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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. May 5

    81| Declutter Your Home, Find Your Peace | ft. Gina Morton

    If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by clutter in your home, your schedule, or even your thoughts, this episode is for you. Melissa sits down with Gina, host of Pruning to Prosper, to talk about how decluttering is about so much more than just organizing your space. It’s about creating room for God to move in your life. Gina shares how she went from helping women organize their homes to helping them clear mental and spiritual clutter, all rooted in faith and the power of the Rosary. You’ll walk away with simple, practical steps to get started, along with a fresh perspective on how your environment impacts your peace, your purpose, and your ability to say “yes” to God. This conversation is equal parts practical and powerful. It will leave you feeling lighter, encouraged, and ready to take your next step. Key Takeaways: Why clutter is not just physical but mental and spiritualHow God created order first and why that matters for your homeThe connection between your environment and your ability to hear GodA simple 3-step method to start decluttering todayHow to let go of emotional attachment to “stuff”Why your home can become a place of ministry and hospitalityHow routines and systems create freedom and peaceThe role of the Rosary in bringing clarity, focus, and directionHow decluttering can open the door to purpose and transformation Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Gina 01:00 Gina’s story and how Pruning to Prosper began 03:00 Why decluttering is about more than your home 05:00 Creating space to hear God more clearly 08:00 Using your home for ministry and hospitality 10:00 Why your environment impacts your peace 13:00 Creating a home you actually want to be in 15:00 The power of the Rosary in daily life 20:00 Where to start when you feel overwhelmed 22:00 Gina’s step-by-step decluttering method 25:00 Letting go of emotional attachment to things 33:00 What your family actually values and remembers 37:00 Using what you have instead of saving it 41:00 A powerful transformation story 45:00 What a peaceful home really feels like 48:00 Systems that make life easier 51:00 From cluttered life to purposeful living 56:00 How to connect with Gina Resources & Links: Gina’s Podcast: Pruning to Prosper: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pruning-to-prosper-catholic-declutter-organize-motivation/id1613434502 Connect with Gina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pruningtoprosperpodcast/   Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  Catholic podcast, decluttering tips, Christian home organization, faith and home, Catholic motherhood, rosary and daily routine, how to declutter your home, mental clutter, spiritual growth for women, Christian personal development, organizing your home, simplify your life, Catholic women podcast, finding peace at home, faith based habits, Christian routines, hospitality in the home, living with purpose, overwhelmed mom help, home systems and routines

    55 min

  6. Apr 28

    80| Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Lead Your Life with Faith Instead of Burnout

    Are you feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or like you’re constantly trying to “balance” it all and still falling short? In this powerful and relatable conversation, I sit down with Bethany Rees, founder of Leadership on the Rocks, to talk about what it really means to lead with faith in every area of your life. From motherhood to career to personal growth, Bethany shares a refreshing perspective on leadership, identity, and how to move from chaos to clarity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things but still missing peace, this episode will remind you that true leadership starts from within and is rooted in Christ. ✨ Key TakeawaysLeadership is influence and you are already a leader in your home, work, and relationshipsWhy “balance” is a myth and how to embrace harmony insteadHow to stop chasing the perfect system and start anchoring your life in GodThe difference between building a life on sand versus building on the rockHow to overcome overwhelm by shifting your identity back to ChristA simple but powerful first step to reset when you feel stressed or stuckBethany’s “Body of Leadership” framework: head, heart, hands, and gutsHow to take your thoughts captive and replace comparison with truth⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction + Meet Bethany Rees 02:00 What Leadership Really Means (Hint: You’re Already One) 03:45 The Story Behind “Leadership on the Rocks” 06:30 Overwhelm, Stress, and the Lie of Self-Help 10:30 Identity in Christ vs. Identity in the World 13:20 From Balance to Harmony in Everyday Life 17:00 Raising Independent Kids Through Intentional Leadership 20:00 Breaking Free from Comparison and Negative Self-Talk 24:00 Bethany’s Leadership Framework (Head, Heart, Hands, Guts) 30:00 Leading with Faith in Secular Spaces 34:30 How to Move from Overwhelm to Clarity 36:00 The Power of Prayer in Everyday Moments 40:20 Where to Connect with Bethany 🔗 Resources + Links🌐 Website: https://www.leadershipontherocks.com 🎙️ Podcast: https://www.leadershipontherocks.com/podcast 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-rees  Catholic podcast, Christian leadership, faith and leadership, overwhelmed mom, work life balance Christian, faith based personal development, identity in Christ, biblical leadership, Christian mindset, motherhood and faith, harmony not balance, leadership at home, personal growth for women, Anchored with Purpose podcast, Bethany Rees Leadership on the Rocks, Christian podcast

    42 min

  7. Apr 21

    79| You’re Not Behind: Trusting God When Your Timeline Feels Off

    Have you ever caught yourself wondering if you’re behind in life, faith, or business? In this episode, I’m sharing something that’s been on my heart in a very real way. Recently, I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned my own timeline, wondering if I should be further along or doing more. But through prayer and reflection, God keeps bringing me back to this truth: You are not behind. In this episode, we’re talking about how God doesn’t reveal your purpose all at once. He reveals it one step at a time. If you’ve been waiting for clarity, feeling stuck in comparison, or holding back because you don’t have the full plan, this is your reminder to trust Him with your next step. We also connect this conversation to this month’s theme, from building a daily faith practice after Lent, to taking action in your life and business, to stepping into leadership. 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  Key Takeaways: Why the feeling of being “behind” is often rooted in comparisonGod’s timing is different from your timeline and it is always intentionalClarity often comes after you take action, not beforeWhy you don’t need the full blueprint to move forwardThe power of praying for your “next right step”How a daily faith practice helps you hear God more clearlyA simple question to help you take action today Chapters: 00:00 You are not behind 02:00 How this episode fits into this month’s theme 03:30 The comparison trap and feeling behind 05:00 God’s timing and Ecclesiastes 3:11 06:30 Trusting God without the full plan 08:00 How God reveals purpose step by step 09:30 Why clarity comes through action 11:00 Proverbs 3:5-6 and trusting God 12:00 Stop waiting and take the next step 13:30 One question to help you move forward Resources & Links: 🎧 From Lent to Lifestyle episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/73-from-lent-to-lifestyle-how-to-build-a-daily/id1775076672?i=1000754688886 🎧 Interview with Kara Williams: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/78-god-gave-you-this-for-a-reason-with-kara-williams/id1775076672?i=1000761282052 📖 Free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/fb72f69cdf  Call to Action: If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who needs this reminder. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss next week’s conversation on leadership. Christian podcast, Catholic podcast, faith and purpose, trusting God, God’s timing, feeling behind in life, overcoming comparison, daily faith practice, hearing God’s voice, personal growth for women, Christian personal development, faith based encouragement, purpose driven life, Anchored with Purpose podcast

    15 min

  8. Apr 14

    78| God Gave You This for a Reason with Kara Williams

    If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to launch a course, podcast, or online offer because of tech overwhelm, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Kara Williams, who helps women simplify tech and confidently bring their ideas to life. We talk about the real reason so many women stay stuck, how to move past perfectionism, and why having someone walk alongside you changes everything. One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Kara’s story of how God closed a door she thought she was meant to stay in, only to lead her into something even more impactful. If you’ve been wrestling with uncertainty, this will encourage you to trust His plan. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your sign to take the next step. ✨ Key TakeawaysWhy tech overwhelm is NOT the real reason you’re stuckThe mindset shift every woman needs before launchingHow perfectionism is actually fear in disguiseThe simple first step to move your idea out of your head and into actionWhy over-consuming courses can keep you stuckThe power of having someone walk alongside you step-by-stepHow automation and systems prevent burnout in your businessWhat it looks like when God closes one door to open anotherWhy your calling matters and shouldn’t stay hidden⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome + Meet Kara Williams 02:30 Kara’s journey from stay-at-home mom to tech expert 05:30 The real struggle women face when launching online 08:00 Why courses alone don’t get you results 10:45 The first step to launching your idea 14:45 Perfectionism, fear, and taking action 17:10 Getting unstuck when you feel overwhelmed 20:45 What systems and automation actually look like 24:20 Staying in your lane to avoid burnout 25:45 How faith shaped Kara’s business journey 27:30 When God closes a door and redirects your path 29:30 How to connect with Kara 🔗 Resources + LinksConnect with Kara Williams: Website: Helpmekara.com Instagram + Facebook: @helpmekara 🙌 Loved This Episode?If this episode encouraged you, make sure to: Subscribe to the podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsShare this episode with a friend who’s been feeling stuck catholic podcast for women, christian entrepreneurship, faith based business, overcoming fear and doubt, tech overwhelm, course creation for beginners, launch an online course, christian women in business, purpose driven life, hearing God’s call, faith and business, perfectionism and fear, building a business with God, online business systems, automation for entrepreneurs

    29 min
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About

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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