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.
In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we step into a story of profound loss, unwavering faith, and extraordinary love. Nancy Kinnear joins us to share her daughter Savanah’s remarkable journey—a life lived with grace, strength, and purpose, even through the challenges of metastatic breast cancer.
Savanah was more than her diagnosis. She was a dreamer, a creator, and an advocate. From starting her own earring business to using her voice to inspire and uplift others battling cancer, Savanah radiated hope. Her story is about love that transcends hardships and a faith that remains steadfast even in the darkest of times.
Nancy opens up about what it means to keep her daughter’s legacy alive, not just as a grieving mother, but as a witness to the beauty God can weave through pain. This heartfelt conversation isn’t just about loss; it’s about life, resilience, and the extraordinary ways to honor those we love. To read an article about Savanah’s journey and wedding click here. To read Savanah’s obituary click here.
If you want to support Savanah’s legacy, follow her Instagram and Facebook accounts.
Tune in for a deeply moving episode that will leave you inspired to find strength in your own journey.
🎧 Available now on your favorite podcast platforms. And don’t miss the special tribute to Savannah on our YouTube channel!
🎄 The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for joy and celebration, it can also bring its fair share of financial stress. Does the thought of overspending or holiday debt sound familiar? You’re not alone—and this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Musehas you covered!
In our latest conversation, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with renowned financial expert Ralph Estep Jr. from Saggio Accounting+PLUS. Together, we uncover the keys to celebrating Christmas with intention, love, and financial wisdom. Ralph shares simple yet powerful tips to help you stay within your budget while creating meaningful holiday memories that focus on what truly matters—faith, family, and togetherness.
💡 Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn in this episode:
How to create a holiday spending plan that actually works
The “24-Hour Rule” for avoiding impulse buys
Creative gift ideas that won’t break the bank
How to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas celebrations
Ralph also touches on the emotional side of the season, sharing ways to connect with loved ones, embrace gratitude, and support others who might be struggling. Plus, he’s giving our listeners an exclusive free resource to help make this your most mindful and stress-free holiday yet!
Ralph V. Estep Jr. is a distinguished finance, accounting, and technology professional with a dynamic career spanning decades. As the principal at Saggio Management Group, Inc., Ralph has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and excellence in financial management and entrepreneurship. His academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Wilmington University. Over the years, Ralph has earned prestigious professional designations, including Licensed Public Accountant (LPA) and Accredited Business Accountant (ABA). His career highlights include serving as CFO at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Executive Vice President at American Spirit Federal Credit Union, and controller at a prominent Delaware law firm, where his innovations in financial and operational systems significantly advanced organizational efficiency.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Ralph is deeply committed to leveraging technology to modernize financial practices, founding cutting-edge firms such as The Estep Group and Capital Cloud Solutions. Beyond finance, Ralph co-founded Estep Farm LLC, raising Black Angus cows, and shares his financial expertise through the “Ask Ralph” podcast and radio show. His commitment to community and education is reflected in his mentorship roles and participation in leadership training programs. Happily married to Jennifer Estep with two sons, Ralph balances a thriving career with a rich family life, leaving an indelible mark in both professional and personal spheres.
✨ Ready to shift your mindset this holiday season? Click the link to listen now and learn how you can make Christmas memorable without overspending. Don’t forget to grab your free holiday guide here—it’s our first gift to you this Christmas!
In this latest episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda dive into one of the most challenging conversations for any parent – when a child questions their faith. This episode features Heather Hart, who opens up about her journey after her daughter expressed doubts about Christianity. With raw honesty, Heather shares how this moment reshaped their family dynamic and taught her to balance unconditional love with the values she holds dear.
Heather Hart is a passionate writer, speaker, and devoted mother who shares her journey of faith and resilience in navigating the complexities of parenting. Known for her candid insights and heartfelt stories, Heather writes extensively on topics of faith, family, and personal growth. She is the author of a powerful blog post on handling a child’s faith crisis, where she draws from her own experiences to help other parents facing similar challenges. Heather’s approach is grounded in love, empathy, and a deep commitment to fostering strong, compassionate relationships within her family and community.
Heather’s story goes beyond a personal faith crisis; it’s a testament to resilience, grace, and the art of “letting go” while still holding onto love. From emotional conversations about belief to the wisdom that only comes from experience, this episode is filled with heartfelt insights for parents and families of all backgrounds. Heather reveals how she finds peace amidst uncertainty and how her faith continues to guide her through the ups and downs of parenthood. Check out Heather’s book Candid Moments.
Tune in to hear Heather’s inspiring journey and discover valuable insights on how to navigate difficult conversations about faith and identity with loved ones. This episode ofThrive by the Rising Museis not just a conversation; it’s a guide to thriving with empathy, patience, and resilience. Don’t miss it – this could be the encouragement you need to handle your own family’s journey with grace and hope.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to support teens in navigating their mental health. But finding ways to connect with and empower young people can be challenging. That’s why in our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re thrilled to host Emani Owens, a passionate advocate for teen mental wellness. Emani has dedicated her life to creating safe spaces where teens feel heard, respected, and encouraged to express themselves.
Emani’s journey began with a simple yet powerful vision: to foster a community that values mental health support for teens. She’s now the founder of Owens Teen Empowerment, where she hosts seminars and online events to help teens openly discuss their challenges, build self-confidence, and discover healthy outlets for self-expression.
During our talk, Emani shared impactful insights about the pressures teens face today—from the allure and pitfalls of social media to the importance of self-expression through tools like journaling. Her unique perspective highlights the struggles teens encounter as they build their identities in an often overwhelming world.
And as the holiday season approaches, Emani is preparing for a special December event designed to bring teens and parents together in a safe space for open communication and healing. Whether you’re a teen, a parent, or simply someone interested in making a positive impact, this episode is a must-listen.
Emani Owens, an educational teacher, business owner, and the inspiring founder of Owens Teen Empowerment. Imani is dedicated to empowering young teens to excel academically, emotionally, and socially. Through her work, she provides guidance on communication, healing, and growth, and encourages teens to embrace learning as a pathway to a brighter future for themselves and their families. Connect with Emani on Facebook and Instagram
As the days grow shorter and colder, many of us start to feel the subtle shift in our moods. But for some, these winter blues are more than just a passing phase – they’re a real struggle. In this eye-opening episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we’re joined by licensed professional counselor Alexandra Mays from Mindful Steps, who sheds light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the toll it can take on mental well-being.
From explaining how SAD differs from general depression to sharing everyday strategies for managing symptoms, Alexandra offers a compassionate and informative perspective on living through seasonal changes. Whether it’s the impact of reduced sunlight on our “happiness chemical” or how our sleep patterns shift in the colder months, Alexandra breaks down the science behind SAD in a way that’s both accessible and deeply relatable.
Are there ways to prevent SAD? How can we support loved ones going through this seasonal struggle? And what small, meaningful changes can we make to nurture our mental health as we enter the winter season? Get ready to discover answers to these questions and more. This conversation is packed with insights and practical advice that will leave you better prepared to thrive all year round.
Alexandra Mayes is a Licensed Therapist and a Clinical Director of several different clinics that focus on recovery for those struggling with addiction. She has been in the mental health field for over ten years now and has worked with children, teens, and adults. In 2021 she decided to open Mindful Steps with her husband. Mindful Steps is a group practice to expand her reach of care. In addition to receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Tennessee State University, she also received her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from there as well. She is a business owner, mental health advocate, wife, and mother of two daughters.
Winter Blues: Grief and Loss Over the Holidays (11/20/2024)
Mindful Steps: Healthy goals for the New Year. (01/08/2025)
Mindful Steps for Mindful Care: 5k race to raise funds for our non-profit to provide free and/or reduced rates for webinars, conferences, workshops, and wellness programs for marginalized communities. (05/26/2025)
Mindful Care Wellness Program: an 8-week program to address emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, social, and vocational forms of self-care through a combination of Zoom, and in-personal workshops for psychoeducation. The program will include mindfulness art sessions, yoga, financial advisors, breath work, health/fitness, nutrition, and mental health guest speakers throughout the eight weeks. (05/31/2025 -07/23/2025)
Tune in now for a conversation that promises to warm up even the coldest of winter days.
Are you struggling to move forward after loss, or perhaps supporting someone who is? You won’t want to miss this powerful episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse! This week, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Carolyn J. Murphy—author, coach, and certified peer recovery specialist—who knows the depths of grief and the heights of healing.
In this episode, Carolyn shares her personal journey of loss, anger, and eventual transformation. Known as the “Mindshift Coach,” she reveals how shifting your mindset can be the key to unlocking emotional freedom. With profound insights from her bookGod, Why Did You Save Me?, Carolyn offers practical steps for those feeling stuck in grief and searching for a way out.
Whether you’re looking for tips on how to cope with grief, curious about how faith can carry you through dark times, or simply need some encouragement, this conversation will open your eyes to the possibility of healing. Carolyn reminds us that grief isn’t just about death—it’s about any kind of loss. And more importantly, it’s about finding purpose again.
Get ready for an episode filled with honesty, compassion, and wisdom. Carolyn’s message of hope is exactly what we all need to hear.
Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss:
How Carolyn learned to manage her grief after years of wearing a “mask.”
Why the first step to healing is giving yourself permission to grieve.
Practical strategies to break free from emotional cycles like anger and perfectionism.
The powerful role of faith and mindset in the recovery process.
Tune in now and take the first step towards healing. This conversation could be the spark that changes everything!
Catch the full episode of Thrive by The Rising Musewherever you listen to podcasts or click on the picture below. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone needing it. Grief doesn’t have to keep you stuck—join us as we learn how to move forward together.
In this episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we bring you an unforgettable story of resilience, faith, and the power of forgiveness. Shelly Edwards Jorgensen, author of Beautiful Ashes, joins us to share her harrowing yet inspiring journey. Imagine enduring the unimaginable—losing your mother to a violent crime, living through abuse, and facing overwhelming medical challenges. Shelly has survived these trials and found peace and healing in the most miraculous ways.
Through her conversation with hosts Naty and Veda, Shelly opens up about her path to healing and the pivotal moments that tested her faith. What kept her going? How did she learn to forgive in the face of such betrayal and loss? And, most importantly, what lessons does she want to share with others walking through their own darkness?
This episode is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s ability to rise above even the deepest of ashes. Tune in to hear how Shelly’s faith, courage, and the support of loved ones carried her through—and how her story can inspire you to overcome whatever life may throw your way.
Shelly attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where she was the first female to graduate with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. After graduation, she moved back to her home state of Michigan and landed her dream job as a manufacturing engineer to start off her 20+ year career for Ford Motor Company. A few years into her engineering career, she decided to go back to school to get her MBA.
Shelly has spent over 30 years serving within her church congregation and community. She has always enjoyed serving others.
Shelly enjoys wood working and has amassed a workshop of her dreams. She also enjoys being outside in the fresh air, trail riding in her ATV and enjoying the Great Lakes boating & jet skiing.
Shelly is happily married to her husband Glenn. She is a step-mother, grandmother, and adored aunt!
In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we dive into an eye-opening conversation with Marin Canaday—an author, national volleyball champion, and someone who’s bravely battled OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) since childhood. Marin shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write My Little Monster, a children’s book that creatively illustrates the struggles of living with OCD through the metaphor of a “little monster.”
But this isn’t just any monster story—it’s a powerful exploration of the invisible battles that many face daily. Marin opens up about how her OCD shaped her identity, from her childhood experiences of compulsively confessing small mistakes to her adult struggles with terrifying obsessive thoughts. Yet, her story is one of hope, resilience, and the importance of seeking professional help.
In this episode, we explore key questions:
How did Marin’s OCD influence her life as a student and athlete?
What role does faith play in navigating mental health challenges?
Why is professional support crucial when managing OCD, and how can it make a difference?
Marin’s vulnerability and strength shine through as she discusses how she continues to manage her OCD and the vital role that both therapy and faith have played in her healing process. This is more than a story about overcoming OCD—it’s a testament to the power of resilience and finding purpose even in our darkest moments.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by anxiety, mental health challenges, or simply want to better understand the struggles of those with OCD, this episode is a must-listen. Marin’s journey is a reminder that while we all have our own “little monsters,” they don’t have to control our lives.
Marin Canaday grew up with obsessive-compulsive disorder from early childhood. However, she was not formally diagnosed with OCD until her adult years. She found studying and sports helped her cope with her OCD as a child. In adulthood, she continued to struggle with her anxiety disorder but had to find new ways to cope as her athletic career and days of studying were behind her. Today, Marin writes in her free time. She is the author of My Little Monster and The Very Best Me, children’s picture books that describe her struggle with OCD. She writes to encourage children struggling with anxiety disorder. To connect with Marin go to her website.
Tune in to hear Marin’s incredible story and learn how you, too, can face your own monsters with strength, faith, and the right support.
Catch the full episode on Thrive by The Rising Muse and discover how Marin Canaday is helping others take control of their mental health—one monster at a time.
Are you feeling stuck in a toxic work or ministry environment? Do you find it challenging to break free from negativity and improve your mental health? This week onThrive by The Rising Muse, we welcome Earl Morrison, a retired Chief of Police, mentor, and author, to help us tackle these very issues.
With over 29 years of leadership experience, Earl has seen it all. In this episode, he dives deep into how toxic environments can affect not just organizational growth but your personal well-being. He shares the most common signs of a toxic workplace and how these environments can slowly take a toll on your mental health.
But it’s not all doom and gloom—Earl also reveals practical strategies to transform these negative spaces into productive, healthier environments. From communication breakdowns to accountability and teamwork, Earl’s leadership strategies emphasize the importance of character-based leadership, rooted in both personal and professional growth.
If you’ve ever wondered how faith-based principles can play a role in overcoming these challenges, Earl’s insights are invaluable. He shares how integrating faith into leadership can help individuals not only rise above toxic environments but also thrive mentally and spiritually.
Want to know the practical steps Earl recommends for those struggling in toxic environments? Curious about how mentoring can significantly impact not only your professional life but also your mental health? Tune in to this episode and discover how you can start turning things around today.
Naty Matos 