As one of our featured podcasts for Night of Hope 8, one of the largest anti–human trafficking awareness events in Arizona, Brenda J and Karen B are honored to interview Sherrie Cavalari, founder of Red Rover SOS.

One of the most powerful moments in this episode is a simple phrase that could save a life: "Red Rover SOS." If someone is being trafficked or feels unsafe, saying those words can discreetly alert someone nearby to call for help. It's strategic. It's simple. And it could make all the difference.

Sherrie brings over 40 years of experience in broadcast media and marketing. Through Red Rover SOS, she and her team use their combined experience to amplify and promote anti-trafficking nonprofits so frontline organizations can focus on rescue and restoration.

We also talk about what trafficking and grooming really look like, why awareness matters, and how education and partnerships — including work with children's homes and community organizations — are critical in prevention.

This is a powerful, must-listen conversation that could equip you to recognize the signs — and possibly save a life.

📞 National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
(Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733)

📞 National Grooming Prevention Hotline: 623-688-3204

Please listen, share, and help us spread awareness. Awareness saves lives.

https://redroversos.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen W. are excited to present another episode of Real People, Real Voices, a series of mini podcasts focused on healing.

In this series, we interview abuse survivors who are ready and willing to share their stories in hopes of bringing healing to themselves and to our listeners.

In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa. Vanessa is a survivor of domestic violence, emotional abuse, and financial abuse—experiences that ultimately led to divorce. She also endured deep relational trauma after discovering her former husband had multiple children with other women.

Without giving too much of her story away, Vanessa has been out of her abusive relationship for 20 years, and her ex-husband is in prison.

Vanessa is an incredible survivor whose story brings hope and healing. We are truly honored and grateful that she chose to share her journey with us.

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Gini Larsen back to the show for an honest and compassionate conversation around one of the most difficult topics for abuse and trauma survivors—forgiveness. Gini holds a meaningful place in both Brenda and Karen's lives, arranging the Mending the Soul group where Brenda and Karen first met.

Gini Larsen is a certified Christian counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University's College of Social Work and has extensive trauma-focused training, integrating professional clinical insight with Christian therapy and pastoral counseling.

Brenda and Karen vulnerably share how hard forgiveness can be for survivors, especially when abusers remain unrepentant and emotions like anger and grief feel overwhelming. Gini offers a healthy, Christ-centered approach to forgiveness—one that does not minimize harm, but points to God for healing. She explains how forgiveness is ultimately about glorifying God and allowing Him to restore and heal the survivor's heart. They also talk about what forgiveness is NOT in this episode. This is a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss.

www.biblicalhopecounseling.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Gini Larsen back to the show for an honest and compassionate conversation around one of the most difficult topics for abuse and trauma survivors—forgiveness. Gini holds a meaningful place in both Brenda and Karen's lives, arranging the Mending the Soul group where Brenda and Karen first met.

Gini Larsen is a certified Christian counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University's College of Social Work and has extensive trauma-focused training, integrating professional clinical insight with Christian therapy and pastoral counseling.

Brenda and Karen vulnerably share how hard forgiveness can be for survivors, especially when abusers remain unrepentant and emotions like anger and grief feel overwhelming. Gini offers a healthy, Christ-centered approach to forgiveness—one that does not minimize harm, but points to God for healing. She explains how forgiveness is ultimately about glorifying God and allowing Him to restore and heal the survivor's heart. This is a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss.

www.biblicalhopecounseling.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Pastor Martel of Streets of Destiny Church for a powerful New Year conversation filled with truth, hope, and encouragement. If you want to check out Streets of Destiny click below:

https://www.sodgoc.org/

Pastor Martel challenges common negative attitudes toward people experiencing homelessness and invites listeners to see with compassion instead of judgment.

The conversation also explores the question many are asking: Are we living in the end times? Pastor Martel shares a grounded, faith-filled perspective that brings both clarity and peace.

As the episode moves forward, Pastor Martel offers a meaningful "gold nugget" of encouragement for stepping into 2026 with purpose, along with practical advice for positive change in the New Year. The episode closes with a heartfelt prayer as Pastor Martel speaks a blessing over the listeners.

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. are honored to welcome Pastor Martel Stevenson of Streets of Destiny Church for a powerful Christmas message of hope. If you want to check out Streets of Destiny click link below:

https://www.sodgoc.org/

In this episode of Hanging On To Hope, Pastor Martel shares the personal story that led him into homeless ministry and how God placed a calling on his heart to serve those living on the streets. He reminds us that hope can be found even in the hardest places—and that no one is forgotten by God.

Together, we talk about the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of salvation, and how faith can carry us through seasons of discouragement, loneliness, and loss. Pastor Martel offers encouragement to anyone who may be struggling during this time of year and shares practical ways we can help and support those experiencing homelessness.

He closes the episode with a heartfelt Christmas prayer, speaking life, peace, and hope over every listener.

Whether you're feeling weary, searching for hope, or looking for ways to make a difference this Christmas, this message is for you.

🎁 There is always hope—especially at Christmas.

https://hangingontohope.org

If today's episode encouraged you, visit https://deannewelsh.com for a free copy of When God Calls a Writer: Moving Past Insecurity to Write With Confidence, and look for the private Unstoppable Writers group on Facebook.

Deanne has offered a free mini guide as a gift below:

https://whengodfeelsfarawayagracefilledguideforchristianwriters-z4g.plannerpack.co/

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Deanne Welsh—spiritual coach, spiritual director, author, and founder of the Unstoppable Writers community.

She offers practical, faith-filled guidance for writers at every stage, including how to start when writing feels heavy from trauma or grief, how to move past perfectionism and shame, and how to break projects into small, doable steps. Deanne gives Karen helpful direction on shaping years of journals into a book, and encourages Brenda with simple tools for writing to heal. She explains the difference between writing to heal and writing to publish, and reminds us that support—whether from a counselor, a trusted friend, or a writing community—can make all the difference.

This episode is filled with encouragement and hope. Healing and creativity go hand in hand, and you don't have to have it all figured out. Simply begin—one word, one page at a time.

https://hangingontohope.org

In this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome Deanne Welsh—spiritual coach, spiritual director, author, and founder of the Unstoppable Writers community. Deanne shares how her own story led her to support writers who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.

She offers practical, faith-filled guidance for writers at every stage, including how to start when writing feels heavy from trauma or grief, how to move past perfectionism and shame, and how to break projects into small, doable steps. Deanne gives Karen helpful direction on shaping years of journals into a book, and encourages Brenda with simple tools for writing to heal. She explains the difference between writing to heal and writing to publish, and reminds us that support—whether from a counselor, a trusted friend, or a writing community—can make all the difference.

This episode is filled with encouragement and hope. Healing and creativity go hand in hand, and you don't have to have it all figured out. Simply begin—one word, one page at a time.

If today's episode encouraged you, visit https://deannewelsh.com for a free copy of When God Calls a Writer: Moving Past Insecurity to Write With Confidence, and look for the private Unstoppable Writers group on Facebook.

Deanne has offered a free mini guide as a gift below:

https://whengodfeelsfarawayagracefilledguideforchristianwriters-z4g.plannerpack.co/

https://hangingontohope.org