Unleash and Rise - Turning Obstacles into Opportunities

Held by God: Overcoming Miscarriage, Fear, and the Silent Battle Within

When that pregnancy test turns positive, most people instantly start imagining the future. So when a miscarriage happens, it’s not just the pregnancy that’s lost. It’s the future they had already started dreaming about. That’s why phrases like “You’ll get pregnant again” can feel so painful. So, how do we navigate miscarriage and pregnancy loss in a society where the topic is still whispered about, misunderstood, or treated like a taboo? In this powerful episode, Laquvia sits down with Brandy Khalani, founder of Mending Mama, a nonprofit providing a safe, faith-centered community for women walking through miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, abortion recovery, and postpartum depression. Brandy’s story is one of purpose birthed through pain. After enduring four miscarriages, a near-death septic pregnancy, and a devastating lack of medical support, she experienced firsthand how minimized and misunderstood pregnancy loss often is. From being sent home while septic to hearing the painful words “You can get pregnant again,” her journey exposes a harsh truth: Women are suffering in silence because society is uncomfortable with their grief. Yet her story is also filled with hope. In 2022, after being told she and her husband each had only a 1 percent chance of conceiving, Brandy experienced a miracle. A prophetic prayer on Mother’s Day declared her womb filled within a year, and exactly one year later she introduced her son David to her pastor. From that pain, God revealed her calling. Mending Mama was born to support women in their healing journey through faith, restored identity, and shared experience. If you have ever wondered “Am I the only one,” this episode is your reminder that you are not alone. In This Episode: * [00:00] Introduction  * [01:05] The taboo of pregnancy loss * [03:05] Desensitization and statistics * [04:55] Postpartum depression after loss * [05:32] Brandi’s personal miscarriage story * [11:24] Physical and emotional impact of miscarriage * [14:21] Support from partners * [16:19] Medical neglect and family story * [20:54] Barriers to support and therapy * [21:54] The birth of Mending Mama * [22:50] A testimony of faith and miracles * [26:05] Pregnancy after loss * [27:10] Starting the support group * [30:03] Leading while grieving * [32:13] Academic and personal struggles * [33:48] Guilt, shame, and purpose * [34:53] The power of community * [35:33] Restoration and faith * [37:05] Empathy and relatability * [38:22] Purpose in pain * [41:06] The ongoing impact of loss * [40:25] Explaining loss to children * [42:07] The grief of lost futures * [44:00] Stillbirth and peer support * [46:05] Advice for those facing loss * [49:02] Contact information and closing Notable Quotes * [02:17] “One of the most hurtful things you can say to someone who’s lost a baby is, 'You can get pregnant again.' Children don’t replace children.” — Brandy * [05:39] “When you miscarry, you still contract, you still dilate, you still give birth. I have personally lost four pregnancies.” — Brandy * [05:54] “Mending Mama happened because of my miscarriages, truly because of my third.” — Brandy * [11:50] “I was having to, like, put things down because the bleeding was so bad, I would stand up and pour blood.” — Brandy * [30:02] “After you lose a baby, you wonder, 'Is that all people see when they see me? Am I marked by this? Is this my identity now?’” — Brandy * [42:16] “From the moment that pregnancy test turns positive, you’re already planning the future, so it’s not just losing a baby, it’s losing your entire future.” — Brandy * [45:05] “What’s great about having community is that it’s peer support. Unless you’ve lived through it, you’re not going to be as good a resource as someone who has been through it.” — Brandy Resources and Links Unleash and Rise * Unleash & Rise Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-and-rise-turning-obstacles-into-opportunities/id1813207322] Brandy Khalani * Mending Mama’s Website [https://mendingmama.org/] * Email: mendingmama@outlook.com [mendingmama@outlook.com] Laquvia Garrett * Website [https://laquviagarrett.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laquviatherealtor/] * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/laquvia-garrett-mba-39b89497]

Owning Your Story: Identity, Marriage, and Building a Legacy

What does it mean to truly own your story, the past, the pain, and the power that makes you who you are? In a world where women can often feel defined by their roles as a spouse or parent, how do you hold onto the unique, fabulous person God created you to be? In this episode of Unleash & Rise, we sit down with Sara Golden, business owner, community leader, and wife of Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden. And for women married to prominent husbands, like Sara, holding onto your identity can feel even more challenging when people try to define you by who you’re married to instead of who you are. Sara gets real about the journey of owning her identity, from a challenging childhood in California to building a thriving title company and a strong, Christ-centered family in Tennessee. Through laughter, heartfelt confession, and hard-won wisdom, Sara shares how she and her husband champion each other’s individual callings without losing themselves in the process. She opens up about blending a family, the miracle of motherhood after being told she’d never have children, and why she teaches her kids that their "past is a place of reference, not a place of residence." If you’ve ever struggled with your identity, fought to overcome your past, or wanted to build a business and a family that leaves a legacy, this conversation is for you. In This Episode: * [00:02] Introduction and leadership Clarksville memories * [01:16] Sara’s background and move to Tennessee * [02:55] Career journey from banking to title company owner * [05:01] Identity beyond spouse’s achievements in her own business * [06:37] Marriage, partnership and personal growth * [07:25] Overcoming a difficult childhood * [08:25] Taking the leap into business ownership * [10:15] Blended family dynamics and parenting philosophy * [12:04] Navigating blended family challenges * [13:54] Parenting roles and gender differences * [14:57] “Stay golden” family motto and political life * [17:19] Adapting to country life and community involvement * [19:15] Teaching kids responsibility and work ethic * [21:09] Lessons from growing up with less * [25:52] Family history and sibling differences * [26:29] Turning pain into purpose and resilience * [28:14] Using the past as reference, not residence * [29:02] Maintaining humility in public life * [29:36] The power of relationships and networking * [30:00] Business growth through relationships * [32:13] Kindness, reputation and community impact * [37:34] Celebrating others and healthy competition * [39:11] Family support and multigenerational living * [39:57] Military service and transitioning into police work * [41:12] Birthdays, self-care and humor * [44:35] Fashion, marriage and personal style * [49:08] Love, marriage and communication * [52:26] Campaigning and community involvement Notable Quotes * [00:50] “ I love how you own who you are, your heritage, and you're not behind your husband's shadow.”—Laquvia * [05:18] “I tell people this a lot, and sometimes they think I'm rude, but they'll say, ‘Oh, you're Wes's wife.’ Or, ‘Oh, this is the mayor's wife.’ And a lot of times I'll say, ‘No, I'm Sara. Wes is my husband.’” — Sara  * [04:18] “I think when you do the right things that it comes back. We're very faith-based. I believe that God puts you in the right place at the right time.” — Sara  * [07:45] “ It's important that you find a spouse that loves all of those parts of you and that accepts all of those parts of you and doesn't see any of that as your flaws.”— Sara  * [11:19] “I was told I would never have children, and Wes and I immediately got pregnant. And so she was a surprise, but I think that God can use anything.” — Sara  * [28:21] “My past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.” — Sara  * [27:31] “I think it's important, especially as women like, to be strong. Be strong in who you are and what you've been through, and let that create your story.” — Sara  Resources and Links Unleash and Rise * Unleash & Rise Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-and-rise-turning-obstacles-into-opportunities/id1813207322] Sara Golden * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/sarangolden] Laquvia Garrett * Website [https://laquviagarrett.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laquviatherealtor/] * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/laquvia-garrett-mba-39b89497]

Trusting God in Transition: When Change Doesn’t Make Sense

Change is something we all face, but few of us truly embrace. Whether you’re starting a new job, sending your last child off to college, or just trying to navigate the unknown, transition can feel like standing in the middle of a storm asking, “Lord, what are You doing?” In this episode of Unleash & Rise, the hosts get real about what it means to trust God when life starts shifting in every direction. From empty nests to job shakeups, sleepless nights, and big leaps of faith, they share personal stories of obedience, divine timing, and learning to let go of control. Through honest, funny, and faith-filled conversations, you’ll hear how unexpected change often becomes the soil where your deepest growth takes root. The hosts remind us that God’s plans may not always match our vision boards, but they always lead to purpose, peace, and promise. This episode is for anyone caught between “I’m scared” and “I’m ready.” It’s a warm reminder that even when you can’t see what’s next, God already knows where it leads. In This Episode: * [00:00] Introduction to transition and change * [00:20] Embracing God’s plan * [01:03] Laquvia’s personal experiences with overwhelming transitions  * [04:16] Markeisha’s professional and personal transitions * [05:43] Balancing ambition and faith * [08:21] The importance of change and adaptability * [24:07] Practical steps for transition * [28:55] Dreams of becoming a medical professional * [29:06] Choosing a career path * [29:28] Finding fulfillment in current job * [29:40] Faith and letting go of control * [29:58] Daughter’s career journey * [31:01] Seeking wisdom and surrounding yourself with the right people * [33:40] The importance of mentorship * [39:55] Crazy faith stories * [49:14] Markeisha’s nonprofit and faith in action * [57:27] Embracing change and trusting the process Notable Quotes * [03:03] “I had to stop because His plans are not my plans. And that change is probably necessary for her growth and not for me.” — Laquvia * [09:23] “You can’t do everything alone. And I realized that as well.” — Laquvia * [23:13] “He provide the vision, He’ll provide the provision.” — Laquvia * [23:54] “Fear calls  you to stay stuck. And it’s not realistic when you’re sitting around saying you’re a believer and you trust in God for the new, but you’re afraid to change.” — Laquvia * [26:06] “Release control. Stop holding on so tightly to your own timeline.” — Markeisha * [31:06] “Surrounding yourself with scripture and people who can remind you of the truth, that’s good.” — Markeisha * [56:38] “Transition isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting the one who does.” — Markeisha Resources and Links Unleash and Rise * Unleash & Rise Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-and-rise-turning-obstacles-into-opportunities/id1813207322] Laquvia Garrett * Website [https://laquviagarrett.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laquviatherealtor/] * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/laquvia-garrett-mba-39b89497] Markeisha Rose * Website [https://therosebeautybar.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeisha-wardell-a43076a4] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammarkeisharose?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Beauty Behind Bars: Escaping the Prison Within

What if the most successful people you know are quietly serving life sentences in their own minds?  Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings seemed to have it all: the crown of Mrs. Tennessee, multiple advanced degrees, and a flawless public image. But behind the accolades was a hidden reality, a childhood scarred by domestic violence, a pattern of toxic relationships, and a life built on survival and secrecy. In this episode of Unleash & Rise, Dr. Tiffany opens up about what it really means to look free on the outside but feel imprisoned within. She shares how a divine whisper, “You’re beautiful, but you’re locked behind bars,” became the turning point that birthed her movement, Beauty Behind Bars, empowering women to break free from mental incarceration and reclaim their purpose. From an unexpected ministry call to San Quentin Prison to the miracle birth of her son, Tiffany’s story is raw, redemptive, and deeply human. It’s not just about survival; it’s about freedom, forgiveness, and finding purpose after pain. Tune in for a powerful reminder that healing and freedom start within. In This Episode: * [00:00] Welcome back to Unleash & Rise * [00:11] Introducing Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [01:03] What it means to be “beautiful behind bars” * [03:10] Growing up in chaos and masking pain early * [07:48] Marrying her father’s reflection: addiction and abuse * [10:00] Hiding behind crowns, degrees, and success * [11:30] When the façade cracks: God’s wake-up call * [12:40] Birth of the Beauty Behind Bars ministry * [15:05] From pimping to purpose: using strategy for God * [17:40] Betrayal and divine closure in her second marriage * [19:05] Reconciliation and healing with her dying father * [21:12] Finding true love and birthing “Legacy” * [23:40] Facing judgment, shame, and finding grace again * [27:00] The miracle baby story * [33:00] Discovering new purpose through design and fashion * [39:47] Breaking generational curses and mental prisons * [43:10] Winning in last place: mindset and faith * [46:50] Moving in silence and walking in divine strategy * [49:20] The power of authenticity and elevation Notable Quotes * [00:16] “You can be in prison in your mind. You can be in prison in your heart. You don't have to be behind physical bars, incarcerated to be stuck and bound” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [12:39] “I was the beauty that was locked behind bars.” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [32:45] “People with purpose are disliked by purposeless people.” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [42:54] “People don't understand that if you don't carry the sentence, your children will serve the time.” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [46:22] “Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are seeds. You can plant flowers or you can plant weeds. What lives in your mouth lives in your life.” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * [46:54] “I've learned how to win in last place. When you learn how to win in last place, you never lose.” — Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings Our Guest Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings is a speaker, author, and founder of Beauty Behind Bars, a movement empowering women to break free from mental and emotional imprisonment. A former Mrs. Tennessee, she uses her journey of trauma, faith, and transformation to help others find healing, purpose, and freedom beyond their past. Resources and Links Unleash and Rise * Unleash & Rise Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-and-rise-turning-obstacles-into-opportunities/id1813207322] Dr. Tiffany Love Rawlings * Website [https://www.tiffanyalove.com/] * Beauty Behind Bars [https://www.onceinawifetime.com/beauty-behind-barstrade.html] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/DrTiffanyLove/] * Book: A Made Up Bed Is a Made Up Mind [https://www.tiffanyalove.com/store/p2/A_Made_Up_Bed%2C_Is_a_Made_Up_Mind.html] Laquvia Garrett * Website [https://laquviagarrett.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laquviatherealtor/] * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/laquvia-garrett-mba-39b89497] Markeisha Rose * Website [https://therosebeautybar.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeisha-wardell-a43076a4] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammarkeisharose?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]

Your Peace is Non-Negotiable: Choose Forgiveness

Ever said “I forgive you,” yet still felt that quiet anger lingering in your heart? What does true forgiveness look like, the kind that goes deeper than words and actually frees you from the pain someone caused? In this moving episode of Unleash & Rise, the hosts unpack the real meaning of forgiveness, what it takes to release resentment, surrender the desire for revenge, and find peace within yourself. They go beyond the surface of polite apologies to explore how holding onto grudges can silently poison your joy and block your growth. Through honest, emotional storytelling, they share powerful personal experiences of betrayal, from a trusted employee’s public sabotage to the heartbreak of friendship and marital infidelity. Each story reveals that forgiveness isn’t a one-time event. It’s a process, sometimes messy and painful, but ultimately transformative. This conversation redefines forgiveness as an act of strength, not submission. It’s not about excusing the wrong or reconciling with those who hurt you. It’s about reclaiming your peace, your freedom, and your power. The hosts remind us that forgiveness is one of the most profound forms of self-love, opening the door to healing, restoration, and a life no longer chained to the past. In This Episode: * [00:00] Welcome back to Unleash & Rise * [00:11] Catching up with Markeisha * [01:09] Summer adventures and 4th of July fun * [02:11] Diving into forgiveness * [03:26] A business betrayal * [15:36] High school heartbreak * [24:47] Marriage and ultimate betrayal * [29:56] Forgiving the unforgivable * [31:01] The ultimate betrayal * [33:50] Learning to trust again * [34:37] Friendship and betrayal * [38:27] Setting boundaries * [41:26] Healing and moving forward * [44:47] The power of forgiveness * [47:16] Living a life of peace * [56:51] Closure and letting go Notable Quotes * [02:59] “Forgiveness is a touchy area. A lot of people say they forgive, but it's just words with no action behind it.” — Markeisha * [10:11] “I said I forgave her, but really didn't. Years down the line, she called me and apologized. It took that phone call for me to really let it go.” — Markeisha * [12:04] “Sometimes people think of forgiveness as a weakness, and it's not a weakness. It's actually warfare.” — Laquvia * [31:24] “I had to forgive him so that I could love my husband properly and not put him in the same category.” — Laquvia * [59:38] “Forgiveness is not approval. It's not just forgetting about what happened. It's a daily decision, a healing choice.” — Laquvia * [1:00:24] “If you can't forgive, you won't grow. And anything that doesn't grow eventually dies.” — Laquvia Resources and Links Unleash and Rise * Unleash & Rise Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unleash-and-rise-turning-obstacles-into-opportunities/id1813207322] Laquvia Garrett * Website [https://laquviagarrett.com/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/laquviatherealtor/] * LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/laquvia-garrett-mba-39b89497] Markeisha Rose * Website [https://therosebeautybar.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeisha-wardell-a43076a4] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iammarkeisharose?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==]