In this episode of the Called & Courageous Podcast, host Meme Mulugeta sits down with Bethany Bacon — micro-preemie survivor, emotional trauma coach, and faith-filled warrior. Born at just 24 weeks, Bethany faced overwhelming physical challenges, bullying, and isolation. Yet through deep faith in God, she discovered purpose in her pain and now empowers others to break free from emotional trauma.
Bethany shares how resilience, prayer, and obedience to God’s calling transformed her life — and how anyone can choose freedom, no matter their past.

📌 Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Bethany Bacon
02:26 – Overcoming Early Life Challenges
04:47 – Understanding God’s Role in Trials
07:12 – Health Struggles & Multiple Surgeries
09:51 – Becoming an Emotional Trauma Coach
13:22 – Choosing Freedom from Trauma
16:24 – Practical Steps for Healing & Prayer
20:03 – Final Encouragement and Faith Activation

🔑 Key Takeaways
Born at 24 weeks, Bethany’s survival is a miracle.
She endured bullying, isolation, and over 100 surgeries for hydrocephalus.
Faith in God became her source of strength and purpose.
Freedom from trauma is a choice—but it requires faith, effort, and obedience.
Negativity is Satan’s weapon; prayer is God’s protection.
God uses pain to reveal purpose and heal others through our stories.

🎙 Powerful Soundbites
“God is the giver of life.”
“Satan only knows negativity.”
“Freedom is available — but you have to choose it.”

🌐 Connect with Bethany Bacon
Website: https://created-in-his-image.com
Mission: Encouraging others to know their value, resist the enemy, and walk in God’s truth.

📌 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing
✨ Ready to write your book or share your testimony?
Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com
Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com
Phone: 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this powerful episode of Called & Courageous, Michelle Steiner shares her inspiring journey of living with a learning disability and how faith, resilience, and community support shaped her story. From being told she would never succeed in school to graduating college and becoming a published writer, Michelle’s testimony is a reminder that God’s purpose shines through every challenge.

She opens up about her struggles in education and social settings, the importance of self-advocacy, and the role of faith-based communities in her growth. Michelle encourages others to give their struggles to God and embrace the unique paths He has designed for them.

✨ Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michelle Steiner
01:21 Growing Up with a Learning Disability
03:07 The Struggles of Early Education
08:07 Finding Purpose and Direction
11:49 Overcoming Adversity in College
15:53 God's Guidance and Personal Growth
19:45 Understanding Disability and Faith
23:59 Healing and God's Plan
25:09 Future Aspirations and Encouragement

🎧 Soundbites

• "I wanted to make my parents proud."
• "I was labeled the outcast."
• "I made Dean's List for a semester."

Michelle’s story will inspire you to trust God with your challenges, lean on supportive communities, and discover success in unexpected ways.

🌐 Guest Links

• Website: www.michellesmission.com
  
  
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelle.steiner.493966
  
  
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/steiner7250
  
  

📌 The 1 and Only Publishing Links

Ready to Write Your Book? Let us help you bring your story to life.
🌍 www.the1andonlypublishing.com

📧 info@the1andonlypublishing.com

📞 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this episode of Called & Courageous, Bridget Goodwin shares her powerful testimony of healing from trauma and the importance of using her voice to break the silence. She opens up about her journey of obedience to God’s call, the challenges she faced in church leadership, and the red flags of control and isolation within certain religious environments.

Bridget emphasizes that healing is a journey that requires courage, support, and faith. She also highlights the therapeutic role of writing and music ministry in her healing process. Through her story, listeners are reminded of God’s constant presence—even in suffering—and the transformative impact of stepping out in obedience despite feelings of unworthiness.

Her testimony is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating trauma, faith, or spiritual challenges, showing that God equips us with the resources and strength we need to rise.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Bridget Goodwin
01:44 – Bridget's Testimony and Healing Journey
08:06 – Understanding Trauma and God's Presence
14:39 – Recognizing Control in Church Leadership
20:33 – The Journey of Obedience and Calling
27:54 – Overcoming Feelings of Disqualification
33:58 – Navigating Obstacles in Obedience
39:50 – Connecting with Bridget Goodwin

🔊 Soundbites

• “God was with me the whole time.”
• “God cannot lead a parked car.”
• “Obedience is the true measure of success.”

🌐 Guest Links

• Website: www.ihaveavoice.love
  
  
• Instagram: @ihaveavoice2023
  
  

📌 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

Ready to Write Your Book? Let’s make it happen.
🌐 www.the1andonlypublishing.com

📧 info@the1andonlypublishing.com

📞 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this powerful episode of Called & Courageous, Meme Mulugeta sits down with Luanni Pieterse, wife, mother, missionary, and unapologetically Kingdom-minded entrepreneur, to unpack what it truly means to live a life of radical obedience.

From answering God’s call to full-time missions in Tanzania, to witnessing jaw-dropping miracles of provision, to writing a book that inspires believers to embrace faith over fear—Luanni’s story is a living testimony of God’s faithfulness.

She shares practical wisdom on how to hear God’s voice, face doubt with courage, and trust Him in seasons of uncertainty. Her current journey of deep consecration and intimacy with God reminds us all that obedience is not optional—it’s life or death, legacy or loss.

If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, fear, or the question “Did God really say?”, this conversation will stir your faith and strengthen your resolve to say YES to God.

✨ Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Luanni's Journey
02:41 – The Call to Obedience
05:58 – Miracles of Provision
08:41 – Writing the Book: Radical Obedience
11:32 – Hearing God's Voice
14:46 – The Impact of Obedience
17:35 – Practical Steps to Obey
20:34 – Facing Fear and Doubt
23:33 – The Current Season of Consecration

🔊 Soundbites

• "Obedience births miracles."
• "Love looks like something."
• "You need to spend time with God."

🔗 Guest Links

• Website: [Coming soon if available—please provide me with Luanni’s links if you’d like me to add them here]

📌 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

👉 Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com

📧 Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com

📞 Phone: 301-798-7685

✨ Ready to Write Your Book? Let’s bring your story to life.

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this episode of Called & Courageous, host Meme Mulugeta sits down with Alana de la Cruz, founder of Soul Wind TV, a global streaming network dedicated to empowering Christian women. Together, they unpack what true obedience to God looks like, why our heart motives matter, and how living in obedience leads to safety, transformation, and purpose.

Alana shares her powerful journey of faith as a survivor, entrepreneur, and leader, highlighting how God uses both challenges and victories to prepare us for our calling. Listeners will walk away with encouragement and practical steps to deepen their relationship with God, align their motives, and live a life of obedience rooted in love.

✨ Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your walk with God, discover your purpose, or simply be inspired by a woman of faith, this conversation will bless and empower you.

📌 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alana de la Cruz
01:19 Soul Wind TV: A Mission for Christian Women
02:59 Understanding Obedience to the Lord
05:59 The Importance of Heart Motive in Obedience
16:34 Alana's Journey of Obedience and Purpose
22:56 Real-Life Examples of Obedience
38:09 Final Thoughts on Obedience and Seeking God

🔊 Soundbites

• "Ask God to search your heart."
• "Seek first the kingdom of God."
• "Your life is proof of obedience."

🌐 Guest Links

• Website: https://stan.store/solwintv
  
  
• Website: https://www.solwin.tv
  
  

👩‍💼 Guest Bio

Alana de la Cruz is a #1 international best-selling author, transformational speaker, singer, entrepreneur, and founder of SOLWIN (Shining Our Light Women’s International Network)—a Christian women’s TV network airing on ROKU and all major streaming platforms.

A two-time survivor of domestic violence, her story is a powerful testimony of resilience and divine restoration. Alana’s mission is to help women and teens embrace their worth, step into their God-given identity, and walk boldly into purpose. She also serves as the Austin Director for She Leads Texas, equipping women leaders with faith, power, and prayer.

Through her books, music, speaking, and Soul Wind TV, Alana plants seeds of healing, courage, and faith, leaving others inspired by the deep love of their Heavenly Father.

📣 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

Ready to Write Your Book? Let’s bring your God-given story to life.

• 🌍 Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com
  
  
• 📧 Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com
  
  
• 📞 Phone: 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this inspiring episode of Called & Courageous, Rory Paquette shares his remarkable journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a successful podcaster and coach. Through life-saving encounters with God, Rory learned the power of obedience, faith, and community support. He opens up about the pivotal moments that reshaped his life, the lessons learned from disobedience, and how podcasting became his platform to live out his calling.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that with God’s guidance, even the hardest beginnings can be transformed into testimonies of growth, resilience, and impact.

📌 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rory Paquette
02:59 Rory's Journey into Podcasting
06:00 Overcoming a Troubled Childhood
09:05 God's Intervention in Rory's Life
12:00 The Impact of Loss and Recovery
14:28 Finding Purpose Through Podcasting
17:32 Embracing Obedience to God's Call
20:28 The Power of Community and Support
23:18 Lessons Learned from Disobedience
26:23 Trusting God's Timing and Guidance
29:05 The Importance of Listening to God
32:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

🔊 Soundbites

• "I had a rough childhood."
• "God literally saved my life."
• "He speaks through me to me."

📞 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

Ready to Write Your Book? Let’s bring your story to life!
🌐 Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com

📧 Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com

📞 Phone: 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this powerful episode of the Called & Courageous Podcast, John Fletcher, host of the Common Ground Podcast, shares his personal journey of faith and the transformative lessons of obedience to God. From his early ministry beginnings to navigating marriage, loss, and rediscovering his confidence, John opens up about the true meaning of obedience.

Through the story of Jonah, he reveals that obedience is not about outcomes but about honoring God—even when the path is difficult. This conversation dives into hidden motives, the underestimated cost of obedience in America, and the essential role of grace in our spiritual growth. Whether you’re wrestling with your own calling or seeking encouragement on your walk with God, this episode offers raw honesty, wisdom, and hope.

🔑 Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:27 The Evolution of the Common Ground Podcast
• 03:57 Understanding Obedience to God
• 04:44 The Story of Jonah and Its Lessons
• 10:40 The Cost of Obedience
• 15:43 The Reality of Obedience in America
• 19:11 The Challenge of Obedience
• 21:38 The Heart of Obedience
• 29:43 Hidden Motives Behind Obedience
• 34:27 The Journey of Obedience
• 43:35 Final Thoughts on Grace and Obedience

🎧 Soundbites

• "Obedience is about honoring your Father."
• "It's a lifelong process to be obedient."
• "God sees you as completed."

🌐 Guest Links

• Website: https://thecommongroundprojectusa.com
  
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillygolive
  
  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCommonGroundProjectUSA
  
  
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/635Ye66043FoUYxl0J92Jk?si=J7TC1pKySYuS1Nn6umSk5g
  
  

✍️ Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

📌 Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com

📧 Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com

📞 Phone: 301-798-7685

Ready to Write Your Book? Let us help you bring your story to life.

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.

In this episode of the Called & Courageous Podcast, host Meme Mulugeta welcomes Kristen Kurtz—Christ follower, wife, mom, Prophetic Life Coach, spiritual midwife, locksmith, trailblazer, and speaker who is passionate about unlocking women into their bold Kingdom purpose. As the founder of New Wings Coaching 🦅 and host of the top 5% globally-ranked Hope Unlocked 🔑 Podcast, Kristen empowers wild-hearted women of faith to break out of limitation, soar in their God-given calling, and roar with their God-given voice.

Kristen shares her transformative story of leaving a corporate job to follow God’s call, and the miracles and challenges that came with saying yes to obedience. From learning the power of “knowing your no,” to hearing God’s voice in unexpected places, Kristen’s journey reveals how daily obedience can open doors to purpose and empower others.

Through authentic storytelling and prophetic insight, Kristen encourages listeners to embrace their unique journeys, live unlocked, and fly free in their God-given identity.

📌 Chapters

• 00:00 – Introduction to Kristen Kurtz
• 01:31 – Understanding Obedience to the Lord
• 04:54 – Kristen’s Journey of Obedience
• 10:50 – Tuning into God’s Voice
• 16:46 – Finding Wonder in Difficult Times
• 19:06 – Navigating Life After a High-Stress Job
• 22:25 – The Journey of Obedience and Saying Yes
• 26:19 – Unlocking Potential: The Role of a 'Locksmith'
• 30:15 – Hearing the Prophetic Voice of God
• 34:01 – Empowering Women to Embrace Their Calling

🔑 Soundbites

• “Know your no, K-N-O-W.”
• “I felt caged in my corporate job.”
• “See Him in the details.”

🌐 Guest Links – Kristen Kurtz

• Website: https://www.newwingscoaching.net
  
  
• Email: kristinkurtz@newwingscoaching.net
  
  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renew.wings/
  
  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moodykurtz/
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-kurtz
  
  
• Pinterest: https://pin.it/1MlxKcXxa
  
  
• Hope Unlocked 🔑 Podcast: https://hopeunlocked.buzzsprout.com
  
  

📌 Connect with The 1 and Only Publishing

✨ Ready to Write Your Book?

• Website: www.the1andonlypublishing.com
  
  
• Email: info@the1andonlypublishing.com
  
  
• Phone: 301-798-7685

💬 Let’s Stay Connected
🌐 Website: The1andOnlyPublishing.com
📸 Instagram: @The1andOnlyPublishing
📖 Ready to be obedient and write your book? Start here: The1andOnlyPublishing.com

🎙 About Called & Courageous
This podcast is for believers who are ready to stop delaying and start obeying. Each episode will inspire you to walk boldly in your calling, share your God-given story, and trust Him with the details—because obedience is the new success, and your story is proof.

📌 Don’t Miss an Episode
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this podcast with someone who needs the reminder that God’s plan is worth the sacrifice.