Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Faith, Leadership, and Transformation

Dr. Carolyn Kennedy
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Choosing to Rise is a faith-centered podcast that explores the emotional, spiritual, and personal growth seasons of life—Rising, Reflecting, Renewal, and Thriving. Hosted by Dr. Carolyn Kennedy, each episode offers heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and one small step—One Good Hello—to help you grow with grace, not pressure. 

Episodes

  1. 10/13/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 9: The Power of One Good Hello

    Send us a text After a short hiatus, Carolyn returns with a story about alignment. A classmate in her Corner to Corner Academy cohort (“Coach”) and her Toastmasters mentor offered two clear mirrors: “You’re a storyteller.” and “Stop running from who you are—an educator.” In this episode, Carolyn unpacks how those one-good-hello moments turned spinning wheels into traction—leading with story and teaching first, then inviting coaching when trust is built. In this episode: Grace for the gap: life was life-ing—and we begin againCorner to Corner: the conversation that re-centered callingMentor wisdom: self-leadership is alignment before actionTraction map: story → speaking → coaching (in that order)Why “leadership” now: it’s how we show up for ourselves and othersKey Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:18; Philippians 3:13–14; Lamentations 3:22–23 Reflection Prompt If people need to know, like, and trust you before going deeper, what is the most natural way for you to show up this week? One Good Hello to Give Message the person who has already named your gift: “I’m ready to lead from this.” Then take one aligned step. Links & Next Steps Website: https://www.onegoodhello.com Newsletter: https://good-hello.kit.com About the Show Choosing to Rise: a podcast about faith, leadership, and transformation. Real stories. Small steps. Faithful leadership.

    23 min

  2. 08/25/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 8: My Journey, My Pace

    Send us a text Episode 8: My Journey, My Pace Have you ever felt like you were falling behind—like your healing, growth, or dreams weren’t happening fast enough? In this episode of Choosing to Rise, I share a personal story about being told I wasn’t “really a writer yet” and how that moment pushed me to wrestle with my own pace. This is a conversation about releasing the internal pressure to measure up to other's expectations or even your own unrealistic expectations—and embracing the truth that your pace is your own. I’ll touch on my Compass Seasons™ framework, which reminds me that we grow in rhythms, not straight lines, and that no season is wasted. Along the way, we’ll talk about: Breaking free from comparisonLetting go of the myth of one pace fits allUnderstanding your own season of growthSlowing down to allow time to honor your pace with faith and graceIf you’ve ever wondered if you’re “too far behind,” this episode is for you. Remember: it’s not about where you’re going—it’s about where you’re growing. 🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation

    19 min

  3. 08/10/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 7: Rising With Grief

    Send us a text Episode 7: Rising with Grief Grief is not something we “get over.” It’s something we learn to live with—and, when we’re ready, to rise with. In this heartfelt episode of Choosing to Rise, I’m joined by my good friend, fellow life coach, and public speaker Paula Nelson, as we talk about navigating grief in its many forms. Together, we share personal reflections on the loss of our mothers—my mom, who passed away four years ago, and Paula’s mom, who passed away two years ago this month. We also explore other forms of grief: the end of relationships, changes in careers, and the many ways loss reshapes our lives. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about the choice to keep moving forward, to honor who or what we’ve lost, and to find strength even in seasons of deep pain. If you’re walking with grief—or love someone who is—we hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that your journey matters. 🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation

    48 min

  4. 07/28/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 6 - Detaching Without Drifting: Why Healthy Boundaries Are a Form of Faith

    Send us a text Episode 6 – Detaching Without Drifting: Why Healthy Boundaries Are a Form of Faith What if setting a boundary didn’t mean pushing people away… but coming back to yourself? In this episode of Choosing to Rise, Dr. Carolyn Kennedy explores the deeper layers of detachment — not as a reaction, but as a reflection of trust, wisdom, and peace. We’ll talk about why it’s easier to walk away when things are obviously unhealthy — and why it takes even more faith to let go of what’s quietly misaligned. From people-pleasing and slow fades to emotional disconnect and internal pressure, this episode offers honest insight and encouragement to set boundaries that reflect your growth, not just your guilt. ✨ You’ll hear: Why peacekeeping often leads to self-abandonmentWhat it means to detach without disappearingHow faith sometimes requires surrender, not just enduranceA practical boundary affirmation to carry into your weekIf you’ve ever struggled to protect your peace without feeling selfish, this one’s for you. 📖 Reference: When You’re Ready to Begin (Week 8: Detaching from People-Pleasing) 🖥️ Learn more at www.onegoodhello.com 📩 Subscribe to The Phoenix Spark newsletter  for monthly encouragement

    17 min

  5. 07/13/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 5: Moving from Rising to Reflecting

    Send us a text This week, I’m sharing a reading from Week 3 of my devotional When You’re Ready to Begin—titled Breaking Free from Self-Doubt. We talk about the struggle of questioning our calling, the slow journey toward confidence, and what it means to trust what God sees even when we can't see it ourselves. I also open up about what’s next—transitioning from the season of Rising to the season of Reflecting—as I begin writing Book 2 in the series: When You’re Ready to Look Within. I’d love your feedback as I shape what comes next! In this episode: Why our confidence doesn’t come from ourselvesA personal story about self-doubt and callingReflections on Week 3 of the devotionalA gentle invitation to prepare for deeper growth📖 Anchor Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” ✨ If you’re struggling to move forward, I hope this episode reminds you: You’re not stuck. You’re not disqualified. And you’re never walking this journey alone. Links: Grab the devotional: Direct from my website at https://onegoodhello.com/product/when-youre-ready-to-begin-a-13-week-journey-through-the-season-of-rising/ or from Amazon at https://a.co/d/6OfpHOD Visit my website: https://www.onegoodhello.com Subscribe to the newsletter: https://good-hello.kit.com

    27 min

  6. 06/22/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 4: Choosing to Rise When You’ve Been Betrayed

    Send us a text Betrayal hurts—whether it comes from a friend, a loved one, or a colleague. It can shake your confidence, stir anger, and tempt you to fight back. But what if there's another way? In this episode, we explore the powerful choice between revenge and rise. Drawing from the story of Nehemiah in the Bible and moments from my own life, we talk about how to stand firm when others try to tear you down. You’ll hear how discernment, focus, and grace can guide your response—and why what you're building is too important to be interrupted. 💜 Referenced in this episode: 📘 When You’re Ready to Begin – my 13-week devotional to help you rise with purpose 📖 Nehemiah 6:3 – “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down.” 🎧 One Good Hello to Give: Reach out to someone else who’s building and remind them that their work matters, too.

    9 min

  7. 06/08/2025

    Choosing to Rise - Episode 3: The Voice in Your Head Doesn't Always Tell the Truth

    Send us a text Negative thoughts. Inner critic. Spiritual growth. In Episode 3 of Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation, Dr. Carolyn Kennedy reveals why the voice in your head doesn’t always tell the truth — and what to do about it. Through her unique “spider-thinking” metaphor, Carolyn explores how worry, perfectionism, and comparison can spin webs of self-doubt. But here’s the truth: not every thought deserves a seat at your table. Drawing from scripture, personal stories, and soul-deep reflection, this episode offers practical tools to help you take every thought captive and speak God’s truth over the lies. 📖 Bible Verse: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) 💬 Featured Quote: "You are not what others think you are. You are not even what you think you are. You are what God knows you are." — Craig Groeschel, Winning the War in Your Mind 💜 This week’s One Good Hello to Give: Write down one lie you’ve believed. Then, write the truth underneath it. Say it out loud. Let it become your new rhythm. 🕊️ Subscribe for new episodes every 2nd and 4th Sunday.  ✨ Learn more and shop inspirational merch: https://www.onegoodhello.com #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFear #NegativeThoughts #CraigGroeschel #2Corinthians10 #ChristianEncouragement #PodcastForWomen #ChoosingToRise #SpiderThinking #MentalSpirals #OneGoodHello

    27 min

  8. 05/25/2025

    Choosing to Rise – Episode 2: What Season Are You In?

    Send us a text Welcome to Episode 2 of Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation 🌿 In this episode, Dr. Carolyn Kennedy introduces the Compass Seasons — a soul-centered guide to help you recognize where you are so you can grow with intention and grace.  We often ask, “What’s next?”  But what if the more powerful question is, “Where am I right now?”  This episode explores the four Compass Seasons — Rising, Reflecting, Renewal, and Thriving — and how understanding your current season can bring clarity, peace, and deeper connection with God.   💬 In this episode, Carolyn shares:  The story behind the Compass Seasons metaphorWhat it means to rise again after burnout, loss, or uncertaintyHow to embrace small beginnings with faithWhy growth is not linear — and that’s not a flaw, it’s a giftHow spiritual seasons overlap and deepen over timeA personal moment of drifting like a strand of a spider’s web — and what God taught her in the stillnessA reflection on Ecclesiastes 3: “To everything there is a season…”Your weekly One Good Hello to Give — a small but powerful invitation to grow with intention   📚 This episode also sets the foundation for Carolyn’s upcoming 4-book devotional series: When You’re Ready — with Book One: When You’re Ready to Begin releasing in June 2025. Each book explores one Compass Season with reflections, scripture, and space to grow. 💜 Today’s Good Hello: Take a moment to name your current season — and invite someone else to name theirs. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. We rise together. One Good Hello at a time. ✨ Subscribe, share, and connect: New episodes drop every 2nd and 4th Sunday. Available on all major platforms and on YouTube for video episodes. Let this be your invitation to pause, reflect, and rise — one intentional step at a time. 🔗 Stay Connected: Website: https://www.onegoodhello.com Books, merch, and more!

    22 min

  9. 05/10/2025

    Choosing to Rise: Foster Girls Don't Make Cs

    Send us a text Choosing to Rise — hosted by Dr. Carolyn Kennedy. Welcome to the very first episode of a podcast about growth, faith, and transformation. In this heartfelt premiere, Carolyn shares a formative story from her childhood — the moment a single letter grade planted the seed of perfectionism and shaped how she viewed her worth. What began as a desire to make her father proud evolved into a lifelong battle with fear, performance, and the quiet pressure to always be “enough.” ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: • The story behind the phrase “Foster girls don’t get Cs” • How perfectionism quietly disguises itself as excellence • The connection between fear, procrastination, and self-doubt • Why rising begins with choosing to stand — even in the ashes • How faith, not flawless effort, leads to freedom and healing • A gentle but powerful reminder that God’s love isn’t earned — it’s already yours You’ll also hear the meaning behind “One Good Hello” and walk away with a soul-centered invitation to rise imperfectly — just as you are. Visit my website at:  www.onegoodhello.com  💬 “This isn’t a podcast about pretending we have it all figured out. It’s about learning to rise anyway — through fear and doubt, with healing and hope.” 📅 New episodes drop every 2nd and 4th Sunday. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this message speaks to you. 💜 Until next time... Choose to rise. Learn to thrive. One Good Hello at a time.

    15 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Choosing to Rise is a faith-centered podcast that explores the emotional, spiritual, and personal growth seasons of life—Rising, Reflecting, Renewal, and Thriving. Hosted by Dr. Carolyn Kennedy, each episode offers heartfelt stories, honest reflections, and one small step—One Good Hello—to help you grow with grace, not pressure. 

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