The Strong & Free Leaders Podcast.

Bringing out the best in you so that you can bring out the best in others.

Discipleship strategist and coach Kate hosts leaders who serve with integrity, intention, and faith. Releasing Wednesdays bi-weekly, promising origin stories, practical wisdom, and inspiration for your everyday ... all the things you've come to expect from Coach Kate.

Episode 40: Anne Yank

Anne Yank from Chatham, QC brings an abundance of gentleness and endless foundational ideas as she teaches us about fasting in this episode. She shares stories of fasting making a difference in her life and gives us guideposts for establishing our own fasting disciplines. 

This episode will change the way you think about fasting. 

We talked about:

  • Why do we fast? 

  • When do we fast? 

  • What difference does fasting make? 

  • 7 lessons from Jesus about fasting

  • Transformation through fasting

Episode 39: Krista Bennett

Krista Bennett from Chilliwack, BC is our guest on this episode and our conversation is dripping with truth, experience, and wisdom. Krista serves as a National Leadership Coach for her denomination and thrives when coaching leaders to follow their God-sized dreams. She’s a wife and a mom and she’s absolutely lovely. 

This episode will change the way you think about your role in the body of Christ. 

We talked about:

• Having a vision for your neighbourhood

• Shifts in church culture

• APEST

• How to hear God’s voice

• Coffee shop obedience

Episode 38: Jessie Taillon

Jessie Taillon from Cochrane, AB is inspiring us on the podcast today!  Jessie is a wife and mom x4 with a passion to encourage others in their walk with Jesus. Through Life Coaching and speaking, she desires to help women take active steps to live with purpose and freedom.

This episode will change the way you think about surrender.

We talked about:

• Misconceptions about following God

• Supernaturally keeping your mouth shut.

• Surrender & marriage

• Overcoming fear

• Uncovering your purpose

You can connect with Jessie for coaching by…

Email: alwaysmorecoaching@gmail.com

Episode 37: Kim Hutchins

Our friend Kim Hutchins from Huntsville, ON is on the podcast today! . Her commitment extends to equipping the Canadian Church for greater influence through serving. Presently, Kim finds fulfillment as the Director of Communications for Gather Women.

This episode will change the way you think about serving your people.

We talked about:

• Self-deceit

• Memorization plans

• Transformation

• Leading volunteers

• On the bench with the Leafs

Episode 36: Marie-Josée Fortin

Our friend Marie-Josée Fortin from Gatineau, Quebec is on the podcast today! Marie is a French-Canadian, a PhD student in the field of Biblical Theology, an academic coach for NorthWest Seminary in BC, an editor for SEMBEQ in Québec and an assistant to the MTh program at Union School of Theology in the UK.

This episode will change the way history impacts your leadership.

We talked about:

• La Revolution Tranquille

• Church making you (literally) sick

• Spiders spinning webs of hope

• Questions and the bible

• How Jesus taught the NT authors

Episode 35: Brittany Simmons

Our friend Brittany Simmons, from Indiana, is back on the podcast today! Brittany is a Leadership coach and speaker who helps everyday leaders develop the character, confidence and competence required to lead their teams with a culture of excellence, courage, and commitment.

This episode will change the way you think about vulnerability.

We talked about:

• Naming the real mision. 

• Night Patrols in Iraq

• Armour of God

• Battle Buddy

• Cohesive Teams

You can go to Brittany’s website here for more information on her coaching and speaking!

Episode 30: Kate Petry

Too many of y'all have talked about not being 'good' at rest, and in this episode, we're just going to get to the heart of it. I put together some thoughts on what keeps us from actually resting, and we dig into John 6 to see how the crowds, the disciples, and Jesus did it.

This episode will change the way you think about control.

I talk about:

• what keeps us from rest

• wanting to do our own miracles

• why believing matters

• deciding if it's time to leave

• why rest really matters

Episode 29: Velma Knowles

Velma Knowles is a Leadership coach and author of the Valuable Leader. She has a genuine heart not just for leadership, but you, the leader. She shares her story of getting fired and how that changed her perspective on leadership. Velma is an absolute gem, and we hope you enjoy the episode!

This episode will change the way you think about success. 

We talked about:

• Building your leadership skillset

• Learning from getting fired

• Growing a supportive team

• CARE (Champion, Appreciate, Build, Empathize)

• Working through conflict

You can go to Velma’s Website here for more information on her coaching or her books.

Episode 28: Bonnie Pue

Bonnie Pue and her husband Bryan lead the Union Movement which exists to help people find wholeness by presenting a gospel-centred, holistic approach to the topics of identity, sexuality, and relationships. 

This episode will change the way you think about how God makes things new. 

We talked about:

• When leaders disappoint us

• Les Miserables

• Sexual Freedom and the Union Movement

• The spirit & the flesh

• God makes all things new (not just a pretty metaphor)

Go to the Union Movement to find more resources from Bonnie and her husband Bryan. 

Episode 27: Nicci Morelli

Nicci Morelli is a coach and owner of Held Creative Co who helps creatives own their gifts, lead with confidence and experience the fullness of God in their art. 

This episode will change the way you think about priorities in leadership. 

We talked about:

• Professional bingo calling

• Signs of ministry burn out

• Living with anxiety

• Singing with Maverick City & Kirk Franklin

• Wisdom for leading teams

Go to Held Creative Co today to see how Nicci and her team can serve you!

Episode 26: Suzy Roth

Suzy is the Executive Director and founder of Hands of Hope Adoption and Orphan Care Ministry, and a gifted leader with wisdom we can all learn from. 

This episode will change the way you think about supporting those in need. 

We talked about:

• Adopting a child from Russia

• Effectively serving people in need

• Taking care of yourself as a leader

• What to do with disappointment

• We prayed for you! 

You can check out Hands of Hope here. 

Episode 25: Nicole Jacobsmeyer

Nicole has a passion for helping others walk in victory and joy in the midst of trials and suffering. She believes that no matter what you’re facing, God is not finished writing your story. 

This episode will change the way you think about pain.

We talked about:

  • Evil, sin, and heartache

  • Transformation during cancer

  • Connection between Joy & Suffering

  • Finding Contentment

  • Your pain is not wasted

You can get Nicole’s book Take Back Your Joy here: in Canada, in America

You can connect with Nicole on Instagram @nicole.jacobsmeyer or through her website nicolejacobsmeyer.com.

Episode 24: Melissa Mashburn

Melissa Mashburn is a phenomenal coach, the author of Ministry Chick, and a well of practical wisdom for anyone in leadership. 

This episode will change the way you think about stewarding your leadership. 

We talked about:

  • Discerning Ministry Goals

  • Overcoming Insecurities

  • Meaningful Community

  • Women in Ministry

  • Owning Your Leadership

You can get Melissa’s book Ministry Chick here: ⁠in Canada⁠, ⁠in America⁠

You can connect with Melissa on Instagram ⁠@melissamashburn⁠ or through her website ⁠melissamashburn.com.

Episode 23: Tammy Munson

Tammy is the CEO of wildfire creative company, and she is dedicated to helping women share their stories, find their voice, and create fantastic content.

This episode will change the way you think about failure.

We talked about:

  • ”I ghosted God”

  • Miracles & Brain Surgery

  • How to tell your story

  • Robin Williams & the history of podcasting

  • How to really learn from your mistakes

Tammy’s Podcast can be found here. 

You can connect with Tammy on Instagram @wilfirecreativeco or through her website wildfirecreativecompany.com

Episode 22: Kaitlyn Cey

Kaitlyn Cey is the Director of the youth empowerment organization, Inspire Our Nation. As a coach, author, and speaker, her passion is to empower Christian leaders to live spirit-led lives personally and professionally.

This episode will change the way you think inviting God into your everyday living.

We talk about:

  • Reconciliation in Canada

  • How to build confidence in Christ

  • STAND firm in your faith

  • Struggling to hear from God

  • Values & why they’re important

"Values Worksheet" can be found here.

Stand Secure Course Material (Free Course Material) For Girls can be found here. 

Stand Secure Books can be purchased here!

You can connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram @kaitlyn.cey , and through her website, www.kaitlyncey.com

Episode 21: Cathie Ostapchuk

Cathie is Co-Founder and Lead Catalyst of Gather, a national movement which exists as a catalyst to connect, equip and mobilize women in Canada for leadership influence.

This episode will change the way you think about your own leadership capacity.

We talked about:

  • Living Driven vs Living Called

  • Unpacking the gifts God gave you

  • Conducting an Orchestra

  • Why women have work to do

  • Church: Stay or Go

Find out more about Gather Women here. 

Get Cathie’s book ‘Brave Women, Bold Moves’ here.

Get Chris & Elita’s book ‘The Whole Church’ here.

You can connect with Cathie on Instagram @cathieostapchuk, and through her website, https://www.cathieostapchuk.com/home

Episode 20: Carrien Blue

Carrien lives in Mae Sot, a small town in Thailand right on the Burma border where she and her husband run The Charis Project that protects vulnerable children from trafficking and abuse by supporting and strengthening their families. Carrien is a writer, parenting educator and mentor, and is passionate about helping you take better care of yourself so you have the strength for all of the other important things that you do.

This episode will change the way you think about impacting communities.

We talked about:

  • Moving to Thailand

  • Discovering the best solutions

  • Going from blogger to missionary

  • Emotional Hygiene

  • Love in Particular

Get her free self care checklist - parenting.carrienblue.com/selfcarechecklist

I Help Parents Raise Resilient Children - SUBSCRIBE

You can connect with Liv on Instagram @she.laughs.at.the.days, and support her work in Thailand through https://thecharisproject.org/.

Episode 19: Liv Dooley

Liv Dooley is a Bible teacher, author, and podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and best-selling authors of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and confidence in Christ Jesus in prayer.

This episode will change the way you think about confidence.

We talked about:

  • Proving bullies wrong

  • How to audit your schedule

  • A new definition of confidence

  • Communicating with God

  • Preparing to speak a message

Liv has a devotional on you version called ‘Identifying Insecurity’ and you can find it here!

You can connect with Liv on Instagram @candidliv, through her website livdooley.com, or through her podcast, The Best Kept Secret.

Episode 18: Angela Talley

Angela has a PhD in Leadership Studies and teaches leadership in Lebanon, Tennessee. She has a desire for us to lead empowered by God’s spirit and equipped for excellence - not only for our own lives but for the people we’re called to serve.

This episode will change the way you approach achievement in leadership, and your people will benefit because of it.

We talked about:

  • When to pull back

  • Redefining success

  • How to be alone with God

  • Working with a toxic leader

  • How to know if you’re the toxic leader

  • Leadership Q&A worth it’s weight in gold!

You can connect with Angela on Instagram @atalley or through her website angelatalley.co

Episode 17: Meredith Boggs

Meredith Boggs is the author of The Journey Home and a critical care nurse but her favourite ‘job’ is being wife to her high school sweetheart and mama to Jack in her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee.

This episode will change the way you think about silence, stillness, and solitude.

We talked about:

  • Working in an orphanage in China

  • How self-awareness transforms relationships

  • Biblical Guide to the Enneagram

  • Silence, Stillness, & Solitude and what they do for you

You can connect with Meredith @meredithwboggs

You can order Meredith’s book ‘The Journey Home’ here in Canada or here in the USA.

Episode 16: Doyin Ogunremi

Doyin is a student-athlete in the sport of track and field and she shares with us her training and preparation for racing the 400m and how it applies to our own faith, work, and relationships. 

This episode will change the way you think about preparing for your future. 

We talked about:

  • Knowing the right next step

  • God speaking through kids

  • Base training vs Speed training

  • Trusting when you don’t agree with the plan

  • The process of becoming whole

You can connect with Doyin @doyinogunremi - let her know you're cheering her on!

Episode 15: Kate Petry

Kate is a discipleship strategist, life & leadership coach, and the host of this podcast! This week, Kate takes over the mic and shares with you the keys to taking territory in your life. Listen in to find out what it really looks like to get Strong and Free in Christ.

GET THE FREE GUIDE FOR THIS EPISODE

We talk about:

  • Overcoming challenges

  • What God is doing while you’re going through a trial

  • How to know what season you’re in

  • Why having purpose isn’t easy, but it’s good.

  • What to expect when you say yes to God

Want to connect with me? Book a FREE discovery call today and we can chat over zoom!

Episode 14: Valerie Mummert

Valerie is a Certified Life Coach who helps you organize your thoughts, recognize your gifts, and move into your next season with purpose, on purpose.

We talk about:

• Decision making with God

• Figuring out who you are

• Leading with grace & respect

• Reacting vs responding

• Don't let someone else write your story

You can connect with Valerie on Instagram or through her website.

Episode 13: Jacyln Weidner

Jaclyn lives just outside of Vancouver, Canada with her husband Brendan and 3 talkative little girls. After God pulled her out of the pit of anxiety and depression she has been on a mission to reach down and help other women who are stuck.

We talk about:

• Leading a retreat

• Living from who God created you to be

• Your heart is the garden of your soul

• How to address bitterness

• Why community matters

You can connect with Jaclyn on Instagram, through her podcast.

Episode 12: Bailey Stone

Bailey is a Certified Professional Life Coach who helps women elevate their confidence and increase clarity so they can pursue their calling and make an impact. Bailey loves calling Montana home, reading books on the porch with her husband (when it’s not freezing) and finding new spaces for an ever growing army of houseplants.

We talk about

• Experiencing God’s grace

• Finding your calling

• How to know if you’re on the right track

• How to coach a friend

• Leading the next generation

You can connect with Bailey on Instagram or through her website.

Episode 11: Annie Johnson, Lindsay Bechamp, Melanie Banks

My friends, Annie, Lindsay, and Melanie are long-time friends, prayer warriors, and practiced at letting their faith impact their real day-to-day lives.

These women are the real deal - and in this episode you get to hear some real talk about prayer, leadership, and finding your people. Not to mention the immense, meaningful impact they’ve had on my own life. Don’t miss out on the wisdom and encouragement they share with us here.

We talk about:

  • Leaders who draw out the best in us

  • First time church experiences

  • Learning about Prayer

  • Personal Transformation

  • Finding your people

You can connect with Annie, Lindsay, and Melanie on Instagram if you’d like to give them a shout out for this episode or ask them a question about prayer!

Episode 10: Tamera Rasmussen

Tamera is a practicing psychotherapist, a parenting and relationship coach, writer, podcaster, speaker, and ministry leader. She is passionate about helping individuals and families heal from generational trauma, emotional and behavioural issues, and attachment trauma that makes being in and navigating relationships difficult.

We talk about:

  • 4 signs that your team member needs help

  • The power of “are you okay” and “I see you”.

  • Why we MUST be honest with ourselves

  • Maturity in Leadership

  • Mental Illness

Want to connect with Tamera? Find her on instagram or check out her website.

Episode 9: Michelle Gautreaux

Michelle is an author, teacher, and the best neighbour from Louisiana. After losing her Christian Art Center in Hurricane Ida, she looked to God for a new plan in the midst of community tragedy. She’s now the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Christian magazine, Soulful Margins and on a mission to help others find their story in the bible with her new bible study series, Lost & Found.

We talk about:

  • Finding your story in the Bible

  • Hurricane Ida

  • God’s redemption

  • Caring for your community

  • God’s timing

Want to connect with Michelle? Find her on instagram or check out soulful margins magazine!

Episode 8: Jemelene Wilson

Jemelene is a speaker, writer, and life coach focusing on grief and trauma. From Roseburg, Oregon, she writes about what it means to live gently and love passionately.

We talk about:

  • Importance of grief

  • Handing it over to God

  • Love at first sight

  • Loving God in the face of tragedy

  • We all need rest

Want to connect with Jemelene? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 7: Ashley Moore

Ashley Moore is a ministry leader in her local church, writer, and host of be the two™ podcast. Using passionate storytelling, she encourages readers and listeners to abide, obey, and impact their spheres of influence for Christ.

We talk about:

  • Loving other well

  • Life themes & transformation

  • Serving people in recovery

  • When our expectations don’t meet God’s intentions

  • Leadership in the local church

  • Creating a transparent culture

Ashley’s Gratitude Challenge is linked here!

Want to connect with Ashley? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 6 : Heather Sanchez

Heather Sanchez is owner and life coach at One Wild Life based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her passion is helping women push beyond fear and doubt to recapture a thriving life of possibility!

We talk about:

  • Leaving a successful career to chase a dream

  • Who would benefit if your prayers were answered

  • What it's like for God to refine you

  • Reducing wealth and staying happy

  • Building Community

    Want to connect with Heather? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 5: Sherri Crandall

Sherri Crandall is the Vice President of Global Ministries and Leadership Experience for MOPS International.  She is also an author and speaker for women’s events across the country and internationally where she shares her passion for encouraging women to live life to the fullest.

We talk about:

  • Personalities & team

  • How to bring an idea to your team successfully

  • Comparison vs curiosity

  • Letting faith impact leadership

  • Leaders who disappoint

Want to connect with Sherri? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 4: Monica Harris

Monica Harris is a relationship coach who helps you cultivate deeply satisfying and fulfilling relationships with your loved ones and to grow in your relationship with god. Born and raised Texan, she’s a truth-teller, and she the best at drawing the truth out of you.

We talk about:

  • Finding community

  • Navigating church dynamics

  • Saying yes to God

  • Understanding Boundaries

Want to connect with Monica? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 3: Brittany Simmons

Brittany Simmons is a leadership coach who helps you develop confidence and competence that positions you to lead your team towards excellence. Recently retired after 24 years in uniform, she is serious about training, character, and servant leadership.

We talk about:

  • Life at West Point

  • Preparation in leadership

  • Creating a safe environment for your team

  • Prioritizing character

  • How to make strong decisions in a war zone

Want to connect with Brittany? Find her on instagram or through her website.

Episode 2: Colleen Smith

Colleen Smith is a speaker, advocate, and leader of GEM, which focuses on helping inner-city youth connect with the hope of the Gospel. Serving the community is not just her day-job, it’s her lifestyle.

We talk about:

  • Surrendering to & encountering God

  • Investing in relationships wisely

  • Adoption

  • Life in Inner-City Baltimore

  • Balancing compassion & consequences

  • Working within a broken culture

    Want to connect with Colleen? Find her on instagram or through her website. 

Episode 1: Andrea Fortenberry

Andrea Fortenberry is a writer, speaker and Bible teacher who helps women find freedom from perfectionism and show up for the life God has for them. She is warm, wise, and the best at creating safe space for us to connect with God and others. 

We talk about:

  • Transition in leadership

  • When leadership looks different

  • Recovering perfectionists

  • Dealing with messy teams

  • Cycle of fear, shame, and control

Want to connect with Andrea? Find her on instagram or through her website. Check out her podcast here!