Called & Crowned

Grief is the wilderness no one prepares us for. The world tells us to move on and bury the pain. But what if grief wasn’t meant to be erased but integrated into who we are becoming? Melissa Dlugolecki knows this firsthand. After losing her daughter Leyden to NEC, her life was shattered, her heart broken, her finances devastated, and her sense of identity stripped away. And yet, it was in that breaking that her rebuilding began. Today, she is a speaker, coach, and author of Scar Tissue, helping thousands transform grief into healing, resilience, and purpose.  In this episode, Melissa opens up about the truth no one wants to talk about: grief doesn’t disappear, it integrates. And within those scars are the very lessons that can crown us with identity, strength, and calling.  What You’ll Learn: Why “moving on” is the biggest myth about grief How to truly support someone going through loss How to recognize grief as a part of your identity, not a season you leave behind The surprising ways loss can expand our capacity for love How to carry grief with grace while stepping into new seasons Timestamps: (02:45) - Moving on vs integrating grief (05:12) - Why Melissa wrote Scar Tissue (11:31) - What to say (and not to say) to someone who’s grieving (14:06) - Toxic positivity and the danger of “time heals” (19:46) - The biggest lesson Melissa learned from her daughter (22:09) - Radical responsibility: shifting from victim to creator (26:22) - How grief prepared Melissa for entrepreneurship (28:02) - Listeners, Distractors, and Doers (32:16) - Authentically grieving and scheduling grief (35:57) - The art of presence and authentic communication (38:41) - Living with alignment, saying no to what doesn’t serve (41:47) - How to deal with a team member who’s going through grief Grab a copy of Melissa’s Book: Scar Tissue | https://scartissuebook.com/  Connect with Melissa Website | https://speakingofmelissa.com/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/melissadlugolecki/  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/melissa.dlugolecki  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaDlugolecki  Podcast | https://speakingofmelissa.com/podcast  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/ 

What if the darkest parts of your past weren’t meant to disqualify you, but to set others free? Meet Caleb Altmeyer, Founder and CEO of Helping Captives. Once entangled in addiction, dealing, and destruction, he now leads a ministry devoted to delivering women out of trafficking, addiction, and exploitation, even transforming a strip club into a house of healing. His calling is clear: to declare freedom to the captives and to reveal the heart of God who always runs into the darkest places to rescue His children.  In this episode, Caleb takes us deeper into his journey and the radical ways God has used his past as a preparation for his calling. He takes us inside the reality of trafficking, why so many women feel trapped, and what it truly takes to protect and empower them. More than just a story of redemption, Caleb’s testimony reminds us that freedom is possible, healing is real, and every life surrendered to God has the power to create breakthroughs for others.  What You’ll Learn: What deliverance looks like and why it matters How God redeems broken pasts and prepares us for purpose The hidden struggles women face when trapped in exploitation What parents need to know about safeguarding their children from exploitation How your own healing unlocks freedom for others Timestamps: (02:14) - Growing up in a family devoted to ministry (03:44) - The identity shift that led him to the wrong crowd (05:45) - When addiction and dealing became an escape (07:15) - The Dream: Caleb’s encounter with God that changed everything (14:15) - What true deliverance looks like (21:01) - From a youth center to rescuing women from trafficking (28:56) - Buying a strip club and turning it into a house of healing (34:49) - The truth about sex work vs sex trafficking (37:44) - Why so many women feel silenced, and how Helping Captives gives them hope (46:36) - The importance of parental involvement (53:24) - Why personal branding matters for your calling (1:03:47) - How Jesus sets captives free Learn more about Helping Captives and how you can get involved: Helping Captives | https://helpingcaptives.org/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/helpingcaptives  Connect with Caleb: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/caleb.altmeyer  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/altmeyer.caleb/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-altmeyer-7460a896/  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/ 

Effortless style is not about chasing the next trend. It’s about knowing who you are and letting that confidence speak.  At just 22, Madison Orlando founded Artless, a brand built on simplicity, sustainability, and timeless confidence. Inspired by ‘90s minimalism and the relaxed, sun-soaked California aesthetic, Maddie’s pieces are elevated wardrobe essentials, intentionally crafted to make getting dressed feel effortless yet luxurious, simple, and undeniably you. In this episode, Emily uncovers Maddie’s journey of creating Artless, navigating the fashion industry at a young age, and building a brand that feels original and enduring. This is more than just fashion. It’s about identity and the quiet confidence that comes when you stop performing and start living authentically. What you’ll learn: Why effortless style begins with knowing who you are, not what you wear The role of simplicity in unlocking creativity and clarity Why timeless confidence is the most stylish thing you can wear How sustainability and ethics can build a brand’s long-term influence How to protect your creativity from burnout and outside pressure Timestamps: (03:07) - Fast fashion, consumerism, and dopamine shopping (08:19) - Wardrobe staples every woman needs (11:49) - How Maddie started Artless at 22 (18:07) - Overthinking vs Action (Learning by Doing) (19:35) - Lessons from family, faith, and entrepreneurship (20:35) - Trials, setbacks, and the mindset that keeps Maddie going (27:50) - Social media and showing up authentically online (33:32) - Routines and rhythms that sustain creativity (38:35) - Growth, networking, and building with intention (42:53) - Sneak peek of Maddie’s wellness brand, Future Proof (45:16) - Advice for anyone playing small (46:28) - How confidence is built in the quiet moments Discover effortless style with Artless: Shop now with code EMILY20 for 20% off | https://artlessforever.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/artlessforever/   Connect with Maddie: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/maddieorlando  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/artlessforever/  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/madisonorlando/  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/ 

Most personal brand messages fall flat because they’re built to sound good, not to connect. If people can’t feel it, they won’t follow it.  You can have a stunning logo, perfectly curated posts, and show up on every platform, but if people can’t instantly tell a friend why they follow you, you’re not creating impact… you’re just adding to the noise.  In this episode, Emily unpacks why most messages get lost in the scroll and the subtle shifts that turn a personal brand into one people can’t stop talking about. She’ll challenge the way you’ve been taught to “show up” online, expose the hidden reasons your audience isn’t engaging, and give you the tools to finally share a message that lands. Because the truth is, your brand’s power isn’t in how good it lands. It’s in how deeply it connects.  What You’ll Learn: The qualities every brand message must carry to connect deeply How to speak with clarity so even a 12-year-old can repeat your message Why conviction, not polish, makes you magnetic The surprising way to stand out without being controversial How to create a calling-based personal brand that creates legacy, not just likes Timestamps: (02:01) - Why clarity is more powerful than content (04:53) - The real reason why your message isn’t landing (05:17) - Why complexity kills clarity (06:22) - How to make your message instantly repeatable (09:10) - How to make people say “That’s me” (10:42) - Conviction beats polish every time (10:55) - Your story is the bridge to your audience (15:52) - Why challenging the status quo is key (23:06) - Your brand is a permission slip, not a performance (26:17) - The secret to building a timeless personal brand (27:29) - The enemy’s tactic to keep you quiet (33:02) - Invitation to “The Called” Masterclass  Join “The Called” Masterclass The Called Masterclass | https://fordivine.com/masterclass  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD   Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/ 

In this captivating conversation, Brad Scot Johnson, an author and pastor, shares his journey from despair to hope after multiple suicide attempts. He discusses the powerful distinction between guilt and shame and how understanding this can lead to healing. Brad reflects on a transformative encounter with God that reignited his purpose and explains what it truly means to be 'called and crowned' after failure. Listeners will learn about the science of healing the heart and the significance of finding one's true identity beyond past mistakes.

What if multiplying your success had nothing to do with doing more, and everything to do with becoming more? In this episode, Emily sits down with her best friend and one of the most influential women in the network marketing world, Sarah Robbins. Once a kindergarten teacher, Sarah went on to build a billion-dollar sales team and helped countless entrepreneurs scale income, leadership, and legacy.  At the height of Sarah’s success, one phone call changed everything she had built over two decades. What followed wasn’t hustle or bitterness but obedience, forgiveness, and a divine strategy for rebuilding from the inside out. This is the story behind The Multiply Method - her upcoming book and God-given blueprint for multiplying your business, your faith, and your identity. What you’ll learn: Why most leaders struggle to multiply and how to fix it The exact system Sarah uses to multiply growth How identity and faith impact real business momentum Forgiveness as a leadership strategy How to lead from faith when everything falls apart Timestamps: (04:07) - Sarah’s journey and the prophecy that changed everything (11:04) - Choosing forgiveness over bitterness (13:39) - Rebuilding with faith and simplicity (15:06) - Introducing The Multiply Method (22:13) - Why most people don’t multiply (23:39) - From chaos to systems that multiply (27:15) - The truth about leadership in network marketing (30:29) - Creating an environment of excellence (38:16) - The Identity Exchange (41:36) - Leading by faith and the power of prayer (49:32) - Compliment, Conversation, Connection (50:26) - How to multiply your message and your brand (01:04:25) - Millionaire mindset vs giver’s mindset Grab a copy of Sarah’s Book: The Multiply Method | https://www.themultiplymethod.com/  Follow Sarah: Website | https://sarahrobbins.com/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sarahrobbins1/  Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/SarahRobbinsFanPage  LinkedIn | http://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrobbins1  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@SarahRobbins  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/ 

Your calling isn’t just about you. It carries breakthroughs for others. And when you obey, miracles move. Rex Crain is an acclaimed speaker, writer, and peak performance coach who has spent the last 25 years helping people unlock their potential and walk boldly in their God-given calling. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, Olympic athletes, entertainment executives, medical professionals, and individuals from all walks of life, from the world’s most elite stages to some of its most broken places. In this episode, Rex unpacks the radical decision that took him from the MLB to sweeping floors in a church, all to follow a voice greater than success. Through stories of disruption, obedience, miracles, and spiritual boldness, Rex shows us what it really takes to walk in purpose.  He reveals: The truth about calling, pain, and spiritual identity How obedience to God brings favor, miracles, and clarity Why success isn’t the goal and what significance looks like The surprising link between compassion and calling The powerful story of a young boy brought back to life through prayer Timestamps: (01:30) - Story of the woman who disrupted Rex’s future (05:56) - Walking away from MLB to clean church floors (10:20) - How to create space for your calling (14:12) - The Google event that turned into a supernatural encounter (25:53) - Miracles in Malibu & what success really means (27:52) - The moment Rex felt lost and God spoke identity (37:49) - Where real peace lives (44:34) - The boy who came back to life (50:33) - How to know when something is your calling (52:30) - Starting small, staying faithful, and creating kingdom impact (59:48) - The truth about Jesus, vulnerability, and leadership (01:09:12) - Why your difference is your greatest authority (01:20:25) - Obeying the calling even if it scares you Follow Rex: Website | https://rexcrain.com/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/rexcrain  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/crain.rex/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5kTgDiea2hKiX6ZGSuBmw Grab a copy of Rex’s Book: Life Lift: Overcome Every Limitation to Elevate Your Life and Unleash Your Dreams | https://a.co/d/aBzPOMT  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily        Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod   YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com

You’ve been called. You’ve been crowned. But if you don’t rise, if you don’t move, the kingdom loses what only you were meant to carry. Emily Ford welcomes you to Called & Crowned, where faith meets leadership, branding meets breakthrough, and women rise to build with heaven’s blueprint. She opens up about her own story, from chasing success to surrendering to purpose, and the defining moment when she realized: This isn’t about building for applause. It’s about building with God.  She reveals: Why your calling begins in the quiet, not the crowd The difference between popularity and purpose What it means to walk in spiritual authority without pride The mindset shift from hustling for worth to building from overflow How to embrace your divine identity and stop settling Timestamps: (00:00) - The meaning behind Called & Crowned and the fire that birthed it (02:00) – What It Really Means to Be Called (04:14) – From Striving to Spiritual Identity (06:30) – The Personal Brand God Designed (08:48) – Purpose vs. Popularity: Which Are You Building For? (10:40) – God’s Call Requires Courage, Not Perfection (14:10) – What You Can Expect from This Podcast (15:42) – A Prayer for the Crowned Woman More from Emily Ford & Fordivine: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD Fordivine | https://www.fordivine.com/

What if the fear of being seen is the very thing holding back your destiny? In this deeply personal solo episode, Emily exposes the spiritual and emotional toll of hiding your truth — and shares the exact process she used to break free from the spirit of rejection. Here’s what you’ll learn: The #1 reason most people stay hidden in their brand and life Why rejection is a spiritual refinement, not a failure The exact steps to break free from fear and fully show up The spiritual truth that unlocks your confidence How to co-create boldly with God, even when your voice shakes Timestamps: (01:34) - Why we fear being seen (03:33) - Emily’s personal story: rejection, mentors, and obedience (06:35) - The stage moment that triggered Emily’s fear (08:58) - Pleasing man vs obeying God (11:45) - What fear of rejection actually means (13:14) - Why playing small is not being humble (15:40) - Frozen by fear, not lack of strategy (19:55) - Step-by-step framework to release fear and walk boldly in identity (23:51) - Rejection is refinement (26:34) - What God says about being seen (28:43) - Anchoring your brand in identity, not approval (30:35) - Consumption vs. creation: the brand killer (31:35) - Go be seen! (You were never meant to stay hidden) More from Emily & Fordivine: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily  On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod  On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD Fordivine | https://www.fordivine.com 

We started with nothing but a bold idea, relentless faith, and a calling we can’t ignore. We thought we were just building a brand. But God was building us. In this powerful conversation, we reveal the raw, unfiltered story of how FORDIVINE HQ was built—the real challenges, divine guidance, and pivotal decisions that shaped our path as entrepreneurs and partners in marriage. You’ll discover: The emotional cost of building a business with your spouse How to know when your vision is really from God What to do when you’re in the “messy middle” and nothing makes sense How FORDIVINE HQ went from idea to a 5,200 sq ft headquarters Why spiritual obedience leads to real-world provision Timestamps: (02:50) - Why we needed a real HQ (and the spiritual reason behind it) (06:09) - From test clients to scaling fast: the Fordivine origin story (10:12) - Branding, biblical values, and business (14:41) - Jake’s journey to becoming CEO (and the identity crisis it sparked) (18:14) - The friction that tested our marriage (23:51) - Discernment, resistance, and spiritual clarity (32:34) - The God-story behind Fordivine (40:25) - What finally gave us peace (46.31) - Inside The Fordivine Retreat (49:34) - Advice for married entrepreneurs (53:16) - What men and women really need in marriage (1:09:09) - What God revealed after the obedience (1:15:18) - Final word for entrepreneurs of faith Follow Jake: Website |  http://www.jakehavron.com    Podcast | https://www.jakehavron.com/podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jakehavron    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxG3bKqLK_M_HZpOgiVrtng  More from Emily & Fordivine: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com On Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily  On Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod  On YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Join the Fortify Method | https://www.fordivine.com Join Fordivine Retreat | https://fordivine.com/retreat