Its MarSAY! Faith, Wellness & Overcoming Trauma With Confidence and Clarity

18. Homeschooling 9 Kids: Real Talk on Large Family Life & Grace-Filled Parenting with Rachel Riley

In this heartwarming and powerful episode of It’s MarSAY, Marcai sits down with her best friend Rachel—a homeschooling mom of nine, former nurse, and adoptive parent—to talk about motherhood, fostering, homeschooling, and the grace of God through life’s chaos and beauty. The conversation is filled with laughter, honesty, and inspiration as Rachel shares her family’s journey, her call to adopt, and how she finds balance (and sanity!) through it all.
What You'll Learn:
How Rachel and her husband were led to adopt four siblings after fostering
What it’s really like to homeschool nine children
Creative tips for managing a large household and schooling on the go
How God’s grace shows up in everyday parenting struggles
The importance of flexibility and structure in homeschool life
Rachel’s personal journey from nurse to full-time mom and home educator
 
Questions Answered in This Episode:
What inspired Rachel to pursue nursing and then step away from her career?
How did Rachel and her husband discern their call to foster and adopt?
What does a typical day look like in a household of 11?
How does homeschooling work with a big family?
How does Rachel stay grounded in her faith while managing a full plate?
What do people misunderstand about foster care, large families, and homeschooling?
 
Connect with Rachel:
Instagram: @rachyrach55
 
Connect with Marcai:
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17. Romans 12:2 in Real Life—Why Your Transformation Starts at Home

In this inspiring solo episode, Marsai shares recent stories from her life—including hosting a health seminar and helping friends detox their kitchens. With her signature mix of bold truth and love, she dives deep into the importance of removing harmful things from your life to make space for healing. From food and drinks to household products and toxic thoughts, nothing is off the table.
 
What You’ll Learn:
Why removing harmful foods, seed oils, and sugars is key to better health
How to evaluate the quality of your kitchen staples and daily habits
The impact of toxic personal care and cleaning products on your health
Tips for clean hydration, smarter coffee choices, and cleaner living
The power of removing “stinking thinking” and renewing your mind
How small changes can lead to a healthier, more vibrant life—body, mind, and spirit
 
 What You’ll Learn:
How Kristen’s faith grew stronger after unimaginable loss
The importance of grieving with grace while still living
Ways God shows up in the darkest seasons
How divine purpose can be birthed through pain
What trusting God looks like after tragedy
Why community and church matter in the healing process
The power of hearing God’s voice and holding onto His promises
How God continues to restore, redeem, and rewrite our stories
 
Connect with Marcai:
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16. Grief, Grace & God’s Restoration With Kristen Marie

In this powerful episode, Marcai sits down with Kristen, a devoted mom, legal assistant, hairstylist, and surgical tech whose life was forever changed after the loss of her three-year-old son. Kristen shares how God met her in the depths of grief, the journey of healing, and the divine encounters that have shaped her purpose today. A raw and hope-filled conversation for anyone walking through sorrow, searching for restoration, or needing to know that God is still good—even in the valley.
 
 What You’ll Learn:
How Kristen’s faith grew stronger after unimaginable loss
The importance of grieving with grace while still living
Ways God shows up in the darkest seasons
How divine purpose can be birthed through pain
What trusting God looks like after tragedy
Why community and church matter in the healing process
The power of hearing God’s voice and holding onto His promises
How God continues to restore, redeem, and rewrite our stories
 
 
Connect with Marcai:
Website
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Facebook

15. Sickness to Strength Through Faith, Healing, and the Birth of Judah Nutrition With Sean & Lishele Wigand

In this deeply moving episode, Marsai sits down with Sean and Lishele Wigand, the faith-filled founders of Judah Nutrition. They open up about Sean’s 10-year health journey battling a mystery illness, the miraculous moment that changed everything, and how it all led to the birth of their supplement company. From faith and frustration to healing and purpose, this is a story of resilience, obedience, and divine calling.
What you'll learn:
The early warning signs of Sean’s mystery illness and what was overlooked for years
How faith anchored the Wigands during a decade of uncertainty
The emotional and physical toll illness can take on a family
Why a random mocha led to a life-changing encounter
How a urine test finally uncovered the real root cause
The role of prayer, holistic health, and persistence in healing
How Judah Nutrition was born from pain and purpose
What to look for when advocating for your own health
Why it’s critical to combine faith and functional wellness
The importance of staying united in marriage during health battles
 
Connect with Marcai:
Website
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Facebook

14. Faith, Phones, Feelings and Helping Teens Thrive in Today’s Culture

In this episode, we dive deep into the struggles today's teenagers face, from social media pressures to anxiety, depression, and self-worth issues. As a youth leader and mom of three boys, I’ve had heartfelt conversations with young girls who openly share their insecurities and challenges. With the rise of technology, academic pressures, and shifting cultural norms, teens today are navigating a world filled with unrealistic expectations, peer pressure, and overwhelming stress.
We’ll discuss how parents, mentors, and leaders can step in to provide encouragement, boundaries, and biblical wisdom to help teens thrive. I’ll share practical strategies to create safe spaces for open conversations, set healthy technology limits, and instill identity in Christ over societal approval. If you’re raising a teen—or mentoring one—this episode is for you.
What you'll learn:
How social media impacts teen mental health and self-worth
Ways to support your teen’s mental well-being through open conversations
How to set healthy screen time boundaries and encourage digital detox
Why faith plays a key role in a teen’s identity and confidence
Practical tips for handling peer pressure, anxiety, and academic stress
How to build trust and strengthen family relationships
The importance of real-life friendships over social media connections
How to guide teens toward God’s purpose instead of seeking approval from others
 
 
Connect with Marcai:
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Facebook

13. Trusting God’s Timing and The Power of Waiting Well With Ashley Cross

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, Ashley—a powerhouse of faith, resilience, and purpose. As a military wife, mother of three, midwife, and successful entrepreneur, Ashley’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. We dive into her experiences navigating military life, entrepreneurship, and motherhood, all while staying deeply rooted in faith. She shares her wisdom on enduring through seasons of waiting, balancing multiple roles, and embracing God’s perfect timing in all things.
You'll learn:
How to navigate life’s challenges with faith and perseverance
The importance of trusting God’s timing in seasons of waiting
How to maintain resilience and endurance in marriage, motherhood, and business
The power of obedience and saying ‘yes’ to God’s plan
Practical strategies for managing multiple roles without burnout
How to shift from seeking balance to seeking alignment in life and faith
Connect with Marcai:
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12. Stepping Into Love Again and Trusting God in a New Relationship After Loss With My Husband Rob Hemrick

In this episode, I sit down with my husband, Rob, to talk about dating and marriage after the trauma and tragic loss of being a widow. We open up about our unique journey—navigating grief, faith, and blending our lives as a family. Rob shares his experience as a new believer stepping into a complex role, while I reflect on how I knew I was ready to love again.
You'll learn:
How to navigate dating and marriage after loss with faith and patience
The importance of putting God first in relationships and trusting His timing
The challenges and blessings of blending families and stepping into new roles
How grief evolves over time and ways to communicate it with a partner
The significance of having a supportive community and seeking wise counsel
Practical advice on balancing love, parenting, and personal healing
The impact of faith in overcoming fear, doubts, and emotional struggles in new relationship
 
 
Connect with Marcai:
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11. Finding Peace and Strength in Christ While Supporting a Police Officer Husband With Lindsay Stein

This episode features a heartfelt conversation with Lindsay, who shares her journey of faith, marriage, and resilience as the wife of a law enforcement officer. She opens up about the challenges and blessings of supporting her husband in his demanding career, while also balancing motherhood, work, and her own spiritual growth.
You'll learn:
How Faith is the foundation that sustains her through the unpredictability of law enforcement life
Communication, intentional time, and grace are essential in maintaining a strong marriage and family
Trusting God over fear is key to navigating the risks and uncertainties of her husband's profession
The emotional and mental toll of law enforcement extends beyond the officers to their families
Support from a strong church community and friendships helps carry the weight of difficult seasons
Small acts of appreciation, like a simple thank-you or a gesture of kindness, can have a lasting impact on law enforcement officers and their families
 
Resources mentioned:
https://www.amenclinics.com/https://hope4mentalhealth.com/about/our-purpose
 
 
Connect with Marcai:
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10. From Shame to Strength and Finding Faith and Purpose Through Tragedy with Jacke Rose

In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my dear friend, Jacke Rose. Jackie has been a mother figure in my life, quite literally because she is the mother of my first husband, Randy. After experiencing grief from his suicide and death, today, we are tackling a topic that many shy away from—shame. We talk about how shame can take root in our lives, the lies it tells us, and the impact it can have on our faith, relationships, and self-worth. Jackie shares her personal experiences with shame, from parenting struggles to the unimaginable loss of Randy, and how God has continually used her pain for a greater purpose.
Together, we explore how shame isolates us, but God calls us into His grace and redemption. We discuss the difference between guilt and shame, the power of surrendering our burdens to Christ, and the healing that comes when we trust in His plan. Through our own stories of hardship, grief, and ultimately, faith, we hope to encourage you to break free from shame’s grip and step into the truth of who God says you are.
 
What you'll learn:
How shame isolates and distorts self-worth, but faith and truth can break its grip
How literally crying out to God in moments of desperation brings supernatural protection and strength
Trusting God through uncertainty allows Him to guide one step at a time
That difficult situations can deepen faith and strengthen a relationship with God
How much community and support are crucial for healing and moving forward
How our struggles can be used for a greater purpose, and faith leads to a life of meaning
 
Connect with Jacke:
Website: www.grievingmoms.com
Instagram: @adventurejackerose 
 
Connect with Marcai:
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Facebook
 

9. VSG Surgery, PCOS, and Weight Loss With Bre Armstrong

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend, Bre Armstrong, an entrepreneur, podcast host, and new mom, to talk about relationships, health, and major life transformations. Bri shares her incredible journey from building a thriving career in media and social media management to navigating PCOS, bariatric surgery, and weight loss, and ultimately finding love, marriage, and motherhood.
We discuss:
The power of faith and trusting God’s timing in relationships
How weight loss surgery changed Bri’s life and fertility journey
Dating after weight loss and setting intentional relationship goals
Navigating self-worth, confidence, and body image
Moving across the country, becoming a mom, and adjusting to big life changes
If you’ve ever struggled with self-worth, health challenges, or finding love after a major transformation, this episode is full of inspiration, encouragement, and practical wisdom.
 
Connect with Bre: 
Instagram
 
Connect with Marcai:
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