Influence Women

About Influence Women

Follow your dreams! The Influence Women podcast will equip and empower you to pursue your dreams in film, entertainment, arts and leadership. Hosted by media executive Kathleen Cooke, each episode features influential industry voices to help release your creative talent, advance your career, and build the kind of faith that will unleash God's calling on your life. Be mentored by women who are making a difference as Hollywood and independent female filmmakers, actors, directors, screenwriters, authors, entrepreneurs and more! https://influencewomen.org

Publisher

Kathleen Cooke

Category

arts · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2023

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

36 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Lisa Bevere on Courageous Storytelling, Christian Influence & the Power of Your Voice

   "Storytelling is still one of the most powerful vehicles to lead people to the kindness of God." —Lisa Bevere Is God calling you to be salt and light in your sphere of influence? In this inspiring interview, join Influence Women Global Director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org as she welcomes New York Times best-selling author and international speaker Lisa Bevere for a conversation about courageous storytelling in a culture that often challenges biblical truth. Discover new confidence in sharing your faith in a world that is spiritually hungry and find out how to steward the gifts and talents God has placed within you to lead people to the kindness of God. With decades of empowering women to find their identity and purpose, Lisa Bevere shares practical encouragement to help you stay grounded in the Word of God, lean into the Holy Spirit's leading, and become an influential woman equipped to tell a story through your art that compels people to lean in and listen. 👉 Connect with other women of faith and purpose as you pursue your creative career! Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ (https://influencewomen.org/membership/) 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 Influence Women Founded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG (https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Founder/Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital Age Founded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com **More About this Episode** Lisa Bevere on Courageous Storytelling, Christian Influence & the Power of Your Voice In a culture that often challenges biblical truth, how do we stay grounded in the wisdom of God's Word, engage audiences creatively, and influence them to know the "truth that sets us free?" This conversation with Kathleen Cooke and Lisa Bevere dives into the tension of being both spiritually rooted and creatively relevant. You'll walk away with: Courage to stand firm in your faith while working in environments that may challenge your beliefs within media and entertainment spaces. Practical ways to stay spiritually grounded so your creativity and leadership flow from a deep, active relationship with God. New insights on engaging culture with discernment that brings biblical wisdom to creative work and changes thought and lives. More about Lisa Bevere: Lisa Bevere has spent over four decades empowering women to find their identity and purpose. She is a New York Times bestselling author and an internationally known minister. Her books include "Without Rival," "Girls with Swords," "Lioness Arising," "Strong," and her newest, "The Fight for Female." Lisa and her husband, John, co-founded Messenger International, an organization committed to developing uncompromising followers of Christ who transform their world. Find out more: https://lisabevere.com/ Social Links: Connect with Lisa Bevere: Website: https://lisabevere.com (https://lisabevere.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabevere Twitter:  http://twitter.com/LisaBevere Facebook :  http://www.facebook.com/lisabevere.page ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 A call to salt and light in the film and television industry. 02:06 From heathen roots to redemption and how Lisa met John. 09:42 The mission of Messenger International. 11:42 Women in media: Why your voice as a storyteller matters now. 15:00 Courage over cowardice. 18:40 The importance of being spiritually grounded. 23:00 Popularity versus influence: How to be bold with your faith. 35:21 A final challenge for creatives: People follow courage.

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Navigate a Career in Journalism with Wendy Griffith, Former CBN TV Host, Author "You Didn't Miss It"

   Don't despise the day of small beginnings! If you're interested in a career in journalism, Kathleen Cooke's https://influencewomen.org conversation with Wendy Griffith, former CBN TV host, will inspire you to pursue your dream. Wendy is a seasoned television news anchor, international reporter, best-selling author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in broadcast journalism. In a highly competitive field where only 2% of most journalism graduates land a job, Wendy's story and her unwavering tenacity to become a top news producer will help you navigate your journalism career and achieve your goals. Plus, Wendy shares personal insights into being single and waiting on God before meeting her husband. Her books "You Are a Prize to Be Won – Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best" and "You Didn't Miss It" offer encouragement for others in the waiting seasons of life. 👉 Connect with other women of faith and purpose as you pursue your creative career! Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ (https://influencewomen.org/membership/) 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 Influence Women Founded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Founder/Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital Age Founded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com **More About this Episode** Navigate a Career in Journalism with Wendy Griffith, Former CBN TV Host, Author "You Didn't Miss It" Wendy Griffith is a seasoned television news anchor, international reporter, best-selling author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in broadcast journalism, primarily at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN / 700 Club), based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Wendy was a co-host with the late CBN Founder and Chairman, Dr. Pat Robertson, for over a decade and is a former Senior Reporter for CBN News. She also co-anchored CBN's Christian World News, a weekly show that focuses on the triumphs and challenges of the global church. Connect with Wendy: https://www.wendygriffithauthor.com/ Find her on CBN: https://cbn.com/person/wendy-griffith Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendygriffithcbn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendygriffithtv/ Twitter: https://x.com/wendygriffith22 (https://x.com/wendygriffith22) Get Wendy's books! Available here: https://www.wendygriffithauthor.com/books ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Meet Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women founder and global director. 00:33 Meet Wendy Griffith and her story of a career in journalism. 10:52 Don't let one person derail your dream career. 12:51 Find ways to get your foot in the door. 16:59 Wendy's trials and wrestling anxiety in her career pursuit. 18:34 Jeremiah 29:11 – You have a future and a hope in God. 19:59 The challenges of broadcast journalism. 22:24 Practical tips to advance your journalism career. 23:00 God's prompting that led to an interview at CBN. 25:00 Ageism – don't worry about it! 26:40 The season of singleness and waiting for God's best. 32:35 Using discernment in consuming the news. 37:00 How to connect with Wendy online and get her books. 38:40 Join Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org.

3. 

   12 Aug 2026

   Beauty Pageants & Faith: How to Let Your Crown Reflect Jesus | Mrs. Universe Heidi Scheer (2023)

   From an overweight middle school child to holding 24 state, national, and international beauty pageant titles, Heidi Scheer's story will inspire you to go after your dreams! Join Influence Women Global Director Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org in this conversation with Heidi Scheer, Mrs. Universe TCP 2023. In a world where crowns are won through competition, image, and outward beauty, Heidi's story reflects a deeper radiance as she uses her platform to serve and help others. If God is calling you to a public platform or a greater role in media and the arts, you'll discover how to carry influence with humility, walk with confidence rooted in your identity in Christ, and let your crown point others to the Crown of Jesus. 👉 Plus, you'll find out how she applied her faith in raising a son diagnosed with autism to becoming an advocate for International Autism Health, offering hope and help for parents with autistic children. 🌟  Connect with other women of faith and purpose as you pursue your creative career! Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ (https://influencewomen.org/membership/) 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 Influence Women Founded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital Age Founded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com **More About this Episode** Beauty Pageants & Faith: How to Let Your Crown Reflect Jesus | Mrs. Universe Heidi Scheer (2023) Heidi Scheer has been involved in the pageantry industry for over 30 years and has held 24 state, national, and international pageant titles. Her most recent and most prestigious title was the coveted Mrs. Universe TCP title in 2023. Heidi serves on the advisory board for She Leads Michigan and is a member and ambassador for She Leads America. Additionally, she is an International Autism Health Advocate and official spokesperson for The Pledge Campaign against Domestic Violence and Abuse. She has shared her platform in 27 states and 23 countries, and has volunteered for Autism Organizations in the Netherlands and Hong Kong. In 2024, Heidi set her sights on new goals as a fitness competitor in a bodybuilding competition where she received four medals in the Masters Bikini Division. She currently works as a Confidence Coach for CPG Leadership, and also works alongside her husband Doug performing educational shows in elementary schools across the United States. Follow Heidi: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiAnnScheer (https://www.facebook.com/HeidiAnnScheer) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidi_scheer/ (https://www.instagram.com/heidi_scheer/) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Intro by Kathleen Cooke, founder and global director of Influence Women 00:31 Beauty pageants and faith: meet Heidi Scheer, Mrs. Universe TCP 2023 02:55 Heidi shares her story from overweight child to competing in a beauty pageant 13:57 Heidi shares the spiritual warfare she faced in preparing for a competition. 14:58 The crowning moment of Mrs. Universe 2023 – pointing to Jesus! 16:50 Balancing the competition in the pageant world and using the platform as an opportunity. 21:28 Heidi's story in parenting her autistic son. 26:28 Heidi's use of the beauty pageant platform to advocate and help others. 29:00 Connect with Heidi Scheer on Facebook and Instagram @HeidiScheer 30:15 Kathleen closes by encouraging viewers to join Influence Women.

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

11,553

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

50

Social presence

94

YouTube

76

Engagement

60

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.