Best Tonya Shellnutt Podcasts (2025)

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Ep#164: When Pain Becomes Purpose w/ Tonya Shellnutt 37:45

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27d ago37:45

37:45

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Tonya Shellnutt, author, speaker, podcast host, and advocate for trauma recovery and pro-family policy. She shares her raw and redemptive story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, overcoming addiction, and breaking free from generational pain. With deep faith and a heart for others, Tonya has dedicat…

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The Courage to Pause 6:15

9d ago6:15

6:15

Send us a text What does genuine courage look like in a season of exhaustion? Sometimes, the bravest decision is acknowledging our limits and embracing rest without guilt. In this vulnerable and heartfelt episode, I share my difficult decision to temporarily pause the Courageous Overcomers podcast. After reflecting deeply during a recent anniversar…

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Ep#165: Success Meets Significance w/ Eric Newman 33:25

8d ago33:25

33:25

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Eric Newman, founder and Chief Play Officer of the Roc Solid Foundation and host of the Success and Significance podcast. Eric shares his powerful journey from childhood cancer survivor to social impact visionary, detailing how personal pain became the driving force behind a movement that has served o…

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Overfunctioning, Perfectionism, and the Lie of Performance-Based Love 17:14

22d ago17:14

17:14

Send us a text Why do some people push themselves so hard—even when they’re already doing too much? In this powerful episode of Courageous Overcomers, we explore the hidden connection between trauma and performance-based living. Host Tonya breaks down five reasons why survivors often fall into the trap of overworking, overachieving, and never feeli…

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Rocket Science and Redemption 29:40

1M ago29:40

29:40

Send us a text Welcome to Courageous Overcomers, where we share real stories of faith, grit, and healing. Today’s guest is John Mollura—a man who went from launching rockets for NASA to launching people into their purpose. After facing deep personal pain and burnout, John made a bold pivot. He left the world of high-pressure engineering to become a…

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Breaking the Silence: The Truth Behind the Abortion Lie 34:47

1M ago34:47

34:47

Send us a text Welcome to Courageous Overcomers, where we face the pain, fight the lies, and rise with faith and resilience. Today’s episode is not an easy one—but it’s a necessary one. We’re peeling back the layers of deception—the deeply rooted lies women have been told… and believed. Lies like: "God can't forgive you." "Your decision will bring …

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EP#163: Disability Advocates Speak Out w/ Kelly Berger & Avery Roberts 38:34

1M ago38:34

38:34

In this episode, Rick shares his interview with Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, community engagement leaders and fierce disability advocates at Cure CMD, a nonprofit advancing research and awareness for congenital muscular dystrophies. Kelly and Avery open up about their deeply personal journeys through misdiagnosis, medical adversity, and social e…

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The weight of shame, the ache of regret, and the power of mercy. 39:13

2M ago39:13

39:13

Send us a text For over 30 years, she carried a silent weight—two decisions made in fear, buried deep beneath layers of shame and what-ifs. She never married. Never had children of her own. And for decades, she believed that disqualified her from joy, from purpose, from grace. But then… Jesus. In today’s episode of Courageous Overcomers, you’ll mee…

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The Secret She Carried 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

Send us a text In this week’s episode of Courageous Overcomers, we’re talking about the weight of secrets—and one of the heaviest is abortion. Not because it didn’t hurt, but because shame said, “Don’t tell.” I didn’t walk that road myself, but I’ve sat with many who have. And what I’ve seen over and over again is this: silence isolates, but truth …

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Ep#162: From Grief to Global Impact w/ Rick Ornelas 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

In this episode, Rick shares his powerful conversation with Sean Meyers—executive coach, speaker, and host of the Level Up + Live Mastermind & Podcast. What begins as a reflection on personal loss quickly unfolds into a transformative story of purpose and resilience. Rick opens up about the heartbreaking moment that changed everything: the passing …

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Breaking the Silence: One Woman's Abortion Journey 32:14

2M ago32:14

32:14

Send us a text What happens when the pain we carry feels too buried, too dark, or too shameful to bring into the light? Catherine's powerful story of abortion, shame, and ultimate healing reminds us that redemption thrives in vulnerability. Catherine never planned to share her abortion story publicly. For years after her procedure in 1981, she buri…

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Ep#161: The Power of Your Voice w/ Ehmandah Ramsey 33:30

2M ago33:30

33:30

In this episode, Rick interviews Ehmandah Ramsey, transformational speaker, worship leader, and founder of She Stories. As a survivor of domestic violence and a single mom, Ehmandah turned her personal pain into a powerful mission to help others heal through storytelling, music, and community. She shares her courageous journey of overcoming trauma,…

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The Harvest 17:30

2M ago17:30

17:30

Send us a text Have you ever found yourself stuck in that excruciating space between obedience and outcome, wondering if God has forgotten you? That painful waiting room is exactly what we're tackling in this soul-nourishing episode. The harvest is indeed coming, but growth requires patience. Drawing from personal experience, I share my family's ch…

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The Weeds We Leave Behind 12:04

2M ago12:04

12:04

Send us a text The garden of your life needs regular weeding - a truth that resonates deeply whether you're nurturing actual plants or cultivating personal growth. Drawing from my childhood experiences of weeding as punishment, I share powerful insights about identifying and removing the things that steal energy from what matters most. What's drain…

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Ep#160: The Business of Giving w/ Ben Erwin 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

In this episode, Rick interviews Ben Erwin, CEO of Charitybuzz. Ben shares how he's helped raise over $500 million for more than 5,000 charities—by transforming how people give. With a unique model that merges profit with purpose, Ben’s work unlocks creative, sustainable ways to fundraise while making generosity accessible and exciting. From celebr…

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Rooted and Rising 16:40

3M ago16:40

16:40

Send us a text Have you ever mistaken a good day for deep healing? That fleeting moment when everything seems better might just be a beautiful bloom—but what about the roots beneath? This week on Courageous Overcomers, we're digging deeper than last week's conversation about blooming where you're planted. We're examining what truly anchors us durin…

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Blooming in the Broken Places 17:59

3M ago17:59

17:59

Send us a text Have you ever wondered if anything beautiful could possibly grow from your broken places? The soil of past pain, addiction, betrayal, or heartbreak might seem too damaged to support new life—but that's exactly where the most resilient growth begins. Drawing from her family's annual gardening tradition, Tonya Shellnutt explores the pr…

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What do the Savannah Bananas and Courageous Overcomers have in common? 18:26

3M ago18:26

18:26

Send us a text What happens when childhood trauma becomes the foundation for revolutionary joy? The remarkable story of Jesse Cole and the Savannah Bananas offers powerful lessons about resilience that transcend the baseball diamond. Jesse Cole's journey from a broken home with an addicted mother to creating the baseball phenomenon that recently fi…

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Ep#159: Define and Design Success on Your Terms w/ Jennifer Soenen 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

In this episode of the I Spark Change Podcast, Rick interviews productivity and time management coach Jennifer Soan. Jennifer shares her powerful journey from people-pleasing and burnout to becoming a mindful leader who helps high achievers align their values with their calendars. Through boundary setting, energy awareness, and intentional living, …

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The Facade of Addiction 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

Send us a text What does addiction promise you, and what does it actually steal? This powerful question forms the foundation of our exploration into the deceptive facade of addiction. Numbing feels like safety, but silently robs us of the very things we desperately seek: peace, purpose, and authentic connection. Throughout this raw and honest conve…

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“The Counterfeit Comfort of Addiction”! 22:30

4M ago22:30

22:30

Send us a text What happens when the very thing that seems to bring us comfort is slowly destroying our lives? Today we're pulling back the curtain on a rarely discussed aspect of addiction—not the chaos it creates, but the counterfeit comfort it provides before taking everything else. Most addictive behaviors aren't primarily about chasing highs; …

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Ep#158: I Spark Change Through Reading 9:34

4M ago9:34

9:34

In this episode, Rick reflects on how reading—and writing—can be powerful catalysts for personal transformation. He opens up about the impact of writing his unpublished book 365 Ways I Love You, a deeply personal gift for his wife that taught him profound lessons in love, gratitude, and presence. Rick also shares how reading books like The Compound…

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Breaking the Chains of Addiction with guest Chris Janssen 31:05

4M ago31:05

31:05

Send us a text What happens when a high-achieving perfectionist discovers that alcohol simultaneously soothes and sabotages her life? Chris Janssen, USA Today bestselling author of "Grace Yourself," takes us on her remarkable journey from teenage drinking to sustained sobriety, an unexpected relapse, and ultimately, profound redemption. Janssen's s…

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Breaking the Chains of Addiction: A Husband's Journey to 34 Years of Sobriety 26:44

4M ago26:44

26:44

Send us a text What if your path to sobriety revealed something much deeper than freedom from addiction? Rich Shellnutt knows this journey intimately. With 34 years of sobriety under his belt, he sits down with his wife Tonya to unpack how alcohol gradually infiltrated his life, one drink at a time, and the profound awakening that followed his reco…

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Ep#157: From Small Acts to Big Impact w/ Masami Sato 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

In this episode, Rick interviews Masami Sato, founder and CEO of B1G1 (Buy1Give1), an award-winning global giving initiative that empowers businesses to create meaningful, everyday impact. A two-time TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and social entrepreneur, Masami shares her inspiring journey from a shy, world-traveling backpacker to a visionary l…

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Breaking Free: 30 Years Sober and Healing 21:25

4M ago21:25

21:25

Send us a text Freedom is possible—I'm living proof of it. After three decades of sobriety, I've discovered that the journey isn't simply about putting down the bottle. It's about confronting the pain we've been desperately trying to numb. My relationship with alcohol began as an escape route. I drank because I couldn't sit with my reality and pain…

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The Real Tonya: Behind the Podcast 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

Send us a text Ever wondered what makes a podcast host who regularly dives into trauma and healing tick when they're off-mic? This week, Courageous Overcomers takes a refreshing detour as Tonya Shellnutt pulls back the curtain on her personal life at the urging of her Producer and Children. Through rapid-fire questions and candid answers, Tonya rev…

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Ep#156: Reclaiming Time, Rewriting Success w/ Carina Groombridge 26:25

5M ago26:25

26:25

In this episode, Rick interviews Carina Groombridge, a business and mindset coach helping women break free from people-pleasing patterns, elevate their income, and reclaim time with their families. Carina shares how she went from earning $30K a year to consistent $10K+ months, all while raising three kids and leaving a stable engineering career to …

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Let Purpose Shape Your Story, Not Your Pain 15:13

5M ago15:13

15:13

Send us a text Your pain does not get the final say. Keep walking, keep believing, keep fighting." Too often, we let pain define us, but what if we let purposeshape our story instead? This episode will challenge you to move from victimhood to victory using the P.A.I.N. framework: 🔹 P – Process the Pain – Face it, don’t bury it. 🔹 A – Ask What the P…

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Hope Beyond the Walls 17:07

5M ago17:07

17:07

Send us a text In Hope Beyond the Walls, we dive deep into the hard stuff—trauma, fear, and pain—but we don’t stop there. This podcast is for those who refuse to let suffering have the final say. Through powerful stories, biblical truth, and practical steps, we uncover how hope becomes the bridge from pain to purpose. No matter how long you've felt…

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Ep#155: Building Confidence and Resilience w/ Geeta Sidhu Robb 21:16

5M ago21:16

21:16

In this episode, Rick interviews Geeta Sidhu-Robb, the founder of GSR Coaching and CEO of Nosh Detox, a transformational leader dedicated to empowering individuals, especially women, to build thriving businesses and successful personal lives. Geeta shares her extraordinary journey from overcoming homelessness as a single mother to becoming a five-t…

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A Journey Through Darkness to Hope: Jenita's Story 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

Send us a text In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Jenita Pace, who shares her journey through the shadows of depression into the light of healing and hope. After facing personal battles including two suicide attempts, Jenita’s life took a transformative turn, leading her to discover the power of faith, community, and…

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Overcoming Life's Challenges: A Journey of Faith and Transformation 31:23

6M ago31:23

31:23

Send us a text Rich returns to Courageous Overcomers to share his deeply personal journey of faith, marked by the profound loss of his grandfather. What happens when life's hardest moments challenge our beliefs and push us towards self-doubt? Learn how Rich confronted these trials, the impact of unanswered prayers, and the solace he sought in alcoh…

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Ep#154: I Spark Change Through Travel 6:52

6M ago6:52

6:52

In this episode of the podcast, Rick explores how travel can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. Reflecting on a recent trip to Sofia, Bulgaria, and London, UK, he shares how engaging with diverse cultures, embracing new experiences, and connecting with people on a human level can foster understanding, appreciation, and transformation. Thro…

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Breaking Down the Walls: Overcoming Barriers to Faith 30:46

6M ago30:46

30:46

Send us a text Many of us build emotional walls to protect ourselves from pain, disappointment, and betrayal—but those same walls can also keep us from experiencing faith, healing, and true freedom. In this episode of Courageous Overcomers, we’re talking about the barriers that keep people from fully trusting God. Tonya shares her personal struggle…

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Spiritual Strength in Overcoming 27:56

6M ago27:56

27:56

Send us a text This week on Courageous Overcomers, Tonya dives into the vital role of faith in overcoming addiction, abuse, and trauma. In recent episodes, she has explored resilience and shared the powerful stories of overcomers—each of them bound by one common thread: faith. Tonya introduces another brick-breaking tool in the healing journey: fai…

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Ep#153: Debunking Homelessness Myths w/ Lyndia Downie 43:42

6M ago43:42

43:42

In this powerful episode, Rick interviews Lyndia Downie, the President and Executive Director of Pine Street Inn, New England’s leading organization dedicated to ending homelessness. With nearly 40 years of experience, Lyndia has been at the forefront of innovative housing solutions, policy advocacy, and community-driven initiatives that transform …

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An Interview with Candy Wolff: Lost and Found in Mexico, A Widow's Road to Recovery 36:43

6M ago36:43

36:43

Send us a text Join us for a poignant episode featuring Candy Wolff, whose journey of resilience and healing is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Candy takes us through the emotional and tumultuous aftermath of losing her husband, Ross, during a trip to Cabo. Faced with unimaginable challenges, from dealing with local authorities to the shocking …

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Building resilience: The C.O.R.E Framework for Overcomers 17:29

6M ago17:29

17:29

Send us a text What if you could turn your greatest heartbreak into a source of strength and hope? Delve deep into the CORE framework, where I share personal stories about my daughters overcoming adversities like deafness and seizures, and how these challenges have shaped their formidable work ethic and self-advocacy. Discover how resilience isn’t …

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Ep#152: Maximizing Impact Through Technology w/ Christa Stelzmuller 39:00

6M ago39:00

39:00

In this impactful episode, Rick interviews Christa Stelzmuller, a passionate leader and changemaker at Charity Water. Christa shares her journey of leveraging technology, data, and leadership to address one of the world's most pressing issues: clean water access. Through her work, she has pioneered strategies to foster empathy, build connections, a…

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Finding Strength in Grief: A Journey of Faith and Resilience 30:26

7M ago30:26

30:26

Send us a text What if the pain you're experiencing could lead you to unimaginable strength and resilience? This episode of Courageous Overcomers brings you the raw, inspiring story of Dr. Betsy Guerra, a renowned psychologist and faith-based coach who faced the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Fofi. With us, she shares her deeply personal journ…

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Harnessing Optimism: Transforming Adversity into Growth and Resilience 19:54

7M ago19:54

19:54

Send us a text Ever wondered how a hopeful mindset can act as a catalyst for resilience in the face of adversity? Join me on Courageous Overcomers: Stories of Hope and Healing as we unravel this powerful connection through the lens of Helen Keller's extraordinary journey. By harnessing optimism, she overcame formidable challenges to achieve greatne…

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Ep#151: Unlocking Emotional Intelligence w/ Cathi Williams 31:39

7M ago31:39

31:39

In this episode, Rick interviews Cathi Williams, founder of Happy Healthy Leadership, who has dedicated over 20 years to empowering executives, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams. Cathi specializes in helping leaders overcome stress and overwhelm through actionable tools that foster resilience, confidence, and emotional intelligence. From her begi…

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Harnessing Emotional Resilience: Transforming Pain into Growth and Optimism 20:26

7M ago20:26

20:26

Send us a text Can emotional resilience be the key to transcending trauma and fostering healing? Join me, Tonya Shellnutt, as we explore this profound question by examining the courageous journey of facing fear, pain, and past tragedies. In this episode of Courageous Overcomer, we take a hard look at the underestimated power of resilience as a cata…

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Embracing Courage and Vulnerability: A Journey to Healing and Connection 23:08

7M ago23:08

23:08

Send us a text Ever wondered how courage can be the key to dismantling the emotional walls we build around ourselves? Discover how courage can lead you to vulnerability and strength in our latest episode of Courageous Overcomer Stories of Hope and Healing. Join me, Tonya Shellnutt, as I share my personal journey of overcoming barriers that once shi…

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Ep#150: Best of 2024 33:12

7M ago33:12

33:12

In this episode, Rick highlights the best moments from 2024, featuring incredible guests from diverse industries who are making a positive impact on the world. From courageous leaders to transformative stories of resilience, each guest shared inspiring insights on faith, gratitude, leadership, and sparking change through action. Rick reflects on th…

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Healing and Connection: Overcoming Emotional Walls and Fostering Trust 28:37

8M ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text What if the emotional walls you've built to protect yourself are the very barriers keeping you from true connection and healing? Join me, Tonya Shellnut, and my husband, Rich, as we dive into an honest discussion about the impact of past trauma and vulnerability fears on our marriage. Despite my initial fortress of emotional distance…

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Ep#149: I Spark Change Through Faith 10:23

8M ago10:23

10:23

In this episode, we explore how faith serves as a powerful catalyst for positive impact. Rick dives into faith's personal and universal meanings, sharing how it has shaped his journey and his approach to sparking change in the world. Reflecting on lessons from his upbringing, life experiences, and unwavering belief in a higher plan, Rick highlights…

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Breaking Emotional Barriers: A Journey to Healing and Authentic Connection 21:00

8M ago21:00

21:00

Send us a text What if the very walls you’ve built to protect yourself are the same ones keeping you from the love and connection you desire? Join me, Tonya Shellnutt, on this heartfelt episode of Courageous Overcomer, where I open up about my journey through trauma, abandonment, and addiction. Discover how these experiences led me to construct emo…

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Ep#148: Vulnerability, Confidence and Empowerment w/ Luly B. Carreras 34:45

8M ago34:45

34:45

In this episode, Rick interviews Luly B. Carreras, a dynamic Cuban-American entrepreneur with over 20 years of marketing, leadership, and business consulting expertise. Luly shares her journey from managing a thriving marketing agency to finding alignment and embracing her purpose as a business and life strategist. She discusses the power of authen…