Empowered Life Podcast

About Empowered Life Podcast

Awaken purpose & use your life to create meaningful impact in the lives of others. Powered by @alliesyouth Join the Empowered Life community! Watch our latest videos on YouTube, follow us on socials, or learn how you can get involved with Allies in Youth Development: https://linktr.ee/EmpoweredLifePod

Publisher

Allies in Youth Development

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2026

Latest episode

24 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   24 Sept 2026

   True Worship, Orphan Care, and Knowing God Through Unthinkable Loss | Shannon Alford

   What does it truly mean to lay down your life and follow God when life takes an unexpected, life-altering turn?In this powerful episode of the Empowered Life Podcast, Meredith sits down with author and worship leader Shannon Alford to discuss what it takes to move our faith from a routine to a daily reality. When Shannon and her husband Simon suddenly lost her brother and sister-in-law, they went from a family of five to a family of ten overnight, stepping up to take in their five nieces and nephews.Powered by Allies (alliesyouth.org), this conversation dives deep into three vital pillars of the Christian walk:- Knowing God: Moving past knowing about God to truly knowing Him in the middle of trauma and trial.- Orphan Care: Navigating the raw reality of grief, breaking the "orphan mentality," and stepping into the gap for children who have experienced immense loss.- True Worship: Discovering that worship isn't just something you do on a Sunday morning, it is a lifestyle of surrender.Whether you are facing your own crossroads or looking to deepen your walk with God, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.📖 Get Shannon's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1621363228?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback🌍 Learn more about Allies and support children in need: www.empoweredlifepodcast.orgThe Mission of AlliesWhat Shannon did for five kids in one home is happening right now for 27,000+ children across 92 countries through Allies in Youth Development. Mentors are walking in, standing in the gap, and pouring into lives every single day. Be part of that: alliesyouth.org🎗️ Join us at the Color Their World Annual Banquet featuring Shane & Shane! Use code PODCAST for 50% off: https://alliesyouth.org/banquet🌍 Allies in Youth Development: https://alliesyouth.org🌐 Explore more: https://www.empoweredlifepodcast.org📺 More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcastThe Empowered Life Podcast | Powered by Allies in Youth Development#empoweredlifepodcast #shannonalford #faith #worship #layingdownyourlife #knowinggod #alliesinyouthdevelopment #orphancare #christianpodcast #northtexasgivingday

2. 

   11 Sept 2026

   Faith Takes Action: You Don't Have to Have It All Together | Kristy Serfass

   DO GOOD, Y'ALL! AND STOP WAITING TO BE READY!You don’t need to clean your whole life up before God can use you to make a real impact.In this special episode, Kristy Serfass, Volunteer Coordinator and Warehouse Manager at Allies in Youth Development, an organization dedicated to rescuing orphans and vulnerable youth around the world through life-giving mentorship and humanitarian aid, shares her powerful story of how God met her in the middle of the bar and party scene, drew her deeper into faith, and used her willingness to take action to create an incredible ripple effect.Kristy and Meredith unpack what it truly means to put "faith with feet", the truth that God meets us right in the middle of taking action. Action isn't what you do after you've figured it all out; it's often the very place where transformation begins.Kristy also takes us on a tour of the Allies warehouse to see how this local hub empowers everyday people, families, and communities to serve with purpose, sending humanitarian aid to vulnerable youth and orphans all around the world.Whether you're stepping out in faith for the first time or looking to serve your community this @northtexasgivingday, Kristy’s journey is proof that God can use you right now, right where you are.📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Intro: What if obedience comes before transformation?03:38 — Welcome Kristy Serfass04:54 — What is Christian Action? Faith with feet07:51 — Action is the fruit, not the root: The three-legged stool10:29 — Being the person through whom others meet Jesus12:07 — The ultimate goal: An encounter with Jesus14:52 — Kristy's story: The bar, the invitation, and church17:21 — Baptism and returning to the bar job18:49 — The moment she knew: "You're done here"22:26 — What God was teaching her in the dark23:36 — Who Kristy is today and the warehouse story24:03 — The teen who started a bracelet club33:06 — Behind the scenes at the Allies warehouse🤠 DO GOOD Y'ALL THIS NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY! Our Allies mentors show up for over 27,000 children every month across 92 countries. You don't have to have it all together to make a difference, partner with Allies in Youth Development today: 👉 https://alliesyouth.org 🤝 GET INVOLVED WITH ALLIES IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:📦 Restock the Allies Warehouse: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3L1PIIF0IB4JH/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?🙋♀️ Volunteer & Get Involved: https://alliesyouth.org/volunteer.aspx 🎟 JOIN US AT THE ALLIES BANQUETCelebrate the mission in person with special guest worship by  @ShaneAndShaneMusic  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCpv_jtNqFLtkq9KI6hrtGng) Get your tickets here and use coupon code PODCAST for 50% off your ticket! https://alliesyouth.org/banquet🔔 SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay connected with the Empowered Life Podcast! Learn more about how you can LIVE empowered and join the movement, visit https://www.empoweredlifepodcast.org/☕ Episode Sip: Shoutout to 7 Brew Coffee for keeping Kristy fueled for international impact! Kristy’s go-to order is the Sweet & Salty (salted caramel + white chocolate breve).  @7BrewCoffee  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCUcpbYFnHJF65Sn29LfflYQ) The Empowered Life Podcast | Powered by Allies in Youth Development#empoweredlifepodcast #kristyserfass #christianaction #faithwithfeet #alliesinyouthdevelopment #orphancare #mentorship #redemption #actionbeforetransformation #christianpodcast #empoweredpeopleempowerpeople #NorthTexasGivingDay #NTXGivingDay #7brew

3. 

   22 Jul 2026

   She Stopped Hustling for Results and Started Trusting God With Them | Jenn Kleiber

   What if the pressure you’re carrying was never yours to carry? So many of us are striving to do everything perfectly: trying to control outcomes, carry every burden, and make everything work. But what if God never asked us to carry that weight in the first place? In this episode of The Empowered Life Podcast, I sit down with speaker, entrepreneur, and business coach Jenn Kleiber to explore what it truly means to faithfully steward what God has placed in our hands while trusting Him with the results. Together we talk about: How to exchange pressure for peace Why surrender leads to freedom, not passivity Redefining success through God’s Kingdom Trusting God through setbacks and uncertainty Living open-handed with your time, gifts, and resources How generosity becomes an act of worship Jenn also shares the heart behind the Faith Filled Experience, a one-day gathering for women designed to encourage, equip, and inspire them to walk confidently in God’s calling. 🎉 Join Jenn at the Faith Filled Entrepreneur Experience If this conversation encouraged you, we’d love to invite you to continue it in person. 📅 August 7 📍 Mansfield, Texas 100% of the proceeds from this event will benefit Allies in Youth Development, helping train and equip local mentors who are bringing hope and transformation to vulnerable children around the world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mom, a leader, or simply someone longing to live with greater peace and purpose, this event is for you. 🎟️  Register here: https://www.jennkleiber.com/faithfilled 00:00 — Intro: Meredith sets the stage, exchanging pressure for peace 03:48 — Jenn Kleiber joins: stewardship, calling, and the one primary calling we all share 09:33 — How your calling can become your idol 17:55 — We can have doubt and faith at the same time, and that's okay 22:26 — Trusting God through setbacks: what holds us back from stewarding well 25:34 — She had $4 in her account. God had a plan. 29:57 — What are "God touches" and how do you recognize them? 38:38 — Praise is a weapon, and here's the method 45:27 — Living open-handed doesn't have to be a big event 50:24 — Who invested in Jenn: grandmother June and the favor of God 55:36 — The Faith Filled Entrepreneur Experience: what it is and why 100% goes to Allies 59:33 — Why she chose to give every dollar to Allies in Youth Development 01:04:31 — The journey of surrender is exciting. But it's really hard. 01:09:15 — Impact Moment: Natalia, South Africa 🌍 Allies in Youth Development: https://alliesyouth.org (https://alliesyouth.org/) 🌐 Explore more: https://www.empoweredlifepodcast.org (https://www.empoweredlifepodcast.org/) 📲 More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast) The Empowered Life Podcast | Powered by Allies in Youth Development #empoweredlifepodcast #jennkleiber #faithfilledentrepreneur #stewardship #faith #entrepreneurship #christianpodcast #alliesinyouthdevelopment #orphancare #mentorship #empoweredpeopleempowerpeople

4. 

   13 Jul 2026

   One Year, One Yes | The Empowered Life Podcast Anniversary Special with Chris Burgin

   What happens when a single yes turns into a movement? In this special anniversary episode of the Empowered Life Podcast, Meredith Murray sits down with Chris Burgin, Founder and CEO of Allies in Youth Development, to celebrate one full year of the show: 1.7 million views, over 1,000 hours of watch time, and listeners in 26 states and more than a dozen countries. Together, Meredith and Chris revisit the moments that defined the year: pastors going after "the one," a sheriff fighting trafficking before it starts, a financial advisor who learned to give without keeping score, a teacher whose question reached 2,000 people at a graduation, a mentor who found that consistency changes everything, and a survivor who is now the trusted adult she once needed. Chris also opens up about the leaps of faith that built Allies from nothing, and closes the episode with a message about what one yes, said 15 years ago in a Russian orphanage, has become. The Mission of Allies Allies in Youth Development exists to put a consistent, trusted adult in the life of every vulnerable child who doesn't have one. Right now, that means mentors showing up month after month for more than 27,000 children across 92 countries. ✨ JOIN THE MOVEMENT ✨ Learn more about how you can empower orphans and vulnerable children globally: 👉 Visit alliesyouth.org 👉 New landing page: empoweredlifepodcast.org (http://empoweredlifepodcast.org/) 🕒 Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 - Celebrating one year of the Empowered Life Podcast 04:15 - Chris Burgin joins: "It's the power of the yes" 07:40 - Desi & Mychal Henk on going to "the ends of the earth" 19:20 - Sheriff Waybourn on early intervention & prevention 31:55 - Shannon Harris on generosity without an agenda 36:40 - Chris on faith, provision, and the founding of Allies 45:48 - Sam Riley: "What's in your palm?" 1:00:11 - Shawn Serfass on the power of consistency 1:12:13 - Angela Rose Thorne: "You are that person" 1:32:22 - Chris's closing message: One yes can change everything 📲 More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast) The Empowered Life Podcast | Powered by Allies in Youth Development #empoweredlifepodcast #oneyearanniversary #chrisbergen #alliesinyouthdevelopment #orphancare #mentorship #nextgeneration #faithjourney #liveempowered #empoweredpeopleempowerpeople

5. 

   24 Jun 2026

   Impact NOW, Not "One Day" | Empowering the Next Generation with Chip Roop

   What happens when you stop keeping score and start living fully surrendered to God’s plan? In this episode of the Empowered Life Podcast, host Meredith Murray sits down with Chip Roop, the President and CEO of the Roop Family Foundation, songwriter, and musician. Chip shares his incredible journey from a small coal town in eastern Kentucky to seminary, and how God took his dream of being a youth pastor and multiplied it into a global impact spanning 52 organizations. Meredith and Chip dive deep into what true, unconditional generosity and empowerment look like: shifting our focus outward rather than inward, getting our hands dirty alongside the organizations we support, and empowering the next generation to be game-changers today, not just "one day" in the future. Central to the foundation's global reach is its deep partnership with Allies in Youth Development. Chip shares the emotional story of being surprised with the "Allies Roop Library" in Peru, a community impact center where mentors pour into vulnerable children daily. It’s a beautiful testament to how partnering with Allies has allowed his foundation to expand its mission across the globe, now reaching children in 92 countries. If you are ready to be inspired to live an obedient, generous, and truly empowered life, this conversation is for you! ✨ JOIN THE MOVEMENT ✨ Want to link arms with people changing the world? Learn more about how you can empower orphans and vulnerable children globally through Allies in Youth Development: 👉 Visit https://alliesyouth.org 🎵 LISTEN TO CHIP'S MUSIC 🎵 Stream "Beautiful Outlaw" and Chip's full album on Apple Music and Spotify by searching: Chip Roop. 🕒 Suggested Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: What does it mean to live an empowered life? 01:45 - Meet Chip Roop & The Roop Family Foundation 03:20 - Shifting from "Check-Writers" to Active Partners 04:55 - The Power of Collaboration: Group Coffee Gatherings 06:40 - The Surprise Allies Library in Peru: God as the Ultimate Multiplier 09:30 - What True Generosity Actually Means (Stop Keeping Score) 12:15 - How the Foundation Shaped Chip’s Faith 14:10 - Heartbreak & Hope for the Next Generation 16:45 - Eyewitness to the Asbury Revival 21:30 - Passing the Legacy to the Next Generation 24:00 - The Story Behind the Song "Beautiful Outlaw" 29:00 - Outro: Go Live Empowered! The Empowered Life Podcast | Powered by Allies in Youth Development #empoweredlife #generosity #nextgeneration #faithjourney #beautifuloutlaw #youthministry #liveempowered

6. 

   10 Jun 2026

   From Fury to Faith: She Screamed at God and He Answered | Lisa "Sunshine" Jennett

   What does it look like when someone who spent decades furious at God finally lets Him in? In this powerful episode of The Empowered Life Podcast, we sit down with Lisa "Sunshine" Jennett, an unconventional, unapologetic, and radically authentic author and entrepreneur. Her life is living proof that where you start does not define where you finish. Born into a violent home in West Texas, Sunshine learned early that the only way out was to outwork her surroundings. By age eight, she had a paper route. By her twenties, she had endured the devastating loss of twin daughters and survived homelessness in London. She went on to build a landscaping empire from scratch, but through it all, she kept God at a very deliberate distance. Then, alone in a field, everything broke open. Tune in to hear Lisa's raw testimony of what happened next at that retreat, at her father's deathbed, and how an encounter with God completely transformed her fury into an unbreakable faith. 🤝 SUPPORT OUR MISSIONThis episode of The Empowered Life Podcast is proudly powered by Allies in Youth Development. Just as Lisa overcame a childhood of trauma and instability, millions of vulnerable children are looking for hope today. Allies in Youth Development works tirelessly to rescue orphaned and abandoned children from a future of despair. Through dedicated in-country mentors, Allies provides critical human connection, life skills, and education pathways to children in over 92 countries every single day. You can be the turning point in a child's story. ➡️ Be part of the movement: https://alliesyouth.org (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3RCZnQwWWMtbzRiMnFIWkdBb0M5TTFLQ0tKQXxBQ3Jtc0tsUVZJN3A5NjVoZGRqa1lQeFQteUt2b0xzRUdtSEQ2eEZkck1JMnQ3UGZSVmR2bzNCem0zX0RqOElEVDlTcVk3di1UQ0RnSVI0a1g1dE9OZ3I2WjJnYjFiMHI1Y0xhSXpIUFdzSWwxV3N2NUs0QUJuSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Falliesyouth.org%2F&v=u_t0hNLtUXE) 📖 GET LISA’S BOOK Grab your copy of Lisa "Sunshine" Jennett's incredible book, When Last I Saw Me: ➡️ Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/When-Last-Saw-... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmdKd2xGWjF0X0w4MW1FTll1alpaM2tPY1I1UXxBQ3Jtc0tsVUZINnA3dVNxSmZ5bG9hbWVTLTQ2SURMQkdNWXZKYmw2eTdHZ3pmc1kzMDZ6TV8ya041bThKRzRpeGdrcHE1LWtuakNXaU1nNndXSjBCMWNwZC0xSEp4OGEwSjVHeGo3UndaaUU2azhxeE1qOHZURQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FWhen-Last-Saw-Me-Otherwise-ebook%2Fdp%2FB0078X1QM1Z&v=u_t0hNLtUXE) ⏱️ CHAPTERS [00:23 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=23s)] - Introduction: Welcoming Lisa "Sunshine" Jennett to the podcast.[02:27 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=147s)]- Her story mirrors the mission of those Allies serves.[03:13 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=193s)] - Early Life in Texas: Growing up in West Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, finding safety in hard work, and early dreams of adoption.[06:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=406s)] - Meeting Her First Husband & Moving to Scotland: Her unexpected engagement and life in Glasgow managing a unique Sunday school.[13:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=782s)] - Tragedy & Returning to Texas: Facing the heartbreaking loss of her twins, returning home to start over, and establishing her landscape business.[17:08 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=1028s)] - The Turning Point: A personal crisis leading to a journey of self-reflection back through her childhood towns.[26:19 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=1579s)] - From Fury to Faith: Attending "Quest" camp, confronting her anger toward God, and experiencing an unexpected encounter of love.[35:44 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=2144s)] - Reconnecting with Her Father: A 20-month journey of visiting her abusive father, Raymond, leading to a profound lesson in borrowing divine love to forgive.[49:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=2974s)] - Relationships with Her Mother & Mentors: Caring for her mother later in life and honoring the key people who poured into her throughout her journey.[59:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=3551s)] - Three Favorite Words: Unpacking the philosophy behind her favorite concepts: "Yes", "Monday", and "Fail".[01:09:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=4147s)] - Allies in Youth Development: Her "why" behind helping orphans, restoring family units, and finding what you are brilliant at to serve others.[01:23:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=5027s)] - Conclusion & Final Thoughts: Host wrap-up on living an empowered "10X" life.[01:26:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_t0hNLtUXE&t=5171s)] - Allies Field Report: A powerful transformation story of volunteers and youth at an Inside Hero lesson in Egypt.#empoweredlifepodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/empoweredlifepodcast) #sunshine (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sunshine) #lisajeanette (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/lisajeanette) #faith (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/faith) #redemption (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/redemption) #godslove (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/godslove) #healingjourney (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healingjourney) #christianpodcast (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/christianpodcast) #alliesinyouthdevelopment (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/alliesinyouthdevelopment) #mentorship (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/mentorship) #orphancare (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/orphancare) #christianity (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/christianity) #testimony (https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/testimony)

7. 

   13 May 2026

   The Voice of Hope: 7 Declarations for Your Darkest Hour, with Chaplain Desmond Haye | S2 E10

   What would hope say if it could speak directly into your darkest moment? Chaplain Desmond Haye has spent 20 years walking into the hardest places, and he wrote the book on it. Literally. Chaplain Desmond Haye is the Director of Pastoral Care and Ethics at Texas Health Hospital in Mansfield, Texas. Born in Jamaica as the 12th child, and orphaned of his father before he was even born… he has spent his life turning pain into purpose. Out of decades of sitting at hospital bedsides, hospice rooms, and the darkest moments of human suffering, he wrote The Voice of Hope: Hearing Hope in Your Darkest Hour. In it he shares seven declarations. Seven things hope would say if it could speak directly into your hardest moments. And every single one of them is real. We know, because at Allies in Youth Development, these are the exact declarations our mentors are speaking over orphaned and abandoned children in 92 countries every single day. These declarations aren't just for hospital rooms. They belong in every orphanage, every broken home, every dark season, everywhere hope feels out of reach. In this conversation, Desmond and Meredith unpack all seven: — Hope says: You are not alone — Hope says: You are loved — Hope says: You can find peace — Hope says: You can have joy — Hope says: You will triumph over tragedy — Hope says: The suffering will not last — Hope says: There will be a brighter tomorrow Whether you are in a dark season right now, just coming out of one, or you want to be the voice of hope for someone else… this conversation is for you. "Hope is not loud. It's not boastful. It's not upfront. In my experience, it's quiet. It's gentle. And it whispers in the midst of your pain that — hey, triumph is possible and you can do it." - Chaplain Desmond Hayes 📖  Get Desmond's book: The Voice of Hope: Hearing Hope in Your Darkest Hour: https://a.co/d/0aLbH4gn (https://a.co/d/0aLbH4gn) 📖  His newest book: The Journey of Wholeness: 21 Stories, 21 Principles on Living and Feeling Whole: https://a.co/d/02D1YTFN (https://a.co/d/02D1YTFN) 🌍  At Allies in Youth Development, our mentors walk into the darkest places every day to bring hope to orphaned children in 92 countries. Learn how you can be part of that: alliesyouth.org (http://alliesyouth.org/) 📲  More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast #empoweredlifepodcast #thevoiceofhope #chaplaindesmondhayes #alliesinyouthdevelopment #hopewins #faith #christianpodcast #healingjourney #orphans #mentorship #empoweredpeopleempowerpeople #darkseason #hopeandhealing

8. 

   29 Apr 2026

   Beyond Aid: How "Education of the Soul" Saves the Next Generation with Josh Roberts | S2 E9

   1 in 7 adolescents around the world are struggling. Dr. Josh Roberts reveals how tending to the soul creates the internal foundation every child needs to survive the storm. Every child, regardless of where they live, what they have, or what they've been through, is searching for the same three things: a sense of worth, a connection to others, and something bigger than themselves. That's not a theory. That's what the research shows. Dr. Josh Roberts is a Fort Worth school principal with over 20 years in education. His doctoral research at TCU, titled “An Education of the Soul,” explores what happens when we stop treating children as problems to fix and start tending to their whole person: mind, body, and spirit. And what he found lines up exactly with what Allies in Youth Development has been witnessing for 15 years as we walk alongside vulnerable children in 92 countries. When someone decides that the inner life of a child is worth showing up for, everything changes. In this conversation, Josh and Meredith go deep on: What "education of the soul" actually means, and why it matters for every child, everywhere Why this generation is struggling in ways no generation before them has What spirituality looks like outside of religion, and why it belongs in every child's development What real students said when Josh asked them directly about their inner lives How parents, teachers, and mentors can begin pouring into the whole child, starting today Whether you're raising kids, teaching them, mentoring them, or supporting the work of those who are… this conversation is for you. "Education of the soul does not just happen. It happens when teachers and parents and mentors decide that the inner life of a child is worth showing up for, it's worth investing in." 🌍 Allies in Youth Development is currently supporting mentors for over 27,000 children every single month. Learn how you can be the reason a mentor shows up for a child: alliesyouth.org 📲 More episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast) #empoweredlifepodcast #educationofthesoul #beyondaid #alliesinyouthdevelopment #nextgeneration #wholechild #mentalhealth #parenting #mentorship #youthdevelopment #drjoshroberts #godeeper

9. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Empowered Classic: "Helping or Hurting? How to Empower Without Enabling" (Stacia Miller)

   Are you helping, or are you unintentionally creating dependency?In this episode of the Empowered Life Podcast, Meredith sits down with Stacia Miller (Director of Development at the Mansfield Mission Center) to discuss the thin line between compassion that restores and compassion that accidentally keeps people stuck.🌍 JOIN OUR MISSION: We believe lasting change happens when we equip people to stand on their own feet. Empower an orphan through mentorship and life skills today:👉 https://alliesyouth.org🕒 VIDEO CHAPTERS00:00 – Helping or Hurting? The Mission of Empowerment02:09 – Why Empowerment is the Key to Transformation07:05 – Behind the Scenes of the Mansfield Mission Center10:13 – Avoiding a One-Size-Fits-All Approach to Need14:05 – Empowering vs. Enabling: Compassion That Restores22:06 – Restoring Dignity: Why Small Details Matter32:53 – The Jesus Model: "Do You Want to Get Well?"38:25 – Kingdom Collaboration: Partnership Over Competition44:40 – Why a Kingdom Mindset Leads to Greater Impact50:42 – How to Get Involved & Final Thoughts💡 IN THIS EPISODE, WE UNPACK:The "80-60-10" Reality: Understanding the high stakes for orphans and why mentorship is the "missing piece" to survival.Dignity in the Details: Why choice and respect (like grocery store models vs. handouts) are the keys to true restoration.The Jesus Model: Why Jesus asked the paralyzed man "Do you want to get well?" instead of just fixing the problem.Kingdom Collaboration: Why shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundant, collaborative mindset is better for the whole community.🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE🤝 Allies in Youth Development: Learn how you can empower orphans through mentorship: https://alliesyouth.org🏢 Mansfield Mission Center: Empowering neighbors with essential resources to see a flourishing community: https://mansfieldmission.org/🎙️ Empowered Life Podcast: Join our mission to help you live a life of purpose and impact. Subscribe and hit the bell to never miss an episode!#EmpoweredLife #AlliesYouth #EducationChangesEverything #OrphanCare #BreakTheCycle #MentorshipMatters #SuccessStory #MansfieldTX #KingdomMindset

10. 

    15 Apr 2026

    Are You Dead Yet? How Surrender, Sabbath, and Saying Yes Unlocks the Life God Has for You | S2 E8

    He had seen the world. Over 50 nations. Thousands of lives impacted. But even then, he still had to ask himself one question: “Are you dead yet?” Not physically, but spiritually. Because the truth is, we can do a lot for God… without ever fully surrendering to Him. Johnny’s story is a powerful reminder that burnout doesn’t come from doing too little. It often comes from doing too much in our own strength. And Sabbath isn’t just rest. It’s full dependence. We’re not called to carry the weight. We’re called to lay it down. We are fighting to ensure the next generation doesn’t just survive—but walks in purpose, identity, and truth through the power of mentorship. 🚨 TAKE ACTION: Help us send a local mentor to stand in the gap → https://alliesyouth.org/give (https://alliesyouth.org/give) In this episode, we discuss: The Question That Changes Everything: “Are you dead yet?”: Why surrender, not striving, is the key to real impact. The Reality of Burnout: How even strong leaders can hit a breaking point. Kingdom Sabbath: Why rest isn’t optional, and what it actually looks like. The Illusion of Control: Why we think everything depends on us… and how to release it. The Allies Connection: How mentorship creates generational impact through surrender and obedience. CHAPTERS:0:00 - “Are you dead yet?”2:15 - Johnny’s global impact and mission work6:40 - The unseen: Living in the eternal, not the temporary12:30 - Burnout, anxiety, and hitting a breaking point18:10 - What Sabbath actually means (and what it doesn’t)26:45 - Letting go of control and responsibility34:20 - Living from overflow, not depletion41:00 - Hearing God daily and slowing down49:15 - The Allies connection: mentorship that multiplies impact THE ALLIES MISSION:At Allies, we don’t wait for crisis. We step in early. Through local mentors, we break cycles before they begin and help young people walk in identity, purpose, and freedom. Learn more: alliesyouth.org 🔔 SUBSCRIBE: Join the Empowered Life community for more real conversations that challenge, equip, and transform. #alliesyouth #mentorshipmatters #kingdomliving #sabbathrest #burnoutrecovery #faithinaction #empoweredlife #purposeoverpressure

11. 

    8 Apr 2026

    Empowered Classic: "The Orphan Crisis - How Education Changes Everything" (Kostya Shestakov)

    Less than 1% of orphans make it to college. We are changing that statistic today. 🎓When an orphan ages out without an education, the cycle of poverty repeats. But what happens when you give them a professional tutor and a mentor? You get doctors, engineers, and leaders.🌟 HELP FUND A TUTOR TODAY: https://alliesyouth.org/give.aspx🌍 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MISSION: https://alliesyouth.org💡 INSIDE THIS EPISODEIn this episode, Meredith sits down with Kostya Shestakov, founder of the Allies Tutoring Program. A former street kid himself, Kostya reveals how he used his expertise in online education to build a "bridge" for orphans in remote regions—moving them from hopelessness to higher education.We discuss:[05:59] The Street to Success: Kostya’s journey from the fall of the USSR to professional educator.[12:02] Why Mentorship Isn't Enough: The missing link between "being loved" and "being educated."[33:59] The Professional Model: Why Allies uses paid, professional tutors to ensure a 100% success rate.[38:23] Success Stories: Meet Masha, Oraz, and Sasha—former orphans who are now thriving professionals.[53:52] The "Right Person" Effect: How one consistent adult changes a life's trajectory.🚀 TAKE ACTIONAt Allies in Youth Development, we believe every child has a God-given destiny. Education is the key that unlocks it.✅ Sponsor a Child: https://alliesyouth.org/sponsorachild.aspx✅ Subscribe for more stories of transformation: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast✅ Visit the Website: https://alliesyouth.org#EmpoweredLife #AlliesYouth #EducationChangesEverything #OrphanCare #BreakTheCycle #MentorshipMatters #SuccessStory #HigherEducation #GlobalImpact

12. 

    1 Apr 2026

    Angela’s Story: The Girl We Are Fighting For (Redemption & Recovery)

    ⚠️ SENSITIVE CONTENT: The following conversation contains honest accounts of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and suicide attempts. We share this to EQUIP you with the knowledge to step in and MINIMIZE these vulnerabilities for the next generation. Viewer discretion is advised. 30 years old. That is the average life expectancy of an orphaned child without intervention, due to trafficking, suicide, or substance abuse. This is the harsh reality millions of children face, and it is the reason why the Allies mission exists. Angela is that girl we are fighting for. This is her story. Join the mission to protect the next Angela at alliesyouth.org/podcast In this episode, we discuss: The "Slow Fade": How predators identify and target unseen children. The Reality of Grooming: Why exploitation rarely looks like the movies. The Life Expectancy Crisis: Why aging out of an orphanage is a death sentence for many. The Local Mentor Solution: How Allies empowers leaders on the ground to provide the "one person" a child needs. Architecture of Redemption: Angela's journey from survival to restoration. Take Action with Allies. Angela’s story is the "why" behind everything we do. At Allies, we don't wait for tragedy to happen; we step in with local mentors to break the cycle of vulnerability before it starts. SPONSOR A MENTOR: Help us protect the next Angela by providing a local mentor for $25/month: alliesyouth.org/give (http://alliesyouth.org/give) THE ALLIES MISSION: See how we are rewriting the 30-year life expectancy statistic: alliesyouth.org (http://alliesyouth.org/) SUBSCRIBE: Join the Empowered Life community to hear more stories of hope and prevention. Resources Mentioned: 📖 Learn More about Angela's Story: amazon.com/Unbroken-Survivors-Overcoming-Trauma-Addiction/dp/B0DLP7XW1W (https://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-Survivors-Overcoming-Trauma-Addiction/dp/B0DLP7XW1W) 🕊️ About Freed People: freedpeople.org 📱 Follow the Podcast: @empoweredlifepodcast

13. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Empowered Classic: “How One Second Chance Can Change a Lifetime” (Shawn Serfass)

    When a single decision cost him everything, Shawn Serfass found himself at rock bottom. Facing the reality of broken choices, lost direction, and the weight of consequence. But through mentorship, faith, and grace, Shawn’s story became one of redemption, purpose, and second chances. Now the founder of Second Chance Mentors, Shawn is passionate about helping young men rewrite their stories, discover their worth, and step into the purpose God designed for them. His story is a reminder that no one is too far gone to be used for something greater. In this conversation, he shares: - How one defining mistake became the turning point that changed everything - The role of faith and accountability in rebuilding his life - How mentorship is breaking cycles and restoring hope in the next generation Shawn’s story reflects the heart of Allies…Proving that when one life is transformed, it can spark a ripple effect of mentorship, restoration, and hope that changes generations. 📌 Follow & Connect 🔗 Allies in Youth Development Website: @ Instagram: /alliesyouth Facebook: /alliesyouth YouTube: /@alliesinyouthdevelopment248 🎙️ The Empowered Life Podcast Instagram: /empoweredlifepodcast Facebook: /61574739537797 YouTube: /@empoweredlifepodcast LinkTree: @edLifePod 🔔 Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to spread these stories of faith and transformation. 🙏 Feeling moved? This podcast is all about helping you take the next right step. You were made for more. You’re not alone. #empoweredlife #podcast #faithandpurpose #redemptionstory #mentorship #alliesinyouth #graceandtruth #godscalling #secondchances #faith #testimony #authentic

14. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Empowered Classic: “The 3,000 Year Old Secret to an Empowered Life” (Erik Erby)

    Are you loving God with your whole life… or just the parts that are convenient? 🌿 Pastor Erik Erby joins Meredith to break down the Shema—the ancient blueprint for an empowered life. Discover how loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength naturally overflows into serving others with contagious joy. 👉 Join the Mission: https://alliesyouth.org At [50:00], Pastor Erik discusses “True Religion”—the call to serve the vulnerable. This is the heart of our partnership with Allies in Youth Development. Whether you're traveling to a Summer Camp in Peru or serving in the warehouse right here at home, your "yes" changes lives. 👉 Serve & Give: https://alliesyouth.org EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 Intro: Counting the Cost of Following Christ 00:23 Introducing Pastor Erik Erby 03:07 Business to Ministry: The “Unqualified” Journey 08:36 Gen Z Revival: What God Is Doing in the Next Generation 12:45 The Shema: A Blueprint for an Empowered Life 17:48 Mountaintop Moments vs. Real Life Faith 22:08 Why We Compartmentalize Our Faith 27:16 Living a Fully Surrendered Life 32:02 Hearing Jesus in a Noisy World 36:19 The Greatest Commandment: Love God & Love Others 42:03 How Missions & Serving Transforms Your Perspective 50:00 True Religion: The Joy of Serving with Allies 56:06 Mission Sunday & Finding Your Place to Serve 01:00:10 Carrying Faith Into Every Area of Life 01:05:57 Impact Moment: Georgie’s Story from Moldova DIVE DEEPER: Check out the full Shema sermon series: https://walnutridge.org/media/series/b69w7t6/shema-as-you-go CONNECT WITH THE MISSION: Allies in Youth Development: Lasting change happens when vulnerable children are equipped with mentorship and life skills. Learn more at https://alliesyouth.org Empowered Life Podcast: Our mission is to help you live a life of purpose and impact. Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Season 2! #empoweredlife #faithinaction #alliesyouth #shema #pastorerikerby #purposefulliving #mentorship #missions

15. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Empowered Classic: “How Trafficking Starts Quietly” (Sheriff Bill Waybourn)

    What really happens when someone chooses to protect the vulnerable instead of looking away? In this powerful episode of The Empowered Life Podcast, we sit down with Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, a man who has spent decades on the front lines fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the realities of human trafficking, not as something that happens “somewhere else,” but as a quiet crisis unfolding right here in our own communities. Sheriff Waybourn shares what trafficking actually looks like, who traffickers target, and why vulnerability, not geography, is the real risk factor. From foster care to broken homes, from false job offers to misplaced trust, this episode exposes how exploitation often begins long before anyone realizes it’s happening. But this is not a story rooted in fear, it’s a call to awareness, prevention, and action. Through real stories, hard truths, and moments of deep hope, Sheriff Waybourn reminds us that prevention starts early, restoration is possible, and showing up for vulnerable children can literally change the course of a life. Prevention works, and Allies proves that when a young person is seen, supported, and mentored, vulnerability loses its power. Because when someone is seen, protected, and supported, darkness loses ground. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: 00:00 – Why trafficking awareness matters now more than ever 02:45 – The truth about how trafficking really begins 05:30 – Why vulnerability is the trafficker’s primary target 08:10 – Shifting the mindset: victims vs. criminals 10:55 – The role of trauma and mental health in exploitation 13:40 – What law enforcement is seeing on the front lines 16:20 – Why trafficking is happening right here, not just overseas 18:50 – The importance of early intervention and mentorship 22:15 – Real rescue stories that changed everything 26:30 – How prevention begins with community and compassion 30:10 – Why adoption, mentorship, and consistency matter 34:45 – What every listener can do to be part of the solution 📌 Follow & Connect 🔗 Allies in Youth Development Website: @ Instagram: @inyouth/ Facebook: @inyouth/ YouTube: @inyouthdevelopment248 🎙️ The Empowered Life Podcast Instagram: @empoweredlifepodcast/ Facebook: @Empowered-Life-Podcast/61574739537797/ YouTube: @EmpoweredLifePodcast LinkTree: @EmpoweredLifePod 🔔 Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to help spread awareness and protect the vulnerable. 🙏 If this episode stirred something in you, know this: awareness is the first step, action is the next. You were made for more, and your presence matters more than you know. #empoweredlife #podcast #faithandpurpose #humantraffickingawareness #prevention #mentorship #justice #faithinaction #alliesinyouth #protectthevulnerable #testimony

16. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Empowered Classic: “How to Find Purpose in Serving Orphans” (Mollie Lupinacci)

    Learn more or sponsor a child today at: https://alliesyouth.org What happens when the pursuit of success is interrupted by a call to something deeper? In this raw and moving episode, we sit down with Mollie Lupinacci, a former global marketing executive turned child advocate, whose journey has taken her from Tokyo boardrooms to the mountains of Peru. Molly opens up about what it means to say yes to God before you feel ready and how that obedience has led to radical impact in the lives of vulnerable children around the world. Hear how a young boy named Geronimo, living at 16,000 feet in the Andes Mountains, changed everything for her and how Allies in Youth Development is going where others won’t to bring hope, mentorship, and family to orphans who have no one else. If you’ve ever wondered what your next step should be, this conversation might just be your wake-up call. What You’ll Hear in this Episode: 0:00 – Meet Mollie: global marketing, overseas life, and a shifting calling 3:50 – When God interrupts your plans: the moment the journey changed 8:00 – Seeing darkness up close: trafficking, exploitation, and crisis pregnancy work 11:10 – The question that changed everything: “What if we could prevent all of this?” 12:20 – The orphan crisis: 153 million children and the reality of aging out 16:30 – How Allies mentors change a child’s future (education, life skills, hope) 19:20 – Former orphans becoming mentors: what long-haul mentorship really looks like 22:45 – Your neighborhood is a mission field too 27:00 – Meet Geronimo: a boy on a mountain who wrecked Mollie (in the best way) 30:00 – Life at 16,000 feet: the Q’eros nation and why sponsorship began 32:30 – “You are not alone”: the day Mollie met Geronimo face to face 39:10 – Faith over fear in the messy middle: saying yes when you don’t feel ready 44:00 – Learning to hear God’s voice and “going to work with Dad” 46:45 – What breaks Mollie’s heart: kids who don’t know who they are in Jesus 48:50 – Only God moments: divine connections and a solar Bible for Geronimo 52:20 – Your next step: jump in, encourage someone, sponsor, or go Be prepared to reflect. Be ready to act. 📌 Follow & Connect 🔗 Allies in Youth Development Website: https://alliesyouth.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliesyouth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliesyouth/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alliesinyouthdevelopment248 🎙️ The Empowered Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredlifepodcast/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Empowered-Life-Podcast/61574739537797/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/EmpoweredLifePod 🔔 Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to spread these stories of faith and transformation. 🙏 Feeling moved? This podcast is all about helping you take the next right step. You were made for more. You’re not alone. #empoweredlife #podcast #faithandpurpose #mentorship #alliesinyouth #godscalling #nonprofit #faith #testimony #authentic

17. 

    31 Mar 2026

    Empowered Classic: “One Act of Obedience is Now Rescuing Orphans” (Chris Burgin)

    What You’ll Hear in this Episode: 0:00 – Intro: How Chris Burgin’s “yes” sparked a global orphan movement 0:28 – Meet Chris Burgin, founder of Allies in Youth Development 1:41 – From one burden to 74 countries & 25,000 mentored kids 4:28 – The baby house that Chris could never unsee 8:47 – What really happens when orphans age out of the system 12:44 – Leaving a steady pastor job to follow God’s call 16:23 – Allies begins in a garage: mentoring and humanitarian aid 19:19 – From garage to global: warehouses, volunteers, Bags of Hope 22:37 – “Then you’re not doing your job”: the confrontation that changed Chris’s path 25:02 – Taking 2,200 kids off the waiting list by faith 33:55 – Empowering local leaders and removing the lid for vulnerable youth 43:32 – Your “next right thing”: how you can join Chris in this mission 💬 About Our Guest: Chris Burgin is the founder and president of Allies in Youth Development, a global nonprofit mentoring over 25,000 vulnerable children every month across 74 countries. A visionary leader and servant at heart, Chris walked away from a successful business and ministry career to follow a calling that didn’t make sense on paper—but was undeniably God-led. Known for his bold faith, compassion, and commitment to empowering others, Chris has built a movement that continues to change lives around the world through mentorship, sustainable support, and hope. 📌 Follow & Connect 🔗 Allies in Youth Development Website: https://alliesyouth.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliesyouth/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliesyouth/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alliesinyouthdevelopment248 🎙️ The Empowered Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empoweredlifepodcast/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Empowered-Life-Podcast/61574739537797/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpoweredLifePodcast LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/EmpoweredLifePod 🔔 Be sure to subscribe, like, and share to spread these stories of faith and transformation. 🙏 Feeling moved? This podcast is all about helping you take the next right step. You were made for more. You’re not alone. #empoweredlife #podcast #faithandpurpose #mentorship #alliesinyouth #godscalling #nonprofit #faith #testimony #authentic

18. 

    26 Mar 2026

    The Empowered Life Podcast: Where Purpose Meets Action

    Most people want to live a life of purpose…but somewhere between the daily grind and real responsibility, that purpose can feel out of reach. The Empowered Life Podcast exists to change that. This show is about more than inspiration. It’s about action.Real stories. Real people. Real impact. Powered by Allies in Youth Development, we’re bringing you conversations from leaders, mentors, and world changers who are stepping into the lives of vulnerable children around the world, and showing you how you can do the same right where you are. Because purpose isn’t something you find someday…it’s something you start living today. 👉 Ready to see the mission in action?Visit: https://alliesyouth.org (https://alliesyouth.org/) Subscribe and join us as we bridge the gap between faith and action.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings