LATEST EMERGE STRONGER EPISODES
Your Journey Starts Here
Ep. 15 Letting Go of Control: Finding Freedom in Acceptance with Adele Bester
In this powerful episode of Emerge Stronger, Melody sits down with Adele Buster for a deeply honest conversation about the struggle with control—how it forms, how it damages relationships, and how healing begins. Adele vulnerably shares her personal journey of realizing just how controlling she had become, how fear was at the root of it all, and the moment everything began to change.
Together, they unpack the difference between influence and control, the freedom that comes with surrender, and how learning to accept others (and ourselves) can open the door to genuine love and connection.
Whether you're a recovering control freak, raised by one, or loving someone who struggles with it, this episode offers practical tools, spiritual insight, and real hope for change.
Ep. 14 Boundaries, Not Blocklists: The Truth About Cutting People Out
In this honest and deeply personal episode of Emerge Stronger, all four hosts: Sonia, Erin, Melody, and Priscilla—come together for a raw conversation about something many of us have considered: cutting people out of our lives.
Is it ever the right move? How do you know when to set boundaries versus when to walk away? And what does healing, forgiveness, and emotional maturity really look like in relationships?
Together, the hosts share stories of family tension, painful triggers, hard conversations, and the generational patterns they've had to break. They also explore the difference between protecting your peace and avoiding growth, and why reconciliation, when safe and possible, can lead to deeper, more meaningful connection.
If you've ever been hurt, tempted to shut someone out, or unsure how to move forward with someone in your life, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and practical wisdom for navigating it all.
Ep. 13 Embracing the Transition to Adult Children and Empty Nesting with Rhonda Velez
EMERGE STRONGER PARENTING SERIES -
In this episode of Emerge Stronger, I sit down with Rhonda Velez, a coach who specializes in helping women find their calling and purpose through their stories. We dive into the challenging yet rewarding transition of parenting adult children and the dynamics of becoming empty nesters.
Rhonda shares insights on respecting boundaries with your grown kids, offering them guidance without overstepping, and the emotional shifts that come with having adult children who are no longer under your roof. We also explore how this transition impacts marriages and how couples can reconnect during this new season of life. Rhonda’s heartfelt experiences and wisdom provide invaluable advice for parents and couples alike.
Ep. 12 Parenting with Purpose: Coaching Your Adolescent to Adulthood with Dr. Karmen Payne
EMERGE STRONGER PARENTING SERIES -
In this episode of Emerge Stronger, host Melody and co-host Karmen sit down with Dr. Karmen Payne, a faith-based mental health specialist, clinical chaplain, and educator, to explore how parents can coach their adolescents through life’s transitions. Drawing from her extensive experience working in mental health, prisons, and rehabilitation centers, as well as her own personal journey as a mother and grandmother, Dr. Payne shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, fostering resilience, and parenting with wisdom, without giving in to guilt or emotional manipulation.
If you're seeking biblically rooted, trauma-informed wisdom to navigate the challenges of parenting adolescents, this episode is for you.
Ep. 11 Parenting a Neurodivergent Child: Understanding, Advocating, and Thriving
EMERGE STRONGER PARENTING SERIES - Raising a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges, but it also brings incredible growth, learning, and connection. In this episode of Emerge Stronger, Sonia Thalman sits down with Melissa Long, a coach with It’s Not Over, a school nurse, a wife, and a mother of four, including a neurodivergent child. Melissa shares her deeply personal journey, from recognizing early signs of ADHD in her son to navigating the medical system, advocating for his needs, and shifting her parenting approach. She opens up about the misconceptions surrounding neurodivergence, the importance of understanding your child’s perspective, and how parents can create a supportive and empowering environment.
If you're a parent navigating similar struggles, or simply want to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals in your community, this conversation is filled with insights, encouragement, and practical advice.
Ep. 10 Raising Kids on Solid Ground: A Biblical Approach to Parenting
EMERGE STRONGER PARENTING SERIES - In this episode of Emerge Stronger, we welcome Heather, one of our newest coaches at It’s Not Over. Heather, a mother of three with a background in psychology and mental health first aid certification, shares her insights on biblical parenting, what it truly means to raise children with a foundation in faith.
We discuss how parenting isn’t just about behavior modification but about shaping hearts, instilling godly character, and guiding our kids to live in alignment with biblical truths. Heather opens up about the challenges and rewards of parenting through scripture, the importance of obedience, and how she and her fiancé are intentional about raising their ten children with a faith-centered approach.
If you’ve ever struggled with parenting decisions, felt unsure of how to bring God into your home life, or wondered how to stay grounded in faith while raising kids in a fast-paced world, this episode is for you.
Ep. 9 Triune Beings: Understanding the Body, Soul, and Spirit Connection
In this episode of Emerge Stronger, Melody Oseguera sits down with her dear friend and fellow coach, Michele Humphrey, to dive deep into what it means to be a triune being—body, soul, and spirit. They discuss how life experiences impact all three areas, how trauma manifests in the body, and why feeding your spirit is essential for true transformation. From self-awareness and healing to the power of community and surrender, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical steps to help you align your whole being with God's purpose.
If you've ever felt stuck in negative thought patterns, struggled with emotional wounds, or wondered how to strengthen your spiritual walk, this episode is for you. Tune in and take the next step toward healing and wholeness.
Ep.8 Navigating Grief: Finding Purpose and Healing Through Loss
In this heartfelt episode of the Emerge Stronger podcast, we sit down with grief expert and coach John Bratton to explore the complex journey of grief and healing. John shares his personal story of losing his son in a sudden car accident, offering raw insights into the emotional, spiritual, and practical challenges of navigating such a profound loss. From leaning on faith and community to finding purpose in helping others, John provides invaluable wisdom on how to move forward without moving on. We also discuss common pitfalls in supporting those who are grieving, what to say (and what not to say), and how to honor the memory of loved ones. Whether you're experiencing grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, encouragement, and practical tools to emerge stronger. Resources and coaching support are also shared to help listeners on their journey.
Ep: 7 Faith in the Midst of Crisis: Monica's Journey of Trust and Transformation
In this episode of the Emerge Stronger Podcast, Sonia sits down with Monica, a coach with It's Not Over, to discuss her personal faith journey during a marriage crisis. Monica shares how God's presence and guidance have transformed her life, even in the midst of uncertainty and pain. From hearing God's voice for the first time to relying on scripture and the support of loved ones, Monica’s story is one of perseverance, hope, and unshakeable trust in God’s plan. If you're struggling with doubt or feeling isolated in your crisis, Monica’s experience will remind you that God’s love and strength are always available, no matter the circumstances.