Kingdom Life Coaching: Untangle the Noise, Hear God's Voice, Clarify Your Calling

Ep 144 // How to Let Go and Trust God (Even When It Doesn’t Make Sense)

In this heartfelt conversation originally recorded for Maria Morgan's God’s Girls Group, Megan Nilsen shares the winding, grace-filled story behind her calling as a writer, life coach, and seminary student. She opens up about the hard but holy process of surrender - how God used adoption, motherhood, and burnout to realign her identity with His voice.

From her early days as a school counselor to becoming the author of A Beautiful Exchange, Untangled Faith, and Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a...

Ep 143 // What If Your Most Fruitful Years Are Still Ahead? Walking with Giants in the Harvest Season of Life with Author Lori Melton

What if midlife isn’t the end of your calling—but the ripest part of your story?

In this heartfelt and hope-filled conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with author and spiritual director Lori G. Melton, co-founder of The Sanctuary at Bear Creek Retreat Center. Together they talk about what it means to slow down, listen for God’s voice, and live fruitfully in every season—especially the “harvest years” of midlife.

Lori share...

Ep 142 // How to Understand Scripture (and Love It Again) with Seminarian Monica Ritchie

Have you ever opened your Bible and thought, “I should love this more than I do”? You want to hear God’s voice, but the words feel confusing, repetitive, or even distant. You long to experience Scripture the way others describe it—alive, personal, and powerful—but you’re not sure how to get there. If that’s you, this conversation will feel like a deep breath.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with author, podcaster, and theologian Monica Ritchie...

Ep 141 // Is Hearing God the Ultimate Growth Tool? Business Strategist Bryan Harris Says, Yes!

What would shift in your life and business if you truly believed God speaks—and that He wants to guide you in real, practical ways?

In this powerful conversation, Megan sits down with Bryan Harris, founder of Growth Tools, to talk about his journey from pragmatic marketer to Kingdom entrepreneur who has learned to listen to God’s voice in every area of life. From healing prayers at his kitchen table to business breakthroughs that defied logic, Bryan shares candid stories of h...

Ep 140 // What Does God’s Impartial Love Really Mean—and How Do We Live It Out? With Bible Teacher Oghosa Iyamu

In this powerful conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Bible teacher and author Oghosa Iyamu to unpack what Scripture means when it says God’s love is impartial. Together they explore why impartial love matters in a culture driven by comparison, comfort, and competition—and how embracing it can transform your faith, relationships, and daily obedience.

Key Takeaways

Ep 139 // Chasing the Wrong Dream? How to Discern God’s True Call for You with Online Business Coach Stefanie Gass

What happens when everything you’ve built crumbles, your identity feels lost, and God asks you to surrender the very things you’ve clung to for success? In this episode, I sit down with Stefanie Gass—Christian business and podcast coach, mom of two boys, and seven-figure CEO—who shares her powerful journey from chasing worldly success in network marketing to radically aligning her life and business with God’s call.

You’ll hear how God spoke to h...

Ep 138 // Speaking the Truth in Love…and Learning to Hear It Too: Practicing Charitable Orthodoxy

What if speaking the truth in love is only half the equation? What if real spiritual maturity also requires us to hear the truth in love? In this episode, Megan unpacks the concept of charitable orthodoxy — holding tightly to the core truths of our faith while relating to one another with humility, grace, and respect.

Key Takeaways

Ep 137 // Living with Legacy: Vision, Mission & Family Impact with Leadership CoachSharon Mankin (Part 2)

What kind of legacy are you leaving?

In Part Two of my conversation with life and leadership coach Sharon Mankin, we build on the foundation of core values and move into the bigger picture: living with vision, mission, and legacy. Sharon shares personal stories, practical coaching wisdom, and real tools her family uses—like their written vision and mission statements—to shape impact that lasts for generations. Whether you’re entering a new life season or simply longing for more intentional living, this e...

Ep 136 // Hearing God’s Voice & Discovering Your Core Values with Leadership Coach Sharon Mankin (Part 1)

Do you ever wonder how to recognize God’s voice in your everyday life? In Part One of this powerful conversation, I sit down with life and leadership coach Sharon Mankin to explore her faith journey and how she’s learned to listen for God’s whisper. Sharon shares deeply practical tools—like journaling “wondrous things” in Scripture and embracing the awkward moments that lead to authentic connection. We also begin unpacking the importance of core values as the foundation for how we live, love...

Ep 135 // Singing Through the Fire: Lara Silverman on Chronic Illness, Surrender, Love, and a Theology of Suffering

What happens when it seems God opens the door to your dream job…and then, the door slams shut?

Lara Silverman—a Stanford-educated lawyer, jazz singer, actress, and now author—was on the cusp of a thriving career when a rare neurological illness left her largely bedridden. In this raw and hope-filled conversation, Lara shares her powerful journey through suffering, surrender, and a breathtaking love story with her late husband, Matt.

With honesty, humor, and deep faith...

Ep 134 // Brave Women, Mighty God: Saying Yes to the Holy Spirit with Author Laura L. Smith

What does it look like to follow the Holy Spirit’s nudge—especially when it’s risky, countercultural, or downright scary? Best-selling author Laura L. Smith joins me to share her journey of saying “yes” to God’s call—from corporate careers to seminary studies, from motherhood to ministry. Together, we unpack the lies women believe, the courage found in biblical women’s stories, and the everyday ways God nudges us toward Kingdom impact.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I know if it’...

Ep 133 // Warfare Parenting: Praying for Your Prodigal Children with Author Laine Lawson Craft

What do you do when your children walk away from the faith you’ve worked so hard to instill? Today, Megan Nilsen sits down with Laine Lawson Craft—best-selling author, speaker, and host of the Warfare Parenting podcast—to talk about the power of prayer in the lives of prodigal children.

Laine shares her powerful journey of interceding for her three children through seasons of depression, addiction, and struggle, and how God miraculously brought each one back to Him. This heartfelt conversation will e...

Ep 132 // The Spiritual Power of an Organized Life with Professional Organizer Tracy Hoth

What if decluttering your home or workspace could also declutter your soul? In this episode of the Kingdom Life Coaching podcast, Megan Nilsen sits down with certified life coach and professional organizer Tracy Hoth to explore how organization can be a deeply spiritual practice. Tracy shares her personal testimony, her journey from professional organizing to Kingdom-focused life coaching, and the practical ways she integrates faith into everyday systems.

Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, create a more peaceful home, or al...

Ep 131 // How to Pursue Goals God's Way with Kingdom Business Strategist Gabe Cox

"You can't manifest your way to a goal."

What does it really mean to chase a big dream God’s way—without burning out, striving, or placing your worth in the outcome?

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Gabe Cox, host of Pursuing Goals God’s Way and creator of Red Hot Mindset. Gabe shares her incredible story of training for and running the Boston Marathon, raising a potential Olympic athlete, and navigating the tension between high-achieving goals and Spir...

Ep 130 // How to Hear God and Walk in Gutsy, Life-Changing Faith with Author Gari Meacham

What happens when God speaks in your darkest moment—and asks you to stay when everything in you wants to run?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Megan welcomes author, speaker, and ministry leader Gari Meacham to share her incredible story of transformation, faith, and freedom. From growing up in a traumatic home, struggling with disordered eating and suicidal thoughts, to experiencing the redemptive power of Jesus in a college dorm room, Gari’s testimony will stir your soul and...

Ep 129 // How to Stop Playing Small and Live Unapologetically in Your Assignment with Jeanette Peterson

What would change if you lived fully into who God says you are—without apology, hesitation, or fear?

In this empowering conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Jeanette Peterson, a bold woman of faith, veteran, and kingdom entrepreneur. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, military service, personal healing, and God-given identity. Jeanette shares how she transitioned from military life to ministry, healed from deep trauma, and embraced her calling with fierce clarity.

This episode is a rallying cr...

Ep 128 // What Legacy Are You Really Leaving? Uncovering Purpose Through Faith & Brokenness with Elisa Morgan

In this rich episode, Megan sits down with Elisa Morgan—author, speaker, and former President of MOPS International (currently named MomCo) —for a beautiful conversation about faith, motherhood, adoption, and the power of vulnerability. Elisa opens up about her personal journey of hearing God’s voice, navigating the beauty and mess of motherhood, and how brokenness can actually be the birthplace of deeper connection with God and others.

Megan & Elisa talk legacy, character, community, and what it really means to mentor...

Ep 127 // From Book to Breakthrough: How to Turn Your Message into a Transformational Coaching Program

What if your book isn’t the finish line—but the launchpad for deeper transformation?

In this episode, Megan Nilsen shares how authors can unlock the next level of their message by transforming their book into a powerful coaching program. Whether you’re a Christian woman who poured her heart into writing a book or you’re just dreaming of the day it’s finished, this episode will show you how that message can become a living, breathing coaching experience that truly...

Ep 126 // How to Hear God’s Voice and Write the Story He’s Asking You to Tell with Brian Dixon

What if the story you’ve been sitting on is the exact message someone else is praying for?

In this inspiring and wisdom-packed episode, Megan Nilsen sits down with Brian Dixon—CEO of Hope Books Publishing and co-founder of Hope Writers—to talk about the power of storytelling, discerning God's voice, and the mission of amplifying women's voices in the publishing world.

Brian opens up about the life-altering car accident that shaped his faith, the...

Ep 125 // Spirit-Led and Set Apart: From Hollywood Dreams to Holy Callings with Jenny Randle

What if the missing link in your spiritual growth isn’t more striving… but more surrender to the Holy Spirit?

In this compelling conversation, Megan Nilsen sits down with Jenny Randle—author, speaker, and co-founder of the Holy Spirit Ministry Center—to unpack her incredible faith journey from the glitz of Hollywood to the quiet strength of Spirit-led living.

Jenny shares how her charismatic roots, career in entertainment, and eventual radical encounter with Jesus shaped her into the woman she is t...

Ep 124 // Unleash Your Royal Identity: Embracing the Power of Your Words with Chantal Santiago

What if the breakthrough you’re waiting for isn’t out there—but within you, waiting for your voice to rise in faith?

In this powerful and passion-filled episode, host Megan Nilsen sits down with author and transformational breakthrough coach, Chantal Santiago, to unpack what it means to walk in your full authority as a daughter of the King. From growing up under legalism to encountering the Holy Spirit in a transformative way, Chantal’s story is one of identity reclaimed, voice un...

Ep 123 // How Vulnerability & the Holy Spirit Heal Mental Health, Marriage & Generational Trauma with Heidi Mortenson

Are you brave enough to get vulnerable—and let God transform every corner of your life?

In this deeply honest and powerful conversation, Megan sits down with Heidi Mortenson—licensed marriage and family therapist, coach, and passionate follower of Jesus—to unpack the connection between vulnerability, healing, and spiritual growth.

They dive into Heidi’s own journey of personal transformation as she shares how God met her in the middle of discouragement, shame, and burnout. Through the work of the H...

Ep 121 // Divorce, Disappointment, and the Deep Work of God: A Redemption Story with David Smith

In this vulnerable and redemptive conversation, Megan Nilsen welcomes David Smith—pastor, coach, and founder of Kingdom Coaching Institute—to share his powerful journey through ministry, heartbreak, and healing.

David opens up about the disorienting experience of divorce while planting a church, the dismantling of ministry as an idol, and how God used it all to bring him into deeper freedom and purpose. From charismatic roots to construction sites, from shattered dreams to Spirit-filled calling, David's story is a testament to G...

Ep 121 // How to Hear God's Voice in the Midst of Setbacks - Insights from Tamara Jackson Building a Life of Courageous Faith

Have you ever felt stuck between where you thought life would take you... and the winding, wild path God is actually leading you on?

In today's deeply moving and faith-filled conversation, Megan sits down with Tamara Jackson – faith-based leadership consultant, speaker, podcaster, and founder of Beaconship. Tamara shares her incredible story of chasing corporate success, navigating crushing setbacks, caring for her mother through illness, and ultimately surrendering to God's unexpected (and exceedingly better!) pl...

Ep 120 // Embracing Midlife Motherhood and the Joy (and Mess) of the Empty Nest with Pamela Henkleman

What if the empty nest wasn’t an ending—but an invitation?

In this episode of the Rooted and Held motherhood series, Megan Nilsen sits down with the vibrant and faith-filled Pamela Henkelman to unpack the complexities of midlife motherhood, the pain and purpose of letting go, and the divine invitations that come in life’s second act.

Pamela doesn’t sugarcoat the journey. From premature labor and prodigal children to chronic illness and miraculous healing—this conversati...

Ep 119 // A Birth Mom’s Brave Surrender: Sydney Curtin on Faith, Identity & God’s Plan

In this deeply moving episode of Kingdom Life Coaching, Megan Nilsen welcomes Sydney Curtin to share her journey of faith, trauma, healing, and adoption. From a turbulent childhood marked by addiction and loss to a profound moment of surrender in a coat closet, Sydney’s testimony is a testament to God’s redemptive power.

Sydney walks us through the emotional complexity of placing her daughter for adoption, the grace-filled experience of open adoption, and the deep trust in God’s plan that...

Ep 118 // Faith, Healing, and Clarity in the Chaos: Aubree Felderhoff’s Journey Through Motherhood, Chronic Illness, and Calling

What if your most painful seasons became the very place God planted purpose?

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Megan sits down with Aubree Felderhoff—a mother, coach, and podcast host—who shares her incredible journey through chronic illness, ADHD, and the unexpected ways God met her in the chaos of motherhood. Raised without faith, Aubree opens up about how her health crisis and motherhood became the doorway to discovering God’s voice, healing, and her true identity...

Ep 117 // When God Doesn’t Answer the Way You Hoped: A Special Needs Parenting Journey with Lisa Plett

What do you do when God doesn’t answer the prayer you’ve been pleading since you were 13—and instead, He calls you straight into the fire?

This raw and deeply moving conversation with Lisa J. Plett—author of In a Stroke of Love—pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to mother a child with profound special needs. From a devastating medical diagnosis at birth to a God-whispered adoption story in a Jamaican orphanage, Lis...

Ep 116 // Faith Through (Not Over) Fear: How to Rise Stronger, Start Fresh, and Hear God's Voice with Ahna Fulmer

This episode will breathe fresh courage into your spirit.

Today, Megan welcomes Ahna Fulmer — CEO of Early Morning Habit, dual-certified nurse practitioner, podcaster, speaker, and faith-filled mom of four — for a conversation about what it truly looks like to walk with God through fear, grief, transition, and calling.

Ahna’s journey from the ER to entrepreneurship, through seasons of waiting, weakness, and profound spiritual encounters, will remind you that God meets us most powerfully when w...

Ep 115 // Breaking Free from the Stronghold of Double-Mindedness: How to Heal Fear, Confusion, and Hear God's Voice with Heather O'Brien

Have you ever felt stuck between two decisions, wrestling with uncertainty and unrest? You're not alone — and today, you're about to discover how to break free. In this powerful, Holy Spirit-led conversation, Megan sits down with prophetic healing coach, author, and speaker Heather O’Brien to talk about healing from trauma, learning to hear God's voice, and breaking the chains of double-mindedness that can secretly keep us bound.

Heather shares her deeply personal journey of over...

Ep 114 Lenten Listening Series // John 20 // The Redeeming

Start your Resurrection (Easter) Sunday in the most powerful way possible — by slowing down, silencing distractions, and leaning into the breathtaking reality of the empty tomb.

In this final episode of the Lenten Listening Series, we step into the wonder of John 20. You’ll hear the tender story of Mary Magdalene, the hilarious footrace between Peter and John (because apparently speed records do matter in Scripture!), and the life-changing gift Jesus breathes over his followers: peace.

Today’s episode is an invitation — not just to remember what Jes...

Ep 113 // Lenten Listening Series // John 19 // The Relinquishing

Welcome back to our Holy Week journey as we walk through the final chapters of the Gospel of John. Today, on what we recognize as Good Friday, we pause and meditate on the ultimate act of surrender and sacrifice that changed everything for humanity. The crucifixion of Jesus is both a deeply painful and incredibly beautiful moment in our faith journey. As we reflect on Jesus' words and actions, let His love and sacrifice pour over you anew today.

Grab your journal and take some time to meditate...

Ep 112 // Lenten Listening Series // John 18 // The Questioning

Welcome back to another episode in our Lenten/Holy Week series as we journey through the Gospel of John. Today, we dive into John 18, a chapter that brings us face to face with the powerful and painful moments leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. This chapter is filled with the raw emotions of betrayal, denial, and the looming storm of what’s to come. Grab your journal and pen as we explore the questioning of Jesus before the authorities, the tension surrounding Peter’s denial, and the ultimate steadfastness of Jesus’ resolve...

Ep 111 Lenten Listening Series // John 17 // The Unifying

In this episode of the Lenten Listening Series, we dive into the beautiful and powerful prayer that Jesus offers in John 17. This longest recorded prayer from Jesus, prayed on the night before His crucifixion, offers intimate insight into His heart for His disciples and for all believers. He prays for unity, protection, and a deeper connection with the Father, showing us how we can be united with God and each other.

Key Quotes (The Voice Translation):

Ep 110 // Lenten Listening Series // John 16 // The Shifting

Welcome back to the Lenten Listening Series, where we’re walking through the final words of Jesus in the Gospel of John. This week, we step into John 16, a chapter filled with transition, truth, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells His disciples that things are about to shift—He is leaving, but He is sending the Helper, the Spirit of Truth, to guide them. He warns of coming troubles, yet reassures them that He has already triumphed over the world.

If you’ve ever s...

Ep 109 // Lenten Listening Series // John 15 // The Abiding

Welcome back to our Lenten Listening Series! This week, we sit with one of the most powerful metaphors Jesus gives us: He is the vine, and we are the branches. In John 15, Jesus calls us to abide in Him, stay connected, and bear lasting fruit. But what does it really mean to abide? And how do we embrace the pruning process that makes us even more fruitful?

Find a quiet space, grab your journal, and let’s reflect together on deepening our spiritual growth, hearing God’s voice, grow...

Ep 108 // Welcome back to the Lenten Listening Series! This week, we continue our deep dive into the final words of Jesus in the Gospel of John. In John 14, Jesus speaks to His disciples about knowing—knowing Him, knowing the Father, and knowing the Spirit who will come to guide them. This chapter is full of comfort, truth, and the promise of the Holy Spirit as our Helper.

If you’re just joining, be sure to check out the earlier episodes, including the introduction to Lent with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Holtz (Ep 106).

Key Themes in John 14

Ep 107 // Lenten Listening Series // John 13 // The Washing

Welcome to the Lenten Listening Series, a sacred space to slow down, listen deeply, and reflect on the words of Jesus. Each week, we journey through a passage from the Gospel of John, moving from chapter 13 to chapter 20 by Easter Sunday.

In this series, you are invited to simply listen to Scripture, journal your reflections, and tune in to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit. This is an opportunity to cultivate a new rhythm of spiritual intimacy as you walk through Lent.

Episode Summary:

Ep 106 // What is Lent? Rhythms Over Rules with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Holz

In this episode of Kingdom Life Coaching Podcast, Megan welcomes Rev. Dr. Jennifer Oraker Holz to dive deep into the meaning and purpose of Lent. They explore how this season is an invitation to slow down, practice spiritual rhythms, and prepare our hearts for Easter. Jen shares her personal journey of discernment, how she learned to be open to God's leading, and why Lent is a powerful time to create space for deeper connection with God and others.

What You’ll Learn in Th...

Ep 105 // Navigating Holy Tensions in Grief, Rejection, and God's Plans for Your Life with Courtney DeFeo

Courtney DeFeo, who balances her life as a creative, a mom, and a former corporate marketing professional, shares insights on her successful parenting book, "In This House We Will Giggle."

Courtney opens up about the ebbs and flows of being in the public eye, managing creativity and motherhood, and persevering through personal and professional challenges. She also talks candidly about the deeply emotional journey of losing a close friend and business partner, Wynter Pitts, and how this experience reshaped...