Anchored with Purpose | Faith, Family, Purpose, Dreaming, Planning, Overcoming Anxiety, Overcoming Overwhelm

Melissa Wilkinson - Life Coach for Catholic Women
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

  1. 6d ago

    89| When God Calls You to Go First

    What do you do when God places something on your heart that feels bigger than you? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Shawna DuBois, founder of Gabriel's Retreat Ministries, to talk about faith, obedience, and what happens when God calls you to step into something you never expected. Shawna shares her powerful faith journey—from being a teenager with one foot in and one foot out of the Church to experiencing a profound encounter with God that would eventually lead her to launch a ministry serving women facing unexpected pregnancies. What began as a simple prompting from the Holy Spirit quickly turned into a mission that has transformed countless lives. Together, Melissa and Shawna discuss the courage it takes to say "yes" when God calls, even when the path ahead isn't clear. Shawna shares how prayer, spiritual direction, and trusting God's timing helped her launch Gabriel's Retreat Ministries and build a community that surrounds women with practical, emotional, and spiritual support. They also dive into the importance of being truly pro-family, the unique challenges women face during pregnancy and postpartum, and why every mother needs a supportive community around her. Through retreat experiences, mentorship, meals, gifts, friendship, and ongoing support, Gabriel's Retreat Ministries helps women know they are seen, loved, and never alone. Whether you're discerning a calling, walking through a difficult season, or wondering if God can use your imperfect story for something beautiful, this conversation is a powerful reminder that He often works through ordinary people willing to take the next faithful step. Resources Mentioned:Gabriel's Retreat MinistriesConnect with Melissa:📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  🌐 Anchored with Purpose: https://anchoredwithpurpose.com 🎙️ Subscribe to the Anchored with Purpose Podcast and share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today. 00:00 Welcome & Meeting Through Shared Connections 02:00 Shawna's Faith Journey 04:40 God Uses Our Crooked Paths 09:00 Following God's Call to Start a Ministry 12:45 What Is Gabriel's Retreat Ministries? 20:10 Supporting Women Beyond Pregnancy 21:30 The Heart Behind the Retreat Experience 24:00 Building Community for Mothers 27:59 Stories of Transformation 34:12 Walking with Women for the Long Haul 35:03 Final Thoughts & Encouragement how to know if God is calling you, how to trust God's plan, what does it mean to follow God's calling, Catholic support for pregnant women, Christian help for unexpected pregnancy, faith during an unexpected pregnancy, building a Catholic ministry, how God uses ordinary people, finding purpose through faith, Catholic encouragement for women, Christian podcast for women, how to discern God's will, supporting women through unexpected pregnancy, Catholic resources for pregnant mothers, saying yes to God's calling, listening to God's voice, trusting God's timing, Christian encouragement for moms, finding your purpose through faith, how to start a faith-based ministry

    37 min

  2. Jun 23

    88| Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming with Shemaiah Gonzalez

    What if joy wasn't something you had to wait for until life got easier? If you've been feeling overwhelmed, burned out, stuck, or like you've lost sight of the joy and purpose God has for your life, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Catholic author, speaker, and writing coach Shemaiah Gonzalez to talk about finding joy in difficult seasons, overcoming comparison, pursuing God-given dreams, and discovering God's presence in everyday life. Shemaiah shares her powerful faith journey from Protestant seminary to the Catholic Church and how choosing "joy" as her Word of the Year unexpectedly led her on a years-long journey of surrender, gratitude, and deeper trust in God. Together, Melissa and Shemaiah discuss motherhood, creativity, faith, purpose, and why you don't have to wait for the perfect time—or feel fully qualified—to take the next step God is calling you to take. Whether you're navigating a season of transition, struggling with self-doubt, feeling stretched thin by life's responsibilities, or simply longing for more peace in the midst of the chaos, you'll walk away encouraged to look for God's presence in the ordinary and embrace the unique calling He's placed on your life. In This Episode You'll Learn:• How Shemaiah's journey led her to the Catholic Church • Why surrender is often the key to peace and joy • The difference between happiness and lasting joy • Practical ways to find joy in difficult seasons • How gratitude changes your perspective • Why comparison steals your joy and how to overcome it • How to embrace your unique gifts and calling • Encouragement for women pursuing God-given dreams • Why five minutes a day can change everything • How God works through small, faithful steps Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Shemaiah Gonzalez 02:15 From Protestant Seminary to the Catholic Church 05:45 Finding Peace and Beauty in the Catholic Faith 08:20 Living as a Christian in Seattle 09:05 Why Joy Became Her Word of the Year 11:15 Joy vs. Happiness 12:50 Finding Joy When Life Feels Overwhelming 14:00 Gratitude and Worship as Daily Practices 15:10 How Looking for Joy Changes Everything 18:15 Comparison, Success, and Staying in Your Lane 24:45 Using Your Gifts to Serve Others 27:30 Encouragement for Women Pursuing Big Dreams 28:20 The Power of Five Minutes a Day 31:30 Learning from Great Writers and Mentors 34:00 Where to Find Shemaiah and Undaunted Joy 36:00 Final Encouragement and Closing Thoughts Resources Mentioned📖 Undaunted Joy: The Revolutionary Act of Cultivating Delight https://a.co/d/0b6rZeBq 🌐 Shemaiah's Website https://www.shemaiahgonzalez.com 📝 Undaunted Joy Substack https://shemaiahgonzalez.substack.com 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shemaiahg 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf 🌊 Learn More https://anchoredwithpurpose.com 🎙️ If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use a little more joy, peace, and encouragement today.

    36 min

  3. Jun 16

    87| What If the Rosary Is More Powerful Than You Think?

    For years, Melissa struggled to understand the Rosary. It felt repetitive, intimidating, and honestly, she wasn't sure why Catholics were so devoted to it. In this episode, Melissa sits down with Deborah Viña, founder of MG Rosary, for an honest conversation about the Rosary, Marian devotion, and the sacramentals of the Catholic Church. Melissa shares how a recent 54-day novena completely changed her perspective, while Deborah offers practical encouragement for women who want to deepen their prayer life but aren't sure where to start. Together, they explore why the Rosary is so much more than a series of repeated prayers, how it helps us meditate on the life of Christ, and how sacramentals like the Miraculous Medal can keep our hearts focused on God throughout the day. If you've ever wondered what all the fuss is about when it comes to the Rosary, this conversation is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome & Meeting at Walking with Purpose 01:23 The Story Behind MG Rosary 05:05 The Wrist Rosary Explained 10:29 Learning to Love the Rosary 18:13 Designing Rosaries with Purpose 26:24 The Miraculous Medal & St. Benedict Medal 31:36 Understanding Sacramentals 34:29 The Power of the Rosary 37:53 Where to Find MG Rosary 40:08 Final Encouragement 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf Resources & Links Mentioned: • MG Rosary: https://www.mg-rosary.com/ • The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rosary-St-Louis-Monfort/dp/0895550563 • Champions of the Rosary by Fr. Donald Calloway: https://www.amazon.com/Champions-Rosary-Donald-H-Calloway/dp/1596143436 • The Power of the Rosary by Gabriel Castillo: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Power+of+the+Rosary+Gabriel+Castillo • The Miraculous Medal: Pendant of Power by Christine Watkins: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Miraculous+Medal+Pendant+of+Power+Christine+Watkins • Rosary in a Year Podcast: https://ascensionpress.com/pages/riy • Hallow App: https://hallow.com/ • Walking with Purpose: https://walkingwithpurpose.com/ If this episode encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend who would enjoy the conversation. Catholic podcast, how to pray the Rosary, Rosary for beginners, Catholic women, Miraculous Medal, St. Benedict Medal, sacramentals, Catholic faith, Catholic prayer life, Marian devotion, Walking with Purpose, handmade rosaries, wrist rosary, Catholic gifts, Deborah Viña, MG Rosary, Catholic motherhood, growing in faith, Anchored with Purpose, Catholic spirituality

    40 min

  4. Jun 11

    86| How God Uses Your Gifts to Reveal Your Purpose

    Have you ever wondered if the gifts and experiences God has given you are preparing you for something bigger? In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa sits down with Molly Olson, founder of Sacred Anchor Artisans, to discuss faith, creativity, hospitality, and following the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Molly shares her journey from raising six children and helping run a freeze-dried candy business to building a ministry that connects Catholic artists with people seeking beauty, hope, and inspiration. What started as one small "yes" at the SEEK Conference has grown into a thriving community showcasing modern sacred art and handcrafted Catholic gifts. Together, Melissa and Molly discuss discovering your charisms, trusting God's timing, the impact of Catholic youth retreats, and why you do not need the whole plan before taking the next step. They also share how Sacred Anchor Artisans is helping artists tell their stories and bring others closer to Christ through beauty. If you've been wondering what God might be calling you to next, this conversation will encourage you to take one faithful step forward. In This Episode: • Molly's faith journey and the retreat that changed her life • How a candy business led to a Catholic ministry • The power of modern sacred art • Discovering your God-given gifts and charisms • Trusting the Holy Spirit's direction • Why hospitality can become a ministry • Taking the next faithful step toward your purpose Resources & Links: Sacred Anchor Artisans: https://sacredanchorartisans.com/ Saints by Number Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SaintsByNumber 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: Create a simple daily faith practice through Scripture, gratitude, prayer, and reflection. https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome & Meet Molly Olson 01:28 Faith Becoming Her Own 04:59 How Sacred Anchor Artisans Began 08:54 The Story of David & Sacred Art 12:52 The Power of Catholic Youth Retreats 15:39 Art That Leads to Evangelization 20:37 Modern Catholic Sacred Art 22:43 The Meaning Behind Sacred Anchor 25:16 From Gerontology to Ministry 28:53 Trusting the Holy Spirit's Call 31:25 Taking the Next Faithful Step 33:11 Building a Marketplace for Catholic Artists 35:01 Where to Find Sacred Anchor Artisans 36:19 Final Encouragement Catholic podcast, Christian women, discovering your purpose, hearing God's voice, Holy Spirit, Catholic art, sacred art, modern Catholic art, Catholic creativity, Catholic entrepreneur, charisms, spiritual gifts, Catholic motherhood, hospitality ministry, women of faith, vocation, following God's call, evangelization, Catholic inspiration, Sacred Anchor Artisans, Molly Olson, Melissa Wilkinson, Anchored with Purpose.

    35 min

  5. Jun 2

    85| When God Changes the Dream: Kristen Ledlow's Journey from the NBA to Motherhood

    What happens when God asks you to let go of the dream you worked years to build? In this inspiring conversation, Melissa sits down with Kristen Ledlow, former NBA sideline reporter, television host, entrepreneur, and mom, to talk about faith, purpose, motherhood, and learning to trust God's plan when it looks very different than your own. Kristen shares her journey from covering the NBA on national television to stepping away from the career she spent years building in order to embrace a new season of motherhood. Together, Melissa and Kristen discuss the concept of "holy discontent," the challenge of finding identity beyond achievement, and how God often redirects our paths in ways we never could have imagined. They also reflect on the powerful experience of meeting at the YouVersion Beyond a Billion Celebration, where thousands gathered to celebrate over one billion downloads of the Bible App and the life-changing impact of God's Word around the world. If you've ever wondered whether you're missing God's calling, struggled with a major life transition, or felt torn between achievement and obedience, this conversation will encourage you to trust the Author of your story. In This Episode, You'll Learn:How Kristen's faith shaped her journey into sports broadcastingWhat it was like covering the NBA for more than a decadeThe surprising way God closed one door and opened anotherWhy "holy discontent" may be God's invitation to your next seasonThe identity shift many women experience in motherhoodHow high achievers can find purpose outside of accomplishmentThe beauty of ordinary, unseen faithfulnessWhy God's timing is often better than our own plansLessons from the YouVersion Beyond a Billion CelebrationHow to recognize opportunities God places directly in your path00:00 Meet Kristen Ledlow 01:15 The Night That Changed Everything 03:00 Can God Use Your Career? 10:55 When God Closes a Door 13:20 Holy Discontent 17:55 Choosing Family Over Success 19:30 The Hard Truth About Motherhood 23:40 Is Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Enough? 28:55 Stop White-Knuckling Your Calling 31:40 Getting God's Word to the World 35:00 Building Positionless 38:55 A Final Word of Encouragement Connect with Kristen LedlowPositionless by Kristen Ledlow: https://bepositionless.com/ Kristen Ledlow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenledlow📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  Christian motherhood, stay at home mom encouragement, Christian women podcast, faith and purpose, Kristen Ledlow interview, NBA reporter faith story, Christian motherhood identity, finding purpose in motherhood, trusting God's plan, holy discontent, Christian personal growth, faith journey, Christian entrepreneur, YouVersion Bible App, women of faith, obedience to God, motherhood and purpose, Christian podcast for women, Anchored

    36 min

  6. May 26

    84| The “God Meet” That Changed Everything with Thelma Dzwowa

    What happens when you say “yes” to the Holy Spirit, even when the path ahead doesn’t fully make sense? In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa sits down with Bible App content creator, author, speaker, and soon-to-be podcaster, Thelma Dzwowa, for a conversation full of faith, obedience, divine appointments, and trusting God through every season. From growing up in Zimbabwe, to moving to Australia, to unexpectedly ending up at the YouVersion Beyond a Billion Celebration in Oklahoma City, Thelma shares the incredible “God meets” that shaped her faith journey and ministry. She opens up about taking an 8-month sabbatical to travel and seek God’s direction, overcoming fear and doubt, writing Bible plans and books for women, and learning to trust the Holy Spirit step by step. Melissa and Thelma also talk about: The power of obedience and how one “yes” to God can impact generationsHow prayer and worship help keep you grounded in faithWhy it’s okay if you don’t know how to read the Bible yetThe importance of mindset, personal growth, and seeking truthNavigating transitions, career pivots, and new seasons with GodOvercoming fear and doubt (“the wicked sisters”)How the Holy Spirit leads us through uncertainty one step at a timeThis episode is filled with encouragement for the woman who feels stuck, uncertain, or ready for a fresh move of God in her life. 📖 Start building a daily faith routine with the free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal — designed to help you spend intentional time with God through Scripture, prayer, reflection, and gratitude: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf Resources & Links MentionedThelma Dzwowa Website: https://www.thelmadzwowa.com/ Upcoming Podcast: Distilled TruthYouVersion Bible App: https://www.thelmadzwowa.com/general-4 Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321  Chapter Titles & Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Thelma Dzwowa 01:00 – The Incredible “God Meet” Story 05:00 – Becoming a YouVersion Bible App Contributor 08:00 – Encouraging Women Through Bible Plans 10:30 – What to Do When You Feel Lost 12:30 – Taking an 8-Month Leap of Faith 15:00 – Writing Books, Podcasting & Ministry 16:30 – Overcoming Fear and Doubt 18:30 – The Generational Power of Faith 23:30 – Staying Grounded in Your Faith 26:00 – Learning How to Read the Bible 28:00 – Where to Find Thelma Catholic podcast, Christian women podcast, faith journey, Holy Spirit, obedience to God, overcoming fear and doubt, Christian mindset, women of faith, Bible App plans, YouVersion creator, Christian personal growth, spiritual growth, trusting God, prayer life, Christian encouragement, Catholic women, faith and purpose, discipleship, Christian living, Bible reading, Fr Mike Schmitz, Bible in a Year, Christian author, Christian speaker, personal growth for women, Christian podcast for women, faith story, purpose-driven life, Anchored with Purpose Podcast

    30 min

  7. May 19

    83| What Happens When You Let Go of Alcohol

    What if your curiosity about a sober lifestyle isn’t random… but an invitation from God? Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Amy Fuggi and Judi Daigle to talk about faith, freedom, healing, and what life can look like on the other side of alcohol. This conversation is about awareness, healing, and discovering the joy, peace, and clarity that can come when we remove the things numbing us from fully experiencing life with the Holy Spirit. Amy and Judi share their powerful personal stories, including how Jesus radically transformed their relationship with alcohol, the lies culture teaches women about drinking, and how they now help other women who are “sober curious” or struggling silently. Whether you rarely drink, feel dependent on that nightly glass of wine, or simply wonder what life could feel like without alcohol, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that you are deeply loved by God. In This Episode, We Talk About: What it means to be “sober curious”Amy and Judi’s personal faith journeysThe role alcohol played in stress, anxiety, and emotional numbingHow faith and the Holy Spirit transformed their livesThe neuroscience behind alcohol and dopamineWhy alcohol can increase anxiety and depressionLetting go of shame and labelsThe difference between white-knuckling and true freedomHow Jesus meets us with compassion and healingThe beauty of awareness, healing, and joy on the other side Resources & Links Mentioned: Held Holy with Judi DaigleLive Free From Alcohol with Amy FuggiWalking with PurposeChurch of the NativityThe Power of Praying for Your Adult Children Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 – Introducing the conversation around sober curiosity 02:00 – Amy’s faith journey and returning to the Catholic Church 08:40 – Judi’s powerful healing story 16:00 – The season of life that sparked change 25:00 – The lies culture tells women about alcohol 33:00 – Life, joy, and faith on the other side of drinking 39:00 – How alcohol impacts awareness of the Holy Spirit 44:00 – How Amy and Judi help women today 51:00 – Jesus and the woman at the well 57:00 – Powerful transformation stories 1:00:00 – Why awareness matters 1:04:00 – How to connect with Amy and Judi Catholic sober curious, Christian sobriety podcast, sober lifestyle for women, Catholic women and alcohol, faith and sobriety, alcohol free lifestyle, Holy Spirit and alcohol, Christian women healing, freedom from alcohol, Catholic podcast for women, sober curious movement, overcoming alcohol with faith, healing through Jesus, alcohol awareness, Christian coaching for women

    1h 1m

  8. May 12

    82| When God Calls You to More: Following the Holy Spirit with Heidi Bollich-Erne

    What does it mean to embrace the feminine genius in today’s world? In this inspiring episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa sits down with Catholic publisher and educator Heidi Bollich-Erne, founder of The Better Part Journal, a beautiful new print journal created to elevate the voices, experiences, and intellectual contributions of Catholic women. Heidi shares the powerful story behind the journal’s name, including the dream that inspired it and the connection to Mary of Bethany choosing “the better part” at the feet of Jesus. Together, Melissa and Heidi dive into topics like the feminine genius, women’s voices in the Church, slowing down in a noisy digital world, discernment, creativity, faith-filled leadership, and following the call God places on your heart. If you’ve ever felt a holy discontent, sensed God calling you toward something more, or wondered how your gifts can serve the Church and the world, this conversation will deeply encourage you. ✨ Ready to build a simple daily faith routine? Grab your free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal here: Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Heidi’s Background & Story 05:00 – Who Is Edith Stein? 08:15 – The Story Behind The Better Part Journal 11:00 – What’s Inside the Journal 16:00 – Women’s Voices in the Church 20:40 – Why Print Instead of Digital 24:30 – Slowing Down in a Noisy World 29:15 – Letting the Holy Spirit Lead 34:45 – Encouragement for Women Feeling Called to More 41:50 – How to Find The Better Part Journal 43:45 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement Resources & Links Mentioned: • The Better Part Journal Website: https://www.thebetterpartjournal.com/ • The Better Part Journal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578958392539  This episode is a beautiful reminder that God often calls us through holy discontent, unexpected dreams, quiet nudges, and open doors we never planned for ourselves. When women embrace their gifts, lead with faith, and remain open to the Holy Spirit, incredible things can happen. If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to the Anchored with Purpose Podcast so more Catholic women can discover these conversations. Catholic women podcast, feminine genius, Catholic women leadership, Edith Stein, women in the Catholic Church, Catholic motherhood, Catholic personal growth, faith and purpose, discernment, holy discontent, Catholic intellectual journal, feminine genius Catholic, Catholic women community, Christian women podcast, Catholic entrepreneurship, women of faith, spiritual growth for women, Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Catholic creatives, The Better Part Journal

    44 min
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The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

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