The VICTORIOUS LIVING Podcast

Melisha Johnson walked out of federal prison a woman on a mission. No longer an inmate, she is a voice for those she left behind. Working with churches and prison ministries, she shares her experience to help them better understand the needs of the incarcerated. She is the founder of Jesus is the Key to Re-Entry, a Christ-centered ministry and podcast promoting advocacy on behalf of the incarcerated. "Keep Pressing On: The story of Melisha Johnson" is found in Issue 2 | 2022, Victorious Living Magazine.

Jennifer Munson is a mom, author, and lover of all people. Her story is one of forgiveness and beauty. She has a heart for others and helps others step into freedom. Jesus met her at her lowest, and she will never forget the sweetness of her Savior. She shares with us the beauty God has and how she overcame many obstacles with the strength of The Lord doing the heavy lifting. Her episode will make you want to dance for joy!

Betrayed and molested from the age of seven, Jessica attempted suicide at 13, found herself in juvenile detention at 15, on crack at 19, and heroin soon after. A divorce, a dope house, a pimp, and prison—if there was a better life out there, she couldn't find it. But then she met Jesus, and everything changed. JESSICA WEAVER now shares the hope and joy she has found in Jesus Christ on both sides of prison walls. She serves at her local church, and the people there show her and the women at FWRC great love. She also volunteers with The Jesus Infusion. "The Joy of the Lord is My Strength: The Story of Jessica Weaver" is featured in Issue 2 | 2025 of Victorious Living Magazine.

Do you feel like life is over? Are you tired of being where you are and who you are and ready to change? There is hope! Join Kristi Overton Johnson and Zach Williams for a special interview about their rescue stories.

Join Kristi Overton Johnson and JC Almanza in this inspiring conversation about faith, transformation, and overcoming fear. From prison ministry to personal struggles, they discuss stepping out of comfort zones, facing past traumas, and the power of God's redemption. Witness a heartfelt testimony of resilience, healing, and the mission to bring hope to those behind bars.

Darren thought the world revolved around him, and he lived his life to prove that. Eventually, things got so thoroughly out of control that he prayed for God to let him die. But God had other plans for Darren, and He raised this already dead man to new life in Christ.  DARREN COONEY is a husband, father, grandfather, and mentor. As Alumni President for Along Side Ministries, he helps formerly incarcerated men reentering society make Jesus their foundation for a new life. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, watching football, and sharing the Gospel with the lost and hurting.  "Pathway to a Redeemed Life: The Story of Darren Cooney" is found in Issue 1 | 2025 of Victorious Living Magazine. https://victoriouslivingmagazine.com/magazine/

Brenda Cooney had spent her life searching for love in all the wrong places, and her thirst for attention led her into one broken relationship after another. Her life finally changed when she came into a relationship with the One who could quench her thirst once and for all.  Brenda is a wife, mom, and grandma who helps others discover their worth through the eyes of their Heavenly Father. She mentors women in recovery, advocates for overdose prevention, and offers support to parents of addicted children and those who have lost a child to addiction.   "Living Water for a Thirsty Soul: The Story of Brenda Cooney" is found in Issue 1 | 2025 of Victorious Living Magazine

Life's hardships led Tonier into addiction, prostitution, and imprisonment. She knew she had to find a way out, but every time she tried, the trauma of her past overwhelmed her. So many times, she just wanted to die, but her body kept breathing. The turning point came when she surrendered to Jesus Christ. There she found hope and a new life. Tonier Cain is a trauma survivor and internationally known expert in trauma-informed care. She works tirelessly as an advocate and educator, speaking all over the world on trauma, addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health. Tonier gives all the glory to Jesus Christ as she uses her experiences to make a difference in the lives of those who are often forgotten. For more information, visit toniercain.com.  "Where There's Breath, There's Hope: The Story of Tonier Cain" is found in Victorious Living Magazine, Issue 1 | April 2025.

For 26 years, Randy Claypoole's career in auto racing took him from the pit lanes to the pulpit. As a NASCAR chaplain, media representative, and owner of the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, he lived life at full speed. Now, as part of the Victorious Living prison event team, Randy helps those who feel disqualified from God's race get back on track. Join VL Podcast host Brooke Maratta and Randy Claypoole, as they talk about faith, second chances, and what it truly means to run the race set before us. RANDY CLAYPOOLE's career in auto racing spanned 26 years. During that time, he served as a NASCAR chaplain and public relations/media representative. He also owned and operated the ISCARS Dash Touring Series, a professional auto racing series.

Join VL Podcast host Brooke Maratta and Victorious Living founder Kristi Overton Johnson as they explore how gratitude prepares our hearts for God's work—both now and in the future. This reflective conversation will inspire you to recognize His faithfulness in every season and embrace a posture of thankfulness as you step forward in faith.

Join Victorious Living Magazone Publisher, Kristi Overton Johnson, in this throwback interview recorded over 3 years ago.  For more information about Victorious Living Ministreis, visit victoriouslivingministries.org.

The following conversation is with Misty's devoted husband, Sean McGee, and beloved friend, Sheridan Correa. On August 31, 2024, Misty went home to be with the Lord. She praised God until her last breath while enjoying precious time with friends and family. Today, Misty is cheering us on from heaven, where she is whole and free. We honor you, Misty, and say "well done." Thank you for encouraging us with your testimony of faith. We will see you soon! MISTY MCGEE was a wife, mom, daughter, and a child of the Most High King who hoped that through sharing her story, others would look for daily blessings in their lives, even in the face of adversity.  "Every Day Is a Miracle: The Story of Misty McGee" is found in Issue 4, October 2024 of Victorious Living Magazine.

Foster mom and lay chaplain at a local jail, Debra Moerke faced the unthinkable when one of her foster children was murdered by her mother—who then called Debra for prayer and counseling. Only through the power of Christ in her was Debra able to move beyond her desire for justice to extend the mercy offered through the saving blood of Jesus. Could you forgive someone who murdered the one you loved? Debra Moerke's story is a living testament to how unconditional love and relentless obedience can transform even the darkest of nights into mornings of hope. Debra's story is found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 1 | 2024. Read "Moving Beyond Justice to Mercy: The Story of Debra Moerke" digitally here. DEBRA MOERKE loves spending time with her husband, Al, six children, and nine grandchildren. As a Christian author and motivational speaker, she testifies to God's goodness by sharing biblical principles and personal stories from her life. She is the founder of the McKenzie Home; a transitional home being developed to serve single moms and their children in Wyoming. To learn more, visit debramoerke.com.

Join Kristi, Pat, Sheridan, and special guest, Michael Dixon for a discussion on practically applying trusting God with the results. Family, don't give up or quit. God is working while you are waiting. 

"Every person is a human being with a name and a story," Chris says. A willingness to learn the details of those stories helped Chris see situations and needs from both sides—an important ability for someone God raised from clerical work all the way up to warden and regional director in the Florida DOC. CHRIS SOUTHERLAND volunteers at her church and with The Jesus Infusion and Timothy's Gift, two prison ministries that provide incarcerated persons with hope, healing, and the love of Jesus. Chris serves the "least of these," from youthful offenders to lifers. She enjoys spending time with her three children and two grandchildren. "A Willing Heart: The Story of Chris Southerland" is found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 3 | July 2024. 

We can't escape the pain of this world, but God promises that through His Son, we can overcome it all. Trials and disappointments can deceive us into believing that God and people don't care about us and that our lives have no purpose. But God and the Bible soundly declare that is not true. Satan will do his best to defeat you, but he is a defeated foe. Focus on what is true and let God use your circumstances to glorify Him. NA'KEDRA RODGERS is a Southern belle with sass. She enjoys empowering women as a speaker, author, and podcaster. Her mission is to inspire, encourage, and point lost souls to Jesus.  "A Vessel For His Glory: The Story of Na'Kedra Rodgers" can be found in Victorious Living Magazine Issue 3 | July 2024.

Trusting God, let alone anyone, can invoke fear and uneasiness for probably most of us. We don't trust easy. Maybe we've been hurt, burnt, and betrayed. Maybe we've locked up our hearts and said, "No way am I ever gonna let someone in again to hurt me!" Friends, God is different and is so trustworthy.  Trusting God with the results means surrendering our anxieties and expectations to Him. It's about believing that His plans are better than ours, even when we can't see the bigger picture. This trust is rooted in the assurance of not our character, but God's character—His love, goodness, and faithfulness. Join the VL Small Group - Kristi, Pat, Sheridan, and special guest, Mike Dixon with L.I.F.E. Ministries - as we dive into the Word of God and discuss what trusting God means.