Day One with Giselle

When the Plan Changes: Navigating Disappointment with Faith

The middle of the year is here—and with it comes an important question: Where are you? In this deeply personal solo episode of the Day One Podcast, I invite listeners to pause, evaluate, and reflect on the first half of the year. Are you on pace for what God called you to do? Have life’s unexpected detours shifted your plans? Drawing inspiration from sports, faith, and my family's ongoing journey through my son's cancer diagnosis and relapse, I share how I navigated disappointment, grief, anger, and uncertainty while learning to trust God in the middle of the unknown. This episode is an honest conversation about what it means to show up when life doesn't go according to plan—and how to pause, pivot, and press on without giving up. In this episode, you'll discover: How to navigate disappointment with faith Why it's okay to honor your humanity and emotions The importance of pausing before pressing forward How to seek God's strategy in difficult seasons Why your setbacks don't determine the final score Practical encouragement for your mid-year reset Whether you're facing unexpected news, delayed dreams, or simply need encouragement to keep going, this episode is a reminder that you're still in the game—and it's not over. Your Day One Move: Find your place to commune with God. Be honest with Him. Pour it all out. Then allow Him to show you where to prepare, pivot, and press on. Because no matter what life brings, show up every day like it's Day One. Connect with Host Giselle Quintanilla Founder of Ready Writer Services LLC Publishing Strategist | Author | Speaker | Podcast Host Instagram: @gisiquin Facebook: @gisellequintanilla

From Surviving to Thriving Unapologetically with Robin Carr

What if life forced you to stop performing and finally face the parts of yourself that still need healing? In this powerful episode of the Day One Podcast, I deep dive with award-winning international speaker, author, and mindset coach Robin Carr to discuss her journey from corporate success and hidden pain to healing, purpose, and thriving unapologetically. After an unexpected layoff, Robin found herself facing depression, unresolved trauma, and a question many people avoid: "Am I truly living as my authentic self?" Through deep personal work and her signature E.M.P.O.W.E.R. Framework, she discovered how to rebuild confidence, reclaim her voice, and help others do the same. Together, Robin and I discuss: * Healing from trauma and adversity * Rebuilding confidence after life's setbacks * Finding purpose through your pain * Overcoming fear and self-doubt * Entrepreneurship and trusting God's direction * Learning to choose yourself without guilt * Moving from survival mode into true thriving Robin also shares her inspiring Day One Move that will challenge listeners to prioritize their own healing, growth, and purpose. About Robin Carr Robin Carr is an award-winning international keynote speaker, author, and founder of Thrive Unapologetically. Known as "The Mindset Behind the Stage," she helps individuals uncover the truth and power within their stories so they can reclaim their voice, rebuild confidence, and rise from trauma, adversity, and self-doubt. Through her signature E.M.P.O.W.E.R. Framework, Robin helps clients move from surviving to thriving by healing at the identity level and developing lasting self-trust. Connect with Robin CarrFacebook & Instagram: @TheRobinCarr LinkedIn: Robin Carr Connect with Giselle QuintanillaFounder of Ready Writer Services LLC Publishing Strategist | Speaker | Podcast Host Instagram: @gisiquin Facebook: @gisellequintanilla Website: ReadyWriterServicesLLC.com If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to the Day One Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that healing is possible and purpose is still waiting on the other side. Make today your Day One.

Seeing God Through Grief, Pain & Forgiveness with Sherell Graham

What happens when grief, heartbreak, forgiveness, and obedience collide with the faithful love of God? In this special LIVE episode of the Day One Podcast recorded at Words Matter Bookstore, I join newly published author, Sherell Graham, for the launch celebration of Faithful Love: Seeing God When Tears Blur the Vision. We took a moment, during her launch, for a raw and powerful conversation about healing, obedience, grief, forgiveness, and trusting God through life’s hardest seasons. Sherell shares the deeply personal journey behind writing her first book, including navigating the loss of her sister, wrestling with forgiveness, questioning God, and learning how to see His faithful love even in painful moments. Together, Sherell and I unpack what it means to move from hesitation to obedience and why showing up for yourself is often the first step toward purpose. This episode is for anyone who has ever: Questioned God in difficult seasons Struggled with grief, pain, or forgiveness Felt alone in their healing journey Needed encouragement to obey what God called them to do Wondered if their story still matters In this episode: * The emotional process behind writing Faithful Love * How grief can shape — but not define — your journey * The truth about forgiveness and hidden offense * Why obedience requires surrender * The ministry of simply being present for others * How God uses your story to heal others Grab your copy of Faithful Love by Sherell Graham on Amazon. https://a.co/d/06wPxjZP Subscribe to the Day One Podcast for conversations that inspire you to move from “one day” to Day One. Connect with the Host Giselle QuintanillaFounder of Ready Writer Services, LLCAuthor | Publishing Strategist | Podcast Host 🌐 Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com [http://www.readywriterservicesllc.com] 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin

From Waiting to Walking in Purpose: Faith, Testimony & Obedience with Sheila Libali

What happens when God gives you an assignment—but nothing around you seems to support it? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Sheila Libali, speaker, testimony advocate, and host of the My Sister’s Keeper Podcast, to talk about obedience, faith, spiritual warfare, and trusting God’s timing—even in seasons of waiting and uncertainty. Sheila shares her powerful journey of losing her job, facing repeated rejection, and navigating a season where doors seemed to stay closed. Instead of giving up, she leaned deeper into God through prayer, fasting, and unwavering faith—declaring that what she was experiencing did not align with who God called her to be. Through that season, God gave her a vision that would later become My Sister’s Keeper, a Christ-centered platform created to amplify women’s real-life stories of healing, restoration, and testimony. But the journey didn’t come without challenges—missed opportunities, financial strain, and moments where she questioned if she should continue. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when God calls you, He equips you—and your obedience will be tested before it is established. If you’ve ever felt discouraged, overlooked, or unsure if you should keep going, this episode will encourage you to stay faithful, trust God’s process, and walk boldly in your assignment. In This Episode, We Discuss • Trusting God during seasons of rejection and waiting• How prayer and fasting can shift your perspective and direction• Recognizing spiritual warfare and staying grounded in faith• Why obedience matters more than comfort or convenience• How God provides resources, people, and opportunities for your assignment• The power of testimony and why your story matters• Stepping into purpose even when you don’t feel fully prepared About Sheila LaBarre Sheila LaBarre is a speaker, testimony advocate, and host of the My Sister’s Keeper Podcast, a Christ-centered platform dedicated to amplifying women’s stories of faith, healing, and restoration. She is passionate about helping women embrace their journey, trust God in every season, and recognize that their story has the power to bring hope and glory to God. Podcast: My Sister’s Keeper Email: mysisterskeeperpodcast@gmail.com Connect with the Host Giselle Quintanilla Founder of Ready Writer Services, LLC Author | Publishing Strategist | Podcast Host Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com [http://www.readywriterservicesllc.com] Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin Subscribe to the Day One Podcast for conversations about faith, purpose, healing, entrepreneurship, and stepping into your Day One. And remember: Show up every day like it’s Day One.

From Burnout to Authentic Leadership with Dr. Stephanie Johnson

What happens when high achievement leads to burnout and forces you to rediscover who you truly are? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Johnson, leadership and wellness coach, speaker, and founder of The Nellowe Company and SJE Consulting Group, to explore the deeper work of authentic leadership and personal alignment. Dr. Johnson shares the powerful story behind her turning point with burnout and how it led her to rethink leadership, identity, and purpose. Drawing from more than three decades of experience across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, marketing, and leadership development, she explains why true leadership begins with learning to lead yourself first. Together, we dive into the concept that “vulnerable leadership" does not equate to weakness. There is a space for strength in vulnerability. This conversation will challenge you to ask the deeper questions: • Who are you really leading?• Are you living in alignment with your purpose?• And what would happen if you removed the masks and showed up as your authentic self? Dr. Johnson also shares how burnout can become a catalyst for transformation—and how reconnecting with identity can unlock clarity, confidence, and impact. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, professional, or someone navigating a major life transition, this episode will inspire you to step back into alignment with who you truly are. • How burnout can become a turning point for personal transformation• Why authentic leadership starts with leading yourself first• The balance between masculine and feminine leadership energy• How identity and purpose shape your leadership style• The importance of courage, choice, and connection in life and leadership About Dr. Catherine Johnson: Dr. Catherine Johnson is a leadership and wellness coach who helps individuals and organizations align identity, purpose, and impact. With more than 30 years of professional experience across multiple industries, she brings strategic insight and real-world wisdom to leaders seeking authentic influence. She is the founder and CEO of The Nellowe Company and SJE Consulting Group, where she helps leaders strengthen their brand presence, elevate their message, and expand their influence through storytelling, media, publishing, and strategic consulting. Dr. Johnson is also the creator of the Neuro Identity Brand™ and S.H.E. Identity™ frameworks, designed to help individuals reconnect with who they truly are and lead with clarity, authenticity, and confidence. Key Takeaways: ✔ Courage helps you move through fear✔ Your external environment reflects your internal alignment✔ Connection is essential to meaningful leadership and growthConnect with the host, Giselle Quintanilla: Creative Coach & Publishing StrategistFounder of Ready Writer Services, LLC Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.comInstagram & Facebook: @gisiquin