Where We Rise

Khalila McCoy

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

  1. 1h ago

    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
  4. Aug 27

    29 | "Beyond Her Capabilities" | Not Defined by Disabilities

    In this Back‑to‑School episode, we sit down with Michelle Steiner — a writer, paraeducator, and advocate who has lived with dyscalculia and other learning challenges since kindergarten. Throughout her life, Michelle was repeatedly told what she wouldn’t be able to do. College wasn’t in the cards. Certain jobs were off‑limits. Her dreams, she was told, were simply “beyond her capabilities.” But Michelle’s story didn’t end there. In this conversation, she shares what it was like growing up labeled with a disability, navigating school systems that didn’t always understand her needs, and finding her voice in spaces where she once felt invisible. She opens up about the moments of struggle, the people who helped her see her strengths, and the communities that allowed her to grow into the writer, photographer, and educator she is today. This episode is a reminder that the limits placed on us — by others or by ourselves — don’t have to define what’s possible. It’s about resilience, self‑advocacy, and the power of finding people who see your potential clearly, even when you don’t. If you’ve ever felt underestimated, discouraged, or unsure of your next step, Michelle’s story will meet you right where you are. 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.

    29 | "Beyond Her Capabilities" | Not Defined by Disabilities
  5. Aug 20

    28 | "The Relationship is the Goal" | Homeschooling

    In this episode, Christina Garrett shares the honest, unexpected journey that led her to homeschool her five children—a decision she never planned to make. Christina opens up about the early years of motherhood, the overwhelm she felt raising three toddlers at once, and the moment she realized her children didn’t need less time with her... they needed more. She talks candidly about the emotional work required to parent well: managing frustration, confronting anger, slowing down, and learning to see her reactions as signals of deeper growth. Christina explains how homeschooling became a path toward stronger relationships, calmer rhythms, and more meaningful conversations — not just academics. For her family, homeschooling created space and connections in ways traditional schooling couldn’t. Throughout the conversation, Christina reminds us that education is only a byproduct— the relationship is always the goal. She shares how keeping her children close helped them navigate big emotions, teenage transitions, and everyday challenges with honesty and openness. Whether you homeschool, are considering it, or simply want to strengthen your connection with your kids, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a refreshing look at what learning can look like when family comes first. Connect with Christina Instagram: @themomathondiaries  Facebook: Christina Garrett LinkedIn: Christina Garrett 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.

    28 | "The Relationship is the Goal" | Homeschooling

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