The Talking Story Podcast

This beautiful lady shares her incredible and redemptive story of healing from a past of sexual abuse and having an abortion. Whether having an abortion is in your history or not, every single one of us deals with shame at some point in our life. Shame can freeze us, and stop us from living a full, joy-filled and purposeful life. Anyone can pull incredible tools from this conversation with Jennifer Polimino no matter what your story may be, man or woman. For more on what Jennifer is doing to help bring true healing into a person's life visit her website www.prayforyourbaby.com. Her books can be found there as well!

Single or know someone who is single? We invite you to be a "fly on the wall" as Kelsey and a group of gals talk about the good, bad, and ugly of singleness. Maybe your single and feel like you'll be single forever? Maybe your thriving in singleness? Maybe being single makes you feel stuck because you envisioned your life with another? Well this podcast is for YOU! If you are not single, this podcast is still for you. This podcast can help one understand the mindset of a single, and how you can help support and relate in their season. Thank you Jacque Dawn and Sarah (no social media) but I can connect you with her:) Just dm me

It's our longest episode in this series, 'Onipa'a: Resiliency Pushing Through Pain, but it is a MUST listen for those struggling in addiction and for those watching a loved one struggle. Kuhio, director of Teen/Adult Challenge on Big Island, comes to the table to share his many year struggle with drugs and alcohol. His vulnerability shows how destructive addiction can be, and how for many, he couldn't see a way out. It took a suicide attempt to go wrong for Kuhio to be sitting with us at the table today, helping others find freedom and live a purposeful and amazing life. This conversation can give anyone the tools and hope to overcome addiction no matter what your struggle is: porn, shopping, food, gambling, alcohol, and/or drugs. We also talk to the listener who is watching a loved one struggle with addiction. We challenge you to join us in this conversation. Overcoming, building resiliency, pushing through pain is NOT easy. It's a lot of hard work and some difficult decisions lay ahead, but you don't have to do it alone. If you are struggling with addiction, we recommend checking out http://teenchallengehawaii.com/ DM us here

Have you ever been poisoned? Survived a civil war by hiding in a crawl space in a thatched hut? We haven't either, but Carol Adams has! Reading Carol's book, Grit of Love, we just knew we needed to get her on our podcast as her life resonates with the idea of not giving up. She shares with us her journey of being a victim of abuse to helping those who have been abused. Carol's life was not easy, full of disappointment, hardship, abuse and pain. She has embraced a life of singleness and wears it well. Carol found that each season of her life was building in her, tools, necessary for her 30 year career of helping the less fortunate in Uganda and building strength in families. Maybe your not being called to the mission field in Africa, however, Carol's story reminds us that life is not easy, however, pushing through the pain is the most rewarding for not only ourselves but for those that surround us. If Carol had given up, lives would have been lost. But God has multiplied her faithfulness in pouring into children, that many of her children, now adults are doing incredible things in their communities and this world. She's a simple and humble lady doing extraordinary things through her NGO Yes Uganda- making this planet a better place. Her whole life is a testimony to resiliency, and we are so honored to learn from her how develop 'onipa'a in our lives.

Welcome Kerri Wolcott to The Talking Story Podcast. Kerri is a busy lady as a wife, mom of 3, business woman, consultant and friend to many. Although she could talk on many different subjects, she comes to the proverbial table to talk about raising a child with special needs. Grant, her middle child now 18 years old, was diagnosed with Autism as a young kid. Kids with autism and other disabilities often experience more anxiety and depression, which can bring challenges as a parent, community member and family. Not only does Kerri show up real talking about the difficulties of parenting a child with special needs. She brings hope and inspiration to keep going even when it is tough and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. What makes this conversation extra special, is that Kerri helps us, as friends and loved ones of family's with neurodivergent children, understand what we can do to support and walk alongside. Eliminating the "walking on eggshells” feeling is our goal as we open the narrative of the joys and hardships of navigating the neurodivergent world.

Many many people have experienced the pain of people in the church not being a great reflection of Jesus. Some have stopped going to church because the wounds were too deep. Others have walked away completely denouncing their faith even. We get it. We've been there. Matthew Cork from Friends Church comes to the table to share his story of church hurt and how he overcame the pain so as to continue in his purpose.

New theme, new guest speakers, new tools, new inspiration!

Hey ya'll. It is me. Solo podcast here. Want to share with you about a personal journey of anxiety. So listen in. Also would you consider purchasing our Children's book, Little Gray's Altruistic Adventure? www.moimoimarket.com To donate www.forchildrentoflourish.org

Guess what? We have Alex McFarland on our podcast today! As a Christian apologist, author, evangelist, religion and culture analyst, and advocate for biblical truth, Alex McFarland speaks worldwide. He has preached in over 2,000 churches throughout North America and numerous more internationally. He also speaks at Christian events, conferences, debates, and other venues to teach biblical truths and preach the gospel. In today's world we hear "there are many roads that lead to heaven" or "you do you". However, why is that mindset contributing to the moral decay of society as a whole? Pull up a chair as we talk about religion, and how Christianity is not just "another" religion. What makes it different and how is altruism at play? www.alexmcfarland.com is a great website to check out for those maybe on the fence about the Christian faith. To purchase the "Little Gray's Altruistic Adventure" click here Here's the latest review from a customer of the book we refer to: "Just read your book about Little Gray. Wow! Not just for kids. I couldn't put it down; it made me cry and smile and be inspired".

Someone somewhere is depending on you to do what God has called you to do. This is God's way. He puts extraordinary tasks on the plates of ordinary people so that ordinary people can see what an extraordinary God can do. We refer to episodes: The Story Behind the Children's book: Season 4 Episode 1 Dr. Dobson is a VERY... Season 3 episode 25 Dallas Jenkins: Season 3 Episode 14 Forgotten Children: Season 3 Episode 12 The Four Letter Word: Jenny Nuccio Season 1 Episode 25 I'll Push You: Season 1 Episode 27 Over 140 plus women: Jenny McGee- Season 1 Episode 12/13

You guys! We here at Moi Moi Market have launched our first product! The dream for this children's book began in Indiana, manifested in Hawaii, was put into action in Illinois, then flown to Africa where it then was manufactured in Kansas. So many people have been a part of this altruistic journey, and we want to thank you all for being a part of this beautiful experience. By purchasing this book, you can help continue the altruism by teaching Generation Alpha, what it means to live beyond themselves and help us continue the work of helping people get back on their feet post pandemic. To purchase the book click here

show notes coming soon

Show notes coming soon So sorry for those who downloaded Monday. We had an audio issue, but it should be fixed by now

Show Notes Coming Soon

OH WOW, this conversation with Daniel Kikawa, founder of Aloha Ke Akua, is eye opening and thought provoking. We talk about new ideas in how to share the gospel using what is already established in other people's culture vs forcing the western way. Daniel the author of books God of Light and God of Darkness and Perpetuated in Righteousness, a well known speaker, pastor, husband and father takes the time to share with us using personal stories hoping to inspire change in how we relate to others whether in our backyard or across the globe. This conversation took place right before I, Kelsey, went to Africa and I believe it is a must listen for ANYONE planning to travel overseas. You will be blessed, encouraged and inspired.

Show notes coming soon

Show notes coming soon

show notes coming soon

A couple of dear friends have come to The Talking Story Podcast table to talk about *drum roll please* FRIENDSHIP! In real time I come seeking advice about some of my personal struggles in friendship. I've been recently wounded by a friend. What do I do? How do I forgive? Do I let go? How do I take responsibility in a friendship? How can I be a better friend? And what can I do on social media to help build friendships? So I wanted to seek Godly counsel to find answers to these questions. Jacque and Rachael are friends from elementary days. These gals love Jesus and spend time in God's word daily and in prayer, so I knew that their wisdom was coming not just from personal experience but from their sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. So if you have ever struggled in this area of friendship, this podcast is for you. Heal, be inspired, and be encouraged that you can be the friend that the people in this world need! And don't forget to share your feedback on our instagram The Talking Story Podcast. Also, check out our podcast we did about friendship in Season 1 Episode 44, MAKING FRIENDS IS HARD. My story on reconciliation or hooponopono: How To "ONE ANOTHER", Google it It's a Thing Season 2 Episode7

show notes coming soon

We are so excited to share this podcast with you all from Blufton, Indiana! I tell you, great things are coming out of Blufton. Refer back to our podcasts Season 3 Episode 3 and 12. However, we feel that this blog needs to direct attention to their blog... Read "Small Decisions with Big Outcomes" as an encouragement that you don't need to have the whole plan figured out, but altruism takes one step of going outside your comfort zone...at a time. Enjoy the blog and enjoy the podcast with Doug Isch.

May 9, 2021 was Mother's Day. And in honor of Mother's Day and reminding you, if you are a mom, have one of the most important jobs on the planet! So be encouraged, be inspired, know you are not alone and that I'm in awe of you each and every day! Thanks for raising our next generation of leaders...well! Love, Kelsey

What a fabulous way to launch The Talking Story Podcast after a month long hiatus by interviewing Dallas Jenkins, the Director of The Chosen, a TV series about the life of Jesus.  We get it, you are probably rolling your eyes and thinking "not another Jesus film", but ya'll let me tell you, this TV series is life changing, exceptional, inspiring, heart-provoking. It's a must watch. Still not convinced? Well, watch the first 2 episodes, and if it doesn't hook you by then, I'm not sure what will. I was the biggest skeptic, but after 2 seasons in, this series has literally changed my life.  We are honored to bring Dallas Jenkins, the director of The Chosen, to the table to talk about the "behind the scenes". It's easy to look at someone like Dallas and say, "Sure looks like he's got his life together", but that's the thing we don't understand, life was/is not easy and in fact he suffered from a huge Hollywood embarrassment with his Box Office flop, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (which I liked by the way). How do you recovery from something like that? Well Dallas shares his story and his advice on The Talking Story Podcast today.  1) Prayer- he and his wife went to their knees and the word to get answers and direction 2) Paid attention to Peace- what was on his heart that he couldn't shake? 3) Trust- Believed God could take him, in his obedience, and do more than he ever thought was possible 4) Gave God the Glory- He saw that God created this opportunity in his life, took his "loaves and fish", and did more than anyone could imagine. As I write this there have been more than 144 million views! Dallas points to Jesus in all his success, as most of it can be contributed as miraculous! So first listen to this podcast. Find @thetalkingstorypodcast on social media and DM us your thoughts.  Then go find The Chosen APP and watch Season 1 and the first few episodes of Season 2 And support our sponsor today www.moimoimarket.com and www.buhawaii.com

Show notes coming soon

Show notes coming soon www.forgottenchildren.org

www.buhawaii.com

Want to join this conversation? Start a message with us here or email me, Kelsey, at hello@moimoimarket.com

This series, Picking up the Pieces, may trigger some hard questions, thoughts, or insights into your personal journey. We want to hear from you so come chat with us on our Instagram at The Talking Story or email us at moimoimarkets@gmail.com Show notes Coming soon

This episode aired on the Business with Purpose podcast, to learn more, click here Have you ever wished it could be easier to find and purchase products of  purpose? Have you ever wanted to really know how your dollar is helping  to bring hope and healing to an individual or community’s life? My  guest today is on a mission to do just that. Kelsey Waliszewski is the  founder of Moi Moi Market , an online marketplace that makes it easy for people to find and buy  products that help women out of sexual exploitation, provide clean  water, build schools, and clean up our oceans. She is also the host of  the Talking Story Podcast , a podcast that shares stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary  things, hoping to give the listener tools to positively impact their  community and use their life for purpose. Her cohost is her dad, Bob  Waliszewski, who is also the retired Focus on the Family Plugged In  movie director. Kelsey is an avid kiteboarder, triathlete, and boat  captain for a whale watch operation on the Big Island in Hawaii.  Kelsey’s love for challenge and adventure is a huge part of who she is.  Kelsey is so much fun and I learned so much I didn’t know before this  chat! Join me to learn from Kelsey Waliszewski!

Coming soon

Show notes coming soon

Hey TTSP tribe, Happy February 1. I felt this week that I should get on and share with you in real time, some things I'm learning in my life as I'm in the process of "Picking up the Pieces" after a very difficult 2020. If I'm being open, which I try to be on this platform, 2020 was a year of loss. I lost a dear family member, I lost my job, I lost an opportunity to travel to Uganda, I lost a relationship, and I truly lost life as I had known it. This isn't a pitty party, in fact, looking back I can see a lot of silver linings in a very dark season, and I will be the first to confirm that God is faithful. But that doesn't mean I don't feel all the feelings, and even in 2021 I'm still feeling all the feelings. I have good days, and I have bad. Some days I want to crawl into a hole and never come out, can anyone relate? But here's the deal. It is human to feel the feelings: hopelessness, sadness, pain, anger, depression, hurt, betrayal. So yes, I give you permission to feel. We must, we have to. However, we can't stay there. Once we start to feel these feelings, we are at such a vulnerable state to allow fear and doubt to creep in. And when that happens, and isn't dealt with, our lives look pretty grim. Let's take a look at Joseph in the Bible. Put yourself in his shoes (that's empathy by the way, a gift/tool essential to have in this life). Yes, he was a bit cawky. And yes it was probably his arrogance and pride that started off the chain of events: oh you know being sold into slavery to a foreign country, being accused of rape when you actually ran away, being thrown in prison for the rape that you didn't do, and then forgotten by the guy who promised to help get you out. Yea, I could imagine that Joseph felt all the feelings. I could imagine Joseph's struggle. I could imagine the hopelessness Joseph must have felt. But what I love about this story, is we know that God used EVERY season of Joseph's life to help cultivate him into the man God had intended him to be. God doesn't waste a season. God doesn't waste pain. How do I know this? Well Joseph's story starts off at "Look at me brothers" as he showed off his beautiful coat to a jealous group of brothers, who yes, then took their jealousy to the extreme. Pretending your brother was murdered by a wild animal when you actually sold him instead is never a good idea. But when Joseph, after years in prison falsely accused (remember?), was called into Pharaoh's court to interpret Pharaoh's dream, Joseph had grown, he matured. Old Joseph would have responded..."Pharaoh, my man, it is I, Joseph son of Jacob, that interprets dreams and they come to pass, pretty cool right?". Or he could have been bitter Joseph, "Pharaoh, it's about time. Before we get to your dream, let's talk about all the ways I've been wronged..." But instead we see the "new" Joseph. "Pharaoh, it is not I that interprets dreams but God". Read more here

Our conversation with the clapback couch! Show notes coming soon

Guarantee all of us have experienced a crisis in our lives. In fact, maybe some of us are currently in a crisis. In our conversation today, we talk to Brandy from Helping Hands who shares her beginnings on starting a crisis pregnancy center. It doesn't matter what your crisis is, the application from this interview applies to anyone at anytime no matter the situation. We discuss so many topics: What to do when God takes your dream and gives it to someone else? Men in Crisis Where to Go in Crisis What to do if you are contemplating abortion What if you already have had an abortion What to do if a friend has had an abortion Pro Life vs Pro Choice Living in Community Coming Alongside someone in Crisis Starting a Crisis Pregnancy Center I promise you, there is something in the conversation for EVERYONE! And if you want to participate with the amazing things at Helping Hands, then we encourage you to use your time, resources, and/or money to help continue on the great things taking place through this organization in Blufton, IN.

Sex Trafficking Awareness DAY...January 11, 2021 Easy things you can do to combat the issues of Sex Trafficking 1) Educate yourself Listen to a The Talking Story Podcast episode each day this week that talks about sex trafficking (or re-listen if you are a TTSP avid listener). Season 1 Episode 3- Hoolanapua Season 1 Episode 9-Thistle Farms Season 1 Episode 20- Becca Stevens Season 1 Episode 25- Fair Trade/Exploitation in Kenya Season 1 Episode 33- Fashion combating Sex Trafficking in South Africa Season 1 Episode 13- Starfish Project, Sex Trafficking in Southeast Asia Season 1 Episode 37- How to Generate Hope Season 2 Episode 6- Victor and Eileen Marx, Sex Trafficking in Syria and Domestic Trafficking Season 2 Episode 9- Women's Shelter in Israel Season 2 Episode 12- Covered Colorado Season 2 Episode 14- A Coffeehouse that combats Sexual Exploitation 2) Help Educate a Friend -Screenshot and post on your social media -Send a link via text or email to a friend -Go out to coffee and bring it up in conversation, point them to TTSP and/or the brands and businesses that are doing amazing things! 3) Support a Brand or Organization that helps provide hope and healing for individuals who have been sexually exploited. This month's fundraiser is below, and we are giving 25% back to Covered Colorado. Contact us at hello@moimoimarket.com to sign your non-profit up for a fundraiser. https://moimoimarket.com/discount/COVEREDCO Article about Finding Purpose and your WHY "First, define what success means to you personally. Second, create a vivid mental image of you as a success. This image should be as vivid as you can you make it. Third, clarify your personal values. Getting clear about what you want is a process of trial and error! Try something. Then ask yourself: Do I like this? Yes. No. Get a journal and start putting down your feelings, thoughts, actions, and behaviors. Use what you write as a way to pinpoint areas you are constantly exploring. Evaluate your results constantly."

Happy New Year and welcome to our series "Picking up the Pieces". Many of us probably never want to visit 2020 again. 2020 brought significant trials: job loss, broken relationships, financial crumbling, health deterioration, and/or a death of a loved one. So here we are, a new year, and where do we go from here? The Talking Story Podcast has been pointing to finding purpose in life, but so many are just trying to figure out how to get back to a "life". So what do we do when we experience significant trials? How do we find a purpose-filled life again? Is there hope from the pain? This year, we want to bring to the table conversations that help us "pick up the pieces" of a broken life. But our hope is that by having these deep, hard conversations YOU will find once again a beautiful, healthy, purposeful, and joyful life. Our first conversation is with Kent Whitaker, author of the non-fiction book called Murder by Family. Back in December 2003, Kent experienced an atrocity that not many of us could fathom. Kent walks us through his journey of getting his life back on track after losing EVERYTHING! Personally, we gleaned so much wisdom from this conversation, and ultimately it made us take a good look into our lives. Kent's key to healing is forgiveness, but not just any forgiveness... a divine forgiveness. We encourage you to listen in to learn more, and join us on this journey of "Picking up the Pieces".

Hey ya'll! Merry Christmas! This will be the last podcast of 2020. We can't wait to launch a new series called Picking up the Pieces in 2021! Here are the links we mentioned in the podcast. As always, we would LOVE your feedback. Join us in conversation on our instagram @thetalkingstorypodcast

A stream of chattering neighbors and friends filing into the local barbershop after the big game. Families gathering at the diner to plan and discuss an upcoming event. We’ve seen them in the movies, or maybe even experienced them ourselves: community meeting places. They’ve forever been the focal point of small towns, but as populations and individualism have grown across the U.S., many of these treasured spaces are becoming a novelty of the past. But not in Eaton, Colorado, thanks to the guests of today’s podcast, Dorris and Colette.  As the town faced a time of tragedy and loss, born-and-raised resident Dorris felt her heart for global missions turning to local ones. The family-owned marketplace which had served as the communal heart of the town for years had closed down, and the town needed a new meeting space— a place to gather and grieve, find encouragement and fellowship, to strengthen and keep alive the ties of community; a space to stir up one another to love and good deeds. That’s what Coffee House Ten 24 is all about. Established in 2018, it not only sells coffee (or chai!) and provides a building for all of those things, but it also functions as a non-profit and gives back generously. Via the profits of Ten 24, help and resources are provided for the town’s single women and their children, survivors of sex trafficking, and donations are made to several wonderful causes like The Tabitha Center and Saruni International (tune in or visit their website below to learn more!). Great steps of faith were taken by Dorris, Colette and many volunteers in the planning and building of this beautiful coffee shop, but it all began with two very simple questions: “What are we doing for the people of Eaton?” And “What do they need?” From there, everything truly fell into place. “God has intervened again,” Dorris remembers thinking. God can intervene in your town, city, neighborhood or village. What do the people around you need, and what can you do about it? We must not be afraid to ask that question, and then to act on it.  Press that play button to hear the rest of this exciting story! You can “visit” the coffee house or learn more at thecoffeehouseten24.org, and can also find them on Instagram and Facebook. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not forgetting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.                                     Hebrews 10:24

Show notes coming soon

For 9 years we have heard about Giving Tuesday, as it started in 2011. It is a global movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. In the midst of the pandemic, nonprofits across the country are struggling with fundraising. Even the American Cancer Society says it will have to cut its funding for cancer research by 50%, which would represent the organization's lowest investment this century. We have interviewed over 50 non-profits and social enterprises here at The Talking Story Podcast that do what they do because they are passionate about changing the WORLD. And they do that by making a difference in the lives of others. How? Number 1: Investing in relationship. Taking the time to get to know a person/community and their needs. Number 2: Addressing those needs, a common factor that we have seen is thru providing employment, but there are other ways like maintaining and building water wells in central Africa, building schools, and offering horse- back riding lessons as a form of therapy and healing. For more show notes click here

It's Kelsey here, at your service, with a blog that is quite different than the norm. But yet, it very much relates to the work we are doing thru Moi Moi Market. How so? Well bear with me and read on. I want to help with some questions that have been coming at me...and that is HOW DO I TRAVEL TO AND FROM HAWAII? Why am I potentially the qualified individual to talk on this subject? Well in this season of pandemic uncertainty, I have traveled to and from Hawaii 3 times since March, and let me tell you the rules have changed EVERY TIME. So what I share is from my personal travel experience, but everything should be verified on the state's website. (to see the updated rules to enter the state of Hawaii and/or inter-island travel click here) Let me preface this blog to say I never realized how tourist dependent Hawaii really is. And for many of us to get back to work, it will require the arrival of tourists...safely. For countries, economies, and communities to thrive people need to work. For poverty to be fought, jobs need to be created. Over the last decade, as a society, we have made some ground in this area of employment worldwide. However, even with 2 steps forward, this pandemic has made us go 10 steps back. And Hawaii has definitely felt the affects of economic shut down in ways most of the mainland has not, due to its very strict 14 day quarantine upon arrival. Who wants to spend loads of money to sit in a hotel room? I mean, an individual can't even go out and shop for food and it isn't like we have Uber Eats on the islands, well maybe in Oahu. My point is that 200,000 residents live below the poverty line, and in order for than number to NOT increase, Hawaii needs to safely resume tourism soon because the devastation will not be from the virus but the economic crumble of small businesses. We are seeing the same devastation in places like Kenya, Indonesia, and other countries who have made progress of fighting poverty through tourism, and when tourism stops people's livelihood stops; from tourist companies to small market businesses. And most of these countries don't have "stimulus programs" to keep families fed. Starvation is more of a fear, than the virus itself. Hawaii needs you. Other countries and communities need you! People, worldwide, need to get back to work. Let me share some of my travel experiences with you in hopes you can make the best decision for you and your family of when and how to travel. As of October 15, 2020 Hawaii has "opened" but with requirements if you want to avoid the 14 day house arrest...I mean quarantine. (It's all about changing the narrative, right?) READ MORE

Hey Ya'll! Gosh am I learning a lot this week about 1) being the hands and feet of Jesus and 2) trusting in Him for my daily bread. This week I received correspondence from a Kenyan friend. His trials are "immense" but he is trying to understand the lessons to glean from the current hardships and see opportunities to help people even though he is in need himself. He described a situation, where he had just enough money for some food for lunch. However, instead of buying food for himself to relieve his hunger pains, he felt prompted by God to use what little he had and buy a beggar some cakes and a soda. Did that mean no lunch for him that day? Yep! But he wouldn't have it any other way. What he did gave him an indescribable joy, a joy that no one, no circumstance, can take away. Well, that has got me thinking and I think I'm on my way to an emergency spiritual surgery. This man's text, which can be found on my Instagram (here) has started me down this thought journey. I truly believe that my friend John was the hands and feet of Jesus that day. In fact, if Jesus was physically present walking the same streets and encountering the same beggar, I believe not only would Jesus have given him food to meet his physical needs, but I believe that Jesus would have healed the man from his physical ailments as well. Did you know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, is the same spirit that lives inside of us today (those that confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord). That power comes from the Holy Spirit. The spirit of the LIVING GOD lives in US!! (How cool would it be to see the western church to begin to walk in faith and power of the Holy Spirit? I sure hope that's in my lifetime, and I want to be a part of that!) So no wonder we have opportunities to be the proof that God exists! I think of sunsets. It is one of my favorite times of day. I believe a sunset makes me realize how little I am and how little control I have. I believe a sunset points to a Creator, something greater than ourselves. The Bible says that creation testifies that there is a God. However, watching a sunset does not show us that same Creator actually cares about us. He gives us, human beings, that opportunity. We get to reflect the characteristic of God. We are proof of God's love. When we have an encounter with the Living God, how can we not go public and display the transformation that has happened in our lives. Isn't it only natural to love others, to sacrifice our lives for the sake of others? Isn't that what Jesus did on the cross for us? John's text inspired me to trust in God's provision. Although what may be considered as little, John gave EVERYTHING! It was all that he had. Imagine giving all that you had? Right? Not an easy thing. What if you lived day to day not knowing where your "bread" would come from? That is a faith I have not experienced, but I want to. John gave when it hurt. Not sure I can say that I've done that. But that, that is true altruism. That shows that He trusts in Jesus to not let him down, and provide for his daily needs. Luke 21:1-4 shows a woman, a widow, who gave 2 small coins to the temple. That was everything she had. And Jesus said that those 2 coins meant more than the 100 coins given by others, because she gave everything and others gave only a dent of their wealth. Where do you fall on the spectrum? Where is your heart today? These are the very questions I'm asking myself. "There is no other work in life that will fill you with more joy and purpose than seeing God's promises fulfilled. " " ;

Aloha TTSP Listeners! Calling all Dog Moms and Dads! Moi Moi Market is now selling artisan made dog collars from Chiapas, Mexico. I'm in LOVE! But what I love more than the product is the mission of Amor Handmade. "Our project aims to address socioeconomic problems within artisan communities. For the majority of artisans, work is only seasonal and dependent on tourism. Due to these meager seasonal earnings, the next generation of artisans is abandoning their cultural arts for alternatives such as strenous work on farms or factories. This takes them on dangerous journeys far away from their homes for little gain. This results in the loss of culturally significant techniques, great personal risk for each artisan, and no way to improve their quality of life or economic situation. To tackle these issues, every sale at AMOR supports artisan women with steady local employment. With AMOR, they can work from the safety of their homes and not worry about when or where they can sell their wares. We pay upfront because their financial security comes first. We hope to preserve their arts and create a brighter, safer future for their families and culture." Bob Waliszewski, a former Focus on the Family Plugged In Movie Critic, talks with Chris about his journey of Amor Handmade and how it impacts artisans. What Bob found fascinating, was the alternative employment for these people...a modern form of slavery. So by purchasing a dog collar, dog leash, bracelet, and/or earrings you are empowering individuals to earn a fair wage while doing something they LOVE! Chris's mission is to increase the quality of products while using the artisan's craft and skill. Amor Handmade is focused on modern and practical products which is what is needed to help a small community break into a western market. It's exciting to pamper your pooch while using your dollar to change lives. And that's what Moi Moi Market is all about.

It's easy to look back and see how God put the pieces of life together and understand why the bad things happened, why one's heart felt a certain way, and why the outcomes of situations were the outcomes. But the concept of looking forward and discerning the inner nudges of the heart, navigating the pain, and questioning the questionable outcomes, well that's just hard. Our conversation with Mama Rita, from Africa’s Heart in Israel, will inspire us that the pain, the nudging, the questions are worth it! Rita did not have a plan to help severely traumatized women, nor did she ever think she’d be running a shelter on the top of Mt. Carmel. As a Jew who had a true encounter with the Messiah, her journey took her on a different path than she could have ever imagined. She realized that in following God, her life needed to demonstrate His love through serving others, and in seeking to do that, her own aspirations would need to aligned with a much greater plan. The condition of the African women, smuggled across Israel’s border with the Sinai, was heart wrenching for Rita and her team. "Many of them [were] stripped of their identity and both physically and emotionally broken, [they] recognized that there was a tremendous need to build their sense of self worth and value." There was no option to turn away, pretend it wasn't happening, and go on living life. Rita, after being exposed to the need had to do something about helping these women find hope, healing, and purpose and *walah* Africa's Heart was born, well not quite… "As a number of the women were pregnant or with newborn babies and, in most cases, unable to work outside the shelter, the project had to take place on our property and without extensive training. One of our staff asked the interested women what kind of handicraft they were already skilled in doing. She then purchased the necessary materials and began meeting with the project participants on a regular basis to oversee their work. Within weeks, the women were producing creative and unique pieces of handiwork – crocheted, embroidered, and assembled by hand." This project allowed these women to create, find purpose, and support themselves. This form of empowerment truly brings healing in a woman who has been battered and abused. But like with any product, but especially one that comes from purpose (Starfish Project is also a great example of that), there’s a need on the other end, the buyer *cue YOU*.

North Dakotan couple Mariah and Derek were excited to begin building their dream family home, until they saw the price tag. After praying it over and wondering what direction they should take, Mariah woke up one morning with a curious thought on her mind, one that could only be from God- “build a home there.” In Ethiopia. A call to missions had bloomed in Mariah’s heart as a teen, and some years later a simple google search had led her and her best friend on a journey to Ethiopia to work in an orphanage in the village Harbu Chulu. It was a short 9 days of an “emotional roller coaster” ride. The poverty was heart wrenching, while God’s presence and light in the orphanage joy giving. Mariah knew she wanted to continue serving these orphans even after she stepped off the plane home, and God’s word to her that one morning after a night of prayer was the answer. Well, three cheers for supportive husbands! Derek jumped on board and together they started a brand new business that pours 100% of its earnings into the orphanage Mariah visited! Agape Co. sells a variety of quality leather bags and other accessories made in Ethiopia to help fund the expansion of HOPEthiopia. HOPEthiopia is not just an orphanage— they also work to conserve and reforest Ethiopian land, they’ve opened a trade center where they teach skills such as hand making goods, and they serve the whole community of Harbu Chulu with access to clean water at the well dug on their property. Tune in to learn the full story of Agape Co., and to hear how love can make us capable of anything! Visit agapeco.shop, and stay tuned for some awesome new products coming in 2021 (genuine leather Bible covers are on the list!). Your guest hosts Collin & Emily will also be stocking their marketplace Bought Beautifully with some Agape Co. products this month, so keep checking back for that as well! boughtbeautifully.org You can get in contact with Mariah & Derek at dm.agapeco@gmail.com

Social media has been a discouraging place as of late. What was a place that would connect the human race, has now become a tool to tear apart friendships and relationships. Yes, I understand that there are a lot of opinions surrounding this political election in 2020, and my goodness, how privileged we are to live in a place that we can express those opinions, kinda, although censorship is on the rise. But friends, my plea to you today, even in the heat of the political battle, is that we not lose sight of this truth: that we ALL are still human deserving of love, dignity, and respect, WHY? Because of the fundamental truth that we are created in the image of God. And even if the current leadership does not always exemplify kindness and respect toward others (although one must always look at context, as many things now a days are taken out of context), it does not give us permission to treat others in the same manner. It doesn't matter to me how you've participated: Victim or Instigator. My argument is what matters now is how we move forward to build into and up future relationships. How do we Hooponopono (reconcile) these relationships, because at the end of the day, we will still be neighbors and have opportunities for friendship. Is what happening now really worth breaking relationship over? What would Jesus Do? What did he call us to do? What did he show us by how he lived his life? I've just finished reading a book by Andy Stanley called Irresistible. It's a must, especially for one struggling with their Christian faith or wrestling with the world of 2020. I believe we need to get back to the fundamentals that Jesus preached as he walked this earth. I believe for us to have a full relationship with God, it starts by how we treat our neighbor. And who is our neighbor? "Our neighbor is thus anyone in our proximity with whom we can share God’s love. We are called not only to love those who are similar to us or with whom we are comfortable, but all whom God places in our path. In fact, Jesus said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:44–48)." My heart is to have a better world. And in order to have a better world, it's not about who is in office. It's about each one of us and the condition of our heart. Read the rest of this blog here To order a Moi Moi Empowerment box click here Send a FREE POSTCARD: CLICK HERE

Isaiah 61 speaks of one being “sent to heal the broken hearted.” This is the message Victor Marx, a man who knows the ins and outs of trauma painfully well, carries to fractured hearts and minds around the world: God made us to heal. It is a desperately needed hope as violence, abuse, and trafficking continuously shatter lives, and it is one we can put our faith in. The severe abuse Victor endured as a very young child and his journey of forgiveness and healing have culminated in a heart dedicated to rescue and equip the vulnerable. When he and his wife Eileen began working with incarcerated youth, the discovery in a girls facility that every one of them had experienced sexual abuse in their young lives lead the couple to eventually open up a self defense training facility for men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds, to combat and prevent such abuse. They have also produced two films on trauma, garnering a reputation for themselves that ultimately brought them an invite from the Kurdistan government to enter ISIS ravaged areas. What they saw there drew and expanded their ministry from domestic to international work. Victor and Eileen’s 32 years of marriage, 5 children, and far-reaching, life-saving ministry stand as evidence that you can overcome the trauma you’ve experienced and live a very fruitful life. Whatever your past, whether fresh scars or excruciating memories that you’ve tried to bury ten feet under, You. Can. Heal. Don’t wait to cry out to God until you’re better; He uses the broken in mighty ways. “What the enemy meant for evil, God has worked for good.” Tune in to hear more about All Things Possible Ministry, to gain wisdom on walking alongside someone who has experienced trauma, and to find out how you can combat sex trafficking— the best place actually being within your own home. victormarx.com Find Eileen’s new book Imperfectly One here: https://www.amazon.com/Imperfectly-One- Finding-Grateful-Meaning-ebook/dp/B08BTWLB8Z The sponsor of this podcast is moimoimarket.com, your one stop shop for products of purpose. Victor Marx movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8rPMdIiciY Disarm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWP3vZcKUvo

A twenty minute cab ride followed by a forty five minute hike into Costa Rican wilderness finds you on the reservation of the Guaymi, an indigenous tribe who have faced great discrimination and hardship throughout history. Guaymi coffee pickers are paid half the wages of non-indigenous Costa Ricans, for example, and education opportunities for women and girls are rare. On remote islands situated on a large Rwandan lake, meager job opportunity resulting in an 80-90% unemployment rate wreaks poverty on villagers. Families are often left with a heart-rending choice- which one of their children to enroll in the feeding program. Stories like these leave us saddened and angry, but often unmoved to action because we just don’t know what we can do about it. The descriptions above belong to communities whom today’s guest, Rebecca Gardner, had the chance to visit (and now work with) herself. Burdened with “holy anger” by the disparities and utter poverty she witnessed, Rebecca founded a transformational program to help disadvantaged women around the world gain empowerment, employment and education. Hands Producing Hope is igniting sustainable change in communities where women largely have no work or cannot even read or write. Artisan training, literacy programs, maternal health centers, and caring relationships are all providing skill, knowledge, camaraderie and income that will see impact on these people groups for generations. Rebecca, interviewed in this episode by Bought Beautifully founders Colin and Emily (be sure to check out episode 51 if you haven’t yet!), is here to tell you how you can get involved in real communities and real issues like these from your own home, through your own product choices. Also tune in for some encouragement towards cultivating your own unique and potentially life-changing ideas, which too often never make it past the brain or notebook they originate in. Rebecca says to “ignore the fear and start somewhere; ask for a lot of help and guidance…don’t let the bigness or scariness of the dream hold you back from starting that dream…the most dangerous thing is to just not do anything”! Learn more and shop with a purpose at handsproducinghope.org! Also check out boughtbeautifully.org and moimoimarket.com (this podcast’s sponsor) for more ethical & high quality products that support a variety of amazing causes and artisans. Subscribe on your platform of choice. Leave a feedback on our audio recorder found on www.anchor.fm/thetalkingstorypodcast

A decision to only buy Christmas gifts that matter sparked an idea that led one Wyoming couple on an exciting journey partnering with amazing organizations all around the globe. These are “people who love Jesus and want to use their finances to make changes in the world.” Emily and Colin met as college students studying abroad in Costa Rica, married, had 3 awesome kids, and were enjoying professional careers. Yet they felt there was “something more” that they should be pursuing together as a team. A trip to Gambia had left them dumbstruck by the rampant hopelessness they witnessed, invoking memories of the desires they’d originally had to live and work in developing countries as a couple. Enter the infamous Christmas shopping, an ingenious idea, and the founding of Bought Beautifully, a marketplace that gathers businesses of impact from around the world and puts their products all in one space. Much like an Amazon or Etsy, Bought Beautifully makes it easy to purchase a variety of fair-trade items from a variety of organizations that all give back in some way, in one shopping trip, on one website. (Sound familiar? If you’re a regular, you’ve no doubt heard about the sponsor of The Talking Story Podcast, Moi Moi Market, also a marketplace that serves as a one stop shop for products of purchase!). As always, starting a business is full of road blocks, change and growth have been slow, and discouragement can easily creep in. Emily and Colin find peace in knowing what their success means. “Knowing purchases just answered a prayer…the small things are really the Big things.” Currently, Bought Beautifully is partnering with 40 brands around the globe, and Emily and Colin make sure to really connect and build relationships with each one. Brands go through an application process to ensure they are truly about giving back and serving others. Take a listen to learn more, and consider visiting boughtbeautifully.org to do some of your own holiday shopping! *Also tune in to hear how the spontaneous original meeting between two complete strangers with very similar passions— Emily and your host, Kelsey— is about to bring an exciting change to The Talking Story Podcast!* Connect with your hosts on social media: Kelsey www.instagram.com/captkelseyhawaii Bob www.instagram.com/waliszrs Sponsored by Moi Moi Market, your one stop shop for products of purpose www.instagram.com/moimoimarket moimoimarket.com

Hey guys! You don't want to miss this reflection. Bob Waliszewski shares his meditation on the 23rd Psalm. Many of us have read the psalm, some probably can recite from memory, but I bet you, like Bob, have overlooked an essential part of David's song, the part that says someone else has a stake in our lives. In Bob's many years as a youth pastor, director at Focus on the Family, public speaker and more, Bob reminds us that God's word always reveals something new to us and at the right time in the right season. We encourage you to listen in, and we hope that whether life is good or bad, we are reminded that there is Someone else invested in our lives. God, the Creator Loving Father, takes us on paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Not for our name's sake. It's easy to strive in life for our own glory. But Bob reminds us that the outcome of our current pain and struggles is only temporary, and can often time point us more to our purpose.   If what Bob shares is a bit foreign to you, and /or you have questions about what a relationship with Jesus means, then we encourage you to reach out on a DM @thetalkingstorypodcast.   Thank you to our sponsor www.moimoimarket.com:  A one stop shop for products of purpose      

“If you can swim across the creek without a life jacket, you can take the boat.” You better believe almost any boy would dive right in and swim for dear life if his parents told him that! Zach Rollins and his family always lived less than a mile from the ocean, and with boat keys in hand, Zach revved into an explorer’s dream of a childhood. Endless Rhode Island hours were spent traversing islands and studying tide pools by a boy full of questions and curiosity. This kid’s passion turned into his adult reality when, with a college degree and captain’s license freshly under his belt, Zach immediately kick-started an exciting career on the ocean. Not long into it, Zach had a realization. He needed to start getting “comfortable with being uncomfortable.” A spontaneous move and an intensely embarrassing first day at a new job will certainly do that! There’s a lot to learn from the perseverance and inquisitiveness of this 23-year-old boat captain, who is also a podcaster, heavy weight lifter, avid learner, and articulate asker of questions. Zach enjoys having “his feet in a lot of different ponds,” and is always interested in hearing others’ stories and opinions, which is what inspired him to start his own podcast. Through his podcast Along the Keel, Zach has spoken with a variety of people and organizations who love the ocean, make their living from it, work to protect it, and use it as therapy (one episode featuring a group who take wounded veterans out fishing). Along with curating stories, Zach hopes to gather products that support the ocean environment and the community around it to form a marketplace down the line. Tune in to hear more about Zach’s vision and relatable story of dealing with obstacles. The safest place for us in life is of course inside the harbor, but who’s to be met and what’s to be learned and experienced out there beyond it?   Check out Zach’s podcast Along the Keel to hear unique and informative stories from ocean lovers, workers, and more: https://www.alongthekeel.com. He is also on Instagram @alongthekeel Connect with your hosts: Kelsey Bob www.instagram.com/waliszrswww.instagram.com/waliszrs Sponsored by Moi Moi Market www.moimoimarket.com