Thriving Beyond Belief with Cheryl Scruggs

Solo episode with Cheryl Scruggs re being in or walking through a Wilderness period! Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

It's 2014 and Amy Daughters is a forty-six-year old stay-at-home mom living in Dayton, Ohio. She returns to her hometown of Houston over the Thanksgiving holiday to discuss her parents’ estate—and finds herself hurled back in time. Suddenly, it’s 1978, and she is forced to spend thirty-six hours in her childhood home with her nuclear family, including her ten-year old self. Over the next day and a half she reconsiders every feeling she’s ever had, discusses current events with dead people, gets overserved at a party with her parents’ friends, and is treated to lunch at the Bonanza Sirloin Pit. Besides noticing that everyone is smoking cigarettes, she’s still jealous of her sister, and there is a serious lack of tampons in the house, Amy also begins to appreciate that memories are malleable, wholly dependent on who is doing the remembering. In viewing her parents as peers and her siblings as detached children, she redefines her difficult relationships with her family members and, ultimately, realizes that her life story matters and is profoundly significant—not so much to everyone else, perhaps, but certainly to her. Amy’s guide said her trip back in time wouldn’t change anything in the future, but by the time her thirty-six hours are up, she’s convinced that she’ll never be the same again. where I came from  It all started when Dick and Sue Weinland hooked up at an apartment complex in Houston, Texas. Four years later, after things had gotten quite cozy, I was born just a few short miles from the Eighth Wonder of the World, a.k.a. – the Astrodome. I blossomed into womanhood north of H-Town, in Spring, Texas, where I attended Klein Oak High School. From there, it was on to the Princeton of the Texas Panhandle – THE Texas Tech University – and just five glorious years later, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.  That's when it became time for me to not only enter the world of business (I was in the purchasing arena for a decade) but to do my own hooking up and child creating. The plot twist that brings us to the rest of the story was my husband’s job moving us to England for three years. Finding myself temporarily without employment, I did the next obvious thing and became a writer. 

On today’s episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl is joined by the incredibly inspiring Leslie Means — a wife, mama of three, former TV anchor, storyteller, and the founder of Her View From Home, a vibrant online community where women from all walks of life share their hearts and real-life stories. Leslie opens up about her journey from Nebraska farm girl and broadcast journalist to becoming a champion for women’s voices across the country. What began as a simple dream with a few friends in 2012 has since grown into a nationwide movement of encouragement, faith, and authenticity. In this conversation, we talk about calling, creativity, motherhood, and the courage it takes to tell your story. Leslie shares the highs and lows of building a platform rooted in truth and vulnerability, and how God continues to guide her every step of the way. Whether you’re in a season of transition or seeking deeper purpose, this episode is for you.

Meet Cally! Unveil the hidden potential within and discover your true identity at the lunch table of life with The Wallflower That Bloomed by Cally Logan. Cally invites readers to break free from the labels society places upon us—shy, quiet, awkward, different—and encourages us to embrace our unique qualities through the lens of biblical faith. With a focus on God’s guidance and love, this empowering book challenges us to shed the stigma associated with being an outsider and confidently bloom where we are planted. Through introspection, self-discovery, and an unwavering trust in God, The Wallflower That Bloomed inspires us to embrace our true selves and shine brightly as we are meant to be seen.

Solo episode with Cheryl Scruggs! Related Links: WEBSITE: Thriving Beyond Belief: Courageous, Rooted, Thriving Women (Paperback)

Carol McLeod is a best-selling author, Bible teacher, and the vibrant voice behind The Significant Women Podcast. With 18 books to her name—including the upcoming Overflowing and the prison ministry–inspiring Meanwhile—Carol’s work blends biblical depth with real-life application. She’s the founder of Carol McLeod Ministries and was the first Women’s Chaplain at Oral Roberts University, where she was named 2021 Alumna of the Year. Her devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app have reached nearly 4 million downloads globally. Married for over 44 years, Carol and her husband Craig—who directs Global Partners—share five children on earth, five in heaven, and ten beloved grandchildren. Carol is passionate about helping women find hope through Scripture, and she brings warmth, wit, and deep faith to everything she does. Whether writing, teaching, or podcasting, she lives to encourage others with the joy and truth of God’s Word. Related Links: WEBSITE: CarolMcLeodMinistries.com

Dr. Chapman is the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS) where he specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman is a Diplomate and Certified by the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (A-CBT), and is a internationally recognized expert in the implementation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Chapman also serves as a Mental Health Expert for TrueSport, a subsidiary for the United States Antidoping Agency (USADA) and is a recognized expert in sports performance and mental health, particularly in the areas of anxiety and emotion regulation in athletes. Dr. Chapman leads Sound Mind Ministries and is the host of the Sound Mind Show on Youtube. Related Links: WEBSITE: DrKevinChapman.com

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, host Cheryl Scruggs engages in a profound chat about paying attention in life! Are you paying attention?

In this enlightening episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, host Cheryl Scruggs engages in a profound conversation with author Richard Parrish about his latest book, The Gift of Conflict: The Art of Biblical Reconciliation. Key Discussion Points: Understanding Conflict: Richard delves into the nature of conflict and its role in personal and spiritual growth. Biblical Reconciliation: Insights into the biblical approach to resolving disputes and restoring relationships. Personal Experiences: Richard shares personal stories that highlight the transformative power of embracing conflict. Practical Guidance: Steps and advice for individuals seeking to navigate conflicts in their own lives.

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Hannah Keeley Hey there! I'm Hannah ... a mom of seven, a wife of one, and a lover of Jesus. I believe there is God-given greatness in everyone. And I have an insatiable desire to help them discover this and let the world see who they really are. Oh, and I’m crazy about helping moms. "Because I know what it's like." After a few kids, I found myself out of shape, overwhelmed, deep in debt, and surrounded by clutter. I knew something had to change when I found myself sobbing uncontrollably in the laundry pile (at least it was clean laundry). "When I realized no one was going to come in and rescue me, I decided to rescue myself." With God’s Word and bull-headed determination, I was able to create a better life for myself. In fact, better than I ever imagined. Now I help moms everywhere do the same. Related Links: WEBSITE: Hannah Keeley

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Laura L. Smith! How many to-dos, responsibilities, relationships...are you  juggling? I don’t want this frantic feeling of trying to keep it all together but fearing that at any moment it will all come tumbling down. Do you?It’s urgent for us to slow down. For our bodies and our souls. We can do this. We need to for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Jesus promises us the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. But if we’re scrolling or speeding so quickly through our lives, it’s hard to notice any of that richness or fullness, let alone make room for it or tap into it. When we’re running full speed ahead, we don’t feel like we can muster any patience or self-control, and we struggle to recall when we last felt anything resembling peace. We’re zooming around so fast we don’t have time to accept lovely invitations from God to connect with Him through prayer, reading our Bibles, being present, and celebrating the good stuff.But I want to. Do you? Are you ready to try? Dive into the pages of The Urgency of Slowing Down and go on a journey with Laura L. Smith of unpacking what's in our lives, why it's there, what we don't need, what we can let go of, and what we can add in... so we can step into the unforced rhythms of grace Jesus invites us into. Related Links: WEBSITE: Laura L. Smith

On this episode of Thriving Beyond Belief, Cheryl Scruggs welcomes Chelsea Damon, author, blogger, and creator of Living the Sweet Wife, to share her wisdom on cultivating intentional, joyful, and Christ-centered relationships. Chelsea discusses the challenges couples face in building strong marriages, how forgiveness transforms relationships, and the power of living with purpose and grace. This inspiring conversation will leave you with actionable steps to strengthen your faith and relationships. Whether you're newly married, navigating family life, or seeking encouragement, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone. Related Links: WEBSITE: ChelseaDamon.com

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Ashcraft, author of Mission-Ready Marriage, to explore the unique challenges and rewards of military family life. Ashley shares insights and practical advice on building a resilient marriage and family despite the demands of constant moves, deployments, and career sacrifices. We discuss: How to balance love and resentment when sacrifices feel overwhelming Strategies for pursuing career aspirations while constantly relocating Parenting effectively when going it alone How to navigate questions like "Did I marry the right person?" Approaching combat trauma with compassion and support Helping extended family understand the military lifestyle Establishing financial health in your marriage Maintaining intimacy despite long periods of separation Planning for the transition out of military life Whether you're part of a military family or simply looking for inspiration to strengthen your relationship, Ashley's wisdom will leave you feeling equipped and encouraged. Tune in for this heartfelt and empowering conversation! Related Links: WEBSITE: AshleyAshcraft.com

In our third episode, we push the conversation further by exploring how communities evolve over time and what it takes to sustain meaningful connections. Building on the themes of the first two episodes, we focus on navigating challenges like conflict, changing dynamics, and maintaining trust as groups grow and shift. We’ll discuss the importance of adaptability, the role of leadership in fostering resilience, and practical tools for ensuring both individuals and the collective continue to thrive. Whether you’re a leader in your community or simply looking to strengthen your bonds, this episode will leave you with valuable strategies to sustain and enrich your connections.

In our second episode, we’re taking things deeper as we explore what it truly means to thrive within a community. Building on the foundation of Episode 1, we shift from the basics of connection to focus on how to create support systems that actively enhance personal and collective growth. This episode covers how belonging influences mental well-being, the power of a shared purpose, and hands-on strategies for cultivating spaces where everyone can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative team, or neighborhood group, this episode offers fresh insights to deepen your connections and fully embrace the strength of community. Related Links: AMAZON: Thriving Beyond Belief book WEBSITE: Cheryl Scruggs

In this episode, we explore what it means to truly thrive within a community, from fostering meaningful connections to building support systems that uplift personal growth. We dive into how belonging impacts mental well-being, the power of shared purpose, and practical tips for creating environments where both individuals and the collective can flourish. Whether you're part of a professional network, creative group, or neighborhood circle, this conversation will leave you inspired to deepen your connections and embrace the beauty of community living.

Courtney Joseph Fallick is a passionate follower of Jesus and proud mother of two college students—her 20-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter. She also shares her life with a beloved 9-year-old dog named Snowball. Living in Ohio, she and her family are devoted fans of Ohio State. For seven years, Courtney homeschooled her children before they transitioned to a Christian school, and now both are pursuing higher education. She holds a degree in Evangelism and Discipleship from the Moody Bible Institute, though she humbly describes it as a reflection of her deep love for studying God’s Word and serving others. Raised in a strong Christian household as the youngest of three sisters, Courtney married her high school sweetheart after four years of dating, sharing 19 years together. In 2015, the end of her first marriage brought unexpected challenges, but Courtney’s journey took a surprising turn in 2023 when she remarried a widower from her church. Now, she is joyfully blending families, embracing the new adventure with her husband, his two daughters, and a son-in-law. While life brings challenges, Courtney remains deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness through life’s storms. In her day-to-day, Courtney finds joy in coffee, good books, fresh flowers, lighting candles, and walks with her dog. While not a fan of exercise, she still commits to working out 4–5 times a week. She describes herself as an optimistic idealist who sees the glass half full, though she wishes for better cooking skills and more organized closets. Her favorite place to recharge is by the ocean. Galatians 6:9, “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up,” serves as Courtney’s life verse, grounding her faith and purpose. With a heart full of gratitude, she approaches each opportunity to share encouragement with humility and prayer, always reminding others of God’s unfailing love: "Keep walking with the King!" LINKS: FACEBOOK: @womenlivingwell INSTAGRAM: @womenlivingwell WEBSITE: COURTNEY J FALLICK

Paul Weigel is a father, a six-time Ironman triathlete, a college professor, and a self-described professional dabbler. A lover of the outdoors and hiking, he spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest, finishing countless races and climbing many mountains including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. Now living in Arizona, he is exploring different ventures while checking things off his bucket list with regularity. But his real passion, and his real inspiration, is creating unforgettable memories with his daughter. LINKS: FACEBOOK: /paulweigel INSTAGRAM: @paulformesa

Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author who specializes in topics of faith, mental health, and relationships. She is known for her insightful writing on emotional and spiritual well-being, blending her clinical expertise with a compassionate, faith-based perspective. Debra's works often explore themes such as dating, marriage, self-care, and personal growth, with a focus on helping readers navigate life's challenges while deepening their faith. She is the author of several popular books, including True Love Dates, Choosing Marriage, and Are You Really OK?, offering practical advice for building healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Debra also hosts a podcast, "Love + Relationships," where she continues to share her wisdom on living a balanced and fulfilling life. LINKS: WEBSITE: DebraFileta.com INSTAGRAM: @DebraFileta