Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast with Vivian Cumins

The Bait and Switch: How Being Catfished Set Stacey Free | Ep. 033

What happens when a search for love leads down an unexpected path of deception? Author Stacey Szczepanski joins Vivian to share how being catfished set her free to develop a deeper relationship with God and herself. Through vulnerable storytelling, Vivian and Stacey explore the hidden dangers of online relationships, the importance of trusting your gut, and why taking time to heal is crucial before pursuing new relationships. With tears and laughter, Stacey and Vivian remind us that while we all desire to be loved, our ultimate fulfillment comes from God's unconditional love. Discover why being single doesn't define your worth and how embracing God's timing can lead to your most authentic life.
 
GUEST BIO:
Stacey Szczepanski is an author, literacy coach, and a classroom educator of more than 14 years. When she was 22 years old, Stacey joined a dating site and was deceived by an online persona claiming to be someone they’re not. Since then, she has written a book about her experience titled Unlocking Love: How Being Catfished Deepened My Faith and Led me on a Journey to Wholeness. Stacey is passionate about spreading God’s love, connecting with people, and offering support for trauma survivors.
Website: https://staceyszczepanski.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/staceyszczepanski
Facebook: https://facebook.com/stacey.szczepanski.9
Book: Unlocking Love: How Being Catfished Deepened My Faith and Led me on a Journey to Wholeness by Stacey Szczepanski (2023) https://amazon.com/Unlocking-Love-Catfished-Deepened-Wholeness/dp/1625862571
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“You are loved, you are never alone, and healing is not easy, but it is possible. And all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.” - Stacey Szczepanski
 
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins MemoryBlogger   
Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Me, Myself, and We: Identity Protection in Relationships | Ep. 032

Have you ever felt unsure about your identity? Do you ever fall into the trap of defining yourself by your accomplishments, titles, or by the company you keep? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, Vivian is joined by Angela Pitnikoff, a wife, mother, and Christian life coach who has had her own struggles with identity loss. After Angela got married and became a mom, she realized that she had let those labels define her life and didn’t know who she truly was outside of her marriage, motherhood, or ministry. Angela’s personal identity was defined by the titles of “Christian,” “wife,” “mom,” and “daughter,” instead of what God says about her, and she ultimately felt unworthy and devoid of true purpose.
 
Vivian and Angela discuss the phenomenon that many of us face, of losing our individual identities within the dynamics of a relationship. Oftentimes it’s easy for us to unintentionally let others determine who we are instead of being tethered to the Lord. One of the many beauties of having a relationship with Jesus is that we don’t have to earn it. You no longer need to be trapped in a cycle of performance and unworthiness, because your worth and identity comes from being created by God, who loves you and wants a relationship with you. Angela reminds listeners that in order to fully comprehend God’s intentions for us, we need to know Him, which requires spending time in prayer and in His Word. The closer we are to God, the more we can understand His heart, and the better we understand who we were created to be.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Angela Pitnikoff is an Christian life coach, wife of more than 20 years, and a mom of three boys. She is a worship singer and has worked in Christian ministry throughout her entire adult life, and she hosts a podcast and coaching ministry called The Kingdom Daughters. Angela is passionate about reminding Christian women and mothers that they were created on purpose and for a purpose, and their heavenly Father wants to be in close relationship with them.
Website: https://www.thekingdomdaughters.com/
Podcast: The Kingdom Daughters Podcast (Apple, Spotify)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mrsangelapitnikoff
Instagram: instagram.com/mrsangelapitnikoff
Facebook: facebook.com/kingdomdaughterssisterhood
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“Ultimately, God’s Word is the bread of life, it is our fuel, it is what gives us passion and purpose and a plan.” - Angela Pitnikoff
 
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Servant Leadership: Leading Others with Love and Laughter | Ep. 031

What does leadership look like to you? When you think of the qualities of a great leader, what comes to mind? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, host Vivian Cumins is joined by colleague Erika Mascarenas, and the two discuss Erika’s distinct leadership style and what it looks like to lead like Christ. Erika describes her leadership style as “leading with love and laughter,” and she believes above anything else, she is a creation of God who is meant to live out God’s kindness in her everyday life. Vivian and Erika address the challenges of working in the competitive, secular workplace, where love and laughter aren’t always present. But just like a home, a workplace has its own values and dynamics, and Erika believes it is essential to lead in a way that allows colleagues and employees to grow and feel cared for. 
 
Erika also discusses the importance of what she calls a “4G lifestyle,” which consists of God, grit, gratitude, and grace. Growing up, these were the core values that Erika’s parents emulated and instilled in her, and now she is intentional about bringing these to the workplace. In her day to day, this may look like praying before a meeting, uplifting coworkers, or implementing random acts of kindness. She encourages listeners to remember that God is always directing our steps, so all we need to do is trust the process and trust Him, and we will end up where we are meant to be.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Erika Mascarenas is a career professional and natural leader who believes in leading with love and laughter. She is passionate about people and about the acts of kindness that can show God’s love to those who are feeling worn or downcast. She has a goal of starting a nonprofit called “Operation Blessing,” which will allow people to send discreet, anonymous encouragement to those who are in need of it. 
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“If you do know Jesus, it’s going to show up in everything you do — it’s going to show up in the way you type, it’s going to show up in the way you talk, it’s going to show up in the way you care, it’s going to show up in the way you lead.” - Erika Mascarenas
 
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

The Heart of Resolution: Strengthening Relationships Through Conflict | Ep. 030

Are you struggling with some sort of relational conflict in your life? Would you like to know how to solve arguments quicker and calmer? On today’s episode of the Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast, Vivian is joined by Dr. Christina (Chris) Wilson, a Christian Life Coach with a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution. Chris has a background working in juvenile court and court mediation, but further than that, she remembers growing up in a household in which conflict wasn’t always handled well. It was Chris’ assumption that conflict is always emotionally-charged and sometimes volatile, until God showed her another way. Her scholarly research and Biblical knowledge has changed the way to which Chris views conflict, and she now encourages others to view tension and argument in a different light. 
 
We tend to view conflict as detrimental to ourselves and our relationships, but Chris reminds listeners that not all conflict is inherently bad. Oftentimes, when handled well, it can strengthen relationships and improve communication. Moments of conflict are really just conversations, but they escalate when emotions are sparked, usually after one of our values is targeted. Thankfully, the Bible has lots to say about conflict resolution, and Chris pulls from that knowledge and encourages listeners to bring calmness and peace to a tense conversation. To hear more practical advice and tips for approaching conflict resolution, check out this episode!
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Dr. Christina Wilson is a Christian Life Coach with a PhD in conflict analysis and resolution. She runs her own coaching business in which she provides pre-marital and relationship coaching, mediation, group facilitation, and Circle process services. She is passionate about people and relationships, and hopes that those she serves will have a changed outlook on conflict that will change the way they approach emotional conversations.
 
To request your FREE Conflict Resolution Questionnaire, simply send an email to:
jugglinglifepodcast@gmail.com and type “Freebie” in the subject line to claim your free resource!
 
Website: https://iheartresolution.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@christinar.wilsonph.d.233
Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/christina-r-wilson
Email: iheartresolution@gmail.com
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“When conflict gets bad is when we get personal — when we get off the issue and start attacking personally.” - Christina Wilson
 
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Sister Talk with Viv and Becca: Hot Flashes and Armpit Rashes | Ep. 029

Welcome back to another episode of Sister Talk that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! On today’s episode, Vivian and Becca talk all things beauty and wellness, and their hilarious stories bring new meaning to the phrase “beauty is pain.” From driving around in hair rollers to navigating a makeup store, Viv and Becca aren’t shy in sharing their beauty struggles and tips, and remind listeners that there is confidence and strength in laughing your way through the things that “should” embarrass you. 
 
In this episode, Viv and Becca also give listeners more background on their years-long friendship, and why they consider each other sisters to this day. You’ll get to hear the hilarious moment in which Vivian and Becca first met.The two women talk about the bonds of family and girlhood that have kept them close for so many years. If you’re looking for laughter, sincerity, and joyous girl-talk, this episode is perfect for you!
 
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com

Carrying Dreams: A Journey of Love, Family, and Surrogacy | Ep. 028

Do you feel God calling you to something big this season? On today’s episode of Juggling Life, Finding Balance, Vivian is joined by Tiffany Jo Baker, whose story of calling and obedience will inspire you to live with big faith. Tiffany Jo is a certified relationship communication coach who has worked in family ministry for over 24 years. After getting pregnant with her second child, Tiffany Jo felt the Lord nudging her to become a surrogate when she witnessed the pain of a friend struggling with infertility. She has since been a surrogate mom for three different families, carrying and giving birth to five babies. Tiffany Jo says that it is her faith in God and in His children that inspired her to serve other families so sacrificially, as she believes in the importance of being co-laborers in God’s plans.
 
Vivian and Tiffany Jo discuss Tiffany Jo’’s surrogacy journey, the inspiration for her devotional, Soul-Care for Go-Getters, and her work in marriage coaching and strengthening. Throughout it all, Tiffany Jo is a shining example of a woman on mission for the Lord, who listens to His calling and serves His people joyfully using the gifts she’s been given. When asked about how she stays balanced, Tiffany Jo offers listeners the following advice: take an intentional Sabbath once a week where you can reset and celebrate what the Lord has done, and ask Him every so often, “what is my assignment for this season?” When we remain close to God’s plans, we’ll not only see fruit, but we’ll experience fulfillment.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Tiffany Jo Baker is a mom of two teenage girls, a wife of more than 21 years, and a surrogate mom to five babies. She is also an author and a certified relationship communication coach with more than 24 years of experience in family ministry. She is passionate about helping women live out their God-given purpose and believes in the importance of being a co-laborer with brothers and sisters in Christ. Tiffany Jo lives with what she calls “big faith,” having been a teenage prodigal who witnessed God’s blessing and protection in her life in all seasons.
Website: https://www.tiffanyjobaker.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanyjobaker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TiffanyJoBaker/
Podcast: My Full Life + Faith Leaps Podcast
Book: Soul-Care for Go-Getters: A 31-Day Devotional for Women by Tiffany Jo Baker
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“So many of us are busy working for God, but we need to be working with Him.” - Tiffany Jo Baker
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Climbing Out of the Divorce Ditch and Creating your Comeback | Ep. 027

Have you been through a recent divorce or separation, and are seeking encouragement and advice in this next stage of life? On today’s episode, Vivian is joined by Heidi Bee, a divorce comeback coach who is passionate about leading and mentoring women dealing with the aftermath of marriage separation. After going through a divorce and realizing that the resources she needed were not out there, Heidi began her own practice of coaching and empowering women in the same position that she was once in. Vivian and Heidi discuss the importance of self-reclamation, a supportive community, and a focus on the future, and they give listeners practical advice for navigating life after divorce. 
 
For many women, divorce can feel like a ditch in which they aren’t sure how exactly they got there and they aren’t sure how to get out. But if they stay in that ditch, they will never get to experience the joys of a life outside of it. Instead of worrying about the why, a newly divorced woman should focus her energy on the what now, and lean into the upward trajectory of the future. While divorce may signal the end of a relationship, it is also the start of a new chapter, full of purpose, passion, and peace. If you find yourself anywhere near the divorce ditch, take heart in knowing that your story is nowhere near over, and the Lord has plans for you to thrive, not just survive. 
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Heidi Bee is a certified and trauma-informed divorce coach who established her practice after going through a divorce in 2015. Heidi realized that the resources and support that she was seeking post-divorce were not available at that time, so she created them herself. Now, Heidi provides customized coaching and goal-setting for women that are navigating the challenges of separation and divorce. 
Website: https://divorcecomebackcoach.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecomebackcoach/TikTok
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-comeback-coach/id1486352885
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“Where our energy goes, our intention flows.” - Heidi Bee
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com 

Abundance Activated: Thriving Amidst Life's Transitions | Ep. 026

Have you ever felt like the Lord might have a different, greater calling for your life? On today’s episode, Vivian is joined by Samantha Semans, who felt this very calling and now encourages other women to seek lives of godliness and abundance. Samantha is the founder of the Abundant Woman Collective, an organization that is centered on community and fullness of life that is found in the Lord. While Samantha spent many years in both the medical and marketing career fields, she felt God tugging at her heart to step into ministry, and she speaks to Vivian about the challenges, successes, and growth that she’s experienced within that transition.
 
The Bible tells us that in Christ, our lives can be ones of abundance, because the plans that the Father has for us are far greater than anything we can dream on our own. Many women, including Vivian and Samantha, have found themselves at a point in their lives when they made the decision to surrender their plans for God’s plans. When you make the decision to surrender your life and your direction to Christ, you will receive greater freedom, greater access to the Father, and a greater sense of purpose. And if you have made the decision to follow the Lord’s calling but find yourself in a season of waiting, remember that even in the transition, you are placed on purpose. You are allowed to rest and abide in Christ, knowing that God will bring His work to completion.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Samantha Semans is the founder of the Abundant Woman Collective, a community of women who are striving towards God’s true design for their lives amidst the noise and distractions of the world. After serving in the medical field for 10 years, Samantha started a remote marketing agency, but believed the Lord was leading her to something else. Using her knowledge of marketing and her passion for Kingdom-building, Samantha felt God leading her to begin the Abundant Woman Collective, in which she’s been able to minister to women of all ages, encouraging them to lean into the life that God desires for them.
Website: https://www.theabundantwoman.co
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantwomanco/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantwomanco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCruHFxMy2ixpjiOXYb6Y1Ug
 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-abundant-woman-collective-podcast-christian-women/id1649689598 
 
Podcast Episode featuring Vivian: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-from-striving-to-thriving-how-vivian-cumins-broke/id1649689598?i=1000630188054
Abundant Woman Co. “Be Loved” Event: https://www.theabundantwoman.co/beloved
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“You are called to be who you are in the season that you’re in — even if you’re in transition, even if you’re waiting for something else to come, He has purpose and plans for you right now.” - Samantha Semans
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://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins 
MemoryBlogger Website: https://memoryblogger.com