Highly Favored

Military Romance Author - Claire Cain

This episode dives deep into the world of Claire Cain, a prolific author whose stories blend strength, vulnerability, and the unwavering spirit of military life. Whether you're a romance lover or just curious about the powerful stories behind the pages, Claire’s journey, her purpose, and her heart come alive right here. In this episode: * Claire Cain shares how her literary criticism background shaped her writing style * The inspiration behind her focus on military romance and its real-life impact * The importance of found family, resilience, and authenticity in her characters * How her stories aim to showcase strength without brokenness, reflecting real relationships * The emotional power of her scenes that sometimes move even her to tears * Insights into her daily routine as an indie author juggling life, family, and marketing * The connection of her stories to supporting nonprofits and empowering women veterans * The significance of escape, hope, and joy through the genre of romance Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Why Claire Cain’s stories matter 02:15 - Claire’s background in literary criticism & transition into romance 04:51 - The spark: Military romance as a joyful escape 07:12 - Balancing authenticity with storytelling: Military life in fiction 09:34 - Evoking real characters: The importance of research and experience 12:14 - Why writing about hope and resilience is vital amid heaviness 15:05 - The power of romance as an emotional refuge 16:31 - A day in the life of Claire: Creativity and self-care in motion 20:00 - Marketing, managing authorpreneurship, and the challenge of self-promotion 26:09 - Common misconceptions about military relationships and how Claire addresses them 30:33 - Crafting emotionally impactful scenes and favorite characters 43:23 - The role of resilience in her characters and personal life 46:28 - An emotional scene that unexpectedly moved Claire to tears 49:18 - The joy of her readers’ connections and moments of “pinch me” 54:42 - How she ends her podcast episodes: Red and green lights of life 55:03 - The importance of outdoor air, hydration, and embracing vulnerability 56:30 - Farewell and excited anticipation for the upcoming event in Utah Join us this Sunday, April 26 in Ogden, Utah at The Romantics Archive! Dive into the veterans’ experience, celebrate love, and support women veterans through our special event. Don’t miss your chance to meet Claire in person, grab signed copies, and embrace the power of romance to transform and uplift!

The Power of Authenticity in Pageantry—A Year of Growth & Impact with Jaimee Beard

This episode is a heartfelt journey through the transformative year of Jaimee Beard, Miss Utah for America Strong 2025. She opens up about the raw, real moments of competition, personal growth, and the profound impact of staying true to herself. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to be perfect or wondered how to keep your integrity in the spotlight, this is your story.In this episode: * Jaimee shares her emotional experience of winning and her genuine support for fellow queens * The incredible power of being authentic and approachable as a pageant queen * How pageantry became a tool for healing, purpose, and spiritual connection * The importance of supporting others and building community beyond competition * Insights on mental health, autoimmune awareness, and redefining success * The lessons learned from navigating social media authentically * The significance of impact over numbers and storytelling over perfection * Her final message: being true to yourself and loving others * Dance for Life [https://danceforlifegala.com/] * Divine Choreography - Spiritual Inspiration [https://spiritualinspiration.com/] * Autoimmune Awareness Month [https://autoimmuneawareness.org/] * Instagram [https://instagram.com/jaimeebeard] * Facebook [https://facebook.com/jaimeebeard] * LinkedIn [https://linkedin.com/in/jaimeebeard] Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome & introduction to Jaimee’s heartfelt journey 02:32 - Supporting each other in pageantry and beyond 03:44 - Personal trials & letting sisterhood uplift you 04:51 - Recognizing growth and embracing authenticity 06:01 - Connecting with others as "the people’s queen" 07:25 - Inspirational stories of queens influencing others 09:02 - Overcoming self-doubt and personal darkness 10:24 - How pageantry strengthened her confidence 11:05 - Spiritual guidance and divine choreography in life 12:31 - Representing Utah & the significance of faith 13:11 - The role of divine timing & trusting the process 14:07 - Jaimee’s journey into pageantry & proving herself 15:37 - Reflection on personal growth & coming home to herself 17:31 - Supporting women in their journey & celebrating sister queens 18:33 - Overcoming insecurities & supporting others' growth 19:15 - Building genuine friendships & community through pageantry 20:35 - The importance of showing up & supporting others 21:00 - Facing the temptation to quit & persevering through grief 22:42 - The unexpected rewards of hardship & spiritual moments 23:10 - The impact of speaking out & sharing light in dark moments 26:33 - How our words can heal & inspire in future generations 28:26 - The power of influence, no matter the size of your audience 30:45 - Embracing vulnerability & changing perspectives on success 32:38 - Redefining what it means to fully embody your role 34:05 - The significance of feeling confident in your gown & state of mind 36:34 - Wearing the gown that reflects your authentic self 38:38 - Final walk & the emotional significance of growth & transition 40:16 - The meaning behind her crown & journey of self-discovery 43:45 - How the title gave purpose during difficult times 45:51 - Addressing misconceptions about pageant queens & health 49:54 - Moving past societal expectations & embracing health & self-love 50:59 - Surprising lessons from her reign & unique organizational dynamics 54:41 - The importance of sisterhood & community in pageantry 57:21 - Learning from other women & the beauty of shared experiences 60:06 - Navigating social media, advocacy, and vulnerability 66:11 - The value of authentic engagement & impact over stats 68:39 - The true power of influencing even one person 69:28 - Final message: living true & authentic in every step 72:53 - Jaimee’s green & red lights: support, doing the work, and healing 76:48 - Closing words: inspiring others to rise & lead with loveResources & Links:Connect with Jaimee Beard:This episode reminds us—your voice, your authenticity, your love—are what truly make the impact. Your story is powerful. Your light is needed. Be bold, be real, and keep shining!

Season 2 Episode 3: Miss Murray - Sheri Kinder

Most women’s stories hold power — but what happens when you turn trauma into a voice that changes lives? Sheri Murray’s journey from deep trauma to fierce advocacy will shatter your limits and ignite your courage. She’s a survivor, a pageant queen, and an unstoppable force of transformation—and now, she’s here to tell YOU it’s never too late to rewrite your story.This episode dives into Sheri’s raw and inspiring truth: surviving years of betrayal, battling legal battles, and choosing to use her pain as fuel for purpose. You’ll discover how she turned her darkest moments into a platform that helps others find their voice and break free from trauma. Her story isn’t just a testament to resilience — it’s a call to action. If you’ve ever felt silenced, afraid, or stuck, this is your wake-up call. We break down her powerful "Trauma to Grace" mission, how pageantry became her tool for healing, and the unconventional strength of women lifting women. Sheri shares how she pushes beyond insecurities—whether it’s the size of her dress, self-doubt, or societal expectations—and why embracing the scary is the only way to grow. You'll learn how to face your own fears, challenge limiting beliefs, and step boldly into the life you deserve.Why does this matter? Because in a world that often keeps women small, Sheri’s story is a revolution. It’s about empowerment, community, and rewriting the narrative. This isn’t just an episode for pageant lovers—it’s for anyone yearning to rise above, claim their power, and live out loud.Get ready for a bold, unfiltered dose of inspiration—because your story matters. If you’re ready to say yes to your own transformation, this episode is your sign. Hit play and let Sheri show you how to turn trauma into grace and fears into fierce freedom. You won’t want to miss this.

S2 - Ep 2: Amy Winder

Get ready to feel inspired, empowered, and uplifted! In this episode, Amy Winder shares her heartfelt story of stepping into the pageant world for the first time, her powerful platform advocating for women’s health, and the bold steps she's taking to make a difference. This is a call to all women to embrace their unique beauty, voice, and purpose — because your story matters. * Amy’s journey into her first pageant and her spontaneous leap of faith * The power of creating a custom gown and owning your uniqueness * Her powerful platform advocating for women’s medical research and healing * Overcoming fears around swimsuit prep and embracing confidence at any size * The sisterhood and support culture that makes Utah pageantry extraordinary * Fun behind-the-scenes of bedazzling dinosaur heads and sparkly costumes * Practical tips on turning challenges into growth opportunities * Insights on advocating for health and breaking through stereotypes * Amy’s personal mission to bring relief and research to women in need * Heartwarming stories about family, resilience, and shining in your authenticity 00:00 - Meet Amy: First-time pageant contestant with a powerful passion for women’s health 02:41 - Amy’s bold "yes" that launched her pageant journey and love for spontaneity 04:36 - Favorite parts of competing—costumes, costumes, costumes! 05:44 - Building her own gown from scratch—turning creativity into confidence 07:23 - How showing up in sparkle and glam boosts women’s self-esteem 08:27 - The entertainment and sisterhood aspect of Utah pageantry 09:41 - Facing fears in swimsuits—body positivity and mental strength 11:02 - Making stage confidence a family affair—kids bedazzling and cheering 12:18 - Breaking stereotypes—pageants as platforms for advocacy and change 13:29 - Supporting each other—Utah’s deep sisterhood in competition 15:22 - The joy of designing and creating your own dress—personal expression 19:45 - Amy’s platform: Fighting for women’s medical research and support 22:06 - The importance of listening, advocating, and breaking down medical dismissals 23:54 - Combining her passions: pet therapy and community service 26:49 - The need for greater empathy in healthcare—women’s pain as real and valid 29:31 - Creative solutions like animal therapy for pain management 30:08 - Advocating for women through action, education, and community 31:32 - The true spirit of modern pageantry—passion, purpose, and power 34:40 - Small things bringing joy—motherhood, self-care, and embracing authenticity 37:04 - How pageants create lifelong memories and confidence for women and their families 38:40 - Kids’ excitement about the journey—families supporting women’s dreams 39:29 - The “lights” segment—green for love, advocacy, and sparkle; red for societal norms and grime 45:48 - Lessons from pageantry: Investing fully leads to growth and transformation 50:49 - The unstoppable power of women choosing to go all in—your life, your platform * Amy Winder on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/amy_winder] * Her Foundation [https://www.hercenter.org/] - Supporting research for pregnancy conditions * Panda Express Fundraisers [https://www.pandaexpress.com/] - Partnering for medical research funding

Ep 25: Life Update Co-Hosted with Ashtin Pankratz

Summary In this engaging podcast episode, Kimberly Chatto and Ashton Pankratz explore the themes of friendship, women's ministry, prayer, and personal growth through the lens of their experiences. They discuss the importance of supportive friendships, the impact of women's ministry in fostering community, and the power of prayer in their lives. Additionally, they share insights from Kimberly's pageant experiences, highlighting the emotional challenges and triumphs that come with competition. The conversation emphasizes the significance of building connections, celebrating each other's successes, and navigating life's challenges together. In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Chatto and Ashtin Pankratz delve into the multifaceted experience of pageantry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of competing, the importance of body positivity, and the significance of community and friendship. They also explore the complexities of dating and relationships, including the pitfalls of matchmaking services, while emphasizing the need for self-acceptance and personal growth. The discussion is rich with insights on navigating life as a single mother, the pressures of societal beauty standards, and the joy of forming meaningful connections.   Keywords friendship, women's ministry, prayer, pageants, personal growth, community, support, faith, empowerment, Christian women, pageantry, self-confidence, body positivity, community, dating, matchmaking, relationships, personal growth, motherhood, friendship Takeaways Friendship is a strong support system. Engaging in women's ministry can foster community. Prayer is a powerful tool in faith. Pageants can be emotionally challenging but rewarding. Building friendships in adulthood is important. Community helps in personal growth and faith. Comparison can be a struggle in competitive environments. Support from friends is crucial during challenging times. Intentionality in prayer can lead to personal transformation. Celebrating others' successes is vital in friendships. The pageant experience is both challenging and rewarding. Body positivity is crucial in competitive environments. Community and friendship play a vital role in personal growth. Dating can be complicated, especially for single parents. Matchmaking services may not always be reliable or professional. Self-acceptance is essential for mental health and confidence. Women should feel empowered to embrace their bodies. Pageants can foster incredible friendships and networking opportunities. It's important to be intentional about forming connections. Life experiences shape our perspectives on dating and relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Friendship Dynamics 02:48 Bug Encounters and Friendship Support 05:56 Women’s Ministry and Community Building 10:03 Empowerment Through Ministry and Personal Growth 20:03 The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Warfare 28:26 The Power of Prayer 34:05 Creating a War Binder 39:13 Intentionality in Prayer 44:56 Community and Friendship in Faith 48:13 Pageant Experiences and Personal Growth 55:41 Navigating the Pageant Experience 01:00:21 Body Positivity and Self-Confidence in Pageantry 01:05:00 The Challenges of Dress Shopping 01:10:52 The Importance of Community and Friendship 01:15:47 The Joys and Opportunities of Pageantry 01:20:05 Dating and Matchmaking Adventures 01:22:36 The Matchmaking Experience 01:28:11 Reflections on Dating Preferences 01:30:23 Navigating Dating in Your 30s 01:33:07 The Role of Intentionality in Dating 01:38:40 Conversations on Kindness and Relationships 01:45:39 Finding Joy in Motherhood 01:47:53 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations