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
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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)

Join us as we delve into the essential principles of wealth building and financial literacy. Discover strategies to secure your financial future, manage risks, and achieve financial freedom. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your financial skills, this episode offers valuable insights for everyone.
Main Takeaways:

Understand the importance of starting early and the power of compounding.
Learn how to manage risks in both business and family life.
Explore strategies for living below your means and investing wisely.
Discover the significance of passive income and financial security.
Gain insights into the mindset needed for successful wealth building.

Follow us on social media: Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse
Listen to us on the radio:

www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) TH 9 am
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax Public Access and Cox Communications)

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and start building wealth today!

In our latest episode of Thrive by the Rising Muse, we dive deep into the journey of healing from sexual trauma with the insightful Tabitha Westbrook. As a licensed trauma therapist and author, Tabitha shares her experiences and professional insights, offering hope and practical steps for those seeking restoration.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of addressing sexuality after trauma
How faith and community can guide healing
Building healthy relationships through friendship
Join us in exploring these vital themes and discover how you can support those on their healing journey.
To connect with Tabitha:
https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/
https://www.tabithawestbrook.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) TH 9 am
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax Public Access and Cox Communications)
#HealingJourney #FaithInAction #CommunitySupport

Some jobs are dirty. Some are dangerous. Some are downright disgusting. But every one of them matters.

In this episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda take a funny, honest, and deeply thoughtful look at the world's hardest and most overlooked jobs-from crime scene cleaners and septic tank workers to nurses, teachers, and morticians.

What do all these roles have in common?
They're essential. They're humbling. And they deserve more gratitude than they get.

✨ We're talking about:

The worst jobs we've ever heard of

Why some work feels invisible but is invaluable

What it means to be grateful (even for what you don't have to do)

How God designed us all for different roles-and that's a blessing

This episode is a reminder to pause, reflect, and say "thank you"-to others, to yourself, and to God.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes about growth, healing, faith, and real-life transformation.

⚠️ If you need help or someone to talk to:

Mental health crisis: Call or text 988

Domestic support: Call 800-799-7233 or text 887888
Please make sure you're safe when reaching out.
Follow us on social media
Instagram, Fanbase, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse
Listen to us on the radio
www.wdjyfm.com 99.1 FM (ATL) TH 9 am
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 Denver's Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax Public Access )

#ThrivePodcast #TheRisingMuse #Gratitude #DirtyJobs #FaithAndGrowth #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #RespectTheWork #SomebodysGottaDoIt

Author and speaker John JR Rennie returns to Thrive by The Rising Muse to share the inspiration and spiritual insights behind his new book, Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, JR speaks with Naty and Veda about finding joy through trials, living with intention, and embracing the fire of personal and spiritual transformation. Drawing from scripture, especially the writings of the Apostle Paul, JR discusses the importance of perspective, community, and moving forward with faith.

We explore:
The biblical foundation behind Sparks Turn Into BrushFires
Why joy isn’t based on circumstance
How to overcome spiritual burnout and stagnation
The real meaning of transformation in today’s world
How small spiritual shifts can ignite lasting impact
This episode is full of energy, wisdom, and hope—and it’s a reminder that purpose doesn’t wait for perfection.

Resources & Mentions:

John JR Rennie’s book: Sparks Turn Into BrushFires
BrushFires Ministry
Follow JR on Instagram: @JohnJRRennie

Mental Health & Safety Resources:
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please dial 988.
If a loved one is in crisis, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
If you’re in a domestic violence situation, call 800-799-7233 or text 887888, and make sure you’re safe when making that outreach.

Hosted by: Naty & Veda
Follow us on social media: Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Blue Sky: @therisingmuse
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app or tune in live:
WDJY 99.1 FM (Atlanta) – Thursdays at 9 AM
92.9 FM / 89.3 HD3 (Denver) – Denver’s Only All-Local Radio Station
Spiritual Channel 36 (Fairfax Public Access and Cox Communications)