The Soulful Project Podcast

Samantha Madrid Dodge
  • 4.9 (11)
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Updated 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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jun 21

    "The Hard We Choose vs. The Hard We Don't Choose" | Real Talk With Paralympian and Keynote Speaker Lindi Marcusen

    Send us Fan Mail Unlock your inner resilience in this inspiring conversation with 2024 Paralympian and national record-holding sprinter Lindi Marcusen, tuning in from Spokane, Washington. After surviving a life-threatening accident that severed her leg, Lindi transformed her path from growing up as a gymnast to a track star post-accident and passionate artist, proving that our greatest growth often stems from our most profound struggles. In this episode, Lindi reveals how embracing discomfort can propel you toward your most authentic self. Together, we break down her tips and strategies for navigating difficult seasons, including the delicate dance between pushing forward and surrendering, the critical importance of rest, and how tapping into creative outlets can help you turn pain into purpose. Whether you are an athlete, entrepreneur, creative, or someone simply feeling stuck in a comfort zone, this conversation challenges you to reframe adversity not as a setback, but as a catalyst for evolution. If you are hungry for practical wisdom and a fresh perspective on success, prepare to be inspired to harness life's chaos and keep moving forward—no matter what comes your way. Follow @lindi.marcusen on social media Support the show

  5. Apr 28

    The Power of Surrender | Bouncing Back from Identity Loss After Sports with former D1 Soccer Player Kendall Kloza

    Send us Fan Mail Who are you when the one thing that defined you is suddenly gone? Have you ever been there? If so, then you are in for a treat with this episode. Get ready to unlock the secret to transforming life's toughest chapters into your greatest strength. Kendall Kloza’s raw journey from collegiate spotlight to a faith-led life will inspire you to embrace change, vulnerability, and purpose—even when it feels impossible. If you're stuck in a cycle of identity crisis or battling the fear of the unknown, this episode is your ultimate guide to trusting God through every season of life. Kendall Kloza is an energetic and fiery 26-year-old former collegiate athlete and UTSA alum, currently in the business of Medical Device Sales, originally from San Antonio, Texas, and tuning in today from San Angelo, Texas. She shares her powerful story of overcoming injury, addiction, and heartbreak to discover her true identity in Christ. As you tune in, you'll discover how she navigated her own rock bottom—from losing her athletic identity to building a new life rooted in faith and service. Her honest insights on hitting pause, embracing vulnerability, and stepping into new opportunities will challenge your perspective on change and growth. We break down actionable strategies: how to accept loss, use routine for stability, and find purpose beyond external achievements. Kendall emphasizes the importance of community, routine, and leaning on God's unchanging love as the foundation for resilience. Her story shows the beauty of trusting God's plan, even in uncertainty, and how difficult seasons can prepare you for your most fulfilling purpose. This episode isn't just about life's changes—it's a call to see every chapter as a chance to better understand yourself and deepen your faith. Perfect for anyone in transition, battling self-doubt, or seeking purpose in the chaos. Kendall's vulnerability and real-life tips will give you the blueprint to handle change with courage, knowing that God's plan is always unfolding for your good. Tune in to be inspired, uplifted, and equipped to turn pain into purpose. Whether you're facing career shifts, relationship endings, or spiritual growth, this conversation will remind you: your most authentic self is waiting on the other side of surrender. Don't miss it—you’re just one decision away from transforming your story. Support the show

  6. Apr 19

    From Near-Death to New Purpose | Leaning into Faith wih Sadie Harris- Host of 'His House' Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt overwhelmed and disconnected in motherhood, wondering if your toughest trial could actually become your greatest source of strength? In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Sadie Harris, who has learned to face near-death and profound loss with grace and resilience. Her story reveals how trusting God's timing and leaning into faith led to newfound purpose, deep gratitude, and miraculous survival. Discover why everyday symbolic signs like butterflies and cardinals matter and how to turn life's messes into sacred, beautiful spaces. Sadie Harris- tuning in from Arkansas- is a mom, surrogacy advocate, and host of the His House podcast, known for her inspiring stories of faith and healing. In today's episode, Sadie shares her raw experience of facing a rare infection with a 100% mortality rate post-pregnancy, miraculously surviving against all odds, and navigating the heartbreaking loss of her ability to carry a pregnancy in the future. Yet, her story isn't just about hardship; it’s about turning a medical miracle into a redefined perspective on motherhood. As you listen, you'll learn how she shifted her focus to spirituality in healing, embraced the messy but sacred nature of life, and re-engaged with her childhood passions to nourish her soul amidst chaos. Together, we break down the importance of community and vulnerability, and the power of intentionally creating moments of stillness through deep time alone and intertwined in spiritual practice. Whether you're a young mom seeking purpose, someone in the midst of a heavy trial, or simply craving a new outlook on life's hardships, Sadie’s story reminds us that miracles aren’t always big, dramatic events—they are often small signs reminding us we are never alone. Her message is a testament: even when life pulls the rug out from under you, faith and gratitude can help you stand stronger. Tune in to this episode for a beacon of hope, awe-inspiring resilience, and heartfelt encouragement to cherish every moment. Support the show

  7. Mar 29

    "Don't Wait To Be Healed To Be Happy" | Navigating Chronic Illnesses and Learning to Embrace New Realities with Gwen Clawson

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life's unexpected detours and wondered how to find strength in a newfound reality? In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Gwen Clawson, who has learned to face chronic illness and setbacks with grace and resilience. Her story reveals how surrendering control and deepening her relationship with God led to profound growth, purpose, and inner peace. Discover why sharing your struggles can be a gift and how to find joy amid life's chaos.  Gwen Clawson is from San Diego CA and has experienced the most recent life-transforming moments over the past few years between Madrid Spain, going to school in Provo UT, and recovering back home. Gwen shares her raw experience of being called to serve a voluntary mission for her church, in Spain, falling sick, and later being diagnosed with autoimmune diseases that forever altered her life. Yet, her story isn't just about hardship — it’s about turning suffering into strength. As you listen, you'll learn how she shifted her focus from external validation to internal worth, anchoring herself in her faith and redefining what it means to truly find connection.  Together, we break down the concept of "comparison," the importance of vulnerability, and the power of the "faith in continuing" that transcends the desire for instant miracles. Whether you're facing health challenges, heartbreak, or the struggles of authentic connection in a digital world, Gwen’s story reminds us that vulnerability and faith are the strongest anchors. Her message is a testament: your current chapter doesn’t define your whole story, and even in struggle, there is divine beauty. Tune in to this episode for a beacon of hope, real talk on vulnerability, and heartfelt encouragement to trust your process. Support the show

  8. Mar 16

    Grief In Motion | Turning Pain Into Purpose and Healing After Loss with Marathoner Elliot Murphy

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how grief can be transformed into a source of strength? In this episode, Elliot Murphy shares his journey of healing through endurance sports, revealing how running marathon after marathon helped him cope with profound loss and discover a resilient new self. Meet Elliot Murphy, the 23-year-old entrepreneur, marathoner, content creator, and coach from East Texas, who in today's episode opens up about the emotional rollercoaster following his father's death from leukemia, and how he initially numbed his grief through college partying and doubts about faith. His turning point came when he signed up for his first marathon, carrying his dad’s ashes around his neck. Through vulnerability and endurance, Elliot found unexpected strength, proving that true resilience lies in embracing emotions rather than hiding them. Join us as we explore the stages of grief, the power of endurance athletics in processing trauma, and the role of vulnerability, faith, and community in healing. Elliot’s story isn’t just about running; it’s about reclaiming inner peace and turning pain into purpose. For anyone coping with loss or doubt, this episode invites you to embrace your emotions and tap into the resilience within you. Support the show

See All (65)

Trailer

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
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Soulful Project Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Soulful Project Podcast