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.
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.
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.
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!
Bullying is a topic that resonates deeply with so many of us. Whether it’s an experience from our childhood, a challenge faced by our own children, or simply witnessing its effects on others, the pain of bullying leaves a lasting mark. In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we uncover the multifaceted reality of bullying through two powerful conversations.
First, we meet Brooke Auckerman, a 25-year-old neurodivergent author who transformed her personal experiences into the inspiring children’s book Be Kind Loretta Owl. This vibrant story teaches empathy and kindness from a unique perspective—the bully’s own eyes. Brooke’s journey, shaped by her challenges with bullying due to her biracial background and autism, is both moving and motivating. Her courage and creativity remind us how personal pain can inspire impactful change.
But bullying doesn’t end with the playground. In the second half of the episode, we sit down with licensed therapist Taylor Warren from The Grove Counseling and Consulting, LLC. Taylor dives into the deeper psychological effects of bullying, not only on victims but also on bullies themselves. From recognizing the signs to understanding long-term impacts, her insights offer hope and practical steps for parents, educators, and anyone affected by bullying.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The inspiration behind Brooke’s empowering book series.
Taylor’s expert advice on helping children cope with bullying.
The importance of addressing cyberbullying in today’s digital age.
Strategies to foster kindness and resilience in schools and communities.
This conversation is more than a discussion about bullying—it’s a call to action to create a culture of compassion and understanding. Don’t miss out on the practical advice, heartwarming stories, and valuable resources shared in this episode.
Childhood trauma—a term that carries weight, emotion, and stories that are often left untold. In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we delve into this deeply personal and transformative topic, exploring how the past can impact mental, emotional, and even physical health well into adulthood.
Joining us is Julie Rebboah, a Christian communicator and Room to Bloom podcast host. With her unique blend of personal experience, academic knowledge, and a faith-driven approach, Julie offers profound insights into how we can navigate the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences. From toxic stress to generational cycles, this episode provides a roadmap to resilience and healing.
Discover how faith, practical steps, and community support can lead to renewal and purpose. Julie’s story of overcoming a childhood filled with chaos and her commitment to helping others is a testament to the transformative power of healing.
But this conversation is more than an exploration of pain—it’s about hope. It’s about taking that first step, partnering with God, and unlocking the abundant life He has for you. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, supporting a loved one, or simply seeking encouragement, this episode offers a wellspring of wisdom and comfort.
Julie is the survivor of childhood trauma that occured from a parent’s undiagnosed mental illness. Because Julie has lived experience, education in Mental Health and Wellness, and a strong Christian faith, she is uniquely positioned to help you overcome inner pain and reach your God-given potential. Her mission is to equip, inspire, and transform lives through faith-based mental health and wellness strategies. She does this through speaking engagements, her Room to Bloom podcast, and coaching programs.
We’ve all been there—caught in a whirlwind of emotions like stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. But what if you could transform those negative feelings into something empowering? In this deeply moving episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Sue Bowles, a master certified life coach and award-winning author, who has turned her personal struggles into a message of hope and healing.
Sue’s journey from trauma to thriving is both inspiring and eye-opening. She’s not only learned to navigate her own emotional ups and downs but has become a powerful advocate for mental health. If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from the grip of anxiety or tackle those negative thoughts head-on, this episode is for you.
Why You Should Listen:
In this candid conversation, Sue shares:
The power of vulnerability and how it’s key to healing.
The practice of gratitude and how it can immediately interrupt anxiety.
Why seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness—especially in faith communities.
How to help others who are struggling without judgment, and the role of service in healing.
Sue also opens up about her personal battles with childhood trauma, an eating disorder, and even suicidal thoughts, offering real, raw insights into how she found healing—and how you can too. It’s not a quick fix, but Sue’s philosophy of taking “one step ahead” is the key to navigating your own journey.
Don’t Miss Out:
This episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical tools you can start using today. Whether you’re looking for ways to manage negative emotions or simply want to feel inspired by someone who has walked through the fire and emerged stronger, Sue’s message will leave you motivated and empowered.
Sue Bowles is a survivor turned thriver as an author, speaker, and Master Certified Life Coach. Having done the hard work of healing from a childhood rape, an eating disorder, other sexual assaults, and considering suicide, Sue now defines the effect the life-altering events have on her. The events no longer define Sue; she defines them. “You only have to be a step ahead to help the person behind you” is the bedrock to the value Sue brings. She founded My Step Ahead and is the “Chief Instigator” behind the new Dare to Believe Movement, whose purpose is to nurture others to ‘dare to believe that you matter,’ knowing that nothing changes until that bedrock belief is solidified. Whether speaking on a podcast, a stage, or one-on-one, Sue’s enthusiasm is contagious, shining the light of hope wherever the listener needs. Sue’s award-winning first book, “This Much I Know…The Space Between” is available on Amazon and Kindle.
Call to Action:
Ready to break the stigma surrounding mental health and start your healing journey? Listen to the full episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse now!
And for more resources, visit SueBowles.com to grab her free PDF, “Quieting Your Inner Karen,” and discover how to silence that inner critic for good.
As we close the year, Thrive by The Rising Musedelivers an unforgettable conversation with an extraordinary guest, Mark V. Smith—renowned TEDx speaker, podcast host, and trainer. Known as the “Curator of a Bigger Vision Within,” Mark takes us through his powerful journey of transformation, resilience, and purpose.
In this episode, Mark shares candid moments from his path, including how an unexpected job loss ignited a fire within him to start a podcast that has now inspired countless lives. From overcoming challenges to finding purpose in the midst of uncertainty, his story serves as a masterclass in perseverance and the power of trusting the process.
To follow Mark’s journey check his website. You can listen to The Process on wdjyfm.com Tuesdays at 9am EST.
Hosts Naty and Veda join Mark in reflecting on their shared experiences in podcasting, the lessons of 2024, and their visions for the future. Together, they unpack the importance of faith, community, and embracing life’s ups and downs to make a lasting impact.
This is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of resilience, a call to action for living with purpose, and a heartwarming reminder that every challenge carries the seeds of growth.
Don’t miss this deeply inspiring episode! Tune in to hear stories that will move you, insights that will empower you, and a vision that will leave you motivated to tackle 2025 head-on.
The holiday season often evokes images of joy, laughter, and togetherness, but for many, it also stirs up feelings of longing and bittersweet memories. How do you navigate the holidays when your heart feels heavy with the absence of a loved one?
In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda dive into a candid conversation about coping with grief during the holidays, celebrating cherished memories, and creating new traditions. Sharing personal stories, reflections, and practical tips, they offer a thoughtful roadmap to help you embrace both the joy and complexity of the season.
From honoring loved ones through special rituals to finding gratitude in the present, Naty and Veda discuss how to keep the true spirit of the holidays alive. Their lighthearted banter and deep emotional honesty make this episode as comforting as a warm cup of cocoa on a snowy evening.
This is more than a podcast episode—it’s an invitation to reflect, heal, and thrive. Whether you’re seeking ways to honor those you miss, build new traditions, or simply find peace amidst the chaos, this conversation is for you.
So grab your favorite holiday beverage, settle in, and let’s navigate this season together.
🎙 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. Let’s thrive through the bittersweet moments of the holidays together.
Naty Matos 