You are still here because what your life is meant to do is bigger than what tried to stop you. The struggle did not happen because you were weak. It happened because what you carry matters.

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bess, Christian author of PRESERVED, entrepreneur, and Kingdom leader, to explore what it means to be sustained by faith through trauma, leadership, and calling. Dr. Bess shares his extraordinary survival story, including a childhood marked by abuse, thirteen near-death experiences, and the faith that carried him through seasons of pain, responsibility, and rebuilding.

He opens up about building and leading multiple businesses, raising his children as a single father, and learning how to get things done without sacrificing integrity, faith, or family. Through honest reflection, Dr. Bess unpacks lessons on resilience, decision-making, letting go of perfection, and leading with trust and discipline. This conversation is a powerful reminder that preservation is never accidental. It is preparation for purpose, and every scar can point someone back to hope.

Topics Covered:

01:33 – Welcoming our guest, Dr. Robert Bess

03:08 – A childhood shaped by trauma and survival

05:50 – Faith is the foundation for resilience and success

07:11 – How to approach big goals one step at a time

08:43 – Compartmentalizing life to avoid chaos and burnout

10:04 – Managing stress and keeping negativity in its place

11:30 – How do you know what to prioritize?

14:16 – Trusting teams, releasing pride, and allowing failure

17:17 – How do you know when your work is good?

19:20 – Understanding your “why” before taking action

21:10 – How to observe competition without copying or comparing

23:13 – Identifying blockers before they stop your progress

27:00 – Making decisive leadership decisions

29:24 – Why supporting growth builds stronger teams

32:26 – How do you know you made the right decision?

34:13 – How to set goals that actually keep people motivated

38:37 – Integrity, conviction, and standing firm in your values

40:56 – Why testimonials matter in building trust and brand

41:47 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

43:19 – Don’t believe the lies

44:27 – How spilled lanes create chaos and stress

45:40 – Success is obedience, purpose, and kingdom impact

Connect with Dr. Robert Bess:

• Web: https://drrobertbess.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DrRobertBess
• X: https://x.com/DrRobertBess
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertBess
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/Dr.RobertBess/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drrobertbess/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr
• Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

“You can have the title, the awards, and the recognition, but your impact comes from the heart you give and the lives you touch.”

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Sharelle Mendenhall, former Miss United States, CEO, and founder of multiple businesses and the Roar Fest. Sharelle shares her journey from stepping into pageantry on a whim to winning national titles, using her platform to advocate for causes like child trafficking, and serving communities with unwavering faith and discipline.

She opens up about building businesses from the ground up, leading teams with intentional energy, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Sharelle dives into the lessons she’s learned about attitude, authenticity, perseverance, and the power of faith in both life and business. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and creating a legacy that goes beyond personal success.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Welcoming our guest, Sharelle Mendenhall

01:17 – How Sharelle unexpectedly entered pageantry and won her first title

02:38 – Turning pageantry into a platform for service

03:52 – Why Sharelle never gave up

05:45 – The power of faith, discipline, and attitude

07:25 – Redefining pageantry as purpose and advocacy

09:01 – Everything is what you make of it

10:29 – Why attitude matters more than aptitude

13:32 – Authenticity as a source of influence

15:06 – Hold every single thought captive

16:48 – Using faith as an advantage in business

18:56 – Giving yourself permission to fail when building a business

22:52 – Lessons learned through leadership challenges

24:41 – The vision behind Roar Fest and why it was created

26:45 – Learning to serve from childhood through family example

30:10 – Why success without service feels empty

31:49 – What’s next for you in the next 5 years?

32:44 – Allow yourself to grieve

34:49 – Trusting God to avoid being paralyzed by fear and grief

38:59 – Success is becoming who God created you to be

41:22 – Living with an eternal perspective

43:06 – Leading with integrity and being mindful of the next generation

44:44 – Never give up and never give fear a place

Connect with Sharelle Mendenhall:

• Web: https://theroarfest.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/sharellemendenhall/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharelle-mendenhall-08771617/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr
• Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com

Intimacy is designed to be a natural, life-giving part of a relationship. It is how two people connect, communicate through their bodies, and strengthen their bond. Yet even with its importance, countless couples struggle to talk openly about sex.

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Brittany Farrow, whose work helps couples understand their bodies, their minds, and how to truly connect. Brittany opens up about common myths around sex and arousal, how societal messages shape our experiences, and the ways couples can learn to communicate openly about desire, pleasure, and intimacy.

She breaks down practical strategies for understanding your body, from noticing simple sensations like temperature, texture, and pressure, to exploring touch in ways that help reduce performance pressure and enhance connection. Brittany also dives into sexual trauma, why myths about sex and attraction create unnecessary shame and frustration and how awareness and communication can transform a couple’s experience.

From learning to accept your body, understanding arousal, to creating space for honest conversation with your partner, Brittany’s insights provide actionable guidance for anyone seeking a more connected, fulfilling, and confident sexual relationship.

Connect with Brittany Farrow:

• Web: https://www.farrowfamilytherapy.com/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr
• Email: ericalemarr@gmail.com