The Purposed Platform

In this episode, I have a conversation with my friend Shelbe Ward. Shelbe is a single foster mom who is also a full time teacher. If you have ever considered foster care, but think it's not doable because you're single, then this is the episode for you! Shelbe has had 23 placements since her foster care journey began. When she started fostering kiddos, she was fresh out of college and just 22 years old. She tells some very vivid and graphic details of the reality of some of these kids' lives, as well as her perspective and heart through all the ups and downs. I'll be honest, I cried during our conversation and I cried again listening to it. So you miiiight want to grab your tissues! As always, feel free to share on social media and tag me!   Enjoy!! XO, Katie   www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts 

In this episode I sit down with my friend Jordan Owens as she gives me a glimpse into her unimaginable childhood and the effects it has had on her life. One thing that I am so inspired by in her story is that despite her circumstances, she always had a determination to overcome and conquer anything that life threw at her even from a young age.   We talk drug and alcohol addiction in her loved ones, domestic violence, body issues, and more. I hope this episode encourages you and gives you hope to rise up out of whatever circumstance you may be facing. Let's dive right in!   XO, Katie   www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I tell a little bit of my story in regards to when Ken and I first got married, Ken going into Major League Baseball, and how I personally make decisions when I don't know what to do. You ready? Let's jump in! XO, Katie WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/KATIELLISROBERTS  

In this episode, I sit down and have a conversation with my new found friend, Halle Owens. Halle and I talk about her health and fitness journey through high school and college soccer, and she opens up about how the once healthy habits in her life took a turn for the worse and actually started to control her mind and thoughts every second of every day. Halle has broken through mental and physical barriers and I related with her in a completely different area of my OWN life even though the situation was completely different. Listen all the way to the end because the conversation. is. GOLD.  Love you guys! Let's dive right in. XO, Katie   WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/KATIELLISROBERTS  

In this episode, I, host Katie Roberts, share my heart and story of reunifying a foster baby. I share my perspective during this time and how we can all shift our perspective even in the darkest moments.    Enjoy!  XO,  Katie   INSTAGRAM    

In this episode, I talk with my friend Kim Hommel. We have a conversation about her journey through an incredibly tough season, when one of her daughters was fighting cancer. Kim gives such a great perspective and talks with such a grace and humbleness that is so inspiring and encouraging for any situation life may hand you.  We end up talking about ALL the mom things and I honestly could just sit at her feet all day and learn so much from her.

In this episode I have a conversation with my friend Kristin Friend. She is a fellow foster mama and she hosts a podcast called Follow the Friends were she talks ALL things foster care. In this conversation, we sit down and answer a ton of questions that YOU all submitted! Enjoy!   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katieellisroberts    

In this episode, I talk to a friend I've known since high school! You know, for me it's always very special to have a friend come on and have a conversation, but this episode really resonated with me in a way I haven't experienced before on the podcast. Jessica gave birth to a beautiful baby girl when she was just 15 years old, and made the courageous decision to place her for adoption. The thing that really makes this episode so special to me, is that she was walking through one of the craziest seasons of her life at that time, and I literally had no idea. If I could just say one thing before you tune into this conversation, it would be to start to show the people around you a little more grace. You never know the demons people are fighting, the battles they are facing, or the war that's waging within them.    INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I talk with my new found friend, Kristin Decker. When an old friend of mine emailed me and told me a little bit of Kristin's story, I knew I HAD to have a conversation with her!  Bullying is an ugly thing that keeps rearing its head generation after generation. During this episode, Kristin brings SO MUCH HOPE to those who may be experiencing bullying or have ever been a victim of it.  If this is you, or even if this isn't YOUR story, you'll still want to lean in and know that you are not alone in the battles you face.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I have a conversation with my new found friend Emily. She tells her story of two dating relationships that were toxic in their own ways even though each relationship couldn't have been more opposite. She talks about the road of forgiveness she chose to take and the freedom that came with it, especially after losing her brother to an overdose. At the end of the episode, she hones in on the empowerment that singleness has brought her and the importance of owning the season you're in.  

This episode has by far been one of the most informational and eye opening conversations I've had on the podcast thus far. Katie Klute battled an eating disorder, which started in the 2nd grade, for nearly ten years. She's now taking the world by storm as she runs a Recovery and Wellness center in Eastern Washington providing treatment programs for eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts    

In this episode I have a conversation with my friend Stephanie Heller. She talks about the process of carrying her baby girl until delivery, not knowing if the baby would live or not. You see, she found out while she was pregnant, that her daughter had Trisomy 18. Her faith, grit, and determination is so inspiring. Stick around until the end of the conversation as she tells me all about how she makes sure this baby girl's legacy lives on, and the incredible healing that it has brought her.

In this episode, I give an update on our adoption journey. I tell the story of hearing the news that the sweet bio mom of our soon to be adopted baby told me she was changing her mind and keeping her son. My heart was so happy for her and truly wants to just be a support to her, but also the pain I felt was just as real and raw. I give my perspective and open up with what I am learning as I process through the unknown.

On today's episode, I chat with my friend Jasmine Davenport. I'll be really honest with you, when I first birthed the idea of this podcast and telling women's stories, she was at the top of my list. Jasmine is someone who inspires me every time I look at her. Today, you'll hear her tell the story of how her and her late husband met, how she journeyed with him through his mental illness, and how she continues to find healing from him ultimately taking his own life just a couple months before they were to celebrate their third year of marriage.     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I have a conversation with MLB wife, Ashlee Yates. Ashlee began having uncommon speech symptoms after the birth of her first child, and when her baby was just three months old, she went in for an MRI only to find out she was pregnant with her second baby. She was officially diagnosed with epilepsy following the birth of her second child. She talks about the memories of her seizures, her fears, and the power of a woman's intuition.     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

This episode is part two of the conversation with my good friend, Camille Winkler. In part one, she talked about the setbacks in her husband's Major League Baseball career as well as receiving the news about the sickness of their unborn baby. In this episode, she dives deep into her raw emotions as she tells the real story, for the first time, about the loss of their precious baby. She talks about the days and months after, which include more grief and loss, an IVF process, and continual healing and hope through it all. The strength she has as she tells this story literally pulled my heart strings the entire time.     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I have a conversation with my good friend, Camille Winkler. If you have ever watched a Major League Baseball game, you might not think about the people or women in the stands related to each player on the field. After a long journey of rehab, Camille's husband, Atlanta Braves pitcher, Daniel Winkler finally made it back. Just when they thought things were on the way up, tragedy hit. If you want to see the game that she is re-living in this episode, feel free to google "Atlanta Braves' Daniel Winkler breaks elbow". She tells the details through her perspective of that day, and then begins to tell the heart wrenching story of not only the professional challenges they faced as a couple, but the personal ones-- including the sickness of their unborn baby.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, I have a conversation with my friend Ellie. She opens up in the most candid way as she talks about the day she found out her dad was murdered. She also explains the aftermath that came with it, including having to raise her younger brother and setting boundaries with other loved ones. Later in the conversation, she starts to talk about what she says to people who have lost a loved one, and honestly, I couldn't control my tears. You see, when I had this conversation with Ellie, I had recently lost my grandma a couple weeks prior. She was someone very near and dear to my heart. Ellie and I have a beautiful moment as we end the conversation talking about grief and loss.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

On this BONUS episode, tune in to hear Tayler Cathrine from Thriving Military Wife (an online series and resource for women married to men in military) interview Katie Roberts. Katie Roberts talks all about the importance of women empowering one another, staying centered, and stewarding your season. WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

In this episode, I have a conversation with Lauren Chandler as she tells her unique story of being a twin separated at birth. Not only do I speak with Lauren, but half way through, her mom stops by her house and I actually get to hear the whole story from HER perspective as well.  As an adoptive AND biological mom myself, it pulls my heartstrings in every way! Enjoy! -Katie     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

In this episode, host Katie Roberts talks with Katie Page as she tells her story of being divorced and then diving deep into foster care. She has been interviewed on major platforms such as Love What Matters and Good Morning America as she tells her story of how she adopted her son from foster care, and then ended up taking in another baby girl only to find out it was her son's biological sister. It's a wild story of how when she took the leap of faith into foster care, despite what others advised, she walked right into a miracle- adopting her kids.     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

This episode is part two of a two part conversation between host Katie Roberts and Paris Hollenbaugh. In this episode, they pick up the conversation right where they left off in episode 11, and have an honest conversation about the aftermath and the emotional and physical effects that happened after abortion. They also talk about how and why women need to have more conversations regarding these hard topics and the healing that comes from it.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

This week's episode is the first part of Paris Hollenbaugh's conversation with host Katie Roberts. Paris grew up in a typical small town where life was carefree and fun. However, things took a turn when she entered her early 20's. She talks about navigating and dealing with the drug addiction of a close family member, and the serious effects it had on her. Ultimately, it was the thing that pushed her to move away from her small town, and on her own to find herself again. In the first weekend after she moved, she got pregnant. She opens up about the moments of shame and disbelief that came along with her unexpected pregnancy and dealing with it all alone in a new city. At the end of this episode (part one) she begins talking about her abortion. INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

In this episode, Jennifer Dean-Hill and host Katie Roberts talk about women issues and women empowerment. They talk about grief, the peer marriage model, healing from sexual abuse, and the unique transformation that comes when women link arm in arm to support one another. Jennifer is not only an amazing wife, mom, and entrepreneur, but she's also a licensed therapist running her own private practice with her husband, has her Masters in social work, and is currently finishing up her Doctorate.     INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts  

Tune in to this week's episode to hear a conversation with MLB wife Jacqlyn Garneau and host Katie Roberts as Jacqlyn tells her incredible story of grit and determination. Jacqlyn talks about marriage as well as her struggle with infertility, her journey through IVF which lead her to having twins, and the surprise pregnancy that happened all on its own 4 months after she gave birth to her twins. Later in the conversation she talks about her struggle as her husband was in different states playing baseball, and what that looked like dealing with postpartum depression and yet another shock: thyroid cancer. She's real and honest, and has a heart to see women talk about their struggles and not stay hidden.

In this episode, Emily Forrest and host Katie Roberts have a conversation as Emily unpacks the story of her life from the past five years. Emily shares with such an honest approach and a beautiful sense of humor as she talks through her traumatic, yet life changing pregnancies that include: giving birth to her first baby at just 20 weeks gestation because of Bilateral Renal Agenesis (simply put, he never developed kidneys), having a second baby with a midline defect, and a third baby with Cleft Lip and Palate. Emily has experienced SO much as she navigates pregnancies and motherhood and researching ALL the terms from doctors that have been thrown at her with each pregnancy. On top of all of this, her and her husband were newly married and over the course of this time, opened four franchise restaurants. As life has handed Emily a lot of curveballs, you'll soon hear and realize she doesn't quit, she owns her season, and she shows bravery like none other. She's truly inspiring and SO hilarious. Make sure to listen all the way to the end because Emily gives such a beautiful perspective of what life is all about now and what really matters to her after all she's experienced. WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

In this episode, current MLB wife Camille Winkler (wife to Atlanta Braves pitcher Daniel Winkler) and host Katie Roberts talk about what life is REALLY like being married to a professional baseball player. They talk about the highs and also the hardships of Minor League life, and then what life looked like as they both transitioned into the world of Major League Baseball. However, this episode isn't just for the current professional athletes' wives. Later in the conversation, they give insight on how to rise above being caddy with other women, and instead, turn to one another for encouragement and support. INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com 

In this episode, Whitney Woods opens up about her childhood and what it was like to have a brother diagnosed with cancer at a young age. Years later, Whitney found herself in her own battle with severe illness. Whitney tells the story of how she found out she was sick, and the research it took on her behalf to figure out what she needed to do to survive. In 2012, at just 26 years old, Whitney went through a 14 hour surgery to remove a vital organ and reroute her entire internal system-- a total pancreatectomy with an auto islet cell transplant. During the months leading up to this big procedure, there was a lot of discomfort not only physically but mentally. You see, Whitney always wanted to be a wife and mom, but she didn't know if that day would ever come. She talks about what it was like to not be able to walk, eat, go out with friends, or drive a car because of all the medications she had to take. She begged God for her life and told Him all of her desires, which ultimately came true, but not without its own set of complications in IVF and pregnancy. Whitney's positivity, hope for the future, and the impact of the support from her family and friends are all definitely heard throughout this entire episode and sure to leave you inspired!     WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts

On today's episode, Kursten tells her story of becoming a mom when she was a teenager and what it looked like for her as she navigated her life while being in a domestic abusive relationship to someone addicted to drugs. She gives raw and vivid details about her relationship as well as what it took to escape and survive. At one point she realized, she needed to live, because her son needed a mom. She talks about what pulled her out of the darkest of places, and into the light of self respect and self love.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/inlovesherises

On today's episode, host Katie Roberts talks ALL things LONG DISTANCE DATING! Not only does she tell her story, but she offers her advice on how to survive long distance dating relationships. She talks about how when we use the time apart to better ourselves and better the relationship, we ultimately set ourselves up for successful communication in the future. Katie talks about the practices that worked for her and her now husband, and also gives her top four book recommendations for ANYONE in a serious dating relationship. INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast  

Jump right into the conversation on a typical wine night for us as Elizabeth Brantley shares with me her incredible life story. She graduated from Duke University and is now building her empire as she runs two successful businesses right from the comfort of her home office. However, life wasn't always so easy on her. In our conversation, she talks about what it was like growing up in extreme poverty and living in homeless shelters with her mom and two sisters. She also talks about the tragic death of her absolute best friend, her cousin. Later in the conversation, we dive DEEP into some real relationship talk. We talk about the night I advised her to break off her engagement to her boyfriend of two and a half years. You will hear what that conversation looked like, and the fear I had in approaching that conversation with her, one of my best friends. Her advice, wisdom, and demeanor through ALL of these situations will leave you SO inspired.   INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast  

Bex McLennan tells her story and spares nothing when it comes to sharing her honest emotion and the raw details of her SEVEN year struggle with infertility. Bex talks about the life-altering realization she had, and how that lead her to the way her family is built to this day. She believes her journey through infertility was not in vain, in fact, it was actually allowed and purposed.  Later in this conversation, she talks about how her children were brought to her, and how every time she said YES to the unknown and uncomfortable, it immersed her even further into the life she always dreamed of– motherhood. To follow her journey you can find her here: INSTAGRAM:  www.instagram.com/machouseblanc TWITTER:  www.twitter.com/machouseblanc BLOG:  www.machouseblanc.com WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast

Wife to a former MLB player, current foster + adoptive + bio momma, and communicator Katie Roberts not only shares her real-life stories, but dives deep into the beautiful, real, and raw stories of the women around her. Everyone has a story. Katie's mission, is to provide a platform for women to tell their stories with purpose. You can learn something from everyone, and you just might find, you're not alone in the battles you face. Explore with her the beauty of women telling their stories from an honest approach, with the purpose-- to inspire. What's your story? INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/katiellisroberts WEBSITE: www.thepurposedplatform.com/podcast