Guiding Light

Thanks to our guest: Kimberly Malone!

Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation with Kimberly, who shares her transformative journey working in prisons and teaching spiritual and life skills. We explore the profound insights and wisdom discovered in these unexpected environments and discuss the importance of reconnecting with our bodies and emotions to achieve holistic wellbeing. Through personal stories and practical exercise...

In this episode of 'Guiding Light,' we welcome special guest Kimberly Malone, a prison educator and spiritual director. Kimberly shares her unique insights on spiritual direction, likening it to being a 'marriage counselor between someone and God.' She delves into her experiences with spiritual direction, the profound impacts of being prayed for, and introduces the concept of 'spiritual games' — engaging act...

🙌 Thanks to our special guest: Shima Baughman - @shimabaughmanCheck out Shema's paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5225044In this episode, we discuss the deep spiritual and societal issues surrounding mass incarceration in the United States. Shima Baughman shares her insights on the higher incarceration rates in California and the need for systemic absolution. We delve into how forgiveness and systemic refo...

Join us as we talk with Shima Bachman, the Woodruff J Dean professor of law at Brigham Young University, about her incredible life story. From growing up in war-torn Iran and enduring the arrest of her activist mother to her miraculous escape to America. Shima discusses how these experiences shaped her passion for criminal justice reform. We delve into her work on bail reform, mass incarceration, and the pivotal role her mother'...

In this episode of Guiding Light, we welcome life transformation coach Meagan Skidmore. Meagan shares her insights on using emotional alchemy to navigate life transitions, reset identity, and process emotions without letting them define us. Through her holistic coaching approach, Meagan helps clients connect with their inner wisdom and authentic selves, creating safe spaces for healing and growth. We explore her personal journey, m...

*The opinions expressed here are our own, and in no way reflect the views of the United States, Air Force, or the DoD.*

Join us for a powerful episode of Guiding Light, where we welcome Chaplain Michael Jones. Michael shares his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a devoted hospital and military chaplain. Learn about his calling, experience in ministry, and how he supports patients and communities in challenging situations...

In this heartfelt discussion, we are joined by David Doyle, a gay man of faith whose viral blog post in 2017 transformed his journey from private to public storytelling. David shares his experiences in reconciling his sexual identity with his faith, the challenges he faced within his church community, and how he supports other queer individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Hear David's inspiring story of courage, the importance...

Welcome to another episode of Guiding Light with Jenna Carson and Sierra Larson. Join us as we explore how to invite sources of peace into your life by following a divine purpose. Drawing on lessons from a screenwriting class with Billy Ray, the screenwriter of Hunger Games and Captain Phillips, we discuss how overcoming obstacles and facing dilemmas can enrich your spiritual journey. Gain insights into iconic films like The Godfat...

When rock bottom feels like the end, it might actually be the beginning of something sacred.In this powerful conversation, our guest shares how the first half of life felt like a spiritual and emotional desert—clinically depressed, paralyzed, and lost. A heartfelt cry for help led to an unexpected awakening: meditation teachers, wisdom, and a new spiritual frequency began showing up. Over nearly thirty years, this "deep conver...

From Federal Prison to Redemption: The Inspiring Journey of Portia LauderJoin us for an inspiring episode of 'Guiding Light' as we welcome Portia Lauder, a writer, speaker, photographer, and advocate. Portia shares her transformative journey from serving five years in federal prison to discovering her divine worth and purpose. In this heartfelt discussion, Portia opens up about her struggles, including early motherhood, addiction, ...

In this episode, we explore the deep power of creativity, spirituality, and expression.

Jenna shares her journey of using writing as a lifeline through some of life’s darkest moments — and how it evolved into a spiritual and healing practice. Whether you're a writer, a creative, or simply someone looking for peace and purpose, this conversation will meet you where you are.

✨ Topics we cover:

Writing as a form of prayer

Navigating pain ...

What if your spiritual path was never meant to look “consistent”—but persistent?
In this episode, we go deeper with @thebusybrainedsaint Kamden Hainsworth as she shares how ADHD intersects with faith, emotional intensity, and grace. 🧠✨

💬 Highlights:
▪️ The power of persistence over perfection
▪️ What “flexible structure” means for ADHDers
▪️ Finding peace in spiritual bursts, not shame
▪️ Why God likes you—just ...

Living with ADHD as a Spiritual Being

Guest: Kamden Hainsworth, Certified ADHD Coach + Host of The Busy Brained Saint In this powerful first half of our conversation with Kamden Hainswort, we dive deep into what ADHD really is, how it’s often misunderstood—especially in women—and how faith and personal insight can transform the way we show up in the world.

Kamden shares her late-in-life diagnosis, the emotional weight of masking, an...

Feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or emotionally exhausted? You're not alone. In this episode of the Guiding Light Podcast, Jenna and Sierra dive deep into the reality of burnout—from personal experiences in helping professions to practical, compassionate strategies for prevention and recovery. Whether you're a caregiver, therapist, parent, or simply juggling too much, this episode is your reminder to pause, breathe, and refill your c...

Discover how Shawn transitioned from the world of athletics to the stage and screen, reconnecting with his inner child and launching Great Wave—a powerful platform inspiring youth to dream bigger, move with purpose, and embrace their full potential.

This is more than a career transition—it’s a story of resilience, faith, and redefining success through service and self-discovery.

No matter where you start, your story can evolve into ...

From overcoming personal challenges to transforming lives through movement, Dr. Timia Crawford blends faith, resilience, and expertise to help athletes and individuals rebuild strength, recover from injuries, and embrace their purpose. 💪✨🩺 Specialties: ✔ Sports Performance Physical Therapy 🏆 ✔ Women's Health Rehabilitation 🌸 ✔ Faith-Driven Healing & Recovery 🙏"Your purpose is not what you do, but who you are and who God is...

You Are God’s Favorite: Embracing Divine Love

"Sierra and Jenna explore the idea that everyone is God’s beloved, diving into spiritual identity, healing past trauma, and cultivating an unshakable sense of worth rooted in divine love.

In this heartfelt episode of Guiding Light, Sierra Larson and Jenna Carson dive deep into a lesson Jenna recently taught on God’s love and the beautiful (and bold!) idea that we are all God’s favorite. T...