Influence Women cover art

Influence Women

Influence Women

Written by: Kathleen Cooke
Listen for free

About this listen

 Follow your dreams! The Influence Women podcast will equip and empower you to pursue your dreams in film, entertainment, arts and leadership. Hosted by media executive Kathleen Cooke, each episode features influential industry voices to help release your creative talent, advance your career, and build the kind of faith that will unleash God's calling on your life. Be mentored by women who are making a difference as Hollywood and independent female filmmakers, actors, directors, screenwriters, authors, entrepreneurs and more! https://influencewomen.org2023 Art
Episodes
  • The World is Waiting for You | Award Winning Actress Edwina Findley

    The World is Waiting for You | Award Winning Actress Edwina Findley
    Jan 8 2026
    Manifest the God dream over your life! Especially if you're pursuing a career in film, television, media or the arts, this interview with award-winning actress Edwina Findley will inspire and empower you to tap into the future God has planned for you. https://influencewomen.org Known for her unforgettable roles in The Residence (Netflix), The Wire (HBO), If Loving You Is Wrong (OWN), Fear the Walking Dead, and Get Hard with Kevin Hart, Edwina shares how obedience, surrender, and a servant's heart can lead you through doors beyond what you can even imagine! Hosted by Influence Women Global Director Kathleen Cooke, Edwina's story will help you truly believe – the world is waiting for you! 👉 Watch now and be encouraged to step boldly into the future God has prepared for you. 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 👉 Subscribe to the Influence Women Podcast Available on all your favorite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/influence-women/id1715718111?i=1000634169188 Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com More About this Episode — The World is Waiting for You | Award Winning Actress Edwina Findley Edwina Findley is an award-winning film, television, and theatre actress, praised by critics as "a marvel to watch." Known to global audiences as 'Sheila' in Shonda Rhimes' hit Netflix series "The Residence," Edwina first captured hearts as 'Tosha' on HBO's groundbreaking series "The Wire," before being handpicked by industry titans Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey to star as 'Kelly' in the drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong" for five seasons. A vibrant and versatile performer, Edwina has starred in "Fear the Walking Dead," Amazon's global thriller "The Power," "Veep," "Chicago Med," "Black Lightning," HBO's "Treme," Ava DuVernay's Sundance-winning "Middle of Nowhere," Warner Brothers comedy "Get Hard" alongside Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart, and she earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for her "skin-prickling performance" as Melva in "Free In Deed." Proclaimed in the New York Times as a "life force," Edwina is passionate about helping others to discover and manifest the God Dream over their lives. She is the CEO of Abundant Life University, and travels the world inspiring audiences to bravely press past their fears, unleash their highest vision, and manifest the life they've been praying for. Edwina has been featured in Oprah, People Magazine, Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post, In Style, Essence, Hollywood Reporter, and more. Edwina's most cherished blessings in life are her loving husband Kelvin Dickerson and their bright and beautiful little girls, Victoria and London. Connect with Edwina at theworldiswaiting.org ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Meet Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director 00:32 Meet Edwina Findley, award winning actress, "If Loving You is Wrong" "The Resident" 03:26 Tap into God's calling on your life with Edwina's book, "The World is Waiting for You – Manifest the God-Dream in Your Life" 06:00 Edwina's role as Sheila in "The Resident" 07:12 Acting tips on being fully engaged on set 10:25 How faith in God has helped Edwina step into her God-dream 10:57 Prophetic words and a surrender to God's will 16:15 How God speaks in dreams and words 20:04 Keeping faith in the waiting season 25:40 Edwina's story of Oprah Winfrey and how to change the world 31:12 Learning to serve others 33:45 How to contact Edwina and get her book: "The World is Waiting for You" #edwinafindley #acting #godscalling #heargodsvoice #filmcareers
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • How to Stimulate Creativity in Children | Mom Support with Kelli Smith, MomCo

    How to Stimulate Creativity in Children | Mom Support with Kelli Smith, MomCo
    Dec 11 2025
    Boost creativity in your kids! In this conversation, Kathleen Cooke https://influencewomen.org welcomes Kelli Smith, VP of Marketing with MomCo (formerly MOPS) to discuss practical ways for moms to stimulate creativity in their children, while strategically navigating technology and AI in the home. If you're feeling the isolation of mom life or questioning your worth as a mom, Kelli offers inspiration and parenting tips to help you be present in your children's lives and raise them as strong disciples of Christ. Not just for moms! If you're a content creator or a film or TV producer wanting to create quality Christian content for kids, this episode offers an inside view of what moms want for their families. 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com **More About this Episode** How to Stimulate Creativity in Children | Mom Support with Kelli Smith, MomCo Meet Kelli Jo Smith, the energetic Vice President of Church Engagement and Marketing at The MomCo. For 17 years, Kelli has been a passionate advocate for growing Christian non-profits and empowering moms, driving initiatives that make a global impact. Alongside her husband, Ellery, she's earned the nickname "Chip and Joanna Gaines of the Rockies," thanks to their love of home renovation projects and frequent Lowe's adventures in Denver. When she's not masterminding her next remodel, Kelli is hitting the open road with her family or immersing herself in new learning pursuits. At home, she's navigating the exciting journey of raising her teenage duo, Madelyn (17) and Liam (15), with the playful antics of their beloved Bernedoodle, Ashton O'Malley, adding to the family fun. Find out more about Momco at https://www.themom.co/home Are you a film or television producer? Contact Kelli for more ideas on content for kids at ksmith@themom.co Timecodes:00:00 Welcome by Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Founder and Global Director00:43 Meet Kelli Smith, VP Marketing, MomCo (formerly MOPS)02:00 Kelli's move from the corporate workplace to a stay-at-home mom04:06 God's calling for Kelli as a mom and later at MOPS to offer mom support06:14 Creative content for kids and families - ideas for producers08:41 AI and the window of time we have to produce Christian content12:53 Isolation challenges mom's face and how to counteract it14:45 The meaningful work of being a mom19:40 Stimulating creativity in children21:31 Practical ways to nurture creativity in children24:04 Tips for parents with children in the film and television industry28:37 Find out more about MomCo (formerly MOPS)30:25 How to contact Kelli Smith for creative content ideas for children
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Producing Faith Based Films | Anna Zielinski, Pinnacle Peak Pictures

    Producing Faith Based Films | Anna Zielinski, Pinnacle Peak Pictures
    Nov 13 2025
    Do you want to become a film producer? Discover the keys to producing successful faith based films with Anna Zielinski, producer at Pinnacle Peak Pictures and founder of The Producers Desk. In this conversation with Kathleen Cooke, global director of Influence Women, https://influencewomen.org Anna shares her career journey from actor to producer, and from indie films to box-office hits working alongside David A.R. White with Pure Flix Entertainment (God's Not Dead, Marriage Retreat, Sons of Thunder: Redemption). Anna speaks to the challenges of female filmmakers and will inspire you to walk in faith towards the dream God has placed in your heart to produce Christian film and television content. 👉 Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to Influence Women! It's a great place to connect with others of faith and purpose as you pursue your dreams in the industry. Join here: https://influencewomen.org/membership/ 🌟 Subscribe to the Influence Women YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yLGpj1BJaG47cBZU2Dbuw?Sub_Confirmation=1 Influence WomenFounded by media executive Kathleen Cooke, IW will help you grow in your faith, your relationships, and your professional career in film, television, the arts, and leadership. You'll find Influence Women in the major film hubs across the nation. Find out more at Influence Women at https://influencewomen.org Follow Influence Women Global Twitter https://x.com/InfluenceWomenG Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558179922051 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/influencewomenglobal/ Connect with Kathleen Cooke, Influence Women Global Director: https://kathleencooke.com The Influence Lab - Redefining Global Mission Strategy in Today's Digital AgeFounded by media experts Phil and Kathleen Cooke, The Influence Lab mobilizes a powerful strategy to teach the global Church how to use media to share the gospel in today's digital age, with Influence Women creating a pathway for Christian influence in entertainment and media. Find out more about The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com **More About this Episode** Producing Faith Based Films | Anna Zielinski, Pinnacle Peak PicturesAnna Zielinski has over 15 years of experience producing faith-based and family films, spending her entire career at Pinnacle Peak Pictures. Anna began her producing career in 2010, partnering with David A.R. White and Pure Flix Entertainment to produce multiple films, including Marriage Retreat, Apostle Peter and The Last Supper, and Brotha White, and made her directorial debut with The Book of Daniel (2013). In 2014, Anna served as a producer on the faith-based hit God's Not Dead, which became the highest-grossing indie feature of that year. Anna continued her momentum in 2014 with Dancer and the Dame and the sitcom Hitting The Breaks, and in 2021, Anna produced and directed Courting Mom & Dad. She went on to expand her portfolio as executive producer on The Encounter and Sons of Thunder: Redemption, Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, Nothing's Impossible, Revelation Road: The Series, and God's Not Dead: In God We Trust (2024). Throughout her career, Anna has successfully led the production of both original films and series, solidifying her reputation as a leader in faith-based entertainment. Now solid with wisdom and knowledge and wanting to see others excel in the industry, Anna launched The Producers Desk, a YouTube channel providing aspiring producers with practical tips and strategies to bring their creative visions to life. Find out more about The Producers Desk here: https://www.theproducersdesk.com/ "Own your authority. Don't wait for permission to lead." – Anna Zielinski, Producer – Pinnacle Peak Pictures 00:00 Meet Anna Zielinski, Producer, Pinnacle Peak Pictures07:32 Anna's career journey from actress to producer, from indie films to box office hits10:30 Serve the story first as a producer11:32 How to produce successful faith based films for Christian audiences14:37 Meeting audience expectations with faith based films17:45 How female filmmakers can bring your strengths to the project as a producer21:31 Anna Zielinkski's The Producers Desk – sharing real world knowledge with independent producers https://theproducersdesk.com 24:30 The vision of Influence Women for female filmmakers to Connect, Collaborate, Create for Christ!
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
No reviews yet