Rising to Resilience

About Rising to Resilience

Rising to Resilience is the podcast for women who feel stretched thin, discouraged, or stuck, and wonder... Is it possible to feel joy again? Is there purpose in this pain? What does hope look like when the sky is falling? Each week, host Sharon Hujik sits down with guests who have faced profound challenges - loss, trauma, heartbreak, illness, and unexpected detours. Their stories reveal the radical choice to rise: choosing joy over bitterness, purpose over despair, and resilience over giving up. Through raw conversations and practical wisdom, you’ll discover tools to navigate your own hard seasons, reminders that you’re not alone, and inspiration to find beauty and meaning even in brokenness. Join a community of women choosing hope, finding comfort in shared stories, and discovering the strength to rise again — no matter what life brings.

Publisher

Sharon Hujik

Category

health & fitness · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Sept 2025

Latest episode

30 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Susan Snow: From Trauma to Resilience, Healing After PTSD

   Susan Snow: From Trauma to Resilience, Healing After PTSD What does resilience actually look like when life changes in an instant? In this episode of Rising to Resilience, Sharon Hujik sits down with Susan Snow to share a powerful story of trauma, survival, and healing. At just 17 years old, Susan’s life was forever changed when her father, a Los Angeles police detective, was killed in a targeted act of violence. In the aftermath, she was left to navigate grief, fear, and overwhelming emotional pain; without the support or understanding she needed. For years, Susan lived in survival mode. She masked her pain, pushed forward, and tried to build a life while quietly struggling with panic attacks, depression, and undiagnosed PTSD. It wasn’t until years later — after a breaking point triggered by another traumatic event — that she finally found the right help, the right language, and the beginning of true healing. In this conversation, Sharon and Susan explore: What unresolved trauma looks like over time How PTSD can affect your life years after the initial event The impact of not being seen or understood in your pain Why the right support can change everything Practical tools for regulating the nervous system and beginning healing What resilience really means after trauma Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible — even after years of struggle — and that resilience is not about avoiding pain but learning how to live and grow through it. Connect with Susan Snow Website: https://susansnowspeaks.com (https://susansnowspeaks.com) LinkedIn: Susan Snow (https://www.linkedin.com/in/susansnowrealtor/) Instagram: Susan Snow (https://www.instagram.com/susan_snow1) About Rising to Resilience Rising to Resilience is a podcast featuring real stories of women who have faced adversity and found strength, clarity, and growth on the other side. If you’re looking for stories of resilience, healing, and overcoming hardship, follow the show and share this episode with someone who might need it.

2. 

   23 Mar 2026

   Joy Scott: Losing a Child, Finding Faith. Choosing Hope in the Hard

   Joy Scott: Losing a Child, Finding Faith — Choosing Hope in the Hard What do you do when life doesn’t just get hard… it breaks your heart? In this deeply moving episode of Rising to Resilience, Sharon Hujik sits down with Joy Scott, author of Flow: Keeping Your Heart Alive When Life Hurts, to talk about grief, faith, and the choice to keep going when everything inside you wants to shut down. Joy shares her story of walking through unimaginable loss, including the death of her four-year-old son after a brain tumor diagnosis, along with years of compounding trauma, betrayal, and a season of deep depression that followed. But this conversation isn’t just about loss. It’s about the moment everything could have gone a different way. The moment when Joy realized: “If you don’t open up and reach out… you’re not going to make it.” And the choice she made in that moment changed the course of her life. In this episode, Sharon and Joy explore: What it’s like to lose a child and still hold onto faith Why grief doesn’t always show up immediately — and how it can surface years later The hidden battle of depression and emotional shutdown The power of being seen, believed, and supported in your pain The difference between isolating and reaching out Why forgiveness is a process — not a one-time decision How to “keep your heart alive” after repeated trauma Joy also shares her FLOW framework, a simple but powerful way to process pain, realign your thoughts, and move toward healing. This episode is for anyone who has walked through loss, faced overwhelming circumstances, or wondered how to keep going when life doesn’t look anything like you thought it would. Connect with Joy Scott Website: https://www.joyscott.me (https://www.joyscott.me/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joy_scott_ (https://www.instagram.com/joy_scott_/)

3. 

   16 Mar 2026

   Karli Auble: From Pregnancy Loss to Resilience, The Science of Positive Psychology

   What happens when a highly analytical, systems-thinking engineer is forced to confront one of the most emotional experiences of her life? In this episode of Rising to Resilience, Sharon sits down with Karli Auble, founder of Life in Labor, systems engineer, and positive psychology graduate, to explore how a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy became the catalyst for a profound shift in how she understands resilience, mindset, and human flourishing. Karli shares how her analytical brain initially tried to push through trauma, minimize her experience, and return to work immediately after surgery. But the emotional aftermath forced her to confront something deeper, the inner wisdom that many high achievers ignore when they’re busy pushing forward. That moment of disruption led Karli down an unexpected path into positive psychology, mindfulness, and the neuroscience of resilience. Together, Sharon and Karli explore: How trauma can become a doorway to post-traumatic growth Why high achievers often struggle to slow down and process emotions The neuroscience behind negative thought patterns and resilience How mindfulness can shift the brain’s pathways toward growth Why motherhood often becomes a turning point for deeper self-awareness How positive psychology helps people move from surviving to thriving Karli also shares her THRIVE framework, which helps people develop healthier thought patterns, habits, and environments that support long-term resilience. This conversation is especially powerful for high achievers, analytical thinkers, and anyone navigating a season where life did not go according to plan. Connect with Karli Website https://lifeinlabor.com (https://www.lifenlabor.com/) LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karli-auble/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karliauble/)

4. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Laura Bratton: Blindness, Grief, and Resilience

   What does resilience really look like when life changes in ways you never expected? In this powerful episode of Rising to Resilience, Sharon Hujik sits down with speaker, pastor, and author Laura Bratton, who lost her vision as a teenager after being diagnosed with a rare retinal disease at age nine. By the time she finished high school, Laura was completely blind. The years that followed included severe anxiety, panic attacks, and the difficult process of grieving the life she once imagined. But through that journey, Laura discovered something profound about resilience: it isn’t about pretending everything is okay - it’s about acknowledging the pain and still choosing to move forward. Today, Laura helps others navigate major life changes using what she calls the balance of grit and gratitude - practical tools for moving through grief, rebuilding confidence, and finding strength in the middle of uncertainty. In this conversation, Sharon and Laura discuss: • What it was like losing her eyesight during high school • The mental and emotional impact of sudden life-changing loss • Why our culture struggles to allow space for grief • Panic attacks, anxiety, and learning to sit with difficult emotions • The moment Laura made a very literal choice to keep living • How gratitude can become a practical resilience tool • How personal adversity prepared Laura to help others facing crisis Laura’s story is a moving reminder that resilience isn’t about bouncing back - it’s about moving forward, one moment and one choice at a time. If you’ve ever faced grief, unexpected change, or overwhelming circumstances, this conversation will encourage and strengthen you. Learn more about Laura Bratton Website: https://www.laurabratton.com (https://www.laurabratton.com) Laura’s book: https://www.amazon.com (https://amzn.to/4aXsqW9) About Rising to Resilience Rising to Resilience features honest conversations with people who have faced adversity and discovered unexpected strength on the other side. Each episode explores the mindset, tools, and life lessons that help us navigate life’s hardest seasons. Subscribe so you never miss a story of courage, growth, and resilience.

5. 

   2 Mar 2026

   Episode 12 with Nancy Langevin - From Brain Aneurysm and Lupus to Finding Purpose After Divorce

   What happens when your identity collapses - your health fails, your marriage ends, and your future feels uncertain? In this powerful episode of Rising to Resilience, Sharon sits down with Nancy Langevin, former international elite gymnast, brain aneurysm survivor, lupus warrior, and founder of Unbound Synergy Academy. Nancy shares her journey from breaking her back as a young athlete, to being diagnosed with systemic lupus, to facing emergency brain surgery at age 49 while raising two teenagers. In the midst of recovery, she also navigated the end of a 25-year marriage - forcing her to rebuild her life from the ground up. But this isn’t just a story of survival. It’s also a story of surrender. Nancy opens up about the 3 a.m. moment that changed everything - when she stopped trying to control the outcome and chose faith over fear. From that turning point, she began redefining resilience, purpose, and what it means to be given a second (and even third) chance at life. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to find hope after divorce and major life transitions What resilience really looks like during chronic illness How to move forward after a brain aneurysm diagnosis The power of surrender and faith in rebuilding your life Why small “baby steps” create lasting transformation If you’re walking through loss, health challenges, or the end of a chapter you didn’t choose, Nancy’s story will remind you: you are not done. There is still something beautiful on the other side. Connect with Nancy Langevin: Website: https://www.unboundsynergyacademy.com (https://www.unboundsynergyacademy.com) Book: The Flip Side of Despair (https://amzn.to/4l1yJLG) Fitness & Coaching: https://www.unboundsynergy.com (https://www.unboundsynergy.com) If this episode encouraged you, please share it with someone who needs hope today — and subscribe to Rising to Resilience so you never miss a story of courage and post-traumatic growth.

6. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Episode 11 with Katie Tramonte - When Crisis Hits; Faith, Survival, and Future Memory

   What do you do when your child’s health declines so severely that you fear for their life? In this deeply honest conversation, Katie Tramonte shares her family’s journey through PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), a rare neuroimmune disorder that presents as severe OCD and restrictive eating. After watching her son rapidly decline, Katie and her husband sold their home, left their community, and moved across the country in search of healing. What followed was not a tidy story of resolution — but a gritty story of survival, anger, faith, and flexibility. In this episode, we talk about: What PANS is and how it affects families Parenting through severe childhood illness Moving across the country in crisis How faith holds — and stretches — in unresolved suffering Why lament matters The survival principle of a “future memory” What resilience really looks like when life doesn’t resolve Katie shares candidly about being angry with God, learning to bend without breaking, and finding comfort in small daily rituals when nothing feels stable. If you are walking through crisis - whether medical, relational, spiritual, or emotional - this episode offers practical wisdom and permission to be honest in the dark. Connect with Katie https://www.instagram.com/seeing.inthedark (https://www.instagram.com/seeing.inthedark) (@seeing.inthedark) Recommended PANS resource mentioned in this episode: Lucy | Parenting Pandas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_pandas (https://www.instagram.com/parenting_pandas) (@parenting_pandas)

7. 

   23 Feb 2026

   Episode 11 - Katie Tramonte: When Crisis Hits. Faith, Survival, and the Power of a Future Hope

   What do you do when your child's health declines so severely that you fear for their life?

8. 

   16 Feb 2026

   Episode 10 - Kym Hinchey: You’re Not Grieving Wrong; A Mother’s Story of Surviving the Unthinkable

   What does grief really look like after losing a child? What happens when you lose your spouse just months later? And how do you survive when your entire world has been shattered? In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, grief educator and coach Kym Hinchey shares her story of unimaginable loss - the accidental overdose death of her son Adrian, followed just three months later by the sudden heart attack of her husband, John. After becoming intimately familiar with grief, Kym discovered something that changed everything: Almost everything we’ve been taught about grief is wrong. In this episode, we talk about: What grief after child loss and widowhood actually feels like Why the five stages of grief don’t reflect real life How PTSD shows up after traumatic loss The myth of “getting over it” What post-traumatic growth really means The difference between surviving grief and being stuck in it Why you are not grieving wrong This is not a conversation about toxic positivity, quick healing, or tidy timelines. It’s about truth. It’s about resilience. And it’s about learning how to keep living inside grief without losing yourself. If you are grieving the loss of a child, spouse, parent, or loved one — or walking alongside someone who is — this episode will remind you that what you feel is normal. You are not broken. You are grieving. Connect with Kym Hinchey Website: https://agriefsupport.com (https://agriefsupport.com) Book: Then and Now: The Evolution of Grief Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Then-Now-Evolution-Kym-Hinchey/dp/B0G51RSPQ1 (https://www.amazon.com/Then-Now-Evolution-Kym-Hinchey/dp/B0G51RSPQ1) You can find Kym on social media under @agriefsupport If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who may need to hear it.

9. 

   24 Nov 2025

   Episode 09 - Kristi Hujik: Finding Clarity and Purpose, Healing After an MS Diagnosis

   When Kristi Hujik opened her MRI results alone in her car, everything she believed about her health (and her life) shattered in an instant. The diagnosis was multiple sclerosis. The fear was overwhelming. And the uncertainty felt paralyzing. But that moment also marked the beginning of something she didn’t expect - healing, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this powerful episode, Kristi shares her journey from fear to agency, from spiraling uncertainty to nervous-system healing, and from judgement to a life that finally feels like her own. She opens up about how functional medicine, emotional regulation, community, and faith helped her rebuild physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a diagnosis, stuck in fear, or unsure how to move forward, Kristi’s story will give you hope and practical tools for taking your next step. CONNECT WITH KRISTI Website: kristihujik.com (http://kristihujik.com) Instagram: @wholehealthkristi

10. 

    17 Nov 2025

    Episode 08 - Katherine Phelps: Stuck to Striving, Reclaiming Faith After an Abusive Marriage

    For years, Katherine Phelps did what many women do when life feels confusing and painful: she smiled, pushed through, and prayed. From the outside, everything looked fine. On the inside, she was quietly unraveling; an emotionally abusive marriage that left her feeling small, silenced, and ashamed. In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Katherine shares the moment she finally admitted the truth to herself, the moment she realized, “I’m not okay, and I can’t fix this alone.” What followed was a season of courage, heartbreak, and holy rebuilding as God invited her to lay down the life she had created… and pick up the life He always had for her. Katherine opens up about what it felt like to be a Christian woman walking away from a marriage, why she stayed so long, and the surprising freedom she found on the other side. She talks about rebuilding her identity, and the internal battle of feeling “behind” while watching everyone else move forward, and the work she's done to heal. Her story is one of compassion, clarity, and deep spiritual courage and a reminder that sometimes healing begins the moment we tell the truth. In this episode, you’ll hear: The subtle signs of emotional abuse Katherine didn’t recognize at first Why her “good Christian girl” identity made it harder to leave The moment she finally chose truth over appearances How God rebuilt her confidence and identity step-by-step What she wants women to know if they feel stuck, scared, or deeply alone What it means to move from stuck to striving again with purpose Her story is for anyone who has stayed too long, carried too much, or wondered, “Is this really my life?” You are not behind. You are not broken. And there is hope for your journey. Connect with Katherine: Website (https://www.stuck-to-striving.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/katphelps93/) Buy the Devotional (https://amzn.to/4nX9Lx3)

11. 

    10 Nov 2025

    Episode 07 - Vikki Lange: Life After Losing 100 Pounds, I Already Lived My Hardest Moment

    After surviving childhood trauma, decades of people-pleasing, and years of physical and emotional pain, Vikki Lange decided to take her life back — one brave, determined choice at a time. Two and a half years ago, Vikki hit a breaking point. Carrying an extra hundred pounds and even more emotional weight, she realized something had to change. That moment of surrender became a powerful turning point that transformed her body, mind, and spirit. Now, Vikki has lost over 100 pounds, reclaimed her voice, and built a thriving online community of women who are committed to becoming stronger, healthier, and more self-loving. In this episode of Rising to Resilience, Vikki shares her remarkable story of healing from trauma, letting go of people-pleasing, and discovering a new definition of resilience — one rooted in boundaries, joy, and self-worth. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Vikki turned her “lowest moment” into a defining breakthrough The difference between self-care and selfishness Why setting non-negotiables became her key to freedom How she’s helping thousands of women live healthier, more empowered lives “How would you feel if you knew every morning when you woke up that you already lived your hardest moment? That’s how I get to open my eyes every day.” 🔗 Connect with Vikki Lange Website: vikkilange.com (http://vikkilange.com) Instagram: @lifeafterlosing100pounds (https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterlosing100pounds/)

12. 

    3 Nov 2025

    Episode 06 - Parker Dunlavey: Beauty for Ashes, Finding Freedom and Identity in Christ

    For seventeen years, Parker Dunlavey wrestled with shame, striving, and the need for control. On the outside, she looked like she had it all together — but inside, she was fighting an exhausting battle she couldn’t win on her own. Everything changed when she encountered the love of Jesus in a small church service and realized she was never meant to carry the weight alone. That moment marked the start of true healing - body, mind, and spirit. In this episode of Rising to Resilience, Parker shares her story of transformation: from bondage to freedom, from perfectionism to peace, and from shame to unshakable faith. In this episode, you’ll hear: The moment Parker surrendered control and found healing How faith and grace broke the cycle of shame The difference between striving for love and living from it Encouragement for anyone ready to let go and begin again Listen to Episode 6 — Beauty for Ashes: Finding Freedom and Identity in Christ Connect with Parker Dunlavey Website: beautyforashesbyparker.com (http://beautyforashesbyparker.com) Instagram: @beautyforashesbyparker (https://www.instagram.com/beautyforashesbyparker/)

13. 

    27 Oct 2025

    Episode 05 - Mal Wrenn Corbin: Rising from the Ruins, From Trauma to Triumph

    When life breaks you open, what do you do with the pieces? In this powerful episode of Rising to Resilience, speaker, author, and advocate Mal Wrenn Corbin shares her remarkable journey from a turbulent childhood and generational trauma to healing, education, and purpose. At fourteen, standing on a bridge, Mal made a life-changing decision: “I have to change my life.” That moment of courage began a lifelong commitment to growth, forgiveness, and transformation. Today, as the author of Raising Wrenns and an inspiring voice for resilience, Mal reminds us that even when life feels shattered, we can rebuild into something stronger and more beautiful. In this episode you’ll hear: The pivotal moment that set Mal’s transformation in motion How she found healing through writing, education, and family What forgiveness really means, and how it frees you Why resilience is built in “a thousand small choices” Listen now to discover how beauty can rise from brokenness, and why your scars might just be the most powerful part of your story. Connect with Mal Wrenn Corbin: Website: malwrenncorbin.com (http://malwrenncorbin.com) Instagram: @malwrenncorbin (https://www.instagram.com/malwrenncorbin/) Book: Raising Wrenns on Amazon (https://amzn.to/47x586D)

14. 

    21 Oct 2025

    Episode 04 - Ashley Skinner: When Your Body Says No

    Have you ever felt like your body was trying to tell you something—but you kept pushing through anyway? Licensed therapist and burnout recovery coach Ashley Skinner shares how her pursuit of “doing it all” led to physical and emotional collapse—and how learning to rest, listen, and name her needs became the turning point toward healing. In this candid conversation, Ashley opens up about postpartum struggles, discovering she’s a highly sensitive person (HSP), and reframing her perfectionism into compassion. Together, we explore what it really means to be a “human being, not a human doing,” and how resilience often begins with awareness and acceptance. You’ll hear: What happens when burnout goes unchecked How sensitivity can be a strength, not a flaw Practical ways to listen to your body before it breaks down Why connection and community are vital to recovery If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted, overextended, or questioning whether you can keep going, this episode will remind you: your worth isn’t in your productivity—and rest is not failure. Connect with Ashley: ashleyskinnertherapy.com (http://ashleyskinnertherapy.com) — Licensed therapy in Georgia ashleyskinnercoaching.com (http://ashleyskinnercoaching.com) — Coaching for women across the U.S.

15. 

    13 Oct 2025

    Episode 03 - Laura Reutter: Reclaiming Power and Beauty After Breast Cancer

    When breast-cancer survivor Laura Reutter faced the loss of her health and her sense of womanhood, she had to decide what beauty really meant. An unexpected infection changed her surgical plan — and her identity — but instead of despair, Laura found courage, creativity, and faith. Through her journey, she discovered that beauty isn’t something we lose; it’s something we rebuild. Like the Japanese art of kintsugi, Laura’s story is one of repair — filling life’s cracks with strength, hope, and even gold. Today, as a patient navigator who has guided hundreds of women through treatment, she helps others rediscover their worth and wholeness. Listen as Laura shares how she turned scars into symbols of resilience — and found joy and purpose beyond the battle. Show Notes In this episode you’ll hear about: How breast cancer reshaped Laura’s identity and her definition of beauty The infection that changed everything Finding strength through faith, art, and humor Choosing kintsugi — rebuilding with grace and gold Encouragement for women walking through loss and healing Connect with Laura Reutter LinkedIn: Laura Reutter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-reutter-chw-cn-ba-41579750) Website: UnbrokenCourage.com (https://unbrokencourage.com/) Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin: bcrc.org (http://bcrc.org) Episode Highlights 00:00 – Cold open “You’ve already taken my breasts, but you’re not taking my power.” 03:45 – Diagnosis and the day everything changed 11:30 – The infection and loss of reconstruction 20:40 – Redefining womanhood and beauty 28:15 – The tattoo and reclaiming her power 33:00 – Finding hope and purpose as a patient navigator 40:00 – Laura’s encouragement: “Celebrate every step.” If You Loved This Episode 🌷 Share it with a friend who needs encouragement. ⭐ Follow Rising to Resilience for more stories of hope and healing. 🗣️ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts — your words help others find hope too. #RisingToResilience #Kintsugi #HopeAfterCancer #BodyPositivity #FaithAndHealing #ResiliencePodcast #BreastCancerAwareness #PostTraumaticGrowth

16. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Episode 02 - Vallie Pate: You Can’t Marinate in Bitterness, the Courage to Keep Going After Divorce

    When your dream of family and future falls apart, how do you find the courage to keep going? In this powerful episode, artist and entrepreneur Vallie Pate shares her story of heartbreak, single motherhood, and faith that refused to quit. After walking through infidelity, loss, and exhaustion, Vallie faced a choice — to live in bitterness or rise again with hope. Her sister’s challenge became her turning point: “You can’t live there. You can’t marinate in it. You have to keep going.” Through honesty and humor, Vallie opens up about rebuilding her life, rediscovering her creativity, and learning to see beauty in broken seasons. Her story will inspire anyone who’s faced disappointment, divorce, or the weight of doing life alone — and remind you that resilience isn’t about avoiding pain; it’s about refusing to stay stuck in it. Connect with Vallie: Website: www.valliepate.com (http://www.valliepate.com) Instagram: @valliepatedesigns (https://www.instagram.com/valliepatedesigns) Mentioned in this episode: Faith and perseverance through hardship Finding purpose in unexpected places How creativity and community can heal If this story encouraged you: Share it with a friend who needs a reminder that joy is still possible after heartbreak; and don’t forget to follow Rising to Resilience for more stories of hope, healing, and the radical choice to rise.

17. 

    30 Sept 2025

    Episode 01 - Sharon Hujik: an Introduction

    In this episode of 'Rising to Resilience', Sharon Hujik shares her personal journey through struggles, grief, and the transformative power of resilience. She emphasizes that resilience is not merely about bouncing back but about the profound changes that occur within us as we navigate life's challenges. Through authentic conversations, she aims to provide hope and encouragement to those facing their own hardships, illustrating that growth can emerge from pain.

18. 

    19 Sept 2025

    Rising to Resilience - Trailer

    Rising to Resilience is the podcast for women who feel stretched thin, discouraged, or stuck in life’s storms, yet long for joy, purpose, and hope. In this trailer episode, host Sharon Hujik shares the heart behind the show and what you can expect each week: real conversations with women who have faced profound challenges - loss, illness, heartbreak, burnout, and unexpected detours - and discovered the radical choice to rise. These aren’t just stories of hardship. They’re stories of courage, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. You’ll hear how ordinary women found hope in impossible places, and you’ll discover tools and encouragement to help you navigate your own hard seasons. If you’ve ever asked, “Can I really make it through this? Is there purpose in my pain?” this podcast is for you.

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

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