Echos of Impact

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.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, infertility, miscarriage, and military loss. While shared with sensitivity and hope, these topics may be difficult for some listeners. Please take care while listening, and know it’s okay to pause or step away if needed. In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Laura O’Malley—a military wife, mama, florist, and Amazon bestselling author—to unpack her story of trauma, loss, redemption, and hope. Laura grew up in a small town in Kentucky and now lives outside of Nashville, where her faith journey has been anything but simple. From surviving sexual assault to grieving the loss of her boyfriend in the military, Laura’s testimony is a moving reminder that even in the darkest seasons, God is still writing the story. Laura opens up about the shame she carried, the long road through infertility and IVF, and how a dream before her boyfriend’s death became a turning point in her spiritual walk. Through counseling, deep healing, and the unexpected gift of her daughter, Laura’s life is a testament to the truth that God is not done. What We Cover: Laura’s story of surviving trauma and navigating shame in a small-town church culture Grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Kenny, after he was killed in war The importance of counseling and spiritual healing in her recovery Her faith journey, including a prophetic dream and returning to God Walking through IVF, miscarriage, and the eventual miracle of motherhood What it means to move forward without forgetting the past Encouragement for women struggling to see the good when life feels stuck in the rearview mirror Key Quotes: “There were so many moments I thought life was over. But God wasn’t done. He was still writing my story.” “I didn’t need to be fixed. I needed to believe I wasn’t broken beyond repair.” Connect with Laura O’Malley: Follow Laura on Instagram: @_lauraomalley_ as well as @bluerootflorals Order the book Deserts to Mountaintops: The Pilgrimage of Motherhood       Join the Conversation: How are you finding God’s glory in your daily life? 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? 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 Laura’s. Until next week, friends! 💛  

In this heart-opening episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Shayne Givens—Jesus lover, wife, mom, hairstylist, minister, and Heart Physics® coach-in-training—to talk about how true transformation begins not in our circumstances, but in the unseen places of our hearts. Shayne opens up about her powerful journey through teen motherhood, trauma, and toxic relationships, and how intimacy with Jesus brought her into deep emotional healing. She shares how learning to hear and experience God in her heart, not just her head, was the turning point that changed everything. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old cycles or like healing is out of reach, this episode is a must-listen. Together, Cherise and Shayne explore how practical spiritual tools—like Heart Physics®—can help us align our emotions with truth, release buried pain, and draw closer to God in a personal way. What We Cover: Shayne’s story of early motherhood, trauma, and identity loss How toxic beliefs keep us stuck—and how to break free What Heart Physics® is and how it helped Shayne hear God clearly Why emotional healing is essential for spiritual growth The difference between religious striving and true intimacy with Jesus Key Quotes: “God doesn't just want your performance—He wants to live His life through you.” “Everything shifted when I stopped trying to fix myself and started letting God father me.” Connect with Shayne Givens: Follow Shayne on Instagram: @shaynegivens Follow her family journey: @givens.life Connect on Facebook: The Givens Life     Join the Conversation: Have you ever experienced God speak directly to your heart? Share your story with us on Instagram or in our Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact | Life Coaching 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 powerful stories like Shayne’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this powerful episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Krystalle Saucedo, Kansas City native, mama of three, and founder of Lullaby of Hope, a nonprofit that curates gift boxes for women experiencing loss in the womb. Krystalle also serves on the board of Solace Photography and currently works at Harvesters, a local food bank. But behind her leadership and compassion is a story filled with both heartbreak and healing. Krystalle shares how her journey through miscarriage, stillbirth, emotional abuse, and divorce led her into a deeper understanding of God’s grace and goodness—even when life looked nothing like she imagined. With honesty and hope, she reflects on what it means to be “held with purpose,” and how writing her (yet unpublished) book became a lifeline in the darkest season. Together, Briana, Cherise, and Krystalle explore the complexities of faith, womanhood, and learning to trust God again after loss and betrayal. What We Cover: Krystalle’s story of childhood, motherhood, and being raised in the Mormon church The founding of Lullaby of Hope and her mission to support grieving mothers What emotional and financial abuse looked like in her marriage—and how she came to name it The challenge of navigating divorce as a Christian woman Finding healing, joy, and love again after loss The unexpected gift of writing and how it helped her process trauma Her beautiful redemption story of dating again and the love that followed Key Quotes: “Divorce was the boat that saved me.” “You cannot want something more for someone than they want for themselves.” “My help hurt.” “God’s grace doesn’t run out—His patience doesn’t run out. He’s not like us.” Connect with Krystalle Saucedo: Visit: https://lullabyofhope.org Follow on Instagram: @lullabyofhopeFollow Krystalle’s business Instagram: @krystallewheeler Join the Conversation: How has God met you in the middle of the unexpected? Share with us on Instagram or in the Facebook group! Follow us on Instagram: 🎙 Echos of Impact 💛 The Woman’s Success Code 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. Schedule your complimentary Life Audit with Briana: Click here Final Notes: If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue to share powerful stories like Krystalle’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this moving episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise sit down with Charley Laas—a worship leader, vocal coach, and songwriter—to talk about doubt, identity, creativity, and the hard but holy journey of finding intimacy with God through pain. Charley vulnerably shares her story of growing up in a Christian home, encountering heartbreak and loss, and walking through a long wilderness season that ultimately led to deeper healing and a renewed sense of purpose. Charley’s music flows from a place of authenticity, shaped by trauma, counseling, and quiet moments with the Lord. Whether you’ve questioned your faith, wrestled with purpose, or felt like you lost your voice in the process—this episode is for you. Together, they explore what it means to be refined by God—not so we can prove ourselves, but so we can be reminded that we’ve always been valuable in His eyes.     What We Cover: Charley’s journey through faith, trauma, and transformation Her move from Washington to Texas and what it revealed about identity The struggle of staying faithful through doubt and deconstructing How songwriting became a tool for healing and emotional connection What it means to find God’s presence in the wilderness seasons The truth that we are gold before the refining even begins     Key Quotes: “Does it have to make sense to be true?” “You’ve always been gold—valuable the moment God picked you up.”     Connect with Charley Laas: 🎶 Listen to her music: Spotify - Charley Laas 📲 Follow Charley on Instagram: @charleylaasmusic 💻 Visit: charleylaas.co for vocal coaching and more Join the Conversation: How has God used everyday moments, like tending a garden, to speak to you? Share your thoughts with us in the Echos of Impact Facebook community! Follow us on Instagram: Echos of Impact Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community Take the Next Step: Ready to dig deeper into your purpose? Join The Woman’s Success Code! Learn more here. Want to work on personal growth? Schedule a complimentary Life Audit with Briana today: Book here. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow and leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing inspiring stories like Callie’s. Until next week, friends! 💛       Join the Conversation: How are you finding God’s glory in your daily life? 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? 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 Charley’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

In this inspiring episode of Echos of Impact, Cherise sits down with Nikki Vivas, beloved Kansas City radio personality, to talk about what it means to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn. Nikki is a longtime radio host known not only for her voice on air but also for her boldness in sharing her faith in spaces where it wasn’t always welcomed. Nikki shares how losing her dream job—the morning show she built for years—forced her into a season of drought and waiting. Yet even in the midst of grief, Nikki is choosing to trust that God is not done writing her story. Together, Cherise and Nikki dive deep into identity, waiting seasons, and the power of holding on to hope when everything feels uncertain. What We Cover: Nikki’s journey from a lifelong passion for broadcasting to living out her purpose through connection How trusting God through loss and unknown seasons has shaped her faith Why it’s powerful (and hard) to speak openly about faith in secular spaces Finding identity in being, not just doing Encouragement for anyone navigating a waiting season or identity shift Key Quotes: “Just because your dream ended doesn't mean God's done.” “You can be a mess and still be worthy of being used by God.” Connect with Nikki Vivas: Follow Nikki on Instagram: @missvivas Follow The Ponch and Nikki Show on Instagram: @ponchandnikki Listen to Nikki’s new podcast Vino with Vivis: Vino with Vivis on Spotify Join the Conversation: How are you finding God’s glory in your daily life? 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? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. 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 Nikki’s. Until next week, friends! 💛

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of personal testimonies, including mentions of infidelity and emotional struggles. Please listen with care if these topics are sensitive for you.   In this special episode of Echos of Impact, Briana and Cherise are joined by two dear friends, Zakiyah and Laura, to celebrate a full year of podcasting and reflect on the true heartbeat behind their journey: the power of testimony. Together, they discuss why sharing our stories matters—how testimonies don’t just glorify God but also bring healing, encouragement, and boldness to others who are still in their own battles. This episode features a beautiful spoken word piece written and narrated by Zakiyah, titled "What is Testimony," a moving reminder that our stories carry the fingerprints of God’s faithfulness and goodness. Whether you’re walking through your own testimony or standing on the other side of a hard season, this conversation will remind you: Your story matters. Your voice matters. And God is still writing something beautiful through you. What We Cover: Why testimonies are vital for healing and encouragement How storytelling is deeply biblical (the Bible is a book of testimonies!) How vulnerability can strengthen both the storyteller and the listener The ways sharing testimony reveals God's continuous pursuit and redemption Reflections on a year of podcasting, obedience, and unexpected blessings Key Quotes: "Testimony is not just your story. It’s how your story points back to God." "Your voice can unlock healing in someone else’s life." Special Feature: "What Is Testimony" — a spoken word piece by Zakiyah Connect with Echos of Impact: Follow us on Instagram: Podcast Instagram | Life Coaching Instagram Join our Facebook Group: Echos of Impact Community 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 stories of hope and purpose. Until next week, friends! 💛   Join the Conversation: How are you finding God’s glory in your daily life? 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? Discover how you can grow in faith, purpose, and community. 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. Until next week, friends! 💛