A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch: Healing Power of Your Story to overcome

Have you ever experienced church hurt or struggled to share your story? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa Granger talks with Mischelle Saunders-Gottsch—Founder and CEO of Altered Stories Ministry, host of the Altered Stories Show podcast, and author of The Story Within You: The Healing Power of Your Story.
Mischelle shares her personal journey of healing from church hurt, abuse, and the pain of being a childhood cult survivor. Through prayer, forgiveness, and trusting God’s leading, she found freedom and purpose—and now helps other women share their God stories.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:✨ The power of sharing your testimony✨ Forgiveness and letting go of unforgiveness✨ How God can use your story for His glory
Mischelle is a speaker and ministry leader passionate about helping women embrace the healing power of their stories. She’s a wife, mother to her adult daughter, Gigi, and dog mom living in Missouri.
Learn more about Mischelle and Altered Stories Ministry: https://alteredstories.org/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Carol McCracken: Addiction to Redemption, Second Chance at a Better Life

What does it look like when God rewrites your story? In this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Carol McCracken—speaker, author, Bible teacher, and podcaster—to talk about redemption, second chances, and the faithfulness of God through life’s hardest seasons.
Carol shares her deeply personal journey from what she once considered a “boring” life to navigating overwhelming challenges, including raising a child with special needs, struggling with alcohol addiction, and walking through divorce. But her story doesn’t end there.
Through the support of community and the life-changing impact of AA, Carol found healing and freedom. In a beautiful display of God’s redemption, she and her ex-husband reconciled and remarried—something they both believe was divinely orchestrated.
This conversation is a reminder that no season is wasted. God can use every struggle to shape our purpose and draw us closer to Him.
Key Takeaways:
God does not waste our pain—He redeems it
Isolation can deepen struggles, but community brings healing
God equips you for the calling He places on your life
About Carol McCracken
Carol Ogle McCracken is a podcaster, speaker, Bible teacher, and author who brings the written Word of God to life, inspiring women to pursue a personal and vibrant relationship with Him. Through her authentic storytelling—including her journey through alcoholism—Carol shares Biblical truths with real-life application and humor, helping women connect to their God-given purpose.
🌐 Learn more: https://www.carolmccracken.com/
Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Cherie Nettles: Faith, Miracles, and the Astonishing Power of Story

What if your story—no matter how ordinary it seems—holds the power to impact someone’s eternity?
In this inspiring episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with Christian comedian and storyteller Cherie Nettles to talk about faith, healing, and the life-changing power of sharing your story.
Cherie opens up about her incredible journey, including a 24-year battle with rheumatoid arthritis and a shocking ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2002—when doctors gave her just 90 days to live. Yet today, more than two decades later, she is cancer-free without treatment, boldly declaring the goodness and power of God.
Cherie Nettles is a Southern born and raised knee-slapping, belly-laughing people magnet. She is a comedienne, humorist storyteller, Certified Laughter Leader, Bible teacher, motivational speaker and writer. Cherie is a hilarious overcomer. From overcoming an abusive childhood, being diagnosed in her teens with a crippling disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and being a 22-year Ovarian cancer survivor, she learned quickly that sorrow brings sickness while joy brings healing. 
💛 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How Cherie responded to a life-altering cancer diagnosis
Why your personal story is one of the most powerful ways to share your faith
How God can use humor and storytelling to bring healing and hope
Cherie reminds us that while people may debate theology, they cannot deny a transformed life. Your story matters—and it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
🔗 Connect with Cherie Nettles: https://www.cherienettles.net/
🎧 Listen & Share:
If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope today.You can find more episodes at lisagranger.com and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Deena Adams: Opportunities for Faith & Redemption in the Storms of Life

In this heartfelt episode of A Woman’s Heart, Lisa sits down with author Deena Adams to talk about her powerful debut novel, Stronger Than the Storm—a story rooted in real-life experiences and deep faith.The book explores themes of family, forgiveness, identity, and redemption. Deena opens up about the personal journeys that inspired the story, including her daughter’s prodigal path and her own emotional experience of discovering her biological father.This conversation is a powerful reminder of the healing that comes through honesty, vulnerability, and trusting God in the midst of life’s storms. Deena also encourages listeners to step into their God-given passions, reminding us that it’s never too late to use your story to help others find hope and healing.As a Jesus girl for over thirty years, and a pastor’s wife for most of those, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life. This belief fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true-life stories. She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.Key Takeaways• God can bring redemption from even the most painful situations • Freedom comes when we release the opinions of others • It’s never too late to pursue what God has placed on your heart Learn more about Deena, her book, Stronger Than the Storm, and her ministry by visiting her website and connecting with her on social media. https://deenaadams.com/ If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs hope today.Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review A Woman’s Heart so more women can be inspired and uplifted. www.lisagranger.com

Lisa Granger: How to SOAR: Surrender, Obey, Act, and Trust God with the Results

What if your “word of the year” became more than just inspiration…what if it became a process for transformation?
In this solo episode of A Woman’s Heart, I’m sharing the story behind my 2026 word: SOAR. What started as a simple, inspiring word turned into something much deeper—an acronym that reflects a daily, intentional walk with God: Surrender. Obedience. Action. Results.
This wasn’t a flashy, instant decision. It was a slow burn—filled with overthinking, prayer, and God patiently nudging me toward clarity. And in a moment (yes, even in the shower!), God revealed that SOAR wasn’t just about rising higher… it was about how to get there.
In this episode, we talk about:
What it really means to surrender (and why it’s not as scary as it sounds)
The difference between obedience and just “doing the right thing”
Why action is where faith becomes real
How to trust God with the results, even when they don’t look like what you expected
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re going in circles, this episode will encourage you to take the next step—no matter how small—and trust God with the process.
Reflection Questions:
What is God asking you to surrender?
Where might He be calling you to greater obedience?
What action have you been putting off?
Are you trusting Him with the results?
Shows on Surrender:
Mary DeMuth: Finding Genuine Freedom in God Through Surrender
Natasha Lynn Daniels: The Unexpected Beauty and Peace Found in Surrender
Shows on Obedience:
Joni Topper: Yes to God for a Surprisingly Joy-Filled Way
Jen Hand: Step Out in Faith, Say Yes to God
Shows on Action:
Lisa Granger: Are You Willing to do What it Takes to Live a New Life
Karen Ehman: Reclaim a Life of Priorities and Passions
Let’s Connect:If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and let me know your word of the year!Visit: lisagranger.com

Crickett Keeth: How to Live for Eternal Significance

What does it really mean to live a life that matters?
In this episode of A Woman’s Heart I sit down with Bible teacher and author Crickett Keeth to talk about her latest Bible study, Living Out a Life That Matters: A Study of 2 Timothy. Together, we explore how the apostle Paul’s final words challenge us to live with purpose, faithfulness, and eternal perspective.
Crickett shares her heart for writing Bible studies that help women go deeper into God’s Word and why she is so passionate about encouraging others to live intentionally for what truly lasts. This conversation is both practical and inspiring as we talk about the power of our words, the call to remain vigilant and diligent in our faith, and how everyday faithfulness can leave a lasting legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference that goes beyond this life, this episode will encourage you to step into your God-given purpose.
In this episode, we talk about:
Her passion for helping women engage deeply with Scripture
The importance of faithfulness, vigilance, and diligence
Being intentional with our words and influence
About Crickett Keeth:Crickett Keeth is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and the author of several women’s Bible studies, including On Bended Knee, Before the Throne, and Living Out a Life That Matters. She has served in women’s ministry for decades with Cru and large churches in Dallas and Memphis, where she also served as a Women’s Ministry Director. Today, she teaches at her church in Memphis and equips women’s ministry leaders around the world. Crickett is a sought-after speaker for conferences and retreats.
Find free resources to encourage your walk with God at: www.crickettkeeth.com
To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Jerry Howard: Useful Lessons from March Madness on Faith and Teamwork

It’s March Madness season, and we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Jerry Howard that connects the excitement of basketball and sports with the deeper meaning of faith and community.
In this replay, Jerry shares how the principles we see on the court—teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and unity—mirror what it means to live as part of the Body of Christ. Just like a winning team relies on each player fulfilling their role, we are each called to contribute uniquely within our relationships, our churches, and our walk with Jesus.
Jerry Howard is the founder of the iNTREPID iMPACT Team, a comprehensive leadership coaching and business consulting agency. His speaking and coaching engagements span faith, leadership, healthcare and business management. Jerry’s primary mission is to rekindle faith in leadership. He is married and lives in Virginia.
Whether you're a sports fan or not, this conversation offers meaningful insight into how God uses everyday experiences—even basketball—to teach us about unity, purpose, and spiritual growth.
🎧 Tune in and be reminded: we’re all part of something bigger—and together, we can run the race set before us.
Connect with Jerry at https://jerryhowardinternational.com/
Check out his book Faith Driven Leadership.
Connect with Lisa at www.lisagranger.com

Karynthia Phillips: How to Make Time for God in a Busy Life

Life can feel like a constant rush—work, family, ministry, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. But what happens when our schedules become so full that our time with God gets pushed aside?In this episode we talk with Karynthia Phillips about her book Press Pause: Making Time for God in an Overscheduled Life. Together they explore the power of intentional pauses and how stepping away from the noise of life can deepen our relationship with God. Karynthia shares how sacred pauses aren’t simply about rest—they are acts of trust. When we pause to spend time with God, we’re acknowledging that He is ultimately in control of our responsibilities and our future.Key TakeawaySacred pauses create space for God to speak, guide, and restore us. When we intentionally step away from our busyness to spend time with Him, we often return with greater clarity, renewed energy, and a deeper sense of purpose.Learn more about Karynthia Phillips and her book Press Pause: Making Time for God in an Overscheduled Life. www.karynthiaphillips.com Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Lori Melton: Following in the Footsteps of the Faithful

What if the key to spiritual growth isn’t striving harder—but walking alongside someone who has already walked faithfully with Jesus?On this episode we welcome author, spiritual director, and retreat leader Lori G. Melton to talk about her book Journey with a Giant. Lori introduces a powerful spiritual practice: learning from faithful Christian men and women throughout history in order to deepen our own walk with Christ. It’s not about idolizing them—it’s about observing how they pursued Christ. Their examples can help us cultivate spiritual maturity, strengthen relationships, and grow in love.In This Episode, We Discuss:• What it means to “Journey with a Giant”• Lori’s initial hesitation about the practice—and how she came to embrace it• Why the focus must always remain on Jesus, not the individual• The importance of silence, slowing down, and intentional reflection• The personal impact of walking with different giants, including learning to love and accept others more fully• Taking courageous next steps in the areas where God is calling youIf you’ve ever longed for deeper spiritual growth, richer faith practices, or a fresh way to connect with Jesus, this conversation will inspire and equip you.Lori G. Melton is an author, spiritual director, retreat leader, and member of Hope Writers. She is the host of the Sanctuary Stirrings Podcast and co-founder and director of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center in Allegan, Michigan. She and her husband are the parents of six children and grandparents to three.To learn more about Lori and her Spiritual Giant Quiz: https://www.lorigmelton.com/ To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Charlotte Guest: Thriving in the Empty Nest Years

What happens when the house grows quiet and the children are gone? For many parents, the empty nest years can feel uncertain—but they can also become one of the most meaningful and purpose-filled seasons of life.
On this episode of A Woman’s Heart, Charlotte Guest shares her heart for encouraging others to embrace their encore years with faith, courage,  and expectation. Charlotte opens up about her personal journey into writing and podcasting, reminding us that God is always calling us forward. Together, we talk about what it looks like to live life fully, stay spiritually equipped by putting on the full armor of God, and remain open to the new passions He places within us.
If you’re navigating the transition of an empty nest—or sensing God calling you into something new—this conversation will encourage you to move forward with confidence, purpose, and joy.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
How to embrace the empty nest years as a season of opportunity
Why God continues to invite us into new callings at every stage of life
The importance of putting on the full armor of God
About Charlotte Guest:
Having a passion for people and a desire to encourage others during the encore years, Charlotte Guest hosts the international podcast ministry Empty Nest Guests. She is an author and creator of four YouVersion Bible plans, including The Blessed Empty Nest. Charlotte and her husband are preparing to release an empty nest devotional and serve together as marriage mentors.
Charlotte lives in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area with her husband, Gordy. They enjoy time with their three adult children, their spouses, and four grandchildren. Charlotte is energized by sunshine, serving others, prayer, pet therapy, publishing, and helping people uncover their personal mission statement.
🔗 Learn more: https://charlotteguest.com
Resources mentioned: Empty Nest, Full Life by Jill Savage
Captivating by Stasi Eldredge
Jim Burns with HomeWord
Podcast interview with Joni Topper: Yes to God for a Surprisingly Joy-filled Way
To connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com