Y’all, get ready—this episode is pure fire!

I sat down with the one and only Marnie Swedberg, and let me tell you, her passion for helping women find clarity and walk in their God-given callings is contagious. Marnie is a speaker, author of 14 books, and the founder of WomenSpeakers.com. She’s spent decades encouraging women to get their messages out, even when the world tries to silence them.

From struggling with dyslexia as a child to memorizing Scripture and now teaching and empowering women around the globe, Marnie’s story is a powerful reminder that God equips the called—not the other way around.

We talk about:

• ​ What to do when you’re not sure if it’s God’s voice, your own, or the enemy’s
• ​ How to keep showing up when discouragement hits hard
• ​ Why your “yes” matters more than your qualifications
• ​ The three questions to ask when your voice feels suppressed
• ​ Why your work has eternal value—even the small stuff

Her life verse, 2 Corinthians 9:8, is all about overflow—and after this conversation, I truly believe your heart will be overflowing with courage, direction, and renewed purpose.

Bio:

Fun and fast-paced, yet peaceful and approachable, Marnie's history includes fires, floods, car wrecks, business set-backs, burglaries, lightning strikes and in her immediate family, cancer, head-injury and sudden death. She models come-back behavior, possibility thinking and profound faith.

Marnie Swedberg is a Missions Ministry Mentor, author of 14 "how-to" books, founder & director of www.WomenSpeakers.com and host of the #1 ranked Blog Talk Radio Show, Marnie's Friends.

She homeschooled the three Swedberg children from K-12, managed the family businesses (a restaurant and retail store), and has helped launch and grow women-led businesses and ministries worldwide. She hosts nine virtual women's summits per year.

Anchor Verse:

2 Corinthians 9:8

Connect with Marnie:

https://www.Marnie.comhttps://amzn.to/42mhEShhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/marnieswedberg/https://www.facebook.com/mentormarniehttps://www.facebook.com/SpeakerMarnie/https://www.pinterest.com/mentormarnie/https://www.instagram.com/mentormarnie/https://twitter.com/MentorMarniehttps://www.youtube.com/mentormarniehttps://www.WomenSpeakers.comhttp://www.ThrivewithMe2023.com

Flow Through Vessel: https://www.marnie.com/ftv_az

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, + a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $35, VIP: $50 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I thought I’d be further along by now”—this episode is for you.

This week on the Anchored by the Sword podcast, I had the absolute joy of chatting with my friend Rebecca George—speaker, podcast host, ministry leader, and author of the brand-new book It’s Not Too Late: Trusting God in a Hurry Up World. She shares powerful encouragement for anyone who is navigating seasons of waiting, unfulfilled longing, or weariness from striving.

We talk about the real-life tensions of trusting God when things don’t happen on our timeline—how we idolize good things, revise the past, catastrophize the future, and miss what God is doing right now. Rebecca’s personal journey of delayed dreams, deep faith, and holy surrender is one that will breathe life into your tired heart.

If you’re holding a good desire that hasn’t come to pass yet—this conversation reminds you: it’s not too late. Whether you’re waiting on a promise, navigating disappointment, or wrestling with hurry and hustle culture, this conversation is a fresh dose of encouragement to stay anchored in truth. God hasn’t forgotten you. You don’t have to strive your way into His love. And there’s still beauty and purpose in the middle of your story.

Bio:

Rebecca is the founder of Radical Radiance® - a podcast community where listeners are equipped to blend what they love with the Jesus who makes them shine. She is a podcaster, speaker, and author whose greatest joy in life is discipling others to pursue their passions in a way that builds the Kingdom. In her free time you can find her running outside, writing, or trying a

new recipe with 90s country playing in the background.

Connect with Rebecca:

Website: https://www.radicalradiance.live

FB: https://www.facebook.com/radicalradiancepodcast/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccageorgeauthor

Book Website: https://www.nottoolatebook.live

Rebecca’s previous episode (113): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0XMgZeoTaQ67jOvPcRKEVF

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle from Crookston Candles!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $35, VIP: $50 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I had the joy of sitting down with my friend, Katie Reid—author of Made Like Martha, her newest fiction release A Very Bavarian Summer, and her powerful new Bible study God, What Do I Do? A Study of Judges 1–5.

Katie shares how her personal journey of trusting God in the unknown—including a big move from Michigan to Florida—is being shaped by the very truths she’s teaching in her new study. We talk about obedience when the next step is unclear, collaboration over competition, and how to walk in godly confidence like Deborah from Judges.

From childhood faith to adult grace, Katie opens up about trying to earn God’s love for years until she finally embraced what was already hers. Her story is a reminder that God’s grace isn’t a reward for our performance—it’s a gift we receive.

Bio:

Katie M. Reid is a Bible teacher and the author of Made Like Martha and God, What Do I Do? Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She co-hosts The Martha + Mary Show and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Katie is a pastor’s wife and worship leader. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five are the best decisions she’s made.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 78: 4-8

Connect with Katie:

Website: https://www.katiemreid.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/katie_m_reid

FB: https://m.facebook.com/KatieMReidWriter/

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a 4 ounce Faith in the Fire candle from Crookston Candles!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $35, VIP: $50 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this episode, I sit down with powerhouse leader, author, and speaker Gena B. McCown. With 30 years in ministry and the marketplace, Gena brings her hard-earned wisdom and unwavering heart for women in the church. We talk about her books, Women's Ministry Purpose, and Still Here and Still Struggling to Serve, and the tension many women feel when called to ministry in spaces where leadership isn’t always welcomed or supported.

Gena’s testimony is raw, honest, and filled with God’s redemptive grace—from growing up in a home where church wasn't discussed, to a revival night that changed her life forever. She reminds us that it’s not about perfection, it’s about surrender. That grace was never something we could earn—and that breath in our lungs means we’ve still got purpose.

Some key takeaways from the episode include:

🕊️ “Forgiveness isn’t about reconciliation—it’s about release.”

📖 “If we were meant to be perfect, Christ wouldn’t have been necessary.”

🔥 “We don’t have time to waste. The Church needs every part of the Body functioning.”

We also dive deep into:

• The barriers women face in the church today

• What it really means to walk in forgiveness

• How freedom comes from laying guilt and shame down for good

• Why her life verse, Deuteronomy 2:3, is pushing her (and all of us) to “go north”

  
  

This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling unseen, stuck, or silenced. Gena’s voice will stir something in your spirit—and remind you that God isn’t done with you yet.

Bio:

Gena McCown has been married for over twenty years, and has three daughters. Born and raised in S. Florida, Gena has served in ministry leadership for over twenty years including: Women's Ministry, Drama Ministry, MOPS Leadership. Gena teaches a Women's Ministry course at Christian Leaders Institute, Grand Rapids Michigan.

Anchor Verses:

Deuteronomy 2:3

Connect with Gena:

Website: https://genabmccown.wixsite.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/15ftvy2VUm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

IG: https://www.instagram.com/genamccownpsl/

*Hey ladies! Our Anchored in Hope Women’s Workshop is happening September 20th in Canton, Ohio — and it’s going to be a powerful day of worship, teaching, and finding purpose in your pain.

🎟️ Early bird tickets are just $35, and the first 30 people to sign up will get a FREE devotional from Gena McCown anda 4oz Faith in the Fire candle from Crookston Candles — ready for you the day of the event!

Get your ticket now at https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain and come be refreshed. ✨🕊️💖

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this episode of Anchored by the Sword, I’m joined by Naomi Overton—CEO, author, and general editor of Every Woman’s Bible. Naomi’s heart for people shines through every word as she shares her powerful journey of growing up serving in the orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico, and how a rainy day and a little girl’s home changed everything.

From that defining childhood moment to leading global ministries like MOPS and Stonecroft, Naomi walks us through her freedom story—a life marked by reconciliation, restoration, and God’s vision for flourishing. We also dive into the incredible backstory of Every Woman’s Bible—how it came to be, what makes it different, and the worldwide team of women who made it happen.

You’ll hear about:

• Why Ephesians is her anchor

• The power of crossing barriers in Jesus’ name

• How her mission was shaped by love and justice

• What it means to truly embrace every woman

• Why this Bible is both solid in theology and full of invitation

We also talk about how Every Woman’s Bible isn’t just another women’s Bible—it’s an embrace. A place where your story meets God’s story and you’re reminded you belong.

📚 Get your copy of Every Woman’s Bible wherever books are sold—Sam’s Club, Target, independent Christian bookstores like Kern’s in North Canton, and more.

💻 Join the community and find Naomi’s work at www.everywomans-story.com and on Facebook at Every Woman’s Story.

Bio:

Naomi helps organizations and people dream, innovate, and grow. As a three-time CEO of The MomCo by MOPS, Stonecroft Ministries, and now We Are Becoming, she's seen that passion bear fruit.

As National Director of the National Leadership Council, Naomi has also lifted the dreams of World Vision's most generous philanthropists. And she has advanced innovations to lift children and families out of poverty. as Director of Compassion International's Product Strategy and Child Advocacy.

Beyond nonprofits, Naomi has created organizational and people-growth for Fortune 50 companies. She led new product development and go-to-market projects for Apple Computer and Hewlett-Packard Co., and contracted organizations in consumer tech, media, and publishing (the Los Angeles Times, NBC Network, local ABC and CBS affiliate stations, and Tyndale Publishing). In addition, she has served government (Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), biotechnology, and leadership (the Ken Blanchard Company) organizations.

Naomi's fascination with how people become "mission multipliers" drove her doctoral study, winner of Fuller Theological Seminary School of Intercultural Studies' Leadership Award. She focused her UCLA MBA on Intrapreneurship and her Stanford University bachelor's on advancing movements. Through her work with Mission: Leadership, Naomi helps faith-based nonprofits grow impact by engaging fantastic leaders.

Naomi is married to her college sweetheart Frank and says, “My husband is my best advisor, our 4 world-changing kids my astonishment, and flourishing for all, my vision.”

Anchor Verse:

Ephesians 3:19

Connect with Naomi:

Website: https://everywomans-story.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/naomicrameroverton

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomicrameroverton

FB Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573836635110025

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by author Julie Sunne, who reminds us what it looks like to hold on to hope when life doesn’t look like we imagined. Julie opens up about her journey through five miscarriages, the deep grief that followed, and the unexpected path of parenting a child with disabilities. She shares how her faith, which once felt more like a Sunday habit, was transformed into an anchored trust in the character of God.

Julie’s book, Sometimes I Forget: Reminders of Hope for Your Hard Days, isn’t just words on a page—it’s a reflection of the battles she’s walked through and the unchanging God who walked with her.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Faith isn’t about transactions—it’s about transformation.

• Grief often rewrites false narratives in our minds, but truth is found in God’s Word.

• Hope is not about what we feel; it’s about who God is.

• Our pain doesn’t disqualify us from purpose—it may be the place purpose begins.

• You are not alone in your sorrow, and God is not absent in your struggle.

Whether you’re navigating grief, feeling like you’ve lost your footing in faith, or simply need a reminder that God is still faithful—you’ll find encouragement in Julie’s story.

Bio:

Julie Sunne writes about finding real hope amid life’s real struggles. Her own struggles include enduring multiple miscarriages and caregiving for her adult daughter who has significant intellectual disabilities. Julie’s writing has been featured in print devotionals by Proverbs 31 Ministries, Guideposts, Celebrate Life magazine, Encouragement for Today (the Proverbs 31 Ministries’ email devotional), several online sites, and on her blog at juliesunne.com. Julie and her husband, David, are parents to three grown sons and a daughter and reside with their daughter in rural northeast Iowa.

Anchor Verses:

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Psalm 27: 13-14

Connect with Julie:

Website: https://juliesunne.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliesunne1/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JulieSunne1/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Kimberly Haar, a licensed professional counselor and author of the new book Healing From Life’s Deepest Hurts: Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss or Trauma. Kimberly shares her incredible testimony of surviving a multiple hour assault by her ex-husband, the attempted murder of her then-boyfriend and navigating the long road of healing from deep trauma, grief, and abuse.

We talk about:

• The moment her life changed forever—and how God met her there

• What it looks like to walk through complex trauma as a believer

• How to rebuild emotionally and spiritually after domestic violence

• Why counseling, faith, and truth-telling are all part of healing

• How to move forward with hope even when your past is full of pain

Whether you’re walking through a hard season or love someone who is, this conversation will stir your faith, offer tools for healing, and remind you that God never wastes our pain.

Bio:

Kimberly Haar, LPC, LMFT, is a survivor of domestic violence, a licensed professional counselor, and a licensed marriage and family therapist with nearly two decades of experience helping others find healing and wholeness in life. She holds an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Nazarene University and is a featured cohost on Oasis Radio Network. Kimberly's therapy practice is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she continues to inspire hope and strength in those facing life's challenges.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 23

Psalm 34:18

Connect with Kim:

Website: https://kimberlyhaar.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kimberly.haar

FB: https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyJHaar/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

What happens when the life you dreamed of falls apart—and somehow, God uses it to write a better story than you could’ve ever imagined?

In this episode, I’m talking with Amy Eaton, author of Hope When It’s Heavy, a woman of deep faith, a military wife, mom, and grandma with a story of radical redemption and honest hope. Amy grew up in a nontraditional home, but she met Jesus at 20—and everything changed. That doesn’t mean the road was easy. After walking through betrayal in her first marriage, Amy held onto trust in God—even in the middle of heartbreak.

She shares how meeting her now-husband Justin—who adopted her son and became a godly father—was a picture of true redemption. Her journey is proof that grief and joy can coexist, and that God is not afraid of our hard questions.

Amy opens up about her new book, Hope When It’s Heavy, written for the woman who feels like she has to fake it in Christian spaces. This is for the one who’s been shamed for asking the hard questions or saying “I’m not okay.” Amy reminds us: You don’t have to walk through pain alone. You can let people in. You can be honest. And most of all, you can find peace in Jesus—even when the weight is heavy.

We talk about:

• ​ Grieving with honesty and grace
• ​ Letting go of shame in faith communities
• ​ The painting behind her book cover—and the moment of peace it brought during her father’s final days
• ​ Why you don’t have to retreat in the hard things
• ​ What it means to see hope, even in the darkness

This is your permission to be honest. You don’t have to fake it. Jesus meets us right where we are.

Bio:

Amy Eaton writes from a deep well of having walked through many heavy seasons. She acknowledges the wrestle and reality of holding seemingly conflicting truths with a grace and tenacious hope that is contagious. She deeply loves Jesus, her family, the Church, and her community.

Amy’s background in local church ministry, psychology, and corporate human resource work uniquely equip her to write and speak to the whole person (spiritually, emotionally, and mentally) as an overflow of the Lord’s kindness in her life to carry her through so much.

An encourager, her greatest hope for any project she produces is for women to draw closer to God and to rest in His infinite love for them.

Amy and her husband are empty nesters, residing on a mini farm in Southeast Tennessee with their ever-shifting number of chickens, two cats, and three of the sweetest, fluffiest dogs.

Anchor Verse:

Isaiah 26:3

John 6:12

Connect with Amy:

Website: https://amyeatonauthor.com

Bio.Site: https://bio.site/amyeaton

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***