The Rocky Road Podcast

Markie Ostler is a mom who boldly shares the story about her daughter, Everly Jo, and the few weeks they were given with her here on this earth. After a devastating diagnosis (one all too common), this episode will make you smile, cry and laugh! Markie's strength is inspiring and amazing as a mom who lives in the happy and sad feelings simultaneously. *Trigger Warning: Child Loss* Song: Happy & Sad - Kasey Musgraves Follow Markie on Instagram: @meeteverlyjo Follow The Rocky Road Podcast: @therockyroadpod

This week Mandy and Kristin discuss this emotional whirlwind called grief. In this mini-series we discuss a topic that many people don't know much about yet it is inevitably something that effects us all. Why do we have feelings of sadness, as expected, but in the same breath we feel happy? Why do we find ourselves trying to make a deal with God? Why did I just get angry at the trash can not being taken out? Hang with us for a bit this week as we talk through the stages of grief using the Kübler-Ross grief cycle. Have questions or thoughts? Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Join us this week with an easy listening episode featuring our new friend Lee Atherton, who specializes in grief, bereavement and resilience. We walk through the difficulties of grief, the stages of grief and the five wishes that can help someone prepare for the inevitable. Lee is gentle, kind and peaceful which leads to a great conversation revolving around one of the most sacred times in our lives. Song: In the Bulb there is a Flower - Gary Freeland Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

When the people around us are struggling it can feel like we're not doing enough. Join us this week as we chat about some straightforward and approachable ways to support our loved ones through a difficult or unexpected time. Spoiler alert: it starts with you opening your ears. Do you have any favorite tips for helping people feel validated and supported? Let us know at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Molly wants to know how you are. Really. Are you good, or more importantly NOT good? For Molly, opening the door to vulnerability meant supporting others by sharing her the moment she broke free from abuse, living with a narcissistic partner, and healing her relationship with Jesus. Song - Glory by Dermot Kennedy Find Molly on Instagram at @notgoodpodcast

Do you ever find yourself struggling to be vulnerable? Would you rather keep things to yourself then burden someone with your struggles? Kristin & Mandy have both been there! We talk in this episode about what it's like to share your struggle, who to share information with and why your struggle can actually be a blessing to someone else! Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

As a Christian podcaster himself, Eric shares with us his journey through studying and receiving his M.Div and navigating some difficult hardships in the Christian world. In our conversation, Eric talks about the 4 stages of rediscovering Jesus and the importance of discipleship. Song: Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi, Hard to Get - Rich Mullins Eric's Podcast Group: Christian Podcasters Association Follow Eric on Instagram: @eric_nevins Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Have you ever experienced church hurt? Have you experienced the love of a Christian and then saw a different side of them that made you question your own faith? God and Jesus are good, so why do some Christians act that way. Kristin and Mandy consider themselves Christians, yet talk more about how our own body of believers can be some of the most hurtful people to us. We dive into this hot button topic in this week's episode! God is truth and love and as humans we are always trying to find this balance in our lives. At the end of the day, Christians do amazing things around the world and we are so thankful for those who act in love and share the good news with others. We are also humans, and we are thankful for the mercy and forgiveness found in knowing and loving Jesus. Follow us on instagram: @therockyroadpod

Living as a Christian is not easy, let alone being invited by God to live as a Christian missionary in the US. Paul Granger, an ambassador of Christ, shares with us his story and journey through working for a variety of ministries, non-profits, seasons of unemployment and what it means to reflect Christ in his everyday life. How can we trust God at times when it feels like it's impossible? How can this even make sense? Listen to some of these "crazy" God stories and be encouraged by Paul today. Song: Bring Your Nothing - Shane & Shane Check out Paul's podcast, Where Did You See God?, HERE Follow Paul on Instagram: @wheredidyouseegod Follow The Rocky Road Podcast on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Naturally as humans, we want to feel accepted and a part of a community. In our American culture, we are so individualistic that sometimes we don't see the importance of community and how to build it. Hang with us today as we give you 3 important pieces to the puzzle of building and sustaining your firm foundation of a community and why it can be life changing. Find us on instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

The "covid-boom" of disc golf has opened this world up to people who thought throwing frisbees was just a fun pastime. Now a professional disc golfer, Joel Freeman shares his journey and the exciting things happening in the disc golf world today! This individually based sport is anything but easy when it comes to winning championships yet it's one of the most cost effective sports to learn how to play. Joel shares about his struggles trying to get into the professional disc golf setting, the mental game that disc golf plays on you and the importance of relying on God during the good and bad times. Find Eagles Wings Disc Golf Ministry on Instagram: @eagleswingsdiscgolf Find Joel on Instagram: @joelfreeman_holehearted Find Joel on Youtube: @joelfreemanhole-hearted6305 Find The Rocky Road on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

One year ago today we released our first 3 episodes. We braved our fears and told the world the beginnings of our stories! We are so thankful for our RR family and the community we've been able to build over this last year. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your listening ears and thank YOU for journeying with us down this rocky road of podcasting! Tune in for our life updates and the next steps we are planning to take with our RR fam! Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at: therockyroadpod@gmail.com Find our Spotify playlist HERE Happy Anniversary Rocky Road!!

Many of us will never tell the story that scarred us. This is Nichola's mission: To correct the perception that scars are not beautiful. Nick and her team are responsible for encouraging so many women to start or continue their healing journey by sharing their stories in the safest and most empowering way she can imagine. Song: Breathe - Maverick City Learn more about Nichola's organization: www.wearenotbroken.org Find Nichola on Instagram: @wanbscarstories Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Once your contract is up in the military and you served your country, what's next? It can be a difficult transition from military to civilian life and many people find themselves wondering through life, trying to find a new place to fit in. This can lead to a multitude of good/bad decisions. John Davis has been there. After his time in the military, he had to rediscover who he was as a person in our society, leading him through some rocky roads and difficult decisions. Come hang out with John Davis and the RR girls as we talk about steps to take when you come out of the military, but also how to best support someone who is coming back into civilian life. Song - Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson Find John Davis on Instagram: @john.h.davis.writer Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com Find our Spotify Playlist HERE

Whether or not we like to admit it, our internal monologue runs the show. The thoughts we think affect the words we say, the emotions we accept, and our impact on those around us. During this conversation, Shannon chats practical tips on beginning to accept and respect your own emotional process, setting boundaries with family, and the healing power of being still in nature. Shannon digs even deeper and exposes her own experience of finally becoming aware of the effects of a traumatic past after years of helping others to tackle similar issues through therapy, reminding us that even the helpers need help sometimes. Song: Don't Stop - Fleetwood Mac Follow Shannon on IG: @shannoneswanson https://www.instagram.com/shannoneswanson/ Reach out to Kristin and Mandy at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Would you let a total stranger come in and trample on your feelings? No? Then why do so many of us allow our closest friends and family have total access to our deepest parts so they can do the same? Listen as Kristin and Mandy chat about their experiences in setting some effective (and not so effective) boundaries, and how they learned that not everyone should be trusted with full and complete access to the heart. Resources mentioned: Logan Cohen on IG @healinghumanity777 Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst https://www.roadtogrowthcounseling.com/importance-boundaries-relationships/ Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Many people will never experience jail time in their country, but even less will experience jail time in a FOREIGN country. Complete with language barriers, no explanations, no communication with anyone outside the prison, and only 3 bowls of soup a day, Chancellor walks us through his time in a Beijing prison. Song: I do this - Nipsey Hussle Follow Chancellor: @chancellorkjackson Follow us: @therockyroadpod

Often times we find ourselves in situations wondering, "how did I get myself here?" It may have been something you chose to do, or it may have been something done to you. Either way, we have a choice to make whether we want to forgive someone or hold on to that bitterness. Healing is a journey that isn't linear. Mandy openly shares she is a 'late-bloomer' to conflict resiliency. Walk with her in this episode as she shares her experience of forgiving people who have hurt her, both intentionally and unintentionally. Forgiveness brings freedom. Follow us: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. A better life doesn't start automatically, it is built on careful practices. Join us in chatting about three specific and active things that you can do every single day to increase your self-awareness and ultimately improve the way you experience the world around you. Do you have a favorite awareness building practice you use? Let us know! Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Let's talk about sex. No, seriously, let's talk with a somatic attachment therapist, certified tantra practitioner, and clinical sexologist about sex, REAL love, and self worth and how it is all intertwined. Follow Hannah: @hannahspanke Song: In Dreams - Jai-Jagdeesh Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod

Too often we wait until someone is gone to reminisce about the wonderful times that have been shared. Change the narrative: tell people how they've impacted you NOW and never wonder if they know how much they are loved. Jenny (founder of IMPACT: tell people they matter) wants you to know that you matter, and that you have already made an irreplaceable impact on those around you. Song: Homeward - Benjamin William Hastings Follow IMPACT on Instagram: @impact_tellpeopletheymatter Follow Jenny Juni on Instagram: @jennifurfly Explore more from IMPACT Here: www.tellpeopletheymatter.com

Too many young boys and men are taught that showing their emotions is a weakness, causing them to never fully embrace their own vulnerability. Shaun discusses how he learned from his mistakes, felt his feelings, and ultimately benefitted from sharing his process with others in order to "get down to the nitty gritty" and fully heal. Song: One Day - Matisyahu Find the book Boys Do Cry on Amazon

Nichole wants to climb every mountain…literally. From being riddled with anxiety to providing lighthearted and hopeful hiking content, Nichole walks us through her process of becoming physically and mentally stronger by getting outside and putting one foot in front of the other. Song: Return of the Mack - Mark Morrison Visit Nichole's website for more information on travel destinations, hiking gear recommendations and more! https://nicholethenomad.com/ Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Very few things in life are achieved without hard work, introspection, and a hefty dose of self-awareness. Gabe may arrive in a chiseled package with a wrought iron exterior, but inside there is a guy who has had to figure out some tough stuff in order to find his place helping others to be their best. Fair warning, this man accepts no BS. Song: Healer - In Hearts Wake Follow Gabe on all platforms (Youtube, TikTok, Instagram): @gabenovictim Find us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

From wall street to powder snow, Erik talks about how he shifted from traversing through mental health challenges in a highly competitive environment to seeking a place of healing and wholeness. Erik shares the ways that he has bettered himself by building a healing team, keeping our equilateral triangle balanced and using our super power of vulnerability to love and support those around us. Join us as Erik takes us from just surviving in life to thriving! Song: Control - Janet Jackson Find Erik on Instagram: @skisherpa Listen to Erik's Podcast: From Survivor to Thriver (Available on all platforms)

Cancer? Confusion? Death? Grief? Check, check, check, and check. After enduring an "all of the above" horror story of health complications and loss, Kim discovered her own version of what LOVE IS, and aims to unconditionally share it in hopes of helping the hopeless. The wildest part of Kim's story is her ability to overcome and continue spreading LOVE and contentment to all around her. Song: All You Need Is Love - The Beatles Kims' Books Linked HERE FREE 14 DAY LOVE CHALLENGE FROM KIM HERE Follow Kim on Instagram @kimsorrelle Follow The Rocky Road Podcast on Instagram @therockyroadpod Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Damian White is an author, musician, and a lover of coffee and creating for the sake of feeling more deeply. Through this conversation Damian challenges common opinions on homelessness, talks about the strength in men showing the true spectrum of their emotions, shares his perspective of honing his chosen art form for emotional processing, and ends with a quick dip into his faith journey. This chat is best taken in with closed eyes and an open mind in order to really digest the imagery of Damian's experience, our speaker is a poet after all. Songs: BE UP - D.White, Visions - Stevie Wonder Find Damian's Book "I Made A Place For You" HERE Check out his website at https://www.damianwhitewrites.com/

Reading can be self care, research, an escape, or just a little bit of “me” time. Join us for a lighter week as we share some books that have been meaningful for us. Do you have a favorite book? Tell us what it is and why you love it! Reach out anytime at @therockyroadpod on IG, or email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com To Hell With The Hustle: HERE Atomic Habits: HERE For Women Only: HERE High Achiever: HERE Check out our Spotify playlist with songs suggested from our guests HERE

One experience can change your trajectory. We are so glad that Charlene begrudgingly said yes to an experience that reversed her decision to end her life so that she can walk with us through her story in order to bring hope to those who feel their life has no further purpose. Her message brings the spirit of rising up despite all circumstances, and trust us, she's seen plenty of them. This episode is not for little ears. Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Self Harm, Suicide Song: I Am Here - P!nk Find Charlene on Instagram HERE Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram HERE

Sometimes life turns into a beautiful balancing act that we complete with a graceful "ta-da" at the end; other times the circus tent catches fire and the lions break loose. Tess Scott walks us through her 'freak show' of life which includes being divorced three times, remarrying one man again and raising her eight boys in a blended family. She continues to carry herself with grace, a sense of calm, and a strong reliance on the Lord to help her navigate through her unexpected journey. Tess openly shares the importance of community, mentorship and asking the Lord for daily discernment. Song - The Goodness of God - Bethel Music Tess's book, Listen, sister! can be found HERE. Follow Tess's journey on instagram @listensister_encouragement Email us anytime to share your story at therockyroadpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram @therockyroadpod

Truth be told, 80% of resolutions don't come to fruition. Many people commit to something and then it falls apart before February. What are some other ways to reset at the turn of the year? Kristin & Mandy chat about ways to develop formations of who you are as well as setting achievable goals. Happy New Year Rocky Roadsters! We are excited for you to join us! Song: Kiss Me at Midnight - NSYNC

City sidewalks.. busy sidewalks.. IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME! It's that time of year where expectations are at an all-time high, grief seems to creep up on us and overflow during those special family traditions, meanwhile your Uncle Barry makes you feel uncomfortable by bringing up politics at the Christmas dinner table! Come hang out with us on your drive to a family or friend gathering! In this episode, we discuss how to manage your Christmas expectations, how to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically, and how to say 'no' to gatherings or maybe a food you're trying to avoid. What a crazy time of year! Does your family have a fun Christmas tradition? Are you a hallmark movie watcher or a Grinch this time of year? Let us know by sending us an email at therockyroadpod@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @therockyroadpod. Christmas Song: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - *NSYNC

Are you the person you've always wanted to be? So many children, adolescents, and adults struggle to figure out who they really are, and where they fit into the world around them. Kristin discusses her perspective on exploring your identity through style experimentation, and encourages solo experiences to cultivate your best sense of self. This is a good one for any struggling adolescents in your life! Song: Show Yourself - Idina Menzel, Evan Rachel Wood

Join us for part two of Allyson's conversation with us about pregnancy and motherhood. Listed below are a bunch of resources that she recommends! Follow her on instagram @motherhoodunrushed and don't forget to email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com with your thoughts and reactions to the episode! Books: M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt; Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - Ina May Gaskin A few websites to check out: www.evidencebasedbirth.com and https://www.leslieburris.com/birthclass Most importantly, know you have options. Women are capable and able to birth their child the way they feel most comfortable and safe.

Creator, provider, mentor, protector, teacher, and nurturer are only a few of the countless words used to describe the roles of a mother. Our friend Allyson dives into the unknown waters of motherhood, compares her very different pregnancy and birthing experiences, and offers insight into the difficult task of making hard decisions in the best interests of your family, especially when those choices go against the grain. This episode is so full of knowledge and experience we had to slice it into two hefty pieces! Check out the show notes in part two for more resources on this topic! Song: King of My Heart - Bethel Music & Stephany Gretzinger

It's Turkey Lurkey time folks! Who spiked the cranberry juice cocktail? Join Kristin and Mandy for a short little chat on Thanksgiving traditions, thoughts, and everyone's crazy Uncle Barry. What is your favorite, or least favorite part of this food-filled holiday? Let us know at therockyroadpod@gmail.com or on Instagram at @therockyroadpod Song: Gobble Gobble - Matthew West

Kevin Palmieri is the CFO, founder, and co-host of Next Level University, a Global Top 100 podcast focused on providing accessible, digestible, and FREE self-improvement "in your pocket" on a daily basis. Kevin shares his journey of cultivating a better self after feeling unfulfilled by his financial and career goals, we chat about friendship and the value of vulnerability that comes out of relationships, and the impactful moment that changed his trajectory. Identity is also a hot-topic in this conversation as we hear about Kevin's experience meeting his dad at 27 years old, how others view him and most importantly, how he views himself. Our advice: don't listen to this one at 1.5x speed...it is definitely our highest word count per minute conversation! Song: Big Shawn - Light Find Kevin and join the Next Level Universe: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ @neverquitkid on Instagram

Tattoos, Tattoos all around.... come hang out with us on this mini episode with special guest, Pablo Farnan, talking about our tattoos. We have some that are meaningful, some that we wish we didn't get and some that we just love! Let us know if you have any crazy tattoo stories by emailing us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com Song: Tattoo - Jordin Sparks

He may be cool as a cucumber on the outside, but this hug-loving goofball is actually a very successful businessman. Join us as we discuss Pablo's personal philosophy of success in business by keeping heart and human experience at the center. Song: Because He Lives - Celtic Worship

Womanhood can feel like a messy, complicated, unfinished puzzle. Thankfully we have people like Michaela Belle, who make it their life's work to mentor, teach, and encourage women who are feeling less than. Michaela dives right into a conversation about emotional intelligence, the effects of past pains, and her experience being an unofficial big sister to so many women in various stages of life. Find Michaela and her work here: Instagram - @michaelabelle and @thesavvysingle Website - https://michaelabelle.co/ Song: Peace - Anna Golden

Let's hope this isn't a news flash: it's ok to have faith in Jesus and also turn to licensed professionals for support. The Rocky Road team is dedicated to building a community of resources for those enduring difficult chapters. Tune in to this not so mini episode about some insight on the importance of therapy, as well as some of our experiences in therapy. Song: Light of a Clear Blue Morning - The Wailin' Jennys

Welcome to the beautiful mess that is adoption, reunion, and fitting all that madness into a wedding planning adventure. Meet Kristin's maker, Cori, who has so much wisdom to share about awkward wedding expectations, being a B-mom, and navigating all of the weird questions. Song: Eat for Two - 10,000 Maniacs Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

The world of politics can be a messy, scary space. Political scientist and strategist, published author, commentator, TV host, and friend Sam Chen discusses relationships, vulnerability, looking beyond the yard signs, and the role of social media both in and out of the political spotlight. Song: Hotel California - The Eagles Link to Sam's book "13 Minutes" HERE Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

If you press pause in the middle of a nightmare things probably look pretty scary. Thankfully, time doesn't stop in the middle of the worst circumstances and we have the ability to make “beauty from ashes” just like Mandy and her co-parent have been working towards for three years and counting. Don't lose hope single, separated, divorced parents. It can get better. Song: Daughter - Sleeping at Last Forgiving What You Can't Forget - Lysa TerKeurst HERE Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

Exciting things are on the horizon for us here at The Rocky Road Podcast. We are excited to share what we are looking forward to most in this upcoming season... but wait, the Queen died? What is a boy choir? PSLs? Join us for another season of fun, joy, encouragement and new pathways! Song: Ave Maria - Vienna Boys Choir The Rocky Road Playlist HERE Follow us on Instagram: @therockyroadpod Email us: therockyroadpod@gmail.com

In just a few months we have just started to scratch the surface of the amount of humbling stories that surround us. We are learning so much about podcasting, interviewing, and people in general, and are so excited to keep sharing this wild ride with y'all! Song: Hard Way Home - Brandi Carlile

Join us in this nugget as we spend a little bit of time asking each other random questions! You never know what you're going to learn, so join us and let us know your answers too! Email us at therockyroadpod@gmail.com. Song: I'll Be There For You - The Rembrandts

Childhood experiences have a way of shaping the way we interact with the world as adults. In today's episode, Shoshanna shares anecdotes from a unique upbringing that made her the resilient and self assured woman she is today. Instead of being trampled by transitions, she has managed to maintain a positive personality and lean on the hope that each day will be a little bit better than the last. Song: Remember Everything by Five Finger Death Punch

One of the really wonderful things about humans is that we are all afraid of different things, and we all have different reasons to be brave. In this episode we reflect on a word that has been used to describe our podcast, as well as explore some things that we fear. We would love to hear your thoughts on bravery. Send us an email at therockyroadpod@gmail.com. Song: Brave - Sara Bareilles

This vibrant and witty young lady discusses the many unintentional instances of body shame in the world around us, and shares her personal resource that helped her escape these negative thoughts. Enjoy this conversation of a woman who strives to enjoy and love her body in this and every season of life. The book recommended in this episode is called Breaking Free from Body Shame by Jess Connolly! Find this resource on Instagram HERE. Song: Cheeseburger in Paradise - Jimmy Buffet She Used to Be Mine - Sara Bareilles - Waitress

We're back again with another mini episode all about music therapy! What is it? What does a music therapist do? Mandy and Kristin share their journeys to becoming music therapists, a few special stories, and the challenges that come along with the profession. Songs: Mandy - On a Bicycle Built for Two by Nat King Cole; Kristin - Pilgrim by Balmorhea