Wildflower Stories Podcast

It's here, friends!! The last episode of the podcast...ever! Cue all the tears. And this episode is jam packed with substance from none other than my beautiful friend, Melita Webb. We cover a range of topics like how to cultivate a godly family culture and foster caring while having teenage/adult children, to wisdom on parenting teenagers. I know you'll love Melita's story and will fall in love with her too. I just want to mention a huge thank you to all of my faithful listeners over the years. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart if you listened to any or every episode, if you shared the podcast with others, or if you sent me lovely, encouraging messages along the way. It has been the greatest honour to be a voice in your earbuds for the last 4.5 years. For now, I'll be resting and nesting before baby #3 joins us any day now. You can follow me over at my business page @thewholesome.mama. Otherwise, have a lovely Christmas and New Year! Here's to new beginnings x

This week, I chat with my beautiful friend, Jess. Jess is a wife, mama to three kids (and two in heaven) and a significant pillar in our church community. Jess bravely shares about her two consecutive miscarriages just after a season of loss in her and her husband's church ministry. She walks us through her raw emotions and standing with God in such a difficult season (not to mention during a world-wide pandemic). Jess talks about walking through grief in her marriage and shares some practical wisdom on how she and Adrian got through that time together, as a couple, as parents and as ministry leaders.  The story doesn't end there and thankfully it ends with a beautiful (double) rainbow, but I'll let Jess share the rest. 

This week I chat with the lovely Alexa Martinez who lives in the United States. Alexa is a wealth of wisdom, being not only a fellow mama and Jesus follower, but a Postpartum doula, baby sleep expert and mental health expert.  Alexa shares her journey with having a difficult pregnancy and postpartum, which shed light for her on the need to send the message to women about how important it is look after themselves physically, mentally and spiritually during these times of having little ones. She encourages women with ways on how to physically nourish themselves and how to practically create room for 'quiet time' with God when one is a busy mama. If you'd love to connect with Alexa, she is on instagram as @mamamatterstoo_ and you can visit her website: www.mamamatterstoo.com where she offers a lot of free resources for mums.

This week I chat with a beautiful woman named Rachel. Rachel shares about her long, windy road of multiple miscarriages and then having a discussion with her husband if they would consider going down the route of foster caring. They eventually took in a little girl and have been able to keep her permanently. Rachel shares so beautifully the heartache of the miscarriages but the revelation that children are a gift from God and not a right. What a remarkable truth that is. But in all of God's faithfulness, she shares about the beautiful journey of welcoming their foster daughter into their home and raising her to know and love Christ. To keep their daughter's life private, I have refrained from using Rachel's surname or any other information about her and her family that I would normally share. I hope that this episode is inspiring for many and a comfort for those who have walked a similar road.

I'm back! It's been 9 or so months since I last recorded an episode and there's a reason for it which I explain in this episode. Today I'm kicking off the return of the podcast with a series called Motherhood + Faith where I'll be interviewing various women who wear the hat of 'mama' but most importantly 'Christ follower'.  My first guest is the lovely Tabatha Perry. Tabatha is a mother to two girls and a Christian Life Coach. She empowers and equips women who want less chaos in their life and want to get their life back on track. I talk with Tabatha about how mothers can find fulfillment in their mothering role and outside of it, how we can live out our calling as mothers as God originally intended us to and she shares a heartfelt message to the mothers who feel torn between working and mothering. I loved Tabatha's conversation because she brings practical wisdom to the table that I know will bless you. You can check out Tabatha's website: https://tabathaperry.coach/ and her Instagram page: @tabathaperrylifecoach

Ending the podcast for 2021 with answering some of your questions about life, changing careers, my faith journey, seasons of friendship, and my marriage and parenting journey. This is just an honest account of my journey and I pray that it encourages you to walk your own journey with confidence and assurance in God's perfect will and promises for you. Thank you to all those who have taken the time to share my podcast, write a review and listen to any or every episode. Your support means the world to me. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year! I will be back with new episodes in March 2022.

This episode, I interview the lovely Tania Abi.   Tania is a miracle survivor of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She was diagnosed in December last year and was told there was not much hope for her to live.   The first person she called once she received her diagnosis was a friend who loved God. That friend led Tania back to Christ and her faith only grew stronger as she underwent her cancer journey.   Tania told one of her doctors that she will be her first miracle patient. And Tania's words came to life, as she is now healed from cancer!    I hope Tania's story provides you with a glimpse of hope, whether you are facing illness, turbulence or simply waiting for a promise. God's not finished with you yet.     Here is the link to 10 Eighteen Uganda if you would like to support their organisation of restoring dignity and hope to teenagers in Uganda:   https://www.10eighteen.org/

Vanessa Refalo, my mum (a.k.a who I want to be like when I grow up), landed in an induced coma when she was 18, only six months after becoming a Christian and only a day after she met my dad. Mum speaks about how she grew up with the fear that she would never be able to watch her children grow up, but by God's miraculous hand, is alive to see her grandchildren grow up. She shares about growing up with chronic asthma, how being a stay at home mum is a gift and calling, her fertility struggles after having my sister, and encourages women to be okay with not having it all, especially in the digital age of social media.  There are tears, there are laughs and there are tangents. But I'm certain you will leave this conversation appreciating life just a bit more. And you will come to love my mum almost as much as I do!

  Rebekah Mowbray's past is one filled with much turmoil and at times significant distress. Today, she is passionate about encouraging others to shift from a victim mindset to that of a victor.   Bek grew up in a loving Christian family along the South Coast of New South Wales. Her young life took a turn when sadly sexually abused by someone she knew.   Bek has been through many ups and downs, experiencing broken relationships, having her wedding cancelled hours before the date, living in the Amazon jungle and experiencing rejection from the Church.   But the good news is, this is not the end of her story   Bek recently released her memoir, The Shattered Facade, which is available at most global retailers. We chat about it today.   You can listen to this episode via the link in my bio or on all podcast streaming apps.  

Danica grew up in Bowral, NSW. She loved God, but grew up feeling angry towards Him for various reasons. After finishing uni, she decided to go on a missions' trip to Mazatlan, Mexico, with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for five months. Little did she know that she would put down roots there, find her husband and create a family with two sweet boys, while making it their mission to spread the Gospel to the city of Mazatlan and beyond. Seven years in, she sits down to chat with me about her change of heart toward God, how God asked her to give up her life of comfort and how evangelism is so much more simple than we make it out to be. If you would like to know more about Youth With a Mission, visit: https://ywam.org/  

Sam Nagle a.k.a 'Sam J Lady', is a singer, songwriter, graphic designer, church leader and self-professed encourager. Sam chats with me about past rejection, relying on alcohol to fill the void, being single at 30 and just releasing her third EP and what God is teaching her through it all. Sam's honest and raw account of her faith in the unexpected seasons of life will leave you feeling empowered to obey God even when life doesn't go your way (disclaimer: it rarely does).   Find me on Instagram @_wildflowerstories_ Or follow me on Facebook: Wildflower Stories

Jennings Wright is a wife, mother to three and grandmother to a baby boy. She's also the founder and Executive Director of 10 Eighteen Uganda; a nonprofit organisation in Uganda that supports teens, particularly teen mothers, to realise that they are far more valuable than a sanitary pad they are willing to give up their virginities for.  Jennings is also a writer and has multiple notable books on Amazon, from dystopian sci-fi to Christian historical romance.  We talk about her heart for mission work, what she means by having 'back-burner dreams' and she addresses the women who have dreams of their own, but are not in a season to fulfil them yet. If you would like to support the work of 10 Eighteen Uganda, then visit: https://www.10eighteen.org/ If you would like to browse some of Jennings' books on Amazon, then visit: https://www.amazon.com/Jennings-Wright/e/B008QO3BP8%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share  

Jo is a first-time mama to her 4 month old son. She suffered from post-natal depression after having an emergency c-section and having feelings of disconnect from her son. Her depression worsened and she was taken to hospital and admitted into a unit for mums and their bubs.  Jo talks about how much of those few months felt like an out-of-body experience and how she felt emotions she'd never felt before. She talks about how her faith in God was shaken and how difficult it was to see His goodness in the fog. And how it took her church community who rallied around her and her husband to show her God's kindness.  This is an episode for everyone- not just mums! If you know of someone who is a new mum, reach out to her, cook her a meal, stand with her in prayer. It really does take a village to raise a child, but it takes a village to support the parents, too!  And if you have experienced a postpartum mental illness, you are seen and you are loved. Take it from someone who's been there in the trenches too.

In this episode, I have the absolute honour of interviewing my dad. He is a Therapist and former Pastor. He's my inspiration and my hero. Someone I admire in more ways than one. One of the things I love about him is his ability to encourage people from a place of intention and honesty.  We chat about how we can all do a better job at stepping out and encouraging one another. We also talk about how men and women need each other in ministry and how we can better empower women in ministry (from a man's perspective). My dad chats about his role as a therapist and about how important it is to be aware of the narrative you are telling yourself. I hope you receive something from this conversation. It's one not to miss!

Noleen is a woman confident in her convictions. She and her husband pastor a church called Echo Church in the south west of Sydney. Noleen and I talk about what it's like to pastor a church at such a young age, what leading as a female looks like and how important it is to talk about issues in our culture within the church; topics that many churches often shy away from. This conversation is compelling and one that is important to hear as a follower of Christ, when culture tells us to live so differently.  

This is part II of stories of baby loss. I have the honour of chatting with two friends of mine who have experienced miscarriage. Michelle is a wife and mum to her miracle babe, Christopher. Michelle experienced multiple miscarriages before Chris came along. She shares how God sustained her during those times of grieving and waiting. Alex is a wife and mum of two, Ava and Willow. Alex shares about her loss of Willow’s twin at 15 weeks due to a silent miscarriage. She shares about how she walked through anxiety leading up to Willow’s birth and in the post natal season. Alex also highlights how important for us to acknowledge that dads also walk through the grieving of their baby loss, and to get better at supporting them. I hope that these conversations bring comfort and hope to those who have experienced baby loss of any kind and a sense of enlightenment to those of us who can provide support to the grieving.

This is a two-part episode where I chat with a few women about their stories of miscarriage and stillbirth.  This episode, I chat with Heather Boyes. Heather is a Primary School Teacher, a wife, mum of three and serves passionately in the church. She and her husband, Adam, have been through their fair share of losing babies. Heather shares honestly about her journey of miscarriage and then in 2014, losing her son, Andrew, to stillbirth.  We also chat about when Heather lost her mum to cancer only a few months later and how she navigated that dark season, but not without hope and trust in our Redeemer, who turns our mourning into dancing.

With all the uncertainty of a broken world, we can rest assured in the security and peace that the cross of Jesus Christ brings. The more I wrestle with the questions of my faith, the more I am drawn back to the power of the cross. In this episode, I explore some deeper questions about the state of this world and how our Saviour's blood and redemption are still as relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago. May this episode challenge you with some questions you may have and compel you to draw near to God's love that was displayed on that rugged cross. Happy Easter, friends! HE IS RISEN!    

In a world where we are compelled to run for success and achievement, we are encouraged by our Heavenly Father to rest in Him, where we find all we need. Alice McInnes is a wife, mum of two and a Pastor at Influencer’s Church in Adelaide, Australia. She is someone who is a runner- someone who runs for God with all she has. But she doesn’t run on empty, because she has learnt to rest well in her Heavenly Father. Alice talks about what rest looks like in her life, her ministry calling from a young age and her struggle with infertility. But her story is incomplete without God’s faithfulness upon her life. I learn so much from this woman, on and off the platform. She’s wise, she’s full of passion and confidence and she loves big. I know you’ll learn something from her too, in this first episode of 2021. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and share it with those who need to hear stories of redemption and hope!

The season finale is here! And I got to interview my favourite person ever- my husband. I thought it might be nice to hear a male speak on the podcast. Aash and I sit down in our living room (kid-free) and we chat about our story, from our dating years, to our marriage, to becoming parents and some things in between. We’re not here to give expert advice, just shedding light on what we’ve learnt as a couple along the years.  We hope you enjoy our light-hearted conversation. It was a treat for us too! Thank you for your support of the podcast this year. For all the listens and downloads. For all the kind messages and words of encouragement. It means the world to me. Looking forward to beginning a fresh season of the podcast next year (with better quality sound by the way- yes, I’m still an amateur, but still want to improve sound quality for your ears). But for now, make sure to catch up on any missed episodes if you get the chance to!

Jess Boyce is a skin therapist and sees it as her calling to make people feel beautiful, which I think is just so sweet. Jess is a Kiwi gal who moved to Sydney, Australia just last year, only six months before the pandemic hit (imagine that?!). She talks about stepping out of her comfort zone by staying put and fulfilling the call of God on her life here in Sydney.  We also chat about the beauty industry and how society's view on what is recognised as 'beauty' is slowly shifting toward celebrating all types of beauty. Jess opens up about her personal insecurities she's battled with and how she has used that as a part of her story to empower other women to feel beautiful, both on social media and off. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow Wildflower Stories on social media: _wildflowerstories_

Roma is an ambitious career woman in the Journalism Industry. She holds three vocational titles, from "Strategic Communications Specialist," to "Tech Journalist," to the Founder of her new business Aestologyy & Authorshipp.  Even though she's achieved many accomplishments, from News Reporting to launching her brand new business next month, Roma has a steadfast faith in God that keeps her grounded when her kind of industry is all about hustling and getting to the top. As Roma is one of the only females in her industry, she shares about the insecurities she has faced along the way and encourages us to "get out of our own way" when dreaming big. Roma also shares about her new business venture, combining her love of home aesthetics and technology. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed chatting with Roma. I would love you to subscribe to the podcast and share it with those you know. Every story matters and I won't keep from saying it. Follow me on Social Media: IG: _wildflowerstories_ Facebook: Wildflower Stories

I get to chat with Rebekah (more commonly known as Bek), who is one of my best friends and favourite people in the world. Bek is an anointed singer, worship leader and songwriter, who is pursuing God's call in her life in the music industry. We chat about trusting God's timing with our own timelines, being single while everyone else seems to be getting hitched and starting a family and learning to be content in the season you're in. Bek bravely shares the insecurities she is on the journey of overcoming and encourages young women to submit their own insecurities and fears to God. I would love for you to subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already and share this story with others.   You can find me on Instagram: _wildflowerstories_ and on Facebook: Wildflower Stories

Amy is a wife, a homeschooling mama to three kiddos, loves Jesus and is a joy carrier. Amy shares about her son, Roman, who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old. She shares about the challenges and joys that have come with raising a son with special needs. But what I love about this conversation, is the contagious joy Amy exudes. Amy has reminded me to find sparks of joy in everything - the good, the bad and the in betweens. Amy also shares about some challenges she has faced as a mother, homeschooling her two daughters and about learning to cultivate a healthy marriage. This episode is not one to miss and will leave you feeling a sense of joy and hope. If you haven't already, I'd love for you to subscribe to the podcast for new episodes to automatically download to your device. And share the podcast with people who need the hope of Jesus through these stories!

This episode is dedicated to all the people who have been victims of racism and discrimination. I chat with Ashley, Renee and Ruth about their experiences with racism as women who represent the black community.  Ashley grew up in New Jersey, USA with a Jamaican dad and Chilean mum. She opens up about her perspective on the Black Lives Matter movement and her experience with racism. Renee is an Aboriginal woman who talks about the misconceptions that people may have about the Indigenous community and how Indigenous Australian beliefs and values amazingly mirror those belonging to Christian beliefs and values. Ruth grew up in Perth, WA, as a Nigerian woman. She talks about her experience with racism in high school. Ruth also talks about the fearful thoughts a black person may have when out in public. This episode is longer than usual, but I encourage you to listen to the entirety of it, even if in parts. The hype of Black Lives Matter has died down, but the truth will forever remain constant - BLACK LIVES MATTER EVERY DAY. Subscribe to the podcast for episodes to automatically download to your device. And follow me on Facebook @wildflower stories and on Instagram @_wildflowerstories_.

Natalie is a book lover, a mother to a teenage son, a singer and a true sweet heart. But one thing is for certain, Natalie's life has not been void of pain. Natalie was married in her early twenties and had her son not long after that. A few years into her marriage she discovered that her husband was being unfaithful. After the heart break and disappointment from a broken marriage, Natalie walked away from God and led her life independently while raising her son. Years later, she found a church that became her home and reconnected with God. In her story, you will learn about God's redemptive love through her brokenness and how she has been healed to wholeness.   If you would like to hear more stories like this one, why don't you subscribe to my podcast? And if you have a spare moment, I'd love you to follow me on Instagram @_wildflowerstories_ and on Facebook @Wildflower Stories.

Ellen is a wife, mama to two girls, a Primary School Teacher and most of all, she loves God deeply. After having her second daughter, Ruby, she experienced post-natal depression.  Ellen walks us through her journey of depression and how she learnt to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ through the pain. Ellen also gives us practical tips in how to cling to Christ in all seasons.   I would love for you to subscribe to the podcast, share it with others and follow me on Instagram @_wildflowerstories_ and on Facebook @Wildflower Stories.

Imagine fleeing your country from persecution, and being sailed across the oceans to Christmas Island only to be confined to a small room for three months? In this episode I get to chat with Farideh, who fled Iran with her husband and five year old daughter after her husband accepted Christ into his life.  They sailed to Christmas Island where they were held in a detention centre for three months and from there, went to Adelaide AUS to another detention centre for an additional three months. Farideh talks about the struggles she faced, like depression during these months. When they finally moved to Sydney, Farideh's husband took her to church, where she eventually made Christ her Saviour. Farideh also talks about the miracle of her second born daughter, Melody.

Many would know Darlene Zschech as a worship leader and songwriter. But she's also a wife, mama to three and grandmother to five. Darlene shares about how she learnt to cultivate a deep intimacy with Christ both on and off the platform throughout the years. She opens up about her battle with breast cancer and how it has given her greater empathy for others who have walked a similar journey. We talk about her family life and ministry, and Darlene encourages mothers to be present and not wish away the early years of parenting. And she challenges us women to make Christ the first priority in our every day comings and goings, and as she likes to put it, "everything else can wait." I'd love for you to subscribe to the podcast so episodes will directly download to your device when a new episode airs and share the podcast with others! #everystorymatters

While the world is currently in isolation due to COVID-19, how do we survive without hugs or face-to-face connections? In this episode I chat with Sharon and Maddy about friendship and what they each do to be an intentional friend. Let's be real, we need intentional friends right now more than ever and if we're not already an intentional friend, then maybe now is a good time to start being one! Join Sharon, Maddy and I for a chat in the comfort of your own home and let's remember to stay connected during these changing times.

Ali Roberts is a wife and mama to three boys. She and her husband, Steve, have been pastors in both New Zealand and Australia since newly married and over the past few years, has dedicated her life to homeschooling her three boys. In 2011, Ali suddenly lost her mum, and walks us through her grieving process and how she came to an understanding of how grief affects everyone differently.  She shares her wisdom about being obedient to God in all seasons of life; the good, the hard and the in-between. I hope you not only enjoy our chat, but learn something from Ali's story, too. I would love for you to subscribe to the podcast and share it with others who need to hear it!

Today's episode features my very own sister-in-law, Sheron, who has an incredibly touching story about waiting for a promise. She and her husband Nitish, waited 10 years for their promise, a baby. Sheron talks about her journey in becoming a mother in the most humbling, faith-filled and inspiring way that I'm sure will leave a mark on your heart, whether you are in a waiting season or not. Sheron's heart for people who are waiting for their promise will encourage you to draw nearer to God's presence and cling to Him as a source of strength and comfort, as she learned to do. I'm excited to share this empowering story and I hope you can share it with others who need to hear it too. Would also love for you to subscribe to the podcast so you'll be the first to know when a new episode is released! 

Today's episode features Jordan Temo and her powerful story about being the victim of sexual abuse from a child up until her early teenage years.  Jordan finally embraced her worth in God after she had her first baby and is now choosing to live in freedom after being trapped in condemnation and shame for many years.  Jordan's story will leave you speechless because of her bold faith in the redemption of Christ and her ability to encourage other women who have stumbled on the painful road of abuse. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and share it with women who need to hear empowering stories like this one!

Welcome back after a six month break! In this season I will be talking with a fresh bunch of women who have walked through pain, loss and heartbreak. But these women have also seen the faithfulness of God through their pain and on the other side of it, which I hope brings you encouragement in the season you're currently facing. But for now, I get upfront and personal about my own journey that I am still walking through. Post-natal mental health is not spoken about enough, so I'm here to share my own experience with post-natal anxiety and depression as a believer in the God who heals and restores what was once dark and lost. Make sure to subscribe for the latest episodes to be automatically downloaded on your device. Thanks for tuning in!