Shows
OTR - Achieving Mental Health for RealBig Boys Don't Cry - Handling GriefThis episode, as Becky Mccoy might say ,is not for the faint hearted. It takes a hard look a everyone's fear, death of our love ones. This is a realty of live that we need to be able to handle and somehow move on. If you are grieving or know someone that is you may find this episode useful on your journey.Becky L McCoy is an engaging writer and speaker on spiritual formation who helps women who are disillusioned with their faith bravely face difficult life circumstances with tenderness. Becky speaks from experience, but is relatable...
2025-06-2441 min
The Mindful LivingHealing Through Contemplation: Grief, Mental Health & Burnout – with Becky McCoyIn this deeply insightful episode of Mindful Living with Sana, we welcome Becky McCoy, a writer and speaker specializing in contemplative spiritual practices for grief, mental illness, and burnout. As a young widow, Becky has personally navigated deep loss, anxiety, and depression, leading her to discover gentle, trauma-informed spiritual practices that foster healing and resilience.
Becky shares her powerful journey from growing up in a rigid faith community to redefining spirituality through contemplation, mindfulness, and self-compassion. She introduces us to simple yet transformative contemplative practices, including breath prayer, labyrinth walking, and body scans, that can help us...
2025-02-1825 min
Horrorwood: True Crime in TinseltownHaunted Hotels: On Location at the Pfister in Milwaukee, WIY'ALL. Where to even begin with this one... Kate and Matt are staying overnight in what Expedia named one of the top 5 most haunted hotels in the country! Many celebrities have experienced quite the spooky ooky while staying here, and Kate and Matt want to see if they have their own ghostly encounter. Spoiler alert: THEY DO.
View photos from the episode
Episode Sources:
“The legend of the Pfister Hotel ghost” by Becky Mortensen
“Scary stories from baseball's haunted hotel” by Michael Clair
“The Haunted Pfister Hotel”
The Pfi...
2023-06-261h 01
Sucker PunchedEp 90 4 Things I Learned from GriefGrief changes us. In many ways, we become a better version of ourselves. It doesn’t mean the loss we experienced was “good,” but it can be a really good teacher. How do we learn from our grief when it’s also one of the most painful experiences in life? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: DoorDash: BeckyLMcCoy.com/DoorDash Grief Library: http://BeckyLMcCoy.com/GriefLibrary 4 Mantras for When I'm Overwhelmed: BeckyLMcCoy.com/4mantras FIND BECKY ONLINE: Website: BeckyLMcCoy.com Social Media...
2023-04-2708 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 89 For When You Want to Support a Grieving FriendA friend has recently lost a loved one and you hate seeing the pain the grief is causing them. You want to love them and support them through this time, but you don’t want to overwhelm them. You want them to know you’re there, but you’re afraid of doing the wrong thing. How do you help a grieving friend? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: DoorDash: BeckyLMcCoy.com/DoorDash Grief Library: http://BeckyLMcCoy.com/GriefLibrary 4 Mantras for When I'm Overwhelmed: BeckyLMcCoy.com/4man...
2023-04-2008 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 88 For When You Disappear From LifeYou’ve experienced a great loss and it’s so overwhelming that you have to make life really small for a while, just to survive. What do you do when you disappear from life for long enough that you’re not sure if the people, places, and things you love most will be patient enough to wait for you? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Audible Premium Plus: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Audible Here are a few books to help you feel less alone in your grief...
2023-04-1307 min
Sucker PunchedEp 86 For When You're Tired of GriefHave you ever been so tired of grief? So ready for it to be ‘over’ or at the very least ready for a break? What do you do when you’re tired of grieving? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Audible Premium Plus: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Audible Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo Harry’s Trees by Jon Coehn Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister Grief Library: http://BeckyLMcCoy.com/GriefLibrary 4 Mantras for When I’m Overwhelmed: BeckyLMcCoy.com/4mantras FIND BECKY ON...
2023-04-0605 min
Sucker PunchedEp 86 For When You Don't Know How to GrieveYou’ve experienced a great loss and have been deep in the thick of the grief fog. You’ve been just surviving until now but you’ve got to get back on top of the things you’ve neglected. But how do you grieve when you have work to get done and relationships to tend to? Where does grief fit into regular life? CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Audible Premium Plus: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Audible Dusk Night Dawn by Anne Lamott The Comfort Book by Matt...
2023-03-1607 min
Sucker PunchedEp 85 For When You're Ready to Rediscover YourselfOne of the most awkward and painful parts of grieving, one of those sneaky little things no one warns you about, is that you lose yourself to the grief. It’s as if parts of you died, too. You forget your strengths, your passions, and the things that used to bring you joy. And as you start to come out of the fog of the initial grief storm, you realize you have to rediscover who you were and decide who you’ll be. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENT...
2023-03-0908 min
Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership200: Nonprofit Leaders: Which Trends Should You Follow? (Becky Endicott & Jon McCoy)200: Nonprofit Leaders: Which Trends Should You Follow? (Becky Endicott & Jon McCoy)SUMMARYWhat key trends are you following as a leader in 2023? For the enterprising nonprofit executive, one of the best sources of cutting-edge information on hot topics in the sector is We Are For Good, and that’s why we waited until the #200th episode of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership to speak with Becky Endicott and Jon McC...
2023-03-0951 min
Sucker PunchedEp 84 For When Grief Hits From Out of NowhereWhen you’ve experienced a great loss, it takes some time to get back on your feet again. You’re not the same as before the loss, but you’re doing your best. And then, seemingly, from out of nowhere, a grief trigger runs you over, leaving you feeling like you’re back at square one. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Atlas Tea Club: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Atlas The Cure for Sorrow by Jan Richardson Your Grief, Your Way: A Year of Practical...
2023-03-0208 min
Sucker PunchedEp 83 For When You're Afraid of Leaving Them BehindWhen you’ve experienced a great loss, you know that life will never be the same. You don’t want to be paralyzed by grief - you want to heal and experience joy and love - but how do you do that while still honoring the great pain and the absence of someone you love? When you’ve experienced a great loss, you know that life will never be the same. You don’t want to be paralyzed by grief – you want to heal and experience joy and love – but how do you do that while still...
2023-02-2508 min
Sucker PunchedEp 82 For When You Start to Dream AgainYou’re crawling out of the pit where you’ve been living with your grief and you look around to see you’ve only been living an outline of a life. You know you can’t go back to your life before, but you have no vision for what comes next. And that’s when you realize it’s time to start dreaming again. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Atlas Tea Club: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Atlas Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler...
2023-02-1606 min
Sucker PunchedEp 81 For When You Bring Grief into the New YearWhen the calendar changed from 2022 to 2023, many people took a deep breath, let out a sigh, and wished things were different. While others were brainstorming resolutions or picking a word to focus their intentions on, those of us who have experienced loss were accepting the fact that we were entering yet another year without loved ones. What do you do when a new year is less of a fresh start and more of a reminder that you’re bringing grief into the new year with you? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE ...
2023-02-0906 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 80 You Can't Be Awesome At EverythingFor most of my life, I would’ve proudly called myself a perfectionist. Doing things well and with precision is important to me. But over the years I’ve realized that the ‘perfectionist’ label is one of the most unhealthy stories I’ve told myself. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Shop 30% OFF Our Place Cookware: BeckyLMcCoy.com/OurPlace The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett How to Be an Imperfectionist by Stephen Guise Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist When Perfe...
2022-11-2405 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 79 It's Just DataFeeling in control can give us an illusion of being safe. Safe from loss. Safe from trauma. Safe from feeling any bad feelings. And when - despite our best efforts - we can’t predict or control everything that happens to us, we feel like we’ve failed or (worse) that we are the failure itself. It’s an exhausting, defeating cycle that can leave you wondering if being an adult means being either in control or a complete failure. There’s got to be a better way. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE S...
2022-11-1708 min
Sucker PunchedEp 78. Vulnerability HangoverSometimes when we share the innermost parts of ourselves we leave the encounter feeling like we’ve been stripped bare, sometimes even flayed on the altar of vulnerability. It can even feel like a hangover - like you can’t face the world and your whole self is now too tender to even try. CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Shop Our Place Cookware: BeckyLMcCoy.com/OurPlace Daring Greatly by Brené Brown Vulnerability is my Superpower by Jackie Davis You are Your Best Thing by Tara...
2022-11-1708 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 77 On Loneliness and BelongingWe all experience loneliness. And we all have a built in desire to feel like we belong. But when we realize that loneliness and belonging can co-exist - what do we do with that? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 40% of Spiritual Direction & Coaching with Becky: BeckyLMcCoy.com/SpiritualDirection-FlashSale Shop Our Place Cookware: BeckyLMcCoy.com/OurPlace The Great Belonging by Charlotte DonlonThe Art of Belonging by Charles VoglAll the Lonely People by Mike Gayle4 Mantras for When I'm Overwhelmed: BeckyLMcCoy...
2022-11-1007 min
The Popcast With Knox and Jamie479: The More You KnowIn this episode of The More You Know, we imagine what it would be like if we were casting directors with a time machine as we discuss which movies and shows we’d recast if we could. Plus we recap the most recent episode of The Great British Baking Show and hold an impromptu snake draft of our favorite pastries. MENTIONSWe want your kind but specific thoughts and opinions about the show: knoxandjamie.com/surveyWhat’s the word // Upcoming: While You Were Sleeping Cinema Sidepiece on Patreon | Birmingham’s best dinner: Helen | Slappy vs. Peewee HermanH...
2022-11-091h 02
Sucker PunchedEp. 76 My Weakness, Your StrengthWhen it comes to friendship, there’s some kind of unspoken fear that we have to have it all together or our friends won’t want to be our friends anymore. Do you find yourself worrying that if your friends could see your *insert weakness, fault, or fear here* they’d go running? What if friendship was less about two perfect people finding each other and more about finding the people who compliment and fit in with your own humanity? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Shop Rothy...
2022-10-2705 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 75 Why You Need FriendsIf friends aren’t the people we play with at recess or live down the hall from in the college dorm, what are they? Why do we need them if not to have a friend for hide and seek or someone to share the highs and lows of growing up with? Why do we even need friends at all? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Shop Rothy's Shoes: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Rothys Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong Th...
2022-10-2008 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 74 Finding Messy FriendsYou know that healthy friendships are an essential part of your mental health and well-being, but it feels like making friends as an adult should be easier. Why does it seem like everyone else has it figured out and you’re just sitting there hoping for someone to adopt you and be best friends forever and never have to make a new friend again? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Shop Rothy's Shoes: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Rothys Discernment by Henri Nouwen Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
2022-10-1308 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 73 You Believe What You DoSome of us grew up thinking that our faith was a permanent, immovable object and that any whiff of change or dissonance was a personal failure. But what happens when you realize that the ways you’ve always understood and practiced your beliefs are unhealthy and need to shift? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Courageous Community Course: Shop Rothy's Shoes: BeckyLMcCoy.com/Rothys Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero A Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
2022-10-0607 min
Sucker PunchedEp 72. The Sacred Practice of 'No'It’s easy to feel like who we are is made up of all the things we can offer people - we are worth the sum of our productivity and helpfulness. But what happens when we have nothing to offer? Do my friends want me just for who I am or for the value I add to their lives? What kind of a friend am I if I have nothing to give? It’s terrifying to be vulnerable enough to admit that all I can give my friends is myself, but sometimes that’s all I’ve got. How can we n...
2022-09-2910 min
Sucker PunchedEp 71. Being Honest With Yourself Even When It HurtsHave you ever worried what would happen if you had to be honest about your imperfections? Do you feel like life is sometimes a Jenga tower, balanced on some of your strengths with each weakness only precariously holding up the blocks above them? Do you acknowledge your weaknesses or do you prefer to pretend like they’re not there? Are you holding your breath, waiting for one stressful, traumatic moment to make it all come tumbling down? What if there was a better way, one where we could be honest about our weaknesses and shore them up instead of ju...
2022-09-2208 min
Sucker PunchedEp 70. Knowing What's Important To YouWe’ve got to do lists a mile long and they’re only getting longer. Just when we feel like we are getting a handle, something else comes up. And the longer our lists, the higher our stress. How could we possibly build and live lives of meaning when we are lost, like a kid in a ball pit, under the pile of our obligations and commitments? CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Courageous Community Course: BeckyLMcCoy.com/CourageousCommunity (registration open til 9/29/22) Essentialism by Greg McKeown
2022-09-1508 min
Sucker PunchedEp 69. Honoring Your LimitationsHave you ever been so overwhelmed by your own inability to get stuff done, so frustrated by your ability to fail so easily that you’ve only been able to see yourself as a walking liability? Like you’re a burden to everyone you come across? Like you’d be a better friend, sister, mother, *insert relationship here* if you were just better at…everything? Being human means having limitations and sometimes being human is just the worst. CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT FOR THIS EPISODE STUFF MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Courageous Community Course: BeckyLMc...
2022-09-0809 min
Sucker PunchedCOVID-19: we're all doing our bestYou're coming out of a seasonal depressive episode, getting back to what, you know, as normal life and a global pandemic hits. You're trying to figure out how can we live in a community when we're all so isolated. This is Sucker Punched. Jessica Kantrowitz is a writer, editor, and workshop leader living in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the author of The Long Night: Readings and Stories to Help You Through Depression, Blessings for the Long Night: Meditations and Poems to Help You through Depression, and 365 Days of Peace: Benedictions to End Your Day in Gen...
2022-08-0431 min
Sucker PunchedCOVID-19: this feels like a Steven King novel You travel for work as a speaker and strategist working in faith politics and the American public life, then a global pandemic hits. Your travel is grounded and you're stuck wondering how can policy and politics give us hope now and in the future? This is Sucker Punched. Michael is considering the impact of a global pandemic on both personal and policy levels, hoping that this will be an opportunity to band together and care for the most vulnerable. Michael is the founder of Public Square Strategies and a member of Trinity Forum.
2022-07-2826 min
The EncoreYou Haven't Lost Your Touch (with Lauren, Becky, Lucas and Phil)Chris McCoy returns to the microphone with his first podcast! Chris introduces himself, his show, his producer and catches up the audience on what he's been up to prior to starting The Encore. Then, Chris is joined by his two daughters Lauren and Becky, and his two son-in-laws Lucas and Phil, as they reminisce about old times and hilarious stories. We learn that you too can jumpstart an entire media career with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Show music provided by:
Music: www.purple-planet.com
2022-03-0248 min
We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits120. Get to Know Us. Part 2. Jon Interviews Becky - Jonathan McCoy, CFRE and Becky Endicott, CFREEver wanted to have a cup of coffee with Jon and Becky so you could lift the veil on those same questions we volley to our guests? Welcome to week two of our Get to Know Us Series. This week Jon interviews Becky. We're talking all things philanthropy, business, family, failure, hilarious moments and irreverent facts. We don't know each other's questions, so all the reactions you hear are live and sincere. Oh, and be prepared to laugh. A lot.Episode OverviewHow Becky grew her heart for other people (5:30)Becoming a collector of...
2021-05-2146 min
Sucker PunchedCOVID-19: I feel like I'm floating away You're running a nonprofit encouraging and helping women around the country. Then a global pandemic hits. You're single living alone and mostly isolated due to an autoimmune disease. Holly is figuring out what it looks like to live through a global pandemic as a single person who lives alone. She finds herself feeling like she's floating away and gets creative to figure out ways to feel grounded again. Holly is a writer, speaker, and the executive director of Rise. Get to know Holly: Website: NowSheRises.org Twitter/Instagram: @HollyStallcup
2020-05-0730 min
Made for Hope: Conversations for Christian Women2. When Life Turns Upside Down: Becky McCoy on losing a husband and learning resilienceWhen Becky McCoy lost her husband while 8 months pregnant, she wrestled with the timing of God’s plan and how to move forward with her two young children. In the midst of grief, she found so many incredible lessons. This conversation is an insightful look into grief, healing, and resilience.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
—Becky’s before and after moment that changed her family’s life
—how grief isn’t a linear process
—how community is an essential part of getting through loss
—the struggle of accepting of plan B
—wh...
2020-05-0520 min
Sucker PunchedCOVID-19: Why Am I Already Crying? You're working in an inpatient psychiatric facility. A global pandemic hits. While your job is considered essential, you begin to have extreme fight, flight or freeze responses to all the trauma. Kristina is navigating her own grief and depression while helping women in an inpatient psychiatric facility through the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristina Harutoonian is a Los Angeles native and the comedic voice behind The DTR Blog. She thrives on satire and encouraging others to connect unashamedly with God. She's known for her endearing transparency and humorous tone, gaining a following t...
2020-04-2324 min
Sucker PunchedCOVID-19: I just want to go outside!Marlena lost her job at a non-profit in February. Her mom had major surgery in March. And then a global pandemic hit. Marlena discusses what it means to be a neighbor and show compassion when we can't be in the same space as other people due to the COVID-19 quarantine. Links from the episode: - Terrence Lester's organization Love Beyond Walls Marlena is published in a variety of venues, is an adjunct professor at Winebrenner Seminary. She is a board member of Evangelicals 4 Justice. Her new book, The Way Up I...
2020-04-0927 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 63 - Trillia Newbell; Burnout, Sabbath, & BoundariesTrillia Newbell and Becky wrap up the burnout series with a discussion on how to prevent it with healthy boundaries, margin, and regular rhythms of rest through the practice of sabbath. Check out Trillia's new book: If God Is For Us Links from this episode: Trillia's talk from the BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Trillia's book God's Very Good Idea Books referenced in this episode: Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend and Margin by Richard Swenson DREAM: BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat 2/23/19 BLOG: What You Need to Know About Burnout From a Single Parent PODCAST: Holiday Burnout E...
2019-01-0929 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 62 - Seth Haines; Burnout, Addiction, & Social MediaSeth, a writer and creator, has been exploring what it means to be addicted to and burned out on social media. Check out Seth's book Coming Clean. Links from this episode: DREAM: BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat 2/23/19 BLOG: What You Need to Know About Burnout From a Single Parent Seth's favorite Twitter follows: Emily P Freeman, Tsh Oxenreider, Russ Ramsey, Michael Wear, and Jen Fulwiler Tyranny of the Urgent Liturgy of Lament PODCAST: Holiday Burnout Episode #59 Resonate Recordings Connect with Seth: BLOG: sethhaines.com PATREON: patreon.com/sethhaines YOUTUBE: youtube.com/user/seth...
2018-12-1433 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 61 - Dorina Lazo Gilmore; Burnout, Caregiver, & GriefDorina was the primary caregiver for her husband when he battled melanoma. She learned to grieve when they had to give up the non-profit they were running and also when her husband passed away. The weight of grief as a widow and the heaviness of secondary losses left Dorina exhausted and burned out. As Dorina says, "it takes a lot of courage to rest." Check out Dorina's books Flourishing Together and Glory Chasers. Links from this episode: Rhythms of Rest by Shelly Miller PODCAST: Holiday Burnout Episode #59 DREAM: BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat 2/23/19 BLOG: What You...
2018-12-0738 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 60 - Amber Salhus; Burnout, Creativity, & ConfidenceAmber discusses the effects of burnout on creativity and productivity. After a year of creative burnout, Amber learned how to let go of and adjust her expectations and care for herself and discovered a new confidence in herself and her work. Links from this episode: PODCAST: Holiday Burnout Episode #59 Meditation Apps: Headspace and Calm DREAM: BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat 2/23/19 BLOG: What You Need to Know About Burnout From a Single Parent Resonate Recordings Connect with Amber: BLOG: ambersalhus.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/amber.salhus INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ambersalhus TWITTER: twitter.com/ambersalhus...
2018-12-0333 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 59 - Becky Kiser; Burnout, Holidays, and ExpectationsIt's the Becky episode! Becky L McCoy talks with Becky Kiser about avoiding burnout at the holidays and Becky's new book, Sacred Holidays. Get your copy of Sacred Holidays! Links from this episode: Sacred Holidays by Becky Kiser Sacred Holidays Advent Bible Studies: For All and He Is Advent Candles BLOG: What You Need to Know About Burnout From a Single Parent Resonate Recordings Connect with Becky Kiser: SACRED HOLIDAYS: SacredHolidays.com INSTAGRAM (Becky): instagram.com/beckykiser INSTAGRAM (Sacred Holidays): instagram.com/sacredholidays TWITTER (Becky): twitter.com/beckykiser...
2018-11-1629 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 58 - Chantel Runnels; Burnout, Work, & Rest Pt. 2Becky and Chantel resume their conversation on burnout, the importance of community, and working from rest, not resting from work. Links from this episode: Ep. 57 - Chantel Runnels; Burnout, Work, & Rest Pt. 1 SWOT Analysis BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Recording PERSEVERANCE (including Chantel's story) BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Recording Winter 2018 (including a 30 minute session with Chantel) BLOG: What You Need To Know About Burnout From a Single Parent Resonate Recordings Connect with Chantel: TWITTER: twitter.com/ChaunRose INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ChaunRose Connect with Becky: BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy TW...
2018-11-1529 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 57 - Chantel Runnels: Burnout, Work, & Rest Pt. 1When Chantel is burned out, she finds herself being weary and impatient and has used the enneagram to discover that her burnout includes avoidance, impatience, and Marshmallow Dream Bars. Coming out of a season of burn out requires Chantel to prioritize rest, sleep, eating well, and exercising. Links from this episode: Essentialism by Greg McKeown Strengths Finder 2.0 The Road Back To You by Ian Chron and Suzanne Stabile (great intro to enneagram book) Meyers Briggs BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Recording PERSEVERANCE (including Grace P Cho's marathon story) Resonate Recordings Connect with Chantel: TWITTER: twitter.com...
2018-11-0839 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 56 - Alia Joy; Disappointment, Chronic Illness, & HopeAlia Joy lives with chronic illness and has found herself deeply disappointed by the parts of life she misses out on because of it. Her asthma makes it difficult to breath during wild fire season where she lives and when she's got an upper respiratory virus on top of it, she misses out on time with her family, namely: summer vacation. PREORDER ALIA'S BOOK: Glorious Weakness: Discovering God in All We Lack Links from this episode: BLOG POST: For When Grief Hits You From Out of Nowhere Ep. 51 - Becky L McCoy; What is...
2018-10-2531 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 55 - Tasha Gentile; Disappointment, Failure, & GuiltTasha felt like a disappointment when one of her first births as a doula did not go as expected. She struggled with the guilt of feeling inadequate, she felt like she had failed professionally and as a friend. Tasha had to wrestle with the ideas of calling and how she felt her failure had disqualified her from this vocation. Read more thoughts on disappointment: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is Comfortable Links from this episode: Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist Remember God by Annie F Downs BLOG POST: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is...
2018-10-1837 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 54 - Kate Motaung; Disappointment, Loss, & BelongingKate wasn't ever really sure where she fit in and the disappointment of living in South Africa while her mom was dying of cancer challenged her to rethink what "home" and "belonging" really meant to her. Get Kate's book A Place To Land: A Story of Longing and Belonging Read more thoughts on disappointment: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is Comfortable Links from this episode: Annie F. Downs' podcast That Sounds Fun Truece App BRAVEtogether TO GO BRAVEtogether on Facebook Resonate Recordings Connect with Kate:BLOG: KateMotaung.com...
2018-10-1133 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 53 - Jennifer Dukes Lee; Disappointment, Career, & ControlWhen Jennifer was 24, she was passed over for a job she had her heart set on. While hindsight has given her some perspective on the size of that disappointment, Jennifer and Becky discuss how even small disappointments can be extremely painful. Jennifer's new book, It's All Under Control, is for women who are facing really hard things and just trying to keep it all together. Read more thoughts on disappointment: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is Comfortable Links from this episode: It's All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging...
2018-09-2743 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 52 - Jonathan Merritt; Disappointment, Chronic Pain, & FaithJonathan, a writer, has a chronic pain disorder in his hands. What began as a great disappointment turned into an opportunity to grow and get to know God more deeply. Read more thoughts on disappointment: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is Comfortable Links from this episode: Learning To Speak God From Scratch by Jonathan Merritt Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey It's Not Supposed To Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst Connect with Jonathan:BLOG: JonathanMerritt.comFACEBOOK: facebook.com/JonathanMerrittWriter TWITTER: twitter.com/JonathanMerritt INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/J...
2018-09-2035 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 51 - Becky L McCoy; What Is Disappointment?Becky explores what it means to be disappointed and what disappointment with herself, with others, and with God has looked like in her own life. Read more thoughts on disappointment: Good Things Are Scary; Disappointment is Comfortable Links from this episode: Disappearing Act: Let Your Grief Breathe Resonate Recordings BeautyCounter with Theresa Idoux Resiliency Coaching BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Email List & 3 Truths (and a lie) For When Life is Ridiculously Hard Connect with Becky: BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy PINTEREST: pinterest.com/BeckyLMcCoy PATREON: patreon.com/BeckyLMcCoy Share your Sucker Punched story at...
2018-09-1322 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 50 - Becky L McCoy; Grief, Disappearing, & New Series AnnouncementBecky shares how grief impacts her life in unexpected ways and how she's learned to let go of things instead of trying to be awesome at everything all the time. Links from this episode: Disappearing Act: Let Your Grief Breathe Resonate Recordings BeautyCounter with Theresa Idoux Resiliency Coaching BRAVEtogether Virtual Retreat Email List & 3 Truths (and a lie) For When Life is Ridiculously Hard Connect with Becky: BLOG: BeckyLMcCoy.com FACEBOOK: facebook.com/BeckyLMcCoy TWITTER: twitter.com/BeckyLMcCoy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/BeckyLMcCoy PINTEREST: pinterest.com/BeckyLMcCoy PATREON: patreon.com/BeckyLMcCoy Share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/SuckerPunched Please subscribe to and rate...
2018-09-0628 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 49 - HK Derryberry & Jim Bradford; Cerebral Palsy, Blindness, & Friendship18 years ago, Jim Bradford befriended a small boy with cerebral palsy. HK Derryberry had lost his vision and had several other physical disabilities when he was born premature as a result of a car crash that killed his mother. Being a preemie, blind, and prone to seizures would discourage most people, but HK is resilient and worked hard to earn his high school diploma. HK says he loved that Jim is like a father to him and makes him feel normal. Jim loves that HK is always so positive. Get your copy of HK and...
2017-12-0750 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 48 - Rachel Scott; Blended Families, Brokenness, & AuthenticityRachel Scott of Better Than Blended works with couples who are blending families together after divorce, death, and adoption. Rachel knows from experience (from growing up in a blended family and being a parent of one) that it takes a lot of intention and humility to go from brokenness to unity. It's easy to feel rejected by step-kids, but as she learned to focus on the kids' needs instead of what her role as step-mom "should" be, she found that trust began to develop. She has seen laughter in her new family and they take regular family days to...
2017-12-0129 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 47 - Sarah DeLeo; Parenting, Allergies, & AnaphylaxisWhen Sarah's oldest was nine months old, she started showing signs of food allergies. At first it was only hives, but on her 5th birthday, Sarah's daughter had her first anaphylactic reaction. Through allergy testing, Sarah and her husband discovered their child was facing seven severe food allergies. Sarah's anxiety levels skyrocketed as they began learning to navigate the realities of life threatening allergies. The biggest struggle was learning how to manage her own fears without projecting them onto her children. In the years since her daughter's diagnosis, Sarah has developed a strong community with other allergy families and...
2017-11-3041 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 46 - Heather Dixon; Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Perspective, & Sustainable ChoicesHeather was diagnosed with Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, the same autoimmune disease her mom died from. Heather began to grieve the loss of the life she expected to live and was afraid of how the disease will impact her family, but realized she had the opportunity to make sustainable choices and manage her disease. As her perspective shifted, she started exploring what it means to live with courage. Heather says we need to talk about, "the type of courage when you put two feet on the floor on a morning when you don't like your story." Heather's...
2017-11-0940 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 45 - Gretchen Fleming; Parenting, Rebellion, & GratitudeGretchen's older son was struggling in school due to a learning disability and her younger son was making incredibly rebellious choices. Gretchen was overwhelmed with worry, stress, and fear for her boys as she and her husband had to make hard choices for their family. She was determined to trust God for the outcome and be vulnerable and honest with their friends. A gratitude journal helped keep her focused on the most important things during that difficult moment in their family. Gretchen's answers to the fun questions: • What are you loving right now? Being empty nesters in...
2017-10-2634 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 44 - Lauren Gaskill; Anxiety, Depression, & Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeLauren started having panic attacks in high school, but didn't fully realize she had chronic anxiety until her 20s. Around the same time, Lauren was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which comes with a lot of chronic pain. Lauren hosts the podcast Finding Joy. Find her and leave some love! Lauren's answers to the fun questions: • What are you loving right now? So many things! Living in North Carolina! • What’s your favorite food/meal/snack? Indian Chicken Saag, Dark Chocolate, Peanut and Almond Butter • What are you doing to take care of yoursel...
2017-10-0645 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 43 - Elli Johnson; Depression, Anxiety, & Strong PeopleWhen Elli was diagnosed with postpartum depression, she realized she'd been struggling with anxiety and depression most of her adult life. "I just thought I was a really weak person because I wasn't able to cope." She was anxiety, paranoid, barely managing parenting, and having panic attacks. It wasn't until she started creating space in her schedule, anti-depression medication, counseling, exercise, and mediation that she finally started finding relief. In the dark place, Elli says, "you feel like a failure and that things are never going to get better, but those are both lies." Elli's Answers To...
2017-09-1548 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 42 - Amanda Phillips; Depression, Bipolar, & HonestyAmanda, a counselor and mental illness advocate, struggled with grief and suicidal ideations. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and thought maybe her struggles were over. Yet, she continued to face numbness and found any passion she once had was gone. Eventually, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2 (also known as hypomania); the more accurate diagnosis, medication, and counseling finally began to give her some relief. Amanda encourages anyone struggling with mental illness or other hard life moments to be honest with people and allow them to help. "It's okay to struggle," she says. Amanda's Answers...
2017-09-0746 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 41 - Vidhi Bhagarva; Postpartum, Anxiety, & AllergiesWhen Vidhi's son was an infant, he had severe allergies and sensitive skin. She found herself restless, panicky, and crying more often than normal. Her husband noticed the change in her behavior and encouraged her to go to the doctor. Vidhi was diagnosed with Postpartum Anxiety and began her journey of finding healing and relief. She wants other women who are struggling with Postpartum Anxiety or Depression to know "you are not alone. This is a very normal thing...It's not your fault." Check out Vidhi's organic baby products at Panchhi. Vidhi's Answers To The...
2017-08-3135 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 40 - Katie Wilson; OCD, Inpatient Treatment, & HopeWhen Katie was pregnant with her first child, she was diagnosed with OCD and signed herself in to an inpatient treatment program. Her OCD was mostly triggered by her career as a nurse (although in hindsight she can see signs of it in childhood memories) and the symptoms were completely incapacitating. Katie says that even though she hates having OCD, she's thankful that she can connect with other people who are suffering and that having a diagnosis gives her hope that she won't ever go to the uncontrolled dark place again. Join me at the Brave Together...
2017-08-2429 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 39 - Ann Dagle; Loss, Depression, & Suicide PreventionAnn Dagle has experience the loss of a loved on to suicide first hand. Her son Brian had always struggled with depression, but everyone was caught off guard when he died by suicide. Ann is now committed to local suicide prevention efforts and works hard to help other families grieve as well. Ann now runs the Brian Dagle Foundation, which raises money to support suicide prevention programs. Ann's Answers To The Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Her new house! • What’s your favorite food/meal/snack? Fresh fish or salad with tomato...
2017-08-1725 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 38 - Jenny Randle; Depression, Marriage, & CreativityJenny and her husband Matt have both struggled with depression at different times. As a college student, Jenny was depressed, but didn't exhibit the typical symptoms, so it took a survey at a college mental health fair to realize something wasn't right. Years later, Jenny and Matt were married, had two babies, and moved cross country for a job. The stress of change, plus some undiagnosed health issues, added a tremendous amount of tension to their marriage. Lifestyle changes, counseling, medication, and better self care continue to help them avoid going to the dark place again. Join J...
2017-08-1036 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 37 - Mental Illness Series IntroductionMental illness is one of those things that people either 1) don't know anything about or 2) have very strong opinions about even if they don't live with a mental illness. This series initiates the important conversation of what is it really like to live with a mental illness or love someone who does? If you struggle with anxiety and depression, join us in the RESILIENT Facebook group. Previous episodes that discuss mental illness: Ep. 01 - Becky L McCoy; Anxiety, Depression, & Feeling Unloveable Ep. 07 - Heather Bender; Unplanned Pregnancy, Denial, & New Purpose Ep. 13 - Laura Fleetwood; Wo...
2017-08-0344 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 36 - Leah Heffner; Marriage, Seasons, & Sleep DeprivationLeah writes about marriage, not because she has all (or many) of the answers, but because her and her husband Matt have faced a serious season of crisis in their marriage. Leah said she wasn't nagging, but she spent a lot of time complaining about life. They faced health problems, had a new baby, were sleep deprivation, fought colic, and spent a lot of complaining and arguing. They chose to learn from the experience and now work together to help other couples make intentional choices to care for each other and nurture their marriage. Leah's Answers To...
2017-07-2045 min
Sucker PunchedWe're Back!Sucker Punched is back! Be sure to subscribe so you're notified of new episodes. Join Becky's email list to be the first to get info on the virtual retreat and live events: BeckyLMcCoy.com/email Subscribe, share, rate, & review to help other listeners find the podcast and share your Sucker Punched story at BeckyLMcCoy.com/submissions
2017-07-1307 min
Sucker PunchedSurprise! New Title & New SeriesStories of Unfolding Grace is now Sucker Punched! Subscribe for new episodes and the upcoming mental illness series.
2017-06-1503 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 35 – Kelli Estes; Prescription Drugs, Addiction, & SobrietyAlmost 20 years ago, Kelli was a nurse and addicted to prescription pain killers. She had experimented with drugs and alcohol as a teenager, but experienced a greater high from the medication she took as an adult for TMJ than she ever did as a drunk teen. She kept her addiction a secret from her family and coworkers because she was afraid of losing her job, her marriage, and other relationships. Eventually, Kelli had to take a leave of absence and then go through a probational period in her nursing job while she got sober. As she fought for sobriety...
2017-04-0637 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 34 – Caroline Harries; Infertility, Waiting, & Living LifeCaroline, writer of the In Due Time devotional and leader of the Moms in the Making infertility groups, has faced a tremendous number of challenges over the last decade. She was diagnosed with disembarkment syndrome, a vertigo-like neurological condition, lost her two-year-old nephew to a pediatric brain cancer, and has faced unexpected infertility. In all of the grief and lost expecatations, Caroline is remarkably positive. She says that infirtility is, "grieving the idea of what you thought your life would look like," which is hard and messy and painful, but even in the middle of the pain, she chooses...
2017-03-2323 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 33 – Anna LeBaron; Abuse, Healing, & The Polygamist’s DaughterAnna LeBaron escaped from a polygamist cult when she was 13. Her new book, The Polygamist's Daughter details what it was like to grow up in such an abusive and traumatic environment. Anna was child 40-something of 50 to polygamist cult leader Ervil LeBaron. She grew up in an incredibly unstable environment and felt safe almost nowhere. She was abused physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally and was being groomed to continue in the polygamist practice from a very young age. After she escaped, she saw grace in her sister and brother-in-law who protected her and provided a safe place for her...
2017-03-1640 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 32 – Niki Hardy; Colon Cancer, Vulnerability, & Accepting HelpNiki found herself with a rectal cancer diagnosis only a few short years after losing both her mother and sister to different cancers. She knew her disease was not terminal, but the diagnosis was enough for her to be faced with very real fears and a lot of anger. Her family had only moved to the United States two years earlier, so they were still building community when she was diagnosed and they certainly felt like outsiders with their obvious British accents. Niki and her husband decided to handle the situation with complete vulnerability: they were honest with their...
2017-03-0932 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 31 – Becky L McCoy; Widowhood, Grief, and Hard ConversationsWhen I was pregnant with my daughter, my husband was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. We knew the prognosis was not good, so we decided to have many uncomfortable conversations about what this fight would look like together and after he was gone. It was heart wrenching to make those kinds of decisions, but I'm so glad that we did. From the moment Keith experienced his first symptom to the time he passed away, it had only been three months. It was shocking and emotionally complicated since I had a two-year-old to care for and a baby that wasn't due for...
2017-03-0236 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 30 – Becky McCoy; Taking Risks, Podcasting, & Season FinaleIt’s hard to believe it’s been 30 episodes. I started this podcast wanting to give people an avenue to share their stories of struggle and grace, but I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be. It’s been particularly challenging to share my own story because the vulnerability scares me; is it worth risking my comfort and is anyone even listening or reading? Now that it’s the end of the first season, I felt it was appropriate to share how I’ve had to choose to live bravely even when I didn’t feel like it. My friend Heat...
2016-11-1131 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 29 – Adrienne Terrebonne; Adoption, Deployment, & AutismMeet Adrienne, an adoptive mom and autism advocate. Her family watched as two international adoptions fell through and they lost all of the money they had saved to put towards those children. They decided to take a break from trying to add to their family since their infertility issues and adoption disappointments were devastating. After they moved to another Air Force base and her husband had deployed, she got a phone call from their social worker, saying a family had picked them to adopt their baby. Adrienne and her daughter drove nine hours to pick up the baby when...
2016-11-0630 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 28 – Sarah Rieke; Fatal Anomaly, Loss, & HopeMeet Sarah, host of the Heart Lessons podcast. Two of her children were diagnosed with fatal anomalies during pregnancy and lived tragically short lives. Sarah questioned why this had happened twice and how God could let it happen at all. She grieved quietly as she continued to parent her other children. The grief was overwhelming, but she found grace in answered prayers. “Life is hard,” Sarah says, “but there’s still hope.” Sarah's Answers To The Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Online grocery shopping • What’s your favorite meal right now? Slow cooker gyros
2016-10-2728 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 27 – Tracey Casciano; Child Abuse, Faith, & ForgivenessMeet Tracey, author of “Out of the Darkroom, Into the Light: A Story of Faith and Forgiveness after Child Abuse.” At a young age, she was a victim of abuse and grew up with an alcoholic parent. Tracey was ashamed of her family and experienced a lot of guilt and fear. She estranged herself from them and eventually started going to counseling. Through all of the struggles of her growing up years, Tracey says she hoped there was a God and that he would get her through it. The more she got to know about God, the more she expe...
2016-10-2028 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 26 – Della Gallagher; Divorce, Cystic Fibrosis, & Self LoveMeet Della, a bubbly former ballroom dancing instructor, who moved to Connecticut from North Carolina with her husband, only to be facing a divorce soon after. Adding insult to injury, Della had a severe pulmonary embolism (a blockage of blood flow to the lungs) as a complication of her cystic fibrosis (CF). She didn’t handle all of the changes well and even attempted suicide. Now, Della is living with her parents, taking care of herself, and learning what unconditional love really means. The biggest thing Della has learned through these challenges is who God really is. Being a Ch...
2016-09-2929 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 25 – Debbie Wilkins Baisden; Young Widow, Grief, & RemarriageMeet Debbie, a mom of four and fitness and nutrition expert, who lost her husband in a sudden, tragic accident. While her and her four sons were on vacation, her husband stayed home to work on some projects. When she hadn’t heard from him all day, she began to get nervous. After sending out an official search party, his body was found in the woods near the school where he worked. Debbie was suddenly forced to learn to live and parent without her husband. Debbie has seen grace through cards, gift cards, and prayers from strangers and encourages th...
2016-09-2255 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 24 – Jen Bayreuther & Nina Buttermore; Live PodcastJen, Nina, and I recorded this episode during our live podcast even September 3, 2016. It’s an honor to help these brave women share their stories of grace during times of transition. Nina is a mom of two wonderful girls, one with her and one in heaven, and has just transitioned to staying home after 16 years of working. It’s hard to not be seeing the students she’s worked with for the last several years as a speech therapist, but she is excited to be home with baby Lennox and spend the time caring for her, since she did not ge...
2016-09-1542 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 23 – Amy Liebmann; Infidelity, Divorce, & Starting OverMeet Amy, a mom of three and writer at Carried By Hope, who discovered her husband had an affair while deployed. They were living abroad at the time and spend months working towards reconciliation. Several months later, her husband had another affair and asked for her to leave. Amy and her kids came back to the United States for the summer and ended up moving in with her parents to start their new life when her husband asked for a divorce. Amy says life was surreal and she felt like a failure. She describes divorce as “a lot like de...
2016-09-0829 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 22 – Christina Herr; Mental Illness, Resentment, & Restored RelationshipsMeet Christina, writer at Laughter Without Fear and host of Minivan Confessions, who had a challenging child as the daughter of a mom with several mental illnesses. When Christina was four, her dad had a heart attack and she and her siblings were placed into foster care because of her mom’s bipolar disorder, learning disabilities, and schizoaffective disorder. Without reason, Christina was placed back in the care of her mother even though her siblings remained in the foster care system. As she grew up, Christina realized that her relationship with her mom was not like those of her fr...
2016-09-0134 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 21 – Marissa Henley; Breast Cancer, Fear, & Book GiveawayMeet Marissa, a mom and writer, who was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a type of breast cancer. Understandably, she experienced an incredible amount of shock and fear after diagnosis. Would treatment work? Would her family have to learn to live without her? In the midst of the uncertainty, Marissa went to Houston for treatments, surgery, and clinical trials while her family stayed at home. Now that Marissa is in remission, she chooses to continue to trust in God’s character and his faithfulness. It has not been an easy journey, but Marissa chooses to be brave by encouraging others with he...
2016-08-1826 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 20 – Jamie Ivey; Dream Job, Family Issues, & Making SacrificesMeet Jamie, a blogger, podcaster, speaker, and writer, who dreamed of being a radio DJ. When her kids were younger, she won a contest that gave her a morning show DJ hosting job. She left her role of stay at home mom for the full time, Monday through Friday job at the radio station. Even though she was so happy to be working at her dream job, she saw that her marriage and family were suffering. Jamie says it was one of the hardest decisions she had made because she knew she was doing well and felt like she...
2016-07-1420 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 19 – Robin Chapman; Miscarriage, Vulnerability, & A New BabyMeet Robin, a mom of four who experienced a miscarriage and was surprised by the grief that resulted. Robin said she knew the numbers and likelihood of miscarriage, but she expected it to happen to other people, not to her. She expected to feel mad, angry, and confused, but instead she felt numb. Robin didn’t know how to grieve and fell into depression; she struggled, feeling like her grief made her lazy and unable to live. Eventually, Robin learned how to be vulnerable with others and honest with herself. She encourages people who are grieving that “it’s okay t...
2016-07-0726 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 18 – BIG BRAVE and little braveThis episode is a unique one in that I'm not sharing a story of unfolding grace, but encouraging you to be brave in the challenges you're facing right now. Have you ever felt intimidated by how brave other people are? Do you feel like you're not strong enough to be brave? Take 20 minutes to listen to this episode and I hope you'll feel encouraged that you can live bravely, too. Becky's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Being home after vacation and The Newsroom on Amazon Prime • What’s your favori...
2016-06-3020 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 17 – Andy Hayes; Burnout, Confidence & Plum DeluxeMeet Andy, founder and owner of Plum Deluxe, a loose leaf tea company with specialty blends and a tea of the month club. Andy’s professional career began in Europe as an IT specialist for an American company based abroad. Through a series of events, he was hired by a different company and relocated to Scotland. His work environment in the new job was difficult, even hostile. The stress he was experiencing at work manifested itself as migraines and other physical symptoms and Andy began to withdraw into himself. He started meeting with a group of entrepreneurs who helped hi...
2016-06-2342 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 16 – Maretha Retief; Junior Wimbledon, Disability, & Redefining SuccessMeet Maretha, a writer and mom, who competed in Junior Wimbledon as a teenager. Maretha was born with ectrodactyly, a genetic condition that means her left hand only has a thumb and pinkie finger. The disability is often called a “lobster hand” and also affects her heart. Since her right hand seemed to be unaffected, she became a successful tennis player and qualified for Junior Wimbledon. Not long into competition, however, she had trouble with her right hand. She discovered that, even though it didn’t look affected by ectrodctyly, her right hand couldn’t keep up with the demands...
2016-06-1628 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 15 – Monica Green; Pediatric Cancer, Grieving, & MotherhoodMeet Monica, a mother of three, whose son Mason was diagnosed with pediatric brain cancer. She shares the struggle of being caregiver for one child while still parenting her other children. Monica describes the challenges of being a primary caregiver and how that role changes when your loved one passes away. After Mason went to heaven, Monica said it was a challenge to allow herself, her husband, her son, and her daughter to grieve in their own, unique ways. Monica and her husband started the Mason Green Foundation, which raises money and awareness for pediatric brain cancer. ...
2016-06-0939 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 14 – Catherine Dodd; Failure, College, & Finding IdentityMeet Catherine, an AP psychology teacher, who cycled through public school, private school, and homeschooling so often as a child that she only spent one year in one educational setting. By the time she got to high school, she had an education about the level of 5th or 6th grade. Catherine didn’t know how to be a successful student, but she found that popularity was easy, so she invested her energy into friendships. Upon graduating, she swore to never step foot in a school again. She got married and started a family. Several years later, she found herself pu...
2016-06-0242 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 13 – Laura Fleetwood; Wonder Woman, Breakdown, & HopeMeet Laura, a high achiever and writer at Seeking The Still. She was always able to meet every challenge and had a reputation of being super woman. She had such a high capacity for stress that she was able to get it all done without asking for help. Two years ago, she was chairing a school fundraiser when she experienced her first panic attack, quickly followed by a deep depression. Since then, Laura has found hope through counseling and learning to ask for help. She encourages people to ask for help, too, and reminds others who struggle with anxiety...
2016-04-2844 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 12 – Mary Kate White; Good Girl, Monoamneotic Twins, & RedemptionMeet Mary Kate, a mother of twin two-year-olds, was a good girl. She went to church and did all the right things. Three months before she was planning on marrying her college sweetheart, she found out she was pregnant. Immediately, Mary Kate panicked and felt an overwhelming sense of shame about disappointing everyone’s expectations for her. A few weeks later, Mary Kate and her fiancé found out the twins were mono-mono, which a very rare and potentially dangerous situation where the twins share an amniotic sac. The girls were born early and spent the first three months of lif...
2016-04-2142 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 11 – Ana Ohlandt; Sisters, Trust, & GuiltMeet Ana, a mom of two and oldest of four sisters. When Ana was in high school, a close family friend violated her family’s trust. Her relationship with her sisters changed as they began to heal and she found herself wrestling with guilt; whether or not it was true, she felt like she should’ve been able to protect them and prevent the whole thing. After spending several years riddled with anger, Ana finally began to let go of the guilt and find healing. Grace showed up in restored relationships with her sisters. Ana's Answers To The...
2016-04-1424 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 10 – Patty Giannattasio; Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, & Tomato SoupMeet Patty, an all around awesome and brave person (also known as my mom), shares the story of the years when my dad was laid off: he was running his own business and, while it was a thriving business, their mortgage was sold to a bank who wouldn’t recognize the federal program that allowed them to pay only interest while they got back on their feet. Bankruptcy and foreclosure followed and my parents had to find a place to live when most places wouldn’t consider them as tenants with a history of bankruptcy. Grace showed up in the...
2016-04-0725 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 09 – Shauna Beth Paradiso; Infertility, Miscarriage, & ShameMeet Shauna Beth, a mom of two (with one on the way) and owner/creator of Flip and Bean Creation, a small business that solves practical parenting problems. Shauna Beth shares the heartbreak of being diagnosed with unexplained infertility and the experience of infertility treatments, including Clomid, Gonadotropin injections, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization. Multiple miscarriages and three children later, Shauna Beth insists this long season of struggle is what drew her and her husband closer together and changed her relationship with God. Shauna Beth's Answers To The Fun Questions: • What are you loving right no...
2016-03-3138 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 08 – Emily Heller; Peace Corps, Chasing Dreams, & BelongingEmily, an environmental scientist and Peace Corps alumna shares her experience with the Peace Corps, finding a place to belong, and learning that she could trust God with her dreams. Emily's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Being quiet with God, finding happy fun things on social media, knitting, and spending time with family. • What’s your favorite meal right now? Yogurt with fruit and granola: a parfait of the day! • What are you doing to take care of yourself? Running! • What are you doing to be brave? Applying f...
2016-03-2428 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 07 – Heather Bender; Unplanned Pregnancy, Denial, & New PurposeHeather, a mom of four, shares her story of a sexual assault that ended in pregnancy. She battled shame, denial, and depression, but, as a result, found purpose and direction for her life. Heather's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Finding new opportunities for writing and sharing her story. Meeting new writers friends and seeing her journey as a writer unfold. • What’s your favorite meal right now? There’s nothing a bowl of spaghetti and red sauce can’t fix. • What are you doing to take care of yourself? Ta...
2016-03-1728 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 06 – Molly Giannattasio; Volleyball, Injury, & Personal GrowthMolly, a graduate student, shares her career ending injury and how it turned her life around. She was accustomed to facing adversity with anger and now chooses to look for the good. Molly's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Molly’s trying to say “yes” more and become a more fun person. • What’s your favorite meal right now? Usually ice cream is her favorite, but she didn’t let herself eat ice cream for the month of February, so she decided to put hot sauce on everything. • What are you doing to...
2016-03-1027 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 05 – Michelle Tolson; Multiple Sclerosis, Whitney Houston, & Facing UncertaintyMichelle, a former Rockette, was diagnosed with MS just after turning 40. She describes what it’s like to live in fear of an unpredictable disease and insists that she still has hope. Michelle's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Whitney Houston! Seeing a student find their creativity and learn something new. • What’s your favorite meal right now? She’s trying to eat better, but if she could have any meal, it would be a steak (medium rare) with asparagus and hollandaise sauce and a glass of red wine. • What are you...
2016-03-0427 min
Sucker PunchedEp. 04 – Leighann Marquiss; Prenatal Diagnosis, Community, & Living Behind FacadesWhen Leighann was pregnant with her third child, the doctor’s found something that warranted recommending terminating the pregnancy. Find out how her son’s diagnosis (and survival) helped her learn to live more authentically. Leighann's Answers to the Fun Questions: • What are you loving right now? Life coaching and behavioral psychology related research, the new Star Wars movie, and time with her family • What’s your favorite meal right now? Mexican food, fig spread over brie, and biscotti and tea. • What are you doing to take care of yourself? Getting up early each morning to g...
2016-03-0321 min