Why conflict feels like rejection—and how understanding your nervous system can transform your relationships

Have you ever left a conversation feeling misunderstood, judged, or like love is slipping away? In this eye-opening episode, Naty Matos invites you to explore the deep roots beneath communication breakdowns—especially during conflict. You’ll discover how our bodies, past wounds, and fears shape every exchange, often before words even leave our mouths. More importantly, learn how faith, patience, and self-awareness can help you stay connected, even when conversations get hard.

Conflict is inevitable, but connection doesn’t have to be. When tension rises, your nervous system reacts—either fighting, fleeing, freezing, or fawning—and understanding this physical response is the first step to breaking the cycle. Naty shares practical insights into how trauma, unmet needs, and shame operate in our minds, how to recognize when we're triggered, and how to choose regulation instead of reaction. This episode guides you through the critical importance of timing, vulnerability, and safety—reminding us that healing begins with the compassionate awareness that we are human, and making space for growth.

You'll explore:

The surprising science behind how our nervous system influences communication during conflict

How to identify and regulate survival responses in real time

The role of patience as a muscle that can be developed through intentional practice

Why shame and past wounds intensify emotional flooding—and how love and safety can heal them

Practical tools for pausing, breathing, and re-establishing connection when tensions run high

How to differentiate between attack and impact, and why faith can be a guiding anchor in turbulent moments

This episode is perfect for anyone tired of feeling isolated, misunderstood, or trapped in repetitive conflicts. Whether in your marriage, family, friendships, or within yourself, you'll find scripts for transforming stress into safety and healing. If you've ever felt like conflict is a threat to your identity or love, this is your invitation to slow down, understand the science of your reactions, and choose connection over defensiveness.

Remember: Healthy communication isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness, repairs, and showing up with love—even when you stumble. Scripture, science, and soul come together here to empower you to thrive—one moment at a time.

Let this episode remind you: You’re not alone in the struggle, and true peace begins with gentle understanding and a willingness to heal. Stay connected with us @TheRisingMuse and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that they are safe, seen, and capable of genuine connection.

Your peace and well-being matter—if you’re in crisis, reach out to the numbers below. Now, breathe deeply, and let’s begin again—with love, patience, and faith guiding the way.

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Spiritual Channel 36

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Most people believe pain is a dead end— but what if it's actually the starting point of your greatest transformation? Ashley J Ondrick, known as the Mostly Healthy Chef, shares her extraordinary journey from 20+ years of chronic pain and a life-threatening stroke to discovering how suffering can become a pathway to hope and purpose. Her story will challenge everything you think you know about healing, health, and resilience.

In this episode, Ashley reveals how her chronic health battles uncovered the deep connection between physical pain, emotional struggles, and spiritual growth. You'll discover how shifting your mindset from control and perfection to grace and sustainability can radically change your healing journey. Ashley explains the surprising ways trauma, Diet Culture, and our nervous system keep us stuck—and how redirecting your focus can lead to true vitality.

We break down actionable insights, including the power of simple daily habits: prioritizing protein, fiber, and healthy fats; mastering stress response; and creating sustainable lifestyle shifts rather than yo-yo dieting. Ashley shares her understanding of integrative health, emphasizing that healing extends beyond nutrition—it's about relationships, purpose, and honoring your body’s resilience. Her approach invites you to reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth and to embrace hope even in life's darkest moments.

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by chronic health issues, emotional pain, or stuck in health yo-yo cycles. If you're tired of quick fixes and ready to build a foundation rooted in self-love, purpose, and sustainable change, Ashley’s story will inspire you to see pain as a powerful catalyst for hope. Her insights will empower you to reclaim control over your health and spirit.

Ashley Ondrick is an integrative nutrition health coach, natural health enthusiast, and author of "Esperanza: How Pain Became the Path to Hope." Her work is dedicated to helping others turn adversity into their greatest strength, guided by faith and resilience.

Remember, your pain is not the end— it’s the beginning of hope. This episode will remind you that even in your darkest valley, hope can shine brighter than ever, guiding you toward the life you’re called to live. Hit play now and start transforming your suffering into purpose.

To reach Ashley:

www.mostlyhealthychef.com

www.amostlyhealthyblog.com

Follow us on social media

Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse

Listen to us on the radio

www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) M-F 2pm

92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station

Spiritual Channel 36

Reveel APP on (IOS and Android, Roku or Firestick)

Sow a seed into this ministry to help us spread His light and transform lives—click here to join our mission today!

Letting go of old selves isn’t just emotional—it's biological, spiritual, and necessary for true growth. But why is it so hard to shed identities that no longer serve us? If you feel stuck in patterns, identities, or habits from your past, you're not alone—and this episode might be your biggest breakthrough yet. Naty and Veda dive deep into why holding onto who we used to be keeps us small, safe, or comfortable, even if it's painful. They reveal the neuroscience behind how our brains prefer familiarity—sometimes at the cost of our peace—and how neuroentrenchment makes change feel impossible. You’ll discover how emotional dissonance, guilt, and shame sabotage your transformation and learn practical ways to bridge the gap between who you are and who God is calling you to become. We break down the spiritual necessity of releasing old versions of yourself, especially in the context of Scripture like 2 Corinthians 5:17—reminding you that in Christ, you are made new. But changing is a process—we talk about why habits take 18 to 254 days to form, why grieving your old self is part of that journey, and how to handle the internal and external resistance that comes with transformation.If you’re tired of feeling like self-growth is a struggle, this episode is essential listening. You'll learn how to identify when it’s time to let go, how to handle the neurological and emotional dissonance, and how to partner with God in the sanctification process. Plus, practical tips on setting boundaries, surrounding yourself with stronger accountability, and leaning into community support—like Celebrate Recovery—are all included. Transforming your identity isn’t just about behavior change; it’s about reauthoring your story with grace, faith, and purpose. Your new season starts today—are you ready to shed the weight of who you used to be and step into the powerful, liberated version God has designed for you? Follow us for ongoing encouragement and resources, and remember: growth is a holy process that requires willingness, not perfection. You’re not doing this alone—your best self is waiting just on the other side of release. ** Because your transformation is not only possible—it's already in motion.

Follow us on social media

Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse

Listen to us on the radio

www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) M-F 2pm

92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station

Spiritual Channel 36

Reveel APP on (IOS and Android, Roku or Firestick)

Discover Why Joy Is Not a Reward—It's a Foundation for Thriving Through Life’s Hardest Seasons. What if joy isn’t something you have to earn, survive for, or wait until life feels “just right” to experience? This episode dives deep into the real truth about joy, challenging dangerous myths that keep us stuck in struggle and separation from our own happiness. You’ll learn why joy often feels distant, not because it’s gone, but because our nervous system is wired for survival—especially after trauma, loss, or disappointment. We explore how recent research and scripture reveal that joy is a state of safety, one that can exist alongside grief, sorrow, and uncertainty. Discover how trauma teaches your body to associate happiness with vulnerability, making it seem unsafe even when life is going well. You’ll hear practical tools to reconnect with joy—those gentle, everyday moments that remind us joy doesn’t need to be huge or dramatic to be real. Learn how the Bible frames joy as a fruit of presence, not an outcome of perfect obedience or circumstances, and why it’s vital for emotional resilience.This episode breaks down key insights:

• The difference between happiness and joy—and why the pursuit of happiness can often backfire.
• How scripture affirms that both pain and joy can coexist, especially in seasons of healing.
• The role of the nervous system and physiological safety in feeling joy again after trauma.
• Practical steps to release guilt around experiencing joy amid grief, including simple, spiritual practices to ground yourself.
• Joy is a foundation that prepares us to face life's storms without losing our sense of peace and love.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find joy after heartbreak, loss, or disappointment—or if you want to understand how trauma impacts your capacity for happiness—this episode is your compassionate guide. It’s perfect for anyone tired of chasing joy and ready to settle into a sturdier, more resilient foundation rooted in God’s presence. Join us as we untangle the spiritual and psychological myths, offering hope that joy isn’t just for the good days—it’s a steady strength available to us all, even in the hardest seasons. Remember: Joy is not a fleeting feeling—it’s your divine strength. Let’s discover how to make it a safe, gentle, and enduring foundation for your life. Follow us for more truth, encouragement, and tools to thrive—and reach out if you need support. Your peace and joy are already within you, waiting to be rediscovered. We are @therisingmuse on all platforms

In this episode of *Thrive by The Rising Muse*, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with the founder of BrushFires Ministry to discuss how believers can discover their unique God-given design and purpose. BrushFires Ministry is dedicated to helping individuals understand their role in the Body of Christ, providing biblically based guidance through specialized courses and resources.

Learn about the inspiring journey that led to the creation of this transformative ministry, the challenges faced along the way, and the powerful impact BrushFires is having on churches and individual believers alike. Whether you're feeling lost or looking to deepen your faith, this episode offers valuable insights and practical steps to help you thrive in your spiritual journey.

**Topics Covered:**

- The story behind BrushFires Ministry

- Discovering your unique purpose in Christ

- Overcoming challenges in ministry

- How BrushFires addresses common issues in churches

- Future plans for BrushFires Ministry

- How to get involved and support the ministry

**Don't miss this inspiring conversation!** Make sure to subscribe, like, and share this episode with others who may benefit from discovering their God-given purpose.

Connect with BrushFires Ministry: https://www.brushfires-digital.com/

Follow us on social media:

- Instagram: @TheRisingMuse

- TikTok: @The Rising Muse

#FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #ThriveByTheRisingMuse #BrushFiresMinistry #DiscoverYourPurpose #BodyOfChrist #SpiritualGrowth

Unlock the power of embracing your mental health journey — even in the face of stigma and spiritual doubts.

Sarah, author, senior care manager, and podcast host of Rough Edges, shares how she turned her diagnosis of bipolar disorder into a source of strength and purpose. Her story is a testament to how love, faith, and education can transform perceived setbacks into tools for liberation and fulfillment.

In a candid conversation, Sarah breaks down how burns from cultural misconceptions, spiritual guilt, and systemic barriers can hinder mental health progress — and what it truly takes to heal. She discusses the impact of criminal justice on mental wellness, the importance of holistic treatment, and why faith and medication are not mutually exclusive.

Learn how to distinguish between cultural myths and medical facts, why support systems are lifesavers, and how you can start reclaiming your story today. Whether you're struggling with mental health, navigating faith, or advocating for loved ones, this episode offers hope, practical insights, and a call to action to shatter stigma and embrace healing.

Sarah’s inspiring message is clear: your diagnosis doesn't define you, and living a fulfilled life is possible regardless of the obstacles. This episode is perfect for anyone seeking to break free from shame, understand the intersection of faith and mental health, or find tangible steps toward authentic wellness.

Join us in redefining strength, love, and faith in your mental health journey — because your story is worth sharing and celebrating.

Resources: Connect with Sarah and her podcast at roughedgespodcast.com and follow her on social media @RoughEdgesWithSarah for inspiration and community.

Remember: You are not alone — healing starts when we share our truths.

Most women are told to stay silent—yet many feel called to break barriers, challenge traditions, and lead boldly in faith. What happens when the very system meant to amplify your voice tries to silence you? Sarah J.
R. Smith, author, pastor, and fierce model breaker, shares her transformative journey from mission trips in India to confronting gender roles rooted in faith. She’s here to reveal how stepping into her divine calling sparked both pushback and profound purpose, redefining what leadership looks like for women in faith spaces today.
In this raw and empowering conversation, you'll discover how Sarah unlearned cultural biases—like the misconception that women are inherently deceived or meant to be invisible—and embraced her divine appointment. We break down how scripture, cultural context, and personal courage intersect, encouraging women to own their voice regardless of societal or religious expectations. Sarah shares her insights on navigating the glass ceiling, the importance of humility in submission, and the spiritual warfare that accompanies boldly living out God's calling.
You'll hear about the power of deconstruction as a sacred process—not a rejection of faith, but a rebuilding on truth. Sarah’s stories of standing firm during persecution, her journey of faith-led trauma healing, and her call to empower women showcase how true leadership is rooted in divine confidence. This is essential listening for women feeling precarious in their faith or leadership—it's a call to rise, reclaim, and transform the church from the inside out.
Perfect for believers, aspiring leaders, and anyone craving authentic faith stories that challenge the status quo. If you're ready to step into your purpose regardless of fear or opposition, this episode will inspire your journey towards biblical empowerment and spiritual courage. Your voice is needed—now is the time to break the mold and lead with boldness.
Sarah J.
R. Smith is an author, pastor, and outspoken advocate for women in faith. Her journey through missions, deconstruction, and divine calling makes her a trailblazer in challenging outdated church traditions and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.
Why this works:

This episode hooks with a provocative challenge to traditional silence for women, sparking curiosity about what it truly takes to lead in faith. It promises tangible insights—unlearning cultural biases, biblical truths, navigating pushback—that appeal to women craving empowerment and authenticity. By emphasizing transformation, divine confidence, and practical guidance, the copy motivates listeners to hit play and embrace their God-given voice.
To connect with Precarious Yates
Her books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=precarious+yates&crid=ZTGM29CQ5FJ3&sprefix=precarious+yate%2Caps%2C152&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Author of the Revelation Special Ops series
Author of The Heart of the Caveat Whale trilogy

Follow us on social media
Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse
Listen to us on the radio
www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) M-F 2pm
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36
Reveel APP on (IOS and Android, Roku or Firestick)

Most people believe weight loss is just about discipline, but what if that’s a myth? What if obesity isn't a moral failing but a complex, chronic disease influenced by deep biological and psychological factors? This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about weight, shame, and health—offering a revolutionary perspective that could change your life.
Dr. Michelle Gordon, a former general surgeon turned obesity medicine expert, shares her inspiring journey of reinvention—leading her to develop innovative protocols that combine science, compassion, and real-world results. With over 15,000 patient encounters in telehealth and a deep dive into the latest medications like GLP-1s, she unveils how modern treatments are reshaping obesity management. You'll discover how hormones, trauma, and societal pressures play a critical role in weight gain and loss, and why the battle is as much mental as it is physical.
We break down:
The truth about fat as an active endocrine organ and inflammation’s role in obesity
How trauma and emotional health are deeply intertwined with weight struggles
The latest breakthroughs in medication—GLP-1s, tirzepatide, and the potential of upcoming drugs
The real meaning behind "cheating" and why using medicine is not a shortcut, but a personal choice
Practical strategies for changing your self-concept and building a support system that empowers you
This episode is essential listening for anyone tired of the shame-and-blame cycle around weight and eager for innovative, compassionate approaches rooted in science. If you're ready to understand your body on a deeper level and reclaim your health without judgment, this conversation could be the turning point you need.
Dr. Gordon’s incredible journey from surgery to lifestyle medicine reveals the power of reinvention, and her insights on hormones, trauma, and the future of obesity treatment provide hope and clarity for lasting change. Whether you're battling your own weight or caring for someone who is, this episode equips you with knowledge—and a new perspective—to embrace your health journey with confidence and compassion.
Join us to explore the science, challenge societal norms, and learn how to truly thrive beyond weight stigma. Because health is not a moral verdict—it's a human right.
Follow us on social media
Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse
Listen to us on the radio
www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) M-F 2pm
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36
Reveel APP on (IOS and Android, Roku or Firestick)