#17: Pivotal Moments with Salena

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla. In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Amy Riley, who graciously shares her poignant journey of caring for her mother during the challenging final stages of Lewy Body Dementia. As Amy navigates this difficult path, she also manages to fulfill her roles as a wife, mother, volunteer, writer, and marketing professional. Through her story, we discover the profound ways unexpected challenges can reshape our lives and prompt personal growth. Amy's experiences remind us to seek beauty amidst adversity and to reflect on our own journeys of resilience and adaptation. Our conversation explores the complexities of caregiving and the transformative power of facing life's challenges head-on. I hope this episode will give you the strength and confidence to navigate any unexpected turns you are currently facing in your life. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      All about Amy and her family 

●      Being torn between multiple roles 

●      Amy’s Mom’s diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia

●      Caregiving

●      Power of prayer

●      Transformation and growth 

●      Gaining perspective

●      Learning patience, empathy, and compassion

●      Loving devotion

●      Understanding and naming the monster

●      The Alzheimer’s Foundation

●      Hospice and Palliative Care

●      Alzheimer’s Association

●      Finding support in community 

Find more on Guest:

●      Amy on IG @amytriley

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to Episode 134 of The Commons with Karla! In today's episode, we explore the themes of strength, resilience, and the transformative power of adversity. Many of us aspire to become stronger and more adept at navigating life's challenges. However, it's often during moments of change and hardship that we truly discover our inner resilience. 

Our guest, Melissa Saldana, shares her profound journey marked by significant life changes and trials. Like a diamond forged under pressure, Melissa's experiences have shaped her into an incredible, unique, and vibrant individual. As you listen to Melissa's story, I encourage you to reflect on your own experiences. 

What adversities have you faced, and how have they contributed to your strength? 

What valuable lessons have significant changes taught you? 

I hope this episode encourages you to dive deeper into your story and helps you trace back through all of the hard times you went through to see the purpose they ultimately played in your life. 

Episode Highlights:  

●       All about Melissa 

●       Melissa’s husband and children

●       Melissa’s early childhood in Peru 

●       Moving to Costa Rica 

●       Moving to the United States 

●       Grieving the loss of her nephew

●       Navigating Change 

Find more on Guest:

●       Melissa on IG @mely_pavia and on Facebook @Melissa.Saldana.357 

●       Listen to Teresa’s Episode Here 

●       Listen to Carol’s Episode Here

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla.  Today, I have the incredible Charlotte Sanchez joining me. Charlotte wears many hats – she's a devoted wife, a mom to two adorable little ones, and the Chief Communications Officer at the Luis Palau Association. We're diving into her journey, and trust me, it's a rollercoaster of embracing beauty in the midst of life's bumps and bruises.

Working with a team of fellow creatives, Charlotte sees her role as a Chief Communications Officer not just as a job but as a genuine gift. Together, they're on a mission to share the love of Jesus in a way that truly connects with hearts. Community, connection, and those deep, soul-stirring conversations – that's where Charlotte thrives.

In today's episode, Charlotte opens up about her own vulnerabilities, and it's like she's giving us a backstage pass to the real, unfiltered stories of life. Her journey encourages us to do the same, to share our stories authentically. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Charlotte’s Background Story 

●       EMDR therapy 

●       Coping Mechanisms 

●       Self-harm 

●       Internal Family Systems Theory 

●       Charlotte’s Career & Family 

Find more on Guest:

●       Charlotte on IG @CharlotteLeanna

●       Luis Palau Association (LPA) website

●       Link to Journal - Save $10 (on order of $30+) with this link

●       Spiritual Direction (John Chandler)

●       Stories of Hope Book

●       Know Me- Release the Lie and Embrace God

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. 

In this episode of The Commons with Karla, I am joined by the incredible Shanna Southam, a devoted wife and mother with a deep passion for advocating for her young adult children. Shanna shares her inspiring journey, revealing how she navigates challenges, leverages her strengths, and fosters a sense of community among warriors, both in her gym and in the broader context of life with advocacy for individuals with disabilities. Shanna's narrative showcases her resilience and unwavering strength, proving that while challenges may shape circumstances, they do not define. Join us as we dive into Shanna's story, drawing inspiration from her experiences and reflecting on our own strength and resilience. I hope this episode reminds you of the power within your own story.

Episode Highlights: 

●       All about Shanna 

●       Evoke Warriors- Heath & Fitness 

●       Shanna’s Family 

●       Raising children with autism & advocating for them 

●       Adoption 

●       Breast Cancer Diagnosis 

Find more on Guest:

●       Evoke Fitness website

●       Evoke Fitness on IG

●       Application for Evoke Warriors

●       Deirdre Hammon, Senior Advocate - Center for Self Determination

●       RAVE and Amplify Life

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast. 

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Commons! In our regular episodes, we are privileged to hear the inspiring stories of everyday women, sharing their pivotal moments, connections, and experiences within their communities. Today, however, my dream of bringing together multiple women to explore a specific topic is becoming a reality.

I am thrilled to be joined by two remarkable women, Brooke Shay, and Stacy Fisher, each bringing her own unique story to the conversation. What binds these two beauties is a shared experience that we delve into in this episode – their Rooted Life Experience.

At the heart of our discussion is the Rooted Life Manifesto. We explore the concept that we are all created with a unique purpose, and a rooted life is one that flourishes through the integration of mind, body, heart, soul, and community. Our individual and collective stories play a crucial role in shaping our everyday lives and relationships, emphasizing the significance of understanding and reading our stories well for healing, wholeness, and living out our purpose. I hope today’s episode encourages you to pursue your purpose! 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Learn more about Brooke and Stacy

●       What is Rooted Life? 

●       Pre-work 

●       Story work 

●       Post-Groups 

●       How their relationship with themselves & God has changed 

●       Transitioning into reality post-retreat 

Links from Episode:

●       Rooted Life Website 
●       Rooted Life on IG @rootedlifeco

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to, rate, and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla! In this episode, our guest is the incredible Val Saborio, a platform software engineer based in Reno, Nevada. Beyond her coding expertise, Val is deeply passionate about knowing Jesus and spreading that passion to others. In today's episode, we explore the pivotal events and relationships that have shaped Val's journey, exploring themes of faith, prayer, meaningful conversations, mentorship, and the profound impact of community in her life. Val's story is a testament to a life fully surrendered to Jesus, revealing the inherent beauty in our ordinary, imperfect lives. Her remarkable humility and honesty serve as a guiding light, emphasizing how each of our unique narratives intersects with the larger story of God. I hope this episode will encourage you to follow your passions as well. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Learning more about Val 

●       Val’s journey with hearing loss 

●       Building community in Reno 

●       Val’s early life

●       Val’s faith and relationship with Jesus 

●       Dealing with her parent's divorce 

●       Moving to the United States from Costa Rica 

●       Starting a Prayer Ministry at Church 

●       Translating in Spanish at Church 

Find more on Guest:

●       Spiritual Authority by Dr. Rob Reimer

●       Val on IG @valesaborio_

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

In this episode of The Commons with Karla, I sit down with Louise Zevan, a prayer counselor, author, and captivating storyteller. Louise shares her powerful journey of redemption and restoration, recounting her personal experience of inner healing and her subsequent training and work as a prayer counselor. Through her compelling narrative, Louise sheds light on the transformation she has witnessed in the lives of countless individuals. The conversation delves into her recent book, "Root Therapy: Short Stories of Deep Inner Healing," where she explores the profound impact of God's transformative power on the pain we endure, turning it into purpose. I hope this episode also encourages you to start the journey of inner healing. 

Episode Highlights: 

●      Getting to know Louise 

●      Louise’s early story 

●      Louise’s abusive childhood 

●      Inner Healing 

●      Mountain Light Ministries 

●      Louise’s Recent Book- Root Therapy: Short Stories of Deep Inner Healing

Find more on Guest:

●      Find Louise’s Book Here

●      mountainlightministries.org

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●      On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Welcome back to The Commons with Karla, Episode 129! Today, I'm joined by Michelle Gennaro Lapp, the Southwest Mobilizer for Africa Inland Mission. Beyond her role in missions, Michelle's life is a tapestry woven with speaking, teaching, writing, and church ministry. Based in San Diego, California, Michelle shares her captivating journey, a story she delves into further in her memoir, "Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God."

Living alongside her husband and their eight combined adult children, Michelle embodies the belief that she has been comforted to be a comforter. Join me in this conversation with Michelle as we explore her experiences, her memoir, and the powerful idea that our stories can be told boldly for the glory of God. I hope this episode encourages you to tell your story boldly as well. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Getting to know Michelle 

●       Michelle’s childhood and early life 

●       Michelle’s Faith Journey

●       Michelle’s Memoir: Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God

●       Michelle’s Worst Fear Coming True 

●       Telling Your Story

Find more on Guest:

●       Miracle of Miracles by Mina Nevisa

●       Michelle’s Memoir: Worst Case Scenario: Finding Overwhelming Rescue in the Promises of God

●       Michelle's Website

●       Michelle’s IG and Facebook

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Memory Lane Chats - use discount code SAVE50 for 50% discount until 1/8/24

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

What is your family story? How can you make sure future generations know more of their own history?

Welcome back to another episode! In today's conversation, we reconnected with a previous guest, Bonnie Deach. If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out episode 126 for our initial discussion, where we delved into our mutual fascination with true crime and the importance of community. During that conversation, we touched on Bonnie's deep-seated love for storytelling, and today, we're continuing that conversation.

In this episode, Bonnie elaborates on her motivation, methods, and experiences in uncovering and documenting her family's history for the benefit of future generations. Bonnie is a true enthusiast for life, history, and the art of storytelling, and her journey is bound to ignite your own curiosity. Take a moment to reflect on how you, too, can embark on the captivating journey of preserving your family's unique narrative.

Episode Highlights: 

●       Where Bonnie’s passion for preserving her family legacy 

●       Recording family members to remember their voices 

●       Bonnie’s great-grandmother’s diaries 

●       Ancestry & Family Search

●       Taking a trip down memory lane

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

●       Memory Lane Chats - use discount code SAVE50 for 50% discount until 1/8/24

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined in conversation by Joy Smalley, a devoted wife and mother of four teenagers aged 13-17. She's deeply involved in her children's lives, homeschooling them and sharing their passions for activities like volleyball, jiu-jitsu, art, and anime. Joy is also a writer and proudly identifies as an introvert.

Today's discussion delves into community and coping with past traumas. Joy opens up about her personal experiences with trauma and its enduring effects on her faith, family, and the people around her. She offers a profound insight into her journey, chronicled in her memoir, "Abraham’s Daughter: Healing Trauma from a Childhood in Missions."

We explore the process of both writing and healing, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and maintaining a connection with one's spirituality, even in the face of life's hardships. I hope this episode encourages you to find healing and hope. 

Episode Highlights: 

●       Getting to know Joy 

●       Raising teens & homeschooling 

●       Living as a missionary in Mongolia during childhood & the trauma that came with it 

●       Survival as a child

●       Signs of unresolved trauma

●       Self-harm 

●       Receiving therapy

●       Joy’s Book - Abraham’s Daughter  

●       Monica’s episodes What Defines You? and Struggling Does Not Make You a Failure

Find more on Guest:

●       Joy’s website JoySmalley.com 

●       Joy’s recent read The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis

●       Instagram @joysmalley6

Find More on The Commons with Karla:

●       On IG @karla_osorno

Thank you for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review The Commons with Karla Podcast on Apple or Spotify. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated. For show notes, go to karlaosorno.com/podcast.

This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.