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Lead. Love. Thrive!

Lead. Love. Thrive!

By Radhika Cruz

Conversations on Life, Faith, Wellness and Personal Growth. Join the conversation so you can Live Wise, Lead and Love Well and experience abundant life.

CONNECT with me at www.radhikacruz.com
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02. Navigating the pain of unexpected change and transition

Lead. Love. Thrive!Aug 06, 2018

00:00
16:37
(44) Getting Gritty with CEO, Motivational Speaker & Author, Kashonna Holland
Jun 05, 202001:02:23
(43)What does criticism and comparison reveal about our hearts? SISTERHOOD Part2
May 07, 202034:60
(42) The spirit of comparison & competition kills friendship (Part 1)
Apr 25, 202038:26
(41) Financial consultant Daniel Haynes on Pandemic Finances Part 2
Apr 10, 202043:36
(40) Financial consultant Daniel Haynes on Pandemic Finances Part 1
Apr 03, 202049:16
(39) "Rejection by people can't change the purpose of God in you." Conversation with Ashley Peters.
Mar 27, 202040:29
(38) She struggled with not knowing what it means to be whole, loved & good enough~ Ashley’s Story

(38) She struggled with not knowing what it means to be whole, loved & good enough~ Ashley’s Story

If you’ve ever struggled with co-dependency or thinking you’re not loved, accepted and good enough AS YOU ARE, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how my successful, resilient and prophetic sister friend came to experience wholeness and healing in Christ.
Mar 22, 202046:31
(37) Part 2: “I don’t want to hate you God.” A story of faith, miracles & trust. Katrina Mason

(37) Part 2: “I don’t want to hate you God.” A story of faith, miracles & trust. Katrina Mason

Katrina is a single mom of 3 AMAZING daughters who although she became pregnant at the age of 17, she completed high school on time, graduated from the University of Central Okla. with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and later went on to obtain her Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University.

Katrina is also the successful business owner of Midwest Vocational Rehabilitation Services where her company provides vocational assistance to individuals with disabling conditions as well as job placement services to individuals with challenging backgrounds or criminal history. Katrina is also the founder of A Bold and Beautiful Brunch where she launched her first round of brunches during the entire year of 2019. The brunches are free and by invitation only and geared towards empowering other women.

In her interview, you'll hear how Katrina's faith was tested by an illness that almost took her daughter's life--BUT GOD MIRACULOUSLY STEPPED IN.
Books mentioned: Destiny by TD JAKES
Colliding with Destiny by Sarah Jakes
Jump by Steve Harvey
Empire State of mind by Zack O’Malley Greenburg
Mar 13, 202051:06
(36)”I don’t want to hate you God.” A story of faith, miracles & trust. Katrina Mason PT. 1

(36)”I don’t want to hate you God.” A story of faith, miracles & trust. Katrina Mason PT. 1

Katrina is a single mom of 3 AMAZING daughters who although she became pregnant at the age of 17, she completed high school on time, graduated from the University of Central Okla. with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and later went on to obtain her Master's degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Langston University.

Katrina is also the successful business owner of Midwest Vocational Rehabilitation Services where her company provides vocational assistance to individuals with disabling conditions as well as job placement services to individuals with challenging backgrounds or criminal history. Katrina is also the founder of A Bold and Beautiful Brunch where she launched her first round of brunches during the entire year of 2019. The brunches are free and by invitation only and geared towards empowering other women.

In her interview, you'll hear how Katrina's faith was tested by an illness that almost took her daughter's life--BUT GOD MIRACULOUSLY STEPPED IN.
Books mentioned: Destiny by TD JAKES
Colliding with Destiny by Sarah Jakes
Jump by Steve Harvey
Empire State of mind by Zack O’Malley Greenburg
Mar 06, 202001:00:05
(35)Striving for Purity in a Sexualized World. A conversation with 4 Christian Singles (Part 2)

(35)Striving for Purity in a Sexualized World. A conversation with 4 Christian Singles (Part 2)

What should you look for in a spouse? What’s wrong with romance novels? How is pornography damaging to a relationship? Tune in to hear these single men and women openly share about their struggles and lessons learned in these areas and more. You’ll be enlightened, uplifted AND challenged.
Feb 14, 202046:20
(34) Striving for Purity in a Sexualized World. A conversation with 4 Christian Singles (Part 1)

(34) Striving for Purity in a Sexualized World. A conversation with 4 Christian Singles (Part 1)

Join me as I chat with 4 Christian singles about some of the challenges, gifts and stigmas they’ve experienced with being single in today’s hyper-sexualized world.
Feb 07, 202041:06
03. The secret to Conquering fear, worry and Self-Doubt

03. The secret to Conquering fear, worry and Self-Doubt

Have you ever struggled with self-doubt or lacked self-confidence when it comes to sharing your gifts, talents and work with the world? In today's episode, I share 3 faith-based strategies for overcoming self-doubt by cultivating more God-Confidence:

Confront your thoughts of self-doubt -- raise your awareness
Control your thoughts of self-doubt -- take them captive
Call your attention to God's power-- place your confidence in God’s ability to work in and through you for HIS glory and purposes.

If you liked this episode, would you please consider rating it 5 stars and leaving one or two sentence review in iTunes. This helps bring the podcast to the attention of others .
And by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit from this content, please share this episode using the share button.
I would love for you to connect with me on instagram at RadhikaCruz or on Facebook at thrivewithradhikacruz
Thanks for listening and remember, "LEAD yourself Strong, LOVE God, yourself and others on purpose, and make daily decisions to THRIVE!"
Jan 31, 202024:41
Coach’s Corner #2: How to lead yourself better when emotions hijack your thoughts & responses.

Coach’s Corner #2: How to lead yourself better when emotions hijack your thoughts & responses.

Coach’s Corner: Insights and Strategies to help you lead yourself better so you can THRIVE in life!
Jan 31, 202004:55
(33) How to move past thoughts of “I can’t, I’m not, I’ll never”.....
Jan 24, 202051:38
14. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with LPC/Trauma Therapist, Juliana Dewitt

14. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with LPC/Trauma Therapist, Juliana Dewitt

Do you attribute your success to luck or coincidence?Do you agonize over the smallest flaws or imperfections in your work? When you succeed, do you secretly feel like you've fooled others again? Do you worry that it’s just a matter of time before others find out you've been “running a game” on them? ✨ ✨ Studies suggest 70% of high achievers secretly believe they’re not as bright or capable as everyone “thinks” they are. They believe they 're inadequate and incompetent failures despite evidence that indicates they are skilled and quite successful. They feel like complete frauds when it comes to their identity because they attribute their achievements and accomplishments to luck rather than personal competence. This psychological phenomenon is called imposter syndrome. ✨ ✨ In this episode, I sit down with a licensed professional counselor to discuss the five different imposter archetypes, hear how they often show up in your life and receive 7 practical AND spiritual strategies for how to overcome it. ✨ ✨ For additional resources such as an imposter test, be sure to check out my blog titled "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome" at www.radhikacruz.com ✨ ✨ If you liked this episode, would you please consider rating it 5 stars and leaving one or two sentence review on iTunes? This helps bring the podcast to the attention of others who are looking for hope and encouragement for life . ✨ ✨ And by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit from this content, please share this episode using the share button. ✨ ✨ I would love for you to connect with me on Instagram at RadhikaCruz and on Facebook at Thrive w/Purpose ✨ ✨ Thanks for listening and remember, "LEAD yourself Strong, LOVE God, yourself and others on purpose, and make daily decisions to THRIVE!"

If you've been blessed by this podcast in any way, would you please consider supporting this ministry? I would be so grateful to have your support so I can continue to produce more content AND reach more people with the Gospel message of hope and salvation through Christ. Thank you!
anchor.fm/radhikacruz
Jan 18, 202050:11
(32) Hope & healing on the road of ADVERSITY & LOSS. Interview with CRYSTAL HEARD PART 2

(32) Hope & healing on the road of ADVERSITY & LOSS. Interview with CRYSTAL HEARD PART 2

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies (or 1 in 4 known pregnancies) in the United States end in miscarriage with a majority of miscarriages occurring within the first seven weeks of pregnancy. A stillbirth is pregnancy loss that happens any time after 20 weeks. Approximately 50% of all cases of early pregnancy loss are due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities. No matter the cause,  experiencing the unexpected loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDS is difficult and devastating. In this episode, you'll hear Crystal's story surrounding her adverse childbirth experiences and learn how she was able to nature her hope and obtain her healing. Infant loss Resource: Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support at http://nationalshare.org Crystal's Favorite Books: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: https://amzn.to/39TJDy9 Finish. Give yourself the gift of done by Jon Acuff: https://amzn.to/39YqXx4 Crystal's Blog: https://seasonedword.com
Jan 10, 202051:54
(31) Hope & healing on the road of ADVERSITY & LOSS. VIP interview with CRYSTAL HEARD PART 1

(31) Hope & healing on the road of ADVERSITY & LOSS. VIP interview with CRYSTAL HEARD PART 1

Approximately 15 to 20 percent of all pregnancies (or 1 in 4 known pregnancies) in the United States end in miscarriage with a majority of miscarriages occurring within the first seven weeks of pregnancy. A stillbirth is pregnancy loss that happens any time after 20 weeks. Approximately 50% of all cases of early pregnancy loss are due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities. No matter the cause,  experiencing the unexpected loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or SIDS is difficult and devastating. In this episode, you'll hear Crystal's story surrounding her adverse childbirth experiences and learn how she was able to nature her hope and obtain her healing.  Infant loss Resource: Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support at http://nationalshare.org Crystal's Favorite Books: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers: https://amzn.to/39TJDy9 Finish. Give yourself the gift of done by Jon Acuff: https://amzn.to/39YqXx4 Crystal's Blog: https://seasonedword.com
Jan 10, 202028:55
(30) He struggled with painful strongholds in his mind and heart, VIP interview PART 2 with Pastor Rob Champion
Jan 03, 202038:55
(29) He struggled with painful strongholds in his mind and heart, VIP interview PART 1 with Pastor Rob Champion
Jan 03, 202035:24
(28) Coach’s Corner #1: Strategies for Goal-Gettin' God's Way (MOTIVATION in 10)

(28) Coach’s Corner #1: Strategies for Goal-Gettin' God's Way (MOTIVATION in 10)

In this coaching segment, you'll receive 4 "plays" for Goal-Gettin God's Way

1. God-driven: your goals need to be support God's purpose for your life
2. SMARTER: your goals need to be specific, measurable, achievable, time-bound, evaluated and readjusted
3. Actionable: your goals need to include a plan of action because it's your action that gets results
4. Shared: your goals need to be shared with others for support and accountability

On the road to achieving your goals, you will experience some set-backs and challenges. It's not a matter of IF, it's a matter of WHEN. Here are some "plays" for getting your perseverance plan in place to overcome those

1. Give yourself grace when you fall off.
2. Practice self-compassion. Forgive yourself
3.Stay positive in your self-talk
4. Depend on God for your strength to keep going
5. Reach out for support and encouragement
6.Focus your attention on your future instead of on the history of the past. What can you do today to change your tomorrows? You can’t change your past but you can make decisions today that will shape your tomorrows! With God in your side—you will succeed and THRIVE!
Dec 20, 201910:08
27. Overcoming the struggle of Goal-setting & Goal-Getting to improve your life quality(Monique #8)
Dec 08, 201901:01:18
11. Faith + Therapy = Healing. : A conversation with 3 therapists (Part 2)

11. Faith + Therapy = Healing. : A conversation with 3 therapists (Part 2)

In this episode, I sat down with 3 of my sistahs (who also happen to be mental health clinicians of color) to discuss strategies for how to give support and encourage professional help to those who are struggling with a mental health challenge or illness.


Resources

Mental Health Ministry Caring Congregations Model

Suicide Prevention and Intervention Video Training Series
Nov 28, 201938:53
10. Faith + Therapy = Healing : A conversation with 3 therapists (Part 1)

10. Faith + Therapy = Healing : A conversation with 3 therapists (Part 1)

Did you know 1 in 4 Americans in America struggle with some kind of mental health condition and because of the negative stigma surrounding mental health matters, many don't seek to the help and treatment they need.


Did you also know that 63% of African Americans believe mental health conditions are a sign of personal weakness? And did you also know African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the general population?


It's time for us to de-stigmatize mental health matters in the faith community and show how faith and therapy TOGETHER, can strengthen our personal well-being so we can bring our best selves to those we lead, love and work with.


God doesn't want you to just survive through life, He wants you to THRIVE! Eph.6:12


Additional Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Health Mental Health America (NAMI)

Oklahoma Suicide Prevention Resource Center Oklahoma

Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

National Institute of Mental Health


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Mental Health First Aid Training for Youth and Adults

Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love by Edward Welch
Nov 25, 201932:42
26. She struggles to be intimate with God (Monique #7)
Nov 22, 201939:23
25. She felt like she was going crazy with her flood of toxic thoughts. (Monique 06)
Nov 15, 201901:01:57
24. She was convinced her feelings determined reality & truth. (Monique 05)
Nov 08, 201954:22
23. Struggling to get her breakthrough. How to work thru difficult emotions (Behind the Scenes)

23. Struggling to get her breakthrough. How to work thru difficult emotions (Behind the Scenes)

As a mentor, it's not always easy to say the difficult things your mentee needs to hear so they can overcome their inner obstacles and see things from a different perspective. ✨ In THIS episode, you get to listen in on one of the mentoring conversations I had with Monique after we recorded our episode on renewing our minds in God's word. Although this was a hard conversation for her, it has opened her eyes up to some real issues that need to be addressed in her life immediately if she wants to become the woman God intends for her to be. ✨ I am so proud of all the work she has been investing in herself so she can mature, heal and flourish as the beautiful, gifted, talented and fearless woman God created her to be. ✨ ✨ Check out this behind the scenes 🎙episode to gain some insight into the real battle Monique is facing and be sure to listen to the end of this episode so you can hear what I had to say to YOU. ✨ If these conversations have been blessing you, will you please do 2 things for me? Share this podcast with a friend OR on your social media and (2) share your story with me online at www.radhikacruz.com or via email at thrive@radhikacruz.com . Tell me what has been the most helpful to you in these conversations so we can do MORE of that! ✨ Thank YOU for including me in your day. I pray you will experience the fullness of God's supernatural love, joy, peace, kindness, and goodness in your life today and every day. Talk to you soon! Peace! XOXOXO


If you've been blessed by this podcast in any way, would you please consider supporting this ministry?  I would be so grateful to have your support so I can continue to produce more content AND reach more people with the Gospel message of hope and salvation through Christ. Thank you!

https://anchor.fm/radhikacruz

Nov 01, 201930:55
22. She struggles to know her identity and worth in life. (Monique 04)
Oct 26, 201947:14
21. She believes reading the Bible has to be a euphoric experience (Monique 3)

21. She believes reading the Bible has to be a euphoric experience (Monique 3)

Oct 26, 201940:48
20. She battles with living a double life. (Monique Part 02)
Oct 11, 201946:29
19. Single, Sexual and Searching for Wholeness (Monique’s Story Part 01)

19. Single, Sexual and Searching for Wholeness (Monique’s Story Part 01)

Oct 04, 201947:20
18. Struggling to have high hopes for your life.
Sep 25, 201904:29
17. Dr. Tracy on Overcoming feelings of shame by sharing our story & asking for what we need. (02)
Sep 19, 201935:03
16. Dr. Tracy: Overcoming thoughts of “I’m not enough.”(01)
Sep 12, 201957:08
15. Struggling to be healed from shame.

15. Struggling to be healed from shame.

The voice of shame is cruel, insensitive, demeaning, degrading and destructive. It strips us of hope for a positive future and it poisons our perspective, damages our sense of power and robs us of fulfilling our potential and purpose. ✨ Shame deceives us into believing we are inherently bad, unwanted, unlovable, undesirable and unworthy of unconditional love, acceptance, and belonging. ✨ But the important question we must ask ourselves isn’t “how can I avoid shame?” The most important question is, “how can I become more shame resilient?”  ✨ Listen to this episode to hear my own shame & redemption story and learn 4 practical strategies for increasing your shame resilience. ✨ Also be sure to visit my blog at www.radhikacruz.com to WATCH a video recording of this episode and receive some additional resources to help you get they shame off you!!
Sep 06, 201917:44
13. Struggling to be perfect

13. Struggling to be perfect

Often times we allow the illusion of perfection to stop us from doing, creating, building, or producing something for the first time.


We wonder what people will think of us. We wonder if they will misjudge us. We question if our work, services, products, and creations are 'good enough' to be shared with the world. We fear looking like a fool, making a mistake or falling flat on our faces. We fear being publicly embarrassed, shamed, ridiculed, criticized and misunderstood.


The only way we can avoid all this is to simply do NOTHING. But this is not living our best life. We must give ourselves permission to grow as we go and do things that are new, challenging and even scary. Why not view your mistakes, failures, and imperfections as success in progress?


Check out the video version of this podcast at
www.radhikacruz.com


For additional resources such as the Imposter Test, be sure to check the link provided on my blog titled "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome" at www.radhikacruz.com


If you liked this episode, would you please consider rating it with 5 stars ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ and leaving a one or two sentence review on iTunes? This helps bring the podcast to the attention of others who are looking for hope and encouragement for life .


And by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit from this content, please share this episode using the share button.


I would love for you to connect with me on Instagram at RadhikaCruz and on Facebook at Thrive w/Purpose


Thanks for listening and remember, "LEAD yourself Strong, LOVE God, yourself and others on purpose, and make daily decisions to THRIVE!"
Aug 02, 201922:10
12. Embracing the gift of your imperfections.

12. Embracing the gift of your imperfections.

It’s so easy to dwell on what we think is “wrong” with us. Too many of us are seeking ‘perfection’ when we need to be seeking God’s grace and presence.

In this episode, I want to encourage you to stop doubting your power and potential in Christ. Stop focusing on your weaknesses, imperfections and inadequecies. Start focusing on God's Spirit and power working in you to do GREAT things.

Don't worry about HOW you can do something. Trust God will show you as you GO. Don't worry about what you can't do. Focus on what God can do through you. Your power and impact is not connected to WHAT you know or what you can do—it’s connected to WHO you know and what HE CAN DO!!

If you liked this episode, would you please consider rating it 5 stars ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ and leaving one or two sentence review on iTunes? This helps bring the podcast to the attention of others who are looking for hope and encouragement for life .


And by all means, if you know someone you think would benefit from this content, please share this episode using the share button.


I would love for you to connect with me on Instagram at RadhikaCruz and on Facebook at Thrive w/Purpose


Thanks for listening and remember, "LEAD yourself Strong, LOVE God, yourself and others on purpose, and make daily decisions to THRIVE!"
Jul 26, 201915:58
09. Your Failures are just your success in progress. It’s all about perspective.
Jul 10, 201910:08
08. Forget mistakes made in your past.

08. Forget mistakes made in your past.

Apologizing for your past decisions when you didn’t know any better is useless and unproductive. ✨ ✨ In today’s episode, you’ll discover how to give yourself some grace so you can move forward and boldly step into your future. ✨ For more insights & resources to help you thrive, check out the blog post at: https://radhikacruz.com/girl-stop-apologizing-for-past-decisions/ ✨ Be sure to stay connected to me on Instagram at radhikacruz and on Facebook at Thrive w/Purpose
Jun 26, 201906:24
07. Rising strong out of the ashes of fear, disappointment, mistakes and difficult situations.
Jun 21, 201908:06
06. The insight you need to succeed
Jun 07, 201905:27
05. The powerful secret to changing your life
May 31, 201903:01
04. Your pain and trauma serves a great purpose.
May 31, 201904:03
02. Navigating the pain of unexpected change and transition
Aug 06, 201816:37
01. The challenge of Cultivating Strong Emotional Intimacy
Jul 22, 201807:13