Influence Women

Facing Mental Illness with Faith & Hope | Arlene Bridges Samuels, Author "Mental Health Meltdown"

Are you or someone you love struggling with mental illness, bipolar disorder, depression, or PTSD? In this powerful interview, Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org sits down with author and CBN columnist Arlene Bridges Samuels to share a deeply personal story of navigating bipolar diagnosis, gaslighting, and the challenges of mental health—through faith, truth, and hope. Arlene opens up about her husband's bipolar disorder, the emotional toll on relationships and career, and how trusting God's word brought strength in the darkest moments. Drawing from her book Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses, this conversation sheds light on real stories of struggle and breakthrough. ✨ In this episode, you'll discover: * How to cope with bipolar disorder and mental illness in marriage * The hidden impact of gaslighting and imposter syndrome * Faith-based encouragement for depression, PTSD, and trauma * Why diagnosis and support systems are critical for healing * How scripture and spiritual truth can anchor your mental health journey You don't have to suffer alone. There is hope, healing, and purpose—even in the middle of crisis. 👉 Join a community of Christian women pursuing influence in media, film and leadership. https://influencewomen.org/membership/ [https://influencewomen.org/membership/] 👉 Subscribe for more faith-driven conversations on leadership, media, and purpose: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1] 👉 Subscribe to the Influence Women Podcast on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188] Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Follow Influence Women GlobalTwitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG [https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ [https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/] Connect with Kathleen Cooke: https://kathleencooke.com [https://kathleencooke.com] The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com [https://influencelab.com] **More About this Episode** Facing Mental Illness with Faith & Hope | Arlene Bridges Samuels, Author "Mental Health Meltdown" Arlene Bridges Samuels is a writer, speaker, and career giver. Born and raised in the Carolinas, Arlene received her BA in Philosophy and Religion from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, before earning her master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama. Her life and career paths are an eclectic mixture of Christian and entrepreneurial ventures. After Young Life staff, an inner-city schoolteacher, and church positions, she was a professional folk singer and founded Southern Onion Singing Telegrams on Hilton Head Island. In her call to the mission field, she and her family moved aboard the M/V Anastasis with Mercy Ships where she was a writer/reporter for eight years, then moved to Romania with Youth With a Mission. Returning from the mission field, for more than 25 years her career focus is Israel advocacy beginning with Front Page Jerusalem Radio, and nine years on the staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as their first SE Regional Christian Outreach Director. After retiring from AIPAC, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, U.S. engaged her part time for their project American Christian Leaders for Israel. In 2020, The Christian Broadcasting Network Israel contracted her to write weekly articles now for almost six years. Married for 50 years with two beloved adult children, she and her husband, Paul, in 2024 co-authored their book, Mental Health Meltdown, illuminating the voices of bipolar and other mental illnesses. Recently The White Rose Society recognized Arlene with their award for non-Jewish individuals who stand with the Jewish people. She serves on the advisory board of NewPersia.org. She and Paul make their home in Atlanta, GA. Read Arlene's blog: https://arlenebridgessamuels.blogspot.com/ [https://arlenebridgessamuels.blogspot.com/] Find hope with Paul and Arlene Samuels' book: https://thementalhealthmeltdown.com [https://thementalhealthmeltdown.com] ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Welcome and how to become a member of Influence Women 03:27 Meet Arlene Bridges Samuels, CBN Colunnist and Author, "Mental Health Meltdown: Illuminating the Voices of Bipolar and Other Mental Illnesses" 09:00 Gaslighting and imposter syndrome 19:56 Personal stories of mental illness 25:04 God offers hope for mental health 29:05 The importance of a support person 33:28 Find hope with Paul and Arlene Samuel's book: https://thementalhealthmeltdown.com [https://thementalhealthmeltdown.com]

AI for Filmmakers: How Producers Use AI to Make Movies Faster | Anna Zielinski

AI is transforming filmmaking—but what does that actually mean for producers? Join Influence Women global director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] in this conversation with producer Anna Zielinski (Pinnacle Peak Pictures / The Producer's Desk) to break down how AI is reshaping film production—from script breakdowns and pre-production to budgeting and workflow efficiency. If you're a filmmaker, producer, or creative leader, this conversation will help you understand how to use AI as a powerful assistant—not a replacement—so you can move faster, work smarter, and focus on the creative work that matters most. 👉 "AI is here to stay and we either need to align or we'll be left behind." —Anna Zielinski, Producer 🎬 In this episode, you'll learn: * How AI tools like ChatGPT can support film production * Using AI for script breakdowns and pre-production planning * Why AI won't replace producers—but will empower them * Practical ways to build AI workflows and "producer playbooks" * How independent filmmakers can leverage AI on low budgets * The balance between human creativity and machine efficiency · Plus, find out the steps to becoming a SAG-AFTRA signatory production! 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ [https://influencewomen.org/membership/] 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1] Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG [https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ [https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/] Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com [https://kathleencooke.com] The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com [https://influencelab.com] **More About this Episode** AI for Filmmakers: How Producers Use AI to Make Movies Faster | Anna ZielinskiAnna Zielinski has over 15 years of experience producing faith-based and family films, spending her entire career at Pinnacle Peak Pictures. Anna began her producing career in 2010, partnering with David A.R. White and Pure Flix Entertainment to produce multiple films, including Marriage Retreat, Apostle Peter and The Last Supper, and Brotha White, and made her directorial debut with The Book of Daniel (2013). In 2014, Anna served as a producer on the faith-based hit God's Not Dead, which became the highest-grossing indie feature of that year. Anna continued her momentum in 2014 with Dancer and the Dame and the sitcom Hitting The Breaks, and in 2021, Anna produced and directed Courting Mom & Dad. She went on to expand her portfolio as executive producer on The Encounter and Sons of Thunder: Redemption, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Nothing's Impossible, Revelation Road: The Series, and God's Not Dead: In God We Trust (2024). Throughout her career, she has successfully led the production of both original films and series, solidifying her reputation as a leader in faith-based entertainment. Now solid with wisdom and knowledge and wanting to see others excel in the industry, Anna launched The Producers Desk, a YouTube channel providing aspiring producers with practical tips and strategies to bring their creative visions to life. 👉Find out more and get the AI Producer's Playbook at https://theproducersdesk.com [https://theproducersdesk.com] ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Kathleen Cooke and How AI is Changing Filmmaking01:57 Producer Anna Zielinski and Why Producers Need AI Now 05:55 AI Tools for filmmakers, ChatGPT, Claude and (Script Breakdowns, budget top sheets) 10:30 Building an AI Workflow with the AI Producer's Playbook 15:30 Becoming a SAG-AFTRA Signatory Production22:08 What AI Can't Replace 26:42 The Future of Film Production #AIFilmmaking #FilmProduction #WomenInFilm #Filmmakers #AItools #IndependentFilm

Why Your Story Matters | Tamara Battaglia, Author "Written in Heaven—His Story, Our Lives"

Your story matters! If you've ever wondered, you'll be inspired as you join Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] in this conversation with Tamara Battaglia, author of the new devotional book, "Written in Heaven—His Story, Our Lives." Showcasing powerful stories of unwavering faith and triumph from today's leading female voices in Christian music, ministry, film and literature, this forty-day devotional will warm your heart and reassure you of God's plan for your life. Find out how to apply godly wisdom from lived experiences of women like Lisa Roberts, Roma Downey, and Jennifer O'Neal; recognize God's guiding hand in your life, and trust God with your future. Let God write your story. 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ [https://influencewomen.org/membership/] 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1] 👉 Subscribe to the Influence Women PodcastAvailable on all your favorite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188] Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Follow Influence Women GlobalTwitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG [https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ [https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/] Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com [https://kathleencooke.com] The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com [https://influencelab.com] **More About this Episode** Why Your Story Matters | Tamara Battaglia, Author "Written in Heaven—His Story, Our Lives" Tamara Hester Battaglia, with nearly two decades of experience as a flight attendant, has traveled the globe, sharing the love of Jesus and seeing the world thru his eyes. Tamara hails from Pasadena, Texas, and currently resides in a quaint little town in Tennessee, with her husband, Joe. Her life revolves around traveling, gardening, bird watching, and spending precious moments with her husband, children, and four grandchildren. Get the book, "Written in Heaven—His Story, Our Lives"Available at Barnes & Nobles: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/written-in-heaven-tamara-hester-battaglia/1146736198 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/written-in-heaven-tamara-hester-battaglia/1146736198] Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Written-Heaven-Devotional-Stories-Healing/dp/1424569893 ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Meet Influence Women global director, Kathleen Cooke.00:43 Tamara Battaglia, author "Written in Heaven—His Story, Our Lives"01:57 Written in Heaven contributors: women in Christian media04:37 Trusting God with the story of our lives.05:56 Contributors to the devotional: Lisa Roberts, Jennifer O'Neal, Roma Downey, Kathleen Cooke10:25 Kathleen Cooke's devotional entry "Enough Love" inspires childlike faith15:05 How to share your story19:05 Become a member of Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] #storytelling #devotionals #femalefilmmakers #Christianmedia #TamaraBattaglia

Behind the Scenes of "I Can Only Imagine 2" | Producer Cindy Bond on Faith, Film & Calling

What does it take to produce a faith-based film that's a box office success? Join Influence Women global director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] as we go behind the scenes with Cindy Bond, producer of "I Can Only Imagine" and the sequel "I Can Only Imagine 2"— one of the most anticipated Christian movies of 2026. Cindy shares how God planted the vision for both films as a mustard seed, why this sequel stands on its own, and how faith, music, and purpose shape powerful storytelling. From balancing gratitude and grief to creating films that inspire hope, she reflects on her calling as a media missionary and why showing up for Christian films opening weekend truly matters. 🎥 I Can Only Imagine 2 releases nationwide February 20, 2026.📣 Share this episode, spread the word, and show up opening weekend to support faith-driven storytelling. 👉 Learn more: https://icanonlyimagine.com/ [https://icanonlyimagine.com/] 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ [https://influencewomen.org/membership/] 👉 Prefer audio? Listen to the Influence Women Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188] Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG [https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ [https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/] Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com [https://kathleencooke.com] The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital Age Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com [https://influencelab.com] **More About this Episode** Behind the Scenes of I Can Only Imagine 2 | Producer Cindy Bond on Faith, Film & Calling Cindy Bond is a film producer and CEO of Mission Pictures International (est. 2008), specializing in faith-based entertainment. She has produced, distributed or served as sales agent on over 200 films, most notably I Can Only Imagine (2018), which grossed $83 million domestically and ranks among the top ten music biopics of all time. Other credits include Redeeming Love (2022, Universal Pictures) starring Abigail Cowen and Famke Janssen, The King's Daughter (2022) with Pierce Brosnan, and Emmy-winning documentary Miracle on 42nd Street (2018). An early pioneer in identifying the faith-based film market to Hollywood, she co-founded Providence Entertainment (1998), which released The Omega Code (1999), the year's #1 limited release. As President/COO of Promenade Pictures with former Paramount President Frank Yablans, she produced the CGI-animated The Ten Commandments (2007). Driven by a passion for storytelling that blends artistry with messages of hope, transformation and redemption, Bond's work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, creating uplifting content that inspires and entertains. A Producers Guild and SAG member, Bond was named to Variety's "50 Up and Coming Creatives" and the 2024 Variety Faith in Media Impact list. She has served on advisory boards for Women in Film, Movieguide, Biola University, and The Heartland Film Festival, and co-founded The Redeeming Love Sanctuary Foundation and The Backyard National Children's Film Festival. Bond is currently producing the I Can Only Imagine 2 with Kingdom Story Company, scheduled for wide release through Lionsgate on February 20, 2026. Find out more at https://icanonlyimagine.com/ [https://icanonlyimagine.com/] ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Meet Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director and guest Cindy Bond, producer "I Can Only Imagine" and "I Can Only Imagine 2" 03:44 Cindy's faith background and how it influences her filmmaking journey 05:14 God seeding the calling on her life to be a media missionary 13:33 Behind the scenes with "I Can Only Imagine 2" with Bart Millard and Tim Timmons 16:15 God's timing is always perfect 20:39 Cindy's dream of basing films on iconic Christian music 26:20 Working with Kingdom Story Company 29:55 The collaborative medium of film 31:40 🎥 I Can Only Imagine 2 releases nationwide February 20, 2026.

The World is Waiting for You | Award Winning Actress Edwina Findley

Manifest the God dream over your life! Especially if you're pursuing a career in film, television, media or the arts, this interview with award-winning actress Edwina Findley will inspire and empower you to tap into the future God has planned for you. https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Known for her unforgettable roles in The Residence (Netflix), The Wire (HBO), If Loving You Is Wrong (OWN), Fear the Walking Dead, and Get Hard with Kevin Hart, Edwina shares how obedience, surrender, and a servant's heart can lead you through doors beyond what you can even imagine! Hosted by Influence Women Global Director Kathleen Cooke, Edwina's story will help you truly believe – the world is waiting for you! 👉 Watch now and be encouraged to step boldly into the future God has prepared for you. 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ [https://influencewomen.org/membership/] 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1] 👉 Subscribe to the Influence Women Podcast Available on all your favorite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188] Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org [https://influencewomen.org] Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG [https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ [https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/] Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com [https://kathleencooke.com] The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com [https://influencelab.com] More About this Episode — The World is Waiting for You | Award Winning Actress Edwina Findley Edwina Findley is an award-winning film, television, and theatre actress, praised by critics as "a marvel to watch." Known to global audiences as 'Sheila' in Shonda Rhimes' hit Netflix series "The Residence," Edwina first captured hearts as 'Tosha' on HBO's groundbreaking series "The Wire," before being handpicked by industry titans Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey to star as 'Kelly' in the drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong" for five seasons. A vibrant and versatile performer, Edwina has starred in "Fear the Walking Dead," Amazon's global thriller "The Power," "Veep," "Chicago Med," "Black Lightning," HBO's "Treme," Ava DuVernay's Sundance-winning "Middle of Nowhere," Warner Brothers comedy "Get Hard" alongside Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, and she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her "skin-prickling performance" as Melva in "Free In Deed." Proclaimed in the New York Times as a "life force," Edwina is passionate about helping others to discover and manifest the God Dream over their lives. She is the CEO of Abundant Life University, and travels the world inspiring audiences to bravely press past their fears, unleash their highest vision, and manifest the life they've been praying for. Edwina has been featured in Oprah, People Magazine, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, In Style, Essence, Hollywood Reporter, and more. Edwina's most cherished blessings in life are her loving husband Kelvin Dickerson and their bright and beautiful little girls, Victoria and London. Connect with Edwina at theworldiswaiting.org [http://theworldiswaiting.org/] ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Meet Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director 00:32 Meet Edwina Findley, award winning actress, "If Loving You is Wrong" "The Resident" 03:26 Tap into God's calling on your life with Edwina's book, "The World is Waiting for You – Manifest the God-Dream in Your Life" 06:00 Edwina's role as Sheila in "The Resident" 07:12 Acting tips on being fully engaged on set 10:25 How faith in God has helped Edwina step into her God-dream 10:57 Prophetic words and a surrender to God's will 16:15 How God speaks in dreams and words 20:04 Keeping faith in the waiting season 25:40 Edwina's story of Oprah Winfrey and how to change the world 31:12 Learning to serve others 33:45 How to contact Edwina and get her book: "The World is Waiting for You" #edwinafindley #acting #godscalling #heargodsvoice #filmcareers