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

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.
Jul 16

23 | "Life Lessons" | What Has Shaped Your Life?

Turning 40 is a milestone — and in this special birthday episode, Khalila McCoy reflects on the seven life lessons that have shaped her across four decades. From putting God first to redefining identity beyond career to embracing lifelong learning and unexpected wisdom from travel, this episode is honest, heartfelt, and full of growth. Joined by her husband, DJ McCoy, Khalila shares personal stories about faith, teaching, burnout, rediscovery, trying new things, and the powerful life lessons from a service trip to Mexico as a teenager. Together, they explore how experiences — big and small — shape who we become and how we rise. If you’re navigating your own season of reflection, transition, or self‑discovery, this episode will encourage you to look at your life with gratitude, curiosity, and hope. It’s real, uplifting, and full of the warmth that defines Where We Rise. 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 9

22 | "Inside Out" | Dating and Finding Love

Dating coach Lilli Bewley joins Khalila for a powerful conversation about healing dating patterns, attracting aligned love, and becoming the woman God created you to be. Lilli shares how her inside‑out approach helps smart, successful women break cycles of people‑pleasing, over‑achieving, and abandoning their needs in relationships. Together, they explore feminine dating archetypes, root‑cause wounds, boundary‑setting, and why so many women feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood in love. Lilli opens up about her own journey—from unhealthy relationship patterns and trauma to becoming the “magnetic woman” who finally attracted the safest, most aligned partner she’s ever known. She explains why dating often feels like a roller coaster, how subconscious beliefs shape who we choose, and what it takes to call in a healthy, committed relationship. Whether you’re dating, healing from past relationships, or simply learning to show up as your whole self, this episode offers deep insight, practical guidance, and a refreshing perspective on love. Khalila and Lilli also have some fun exploring the fictional “Kate,” a made‑up friend navigating modern dating challenges. If you’re ready to transform your dating experience, understand your patterns, or reconnect with your worth, this conversation is for you. Connect with Lilli: Website: www.lillibewley.com Instagram: @lillibewley Podcast: The Lilli Bewley Podcast 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 2

21 | "Coming Back to You" | Love Who You Are

In this episode, Khalila sits down with Coach Tammy Nicole — a licensed clinician with 22 years in the mental health field who now coaches high‑capacity women navigating people‑pleasing, emotional labor, overfunctioning, and identity loss. Tammy shares how many women lose themselves by living out the identities others choose for them, and why reclaiming your voice begins with learning to love, validate, and trust yourself. Together, they talk about the cost of doing everything for everyone else, how childhood messages shape adult behavior, and why “who you are shows up everywhere” — in your work, relationships, parenting, and leadership. Tammy breaks down the difference between therapy and coaching, the power of boundaries, and why keeping your word to yourself is the foundation of self‑trust. This conversation is full of analogies, wisdom, and practical guidance for anyone ready to stop overfunctioning and start coming back home to themselves. Connect with Coach Tammy Nicole Instagram: @iamtammynicole Loving Me Before I Love You Podcast 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.
Jun 25

20 | "Exploring and Connecting" | Adventures in Traveling

In this episode of Where We Rise, Khalila sits down with award‑winning author and world traveler Meg Stafford to explore how curiosity, courage, and connection shape a life of adventure. Meg shares the stories behind her book Who Will Accompany You?, the travels that shaped her, and the journeys her daughters took that stretched her heart in new ways. You’ll hear Meg reflect on: The curiosity that led her around the worldWhat it felt like to leave her 17‑year‑old daughter at a monastery in NepalThe fear and pride of watching her older daughter accompany peace communities in ColombiaWhy travel helps her “breathe more deeply” and reconnect with herselfHow hiking and biking offer a slower, richer way to experience a placeWhy you don’t have to cross the world to feel the magic of explorationMeg reminds us that travel doesn’t have to be far to be meaningful — “there’s plenty of it close to home.” Whether you’re dreaming of mountains, oceans, or your nearest state park, this conversation will inspire you to look for wonder wherever you are. Connect with Meg Website: www.megstafford.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.

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

29
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Where We Rise
Show Website

Where We Rise