Healing Trauma & Reclaiming Your Story with Kandace Rather

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

Healing Trauma & Reclaiming Your Story with Kandace Rather

In this powerful episode, I sit down with trauma coach, mediator, and author Kandace Rather to talk about healing trauma, reclaiming your story, and learning how to walk through grief with faith. Kandace shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, navigating years of shame and pain, and ultimately discovering how healing begins when we allow ourselves to face the parts of our story we once tried to hide. Through her work helping women heal from past trauma, Kandace explains why inner child healing, grief work, and emotional awareness are essential steps in personal growth and spiritual transformation. Together, we explore what it means to disrupt the false stories trauma creates, take back your voice, and step into the identity God originally intended for you. Kandace also shares how grief can either harden our hearts or tenderize them — and why choosing healing allows God to redeem even the most painful parts of our story. If you’ve ever struggled with past trauma, shame, grief, or feeling disconnected from your purpose, this conversation will encourage you to begin the healing process and remember that your story is not over. • What trauma does to the stories we believe about ourselves• Healing your inner child and reclaiming your identity• Why grief must be processed rather than avoided• How faith and therapy can work together in healing• The importance of being seen, heard, and supported• Recognizing emotional triggers and responding with awareness• How God redeems painful chapters of our lives Kandace also shares a Day One Move to help listeners begin recognizing emotional triggers and slowing down to become aware of what is happening internally before making decisions from trauma. Website: www.kandacerather.com Book: With You Now: An Invitation to Heal Your Inner Child Available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible Connect with the HostGiselle Quintanilla Creative Coach & Publishing Strategist Ready Writer Services, LLC Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com [http://www.readywriterservicesllc.com] Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin

Mastering the Art of the Pivot and the Pause

If you're honest, how many times do you press through the days, weeks, and months without thinking twice about where time went? In this solo episode, I take a beat to reflect on the lessons learned during the first quarter of 2026 and share an important truth about navigating business, purpose, and faith: sometimes success isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about learning when to pivot and when to pause. As we move toward the second quarter, let's take inventory of where we are in our goals, vision boards, businesses, and personal growth. Whether you feel like you’re ahead, behind, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement and perspective on how to move forward intentionally with God leading the way. I'm sharing real experiences from my own journey this year — including turning down a promising project, shifting plans for the business website relaunch, and learning to be honest about capacity, alignment, and calling. Something can be good, but still not be the assignment God has for you. This episode is a reminder that planning and preparation matter, but so does surrender. When we allow space for God to redirect our plans, we create room for the right opportunities to unfold. If you’ve been questioning your progress this year, feeling pressure about goals, or wondering whether to continue, shift direction, or take a step back — this episode will help you approach the next quarter with clarity, wisdom, and peace. In This Episode, We Discuss • Why it’s important to evaluate your progress as each quarter ends• The difference between pivoting and pausing in business and life• Recognizing when an opportunity is good but not God's for you• Being honest about your capacity and alignment with God• Planning, preparing, and surrendering your goals to God• How flexibility allows you to grow without breaking Connect with the Host Giselle QuintanillaCreative Coach & Publishing StrategistFounder of Ready Writer Services, LLC Website: www.readywriterservicesllc.com [http://www.readywriterservicesllc.com] Instagram & Facebook: @gisiquin