Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast with Vivian Cumins

At the Heart of It All: How a Health Detour Can Lead to Your Purpose | Ep. 47

What does it take to transform an unexpected health crisis into a divine detour? When award-winning author Lori Ann Wood walked into her doctor's office thinking she had the flu, she had no idea her heart was functioning at just 6%. In this episode, Lori Ann shares crucial warning signs of heart failure that women often dismiss as "just being out of shape." Together, Lori Ann and Vivian explore the powerful biblical practice of lamenting and finding unexpected blessings along life's detours. From Lori Ann's practical advice on advocating for your health to Vivian's insights on trusting God through medical challenges, this conversation offers hope and wisdom for anyone facing an unwanted life detour. Learn why the path you'd never choose might lead to the faith you've always wanted.
 
GUEST BIO
Lori Ann Wood lives with her husband in an empty nest in beautiful northwest Arkansas. After discovering a serious heart condition almost too late, Lori Ann writes and speaks to encourage deep faith questions along the detours of life. Her work has been published in several anthologies and dozens of print and online venues, including Bella Grace Magazine and The New York Times. Lori Ann’s multi-award-winning book, Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted, was published by CrossRiver Media, and is available on Amazon in print and audio form https://amazon.com/Divine-Detour-choose-always-wanted/dp/1936501759/. 
 
You can watch a book trailer and read the first chapter for free on her website. https://loriannwood.com/books
 
Lori Ann’s Social Media:
Website: https://loriannwood.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/loriannwood
Facebook: https://facebook.com/DivinelyDetoured
 
POWERFUL QUOTE FROM LORI ANN
"God’s been so good to me and has been through this detour, this little road I didn’t want to be on. I’ve gotten closer to Him than I would have been if I’d been on my own.”
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Fit to Serve: Crushing Hunger with Exercise | Ep. 46

Can your workout routine help feed starving children? When fitness instructor Stephanie Van Allan felt God's call during COVID lockdown, she created The Fitness Mission - where every view provides therapeutic food packets to malnourished kids worldwide. Vivian explores practical ways to build sustainable fitness habits, and Stephanie shares how faith, family, and exercise merge to transform lives. Together they discuss the power of starting small, embracing imperfection, and turning daily movement into an act of worship that nourishes both body and soul while making a global impact.
 
GUEST BIO
Stephanie Van Allan is a Speech Language Pathologist, certified Group Fitness Instructor, and founder of The Fitness Mission - a faith-based, fitness YouTube channel built on four pillars:  faith, family, fitness, and feeding starving kids. The revenue generated from the YouTube channel directly supports MANA Nutrition, an organization that fights world hunger. 
Stephanie is also the proud mother of three children. She's passionate about fitness, motherhood, and sharing the Gospel.
 
Stephanie’s Social Media
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/TheFitnessMission
Facebook:  https://facebook.com/TheFitnessMission
Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_fitnessmission
 
POWERFUL QUOTE FROM STEPHANIE
"I want a Christ-centered focus to our workout. Like, the world tells us so much to be looking at body image and fad diets – and if we keep our focus on Christ throughout our workout, it’s gonna redirect everything. When you put the focus on Christ, it takes it off of you.”
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

The Mindful Caregiver: Self-Care Strategies from Lucas' Mom | Ep. 45

What does it take to navigate life's most challenging caregiving journeys with both grit and grace? Vivian explores this question with author and nonprofit founder Jessica Ronne in a deeply authentic conversation about faith, grief, and purpose. As Jess shares her path from receiving a devastating prenatal diagnosis to losing her first husband to brain cancer, Vivian's thoughtful questions help unpack the complex emotions of wrestling with God through anger and loss. Together they dive into the realities of being a lifelong caregiver, with Jess offering practical wisdom on accepting help and finding micro-moments of joy, while Vivian draws out the story of how God transformed Jess’ challenges into a beautiful ministry – including an unexpected second love story that made headlines. Their candid discussion reminds us that even in life's most demanding seasons, surrendering to God's plan can lead to extraordinary purpose.
 
GUEST BIO
Jessica Ronne is the author of several books, including Caregiving with Grit and Grace, and the associate producer of the documentary Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers, which is available on streaming. She is the founder and Executive Director of The Lucas Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing recognition, respite, and resources to parent caregivers.  
Jess’ inspiring journey began when she became a widow within ten years of marriage after her husband passed away from a brain tumor in 2010. Left to raise their four children, including one needing lifelong care, she joined the other 16.3 million individuals serving as caretakers to children with special needs.
Jess’ life took a surprising turn when she was introduced to a young widower and father of three. In 2011, they blended their families with eight children. Drawing from her own experiences, Jess provides caregiving advice on the importance of being present with loved ones, embracing challenges as personal growth, finding strength in faith, and sharing with other caregivers. 
Jess and her husband Ryan live in Michigan with their eight children. She is also a speaker and podcast host of Coffee with Caregivers. 
 
Check out Jess’ story on the Today Show! 
https://today.com/video/couple-unites-after-losing-spouses-442569795902
 
The Lucas Project:  https://thelucasproject.org
Website: https://jessplusthemess.com
Facebook:  https://facebook.com/coffeewithcaregivers
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessplusthemess
Pinterest:   https://pinterest.com/jessplusthemess/_created
Coffee with Caregivers Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-with-caregivers/id1519009943
 
Amazon: Caregiving with Grit and Grace: 100 Days of Hope and Encouragement
https://shorturl.at/RtbTB
 
POWERFUL QUOTE from Jess Ronne
"For that caregiver that’s feeling overwhelmed and feels like they don’t have any time for themselves, I would encourage them to just try to find and incorporate what I like to call micro-moments of joy. Make a list of four or five things that really bring you  joy and incorporate those throughout your day.” 
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancuminsTikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Unscripted Health: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Bogle | Ep. 44

What happens when family ties and medical expertise collide in candid conversation? Vivian and Becca welcome their cousin-by-complicated-circumstances, Dr. Misty Bogle, for an unfiltered Sister Talk episode. Dr. Bogle shares her journey from junkyard sweeper to family physician, while Vivian opens up about her cancer journey and menopausal adventures, and Becca reveals her own powerful story of patient advocacy. From demystifying direct primary care to revealing the truth about Botox, they weave practical medical wisdom with laugh-out-loud discussions about power surges and unique family dynamics. This heartwarming conversation reminds us that the best medical advice often comes wrapped in love, laughter, and the kind of candid questions only sisters dare to ask.
GUEST BIO
Dr. Misty Bogle is a family physician serving the Blanchard, Oklahoma community for over a decade. Since 2011, Dr. Bogle has provided dedicated, compassionate, patient-centered care, focused on practical and personalized medical solutions. Dr. Bogle attended the University of Oklahoma for both undergraduate and Medical School, graduating with her Medical Doctorate in 2008 and completing her residency in Family Medicine at St Anthony Family Medicine Residency in 2011. In 2023, she founded Blanchard Direct Health, a direct primary care clinic that allows her to offer accessible and transparent primary healthcare services.
In addition to her primary care practice, Dr. Bogle owns Image and Soul, a cosmetic clinic and spa, where she brings her expertise to enhance patient wellness and confidence through aesthetic services. Dr. Bogle is also actively involved in leadership within the Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians, including her role as Past President. Her commitment to family medicine and patient care makes her a valuable voice in today's healthcare landscape, and we’re thrilled to have her on the podcast!
Website: https://blancharddirecthealth.com
Email: info@blancharddirecthealth.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imageandsoul
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_feelgreat
CO-HOSTS:
VIVIAN CUMINS
Vivian Cumins is a writer, speaker, and host of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast. She is also an Oklahoma native, a career professional, a military spouse, a stepmom to two adult kids, and a “Glammy” to five grandkids. Although her name means “LIVELY” Vivian admits she has not always felt lively. Her need to be perfect and in control led to an unbalanced lifestyle filled with work, self-inflicted stress and illness, depression, and anxiety.
In 2020, after years of striving and mental exhaustion, Vivian rededicated her life to the Lord and vowed to relinquish control and submit to God’s will. Her newfound faith and commitment were immediately put to the test when she had to trust God to provide healing from stage 3 melanoma. Though this was a difficult time, Vivian claims she would not change a thing. That ‘wilderness’ season, she says, delivered her from a prideful spirit, set her free from captivity, and taught her how to give up control and trust God, embrace imperfection, and recognize, then recalibrate, the unbalance in her life. Today, Vivian not only shares her testimony of preparation and deliverance, but she also provides valuable lessons and helpful tips for actively seeking balance, which starts with making time for God, taking care of yourself, and sprinkling in some good old-fashioned fun
BECCA ROBINSON
Becca is married to her best friend of over 26 years; they have been blessed with three children, three granddaughters, a bonus daughter (daughter-in-law), and a bonus son (son-in-law). She is a writer and co-host of the SisterTalk with Viv & Becca special edition of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast. 
Over seventeen years ago, her husband joined the Army and gave Becca the honorable title of “military spouse.” Although Becca has a career in health care, she loves being an Army wife and volunteering and mentoring military spouses. Becca also loves to laugh and meet new people. It has been said she makes friends wherever she goes. 
 
CONNECT WITH BECCA
Facebook: https://facebook.com/kbaarobinson
MemoryBlogger website: https://memoryblogger.com 
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN:
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink:) https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

The Choice is Yours: Tricia Goyer Talks Busyness, Self-Care, and Weight Loss

What does it take to choose joy over overwhelm when life feels impossibly full? Author and speaker Tricia Goyer opens up about managing a household of ten kids, caring for her 95-year-old grandmother, writing over 90 books, and still finding time for self-care. Despite the busyness of her daily life, Tricia shares how letting go of control and trusting God's timing helped her lose 90 pounds and rediscover her vibrant personality. Through candid stories of her weight loss journey and practical tips for time management, Vivian and Tricia explore how surrendering our expectations to God can transform overwhelming days into opportunities for growth, connection, and genuine balance.
 
GUEST BIO
Tricia Goyer is a multi-bestselling USA Today author with an impressive portfolio of over 90 books and 500 articles spanning fiction and nonfiction genres, with a focus on family and parenting. She is the recipient of two Carol Awards, a Retailer’s Best Award, an ECPA Silver Medallion, and a Christy Award nomination. 
 
As a homeschooling mother of ten—seven of whom were adopted—she is also a devoted wife to John and grandmother. She also serves as a loving caregiver for her precious 95-year-old grandmother.
 
In addition to her literary achievements, Tricia is a sought-after conference speaker, having graced platforms such as MomCon, Raising Generations, and Teach Them Diligently conferences. She’s been a guest on numerous national TV and radio programs. Her speaking engagements across the United States and internationally cover diverse topics including faith, writing, motherhood, and personal transformation.
 
Tricia hosts the Tricia Goyer Show on iTunes and other podcasting apps. She also co-hosts The Daily Bible Podcast with Michelle Hill. Through her various mediums, Tricia’s inspiring messages reach a broad audience.
 
Tricia’s journey includes overcoming significant challenges, including experiencing an abortion at 15 and becoming a teen mother at 17. Through vulnerability and faith, she shares her testimony of healing and redemption, inspiring audiences by demonstrating how personal stories can create meaningful life change.
 
With remarkable determination and grit – and amidst an extremely busy life, Tricia transformed her health by incorporating healthy eating and habits, which has led to increased energy and confidence. No longer does she feel exhausted and overwhelmed, which is why she also became a Health Coach, helping and encouraging others that with support and determination, change is not just possible, it is achievable.
 
Website: https://triciagoyer.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/triciagoyer
Facebook:  https://facebook.com/tricia.goyer
For Health Coaching - Email: triciagoyer@gmail.com 
 
POWERFUL QUOTE
“Overwhelm is only there because we have expectations of all the things we want to get done. Overwhelm is a choice.” - Tricia Goyer
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

True Connection: Distinguishing Real Friends from Toxic ‘Frenemies’ | Ep. 42

Ever wonder why some friendships leave you feeling drained instead of uplifted? Vitality coach Camille Gallinger joins Vivian Cumins for a powerful conversation about toxic relationships and their impact on physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Camille shares her personal journey of learning to recognize unhealthy attachments, emphasizing the importance of vetting friendships and practicing what she calls "courageous self-care." Through Biblical wisdom and practical insights, discover how to maintain your Christian values while setting necessary boundaries. Whether you're questioning a current friendship or healing from past hurts, this discussion shines a light on genuine, mutually respectful relationships that honor God.
 
GUEST BIO
After overcoming chronic asthma and fatigue, Camille Gallinger began her career as a Nutritionist with a desire to help clients recover their health from debilitating fatigue and chronic digestive disorders. Though she enjoyed good health for many years, Camille experienced a setback in her physical health again after unexpected and heartbreaking adversities. These events pushed her to seek godly wisdom and understanding, rather than just knowledge. Camille then set out to restore her health and her VITALITY, which she defines as energy, joy, and momentum.  
Through her Seattle-based business, Vitality Enterprises, Inc., Camille provides on-site and virtual nutrition consulting and lifestyle coaching; and arranges speaking engagements for groups.  As a strong advocate for “courageous self-care,” Camille helps clients stop living on the sidelines and return to the battlefield of life with the wisdom of making good self-care a priority.
Camille Gallinger is a wife, a mother of 3 adult daughters, and a Grandē of 3 grand princesses! She is a University of Missouri-Columbia graduate, a Certified Nutritionist, and a Functional Nutrition Lifestyle Practitioner with training in clinical nutrition from American Health Sciences University, the former Designs for Health Institute for Advanced Clinical Nutrition, the Functional Nutrition Lab, and the American Association of Nutrition Consultants (AANC). 
 
Website: www.thinkvitality.com 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/camillegallinger
Email: camille@thinkvitality.com
 
POWERFUL QUOTE
“Put all of your hope in God and know that God sees. He sees what’s happening to you. God can rebuild you. He wants to make you savvy; [He wants to make you]…wise.” - Camille Gallinger
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Room to Think: Clear the Clutter and Reduce Stress | Ep. 41

Have you ever noticed your heart rate spike when looking at a messy desk or cluttered closet? If so, you are not alone! Many suffer from organizational overwhelm. Join Vivian and professional organizer Carrie VomSteeg as they discuss the connection between physical spaces and mental wellbeing. As they share practical strategies to clear the clutter and reduce stress, Vivian offers creative solutions like paperless scanning and mindful gift-giving to prevent accumulation, while Carrie breaks down the psychology behind organizing and decluttering decisions. From successful home staging experiences to debates about "just in case" storage, their conversation reveals simple solutions for anyone looking to declutter and reduce stress.
 
Whether you're dealing with sticky notes overtaking your desk or wondering if your collection habits are heading toward hoarding, this conversation will inspire you to take that first step toward creating a more organized, peaceful home.
 
GUEST BIO
Carrie VomSteeg realizes now that she had an organizing problem back in junior high. Making sure her closet was lined up a certain way and everything in her room had a place felt … peaceful. And right. And normal. Now she helps other people get their spaces in order, bringing calmness and restoring the peace in their homes and businesses. Besides being a decluttering and organizing expert, Carrie is a writer and freelance editor. Maybe someday, she’ll write a book about all things organizing. Or maybe she’ll just think about it while alphabetizing her spices.
 
Carrie has one husband, two sons, and a new daughter-in-law. She calls Southern California home again, but recently spent 12 years in Mexico with college students and piles of tacos.
 
WEBSITE: https://hmsavvy.com
INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/homesavvyorganizing
FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/HomeSavvyOrganizing
When you’re ready for organizational bliss, reach out to Carrie for a free consultation.
https://calendly.com/home-savvy-info2021
 
POWERFUL QUOTE
 
"Start small. That’s my number one tip. Start small because it can be overwhelming. You start with one drawer.” - Carrie VomSteeg
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple and Spotify: https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Unmasked: Breaking Free from the Cycle of People-Pleasing | Ep. 040

Are you caught in the exhausting cycle of trying to please everyone at the expense of your own well-being? Life coach Kerri Goodman shares powerful insights about breaking free from people-pleasing patterns, particularly for women with ADHD who often struggle with rejection sensitivity. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, Vivian and Kerri explore how perfectionism, fear of rejection, and childhood messages can fuel people-pleasing behaviors. Together they unpack the difference between genuine kindness and unhealthy accommodation while offering practical strategies for setting boundaries without guilt. Discover how embracing God's unconditional acceptance can help you move from constant people-pleasing to living authentically, even if that means not everyone likes you.
 
GUEST BIO
Kerri Goodman is an ICF-certified life coach, ADHD coach, and communication consultant with over a decade of experience helping busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and moms thrive by embracing their brilliant minds. A wife, mother of four, grandmother of three, and an ADHDer herself, Kerri brings a personal and knowledgeable understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of an ADHD brain – especially for women managing multiple roles.
 
Her coaching approach, grounded in her background in education, social work, and faith in Christ, empowers clients to break free from perfectionism and people-pleasing, reconnecting them to their strengths, values, and purpose. With Kerri’s support, clients discover ADHD-friendly strategies to create focus, calm the chaos, reach their goals, and create a fulfilling life that reflects who they truly are and makes an impact.
 
https://kerrigoodman.com 
https://facebook.com/kerrigoodmancoaching 
https://instagram.com/brilliantly_adhd
 
POWERFUL QUOTE
"People pleasing isn’t just saying yes to things or being accommodating, but it also is kind of putting on a mask. Like, I want to be the person that I think you want me to be.” - Kerri Goodman
 
CONNECT WITH VIVIAN
Website: https://viviancumins.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://lnk.to/JugglingLife
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com