Shows / Where We Rise
Where We Rise
Real stories, real people, and the moments that change us — that’s Where We Rise.
Episodes
Where We Rise38 | "Help Grow Their Baby" | A Surrogate's Journey
In this episode, Angela Higgins shares her experience as a two‑time surrogate and walks us through what the surrogacy process really looks like from the…
Where We Rise37 | "It's Never Too Late" | Transforming Your Life
In this episode, Natasha Ickes joins me to share her journey of personal growth, resilience, and transformation. We talk about her childhood experiences, the…
Where We Rise36 | "Space for Grief and Joy" | Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance
Heather Baker joins Where We Rise to share a deeply personal journey marked by infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and the stillbirth of her daughter, Blakely…
Where We Rise35 | "God is Good" | Unshakable Faith and Hope
CONTENT WARNING — This episode includes discussion of abuse, attempted murder, trauma, and experiences in war zones. These topics may be sensitive for some…
Where We Rise34 | "Anger Into Wisdom" | How One Man Rebuilt After Divorce
When Jeff Kolez found himself facing a divorce that shook every part of his identity, he began a long journey of examining the patterns, beliefs, and habits…
Where We Rise33 | "No Matter What" | Rising Through Trauma and Finding Beauty
Amanda Goldman‑Petri has survived more than most people could fathom — an abusive childhood, a near‑fatal car accident that left her learning to walk again…
Where We Rise32 | "Fight Back" | Reclaiming Her Voice
CONTENT WARNING — In this episode, the guest discusses the aftermath of being sexually assaulted. There are no details of the event itself, but the emotions…
Where We Rise31 | "The Second Half of My Life" | From Survival to Peace
In this episode, Khalila sits down with Kristell Miles — a woman many first learned about through BET’s American Gangsters: Trap Queens. While the details of…
Where We Rise30 | "The Natural Progression" | From the Mat to the Classroom
This week, we sit down with Toccara Montgomery — a former Olympic wrestler whose journey began with a simple high‑school announcement and grew into something…
Where We Rise29 | "Beyond Her Capabilities" | Not Defined by Disabilities
In this Back‑to‑School episode, we sit down with Michelle Steiner — a writer, paraeducator, and advocate who has lived with dyscalculia and other learning…
Where We Rise28 | "The Relationship is the Goal" | Homeschooling
In this episode, Christina Garrett shares the honest, unexpected journey that led her to homeschool her five children—a decision she never planned to make…
Where We Rise27 | "So Much More Than Algebra" | Impacting Our Youth
Dr. Emily Wassell shares her remarkable journey from aspiring politician to educator, revealing how teaching became the most powerful way she could change the…
Where We Rise26 | "Autism Rocks" | Looking Beyond the Surface
In this episode, I am talking with Sam Mitchell, which is like getting a clearer, more honest look at what autism really feels like — not through assumptions…
Where We Rise25| "Meet Them Where They Are" | Advocating for Adults with Autism
In this episode of Where We Rise, Khalila sits down with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist, mother, and host of Adulting With Autism. April…
Where We Rise24 | "Knowing Shifts Your Power" | Stress as Data, Not Danger
Author Nicole Hope Sylvester joins Khalila to unpack the science and self‑awareness behind stress, overwhelm, and emotional regulation. Nicole’s “jar of…
Where We Rise23 | "Life Lessons" | What Has Shaped Your Life?
Turning 40 is a milestone — and in this special birthday episode, Khalila McCoy reflects on the seven life lessons that have shaped her across four decades…
Where We Rise22 | "Inside Out" | Dating and Finding Love
Dating coach Lilli Bewley joins Khalila for a powerful conversation about healing dating patterns, attracting aligned love, and becoming the woman God created…
Where We Rise21 | "Coming Back to You" | Love Who You Are
In this episode, Khalila sits down with Coach Tammy Nicole — a licensed clinician with 22 years in the mental health field who now coaches high‑capacity women…
Where We Rise20 | "Exploring and Connecting" | Adventures in Traveling
In this episode of Where We Rise, Khalila sits down with award‑winning author and world traveler Meg Stafford to explore how curiosity, courage, and connection…
Where We Rise19 | "I Choose You, Every Day" | Marriage Roundtable
In this special group episode of Where We Rise, we’re talking all things marriage — the beauty, the challenges, the growth, and the daily choice to love. I’m…
Where We Rise18 | "There Will Be Roadblocks" | Understanding Internal Resistance
Why do we get stuck, lose motivation, or avoid the very things we say we want? In this powerful episode, international speaker and author Kam Knight breaks…
Where We Rise17 | "What Do You Want to Do?" | Finding Your Purpose
In this conversation, Erica Lynn shares her journey of finding purpose through podcasting and motivational speaking. She discusses the importance of overcoming…
Where We Rise16 | "I'm So Proud of You" | A Life Remembered
In this heartfelt conversation, Allaina Maria shares the profound impact of her sister Yolanda's life and tragic loss due to domestic violence. Through…
Where We Rise15 | "I Think You Should Get a Dog" | Unexpected Life Lessons
In this captivating conversation, Carmen Leal shares the raw truth of her medical crises — from a devastating car accident and life-altering head injury to…
Where We Rise14 | "The Next Best Step" | Living with Intention
In this heartfelt conversation, Khalila McCoy and Debbie Simmons delve into the themes of intentionality and resilience in the face of life's challenges…
Where We Rise13 | "The Assignment is Different" | Aligning Life with God’s Calling
In this episode, Shelley Meche'tte shares her powerful story of surviving three strokes in a single day and the transformational journey that followed. She…
Where We Rise12 | "Last Act of Love" | End-of-Life Planning
In this episode, author Lynn B. Stone discusses the importance of end‑of‑life planning and the emotional realities of navigating grief after the loss of her…
Where We Rise11 | "The Stories We Tell... Matter" | Growing from Pain
In this heartfelt episode, Ann Harikeerthan shares her inspiring journey of navigating chronic pain, autoimmune challenges, and the transformative power of…
Where We Rise10 | "Suffering in Silence" | Choosing Life
*** Please be aware that this episode is a discussion around suicidal ideation.*** In this conversation, Khalila McCoy talks with Earnest James, a mental…
Where We Rise09 | "Hug Somebody, Even Yourself" | Compassion & Self-Care
In this episode, Khalila sits down with Edie Weinstein — writer, speaker, interfaith minister, and the beloved “Hug‑Mobster.” Edie shares what surviving a…
Where We Rise08 | "God Doesn't Waste Anything" | Trusting God in Hard Times
From Adversity to Faith: In this heartfelt conversation, Khalila McCoy reconnects with Chauncey Harris Sr., who shares his journey of facing kidney failure and…
Where We Rise07 | "My Own Worst Enemy" | Self-Doubt to Self-Worth
In this conversation, Greg Arnold shares his journey of shifting from self-doubt to self-worth. He emphasizes the significance of commitment, celebrating small…
Where We Rise06 | "Letting Go" | Divorce Later in Life
Dr. Nicole Rochester shares her personal journey of self-discovery and transformation, focusing on her experiences with marriage, divorce, and personal growth…
Where We Rise05 | Family in Flight | Military Family Community
Navigating Life as a Military Spouse In this conversation, Chelsea Thomas shares her experiences as a military spouse navigating the challenges of geo-baching…
Where We Rise04 | "Lead with Love" | Foster Care System
Navigating the Foster Care System: In this conversation, Buneka Lucas shares her journey from a challenging childhood in the foster care system to becoming a…
Where We Rise03 | "Music is Powerful" | Joy
Discover how music serves as a source of joy, healing, and connection in this inspiring episode with singer and entertainer Katanya Brewer. From her journey to…
Where We Rise02 | "Failure is Not Final Nor Fatal" | Entrepreneurship
In this episode, I engage in an inspiring conversation with Erika Cartledge, a successful entrepreneur and stylist. We explore the journey of embracing failure…
Where We Rise01 | "Enjoy the Moment" | Fatherhood
Embracing Fatherhood and Faith In this episode, Khalila sits down with her husband, DJ McCoy, to explore the transformative journey of becoming a father…
- Where We Rise
00 | Listening Louder
In this inaugural episode of 'Where We Rise', host Khalila McCoy introduces the podcast's mission to foster genuine conversations and reflections among…
- Where We Rise
Season 1 Trailer
Send Khalila a message! Connect with Khalila Instagram: @wherewerisepod Email: WhereWeRisePod@gmail.com Website: wherewerisepod.buzzsprout.com Support the show…