Where We Rise

Khalila McCoy

5.0 (5)
Personal Journals
Updated Weekly

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

3d ago

31 | "The Second Half of My Life" | From Survival to Peace

In this episode, Khalila sits down with Kristell Miles — a woman many first learned about through BET’s American Gangsters: Trap Queens. While the details of that story can’t be revisited here, Kristell opens up about the life she lived behind the scenes, the years she spent in survival mode, and what it has taken to rebuild her peace and purpose after her name was cleared. This conversation is honest, emotional, and full of the kind of wisdom that comes from surviving more than people ever knew. Kristell shares how she’s learning to slow down, set boundaries, choose herself, and rise into a new chapter with intention and faith. If you’re navigating your own healing or stepping out of a hard season, this episode will meet you right where you are. Connect with Kristell Instagram: kgoody.kollection Non-profit: KLZ Essentials Hair: KgoodyKollection Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
Sep 3

30 | "The Natural Progression" | From the Mat to the Classroom

This week, we sit down with Toccara Montgomery — a former Olympic wrestler whose journey began with a simple high‑school announcement and grew into something far bigger than she ever imagined. Before she became one of the most recognized women in U.S. wrestling, she was a teenager just trying to find her sport, her confidence, and her place. In this conversation, Toccara reflects on the early days of women’s wrestling, what it meant to be one of the only girls in the room, and how curiosity and grit carried her farther than she ever planned to go. Today, she’s not only an accomplished athlete — she’s an educator who pours that same determination into her students, her community, and the next generation of young people finding their own path. This episode isn’t just about wrestling. It’s about resilience, identity, and staying with something long enough to discover what you’re capable of. If you’re looking for a story that reminds you how unexpected beginnings can lead to extraordinary places, this one’s for you. Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
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 Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
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 Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
Aug 13

27 | "So Much More Than Algebra" | Impacting Our Youth

Dr. Emily Wassell shares her remarkable journey from aspiring politician to educator, revealing how teaching became the most powerful way she could change the world. In this conversation, she reflects on her work across diverse educational settings — from juvenile centers to gifted programs — and the challenges and triumphs of building a school centered on student well‑being. Dr. Wassell opens up about the importance of innovative, real‑world learning, including field trips that help students understand themselves and the world around them. She also speaks candidly about the growing impact of technology on youth and why human connection remains the most essential part of education. Her story takes a deeply personal turn as she shares how her family traveled the world in search of the right learning environment for her son, ultimately choosing to move to Italy for a slower pace and better quality of life. Packed with wisdom for parents, teachers, and anyone who cares about young people, this episode offers meaningful insights on joy, curiosity, connection, and creating spaces where children can truly thrive. Connect with Dr. Emily Website: dremilywassell.com Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
Aug 6

26 | "Autism Rocks" | Looking Beyond the Surface

In this episode, I am talking with Sam Mitchell, which is like getting a clearer, more honest look at what autism really feels like — not through assumptions or clinical language, but through lived experience. In this episode, Sam shares how he learned to embrace who he is, stop people‑pleasing, and build a life that reflects his strengths, his structure, and his creativity. He opens up about navigating social cues, managing anxiety, finding work, and building his podcast and nonprofit, Autism Rocks and Rolls. Sam’s perspective is direct, refreshing, and deeply human. He reminds us that autism isn’t something to fix — it’s a different way of thinking, creating, and moving through the world. This conversation challenges us to look past the surface, to slow down, and to treat people with more kindness and curiosity. Sam doesn’t just talk about authenticity — he lives it. And his story encourages all of us to show up a little more honestly in our own lives. Connect with Sam: Website: autismrocksandrolls.com Podcast: Autism Rocks and Rolls on all platforms Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
Jul 30

25| "Meet Them Where They Are" | Advocating for Adults with Autism

In this episode of Where We Rise, Khalila sits down with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist, mother, and host of Adulting With Autism. April shares her story of being late diagnosed, raising a neurodivergent son, and navigating a world that offers very little support for autistic teens transitioning into adulthood. April opens up about her son’s journey—from early signs of autism, to years of misdiagnosis, to failing out of college at 19, and eventually finding a university that understands how neurodivergent students learn best. She explains why so many autistic adults struggle after high school, how cultural bias impacts diagnosis, and what families really need to know about college, independence, and maturity. April reframes autism not as a deficit, but as a different way of experiencing the world — and her insight will challenge you to rethink how you show up for neurodivergent people in your life. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to understand autism more deeply, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. Connect with April: Website: AdultingwithAutism.com Podcast: Adulting With Autism on all platforms Episodes to check out Marshall University with Mindy Overcoming the wall of awful - 7/27 Missed AdHD, masking and burnout - 7/15 Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.
Jul 23

24 | "Knowing Shifts Your Power" | Stress as Data, Not Danger

Author Nicole Hope Sylvester joins Khalila to unpack the science and self‑awareness behind stress, overwhelm, and emotional regulation. Nicole’s “jar of marbles” metaphor reveals how the body stores unprocessed emotions and stress signals until we reach a breaking point — and how learning to release those marbles can transform your mental and physical well‑being. This episode dives into the human operating system, nervous system basics, survival mode, beliefs formed in childhood, and why calm is a skill you can train. Nicole explains how stress is actually data from the body, and how understanding that data helps you respond better, think clearer, and live more authentically. Perfect for anyone navigating burnout, anxiety, emotional overload, or the desire to rise into a healthier version of themselves. Connect with Nicole: Book on Amazon: Calm Is Power: How to Stop Overthinking, Reduce Stress and Respond Better to Life Instagram: nhopes10 Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

Trailer

Season 1 Trailer

Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Support the show Don't forget to rate and review — it helps our community rise.

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

Soul Warming

Mar 14

Galion0164

This podcast warms my soul, the host is genuine and the topics are relevant to everyone. I recommend this to everyone. I want to hang out with Khalila and JD.

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

Creator

Khalila McCoy
Years Active

2026
Episodes

33
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Where We Rise
Show Website

Where We Rise