The RISE Experience

Shannon Denniston
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The RISE Experience is a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in their health, leadership, faith, and everyday lives. Hosted by Shannon Denniston, this space explores what it looks like to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, to grow without hustle, and to create meaningful change in real life — not a perfect one. Each conversation weaves together identity, leadership, faith, and body-based wisdom, offering space to slow down, reflect, and rise from clarity rather than pressure.

  1. 2D AGO

    Why Growth Happens Faster When You Stop Doing It Alone.

    Send me a text Strong people often carry the heaviest loads in silence. But growth was never designed to happen alone. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. This is a space to slow down when everything feels loud, to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, and to listen again. Here, identity, faith, the body, and quiet inner wisdom matter. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In today's episode, the focus is on how support directly affects personal growth and leadership. Many people operate in isolation due to conditioning that equates needing help with weakness, which leads to exhaustion and slower progress. When steady support is present, through relationships or structured environments, the nervous system relaxes, clarity returns, and growth becomes more sustainable. The core message reinforces that receiving support is not a weakness but a necessary part of lasting strength. Episode Outline Understanding the burden of doing everything aloneThe rise experience and growth without burnoutSocietal conditioning that links help with weaknessPressure on women to remain self-sufficientHow isolation exhausts the nervous systemWhy feeling seen and supported changes performanceThe difference between pressure-based accountability and steady supportFaith reference and the example of Jesus seeking connectionFear of depending on others and past disappointmentsWhy receiving support can feel unfamiliar or threateningHow supported strength becomes sustainableReflection on areas where too much is being carriedClosing prayer on connection, gentleness, and guidance Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:32 Doing hard things alone 01:25 Conditioning & self-sufficiency (esp. for women) 02:40 Nervous system, exhaustion & survival mode 04:05 How support shifts body, brain & perspective 05:20 Safety, capacity & growing with others 06:40 Accountability vs steadying support 07:35 Faith, Jesus & shared burdens 08:50 Why receiving support feels threatening 10:05 Strong ones who struggle to be supported 11:15 Reflection questions on carrying too much 13:05 Support, connection, prayer & closing Action Taken Lead a guided reflection using these prompts:Where am I carrying more than I need to?Where have I been managing instead of being supported?What would feel different if support was received?Invite listeners to share the episode with someone carrying a heavy load if it brought relief or clarity Conclusion Personal growth and leadership are not strengthened through isolation. Carrying everything alone leads to exhaustion and slower progress, while steady support creates clarity, safety, and sustainability. Growth accelerates when support is received, not resisted. CTA Listen to the episode, follow the podcast, and share it with someone who might benefit from the message. Visit the links provided to stay connected. Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook: Rise ExperienceLinkedIn: Shannon DennistonBusiness:

    16 min

  2. FEB 26

    Why Quitting Isn’t Failure but a Protective Response.

    Send me a text Quitting isn’t always failure; it can be protection. Feeling the urge to leave often signals that something feels unsafe, unsteady, or overwhelming. Staying should never feel forced; it should feel supported, natural, and safe enough to continue. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. This is a space to slow down when everything feels loud, to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, and to listen again. Here, identity, faith, the body, and quiet inner wisdom matter. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In this episode, I talk about the idea that quitting is often seen as a personal failure but can actually be a protective response when feeling unsafe or unsteady, highlighting that staying in a situation should feel natural and supported rather than heroic or pressured, and emphasizing the importance of trusting the body’s cues, prioritizing internal safety over external pressure, allowing imperfection, embracing the messiness in the middle, and remaining in a safe space to support both personal and professional growth. Episode Outline Understanding the nature of quitting and staying.The role of safety in feeling able to stay.Faith and the value of staying grounded.The impact of external pressure vs. internal safety.The importance of trusting oneself and listening to the body.Structure and support as tools for sustainable staying.Embracing imperfection and the messy middle.Compassion, curiosity, and understanding in staying.Learning to stay as a practice and skill.Leadership, faith, and staying in the middle of growth Episode Chapters 00:00 Welcome to The Rise Experience 00:30 Rethinking Quitting as Protection, Not Failure 02:10 When the Nervous System Chooses to Leave 03:20 Consistency vs. Feeling Safe Enough to Stay 04:30 Faith, Abiding, and Staying Grounded in God 05:40 Trusting Your Body’s Cues and Letting Go of Shame 06:40 Structure as Support, Not a Trap 07:40 Embracing the Messy Middle of Growth 08:40 Curiosity, Compassion, and Learning to Stay 09:30 You Don’t Have to Earn the Right to Stay 09:54 Closing Prayer and Encouragement to Keep Rising Action Taken Reflect and journal where quitting usually occurs and whether leaving was protective or a preferencePractice staying gently and imperfectly, pause, recalibrate, and try again rather than restarting completely. Conclusion Staying isn’t about willpower, perfection, or proving something. It’s about cultivating internal safety, trusting your body, and allowing growth to unfold in its own rhythm. CTA Listen to the episode, follow the podcast, and share it with someone who might benefit from the message. Visit the links provided to stay connected. Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook: Rise ExperienceLinkedIn: Shannon DennistonBusiness: https://msha.ke/shandeCoaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon Thank you for listening. May this episode remind you that choosing to stay can be a cou

    15 min

  3. FEB 19

    Why Structure Works for Some Women and Overwhelms Others.

    Send me a text Structure is not always the safe place it promises to be. For some, it brings clarity and calm. For others, it quietly creates pressure the body cannot ignore. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. This is a space to slow down when everything feels loud, to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, and to listen again. Here, identity, faith, the body, and quiet inner wisdom matter. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In this episode, we’re taking an honest look at why structure feels grounding for some seasons and overwhelming in others. What often gets labeled as a lack of discipline is sometimes the body responding to pressure that doesn’t feel safe. Here, the focus is on gently reframing structure from something rigid into something that can actually support steadiness and trust. You’ll hear how the nervous system influences consistency, why fear and shame can make even well-intended systems feel heavy, and what begins to shift when structure finally feels safe enough to stay inside. Episode Outline The dual nature of structure: grounding for some, suffocating for othersHow the nervous system shapes the response to routines and systemsWhy structure should function as support, not a testThe link between shame, fear of failure, and resistance to structureBuilding self-trust instead of relying only on external accountabilityReframing rigid systems into flexible support frameworksThe role of faith and trust in creating safe growthReleasing fear to make consistency feel naturalFinding a rhythm that builds momentum and steadiness Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:35 Why Structure Feels Helpful for Some and Suffocating for Others 01:40 It’s Not Your Personality, It’s Your Nervous System 03:00 When Structure Feels Like a Test You’re About to Fail 04:15 Redefining Structure as Guardrails, Not a Tightrope 05:30 Trusting Yourself Instead of Performing for Others 06:40 Is Your Body Resisting Structure or Feeling Supported by It? 07:40 Releasing Fear: Failure, Disappointment, and Not Belonging 08:40 Rhythm Replaces Resistance: Staying Instead of Restarting 09:45 You Were Never Meant to Grow on a Tightrope 10:20 Prayer for Safety, Support, and Gentle Structure Action Taken Create and publish a short reflective worksheet asking:  “Where in life does structure feel heavy instead of supportive?” “What pressure is being carried right now?”Include gentle, nonjudgmental reflection guidance. Develop a mini-guide titled How to Restructure Supportive Systems outlining: Identifying fear, adjusting rigid rules, creating guardrails, and establishing a supportive rhythm.Encourage listeners to share the episode with someone who feels overwhelmed by structure, including a simple social-share message. Conclusion Structure works best when it creates safety, not pressure. When the body feels supported, consistency becomes easier and trust begins to rebuild. The invitation is simple: notice what feels heavy, soften what feels forced, and allow rhythm to replace resistance. CTA Listen to the episode. Follow the podcast for future conversations. Visit the links provided to stay connected. Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook:

    15 min

  4. FEB 12

    Why Forcing Discipline Backfires and How Regulation Creates Steady Growth.

    Send me a text Trying harder isn’t always better. Sometimes, pushing through discipline leads to exhaustion, stress, and even burnout. What if the real key to consistency isn’t force, but steadiness? Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. This is a space to slow down when everything feels loud, to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, and to listen again. Here, identity, faith, the body, and quiet inner wisdom matter. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In this episode, the discussion explores the difference between discipline and regulation in personal growth. Discipline, often seen as control, can backfire when it causes stress and pressure. Regulation emphasizes the body’s ability to sustain demands, helping consistency emerge naturally. Listeners are encouraged to focus on steadiness, safety, and supportive routines rather than forcing self-discipline. Episode Outline Understanding Discipline and Regulation Discipline is commonly perceived as a way to achieve consistency but often leads to exhaustion.Regulation focuses on capacity and sustainability, not force.Discipline can feel heavy and counterproductive; regulation promotes steadiness. The Science Behind Discipline and Regulation The nervous system governs consistency and emotional regulation.Overstraining the nervous system undermines discipline.Discipline failures reflect the body’s limits, not lack of effort. The Role of Faith and Self-Control Self-control is framed within faith, love, and wisdom.Galatians describes self-control as a fruit of the Spirit.Creating a supportive environment fosters consistent action without pressure. The Importance of Regulation for Consistent Growth Regulation leads to real consistency by making routines sustainableConsistency comes from steadiness, not willpower.Listeners are guided to choose repeatable, manageable actions over “impressive” efforts. The Need for Safety and Trust in Consistent Growth Feeling safe inside is more important than pushing harder.Regulation maintains balance when discipline alone is insufficient.Reflect on areas where discipline feels forced and replace with steadiness. The Role of Prayer and Reflection Episode closes with a prayer for guidance in building safe, sustainable rhythms.Emphasis on listening to the body and regulating rather than overriding.Encouragement to share the episode with others and approach the nervous system kindly. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 Understanding Discipline and Regulation 02:45 The Science Behind Discipline and Regulation 05:02 The Role of Faith and Self-Control 06:01 The Importance of Regulation for Consistent Growth 07:53 The Need for Safety and Trust in Consistent Growth 09:49 The Role of Prayer and Reflection Action Taken Reflect on areas where discipline feels forced. Ask: “Where in my life am I forcing discipline, and what would change if I chose steadiness over control?”Share the episode with someone who may benefit from a reminder to slow down and focus on regulation. Conclusion Consistency is not about doing more or pushing har

    11 min

  5. FEB 5

    Why Consistency Fails When the Body Feels Unsafe.

    Send me a text Consistency is easy when life feels calm. But when the nervous system is on edge, even simple routines feel heavy. The question isn’t why consistency disappears — it’s what the body is responding to. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. This is a space to slow down when everything feels loud, to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, and to listen again. Here, identity, faith, the body, and quiet inner wisdom matter. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In this episode, I explain why consistency can feel difficult even when commitment is present, especially for women leaders, and how this challenge is often tied to the nervous system prioritizing survival over sustainability rather than a lack of discipline or willpower. Emotional, mental, and physical unsafety can interrupt follow-through, while predictable and supportive environments help restore steadiness. Practical examples such as getting more sleep, staying hydrated, and reducing unnecessary demands show how consistency becomes more natural when the body feels safe and present, reinforcing that true consistency comes from safety rather than pressure or force. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 Understanding the Challenge of Consistency 02:19 The Role of the Nervous System in Consistency 07:43 The Misconception of Self-Sabotage 08:00 The Importance of Safety and Presence 09:07 Practical Steps to Enhance Consistency 12:29 Reflecting on Personal Consistency Episode Outline Why consistency is often mistaken for motivation or willpowerHow the nervous system prioritizes survival over sustainabilityThe role of perceived emotional, mental, and physical unsafetyWhy “self-sabotage” is often the body protecting itselfThe difference between pressure-driven effort and steady presenceFaith as an invitation to rest rather than constant outputCreating predictable, spacious environments that support follow-throughChoosing repeatable rhythms over impressive effortQuiet progress as a form of trust-building Action Taken Share the episode with a friend who may feel stuck or frustrated with consistencyTag the host on social media to continue the conversation and reflect on takeaways Conclusion Consistency doesn’t come from pushing harder or demanding more. It comes from listening, creating steadiness, and allowing the body to feel supported enough to stay. When pressure is removed, follow-through becomes quieter, more honest, and easier to return to. CTA Listen to the episode. Follow the podcast for future conversations. Visit the links provided to stay connected. Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook: Rise ExperienceLinkedIn: Shannon DennistonBusiness: https://msha.ke/shandeCoaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon Thank you for listening and being here. May this conversation offer relief, clarity, and permission to move at a pace that feels steady and true.

    15 min

  6. JAN 29

    Rebuilding Self-Trust for Women Leaders Without Pressure.

    Send me a text Self-trust doesn’t disappear in loud moments. It fades quietly, one small override at a time. And most women don’t even realize it’s happening until they no longer feel safe with themselves. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this is a space where we slow down when everything feels loud. We lead from steadiness instead of urgency, let go of hustle, and listen again. We stay connected to what’s real — identity, faith, the body, and the quiet wisdom already there. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights In this episode, self-trust is about the quiet ability to believe in oneself, not confidence or motivation. For women and leaders, it can slowly fade over time, often unnoticed, as external pressures build and personal needs are overlooked. Trust grows when a safe space exists, where honesty is allowed without consequences. Reflection can help: noticing where trust has been lost, understanding why it made sense at the time, and starting with small promises to oneself. Patience, gentleness, and a sense of safety are at the heart of rebuilding self-trust. Episode Outline What self-trust really is and what it is not.Why self-trust matters for women and leaders.How self-trust erodes quietly over time.The role of adaptation, pressure, and external voices.Why losing self-trust is not a personal failure.How faith provides steadiness when rebuilding trust.The nervous system’s role in safety and honesty.The connection between self-trust, leadership, and relationships.Reflection questions to notice where trust was lost.Why small promises matter more than big intentions.A closing prayer for gentleness and patience Action Taken Choose one small promise to keep this week, no pressure, no perfection. Sit with these reflection questions without rushing to fix anything: Where have I stopped trusting myself?Why did that make sense at the time?What signals do I tend to override?Share this episode with someone who might need it and tag me so the message can reach them. Conclusion Self-trust isn’t rebuilt by forcing clarity or demanding certainty. It returns when safety is restored, when honesty is allowed without consequences and when listening becomes more important than fixing. The work isn’t loud. It’s slow, steady, and deeply personal. And it starts by letting yourself be met with gentleness instead of pressure. CTA Listen to the episode.Follow the show for future conversations. Supporting Information Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook: Rise ExperienceLinkedIn: Shannon DennistonBusiness: https://msha.ke/shandeCoaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon Thank you for listening. I hope this episode gave you space to pause and reflect.

    11 min

  7. JAN 22

    How to Pause, Gain Clarity, and Set Intentions Effectively.

    Send me a text Everyone’s rushing to decide what’s next. New goals. New plans. New direction. But what if clarity doesn’t come from pushing forward, but instead from stopping long enough to notice where you already are? Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this is a space where we slow down when everything feels loud. We lead from steadiness instead of urgency, let go of hustle, and listen again. We stay connected to what’s real — identity, faith, the body, and the quiet wisdom already there. A place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity instead of pressure. Episode Highlights This conversation is an invitation to slow down before deciding what’s next. It centers on noticing where the body and mind actually are, not where they’re supposed to be. Instead of rushing into plans or intentions, the focus is on orientation: understanding current identity, values, and capacity first. Clarity is treated as something that emerges from listening, not forcing. For women and leaders who’ve spent too long operating in urgency or survival mode, this episode offers permission to pause, get grounded, and let direction come from steadiness rather than pressure. Episode Outline Why orientation matters more than intention.The cost of setting goals while feeling disoriented.Using the body as a signal for readiness and clarity.How urgency blocks self-trust and wise leadership.Identity is the foundation for direction and purpose.Why “I don’t know yet” is honest and grounded.The nervous system’s role in decision-making.A faith-centered perspective on identity before purpose.Allowing direction to unfold without force. Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 Orientation Before Intention 04:07 The Importance of Identity in Setting Intentions 06:01 Reconnecting with Current Identity 08:34 The Role of Integrity in Orientation 09:31 Prayers and Reflections Action Taken Pause before setting new goals or commitments.Notice the current state of the body, breath, and energy.Ask the question: Who am I right now — honestly?Release the pressure to have answers immediatelyShare this episode with someone who might need permission to slow down. Conclusion Clarity doesn’t come from deciding faster. It comes from knowing where you’re standing. When orientation comes first, direction stops feeling heavy or forced. There’s permission here to pause, to listen, and to admit when the next step isn’t clear yet. Nothing is behind. Nothing is missing. Orientation is not delay — it’s wisdom. CTA If this episode resonated, share it with someone who feels rushed, unsure, or caught between what’s next and what’s true. Supporting Information Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook: Rise ExperienceLinkedIn: Shannon DennistonBusiness: https://msha.ke/shandeCoaching: https://msha.ke/risewithshannon Thank you for being here and for choosing presence over pressure. This space exists because of listeners willing to slow down, listen inward, and rise with intention

    12 min

  8. JAN 15

    Why Hope Feels Unsafe After Repeated Disappointment and How to Rebuild Belief.

    Send me a text Hope doesn’t disappear all at once. Sometimes it just goes quiet after being disappointed too many times. Welcome to The RISE Experience, a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in health, leadership, faith, and everyday life. I’m Shannon Denniston, and this is a space for slowing down, leading from steadiness instead of urgency, and growing without hustle. Here, we explore real-life change rather than perfection, weaving together identity, leadership, faith, and body-based wisdom. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and rise from clarity rather than pressure, feeling grounded and connected to yourself and others. Episode Highlights This episode centers on the idea that belief often fades not because people stop caring, but because caring has hurt too much. After repeated disappointment, the nervous system learns to associate hope with risk. Instead of pushing forward, it flattens emotion as a form of protection. Rather than forcing belief back into place, the conversation invites a slower return. Hope is framed as something quiet, something rebuilt through trustworthy moments, consistency, and kindness. Growth doesn’t need intensity to be real. Sometimes it needs safety first. Episode Outline Creating space for reflection instead of pressure-driven growthIntroducing the Rise Experience as a place to grow honestly and gently.Revisiting the idea of a quiet reset as groundwork for clarity.Understanding why hope feels dangerous after repeated letdowns.How the brain protects by avoiding pain rather than pursuing potentialWhy forcing belief often backfiresRebuilding trust through small, reliable experiencesChoosing consistency over intensity as a leadership practiceDistinguishing hope from optimismHow returning hope softens leadership, clears vision, and shifts energyGuided reflection around safety, belief, and self-kindnessClosing with prayer and encouragement for gentle restoration Episode Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:07 Creating Space for Reflection and Growth 01:09 The Role of Hope in Rebuilding Belief 03:13 Rebuilding Trust Through Experience 04:26 Practicing Gentleness and Consistency 05:28 Reflecting on Personal Experiences of Hope and Belief Action Taken Sit with these three reflective questions during the week, without pressure to fix or act: Where has hope felt unsafe?What would belief look like if it didn’t ask for more than could be given?What is one way to be kinder right now? Make a simple note of what surfaces during reflection to revisit later Practice gentleness and consistency over intensityChoose not quitting after a hard dayUse kinder self-talk as a way to rebuild belief slowly Conclusion Hope doesn’t need to be loud to be real. It doesn’t need grand plans or bold declarations to return. When belief is rebuilt gently, leadership shifts. Decisions soften. Vision becomes clearer. Growth becomes something that feels possible again, not because of force, but because trust is slowly restored. CTA Take time this week to sit with the reflection questions shared in the episode. Let the answers rise naturally, without urgency or expectation, and notice what begins to shift. Supporting Information Instagram: @risewithshannonFacebook:

    7 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The RISE Experience is a podcast for women who are rebuilding trust with themselves — in their health, leadership, faith, and everyday lives. Hosted by Shannon Denniston, this space explores what it looks like to lead from steadiness instead of urgency, to grow without hustle, and to create meaningful change in real life — not a perfect one. Each conversation weaves together identity, leadership, faith, and body-based wisdom, offering space to slow down, reflect, and rise from clarity rather than pressure.

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Denniston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The RISE Experience
  • Show Website
    The RISE Experience