In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive into two intriguing incidents that have sparked deep conversations in the faith community. With thought-provoking insights, Naty and Veda break down some recent incidents regarding Paula White and Marvin Sapp, challenging perspectives and asking the tough questions many are thinking but few are saying.
How do faith, culture, and controversy intersect? What lessons can we take away from these moments? And most importantly, where do we go from here? If you’ve ever questioned the narratives shaping modern spirituality, this episode is for you.
Join us for a candid and unfiltered discussion that will leave you reflecting long after the episode ends.
What if every trial, every storm, and every heartbreak in your life led you toward something greater? What if the pain you’ve endured wasn’t meant to break you but to prepare you for your purpose?
In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the incredible Bambi Makowski—a mother, grandmother, storyteller, and author whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From overcoming personal trauma to impacting lives one door at a time, Bambi’s testimony is a powerful reminder that faith can turn brokenness into beauty.
🚪 Knocking on Doors, Changing Lives Bambi shares how her years working with Nielsen TV Ratings and the Census Bureau taught her the power of human connection. Each door she knocked on held a different story—some heartbreaking, some inspiring, but all life-changing. Through these encounters, she learned to see people beyond their circumstances and embrace the beauty in every journey.
💔 From Trauma to Triumph Bambi opens up about the darkest moments of her life when she felt unseen and unheard. But she also reveals the incredible ways that God stepped in, time and time again, transforming her pain into purpose. Her story is raw, unfiltered, and filled with moments that will leave you speechless.
🙏 Faith, Healing, and the Power of Sharing Your Story In this episode, we discuss why sharing our stories is essential for healing, how God never wastes our pain, and why embracing our scars can lead to true freedom. Bambi reminds us that our past does not define us—God does.
Bambi is a mother of six, grandmother to thirteen—and counting!—a passionate storyteller, and an author of two published books with more on the way. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but through every trial, she’s found purpose and hope. You can reach her on her website Healing Through Stories.
🔥 You Don’t Want to Miss This! This conversation is one of the most powerful we’ve had on the podcast. It’s real. It’s vulnerable. It’s inspiring. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, struggled with trauma, or wondered if God has a purpose for your pain—this episode is for you.
Have you ever felt like you’re giving everything you have—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—only to end the day completely drained? If you’ve been a caregiver for a parent, spouse, or loved one, you know the weight of that responsibility. It’s a journey of love, sacrifice, and deep exhaustion, but one that isn’t talked about nearly enough.
In our latest episode ofThrive By the Rising Muse, we’re breaking the silence on the realities of caregiving. Naty and Veda open up about their own experiences—navigating the emotional and mental toll, the unspoken guilt, and the faith struggles that arise when exhaustion meets devotion.
This episode is for: ✔️ Those currently in a caregiving role. ✔️ Anyone who has ever felt torn between their responsibilities and their well-being. ✔️ Those wondering, “Where is God in this?” when caregiving feels overwhelming.
We’ll talk about: ✨ The emotional burden of caregiving and how to protect your mental health. ✨ The guilt caregivers often feel—and why it’s time to release it. ✨ How to keep your faith strong when exhaustion makes praying hard. ✨ Practical ways to set boundaries, ask for help, and find moments of rest.
💡 If you’ve ever felt unseen in your role as a caregiver, this episode is for you. You are not alone, and you are doing more than enough.
Are you ready for an eye-opening conversation that challenges the way we think about mental health, medication, and the stigmas that still persist in our communities? In this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with the incredible Dr. Ronda Hampton, a clinical psychologist, advocate, and co-founder of REACH for Mental Health Awareness.
From breaking down mental health misconceptions in faith communities and communities of color to understanding when medication might be necessary, this discussion dives deep into the realities of therapy, healing, and the barriers that keep so many from seeking the help they need. Dr. Hampton shares her personal journey, her advocacy work in missing persons cases, and her passion for educating children through the Skool Kidsbook series.
💡 Did you know that antidepressants aren’t addictive? Or that abruptly stopping medication can have serious consequences? We tackle these myths and more, providing the real facts behind mental health treatment and how we can support those in need.
🔹 Why is therapy still stigmatized in many communities? 🔹 How can we redefine the role of mental health professionals? 🔹 What’s the truth about antidepressants and dependency? 🔹 What happens when someone stops taking their medication without supervision? 🔹 How can faith and mental health coexist?
This episode is packed with insights, raw honesty, and much-needed truth. Whether you or someone you love has struggled with mental health or you simply want to be part of the solution in changing the conversation, this is one you can’t afford to miss.
Dr. Ronda Hampton is a highly respected clinical psychologist based in California. She’s the co-founder of REACH for Mental Health Awareness, a nonprofit that assists families searching for missing loved ones while also working to spread awareness about mental health. You may also know her as a strong advocate for justice in the case of Mitrice Richardson, a young woman who went missing in 2009. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Hampton is also the co-producer of Lost Compassion: The Mitrice Richardson Story, an award-winning documentary, and the author ofAmber Goes Missing, a book aimed at educating children about personal safety.
Life is unpredictable; right now, it feels like we’re all riding a wave of uncertainty. In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we take off the script and get real—no filters, no outlines, just raw conversation about the struggles many face today. We’re calling it Thrive Raw because sometimes, we just need to speak from the heart.
From massive job layoffs to skyrocketing grocery prices to the weight of mental health struggles—these are more than just headlines. They’re real-life battles people are fighting every single day. In this episode, we unpack the emotions, the fears, and the faith it takes to move forward when life throws the unexpected our way.
So, what do you do when your security is shaken? How do you hold on when it feels like you’re losing everything? More importantly, where is God in all of this? We’re diving deep into these questions and offering encouragement, real talk, and most of all, hope.
✨ Why you need to listen: ✔️ Raw, unfiltered conversation about the struggles happening right now. ✔️ Faith-centered encouragement for anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed. ✔️ Practical advice on how to move forward, find purpose, and rebuild. ✔️ A heartfelt message about the value of your life, no matter your circumstances.
If you or someone you love has been affected by job loss, financial uncertainty, or feelings of hopelessness, we want you to know that you are not alone. Join us for this powerful episode, and let’s navigate these storms together.
Have you ever felt unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in unhealthy patterns in your relationships? What if the key to better communication, deeper respect, and emotional healing was just one conversation away?
In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the incredible Rhonda Green, author of Can We Talk?and founder of Healing In Script (HIS). Rhonda’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—she never planned to become an author, but divine inspiration led her to use writing as a tool for healing and transformation.
Her newest book, Can We Talk?, is a game-changer for anyone looking to build stronger relationships. It focuses on four key areas: respect, communication, emotions, and habits—the very foundation of our interactions with others. But what inspired Rhonda to write this book? And how can we apply her insights to our own lives?
💬 What happens when we don’t set boundaries in our relationships? 💬 Why do so many struggle to truly listen and be heard? 💬 How do unhealed emotions and past trauma affect our ability to connect with others?
Rhonda shares powerful insights, personal experiences, and real-life strategies to help you navigate the relationships in your life—whether it’s with family, friends, or even yourself.
Rhonda Green, author of Can We Talk?, uses her gift of writing to inspire and motivate others to become their greatest selves. Rhonda didn’t start as an author—it was divine inspiration that led her to pick up the pen. She’s here to talk about her newest book, Can We Talk?, which is a guide to improving relationships by focusing on respect, communication, emotions, and habits. We’re excited to unpack her story and gain some wisdom on building healthier, stronger relationships.
This episode is packed with wisdom, laughter, and thought-provoking discussion. If you’re ready to start having the conversations that matter, you won’t want to miss this one!
🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about it!
📲 Listen on your favorite podcast platform and don’t forget to share with a friend who needs to hear this!
🔗 Connect with Rhonda Green:
🌐 Website: www.rhondagreen.me 📖 Book: Can We Talk? (Available online) 🎙️ Podcast: Inspire Podcast 📱 Follow on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook (@RhondaGreenHIS)
Trauma can feel like an invisible weight, holding you back from the life you truly want to live. But what if healing was closer than you think?
In the latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with licensed clinical social worker Daniel Gospodarek, who has dedicated his career to helping men, military members, and first responders heal from the lasting effects of trauma. With personal experience overcoming a traumatic brain injury, Daniel brings a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to his work.
During our conversation, we explore: ✔️ Why men struggle to seek help and how societal expectations play a role. ✔️ The impact of trauma on the body and mind—and how it often manifests in unexpected ways. ✔️ Game-changing therapies like EMDR and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that are transforming lives. ✔️ The power of acknowledging pain without letting it define your future.
This is more than just a discussion—it’s a conversation about reclaiming control, embracing healing, and stepping into a life of purpose and resilience. If you or someone you love has ever felt trapped by trauma, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Daniel is a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience helping men heal from trauma and regain control of their lives. He specializes in working with populations like military members, first responders, and those dealing with traumatic brain injuries. Daniel brings a unique perspective, having overcome his own traumatic brain injury as a teenager, and now uses that experience to guide others through their healing journeys. You can reach him at https://www.revitalizementalhealth.com/
Valentine’s Day is often reduced to chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures, but what if love is so much more? In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we peel back the layers of love and explore its true essence.
From the unwavering love of God to the deep connections we share with family and friends—and even the challenge of loving those who don’t love us back—this conversation will challenge your perspective on love.
Join us as we discuss how to navigate relationships through faith, what it means to love beyond conditions, and why true love is an action, not just a feeling. We will also dive into self-love and setting boundaries, ensuring that love isn’t just something we give but something we nurture within ourselves.
This episode is more than a discussion—it’s an invitation to live out love every day. Are you ready to redefine what love means in your life? Tune in now and let’s thrive together!
Have you ever faced a battle so overwhelming that it felt impossible to overcome? What if that battle was actually a path to discovering God’s power in your life?
In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with Tom Snow, the author of The Daily Stand, a book that goes beyond the concept of spiritual warfare to reveal how walking with God transforms every aspect of our lives. Tom shares his powerful testimony of miraculous healing, overcoming deep-seated guilt, and finding true freedom through faith.
💡 What You’ll Discover in This Episode: ✔️ The life-changing moment when Tom heard God’s voice during his darkest hour ✔️ How spiritual warfare isn’t just about fighting battles—but about standing firm in God’s authority ✔️ The hidden dangers of unforgiveness and why it acts like a “spiritual cancer” ✔️ Practical steps to walk in faith, yield to God’s power, and break free from generational struggles
This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and deeply inspiring—a must-listen for anyone seeking to grow in faith and understand the true power of spiritual warfare.
Tom has over 50 years of experience walking with God, and through miraculous personal stories, they’ve uncovered profound lessons that every believer needs to hear. He’s the author of The Daily Stand, a book that’s not just about spiritual warfare but about learning to walk with God through life’s toughest moments.
Over fifty years ago, as a teenager, Tom was dying of terminal cancer. he had just lost my mother to cancer and was going through terrible guilt, blaming himself for her death. At that terrifying time in his life, he met the Lord. It was early in the Charismatic Movement and a time of many miracles, including how he met Him and how He healed him of that cancer. He started this book over forty years ago but didn’t pick it back up until going through CHF one and a half years ago. One month after CHF the Lord said “Pick up and finish the book.”
Have you ever wondered how faith can transform your mental health and relationships?
In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the remarkable Dana Nygaard, a Licensed Professional Counselor, relationship coach, and national speaker. Dana shares her inspiring journey from high school teacher to renowned Catholic therapist, revealing how she integrates faith into psychotherapy to help individuals and couples experience profound healing and growth.
From her work with Cana Marriage Retreats to her guidance for singles seeking healthy relationships, Dana offers a fresh perspective on strengthening emotional intimacy and spiritual connection. Whether you’re curious about her unique approach to counseling, tips for a thriving marriage, or insights into overcoming past traumas, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.
But that’s not all! Dana also opens up about her personal challenges, from battling breast cancer to navigating the dynamics of marriage, offering a candid and faith-filled perspective on resilience and hope.
Dana Nygaard. Dana is a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, relationship coach, and national speaker. She combines proven psychotherapy techniques with authentic Catholic spirituality, empowering her clients to experience rapid healing and lasting change. Dana’s expertise includes marriage enrichment, teen counseling, and trauma recovery, and she’s known for her compassionate and faith-filled approach. She’s also the author of 365 Dates to Renew Your Christian Marriageand the creator of Cana Marriage Retreats.
You can connect with Dana on her website. Link here!
This episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a transformative experience you won’t want to miss.
Tune in now to discover how faith, love, and intentional healing can unlock your best self.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
Naty Matos 