The Unlikely Leader

Kara Raap
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CHRISTIANITY

To share stories of how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things through faith and perseverance.

  1. MAY 7

    The Unlikely Leader: Survivor to Shepherd

    In this episode of The Unlikely Leader, “Survivor to Shepherd,” I sit down with Andrew Papasan, a senior pastor, youth pastor, and fellow podcaster whose story is one of deep pain, silence, and ultimately, redemption. For years, Andrew carried the weight of childhood molestation, unable to speak about it because of the trauma. That silence led him down a difficult path, including a battle with addiction. But his story doesn’t end there. Through his relationship with God, Andrew found healing, freedom, and a renewed purpose. Today, he’s helping lead others while continuing to walk in the truth that what was meant to break him did not define him. This conversation is raw, honest, and filled with hope. Tune in to hear how pain can be transformed into purpose.

    43 min

  2. APR 3

    The Unlikely Leader: “Hope in Heartbreak”

    What do you do when life brings unimaginable loss and overwhelming trials all at once? Where do you turn when grief and fear collide? In this powerful episode of The Unlikely Leader: How God Turns Setbacks Into Comebacks, we share the incredible story from author, LaVonne Chastain about the life of her cousin, Gaylynn Kapri, a woman whose faith was tested in ways most of us can’t imagine. Through deep sorrow and uncertainty, her faith in God became her anchor. Instead of letting tragedy define her story, she allowed God to use her pain for a greater purpose. Today, her journey is inspiring and encouraging other women who are walking through their own storms. This episode is a beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is still present, still working, and still bringing hope. Listen to “Hope in Heartbreak” now… ✨ If you or someone you love is going through a difficult season, this conversation will remind you that heartbreak is not the end of the story. 🙏 Listen, be encouraged, and share with someone who may need this message today.

    46 min

  3. MAR 19

    The Unlikely Leader: “Purpose in the Pain”

    🎙️ The Unlikely Leader: “Purpose in the Pain” What if the setback you never asked for… was actually part of God’s greater plan? In this powerful episode of The Unlikely Leader: How God Turns Setbacks Into Comebacks, I sit down with American Ninja Warrior contestant Angela Fuller to share her incredible story of faith, resilience, and redemption. After a devastating car accident following college, Angela stepped away from gymnastics for 14 years. What seemed like the end of a dream became the beginning of something greater. Through unwavering faith and a positive spirit, she made an incredible comeback—returning to gymnastics, setting records, competing on American Ninja Warrior, and becoming a dance fitness instructor who now inspires others to keep going. Angela’s journey is a beautiful reminder that with God, nothing is wasted—and through Him, all things are possible. ✨ If you’re walking through a season of pain, waiting, or uncertainty, this episode is for you. 👉 Follow this page and listen now #TheUnlikelyLeader #PurposeInThePain #FaithOverFear #ComebackStory #ChristianPodcast

    36 min

  4. MAR 13

    The Unlikely Leader: “The Chemistry of Faith and Science”

    🚨NEW EPISODE ALERT‼️ 👩🏼‍🔬 What happens when science and faith collide? 💥🧫🙏🔬⛪️🔭 🎙️On the latest episode of The Unlikely Leader, “The Chemistry of Faith and Science,” I speak with chemist, author, and Christian mentor Dr. Elizabeth Gregor for a fascinating conversation about how God can use your career as a mission field. Dr. Gregor shares how she learned to integrate her faith with her work in science—even during the challenges of graduate school—and how God revealed Himself to her through prayer, dreams, and powerful moments of guidance. Today, through her ministry, Science for Christ, she is equipping the next generation of students to stand firm in both scientific truth and biblical truth, especially during their college years. 📖 We also talk about her new book, The Multifaceted Purpose of God, where she uses chemistry analogies to explain biblical principles and reminds us that understanding our identity in Christ is key to living out the purpose God has for us. This episode will challenge the way you think about faith, purpose, and calling—no matter what field you work in. ✝️ Have you signed up for the podcast mailing list so you can receive episodes, links, resources, and special announcements first? 👉🏼https://forms.gle/ZFeVj9MpKgAdKmDJ6

    35 min

  5. MAR 4

    The Unlikely Leader: “Faith and Fitness”

    🤗 I had the absolute joy of chatting with Lacey Cleland for this episode of The Unlikely Leader podcast, “Faith and Fitness” — and Wow, what a powerful conversation! 💛 👟Lacey is a dance fitness instructor from Fort Worth, Texas with over 1 MILLION followers who is boldly blending movement and ministry. What started as high-energy fitness classes has grown into something even deeper as she now incorporates praise and worship music into her routines — creating spaces where women can strengthen their bodies while drawing closer to God. In this episode, Lacey opens up about the obstacles and hardships she’s faced behind the scenes and how her faith carried her through. Her story is a powerful reminder that through God all things are possible, and when we surrender our gifts and our platforms to Him, He can use them to point people back to His love and truth. If you need encouragement to keep pursuing your dream, to trust God in the hard seasons, or to worship even while you work out, this episode is for you. You will be inspired to move your body and your faith forward. 💪✨ Check out more from Lacey Cleland: Online classes/strength training: Somble.com/LaceUpFitness Instagram: @LaceUpCardioDance

    56 min

  6. FEB 19

    The Unlikely Leader: “Publishing with Purpose”

    Welcome back to The Unlikely Leader, the podcast where we share stories of ordinary people who said “yes” to God—and watched Him do extraordinary things. Today, I’m sitting down with Susan Perry, a Christian author and publisher from Edgewater, Florida. Susan and her husband have dedicated their lives to helping Christian authors bring their God-given stories into the world. But what makes their work so unique isn’t just that they publish books—it’s that they pray with their authors, walk closely beside them, and make the process accessible and affordable for those who feel called to share their testimony. If you’ve ever felt the nudge to write your story but didn’t know where to begin… if you’ve wondered whether your testimony really matters… or if you’ve been curious about what it truly takes to publish a book rooted in faith—this conversation is for you. Susan shares not only the practical side of publishing, but the spiritual journey behind it—the surrender, the obedience, and the trust in God’s timing. Because sometimes being an unlikely leader simply means helping someone else find the courage to use their voice.

    30 min

  7. FEB 12

    The Unlikely Leader: From Grief to Grace

    ✨A Story of Faith, Loss, and Unshakable Hope ✨ What does it look like to keep trusting God when life feels impossibly heavy? In this powerful episode of The Unlikely Leader Podcast, I sit down with author Karol Holmes, a devoted mom who has walked a road few can truly understand. She opens up about the daily challenges of raising children with special needs, the deep grief of losing two children, and the raw, real moments that tested her faith like never before. But her story doesn’t end in sorrow. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and finding Jesus in the middle of heartbreak. He shows His grace amid the grief. Karol’s honesty will move you. Her strength will inspire you. And her faith will remind you that even in our darkest valleys, God is still there. If you or someone you love has ever carried grief or felt overwhelmed as a special needs parent— this conversation is for you. ❤️ “From Grief to Grace”

    39 min

  8. JAN 27

    The Unlikely Leader: “Faith Over Fear”

    Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. — over 40 million people — experience an anxiety disorder each year? Anxiety is one of the most common mental health struggles of our time, yet so many feel alone in it.  🎙️In this episode of The Unlikely Leader, I’m talking with Mike Catanzarito — a psychology professor, licensed Christian counselor, and professional Christian comedy entertainer— about his powerful journey through crippling anxiety and how God didn’t just pull him through it… but used it to shape the work he does today. 🙏 From being overwhelmed by fear… 🎤 To helping people find hope, healing, and joy… 📖 To spreading the Gospel across churches nationwide. Mike’s story is real. It’s honest. And it shows that God can turn our pain into purpose. If you’ve ever struggled with anxiety, fear, or felt like your challenges were too big — this episode will encourage your heart.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

To share stories of how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things through faith and perseverance.

Information

  • Creator
    Kara Raap
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Unlikely Leader