The Warrior Raiser® Podcast
By Angela Johnson & Kerry Smith
Aim Your Arrows Well.
The Warrior Raiser® PodcastMar 24, 2021
"Lean In + Push Through" with Amy Lewald
In this episode of the Warrior Raiser Podcast, we sit down with the remarkable Amy Lewald, whose journey exemplifies the art of pushing through life's challenges with unwavering faith.
Despite facing ongoing health battles, Amy remains steadfast in her belief that God is faithful. Join us as Amy shares her inspiring story of resilience and determination, navigating the twists and turns of life while staying anchored in her faith.
Discover how, even when the next steps aren't always clear, Amy finds comfort in knowing that they are divinely directed. Get ready to be uplifted and encouraged as we explore the power of faith, perseverance, and trusting in God's plan.
Tune in now to hear Amy's incredible testimony and be inspired to embrace your own journey with courage and conviction.
How to say Yes, No, & I Don't Know
In this episode of "The Next Right Step," hosts Angela and Kerry explore the biblical wisdom behind saying yes, no, and embracing uncertainty.
Drawing from scripture, they discuss the importance of aligning with God's plan by saying yes, setting boundaries by saying no, and finding humility in admitting "I don't know."
Through practical insights and examples, they guide listeners towards a balanced approach to these responses, fostering spiritual growth and deeper trust in God's guidance.
Aim Your Arrows Well >>>
ANGELA P. JOHNSON + KERRY J. SMITH
The Warrior Women Tribe® Co-Founders
The Warrior Raiser® Podcast Co-Hosts
Arise, Abide + Take Action with Amber Smith
Join us on this episode of the Warrior Raiser Podcast, where we sit down with the remarkable Amber Smith. Amber is more than just a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend; she is a sinner saved by the grace of God.
Amber, along with her husband Granger Smith, resides on a quaint farm in central Texas with their three children: London, Lincoln, and Maverick. Beyond her family life, Amber wears many hats. She hosts the Arise with Amber podcast, spearheads the River Kelly Fund in honor of her son, and designs the women’s clothing line for the family apparel company, YeeYee Apparel.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Amber has co-authored the children's book "Where the Dinosaurs Roar," a touching tribute to her son River who passed in 2019. Since then, Amber has committed herself to turning pain into purpose, sharing the hope we have in Jesus with everyone she encounters.
Through her journey of faith, resilience, and purpose, Amber's story is a testament to the transformative power of grace and perseverance. Through her candid storytelling and deep reflections, Amber encourages listeners to arise, abide, and take purposeful action. You'll be inspired to take "The Next Right Step" in your own journey, fueled by faith and determination.
"Count on His Character" with Kary Garretson
On today's episode we invite our friend and Warrior Women Tribe® member, Kary Garretson.
Kary is a wife, mom, church planter, writer, and an introvert. She loves the stars, reading, running, and worshiping Jesus. Kary and her husband, Chris, have four beautiful and goofy children. In 2022, they followed God's crazy, amazing plan for their lives by partnering with April and Matt Harmon to establish Redefined Community Church in Martinsburg, PA.
Kary's ministry journey began at Flood City Church in Johnstown, PA, where she served on staff for nearly a decade. During her time there, she gained experience in various areas such as preaching, teaching Bible studies, developing leadership skills, and performing spoken word poetry.
On today's episode, Kary emphasizes the importance of relying on God's character, as He is always faithful and good, even in the face of adversity. He never leaves us nor forsakes us, and we can confidently trust Him with all our hearts.
To follow Kary and her journey, visit:
SEASON 3 Intro: The Next Right Step
Welcome to the SEASON 3 opener of the Warrior Raiser podcast, where we explore the theme of "The Next Right Step."
This year's conversation is inspired by the key verse from Ephesians 4:1, which calls us to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called. As followers of Christ, we are called to live a life of purpose and intentionality, taking one step at a time towards the destiny that God has planned for us.
Throughout this season, Angela & Kerry will be sharing practical insights and biblical wisdom to help you take actionable steps towards your goals. They'll be joined by guests who have taken their own next right steps and have inspiring testimonies to share about how God has led them on their journey.
Join them as we discover how to live out our calling by taking the next right step, guided by the wisdom and truth of God's Word.
"Rinse and Repeat" with Kathy Chiero
Kathy is a gifted speaker with an extensive background in journalism, radio and television communications.
She has a heart for teaching practical truths from God’s word and a life imperfectly lived. Now in Act 3 of her career, she knows the “ups and downs” in her marriage, parenting, work, and life have given her a beautiful perspective about God’s abundant grace.
She's no stranger to small beginnings, having to "rinse and repeat" many times throughout her life. She firmly believes that sometimes, small beginnings stay small because it is not your gifting. We all need a “Simon Cowell” to tell us that as much as we want to do “X,” it might not be where we thrive.
God created you for something, and any time spent outside that “thing” is wasted. If you have multiple trusted counselors bear witness to what you believe God has given you, then it is a daily walk of trust.
We act - God responds.
We make plans, God confirms them.
"Hermit Crabs & Contentment" - BONUS episode with Co-Hosts, Angela & Kerry
*Originally scheduled for a November release*
Kerry and Angela sit down to discuss their thoughts and feelings about this season's podcast content, they share how they met, and their hopes and dreams for the future.
Their conversation covers a range of topics, including hermit crabs, platforms, comparison being a punk (a nod to our friend, Bob Goff), fading bodies, and the idea that our platform is wherever we are.
They also talk about the increible fact that when we pursue God and His will for our lives, He rejoices in our obedience.
We hope you'll laugh a little but, ultimately, be inspired by the discussion!
"Let's Keep Going!" with Heidy Tandy, Senior Director of Discovery with Stadia
OH Goodness! This conversation with our friend, Heidy Tandy, Senior Director of Discovery of Stadia, is an absolute gem.
If you need a little encouragement in your day to remember who you are and what God's called you to do, this episode is for you.
Heidy has learned that not everyone will get you, but that's okay -- we simply need to show up as our authentic selves and keep running our race with confidence.
Along the way, we'll chat through some indicators of un-health in relationships, when it's time to say buh-bye to certain people in our lives, and that it's okay to have a dream or a calling that no one else seems to understand fully. Did we mention this is a fabulous episode?!
Her final words of encouragement are a beautiful reminder to "Be You." The world doesn't need another version of anyone else, so show up as your whole self.
We hope you enjoy the conversation and, as always...
Aim Your Arrows Well!
Angela & Kerry
"Pivot, Pivot, Pause & GO!" with Valarie Grimes, Pastor Radiant Church, Savannah, GA
Continuing the series "Small Beginnings" we are so excited to welcome Pastor Valarie Grimes to the conversation.
Today, we're dropping the latest podcast episode featuring Valarie Grimes. She's a wife, mom, grandmother, nurse, and most recently, a pastor! When she's not building forts with her grandbabies, she's delivering the Word of God to her congregation at Radiant Church in Savannah, Georgia.
Valarie began her career as a registered nurse and has pivoted to be a full-time church planter in the past few years. She understands the plan we have in our minds doesn't often materialize as we had envisioned...but God, in His sovereignty, can use brokenness and sorrow to paint beautiful brushstrokes on the canvas of our lives. Even when we can't see it -- He calls us a masterpiece commanded to do good works (Ephesians 2:10)-- using all the parts of who we are for His glory.
We pray you enjoy this inspiring conversation!
"Into the Unknown" with Kelly Broeg, Community Engagement Coordinator Her Song Columbus
To learn more about Her Song and the Tim Tebow Foundation visit:
Her Song Website: www.hersong.org
Her Song IG: @hersongcolumbus
Her Song FB: Her Song Columbus
To Donate: secure.qgiv.com/for/heson
IF YOU SUSPECT HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE UNITED STATES PLEASE CALL 1-888-373-7888 or TEXT “Help” to BEFREE.
If you are a survivor and need services, call Her Song at 904.513.0203.
If you need emergency assistance, call 911.
Small Beginnings & Dreams Delayed with Sarah Burnett, Co-Founder & COO of Flourish
On today's episode, we have Sarah Burnett as our guest.
Sarah's journey has been full of twists and turns, and at times, she's felt the Lord press pause on her dreams -- only for Him to continue to reveal His will for her life in the process.
Sarah's story is unique; however, many can relate to struggling with small beginnings and the seemingly endless seasons of waiting and wondering.
We hope you'll be encouraged as you listen to the latest episode in our Small Beginnings Series.
Enjoy the show and...
Aim Your Arrows Well!
>>Angela and Kerry
More on Sarah:
She is a dedicated leader recognized for her communication and strategic planning abilities. Sarah has a track record of implementing and automating systems that lead to clients becoming brand evangelists.
Sarah is known for her ability to lead teams to operational excellence, creative work, and sustained improvements.
Sarah is currently COO of Flourish and has experience in both the for-profit with Yum! Brands (the parent company of Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut) and nonprofit organization with Stadia, leading in Bloom (a ministry dedicated to championing women in church planting).
She has helped start and launch everything from a golf team in high school, to a church plant in 2010, a children's ministry from scratch, a ministry for women in church planting called Bloom, a podcast called Plant Strong for women in ministry, and most recently a tech company called Flourish. She is married to Josh Burnett, her husband of almost 18 years. Together they have three children, Savannah (14), Grady (11), and Maddie (10), and live in Annapolis, MD on their turned farm with one dog, one cat, two bunnies, and a full fish tank.
More on Flourish:
Flourish is a nonprofit operating system that optimizes how nonprofits and volunteers work together to make a difference. The Flourish CRM platform is an all-in-one solution that allows you to engage more people in the mission with automated systems and processes that every nonprofit needs.
They also developed Latent, an App designed to guide volunteer ambassadors, enabling them to introduce a nonprofit's mission to new audiences and leverage the relational strengths of existing supporters to raise awareness and funds.
And lastly, they've recently developed another platform called Sermons.tech, which is an AI platform capable of summarizing sermon messages, generating discussion questions for small groups, summaries, and creating a beautiful group guide page to share out—in minutes.
All of their products exist to optimize how nonprofits and volunteers work together to make an impact... they call it no-fail volunteering. They are continually working to add more volunteer roles to the platform so that people can be matched to make a difference.
Based in Annapolis, MD, they can be found on onflourish.com, and @flourishos on instagram, twitter, facebook and linkedin.
Small Beginnings, Flops & Failures with Michelle Bishop, Head Coach and Co-Founder of The Ladies Edge (TLE)
We are intrinsically wired to form impressions and instantly jump to conclusions about people. It'd be easy to do that with today's guest, Michelle Bishop. One could look at the organization she's crafted and assume her journey to her platform has been nothing short of idyllic. However, we should never judge a person's story by the chapter we walk in on.
Today, Michelle shares the highlight reel of her journey. She'll talk about where she's come from, how she hustled, dreamed, and most importantly, did a LOT of praying and listening to the nudges from the Lord. Michelle will also share some of her "flops and failures" along the way. With divine wisdom, she recognizes that even those "wilderness moments" were opportunities for training and preparation for the plans the Lord had for her. As we say here on the show -- Nothing is Wasted!
We hope you enjoy the conversation, and if you want to learn more about Michelle and The Ladies Edge, a sisterhood of women who are on a mission to live life to the fullest, you can find more information at www.theladiesedge.com and on social media @theladiesedgeofficial and her personal profile @mshellll.
Aim Your Arrows Well!
>>Angela and Kerry
Small Beginnings - Part 1
Join Angela and Kerry on today's first episode of a series called "Small Beginnings."
So often our culture poo-poos the small dreams or the small steps we take to reach our God-given purpose. On today's episode, the ladies discuss the importance of celebrating the small steps because guess what?? God does, so we should too!
Show Reference/content to check out after you listen:
>Fruitful: Live a Life of Abundant Harvest (the Bible Study Angela authored)
Available:
>Gathered Courage (Kerry's podcast - you can still access archived episodes!)
Who's in YOUR Tribe?
Join Angela Johnson and Kerry Smith as they discuss the necessity of intentionality in selecting those in your tribe. Jesus surrounded Himself with specific people during specific times, and they were people whom He sought out and chose purposefully. Jesus did not select His closest companions haphazardly. So let's take a cue from The Master and model His example.
Think through your closest relationships and answer the following questions:
- Are they takers or givers? (Are you overcome with dread or joy when you see their name on your phone?)
- Is there reciprocity in your relationship(s)?
- Do they challenge you to grow in your relationship with the Lord?
- Do they challenge and encourage you to find and fulfill your calling?
- Do you pray together?
- Do you feel "filled up" or "drained" when you are together?
- Would you go to this person in a crisis or difficult time?
- Would they give you godly counsel?
- Have they come to you in a crisis or difficult time? if so, how frequently?
If, after completing this list, you feel confident that you have a tribe of people who are for you and have your best interests at heart, then consider yourself blessed. Conversely, if you've completed this list, feel a bit dejected, and aren't quite sure what to do next, pray and ask the Lord for help. Ask Him to bring godly friends and companions into your life. Just remember, though, you have to be a friend to have a friend! We have to be a bit brave and put ourselves out there!
- What's one thing you can do TODAY or this week to engage a new or old friend?
- Think of TWO people to whom you will purposely reach out THIS week.
*Questions taken from Fruitful: Live a Life of Abundant Harvest by Angela Johnson
Additional resources:
- https://warriorraiser.com/fruitful/
- Fruitful:Live a Life of Abundant Harvest
- At Your Best by Carey Nieuwhof
SEASON TWO - Introduction
We're changing things up a bit on the show!
This season, Angela brings in a new co-host, Kerry Smith!
They'll be talking about our divine purpose and the intentionality it takes to pursue it courageously.
We are all Warrior Raisers; we're all raising something...so let's do it with excellence and obedience unto the Lord.
We invite you into the conversation and hope you can apply the content to your everyday life!
Let's continue to Aim Our Arrows Well!
Mary Did You Know? - A Reprise from 2021
Merry Christmas from The Warrior Raiser Podcast! God Bless & Aim Your Arrows Well!
The Butterfly Effect
It's time for us to stop reducing tragic events, like innocent children being slaughtered, to a political debate. We need to have a broken heart for humanity and be spurred to act...even in seemingly small ways, because it all matters, and we all can make a difference in the world around us.
AFTER THE EPISODE, Angela has a call to action;
1. Participate in Hearts for Heroes
Get out the markers, paper, and scissors to help us spread the love for the first responders in Uvalde, TX. Send your hearts, pictures, and words of encouragement to:
Ohio Police Families Association | P.O. Box 1101 | Delaware, OH 43015
Please send them by June 10th, 2022 if possible
2. Facilitate a Warrior Raiser Walk at your local schools
Walk around your schools and pray
Pray for the teachers, staff, administration, board members, policy makers...anyone who can influence your children
Pray for peace, safety, and protection
Pray for unity
Pray for the innocence of our children and the future generation
BIG love in the Small Moments: Featuring Molly Smith
Join Angela and Molly Smith on the episode as they discuss the importance of vulnerability in motherhood and surrounding yourself with other women who have a strong foundation of faith. Molly also shares that the desires of our hearts can shift as our focus shifts to follow Jesus. She shares that nothing is wasted and even in the day-to-day motherhood grind, our parenting has a cumulative effect on our children.
We can share BIG love in small moments. Enjoy the conversation!
Love Covers
Loving others is NOT easy. And maybe you struggle with wanting to give limits to your love or setting parameters on how much grace is enough. Loving others is something we all struggle with, and if you don't, you're probably the one people are struggling to love. Just sayin'! But 1 Peter 4:8 tells us, "Most important of all, continue to show DEEP LOVE for each other, for LOVE COVERS a MULTITUDE of sins."
Join Angela as she dives into this verse to uncover how we're to love others -- even the "trolls" in our lives! In this episode, she also reads an excerpt from Bob Goff's Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People. So, If you haven't read it, it's worth it! Click HERE for the link.
Parenting with Intentionality & Purpose with Derrick Johnson
Mary Did You Know?
We close the year out with Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, as our final Warrior Raiser for 2021. In this episode, we learn how most divine interruptions are not always beautifully packaged; in fact, they can be downright scary! But if we make room in our lives for God to interrupt us, we can fulfill His heavenly assignments. And spoiler alert -- we don't have to have it all figured out! When it's a divine assignment, God will equip us to fulfill it -- for our good and His glory!
Merry Christmas from The Warrior Raiser Podcast!
Making Peace
Abigail was married to a fool. Her husband had a reputation for being cruel and unkind, and eventually, his stupidity caught up to him; he'd insulted the wrong man. Courageously, Abigail makes a swift decision to intervene. Her discernment to make peace saved her household and prevented unnecessary bloodshed.
Abigail's story is an example of making peace in hostile situations. Her discernment saved lives and brought on a happy ending...well, for most, that is.
Warrior Raiser Interview: Michelle Klingbeil
*Previously Recorded* Join Angela and Michelle's conversation as they chat about motherhood, marriage, and even navigate a child puking on camera! Michelle shares about praying through parenting and marital challenges and how God has been faithful and present in all of it!
"Making Pearls"
Today's episode is out of 1 Samuel 1.
Like a grain of sand inside an oyster, Peninnah was a constant irritation to Hannah. But over time, the friction eventually produced a beautiful pearl.
Hannah never allowed Peninnah' s provocations to make her angry or bitter.
Yes, her heart was sad and deeply distressed, but even though she was childless , she was never prayerless.
Al though she was barren, she still believed. In her pain and sorrow, she found refuge in prayer .
Deborah - Arise, Warrior Mother
After a short summer recess, Angela returns to her teaching series on Warrior Women of the Bible. In today's episode, she shares the beautiful story of Deborah the judge, prophetess, wife, warrior, and mother to a nation in crisis. And though we find her story in the pages of the Old Testament, her legacy still points others to God and is a lesson that applies to us today.
Join Angela as she encourages her fellow Warrior Raisers to be like Deborah and — Arise as a Mother in our nation! (Judges 5:7)
Minute by Minute with Ashley (& Luca) Petrosino
In this episode, Angela invites her sister-in-law, Ashley, to share her motherhood journey. Immediately after delivering her second child, Luca, Ashley's world was turned upside down. Join the conversation to hear the full story and soak up Ashley's encouraging words to take each day minute by minute and have fun along the way.
A Warrior Husband: Derrick Johnson
On today's episode, Angela invites her best friend (who also happens to be her husband), Derrick, to the show. Together, they share a few personal stories and reveal some of the strategies they use to help keep their marriage healthy.
The 10 P's of PAIN
Today's message unwraps 10 P's of Pain. Join Angela as she uses Moses and the victory of the Israelites over the Amalekites (Exodus 17) to teach a lesson on how we can be victorious over our pain and suffering.
Becky - A Daughter of the King
Becky Oldfield - Pastor's wife, mom, and Memaw are just a few of the words that describe her -- but her favorite "label" is "Daughter of the King." Join the conversation as I chat with one of my dearest mentors! Becky has mothered well, served well, and continues to shine her light for the Kingdom of Heaven. I am blessed to call her friend.
The Alabaster Woman
We don't know her name - but Jesus did. No one knew her shame - but Jesus did. She came broken before her Savior and poured out her tears on His feet. Only Jesus knew the true cost of the oil in her alabaster jar.
Regardless of what we've done, this woman's story is the perfect example that nothing - absolutely nothing - separates us from the Father's love.
heather Gavlak - a small but MIGHTY Warrior Raiser
Smart and funny - this 4'11" Warrior Raiser is a friend who loves people well. About three years ago, she decided to live, get well, and since that time, she's been on a journey of following hard after Jesus. Heather's story is a message of hope and recognizing that God can do exceedingly more than we could ever expect or imagine. She shares how she's had to let go of control and hand over her parenting to the Lord. Listen in on the conversation and prepare to be blessed!
Everyone Needs an Erica
Listen in on our conversation of how God specifically placed me on her heart and hear how influential she has been in my journey with the Lord. Together, we mother better. We need a tribe of mommas coming alongside us in this journey, and Erica is an example of that to me and many others. During our time together, she shares a time when her type-A engineering mind couldn't work her way to a solution. Instead, she had to rely upon the Lord entirely. Let Erica's story encourage you and spur you toward a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Jochebed: If You Love Him...Let Him Go
Jochebed's faith and courage is a beautiful example of what being a Warrior Raiser is. In the moment, she couldn't see the outcome of her courageous actions…but God knew. Her heroism was so much more than keeping baby Moses alive.
If God is asking YOU to step out and be courageous, or to trust Him with something beyond your capacity… let this story remind you of HIS faithfulness.
Jess Hammond -- Teach, Train, and Hold 'em with an open hand!
Listen in on the conversation between my friend (who also happens to be my pastor's wife), Jess Hammond. She gives amazing insight into recognizing your own season of motherhood and cheering for others as they step out into their callings. When we do this, it helps curb comparison and ultimately changes our heart. Jess also brings light to the hard truth that it's our responsibility to train our children up to have an experiential knowledge of who Jesus is and not shy away from the task -- even if we feel ill equipped. Learning from Jess is like gulping water from a fire hydrant...be ready... because she brings so much thirst-quenching goodness!
Call the Midwives: Shiphrah & Puah
Angela Buck - Mission vs. Method Mothering
The Shunammite Woman
Julie Savageau, Empowered in a Hidden Role
HAGAR, A Warrior Raiser Seen By God
MY MOTHER, THE WARRIOR RAISER
Eve - The First Warrior Raiser
The first.
Doing something that has never been done before. Exploring a world and leaving your mark for others to see. We all strive for that in some ways. There is only ONE woman who has ACTUALLY been the first in almost everything – Eve.
As we begin the series in Biblical Warrior Raisers...it just makes sense to start at the very beginning...so let's start with The First Warrior Raiser.
We Are the Warrior Raisers