Shows
Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!46. When Is “Enough” Enough to Retire? Faith, Finances, and Courageous Retirement (with Mike Perez)When Is “Enough” Enough to Retire? Faith, Finances, and Courageous Retirement (with Mike Perez)How much is enough to retire?In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with Mike Perez, author of Faith and Finances, to tackle one of the most common fears facing retirement-age believers: What if I don’t have enough money saved?Together, they explore how retirement may require less than we assume—and how financial decisions become clearer when filtered through prayer, calling, and kingdom purpose. Mike shares his practical cash-flow framework, including his five-par...
2026-02-2630 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!45. The Shift — When Less Is MoreLately, I’ve sensed God inviting me into a shift — from striving to faithfulness. From doing more to loving more deliberately.In this episode of Courageous Retirement, I share how retirement created space for Scripture to speak more deeply into my life — and how Romans 10 and 1 Corinthians 13 reshaped the way I see this season.Retirement isn’t a winding down. It’s an invitation.An invitation to steward our time with eternity in mind.An invitation to reflect God’s love more intentionally.An invitation to finish well.As we approach Len...
2026-02-1207 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!44. Living Your Best Life in Retirement: Lessons from Legos and FaithLiving Your Best Life in Retirement: Lessons from Legos and FaithIn this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares an unexpected lesson learned while building Legos with her grandson—and how it beautifully mirrors the opportunity retirement offers us.By watching her grandson playing with legos, Vona reflects on what it means to “dump everything on the table,” reassess what we’ve built so far, and intentionally rebuild for the season ahead. Retirement, she reminds us, isn’t an ending—it’s an invitation to start fresh with purpose.Vona encourages lis...
2026-01-2911 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!43. Ditch Your Resolutions: Do This Instead!What if New Year’s resolutions are actually keeping you from something better?In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares why she stopped chasing resolutions—and started listening for God’s direction instead. Rather than creating long lists of goals that fade by February, she embraces a simple but powerful practice: choosing a “Word of the Year” rooted in prayer and Scripture.Vona reflects on how resolutions can unintentionally distract us from seeking God’s Kingdom and discovering His unique purpose for this season of life. With honesty and encouragement, she opens up about her ow...
2026-01-1514 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!42. Life is Short: Live it Purposefully!A new season, a renewed focus, and an invitation to live with eternal intentionLife is short—how are you choosing to live it?In this episode of Courageous Retirement, I reflect on the reality that our days are limited and invite you into a conversation about living purposefully, not just productively.Scripture reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). That wisdom isn’t about rushing through life—it’s about aligning our time, energy, and calling with what matters eternally.I r...
2026-01-0116 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!41. Navigating Grief During the Holidays | Gentle Help When Loss Feels HeavyNavigating grief during the holidays can feel especially heavy when the world expects joy, celebration, and togetherness. In this compassionate episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson welcomes clinical psychologist and grief educator Dr. Richelle to offer gentle help and practical support for anyone experiencing loss during the holiday season.Together, they explore how grief is more than the loss of a loved one—it can also stem from changes in health, relationships, identity, purpose, or life transitions common in midlife and retirement. Dr. Richelle explains how unprocessed grief can affect emotional well-being, en...
2025-12-2042 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!40. The ONLY Thing That Really MattersWhat does your life say about your faith?That is a question that can stop us in our tracks. In this touching Christmas episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson invites you to slow down and reflect on the one thing that truly matters. Inspired by her annual Christmas card and a tender memory of her dad during the advanced stages of dementia, Vona shares how a simple phrase he repeated about her stepmom revealed a deep truth about faith, love, and legacy.Drawing from 2 Peter 1:10, Vona explores how faith is more...
2025-12-0512 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!39. Finish Well: Navigating Work and Purpose After RetirementAre you approaching retirement but still feel called to more?In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with Beverly Smith, a Faith-Driven Executive Résumé Writer and Job Search Strategist, to break down the myths surrounding retirement and explore what it looks like to finish well before or after retirement. Together, we talk about:✨ Why retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning✨ How to overcome age bias with confidence and clarity✨ Ways to align work, calling, and God-given purpose in this season✨ Practical tools for transi...
2025-11-2037 min
Longing for More178. Trust the Path: Praying Loved Ones Back to TruthHave you ever watched someone you love drift off the path you thought God had for them? It’s painful—but it doesn’t mean their story is over.In this crossover episode (from Courageous Retirement) of Longing for More, Vona shares insight from Scripture and personal experience about what it means to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Discover how to walk in peace, even when others take detours, and how God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory.✨ In this episode:
2025-11-1607 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!38. Trust the Path: Praying Loved Ones Back to TruthHave you ever watched someone you love drift off the path you thought God had for them? It’s painful—but it doesn’t mean their story is over.In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares insight from Scripture and personal experience about what it means to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Discover how to walk in peace, even when others take detours, and how God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory.✨ In this episode:Why detours and dela...
2025-11-0607 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!37. From Autopilot to Alignment: Living with God’s Purpose in Every SeasonWhen was the last time you checked your spiritual compass? It might be time to wake up your faith and walk in God’s direction again.Have you ever realized you’ve been going through the motions—doing all the right things but missing the deeper purpose behind them? In this heartfelt episode, Vona shares a personal story that reminds us how easy it is to drift from God’s will without even noticing. She explores how to live intentionally, discern truth in a confusing world, and walk boldly in faith—no matter what season you’re in...
2025-10-2320 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!36. Beyond the Money: Finding Purpose and Adventure in Retirement | A Courageous Retirement Panel DiscussionRetirement isn’t just about making your money last — it’s about making your life count.In this special Courageous Retirement episode, host Vona Johnson teams up with guest host Michael Fritzius to co-lead a dynamic panel featuring three experts in purpose, financial planning, and travel. Together, Dan Simon, Mike Perez, and Amanda Hietter discuss how retirement can become your most meaningful, adventurous, and faith-filled season yet.Throughout the conversation you will discover how to:~Overcome fear and uncertainty about what’s next~ Balance...
2025-10-0958 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!35. The Turning Point: Choosing Truth Over CultureIs This YOUR Turning Point?Are you truly living out your purpose and showing love to others, as Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27? In this episode, we take a closer look at the Great Commission’s call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) in a world filled with diverse and often conflicting beliefs.Our culture’s “you do you” mentality can easily pull us away from God’s truth and the foundation of our Christian faith. Too often, we slip into going through the motions—tolerating false doctrines, compromising with immorality, and losing sight of God’s call.
2025-09-2515 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!34. God’s Grace in Dementia: A Caregiver’s PerspectiveLiving with or caring for someone with dementia is one of life’s hardest journeys—but also one filled with moments of unexpected grace. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson sits down with chaplain Ben Boland to share stories of faith, love, and loss after both recently walking with their fathers through dementia.Together, they discuss:✅ Recognizing early signs of dementia✅ Finding peace and strength as a caregiver✅ Why Christians view suffering, life, and death differently than the world✅ The comfort of knowing our value is in God, not our abilitie...
2025-09-1139 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!33. The Power of Words as we GrieveAre you struggling to find meaning and support during tough times? In this heartfelt episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson discusses the profound impact of words and the importance of acknowledging our emotions. Sharing personal stories from her father's recent passing, Vona emphasizes the necessity of community and the power of expressing genuine feelings. Explore how encouragement and spiritual faith can transform grief into a journey of purpose and fulfillment. Watch for future episodes for more insightful discussions on life's inevitable transitions and upcoming events focused on raising and mentoring children so...
2025-08-2808 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!32. Retirement That Matters: Counting the Cost God’s WayWhat does it really cost to step into a retirement that honors God? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson invites you to look beyond bank accounts and bucket lists to discover what truly matters when leaving the working world behind. Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, Vona shows how even the most unlikely people can find acceptance, transformation, and purpose in Jesus. She opens up about her own shift from chasing worldly success to pursuing the deeper joy that comes from walking in God’s calling. You’ll come away chal...
2025-08-1411 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!31. From Paralegal to Purpose: Living Your More Through Faith and Travel!In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' Vona explores how God’s nudges often lead us to unexpected but beautiful transformations. She’s joined by Amanda Hietter, a luxury travel advisor who left her paralegal career to step fully into entrepreneurship—and into the life God was calling her to live.Amanda shares her inspiring story of faith, fear, and freedom—revealing how she trusted God’s provision, prioritized time with family, and found purpose beyond the office walls. Vona also weaves in wisdom from her book 'A Different View' and scripture to encourage you on your own journe...
2025-07-3130 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!30. Retired at 47: Following God's CallWhat happens when you retire at 47—and you're not even sure what's next? In this episode, Dan Simon shares how stepping away early wasn’t about escaping work, but about faithfully following God’s redirection. Discover the faith it takes to retire early—and the purpose that unfolds when you trust God with your next season.Dan walks us through his journey from climbing the ranks in education to launching a charter school, and eventually stepping into Christian education and consulting.Through challenges and unexpected turns, Dan discovered that God's plan was far...
2025-07-1735 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!29. Trusting God When You Can't Fix ItWe've all had problems we feel helpless to fix. Whether it's an illness, a job situation, an unscrupulous landlord, or an unjust system, there are times when we can't remedy the situation. In this heartfelt finale of season one of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson shares how she is facing problems she cannot fix and offers encouragement for those feeling overwhelmed. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and trust in God's plan. Through touching stories, including an inspiring encounter involving her grandson, Vona emphasizes the importance of listening to God's qu...
2025-06-0509 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!28. Courageous Connections: Networking for Introverts in RetirementAre you an introvert nearing retirement and looking forward to the end of the need to attend networking events? Think again! In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson challenges you to rethink networking as a critical tool for maintaining connections in retirement. Sharing her recent experiences and offering actionable advice, Vona explores how continuing to network can lead to a life filled with purpose, joy, and community during the Best Season. Learn how to use your faith and the Holy Spirit to guide you in making new, meaningful friendships. Don't miss out on...
2025-05-2311 min
Discover The Full Audiobook Everyone Is Talking About — So Vivid!A Different View: Start Living the Life Your Soul Longs for by Vona JohnsonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/50865to listen full audiobooks.
Title: A Different View: Start Living the Life Your Soul Longs for
Series: Live Your More Series, Book 1
Author: Vona Johnson
Narrator: Vona Johnson
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 05-16-25
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Religious Studies
Publisher's Summary:
The world has twisted God’s Truth. A Different View is the wake-up call Christians need. The world is shaming us into embracing a culture keeping us from experiencing the life of peace and fulfillment our souls long for.
2025-05-165h 24Embark On Into A Ground-Breaking Full Audiobook During Your Workout.A Different View: Start Living the Life Your Soul Longs for by Vona JohnsonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/49103to listen full audiobooks.
Title: A Different View: Start Living the Life Your Soul Longs for
Series: Live Your More Series, Book 1
Author: Vona Johnson
Narrator: Vona Johnson
Format: mp3
Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
Release date: 05-16-25
Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars, 1 rating
Genres: Christianity
Publisher's Summary:
The world has twisted God’s Truth. A Different View is the wake-up call Christians need. The world is shaming us into embracing a culture keeping us from experiencing the life of peace and fulfillment our souls long for.
2025-05-165h 24Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!27. Your Life is Your Legacy: God can use it ALL for His Glory!In this inspiring episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson invites you to reflect on the legacy you’re building — not just someday, but right now. Vona shares her own journey, from writing 'A Different View' to becoming a life and retirement coach, showing how God weaves every part of our story — the successes, the struggles, even the fears — into a meaningful, lasting legacy.✨ You’ll discover:✅ How to face each with bold purpose and faith✅ Why it’s never too late to create a life that matters✅ The power of encouraging the next generation
2025-05-0807 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!26. Retire with Integrity: the Decision with James ZeiglerWhether you plan your retirement for months in advance or are forced into it, the shift to retirement can be stressful and challenging. In this episode of the Courageous Retirement podcast, host Vona Johnson is joined by guest James Zeigler to discuss the profound and often challenging decision to retire. They explore retirement's emotional and practical aspects, emphasizing the importance of integrity, faith, and courage. James shares his journey from an illustrious career in Veterans Affairs to a fulfilling retirement, highlighting God's pivotal role in guiding this transition. They discuss many people's inner str...
2025-04-2443 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!25. We're Focused on the Wrong Thing: How to Respond Better When We DisagreeIn this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson discusses the importance of being intentional about the issues we focus on as Christians. Inspired by a quote from a well-known comedian, Vona explores how we can shift our focus from disagreements to responding with love and understanding. She explores love, not in the worldly sense by ignoring sin, but the kind wrapped in truth and forgiveness. She emphasizes the significance of relying on the Bible for truth and provides practical steps to ensure we walk the path Jesus would have us walk and responding to disagreements the...
2025-04-1017 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!24. Business as a Ministry: The Ultimate Success with Brandon M. WestIn this conversation, Vona welcomes Brandon West to Courageous Retirement, where they discuss the paths of faith and career and how we can use our work as a ministry. Touching on themes of legacy, purpose, and the true definition of success and failure, Brandon shares a lesson on taking risks he learned from David Green, the CEO of Hobby Lobby, and a heartfelt discussion about the struggles of positioning his business as a ministry. Sharing impactful stories and quotes, they explore the concept of success as being faithful rather than outcome-based and the eternal significance of...
2025-03-2731 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!23. Discover the Power of Your Story: Interview with Niels Kwakernaak on Writing and LegacyDocumenting your experiences can help you process life and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, you will learn how to take your personal stories to the next level so you can leave a profound impact by writing them. Host Vona Johnson welcomes special guest Niels Kwakernaak to explore the significance of sharing personal stories. They discuss how Niels provides practical tips on writing and storytelling, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits and potential for deeper self-understanding through writing. They also demonstrate the value of aligning one's storytelling with personal faith and authenticity.
2025-03-1331 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!22. Staying Competitive and Having Fun: The Senior Games with Mike WeeksDoes the illusion of wasting away in retirement scare you? Do you long to be active, travel, and make new friends? Then listen up!In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Mike Weeks shares his transformative journey into the Senior Olympics. Discover how Mike rejuvenated his life post-retirement by diving into competitive swimming and other sports, leading to better health and new friendships. Mike and host, Vona Johnson, discuss: the impact of having goals, the variety of events in the Senior Olympics, and how this vibrant community offers physical, social, and emotional benefits.
2025-02-2728 min