk on authenticity, “What Makes You Special?”, is one of the top 10 most watched on YouTube and translated into 13 languages. Her first book, Perfectly You, was an Amazon Best Seller and selected by Audible and AppleBooks. Mariana's experience led to “The Control Framework” and it's notable ‘action items' that she shares with top universities and Fortune 100 companies around the world. A former national TV host for NBC and Univision, and expert on resilience & diversity, she has keynoted at the United Nations ‘Girl Up' Summit, the LinkedIn annual conference alongside speakers like Michelle Obama, as well as flagship events for Microsoft, Citi, Spotify, UBS, Airbnb, Nasdaq, among many others. She is featured in the award-winning HBO series “Habla” highlighting the Latinos defining the United States. Her work has been honored with a Peabody, a Columbia University's “First Decade Award” and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Presidential Award.

Meredith King is a nonprofit and leadership strategist, Bible teacher, and author of Immovable: Reflections to Build Your Life & Leadership on Solid Ground. As the Executive Director of Integrus Leadership, she helps coach, equip, and encourage ministry leaders from across the U.S. Though a mountain girl at heart, Meredith lives in south Texas with her husband and two energetic daughters, where she joyfully survives on coffee and queso. We are so happy to have her as she joins our host Kat Armstrong to talk about how we cultivate community at work. Meredith will also be speaking at @boldlyconference next week!

In 2018, Dee Ann Turner was the Talent and Vice President of Sustainability for Chick-fil-A, Inc. The company selected Dee as their first female officer in 2001, making her instrumental in building and growing Chick-fil-A's well-known culture and talent systems. During her long career, she worked closely with Chick-fil-A's founder, S. Truett Cathy, and other critical leaders to architect their organizational culture. Turner was responsible for thousands of selections of Chick-fil-A Franchisees and corporate staff members. She authored a best seller, Bet on Talent: How to Create a Remarkable Culture and Win the Hearts of Customers (2019). Her newest book, Crush Your Career: Ace the Interview, Land the Job, and Launch Your Future released in March 2021. Today, she leads her organization, Dee Ann Turner & Associates, LLC, writing books, speaking to over 50 audiences per year, and consulting and coaching leaders globally. Additionally, she is an advisor to several non-profits, including Unconventional Business Network Women and Pure Hope Foundation. You can find her on her Peloton bike in her home outside of Atlanta or on her stand-up paddle board at Lake Hartwell in northeast Georgia when she is not traveling. We are so happy to have her join us and get her perspective on how we cultivate community at work.

As women, we often wear a mask, getting our identity and worth from our work, relationship and financial status, and position while hiding behind our pain and feelings of worthlessness. We are depressed, feel shamed, and unloved by God because of the pain of our past that we hold onto. Charlotte Hunt is a national speaker, author, Christian counselor, and certified coach who has worked with celebrities, organizations, and individuals for over 25 years. After releasing her award-winning first book, Damaged Goods: An Autobiography, Charlotte's story was featured on PBS, the Christian Broadcasting Network, and was globally televised on the 700 Club. Charlotte has written nine books and begins a series of psychological thrillers with her new tenth and latest novel, A Sheltered Life, in July of 2021. On this week's podcast, she talks with Kat Armstrong about how she uses her passion to help people see their true reflection of purpose and hope amid their obstacles to cultivate community at work. Check out this link to learn more about the Charlotte's book #ashelteredlife and read the first chapter free. https://charlottehunt.com/a-sheltered-life-book-one/

If anything resonates with the women of the Polished Network, it's supporting one another. We don't compete or compare; we champion our sisters—always. Supporting one another is a superpower that propels us beyond business networking and social climbing into an interdependent community of women who have each other's backs. When we rise to our true potential, it is, in part, because others work with us for our success. This month, our theme Cultivating Community at Work focuses on practical ways to support each other in the workplace and encourage each other to grow.

We're just now getting into the groove of 2021, but some of us have already seen disappointments this year. What about you? Have you made good on the plans you had so far? This week we're talking to our Executive Director, Joy Dahl about how she not only gets through the challenges, but gets ahead of them. You can see more of Joy and so many other incredible women at our Boldly Conference on October 8th! 

Polished podcast host Kat Armstrong is back! Listen to her talk with special guest Elaine Kung as they discuss the importance of mentorship and its correlation to discipleship. Elaine is passionate about the faith and work movement since founding Called To Work in 1996. She is experienced in mentoring and leading others to success, investing in hundreds of mentees and students around the world, 20+ coaching sessions per month. We hope you love this episode as much as we do! 

In the latest episode of the Polished Podcast, Pamela Flores joins our hosts, Kat Armstrong and Rocio Lopez. Pamela, Rocio, and Kat discuss the beauty and strength of Latin families as well as what it looks like to courageously find one's authentic voice in the workplace. Pamela Cosio Flores is an executive coach and emotional intelligence expert specializing in helping high-capacity leaders find a positive work-life balance, thrive in relationships at home and work, and continue to grow and improve their performance at work. In addition to her coaching and consulting practice, Pamela currently leads two Townsend Leadership Program Teams in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pamela currently lives in Dallas with her husband and two little boys. Pamela is just one of the main amazing speakers who will be gracing our stage at the BOLDLY Conference on Oct 8. Join us as we navigate what it can look like to integrate your faith and work to find the purpose that God has uniquely called you to. Follow the link in our profile to register today

Teri Ijeoma received her Bachelor's degree in Management Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and her Masters in Media and Communications from Dallas Theological Seminary. She was named 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by National Black MBA Association, and was the Grand Champion of Teachable's 2019 Creator Challenge. We are so excited to see her on the main stage of Boldly this October! ⁠ Listen in for a powerful hour of encouragement with the one and only Teri Ijeoma. She's talking with our co-founder Kat Armstrong about what it means for women to come together, especially in this very difficult season we are facing right now.

Jessica Rimmer, PhD, has worked in leadership development for over 15 years. As an executive leader, she has given oversight to strategic growth and culture initiatives that improve the engagement and energy of people within the workplace. Dr. Rimmer current serves as a Senior Consultant at GiANT Worldwide, a global content and leadership development company. Prior to GiANT, Dr. Rimmer served as the Vice President for Student Engagement and Success/Corporate Trainer for Mid-America Christian University for a decade. Her work includes w building leadership academy that helped define and distinguish the culture of that organization, helping to drive growth and outcomes. Both her experience and education bolster her ability to help companies analyze their needs and craft unique solutions to address business challenges. Jessica received her Bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University from the College of Fine Arts. She went on to earn her Master's in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Oklahoma She also has an earned doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from OU. As a researcher and practitioner, she has studied how leadership influences student retention and engagement. Jessica has served as a speaker on topics such as strategic growth, cultural diversity, transformational leadership and personal success. She is passionate about helping people live with purpose and influence.  Jessica lives in Edmond with her husband Terry and their three children Myles (7), Maris (4), and Marg Connect With Jessica  Instagram: @jlrimmer

You can't be a cheerleader for someone and want their life." If you've never heard speaker, author and podcaster extraordinaire Jamie Ivey, your ears are long overdue for something very special. Filled with wisdom, candor and straight-up realness, Jamie is legit. On this episode of our Summer remix, our host , Kat Armstrong continues to mix things up as she talks with Jamie about the kind of intentionality that's necessary to celebrate other women from a place of authenticity. If you struggle with celebrating other women, it's important to ask yourself why. And if you want to get better, you'll want to turn your ear to Jamie. She's got things to say. And we've got time to listen.

In today's episode of our Summer Remix Series, Kat Armstrong and special guest Deborah Smith Pegues talk about what women can do to resist being in competition with one another in the workplace. Deborah  is a CPA/MBA, certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker, certified behavior consultant, Bible teacher and international speaker. She has written 17 transformational books, including bestselling 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over one million sold worldwide), and The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. She and her husband Darnell have been married for more than 40 years.

The Polished Podcast is back and we're ready to shake things up with our Summer Remix Series! We're kicking things off with our friend Hosanna Wong.  Hosanna is a Bible-teacher, author, & spoken word artist empowering this generation to know who they are and boldly live out their purpose. She joins Kat Armstrong on this week's podcast to discuss one of her greatest losses in 2020, losing her identity in her father and men, and finding it in Jesus. 

On today's podcast episode, our very own,  Kat Armstrong chats with Natasha Sistrunk Robinson. Natasha is the visionary founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc. She is a gifted Bible teacher and speaker. Natasha graduated cum laude (MA in Christian Leadership) from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary Charlotte and is an alumna of the U.S. Naval Academy. A former Marine Corps officer with over 15 years of leadership and mentoring experience, she is a sought-after consultant. Natasha blogs at www.asistasjourney.com and is a regular contributor for Christianity Today. You can find her at www.natashasrobinson.com. Listen in as they chat about the role of a mentor and how being a mentor or being mentored makes you an asset for the church and the Kingdom of God.

A new podcast is live today! Kat chats with Kelsey Chapman about mentorship. She touches on many things including how to find a mentor and how to ask for one. Kelsey is an author, podcaster, and personal cheerleader to women building their dream life and business. When she first launched her own brand in 2015, she felt completely overwhelmed. Mentorship is what pushed her to rise up. Kelsey's mentors have helped to shape her character so she could, in turn, become the CEO and leader she is today. Now she is excited to pay it forward and be that cheerleader for you, too. We know you will absolutely love hearing from this amazing woman!

Elaine Kung is passionate about faith and the work movement since founding Called To Work in 1996.  She is experienced in mentoring and leading others to success, investing in hundreds of mentees and students around the world, 20+ coaching sessions per month. Polished podcast host Kat Armstrong is back! Listen to her talk with special guest Elaine Chung as they discuss the importance of mentorship and its correlation to discipleship.  

In today’s episode, we have a friend of the Polished network, Raquel Dewitt. Raquel serves as the Event Director for the Boldly Conference coming up in October. She is also a wife, mom, volunteer, and lover of God’s Word. Listen in as Erin and Raquel chat about the mental load that women carry. What practical things do you do to lessen your mental load and/or manage it well?

Britney Moses is a Los Angeles-based content creator, podcast host, blogger, loving wife, and mother. While in the study of psychology and research at UCLA, she helped to reduce stigma and assist with helpful information at the intersection of faith, holistic mental health, and wellness. In today’s episode, Brittany Moses pulls from her clinical psychological, and trauma-informed profession to speak on faith and mental health issues and resources. 

As a trauma-informed, board-certified life coach and therapist, Janell Rardon spends a great deal of her day at work with brokenness.  In response to the pleas of her clients and readers, she developed a set of emotional health tools to help repair brokenness and create mental fitness. In her new book, “Stronger Everyday: 9 Tools for An Emotionally Healthy You,” She helps you build a very efficient, highly effective, emotional health toolbox to help the emotional health of you and your family.  In today’s episode, host Erin Baxter speaks with Janell Rardon about mental health and trauma in her own life and how we can all learn how to live better lives in peace.

As we kick off the month of May—Mental Health Awareness Month, we're talking to women about how we can be empowered through soul care and self-care. Our first guest is Jessie Skinner! Jessie is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and registered play therapists supervisor with Sparrow House Counseling in Dallas, TX. She works to empower kids, adults, and families to gain the insight and tools they need to reach their goals. Jessie has specialized training and working with people facing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, OCD, trauma, adoption, behavior, and parenting concerns. She is passionate about the intersection between faith and mental health. She was named by Dallas Child Magazine as a mom-approved therapist for her work with kids in DFW. Listen in as our guest host, Erin Baxter, speaks with Jessie on the topic of anxiety. Jessie gives some great and practical tips for how we can better manage our anxious thoughts whether big or small. Make sure to come back and share what you loved most about the conversation!

Single women are underrepresented in leadership roles, and because of that, we have spent this month honoring our single sisters. We are excited to wrap our podcast series of Standing Strong with Single Women with the incredible Natalie Mott. Natalie has 19 years of experience in corporate America, and she currently oversees resources for Living Proof Ministries. She is a single mom, among other things, and is here to share how we can amplify women in the church.

Are you loving this series as much as we are? All April, we are standing strong with our single sisters in the church, continuing our conversation today with Nika Spaulding and Elizabeth Woodson. Nika and Elizabeth both spend much of their time ministering to single women who are constantly battling the stereotypes that are often put on them. The love of Christ validates all of us, but sometimes, that's hard to feel in spaces that don't always feel affirming.  We're so grateful for the boldness of the women who are sharing their stories all month on the Polished podcast. Check out the entire series at PolishedOnline.org/podcast ---- After several years as a Women’s Minister in North Dallas, God gave Nika the privilege of planting a church in Oak Cliff called St. Jude Oak Cliff where she currently serves as the Resident Theologian.  Elizabeth Woodson is a Bible teacher, writer, and speaker, who is passionate about communicating the rich theological truths of Scripture.   

This one's for the single women! All month long at Polished, we're listening, talking to and learning from our single sisters, and there is so much to learn, isn't there? On this week's podcast, Kat Armstrong talks with Hannah Grambling and Kari Johnson about, two of our incredible podcast leaders, about the perks to being a single Christian woman in the workplace and the dos and don'ts for friends of single friends.  Tag a single (or married!) friend who could use this podcast!  

Kat Harris was raised in a strong evangelical home during the height of the purity movement. She went to school, graduated from a conservative university, and believed that being a "good Christian" meant that she had to abandon a big part of who she was and how she was created. And, once she saw how women were treated in the church, she couldn't unsee it. On this week's podcast, Kat Armstrong talks with Harris about the church's bias toward the nuclear family, while neglecting how much single men and women have to offer. 

In this episode, we turn the tables on the Polished podcast as Executive Director Dr. Joy Dahl talks with Polished Co-Founder Kat Armstrong about her new book, "The In-Between Place."    We all go through times when we are in-between something - relationships, jobs, even friendships. Kat shares her personal experiences and lessons from the Bible to encourage women about how to survive those times, and how Jesus meets us in the in-between places of life.   Learn more about Kat at KatArmstrong.com

Feleceia Benton Wilson is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who is finding her voice not only as a business owner, but as a performer on the musical theater stage. This week as we continue to celebrate the stories of black women, we hear her chat about Audra McDonald - a Tony award winning African American performer whose unique voice has inspired singers like Wilson to embrace their own authenticity.  Follow Feleceia:  Instagram.com/heyfeleceia Feleceia.com

From the perfect storm to perfect peace, our host Kat Armstrong speaks with Dr. Joy Dahl, Director of the Polished Network about Cultivating Hope even in our darkest moments. Learn more about the Polished Podcast and how to join the Polished Network by visiting: PolishedOnline.org."

Everyone’s an influencer, whether they know it or not.    Sociologists have discovered that even the most isolated individual will influence 10,000 people during his or her lifetime. Imagine what happens when we are influencing intentionally, when we are working to live lives that impact those around us for good?    This month on the Polished Podcast, we are hearing the stories of incredible black women, by the black women who have been influenced by their work, beginning with our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Brandy Baxter.    She shares lessons from her childhood English teacher, Miss Rainey, who taught her about the art of having poise, and learning to listen and connect deeply before she speaks. 

Hosanna Wong is a Bible-teacher, author, & spoken word artist empowering this generation to know who they are & boldly live out their purpose. She joins Kat Armstrong to discuss one of her greatest losses in 2020, losing her identity in her father, men, etc. and finding it in Jesus. Learn more about Hosanna at  https://www.hosannawong.com

It is estimated that up to 24,000 women and girls are sexually trafficked - bought and sold for sex - each year in the Chicagoland area. And they are share some things in common:  100% Suffered childhood abuse 100% Have struggled with substance abuse addition 100% Have a criminal record 100% Have been dignosed with mental illness 100% Deserve the love of Christ Jesus Naomi’s House is a ministry of Moody Church in Chicago that offers hope and healing to women who have suffered from commercial sexual exploitation.    Simone Halpin is the Executive Director.   On this week's podcast, she talks about her heart for the women she serves, and the ways we can join Naomi’s House in this work. As we end this season of giving, maybe you can prayerfully consider giving to the work of this ministry.   Visit their website at www.moodychurch.org/naomis-house/

Rocío López has a deep-rooted passion for empowerment and transformation. This has fueled her professional experiences and has inevitably carried over into other aspects of her life. She has worked at a global non-profit headquartered in Dallas, Buckner International, Texas since 2010, where she currently leads operations and drives the strategy of international programs for underserved children and families in Latin America and Africa. Buckner International is a global ministry dedicated to the transformation and restoration of the lives we serve. Buckner is a Christ-centered organization that delivers redemptive ministry to the most vulnerable from the beginning to the ending of life. Follow Rocio on Instagram: instagram.com/rolop Learn about Buckner International: https://www.buckner.org

Fifty-four percent of teens between the ages of 14-16 have contemplated suicide in the last 6-months. You can only imagine how COVID has impact that number.  That's why Sarah Conner and the team at Just Say Yes is "Growing value and vision in youth by combating isolation and imparting hope." They believe that a connected student is a protected student. Listen to today's podcast to learn how you too can be a part of the solution.  Instagram: @jsarahconner Facebook: facebook.com/jsarahconner https://justsayyes.org/

As we kick off the month of December, we're talking to women all over the country who are using their gifts to support their communities.   On today's podcast, we talk to Julie Waters. She's a Houston Human Rights Attorney and Director of Free the Captives, a faith-based anti-human trafficking non-profit that focuses on the rescue of teenaged human trafficking victims.   If you've ever wondered about the work of human trafficking or wondered how you can help, you'll want to tune into this podcast.   Learn more about Free the Captives at http://www.freethecaptiveshouston.com

  As we close out our Rooting for Each Other series on the podcast, we are joined by our incredible friend and entrepreneur, Rachel L. Proctor. She talks about the importance of showing other women how to navigate the journey.   Binge the entire Rooting for Each Other Polished podcast series here -->> https://bit.ly/PolishedRootingForEachOther   Follow Rachel on Instagram - @rachellproctor www.RachelLProctor.com

In today’s episode, Kat Armstrong and special guest Deborah Smith Pegues talk about what women can do to resist being in competition with one another in the workplace.   Pegues is a CPA/MBA, certified John Maxwell Leadership Coach and Speaker, certified behavior consultant, Bible teacher and international speaker. She has written 17 transformational books, including bestselling 30 Days to Taming Your Tongue (over one million sold worldwide), and The One-Minute Money Mentor for Women. She and her husband Darnell have been married for more than 40 years.   Instagram: @deborahsmithpegues Facebook: Deborah Smith Pegues Website: DeborahPegues.com Twitter: @deborapegues

In today's episode, Kat Armstrong and Barre3 Richardson owner, Angela Fry, discuss how to support small businesses, cheer on our friends and overcome fear in this challenging time. Fry is an Oklahoma native transplanted to Dallas by way of Seattle. She spent 9 years climbing the corporate ladder in the wine sales industry before leaving it all to pursue her dream of opening a barre3 studio. She is now the proud owner of barre3 Richardson and they are about to celebrate their four year anniversary!  God has provided her with the incredible opportunity to grow a community of health where women exercise to feel alive and at home in their bodies.  Angela's greatest passion is helping her clients redefine what success in fitness means so they can release society's ideals of health based in fear and shame. When she's not in yoga pants teaching or connecting with clients at the studio, you can find her at the park or on a walk with her precious husband and feisty toddler. Her guilty pleasures include devouring the latest issue of US Weekly or catching up Real Housewives.  Connect with Angela:  Instagram: @angeladfry Website: barre3 Stay connected with Polished by: Attending a Polished Webinar  Following Polished on Instagram Joining the Polished Network Starting a Polished chapter in your area