A Woman’s Heart with Lisa Granger

Sue Schlesman: Breaking Free From The Prison Of Perfectionism

Have you ever struggled with perfectionism? You feel like if you can get everything “just right” you can avoid any unpleasantness and everyone will love you. The problem is you end up weighed down and exhausted. Author and speaker Sue Schlesman has battled perfectionism in many areas of life. We dive into the struggle of perfectionism—how it takes hold of our hearts, fuels comparison, and steals our joy. Together, we explore the difference between excellence and perfection, how Biblical perfection differs from the pressure of worldly perfectionism, and why our motivation is the key to detection.Sue Schlesman is an author, teacher, and church leader. With a Masters in Theology and Culture, Sue is active in teaching and writing about transformative faith. Her articles appear in a variety of publications. Sue’s book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places won a Selah Award. She has a passion for poetry, missions, justice, traveling, reading, the local church, and her family. You can find her writing about life, culture, and Jesus at www.sueschlesman.com .Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Shauna Parker: From Devastating Darkness To Purpose-Filled Life

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is? Without clarity we can stumble around in life and feel lost. Shauna Parker knows that feeling and shares her incredible journey of deep darkness to abundant life. Through faith, perseverance, and obedience, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and a passion for helping other women discover their true calling.Shauna is an inspirational speaker who shares her powerful story of surviving a near-death experience and overcoming years of deep depression. Through this life-altering event, Shauna found clarity in her God-given purpose. Now, she inspires others to step out in faith, embrace their calling, and say, "Here I am, Lord."Connect with Shauna: https://shauna-parker.com/ Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Jodi Jackson Tucker: Beautiful Lessons Learned Through Adoption

Have you or someone you know been touched by adoption? Even if adoption is not part of your story directly, we have all experienced loss and the need for forgiveness. Jodi Jackson Tucker joins us to discuss Healing for Every Heart in Adoption, a book offering hope and restoration for those touched by adoption. Jodi and her co-authors share their unique experiences as a birth mother, adoptee and adoptive mother to offer three perspectives on healing needed by all members of the adoption story. We discuss some misconceptions about adoption and how Jesus provides comfort and restoration for those navigating loss and the complexities of adoption.Jodi and her husband Jerry have eight children, five through adoption. She is the author of three books including Second Mother: A Bible Study Experience for Foster and Adoptive Moms, which is the first of its kind bible study for foster and adoptive parents. Jodi is a seminary graduate and certified chaplain.To connect with Jodi: https://secondmothers.org/ To connect with Lisa Qualls: https://www.lisacqualls.com/ To connect with Lisa Granger: www.lisagranger.com

Alicia Michelle: Managing Emotions In A Godly Way

Have you ever struggled with strong emotions? Wish you could respond with confidence in a tense situation? In this empowering conversation, Alicia Michelle discusses practical techniques to calm ourselves in moments of stress, how brain science shapes our emotional responses, and the transformative tool of ADD—Acknowledge, Discern, Decide. Alicia shares how understanding our emotions through both a scientific and spiritual lens can lead to confidence and healthier relationships.The ADD Tool Transforms Reactions – By Acknowledging our emotions, Discerning the truth, and Deciding how to respond, we can break free from unhealthy emotional patterns.Alicia Michelle, ACC, CPLC is an ICF-certified Christian life coach and NeuroCoach, author of Emotional Confidence, popular conference speaker, and multi-award-winning podcast host of the top-ranked podcast The Christian Mindset Coach with Alicia Michelle. Through her coaching and courses Alicia has equipped tens of thousands of women with practical brain-and-biblically-based tools to manage emotions and rewire toxic thought patterns for more calm, confidence and joy. She loves to travel, cook, draw, paint and savor life with her beloved husband, four kids and three dogs. Connect with Alicia on Facebook or Instagram @aliciamichellecoach, listen to her podcast on your favorite podcast player, or download her free resources (including the first chapter of her book) at AliciaMichelle.com .Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger.com

Carol Kent: Special 100th Episode! Choosing Faith and Purpose

In this special milestone episode, we welcome the incredible Carol Kent, a speaker, author, and mentor with a passion for equipping others to share their message for God’s Kingdom. Carol shares her journey with God from preacher’s kid to inmate’s mother and how all of our stories matter. She shares insights on how to listen to God and persevere through tough times until we are walking in our purpose. This is a heartfelt conversation.Carol Kent is a bestselling author and an international speaker for conferences and retreats. She’s the executive director of the Speak Up Conference, an event committed to helping Christians develop their speaking and writing skills. She and her husband, Gene, have founded the nonprofit organization, Speak Up for Hope, which benefits inmates and their families. Carol holds a master’s degree in communication arts and a bachelor’s degree in speech education. Carol has trained Christian speakers for over 25 years and she has been a featured speaker at Women of Faith, Extraordinary Women, and Women of Joy arena events. She is the author of over twenty-five books, including the bestselling When I Lay My Isaac Down, Speak Up with Confidence, and He Holds My Hand. Connect with Carolwww.facebook.com/authorcarolkent www.twitter.com/CarolKentSpeaks www.instagram.com/carolkentspeaks www.CarolKent.org www.SpeakUpConference.com www.SpeakUpforHope.org Connect with Lisa: www.lisagranger,com
 

Lisa Saruga: A Journey Of Growth And Thriving After Trauma

There is a saying “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”, but it that really true? Going through a life-altering trauma or suffering from many smaller traumas affects our brain and healing is possible but not promised. Our guest, Lisa Saruga, knows firsthand about the effects of trauma as a survivor and a therapist. She offers insight and practical tools for understanding, recovering, and thriving after trauma, along with her new book The Trauma Tree.Lisa is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Teacher, Legal and Ethical Specialist, College Student Personnel Professional and Survivor. Her education, training, and experience allow her to speak from a unique perspective. Her passion in life is to provide hope and healing for victims of violent crime, as well as to advocate for legislation that will champion victims and hold criminals accountable.Key Takeaways:Understanding Trauma:• The difference between Big T trauma (major, life-altering events like abuse, accidents, or loss) and little t trauma (smaller, cumulative experiences like rejection, criticism, or minor setbacks).Trauma as a Brain Injury:• Trauma isn’t just emotional; it affects the brain's wiring, altering how we think, feel, and react.Healing from Trauma:• Practical ways to begin recovery: therapy, mindfulness, and building a support system.Post-Traumatic Growth:• A powerful concept that highlights how individuals can emerge stronger, more resilient, and more purpose-driven after facing and processing trauma.To connect with Lisa Saruga: https://lisasaruga.com/ • Social: @LisaSaruga• Book: https://a.co/d/5CZ99G0 To connect with Lisa Granger: www.lisagranger.com
 

Cally Logan: A Single Perspective On Valentine's Day

In this heartfelt conversation, we dive into the journey of waiting—whether it’s singleness, unanswered prayers, or seasons of uncertainty. Cally Logan shares her wisdom on stewarding this time well, trusting God’s plan, and encouraging parents to pray faithfully for their children.Cally Logan is an author, writer, and history teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Story telling is her passion. She believes each and every one us hold a unique, valuable, and hand-written story by God, and together we are part of the Grand Story He has written. Her books are available everywhere books are sold and you can connect with her online at CallyLogan.com , Crosswalk.com , The Rooted Truth, and Instagram @CallyLogan. Key Points Discussed:1. Stewarding the Waiting Well: Every season of waiting has purpose, and it’s an opportunity to grow, deepen faith, and prepare for what’s ahead.2. Encouragement for Singleness on Valentine’s Day: Singleness is not a lesser season; it’s a gift in its own way.3. Praying with Hope and Persistence: Don’t give up on God, even when answers seem delayed or unclear. His timing is always perfect.Takeaway:No matter where you find yourself—in waiting, in singleness, or in prayer—know that God is working behind the scenes. Use this time to steward well, grow deeper, and trust His promises.

Soak, Wrap, Repeat: How to Heal From the Inside Out

In this episode, Lisa shares a personal story about her horse, Gemma, and the powerful lesson God taught her about healing. Just as Gemma’s wound needed to heal from the inside out, we too must allow God to work through our wounds—whether they stem from past trauma, insecurities, or offenses. Lisa explores the spiritual process of healing by soaking in God’s Word, wrapping our hearts in His love, and repeating the process until full restoration is achieved.Key Takeaways:• Healing Requires Time and Process: Just like physical wounds, emotional and spiritual wounds need time and intentional care to heal properly.• Soak in God’s Word: Immerse yourself in scripture, allowing it to penetrate your heart and mind for true transformation.• Wrap Yourself in Protection: Guard your heart and mind with God’s peace, wise counsel, and a supportive community.• Repeat for Lasting Healing: True change requires repetition. Continually soaking and wrapping ensures deep-rooted healing and transformation.Scriptures Mentioned:• Matthew 5:13 – “You are the salt of the earth.”• Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”• Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”• Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”• Ephesians 6:13-17 – The full armor of God for spiritual protection.Reflection Questions:1. What wounds in your life need God’s healing touch?2. How can you intentionally soak in God’s Word each day?3. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart and mind?Resources & Next Steps:• Connect with Lisa: lisagranger.com • Suggested reading: o The Love Your Life Project: 40 days to Prioritize your Passions, Cultivate Productive Habits and Refuel with Times of Rest by Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk. o Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture by Alicia Michelle

Carol McLeod: Powerful Story Of Joy After Devastating Loss

Life can throw us a curve ball and if we don’t have the help or skills, depression can knock us out. In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Carol McLeod, who shares her powerful story of battling depression and how she found hope and healing. Carol opens up about her darkest days, her journey to developing a deep reliance on the Word of God, and the practical steps she took to combat depression. Carol McLeod is a best-selling author, dynamic speaker, and podcast host who is passionate about inspiring women to live with joy and purpose. She is the host of The Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod, and the author of several books, including her latest devotional, Today Is a Verb. She teaches monthly via Zoom to rural villages in Pakistan. In addition, her vibrant prison ministry brings hope and transformation to incarcerated women. Carol’s compassionate heart and vibrant storytelling encourage women to embrace their God-given significance and find hope in every season of life. https://www.carolmcleodministries.com/ Key takeaways: The events that led to struggles with depression.How memorizing Scripture became a game changer.Difference between normal ups and downs and depression. When to seek help and other tips to combat depression.If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, remember you are not alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or professionals for support. Dive into the Word of God for strength and encouragement.

Sarah Clarkson: Reclaiming Quiet in a Noisy World

Quiet is something difficult to find in our modern world. We are bombarded with crowded schedules, constant availability through screens and information overload. The noise can be deafening. We think “quiet” is a luxury we can’t afford and yet it’s necessary for our souls to thrive. Sarah Clarkson delves into the transformative power of quiet. Drawing inspiration from her own journey and her latest book, Reclaiming Quiet: Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention, Sarah reflects on the profound connection between stillness, healing, and spiritual renewal. She explores why quiet is vital for both the body and soul and how embracing small, quiet moments can lead to a more peaceful life. She also shares practical ways to find and embrace moments of quiet in daily life.Sarah Clarkson is an author and blogger who writes regularly about literature, faith and beauty. She studied theology at Oxford and is the author and co-author of six books, including This Beautiful Truth. She has an active following on Instagram where she hosts regular live read-alouds from the poems, novels, or essays that bring her courage. She can often be found with a good cup of tea and a book in hand in her old English vicarage home in Oxford, where she lives with her Anglican vicar husband, Thomas, and their 4 children.www.sarahclarkson.com Instagram @SarahWanders