A teenage pregnancy, childhood abuse, and years of shame could have defined Donna Tashjian's life. Instead, she turns those wounds into wisdom and reveals how forgiveness, identity, and hearing God clearly can completely change what comes next.Donna joins Richard Haynes to share the raw story behind her transformation from scared, traumatized teenager to international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister. This conversation goes far beyond inspiration - it's a practical and deeply personal look at what it takes to heal, rebuild self-worth, and live with purpose after life has taken so much from you.You'll discover:

• Why Donna calls painful experiences "gifts wrapped in sandpaper"
• How to separate God's voice from fear, shame, and your own inner criticism
• Why forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice of your will
• The "onion" process of healing, and why old wounds can resurface in layers
• How one nonprofit job loss became the turning point that launched Vibrant Living International

Donna also shares the simple but powerful practices that carried her through impossible seasons, including staying in the Word, finding the right support, and learning to stop arguing with the identity God speaks over her life. If you've ever felt stuck in your past, unsure of your calling, or tired of carrying what happened to you, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.Perfect for anyone who wants to heal from trauma, grow spiritually, or learn how to hear God with more clarity and confidence. Donna's story is proof that your hardest chapters do not get the final word.

Richard Haynes

hosts The Fill Up podcast and leads the conversation with thoughtful, pastoral questions that draw out Donna's story and the practical wisdom beneath it.

Donna Tashjian

is an international speaker, author, coach, and ordained minister known for helping people move from pain and shame into identity, healing, and purpose through faith-based coaching.

A child raised in the FLDS cult learns early that kindness from outsiders can be more powerful than fear, and that lesson changes everything. Shane Jessop tells the story of growing up in the Utah-Arizona border community known as Short Creek, the pressure of being taught not to question, and the moment he finally walked away at 23.Born into a world of control, secrecy, and severe consequences for doubt, Shane describes what it was like to grow up as the second oldest of 22 kids, working heavy equipment from an early age while living under the constant warning that asking the wrong question could cost you your family. He shares how simple encounters with "outsiders" cracked open a different view of people, truth, and himself.

You'll discover:

• What life inside the FLDS looked like day to day, from no TV and no internet to the fear of questioning leadership
• How Shane's work with his dad's excavating company gave him rare exposure to the outside world
• Why a stranger helping a child at a gas station became a defining memory
• The painful tension of being told you're "bad" while your own conscience says otherwise
• The chain of events that led to his final break from the community on April 6, 2011

Shane also shares the unforgettable story of Dorothy, a ranch owner whose unexpected kindness, honesty, and wisdom became a turning point at exactly the right time. What begins as a work trip in Nevada turns into a profound human connection, a tragedy, and the final nudge that confirms Shane can no longer stay where he is.This conversation is about more than escaping a cult. It's about the power of integrity, the cost of control, and how one act of kindness can alter the course of a life. If you're drawn to stories of resilience, faith, freedom, and the quiet moments that change everything, this episode will stay with you.Perfect for anyone who cares about overcoming adversity, cult recovery, faith deconstruction, or the surprising ways compassion can set people free.

Guest Credibility:

Shane Jessop is an entrepreneur and storyteller from Nashville, known for sharing his powerful firsthand experience growing up in and leaving the FLDS community. He is also working on a book that expands on the experiences he shares in this episode.

Unlock your potential with sales leadership insights! In this episode of The Fill Up Podcast, we dive deep with Melissa Whitaker, CEO of Melissa Whitaker International, as she shares her inspiring journey from childhood sales to becoming a leading authority in sales leadership and peak performance.

Key takeaways: Discover how Melissa's early experiences shaped her sales career. Learn about the importance of resilience and innovation in business. Understand the value of personal development and wellness in achieving success.

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:27 Meet Melissa Whitaker 00:59 Melissa's journey into sales 02:09 Early sales experiences 04:25 The importance of determination 06:44 Starting her first job at 10 09:02 Building a successful sales career 10:53 Transitioning to entrepreneurship 12:20 The leap of faith in starting her business 14:13 Overcoming challenges in business 19:29 The role of faith in her journey 28:21 Lessons learned from adversity 30:55 Adapting to change during COVID 35:30 Innovations in her business 41:02 Favorite personal development tools 44:04 Final thoughts on pursuing dreams

What's your biggest challenge with sales leadership? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for weekly insights on personal development and sales strategies!

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