This week we talk with author, Lauren Cibene about her new book and debut memoir, Tiger in a Lifeboat: Discovering India, Deconstructing Faith, and Deciding to Trust Again.

This story tracks Lauren's external journey through India as a backdrop to her internal journey through faith deconstruction, trauma healing, and relearning how to build trust in a broken world.

About Lauren:

Equal parts doubter and believer, Lauren Cibene explores the messy middle of faith, hope, and humanity through writing. Her work embraces life’s big questions with courage and candor, creating space for readers to find their own stories within hers.

By day, Lauren crafts marketing copy that converts; by night, she pens essays on Substack, where thoughtful conversations about faith, creativity, and resilience unfold.

Website: https://laurencibene.com

Enneagram Prompts:

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
How does your worldview help you understand how you cope with uncertainty or loss of trust?

Consider: What mental patterns or narratives does your type default to when your worldview is shaken?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
There is a tension between the life you’re living and the life you want. How does your Enneagram type experience and process this emotional tension?

What feelings arise when you’re caught between old beliefs and new possibilities?

Doing (Action & Application):
Relinquishing a false sense of control is a step toward healing and rebuilding trust. What is one practical way you can practice letting go of control this week—in relationships, faith, or self-expectations?

How might this small act open space for trust to grow?

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Learn about segmentation

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Welcome to today’s episode! We’re honored to have Jodi Rose Gonzales of Jodi Rose Studio and the irose podcast joining us for an inspiring conversation. Together, we’ll explore how the Hero’s Journey and neuroscience intersect to help us access our own inner wisdom and make powerful fresh starts in life. Jodi will share how our repeated thoughts create neural pathways, how art-based mindfulness can help us rewire our brains, and why the guidance we seek is most powerful when it comes from within. Whether you’re facing change or simply looking to deepen your self-acceptance, this episode will inspire you to see creativity as your compass home.

ABOUT JODI:

In a world hungry for wholeness, Jodi Rose Gonzales reminds us that creativity is our birthright, and healing is always possible. She's a self-described "girl in the woods" and fifth-generation homesteader, also recognized as a Top Artist, Empowered Woman, and Global Impact Artist by Marquis Who's Who in America and the International Association of Top Professionals. Through art therapy, mindful movement, and nature-based practices, Jodi weaves together visual art, therapeutic wisdom, and embodied wellness. Bringing a spirit that both grounds and elevates, Jodi proves that transformation isn't just possible—it's an art form.

Find out more on her site: https://www.jodirosestudio.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jodirose.studio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodirose.studio

Jodi's podcast: https://www.jodirosestudio.com/blog

Download free art prompts: https://www.jodirosestudio.com/free-art-prompts

This free pdf download offers an introduction to art-based mindfulness, and 30 free art prompt designed to help listeners break through creative block and establish a nourishing creative practice.

Enneagram Prompts: The Hero’s Journey Within

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
Reflect on a challenge or “call to adventure” you’ve experienced recently. What limiting belief or old narrative might you need to re-examine in order to cross your personal threshold?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
Notice what emotions come up as you consider leaving your comfort zone. Where do you feel excitement, fear, or hope as you imagine embracing a new path or beginning?

Doing (Action & Application):
What is one small, courageous step you can take this week to move forward on your Hero’s Journey? Find a creative resource (art, journaling, mindfulness practice) to help you listen to your inner wisdom and support your next step.

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re excited to sit down with Corinne Auman, founder of Choice Care Navigators and author of the groundbreaking book Keenagers: Telling A New Story About Aging. Corinne is a trailblazer in the field of aging, passionate about redefining how we see and experience older adulthood. She believes aging is not a period of decline, but an opportunity for growth, resilience, and renewed purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to plan for a meaningful future, challenge ageism, and discover fresh starts at any stage of life.

About Corinne:

Meet Corinne Auman, a trailblazer in the field of aging and founder of Choice Care Navigators, a company dedicated to helping families navigate the aging process. Corinne is dedicated to fostering personal growth, resilience, and authentic living at every age. With a background in psychology, Corinne's passion lies in reshaping how we perceive older adulthood, a vision she beautifully encapsulates in her groundbreaking book, "Keenagers."

"Keenagers," released in June 2023, challenges conventional notions of aging, emphasizing that 55-80 years old is an extended middle adulthood, not a decline. It's a guide to life planning, not just financial planning, addressing the crucial question of finding purpose and meaning in the post-retirement phase.

Corinne is on a mission to change the conversation around aging. In a culture where many avoid thinking about older adulthood until the last minute, she urges us to embrace aging in a positive light. Corinne's success is not only in authoring "Keenagers" but also in running a thriving company that addresses critical pain points in care management. Her goals align with her book's message – to discuss ageism, changing perspectives, and bringing attention to the topic.

Find Corinne’s book, Keenagers, here: https://amzn.to/3Y6bmqP

Keenagers: Telling a New Story about Aging.

Her website: Corinne Auman's Website

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

Enneagram Prompts: Healthy Aging and New Stories

Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
What belief or stereotype about aging have you accepted without question? How might learning more about true aging challenge and expand your perspective?

Feeling (Emotional Connection):
When you imagine yourself or loved ones growing older, what emotions come up? How can you foster a sense of curiosity and possibility around the aging process?

Doing (Action & Application):
What’s one lifestyle choice or daily practice you can start today to support healthy aging for yourself or someone you care about? Seek out a conversation, book, or activity that reframes aging in a positive light.

Podcast Outro

Thank you for joining us and Corinne Auman in today’s inspiring conversation about embracing aging with positivity and intention. We hope you’re encouraged to see aging as an extended opportunity for personal growth, connection, and thriving. Remember, the story you tell yourself about aging can shape your journey—so choose to make it a courageous, authentic, and uplifting one. Stay curious, keep growing, and celebrate every chapter of your life.

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

In Episode Seven, Marcia and Stacey discuss some of their favorites moments from the podcast so far, as well as how they both have changed their approach to celebrating Easter and how they find the Enneagram helpful these days.

Here are short recaps for Episodes 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Fresh Start Podcast with Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, based on the content you provided:

Episode 3: Making a Fresh Start as an Activist — V.L. Cox

Renowned artist and activist V.L. Cox joins the podcast to share her journey at the intersection of art and activism. We hear about her impactful "End Hate" project and her fight for human rights and equality, as well as strategies for anyone wanting to take bold steps toward change in today’s complex social landscape.

Episode 4: Faith, Family, and the Power of Redefinition — Staci Frenes

Singer/songwriter, author, and advocate Staci Frenes offers an honest look at embracing her daughter’s LGBTQ+ identity while redefining her Christian faith. This heartfelt episode explores acceptance, authenticity, and the courage to re-examine deeply held beliefs, showing how beauty and grace can be found in every chapter of life. Staci’s story and her gift for storytelling will resonate with anyone on a journey of love and spiritual growth.

Episode 5: Reinventing Success and Following Your Passion — James Casto

James Casto shares his remarkable transformation from corporate leader to respected songwriter and founder of the acclaimed HOME BY DARK concert series.

Episode 6: Saying Yes to Change at Any Age — Angela Litwiler

Angela Litwiler, a self-described former "change avoider," explains how she became a “change adorer” through life and career transitions, international moves, and ongoing learning—proving it’s never too late for a fresh start. Her story is an inspiring reminder that with openness and courage, we can embrace new possibilities at any stage of life and in any location.

Season Highlights Recap:
This season celebrates voices who embrace fresh starts in activism, faith, creativity, and personal reinvention. Each episode offers stories and wisdom to inspire listeners to courageously face change, redefine their journey, and write the next chapter with purpose and hope.

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Learn about segmentation

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Have you talked yourself out of making a career change? Have you second-guessed whether you should go back to school later in your life? Our guest for this episode, Angela Litwiler, will always tell you, “Just do it!” Angela, a self-proclaimed change avoider became a change adorer. Over the course of her life she has lived in multiple countries, pursued career transitions, completed a masters program, and is open to even more possibilities ahead. In our conversation she brings a fresh perspective to making fresh starts in life, location, career, and more.

Find Angela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-litwiler/

Enneagram prompts from Stacey:

"What's one area of knowledge you'd like to expand? How can you start learning about it today?"

• Thinking (Intellectual Exploration): Identify gaps in your knowledge and areas of interest
• Feeling (Emotional Connection): Connect with your curiosity and passion for learning
• Doing (Action & Application):Find and engage with a resource (book, course, video) on the topic

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Join us for an inspiring conversation with James Casto, a man who embodies the spirit of fresh starts. From corporate success to musical passion, James's journey is a testament to the power of following one's heart. After earning his MBA and building a thriving business, James made a life-altering decision in the wake of 9/11 to pursue his true calling in music. Now a respected figure in the Nashville music scene, James has written for notable artists and founded HOME BY DARK, a unique concert series that celebrates the transformative power of music.

Since 2007, HOME BY DARK has captivated audiences with one of the most powerful and unique concert events in America. Inviting the best songwriters and musicians in the world to its stage, HOME BY DARK is a Nashville meets New York meets L.A. meets Atlanta, storytelling, romantic, pierce your heart, laugh til it hurts, reminds me of momma, dance in the aisle, that's my favorite song, evening you'll never forget.

Each show weaves stories, humor, improvisation and magical performances that truly happen once in a lifetime and are unique to each audience. James notes, “Our goal each night at HOME BY DARK is to reach your heart, make you feel something, and prove that a song can change your life.”

Tune in as we explore James's remarkable transition and the lessons he's learned about reinvention, courage, and the impact of following your dreams.

Marcia mentions Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado. In it, Lucado offers tools explore our strengths and how to put them to action in order to live in your “sweet spot.” Find it here: https://a.co/d/7sPIJll

For more information about James and Home by Dark: https://www.homebydark.com/jamescasto

Follow James on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rqviMHi2pLsydj6f07Mxl

Enneagram prompts from Stacey:

• Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
  
  • As you consider your fresh start, Reflect on a moment in your life when you made another significant change. What factors were holding you back, and how did you overcome them? Is there an opportunity for change in your life right now? What are you thinking of doing next? How will you balance preparation and leave room for
• Feeling (Emotional Connection):
  
  • Imagine the mix of excitement and fear you might feel as you make a major life change. What's your biggest fear about change? How can you use that fear as motivation?
• Doing (Action & Application):
  
  • This week, take one small step towards a dream or passion you've been putting off. It could be as simple as researching a new skill or reaching out to someone in a field you're interested in. What's one tiny action you can take today? How will you hold yourself accountable?

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

Looking for a dose of hope and inspiration? This week, we're honored to host Staci Frenes, singer/songwriter, author, and passionate advocate for love and acceptance. Staci bravely shares her evolving understanding of faith and family as she embraced her daughter's LGBTQ+ identity, and how this journey impacted her role as a Christian worship leader. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of love, authenticity, and evolving faith. It's a conversation about acceptance and the courage to re-examine deeply held beliefs. Staci's authenticity and gift for storytelling will resonate with your heart and soul.

Tune in and discover how to find beauty and grace in every chapter of your life.

“I either had to redefine the way I understood my faith, or the nature of my relationship with my child would have to change.”

For more information about Staci: https://www.stacifrenes.com

Purchase her book, “Love Makes Room

And Other Things I Learned When My Daughter Came Out”

https://www.broadleafbooks.com/store/product/9781506468631/Love-Makes-Room

Staci's episode on the GAMG Podcast here.

Enneagram prompts from Stacey:

• Thinking (Intellectual Exploration):
  
  • What core beliefs, religious or otherwise, have you held onto without truly questioning why you believe them? What new information or experiences might challenge those beliefs? Are you willing to look into those challenges?
• Feeling (Emotional Connection):
  
  • How would you describe the feeling of letting go of the safety and comfort of old beliefs? What fears or anxieties surface when considering a different perspective? What does it feel like when your beliefs are challenged?
• Doing (Action & Application):
  
  • What's one small step you can take this week to actively explore a new perspective on a belief you currently hold? Where can you go to find some of that new information? Could you have a respectful conversation with someone who holds differing views, read a book, or listen to a podcast episode exploring alternative viewpoints?

The Fresh Start Podcast: When you know it’s time to be curious, think differently, and hit reset!

Hosted by Marcia Ramirez and Stacey Wynn, MDIV, PCC

https://www.thefreshstartpodcast.com

Marcia Ramirez is a singer/songwriter, author and non-profit director. To learn more about Marcia Ramirez: https://linktr.ee/marciaramirez

Stacey Wynn is a professional certified coach, speaker and author. To learn more about Stacey and to connect for iEQ9/enneagram coaching: https://linktr.ee/clarityunleashed

Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe, and share.

Our podcast is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org

In this episode of Fresh Start, we sit down with V.L. Cox, a renowned artist and activist. In addition to learning about the intersection of her art and activism, we discuss how individuals can make their own fresh start as activists. We hear some of her impactful conversations from her past and explore strategies for developing the skills now that we need to be present in our world in ways that effect change in what is an even more complex social landscape.

ABOUT V.L. COX

Cox was born in 1962 in Shreveport Louisiana and raised in Arkansas. She acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Henderson State University in 1991.

Cox is a professional artist of 30 years whose work has been highly active in projects that involve Human Rights and Equality. In 2015 she launched her National ‘End Hate’ project, an anti-discrimination series based on segregation era doors in response to HB1228, a dangerous Religious Freedom Bill in Arkansas. The doors were placed twice on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol then twice at the base of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The response was overwhelming. Images of the door installation went viral and were seen on Yahoo News, USA Today, in numerous newspapers across the country and as far away as India and South Korea.

In 2020, Cox was one of twenty artists in the nation to be featured in "Ministry of Truth: 1984/2020,” a New York City billboard project which made the New York Times “Most Important Moments in Art in 2020” list. Her work has opened at prominent locations such as The LGBT Center in New York, NY, The Virginia Longwood Center for the Visual Arts Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Alabama , The National Memorial for Peace and Justice opening, the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia and the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, Arkansas to commemorate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Elaine Massacre. In 2023 Cox was awarded a Distinguished Alumni Award from Henderson State University and in 2024 was one of 120 artists selected nationwide for the exhibition ‘Into Action 2024’ sponsored by Taskforce, promoting change and the power of voting during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Cox currently lives in the Artists District in Peekskill, New York.

You can connect with V.L. on her website: https://www.vlcox.com/ and on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlcoxart

Stacey took us on a different thought prompt today that you’ll hear at the end of the podcast. So the prompt below is extra credit!

"How can I engage in social justice work when I feel overwhelmed by uncertainty?"

• Thinking: Identify a cause that deeply resonates with me and research credible sources to better understand its complexities.
• Feeling: Acknowledge the full spectrum of emotions I experience when confronting social injustices, from frustration to hope, and use these feelings as motivation rather than obstacles.
• Doing: Commit to one tangible action this week, no matter how small, that contributes to my chosen cause - whether it's signing a petition, attending a local meeting, or having a meaningful conversation with a friend about the issue.

This episode is sponsored by God and My Girlfriends, a women's non-profit which helps women nurture the three most important relationships in their lives: God, friends, and self. For more information on God and My Girlfriends, go to: www.godandmygirlfriendsministries.org