I am so excited for today’s episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast because this is Part 3 and the FINAL episode in our 3-part series all about Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries—and I truly could not think of a better way to wrap this series up.

Today, I’m sitting down with Riley Beeson—who plays Esther in the series. And you guys… her heart, her joy, and her faith are just something special.

I first met Riley on set while filming Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries (yes, as an extra!), and getting to watch her not only act, but also learn every single part of the filmmaking process was so inspiring. She wasn’t just there to perform—she was there to grow, to learn, and to fully step into what God is calling her to.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Riley got started in acting and discovered her passion
• Working alongside her mom (who also stars in the series!)
• Her brand new book Letters to Heaven—written at just 16 years old
• How God carried her through the writing process (with no writer’s block!)
• Why learning behind the camera matters just as much as being in front of it
• Her desire to one day direct, film, and continue creating meaningful stories
• Staying grounded in faith at a young age in today’s world

One of my favorite moments from this episode is when Riley shares this powerful truth:

“Rejection is God’s protection.”

And honestly… that will preach.

We also talk about what it looked like filming in Sugarcreek Ohio, the unforgettable moments on set, and how this project has impacted so many people already.

And you can see that joy all over her life. It’s contagious.

Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries is now available on UP Faith & Family and airing on UpTV—so if you haven’t watched it yet, now is your time!

This series has been so special to me—not just because I got to be part of it, but because of the people, the stories, and the way God is using it to reach hearts.

Thank you for being part of this journey through all three episodes.

Enjoy today’s episode!

Bio:

Riley Beeson is an American actress recognized for her standout performance as Esther Miller in Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. She began her career with My Florida Home, followed by impactful roles in the independent films Hope and Migrants, where she demonstrated a strong emotional range and on-screen presence. Riley expanded her portfolio with the dark comedy horror short Totally Normal Day as a Parent, further highlighting her versatility across genres. Known for her professionalism, dedication, and ability to bring authenticity to every role, Riley continues to establish herself as a promising talent in the film and television industry.

Anchor Verse:

Proverbs 17:22

Connect with Riley:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/riley._.beeson/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey guys, welcome back to the Anchored by the Sword Podcast!

I am so excited for today’s episode because this is Part 2 of our 3-part series all about the brand new TV series, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries—and you guys, this one is so special.

Today, I’m sitting down with Denise Gossett, who plays Naomi in the series—and not only that, her real-life daughter plays Esther. How incredible is that?!

And if you’ve been following along, you already alongside this cast and crew and build real relationships on set was something I’ll never forget.

In this episode, Denise shares her story—from being a young girl who knew she wanted to act, to stepping into a full career in film and television… and ultimately trusting God in one of the biggest leaps of her life.

We talk about:

• ​Her journey into acting (and how “being naïve” actually helped her step into her calling)
• ​Working alongside her daughter in the series as a real-life mother/daughter duo
• ​What it looked like to leave LA, trust God, and still see Him provide more than expected
• ​The struggle of control vs. surrender—and why worry and faith can’t coexist
• ​How she stays anchored (including her love for opening the Bible and letting God speak in the moment)
• ​🎬 Behind-the-scenes stories from filming in the beautiful Sugarcreek Ohio area
• ​😂 Funny on-set moments (including Amish outfits… and SUVs 👀)

We also dive into the heart behind the series itself—how it’s like Little House on the Prairie meets Nancy Drew, with faith woven in gently and beautifully. It’s the kind of storytelling that brings families together and reminds us of the simplicity and peace we often miss.

And honestly… this conversation hit home in so many ways.If you’ve ever struggled with control, worry, or wondering if you can really trust God with the unknown—this episode is for you.

📺 The series is coming to UPTV this week and the 2nd episode will be on UP Faith and Family—so make sure you watch the movie first and then dive into the episodes!

Don’t forget—this is Part 2 of the series, and Part 3 is coming next!

Enjoy today’s episode!

Bio:

Denise Gossett is an actress known for her roles with Tom Hiddleston in the movie "I Saw the Light", the Mel Gibson feature film "Get The Gringo" and the Morris Chestnut movie "When the Bough Breaks". She also guested on TV shows "The Office", "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and most recently in "Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries.” She recently shot a Hallmark Christmas movie "A Christmas Drawn Together" and a Lifetime movie "The Secret of Sara".

Anchor Verses:

Philippians 4:13

Matthew 17:20

Connect with Denise:

IMDB: http://www.imdb.me/denisegossett

FB: https://www.facebook.com/denise.gossett

IG: https://www.instagram.com/denisegossett1/

Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries IG: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcreekamishmysteries/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey friends,

This week’s reshare is a really personal one.

This isn’t just another conversation…

This is one of those episodes where I opened up and shared part of my story — alongside my friend, Grace Klein — about something that so many women walk through quietly:

Infertility.

In this episode, we talk about:

• ​ The reality of walking through infertility and unanswered prayers
• ​ The emotions that come with it — grief, confusion, frustration, and hope all at the same time
• ​ What it looks like to trust God when the timeline doesn’t make sense
• ​ Wrestling with expectations vs. surrender
• ​ How God meets us in the middle of the waiting — not just in the outcome

This conversation is honest. It’s tender. And it’s filled with the kind of hope that only comes from God.

Because infertility isn’t just a physical journey…

It’s a heart journey.

And if you’ve ever:

• ​ wondered why your prayer hasn’t been answered yet
• ​ felt forgotten in your waiting
• ​ or struggled to trust God with something so deeply personal

You are not alone.

One of the biggest reminders from this episode is this:

-God is still good — even in the waiting

-Your story is not overlooked

-And He is still working, even when you can’t see it yet

Friend, whether you’re walking through infertility, waiting on something you’ve been praying for, or carrying silent grief…

This episode is for you.

Take a listen (or a re-listen) and let this be a reminder:

God is near, even here.

Anchor Verses:

Exodus 1: 8-21

Luke 2: 36-38

Connect with Gina:

Website: https://www.anchoredbythesword.org

Amazon Book Link: https://a.co/d/0atOF1ZX

IG: https://www.instagram.com/anchoredbytheswordpodcast

FB: https://www.facebook.com/gina.fox.2010

LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/anchoredbythesword

Connect with Grace:

Website: https://www.gracewabukeklein.com

IG: https://instagram.com/gracewabukeklein

Order Flourish: Flourish: Finding Purpose in the Unknown and Unexpected Seasons of Life

Episode 131: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anchoredbythesword/episodes/Grace-Wabuke-Kleins-Freedom-Story-e27ag88

***We love hearing from our listeners! Sharing your thoughts through reviews is a fantastic way to be a part of our podcast family and contribute to the conversation. If you've enjoyed our podcast, leaving a review is quick and easy! Just head to Apple podcasts or wherever you are tuning in and share your thoughts. Your feedback makes a big difference!***

Hey guys, welcome to this episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast!

I am so excited about today’s episode because we are kicking off something really special—this is Part 1 of a 3-part series all about the brand new television series, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries! And you guys… this one is extra close to my heart because I actually got to be involved in it, and I loved every second of it.

This beautiful new series is coming to UP Faith & Family, with premiere dates starting April 16 and continuing April 21—and trust me, you are going to want to tune in.

In today’s episode, I sit down with the producer, Chevonne O’Shaughnessy, to talk about all things Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries—from how she got started in the film industry to the powerful moment that completely shifted her focus toward creating faith-filled, family-friendly content.

We dive into:

•Her journey from producing action films to faith-based storytelling

•A personal story involving her daughter that changed everything

•The heart behind creating movies families can watch together

•Why the Sugarcreek, Ohio area is so special (and why it feels like peace the moment you arrive)

•How the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries books started as first a movie and now a TV series

•Staying grounded in faith when things feel uncertain (including a wild behind-the-scenes moment where the entire series almost didn’t happen!)

• Practical wisdom for anyone pursuing creative dreams—especially in media

We also talk about the first movie, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise, which pulled from the first two books in the series—and how it has stayed in the Top 10 on UP Faith & Family for months. 🙌

This conversation is such a reminder that:

Sometimes God is writing a bigger story behind the scenes—even when things feel uncertain, delayed, or completely out of our control.

And if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start—this episode is going to encourage you to just get up and take that next step.

✨ This is just the beginning, friends—make sure you come back for Parts 2 and 3 of this series!

🎧 Enjoy today’s episode!

Bio:

Chevonne O’Shaughnessy is more than a filmmaker — she’s on a mission to uplift hearts, strengthen families, and bring back good old-fashioned moral values (with a side of popcorn). A three-time founder, brand builder, and producer, she’s spent decades creating stories that inspire, entertain, and remind audiences that goodness still sells.

Chevonne began on Universal Studios’ backlot in Orlando, producing six to eight movies a year as an independent distributor. Later, at PM Entertainment, she helped sell 12 action films annually for nearly a decade — 108 movies total — to networks like SYFY, HBO, and USA.

A born trailblazer, she went on to found three companies dedicated to clean, uplifting entertainment, distributing more than 500 feature films worldwide and selling to Hallmark, UPTV, and other major networks.

Today, Chevonne leads American Cinema Inspires, producing family-friendly films and the hit series Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. She also runs ACI On The Go, a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers and 325 million views worldwide.

A mentor and advocate for women in film, Chevonne continues to prove that when you mix values with vision (and a dash of caffeine), you can inspire millions.

Connect with Chevonne:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/chevonneinspires/

American Cinema Inspires: https://americancinemainspires.com/

Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries IG: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcreekamishmysteries/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey friends,

On today’s episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Ben Espinoza, pastor, author, husband, and dad, to talk about his brand new book:

📖 Good News About Self-Care: How Nurturing Your Soul, Your Self, and Your Sanity Honors God

And let’s be honest… “self-care” is one of those phrases that gets thrown around a lot.

For some people it means bubble baths, manicures, and getting away for the weekend.

And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things, this conversation goes so much deeper.

Ben shares his own story of hitting a wall during the pandemic while juggling a major job transition, family responsibilities, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, and the weight of everything happening in the world at the time. What started as physical symptoms eventually led him to realize something important:

He didn’t really know how to care for himself in a healthy, God-honoring way.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How stress can show up physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually

• Why so many of us have learned how to achieve, but not how to steward ourselves

• What self-care looks like from a Biblical perspective

• Why caring for yourself is not selfish

• The importance of Sabbath, solitude, rest, play, and healthy relationships

• Why God has given us tools like therapy, counseling, community, and medication when needed

• How putting God first realigns everything else

• Why true self-care starts with our relationship with the Lord

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is this:

If we are made in the image of God, then caring for ourselves well is part of honoring the God who made us.

Ben does such a great job reminding us that biblical self-care is not just about escaping life for a minute. It’s about learning how to live in a healthy rhythm with God, with ourselves, with other people, and with the world around us.

We also talk about how easy it is to get caught in hustle mode, productivity mode, and survival mode—and how quickly everything feels off when God is no longer at the center.

This is such an important conversation, especially for those of us who are used to taking care of everyone else while quietly running ourselves into the ground.

Friend, rest is not weakness.
Healing is not failure.
And taking care of yourself is not selfish when it is done God’s way.

Bio:

Benjamin D. Espinoza is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders for the church and society. He currently serves as lead pastor of Avon Wesleyan Church in Avon, New York and previously served in a number of executive-level roles at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York. An ordained Wesleyan minister, Ben regularly consults with leaders and organizations in the areas of diversity and belonging, organizational structure, and management.

Espinoza is married to Hannah, who is much smarter than he, and they are the proud parents of two small but energetic boys.

Anchor Verse:

Acts 20:24

Connect with Ben:

Website: https://benespinoza.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Benjamin D. Espinoza: books, biography, latest update

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey friends,

On today’s episode of the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by my new friend Hannah Castiaux, I had the chance to be on her podcast, and now she’s here on mine — and this conversation was such a good one.

We talked about her book Intentionally Designed: Ditching the Lies and Labels and Living Free in Christ, but we also went deeper into the freedom story behind it all.

Hannah shares about growing up in a Christian home, but really coming to know Jesus in a deeper way as she got older. She also opens up about how one comment made on a playground when she was a little girl started a cycle of insecurity, people pleasing, striving, and believing lies about herself.

And honestly? So many women are going to relate to that.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How words spoken over us can shape the way we see ourselves

• The struggle of people pleasing and always trying to earn approval

• Why so many women know they’re a child of God, but don’t actually live like it

• The freedom that comes from understanding who God says you are

• The importance of going back to the root and asking, “Who told you that?”

• Why identity in Christ is deeper than your title, your platform, your role, or your accomplishments

• How comparison, perfectionism, and performance can quietly keep us bound

• The beauty of going back to Genesis and seeing how God originally designed us

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is this:

Your identity is not in what you do.

It is not in what people call you.

It is not in your titles or your achievements.

Your identity is rooted in being a daughter of God.

Hannah also talks about how easy it is to become a “well-oiled machine” in life and ministry — always doing, always moving, always helping — and how God gently reminds us that before we are workers, leaders, wives, moms, authors, or podcasters… we are His.

We also touched on the story of Esther, the importance of cultivation, and how obedience matters more than comparison.

This episode is for the woman who is tired of trying to prove herself.

The woman who has believed lies for too long.

The woman who is ready to walk in freedom and finally live like she belongs to God.

Bio:

Hannah Castiaux is a follower of Jesus, author, speaker, and podcaster who is passionate about helping women break free from lies, labels, and shame so they can walk in true freedom and live the life God intentionally designed for them.

Through her writing, teaching, and the God's Glory in Your Story podcast, Hannah encourages women to return to what's already true about who they are in Christ-rooted in identity, purpose, and grace. Her heart is to create spaces where women feel seen, known, and invited into deeper relationship with God. Hannah and her husband live in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, where they are actively involved in ministry and are passionate about building the Kingdom of God.

Anchor Verses:

2 Corinthians 12:9

Connect with Hannah:

Website: https://godsgloryinyourstory.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/godsgloryinyourstory

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.castiaux/

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey friends,

I am so excited about today’s episode.

I got to sit down with Kirby Kelly—author, podcaster, and someone whose heart for Jesus and people just shines through everything she does.

She has a brand new book coming out next week called: The Fabric of Hope: How God Weaves Redemption Into Every Season.

And let me tell you… this conversation is powerful.

Not only is she releasing a book, but she’s also about to become a mom—so we talked about what it looks like to walk through two “births” at the same time… one in ministry and one in real life.

Kirby shares her story so openly—growing up in a home marked by addiction, loss, grief, and questions for God.

And if you’ve ever asked:

“God, where are You in this?”
“How could anything good come from this?”

You are not alone.

In this episode, we talk about:

-Walking through trauma, loss, and unanswered prayers

-What it looks like to trust God when life doesn’t make sense

-The difference between wishful thinking and real, biblical hope

-How God doesn’t just redeem at the end—but in the middle

-Grieving and rejoicing at the same time

-What it looks like to hold both pain and joy in one season

One of the most powerful truths from this episode:

God doesn’t waste anything. Not your pain. Not your story. Not your questions.

Kirby shares how even though her story didn’t wrap up in a perfect bow, she has still seen God’s redemption woven through every season—including now, as she prepares to welcome her daughter while grieving the loss of her mom.

Friend, if you are in a hard season right now…

If you’re wondering where God is…

If you’re holding grief and hope at the same time…

This episode is for you.

Listen now and be reminded:

Even when life feels messy…
God is still weaving something beautiful.

Bio:

Kirby Kelly is a speaker, author, podcast host, and content creator based in Dallas, Texas, who has spent over a decade using digital platforms to equip, empower, and engage a global audience with the truth of the Gospel. With a B.A. in Communication and Biblical Studies from Dallas Baptist University and an M.A. in Theology, Kirby has built a ministry that blends theological depth with cultural relevance. Her online presence spans Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and her podcast Bought + Beloved, where she helps listeners and viewers deepen their love for God and knowledge of the Word. Kirby has authored two books with W Publishing: You Can Be Free and The Fabric of Hope. From everyday evangelism to her online uploads, Kirby hopes to see this generation live saved, set free, and sent forth in their unique God-given calling.

Anchor Verses:

Romans 15:13

James 4:15

Connect with Kirby:

Website: https://kirby-kelly.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirbyisaboss

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kirbyisaboss

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kirbyisaboss

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Hey friends!

On today’s episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Jen Oshman—author, wife, mom, Bible teacher, and the author of the new Bible study Very Good: What the Bible Says About Being a Woman, which releases Wednesday, April 1.

This conversation is such an important one.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about being a woman, your place in the Church, your worth, your gifts, or what God actually says about women in Scripture, this episode is for you.

Jen shares her powerful story of coming to faith, walking through a complicated upbringing, and learning what it means to fully surrender her life to the Lord. We also talk about her years serving overseas, raising daughters across different cultures, and what led her to create this Bible study that walks women through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Jen’s personal faith journey and how God met her in broken places
• The freedom that comes from realizing “you are not your own”
• Why Genesis matters when talking about women and their role
• How culture has shaped the conversation around women
• Why so many women feel unseen in the Church
• The beauty of women being created as intentional, valuable, God-designed image bearers
• Why the truth that women are “very good” matters now more than ever

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is the reminder that women were never an afterthought in God’s design. We were created with purpose, value, strength, and dignity—and that truth should shape how we live, serve, and walk in the world.

Jen also shares why this conversation matters deeply in the Church right now, especially in a culture that keeps distorting identity and confusing what God has made clear.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, sidelined, or unsure of where you fit, I hope this episode reminds you of this one powerful truth:

God made you on purpose, and He calls what He made very good.

Bio:

Jen Oshman is an author, speaker, church planter’s wife and mom of four daughters. She has served as a missionary and church planter for over two decades on three continents. She currently resides in Colorado, where she is the director of women’s ministry at Redemption Parker, which her family planted eight years ago. Jen’s book titles include Enough About Me, It’s Good to Be a Girl, Cultural Counterfeits and Welcome.

Anchor Verse:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Connect with Jen:

Website: https://www.jenoshman.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jenoshman/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.owenoshman

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***