The Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing! Podcast

Sarah Hankes

Welcome to The Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing! Podcast.  Join us as we pray, encourage, and strengthen one another on a pilgrimage of the heart!  Listen as fellow pilgrims take you to their place of ministry and how their own personal fiat (yes) became a source of hope, healing and inspiration for others.  Real life conversations about intentional living, health and wholeness, motivation, and evangelization is at the heart of this podcast.  Alongside 30+ years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, my extensive background in ministry fostered a depth of practice that began at the heart of one’s story (even my own).   It was here in this “culture of encounter” that I found restless hearts often buried beneath a guise of health and a host of gimmicks that failed to satisfy.  Out of a desire to bring more sustainable wellness to my clients, I later authored the book Raw and Real:  Beyond the Plate, the Scale, and the Mirror. This provided an opportunity to invite my clients to explore the movements of the heart within their own story, and rethink their approach to wellness in light of a truly authentic design….one that God has in mind.

Episodes

  1. Oct 31

    Episode #3: Running Beta (Q&A) With Fr. Scott Winchel, Vicar General, Diocese of Savannah

    The questions for today’s Q&A episode were offered by our listeners and are related to the previous podcast (Episode #2) entitled Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs.   Our topic was on the art of discernment.   Thanks to all of the listeners who contributed! Our Guest for Today’s Podcast:  Fr. Scott Winchel, Vicar General, Diocese of Savannah Contact:  swinchel@diosav.org Bio:  Fr. Scott Winchel grew up in Missouri as a Southern Baptist Christian.  After high school, he served six years in the Marine Corps as a helicopter mechanic, and then after his enlistment worked as an aircraft mechanic. Following his time in the service, he converted to the Catholic Faith, being received into the Church on November 1, 1997.  Fr. Winchel attended Mount St. Mary’s University and Seminary where he received a Bachelor’s Degree of Philosophy and a Master’s Degree of Divinity.  He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Savannah in 2009 and has served as Parochial Vicar at St. Anne Church in Columbus and at St. Mary’s in Augusta, and then has served as Pastor of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Cordele and also of St. Joseph’s in Macon.  His hobbies include working on his antique cars as well as various outdoor sporting activities.  For Information on the GA Martyrs and the Beatification on October 31, 2026 (Diocese of Savannah), please see this link:  https://diosav.org/en/diocesan-news/item/georgia-martyrs-to-be-beatified-october-31-2026 Prayer by Thomas Merton  (https://monks.org/monks-pages/thomas-merton/) My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always, though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Thanks for joining our podcast today! You can find all podcasts on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.  Or, you can find them on the web at https://prayhopekeepclimbing.riverside.com. Please like, subscribe, and share. Email future questions and comments to us at prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com. Let’s keep climbing!  Take that next best step!  Go with God!

  2. Oct 21

    The Anchor Spot Your Mini-Episode Wellness Tips To Keep You Grounded!

    The Anchor Spot is a Mini-Episode that is an extension of the Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing! Podcast. I hope you enjoy what you hear! These mini-episodes will go out about every other month and are a time to gather quick, actionable wellness tips to help you stay grounded in matters of health with a heavy focus on nutrition and lifestyle change. The Anchor Spot for October ties in well to our major podcast episode posted earlier this month (October 15) entitled "Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs." In this mini-episode, I will share some relevant information from a recent national survey conducted by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The findings from the survey were released in January 2026 and the overall responses tell us much about where the majority of Americans are going for their nutrition advice, and where the pitfalls to discernment exist. The Academy has launched a multi-year initiative in response to what they found in the survey conducted, and I am including a link to more about that below. You will also find listed some credible websites to use as a future reference for topics related to food and nutrition science. Keep in mind, as we continue to navigate various media platforms, it helps to keep a close eye on fact vs fiction with help from credentialed professionals. If you are having trouble finding a Registered Dietitian near you, check out the search option on the Academy's website (see link below). As always, thanks for listening,….Go with God, ….Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing! Check us out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, and please like, subscribe, and share. Send comments, feedback and questions to: prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com. Check Out More on The Nationwide Initiative, “A Seat At Every Table” https://www.eatright.org/everytable  Article:  “Who Should You Trust for Nutrition Advice? https://www.eatright.org/at-the-table/who-should-you-trust-for-nutrition-advice Find A Nutrition Expert:  https://www.eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expert. If you are in Georgia, feel free to reach out to me by email at hankessarah@gmail.com.  I am available for virtual visits as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:  https://www.eatright.org/ Center for Science in the Public Interest: Articles Related to Fact vs Fiction:  https://www.cspi.org/page/fact-vs-fiction Link To Article:  Making Sense of Science in the Media:  Spotting Red Flags: https://www.cspi.org/blog/making-sense-science-media-spotting-red-flags-0 Food and Nutrition Information Center (USDA National Agricultural Library): https://www.nal.usda.gov/programs/fnic

  3. Oct 15

    Episode #2: Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs

    In today's episode "Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs," we will take a closer look at the art of discernment.  Is this really just about making decisions?  Have you stopped to consider some the of the usual roadblocks we face in this lifelong process? Join us as our guest Sister Anne Catherine shares more on the topic of discernment, its Christian roots and how our pilgrimage of faith can bring us to some breakthroughs that we thought may not otherwise be possible! Guest for Today:  Sister Anne Catherine, Vicaress General for the Nashville Dominicans of St. Cecelia, Nashville, TN Website for Nashville Dominicans:  https://nashvilledominican.org/ Information on Book, The Dialogue  Translation and Introduction by Suzanne Noffke, O.P., preface by Giuliana Cavallini (note pages 40-42 will reference our discussion on the episode related to St. Catherine of Siena's imagery of the tree). Link for Online Access: file:///C:/Users/Sarah%20Hankes/Downloads/pdfcoffee.com-dialogue-the-catherine-of-siena-amp-suzanne-noffkepdf.pdf   Today's Scriptures:  Philippians 4:8 - Examine everything and hold on to what is good. Sirach 17:6 - He made them for discretion, with a tongue and eyes and ears; he gave them a mind for thinking and filled them with the discipline of discernment. Matthew 14:22-33  - Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.  After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.  By evening, he was alone there, while the boat, battered by the waves, was far from land because the wind was against them.  Early in the morning, Jesus came walking toward them on the sea.  When the disciples saw him, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” and cried out in fear.  At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Peter said to him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”  He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.  But when he saw the strong wind, he became frightened; and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  After they got into the boat, the wind died down.  Those in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God” Prayer for Discernment: Lord of my soul, quiet the noise within me, that I may hear the whisper of Your will. Free me from the pull of fleeting desires, and anchor my heart in Your eternal love. Give me courage to walk where You lead, even when the road is hidden in shadow. Let my choices reflect Your truth, and my life be a dwelling place for Your peace. In the name of Jesus, Amen. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "Charity, it is true, has many offshoots, like a tree with many branches. But what gives life to both the tree and its branches is its root, so long as that root is planted in the soil of humility." Connect With Me: You can find us on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube! Please like, share, and subscribe! Web - https://prayhopekeepclimbing.riverside.com (subscribe today) Email - prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com (send questions, comments)

  4. Oct 7

    Join Us on October 15th! Episode #2: Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs

    Ever wonder if the process of discernment is just about making decisions?   No doubt we all have a lifetime of choices, and some can be life-altering!  We are excited to have you join us for the October 15th episode of Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing!  On this episode, "Blusters, Brouhahas, and Breakthroughs, we will define the process of discernment, take a look at some of the common roadblocks, and explore some tried and trusted tools that can help us on the climb!  Come join the next adventure!    Remember to like, subscribe and share (https://prayhopekeepclimbing.riverside.com).  You can find us on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube!  Following this episode, please send in your questions by email to prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com.

  5. Sep 25

    Pray, Hope and Keep Climbing Time at the Expo Hall, Beatification Day for Fulton Sheen

    We had a bit of live video time with those at the Expo Hall and beyond during the day of Beatification for Venerable Fulton Sheen (now Blessed). Check out more about Adoratio Foundation at adoratiofoundation.com. Thanks to Steve Phelan, Director of Mission Advancement, for telling us about this beautiful Eucharistic Adoration Movement.

  6. Sep 24

    Episode 1: Shield for the Shepherds (Guest, Janette Howe, Founder of Seven Sisters Apostolate)

    Have you ever thought much about the power of intercessory prayer and what this could mean in the life of another...even in your own life? Join us on this episode: "Shield for the Shepherds." We will learn about the Seven Sisters Apostolate from the Founder, Janette Howe. The heart and mission of this apostolate now has a reach across 6 continents, 38 countries, all 50 states in the U.S. and in most provinces in Canada. May the news of this apostolate and the story of how it all began be a reminder that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) and the spiritual solidarity we hold with them in prayer can enable us all to "run with perseverance the race that is set before us." Find About This Apostolate and Gather Information About the History, The Patrons, And More:  www.sevensistersapostolate.org Seven Sisters Apostolate 43 Nord Circle Road Saint Paul, MN 55127 NOTE:   We invite you to be a part of some monthly upcoming Q&A Episodes (“Running Beta”) designed to address listener questions.  PLEASE SEND your questions and comments on this episode and future episodes to:  prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com  Please Like, Share and Subscribe! Check out future episodes and subscribe to our newsletter on the web: https://prayhopekeepclimbing.riverside.com   Scriptures from Today’s Podcast: Exodus 17:11-13   Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it.  Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set.  And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.   Genesis 18:22-24 As the men turned and walked on toward Sodom, Abraham remained standing before the Lord.  Then Abraham drew near and said:  “Will you really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”  Suppose there were fifty righteous people in the city; would you really sweep away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people within it?   Luke 7:36-38 (encourage you to check out the full passage 7:36-50) A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.

  7. Sep 19

    Join Our Upcoming Launch! September 24, 2026 Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing

    I welcome you to join the launch of the first episode of the Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing Podcast on September 24, 2026! We are here to take you, our listeners, on a heart to heart climb where wellness meets mission with a plan for intentional living! Prepare to join other pilgrims of faith as we ascend "to the heights," in a spirit of hope and endurance. With a wholly integrated approach to wellness, our guests bring real life conversations that bear out strength, inspiration and vision for your life! Come enjoy a variety of topics centered around faith, evangelization and wellness. No matter where you are on the climb, we invite you to experience the joy and wonder of your own personal fiat! Be sure to like, subscribe and share. You can find us on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Connect by email with questions and comments: prayhopekeepclimbing@gmail.com. Go with God, Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing!!

  • 7 Episodes

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About

Welcome to The Pray, Hope, and Keep Climbing! Podcast.  Join us as we pray, encourage, and strengthen one another on a pilgrimage of the heart!  Listen as fellow pilgrims take you to their place of ministry and how their own personal fiat (yes) became a source of hope, healing and inspiration for others.  Real life conversations about intentional living, health and wholeness, motivation, and evangelization is at the heart of this podcast.  Alongside 30+ years of experience as a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, my extensive background in ministry fostered a depth of practice that began at the heart of one’s story (even my own).   It was here in this “culture of encounter” that I found restless hearts often buried beneath a guise of health and a host of gimmicks that failed to satisfy.  Out of a desire to bring more sustainable wellness to my clients, I later authored the book Raw and Real:  Beyond the Plate, the Scale, and the Mirror. This provided an opportunity to invite my clients to explore the movements of the heart within their own story, and rethink their approach to wellness in light of a truly authentic design….one that God has in mind.

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