Freed to Lead | Break Free from What Holds You Back and Live Confidently in Christ

Hey friend — if you came looking for a new Freed to Lead episode today, you didn’t miss it. It’s just not here… and that’s by design. I wanted to take a minute to share what’s happening and why things might be a little quieter around here for a bit. Last week, the Lord asked me to do something I honestly didn’t see coming — to step back, to pause, and to rest in Him for a season. I’ll be honest with you… I wrestled with my yes. Because if you know me, you know I’m a doer. I love creating, recording, building, pouring out — it’s how I’m wired. But this time, God made it clear that He wanted my stillness more than my striving. It’s funny, because sometimes obedience doesn’t look like another big step forward. Sometimes it looks like laying down something good so He can bring something greater. It reminded me of the story of Peter — when Jesus told him to cast his net on the other side after a night of catching nothing. Peter could’ve said, “Lord, I’ve already tried that.” But instead, he obeyed — and that obedience led to overflow. Or Abraham, who was willing to lay down the promise he waited years for, trusting that God would provide. That’s what this season feels like for me — releasing what’s in my hands so God can place something new there. And I’ll be honest — being still is not my strength. But I also know there’s purpose in the pause. There’s something He wants to refill, realign, and restore in me before I pour out again. So, while the Freed to Lead podcast takes a short break, I’m not disappearing. I’m still coaching and walking with my clients, and you can always book a session at kathrynmay.com/coaching if you feel like God’s nudging you to go deeper in your own season of healing or growth. In the meantime, I’d love for you to binge some past episodes — there are 86 of them packed with wisdom, encouragement, and truth to help you keep walking strong in your calling. You can also come hang out with me inside my free Facebook community — Revitalized Biblical Wellness — I’ll link it in the show notes, or you can find it at facebook.com/groups/revitalizedbiblicalwellness. And if you just want to stay connected or explore resources while I’m resting, you can visit kathrynmay.com I’ll be back soon — refreshed, refilled, and ready to pour out everything God’s been pouring into me during this time. Until then, thank you for your grace, your prayers, and your friendship. It means the world. I love you all, and I can’t wait to come back with what He’s been speaking. 💛

What do you do when your heart feels dry — when you want to hear from God but can’t seem to connect? Tracy Hill, host of Be Blessed & Inspired Podcast, is teaching us about what it really means to get in the Word — not out of obligation, but out of relationship. As a women's Bible Study Group leader for decades, Tracy knows the struggle of trying to "get" the Bible and feeling frustrated when it all seems jumbled and you can't quite figure out how it applies to you. She is a student of the Word and helps women to get in the Word and enjoy growing in their relationship with God the Father as they get to really know the heart of who He is and to grow in confidence in their identity in Christ. If you’ve been trying to do all the right things but still feel distant from God, this conversation will remind you that the Word of God isn’t a checklist — it’s a place of intimacy, clarity, and renewal. We're going deep on: ✨ Why getting in the Word is the key to hearing God clearly ✨ How to build consistency in your quiet time when you feel spiritually dry. ✨ Renewing your mind with truth and releasing spiritual striving (aka: that checklist) ✨ How the enemy uses distraction to pull you away from intimacy ✨ Simple ways to make Scripture come alive again in your daily rhythm If your Bible has been collecting dust or your quiet time feels more like a chore than connection — this episode will encourage you to come back to the Word with fresh eyes and an open heart. 🔗 Connect with Today’s Guest, Tracy Hill: 🎧 Be Blessed & Inspired Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HVrzch0lrG5T7Hteyn2Ip?si=95edb1f6e16241ad 🌐 Website: www.beblessedandinspired.com 💗 Ready for Your Own Breakthrough? If you’ve been craving clarity and confidence in your walk with God — it might be time to renew your mind and realign your heart. ✨ Book a 1:1 Breakthrough Session with Kathryn at www.kathrynmay.com/coaching

Have you ever sensed God calling you to something — to write the book, start the podcast, launch the ministry, or create what He’s placed on your heart — but fear, doubt, or confusion about how keeps holding you back? In this episode, I sit down with Jenilee Samuel, host of the Java with Jen podcast, to talk about how to hear and discern God’s voice, overcome fear, and step boldly into your calling with confidence. Jenilee shares how obedience, even when things weren’t clear, opened doors she could have never planned — proof that clarity comes through obedience, not before it. Together, we dive into: How to recognize and trust God’s voice in your everyday life What it means to say yes to God's calling when the timing feels uncertain How to overcome fear, perfectionism, and the pressure to have it all figured out Why stewarding your gifts is a must and the importance of multiplication. Practical ways to balance family, business, and ministry without burnout Whether you’re called to build a business, start a podcast, lead in ministry, or simply step out in faith, this episode will remind you that God equips those He calls. About Jenilee Samuel Jen is a busy mom of four boys, a pastor, podcast coach, speaker, and writer with over 25 years of ministry experience. As host of a top 1% globally ranked Christian podcast, she inspires thousands across more than 100 nations and helps aspiring podcasters find their voices and grow their shows. Her passion for discipleship and helping others hear God’s voice has shaped everything she does. She lives in Texas with her husband, Stephen, and their four teenage boys who keep life full of sports, driving lessons, and first jobs. Jen loves traveling, fashion (she was once a wardrobe stylist), and, of course, coffee — hence her show, Java with Jen. She’s had the honor of interviewing guests such as Shawn Bolz, Manwell Reyes, and Alyssa Rahn of Revival Moms Podcast. Connect with Jenilee: Website: www.jenileesamuel.com ✨3-juicy gifts for aspiring podcasters → https://javawithjenpodcast.systeme.io/freebieforpodcasters Instagram: @javawithjen If you’ve been stuck in your head wondering if you’re really hearing God or if you’re ready yet — this is your reminder that obedience brings clarity and peace. 👉 Book a 1:1 Breakthrough Session with me at www.kathrynmay.com/coaching to uncover what’s holding you back and step boldly into the calling God’s placed on your life. Be BOLD this week my friend and I can't wait to chat with you again soon.

Identity theft isn’t just financial—it’s spiritual. Many of us are trying to fix what’s visible—our habits, emotions, or relationships—while the real issue lies deeper in what we believe. This is your invite to slow down the striving and start doing the "root work" of freedom. You’ll learn how to uncover the lies that keep you stuck and replace them with truth that brings peace, confidence, and lasting transformation. Ready to do your own root work? Book a 1:1 Breakthrough Session with Kathryn at kathrynmay.com/coaching to identify the beliefs keeping you stuck and replant truth that sets you free. You were never meant to simply manage your behavior—you were created to let God transform your heart. When you invite Him to heal what’s hidden, peace replaces pressure and truth takes root. That’s the beginning of real freedom. What We Cover:– The difference between trying to fix habits and actually healing what’s driving them underneath– What real spiritual wholeness looks like– A simple exercise to meet Jesus in the hidden places– How to recognize lies you’ve agreed with and replace them with God’s truth– What it looks like to renew your mind daily Key Takeaways:⭐ Changing surface habits without addressing what you believe never lasts⭐ The thoughts and stories you agree with shape the fruit in your life⭐ Freedom starts when you stop fixing yourself and let God heal your heart⭐ You don’t have to earn peace—Jesus already planted it in you⭐ Walking in truth is a daily choice, one step of faith at a time Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – Why surface fixes don’t work 03:22 What your “fruit” reveals about your heart 08:15 The garden of your heart: meeting Jesus where it hurts 14:40 Recognizing lies and how they form 20:05 Replacing old stories with God’s truth 26:18 How to renew your mind and live from peace 32:30 Choosing truth over fear 37:50 Final encouragement and next steps

Lies are sneaky—they sound logical, familiar, even true. One day they’re just thoughts passing through your mind, and before you realize it, they’ve become the filter through which you see yourself, your calling, and even your relationship with God. In this episode we're getting real about how to identify the lies you’ve been believing, why they keep you stuck, and how to replace them with the life-giving truth of God’s Word. It’s not about trying harder or repeating empty affirmations—it’s about renewing your mind, letting truth take root, and walking in lasting freedom. You’ll hear my own experiences of battling thoughts like “I’m not enough” and “My voice doesn’t matter," and how these limiting beliefs form the invisible foundation that shapes how we lead, love, and live—plus how God gently uproots those lies to replant truth that restores peace and purpose to our lives. What I cover: How to recognize the voice of a lie Practical ways to renew your mind Why positive thinking isn’t enough Simple mindset shifts to move from “I can’t” to “I can do hard things,” and from feeling broken to living whole and restored in Christ. How to create your own “Lie vs. Truth” journal practice that helps you see your growth, rewire your beliefs, and walk in greater confidence. Behavior modification can’t heal the soul—it’s root work that sets you free. When you identify the belief system driving your actions, you can finally let God heal the root instead of trimming branches that keep growing back. |“You can’t heal what you don’t reveal. Freedom begins when you name the lie and invite Jesus into the garden of your heart to replace it with truth.”| If you’ve been battling self-doubt, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or that constant sense of never enough, this conversation will speak straight to the parts of you that crave rest and restoration. You’ll walk away with practical tools and biblical truths to help you: Renew your mind with truth instead of shame Rebuild your confidence in Christ, not performance Release the need to fix yourself and let God transform your thoughts Remember that you are already loved, chosen, and free When you believe lies about who you are, you live beneath your calling. But when you replace those lies with God’s truth, you become the woman He always designed you to be—secure, strong, and free from striving. This episode is your permission slip to stop surviving and start truly living in the confidence of who you are in Christ. 💬 Listen if you’ve ever thought: “I’ll never be enough.” “Something’s wrong with me.” “I have to hold it all together.” “I don’t even know who I am anymore.” It’s time to rewrite that story. If you’re ready to go deeper—to uncover the beliefs keeping you stuck and start renewing your mind from the inside out—book a Breakthrough Session with me. 👉 Book your session and explore more resources at www.kathrynmay.com

Discover why constant rushing is draining your soul and how to walk at the peaceful pace of Jesus Hurry doesn’t just fill your calendar—it drains your soul. If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted but still striving, wondering why you can’t slow down no matter how hard you try, this episode is for you. Today, I’m uncovering three reasons why a hurried mindset is actually slowing you down, stealing your joy, diminishing your ability to lead well, and crushing your confidence in Christ. We’ll explore how rushing leaves you anxious and reactive, why it chokes out prayer and intimacy with God, and how Jesus modeled a completely different way of living—never hurried, always present, steady in purpose. Along the way, I’ll share simple but powerful practices to help you release the weight you were never meant to carry, renew your mind in God’s presence, and begin walking in peace that actually lasts. If you’re ready to stop rushing through life and start leading with presence and purpose, this episode will give you the tools to break free from hurry and embrace the rest your soul has been craving. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why a hurried mindset is the hidden trap that keeps Christian women leaders exhausted How hurry steals your joy, peace, and confidence in Christ Simple mindset shifts and spiritual practices to release the weight you were never meant to carry How to walk at the pace of Jesus—never hurried, always present, steady in purpose Hurry is more than busyness—it’s a restless soul. When your heart is hurried, you live in constant exhaustion. Jesus invites us to a different way: His rest. (Matthew 11:28) Hurry steals intimacy with God. A hurried mindset chokes out prayer and leaves you striving in your own strength. Slowing down creates space to hear His voice. Peace comes through presence, not productivity. Following Jesus’ example means choosing presence over pressure, and learning to respond with wisdom instead of reacting in hurry. Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be anxious for nothing… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:37 – “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” These verses remind us that hurry is not the way of the Kingdom. God’s peace is our inheritance when we choose stillness and trust. “You can’t live in a hurried soul and live fully in the Kingdom of God at the same time.” “Hurry pushes us ahead of God when we’re meant to walk beside Him.” “Jesus had only three years to accomplish His mission, but He was never rushed.” Work With Kathryn If this episode resonated with you and you’re ready to break free from perfectionism, fear, and self-doubt, my Breakthrough Sessions are designed to help you uncover the thought patterns holding you back and create a clear path into peace, confidence, and freedom in Christ. Learn More → Website: More resources and encouragement for Christian women leaders — kathrynmay.com Related Episodes You’ll Love How to Regulate Your Nervous System and Restore Rest Through God's Design Finding Your True Identity In Christ Living Well in a Broken World: What Job and Eccelesiastes Teach about Hope Leave a Review ⭐ Your reviews help other faith-driven women discover this podcast! If you’ve been blessed by Freed to Lead, would you take 60 seconds to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? It means the world to me and helps us reach more women who need this message.

Are you longing to lead with confidence and purpose, but deep down you feel weighed down by shame, burnout, or constant comparison? I'm sitting down with prophetic business coach and intercessor Cienna Kopischke to uncover what it truly means to lead through wholeness in Christ. We talk about the healing journey that takes place when you surrender your striving, renew your mind with God’s truth, and let His love rewrite the lies you’ve been carrying. You’ll hear how to tangibly trust God to walk in His provision, the freedom that comes from breaking strongholds, and how to step into leadership that flows from a whole and healthy heart. Whether you’re writing the book, building the business, starting the ministry, or simply leading your family, this conversation will encourage you to let go of hustle, embrace wholeness, and walk boldly into the purpose God has designed for you. Did you hear something today in your spirit and you know it's time to break free to lead the life God has designed for you? Book your breakthrough session with me today, don't wait...go to www.kathrynmay.com/coaching and let's get free together. 👉 Connect with Cienna: Website: ⁠ciennakopischke.com⁠ Consecration Academy: ⁠Learn More Here⁠ Free Resource: ⁠Checklist to $10K Months with Jesus⁠

Life in a broken world is full of suffering, grief, and unanswered questions. But what if God has more to teach us in the middle of the pain than in the absence of it? In this episode of the Freed to Lead Podcast, I sit down with author and banker Daryl Potter, who has walked through decades of personal loss while raising a daughter with severe health challenges and supporting his family through unimaginable trials. His story is raw, real, and deeply rooted in Scripture. Together, we explore how the books of Job and Ecclesiastes reveal God’s heart, even when life feels unfair, and how hope can be found in places we least expect it. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “Why does God allow suffering?” or “How do I keep faith when life hurts?” — this conversation will remind you that God is still good, still sovereign, and still with you. Connect with Daryl Potter at https://www.darylpotter.com/ Daryl's Books Something More: Living Well in a Broken World: https://amzn.to/4nwyrfM Even the Monsters: Living with Grief, Loss, and Depression: A Journey Through the Book of Job: https://amzn.to/4mlLHCV

Identity theft isn’t just financial—it’s spiritual. The enemy works hard to convince us that we’re less than, unworthy, or unloved. And if he can steal your identity, he can keep you living small, weighed down by lies and limiting beliefs. But the truth is, your identity has already been secured in Christ—and no one can take that from you. For years, I believed labels like unlovable, unwanted, unseen, and not enough. Maybe you’ve carried similar words too. But when we begin to root ourselves in who God says we are, everything changes. In Christ, you are chosen, forgiven, loved, and free. You are not defined by your past, your mistakes, or even the whispers of the enemy—you are defined by the One who calls you His. In this conversation, we’ll talk about what it looks like to recognize the lies, renew your mind with Scripture, and reclaim your true identity in Christ. Because once you know who you are and Whose you are, you can finally live with confidence, purpose, and freedom. 👉 Get the Break Free to Lead 5 Day Challenge ON DEMAND NOW ← https://www.kathrynmay.com/courses Follow the show, and while you’re at it, please rate, review, and share with a friend!

Have you ever felt like your body is constantly in overdrive — heart racing, mind spinning, and soul weary — wondering how long you can keep going like this? For so many women in midlife, busyness and over-functioning have become the norm, leaving us anxious, distracted, and far from the peace God promises. In this episode of Freed to Lead, I sit down with Julie Roebken, founder of Mindfulhaus and Women Who Rest. Julie is a certified breathwork facilitator, spiritual mentor, and follower of Jesus who helps women regulate their nervous systems, reclaim rest, and rediscover life as God designed it. We talk about how stress impacts our minds and bodies, why self-care isn’t enough, and how to step into sacred rhythms of rest that bring clarity, confidence, and a deeper connection with the Lord. Julie shares her journey from striving and exhaustion to learning how to breathe, slow down, and live from a place of peace. If you’ve been longing to break free from hurry, renew your mind, and finally experience true rest, this conversation will show you how. I even have a little surprise at the end for you that I know will bless you so much. 👉 Connect with Julie online: Instagram: @mindfulhaus Facebook: Julie Misch Roebken LinkedIn: Julie Roebken Website: www.mindfulhaus.com 👉 For more resources to live whole, healed and healthy inside-out, visit kathrynmay.com