Today, I'm chatting with Jessi Caldwell, my sister-in-law. Jessi wears many hats – she's a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a corporate learning executive.

At just 8 months old, Jessi's life took a profound turn as she found her forever home through adoption. At 16 the sudden loss of her mother reshaped the landscape of her world. But Jessi, being the resilient soul she is, pressed on.

In the chapters of her life that followed, Jessi tied the knot and welcomed three beautiful children into her life, including a nonverbal autistic son. Her story is a testament to the twists and turns life throws at us.

Join us as Jessi reflects on her self-identity through the lenses of being adopted, coping as a teenager with the loss of her mother, and the challenges of parenting a nonverbal autistic son. 

LINKS

• This Is My Story website: https://www.thisismystorypodcast.com/ 

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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismystorypodcast1 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismystory.podcast/ 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisMyStory_Pod 

Award-winning entertainer, Katie Deal has performed to sold out houses across the US and Canada. A proud Georgia-born artist, Katie is best known for her authentic country sound. She was the 2016 recipient of the Georgia Country Artist of the Year Award and is an honored member of the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

​As a recording artist and singer-songwriter, Katie has worked with top Nashville songwriters and artists. She has opened shows for country legends John Conlee, Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, B.J. Thomas, and Country Family Reunion. Katie was honored to perform with the late country icon, Loretta Lynn, and is also a frequent guest vocalist with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra. ​

As an actress, Katie has been featured in two major motion films and numerous commercials and touring productions. She has also produced her own theatrical concerts which have toured internationally. 

As amazing as Katie’s bio sound–and as talented as she is–Katie has struggled with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt her entire life. The events leading up to August 23, 2022–when she lost both her mom and her marriage within 24 hours of each other–have changed her. She credits therapy with saving her life many times and says “I believe with all my heart in sharing our struggles with each other, I choose publicly, so that others know they are not alone. We all fight internal battles. Why not bring them to light and fight them together?”

Join me as Katie recounts the 24 hours that changed her life, the events that led up to it, and the lessons she has learned in the year since. 

Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including domestic abuse and suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is advised. If you find these subjects distressing, we recommend skipping this episode or listening with caution. Remember, your well-being is important, and support is available. 

DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE:

https://www.thehotline.org/

800.799.SAFE (7233)

SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE:

https://988lifeline.org/

DIAL 988

KATIE’S LINKS:

Website: https://www.katiedeal.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/peachofadeal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peachofadeal/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieDealMusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdVuV51THCHonTRfaMVae9g?view_as=subscriber
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peachofadeal?lang=en
Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5744151/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 

LINKS

• This Is My Story website: https://www.thisismystorypodcast.com/ 

FOLLOW

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismystorypodcast1 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismystory.podcast/ 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisMyStory_Pod 

After years of dealing with her own dysfunctional relationship with food and exercise and being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, Cherry Hudnall–now a  Nutrition Coach and Fitness Trainer–knew that in order for her life to look different she was going to have to be willing to do something she had never done before. With God's help she started chasing after the strongest version of herself and her passion now is helping others do the same through her program, Chasing Strong™.

This episode is an inspiring call to embrace strength over size, resilience over restriction. Cherry is on a mission to guide others towards freedom from diets, empowerment after setbacks, and the decision to never surrender, no matter the challenges.

Join me for an authentic conversation about the power of patience, consistency, and the unwavering belief that it's never too late to start "Chasing Strong™." 

CHERRY’S LINKS

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherryhudnall/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cherry-Hudnall/100090647743498/?mibextid=LQQJ4d 

• Work with Cherry: https://linktr.ee/chasingstrong 

LINKS

• This Is My Story website: https://www.thisismystorypodcast.com/ 

FOLLOW

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisismystorypodcast1 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisismystory.podcast/ 

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisMyStory_Pod