Echos of Impact

In this heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for another real and raw conversation about friendship—the beauty, the wounds, and the longing we all carry for meaningful connection. After hearing powerful feedback from listeners on their last friendship episode, Briana and Cherise return to unpack what friendship really looks like through a Christian lens. Together, they explore how past hurts can create walls, how different friendships serve different roles, and why seeing Jesus as our first and most faithful friend changes everything. They remind us that friendship doesn’t always have to look like hours-long coffee dates or constant check-ins. Instead, it can be woven into the rhythms of everyday life—voice messages, walks, folding laundry side-by-side, or simply a text that says, “I thought of you today.” But the most important truth they circle back to is this: friendship begins with Jesus. When we learn to see Him as our closest friend, we stop demanding perfection from others and instead begin loving them with grace, freedom, and joy. What We Cover: Why friendship wounds impact how we approach new relationships How to release pressure and embrace small, meaningful ways of connecting The importance of setting boundaries while still loving like Jesus Seeing Jesus as your best friend—and what that practically looks like Modeling healthy friendships for our kids and communities Key Quotes: “Every person carries friendship wounds, but we also all carry a longing to be seen and loved.” “Not every friend has to be your everything. Let each friendship be what it is.” “Jesus shows us how to love people well—even when the relationship isn’t perfectly mutual.” “Start with yourself. Learn how Jesus loves you, and let everything else flow from there.” Join the Conversation: Do you see Jesus as your friend? How has that shaped the way you show up in friendships with others? We’d love to hear your thoughts on Instagram or in our Facebook community! Follow Along: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring conversations that point back to God’s love. 💛

In this wisdom-packed episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Leigh-Ann Campbell — wife, mom of five, women’s ministry leader, and truth-teller with a heart for building strong families and authentic communities. Raised in New England and planted in the Midwest for the past 26 years, Leigh-Ann married her husband Troy in 1999 and has worn nearly every kind of “mama” title — foster, adoptive, biological, and fur mom. This past year alone, her forever kids have spanned grad school, college, high school, middle school, and elementary. She holds a BA in Biblical Studies with a minor in Sign Language Interpretation and works alongside private families—helping manage life’s chaos and walking children through difficult seasons. Eighteen years ago, Leigh-Ann and Troy planted New Life CityChurch in the heart of downtown Kansas City — the first church plant in the area in 50 years, according to The Kansas City Star. She now leads the women’s ministry there with a unique blend of grit, grounded wisdom, and feisty humor. Her heart beats for the unseen moments—serving behind the scenes, responding to emergent needs, and being faithfully present wherever God places her.     Watch by Chapter: 0:00 – Introduction 2:15 – Parenting through trauma and helping kids thrive in different schooling environments 7:42 – Creating daily habits for spiritual growth 12:10 – The value of diversity in community and how “differences demand context” 18:30 – Balancing grace and boundaries when kids or church members act out 25:45 – Navigating the harder sides of ministry without losing a soft heart 33:02 – Casting long-term vision in marriage and family life 40:21 – Practical ways to serve faithfully in the unseen moments     Key Quotes: “Differences demand context. Once you know someone’s story, grace comes a lot easier.” “Without vision, people perish. Look ahead, and then make sure your daily decisions match where God is leading you.”     Connect with Leigh-Ann: 🌐 New Life CityChurch 🌐 New Life Women’s Ministry 📸 Instagram: @leighannc5 📘 Facebook: Leigh-Ann Campbell     Join the Conversation: 💬 What daily disciplines have helped you grow in your faith and family life? Comment below — we’d love to hear from you!     Follow & Connect: 📸 Podcast Instagram 📸 Life Coaching Instagram 👥 Join our Facebook Group     Take the Next Step: 🌟 Learn about The Woman’s Success Code 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana     If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, like, and share it with a friend! Your support helps us keep bringing powerful, hope-filled stories to the world. 💛 #parentingteens #christianparenting #ministrylife #traumainformed #faithathome #raisingkids #discipleship #echosofimpact

In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Cassie Ferren, co-lead pastor of Midtown Church in Kansas City, foster mom, mentor, and advocate for women in ministry. Cassie’s story is a powerful testimony of surrender, obedience, and what it looks like to follow God when the path ahead is anything but clear. Cassie shares how growing up in a family that planted churches during race riots shaped her love for Jesus and her desire to serve others. From launching a church in the middle of a pandemic to fostering a child while navigating infertility, Cassie’s life is a reflection of choosing faith over fear—and trusting God with your family, your future, and your calling.     🔍 What We Cover: Cassie’s journey growing up in inner-city ministry in Cincinnati Church planting during the pandemic—and how God showed up What it means to live as a “slave of Christ” (Philippians 2) The heartache and holiness of foster parenting Her story of infertility and God’s miraculous timing How she and her husband co-lead a church while protecting their marriage Rhythms of faith, rest, and being present over performance Her passion for mentoring young women in ministry and co-leading Women Ministers KC     ✨ Key Quotes: 🟡 “I want to be a slave of Christ—to look like Him in every realm of my life.” 🟡 “You’re going to have to learn a lesson most parents don’t until college: your kids were never yours to begin with.” 🟡 “God said, ‘I’m going to plant this church. You just have to have the faith and courage to follow Me.’” 🟡 “Even if I only loved her for a year, she was worth it.”     🙌 Connect with Cassie Ferren: 🌐 Website: midtownkc.church 📧 Email: cassie@midtownkc.church 📸 Instagram: @cassie.ferren, @midtownkc.church 📘 Facebook: Midtown KC Church 👩‍💼 Women Ministers KC: wmkc 🌍 NewThing Network: newthingkc.org     💬 Join the Conversation: How has God met you in a season of surrender? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram 👥 Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community     ✨ Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Learn more here!  Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana     🎧 Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Cassie’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana sits down with Rebekah Albaugh, an internationally published wedding photographer, co-founder of The Reset Conference, and host of the Honest to Goodness Podcast. Rebekah shares her powerful testimony of walking through profound grief—losing her father, her mother, three miscarriages, and most recently, her two-month-old granddaughter—while holding tightly to the truth of who God is. Through heartache and seasons of waiting, Rebekah has learned that her purpose isn’t rooted in productivity or perfection, but in daily dependence on God. Drawing from Acts 17 and the story of manna in the wilderness, Rebekah reminds us that we were created to seek God, know Him, and find Him—day by day, moment by moment. This conversation is an invitation to trust God with your pain, to surrender your questions, and to press into the daily bread that sustains us, even in the darkest valleys. What We Cover: Rebekah’s story of loss, surrender, and legacy The power of worship in the middle of suffering The truth about peace that surpasses understanding Why we can’t rely on yesterday’s manna for today’s strength How grief and joy can coexist when rooted in God's presence Key Quotes: “We need to go to Him every day. If you’re not feeding on the Bread of Life, you will consume something else.” “I can’t take credit for the peace I’ve experienced—it’s the kind that only comes from knowing Him in the fire.” Connect with Rebekah Albaugh: 🌐 Website: rebekahalbaugh.com 🎙 Podcast: Honest to Goodness 📸 Instagram: @rebekah.albaugh.photographer | @rebekah.albaugh.seniors | @honesttogoodnesspodcast 📘 Facebook: Rebekah Albaugh Photographer 📹 TikTok: @rebekah.albaugh Join the Conversation: How are you learning to trust God with your daily bread? Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! 📲 Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact Podcast Life Coaching with Briana 👭 Join our Facebook Community: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Ready to grow in purpose and faith? 🌟 Learn more about The Woman’s Success Code: Click here 📅 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Book here Final Notes: If this episode spoke to your heart, we’d be so grateful if you’d follow, leave a review, and share with a friend. Your support helps us continue sharing these sacred and powerful stories like Rebekah’s. Until next week, friends! 💛    

In this honest and heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down to talk about something we all wrestle with at some point—friendship. From seasons of loneliness to shifting relationships, adult friendship can feel tender, confusing, and even painful. Briana and Cherise share vulnerably about what they’ve learned (and are still learning) when it comes to letting go, going deeper, and showing up with grace. This episode is for anyone who’s felt like friendship in adulthood is more complicated than expected—and for those craving deeper, healthier connection rooted in faith. Together, they unpack what it means to be a safe friend, how to heal from unmet expectations, and why identity in Christ is key to building lasting relationships. What We Cover: 💬 Seasons of loneliness and friendship breakups 🧠 The stories we create—and why assumptions matter 🙏 How spiritual health shapes relational health 🤝 How to love others without losing yourself 🌱 The “bathtub / hot tub / pool” analogy of friendship capacity 💛 When God removes relationships as part of His mercy Key Quotes: “Watch your assumptions. The stories we create often hurt us more than the truth ever could.” “You can’t show up well in a friendship if you’re not rooted in who you are in Christ.” Connect With Us: Follow us on Instagram: @echos_of_impact Join the Facebook group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: 💛 Learn more about The Woman’s Success Code: https://echosofimpact.vipmembervault.com/home 🎯 Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: https://calendly.com/echosofimpact/complimentary-life-audit?month=2024-12 If this episode encouraged you, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us keep sharing real, purpose-filled stories like this one. Until next time, friends. 💛

In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Rebekah Hoover—midwife, mama of six, and one of Cherise’s dearest friends—to talk about purpose, surrender, and trusting God through the unexpected. Rebekah was Cherise’s doula when she gave birth to her daughter Ellie, and her steady presence during that faith-stretching moment left a lasting mark. Since then, Rebekah has walked through her own journey of faith and obedience, from becoming a mom to four biological children, to adopting twice—once through a local agency and once through embryo adoption. Now a certified midwife at Glory Birth, she shares openly about the highs and lows of following God’s lead, even when the road is filled with waiting and detours. Rebekah’s story is a beautiful example of how God uses every part of our journey—even the pain—for a greater purpose. What We Cover: Rebekah’s journey from doula to midwife and how her calling unfolded in God’s timing What embryo adoption is, and why her family chose to pursue it Navigating loss and healing after miscarriage and honoring the lives of every embryo The power of surrender and trusting God when plans don’t go the way you imagined The unique role of a midwife and how it differs from a doula Why honoring women emotionally and spiritually in birth matters Encouragement for women who feel stuck in the unknown or overwhelmed in the waiting Key Themes: Active faith in the waiting (Isaiah 40:31) Trusting God’s timing vs. our own Honoring life in every stage—from womb to heaven Finding purpose in the parts of your story you didn’t plan Key Quotes: “Even if we can’t see it yet, God is still writing the story—and He doesn’t waste anything.” “You can feel both joy and pain at the same time—and both are valid.” Connect with Rebekah Hoover: Website: Glory Birth Follow on Instagram: @glorybirthkc Connect on Facebook: Glory Birth KC Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God shifting your plans in a surprising way? Share your story with us on Instagram or in the Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today.     If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Rebekah’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

Ep. 31: “When God Asks for Everything: The Power of Obedient Faith” with Staci Wallace In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Staci Wallace, CEO and co-founder of Fueled by Fire, a global business consulting firm, to talk about surrender, purpose, and what it really means to reflect God in every area of life. Staci’s story is one of radical obedience—from singing at the Olympics and leading multimillion-dollar businesses to giving it all away when God asked her to. Staci is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, and former country and Christian music artist who has shared the stage with five U.S. Presidents and worked alongside legends like Zig Ziglar. But more than any of those accolades, she is a woman deeply committed to living for God’s glory. Her journey will inspire you to see purpose not just in your mountaintops, but in the valleys too. She shares how surrendering her approval addiction led to greater freedom and intimacy with the Lord—and how the real miracles in her life began when she stopped performing and started obeying. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Staci explore what it looks like to release control, embrace generosity, and allow God to shape your identity through every season—even the hard ones. What We Cover: Staci’s journey from missionary kid to high-performing entrepreneur Her experience with performance-driven faith and approval addiction The turning point at age 40 that led to a 7-day fast and life-changing surrender How Staci’s miraculous healing as a baby shaped her belief in God's power The seven layers of forgiveness—and what it means to truly let go What “measure of rule” means and how God tests our hearts before increasing influence How Staci’s businesses now operate under kingdom principles, including mandatory tithing Why obedience in the small things prepares you for the big things Key Quotes: “God doesn’t need your talent. He needs your yes.” “Start small. Dream big. Obey always.” “If you’re living in the Kingdom, you’ll feel crazy sometimes—but God always comes through.” “Where the enemy tried to destroy you is likely the very place God wants to use you.” “He’s not asking for performance. He’s asking for intimacy.” Connect with Staci Wallace: Website: staciwallace.com Sign up for her free business challenge: fbfchallenge.com Instagram: @staciwallace DM Staci with the word “forgiveness” to receive her 7 Layers of Forgiveness infographic Join the Conversation: How has God asked you to surrender in this season? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana.     Final Notes: If this episode encouraged you, we’d love it if you’d follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring stories like Staci’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this heartfelt solo episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down for a powerful and practical conversation on something they hear again and again: "How do I share my story?" Testimony is a core part of the Christian life—but it can feel intimidating. What do you include? What do you leave out? How do you share your story without dishonoring someone else or exposing unhealed pain? And how do you know when you're truly ready to speak? Briana and Cherise walk through the spiritual, emotional, and practical side of preparing your testimony. They offer guidance on: What We Cover: Why the enemy often tries to silence our stories The difference between "my story" and "God's story" How to honor others while still speaking truth How to know when you're ready (and what to do if you're not) Why not having a "perfect bow" doesn't disqualify you Scripture as your foundation for truth and alignment The spiritual and even physical healing that can come when you share How your story—big or small—can be the key to someone else's breakthrough Key Quotes: “Your story might be the key that unlocks a gate for someone else.” “The Bible is one big book of testimonies—and yours is still being written.” “God doesn’t need your story to be polished. He needs it to be surrendered.”   Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We’d love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share inspiring conversations that encourage and equip you. Until next week, friends! 💛

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains sensitive content related to infant loss, sudden death of a parent, caregiving stress, and miscarriage. Please take care while listening.   In this deeply moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Meagan Spires—a stay-at-home mama, military wife, and woman of quiet strength—to talk about grief, healing, and the quiet faithfulness of God. Meagan opens up about a devastating 14-month stretch that included the loss of her full-term son Camden, the unexpected death of her mother, and the weight of becoming the sole caregiver for her elderly grandfather—all while her husband was deployed overseas. Through tearful memories and honest reflection, Meagan shares how journaling, Scripture, and the presence of God carried her through. Despite unimaginable heartbreak, Meagan’s story is one of hope. She’s learning to share her testimony boldly, not because it’s neatly wrapped up—but because even in the middle of it, God is still moving. What We Cover: Meagan’s journey through the loss of her son, mother, and grandfather The loneliness of grief and how it impacted her marriage and identity The unexpected ways God provided—financially, emotionally, and spiritually How her experience shifted her understanding of calling and motherhood The healing power of journaling, community, and simply showing up Why your story doesn’t have to be “finished” to be worth sharing Key Quotes: “The only answer is God and my faith in Him. That truly was the only way that I survived that season.” “I feel like God, you’re about to do something… I feel like I’m on the edge of something.” Join the Conversation: Have you walked through a season of grief or wilderness? We’d love to hear how God met you in the middle of it. Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram: @echos_of_impact Life Coaching Instagram: @thewomanssuccesscode Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here. Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. Final Notes: If this episode spoke to you, would you leave us a review or share it with a friend? Your support helps us continue to highlight stories like Meagan’s. Until next week, friends. 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of anxiety and mental health struggles. In this freeing and heartfelt episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with writer, creative, and purpose-driven voice Sarah Kruzel to unpack what it really means to take the pressure off. From social expectations to the weight of internal perfectionism, Sarah shares how her personal journey—from a small town in Michigan to a new life in Nashville—led her to start a movement against comparison culture and self-imposed standards. Through humor, honesty, and Holy Spirit-filled insight, Sarah gives us permission to breathe again. She opens up about her mental health struggles, the role of faith in finding peace, and how obedience—no matter how small—can lead to the kind of transformation you never expected. What We Cover: The real-life “Hallmark story” that brought Sarah to Nashville—and how she knew God was in it Her mental health journey and how unrealistic religious and social expectations almost crushed her The origin of the #TakeThePressureOff campaign and why it resonates with women from all walks of life How pressure—explicit, cultural, and perceived—can block us from walking in our God-given purpose The intersection of creativity and identity, and how embracing your inner child brings worship to life Navigating social media and staying true to your calling without getting caught up in the algorithm How boundaries and authenticity online help Sarah live from a place of joy instead of performance Sarah reminds us that God doesn’t press down on us with impossible standards—He lifts us up with grace. When we stop performing and start listening to His voice, we’re free to grow fruit that blesses others. Key Quotes: “Take the pressure off is really a reminder to get our eyes back on the throne of grace.” “It’s not actually humble to hide your gifts. It’s an act of wild worship to use what God gave you.” “God’s voice isn’t the one crushing you—it’s the one calling you higher with love.” Connect with Sarah: Substack: Take the Pressure Off Instagram: @sarahkruzel Join the Conversation: How are you taking the pressure off in your own life? We’d love to hear what spoke to you from this episode! Share with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group. Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Interested in joining The Woman’s Success Code? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. Learn more here! Ready for a fresh start? Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana today. ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend. Your support helps us keep these meaningful conversations going. If you found this episode meaningful, please follow us and leave a positive review. Your support helps us continue sharing powerful stories like Sarah’s. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Echos of Impact or its hosts.