Joy Inspired Podcast

Nikki Cruise

Have you ever wondered how to stand firm in your values and build a business that aligns with your beliefs while staying profitable and purposeful. Each episode unpacks the mindset shifts, proven strategies, and practical tools that successful entrepreneurs use to anchor their work in God’s truth. Discover how to make a lasting impact, cultivate resilient joy even in the toughest seasons, and embrace a faith-filled entrepreneurial journey that’s as rewarding as it is transformative. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business without compromising your faith, this podcast is here to guide and inspire you. Ready to create a business that’s rooted in purpose and overflowing with joy? Let’s jump in! 

  1. Season 2: Episode 12- From Breakdown to Breakthrough

    2D AGO

    Season 2: Episode 12- From Breakdown to Breakthrough

    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Nikki Cruise sits down with Lindsay Stadel, an entrepreneur, multi-business owner, and coach, who shares her courageous journey through mental health struggles, broken relationships, and personal transformation. Lindsay opens up about her experiences with depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, and how her faith became her lifeline. Through her story, she delivers a powerful message: You are enough, and God never writes people off. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that our struggles do not define us—our resilience and purpose do. Key Takeaways: Joy is not a reward but a strategy to navigate life’s challenges.God never writes people off; He writes them in, even through brokenness.Mental health struggles like depression and anxiety are real and deserve open conversation.Forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, is a crucial step in healing.Faith can serve as a lifeline during the darkest moments.Surrounding yourself with supportive people can help you survive and thrive.Purpose is revealed through surviving trials and choosing life over despair.Scriptures Mentioned: Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision and make it plain.”Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you.”Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you.”Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”Encouragement for Listeners: Your struggles do not define your worth; you are enough as you are.Faith is not a background character—it can be your lifeline.Reach out for help; you are never too far gone.Forgive yourself to unlock healing and transformation.Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you.Choosing life and hope is a radical act of courage.Even after trauma, God can reveal your purpose.✍️ Root Check Questions to Reflect On: Where in my life do I feel broken or overwhelmed, and have I allowed myself to acknowledge it?How can I practice self-forgiveness today for past mistakes or decisions?Who are the supportive people in my life that I can lean on during difficult times?How is my faith helping me navigate current challenges?What steps can I take to protect my mental, emotional, and spiritual health?How can I embrace my purpose, even through pain or past failures?Lindsay’s journey teaches us that acknowledging our pain, forgiving ourselves, and leaning on God can transform despair into hope and action. Connect with Lindsay Stadel Social Media: Lindsay Stadel Email: lindsaystadel@gmail.com Free Resource for Listeners: From Breaking Point to Breakthrough. A Guide to Protect Your Mind, Strengthen Your Faith, and Find Purpose in the Pain Click here to download! Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    37 min
  2. Season 2: Episode 11 - Path 2 Peace

    MAR 17

    Season 2: Episode 11 - Path 2 Peace

    Episode Summary:  In this deeply powerful conversation, Nikki Cruise sits down with Colleen Stewart, founder of Path to Peace Coaching, a veteran and trauma survivor who now helps others reclaim their peace through faith and healing. For years, she struggled to understand what was happening to her as unresolved trauma surfaced through flashbacks, stress, and emotional turmoil. But God had a greater story unfolding. Through a process of healing, surrender, and partnering with God, Colleen discovered something transformative: the missing pieces in our lives are often not truly missing, they’re simply hidden beneath lies we’ve believed about ourselves. Now, Colleen equips professionals who have experienced trauma to uncover those hidden pieces, remove limiting beliefs, and rebuild their lives with clarity, purpose, and peace. This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life collapses like a sinkhole beneath us, God is still rebuilding the foundation. Key Takeaways The Missing Piece Isn’t Missing - the “missing pieces” in our lives are often obscured by lies we have believed. Peace doesn’t come from controlling life’s circumstances. Unhealed trauma can influence our health, relationships, and career decisions without us even realizing it.Sometimes we “fail the test but pass the learning.” Growth often happens through disappointment and unexpected obstacles.God equips us with tools and experiences long before we realize how they will be used in our calling.Scriptures  Isaiah 26:3 - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.”Proverbs 4:7 - “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.”Romans 8:28 - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”Encouragement If you feel like your life has collapsed beneath your feet, remember that sinkholes don’t define the end of the road.God is the master builder of restoration.Your trauma does not disqualify you from purpose.Your past does not remove your calling.And the peace you’re searching for may already be closer than you think.Healing often begins with one courageous step: letting go of control and allowing God to rebuild the foundation.Root questions to reflect on:  What beliefs about myself might actually be lies I’ve accepted as truth?Where in my life am I still trying to stay in control instead of surrendering to God?What might my future look like if I truly believed God had restoration ahead for me?Is there an area of trauma or pain that I’ve been avoiding instead of bringing to God?Connect With the GuestColleen (CB) Stewart Founder, Path to Peace Coaching Social Media: CB Stewart Email: reachcbstewart@gmail.com Free Resource for Listeners: Get Colleen's 3-step Guide to Overcome the Effects of Trauma Click here to download! Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    38 min
  3. Season 2: Episode 10 - Living Vibrantly

    MAR 10

    Season 2: Episode 10 - Living Vibrantly

    Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Joy Inspired Podcast, Nikki Cruise sits down with Donna Tashjian, a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience coaching leaders worldwide. Donna shares her journey from adversity to thriving, teaching how to live vibrantly, lead with joy, and cultivate spiritual intelligence in both life and business. Together, Nikki and Donna unpack the mindset, strategies, and Kingdom principles that allow you to lead from peace, not pressure. If you’ve ever felt stuck in hustle culture or overwhelmed by life’s demands, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement to choose joy, hear God’s voice, and step into your calling with clarity and confidence. Key Takeaways: Choosing joy over circumstances: Joy is a decision and a powerful strategy in life and business.Hearing God’s voice: Learn to distinguish God’s guidance from fear or societal expectations.The Spiritual Intelligence Method: A step-by-step approach to co-partner with God, think creatively, and act on the unseen.Faith and strategy integration: How faith informs effective action and decision-making.Overcoming fear: Fear never leads to growth; discern your Father’s voice to act confidently.Scriptures to Stand On Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”Psalm 16:11 – “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”Psalm 34:17-18 – “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”Encouragement:  “Choosing joy is a decision, different from happiness.” “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” “You are loved.” Reflective Questions When am I allowing fear to dictate my decisions instead of God’s guidance?How can I practice stillness daily to hear God more clearly?What unseen opportunities am I overlooking that require faith to pursue?Where in my life am I trying to do it all myself instead of partnering with God?How can I intentionally choose joy, even in the middle of challenges?🎁 Free Gift Step into a new way of leading—with wisdom, clarity, and divine confidence. This powerful starter kit introduces Donna Tashjian’s proven Spiritual Intelligence Method™, designed to help faith-led visionaries align with God, quiet the noise, and make Holy Spirit-led decisions.  Click HERE to download your FREE Gift Connect With Donna 🌐 Website: ivibrantliving.com📱 Social Media: Donna TashjianStay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    31 min
  4. Season 2: Episode 9 - Letting Go: Living Lighter - the story behind "Your Words Have Power"

    MAR 3

    Season 2: Episode 9 - Letting Go: Living Lighter - the story behind "Your Words Have Power"

    Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of the Joy Inspired Podcast, Nikki Cruise sits down with Wendy Corner, founder of Your Words Have Power, to explore how introverted entrepreneurs can discover their voice, share their message, and create impact through storytelling. Wendy shares her deeply personal journey—from childhood experiences of feeling unseen to sudden widowhood and navigating major life transitions, that shaped her mission to help others find freedom, visibility, and purpose through their words. This episode is a heart-centered conversation about letting go, living lighter, and trusting God’s plan even when life takes unexpected turns. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, unheard, or unsure of how to step into your calling, this conversation will empower you to reclaim your voice and embrace your God-given purpose. Key Takeaways Your story matters, and your voice is powerful—even if you’ve felt unseen or unheard.Life’s losses and disruptions can become catalysts for personal growth and clarity.Letting go of “stuff” and mental clutter creates space for God’s plans to unfold.Faith and trust in God bring joy, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.Sharing your message authentically can transform both your business and life.Scriptures Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Psalm 118:24 — “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Encouragements for Your Journey God can use life’s interruptions to redirect you toward your purpose.Letting go doesn’t mean losing—it means creating space for God’s best.Even introverts have a voice that can inspire, influence, and impact.Joy is found not in perfection, but in trusting God’s plan and timing.Root Check Questions to Reflect On Where in my life have I felt unseen or unheard, and how can God help me reclaim my voice?What mental or emotional “stuff” do I need to release to step fully into my purpose?How can I use my story to serve and inspire others today?Am I trusting God’s timing, even when life doesn’t go as I expected?🎁 FREE GIFT Something inside you knows that staying where you are no longer feels right. It's time to REWIRE your unhelpful scripts!  DOWNLOAD THE FREE GIFT HERE! Connect With Wendy 🌐 Website: Your Words Have Power📱 Social Media: Wendy CornerEmail: wendy@ywhp.eventsStay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    40 min
  5. Season 2: Episode 8 - When Sales Meets Service: Building Trust, Authentic Relationships & Leading with Faith

    FEB 24

    Season 2: Episode 8 - When Sales Meets Service: Building Trust, Authentic Relationships & Leading with Faith

    Episode Summary In this powerful and faith-filled conversation on the Joy Inspired Podcast, Nikki Cruise sits down with internationally recognized sales expert, speaker, and relationship strategist Scott Schilling to explore how authentic relationships, trust, and service transform both business and life. Scott shares how his decades-long career in sales evolved into a mission centered on serving people rather than closing transactions. Through a life-altering near-death experience and profound encounters with God, he discovered that true success flows from building genuine connections, living out faith authentically, and creating environments where people feel seen, valued, and inspired. If you’ve ever struggled with selling, networking, or building meaningful connections in business, this episode will shift your perspective, reminding you that sales done right is simply service rooted in love, integrity, and purpose. Key Takeaways Authentic relationships are built long before transactions ever happen.Trust grows from connection, consistency, and genuine care for people.Selling is not persuading — it’s identifying needs and serving solutions.Your story, including your struggles, can become a tool to serve others.Living as an example of your faith speaks louder than wordsScriptures Psalm 118:17 — “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done.”Matthew 5:16 — Let your light shine before others.Colossians 3:23 — Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.Luke 6:31 — Do to others as you would have them do to you.Proverbs 11:25 — A generous person will prosper.Encouragements for Your Journey You don’t have to chase people when you genuinely care about them.Your past experiences can become bridges to help others heal and grow.Service-driven business creates lasting impact and influence.God can use even life interruptions to realign your purpose.When you lead with love, success becomes a byproduct, not the goal.Root Check Questions to Reflect On Am I prioritizing relationships over transactions in my business?Where might God be asking me to serve rather than strive?How can I show up more authentically in my work and leadership?What experiences in my life could help someone else today?Am I building trust consistently with the people I serve? 🎁 Free Gift Heart-centered selling isn’t about closing deals—it’s about opening hearts, serving with integrity, and creating lasting relationships that reflect God’s love in every interaction.  Access the GIFT here: https://ssm.synduit.com/sueb0020 Connect With Scott: 🌐 Website: https://scottschilling.com 📱 Social Media: https://linkedin.com/in/scottschilling8 Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    39 min
  6. Season 2: Episode 7 - When God Changes Your Path: Entrepreneurship, Faith, and Starting Over After 24 Years

    FEB 17

    Season 2: Episode 7 - When God Changes Your Path: Entrepreneurship, Faith, and Starting Over After 24 Years

    Episode Summary In this powerful and faith-filled conversation on the Joy Inspired Podcast, Nikki Cruise sits down with Christa Spaeth, a corporate dietitian of 24 years turned author, podcaster, and teacher of biblical nutrition, to share her journey of radical obedience when God changed her path overnight. After decades of stability, Christa heard a whisper from God calling her to step away from everything familiar, without a clear plan, strategy, or safety net. What followed was a journey of surrender, healing, writing, ministry, and rediscovering her calling through a Kingdom lens. If you’re navigating uncertainty, starting over, or sensing God redirecting your life or business, this episode will remind you that obedience often comes before clarity and that God’s plans are always purposeful. Key Takeaways Obedience often requires stepping away before seeing the full picture.God may interrupt your strategies to establish His purpose.Your past experience is never wasted — God can redeem and repurpose it.Intimacy with God strengthens courage for major life transitions.Starting over isn’t failure — it’s often divine repositioning.Scriptures Psalm 37:23 — “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord with all your heart…Isaiah 43:19 — Behold, I am doing a new thing.Jeremiah 29:11 — For I know the plans I have for you…Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good.Encouragements for Your Journey If God is calling you into the unknown, He will also sustain you there.You don’t need a five-year plan when you have daily guidance.Your qualifications don’t determine your calling — your yes does.God’s timing may feel slow, but it is always intentional.What feels like loss may actually be alignment.Root Check Questions to Reflect On: Where might God be asking me to trust Him without full clarity?Am I holding onto a season He is asking me to release?What past experiences could God be repurposing for my next chapter?How can I deepen my daily connection with God right now?What step of obedience have I been postponing?Connect With Christa: 🌐 Website: www.christajoyministries.com 📺 YouTube: Christa Joy Faith and Fuel ✉️ Email: christajoyministries@gmail.com 📖 Books by Christa Powerful Whispers: https://a.co/d/htwQLB2Mom’s Prayer Journal: https://a.co/d/h5v9Wz8🎁 Free Gift Freedom Is Saying Yes: https://www.christajoyministries.com/freedom-is-saying-yes Connect with Christa to learn more about biblical nutrition, faith-filled living, and discovering God’s guidance in your life and business. Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    32 min
  7. Season 2: Episode 6 - The Power of Combining Your Faith with Your Business

    FEB 10

    Season 2: Episode 6 - The Power of Combining Your Faith with Your Business

    Episode Summary: In this powerful and Spirit-led episode, Nikki Cruise welcomes marketing strategist and faith-driven entrepreneur Nadine Mullings, founder of She Elevates Media, for a deep conversation on faith, identity, joy, and Spirit-led marketing. Nadine shares her journey from a corporate layoff to entrepreneurship, revealing how God used what looked like chaos to birth purpose, strategy, and Kingdom impact. Together, Nikki and Nadine unpack what it truly means to integrate faith and business, not as a performance, but as obedience and alignment. This episode goes beyond tactics and dives into identity, reminding listeners that you don’t need a “Jesus sticker” on everything, you are the message. Through stories of obedience, prayer, marketing, AI stewardship, and discovering identity through God, this conversation invites entrepreneurs to stop performing, start listening, and just be who God created them to be. Key Takeaways: Faith and business were never meant to be separated—alignment changes everything.Spirit-led marketing begins by going inward to God before seeking external strategies.You don’t have to perform or pretend—authenticity is attraction marketing.Obedience to the Holy Spirit often unlocks unexpected doors and opportunities.There is no “right way” to express faith in business—only obedience to how God leads you.AI is a tool, not a master—spiritual intelligence must always come first.Identity fuels confidence, clarity, and Kingdom authority in business. Scriptures Referenced  Judges 6 – Gideon and identity before assignmentRomans 8 – Identity in ChristJohn 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice”Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trusting God’s leadingMatthew 5:16 – Let your light shine Encouragement for Listeners: Stop striving to be what you think people expect—just be you.Let joy, peace, and obedience lead your marketing and messaging.Spend time with God daily so you can recognize His voice in business decisions.Steward tools like AI wisely—never above the Holy Spirit.Your identity in God is not something to create—it’s something to discover. ✍️ Root Check Questions to Reflect On: Where am I performing instead of authentically showing up?Do I seek God’s direction before strategies, experts, or tools?How am I currently expressing my faith—overtly or covertly—and am I at peace with that?What has God already revealed about who I am that I’ve been overlooking?Am I stewarding tools like AI with discernment and spiritual alignment? Stay Connected with Nadine: 🌐 Website: https://sheelevatesmedia.com 📱 Facebook: Nadine Mullings Murray 📧 Email: nadine@nadinemullings.com Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    43 min
  8. Season 2: Episode 5 - The Entrepreneur’s Guide to More Free Time

    FEB 3

    Season 2: Episode 5 - The Entrepreneur’s Guide to More Free Time

    Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, Nikki Cruise welcomes Tiffanie Kellog—also known as Speaker in Socks and the Queen of Time—for a powerful conversation on reclaiming time, restoring joy, and realigning priorities as a Kingdom entrepreneur. Tiffanie shares her journey, insights on creating supportive communities, and tips from her book The Entrepreneur’s Guide to More Free Time to help business owners thrive without burnout. 🎁 Gift: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to More Free Time (Kindle Edition) Key Takeaways: It is time that you make YOU the priority... and get the time you need to live the life you want.Time freedom is achieved by intentionally scheduling what matters most first.Small adjustments, like turning off notifications, can drastically improve focus and calm.Burnout often stems from placing business above non-negotiable priorities like family, God, and self-care.Flexibility and adaptability in scheduling create freedom while maintaining productivity.Scriptures Mentioned: Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision and make it plain.” Ecclesiastes 3:1—“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”Encouragement for Listeners: Prioritize your non-negotiables first and schedule them into your week.Use your calendar as a tool to protect your time, not just fill it.Quality time with others is more powerful than constant availability.Celebrate the wins in your day-to-day journey, not just the milestones.Flexibility and planning go hand-in-hand in achieving time freedom.✍️ Root Check Questions to Reflect On: What non-negotiables must I schedule first in my calendar each week?How do I currently manage distractions, and what small changes can I make?In what ways can I be more intentional about building supportive communities?Where am I at risk of burnout, and how can I create boundaries to prevent it Stay Connected with Tiffanie: Websites: ⁣http://tiffaniekellog.com ⁣| https://moreabundantentrepreneurs.com/  ⁣ Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/morewithtiffanie ⁣ Facebook Tiffanie Speaks: http://www.facebook.com/TiffanieSpeaks ⁣ Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TiffanieKellog⁣ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffaniekellog ⁣ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tiffaniekellog⁣ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/tiffaniekellog Stay Connected with Nikki: Website: www.joyinspiredpodcast.comLinkedIn: @nikkijoyinspiredEmail: support@joy-inspired.comClosing Encouragement:  “You were created for a unique purpose. When you invite God into your business, you step into a calling that impacts eternity. Remember, alignment doesn’t mean perfection—it’s a journey of trust, surrender, and joy.” Until next time, stay blessed, stay joyful, and keep walking in your purpose!

    34 min

About

Have you ever wondered how to stand firm in your values and build a business that aligns with your beliefs while staying profitable and purposeful. Each episode unpacks the mindset shifts, proven strategies, and practical tools that successful entrepreneurs use to anchor their work in God’s truth. Discover how to make a lasting impact, cultivate resilient joy even in the toughest seasons, and embrace a faith-filled entrepreneurial journey that’s as rewarding as it is transformative. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your business without compromising your faith, this podcast is here to guide and inspire you. Ready to create a business that’s rooted in purpose and overflowing with joy? Let’s jump in!