"Being in control works, until it doesn't." Wise words from Lisa Bonnema. Lisa retells the story of being a type-A overly scheduled and controlling mom who after her third daughter's diagnosis learned to surrender it all at the cross into the hands of Jesus. Letting go of control was, in her words, the most terrifying and freeing thing ever. To check out the Trial Boxes click here! To attend the Women's Retreat at Crown Point CRC register here. To learn more about Brooklyn's basketball team click here. Follow Lisa on Facebook, her Website, and her Podcast!
In this episode we welcome our very first international guest, Krista Shepherd! Krista walks us through her initial battle with cancer and how that set the stage for a hormonal nightmare that plagued her for years. She describes her yearning for a child and how God placed her in a time of waiting for almost 2 decades. You will hear the love and compassion Krista has for others in her challenges to you and you will leave inspired! You'll find Krista at @livingasollefilledlife and Jessica's is @thejessicajanzen!
In this episode you'll meet Kristen's longtime friend Amy Klomp. Amy details some health challenges her family faced growing up and how the fear of losing her parents led to her feeling like she needed to be "in control." As Amy tried to be more and more in control she found herself spiraling into pain and anxiety. As she grew she was able to start to let go of some of that control and God led her into a new adventure: Homeschooling. Throughout Amy's life you'll see how God was preparing her and continues to guide her - as He does all of us.
In this episode you'll meet Kristen's friend Dr. Victoria. Dr. Victoria shares about a difficult childhood and how the words of her alcoholic father made her believe that she was unworthy and wouldn't be successful in anything. After 20+ certifications and inspiring thousands with her work as a Traditional Naturopath, Dr. V. has shown that her earthly father was wrong. Her Heavenly Father had great plans for her, and she was able to overcome her past and move forward.
In this episode you'll meet Kristen's friend Angela. Angela was born with Congenital Heart Disease and faced multiple serious surgeries within the first few months and years of her life. But that wasn't her biggest challenge. Both of her pregnancies resulted in premature births, and her daughters became fighters just like their mama. Angela then started to struggle with insomnia, PTSD, and anxiety and worked to get herself back in balance. Angela now works with hundreds helping them to find balance in their energy and sleep and hope for their health, no matter how complicated. Interested in the 12 Week Stress Less Group? Contact Kristen Renee Bruinius on any socials or @Overcomersthepodcast on Instagram. Space is limited so act fast!
As we wrap up 2023 Kristen did a solo episode recounting some of her favorite phrases and lessons of this past year. She talks about where she's been mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually this year and how launching this podcast was both terrifying and exciting.
How do you approach the Real Estate Industry as a Christian? This week we get a glimpse into some real life HGTV with Katherine Bultema. Katherine is a rockstar Real Estate agent in Kristen's area. She shares some of the challenges and advantages of being a self-employed working mom, as well as how her faith affects the way she does business and interacts with her clients. Whether you geek out about real estate, are looking to buy or sell, or just love hearing stories of trial and triumph - this episode is for you. You'll find Katherine on all socials as KBRG or at her website here. For more on Community Help Network visit their website here. To find out more about Abigail's Ministry click here.
In this week's episode you'll meet Andi Rispens. Andi shares how a traumatic event in her childhood followed by the shocking loss of her brother led her to find healing in the only place we can be healed: with Jesus. She leads the listeners through a timeline of her favorite Bible Studies and Biblically based books that helped her to heal her family trauma. No matter where you are at in your faith journey you'll find hope and healing in this episode. If you'd like to check out the resources shared in this episode click the links below or reach out to Kristen on any social. “In His Image” by Jen Wilkin "The Applause of Heaven" by Max Lucado "Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood" by Melissa B. Kruger "The Armor of God" by Priscilla Shirer "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be An Atheist" "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel "Breaking Free" by Beth Moore "Where Prayer Becomes Real" by Kyle Strobel
California mom Satinka joins Kristen to talk about her powerful story of overcoming. Satinka talks about her early childhood challenges as she was raised by a single mother who had her own struggles, and how she refused to be a fatherless statistic. As Satinka grew she faced many more hurdles - but once again chose not to be victim to the statistics - the statistics of abuse, the statistics of abortion, the statistic of teenage pregnancy and beyond. We hope you are inspired by Satinka's faith and endurance and ability to see hope through it all. For more on ROCK Ministries visit here.
Kristen's niece Madison joins her to talk about her story of overcoming cancer and choosing joy. In November of 2020 Madison received the news that no 16 year old should face: scan were showing bone cancer. Madison walks us through her treatment, how she had a great attitude and faith through it all, and how she is choosing to give back in both her career and volunteer work. In September of 2021 Madison was declared cancer free and was also crowned Homecoming Queen! Madison is a teen that inspired and continues to inspire thousands. To learn about and donate to the dance marathon visit this link. To learn about and donate to NICK visit this link.
This week on The Overcomers Podcast, Kristen Bruinius sits down with Jenny Burba, a woman whose story embodies strength, faith, and redemption.Jenny became a mom at 17 and went on to raise 12 children. Along the way, she faced unimaginable heartbreak—losing a child in a late-term miscarriage and later, her husband during the COVID pandemic. Yet through her grief, Jenny found a deeper relationship with God and a renewed sense of identity beyond wife and motherhood.In this powerful conversation, Jenny shares how she turned her grief into growth, built a new life grounded in faith, and created a program to help others find healing through creativity and Christ-centered resilience.You’ll walk away inspired by Jenny’s story of love, loss, redemption, and the reminder that even in our deepest sorrow, God is still writing a beautiful story.Connect with Jenny: www.burbadesigns.comSolle Naturals — My favorite plant-based adaptogenic supplements that support mental health, hormone balance, and energy.Try the Sampler Pack for just $14.95 (includes a $15 coupon inside!) → sollenaturals.com/kristen💆♀️ Divi Haircare — Strengthen and grow your hair from the scalp up.Get 15% off your first order with code HOLISTICKRISTEN → diviofficial.com
When life feels like wave after wave, how do you keep getting back up?In this powerful conversation, Kristen sits down with Brandi Linn—host of Bossy Big Sis—to unpack her journey from teen rebellion and reckless living, to emergency brain surgery and a 10-day coma, to fighting for her marriage through her husband’s alcohol addiction… and the miraculous turnaround that followed.Brandi shares how identity in Christ—not motherhood, marriage, success, or a diagnosis—became the anchor that changed everything. She offers practical, grace-filled tools like renewing your mind (hello, Scripture + neuroscience), the “First 15” rhythm (worship, prayer, Word), and the power of keeping tiny promises to rebuild confidence when you’re in the trenches.If you’ve ever felt like the waves just keep coming, this episode will remind you: bruised does not mean broken.Connect with Brandi LinnInstagram: @thebrandilinnPodcast: Bossy Big Sis🌿 Try Solle Naturals: sollenaturals.com/kristen – use code KRISTEN for $10 off your first order✨ Hair growth & scalp health: Divi – code HOLISTICKRISTEN for 15% off📲 Follow Kristen on Instagram: @theovercomerspodcast
What if the worst parts of your story could become your greatest assets? In this powerful conversation, Kristen talks with Dr. Robb Kelly, known as The Addiction Doctor, about his radical journey from homelessness and near-death to pioneering, faith-infused, neuroscience-based recovery work. Dr. Kelly explains why alcoholism isn’t “selfishness” or weak will, how the hypothalamus and habit loops hijack choices, and why compassion plus boundaries changes everything. He also shares simple, science-backed daily practices (from oxygen-loading breaths to pattern-breaking routines) that can help anyone move toward healing.You’ll hear:The spiritual encounter that reoriented Dr. Kelly’s life and missionWhy he says alcoholics are born and most drug addicts are made—and what that means for familiesA clear, hopeful reframe of “relapse,” identity, and self-sabotagePractical neuroscience tools to reset your day and your brainA call to see loved ones through the lens of truth and mercyIf you’ve ever loved someone battling addiction—or you’re rebuilding your own life—this episode will meet you with equal parts grit, grace, and actionable hope.Follow us on Instagram @theovercomerspodcastwithkb.Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today.Solle Naturals – Adaptogenic supplements for mood, energy, and gut health: sollenaturals.com/kristen • New customers get $10 off with code KRISTEN.
In this powerful and timely episode of The Overcomers Podcast, Kristen sits down with Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer—lead pastor of Sheridan Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, member of the White House Faith Council, and founder of Pastors for Trump. Together, they reflect on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and the hope that continues to rise out of grief.Pastor Jackson shares what it means to honor Charlie’s legacy through faith, family, and truth, while offering encouragement for parents navigating these events with their children. They also dive into the true meaning of the separation of church and state, the history of the Johnson Amendment, and the work being done through the White House Faith Office to protect religious liberty for all Americans.From standing firm during COVID, to mobilizing pastors nationwide, to his book Chasing After the Wind—Pastor Jackson’s story is one of courage, conviction, and resilience. This conversation will leave you both sobered and strengthened to keep running your race with faith and boldness.Get his book here: books.jacksonlahmeyer.com
Author, minister, and attorney Samia Young shares a raw, hope-filled testimony that spans Chicago shelters, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and adolescent chaos—then the long arc of redemption: meeting Jesus at 14, wandering in her early 20s, hitting a DUI rock bottom, and surrendering for real.Samia opens up about misplaced identity (achievement, relationships, even “church-approved” desires), a whirlwind marriage to a narcissist, and the hard obedience of staying put when God was silent—only to watch Him resurrect her life in Cleveland and call her to write Samia, Come Forth.This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt brilliant and broken at the same time, labeled “bad,” or pressured by timelines that aren’t God’s. We talk identity in Christ, grave clothes vs. true freedom, counseling + community, and the daily prayer: “Lord, what do You want me to do today?”You’ll hear about:Early trauma, shelters, and how lack of safety shapes a child’s worth“Brilliant and traumatized”: excelling at school while falling apart insideSame-sex attraction, partying, and the jail-cell surrender at 24Narcissistic love-bombing, grief, and why obedience often looks illogical“Grave clothes” and letting Jesus remove the residue of dead seasonsIdentity in Christ over every other label—good or bad.samiayoung.comGet Samia's book here: https://amzn.to/424LFrZ
In this powerful episode of The Overcomers Podcast, Kristen sits down with Kimberly Christian, LCSW, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in mental health and a bold mission to integrate Christian faith with therapy.Together, they dive into:Why distorted thinking (like should statements, minimizing, and all-or-nothing mindsets) keeps us stuck.How Satan twists half-truths to attack our mental health.Why healing that leaves Jesus out will always fall short.The importance of recognizing thought patterns and grounding them in God’s truth.Kimberly’s own leap of faith to launch The Christian Method and build a Christ-centered practice.If you’ve ever struggled with shame, anxiety, or the weight of “not being enough,” this episode will give you hope, clarity, and tools for lasting freedom.🔗 Connect with Kimberly ChristianWebsite: www.kimberlychristianlcsw.comInstagram: @kimberlychristianlcswFacebook Group: Belief Based Healing HubYouTube: Kimberly Christian, LCSW✨ Solle Naturals – My go-to for plant-based adaptogen support. 👉 Try the 7-Day Sampler Pack for just $14.95 and get a $15 coupon toward your first order: sollenaturals.com/kristen
What happens when life as you know it crumbles overnight? In this powerful conversation, Jenna shares her raw journey of betrayal, divorce, grief, and loss—and the radical ways God met her in the middle of it all. From collapsing on the basement floor in tears to hearing God’s whispers in a coffee shop, Jenna learned what it means to fully surrender, trade striving for trust, and let Jesus turn her “graveyard into a garden.”Her story is one of deep pain, but also miraculous provision, restoration, and new beginnings—including a surprising love story and a renewed call to live from the Kingdom. If you’ve ever felt broken, abandoned, or unsure of what God is doing, this episode will remind you that He is faithful, He is near, and He’s still writing your story.🌿 Check out Solle Naturals at www.sollenaturals.com/kristen for high-quality plant-based supplements. New customers get $10 off their first order!
When God calls you to something, it won’t always look like what others are doing—and that’s the point.In this episode, returning guest Courtney shares how the 75 Holy Challenge was born from a season of resistance, obedience, and unexpected grace. What started as a personal conviction has grown into a global movement, helping women put God first, nourish their bodies, and filter what they see, hear, and say.We talk candidly about comparison, seasons of social media silence, and the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit over the pressure to perform. You’ll hear real stories of transformation, from women breaking free from anxiety to finding deep community online and off.Whether you’re in a dry season, wrestling with obedience, or ready to say yes to God’s next step for you—this conversation will remind you that your mission field might be closer than you think.
Grief isn’t just about death.In this powerful episode of The Overcomers Podcast, Kristen sits down with Danielle Carragher—author of The Backpack of Grief—to talk about the many unexpected forms grief can take. From empty nesting and estranged relationships, to losing control, aging, and unfulfilled dreams, Danielle shares how God met her in the middle of her pain and gave her a vision—literally—on a plane to write this healing resource.Together, Kristen and Danielle unpack:Why grief feels heavier some days than othersThe grief of parenting transitions and lost dreamsWhat the Bible teaches us about sorrow, healing, and God’s timingThe connection between perimenopause, mental health, and hormonal supportWhy it’s okay to carry grief—but not aloneWhether you're grieving a person, a season, or a dream—this one will meet you where you are.📚 Learn more about Danielle's book at https://amzn.to/3J21Csm 🌿 Grab Kristen’s favorite hormone-support tools at sollenaturals.com/Kristen.
What happens when life changes in an instant? For Kijuan Amey, it was a near-fatal motorcycle accident that left him blind and fighting for his life. But that wasn’t the end of his story—it was the beginning of a radical transformation.In this episode, Kijuan shares how he went from asking “Why me?” to boldly declaring “Why not me?” With raw honesty and contagious hope, he walks us through his journey of recovery—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. From months in a coma to learning how to live without sight, Kijuan’s resilience is a testament to what’s possible when faith, grit, and community come together.You’ll hear how he redefined purpose, overcame depression, and now inspires others through his book, motivational speaking, and coaching. Whether you're facing your own storm or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will encourage you to shift your mindset, trust the process, and choose purpose over pain.📖 Grab his book here: https://a.co/d/7I3xRR2🎙️ Tune in and be reminded: Even when we lose sight… we don’t have to lose vision.