Best Mocktail Mom Podcasts (2025)

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EP 132 | A Pregnant Woman Walks Into A Bar: Meet Marina Castillo 37:50

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6h ago37:50

37:50

In this episode of Thriving Alcohol Free, host Deb Podlogar welcomes Marina Castillo, a passionate advocate for non-alcoholic beverages and the co-founder of Modern Mocktail. They discuss Marina's journey from the circus to sobriety, the rise of kava bars, and the importance of creating a supportive community for those in recovery. Marina shares he…

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488 - Wedding Cakes: Flavors, Frosting & Fresh Ideas with Armana Christianson 1:01:02

2d ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Whether you're dreaming of a towering classic cake or a chic minimalist masterpiece, this episode has you covered. 🍰✨ Leah chats with wedding cake designer Armana Christianson of A. Cakes Bakery to break down everything couples need to know — from cake tastings and flavor pairings to fondant vs. buttercream, budgeting, and what’s trending in weddin…

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Ep 152: 5 Simple Tricks to Stay Alcohol-Free (or Drink Less) During Advent & Christmas 15:17

20h ago15:17

15:17

The holidays bring joy… but they also bring stress, pressure, old patterns, and sneaky cravings that seem to appear out of nowhere. If you’re trying to drink less (or stay alcohol-free) during Advent and Christmas, you are not alone — and you are not doing anything wrong. In this episode, I’m sharing five powerful faith + neuroscience tools to help…

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487 - How to Have a Pet-Friendly Wedding (Without the Chaos) with Pawfect For You 1:11:32

9d ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Your fur baby is part of the family — so naturally they deserve a moment in the wedding-day spotlight. Leah chats with Veronica Silghigian, CEO of Pawfect for You, about how to include your pets in your big day while keeping things joyful, safe, and stress-free (for you and your four-legged VIP).From ring-bearing pups to aisle-trotting cats and eve…

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Ep 151: How to Prepare for January Before You Get There 17:27

10d ago17:27

17:27

Ready to start January feeling clear, steady, and actually supported? In this episode, Christie shares how to prepare for January before you get there—so you don’t hit January 1st exhausted, overwhelmed, or starting from zero. We’ll talk about: why so many women feel drained after Christmas how to avoid the post-holiday crash simple routines that h…

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EP 131 | Garnish with Friends & Meet Spirited Zero Proof Brand, Dromme 42:02

14d ago42:02

42:02

In this episode, Deb Podlogar interviews David Lund, the founder of Dromme, a non-alcoholic drink brand. They discuss David's journey from finance to creating Dromme, the unique ingredients used in the drinks, and the benefits they offer. David shares insights on the challenges of starting a business in the non-alcoholic space, the importance of co…

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486 - Setting Boundaries With Moms (…and MILs) with Gloweddings 55:19

17d ago55:19

55:19

We adore moms… until they turn into honorary co-planners with Very Big Opinions™. This week, Leah chats with Gloweddings’ mother–daughter team Sarona Farrell and Alicia Sowa about balancing love, tradition, and boundaries when the mom-squad is a little too invested in your wedding vision. Whether it’s “Back in my day…” energy, “But I'm paying for t…

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Ep 150: Why Moms Drink: The Truth Behind Wine Mom Culture and Social Media 18:29

15d ago18:29

18:29

Why do so many moms feel overwhelmed, burnt out, lonely… and reaching for wine? Today, we’re breaking down wine mom culture, social media influence, emotional overload, and how alcohol has become the default “fix” for modern motherhood. In this episode, we look at the rise of wine mom culture, why it feels relatable, and why it fails to deliver rea…

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Ep 149: Mocktails vs. replacements: what really helps 15:34

18d ago15:34

15:34

When you start drinking less, it’s tempting to swap your wine for a mocktail — but does that actually help? In this episode, Christie unpacks the truth about replacements: what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference. You’ll learn how to identify the need beneath the craving, use neuroscience and faith to retrain your reward system, and…

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485 - Overcoming Wedding Planning Fatigue with Jamie Chang 55:39

24d ago55:39

55:39

Wedding planning can feel like a marathon — especially in a world flooded with picture-perfect trends and endless decision-making. Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events returns to share practical strategies for beating wedding planning fatigue. From balancing social media inspiration with your true vision to managing stress over long timelines, Jamie an…

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Ep 148: When Peace Feels Far Away — Returning to Christ in the Middle of Cravings 15:35

28d ago15:35

15:35

When your mind is racing and cravings rise, peace can feel far away — but what if peace could meet you right there in the craving? In this episode, Catholic sobriety coach Christie Walker unpacks what’s really happening in your brain and body during moments of restlessness and temptation — and how to plan for peace instead of panic using her P.R.A.…

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EP 130 | The Confidence To Say NO: A Mocktail Journey, Meet Felicia Marshall 36:04

28d ago36:04

36:04

Ever been handed a cocktail menu and felt that flicker of pressure to justify your choice? We’ve been there. Today, we celebrate the beauty of alcohol-free living with Felicia from Mocktailing Around—creator, homeschool mom, and unapologetic champion of drinks that look stunning, taste vibrant, and leave you clear-headed for tomorrow. We kick off b…

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484 - Balancing Wedding Dreams & Budgets with Michelle Elaine 56:53

1M ago56:53

56:53

Dream wedding, not debt spiral 💸✨ From navigating rising costs to tuning out social media pressure, Leah sits down with wedding planner Michelle Elaine to get real about what truly matters on your big day. They break down smart budgeting tips, how to align your vision with your values, and the long-term impact of wedding debt. If you’re planning a …

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Ep147: When You Want That Glass of Wine at 5 P.M. — Here’s What’s Actually Happening 15:44

1M ago15:44

15:44

It’s 5 p.m. — dinner’s not ready, your brain’s fried, and that little voice whispers, “You deserve a glass of wine.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. In this episode, Catholic sobriety coach Christie Walker explains what’s really happening inside your brain during the evening “danger zone.” Discover how dopamine dips trigger…

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483 - Wedding Entertainment That Wows with Kevin Dennis 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services joins Leah to break down everything couples need to know about wedding entertainment — from live bands vs. DJs to blending cultures and choosing unique experiences that wow your guests. They also explore why entertainment should be a key factor when choosing your venue, so your party flows seamlessly fro…

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Ep 146: Why Alcohol Isn’t the Real Problem: Inner Healing, Freedom, and the Root Cause of Drinking 28:30

1M ago28:30

28:30

What if alcohol isn’t actually the issue—but a symptom of something deeper? In this episode, we dive into the spiritual and emotional roots behind drinking through the powerful lens of inner healing, identity restoration, and freedom ministry. Drawing from Encounter School of Ministry, Be Healed (Dr. Bob Schuchts), and Unbound (Neal Lozano), we wal…

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EP 129 | From Sober Curious To Confidently Dry With Brooklyn Of Dry Social 31:55

1M ago31:55

31:55

In this episode, Deb Podlogar chats with Brooklyn Fahey of Dry Social about the journey to living alcohol-free. They discuss the importance of mocktails, Brooklyn's personal experiences with alcohol, and the pressures of drinking culture, especially in college. Brooklyn shares her story of cutting back on alcohol, the creation of her Instagram acco…

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482 - Love, Loss & Celebration: Wedding Planning Through Grief with Jamie Chang 32:49

1M ago32:49

32:49

Grief doesn’t pause for life’s big moments. Leah sits down with Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events to talk about the realities of wedding planning while grieving. From finding space for your emotions to creative ways to include loved ones who’ve passed, this conversation offers comfort, perspective, and practical support. Find Jamie on Instagram: htt…

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Ep 145: If You’re Afraid Life Won’t Feel Good Without Alcohol — Here’s What I Learned the Hard Way 31:22

2M ago31:22

31:22

If you're scared to quit drinking because you’re not sure who you’d be without alcohol, this episode is for you. I’m taking you back to my first day of sobriety—not the polished version, but the shaky, uncertain moment when I wasn’t sure I could do it, or if I even wanted to, because alcohol still felt like comfort, connection, and relief. In this …

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EP 128 | How A Pandemic Pivot Became A Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Powerhouse 29:05

2M ago29:05

29:05

A coupe glass, a good shake, and a bold idea: we sit down with Rebecca Styn, founder and CEO of Blind Tiger Spirit-Free Cocktails, to trace how a small speakeasy in Erie, Pennsylvania, turned a lockdown challenge into a nationwide zero-proof favorite. Starting with a live Bee’s Knees mix-along, we dig into the flavor-first philosophy that makes the…

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481- Wedding Vendor Ghosting: Don’t Be That Couple with Craig Peterman 37:47

2M ago37:47

37:47

Ghosting a vendor after you’ve booked them? Not a good look. Leah sits down with photographer and videographer Craig Peterman to talk about what happens behind the scenes when couples disappear, why pricing transparency matters, and how to build strong, respectful vendor relationships. From awkward follow-ups to legal implications, we’re keeping it…

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Ep 144: Why Evenings Feel Harder in Fall & Winter — and How to Stay Alcohol-Free 16:46

2M ago16:46

16:46

When the sun sets early and my energy dips before dinner, I know how tempting it can feel to reach for something — a drink, a snack, or just a little escape. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s really going on in your brain and body during those darker months, and five simple, faith-based ways to keep your peace when it’s dark by 5 p.m. We’ll talk …

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EP 127 | Cheers To Choices: Robin Cummiskey of Wallace Dry Goods 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

Deb Podlogar welcomes Robin Cummiskey, the founder of Wallace Dry Goods, a non-alcoholic bottle shop on the Philadelphia Main Line in Ardmore, PA. They discuss the journey of starting the shop, the challenges of running a business focused on premium non-alcoholic beverages, and the importance of community and customer relationships. Robin shares in…

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480- From Social Media Inspiration to Signature Style: Crafting Unique Weddings with Award-Winning Photographer Julian Ribinik 1:02:45

2M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

It’s easy to fall in love with wedding ideas you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok — but how do you make them your own? Leah chats with Julian Ribinik, an award-winning NYC photographer and recent RSVP Club honoree, about transforming inspiration into authentic, one-of-a-kind celebrations. They explore how to balance trend-driven ideas with t…

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479- Wedding Music That Doesn’t Suck: Expert Advice from Johnny Herbert 25:29

2M ago25:29

25:29

Let’s be real—bad wedding music kills the vibe. 💀 Luckily, musician Johnny Herbert is here with expert advice to save your dance floor. Leah gets the scoop on how to ditch the overplayed tracks, pick songs that scream you, and sneak in a few crowd-pleasers that’ll have Aunt Karen and your college crew dancing side by side. If you want your wedding …

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Ep 143: Food or Alcohol: Where Should You Start? 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

Struggling with both overeating and overdrinking and not sure where to start? This episode explains how alcohol rapidly enters the brain, lowers executive control, spikes dopamine, and disrupts sleep and blood sugar, which can make food choices harder. You’ll learn why sweets often surge for a couple of weeks after removing alcohol (totally normal)…

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EP 126 | Mom, Rediscovered: Midlife Breakup with Drinking & Diet Culture 33:16

2M ago33:16

33:16

Deb Podlogar welcomes back Jen Butler, an author and alcohol-free life coach, to discuss her debut memoir, Mom, Rediscovered. They make a margarita mocktail together and explore Jen's journey through motherhood, sobriety, and the writing process, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and sharing stories. Jen shares her experiences with alco…

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Ep 142: “Uncomfortable Truth” - Steven M. Bell’s Journey from Addiction to God’s Healing Grace 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

Steven M. Bell is a Catholic convert, musician, husband, and father of two. After years of hidden alcoholism—even while serving as a church music leader—Steven hit a breaking point in rehab and encountered the peace of Christ that changed everything. Now over three years sober, he shares his journey in his memoir Uncomfortable Truth: Faith, Failure…

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478- From Traditions to Modern Twists: Polish & Ukrainian Weddings with Natalia Zuk 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

Leah welcomes Natalia Zuk of Natalia Lilac Studios to explore how Polish and Ukrainian couples are blending centuries-old traditions with modern wedding trends. From family-centered customs like the symbolic vodka and salt ceremony to fresh, personalized twists, this episode shows how cultural heritage can make your celebration even more meaningful…

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Ep 141: Why Fall is the Best Time to Release Alcohol (Better Than Waiting for January) 14:21

2M ago14:21

14:21

🍂 Most women wait until January to change their drinking habits—but that might be the worst time to start. In this episode, I share why fall is the perfect season to release alcohol and how a reset now can set you up for peace during the holidays and strength in the new year. ✨ Ready for support? Join me in the Sacred Sobriety Lab—your faith-based …

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EP 125 | Total Wine Purchase That Sparked My Sobriety + The Mocktail Challenge 17:24

2M ago17:24

17:24

In this episode of Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey to sobriety, and she brings the receipt for how it all started. She discusses the importance of having non-alcoholic alternatives and shares more about the upcoming Mocktail Challenge, a 21-day program designed to support and encourage those explori…

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477- Destination Wedding Planning in Europe & NYC: Expert Advice from Apricity Event Co. 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

Whether you’re dreaming of a château in France or a rooftop in NYC, planning a destination wedding means balancing vision and logistics. Leah welcomes Rachel Urban and Beryl Beylot of Apricity Event Co. to share practical advice on choosing the right location, managing vendors abroad, and creating a celebration that feels like you—wherever in the w…

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Ep 140: Handling Urges, Cravings & Setbacks (Without Shame) 18:17

2M ago18:17

18:17

Ever felt blindsided by an urge or craving—whether for wine, sugar, or just zoning out—and wondered if it means you’ve failed? You’re not alone. Welcome to an inside peek of the Sacred Sobriety Lab ✨ — my private group coaching community for Catholic women who want freedom from alcohol without shame or rigid rules. In this replay, we dive into a th…

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EP 124 | What I Wish I'd Known Before Quitting Alcohol, Deb Podlogar 16:32

3M ago16:32

16:32

In this solo episode of Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom®, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey to sobriety, reflecting on the lessons learned and the support she received along the way. She emphasizes the importance of community, the benefits of alcohol-free living, and introduces the Mocktail Challenge, a program designed to celebrate …

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476- The Art of Balloons: Blow Minds, Not Just Balloons with Sean Edwards, “The Balloon Guy” 29:48

3M ago29:48

29:48

This week on Bridechilla, Leah chats with Sean Edwards—better known as The Balloon Guy—whose breathtaking creations prove balloons are anything but basic. What started as a childhood hobby has grown into a global sensation, with Sean bringing larger-than-life installations, whimsical details, and pure joy to weddings and celebrations around the wor…

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EP 123 | From Alcohol to Entrepreneurship: Zane's Journey to Monday Morning 29:19

3M ago29:19

29:19

In this episode, Deb Podlogar speaks with Zane Curtis, the founder of Monday Morning Bottle Shop in San Diego. Zane shares his journey to sobriety, which began two years ago after a series of personal revelations and challenges. He discusses the rapid development of his bottle shop, which focuses on providing a unique non-alcoholic experience for c…

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475- When Weddings Meet Politics: A Conversation with Margaux Fraise 56:59

3M ago56:59

56:59

Leah sits down with Margaux Fraise, owner of Harmony Creative Studios and host of the Wedding Summit Series, to explore the intricate relationship between politics and weddings. From navigating family dynamics to choosing vendors that align with your values, Margaux shares her insights on how political and cultural factors influence modern weddings…

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EP 139: How to Talk to Teens About Drinking and Peer Pressure (What I Told My Sons Before College) 26:34

3M ago26:34

26:34

Sending your teen off to college? The first weeks of freshman year are full of pressure—parties, alcohol, drugs, and the deep desire to belong. As a Catholic sobriety coach (and mom of three), I just walked my own son through this transition and had “the talk” every parent needs to have. In this episode, I’ll share: How to talk to teens about drink…

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EP 122 | Embracing Sobriety: A Journey with Jen Hirst 34:20

3M ago34:20

34:20

Deb Podlogar and Jen Hirst explore the journey of sobriety, the importance of community, and the transformative power of mindset. They make Jen's easy mocktail recipe, Momma Doesn't Have Time, using one of their favorite water enhancers, Stur. Code MOCKTAILMOM to save 15% off Stur. Jen shares her personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction and h…

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474- Travel & Weddings: The Perfect Match with Katy Nastro from Going 51:14

3M ago51:14

51:14

This episode is sponsored by Going. This week, Leah chats with Katy Nastro, spokesperson and travel expert from Going, about the intersection of travel and weddings. Discover how Going helps travelers find affordable flights, the impact of pop culture on travel trends, and tips for planning destination weddings. Whether you're a seasoned traveler o…

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473 – Taylor & Travis, ICE Raids, and AITA Weddings with Janice Carnevale 40:30

3M ago40:30

40:30

Join Leah as she welcomes back Janice Carnevale of Bellwether Events to discuss the latest trends and influences in the wedding industry. rom the spectacle of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement to real AITA-style conflicts playing out among wedding guests and wedding parties, plus the serious ripple effects of ICE raids and military presenc…

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472- Wedding Flower Inspiration, Budget Tips & Color Palette Ideas with Michelle Maslowski 57:13

3M ago57:13

57:13

From dreamy bouquets to stunning ceremony arches, Bridechilla is here to help you make your wedding flowers unforgettable—without blowing your budget. This week, floral designer Michelle Maslowski of One of a Kind Events shares her favorite flower trends, tips for picking the perfect color palette, and smart ways to save on blooms. Whether you’re p…

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Embracing the Empty Nest: A Journey of Change 15:40

3M ago15:40

15:40

In this episode, Deb Podlogar shares her personal journey of transitioning into an empty nester, reflecting on the emotional challenges and adjustments that come with this new phase of life. She discusses the importance of reframing grief and embracing change, drawing inspiration from John O'Leary's insights on goodbyes and new beginnings. Deb emph…

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471- From Mocktails to Budtenders: Unique Wedding Trends with Jesse Richman-Reing 41:26

4M ago41:26

41:26

Planning a wedding that feels truly you? 💍 In this episode of Bridechilla, Leah chats with newlywed Jesse Richman-Reing about her one-of-a-kind celebration, featuring a drag queen MC, a craft mocktail bar, and cannabis-friendly “budtender” service. Jesse shares tips for incorporating personal style into your wedding day, navigating alcohol-free and…

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470- “Twice Upon a Time” – Hayley Paige on Her Comeback, Creativity, and Bridal Fashion 35:44

4M ago35:44

35:44

Hayley Paige is BACK and writing her next chapter with purpose and sparkle! In this episode, Leah chats with the beloved bridal designer about her brand-new collection, Twice Upon a Time—a powerful symbol of reinvention, resilience, and reimagined creativity. From reclaiming her name and finding joy again in design, to embracing her love of music a…

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469- Mastering Your Wedding Day Timeline with Gina Jokilehto of Shi Shi Events 1:08:10

4M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Planning your wedding day timeline doesn’t have to be overwhelming—promise! This week, Leah is joined in-studio by Gina Jokilehto of Shi Shi Events, a seasoned planner with 20 years of experience helping couples create smooth, stress-free wedding days. We dig into how to build a timeline that actually works (yes, including how long hair and makeup …

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Ep 138: Maybe You Don’t Have to Fit In (And That’s the Best News Ever) 15:54

4M ago15:54

15:54

Have you ever felt like the odd one out… and wondered if that’s a problem to fix or a gift to embrace? In this episode, we explore what happens when you stop trying to fit in and start living from the truth of who God created you to be. If alcohol ever felt like a shortcut to belonging, you’re not alone—and you're not stuck. This conversation will …

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EP 120 | No Girl Left Behind: Marissa Cherepanov's Path to Leadership and Sobriety 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Join Deb as she welcomes Marissa Cherepanov, a leader in female empowerment and a dedicated advocate for women in leadership. Marissa shares her inspiring journey to sobriety, the challenges she faced during COVID, and how a pivotal conversation with her child led to a life-changing decision. Discover how Marissa's commitment to change not only tra…

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468- How to Personalize Your Wedding: Telling Your Love Story with Farhan of Wedding Erah 50:58

4M ago50:58

50:58

In this episode of Bridechilla, Leah sits down with Farhan, founder of Wedding Erah, to talk about how couples can create a personalized, unforgettable wedding experience. From choosing the right venue and color palette to incorporating cultural elements and unique details, Farhan shares expert tips on how to craft a celebration that’s authenticall…

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Ep 137: Unplanned, Unashamed, Unstoppable: Cathy Jo Lang's Redemption Story 1:03:16

4M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

What if the pain you’ve carried could become the path to someone else’s healing? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cathy Jo Lang—life coach, speaker, and host of The Unplanned Joyful Life podcast—who shares how her unplanned pregnancy, postpartum depression, and family history of alcoholism led her to a miraculous encounter with Jesus. Afte…