Relevate Podcast

FOR with Jeff Henderson

So much of how we view and perceive the world starts with our own personal mindset. But culture--and especially the news media--wants us to focus on what's wrong instead of what's right. I encourage you to switch off those streams of negativity and instead, choose a life of service and love to other people.  
My guest on this episode embodies these principles of faith, hope and love and is also a brilliant (and humble) marketing and business leader.  Jeff Henderson, a pastor, entrepreneur and now author, has written a new book that helps us understand why being FOR something, versus against, is not only a good growth strategy for work, but an even better strategy for life.  
In this episode, Jeff and I talk faith, family, Chick-fil-A, and his new book, KNOW WHAT YOU'RE FOR which releases October 1st.  Please listen and share the hope and message of "For".  
Connect with Jeff:
To buy the book online:  Click here
To learn more about Gwinnett Church, where Jeff is lead pastor:  https://gwinnettchurch.org
Connect with Jeff on social media:  
Instagram:  @jefferyhenderson
Facebook:  @jeff.henderson.3192479
 
Rena Olsen is the host of the Relevate Podcast.  Please subscribe, connect and share these stories of hope and inspiration.
Connect with Rena on social media:
Instagram:  @renaolsen
Facebook:  @renatolsen
Web:  rena.olsen.com

Bible Optics with Hassan Boyle

"What's important is not the world you're looking at, but the lens through which you're looking at that world."
     - Hassan Boyle
Hassan Boyle has made it his life's mission to study and understand the Bible and then impart that knowledge to other people. He's recently launched a new ministry called Bible Optics with the purpose to teach and engage people in the word of God. 
Rena sat down with Hassan to learn more about his journey from Ireland to Alpharetta, Georgia, the call on his life as a Bible teacher, the importance of relationship versus religion and reading the Bible, and his new project, Bible Optics.  
Bible Optics classes just launched in Alpharetta, Georgia, a suburb north of Atlanta.  The classes are free, take place three times a week and are open to the public.  To learn more, visit: www.bibleoptics.org
Special thanks to The Phase Center, a fabulous new facility in Alpharetta for allowing us to record this interview onsite at Phase Commons where Bible Optics classes are held.  To learn more, visit:  www.phasefamilylearningcenter.com

Stand Tall with Jim Owen

Jim Owen is a voice in the wilderness, espousing the virtues of cowboys and now fitness, with a passion that is purely contagious.  If you live in Wyoming, which I did for 11 years, you are probably aware of his work which inspired the Code of the West, the official code of ethics for the state of Wyoming.  
Wouldn't you agree that we all need positive role models in life, no matter our age? In this conversation, I think you'll see that Jim Owen is a role model for the ages...wise, humble, ethical, entrepreneurial and relentlessly energetic.  May we all be inspired by his example to live life well and to the fullest--until we ride off into the sunset.  
Check out Jim's books:
Click here for Cowboy Ethics
Click here for Just Move
Please remember to leave a review for the Relevate Podcast and share this episode with your friends.  Thanks for listening!

Write on with Karen White

Karen White is a New York Times bestselling author of 25 books. Besides being incredibly gifted, she's funny and oh so wise. She's also a very good friend of mine. In this episode, Karen shares more about her Southern roots and her writing. If you're one of her readers, I know you'll love this conversation. For those not familiar with her work, pick up a Karen White novel...I promise, you won't be disappointed!  
To learn more about Karen and her books, visit:  Karen-white.com
Karen's next book, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRITS ON TRADD STREET, is book #6 in her Charleston-set Tradd Street series and will be available October 22nd.  Click here to learn more or to pre-order.
Please remember to subscribe to the Relevate Podcast, share and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations. 
To learn more about Rena, the host of Relevate, visit:  rena-olsen.com

Unmasked with Jim Shambo

What mask are you hiding behind?  Is your identity too closely bound to your career...does your satisfaction come from the pursuit of stuff and more stuff...does your carefully guarded public persona melt away within the confines of your own home...are you fearful that your habit has turned into an addiction?  In this powerful episode, Jim Shambo shares more about his journey to becoming "unmasked".  May you listen and be inspired by Jim and and the amazing Shambo family's story.  Please listen and share.
Concepts discussed in this episode:  family, faith, family restoration, addiction, bulimia, recovery, hope
Jim's favorite verse:  Exodus 14:14 - The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.
www.nolongerbound.com
rena-olsen.com

One good choice with Chad Bird

Can the pursuit of big dreams keep us from what matters most in life?  In this episode, Chad Bird and I discuss what this means and how one good choice can make all the difference in the world in getting us back on track and focused on what matters most.  Topics discussed in this episode:  faith, life lessons for men, adultery, regeneration of a family, career choice and parenting. Please subscribe and share!
To pick up a copy of Night Driving: Notes from a Prodigal Soul by Chad Bird:  https://amzn.to/2yvtRbi
To purchase Chad's latest book, Upside Down Spirituality:  https://amzn.to/2yvVtwT
To read the article that inspired this conversation: https://www.1517.org/articles/life-is-too-short-to-dream-big-dreams

Your Name Means Victory.

We all live in victory at times.  We also live in defeat.  Victoria Ray shares her story of addiction, recovery, family, hope, defeat and victory on this issue of the Relevate Podcast.  Listen, share and be inspired. 
Special thanks to The Connection, an addiction recovery support center in Forsyth County, Georgia for allowing us the privilege of recording at their facility.
Subscribe to Victoria's Recover Girl podcast--it's amazing!  
To learn more about The Connection, mentioned in this podcast, visit:  TheConnectionForsyth.org
Please share and let people know there is hope in overcoming addiction...and that living in victory is possible!

Love, kindness and compassion start with me with Vikki Fraker

Religion is a deeply personal and often controversial topic that many people choose to avoid altogether.  I contend, however, that it has the ability to transform your life in ways you can only begin to imagine. Listen to this highly personal and informative conversation with life coach Vikki Fraker on how she found Jesus when she had nothing left to give.  And how she discovered that when you treat yourself the way God treats you--when you have a kind, compassionate and loving relationship with yourself--everything changes.
Listen, take notes and share!  And remember to subscribe to the Relevate Podcast!
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Vikki's website:  https://revival356.com

Survivor story with Heather Palacios

Heather has that rare combination of beauty, wit and wisdom. In this episode, she candidly shares her life-long struggle with mental illness and the enemy that threatens her life.
This is a sometimes serious and raw discussion of one woman's life-long battle with suicide, which began when she was eight years old. By openly sharing her story, she hopes to provide insight, save lives and help other people walking a similar journey in life. 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line:  Text the word CONNECT to 741741
Grief support services for suicide loss survivors:
save.org
allianceofhope.org

Power of Forgiveness

The act of forgiveness has the power to transform your life. Whether the hurt was inflicted on you or perhaps you hurt someone else, freedom is possible. Rena dives deep with Forgiveness Coach Mark Goodman to discuss this sensitive and highly emotional topic.  
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
The non-profit organization founded by Mark to help people seeking forgiveness:  https://www.70x7.org
When launching 70x7, Mark hosted a live event with kidnapping survivor and forgiveness advocate Elizabeth Smart. Watch the Goalcast video of this amazing woman recorded at this event:  https://youtu.be/vYVAQk8WG-Q