The Brave Place with Christy Rodriguez (KLRC)

Christy chats with Singer/Songwriter Lauren Daigle about life and music and the two play a fun game of 50/50 with Christy.

Singer/Songwriter Jordan St. Cyr shares his honest and brave story of wrestling with his faith during his family's most trying times. Reflecting on that moment when he heard the Holy Spirit speak to his heart…“Imagine what we could do if you lived with both feet in.” Jordan gives us a glimpse into the real life stories that inspired his hit songs “Fires,” “Weary Traveler”, and “Rescue.”

Learning to love the One who gives and takes away, sisters and co-authors Heather Gilion and Holly Snell share their brave story of becoming widows in their twenties as the bodies of their beloved husbands were found floating in a river. They found themselves face to face with God in a season of suffering they had never known...asking the questions….can I trust you God? Where are you? Can you really heal my wounds? Their book, Dancing On My Ashes, details their powerful journey and is a call to stop living wounded and accept the presence of God's hand in our lives. You can learn more about Heather, Holly, and their book by visiting dancingonmyashes.com.

September shares her experience of being raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and living most of her life dedicated to the Mormon faith, even serving as a Mormon Priestess throughout her 30's and 40's. She shares her brave story of leaving everything she knew and the freedom she has found in worshiping Jesus and following Him.

We're re-sharing one of our most listened-to episodes! At the age of 17, Michela Fields found herself in a web of manipulation and emotional narcissistic abuse. Always on the run, hiding from family and friends, and far away from her home country, she was forced to trust the only person she knew, her narcissistic husband. This is Michela's brave story of living in confusion, pain, and turmoil for nearly 16 years until freedom and the healing arms of Jesus Christ gave her a new hope and a new life.

September shares her experience of being raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and living most of her life dedicated to the Mormon faith, even serving as a Mormon Priestess throughout her 30's and 40's. She shares her brave story of leaving everything she knew and the freedom she has found in worshiping Jesus and following Him.

Singer/Songwriter Ben Fuller shares his journey of growing up in a home where the name, Jesus Christ, was used only as a curse word and how struggles with his father led to anger and depression. Eventually he found himself wandering in darker places such as contemplating suicide followed by a 14 year battle with drug and alcohol addiction. God used a family to bring him to church and his life began to change. He went from desiring to be a country music singer in Nashville to knowing that singing for the Lord would be his new song forever. You can learn more about Ben and his latest hit song "Who I am" by visiting www.benfullerofficial.com.

Singer/songwriter Micah Tyler spent his days wondering ‘what's next,' while driving a sausage delivery truck and questioning his own discernment to quit his youth pastor gig, sell half of what he owned to move his family into a single-wide trailer, and start traveling the region performing songs he'd written. Not an easy move with a wife, three kids, and no strong connection to the music industry at the time. “I just knew I had to be obedient and step out into music full time,” Micah recalls. “I told the Lord, ‘I don't know how to be a professional musician, but you've taught me to be faithful.' Micah shares his brave journey of sacrifice and faithfulness and how “Walking Free” (title of his book) in Christ is the foundation for fulfilling God's unique purpose in our lives and experiencing to the fullest all that God has waiting for each one of us. You can learn more about Micah Tyler's music and his book Walking Free by visiting micahtyler.com.

Singer/songwriter Austin French shares his brave story of emerging from an abusive childhood, a poverty stricken home, and church rejection. Struggling with anger towards his abusive father and the church, Austin reflects back on his journey..."I grew up in church, was surrounded by church culture, but I hated Christians for a long time. Our family was the family that pretended to be perfect on Sunday but was falling apart behind closed doors. As an eight-year-old boy, I was living two different lives, expected to be perfect on Sunday and then living in fear at home.” Discussing his book "Jesus Can" Austin takes listeners on a journey that showcases God's redemptive power taking a hardened heart and turning it into a heart of worship and praise. He has written multiple hit songs such as Jesus Can, Why God, Good Feeling, Freedom Hymn, Wake Up Sleeper and more. You can learn more about Austin and his music by visiting his website: austinfrenchmusic.com.

Solo artist, singer/songwriter, and author Mike Donehey (formerly lead singer of Tenth Avenue North) shares about his latest book Grace in the Gray, A More Loving Way to Disagree. Grace in the Gray reveals how to focus on the person standing before you more than the argument set against you. He is also the author of the best selling book, Finding God's Life for My Will, and hosts "Chasing the Beauty" Podcast. You can learn more about Mike's books, music, and latest album "Flourish", and his podcast by visiting mikedonehey.com.

Author of Moving Forward with Grief, Michelle Moore shares her journey navigating through the loss of her 16 year old son, Joshua. She takes listeners on a transparent & relatable journey jam packed with truth & practical tools for anyone walking through grief. You can find Michelle's bible study, Moving Forward with Grief, along with her other bible study, A Race Well Lived, at faithfulhomebiblestudies.com and by visiting her blog: witheyesonthecross.com

Award winning singer songwriter Colton Dixon shares his heart on navigating life in marriage, being a dad, and living out his calling as a singer and songwriter. He shares his inspiration behind his latest hit song “Build a Boat” and how obedience is key in helping him grow in his faith. A two-time winner of Best Contemporary/Rock Album of the year, Colton has racked up two No. 1 radio singles. Many know him from finishing 7th on Season 11 of American Idol. But he has made a name for himself through his music with several hit songs from his albums “A Messenger” and “Anchor”. You can learn more about Colton by visiting his website at coltondixon.com.

NOTE: This episode contains sensitive material not meant for little ears.The mixed messages about sex in Christianity can be confusing and often harmful. Christy sits down with Brandi K. Harris, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist to discuss Brandi's most recent book, The Truth About Holy Sex. Her insights, resources, and practical applications will help followers of Jesus increase intimacy and develop deeply satisfying sex. You can learn more by visiting Brandi's website: www.ittakesabreath.com.

Singer/Songwriter Hope Darst, known for her popular songs “Peace Be Still,” “Promise Keeper,” and “Set Free,” opens up and takes us on an up close and personal journey through her own struggles, doubts, fears, questions, and God's faithfulness through it all. You can learn more about Hope by visiting her website at hopedarst.com.

Dr. Lina Abujamra, author, speaker, Bible teacher and medical doctor, dives into her own personal journey of wrestling with God through her doubts, fears, and pain. In the near deconstruction of her faith, she was forced to navigate some of her darkest moments grappling with questions such as: Where is God in my pain? Is this how Christians are supposed to act? Why did my story end this way? Is this the normal Christian life? Why is it so hard for Christians to love? Her latest book, Fractured Faith is the telling of that journey. Listen in as Dr. Lina gets honest and real about encountering her own Fractured Faith. You can learn more about Dr. Lina Abujamra by visiting her website livingwithpower.org.

At the age of 17, Michela Fields found herself in a web of manipulation and emotional narcissistic abuse. Always on the run, hiding from family and friends, and far away from her home country, she was forced to trust the only person she knew, her narcissistic husband. This is Michela's brave story of living in confusion, pain, and turmoil for nearly 16 years until freedom and the healing arms of Jesus Christ gave her a new hope and a new life.

Michelle Webster is a part of our KLRC listening family and graciously sat down with Christy and shared about the tragic loss of her daughter Amber. Michelle recounts what happened the day Amber passed away and how God has helped her navigate through the pain and grief. Visit KLRC.com to learn more about Michelle's story.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle discusses the topic of Transgender Identity answering questions that many are afraid to ask. Dr. Sprinkle is the President of the Center of Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, A New York Times Best Selling Author, biblical scholar and an International speaker. He is considered an expert in the fields of gender and transgender identities as well as topics surrounding the LGBTQ community and biblical theology of sexuality. In this episode, he discusses terms within the realm of gender identity such as binary, non-binary, gender queer, stereotypes, and gender identity vs. biological sex. He also dives into scientific research, sex reassignment surgeries, and medical interventions such as puberty blockers. He shares insightful information on why more and more teens today are questioning their gender and provides resources for parents searching to learn more. His latest book, Embodied, Transgender Identities, The Church, & What the Bible Has to Say is one of over a dozen books he has written.To learn more about Dr. Sprinkle and resources that are available, visit prestonsprinkle.com.

Tamara Picazo and Krystal Deruiter from Episode 3 (Season Two) and Episodes 10 & 11 (Season One) sit down together and answer questions from listeners about their journey of facing a shattered friendship and marriages due to infidelity. Christy facilitates questions sent in from listeners as Tamara and Krystal offer invaluable insight, wisdom, and hope for those who have been involved or affected by unfaithfulness.

Best friends, Tamara Picazo and Krystal Deruiter, face infidelity and betrayal as their friendship is shattered over an affair. Tamara and Krystal sit down together and discuss the pain of betrayal and their individual journeys towards forgiveness and reconciliation within their friendship. With hearts postured in humility and surrender, they opened the door to experience miraculous healing in their individual lives, friendship and marriages. Their raw, open, and honest testimonies give listeners invaluable insight, wisdom, and hope for those who have been involved or affected by unfaithfulness.

Faith Zember discusses the heartache of losing her 15-year-old daughter, Lily Kelly, in a tragic car accident. Lily was a musician, singer, and songwriter who was a strong leader in her faith leaving a legacy of inspiration and hope through her music and her walk with the Lord. Faith shares powerful wisdom that can be applied to all of us walking through the storm and how Lily's memory continues to impact their community through lilykellyministries.org. Faith also authored the book Unexplainable, The Bible As Applied to Two Ordinary Lives where she interweaves the words of both she and Lily taking readers on a journey of finding hope in Jesus.

KLRC's Keri Corn discusses her transition out of her 12-year run as morning show co-host and “passes the baton” to Christy Rodriguez (Host of The Brave Place) who will assume the morning show co-host position starting January 11th, 2021. Keri shares the hard and the best seasons of her life and how God has been leading her into this new season as she finishes up her Master's degree in Counseling. She also shares the importance of staying close to God in dark times and how Christians are all called to be light in the darkness. Keri and Christy both discuss their excitement and gratitude for each other as well as the new journey that God has placed before them.

Holley Gerth, author, speaker, and podcaster of More Than Small Talk Podcast (KLRC) discusses her latest book The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You. This fun interview between Christy the extrovert and Holley the introvert highlights the unique differences of extroverts and Introverts and explains how we become one or the other. Holley discusses the biological ways we're wired, her own personal journey as an introvert, the struggles introverts face as well as the strengths they bring to the table. Listeners can find Holley at HolleyGerth.com.

Suzanne Eller is an author, speaker and podcaster of More Than Small Talk Podcast (KLRC). In this episode she discusses her latest book, JoyKeeper. Taking us behind the scenes into her personal life, Suzie shares the struggles of facing her daughter's cancer, her own cancer, and her son's personal battles, and how the deepest, most sustaining joy is birthed out of sorrow. She gives listeners practical tools on confronting joy stealers and learning how to be a JoyKeeper. Listeners can find Suzie online at Suzanneeller.com.

Jason Jenkins, author at Men Sharpening Men, shares biblical wisdom and truth on being a husband and a father. He also discusses the power behind true discipleship and how to mentor men who are seeking help and spiritual growth. Jason and his wife, Amanda, have been married for 23 years and have 2 children, Emma and Nolan. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, they have lived in NW Arkansas for 3 years. Jason's passion is helping men understand their purpose in life as they embrace truth, love, give, and make disciples who go make disciples. Listeners can contact Jason by going to www.mensharpeningmen.com.

Jason Jenkins, author at Men Sharpening Men, takes us on his personal journey as a husband in a marriage that was on the brink of divorce and how God began to shape and mold him as a man turning him into a true disciple of the Word. He offers wisdom on several topics including the trap and dangers of pornography and explains true intimacy from a biblical perspective. Jason and his wife, Amanda, have been married for 23 years and have 2 children, Emma and Nolan. Originally from West Monroe, Louisiana, they have lived in NW Arkansas for 3 years. Jason's passion is helping men understand their purpose in life as they embrace truth, love, give, and make disciples who go make disciples. Listeners can contact Jason by going to www.mensharpeningmen.com.

In November of 2016, Laura Beck, at the age of 26 was in a car accident that changed her world as she knew it forever. She found herself entering into her new life as a quadriplegic. In this episode Laura takes us through her heroic journey of facing the harsh realities life can bring and inspires listeners with her beautiful story of strength, resilience, character, and perseverance. Her husband, Jacob, also visits with us sharing his journey as a husband and caregiver and how this experience has changed him and impacted his marriage with Laura in the most beautiful ways. Laura is a gifted artist and impacts countless lives with her popular Instagram page Laura Grace Beck.

Jennifer Watson is the author of Freedom! The Gutsy Pursuit of Breakthrough and the Life Beyond It, co-host of “More Than Small Talk Podcast”, and an Image Consultant for the breakthrough you need in life and business. Jennifer shares her powerful story of how God took her from an insecure perfectionist to a secure woman in Christ who is ready to face trials head on. She gives us specific tools on breaking through our baggage and turning our pain into purpose. She discusses how to fight that “inner mean girl”, face our fears, and refocus our mindset into achieving a gutsy life of Freedom.

Heidi Tankersley, a wife, mom, author and motivational speaker, takes us into the powerful world of self-discipline. She shares valuable tools on how to tackle life's most overwhelming tasks and how self-discipline is more than just changing behaviors and habits, but it's about freeing our true authentic selves and discovering the limitless potential that lives within all of us. Heidi is the author of the fiction book series, The Mod Code, and the nonfiction book, Overcoming Colitis: Alternative Therapies for Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, and other Bowel Disorders. You can read more about Heidi and her books at heiditankersley.com.

Tamara Picazo, a wife, mom, homeschooler, and boutique owner, takes us on her personal journey into the entrapment of infidelity. She shares how the brokenness of her past and the struggles in her marriage led her down a path she never would have expected. Finding herself in a pit of shame and hopelessness, she came to the end of herself and reached out for God's hand to pull her out.

Tamara Picazo, a wife, mom, homeschooler, and boutique owner, shares her humble account of facing the consequences of infidelity in her marriage. Seeking God's will over her own, God turned a hopeless situation into a remarkable story of His redeeming love and power. Tamara's raw, honest, and transparent words give listeners invaluable insight and wisdom for those who have been involved or affected by unfaithfulness.

Jenny Sorey, founder of Hub of Hope, enlightens listeners on the facts and realities surrounding human trafficking. Jenny educates us on how to spot human trafficking in our communities, how to help victims, and protect ourselves and our children. She also shares the role of her non-profit organization, Hub of Hope, in helping victims, educating the community, and providing resources for those in need. She inspires us all to “lean in” to one another and say yes to God's call on our lives.

Founder of Fresh Roots Family Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapist, Brad Franklin, discusses the differences between the Pursuer and a Distancer in a relationship and how we can create a positive or a negative environment when it comes to resolving conflict. He also gets honest and real about his own personal past marriage struggles and how the courage of his wife, Beth, was a game changer in their marriage. Brad offers amazing advice from a Biblical perspective and gives us valuable food for thought in creating a healthy, thriving marriage.

Christine Coleman of “The Way, The Truth, and The Life” prison ministry shares how God met her within the walls of prison as a prisoner and how He rescued her from her darkest moments as she battled alcoholism and depression. Living free today, she shares her transparent and courageous journey of how God is using her past to help others find freedom as she, along with her husband and a powerful team of truth tellers, takes the Gospel back inside the walls.

Robyn Hubbard, a wife, mom, and teacher, offers engaging and insightful tools that are valuable to everyone encountering children and adults with special needs in public, in our schools, in marriage, with siblings, and in friendships. Sharing from her own personal experiences with her autistic son, Luke, Robyn gets real about the raw realities of having a special needs child and the way God has used Luke in her life to remind her of the most important things in life.

Robyn Hubbard, a wife, mom, and teacher, takes us on an honest, educational, and thought- provoking journey behind the scenes of life with her autistic son, Luke. She shares the struggles, victories, growth, and incredible beauty of life with a special needs child. Inspired by the heart of Luke, Robyn's powerful testimony delivers valuable life lessons for all of us and reminds us how we are truly called to live.

Becky Shaffer, Founder & Executive Director of the non-profit organization Saving Grace takes us back to the beginning stages of her God-sized dream. She shares her passion for God's kids and her vision to house and equip girls who have aged out of the foster system... a vision that once seemed about as reachable as the stars themselves. Becky shares the inspiring and powerful stories of her journey as she witnessed God moving in miraculous ways and transforming her dream into a reality.She also gives us a glimpse into the harsh realities of the foster system and the needs that are still heavy on her heart.

Becky Shaffer, Founder & Executive Director of the non-profit organization, Saving Grace, shares her story of growing up in an abusive and neglected home, living life as a foster kid in and out of trouble, struggling to find herself and a place in this world. With all the odds stacked against her, God showed up and took a girl who never dreamed of graduating high school and set her on a path she never imagined possible. Becky also shares the keys to releasing the burdens of her past and living out a Brave life that is impacting her community and beyond.

HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous star, Jenny Marrs, shares about the fun things of life on her family's farm as well as watching a dream come to fruition through the vision of The Berry Farm. She shares how The Berry Farm is making an impact in the lives of countless children in Africa and how what seemed impossible has been made possible by God's provision in it all. Jenny also shares about life behind the scenes in the filming of HGTV's popular show Fixer to Fabulous where she and her husband, Dave, remodel homes capturing the hearts of viewers all over the world with their sincere and fun-loving personalities.

HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous star, Jenny Marrs, gets real about the hard realities of infertility and adoption as she shares how she and her husband, Dave, navigated through rough waters that were beyond their control. Out of their struggles came a realization that everything they thought they knew and wanted in life was flipped upside down. They discovered a need in this world they never knew existed and it was the beginning pursuit of a calling they both felt God stirring deep within their hearts.