Facing the Storm

Ask Mama Anything

This week, we’re keeping it short, sweet, and all about the moms! In honor of Mother’s Day, I tossed a bunch of real-talk questions about motherhood into a hat and had a few amazing mamas pick and answer them. Get ready for honest, funny, and heartwarming takes on what it's really like to be a mom.

Casseroles & Conversations: Real Talk After the Storm with Kota & Kal

Starting this podcast has been a wild ride—and honestly, a bit of a cup-filler for me. Kind of like making your first tuna casserole and realizing that yes, cheese and cream of mushroom soup can fix almost anything. In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dakota Dawn Johnson as guest host. We’re throwing out the rulebook and leaning into real, unscripted conversation—because that’s where the magic happens. Dakota and I chat about the power of sharing our stories from a scar rather than an open wound, and how being totally ourselves helps us connect with listeners on a deeper level. We’re all about keeping it honest and heartfelt. I also open up about a pretty big shift in my life—going through a divorce. It wasn’t easy, but those tough moments taught me a lot about resilience, forgiveness, and personal growth. By sharing stories from that time, my hope is that they remind others they’re not alone—that whatever storm you’re facing, there’s strength in walking through it together Therapy has played a huge role in my journey, too. I talk about what it’s like to find the right therapist (spoiler: it’s kind of like dating) and why it’s totally okay to keep looking until it feels like a good match. Dakota shares her own wisdom and encouragement, and she’s all about inviting feedback—whether it’s guest ideas, topics you’d like me to cover, or just to say hey. ****************************************************** Instagram: @facingthestormpodcast Facebook: @facingthestormpodcast ****************************************************** Thank you for joining me for another episode and braving the storm together. I genuinely appreciate you spending your precious time with me. If you enjoyed today’s episode and feel inspired, please consider sharing it, tagging us on social media, or leaving a review. Your support helps us spread the mission of empowering others to tackle life’s challenges with the strength and resilience of a buffalo. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—new ones drop every week! And remember, as Roger Miller once sang, “You can’t roller skate with a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to.” See you down the trail, Kallie Sue

Confronting Adversity: Sharon Beach's Inspirational Story of Survival and Gratitude After Sexual Assault

Life has a way of throwing storms our way, and in this episode, we sit down with someone who’s faced them all head-on—Sharon Beach from Weatherford, Texas. Sharon has a deep love for cutting horses and is actively involved with the National Cutting Horse Association, but it’s her strength and honesty that truly shine through. She opens up about surviving a traumatic kidnapping and sexual assault—experiences that led to long-term health struggles—and how she found the courage to keep moving forward. Through it all, Sharon leans on faith, gratitude, and the power of community. We talk about how being surrounded by people who genuinely care can make all the difference. Whether it was the strength she found through prayer during a difficult hospital stay or the healing that came with forgiveness, her story is filled with raw moments and real wisdom. This episode isn’t just about surviving—it’s about growing through the hard stuff and finding gratitude in what life teaches us along the way. Sharon’s journey is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest times, there’s strength to be found—and sometimes, even a little humor (yes, there’s a broken leg story too). Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that might just change the way you see your own storms. ****************************************************** Instagram: @facingthestormpodcast Facebook: @facingthestormpodcast ****************************************************** Thank you for joining me for another episode and braving the storm together. I genuinely appreciate you spending your precious time with me. If you enjoyed today’s episode and feel inspired, please consider sharing it, tagging us on social media, or leaving a review. Your support helps us spread the mission of empowering others to tackle life’s challenges with the strength and resilience of a buffalo. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—new ones drop every week! And remember, as Roger Miller once sang, “You can’t roller skate with a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to.” See you down the trail, Kallie Sue

Stronger Than the Storm: 10 Tools to Weather Life’s Toughest Challenges

Hey there, and welcome to another episode of Facing the Storm. This episode is where I share some thoughts on how to deal with life’s tough moments. In this episode, we're diving into what it really means to face the storms that hit us—starting with the first (and hardest) step: recognizing and accepting that you’re in the middle of one. I'm sharing ten tips that helped me through my own hard times, including why letting yourself fully feel your emotions—yes, even crying it out—is actually powerful. We’ll talk about building resilience, tapping into your inner strength, and leaning on the people who love you. Because when things get heavy, community really does matter. We’ll also get into how healing starts with self-love and forgiveness. I’ll walk you through some ways to take care of yourself—like diving into your favorite hobbies, journaling your thoughts, or soaking up wisdom from books and podcasts. Together, we’ll talk about how to let go of shame from past struggles and how forgiveness isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s a practice. Through personal stories, I’ll show how self-care and support from others can help you move through emotional triggers and come out stronger. And finally, we’ll talk about finding peace and purpose after the storm—learning from what happened, and embracing the chance to begin again. So, if you're ready to face the storm and come out on the other side stronger, let’s do this together. ****************************************************** Instagram: @facingthestormpodcast Facebook: @facingthestormpodcast ****************************************************** Thank you for joining me for another episode and braving the storm together. I genuinely appreciate you spending your precious time with me. If you enjoyed today’s episode and feel inspired, please consider sharing it, tagging us on social media, or leaving a review. Your support helps us spread the mission of empowering others to tackle life’s challenges with the strength and resilience of a buffalo. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—new ones drop every week! And remember, as Roger Miller once sang, “You can’t roller skate with a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to.” See you down the trail, Kallie Sue

Aviation, City Council, and Ranch Life: Katrina Avers' Balancing Act

Join us as we welcome Katrina Avers, a remarkable individual with a diverse background rooted deeply in Oklahoma. Katrina shares her inspiring journey from earning a PhD in industrial organizational psychology to managing a research lab at the FAA's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. With a passion for aviation safety, she unites experts to address industry challenges and innovate for the future. Outside of her professional life, Katrina balances her roles as a rancher, wife, and mother of five, while running a unique Farm Fresh fundraiser that supports local agriculture as an alternative to traditional school fundraisers. Listen in as Katrina discusses her unexpected journey into politics, sharing her experience of running for the Oklahoma City Council. Initially hesitant, Katrina overcame personal barriers by aligning her skills with community needs, ultimately embracing the campaign with passion and determination. Through this conversation, Katrina highlights the importance of trusting one's instincts, maintaining resilience, and focusing on impactful contributions, even when faced with challenges both internally and externally. We also explore how Katrina navigated the complexities of political campaigns, including dealing with misinformation. To lighten the mood, Katrina shares a humorous story about the unpredictability of managing cattle on rough terrain, reflecting her family-oriented lifestyle filled with outdoor adventures. Don't miss this engaging episode as we uncover the many facets of Katrina's life, from aerospace and agriculture to community building and personal growth. ****************************************************** Instagram: @facingthestormpodcast Facebook: @facingthestormpodcast ****************************************************** Thank you for joining me for another episode and braving the storm together. I genuinely appreciate you spending your precious time with me. If you enjoyed today’s episode and feel inspired, please consider sharing it, tagging us on social media, or leaving a review. Your support helps us spread the mission of empowering others to tackle life’s challenges with the strength and resilience of a buffalo. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode—new ones drop every week! And remember, as Roger Miller once sang, “You can’t roller skate with a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you’ve a mind to.” See you down the trail, Kallie Sue