In this episode of Encouraging the Encouragers, we sit down for a jam session with Heather O’Brien - a powerhouse encourager who’s part coach, part minister, and all heart. Heather is the host of the Heal with God podcast, a top 2.5% show globally (come on!) and she's on a mission to help people hear God's voice, find emotional healing, and live a life aligned with love and purpose.

From battling anxiety and addiction to walking in more confidence and clarity, Heather brings the real, the raw, and the ridiculously practical. Whether you're coaching, creating, speaking, or simply trying to find 10 minutes to yourself… Heather’s insights on rhythms, prayer, and productivity will hit home.

If you’ve ever wrestled with routine, questioned your hustle, or wanted to invite God into your business life in a deeper way… this one’s for you.

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🎯 What’s your ONE THING for 2026?

If you don’t know yet or if you’re ready to figure that out… EncouragerCON 2025 is for you.

On 11/1, join us for a 3-hour virtual experience designed to help Coaches, Speakers, and Content Creators cut through the noise, get 100% clear on what matters most, and build a plan to finish 2025 strong… and crush 2026.

You’ll hear from top leaders who’ve simplified, focused, and scaled! AND they’ll show you how to do the same. Let’s get you the CLARITY… MOMENTUM and ENCOURAGEMENT you deserve!

🎟️ Find out more and grab your ticket at EncouragerCON.com

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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• Why routines used to be a burden for Heather and how she reclaimed them with love

• Her two must-have morning rituals (Spoiler: one involves a closet and a string of fairy lights… no, seriously)

• The spiritual insight that shifted her prayer life from multitasking to transformational

• How she brings God into her business planning - literally holding “business meetings with God”

• Her flexible but intentional approach to pitching herself and growing her coaching business

• A behind-the-scenes look at how Heather balances it all while homeschooling three boys

• How having an accountability partner helps her stay in alignment with the strategies God gives her
  

From apps she swears by (like YouVersion’s Chronological Bible Plan) to the honest conversations she has with God and herself, Heather pulls back the curtain and gives us a refreshingly honest glimpse into what walking with purpose actually looks like in the day-to-day.

Here’s how you can try it:

• Set aside 10–15 minutes this week.

• Turn off distractions, get quiet, and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to focus on this week?”

• Then… listen. No multitasking. No agenda.

• Just be still, and see what comes.

Bonus: Write it down, and share it with a friend or your accountability partner.

Oh… and if you try it - let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear what you experience!

If this conversation encouraged you, could you take 60 seconds to leave a review? It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in helping more encouragers find the show!

And don’t forget to share this episode with a fellow coach, speaker, or creative who could use some faith-fueled inspiration today.

Stay encouraged my friend… and we’ll talk soon!

Episode Description

If you’ve ever felt the pull to start a podcast but found yourself wondering “where do I even start?” - this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Encouraging the Encouragers, I sit down with Stefanie Gass - a Christian business and podcast coach, a proud boy mom, and a seven-figure CEO on a mission to help women (and a few brave men!) build thriving businesses without burning out, selling out, or sacrificing faith or family.

Stefanie is the host of the globally ranked Online Business for Christian Women podcast, with more than 800 episodes and over a thousand glowing reviews. So, yeah… she knows a thing or two about creating a show that grows, converts, and makes an impact.

We dig into what it really takes to launch (and love) a podcast - especially if you’re a coach, speaker, or content creator who wants to connect deeply, grow your audience, and serve with purpose.

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🎟️ EncouragerCON 2025 is coming!

Join us on 11/1 for a powerful 3-hour virtual experience designed for Coaches, Speakers, and Content Creators who are ready to stop chasing everything... and get laser-focused on their ONE THING for 2026.

It will be packed with real strategies, no fluff, and deep encouragement from leaders who’ve walked through the fire and are ready to share what actually works right now.

• REACH more of the right people

• Generate consistent REVENUE

• Build in REST as you go

👉 Find out more and grab YOUR ticket now at EncouragerCON.com

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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

1. Why You Shouldn’t Start a Podcast for the Money Stefanie shares why purpose and passion have to come before profit - and how that mindset shift sets you up for long-term success.

2. The Rule Most Podcasters Break (That Kills Momentum Fast) Over 90% of podcasters quit before they hit Episode 10. Stefanie explains how to stay consistent and why commitment beats “overnight success” every time.

3. How to Be “Boring” - and Why That’s Brilliant Forget fancy catchphrases and fluff. Stefanie shows how being clear and consistent is the secret to growing an audience that actually listens and buys.

4. Finding Your Micro-Micro Niche Go three layers deep to find the exact person you’re called to serve - and how to speak to them like you’re talking to one real human (not “the algorithm”).

5. Building a Podcast That Builds Your Business From SEO and keywords to keeping it simple, Stefanie shares her step-by-step approach to creating content that converts… without chaos.

📍 Connect with Stefanie:

🌐 Website: stefaniegass.com

📲 Instagram: @stefaniegass

Here’s your challenge this week:

👉 If you’ve been thinking about launching a podcast - or maybe relaunching one - stop starting over.

• Pick ONE topic.

• Speak to ONE person.

• And record ONE episode.

Don’t chase perfection - chase consistency.

And hey, when you do it, let us know! We’d love to celebrate with you.

Plus… if this conversation encouraged you, would you take a minute to leave a quick review for Encouraging the Encouragers? It helps us reach more coaches, speakers, and creators who need a little hope and a good nudge to keep going.

Let’s goooo! 🔥

Have you ever found yourself chasing success… but feeling like you’re losing yourself in the process?

In this powerful episode of Encouraging the Encouragers, we’re sitting down with someone who doesn’t just talk about legacy—she’s actively building one. Our guest is Liz Hartke—founder of Luminary Leadership Co., host of the Your Big Next podcast, and trusted advisor to powerhouse entrepreneurs.

But more than that?

Liz is a homeschooling mom, a champion for values-based leadership, and someone who’s walked through the fire to reimagine what true success really looks like.

We dive into what it means to grow a coaching or speaking business without sacrificing your peace, your people, or your purpose. If you’ve ever wrestled with the idea that “more” might not always mean “better”—this conversation is for you.

_________________

🎟️ EncouragerCON 2025 is coming!

Join us on 11/1 for a powerful 3-hour virtual experience designed for Coaches, Speakers, and Content Creators who are ready to stop chasing everything... and get laser-focused on their ONE THING for 2026.

It will be packed with real strategies, no fluff, and deep encouragement from leaders who’ve walked through the fire and are ready to share what actually works right now.

🎯 REACH more of the right people💰 Generate consistent REVENUE😌 Build in REST as you go!

👉 Find out more and grab YOUR ticket now at EncouragerCON.com

_________________

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS:

• The wake-up call that changed everything for Liz - and how it shaped the concept of “Your Big Next”

• Why chasing growth can sometimes lead you further from the life you actually want

• How to know when you’re being called to something deeper… even if it’s not “bigger”

• The hidden costs of hustle culture for coaches, speakers, and creators

• A real-life story of Liz helping a client discover her Big Next - and what it meant for her family (and her career)

• Why your next step will likely require a version of you that you haven’t met yet

• Tangible strategies for building a values-driven team (even if you’re just getting started!)

• How to prep your business to grow—even while stepping back (hello, maternity leave!)

Want Liz’s Visionary Clarity Prompts?
DM her the word “clarity” on Instagram @elizhartke

Or visit: 👉 luminaryleadershipco.com/clarity

This episode was a masterclass in building a business that reflects your values not just your ambition.

So... ask yourself... what's something that you heard that you want to take action on?

Seriously... what if you took THAT step?

It doesn't have to be HUGE... but it could be the beginning of YOUR BIG NEXT!

And hey... if this episode helped... please ➡️ Leave a quick review for Encouraging the Encouragers... wherever you're listening in!

Hey hey Encourager!

🎙️ In this soul-fueled episode, Mitch takes a fresh approach—unscripted and straight from the heart. He shares what it looks like to Follow the Flow in your coaching, content creation, and business… especially when life gets busy and burnout looms.

🔥 You'll hear:

• Why one of Mitch’s BEST coaching calls had nothing to do with what the client originally hired him for (and why that’s a GOOD thing).

• What it means to follow the flow—with intention—and how it can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

• The big shift happening with Encouraging the Encouragers (yep, we’re going a bit more “random”—and here’s why).

Plus… Mitch drops a few Follow the Flow Questions—simple, powerful prompts to help you get back to your best work and avoid burnout. 🎯

Here are a couple to get you started:

👉 Where am I currently doing my best work?
👉 Who are the people I feel most energized working with?

Want the rest of the questions? 💡 Tune in to the full episode and let the "FLOW" take you there.

👊 Be sure to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps Mitch keep going (and glowing!)

In this jam-packed episode of Encouraging the Encouragers, Mitch sits down with Eric Balance—host of the Resilient Minds podcast and founder of Balance Media Ventures.

Eric shares his personal journey from breaking free of a "bad fit" corporate experience to build a coaching business with global impact.

Together, they dive into:

• Why Eric left success in the corporate world to pursue a life and business with more fulfillment

• The evolution from 1:1 coaching to transformational global retreats

• The 5 dimensions of conscious wealth

• How true relationships—not tech—have been the key factor for Eric to drive event success

• Why living it is the key to authentic leadership and influence

🌎 Eric’s story offers a powerful reminder: your life is the message. If you're a Coach, Speaker, or Creative who wants to grow without losing your soul—this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Connect with Eric:

• Website: ericbalance.com

• • Podcast: The Resilient Mind

  
  

  FREE RESOURCES:

  📥 Download “44 Proven Ways to Find Your First Life Coaching Clients (and Keep Them Coming!)

  ➡️ mitchmatthews.com/44ways

  📥 Download: "Focus 11: Prayers for Building a Coaching & Speaking Business You Love"

  ➡️ ⁠mitchmatthews.com/11prayers⁠

  🔗 LET'S CONNECT:

  That's right! Let's connect on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and/or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

  🎧 If this episode encouraged you, share it with a fellow coach and leave a review! Thanks!

  
  

In this powerhouse Jam Session, Mitch Matthews sits down with Chris Grainger — engineer turned content juggernaut and founder of The Lion Within Us, a top-tier podcast and community equipping Christian men to lead with purpose.

Chris shares how he transitioned from corporate podcasting to creating over 500 episodes that inspire, challenge, and equip Christian men in their roles at home, at work, and in their faith.

From interviewing icons like The "5 Love Language's" Gary Chapman, to Korn's Brian 'Head' Welch, and from Duck Dynasty -- the late great Phil Robertson -- to creating high-impact devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app (which now has nearly 1 billion downloads!), Chris is a model of aligned purpose and creative output.

🚀 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Chris prevents burnout while producing a massive volume of meaningful content.

• Why “having a clear why” is his ultimate secret weapon.

• The story behind The Lion Within Us and how Chris’ family encouraged his mission.

• How a surprise partnership has been a game-changer.

• Behind-the-scenes on launching his faith-driven leadership mastermind.

• The power of personal outreach and why relational marketing drives true impact.

📲 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Visit Chris at: thelionwithin.us

  
  

• • Check out his devotionals on the YouVersion Bible app

  
  

  • Check out Mitch's free resource: Faith & Focus - 11 Prayers for Building a Business You Love!

  
  

• ✨ Whether you’re a Coach, Speaker, or faith-based content creator... this episode will encourage and equip you to stay the course—even when the path feels risky.

  
  

In this fun be strategy-packed episode, Mitch Matthews shares a powerful story from a recent coaching session with a member of his Foundations program. The conversation dives deep into the emotions that come with launching a coaching business—from excitement to fear—and the importance of honoring those feelings.

Mitch introduces the concept of a “tether” to your future: a simple but meaningful step you can take today to stay connected to the future you're building.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why fear during a business launch is actually a sign you're on the right track

• How your own journey can equip you to better serve your clients

• The power of documenting your emotional journey for future content

• What a "tether" is—and how creating one can help anchor your vision

• Mitch’s own story of a Nokia brick phone that symbolized a new path

Resources & Links:

• Visit MitchMatthews.com for coaching programs and free resources

• Grab our 44 Strategies to Get More Coaching Clients... NOW: www.MitchMatthews.com/44ways

• 
  

• Call to Action:
  Take a moment to reflect:

  What small but significant step can you take right now to tether yourself to your future?

  
  

  Support the Show:

  • Leave a review & punch those stars!

  • Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

    
    

  Stay encouraged. We’re in this together.

In this Encourager Jam Session, Mitch Matthews sits down with Loren Greiff, an executive career strategist and founder of Portfolio Rocket. Loren shares how a major career pivot turned into her mission to empower professionals over 40 to not just land jobs, but truly own their careers. From calling out ageism to embracing personal branding and integrity, Loren drops a masterclass on knowing your ideal client and leading with authenticity.

🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Loren “goes to bed with her client” (well... it's a bit different than you think... but it WORKS!!) – and what that means for connecting deeply with your niche.

• The real deal about ageism in the job market – and how Loren helps clients navigate it with clarity and confidence.

• How to speak to your ideal client shoulder-to-shoulder — not from a pedestal.

• Loren’s candid journey applying to TEDx talks and the perseverance it takes to chase big dreams.

• What Loren’s building next: an alumni program designed to keep executives thriving after they land the job.

🔥 Notable Quotes:

• “Don’t you dare give up before the miracle.”

• “Know your person. Speak to them like you're in the trenches with them.”

• “I’m not going to ask my clients to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.”

💡 Resources & Links:

• Loren’s site: PortfolioRocket.com

• Adam Carroll’s TED Talk: Watch here

• 44 Ways to Grow Your Coaching Business PDF: Download here

🗣️ Keep the Conversation Going:
Leave a review, share this episode with a fellow coach or executive, and tag us with your biggest takeaway!