The Soulful Project Podcast

Samantha Madrid Dodge
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Weekly

The purpose of The Soulful Project, is to give YOU a platform to unravel layers of self discovery and share YOUR journey - the experiences that have made your soul- who YOU are. This is a safe haven meant to inspire others to reconnect with their own souls and discover additional aspects of identity-to be an influence in helping your friends and loved ones discover their mission in life. It includes topics of healing and faith, as well as passions, pastimes, adventure and relationships.

  1. 2d ago

    "Seek Good Now" | How to Build A Positive Mindset In An Ever-Darkening World With CJ Jackson

    Send us Fan Mail When was the last time you let one small moment, someone else's opinion, or an unexpected setback shake the person you've worked so hard to become? What if, instead of letting negativity take over, you chose to shift your perspective to “Seeking What's Good Now”? In this episode of the Soulful Project Podcast, CJ shares how choosing positivity, embracing personal growth, and refusing to let fear of judgment hold him back have shaped the way he approaches life. His story is a reminder that you don't have to let the negativity around you determine the person you become—and that sometimes, the smallest mindset shifts can create the biggest changes. Today, we sit down with CJ Jackson, a Brisbane, Australia-based content creator and brand strategist, for an uplifting conversation about faith, purpose, resilience, and finding the good in everyday life. CJ shares the story behind his motto, “Seek Good Now” (SGN), and how an idea that started as a simple response to the negativity and fear of judgment surrounding social media turned into a growing brand. He also opens up about how a two-year mission during COVID, a knee injury, surgery, a car accident, and unexpected setbacks challenged his faith while ultimately teaching him more about who he is and who he wants to become. Through it all, CJ learned the important lessons of protecting your character, staying grounded in your values, and not allowing temporary circumstances define you. Together we explore how to overcome the fear of judgment, find confidence in trying new things, and commit wholeheartedly to the interests and passions that make you come alive. CJ shares why small frustrations shouldn't undo the character you've spent years building, how prayer, scripture study, and lifting others up help him feed his soul, and why he believes there's already enough negativity in the world without adding to it. This conversation is perfect for anyone struggling with self-doubt, navigating setbacks, searching for purpose, or looking for a more positive approach to everyday life. This episode will challenge you to be intentional about the energy you bring into the world. CJ's message is simple but powerful: don't let the small things pull you away from the person you're becoming. Seek good now! Support the show

  2. Oct 21

    "What if Your Younger Self is Already Proud of You?" | Shifting The Narrative You've Been Telling Yourself & Learning to Make Space For You with Abby Gutierrez

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the life you’ve worked so hard to build looks successful on the outside but still feels unfulfilling within? Have you ever found yourself saying yes to everyone else, chasing the next achievement, or staying so busy that you’ve lost touch with what you actually want? In this episode of the Soulful Project Podcast, Abby Gutierrez shares her journey of self-discovery, learning to let go of people-pleasing, and redefining what it means to live a meaningful life. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to meet expectations or wondered whether the life you’re building truly reflects who you are, this conversation is your reminder that you don’t have to keep proving your worth to create a life you love. Together we sit down with my good friend Abby for an honest, heartfelt conversation about personal growth, life transitions, fulfillment, and learning to listen to yourself. Abby Gutierrez grew up in New Braunfels TX, before moving to Las Cruces NM within the past few years which has opened the door to unexpected relationships and a career path in social work, while also challenging her to reconsider the pressure to stay busy, say yes, and excel at everything she does. Through this conversation, we unpack how achievement and people-pleasing can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself, why slowing down doesn't mean falling behind, and how making space for your emotions can help you navigate change with greater self-awareness. Abby also shares a powerful shift in perspective: instead of believing she has to make her younger self proud through constant achievement, she's learning to recognize that her younger self might already be proud of the person she has become. We explore how to create a more fulfilling life through small, intentional steps, supportive relationships, meaningful hobbies, and the grace to grow without rejecting who you used to be. Abby's story is a reminder that healing doesn't always mean becoming someone completely different; sometimes, it means finally giving yourself permission to be who you are. This episode is perfect for anyone navigating a life transition, struggling with people-pleasing, feeling burned out by constant achievement, or trying to discover what fulfillment looks like beyond external success. You'll walk away encouraged to slow down, reconnect with what matters most, and remember that you don't have to build a life that looks impressive to everyone else—you deserve to build one that feels meaningful to you. Support the show

  3. Oct 4

    "What If Heartbreak Leads You Somwhere Better?" | A Masterclass On Relationships With Coach Cole Zesiger

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like heartbreak completely changed the future you thought you were going to have? What happens when the life you planned suddenly disappears—and you’re left wondering who you are without it? Meet Coach Cole Zesiger, who joins us for a raw and honest conversation about relationships through his own life experiences of divorce, heartbreak, identity, and rebuilding a life from the ground up. Known online as Coach Cole, Zesiger opens up about marrying young, the pressure to be perfect, and the helplessness he experienced after his divorce and a second painful breakup. His story reveals how heartbreak can challenge not only your relationships, but your entire sense of self. Cole shares how he began taking back control through small, manageable actions—getting dressed, making his bed, creating structure, and simply showing up for himself when everything felt overwhelming. Together, we explore the fear of being alone, the search for validation, and the stories we sometimes create after a breakup to make sense of our pain. We dive into the importance of motivation, building a life you genuinely value, and developing daily habits that can help you become healthier within yourself and your relationships. Cole also shares practical wisdom for navigating heartbreak, rebuilding confidence, and learning to move forward even when you don't have the future figured out. His journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes the life you lose isn't the end of your story—it creates space for a life you never knew was possible. Whether you're healing from a breakup, rebuilding your identity, or simply trying to create a healthier and more intentional life, this conversation will leave you with practical tools, a fresh perspective, and hope for what comes next. Check out Cole's Coaching Website here: https://coachcolezesiger.com/book/ Follow Cole on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcolezesiger/?hl=en TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colezesiger YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbR-Co-YONE96kmIsxQPstA Support the show

  4. Sep 27

    "Life Is Not Happening 'TO' You, It's Happening 'FOR' You" | The Incredible Perspective, Heart, and Soul of Marina Frolov

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when life strips away the identity you thought you knew—and forces you to discover who you are underneath it all? Today's guest, Marina Frolov opens up about just that; about rebuilding her life after divorce, navigating single motherhood, and facing an unexpected stage two Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis that changed the way she sees herself, her purpose, and her future. If you’ve ever felt like life was happening "to" you, struggled with losing control, or found yourself facing a chapter you never expected, Marina’s story will remind you that even the hardest seasons can create space for a stronger, more honest version of yourself. In this episode, I sit down with Marina for a deeply honest heart-to-heart about vulnerability, resilience, motherhood, health, and learning to move forward when life changes without warning. From growing up in rural Canada to starting a photography business at just 17, Marina shares the experiences that shaped her into someone who learned to keep showing up through uncertainty. She opens up about how her cancer diagnosis shifted her perspective from “life is happening to me” to “life is happening for me,” why vulnerability helped her connect more deeply with others, and how she found new ways to care for and reconnect with her body after having to leave heavy lifting behind. Marina also shares what it was like balancing treatment, school, and being present for her son—and the simple motto that carried her through some of her hardest days: “It is what it is, and it’s going to be okay.” Together, we explore the power of community, the role that running played in Marina’s healing, and how social media can become more than a feed—it can become a lifeline for survivors, caregivers, and people navigating difficult health journeys in silence. Marina’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward, and that healing often begins when we stop trying to control every outcome. Her insights are perfect for anyone navigating a major life transition, rebuilding after loss, facing a health challenge, or simply needing encouragement to trust the next chapter. This conversation will leave you with a grounded reminder: sometimes the unexpected detours don't take you away from yourself—they lead you closer to who you were always meant to become. Support the show

  5. Sep 22

    Finding Who You Are Beyond Your Performace and Embracing Seasons of Unexpected Change With Mia Thompson

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you when the identity you built your life around suddenly changes? Have you ever found yourself standing at the end of one chapter with no idea what comes next? If so, this episode is for you. Mia Thompson shares the raw reality of leaving behind her identity as a student athlete, navigating an unexpected post-grad detour, and learning to trust herself when life doesn't go according to plan. Her story is a powerful reminder that your worth isn't defined by your performance, your career, or the plans you thought you had—and sometimes, getting lost is part of discovering who you're becoming. In this episode, I reconnect with an old friend, Mia Thompson who tunes in from Utah, for a deeply honest conversation about family, faith, mental health, grief, and starting over with grace. (TW: THERE IS DISCUSSION OF HOW SUICIDE HAS IMPACTED SOME PEOPLE IN HER LIFE.) Mia opens up about growing up with two brothers in a close-knit, Christ-centered family and how forgiveness became one of her family's greatest strengths. She reflects on how volleyball shaped her confidence, friendships, and future, what it felt like when sports ended and her identity had to evolve, and the unexpected signs that led her to walk away from one post-grad plan and toward another. Together, we explore the importance of vulnerability, emotional honesty, and checking in on the people around us—especially during seasons when life feels loud, uncertain, or overwhelming. We break down how to navigate identity shifts, rebuild confidence after major transitions, and stay grounded when the future doesn't look the way you imagined. Mia shares the personal experiences that deepened her empathy, strengthened her faith, and taught her that no one is ever truly alone. This episode is perfect for athletes, recent graduates, young adults, faith-driven listeners, or anyone standing at the edge of a new chapter. Mia's story will encourage you to embrace uncertainty, give yourself grace, and remember that changing direction isn't failure—it may be the very thing that leads you toward something better. Support the show

  6. Sep 6

    "Your Emotions Are Your Teachers" | How To Use Your Emotions As Data- Raw Life Lessons With Nate Vanderkolk

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like you were coasting through life, hiding difficult emotions, or wondering why you still feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by people? In this episode of The Soulful Project Podcast, we sit down with Nate Vanderkolk, tuning in from Toronto Canada, for a raw and hopeful conversation about vulnerability, faith, mental health, and learning to live with greater intention. Nate shares how growing up in a complicated blended family shaped his sense of identity, connection, and fear of judgment. He opens up about his church mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in England, the mentors who helped him ask, “What is your why?”, and the powerful shift from living out of fear to living out of love. As you listen, you'll hear Nate talk honestly about recognizing his depression and anxiety, learning to process overwhelming emotions, and discovering that vulnerability can become a bridge to deep connection. Together, we explore how our struggles can give us greater compassion for others—and why becoming the person you once needed can be a powerful purpose. We break down the profound lesson that emotions are like waves: we can’t eliminate them, but we can learn how to surf. Whether you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by your emotions, or unsure how to move forward when life doesn’t go according to plan, this conversation will meet you there. This episode is an invitation to stop coasting, choose faith over fear, and discover what it means to become truly alive in every season of life. Support the show

  7. Aug 30

    How To Take Care Of YOU In A High-Performance Driven World | Exploring Deeper Meaning In Life's Chapters & Seasons With Valerie Guha

    Send us Fan Mail What if sports could teach you more than how to win? What if the lessons you learn as an athlete could help you build confidence, regulate your emotions, navigate major life changes, and discover who you are beyond your sport? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Valerie “Val” Guha to explore athlete identity, mental health, emotional resilience, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating new seasons of life. From leaving home and moving across continents to building a life far from everything familiar, Val’s story is a reminder that growth often begins when we learn how to get comfortable with discomfort. Valerie Guha is a German-born goalkeeper who grew up in rural Germany, played four years of collegiate soccer at New Mexico State University, and now continues her soccer career with Red Bulls Atzbook in Austria. What started as a conversation mainly about soccer quickly evolved into a deeper discussion about identity, emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and life transitions. Val shares how journaling, honest conversations, and learning how to release and express have become important tools for processing emotions and staying grounded. She opens up about the pressure athletes face to perform, the lessons she has learned from travel and living abroad, why she believes “pain is temporary,” and how looking back at past challenges can provide powerful evidence of your own resilience. We also explore how sports can become a lifelong toolbox for leadership, communication, self-awareness, discipline, and mental strength—and why “movement creates momentum” when you feel stuck. Together, we unpack coping skills, emotional regulation, performance pressure, and the process of rebuilding confidence during periods of change. Perfect for athletes, college students, young adults, former athletes, and anyone navigating a major transition, this episode will leave you with practical mindset tools and a powerful reminder: you don't lose yourself when the season changes—you have the opportunity to discover who you're becoming. Support the show

  8. Jul 7

    How to Create Momentum in Life- Even When You Don't Have It All Figured Out | A Deep Dive on Navigating Life As a Young Adult with Ricky Quinlan

    Send us Fan Mail Navigate the seasons of young adulthood and discover your true purpose in this reflective conversation with Ricky Quinlan, on The Soulful Project Podcast. Growing up as the youngest of seven siblings in small-town Arizona, Ricky has navigated a path through college and a mission, and is now managing a major life transition as he prepares for medical school and builds a life with his wife, Cassidy—proving that you can create meaningful momentum without having every step of your future mapped out. In this episode, Ricky reveals how shifting your focus away from chasing achievement and financial freedom can propel you toward a life centered on service, family, and steady personal growth. We break down his powerful perspective on making meaningful decisions, overcoming the intense pressure to "figure it all out," and his proven strategies for staying grounded. You will learn the importance of protecting your energy, establishing consistent daily habits, and avoiding the extremes of overdrive and burnout. Whether you are a student, a young professional, or someone simply feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to have a perfect plan, this conversation challenges you to embrace your calling and invest in what truly matters. If you are hungry for practical wisdom and a grounded perspective on navigating transitions, prepare to be inspired to live with steadiness, grace, and purpose—no matter where your path may lead. Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The purpose of The Soulful Project, is to give YOU a platform to unravel layers of self discovery and share YOUR journey - the experiences that have made your soul- who YOU are. This is a safe haven meant to inspire others to reconnect with their own souls and discover additional aspects of identity-to be an influence in helping your friends and loved ones discover their mission in life. It includes topics of healing and faith, as well as passions, pastimes, adventure and relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Madrid Dodge
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Soulful Project Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Soulful Project Podcast