Skip to main content
SPARK the Podcast

SPARK the Podcast

By Mekina Saylor, Amy Rizzuto and Jenna Shotmeyer

A place of rest and connection for busy creatives. When your coffee is running and you’re on the go, find community here.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

9. Cinnamon Wolfe Testimony

SPARK the PodcastApr 29, 2020

00:00
31:26
81. The Importance of Small Groups and Building a Community with Jana Klosowsky
May 04, 202335:18
80. Resurrection Hope with Amy + Jenna
Apr 12, 202329:12
79. Who Influences Us with Jenna + Mekina
Mar 29, 202333:07
78. Worship and Praise with Annie Herrmann
Mar 15, 202332:02
77. Following God's Direction with Rebecca Haymes

77. Following God's Direction with Rebecca Haymes

Today on SPARK the Podcast, we are talking about big life intersections and following God's direction with Rebecca Haymes!  Becca shares, "Recognizing these big intersections- whether in the moment or in hindsight - gives me such an appreciation for how great and vast and good God is. If we pay attention it also shows how intimately He cares for us and pursues us. Matthew 10 tells us God knows how many hairs we have on our head. Psalm 139 says God knows when we sit and when we rise, and that it’s God who created our innermost being.  Psalm 44 says God knows our hearts. It’s one thing to read about God’s attention and affection for us, but it’s another thing altogether to experience & recognize it in our lives. Recognition is key. Because we can experience His goodness and be too enthralled with the gift and miss the Gift-Giver. So when I experience His goodness, and recognize it, my appreciation for Him & His ways/plans/purpose grows, and consequently my trust for Him does too. 

Becca has been married to her husband, Christopher for over 12 years and they have a daughter Elena and a son, Grant. She is a wife, mom, photographer and recently just got her doula certification. Thank you for joining us Becca! We’re so excited to have you on the Podcast today!

Connect with Rebecca Haymes:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rebeccahaymesphotography

Website- https://rebeccahaymesphotography.com

Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Mar 01, 202335:50
76. Creating a Vision Board with Stephanie Herrera
Feb 15, 202338:25
75. Abide in Christ with Jenna, Mekina, and Amy
Feb 02, 202325:54
74. Our True Longing at Christmas
Dec 15, 202221:42
73. These Are a Few of Our Favorite Books with Jenna & Amy
Nov 30, 202252:42
72. Centering Your Heart with Gratitude
Nov 16, 202226:30
71. Seasons of Change with Cassi Claire

71. Seasons of Change with Cassi Claire

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Cassi Claire shares about seasons of change.  Cassi takes us through the recent launch of her online clothing boutique, Love, Odette, and how it grew from the dream stage into a reality!  She talks through the pressures of trying to run the business on her own strength, and shares the rest and peace that came from inviting God into her business, letting Him lead the way.  Thank you again for being so open and honest Cassi.  We are so grateful!

Connect with Cassi Claire

Love Odette: 

Website- https://www.loveodette.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/shop.loveodette

Cassi Claire Photography:

Website- https://www.cassiclaire.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/cassiclaire

Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Nov 02, 202232:31
70. Grace Space Christian Coaching with Alexandra Kaval

70. Grace Space Christian Coaching with Alexandra Kaval

Today we are so excited to have Alexandra Kaval of Grace Space Christian Coaching on SPARK the Podcast!  Alexandra is a professional certified master life coach for purpose driven women who are feeling scattered & overwhelmed and want to live a more prioritized, intentional, and Christ centered life. She personally knows what it feels like for life to look great on the outside and to have all the boxes checked, but still not feel fulfilled and like something is missing on the inside. After lots of deep transformation and courageously leaving her corporate job to pursue her side hustle full time, she loves empowering her clients to take bold leaps of their very own. Her mission (and joy!) is to help you go further faster by living life focusing on what matters most. 

Alexandra is a mama to two sweet girls (almost two and almost six months!). She knows what it's like to have a LOT on your hands and needing to use your time, energy, and resources that you do have well, so that you feel fulfilled instead of defeated at the end of the day. In addition to multiple coaching certifications, Alexandra also holds a Masters in HR Development and Bachelors in Psychology (both from Villanova University) as well ten years of experience in HR leadership & talent development. Alexandra is PC certified by the International Coaching Federation.  Thank you again for sharing Alexandra!

Connect with Alexandra:

Website- https://www.gracespacechristiancoaching.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/gracespacechristiancoaching

Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Oct 19, 202231:51
69. A Mother's Heart with Darlene Shotmeyer

69. A Mother's Heart with Darlene Shotmeyer

The main question I get asked is "HOW?" How did your mother get through it? How was she able to wake up each day and go to doctors?  On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Darlene Shotmeyer shares how her faith in God and trust in Him helped her live with hope in a season where two of her children returned home from college, one battling cancer, and the other with an unexpected brain injury.  Listen in on this heartfelt wisdom and advice from a mother's heart today.  

Darlene is a graduate of Hope College in Holland, MI where she got her BA in Communications. She is a lifelong resident of NJ and has worked tirelessly raising support and reaching fundraising goals for many Republican candidates throughout the state. She is a member of the Women’s National Republican Club, Saddle River chapter of the DAR, Women for a Stronger NJ, Bergen County Republican Organization, Bergen County Women’s Republican Club and the Franklin Lakes Republican Club.


Darlene was elected as Bergen County State Committeewoman in 2013, and became the Vice Chairwoman of the NJGOP in 2021.  For seven years she has been the executive Vice President of operations for J. Shotmeyer. She volunteers in many women’s and children’s ministries in her community. She and her husband Chuck have three children and live in Franklin Lakes, NJ.

Connect with Darlene Shotmeyer:

Website- https://www.jshotmeyer.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/njdarlene

Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.


Oct 05, 202254:21
68. Coffee Talk on Obedience with Jenna and Amy
Sep 21, 202224:48
67. Follow Your Fernweh with Kindle Smyth
Sep 07, 202248:43
66. Mary Cayten Brakefield Testimony
Aug 19, 202229:55
65. Jesus Eyes with Holly Silva
Jul 27, 202246:09
64. Deanna Steinle Testimony
Jul 13, 202231:27
63. His Paintbrush with Michele Struss

63. His Paintbrush with Michele Struss

Watercolorist Michele E. Struss was born with a form of dwarfism, causing short stature and orthopedic complications. Despite the challenges and setbacks, her physical disability is what God has used to shape her faith and perspective on life. Michele is confident in who God is and who He has made her to be. Despite the many challenges and limitations she lives with, God has enabled Michele to go on the heights in her faith, life and art all to unveil His glory and power. Her story and paintings motivate others, from young to old, to look beyond what the eyes see…to what is unseen and limitless.

Michele’s work has traveled the world, hanging in the humblest homes in developing countries as well as in the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, TX along with works by Michelangelo, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Regardless of where her paintings call home, her realistic style draws the viewer into her work as if they themselves are standing before the subject which demands a response.  We are so grateful to have Michele Struss share her story on SPARK the Podcast today.

Connect with Michele Struss:

Website- https://www.hispaintbrush.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hispaintbrush_michele

Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Jun 29, 202240:60
62. Megan Faulkner Testimony

62. Megan Faulkner Testimony

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, Megan Faulkner shares her testimony!  Originally from Delaware, Megan Faulkner is a motivated relational change agent with proven expertise in leadership and programmatic development.  She is a passionate communicator committed to processes and ideas that result in transformation for ministries, organizations, and future leaders. 

She is currently serving as the Pastoral Director of Anchored Student Ministries in Ocean Grove, NJ where she has been for fourteen years. Her enthusiasm for ministry to teenagers and their families, the marginalized and orphans, have collided into a singular passion for seeing people encounter the love of Jesus and leave radically changed.  

Megan’s blog, Joy in the Journey, depicts ridiculous tales of living a life filled with Jesus and His grace. Her podcast, Wife Me Up, is not what you think it’s about and streams weekly on your favorite podcasting platform. 

Aside from reading, studying, and teaching God’s Word, her passions in life include Haitian orphans, sunshine, people, and coffee - in that exact order. 

Thank you so much Megan for sharing your story on SPARK the Podcast!  We are so grateful and invite you all to listen into our conversation today.


Connect with Megan:

Website- http://www.meganefaulkner.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/meganefaulk


Connect with the Hosts:

Jenna Shotmeyer- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Mekina Saylor- https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Amy Rizzuto- https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Jun 15, 202236:41
61. The Power of Testimony with Jenna, Mekina + Amy
Jun 01, 202226:30
60. Are You Drowning? with Jenna Shotmeyer

60. Are You Drowning? with Jenna Shotmeyer

On this episode of SPARK the Podcast, we chat with Jenna Shotmeyer about the launch of her new book Are You Drowning?.  A personal account of injury, depression, growth, life, and healing, Are You Drowning? chronicles Jenna Shotmeyer’s uphill battle of recovering from a traumatic brain injury that took place at the start of her college career. Jenna had her entire life planned out, her career goals defined, and a spot on her college tennis team when it all got pulled out from under her. The tides of her life rose after her injury left her unable to do basic tasks. She was tossed into a sea of uncertainty, but her faith and hope were a lifeboat.

In this story of healing, Jenna recounts fighting for her life like she used to fight the current. Her injury was a riptide that swept her away into the throes of comparison, confusion, and disappointment until she almost drowned in it. Through faith, she found herself on a journey to an unsinkable identity. With parallel stories of hope and recovery, she recounts the details of her injury, the shattering of her former identity, countless doctor appointments, the strength of her family, and ultimately, her miraculous healing through God.

Listen in as Jenna shares a few exciting details about her book for the first time publicly.  Congratulations again on your book launch Jenna and thank you for faithfully sharing your story.  If you haven't already, grab your copy of Are You Drowning? today!

Connect with Jenna Shotmeyer:

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jennashots

Website- http://www.jshotmeyer.com

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Oct 20, 202146:53
59. What is Our (Soul) Purpose with Lauren Kearns
Aug 25, 202125:25
58. Motherhood with Entrice Rowe
Aug 11, 202123:57
57. A Marriage Battle Plan with Natasha Drisdelle
Jul 28, 202140:24
56. Biblical Submission From a Wise Wife with Natasha Drisdelle

56. Biblical Submission From a Wise Wife with Natasha Drisdelle

We are so excited to welcome Natasha Drisdelle of the Wise Wife Blueprint to SPARK the Podcast! Natasha had so many wonderful things to share about marriage that we decided to make this conversation a two part series. Today we are going to be hearing part one as Natasha shares her marriage story and talks about the importance of biblical submission and how God calls us as wives to submit to our husbands, in all things! 

Natasha shared, “Much like you can’t have two people drive a car at the same time, having two people in charge of a family is problematic. In Ephesians 5:24, God tells wives to submit to their husbands as we would submit to the Lord in everything. He doesn’t say submit to your husband when he makes great choices, or whenever he seems to be right, or just in ancient Bible times. The Bible tells us to submit in everything. Natasha talks us through how we can put the responsibility for our family on our husbands shoulders and, as wives, respect that leadership, come what may. 

We hope you enjoy our conversation with Natasha today, and will join us back here in two weeks as we dive into part two with Natasha where she talks through the battle plan that completely changed her marriage, and can help safeguard ours too. In the meantime, go grab the book, The Wise Wife Blueprint! We read it in a week this summer and couldn’t put it down. Thank you again for sharing your story and wisdom with us Natasha! We are so grateful for you!

Connect with Natasha Drisdelle:

Website- https://www.wisewifeblueprint.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/wisewifeblueprint

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Jul 14, 202136:39
55. Marriage with Christopher and Nadine Holewski
Jun 30, 202132:09
54. Our Baptism Stories with the Women of SPARK
Jun 16, 202130:20
53. Sharing Our Testimony with Laura K Eldredge
Jun 02, 202142:52
52. Forgiving Ourselves with Caroline Shea
May 19, 202133:29
51. Forgiveness with Jenna Shotmeyer
May 05, 202130:37
50. Financial Peace with Stephanie Herrera
Apr 21, 202123:07
49. Contentment with Amy + Mekina

49. Contentment with Amy + Mekina

This month on SPARK the Podcast, Amy and Mekina chat all about finding true contentment in God, not in things. Amy shares about the contentment challenge she has been on (through Nancy Ray) a challenge where she committed to give up all unnecessary shopping for three months from January - April. Amy explains what God has been showing her through this challenge, and how true contentment can be found in the simple everyday experiences, and in relationship with Him.

When we have God in our lives, we have been given such a gift, such a blessing! We have the opportunity to live a life that is focused on the things that bring true contentment, like the freedom to live without worry about the future, knowing that on this side of Heaven that we will not live a life without pain, sickness, and heartache, but knowing that our life is saved through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.  We have a God that loves us and is for us and not against us.  We have a God that wants to be in relationship with us, who loves us so much that He gave His son so that we can have life through Him.  I can not imagine a greater gift than that.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. -1 Timothy 6:6-8

Resources:

Contentment Challenge with Nancy Ray- https://nancyray.com/contentmentchallenge

Connect with Amy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyrizzutophotography

Website: www.amyrizzutophotography.com

Connect with Mekina

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mekinasaylor

Website: www.mekinasaylor.com

Learn more about NJ SPARK at www.njspark.co or follow us on Instagram at www.instagram.com/njsparkco.

Apr 07, 202129:17
48. Freedom from Judging Ourselves with Mackenzie Grace
Mar 24, 202120:34
47. Finding Freedom in Self Forgetfulness with Mekina and Amy
Mar 10, 202124:25
46. How Do We Know What the Bible Says is True with Debbie Ryan
Feb 24, 202121:17
45. How to Read the Bible with Amy and Mekina
Feb 10, 202128:53
44. The Most Important Decision You Can Make with Mekina + Amy
Dec 30, 202008:31
43. The Christmas Story with Amy + Mekina
Dec 23, 202016:30
42. Pointing to Christ at Christmas with the Women of SPARK
Dec 16, 202037:49
41. Celebrating the Advent Season with Jessica Olivero
Dec 09, 202010:52
40. Our Need for a Savior with Amy + Mekina
Dec 02, 202014:01
39. Give Thanks to the Lord
Nov 25, 202028:05
38. Loss and Miscarriage with Suzanne Kraai
Nov 18, 202021:59
37. Loss of a Parent with Jessica Oh
Nov 11, 202015:48
36. When Family Dynamics Change with Mekina Saylor
Nov 04, 202032:31
35. Kathryn Rei Testimony
Oct 28, 202021:12
34. Purpose in your Career with Cassi Claire
Oct 21, 202031:56
33. Including Faith in Your Business with Cinnamon Wolfe
Oct 14, 202031:45
32. Faith + Business with Mekina and Amy
Oct 07, 202022:43