This is our season finale of season 2 and we cannot wait for where we are headed for season 3!

In a world filled with division and brokenness, hosts Ramonita and Erin dive deep into the heart of reconciliation with God, self, and others. In this episode they discuss the topic of expectations: the ones we have for ourself, the ones we have for others and the expectations others have for us. Reflecting on the power of intentionally loving others, unmet expectations and the spiritual warfare shaping our society, they confront the harsh realities of our current world. Join them as they navigate through the challenges of a divided society, emphasizing the importance of unity, love, and understanding. Featuring a powerful discussion sparked by real-life events, including the tragic story of Sonia Massey.

Key Takeaways:

* Discover the impact of expectations on self-perception and relationships.

* Embrace the journey towards self-love and acceptance, prioritizing God's view of us over societal standards.

* Explore the significance of reconciliation with God, ourselves, and others in a divided world.

* Reflect on the power of intentional love and the need for empathy in a polarized society.

* Acknowledge the role of spiritual warfare in societal division and the importance of seeking unity and understanding.

Stay tuned for Season 3 coming THIS FALL 2025!

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In this episode, Ramonita and Erin sit down with the incredible Jeremy Smith, whose journey is all about resilience and authenticity. Growing up under high expectations, Jeremy excelled in basketball despite setbacks like contracting mono in high school. His unwavering determination led him to significant professional success, embodying perseverance and trusting the journey.

Join us as Jeremy shares candid reflections on family dynamics and basketball experiences, weaving a powerful narrative of resilience and acceptance. Our conversation dives deep into faith and prayer, underscoring the importance of aligning personal desires with God's plan for a fulfilling life. This episode is filled with inspiration and insight you won't want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

* Navigating High Expectations: Jeremy shares the impact of growing up with siblings who excelled academically, setting a high standard that he struggled to meet.

* Resilience in Setbacks: Mono abruptly ended Jeremy's promising basketball career, teaching him the importance of adapting to new realities and accepting God's will.

* Authenticity Over Conformity: Embracing his unique mindset and processing of information, Jeremy learned the value of being true to oneself rather than trying to meet others' expectations.

* Faith and Prayer: The passing of his grandmother led Jeremy to comprehend the significance of aligning personal desires with God's plan, shaping his perspective on prayer and acceptance.

* Embracing Who You Are: Jeremy's journey to self-acceptance and authenticity underscores the power of staying true to oneself despite challenges and external pressures.

Jeremy Smith, originally from Chino Hills, California, is a seasoned professional who has ascended to a senior leadership role at Nike’s World Headquarters. Despite early challenges, including the end of his promising basketball career due to illness, Jeremy demonstrated resilience and adaptability, continuing to play at Division II schools and junior college. Moving to New York City after college, he worked tirelessly from a retail position at Nike to a respected leadership role. Known for valuing authenticity and perseverance, Jeremy's career is marked by overcoming initial rejections and letting his work speak for itself.

On a personal note, Jeremy is married to Ramonita and is a dedicated father to two daughters, Storm and Sol. Raised in a Christian household, his faith was tested during his grandmother’s illness, leading him to a deeper understanding of God’s will. Jeremy's journey is characterized by resilience, authenticity, and a steadfast commitment to his family and professional growth.

Follow Jeremy on Instagram: @JustJay14_

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In this heartfelt episode (S2E23) we’re asking the big questions: What truly has your heart? What sits on the throne of your life? We’ll explore what we worship and prioritize, and how these choices shape our lives. We discuss the idols we often unknowingly worship, even when our intention is to put God first. Dive in with us as we uncover how to live out of love rather than fear, the importance of seeking God first, and practical steps to keep God at the center of our hearts.

Key Takeaways:

* Heart Check: What do you worry about the most? Are you living out of fear or love? Often, our fears disguise themselves as love, but perfect love casts out all fear.

* Prioritize God: Even good things can become idols if they take God's place. Like I shared in my journey, even working to fulfill God's calling can become an idol if it overshadows our relationship with Him.

* Trust in God's Timing: We can grow impatient and create idols out of our desires. Remember the story of Baal? Taking control because God seemed too slow. Let’s trust in God’s timing and promises, even when we don’t see immediate results.

* Time, Energy, and Attention (TEA): Reflect on where you invest your TEA. Are you pouring it into things that truly matter? This world offers so much, yet often leaves us feeling empty and chasing after things that don’t satisfy.

* Seek God Wholeheartedly: We’ll never find true fulfillment when idols occupy our hearts. Scriptures remind us that God is near when we seek Him with all our heart (James 4:8, Jeremiah 29:13, Revelation 3:20). God isn’t elusive; the more we seek Him, the more we find Him.

* Living in Love: When God is on the throne, the fruits of our lives are evident. Living from a place of love, not fear, brings discernment, wisdom, and joy. The things we once obsessed over lose their grip, and our priorities become clear.

* Steps to Remove Idols: Awareness is the first step. Recognize when an idol surfaces, confess it, and seek accountability. Invite others on this journey—whether it’s a mental health professional, trusted friend, pastor, or resource group. We’re not meant to do this alone.

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In Episode 22 of Season 2, Raul Ochoa opens up about growing up just outside of Chicago as the son of Mexican immigrant parents. He dives into the challenges he faced, from financial struggles to cultural identity conflicts. Raul gets real about the tough parts of navigating marriage without Jesus and the incredible transformation when Jesus is at the center. His journey is a testament to the power of faith, reshaping his approach to ministry and life. Raul’s story beautifully highlights the importance of being with God over merely doing for Him, shedding light on the complexities of the human heart and the beauty of embracing unique perspectives.

Key Takeaways and Moments From This Episode:

* Raul's upbringing in a multicultural environment shaped his perspectives on identity and community.

* The pivotal moment in 2012, guided by the Holy Spirit, led to a transformative journey of faith for Raul and his wife.

* Balancing family and ministry became a priority for Raul, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships.

* Raul emphasizes the need for understanding and acceptance in relationships to foster growth and unity.

* The journey of unraveling past influences and embracing a balanced, healthy faith approach is central to Raul's story.

Raul Ochoa, born to Mexican immigrant parents in California, later moved to Waukegan, Illinois, where he grew up in a predominantly black community. He faced financial struggles, cultural identity conflicts, and challenges in his upbringing. After a transformative experience in 2012, prompted by the Holy Spirit, he and his wife committed their lives to Jesus. Raul has held leadership roles in his church, prioritizing family over ministry. He advocates for a balanced, healthy approach to faith and ministry and focuses on uniting churches and supporting church leaders through the Mosaic Initiative. To learn more, visit : https://www.mosaicministries.org

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In this episode, we dive into how life's toughest moments can lead to finding purpose and meaning. Ramonita and Erin share personal stories of loss, grief, and challenging times, showing how these experiences can shape our journey towards resilience and purpose. We talk about enduring tough times with the help of faith, hope, and community support to get through life's uncertainties.

Throughout the discussion, Ramonita and Erin draw from biblical stories and personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing vulnerability, seeking growth in adversity, and trusting in God's ability to redeem difficult circumstances. The conversation highlights the transformative power of pain and resilience in shaping our paths, inspiring listeners to tackle life's challenges with courage and faith. Remember: God ALWAYS replenishes.

Key Takeaways:

* Embracing hardships as opportunities for growth and transformation

* Recognizing the cyclical nature of life's seasons and finding hope in challenging times

* Leveraging personal losses and setbacks to drive purpose and resilience

* Discovering the beauty of redemption and restoration through faith and community support

* Navigating grief and pain to uncover deeper meaning and authenticity in life

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Join us Season 2, Episode 20 with our dear friend, Zanele Mutepfa-Rhone, as she shares her incredible story of resilience and strength. Growing up in Zimbabwe, Zanele learned the importance of community from her mother, whose teachings left a lasting impact on her faith. Despite the heart-wrenching loss of her mother at a young age, Zanele's journey is a testament to the power of faith, relationships, and perseverance. Zanele also opens up about her experiences growing up in an adoptive home, where she faced unique challenges and found unexpected blessings. Through these experiences, she learned profound lessons about resilience and belonging, discovering that family is not just defined by blood but by love and support. Zanele proudly embraces her heritage and roots, creating spaces of belonging through her focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Tune in as we explore her life journey of spiritual growth, the transformative influence of her mother's wisdom, and the life-changing lessons learned along the way!

Key Takeaways:

* Zanele's early upbringing in Zimbabwe instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of community and strong relationships.

* The loss of her mother at a young age profoundly influenced Zanele's faith journey, leading her to embrace resilience and the unwavering belief in God's provision.

* The Book of Job played a pivotal role in Zanele's spiritual foundation, reflecting on themes of loss, replenishment, and unwavering faith.

* Zanele's story is a testament to the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the profound impact of strong familial bonds.

Zanele is married to the love of her life, Drae and currently lives in Portland, OR. Her career spans roles at Sesame Street, CNN, and a leadership position at Adidas, where she championed diversity and inclusion. Zanele spends her time developing innovative concepts for her consulting projects, traveling the world to learn about new cultures, providing opportunities for underrepresented talent, and building community. She is the founder of “Here To Stay” - a women’s speaker series celebrating the stories of change-making women in the world. Here To Stay is committed to championing women that are not only thought leaders in their fields of profession, but local pioneers with global impact. to empower women of color in driven by her commitment to DEI work and the enduring lessons from her mother.

To connect with Zanele and find out more about her incredible work, go to: https://www.brandzanele.com

Follow her on Instagram: @itszanele

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Season 2, Episode 19 discusses the real struggles of spiritual warfare, addiction, and the importance of facing our pain in order to heal. Ramonita and Erin candidly share their recent battles with spiritual warfare, highlighting the need for authentic vulnerability. They focus on the misconceptions of addiction and the way forward in order to heal. Drawing from their experiences and guest insights, they explore the major impacts of addiction and the significance of seeking connection and community in healing. Don’t miss this incredible episode that will leave you hopeful in whatever you are walking through.

Key Takeaways:

* Spiritual warfare is a real and challenging aspect of life that requires authentic vulnerability and reliance on God's strength.

* Addiction often stems from a desire to avoid pain, and healing begins by facing and feeling the pain rather than numbing it.

* Community, service, and connection play crucial roles in overcoming addiction and finding hope and healing.

* The opposite of addiction is not sobriety but connection, emphasizing the importance of relationships and support in recovery.

* Taking shortcuts to avoid pain only prolongs the healing process, highlighting the necessity of facing pain and seeking help and community for recovery.

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In episode 18, Jordan Rogers shares his powerful story of addiction, incarceration, and redemption. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, Jordan found himself drawn to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Despite multiple attempts at rehab and legal challenges, he struggled with addiction throughout his adolescence. It was during a period of incarceration that Jordan had a moment of clarity and realized he needed to address the deeper issues behind his addiction. He committed to healing and sought help through rehab and community. After his release, Jordan rebuilt his life, pursued education and career opportunities, and dedicated himself to helping others through their own recovery journeys. Jordan’s story reminds us that there is ALWAYS hope.

Key Takeaways:

* Addiction can stem from a variety of factors, including trauma, insecurity, and a lack of positive outlets.

* The justice system often fails to address the root causes of addiction and instead focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation.

* Recovery is a lifelong journey, and it requires self-accountability, community support, and a commitment to healing.

* Healing from addiction involves facing and processing emotions rather than numbing them with drugs or alcohol.

* Sharing our stories and supporting others in their recovery can be a powerful tool for transformation and healing.

Jordan Rogers is a dedicated father, husband, and mentor who has dedicated his life to helping others through his own story of addiction and recovery. He has been sober for 21 years and has used his experiences to inspire and support others in their own journeys. Jordan is passionate about advocating for criminal justice reform and addressing the challenges within the justice system. He believes in the power of community and the transformative nature of sharing our stories.

To connect with Jordan, follow him on Instagram @jordanrogers

Or visit his website; https://www.jordanrogers.xyz

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