CortneyJo welcomes back her dear friend Cat Samuel to share her inspiring journey of faith and identity. After achieving her dream of attending the University of Michigan with the Gates Millennium Scholarship, Cat’s life took unexpected turns through heartbreak, loss, and seasons of instability. A powerful encounter with God shifted her view from distant Creator to personal Lord, leading her to Missouri, then North Carolina, where true community and discipleship reshaped her faith. Today, Cat shares how moving from performance to surrender, embracing spiritual disciplines, and trusting God’s slow, steady work has transformed her life for His glory.

Show Highlights
(3:03) The early days of Cat’s faith and identity journey

(6:22) How Cat got everything she wanted, but then it all changed

(12:08) Going from seeing God as a distant creator to personal Lord

(19:43) Cat’s move to North Carolina following a stormy season of life

(22:31) Her stormy season of life continues

(30:39) The role that community played in Cat’s healing and growth

(36:46) What she would say to women who feel caught in performance

(44:01) What being a M.U.C.H. Woman means for Cat today

Links Referenced

• Celebration of Discipline: https://www.amazon.com/Celebration-Discipline-Path-Spiritual-Growth/dp/1596444541

CortneyJo takes the guest seat in this episode of the I Am M.U.C.H. Woman Podcast. With Cat Samuel stepping in as host, they explore CJ’s journey of faith, healing, and the origins of M.U.C.H. Woman Ministries. She reflects on past struggles, how Luke 12:48 shaped her path, and the transformation she’s experienced over the years. Through challenges, CortneyJo has deepened her faith, leaning on therapy, scripture, and personal growth. Now, she embraces her identity as a leader, mother, and ministry founder.

Show Highlights
(2:59) How the I Am M.U.C.H. Woman podcast came to life

(8:26) What life has looked like for CortneyJo on her three-year journey of healing and growth

(16:07) CortneyJo’s current views on relationships

(20:24) How CortneyJo’s relationship with the Lord has evolved over time

(25:12) How she’d answer the question “Who is CJ?” today

(28:37) Where the podcast is heading in the future

(33:27) What being a M.U.C.H. woman means for CortneyJo

On this episode of the I Am M.U.C.H. Woman, CortneyJo welcomes her therapist, Dr. Brian Humphreys on the show to discuss her journey and the importance of seeking out counseling. A clinical psychologist with 30+ years of experience, Brian shares his passion for grief therapy and supporting millennials. CortneyJo reflects on her personal growth, crediting Brian’s patient, supportive approach for helping her navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and faith. They discuss the importance of finding the right therapist, the M.U.C.H. Woman ethos, and how curiosity—not shame—drives transformation.

Show Highlights
(1:27) How Brian and CortneyJo met

(3:05) Why Dr. Brian Humphreys enjoys working with millennials

(7:12) Dr. Humphrey’s approach to psychologist

(11:31) How Brian was able to gently help CortneyJo course-correct

(16:46) Changes Dr. Brian Humphreys has seen in CortneyJo

(21:22) CortneyJo’s experience with a therapist before Dr. Humphreys

(26:02) What being a MUCH Woman means for Brian

(34:41) How the women in Dr. Brian Humphrey’s life embody the MUCH Woman

Links Referenced

• Romans 2:4 - “Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Romans%202%3A4
• Dr. Brian Humphrey’s appearance on
  Second Half Stewardship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x65GoNwNuaQ
• Dr. Brian Humphrey’s contact information https://www.christiancounselorsnetwork.com/counselor/4233/