Gals With Gumption

I love women who share. Share advice, share war stories, share my love of dairy free ice cream and good conversation! But you guys know more than anything I love a woman who shares her story with the world. Kristin is just one of those women! I’ve had the privilege of knowing Kristin for several years now and no matter how many kids she has on her hip at the time, she is always ready to share her wisdom, her story, her struggle. I was so grateful that even in her “to” season, she was willing to share her again and talk about her “messy middle”. Ten kids, homeschool mom, wannabe motor-home mom, eating disorder survivor and overcomer! Follow Kristin’s journey on Instagram, on her blog, or discover the Noonday Story over on her page as well! Catch up on the blog at wendyjolson.com or on Instagram @mrswendyjolson

Meet Coles Rogers. She is the inspiring mind behind the Salt and Light Blog. She is a law enforcement wife, an Air Force veteran wife, a fellow homeschool mom, (What what! Two in a row!) a California girl and all around just good to know kind of gal. Coles shares about her faith journey being intertwined with her husband’s departure from the Air Force after almost ten years. The struggles they face after he came home from two deployments and the difficulty in adjusting to civilian life. God took them on a journey but never left them alone. This story hits close to home as a fellow veteran’s wife! And we compare notes on a few things along the way too. Even now through their current trials they know God is with them and it has been through the tough times that she’s discovered who her community truly is that God has gifted her with. She shares how it is through our stories and sharing those stories that God shows us who our community is made up of. Link up with Coles on Instagram or over on her blog

This week I have fellow homeschool mom and health + wellness fanatic, Kim Wallar! We jump right into a talk about health and wellness and how making a few changes have revolutionized the way we eat, the way we live, and how we feel! It is truly amazing what our bodies can do. Kim is a wellness consultant and entrepreneur, discovering her own wellness story on the road to healing and finding her purpose and passion for encouraging women to do the same. A surprise that came one week after high school, ended up shaping what would be her life for the next two decades. Marred by shame, she admits to carrying the curse of perfectionism and people pleasing for years. It was only through God pursuing her that she found out who He made her to be and who He intended her to be, all while constantly showing her and reminding her she is loved and forgiven by her Father in heaven. Kim is inspirational and you’re going to love all the gems she gives us along the way. She is purposeful with her words and her wisdom and

Let’s talk Enneagram!!! On this week’s episode I have Enneagram Coach Kristi Rowles on the show. While we don’t talk about every type (we’re self-centered like that and only talk about ours) this is such a great episode for people who are curious about the Enneagram, and we list plenty of resources for you to find out more. Come and drink the Enneagram Kool-aid with us!!! Kristi describes herself as an anxious person. Discovering she was a type 6 on the Enneagram was life-changing for her and she shares how that’s panned out in her own journey towards healing. We chat about my type, a type 2, and how that manifests in my every day. We also have some pretty frank and open talks about issues we struggle with inside the church as a whole and begin the dialogue that we hope will continue as we try to figure out and walk out this thing called faith. Remember: Faith is a river. Not a pond. Always moving, never stagnant. Follow Kristi on Instagram or on her website www.kristirowles.com

Get ready for an amazing episode! Meet Bonnie Lewis. Wife, mom, theologian, pastor and now BIBLE TRANSLATOR! Bonnie’s life was married with fear. Fear of God, fear of going to hell, and fear of being wrong. Moreover, fear controlled her life when God had clearly called her into ministry to preach and teach. But she second guessed herself in this male-dominant world. And she wasn’t alone. Years later when tragedy hit her family, her faith was undone, or, as she puts it, was deconstructed and then reconstructed with fear no longer in the picture. We talk all things Bible, female empowerment, flipping gender roles on their heads, and what it has been like to translate the bible like never before. Look for Timshel Translation on Kickstarter and be sure to follow Bonnie on Instagram and Facebook. Bonnie is also associated with The Vox Church and you can find more information about them here.

On this week’s episode, I talk with my new friend Lori Lara. Lori is a nationally recognized speaker, a third degree black belt (WHAT?!?!), a writer, and just all around woman you need to know. Her work with MOPS (Mothers of Preschools) has brought her recognition as she travels around the country teaching women of all ages how to kick, punch, choke (is that a thing?), and all around build confidence while sharing and teaching about the love Jesus truly has for us. Lori is the friend you want to know and you instantly love. Be sure to check out Lori’s upcoming speaking engagements as well as her new website launch and what she has in the works coming up this Spring and Summer! You are going to want to follow her on Instagram! www.lorilara.com @lorilara_official on Instagram

Susan Ramirez is a brave woman. She is driven with purpose and says the only way she got to where she is and has grown her nonprofit is with two things: Jesus and Tenacity. Through her organization, National Angels, she is reinventing the way children experience the foster care system and partnering with families who are fostering currently. She is a breath of fresh air to these kids and to these families. Like she says, ‘Not everyone is called to foster, but everyone is called to do something.’ Is this something you feel called to do? Does foster care and the foster system weigh heavy on your heart? Then don’t be shy! Find out how you can help families and children in your area through the National Angels website! If you can’t find your area, don’t worry, they’ll help you start one right where you are. Follow Austin Angels and National Angels and Susan on Instagram as well!

Summer Shine! (Yes that’s her real name…I had to ask too lol.) Summer is the owner of Luna Juice Bar in Waco, Texas, both in storefront AND at the Magnolia Silos (Google it. It’s kind of a big deal.) Side note: try Liquid Sunshine juice at LJB. It is spiritual. But life wasn’t always sunshine (see what I did there) for Summer growing up. Her story is one of abuse, sexual trauma, alcoholism and addiction, but it is SUCH a good story. When I first heard of this gal from Emily Mills (JSL, see episode 19 for details) I was like I HAVE to have Summer on the show!! We had such a great conversation. Her story is super powerful, and her laugh is contagious and will turn any Monday into a Friday! Get your butt down to Waco and visit Luna Juice Bar, and don’t forget to follow Summer on Instagram (@summershine138 @lunajuicebar @sunshinerecoveryhouse). And if you’re in the area March 23rd, be sure to get your tickets for Sunshine Recovery House Fundraiser! Follow me @mrswendyjolson on

Heather De Jesus Yates is the author of the book All the Wild Pearls which released just last year. She is also a wife and an adoptive mom who has a passion for teenage girls and for women to share their stories. We talk about her own journey and how as an Enneagram One she knew from an early age what it meant to feel “dirty.” She shares her amazing story and tons of wisdom, you’re gonna want to get out a notepad to catch all these gems, or, uh…PEARLS! Follow Heather on Instagram @heatherdejesusyates or visit her website heatherdejesusyates.com and stay tuned for her next book to be released later this year! We CANNOT wait! Be sure to subscribe to get updates when new episodes of She’s Got Gumption are available and also please leave us an honest review! This helps other people find the podcast and who doesn’t love a good story. Catch up with me in the meantime on wendyjolson.com or on Instagram, Facebook, + Twitter @mrswendyjolson

Jenn Osler, or Jenn Joy as we now call her, has a story to tell and its thread is HOPE. She is a fellow Fire Wife! But when Jenn lost her husband Ryan just over two years ago in the line of duty at the Canyon Fire in Ventura County, California, her world was shattered. However, her story doesn’t begin there. Early on, Jenn had hope that her newly deceased cousin was somewhere safe and whole and didn’t have to suffer from Cerebral Palsy anymore, wherever she was, and she called out to God regularly to just “say hi” for her. After losing her husband she talks openly about being pissed off at God, and we unpack how that is actually necessary in order to pursue healing and find peace on the other end of tragedy. Jenn is full of life and wisdom and she has something that seems to be a secret between women that walk through fire and come out the other side. She has an unshakable hope, a deeper faith, and a peace that we only read about. You’re gonna love this talk with Jenn Joy! Follow

Bryn is a self-proclaimed Californian, by way of Wisconsin. By way of an old RV at that! She was way ahead of her time. She is a young mom with three kids (one biological, one adopted, and one foster) and one on the way! Life was not always California and Lake Tahoe dreamin’. Growing up Bryn faced some real struggles, finding solace in her Heavenly Father and clinging to Him alone through the ins and outs of growing up. She talks about what led her and her husband to foster care and adoption, as well as the real dilemma she has with people claiming to live the “Christian life,” so many of us have talked about in recent months. This is an amazing conversation filled with tidbits and wisdom and grace and forgiveness in the face of trials and sufferings of this world. Be sure to follow Bryn on Instagram @brynwied or on her blog Broken But Running. Catch up with me off the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter: @mrswendyjolson or on my website www.wendyjolson.com

Liz Griffin is one of the cool kids…in my head and on Instagram. Her and her husband Jady pastor a church in Austin called Antioch Austin, within the Antioch movement. After planting several churches and daydreaming of being a dentist, (just kidding, you’ll get that one once you listen,) they settled down in Austin just two years ago with their four kids, two biological, two adopted…and three of them are nine. Yes, three.  Liz had the privilege of visiting a lot of other countries when she was younger, traveling with her dad, and eventually lived in Russia for several years as well. This gave her the unique perspective of seeing church outside America and gave her a heart for people we normally would stereotype and stick in a category. Her heart for social justice is what drives her today, and she was even instrumental in helping build a Waco-based anti-trafficking organization called Unbound, now with several chapters in other cities. Liz is also a stroke survivor and we jump into that righ

Jami Amerine is not just a mom, but she is an adoptive mom, a foster mom, a marine mom, a blogging mom, and an author mom. She is also a wife and a sweet friend. After raising four kids of their own, her and her husband decided to go on the journey of adoption and foster to adopt. Now with her two #vandals at her side, she is rockin’ that mom mobile back and forth through the drop-off line once again, all while making it look easy on Instagram. She blogs from the heart and shoots straight from the hip. Her vulnerability in both of her books, “Stolen Jesus” and “Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors” is what makes her fans love her, and her followers eat up every word. She admits to walking through a dark season and how being in the public eye can feel quite harsh. Her story is one of knowing, wanting to forget, and holding paradox, all while walking through her Jesus journey in truth and love, loving the ones in front of her the best she can.  If you don’t already know her, meet my

On this week’s episode we talk with Alexis Busetti of Cistern and Grove. Alexis is a financial coach for those of us who haven’t quite figured out this thing called adult-ing and money. I first met Alexis through the amazing Michelle McKinney, and I was introduced to her book, “Entrusted With Money,” which walks you through some of the pitfalls we find ourselves in when it comes to the almighty dollar. Her and her husband talk about the generational and modeled behaviors money can have in our lives, as well as how personal finance is more personal than finance. With an open and honest, transparent heart she recounts her own tale of how she learned her lessons the hard way and what that means for us as women, struggling through our own stories right now. You can follow Alexis on Instagram and Facebook @cisternandgrove and find out what else she is up to, as well as book an appointment with her over on www.cisternandgrove.com  Also be sure to order her book! Available on Amazon!   &

On this week’s episode we get to part three of my series, War on Women. Today’s talk: spiritual warfare. We are under attack, ladies. And it is not from who you might think. Just remember, we’re all in this together. You, me, and Jesus. Be sure to listen and subscribe for updates when new episodes become available! Loving this podcast? Be a good friend and leave us a five star review! Visit www.wendyjolson.com for more fun with me, or feel free to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Twenty episodes! Yeahhh!!! On this very special episode, I interview the incomparable Michelle McKinney, the Dream Architect for her company, Dreams Unleashed. In early 2018 she left her job in the corporate world to pursue her God-given ability to help launch people into THEIR God-given purpose. Since then she has been interviewed by Jamie Ivey, Jessica Honegger, Jess Connolly, and many more. Anytime she speaks, wisdom just falls out! She is the MC for the upcoming SHINE conference hosted by Noonday Collection, and she’s just such an inspiring and amazing woman to watch. In this episode she shares about what life looked like after her mom passed away when she was only 5 years old, and being separated from her brother soon after. She also opens up about her struggle with suicidal thoughts in her teen years. This is definitely one you won’t want to miss. Michelle is the best friend you never knew ya needed, until you met her. Be sure to check out all that she is up to on Instagram, Facebook, and Tw

On this week’s episode I talk with Emily Mills, founder and Chief Ideation Officer for Jesus Said Love and Lovely Enterprises. Jesus Said Love’s sole purpose is to “extend Christ’s love and belonging to those impacted by the commercial sex industry; to awaken hope and empower change.” Emily and her husband, and partner Brett, started out as worship leaders and saw a need in Waco and rose up to meet it. Now JSL is in multiple cities, leading job training classes, and has start Lovely Enterprises to establish micro-businesses through their non-profit. (Emily and Brett still continue to make amazing music, be sure to check out that link below.) We talk about all things social justice, which you know is my FAVORITE subject, parenting, entrepreneurship, war on women and warring FOR women, social change, and other women’s issues inside and outside the church. This is easily one of my favorite conversations! Be sure to leave us some feedback on social and tell us what you think! w

Monica Harris is somebody you wanna know! She’s a mom, a foster to adopt mom, (hello brave lady!) a first responder’s wife, and the content creator behind Creation Refined. In this episode she shares with us her journey, raised by a single mom, estranged from her father, and what it was like the first time she met her future husband…at 13! We delve in deep as Monica opens up about infertility and the adoption process. Monica’s story will bring healing and a sense of belonging when you realize you are not the only one with this kind of story. She is someone who loves Jesus with a passionate heart, but also loves style as much as me! We got to collaborate on a Fall Fashion Guide for 2018! Be sure to visit my page or hers for the details on how to get that in your inbox RIGHT NOW! (links below) And Follow Monica on Instagram and sign up for her newsletter and Facebook group, which I’m already a part of and it is fantastic!! For more from me, Wendy J Olson, visit my website www.wendy

This week’s episode is with my friend, Jenn Ahart. Jenn is former executive director of Rescue Houston, a 24/7 hotline for anyone looking to exit the sex industry. Jenn hails from Dallas, Texas, where she was raised by a single mom. Jenn’s dad signed over his rights to his daughter when she was just 3 years old, and Jenn looks back at how that played a crucial role in her life. As she found her way through some tough years, Jesus was working behind the scenes, preparing Jenn for the work she would be called to do work in the Freedom Movement, anti-sex trafficking ministry. Jenn was involved in three such ministries, partnering with Elijah Rising through Rescue Houston, and with a girls’ home in Bryan/College Station called Stillcreek Ranch. Jenn is an Aggie, although we won’t hold that against her. She is also a mom and a wife and currently lives in Houston with her family. Make sure you listen in to this extremely powerful story about trusting Jesus, walking in freedom, and living a f

Leslie Poole is yet another Instagram friend I made over the summer. Like I said, I will stalk you and become your friend on the IG. Leslie is a mom, and a newly adoptive mom, a speech pathologist, a writer, and a Noonday Collection Ambassador. In this episode, Leslie talks about the darkest day of her life, the turning point for everything that happened when she was just 12 years old, but how it turned her into the amazing person we get to hear from today. She is currently writing a book that is under review about her life’s journey and she shares some of those details with us on this episode. Not only is her Carolina accent endearing, but her words are wisdom. Be sure to follow Leslie on Instagram and Facebook to hear all about what is next for her new book, and of course to read more of her “flogging” (Facebook-blogging) about her journey with their newly adopted son, Freddie. And check out www.lesliebrewerpoole.com For more information about your host Wendy J Olson, head on over to www.w