Old School with Michele Vrabel Old School with Michele Vrabel

Grace, Writing, and Lifelong Journeys with Kimberly Stuart



In this heartfelt and engaging conversation, Michele discusses her journey of finding a new editor,

the challenges of publishing, and the nuances of humor and storytelling with writing coach and

author Kimberly Stuart. They delve into personal stories, the impact of grace in their lives, and the



important lessons learned through their experiences. Kimberly also talks about her upcoming non-

fiction book 'Star for Jesus and Other Jobs I Quit,' which explores the theme of grace through



personal narratives. Additionally, they touch upon the importance of living in the moment, trusting

in God's plan, and the power of humor to connect and heal.



Navigating Change, Discovering Grace, and Embracing Humor in Storytelling



This episode captures a personal and in-depth conversation between the host, Michele, and her

guest, a prolific author and writing coach, Kimberly Stuart. They delve into a range of topics

beginning with exploring their personal and professional journeys, particularly focusing on writing,

the importance of grace, and the role of humor in connecting with audiences and processing life's

challenges. Kimberly shares her transition from fiction to nonfiction writing with her upcoming

book, which emphasizes rediscovering grace. They also discuss the challenges of finding

trustworthy agencies, the therapeutic power of laughter, and how grace and humor can deeply

impact storytelling and personal growth. The conversation is interspersed with personal anecdotes,

demonstrating vulnerability and the continuous learning journey of life.



Connect with Kimberly:



Website: www.kimberlystuart.com

Podcast: For Real and The Writing Room

In this season one finale episode of Old School, Michele reflects on their journey of starting the podcast and writing. She expresses gratitude towards the guests and listeners for their genuine engagement and feedback. Highlights include mentioning episodes that received the most views and engagement, such as the interviews with Bob Goff, Jessica Peck (Dr. Nurse Mama), Tracy Wells, Isabella Lafferty, and Jake Thomas. She encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help increase its reach and share a heartfelt thanks for the support throughout season one.



00:00 Welcome to the Season Finale: A Heartfelt Recap

00:25 The Roller Coaster Journey: Highlights and Challenges

00:40 Engagement and Feedback: Building a Community

01:18 Looking Forward: Season Two and Beyond

02:10 A Tribute to Top Guests and Episodes

05:42 Anticipation for Season Two: New Beginnings

06:31 Gratitude and Farewell: Closing the Season

The conversation features podcast host, Michele Vrabel, and her guest, Rhonda Stoppe, a Christian author, speaker, and mentor. The episode explores their personal journeys, including Rhonda's shift from corporate America to being a stay-at-home mom, her journey into speaking and writing, and her love for ministering to women. Rhonda shares the importance of keeping God at the center of one's life and using faith to navigate life's challenges. She also discusses her various resources, books, and the 'Old Ladies Know Stuff' podcast that she hosts. The discussion offers insights on maintaining faith, enhancing relationships, practicing self-love, and living a fulfilled life.



00:00 Introduction and Podcast Journey

00:33 The Role of Writing Coaches and Editors

01:39 Balancing Work, Writing, and Personal Life

03:42 The Struggles of Being Single and Desiring Love

05:45 The Importance of Sex in a Christian Marriage

07:47 The Journey of Writing and Publishing

11:34 The Challenges of Being a Working Mom

15:02 The Power of Mentorship and Personal Growth

23:25 The Importance of Scripture in Personal Development

30:33 Finding Purpose in Life's Challenges

31:14 The Power of Storytelling

31:54 A Personal Journey: From Pastor's Wife to Author

33:27 The Struggles and Triumphs of Parenting

34:25 The Unexpected Path to Becoming a Published Author

38:22 The Power of Faith and Perseverance



38:58 The Importance of Prioritizing Family

40:22 The Journey of Writing and Publishing

44:01 The Impact of Sharing Personal Stories

46:48 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Life's Challenges

48:52 The Importance of Loving and Serving Others

51:45 The Power of Hope and Resilience

53:37 The Journey of Motherhood and Faith

55:20 The Role of Faith in Personal Growth

57:03 The Power of Prayer and Trust in God

58:55 The Importance of Sharing Faith and Love

01:00:40 Conclusion: The Power of Faith and Love



Connect with Rhonda:

Old Ladies Know Stuff Podcast

TEXT: NOREGRETS to 55444 (for a free video: Your Marriage Can Survive Toddlers & Teens)

Sign up for Rhonda's newsletter to receive a FREE CHAPTER from her book, Moms Raising Sons to Be Men

In this episode of 'Old School,' Michele invites author Becky Kiser to discuss her book 'But God Can:

How to Stop Striving and Live Purposefully in Abundantly,' which focuses on the spiritual and

emotional journeys of navigating through life's challenges by leaning on faith. Kiser, known for her

work as a speaker, podcast host, ministry leader, and life coach, shares insights from her personal

journey, touching upon themes of forgiveness, building healthier relationships, and the importance

of overcoming 'shoulds' in Christian spirituality. The episode also reveals behind-the-scenes

aspects of the podcast's casual and conversational approach, highlighting Michele’s intent to

create meaningful dialogues without rigid structures. The conversation goes deeper into the

relational aspect of God’s miracles in everyday life and the transformative power of embracing

one's story through the lens of 'but God can' moments. Additionally, Becky and Michele reflect on

personal growth, the significance of setting healthy boundaries, and the healing process.

Michele delves into an engaging conversation with Becky Kiser, the author of 'But God Can: How to

Stop Striving and Live Purposefully in Abundantly', set to be published on May 7th. Becky shares her

multifaceted journey from navigating diverse household beliefs in her upbringing to encountering

deep-seated insecurities and relational challenges in adulthood. Through her story, she illustrates

how leaning on faith transformed her perspective, enabling her to embrace a life marked by

forgiveness, purpose, and freedom. The discussion also covers the importance of genuine

connectivity with God, overcoming the limitations of 'shoulds' imposed by Christian culture, and

setting healthy boundaries. Additionally, Becky highlights her intentions for the book to not only

provide spiritual insights but also practical activities to foster real-life application and change. The



episode wraps up with an announcement about the upcoming Zoom book club for those who pre-

order her book, aimed at oƯering an interactive community experience.



00:00 KickoƯ: Setting the Stage for a Heartfelt Conversation

02:13 Introducing Becky Kaiser: Author, Speaker, and Cheerleader of Women

03:41 Becky's Journey: From Insecurities to Embracing 'But God Can'

09:38 Navigating Relationships and Forgiveness: A Personal Story

17:33 The Power of Forgiveness and Setting Healthy Boundaries

22:50 Reflecting on Relational Dynamics and the 'But God Can' Moments

24:15 Creating an Interactive Book Experience

25:06 The Challenge of Engaging with a Book

26:01 Building a Community Around the Book

26:14 The Importance of Getting Uncomfortable for Growth

26:59 Exclusive OƯers for Pre-Ordering Readers

28:06 Navigating the Author Journey



28:13 Personal Anecdotes and Life Lessons

37:17 The Power of Coaching and Community in Writing

39:46 Choosing the Self-Publishing Route

41:41 Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Forward



Connect with Becky:



Social Channels

Instagram (BK): https://www.instagram.com/beckykiser

Instagram (OWM): https://www.instagram.com/onlinewomensministries/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beckykiser.authorandspeaker



Website(s)

Website: http://www.beckykiser.com



Podcast--Hearers & Doers with Becky Kiser: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearers-and-doers-

with-becky-kiser/id1493950669

In this enlightening conversation, the host interviews Hadassah, a devout Christian writer, poet and translator from Bulgaria. Hadassah shares her personal journey of spiritual healing amidst struggles and painful experiences, from battling depression and suicidal thoughts during her teenage years in a communist Bulgaria to losing her husband and returning to her home country in 2020. She discusses the transformative power of pain, how it can lead to spiritual growth and mental resilience if surrendered to God. Hadassah touches on her experiences with disillusionment in faith, anxiety, and grief, emphasizing the importance of drawing nearer to God in times of suffering. She also introduces her upcoming book 'Draw Near', which aims to help readers find purpose and meaning in their suffering.



00:07 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Meet the Guest: Hadassah's Background and Journey

03:04 Hadassah's Spiritual Awakening and Transformation

05:59 Hadassah's Love Story and Marriage

07:42 Facing Infertility and Anxiety

09:06 Hadassah's Journey to Emotional and Mental Healing

15:46 The Unexpected Loss of Hadassah's Husband

16:38 Hadassah's Return to Bulgaria and New Beginnings

27:09 Hadassah's Book: Draw Near

33:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts



Connect with Hadassah:


Blog: https://onthewaybg.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onthewaybgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hadassahtreuSubscribe to Her Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/joinmycommunityBuy Her Book: https://a.co/d/gWfmBE3, https://www.callapresspublishing.com/shoppe/p/draw-near-how-painful-experiences-become-the-birthplace-of-blessings-by-hadassah-treu



Blog: onthewaybg.com

Buy Her Book

In this episode of the Old School podcast, the host, Michele Vrabel, invites Carla Arges, an author, mental health coach, and podcast host known for her transparent discussions about her journey through mental health issues. Carla shares her harrowing experiences of childhood trauma, clinical depression, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar, which she faced and overcame. She emphasizes the importance of daily decision-making in the process of personal healing and the positive impact of combining mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health in dealing with mental illnesses. Throughout the episode, both women share their faith-based perspectives on forgiveness, resilience, and finding purpose amid life's difficult challenges.



00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:48 The Journey Begins: Carla's Story

03:24 The Struggles and Triumphs of Mental Health

07:16 The Power of Forgiveness and Healing

11:28 Understanding Mental Health and Illness

13:37 The Role of Faith in Mental Health

16:33 The Impact of Trauma and the Path to Recovery

22:22 The Importance of Sharing Our Stories

29:59 Conclusion: The Power of Choice and Responsibility



Connect with Carla:

IG: @carla.arges

Website: carlaarges.com