Creation Refined Podcast

On today’s episode, Melissa Stephens of Your BFF Podcast joins me to chat about her autoimmune disease and the daily struggle of living in pain. She also shares her experience as a suicide survivor and her battle with depression. It doesn't always look like those Ads with people too sad to escape their bed…  Sometimes, you wear a sunny face and power through life’s obligations, while secretly waging enormous internal wars.  We definitely cover some deeply personal topics, but we also know how to lighten up with some thoughts on author, Brené Brown, Melissa's entrepreneurial nature, and our totally non-addictive passion for The Walking Dead.  Join us and learn how perseverance has refined Melissa into the tenacious, powerful women she is today. Connect with Monica on Instagram and Facebook. Ladies, be sure to join the Creation Refined Community to connect with women who inspire, encourage and laugh together. We are an incredible group of women and would love for you to join our community. Connect with Melissa

Today on the podcast, Samantha Phimmasone joins me to chat about how her life made a 180 degree turn after her son’s autism diagnosis. She shares how she navigated the diagnosis while seeking the therapy her son would need to thrive, and all while her husband was deployed. We also touch on her experiences with home schooling, as well as the evolution through side-hustle to launching a business educating small businesses on Instagram marketing.  Samantha’s story spans topics from family to business, and while informing and entertaining, it really teaches how to embrace what life throws you.  Connect with Monica on Instagram and Facebook. Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood! We are a great community of woman who are encouraging, supportive, love to laugh, and we would love for you to join our community! Connect with Samantha on Instagram.

Today’s guest is De’Nicea Hilton. De’Nicea is a Doctor of Eastern Medicine, specializing in “saving uteruses and making babies holistically.” Ladies, this is such a fun conversation touching on a pretty wide range of topics. We chat about the differences between Eastern and Western medical philosophies, the importance of finding the cause of an ailment vs just masking it with medications, and how taking a passive role in her personal health had potentially serious consequences in De’Nicea’s own life. In the mix, I learn something new about menstruation. It isn’t supposed to hurt! Who Knew?! This conversation is packed with great information and more than a few chuckles. I hope De’Nicea’s story connects with you, like it did with me, and encourages you to be proactive in your healthcare. Connect with Monica on Instagram and Facebook. If you are a woman who could use a daily dose of encouragement, laughter and support, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. We are a great group of woman and we would love

Today's guest is Rachel Lankester. Rachel shares how she came to embrace middle age, and develop a passion for helping women realize their value doesn’t diminish over time. Her own realization began with a journey into menopause while still in her early 40’s, a decade earlier than for most women. We will discuss the emotional toll it took on some closely held dreams and the future she had planned. We’ll also learn how she came to grips with these changes and realized a woman’s value isn’t linked to her birth date or the phase of life she’s in. Today, Rachel is "banging the drum" for women to embrace every day, year and decade of experience, because like wine, we get better with age. I love Rachel’s journey and I hope that it inspires you to embrace the present and know you are valuable in every chapter of your life.   Connect with Monica on Instagram and feel free to send me a DM! Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood! We are a community of women who offer support, encouragement, and laughter in a judgment fre

Today's guest is Michelle McKinney, the founder of Dreams Unleashed, which is a service that helps women discover their God-given dreams and purposes. Michelle shares how her passion for helping women lead her to stepping into entrepreneurship full time and the ups and downs she has experienced since starting this journey. We also chat about the importance of authentic community and how to cultivate it, vulnerability, trusting God and what it means to be refined by our circumstances. This is such a fun conversation packed with a lot of wisdom and truth that will inspire you to create the life you’ve dreamt of. Connect with Monica on Instagram Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood if you are a woman who could use a daily does of inspiration, laughter and community. We are a great group of women who are kind, funny and judgment free and we would for you to be a member of our community. Plus, its free! Connect with Michelle on Instagram and visit her website here.

On today's episode, Elise Gaston Chand joins me to chat about her daughter’s autoimmune disease and the ups and downs of navigating the healthcare system while advocating for her daughter. We also chat about her own autoimmune diagnosis, as well as dealing with the loss of loved ones, the importance of mindset, career changes and even podcasting. Elise has gained a wealth of wisdom as she's navigated these topics in her own life, and I hope you'll join us to share in that knowledge, as she inspires hope that others can persevere through life circumstances, and thrive!!   Connect with Monica on Instagram  Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood if you are woman who could use a daily dose of inspiration, laughter, and community. We are a great group of women who are kind, funny and judgment free and we want you to be a member of our community.   Connect with Elise on Instagram and Facebook. Visit the Because Of Horses website. Visit the J School for Podcasters, a coaching and production website.

Today's guest is Enid Jones. Enid shares her incredible story of navigating her struggle with postpartum depression while being a stay home mom. She also shares how a cancer diagnosis, an unexpected community of women, and Rachel Hollis all lead her to discovering her worth as a mom, wife, woman and entrepreneur. Enid's story is about courage and self-awareness and it will inspire you to pursue the best version of yourself. Connect with Monica on Instagram  Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. We are a community of women who are kind, funny, sarcastic, authentic and vulnerable and we want you to be a part of our community! I hope to see you there! Follow Enid on Instagram and Facebook.

Today's guest is Leslie Riley. Leslie shares her diverse and intriguing work history, including as a helicopter pilot for the Unites States Army, a professional organizer, and as a keynote speaker. She also tells how the breakup of a friendship/business-partnership impacted her life, and of the subsequent trip to Ireland that helped set a new intention for her future.  Along the way, we learn how she met the love of her life in the midst of all these changes, as well as how Leslie’s story can inspire women of a certain age to hold onto hope for the life they want.  Follow Monica on Instagram  Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. We are a community of women who are kind, gracious, funny, sarcastic, authentic, and vulnerable and we want you to be a part of our community. I hope to see you there! Follow Leslie on Instagram and visit her website here. View Leslie's Tedx talk here.

Today’s guest is Chrystal Smith, the founder of Foster Village.  As you know, it takes a “village” to raise a child, and Chrystal’s organization creates opportunities for the community to act as that “village” by coming along side the children in the welfare system, and their caretakers, as a support system. Through small steps in faith, and sometimes giant leaps, Foster Village has grown beyond Chrystal’s wildest dreams. She’ll also share what lead her, and her husband, to grow their family through foster care, and how their whole life was changed by the loving act of their foster daughter’s biological mother.  Chrystal’s story is one of faith, hope and community, and I know it will inspire you to find ways to be of service and watch how it refines you into who you were meant to be.   Connect with Monica on Instagram. If you are a woman who could use a daily dose of inspiration, laughter, and community, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. We are a great group of women who are kind, judgement free, and

Today’s guest is Sonia McDonald. Sonia is a Global Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, Author, and creator of the Leadership HQ blog, which was recently ranked in the top 10 for Leadership Blogs and Websites. She shares how she and her daughter found themselves alone in China after her husband decided to leave. Being a single mom was very difficult as she tried to provide for her daughter, while trying to figure out her next career path. She explains how accepting a job that she wasn’t qualified for lead her down a path to discovering her to a passion in educating others how to lead courageously and with kindness. We talk all things from motherhood, bullying, courage, vulnerability, failures, leadership and passions. Sonia's journey will inspire you to create the life you have dreamt of.  Connect with Monica on Instagram If you are woman who could use a little encouragement, laughter and a community of women who will encourage you, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood.  Connect with Sonia on Instagram and

Today’s guest is Marissa stone. Marissa shares her extraordinary story of growing up in an abusive home, then marrying into one as a teenager. She describes the turning point that caused her to change her entire life, along with breaking a multi-generational chain of abuse. Marissa is now an entrepreneur, has her doctorate in technology, and is the founder of the Premier International Women’s Business Virtual Summit. She also shares a big, bold, audacious dream she is pursing to help women who step out of domestic abuse. Marissa’s journey will caution you not to let life to pass you by, and inspire you to go get the life you want.  Connect with Monica on Instagram. Ladies, if you could use daily a daily laugh, experience support and encouragement, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. It's free and a great group of kind and encouraging women. Connect with Marissa on Instagram, Facebook, Website, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. For information on the Premier International Women's Business Virtual Summit c

Today’s guest is Lahana Vigliano. Lahana is a nutritionist, entrepreneur, and creator and host of the Thrival Nutrition Podcast. She shares how receiving some surprising news as a teen inspired her to go to college to pursue a childhood dream in-spite of hard circumstances. She also share how receiving some disappointing news caused her and her family to move from Florida to Austin Tx. I know you will be inspired by Lahana’s journey to pursue your dreams no matter how big and audacious they may seem. Ladies, if you could use daily inspiration, encouragement, laughs and community, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. It’s a great space where each woman is seen, heard and valued for who they are. Connect with Monica on Instagram  Connect with Lahana on Instagram and Facebook. Click here to visit her website. Lahana is gifting you, the listeners, $30 off a session or package for nutritional counseling! Just mention this podcast to receive your discount!

Today’s guest is Alexis Busetti. Alexis shares how making some unwise financial choices in college and planning for a mission trip lead her to trust God with her finances. She also shares how an email from Dave Ramsey's team and an offhanded remark to her husband pivoted her life from being a stay at home mom to becoming an entrepreneur. Her story is about faith and good stewardship. She encourages us to embrace our relationship with our finances and remember that there is not a mess that is too large to clean up. Connect with Monica on Instagram Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. Connect with Alexis Busetti on Instagram and Facebook.You can also find her writing up great articles for Family Christian here and her blog here.

On this week's episode, Blanca Jurado shares how receiving a stage 3 cancer diagnosis wrecked her world. She describes how hard the treatments were on her and her family, but also how the community around her, and even strangers, enveloped her and her boys with love. Although the year long treatment was the most emotionally, spiritually, and physically draining experience she has been through, she shares the reason she chose to pursue her dream in the midst of it. Blanca's journey is about how community and pursuing a dream can inspire us despite our circumstances. Connect with Monica on Instagram Ladies, if you could use a little encouragement and a space to be yourself, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood on Facebook. We are a great group of women who are kind and welcome all ladies to our group. Connect with Blanca on Instagram and her business page on Instagram

On today's Episode, Raine Kramer joins me to chat about a traumatic event that happened her freshman year of college. She describes the toll it took on her physche and physical wellbeing, as well as what caused her to pursue healing. Nine years later, Raine is thriving,  healthier than she has ever been before and hoping that her story will empower those who have experienced trauma to seek the help they need to recover.    *Content Warning: There is mention of depression, thoughts of self harm and sexual assault in this episode. Although brief and not descriptive or graphic we wanted to inform you, so you can decide what is best for you. It should also be noted that this episode is not appropriate for young ears.*   I would love to connect with you on Instagram. Ladies, if you are looking for a community of women who are kind, encouraging, and fun, then join the Creation Refined Sisterhood on Facebook.    Connect with Raine on Instagram & Facebook.   Honorable Mentions: Made for More - Rachel Hollis

On today's episode, Wendy J. Olson of the She's Got Gumption podcast joins me to chat about her passion for healing. Wendy has experienced various traumas throughout her life, and she shares the tools and resources she uses to find healing in mind, body, and spirit. Wendy also has a passion for raising awareness about human trafficking. In our conversation, she shares a bit about how she was introduced to the subject, and how she was able to use the tools and resources from her own trauma recovery to help create community and healing for victims of trauma. Wendy is a writer, podcaster, mother, wife, healer and a very funny lady.  Her humor is contagious, and I know you'll come to realize, as I have, that laughter can be a very powerful part of recovery.  Connect with Monica on Instagram. Join the Creation Refined Sisterhood. This community is a judgement free space for all women who want to be in community with others who will encourage, laugh, and support one another. Connect with Wendy on Instagram. Honorab

On today's episode Angela Cross shares how infidelity ended her marriage, and how she didn't just lose a husband, but also friendships and community at church who felt the divorce was wrong. She also shares her trials and triumphs in becoming a single mom, and rediscovering God’s faithful love.  Connect with Angela on Instagram and check out her blog at Fierce and Fearless Living. Connect with Monica on Instagram and join the Creation Refined Sisterhood.     Honorable Mentions in today's episode: She's Got Gumption! podcast - Episode 18 Monica Harris Greenleaf - Netflix Mel Robbins' 5 Second Rule The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey Rise podcast with Rachel Hollis

On today's episode, Kirsta Miller is joining me to chat about how an unplanned pregnancy, with then boyfriend of just a couple of months, changed the trajectory of her life and her future marriage to the father. She also shares how receiving not one, but two, cancer diagnoses as a young mom and newlywed rocked her world and shaped her faith.   Links: Monica on Instagram Creation Refined Sisterhood Krista on Instagram Krista Miller Photography Shows mentioned in the episode: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - Netflix Books: Squirrel Days - Ellie Kemper

Lauren Barner is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Wife, and Mother to 5 kiddos. On today’s episode, we’re going to discuss how these facets of her life have shaped her, but we are also going to talk about her middle child, Caroline Joy, and how her brief life has forever changed those who knew her and others all over the world. Link: For additional information on the mission that provides water wells in Uganda click here. For additional information and community in regard to miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss click here. Connect with Monica on Instagram, and be sure to join the Creation Refined Sisterhood group on Facebook.

On today's episode Laura Hernandez shares about how she and her husband have added 5 children (2 biologically and 3 adopted) to their family in just 4 years. It's a story of faith, loss, and stone-cold grit. Through her journey she discovered, ways to help their large family function well, and she generously shares her knowledge with other women through her business Mama Systems. I hope you'll take a few minutes to join Laura and I for a good, old-fashioned gab.   Links: Mama Systems Website Socials: Laura on Instagram Mama Systems on Facebook Monica on Instagram Creation Refined Sisterhood