EXTRAordinary Lives

Kelly Rose is the Executive Pastor at Central Bearden Baptist Church in Knoxville. She has had her share of tough situations in life, including growing up in a home with an abusive, alcoholic father and grappling with divorce after 30 years of marriage. But because Kelly has bravely chosen to grow from these experiences, she can help her congregation through loss and conflict.  Kelly shares with us the impact that patterns of behavior learned from our past can have on our relationships. In her enjoyable, soothing Tennessee accent, she offers authentic and impactful insights we all need.

Nancy never expected to experience marital unfaithfulness and was grieved to find out her husband's secret after 20 years of marriage. EXTRAordinarly, Nancy found a program at her church that helped her process this betrayal, become closer to Jesus, and learn how to live a more authentic life. Today, she and her husband share their story to help other couples, and she has blossomed in creativity, starting her own interior design business and, recently, a non-profit “dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives after the devastation of a partner’s addiction, infidelity, or abandonment." You will learn so much from Nancy, who is engaging, joyful, and wise.Show Notes:Nancy refers to the program at North Coast Church in Vista, California, called UJ - "Unintended Journey" - North Coast Church (Vista Campus). The next session begins August 11th, 2025 - registration usually stays open through Labor Day:⁠https://www.northcoastchurch.com/support_groups/unintended-journey/⁠⁠Book 1 (UJ) ⁠ - The Healing Choice Guidebook by Susan Allen - 6 month classBook 2 (UJ) - The Healing Choice Guidebook II:  The Journey Continues by Susan Allen - this book is currently sold out but can be purchased through Marlene at the church - 6 month class.⁠Book 3 (UJ)⁠ - Boundaries - 1 year classAdvanced UJ Books/Classes (after you finish the first 3 books) - each are 6 month classes that begin either August or January of each year:⁠Safe People⁠⁠Married & Alone⁠⁠Intimacy Anorexia⁠Nancy also mentions Lysa TerKeurst - Proverbs 31 Ministries - ⁠https://lysaterkeurst.com/⁠These are the books of Lysa's that helped during a time of struggling with Betrayal.  ⁠Here is a link⁠ to a bundle that has all 4 amazing books:Forgiving What You Can't ForgetIt's Not Supposed to Be This WayGood Boundaries and GoodbyesUninvitedBob Goff:⁠Love Does book⁠⁠Dream Big Framework Academy Classes⁠Nancy’s interior design business can be found at ⁠Hello@ndrestore.org⁠ and ⁠NDRestore.org⁠Follow her on Instagram Page at @nancydeanne_decorHere is the SD Voyager Magazine’s article about her design business: ⁠https://sdvoyager.com/interview/life-work-with-nancy-halladay/⁠And Canvas Rebel’s article: ⁠https://canvasrebel.com/meet-nancy-halladay/⁠Nancy's NEW nonprofit for women is “dedicated to helping women reclaim their lives after the devastation of a partner’s addiction, infidelity, or abandonment. We believe every woman deserves a peaceful space that reflects her strength and worth.” Find more info at ⁠ndrestore.org⁠.Ellen mentions Josh White of Door of Hope in Portland, Oregon and his mantra, "Even on our worst days, Jesus is crazy about us." Here's a link to the church's podcast; this one features a message about Psalm 23: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/door-of-hope-southeast/id1263227507?i=1000698623525

Baylee is a former student of mine who is serving as an English teacher and missionary in a small village in Thailand. She began this journey at the age of 18 and is now 21. Her joy, enthusiasm, and funny incidents will delight you, and her intriguing and more serious stories will inspire you. Tune in to learn more about Thai and Buddhist culture, to hear about  Jesus' incredible impact on everyday lives, and to experience Baylee's incredible heart for others.

American Idol alum, Scott MacIntyre, was born blind and is a two-time kidney transplant recipient. His musical talent and positive personality won the hearts of the TV audience. Today, Scott and his wife, Christina, travel around the world telling their EXTRAordinary story of perseverance and God's care. They live their lives with "Enduring Hope," as their TV special and podcast of the same name emphasize. Scott's life is truly EXTRAordinary, not only because he was a participant on American Idol, but also because of the humble trust he chooses to put in Jesus every day.Scott's website,https://scottmacintyre.com/, features his music, TV specials, podcast, and much more.Find Scott and Christina's podcast, "Enduring Hope," by clickinghere.

Chris Earl, Former Navy Fighter pilot, squadron leader, instructor, and NORAD consultant is above all a humble man of integrity who is currently using his training and experience to teach and coach high-risk companies using the principles of human performance and the art of servant leadership. Chris shares EXTRAordinary stories of God's protection and provision and valuable insights on work, life, and following Jesus. You'll find this episode exciting, inspiring, and worthwhile. You can find Chris, President of Cutlass Consulting and founder of The Earl Group on LinkedIn. Ellen talks about Greg Koukl's organization called Stand to Reason, which can be found at str.org, and his book, The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How it Ends, and Everything Important in Between. Ellen's website is https://www.extraordinary.live/ and you'll find her on Instagram @extraordinarylivespodcast

I admire the way Steve and Debbie work as a team. They've been married for over 38 years and were involved in ministry together before that. They've worked with college students with Cru, and more recently, served in church ministry. They've seen God heartily at work over the years, including through the extravagant love of friends who came alongside them when their infant son wasn't growing. You'll appreciate their stories of God's faithfulness and the impact of other believers in their lives. It's a reminder to all of us how important each one of us is in the body of Christ. Show notes  Steve mentions the book, The Divine Conspiracy, by Dallas Willard, especially referring to the definition of “disciple" as being an apprentice. For a sermon by Steve on the topic of Forgiveness, click here.

Pam Clark heads up the “Protecting Our Daughters” or “P.O.D.” project, which works with a church in Kenya to provide hygiene products and resources to girls in Kenya. This ministry is vital to the success and well-being of these young women, and the program also teaches women how to sew and earn a living. Pam has a heart of compassion and a background of unique cultural experiences that have prepared her for this outreach. She also has a can-do attitude, jumping in to help where she sees a need. You’ll be fascinated by her story which includes growing up around the world including West Berlin when the wall went up, and inspired by her resilience going through a divorce with two young children and witnessing God’s provision and care.   Show notes  For more information about P.O.D., go to https://protectingourdaughters.com/

With endorsements by Bill Walton and Billie Jean King, Jenné Blackburn’s book, Always An Athlete, is on its way to helping post-competitive athletes transition to life beyond their sport. Her research and insights on the all too common struggles of physical and mental health plus loss of identity, which she experienced in her own life after collegiate volleyball, led her to discover 3 pillars that are helpful for all of us. Her website, and book offer hope, encouragement, and resources. They also expand on Jenne’s determination to create cycle events at major sports franchising games to form a much-needed community for all athletes, an idea born from a bike ride taken while attending the prestigious ESPNW Summit, an invitation Jenné believes was an EXTRAordinary opportunity orchestrated by God, which came about from another EXTRAordinary experience she had at Baylor, working with coaches and the administration to link athletes to outreach opportunities (Sic ‘em Bears!). You'll love meeting Jenné and hearing her impacting stories. Show Notes: Bill Walton died May 27th of this year, and Jenné has a tribute to him on her website. You'll hear about her interaction with him in this podcast. Ellen and Jenné discuss Ellen's blog post about a Chinese proverb. #alwaysanathlete #JenneBlackburn #missions #teamsports #team #cycling #bicycle #BillWalton #self-sacrifice #physicalhealth #mentalhealth #identity #lossof identity #ESPNWSummit #Baylor

Kathy shares her phenomenal story of answering an insistent whisper to quit her job and work on homelessness, an endeavor she felt in no way qualified for. This "whisper" turned into her raising millions of dollars in donations to build a 100-unit housing complex, and later, a mental health treatment center and more. Her new book, Trust the Whisper, describes her experience and includes 20 other "extraordinary stories of ordinary grace" about others who heard and obeyed God's whisper and witnessed unimaginable results. You'll be enthralled by her story and challenged to listen for your own God whispers and purpose for your life. You’ll find Kathy's new book, Trust the Whisper, published by Baker Books, on her website, ⁠https://www.kathyizard.com/⁠ where you'll also learn about her other 4 books, speaking engagements, and coaching. Listen to stories from her book here, and subscribe to What's Your Whisper, here. The podcast also refers to the book and movie, Same Kind of Different as Me. The movie is available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other streaming services. Ellen's website can be found at https://www.extraordinary.live/ Ellen mentions these verses and commentary: ”Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.“ James 1:27 NIV Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.“ James 1:27 MSG True religion does not merely give something for the relief of the distressed, but it visits them, it takes the oversight of them, it takes them under its care; so episkeptesthaimeans. It goes to their houses, and speaks to their hearts; it relieves their wants, sympathizes with them in their distresses, instructs them in divine things, and recommends them to God. And all this it does for the Lord’s sake. This is the religion of Christ” (Adam Clarke, quoted in the Blue Letter Bible (BLB) app, James 1:26 Commentary by David Guzik).

Mike and Sharon have waded through marital struggles, a son’s serious illness, a major car wreck, financial hardship, and career-choice doubts and reached the other side with a stronger faith and more confidence in God’s guidance and care. They have worked with college students through Cru for many years and are currently working with grad students and faculty at NC State. You’ll be intrigued and blessed by their stories of God’s EXTRAordinary work in their ordinary lives. 

Humorously, God used Paulina’s phobias and superstitions to point her toward His trustworthiness during a very upsetting time in her life. That is just one of the EXTRAordinary stories told by this Latina Spanish teacher. To be around Paulina is to be delighted by her laugh, positivity, endearing accent, strong belief, and compassionate heart. It’s easy to see why this “Mama Llama” is loved by her students.  Included in this podcast is Proverbs 3:5-6:" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Bob encourages us that even though we all have "hurts, hang-ups, and habits," Jesus is right there with us to help us and grow us. Bob shares insights gained from Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step ministry he led at his church. He also shares the joys of leading a gratitude class at his local rescue mission and talks candidly about codepency and an alcoholic dad, marriage counseling, emotional maturity, and intentional discipleship. So many gems! Show Notes: *Bob references Nick Vujicic's talk about bullying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l91cgdFCkJ0 *He also mentions the Bible Project videos: https://bibleproject.com/ *Ellen recommends the book, Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High.

Susan is a life coach, grief specialist, and counselor who, as an adopted only child, had to come to grips with difficult circumstances in her family and devastating truths about her family of origin. She tells us about these experiences and how God recently and unexpectedly infused her story with love and hope. In addition, she provides heartfelt insights for those who have been adopted (at 15:55) and helpful advice about how to talk with sensitivity to those who are adopted (at 17:45). Susan's website and contact information can be found at ⁠https://www.walkingalongside.me/⁠ Susan mentions two books she has written (at 29:05). The first is Out of Breath, a psychological thriller (warning: adult content due to its subject matter of addiction and the death of a child.) https://www.amazon.com/Out-Breath-Susan-Salluce/dp/0578090929 Her second book is a collection of stories about people who get grief tattoos: griefINK: Tattoo as the Language of Grief at https://www.amazon.com/griefINK-Tattoo-as-Language-Grief/dp/1519159870

The theme of Andrea’s life is God’s faithfulness. Jesus became her best friend at the age of 14 when her mom had to leave her abusive, alcoholic dad. Andrea’s been through some tough times including family medical issues and trouble conceiving, but she has seen God at work through it all. You’ll be enveloped in her rich faith, and you'll adore her dear and compassionate soul and strong convictions. 

Rob Travis has been teaching high school science for decades. His intriguing stories include growing up in a poor Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn and experiencing harrowing adventures serving with the Merchant Marine. His stories are beloved by his students and have shaped his strong faith in Jesus. They inspire us to trust in the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Mackenzie is a recent college graduate who has lived for over a decade with the sleep disorder narcolepsy (specifically, Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy). Amazingly, Mackenzie has persevered with a positive attitude and accomplished more than many her age, including becoming an EMT in Italy during the Covid lockdown. Wise and kind, she shares about the impact Jesus has had on helping her deal with her illness and developing her self-confidence. Her story is inspiring, and you'll enjoy getting to know this impressive and thoughtful young woman. Mackenzie quotes the insightful Dr. Seuss: “Those who matter don’t mind, and those who mind, don’t matter.” For a wonderful article about Mackenzie's study abroad in Florence, click here. You can also find this podcast episode and others on Ellen's EXTRAordinary Lives website at https://www.extraordinary.live/

Yaneth (pronounced Janet) is the Team Leader of Cru's high school ministry in Houston. She was born in El Salvador and moved to the U.S. at the age of 4. Yaneth, along with her friend Debby Minell, who is on staff with Cru in the Twin Cities, share about Cru's summer nationwide high school missions trips to 6 continents and stories about teens who are going. Yaneth also shares thoughtfully about the hardships of feeling marginalized leading the team as a brown woman and about an exciting 1,000 Women campaign she developed with the help of some good friends. You'll be inspired by the joyful, resilient spirit and amazing stories of this EXTRAordinary woman. For more information about Cru's high school ministry in Houston, go to https://www.cru.org/communities/hs/houston/. For info on the 1,000 Women Campaign see https://sites.google.com/cru.org/a-thousand-women-campaign/home Yaneth recommends the book, Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us about Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength by Kat Armas. To listen on the EXTRAordinary Lives website, go to https://www.extraordinary.live/episodes/38-yanethdiaz

At age 16, Suzy Ryan was kicked out of her home by her abusive stepfather. Although she suffered trauma in her home growing up, Jesus redeemed and transformed her into a connector who is warm, engaging, and exuberant about life and people. God rescued her, and now she wants to give hope to others with her newly published novel, Saving Summer, based on her story and intermixed with the anonymous stories of some of the hurting students she’s been able to help as a teacher and mentor. Amazingly, she is an Ironman athlete and a SCAD survivor of 3 heart attacks. Suzy is EXTRAordinary, and she’ll say it’s all because of Jesus. Find her website at https://www.suzyryan.com/ where you can also order her book and audiobook, which is available on Amazon. Don’t miss her speaking and book signing at Warwick’s, 7812 Girard Avenue, in La Jolla on Sunday, June 4, from noon - 2 PM. She’ll also be at the Encinitas Barnes and Noble at 1040 N. El Camino Real Drive on Saturday, June 17 from 1-3 PM. Go to https://www.extraordinary.live/ to find this episode and others on the EXTRAordinary Lives podcast.

Matt is a clinical psychologist and elder at Seacoast Community Church. His passion is helping people experience the transforming power of Christ. To do this, he integrates theology, psychology, and the journey of spiritual formation. In this episode, Matt helps us begin to recognize and better understand when and why we might be feeling a block in our relationship with God and others, and better yet, he leaves us with the hope that we can experience healing and closeness in our relationships. Matt recommends a free app he has developed and is excited to share with everyone. Go to https://www.emotionfit.us⁠ to check it out. You can download the free resource for mental health at https://www.emotionfit.us/program. He also mentions a helpful resource called Freedom in Christ ministries, https://www.ficm.org/. To learn more about spiritual formation, listen to an insightful conversation with Sue Smedley on Episode 31 ("Part 2") of the EXTRAordinary Lives podcast. Ellen mentions Psalm 139:23-24. For a fun song that features this verse, listen to one of Ellen's favorites, "I Just Wanna Know" by 1980's Christian alternative rock artist Steve Taylor. The EXTRAordinary Lives podcast can also be found at https://www.extraordinary.live/

Dianne Sivulka lives her life centered on making a difference for the Lord. She talks about trusting God through the painful experience of 10 years of infertility, her fun and impressive travel business, Travel on Purpose, and the book club associated with that, plus her new development role with an international microfinancing organization that helps women. You'll hear about her love of different countries and cultures and get an in depth look at traveling to one of her favorite places, Guatemala. You'll be touched by her stories and insights. For more information about Travel on Purpose and the book club, click on travelonpurpose.com. She also mentions her current role with Tirzah International; go to https://tirzah.org/. For Ellen's website, EXTRAordinary Lives, go to extraordinary.live.