Curiously with Ericka Graham

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Katie Crokus to discuss the awkwardness of change, the freedom found from leaving restriction and choosing abundance, and how regaining a menstruation was a sign of health. More about Katie Crokus:Katie is a mom to three, animal-obsessed, kitchen-dwelling, over-sharing, recipe-developing storyteller. She is committed to nurturing people with delicious food and stories that intersect celebration, healthy living and healing. LINKS:Website for Katie Crokus:  https://www.empowernutritioncoach.comSubstack for Katie Crokus: https://substack.com/@katiecrokusIG: https://www.instagram.com/katiecrokus/ 

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Francesca Hogi to talk about finding true love, dating apps, flirting, modern love, and more. This is a conversation for singles looking for love, and also for partnered couples looking to create deeper intimacy. More about Francesca HogiFrancesca Hogi helps people find true love inside and out. A former corporate lawyer turned matchmaker turned love coach, Francesca is an author, TED speaker, and host of the relationship podcast Dear Franny. She’s been featured in media outlets such as The Today Show, Marie Claire, The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Forbes. She is the founder of The True Love Society, a community for those seeking deeper self and romantic love. Her first book, How to Find True Love: Unlock Your Romantic Flow and Create Lasting Relationships, was recently released and is available wherever you get your books and audiobooks. LINKS:Learn more: https://francescahogi.com/Buy the book: https://linktr.ee/howtofindtrueloveIG: https://www.instagram.com/dearfranny/Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/francesca_hogi_true_love_and_the_myth_of_happily_ever_afterFrancesca’s Mom (who has never posted on IG) https://www.instagram.com/joycehogiTV ON THE RADIO: https://tvontheradio.com/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Rev. Katie O’Dunne to talk about how OCD treatment is also a spiritual practice for both her and her clients. Although this conversation is centered around those with OCD, the theme of surrendering to uncertainty and choosing faith is really a spiritual practice that all people can benefit from. More about Katie O’Dunne:Rev. Dr. Katie O'Dunne founded and leads an inclusive virtual community for those navigating faith and OCD called Stick with the Ick. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, she spent 7 years as the Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, simultaneously consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. Drawing on this experience, Katie educates clinicians and clergy, promoting culturally responsive treatment across religious/spiritual traditions. She leads the IOCDF Faith & OCD Action Council, consults on Religion & OCD with OCDI Texas, and received Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Ministry Award for Distinction in Integrative Care Practices.  Katie O’Dunne’s Website: https://www.revkatieodunne.com Stick with the Ick App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stick-with-the-ick/id6478934982 Katie’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/revkrunsbeyondocd/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Sean Palmer about his life, being a dad, and what it means to live with death in mind. More about Sean Palmer:Previously profiled in Christian Standard Magazine as one of “40 Leaders Under 40,” and with 24-years of ministry experience, Sean is a sought-after national keynote speaker, teacher, writer, and workshop facilitator. His writing has been featured on Scot McKnight’s Jesus Creed at Christianity Today, Sojourners, FOXNews.com, The Lookout Magazine and Christian Standard Magazine. Sean is also a featured writer and board member for Missio Alliance, a contributing writer to The Voice Bible, and author of Unarmed Empire: In Search of Beloved Community, which has been called “the best book about the church,” which reached #1 in Christian Discipleship on Amazon. Be sure to check out his other books (like Forty Days on Being A Three) on his website, linked below.Sean is a frequent guest on a range of podcasts and has been featured on National Public Radio. Sean is also a speaking and preaching coach, helping speakers conquer self-doubt, lack of clarity, and listener boredom through the craft of storytelling.Sean studied Youth and Family Ministry at Abilene Christian University and Homiletics at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary, The Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, and Fuller Seminary. Sean and his wife, Rochelle, have been married for over 25-years and live in Houston, TX. They also have two incredible adult daughters.  Website:       https://www.seanisaacpalmer.comFacebook:    https://www.facebook.com/sean.palmer1Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/seanisaacpalmer/Books:          https://www.seanisaacpalmer.com Subscribe to Sean’s Substack: https://seanpalmer.substack.com

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children.  More about Felicia Martin:Felicia is the President & Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network (TFN), and Prior to TFN, Felicia served as the Regional Director of Academic Programs in Texas for The Jed Foundation (JED). Felicia also previously helped build EMERGE, a Houston-based college success nonprofit, into a nationally recognized organization. Over her 8 years with the organization, she was instrumental in launching and leading EMERGE’s first College Success team, designing support systems for historically marginalized students attending selective colleges. Her work helped EMERGE earn the 2022 NACAC Inclusion, Access, and Student Success Award. She is a 2023 Latinos for Education Board Fellow, and is currently a Board Member for Connect Community. Felicia holds a B.A. in Sociology from Rice University and a master’s degree in Organizational Development from St. Edward’s University. Find Felicia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciamartin/Learn more about Texas Freedom Network (TFN): https://tfn.org/staff/Follow Texas Freedom Network on IG: https://www.instagram.com/txfreedomnetwork/?hl=en  More about Janicca Garcia:Janicca Garcia is the Co-Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of External Affairs at EMERGE, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering high-achieving students from underserved communities to attend and graduate from the nation’s top colleges and universities. A first-generation college graduate, Janicca brings a deep, personal commitment to equity and access in education. Her career spans nonprofit management, healthcare, and higher education, with a strong track record of leading strategic initiatives in branding, fundraising, and community partnerships. Outside of work, Janicca is a proud mom of three beautiful humans—who inspire her daily. She’s also a dedicated fitness enthusiast who finds strength, clarity, and joy through weightlifting and wellness. Whether she’s in the gym or spending quality time with her kids, Janicca is passionate about modeling resilience for both her family and the communities she serves. Follow Janicca on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mrshealthyfitceo?igsh=MW02N3JmOWx5Z3RoMwFind Janicca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiccastephens/   More about Jenny Noonan:Jenny is a homeschooling mom to three amazing kids and she follows a “Charlotte Mason-inspired approach” to learning. That means her days are filled with rich literature, nature exploration, meaningful conversations, and plenty of curiosity-led discovery. Her favorite part of homeschooling is simply being with her kids—watching their eyes light up when they learn something new or master a challenge. Of course, not every moment is Pinterest-perfect. Some days she has deep debates about whether math is really necessary—but she wouldn’t trade the life she has built for anything. She believes in creating a home where learning feels alive, relationships come first, and each child is seen for who they truly are. She also is a coach and consultant for anyone looking to root deep into their values and live them daily. Follow Jenny on IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.noonan_consulting/Find Jenny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-noonan-952547233/

In this episode, Ericka interviews three remarkable women who share their journeys through motherhood, personal hardships, and faith. They discuss the courage to make difficult decisions, and the importance of showing up for themselves and their children. ______________________________________ More about Elizabeth Enns Petters:Elizabeth “Lizz” Enns Petters is a writer, speaker, and co-host of the Deconstructing Mamas podcast. She is dedicated to creating a supportive space for individuals navigating faith deconstruction, particularly parents striving to raise children while reexamining their spiritual beliefs. Her work focuses on fostering a sense of safety and belonging for those who feel like spiritual misfits. In addition to her podcasting endeavors, Lizz recently contributed to the book “God’s Stories As told By God’s Children,” and she also maintains a personal blog titled The Deconstructed Mama. Her writings delve into topics such as mental health, motherhood, and spirituality, often drawing from her own experiences with anxiety, OCD, and panic disorder. As the daughter of biblical scholar Peter Enns, Lizz continues the family tradition of engaging with faith through a lens of honesty and critical thought. She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children, where she balances her creative pursuits with the joys and challenges of parenting  Links for Elizabeth:https://www.godsstoriesbook.comhttps://www.deconstructingmamas.comhttps://www.elizabethpetters.com______________________________________  More about Maryann Zaki:Maryann Zaki is a litigation attorney in Houston, Texas. After working for three large law firms, she opened her own law practice, Zaki Law, in 2022. Maryann focuses on several areas of law representing individuals and businesses and does her best to prioritize Christian values in her law practice while raising her 3 children, Joanna, Juliette, and Jiselle.Links for Maryann:https://www.instagram.com/maryannbzaki/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/maryannbzaki______________________________________ More about Trisha Cornwell:Trisha Cornwell is the founder and CEO of Capacity, a consulting firm that provides fractional leadership support to nonprofits and small businesses. She is also recognized for her work as an advocate and resource for single mothers by choice. In 2021, she launched @thesolomama on Instagram to connect solo mothers around the world.  In addition to her consulting work, Trisha authored The Solo Mama Step-By-Step Workbook, a 60-page guide designed to assist women pursuing solo motherhood through donor conception.Links for Trisha:https://www.instagram.com/thesolomama/?hl=enhttps://linktr.ee/thesolomama 

In this episode of Curiously, Ericka is joined by Pastor Chris Seay to discuss the urgent issue of affordable housing in Houston. Pastor Chris, who recently testified in Austin, explains the various projects his community is undertaking to increase housing inventory through legislative support, church land use, and the conversion of vacant office spaces into housing. He emphasizes the importance of creating safe, clean, and affordable living conditions and fostering community support. The conversation also touches upon the broader implications of addressing homelessness and the need for collective action from individuals, churches, and the government. More about Chris Seay:Beyond legislative advocacy, Chris Seay is a pastor, author, and speaker—and the founding and lead pastor of Ecclesia Houston. Ecclesia has initiated programs aimed at assisting those affected by housing insecurity, reflecting a holistic approach to ministry that operates under the assumption that our faith ought to be active in the world. Show Note Links: Email:chris@ecclesiahouston.orgEcclesia Website:https://ecclesiahouston.org

In this episode, Ericka sits down with her friend JT Roach to discuss his career as a singer and songwriter—and the leaps of courage that he has taken to get to where he is today. The two discuss creativity, leaving what is familiar for the unknown, and what it was like to prepare a song for One Republic and play alongside talents like Mike Shaw. More about JT RoachJT Roach is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for his emotive vocals and genre-blending sound that spans from indie folk, pop, and electronic music. JT (John Thomas Roach) began his musical journey playing guitar and writing songs during his college years at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. After graduating, he worked as an assistant video editor at The Onion before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in music.  In Los Angeles, Roach signed a publishing deal with BMG and built a successful career writing for artists such as Jason Derulo, Jessie Reyez, NCT Dream, French Montana, and Krewella. His breakthrough as a solo artist came in 2019 when he won NBC’s Songland, with One Republic selecting his song “Somebody to Love” to record and release.  Roach’s solo discography includes his debut EP Witches Lake (2017) and the album Death As A Lover (2024). He has also collaborated with electronic artists like SLANDER, Said The Sky, and Don Diablo, contributing vocals to tracks such as “Potions” and “Gravity.”  Currently based in Los Angeles, JT Roach continues to blend heartfelt storytelling with innovative production, establishing himself as a versatile and compelling voice in contemporary music. He is now signed to Prescription Songs and Dr. Luke. Show Note Links: Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jt-roach/417771273 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jtroach/?hl=en Somebody to Love (Live from Red Rocks):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dmn7tTaNM-I JT Roach on Songland:https://m.imdb.com/video/embed/vi3467558681/

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Jonathan Merritt as he talks about growing-up as the son of a Megachurch pastor while being gay. He recounts the harrowing experience of being publicly outed and how these early experiences shaped his life today. Jonathan discusses how difficult it is to trust again after trust has been broken, and he also shares how his communication and preaching styles often place him as a person struggling in his stories—not as the hero. When Jonathan creates he often has his audience in mind, and from this interview it is clear that he is someone who lives his life honestly so that others might have the courage to do the same.  More about Jonathan Merritt:Jonathan Merritt is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing - and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. He is an award-winning contributor for The Atlantic, a contributing editor for The Week, and a regular columnist for Religion News Service. He has published more than 3000 articles in outlets such as The New York Times, USA Today, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast and Christianity Today.In addition to the written word, Jonathan regularly contributes commentary to television, print, and radio news outlets. He has been interviewed by ABC World News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Jonathan holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Theology and is the recipient of the Wilbur Award for excellence in journalism, and the Religion News Association’s columnist of the year award. Show Note Links: Books:  https://www.jonathanmerritt.com/writing Instagram:  http://instagram.com/jonathan_merritt

In this episode, Ericka sits down with Pastor Tia Norman to discuss how Tia’s journey into a contemplative spirituality has transformed her life and faith—a faith that is deeply rooted in the mystical teachings of the Christian tradition. Tia believes that “in the stillness of prayer, breath, and silence, we release what is temporary and rest in what is eternal” and it becomes clear from this interview that Tia truly practices what she preaches. More about Tia Norman:Tia Norman is a teacher and guide specializing in spirituality and practices anchored in the mystical teachings of the Christian contemplative tradition. She leads workshops, retreats, and courses while serving as Pastor of Awakenings, Inc., a contemplative community based in Houston, Texas. Recognized by USA Today as a landing place for those leaving organized religion and seeking spiritual refuge, Awakenings provides a space for exploration, healing, and connection. Tia has been recognized by Wesleyan Impact Partners as a Woman with an Entrepreneurial Spirit and as part of the next generation of leaders changing the face of the Christian church. She is a 2023 sendee of the Center for Action and Contemplation's Living School, deepening her study and practice of contemplative spirituality. Show Note Links:Personal Website https://tiaariane.com/ Schedule 1:1 Time with Tia: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/guidance Learn More About Contemplative Consulting Here: https://www.acontemplativespace.com/consulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2btia/?igsh=MTBqeGppdXk3ejhwMA%3D%3D