Where We Rise

Khalila McCoy

Real stories, real people, and the moments that change us — that’s Where We Rise.

  1. Oct 8

    35 | "God is Good" | Unshakable Faith and Hope

    CONTENT WARNING —  This episode includes discussion of abuse, attempted murder, trauma, and experiences in war zones. These topics may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care as you listen.  What does it look like to hold onto hope when life keeps throwing you into the fire? In this episode, Jennifer Summers shares a journey marked by danger, trauma, and moments that would shake anyone’s sense of security. Through every chapter, her faith is the thread that never breaks. Jenna talks about the God she trusts, the prayers that carried her, and the quiet ways she’s seen grace show up when everything around her felt impossible. Her experiences span continents, crises, and seasons of deep uncertainty, yet her perspective remains rooted in a steady belief that God is good — not because her life has been smooth, but because she’s witnessed light in places most people only see darkness. Whether you share her faith, come from a different belief system, or are still figuring out what you believe, Jenna’s story offers a powerful reminder of what it means to endure, to rebuild, and to find meaning in the middle of chaos. This conversation invites you to reflect on your own strength, your own grounding, and the ways hope can rise in the most unlikely circumstances. It’s a story that challenges, inspires, and stays with you long after the episode ends. Connect with Jenna: website: jennifersummersus.org email: jennasummers14@gmail.com Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram:  @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Website: wherewerisepod.buzzsprout.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review  — it helps our community rise.

    35 | "God is Good" | Unshakable Faith and Hope
  2. Oct 1

    34 | "Anger Into Wisdom" | How One Man Rebuilt After Divorce

    When Jeff Kolez found himself facing a divorce that shook every part of his identity, he began a long journey of examining the patterns, beliefs, and habits that shaped his life. In this episode, Jeff shares how losing almost everything forced him to confront the parts of himself he had ignored, the emotional weight men often carry alone, and the unexpected lessons he learned while rebuilding his life from the ground up. Jeff opens up about the internal battles men face during divorce, the pressure to “be fine,” and the quiet ways grief shows up in fatherhood. He also talks about the moment he realized he wanted to create a different future for his sons — one built on intention, emotional awareness, and the courage to break cycles rather than repeat them. This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how men process loss, how identity shifts after major life changes, and what it really takes to rebuild a life with clarity and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what divorce looks like through a man’s eyes, or how someone finds strength in the middle of unraveling, this episode brings a perspective rarely discussed but deeply needed. Connect with Jeff: website: JeffKolez.com Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram:  @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Website: wherewerisepod.buzzsprout.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review  — it helps our community rise.

    34 | "Anger Into Wisdom" | How One Man Rebuilt After Divorce
  3. Sep 17

    32 | "Fight Back" | Reclaiming Her Voice

    CONTENT WARNING — In this episode, the guest discusses the aftermath of being sexually assaulted. There are no details of the event itself, but the emotions, impact, and healing process are shared openly. Please listen with care.  In this powerful episode, Khalila sits down with Esther Collas — a woman whose life, courage, and honesty remind us why sharing our stories matters. Esther has lived all over the world, from England to New Zealand to Australia, building a full and adventurous life. But everything changed one night when she was sexually assaulted by someone she trusted. For years, Esther carried the weight of that trauma alone. She learned to dissociate, to survive, and to keep moving — until she couldn’t anymore. In this conversation, she opens up about the moment she finally spoke her truth, the long road through therapy, the painful reality of the courtroom, and the healing work required to reclaim her voice, her body, and her identity. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt silenced, misunderstood, or alone in their pain. Esther’s story offers insight, compassion, and a reminder that healing is not about rushing back to who you were — it’s about learning to love who you are now, one moment at a time. If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault, this conversation may be difficult to hear — but it is also a testament to resilience, self‑compassion, and the power of speaking up. Take your time with this one. Listen closely. And know you’re not alone. Connect with Esther: Instagram: ChangingCurrents.co Substack: @estherchangingcurrents Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram:  @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Website: wherewerisepod.buzzsprout.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review  — it helps our community rise.

    32 | "Fight Back" | Reclaiming Her Voice

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Real stories, real people, and the moments that change us — that’s Where We Rise.