Ep. 24 (Encore): Beth Marshall

Episode 24: Beth Marshall on Grief, the Importance of Dark Chocolate, and Loving Your Life Again

Help! My friend is grieving! Author and speaker Beth Marshall joins the Molden Cast family again today. This conversation is packed FULL of wisdom to help us find healing or extend a hand to others when life hasn’t gone as planned. This episode, much like Beth’s book, is like chicken soup for the griever’s soul — full of ingredients and solid ideas to help us through the hardest seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you need a “Grief for Dummies” manual, you are going to love the thoughtful advice Beth offers here on The Molden Cast.

Uncrushed, is Beth’s newest book infused with real life stories of faith, hope, tears, and a warm touch of humor.

Ep. 23: Dr. Brook Bello

Episode 23: Dr. Brook Bello on What Lies Beyond Adversity and Shame Undone

**In this episode, topics with sexual violence are discussed.**

Dr. Brook Bello joins The Molden Cast today, helping us get authentic about finding peace and forgiveness, even when it seems impossible. Brook reminds us who we really are when pain and shame threaten to take us down.

Brook’s book, Shame Undone, is a gut-wrenching and beautiful coming-of-age story. It depicts the ways that sex trafficking became an evil part of her life, and in an instant, wrapped her in it’s horror and shame. Brook’s story reminds us how good is more powerful than evil and that peace and healing are real and tangible. And now? We get to share her excitement for her book’s movie production called “Unshakeable.” 

Blazing paths in VR, Brook’s tech startup plans to make mental health services more accessible to its users. Brook’s organization, More Too Life, rescues and provides support for victims of human trafficking. Proven by how she spends her days and powered by the impact of her story, it’s clear: shame can truly be undone.

“You were born for greatness, without a doubt, and when you discover what that means individually, intrinsically for you, then the sky is the limit.” -BB

Fine Heart Monaco Purpose Edition: A Collection of Work by Survivors

Ep 22: Brandon Janous

Episode 22: Brandon Janous on How to Become a Professional “Show-er Upper” in the Things That Matter Most

Dive headfirst into this heartfelt and crucial conversation with our guest, Brandon Janous. Brandon tragically lost his wife, Rachel, leaving him to raise their three beautiful children without their mommy. However, what could have felt like the end was instead the catalyst for understanding what truly makes life worth living. Lean in as Jessye and Brandon explore the things that hold genuine significance and ways to embrace them daily. Brandon offers words of encouragement on becoming a more present parent and making the most of each day and minute of our lives.

Brandon is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of the publishing company, Blue Hat Publishing. Tune in to learn more about this exciting new space between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Have you ever dreamed of writing a book? His team is here to make those dreams a reality.

At the end of April, Brandon, one of four speakers at the Made for More retreat in Southern California, invites you to discover refreshment and a space to breathe and dream—just what he needed most.

This episode is full of being present, finding hope after loss, getting your words into the world, and how to be a professional “show-er upper” just like Rachel was.

Get Brandon’s book: JUST DO!: Stories about Discovering Purpose, Gaining Perspective and Being Present

Ep. 21: Aydan

Episode 21: Aydan on Unmasking Identity and Unshakable Worth

On this episode, the middle Molden – Aydan – joins The Molden Cast for her season two debut. After a school year of work and research, she shares with us the topic she’s chosen for her Senior thesis: Identity. In a world where labels and identity just seem to get more confusing, Aydan helps us focus on the three important components that make up our identities: being, personality, and purpose. Listen in to find out how sticky labels can be in our lives and discover how to ground ourselves in the truths that are unshakeable as we search for what truly leads to happiness.

Ep. 20: Bob Goff

Episode 20: Bob Goff on Beautiful Lives, Piles of Laundry, and Getting Unstuck

Jump into an inspiring conversation on today's podcast as we welcome the insightful Bob Goff. Bob shares his wisdom, stories, and humor, guiding us on transforming pain into purpose. Explore the significance of finding safe spaces to unpack the baggage we carry and discover how living fearlessly can lead to the beautiful life we hope for. Join Jessye and Bob as they discuss happiness, healing, and the journey towards understanding and letting go. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming Made for More Retreat and the transformative power of creating safe spaces for growth. Consider this your personal invitation to join the conversation and be part of a community focused on healing and living a life of more.

bobgoff.com

lovedoes.org

oakscenter.com

Ep. 19: Season Two!

Episode 19: Jessye and Kieran on How Rap Lyrics and Uncontrollable Laughter Remind Us We Are Made for More

Jessye and Kieran kick off Season Two of The Molden Cast by sharing the song lyrics propelling them into the next chapter of their lives. It's been over six years since Kieran tragically lost her birth parents, making her an expert at facing pain head-on and living a purposeful life. Discover the slippery ways we can find ourselves stuck, and listen in as Jessye and Kieran reveal their favorite strategies to overcome it. Be inspired by stories of ten-second bravery, finding community, and embracing lives filled with daily peace. What if we started this new season with MORE? More love, more peace, more belly laughter, more of the night sky, more joy, and definitely more Chipotle. Welcome back to The Molden Cast, friends!

“Happy” by NF

Made for More Retreat with Jessye & Bob Goff

Ep. 18: Jessye

Episode 18: Jessye Wilden on The Gap Between Who We Think We 'Should' Be and Who We Get to Be

In this final episode of The Molden Cast’s first season, Jessye is taking the feedback she’s collected over the last year and distilling it into one heartfelt finale that will resonate with all of us.

(Trigger Awareness: This episode talks about depression and suicide.)

What if there were a way to measure the space between who we think we SHOULD be and who we feel like we REALLY are? Because here’s the ugly secret: that gap is where depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts love to incubate. And the holidays? They can make it worse, much worse.

In this episode, Jessye is going to help us examine the facades we put up to protect ourselves that, instead, hold us back from living fully. Jump in as Jessye offers practical insights on navigating the emotional landscape of the season, acknowledging the weight it can place on our mental well-being and tired hearts.

As we close this first chapter of The Molden Cast, let's embrace a holiday season where hope, peace, and joy are not just decorations, but lived experiences that illuminate our lives and the love we share with those around us.

Look for SEASON TWO trailers and episodes in the New Year!

Have Jessye Speak at Your Next Event! Booking 2024 Now.

Ep. 17: Stephanie Nelson

Episode 17: Stephanie Nelson on Imagining More, Doing What You Love, and Serving Others

This episode features a true trailblazer, Stephanie Nelson, founder of the Coupon Mom website. In 2008, she launched the coupon movement that swept across America. Stephanie's expertise has earned her a spot on national and local TV news shows like Good Morning America, the Today show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her entrepreneurial spirit sparked a cottage industry of "coupon moms," and her first book, "The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half," became a New York Times bestseller.

However, that's just the beginning of Stephanie's multifaceted journey. Stephanie now hosts the podcast "Pivotal People" and has just released her newest book, "Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential." 

Get ready for an extraordinary conversation as Stephanie shares her wisdom, experiences, and the keys to "Imagine More" in our lives. With a new book, a fresh project, and time-tested advice, Stephanie is set to guide us toward the next steps in realizing our big dreams. Tune in and be inspired to discover your potential with the incredible Stephanie Nelson.

Ep. 16: Lex Gillette

Episode 16: Lex Gillette on Shattering World Records, Overcoming Adversity, and Finding Vision Beyond Sight

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Lex, the best totally blind long and triple jumper in U.S. Paralympic history. Lex, a world record holder and five-time Paralympic medalist, takes us through his incredible achievements and the challenges he faced on his path to success.

At a young age, Lex's sight began to fade due to recurrent retina detachments, ultimately leaving him blind. His mother became his unwavering support, vowing to teach him everything he needed for a successful life.

At 19, Lex won his first Paralympic silver medal in the long jump, and he hasn't looked back since. He's become a tenacious competitor for Team USA, medaling in five consecutive Paralympic Games.

Lex's next goal is to bring home the gold. He's not only an exceptional athlete but also a motivational speaker, singer-songwriter, and inspiring author. His latest book, No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision: What Blindness Can Teach Us About Risk and Leadership reveals the steps he’s taken to see beyond reality, face challenges, and surpass expectations, including his own. 

Lex's unique perspective as a Black, blind Paralympic speaker allows him to address vital topics such as visionary leadership, growth mindset, resilience, and high performance. Join us in this episode as we jump into the captivating journey of a true champion who demonstrates that true vision transcends mere sight.

Ep. 15: Jessye

Episode 15: Jessye Wilden on Navigating Grief, Rediscovering Joy, and Unearthing Our Common Threads

Amidst the chaos of the world, "The Molden Cast" returns with Jessye Wilden. Join us as we delve into the art of managing the inner whirlwinds that life throws our way.

Grief, as Jessye shares, is not a linear journey, and it often takes us by surprise. Join us as we explore the myriad ways in which grief can manifest and ideas to help us effectively cope with it. Jessye's perspective challenges us to be honest and authentic about our losses, even those that go unnoticed by others, emphasizing that this vulnerability is a path to rediscovering happiness.

As we listen, we're encouraged to discern what is truly ours to hold and muster the courage to release everything else. If you're someone seeking to lead with love and joy, this episode is tailored just for you.

Ep. 14: Nicole Baart

Episode 14: Nicole Baart on Savoring the Moments in Front of Us, Loosening Our Grip as Our Kids Become Adults, and Publishing Over a Million Words

As we come out of the chaos of summer and into the routine of fall, who better to help us find those intentional moments with our people than author, mama of five, non-profit co-founder: Nicole Baart? Nicole knows that it’s true that love wins, but she reminds us that it’s often messy and unpredictable. She knows what it’s like to have children transitioning into adulthood right in front of her eyes, chasing their own dreams while we get to loosen our grip and dream different futures than when they were small. Cue the mid-family crisis, when everything you’ve known for the last twenty years shifts. Listen in as Nicole helps us pull the small moments close, while pouring fire and enthusiasm on our kid’s dreams. She knows that love is tenacious and raising teens and young adults means you feel terrified all the time. Dive into the making of Nicole’s newest novel: The Long Way Back as we find our way in the new seasons ahead.

Learn more at NicoleBaart.com

Ep. 13: Mila Gray

Episode 13: Mila on Being the Youngest, How Mom Needs to Say ‘Yes’ More, and Her Podcast Take Over

Mila is by far the smallest guest we’ve ever had on the podcast. Not only is she the youngest Molden, she is the last one to get her episode out into the world. Although atypical for a guest to be so little here, this episode is meant to remind us what it was like to be a child. And maybe it will help us remember the things that used to be so important to us when we were Mila’s age. What was our favorite flavor of ice-cream? What used to be our biggest dream? Listen in as Mila tries to get her mom to finally say, “yes” more and how she plans to parent when she’s older. Hear her kind heart and her worries about friendship.  Because if Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven has similarities to little children and that we are to be like children in our faith, then we need to take time to learn more about and from…little children. On this episode, Mila, at age five, is helping us do just that. 

Ep. 12: John Cotton Richmond

Episode 12: Ambassador John Richmond on Putting Love Into Action, Living Meaningful Lives, and What We Should Know About Human Trafficking

How do we put love into action and live meaningful lives?

In this impactful episode, John is sharing with us his family’s ten rules that will change how we love and lead in our homes and our businesses. Learn how the goal of parenting is not to have well-behaved kids, but rather to love them with a “Whole Bunches” kind of love. 

Along with being a cherished husband and father, Ambassador Richmond is an attorney and diplomat focused on combatting human trafficking, advancing democracy, and affirming human dignity. Currently 29 million people are being trafficked and the problem continues to get worse. How do we seek justice on behalf of the oppressed? How do we step into these areas and affirm that every single person has value? Get your heart strengthened as John reminds us that light is stronger than darkness and good is much more effective than fear and pain. Find out how we can start helping in the places that are closest to us.

“We want to be the people who bring love and joy by the truckload to a world that is in desperate need of it.”

Find out more about John and his work:

Ambassador Richmond is an attorney and diplomat focused on combatting human trafficking, advancing democracy, and affirming human dignity. He was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate, named one of the federal prosecutors of the year, and called “every trafficker’s worst nightmare” by the head of the FBI’s human trafficking program. As Ambassador, he held the United States’ highest-ranking position dedicated to combating human trafficking. As founder of the Libertas Council, he seeks to galvanize leaders to shape practical solutions to fight human trafficking. Richmond is also the Chief Impact Officer for Atlas Free, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, Senior Advisor to Love Does, and a frequent speaker on justice, foreign policy, leadership, and vocation.

Website www.johncottonrichmond.com Instagram: @johnrichmond1

Ep. 11: Kimberly Stuart

Episode 11: Kimberly Stuart on How Getting Run Over by a Car Turned Into a Book on Grace

Get ready to belly laugh (and get a little teary) with author, writing coach, and podcast host Kimberly Stuart, as she shares about being a regular girl who loves Jesus while doing some extraordinary things. Find encouragement about holding onto God’s character—even when we don’t understand what’s happening in our own story. Listen in about near death experiences, Spanish translating gone horribly wrong, and the book that wouldn’t let her go.

Kim grew up in Iowa, where she learned to be snobbish about corn on the cob and good storytelling. She earned degrees at St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa, both fine institutions that did very little to prepare her for the lethal cocktail of parenting and writing. 

Kim is the author of eight novels, including Sugar, Heart Land, and the Heidi Elliott series. Her forthcoming nonfiction debut, Star For Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit): Rediscovering the Grace That Sets Us Free, releases March 2024 and is available for pre-order NOW!

Stuart's books have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Huff Post, and the Chicago Sun-Times. She and New York Times-bestselling author Bob Goff have coached hundreds of aspiring authors through their executive coaching, online courses, and events at The Oaks Retreat Center. Kim's solo podcast, For Real with Kimberly Stuart, launched in fall 2021. A joint podcast with Goff, The Writing Room, launched in fall 2022. Stuart has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children. 

Find Kim on Facebook, Instagram (@kimberly.stuart.writes), and at kimberlystuart.com.

Ep. 10: Jessye

Episode 10: Jessye on How We Are Not the Sum of Our Worst Decision, Why Even the Small Things We Do Matter, and Why Sandra Bullock Needs to Call Her

Today Jessye is revealing stories that have never been shared publicly before. Answering questions from listeners like you, Jessye dives into topics that have been burning in people’s minds since her book, We Wrote Your Name in Color, released last October. She’s letting us in on what has surprised her most being a mom of five, what stories hit the cutting room floor, and how grief and hope affect her today. Press play on this episode to hear the Toilet Paper Wedding Dress story, how Kieran’s graduation surprised her, and the dating advice that never got printed. This episode will strengthen your heart while giving you the behind-the-scenes look into the things you’ve been most curious about. 

Got a Question? Ask Jessye directly. Email: jessye@jessyewilden.com

Ep. 9: Kieran

Episode 9: Kieran on Embracing the Awkward, Finding Joy in Tragedy’s Aftermath, and Life in a Blended Family

Kieran knows tragedy well, she was only eleven years old when she lost her mom and dad in a suicide/homicide event. Listen in as she uncovers how to look pain in the face, embrace the awkward, and find joy in tragedy’s aftermath. She is sharing her thoughts on the memoir: We Wrote Your Name in Color and what it’s really been like to be in a book about such a tough part of her life. Adoption, siblings, grief, camping, and movie quotes…we are covering it all! Grab the tissues to laugh and cry with this unforgettable, heart-strengthening episode.

Ep. 8: Jennifer Dukes Lee

Episode 8: Jennifer Dukes Lee on Being Brave Enough to Ask Questions, How Honesty Feels Scary, and if She’d Survive a Zombie Apocalypse

Do you have questions that you feel like no one can answer? Have you ever felt like your doubts would be too much for those around you?

Today, bestselling author, thinker, and question-asker, Jennifer Dukes Lee joins the podcast with some life-giving advice to anyone who has ever been called a “Doubting Thomas”. She shares how she went from interviewing police chiefs and presidential candidates to now writing soul-strengthening books while living on a farm in Iowa. Jennifer helps us understand the gift of curiosity and how it led her to fill a manila envelope marked “mystery” with all the things she was quietly wrestling to accept. Now, she has put a bunch of her favorite questions into a journal called Stuff I'd Only Tell God: A Guided Journal of Courageous Honesty, Obsessive Truth-Telling, and Beautifully Ruthless Self-Discovery. It's like your own little confession booth. 1000s of prompts and limitless ways to unearth the real you. She's also the author of Growing Slow and It's All Under Control.

Ep. 7: Davey Blackburn

Episode 7: Davey Blackburn on Turning Pain Into Purpose, Leading in Grief, and What Our Souls Actually Long For

In November 2015 Davey’s wife of 7 years, Amanda Grace, was tragically murdered in a home invasion. Davey was left to pastor their church as a single dad of their 15 month old son, Weston. In this candid and vulnerable interview he shares his darkest moment and how his relationship with God has changed. 

Now, Davey and his new wife, Kristi, have devoted their lives to helping people through their valleys in life and teach them that when following Jesus, Nothing is Wasted. Davey and Kristi live in Indianapolis, IN with their three kids, Natalia, Weston, and Cohen. They founded Nothing is Wasted Ministries to help people partner with God to take back their story.

Instagram: @daveyblackburn @nothingiswastedministries

Websites: www.nothingiswasted.com and www.daveyblackburn.com

Ep. 6: Ryan

Episode 6: Ryan on Losing His Littlest Sister to Homicide, Becoming an Unexpected Dad of Five, and How He’s like a Yeti Cooler

Jessye’s husband, Ryan, squeezes into the recording office today to share with us what it’s felt like losing his best friend to suicide, his littlest sister to homicide, and then adopting their two children. He shares with us how he finds peace, even when others frantically want to know the unanswerable signs of why the tragedy happened in the first place. 

Learn how to make a marriage stronger or destroy it altogether when loss hits. Discover some tips to better understand the men in your life going through hard times. Find out why Jessye compares her husband to a unicorn and a Yeti cooler and what it’s like for being a dad to five kids (especially when most of them are teenagers!). 

Enjoy this rare interview where Ryan’s sarcasm gets temporarily switched off to talk about the darkest moments while finding encouragement to keep learning and loving in our own lives.

Ep. 5: Katrina

Episode 5: Katrina on God’s Provision, the “No Bad Day Theory,” and the Teachers That Saw Us

Katrina squeezes into the little recording office today to share with us how anxiety, a learning disability, and shattered expectations can all add up to a beautiful life (and career) when we choose to look for God’s goodness and provision every day. Katrina shares her thoughts about the book that told so much of her family tragedy, what it’s like to be the oldest of five siblings, and how important it is to have people in your corner. Discover her “No Bad Day Theory” (and why it’s so annoying) along with encouragement on how to use our voices more. 

….

In this episode Katrina shares about having Irlen Syndrome: Irlen Syndrome is a type of visual or perceptual processing disorder. Below is a quiz if you are curious about the symptoms and if colored lenses would help you.

Irlen’s Syndrome Self-Test