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Resilient Voices & BeyondResilient Voices & Beyond is a podcast that amplifies the voices of those who were once silenced and aims to empower a new generation of foster care alum leaders. Through conversations with community partners, leaders, advocates, and activists,... Author: Michael D. Davis-Thomas Aka MDDTSpeaks
Resilient Voices & Beyond is a podcast that amplifies the voices of those who were once silenced and aims to empower a new generation of foster care alum leaders. Through conversations with community partners, leaders, advocates, and activists, this podcast educates listeners on reforms, policies, and advocacy related to foster care, adoption, kinship, CCIs, JJ, and the child welfare system. The podcast challenges stigmas and labels surrounding these topics and creates a dialogue on reform and advocacy that is already happening or needs to happen. The core values of Resilient Voices & Beyond include empowerment, inclusivity, education, collaboration, authenticity, and innovation. The mission of the podcast is to create a platform for silenced voices to be heard and received, while the vision is to inspire and empower a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive change in the world. Language: en Genres: Business, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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“Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”
Episode 46
Saturday, 19 April, 2025
Season 3, Episode 46Title: “Life is not what happens to you, but how you respond to it.”Subtitle: Stepping Into the Call: From Surviving to SurrenderingIn this transformative episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas (MDDTSpeaks) reconnects with long-time friend and fellow advocate Ashley Watkins—and what unfolds is nothing short of sacred. Together, they journey through Ashley’s powerful testimony of resilience, healing, and divine surrender.Ashley Watkins, a spoken word poet, therapist, foster care advocate, and founder of Her Untold Stories Heard, opens up about her evolution—from surviving childhood trauma, navigating the foster care system, and enduring abuse, to stepping boldly into the woman God called her to be. In this vulnerable yet victorious dialogue, Ashley shares how she moved from living in the shadows of her pain to reclaiming her voice, redefining her worth, and helping other women heal through truth and transparency. Key Conversation Highlights:The journey from surviving abuse and abandonment to discovering divine identityChoosing surrender over striving, and trusting God in the midst of uncertaintyWhy healing isn’t linear—and how to stay the course when the process hurtsThe importance of self-trust, faith-led obedience, and emotional accountabilityAshley’s founding of HUSH (Her Untold Stories Heard) and her mission to help women evolve through their truthThe spiritual tension of being called but not yet prepared—and what it means to wait wellThe reality of mental health battles, faith fatigue, and learning how to pray when words run outThroughout the episode, Michael and Ashley exchange reflections on surrendering ambition for purpose, embracing God’s timing, and answering the call to be light—even when life has tried to extinguish that light. Their conversation is raw, rich, and soul-deep—reminding us that our response to adversity defines our resilience.If you’re in a season of questioning, healing, or trying to find your footing after brokenness, this episode is your invitation to stop surviving and start surrendering.Guest: Ashley WatkinsSpoken Word Poet | Therapist | Foster Care AdvocateFounder & CEO of Her Untold Stories Heard (HUSH) Connect with Ashley:@soulevessel__@heruntoldstoriesheard_LinkedInFacebook
