The Upleveled Strategies Podcast

Ep 27: Amie Sponza - Empowering Women Through Faith and Action

In this enlightening conversation, Dena Woulfe and Amie Sponza explore the intersection of faith, personal growth, and empowerment for women. Amy shares her journey and insights on how to overcome self-doubt, visualize a fulfilling future, and take actionable steps towards one's divine calling. The discussion emphasizes the importance of trusting God's timing, challenging negative thoughts, and embracing one's unique gifts to shine in life without striving. Takeaways: * Amy Sponza helps women build confidence and clarity. * Faith plays a crucial role in personal vision and purpose. * Self-doubt can be overcome by recognizing life experiences as valuable. * Visualizing the future is essential for setting goals. * Taking baby steps towards dreams is necessary for progress. * Dancing with fear allows for creative expression and growth. * Challenging negative thoughts can lead to positive outcomes. * Trusting God's timing is important in pursuing one's calling. * Women should embrace their uniqueness and gifts.D * Gratitude and journaling can help script a fulfilling life. Sound Bites * "You have life experience, right?" * "You have to take a leap of faith." * "You have to decide of going for it." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Empowerment and Transformation 02:07Faith and Personal Growth 06:14Overcoming Self-Doubt and Taking Action 11:54Visualizing Your Future 12:52Building God Confidence 20:44Aligning with Your Divine Calling 24:27Dancing with Fear and Taking Action 29:07Challenging Negative Thoughts 31:47Trusting God's Timing 35:51Becoming the Star of Your Life .

Ep 25: Jacie Targett — Chronic Presence & The Path Back to Yourself (Second Appearance)

In this soulful follow-up conversation, we welcome back Jacie Targett, founder of AnamSaor Healing and creator of Chronic Presence, a groundbreaking framework that helps individuals reclaim identity, safety, regulation, and sovereignty after chronic stress or trauma.What unfolds in this episode is a deeply human journey — a blend of laughter, real life, emotional honesty, and the profound work of returning home to yourself.This is an episode that grounds, softens, and invites you into presence. 🕒 TIMESTAMPS & CHAPTERS 00:00 — Intro: Technology Fails & Real-Life MomentsA light, relatable opening as Dena and Jacie navigate tech hiccups, spilled coffee, and the beauty of everyday imperfection. 04:00 — Reclaiming Identity Through ExpressionJacie shares how returning energy allows her to reconnect with self-expression — makeup, beauty, hair — and how these small acts reflect healing. 06:30 — The Roots of Chronic Presence We explore the foundations of Chronic Presence: • returning to the body • reconnecting with truth • rebuilding internal safety • expanding emotional capacity • strengthening spiritual grounding 10:15 — Trauma, Shutdown & The Road Back Jacie reflects on her lived experience with childhood trauma, autoimmune illness, emotional abuse, dissociation, and survival-mode living — and how presence became her medicine. 15:20 — What Healing Really Looks Like A conversation on gentle self-observation, regulation, clarity, and creating micro-moments of presence in daily life. 19:45 — The Power of Safe Support This episode models what healing spaces feel like: • nonjudgmental • slow • honest • compassionate 24:00 — Who Chronic Presence Is For • trauma survivors • women navigating chronic illness • those healing from emotional abuse • individuals in dissociation or freeze • people rebuilding identity • practitioners seeking embodied tools 27:40 — The Invitation to Come Home A closing reflection on presence as the foundation of healing, alignment, and sovereignty. 💛 What We Explore in This Episode ✨ The Human Side of Healing Healing happens in real life — in mess, frustration, and unexpected moments. Choosing gentleness over self-criticism changes everything. ✨ Identity, Expression & Reclaiming the Self Trauma fragments identity. Healing restores it — slowly, safely, and joyfully. ✨ Chronic Presence: The Philosophy A practice of living from presence rather than survival: • freeze → aliveness • dissociation → embodiment • fragmentation → wholeness ✨ Trauma, Illness & the Long Road Back Jacie’s lived experience shapes her work and offers grounded hope for sustainable healing. ✨ The Power of Gentle Healing Spaces This conversation reflects safety, warmth, honesty, and compassion. 🌱 Why This Episode Matters If you’ve felt numb, disconnected, overwhelmed, stuck in survival, or unsure of who you are — this episode offers clarity and direction. 🧡 Who This Episode Is For • Trauma survivors • Women navigating chronic illness • Individuals healing from emotional or psychological abuse • People recovering from dissociation or freeze • Those rebuilding inner safety and identity • Practitioners supporting healing journeys 🎧 Tune In This episode is gentle, grounded, and real — focused on sustainable healing through presence. 👉 Listen on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, or wherever you tune in

Ep 26: From Silenced to Sent: Bethany Bacon on Healing Emotional Trauma with God’s Truth

From Silenced to Sent: Bethany Bacon on Healing Emotional Trauma with God’s Truth Host: Dena Woulfe | Entrepreneurial Advancement Advisor Guest: Bethany Bacon, founder of Created In His Image Coaching Length: ~35–40 min Episode SummaryBorn at 24½ weeks and once dependent on a ventilator, Bethany Bacon faced lifelong challenges that even affected her voice. After a painful retail experience in 2006, she went silent online for nearly two decades—until God called her to speak again. Following a 2024 job loss, she created a 12-week Christian coaching program helping people heal from emotional trauma by replacing lies with God’s truth, sharing practical rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and wise time stewardship that lead to peace and purpose. Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome & setup: When struggle tries to steal your voice—and how God restores it. * 01:08 – Bethany’s early story: Extreme prematurity, ventilator support, and a lifelong resolve. * 03:30 – The retail phone call: A wounding moment that fueled nearly two decades of silence. * 06:34 – Choosing to speak again: Discernment, identity, and rejecting the enemy’s narrative. * 07:50 – A new calling is born: 2024 layoff → 12-week coaching program for emotional trauma. * 09:00 – Program framework: Week 1 unmasking the enemy; Weeks 2–12 on God’s attributes; continuation up to 1 year. * 10:57 – Recognizing the enemy by the fruit: Awareness as the doorway to change. * 12:10 – Daily prayer cadence: Morning/evening gratitude for God’s protection & His restraint of the enemy. * 14:24 – Saved and sent: Why spiritual authority still requires active practice. * 15:20 – Loving guidance, not force: Walking beside clients with truth and compassion. * 16:09 – Time audit with God: Redeeming the day; trading defeat and distraction for Scripture. * 18:12 – From overwhelm to order: Intentional study, calendar cues, and consistency in the Word. * 21:04 – Closing encouragement & ways to connect. Top Takeaways * The enemy targets identity and voice. Don’t agree with lies—measure every thought by its fruit. * Awareness precedes freedom. You can’t change what you won’t name; practice spiritual discernment daily. * Prayer is strategic, not symbolic—thank God daily for protection and for restraining Satan, morning and night. * Truth heals trauma—Bethany’s 12-week pathway exposes lies and rebuilds lives on God’s character. * Scripture restores time. Intentional, undistracted Bible study simplifies decisions and dissolves overwhelm. * Armor on, every day. Ephesians 6 isn’t metaphorical mood music; it’s practical defense and direction. * Who This Episode HelpsChristians and leaders seeking healing, hope, and truth to replace discouragement.” Bethany’s Coaching Framework (Snapshot) * Week 1: Exposing the enemy (one thief: steal/kill/destroy). * Weeks 2–12: Eleven attributes of God applied to mindset, habits, and healing. * Bonuses: Additional attributes library + optional up to 1-year continued mentorship. * Tools: Time audits, daily prayer, Scripture immersion, thought “fruit tests,” and accountability. * Action Steps You Can Try Today 1. Bookend your day with two lines: “Father, thank You for Your protection,” and “Thank You for restraining the enemy. 2. 15 minutes in the Word (phone in another room). Note 1 truth to practice today. 3. Name the lie → replace with Scripture. Evaluate by fruit: does this thought produce peace, clarity, and courage? Resources & Links * Created In His Image Coaching (Bethany’s 12-week program + extended mentorship) * Website: Link [https://created-in-his-image.com/⁠] * Website: Link [https://created-in-his-image.com/⁠] * LinkedIn & Facebook: Bethany Bacon * Offer: Faith-centered coaching for healing emotional trauma and reclaiming God-given identity. Connect with Dena / Upleveled Strategies™ * Share guest ideas or topics you want covered, and subscribe for new episodes that blend faith, strategy, and transformation. Call to ActionIf Bethany’s story encouraged you, share this episode, rate the show, and connect with her to learn more about Created In His Image Coaching.

Ep 24: From Trials to Trust: How Faith Transformed Business with Russell Parker (Fast Track Properties)

Missouri native Russell Parker shares how a collapsing “safe” life—marriage ending, a grinding 6-day postal schedule, and a future misaligned with fatherhood—became the catalyst to surrender control to Jesus and build Fast Track Properties with integrity. Russell walks through flipping his own home to buy time, phoning a mentor mid–mail route, and launching a people-first real estate firm that solves complex seller problems (foreclosure, tax sale deadlines, heavy repairs) with options and honesty. We also dig into leadership lessons from hiring his first employee, praying through tough client situations, and resisting “take the money” temptations in favor of obedience. Timestamps * 00:00 – Welcome & setup: Why Russell’s story matters for entrepreneurs in transition. * 01:37 – Roots & reset: Postal route, divorce shock, choosing fatherhood over “autopilot.” * 03:50 – The call that changed everything: Four hours with a mentor; selling his own home to fund a pivot. * 06:01 – Faith goes from belief to relationship: From “I believe in God” to “Jesus, You steer; I’ll paddle.” * 08:31 – Fear vs. movement: Acting when failure isn’t an option—and how purpose replaced numbness. * 14:26 – What Fast Track does: Cash/as-is purchases, quick closes, flips/rentals, or connecting sellers to best-fit options (including listing). * 17:42 – Integrity as differentiator: Telling clients when listing will net more—and why that honesty returns tenfold. * 20:05 – Christ at the center: Two core practices—radical honesty and respectful care for vulnerable sellers. * 22:41 – Closed doors as protection: Deals he wanted that God mercifully blocked. * 31:16 – Current challenges: Seasonal slowdowns and the growth curve of leading a new hire. * 33:40 – Advice to Christian founders: Hold Jesus at the top; everything else finds its place. * 34:57 – Requested breakthrough: Opening doors into commercial real estate via the right connections. * 35:45 – Biggest lesson: Trade worry for prayer; lay the burdens down and get back to work.Top Takeaways * Surrender > control: Russell’s breakthrough began when he stopped “driving the ship.” * Father-first filter: Business model and schedule were designed to protect presence with his daughter. * Options, not pressure: Fast Track leads with education—cash offer, listing scenario, or investor network—so sellers choose what’s best for them. * Integrity compounds: Transparent “you’ll make more by listing” moments build trust, referrals, and long-term reputation. * Pray into each appointment: Real estate problems are often people problems; ask God to make you who that client needs. * Lead like a disciple: Communicate clearly, own mistakes, pour into your team, and keep learning. Worry is unproductive: Prayer and the Word shrink anxiety—and sharpen decision-making.Who This Episode HelpsEntrepreneurs facing a scary pivot, Christian business owners seeking practical ways to keep Christ central, and homeowners navigating stressful, time-sensitive property decisions. Resources & Mentions * Fast Track Properties: cash/as-is purchases, quick closes, flip/rental, or best-fit referrals. * Website: https://www.fasttrackprops.com/ [https://www.fasttrackprops.com/] * Facebook: Search Fast Track Properties (Missouri) Connect with Russell * Web:https://www.fasttrackprops.com/ [https://www.fasttrackprops.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-parker-0bb0022b8/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-parker-0bb0022b8/] * Phone/FB: Available via site and Facebook page * Service area: Missouri (with local expertise in Lincoln County and surrounds) Connect with Dena / Upleveled Strategies™ * Guest referrals, questions, or topics you want covered—send us a note and subscribe for new episodes. Call to ActionIf you’re weighing a risky leap—or you need a property solution with integrity—share this episode, rate the show, and reach out. And if you have commercial real estate connections aligned with Russell’s values, he’d love an introduction.

Ep 23: Strength, Identity & Faith with Hayley Ashby (Daily Hailey Coaching)

Former college athlete Hayley Ashby shares how two ACL tears became a turning point—from identity crisis to calling. We unpack the pitfalls of diet culture, why how you eat matters as much as what you eat, and the life-long value of pairing strength training with mobility. Hayley also opens up about moving from Texas to Seattle, finding her footing in faith, and building an online coaching business that honors each client’s autonomy—through pregnancy, perimenopause, and every life phase. Top Takeaways * Identity > aesthetics: Detaching worth from sport or physique creates the safety your body needs to change. * Start with how you eat: Slow down, chew, and eat when truly hungry before you micromanage macros. * Quality first: 1,800 calories of whole foods ≠ 1,800 calories of ultra-processed food—hormones, sleep, and recovery depend on nutrient density. * Strength + mobility = real-life capacity: Train tissue resilience and full ranges of motion so you can live stronger (pick up kids, load luggage, prevent falls). * Walk more: Non-exercise movement (steps, chores, stairs) often drives more daily burn than your workout alone. * Faith in the process: God’s timing reframed setbacks as setup—Hayley now coaches women with that same hope and practicality. Conversation Guide & Timestamps * 00:01 – Welcome & why fitness: Hayley’s athlete roots, leadership, and first ACL tear. * 03:10 – The second tear & a new path: Holistic nutrition, meeting her husband, and discovering coaching. * 06:20 – Identity shift: Moving from “soccer is who I am” to a healthier self-concept. * 10:53 – Building the business: From in-person training to scalable online programs. * 16:03 – Diet culture myths: Quality vs. quantity and the three-phase approach (how you eat → quality → quantity). * 19:36 – Strength through mobility: Bone density, tissue strength, and injury prevention after 30. * 22:59 – Daily movement matters: Why steps can beat sweat for total daily expenditure. * 27:21 – Hayley’s faith story: From church upbringing to personal ownership of belief. * 30:13 – Coaching with autonomy: Meeting clients where they are—mindset, lifestyle, and goals. Resources Mentioned * Complementary guide: Healthy Hips, Healthy Tips (link in description) * Program focus: Nutrition fundamentals, mobility-based strength, mindset & habit change. Connect with Hayley * Website: DailyHailey.com [http://DailyHailey.com] * Instagram & LinkedIn: @dailyhaileycoaching / Hayley Ashby Connect with Dena / Upleveled Strategies [https://upleveledstrategies.com/]™ * Inquiries, guests, or topics you’d love us to cover? * Send us a note and subscribe for new episodes. Call to Action If this episode encouraged you—or you know someone navigating injury, identity, or nutrition confusion—share it, rate the show, and subscribe. Your support helps more entrepreneurs and women find freedom in their bodies, habits, and faith.