Welcome to Designed to Win by Dara Leigh, the podcast that empowers you to rise above doubt, defeat negative voices, and step fully into your God-given identity. Dara speaks to students, parents, creatives, dreamers, and those with learning differences — reminding each person that challenges don’t define you; Christ does. Here we talk about purpose, calling, mental strength, biblical wisdom, and how to navigate real-life struggles with grace and courage. Every episode is a reminder that you ...
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From Lie-dentity to Legacy: Reclaim Your God-Given Value
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15:13In this episode the host tackles the battle between truth and "lie-dentity" — false labels and narratives that keep us stuck. She explains how voices from schools, society, and past failures can shape our sense of worth and lead to fear, procrastination, and anxiety. Rather than offering another productivity hack, she introduces a 2026 reset focuse…
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From Stuck to Started: A 7-Day Identity Reset for the New Year
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14:27In this New Year episode (2026), the host encourages listeners to release pressure and refocus on identity rooted in God’s purpose and love rather than perfection or comparison. She introduces a short, faith-based seven-day "From Stuck to Started" Identity Reset designed for anyone feeling overwhelmed, behind, or learning differently. The challenge…
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Designed to Win: Pause, Reflect, and Step into Purpose
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20:24This episode invites listeners to slow down before the new year, pause, and reflect on where God has carried them, what they have learned about themselves, and what seemingly impossible trials they survived. Through Scripture and personal reflection, the host emphasizes identity in Christ, gratitude for growth even in hard seasons, and stewarding g…
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Christmas as New Beginnings: Rediscovering the Gift of Jesus
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17:14In this episode of Design to Win, host Dara reflects on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus, the promise of new beginnings, and the call to be born again. She explores the symbolism of the wise men’s gifts and how they point to worship, sacrifice, and Jesus’ role as king and priest. Dara invites listeners to slow down, give from a plac…
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From Homeschool to medical school and more: Raising kids with ADHD and Dyslexia
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44:01Hosts Dara and Stephanie Gallardo share candid stories about raising children with ADHD and other learning differences, comparing homeschooling and school options and how accommodations made a difference. They highlight practical strategies—tight routines, scheduled breaks and snacks, individualized supports, community resources, and teaching accou…
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From Binge to Breakthrough: A Faith-Fueled Recovery
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40:42April Lewars joins host Dara on the "Designed to Win" podcast to share her story of growing up in a troubled home, battling food addiction, and finding lasting recovery through faith. April discusses how Bible study, scripture memorization, and supportive ministries helped her maintain sobriety from binge eating for decades and live out God’s calli…
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Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Community, and God's Design
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14:32In this episode of Design to Win, the host reflects on Thanksgiving as more than a holiday—rooted in biblical community and the practice of gratitude from Eden through Jesus' meals. She shares personal stories, practical ideas like keeping a gratitude board, and offers a prayer encouraging listeners to find and give thanks even in difficult seasons…
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Designed to Influence: Choosing Who Shapes Your Heart
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14:34Host Dara breaks down what true influence looks like—beyond social media—and explains how everyone affects others daily. She contrasts the life-giving influence of Jesus with destructive voices, urging listeners to examine who they allow to shape their thoughts and actions. The episode closes with a practical challenge: be intentional about your in…
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Your Identity Is Not Your Label — Designed to Win
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12:16This episode explores how identity is shaped by God, not by labels, diagnoses, or cultural expectations. The host shares biblical examples of ordinary people who felt unqualified but were called anyway, and reassures listeners that learning differences or struggles do not define their worth. Practical steps and encouragement are given—grant yoursel…
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Breathe: Finding Rest When Life Leaves You Weary
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13:45This episode encourages anyone feeling tired or overwhelmed to pause, breathe, and find rest in God. Drawing on Scripture and personal reflection, it reminds listeners that Jesus modeled stepping away to recharge, and offers simple practices—walks in nature, time with friends, quiet creativity, and prayer—to restore peace and focus. Listeners are r…
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The Power of Our Words: Gossip, Grace and God's Way
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10:25Hey, friends. Welcome back to Design to Win. Dara dives into the destructive power of gossip and slander, showing how Scripture calls believers to speak life, offer grace, and handle conflict biblically. Through examples and key Bible passages, she challenges listeners to confront hurt with truth and mercy, protect others’ character, and choose wor…
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Walk to Reset: Finding Peace, Focus, and Faith
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15:11In this episode of Design to Win, the host explores the simple, powerful practice of taking walks to slow down, reconnect with God, and restore mental focus. She explains research-backed benefits—reduced stress and anxiety, improved cognition, creativity, and sleep—and offers practical challenges and a journal prompt to help listeners build a daily…
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This episode explores God’s design for community, sharing personal stories and Scripture to show why we were never meant to do life alone. The host discusses types of healthy communities, offers a challenge to reach out to those who are isolated, and announces a new Facebook group for special education advocacy and support. Listen for encouragement…
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Designed to Win: See People, Shift Focus, Find Purpose
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15:30This episode encourages listeners to refocus their attention from distractions and social media to Jesus, learning to truly see and value others and themselves. The host shares personal insights, biblical examples like Moses, and practical challenges—put down your phone, look someone in the eye, and remember you are designed to win. It ends with a …
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Keep Your Eyes Forward: How Gratitude Pulls You Out of the Past
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17:57Host Dara reflects on a conversation with guest Valerie Mukanga and uses a walk with her dog Butters—who keeps looking back at a cat—to illustrate how past hurts and triggers can derail our forward motion. She shares a practical, faith-centered remedy: daily thankfulness. Dara describes keeping a gratitude journal and a monthly “grateful” sticky-no…
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From Congo to Clinic: Dr. Valerie Mukanga’s Journey of Faith and Dentistry
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44:57Host Dara interviews Dr. Valerie Mukanga, a dentist and founder of Healing Wings Dental, about her journey from Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United States and dental school. Valerie describes learning English, hearing God’s call to dentistry, overcoming academic and personal setbacks, completing residency, and opening her pra…
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Standing in Church Alone surrounded by hundreds!. Does it matter to life or not?
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16:54This episode urges listeners to value others in everyday moments—especially young people facing loneliness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts—and highlights September as Suicide Prevention Month. It offers three practical steps: see people (make eye contact and learn names), stop for people (pause and listen), and speak life (encourage and affirm gift…
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Honoring Charlie Kirk: A Call to the Next Generation
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15:24Host Dara pauses to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, reflecting on his work defending Christian values, inspiring young people, and urging bold truth-telling on college campuses. The episode is a call to action for adults and youth to encourage one another, speak life into the next generation, and carry forward the values Charlie stood fo…
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From Stuck to Started: The Five-Minute Faith Shift
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13:13Dara celebrates the launch of her book From Stuck to Started and explains how procrastination often comes from fear and overwhelm, not laziness. She introduces the simple "five-minute start" to create momentum and break through being stuck. Rooted in faith, the episode shows how aligning with God's purpose builds focus and confidence, and invites l…
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Permission to Dream: Reclaim Your Hope and Vision
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12:42Host Dara explores the power of hope, imagination, and vision to help you find purpose, overcome fear, and stop procrastinating. Drawing on scripture and personal insight, she encourages listeners to dream again, picture the life God has called them to, and write their vision clearly. The episode also introduces an upcoming series and her new book …
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Giants or Opportunities? Choosing Faith Over Fear
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13:26This episode explores how we respond to new journeys—whether we leap forward in faith like Joshua and Caleb or waver in fear. Using a personal story about sending a daughter off to college, the host reflects on the ups and downs of change and offers practical steps to build confidence. Listeners will hear how daily wins, Scripture, and intentional …
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Created on Purpose: Standing Strong Against the 'Somebodies'
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14:13Host Dara explores Galatians 2 and Psalm 139 to encourage listeners to stand firm in their identity in Christ and resist voices that try to change their beliefs. She applies Paul’s example to the new school year, urging students, teachers, and parents to study Scripture, recognize God-given gifts, and use them to uplift others rather than focus on …
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Getting Ready for Back-to-School: Tips for Teachers, Parents, and Students
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17:32In this episode, Dara guides teachers, parents, and students as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Drawing from over 25 years of experience in education, Dara shares valuable insights and practical tips to ensure a smooth transition into the academic year. From selecting the perfect planner to crafting effective daily routines, this episode…
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Unlock Your Purpose: Overcoming Procrastination Through Organization
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18:14Welcome back to Design to Win, where you were created for a purpose and to bring value to both yourself and others. In this episode, host Dara delves into the transformative power of organizing your life, emphasizing that it's not about achieving perfection but unlocking your true purpose. If you've ever been overwhelmed by chaos in your environmen…
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"Breaking the Cycle: Integrating Mind, Body, and Soul for True Healing"
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21:04Join Dara in this insightful episode of "Design to Win, Ripple to Wave," as she shares her personal journey and spiritual insights on navigating the complex world of physical and mental health challenges. Discover the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul and learn how holistic approaches, faith, and divine guidance can lead to profound healin…
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Finding Value: A Blueprint Inspired by the Gospels
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13:30Welcome to this episode where we explore a profound question: Do you feel valued, seen, and heard? Join us as we delve into a fascinating blueprint for finding and embracing your value, inspired by the story of the loaves and fishes from the Gospels. Through the lens of this miracle, we discuss the hunger for growth and learning that is innate in a…
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Unlocking Your Purpose: Overcoming Procrastination Through Organization
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17:05In this enlightening episode of "Design to Win," host Dara delves into the transformative power of organization in our lives. Discover how stepping away from procrastination and chaos can lead you to uncover your true purpose. Dara shares practical wisdom and actionable tips to help you build a life filled with clarity, peace, and focus. You'll lea…
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Breaking Free from the "Box": Embracing a Multi-Passionate Life
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15:25Join host Dara in this transformative episode where she explores the struggle of fitting into societal niches and the exhilarating journey of embracing a multi-passionate life. Feelings of frustration and overwhelm are met with newfound freedom as Dara shares personal insights and revelations that encourage listeners to break away from conventional…
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Breaking the Chains: Overcoming the Mindset of Being Stuck
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11:47Have you ever felt trapped, as if your life is at a standstill? In this episode of the "Design to Win: Ripple to Wave" podcast, host Dara explores the mindset of feeling stuck and how it transcends physical boundaries. Drawing from experiences at a transitional shelter and working with diverse individuals, Dara delves into the concept of captivity …
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Miraculous Recovery: A Journey of Faith and Healing
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41:30In this powerful episode of "Designed to Win, Ripple to Wave," host Dara shares her deeply moving personal story of resilience and faith in the face of overwhelming circumstances. After a devastating car accident in 1994, Dara became a paraplegic, facing a future confined to a wheelchair. However, through unwavering prayer, determination, and divin…
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Join Dara in this heartfelt episode of "Designed to Win, Ripple to Wave" as we celebrate fathers and their profound impact on our lives. In honor of Father's Day, Dara shares the inspiring story of her own father, Swain, an overcomer who left a lasting legacy of love, integrity, and perseverance. Discover how fathers, whether biological or father f…
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Unleashing Potential: How to Create Waves of Impact
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13:48Welcome to the newly named podcast, Design to Win, Ripple to Wave, where we explore the power of purpose and identity in shaping a brighter future. Join host Dara as she reflects on a transformative story of spiritual and personal growth, highlighting the hunger of today's youth for recognition, value, and purpose. Through heartfelt insights and ye…
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Break Free from the Stuck Mindset: Transform Your Life
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19:30Feeling stuck in life? Discover how to move forward and break free from stagnation with Dara's insightful episode on mindset transformation. Learn practical steps to shift your mindset from negative to positive, empowering you to achieve your goals and lead a fulfilling life. Dara shares her personal journey of overcoming emotional, financial, and …
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Unlocking Potential: The Journey Beyond Graduation
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19:08In this episode, we celebrate the exciting milestone of graduation for both high school and college students. Our discussion delves into the meaning of graduation as not just an end, but the beginning of a new adventure and opportunity to dream big. We explore common questions graduates face about their future, and how to overcome the mindset barri…
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New Beginnings and Generational Blessings
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14:59Join me in this heartfelt episode as I reflect on the joyous occasion of becoming a grandmother for the first time. With excitement and gratitude, I share personal stories and the profound impact of family blessings. Learn how my mother’s wisdom and the love of God guided me through the beautiful journey of parenting, from the birth of my first chi…
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In this deeply sentimental episode, host Dara takes listeners on a journey through personal memories of her mother, reflecting on the countless sacrifices and profound love that defined her life. Dara shares heartfelt anecdotes about her mother's unwavering dedication, from her selfless acts of service to the tender moments of bedtime stories and d…
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Breaking Chains: Transforming Mindsets from Anxiety to Abundance
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24:01Join us in this transformative episode as we explore the profound journey from anxiety and depression to hope and healing. Building on last week's impactful episode featuring a personal account of overcoming mental health struggles, this session dives deeper into the effects of stress and negative thinking on our well-being. Discover six practical …
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Finding Hope in the Darkest Times: Jesi's Journey
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30:55Welcome to today’s episode where we delve into a heartfelt journey of struggle and redemption. Join us as Jesi, our special guest and my youngest daughter, bravely shares her challenging yet inspiring story. From battling non-epileptic seizures and a toxic relationship in high school to overcoming severe anxiety, depression, and a suicide attempt, …
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Understanding the Essence of Good Friday: A Journey Towards Redemption
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10:41In this episode, we delve into the significance of Good Friday, a pivotal day in the Christian faith. Our discussion illuminates the ultimate sacrifice Jesus of Nazareth made for humanity, enduring immense suffering without protest. Through this act, he showcased an unparalleled love, offering forgiveness and a chance for new beginnings to all who …
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From Homeless to Hopeful: Nicole's Journey of Faith and Resilience
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22:54Welcome to today's episode where we chat with Nicole, a courageous woman who transformed her life with determination and faith. From facing homelessness with her boyfriend to overcoming personal challenges and achieving significant milestones, Nicole's journey is truly inspiring. Listen as she shares her story of finding hope and purpose, driven by…
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From Seeds to Harvest: Cultivating Faith and Flourishing Amidst Challenges
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16:01Welcome to another enriching episode where we explore the profound teachings of the parable of the Sower. Join Dara as she reflects on the message of seed time and harvest, inspired by Pastor Jerry Savelle. Discover how seeds thrive in good soil and the significance of nurturing God’s word in our lives. Through captivating illustrations, Dara share…
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Breaking Free from the Chains of the Past
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11:57In this episode, host Dara engages in a profound conversation with a young woman grappling with past traumas. They explore the intersection of faith, healing, and identity, emphasizing the importance of letting go of past pain to embrace the life that God has intended. Through biblical stories and personal insights, Dara encourages listeners to dis…
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Creating Waves of Connection in a Disconnected World
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18:00Welcome to this week’s episode, where I sit down with a dear friend, CJ Barnard, to explore the profound impact of creating connections in our often disconnected society. Together, we unravel how the ripple to wave analogy has influenced CJ's life and her heartfelt mission to support special needs adults. During our conversation, CJ shares her jour…
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Uncovering Your Inner Ripple: Realizing Your Unique Blessings
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7:23Join Dara in this insightful episode as she delves into the concept of a ripple effect, exploring how each one of us is uniquely equipped to be a blessing in someone else's life. Despite feelings of unworthiness, Dara shares her personal journey from self-doubt to self-discovery, inspired by a powerful scripture from Psalm 139. Discover how to unco…
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This is the first Episode of The Ripple Effect learning how doing the smallest of gestures can effect another's life! Encouraging words and take away free take away for you to keep!By daraleighllc
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A little update to the lives of the ADHD crew.
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Chet, Cheech, and Katie catch up.
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We back from the break but still broken.
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The three amigos are back to catch up.
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Katie is back!
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