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It has been such an honor to take this journey of curiosity with you. Thank you for listening and for providing great curious questions for us to tackle. Remember friends, never lose your holy curiosity! Monica

We all have a story. Even if we believe our story to be unworthy of sharing, it could be the inspiration, empathy, or comfort that someone needs. Our guest on this episode was delightful and has an incredible story herself! Take a listen and think about how you can share your story! Guest Info After nearly 20 years in business and finance, I had what I can only describe as a divine interruption. God placed it on my heart to write my own book—not just to tell my story, but to leave a spiritual legacy. That single act of obedience unlocked a greater calling: to help others do the same. I founded The 1 and Only Publishing to serve aspiring authors—especially those who feel called to write but don't know where to begin or how to afford it. We help everyday people turn their God-given messages, expertise, and experiences into powerful, professionally published books. And we don't just offer services—we offer support, clarity, and belief when others have said "not yet." My story resonates with faith-based audiences, entrepreneurs, creatives, and purpose-driven people who've been sitting on a message for too long. I can speak to: Finding purpose in a season of transition or loss Building a mission-led business from scratch The practical and spiritual journey of writing a book How ordinary people can create extraordinary impact through publishing My mission is bold—555,000 books in 10 years, in 10 different languages. But it's not about me. It's about equipping others to leave a legacy, reach those they're called to, and fulfill their God-given assignment through the written word.  Called & Courageous Podcast Podcast Hub (Buzzsprout): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2526364 Latest Episode: Obedience Is the New Success Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podcast Index | RSS Feed  The 1 and Only Publishing – Official Links Website: https://the1andonlypublishing.com Email: [email protected] Phone: 301-798-7685 Social Media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/the1andonlypublishing Instagram: https://instagram.com/the1andonlypublishing YouTube: https://youtube.com/@the1andonlypublishing LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/the1andonlypublishing

More and more adults are realizing that they have experienced trauma in their lives. We may not have realized it at the time. But, now, as adults, we are working through issues, emotions, and struggles and coming to terms wtih the fact that we've carried the burden of trauma for years. Or, perhaps we are very aware that we experienced trauma in our past and are trying to work our way through it while wondering if our faith in God could help us. It's an intriguing question and one that our guest knows all too well. If you have been wrestling with trauma and seeking God in your healing, this is the podcast episode for you. Guest Info: Calvin Bagley was raised in a home where education was withheld, modern medicine was forbidden, and extreme religious beliefs replaced love with fear. He was injected with horse medicine instead of being taken to the doctor. His meals were rationed,and his joy was policed. His education consisted of being taught to read by his older sister afteraccidentally learning the alphabet backwards. His world was one of poverty, abuse, neglect, and secrecy. And yet, he broke free. Today, Calvin Bagley is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and the founder of Nuvo Health, a Medicare-focused company that's helped over 60 thousand people navigate health insurance with honesty and heart. His companies, including The Medicare Store, Medicare Hub, and PlanFit, are transforming the healthcare industry (often known for predatory tactics) by putting people before profits and ethics before compensation. Calvin is the author of Hiding from the School Bus, a memoir that chronicles his journey from hiding in the sagebrush to avoid the school bus to standing tall and building multimillion-dollar businesses, traveling to all 50 states and all seven continents, and thriving with his family grounded in love and faith. Calvin was the seventh of nine children. As an infant, his mother handed him to his teenage sister, saying, "This one's yours."; His sister cared for him as if she were his mother until the age of three, when his father forcibly took him from her arms, shouting, "You are not his mother!"; She was never allowed to touch him again.  He was a perpetual outsider, even facing incredible pain at scout camp, when a group of boys attacked him, wielding cactus-covered sticks. At 19, he left home to serve a mission in Brazil for the LDS Church. This changed the trajectory of his life forever. He returned home determined to change his fate. He self-studied and earned a GED at 21. After bombing a college placement exam, his college applications were all denied, but he talked a college admissions counselor into giving him a trial run as a non-admitted student. He later became the most unlikely college graduate, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  His story includes pain and trauma, but also many small triumphs that cumulatively shape his life and personality and have led to his resilient nature. He learned to swim at 22, traveled the world as a flight attendant, rose through the ranks at Bank of America from a teller to a Consumer Market Manager, and married the woman he now calls his saving grace. Calvin doesn't just share a story-he opens a door. On the other side of the door is what's possible when you refuse to let your past define your future.

As a parent of a young adult, I've been a witness to this void of purpose my kids seem to have. They have floundered through so many things - aimless and frustrated. As a parent I want to help them, but it's hard to help and honor boundaries all at the same time. We, as a community, want to help the young adults around us find their purpose, but we simply don't know where to start. Brittany was a fantastic and wise resource to help us tackle this curious question. Take a listen! Guest Info: Brittany Sawrey-Coulson is the Director of Content at Trueface and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, Arizona. She specializes in working with young adults exploring their identity, purpose, and trauma, and her passion is to help people experience more authentic and deep relationships with God and each other.   Trueface.org is her primary website Amazon link to The Path: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Different-Contemporary-Allegory-Identity/dp/B0DQR5JD9V Amazon link to The Path Experience (her small group guide): https://www.amazon.com/Path-Experience-Eight-Session-Small-Discover/dp/B0DSLYVBQY Link to the animations that go with each chapter: https://www.trueface.org/thepath-videos Instagram

Financial generosity is vital to our mission as followers of Christ to transform the world in His name. Yet, when churches talk about giving, some people hear "greed" instead of "grace." In this episode of Curious Living, we dig beneath the surface of the church's "ask" and explore why generosity matters, what it really supports, and how we can reframe the conversation. Heather was an incredible guest—so insightful and wise. I walked away with new clarity, and I know you will too.   Guest Info: Heather M. Day is an author and communication specialist with more than 20 years of experience in the fields of marketing, communications, and nonprofit ministry. She is the author of Money and Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit. Heather has spent the bulk of her career in the nonprofit arena, including in her current role as Director of Marketing for Barnabas Foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in communications and an Executive MBA from Olivet Nazarene University.  Money & Spirit: Surrendering Our Finances to the Work of the Holy Spirit

Our church participated in a demographic survey last year and we were astonished at how many people shared that they feel incredibly lonely. And what surprised us the most was that the largest demographic experiencing loneliness was young adults. So we were excited to talk with Dr. Jake Thurston to get his perspective. He is a young adult and works with young adults so he can speak directly to our curious question. Guest Info Dr. Jake Thurston is the lead pastor and church planter of Resilient Church, a growing ministry that serves a large number of students and young adults in the college town of Vermillion, South Dakota. He is an adjunct professor of Bible, Theology, and Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University, Wesley Seminary, and the University of South Dakota. He is married to his wife, Kasey, and has two daughters and one son. https://www.youneedfriends.com/ https://a.co/d/5J6M4Ai

When we get married or enter into a long-term relationship, we soon realize the stark differences between ourselves and our mate. The flaws that were invisible to us at the beginning are now, perhaps, all we see. This goes both ways because our significant other sees those flaws in us as well. Couples tend to spend a great deal of energy looking for ways to "change" their mate, when, in fact, they don't have the power to create change in others. So, what do you do? How can you encourage your partner to make positive changes?  Our guest on this episode has written two amazing devotional books that help us answer that question. She is a lovely person who is wise and so incredibly insightful. You will want to listen and take notes! Guest Info Amanda Hayhurst is a Christian author and speaker with a Master's in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has been featured in Guidepost, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Focus on the Family. She is the author of the best-selling devotionals Pray for Him and Pray for Her, which have helped thousands move from fix and control to surrender and prayer. She has a passion for encouraging others and considers herself a hype woman for other women. She has been married to her husband, Marcus, for fifteen years and gives God all the glory. They cherish every moment spent with their two young boys and adult bonus daughter. You can purchase Amanda's Devotions from Amazon through these links: Pray For Him: https://a.co/d/he3Wcsm Pray for Her: https://a.co/d/3AcIS0q Visit her website here: https://www.amandahayhurstwrites.com/

In today's world, clear communication feels increasingly challenging. With so many differences and divides among us, it's harder to express ourselves honestly and lovingly while being understood as we intend. This challenge is especially visible on social media, where misunderstandings often deepen the divisions between us. Scripture speaks profoundly to this struggle, particularly in the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to communicate across divides. In the Christian tradition, we call this moment "Pentecost." This year, we celebrate Pentecost on June 8, 2025. It's a time to reflect on what the Holy Spirit accomplished then—and what the Spirit is calling us to do now to bridge the vast divides in our world. If you'd like to explore the Scripture passages mentioned in this episode, here's the list: Acts 2:1-12 Philippians 2:3-4 1 Corinthians 13:1 James 1:19 Luke 12:12 Galatians 3:28 John 13:35 We concluded the episode with this prayer: Holy Spirit, give us the words to bridge our divides, the patience to listen, and the love to unite us as your people. Amen. Guest Information Rev. Monica Humpal is the host of the Curious Living Podcast, an Associate Pastor at Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church, and a master-certified life coach. Passionate about exploring life's curious questions, she seeks deeper wisdom and understanding in all she does. Monica resides in Davidson, North Carolina, and cherishes the beauty of the outdoors and Scotland's landscapes.

This episode guest hosts, Rev. Wesley Smith and Kevin Ward, dicuss the curious question; Where can we find God in Classic Rock? Our two guests this week are both avid rock enthusiasts and musicians, playing guitar in their spare time. Let's here them dive into our latest curious topic on how God relates to rock and roll greats.

Our guest host, Mary Ana Smith, sits down with Rev. Carrie Wright to discuss her journey as an adoptive mom. Adoption seems to many as more of a challenge than a blessing, but Carrie feels the opposite having not only adopted two children, but also having fostered many. If you have considered fostering or adopting then this episode is a must listen! Guest Info What gives Carrie life is spending her days with people of all ages learning to give praise to God.  We are all on this journey in different stages but each of us are called to praise in one way or another.  The arts are the ways that she hears God the best and she loves it when others are bringing their "song" as well. Carrie fell in love with making music at 8 years old and that love continues to weave through her especially in the midst of worship.   She is an ordained Deacon in The United Methodist Church and the Associate of Music and Worship Arts at Williamson's Chapel UMC.  Carrie is married to Clay, a tech guru working for Coca Cola Consolidated and stays busy chasing after their 4 kids ages 9 to 18.

It certainly feels good to help others in need. We donate food, money, and even time to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. And, oftentimes we assume that we have done what's best for them. But was it the best for them? Or, was it something that made us feel good in the moment? This is a tough question to ponder and our guest on this episode shares some incredible insights and wisdom to help us tackle it. Guest Info Kevin Ward is the Director of Youth, Young Adults, and Missions at Williamson's Chapel UMC in Mooresville, NC.  He is married to Amy Ward and has two children, Anna and James.  Service and mission is not only important to Kevin but to his whole family.     Kevin has worked in the United Methodist Church full-time or part-time for 27 years.  Throughout the last 27 years, connecting folks to healthy missions has been a passion of Kevins.  Having led or participated in over 40 week-long mission trips, Kevin has seen missions done in both healthy and unhealthy ways.  Reflecting on how mission trips and work have impacted both those serving and those being served has helped Kevin develop a healthier model of mission and service work.     Kevin believes that being involved in mission and service is something that every Christian is called to do on an ongoing basis.  Mission and service should move beyond charity and into something woven to our faith's fabric.  It may get messy, but in the mess is where we most often find Jesus.     Some suggested reading on the subject: "From Relief to Empowerment" by Laceye Warner and Gaston Warner "When Helping Hurts" by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert "Toxic Charity" by Robert Lupton "Get off Your Donkey!" By Reggie McNeal

Is it acceptable to question God or Christianity if you call yourself a Christian? Does doubt mean you're not truly a Christian? Should faith be so unwavering that questioning is off-limits? These were questions I wrestled with in my youth, and I believe that misconception still lingers today. In this episode, our guest will help us explore the beauty of curiosity and how asking questions can deepen our faith. Guest Info Mandy Pallock passionately believes that lives will change as people engage with God's Word. She is happily married to the man of her dreams, Peter, and they are raising three children together in South Texas. She's a writer, speaker, and podcaster at presentlyengaged.com. Mandy is a co-creator of Life Purpose Planning, a tool to help high schoolers and young adults understand and live out their God-given life purposes. She knows that discovering our purpose starts with asking a good question. Mandy has over 20 years of professional experience in print and digital communication in the non-profit sphere. She has written for and supported Bible Study Fellowship, Splendeur Magazine, Character Training Institute (now Strata Leadership), and more. And she's cheering for you as you live out your God-given life purpose! IG: https://www.instagram.com/mandy_pallock/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/presentlyengaged Presently Engaged Podcast

We all love TV or movies in some way, shape, or form. Entertainment is a form of enjoyment for most of us. I believe we'd all agree, however, that a movie or TV show today looks vastly different than it did just 20 or 30 years ago. Our guest on this episode produces wonderful and educational Christian films and even worked in Hollywood for a time. His insight is invaluable and he provides us with great things to consider as we mull over our curious question. Guest Info Craig Dehut is a seasoned freelance video producer with over fifteen years of experience. In 2015, he co-founded Appian Media alongside his business partner, Stuart Peck, driven by a shared concern for the lack of engaging biblical media for young people. Their vision was to bridge the gap between the youth and Bible study through professionally produced, accurate, and free content. Appian Media has since produced multiple award-winning series, podcasts, workbooks, and children's videos, reaching millions worldwide. Links www.appianmedia.org https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIwxpYkgLhE&t=3s https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdehut/ https://www.instagram.com/appianmedia/ https://www.facebook.com/appianmedia

This episode is intentionally released just before election day. We know that voting season can sometimes bring out the worst in even the kindest and most loving individuals. In quieter moments, it's easy to love and accept others. However, when those around us express beliefs and feelings that differ greatly from our own—especially when they openly voice those differences—it can be challenging to maintain that "loving feeling." How do we navigate the complexities of loving others in a time of such diverse opinions? Our guest is here to help us explore this topic, offering valuable insights and practical tools for fostering understanding and compassion. Guest Info Kim Gilson was born to be a teacher. As far back as she can remember, she played school in her room, teaching dolls and stuffed animals from a chalkboard, and holding parent/teacher conferences with those who struggled. As she grew older, the stuffed animals became real students, to whom she taught band and then math. As her career in public education blossomed, Kim learned her passion was teaching adults, making difficult topics easier to understand and enjoying laughter in the process. The sudden loss of her husband, Paul, to a blood clot in 2014 sent her on a personal journey of grief and a battle to reclaim joy in her life for her and her sons. Wanting to share her zeal for life with others, she became a certified Zig Ziglar trainer, speaker, and coach. After retiring from public education in 2022, she felt a calling to utilize her teaching and speaking skills to revitalize the hearts, minds, and dreams of people, activating them towards fulfilling their God-given purpose. https://excellivate.com/

This is an uncomfortable topic - especially for clergy and others who serve the church. We understand anger toward the church. We get it. But how do we help those who are angry at the church and angry at those within the church keep their faith strong? It's hard ... especially in today's divisive world. Our guests today have some amazing insights to share and they do a great job exploring this curious question!  Guest Info Pastors Wes and Toni Ruth Smith are the lead pastors of Williamson's Chapel United Methodist Church in Mooresville, North Carolina. They have been serving the church for over 20 years and bring with them incredible wisdom and love for God and for the church. Their daughter attends Appalachian State University and their son is a junior in high school. Links from this episode: Atlas of the Heart by Brene Brown