Shows
Courageous 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 generation2025-05-0807 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 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!21. Live Full Out: Overcoming Regrets with LeeAnn Marie WebsterAre there things you wish you could undo or do-over? We all have them, but you can live regret-free!Join us for an insightful and moving conversation with Leanne Marie Webster about living life 'full out,' free from regrets. In this episode, Leanne revisits a tragic childhood event that shaped her philosophy of living every day to the fullest. We discuss the importance of intentional living, how regrets can reveal what we truly value, and the significance of small, meaningful actions in our everyday lives. Leanne doesn't just share her story; she of...2025-02-1326 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!20. Geocaching: Discover the Adventure with Lisa BreitenfeldtHave you ever heard of geocaching? Whether you’re a pro or a complete newbie, you’ll love this conversation with Lisa Breitenfeldt of Cache Like a Girl! Join us as we explore what geocaching is, why people get hooked on it, and how you can embark on this high-tech treasure hunt yourself. Geocaching can add a sprinkle of adventure and connection to your life, no matter where you are. Learn how to get started, what to expect when you find a cache, and discover the community that awaits you. If you're r...2025-01-3032 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!19. Fetch the Goodness: Grace for the Family That Doesn't Believe with Kellie Frazier (Part 2)It's challenging to answer God's call to more when our family isn't on board, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't do it.In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson shares the inspiring journey of Kelly Frasier, who defied her family's skepticism to follow God's call. Fueled by faith and courage, Kelly overcame her fears and built a successful studio for her TV show Fetch the Goodness, which focuses on teaching children about God's identity and the fruits of the spirit. The discussion highlights the challenges of following one's spiritual path a...2025-01-1616 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!18. Fetch the Goodness: Redefining Courage Through Faith with Kellie Frazier (Part 1)What does courage look like in retirement? For Kellie Frazier of Fetch the Goodness, it meant going far beyond her comfort zone. From jumping out of airplanes and zip-lining over a Mexican rainforest to embracing radical life changes, Kellie shares her remarkable story of healing after a brain injury, a transformative 40-day fast, and stepping boldly into God's plan to bring children back to Him through a TV show. In this episode, the first of a two-part conversation with Kellie, she turns the concept of a courageous retirement on its head, showing us how building physical and em...2025-01-0228 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!17. Forgiving the Unforgivable: A Christmas StoryChristmas is a season of hope, joy, and peace, but for many, it is a season when old hurts resurface, reminding us of things that are anything but joyful.Vona Johnson explores the profound theme of forgiveness in this heartfelt episode of Courageous Retirement. Reflecting on personal stories, Christian teachings, and poignant examples, Vona encourages listeners to release long-held hurts and embrace the true spirit of Christmas—granting and receiving forgiveness. Using insights from Lora Johnson's book 'The Night I Met Santa,' she demonstrates how connecting with forgiveness can bring peace and joy into you...2024-12-1909 min
Longing for More177: Forgiving the Unforgivable ~ A Christmas StoryChristmas is a season of hope, joy, and peace, but for many, it is a season when old hurts resurface, reminding us of things that are anything but joyful.Vona Johnson explores the profound theme of forgiveness in this heartfelt episode of Courageous Retirement. Reflecting on personal stories, Christian teachings, and poignant examples, Vona encourages listeners to release long-held hurts and embrace the true spirit of Christmas—granting and receiving forgiveness. Using insights from Lora Johnson's book 'The Night I Met Santa,' she demonstrates how connecting with forgiveness can bring peace and joy into you...2024-12-1909 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!16. Eagerly Waiting: Finding Joy in Advent and BeyondIn this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson shares her thoughts about waiting, which resonates deeply with those who realize that much of life involves waiting, and retirement is not excluded. She draws parallels between this waiting and the anticipation of the Christmas season, making the experience particularly relatable to believers. Vona highlights the numerous milestones and periods of waiting throughout our lives, from professional goals to personal aspirations. She uses biblical examples to explore how waiting is a significant part of the believer's journey, emphasizing the importance of faith, patience, and trust in God's perfect t...2024-12-0512 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!15. The Quest for MOREHost, Vona Johnson, reflects on her faith journey and understanding God's plan in this heartfelt episode. She shares how perceived missteps and years of uncertainty were laying a foundation for her true calling. Vona reveals the importance of continued faith and trust in God's plan, even when life's path seems unclear. She shares how her podcast Courageous Retirement came to be and introduces the concept of ClubMore, encouraging viewers to find and live their MORE in life, driven by faith and God's purpose for each of us.Scripture referenced: Psalm 19: 7-9Become...2024-11-2116 minLonging for More176: The Quest for MOREWelcome back to Longing for More! It's been too long since I've released an episode here and I'm excited to share what's been happening since our last episode. Host, Vona Johnson, reflects on her faith journey and understanding God's plan in this heartfelt episode. She shares how perceived missteps and years of uncertainty were laying a foundation for her true calling. Vona reveals the importance of continued faith and trust in God's plan, even when life's path seems unclear. She shares how her podcast Courageous Retirement came to be and introduces the concept of ClubMore...2024-11-2119 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!14. The Game of Life: What's Your Next Move?Have you ever viewed life as a game? This episode explores how our favorite childhood board games like Battleship, Candy Land, and Monopoly reflect our life's journey. In life, as in a game, we sometimes make a fortunate move and other times, ose a lot of ground. The conversation also parallels how we can view our faith as a game. We learn why keeping your eye on the 'end game' is crucial, and we stress the importance of trusting God's plan. We discover how to enrich our lives through faith-based principles. Whether we're navigating the st...2024-11-0715 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!13. When Busyness Catches Up: Choosing What Matters MostLife has a way of bunching up, even in retirement. This episode is about balancing multiple commitments and prioritizing what truly matters. As she looks at life from a different perspective, Vona emphasizes the role of God's plan for work and rest and how faith and flexibility can guide us in making the right choices. Discover practical tips that you can easily implement in your daily life, on maintaining harmony with our priorities, being present for loved ones, and embracing God's purpose, all while finding peace and fulfillment. Discover how the daily practice of your fa...2024-10-2409 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!12. A Different View: Loving Better As ChristiansJoin host Vona Johnson in this podcast episode as she explores how God reveals fresh perspectives to enhance understanding and love for others, especially in challenging moral and ethical discussions. As Christians, we understand the importance of empathy in conversations, but we can do better. We can love better. Vona shares personal experiences from attending her state Right to Life Conference and offers insights on loving others while adhering to biblical truths, all rooted in the power of the Holy Spirit. Explore how faith can lead us to a meaningful life filled with purpose and he...2024-10-1021 min
Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!11. What's On Your Bucket List?Join me on a journey to Yellowstone National Park as I check off a long-held bucket list item. Discover the unexpected lessons and insights I learned along the way. From the stunning beauty of Bear Tooth Highway to the awe-inspiring geysers, canyons, and waterfalls, this trip was not just a sightseeing adventure but a spiritual journey filled with meaningful reflections and parallels to our faith lives. Learn how listening to experienced travelers, being flexible, and using guides can enhance your adventures and walk with God. You will also learn how to expand or create a bu...2024-09-2619 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!10. An Unexpected Journey: Extreme Obedience with Andi Pigott MartinAndy Pigott Martin shares her incredible journey of unwavering faith and surrender to God in this episode of Courageous Retirement. Andy's story is filled with remarkable examples of following divine nudges that led her on unexpected and transformative adventures. From selling everything she owned to embarking on a cross-country trip, Andy exemplifies what it means to trust God completely. Discover how Andy's journey of obedience has brought her peace, fulfillment, and opportunities to shine God's light in the darkest places. Whether you're contemplating retirement or seeking deeper purpose, Andy's experiences provide a profound lesson in courage and...2024-09-1246 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!9. What's Retirement Worth?Finding True Value and Purpose in Retirement can be a challenging journey, especially if we follow what the world tells us will make us happy. You're not alone in this struggle. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson delves into the true worth of retirement from a Christian perspective. She explores how retirement is more than just financial savings and plans, but a journey of aligning values with actions. This empowers you to take control of your retirement and live a life of purpose and service. Drawing from personal life experiences and Biblical...2024-08-2920 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!8. Listen for God's Timing as You Retire–Tracy Warren's StoryIn this episode, Tracy shares her inspiring journey of waiting too long to retire, the struggles she faced, the role of faith in her transition, and crucial advice for listeners. Discover how stepping away from a toxic job environment, caring for her elderly mom, and finding new purpose through a nonprofit led her to this fulfilling chapter of life–an unexpected retirement. Tracy's story emphasizes the importance of listening to God, embracing change, and pursuing a life of purpose and adventure beyond retirement. If you're considering your next step, don't miss her profound insights and en...2024-08-1528 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!7. Making Room for God in Retirement: A Conversation with Dana LyonsJoin Vona Johnson in a heartfelt conversation with author and coach Dana Lyons as they explore the profound concept of making room for God in your life, especially during retirement. Dana shares her personal journey of clearing life's clutter to deepen her relationship with God, providing practical insights and wisdom for those nearing or in retirement. Discover how transitions, though challenging, can lead to a richer, more fulfilling life led by faith and purpose. Don't miss Dana's inspiring message on finding peace, joy, and fulfillment by aligning with God's will. Stay tuned until the end fo...2024-08-0136 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!6. Embracing New Beginnings After a Successful CareerIn this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson interviews a former client about her journey from a fulfilling career as a vice president at Kiewit Construction Company to a purpose-driven retirement. They discuss the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning into retirement, including overcoming fears and finding new sources of identity and value. Connie shares her personal experiences, from dealing with a past health scare to the importance of planning and being patient. She emphasizes the value of having supportive conversations and offers valuable advice for those contemplating retirement. Tune in for an enlightening and heartwarming discussion filled...2024-07-1825 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!5. Shake Off the 'Dirt' in Your Life: Using our Past for Good.This episode of Courageous Retirement challenges that notion that retirement is the time to coast through the rest of your life with a conversation between host Vona Johnson and guest Michael Arterberry, an author, and inspirational coach. Michael shares his story and philosophy on overcoming past trauma and making a lasting impact in the world. He emphasizes the importance of addressing your past, shaking off negativity, and using your experiences to guide and support others, particularly youth. Michael shares a powerful story about a farmer and a donkey, symbolizing the importance of overcoming life's challenges. Tune in f...2024-07-0434 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!4. The Courage to Engage Your Faith and Be a PeacemakerIn this inspiring episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson discusses the unique role retirees can play in fostering peace in the world. Drawing from her faith and a recent experience at the Let Freedom Fly Air Show, Vona explores the importance of standing up for what is right and living out Christian values. She addresses contemporary issues, encourages spending time in the Bible, and emphasizes the courage needed to be a peacemaker. Vona also introduces her books 'A Different View' and 'Equipped for More,' offering resources to help retirees live purposefully and faithfully.00:00 Introduction to Courageous...2024-06-2017 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!1. What is Courageous Retirement?Introducing Courageous Retirement: Embrace the Best Season and Finish WellIn the debut episode of the Courageous Retirement podcast, host Vona Johnson and special guest hosts Mike and Kelsey Domeny explore what it means to approach retirement with courage and faith. Vona shares her vision for the podcast, discussing the importance of discerning God's will, redefining purpose beyond the workplace, and embracing this best season with peace and fulfillment. Tune in to discover how to navigate retirement fearlessly, finish well, leave a legacy of faith, and live your more in this new chapter of life.00:00...2024-06-0628 minCourageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!2. Make an Impact Beyond the Workplace: Leave a Legacy of FaithStruggle to Find Your Purpose in Retirement?In this episode of the Courageous Retirement podcast, host Vona Johnson delves into the journey of finding purpose and impact in retirement from a Christian perspective. Reflecting on life's work, accomplishments, and legacy, Vona addresses common fears and misconceptions about retirement. She shares touching stories, including her mother’s artistic journey and the biblical tale of Tabitha, illustrating how even simple gifts can make a significant impact. The episode encourages listeners to utilize their talents for joy and greater good, providing suggestions for engaging with community and faith. Tun...2024-06-0611 min