Podcast
Embrace Zoe
Hosted by Michelle Salinas · EN
Those that rise up in the dark can truly understand the power of light. This podcast celebrates struggles turned into strength. Listen to bold and courageous people, while empowering your own story.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Deep Calling: One Woman's Courageous Journey Into Foster Care
2w ago00:39:58Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to say yes to foster parenting — and would you be willing to do it alone? In this powerful episode of Embrace Zoe Series 2 Episode 4, we share Mackenzie's inspiring story--a woman who answered a deeply personal calling to become a foster parent despite uncertainty, fear, and the reality of doing it no matter the cost. Her journey is one of courage, faith, resilience, and unconditional love. This conversation dives into the emotional realities of foster care, the urgent need for foster families, and the life-changing impact one person can make in the life of a child. Whether you're considering foster parenting, supporting children in crisis, navigating single motherhood, or searching for purpose-driven stories that inspire hope, this episode will encourage and challenge you. Topics discussed include: • The foster care system and children in need • Faith, purpose, and courageous life decisions • Adoption, parenting, and community support If you've ever wondered whether one person can truly change a life, this episode is your reminder that courage often begins with one simple "yes." Listen now to Embrace Zoe Series 2 Episode 4 and join the conversation around foster care awareness, family support, and answering the call to love boldly.
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Patience in the Unknown: A 30-Year Journey of Faith, Purpose & Becoming a Nurse | Embrace Zoe S2 EP3
Apr 400:35:15Tap to summarizeIn Embrace Zoe Season 2, Episode 3, we share the powerful true story of Claudia, a woman from Cameroon whose dream of becoming a nurse seemed impossible—until it wasn't. After waiting more than three decades, her journey unfolds as a profound testament to patience in the unknown and the life-changing power of entering into a sacred covenant with God. Through years of delay, uncertainty, and unwavering faith, Claudia's story reveals what it means to trust God's timing when doors remain closed. Her testimony is one of perseverance, divine alignment, and purpose fulfilled—not overnight, but through steadfast belief and spiritual endurance. This inspiring episode speaks to anyone who has ever felt forgotten, delayed, or discouraged, reminding us that God's promises are never denied—only developed through time, faith, and obedience. What You'll Discover in This Episode: How to remain faithful while waiting on long-delayed dreams The power of trusting God's timing over your own What it means to walk in a covenant relationship with God A real-life story of perseverance spanning over 30 years How purpose can still be fulfilled—no matter how long it takes 🎧 Listen now to Embrace Zoe Season 2, Episode 3 and be encouraged by a story that proves it's never too late for God to fulfill His promises.
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From battlefields to healing fields: A father's redemption story | S2E2
Nov 1100:36:17Tap to summarizeIn this moving episode of Embrace Zoe, we share the remarkable true story of a United States Army veteran whose battles didn't end when he came home. Struggling with addiction and the devastating loss of his son, Erie found himself standing at the edge of hopelessness—until tragedy became the turning point that transformed his life. Through grief, grace, and purpose, he rose again—this time, as a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker devoted to helping others find hope in their darkest moments. 🎧 Listen now to hear how one father's pain became the foundation for healing, redemption, and a renewed embrace of life itself. For those looking to connect with Erie, you can find him on LinkedIn: Erie Hebert.
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From Death to Life: A Young Man's Heart Transplant Blessing | Embrace Zoe S2E1
Sep 2700:49:14Tap to summarizeIn this powerful Season 2 premiere of Embrace Zoe, we share the incredible true story of a young man diagnosed with congestive heart failure, who died not once—but twice—before receiving a life-saving heart transplant. His journey through near-death, resilience, and hope is a moving testament to the power of organ donation, medical miracles, and a faith that stands the tests of the unknown. 🎧 Listen now to hear how Abraham's life was forever changed in more ways than one.
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The seed of Grace that healed abuse
Jun 1300:32:36Tap to summarizeEpisode 12 is our series 1 finale. It concludes our first 12 episodes by packing a punch of courage and faith into our hearts. Prepare your heart to hear from Joanna Avin who despite enduring loss and physical abuse did not let that define her story. Instead, she shares how a divine moment led her to heal, forgive, and build. Today, Joanna is helping others transform their lives as the founder of Heartwork Mentoring and author of Heartwork of the Soul. Let's receive this encouragement together, and share this episode with others that may benefit from its power.
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A life worth fighting for
May 23, 202500:47:59Tap to summarizeIn Episode 11, Jayme Shiarla — a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) coach and published author — shares her journey of discovering why her life is worth fighting for. Get ready to hear the raw and unfiltered moments that led Jayme to find her passion for helping others. To connect with Jayme, click here.
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Resisting the calling
May 14, 202500:30:44Tap to summarizeEpisode 10 journey's through what it was like for Laci Waner, MD, to resist the calling of becoming a medical doctor. Ultimately, the divine plan on her life could not be avoided. As you follow along, take hold of how tragic events led to her greatest strength—learning to surrender. Dr. Waner is using her years of extensive medical experience and pairing that with a holistic wellness plan to support her patients. To find out more about her click here.
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Our body is keeping records
May 7, 202500:35:04Tap to summarizeEpisode 9 is a part 2 of an impactful conversation we had with licensed professional counselor Ragan VitaNuova in episode 4 on the grief cycle. Truth is, any life event or non-event (like an unfulfilled dream) can send us into the grief cycle. Understanding what each phase of that cycle represents and how we can process through each of those phases can be found in episode 4. For this episode, prepare to learn how our body stores its response to trauma, and what we can do to celebrate being in the grief cycle instead of allowing shame in. Ragan is the founder of Sacred Counseling. To learn more about her practice click here.
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Loving yourself without judgement
Apr 29, 202500:34:30Tap to summarizeEpisode 8 marks two months of powerful, bold and courageous testimonies that showcase we have the spark that it takes to rise up in the dark. This story is another great example of struggle turned into strength. In this raw conversation, Maleah Staton unveils what it took to heal her eating disorder, ultimately leading her to become a registered dietician nutritionist that now empowers others to love themselves too. Maleah is committed to transforming the way we view and treat ourselves. Connect with her here.
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A woman's desire to become a mother
Apr 22, 202500:31:28Tap to summarizeEpisode 7 touches on the profound effects of the infertility journey for a courageous woman, Lexie Tidwell. Her bold testimony is a reminder that a desire can only take us so far—but faith can take us even further. I opened this conversation by sharing my own journey with motherhood.
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