LIFE IS LIFE

In these lighthearted episodes of The Trusted Friend Podcast, we cover everything from travel adventures to what's for dinner, and, of course, the beauty of friendships. Whether we’re sharing stories about the joys of bonding over simple moments or learning from our incredible guests, each episode offers a mix of laughter, connection, and inspiration.

These episodes are perfect for anyone looking to relax, laugh, and find inspiration in the little things, whether it's planning your next trip, whipping up a quick meal, or deepening your friendships. These episodes will leave you feeling uplifted, energized, and ready to take on the world with a smile!

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Swifties in Sweden with Lisa Helton, Maddie Karl & Kayla Navratil

This episode is a story about friendship, connection, and—yes—Taylor Swift! Whether you're a Swiftie or not, this episode is about finding those rare connections that feel like a ‘Love Story’ of friendship.
​I’m sharing the unforgettable adventure of three women—Maddie (24), Kayla (34), and me (56)—who, despite barely knowing each other, traveled to Sweden to see Taylor Swift. Kayla, who had never traveled to Europe or left her five kids, took a leap into the unknown, and what followed was more than just a concert. Tune in for laughs, new friendships, and the reminder that connections can happen in the most unexpected places.

Inner Strength..Outward
with Courtney Robinson

In this episode, Lisa introduces Courtney Robinson, a women’s style mentor, speaker, and best-selling author of Stand Up: Resilient Black Women Who Are Shaping the World with Their Faith. Courtney shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to style mentor, including how she overcame a health scare with four brain tumors by leaning into her faith and purpose. Tune in for powerful lessons on showing up authentically, embracing your values, and using your image for confidence and connection. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, this episode is a must-listen

Soulful, Selfless and Soaring
​with Kaiya Gamble

Kaiya Gamble is a soulful singer-songwriter and a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and philanthropy. Her love for music and her commitment to giving back have touched countless lives. Today, she shares her journey—from her early days of writing touching song for her grandma to delivering powerful performances that resonate deeply with audiences. We’ll explore her songwriting process, her involvement with charitable causes, and how staying true to herself has been the cornerstone of her career. Keep an eye out for Kaiya Gamble, a rising star with so much to offer.
​With new music and a brand new music video set to release in the coming months, make sure to follow Kaiya so you don’t miss any of the incredible projects she has on the horizon.

Modern Meal Prepping
with Elia Wolberger

Elia Wolberger, Founder and Chef at Feed Your Sister, helps busy, hungry people turn mealtime struggles into easy, fun experiences. Through her coaching program, Modern Meal Prep, and the Prep & Party membership, she teaches clients how to reclaim control over mealtime, reduce stress, and enjoy cooking. With her approach, clients become energized, prepared, and confident in the kitchen—nourishing themselves and their families with ease. Meal prepping might not sound like your thing, but if you’re busy, hungry, and human, Elia’s modern meal prep foundation is the perfect solution!

Ennegrams & Friendships
with Jenna Smith

Why Enneagrams on a podcast about stories? This episode explores how understanding our Enneagram types can deepen our self-awareness, compassion, and understanding of others’ stories. If you've ever wondered why your personality feels like a mystery or why you click (or clash) with certain people, this episode is for you! We’ll dive into the different Enneagram types, their strengths, weaknesses, and how they shape our relationships with others. It’s a fun and insightful way to better understand yourself and those around you.

A Journey Beyond the Ordinary
​with Laura Ericson

I had a great interview with Laura, whose quiet and shy nature is overshadowed by her deep passion for helping others explore often-misjudged places around the world. A professional traveler, content creator, and entrepreneur from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Laura specializes in immersive travel experiences in destinations like Cuba, Morocco, and Colombia. After leaving her 14-year career in higher education in 2021, she now focuses on creating meaningful, authentic travel experiences that give back to underrepresented countries. Currently promoting Cuba, Laura will soon offer trips to Morocco, Greece, and Mexico City in 2025.
Check out The Trusted Friend Girls Trip 

Chasing Dreams...Doing More
with Hayley Isabel

In this episode, I chat with 13-year-old rising country music star Hayley Isabel, whose talent and passion are winning hearts. From her first open mic at 10 to performing on big stages, Hayley shares her journey and the mentors who've guided her. We’ll discuss her award-winning songs like "Colour Changing" and "Fly High," her inspirations from Taylor Swift and Lainey Wilson, and how she stays true to her authentic self. If you love music and big dreams, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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Playing Taylor... Finding Charity
with Charity Eden

What does it take to step into the shoes of a global superstar? In this episode, we chat with the incredibly talented Charity Eden, a singer-songwriter who has amazed audiences with her spot-on Taylor Swift tribute performances. But beyond the sold-out shows and costume changes, Charity is an artist in her own right.We dive into her journey—from singing in church to headlining tribute concerts—her original music, and the balance between honoring Taylor’s legacy and forging her own path.
​Is it a dream come true or a challenge to live in someone else’s spotlight? Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, performance, and finding your own voice in the music world!

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Unsung Women of War: Secrets, Sacrifice & Legacy with Clare Mulley

Award-winning author and historian Clare Mulley has a gift for bringing history’s forgotten heroines to life. In this episode, she shares the gripping stories of fearless women like Christine Granville, the spy who talked her way out of Nazi execution, and Zo, who parachuted into Nazi-occupied Poland in a dress.
Clare’s passion for uncovering untold stories makes history come alive in the most compelling way. These women weren’t just brave—they were brilliantly effective, shaping the world in ways that often went unrecognized.
​Listen now—and celebrate International Women’s Day by sharing their stories!
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Grit, Gold & Greatness
with Michelle Cameron-Coulter

You know those friends who just get you and make you want to be better? That’s Michelle Cameron-Coulter.
She’s an Olympic gold medalist, six-time world champion, TEDx speaker, and podcast host, but more than that—she’s a powerhouse of inspiration who lifts everyone around her.
In this episode, we chat about:
· Overcoming fear—how she went from afraid of water to Olympic champion
·   The Champion Mindset and why trusting the process (even when it’s messy) is everything
· Behind-the-scenes of her TEDx talk (spoiler: perfection is overrated!)
·  The power of lifting others up and leaving a lasting legacy
Oh, and Michelle shares some hilarious and heartwarming moments along the way! 🎧
Don’t miss it! #ChampionMindset #Podcast #Inspiration

Breaking Ice, Breaking Barriers
with Alysia (Rissling) Olsen

Alysia Rissling is a Canadian Olympian and history-making bobsled pilot. A multi-sport athlete from Edmonton, she played basketball at the University of Alberta before discovering bobsled in 2012. She quickly rose through the ranks, making history in 2015 as the first woman to pilot a four-man sled in international competition with an all-female crew. Alysia competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics and spent a decade in the sport before transitioning to coaching and a career in sports sponsorship. She is also passionate about advocating for women in sports and supporting youth athletics

Commanding the Narrative
with  Theresa Carpenter

Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter has spent 28 years breaking barriers—from leading public affairs for NATO to orchestrating a naval exercise that caught President Trump’s attention. But behind the accolades, she’s battled alcohol addiction, self-doubt, and the pressures of military life. Now, through her podcast Stories of Service (S.O.S.), she’s advocating for better mental health and addiction support in the armed forces. In this episode, Theresa shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and changing the culture around seeking help. Don’t miss this powerful conversation!

We Can Be Sad in Beautiful Places
with Brytani Musick

From the outside, Brytani’s life looks picture-perfect—she’s an active duty Marine, strong and accomplished. But behind the scenes, she’s battling depression, suicidal thoughts, and deep loneliness.
In this honest and vulnerable conversation, Brytani reminds us that even in beautiful places, we can feel lost. Her story is a powerful reflection of what so many silently carry: the disconnect between the life we show and the pain we hide.
​If you’ve ever felt alone in a life that looks good on paper, this episode is for you.

More episodes coming in this category soon...

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