Juggling Life, Finding Balance Podcast with Vivian Cumins

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 

The Ex-Files: Rewriting Your Story After Abandonment | Ep. 025

Are you seeking greater resilience in your life, and aren’t sure where to start? In today’s episode, host Vivian Cumins is joined by Tamala May, an author and speaker whose experience with abandonment has inspired a career and book series focused on resilience and strength in Christ. Tamala is a prime example of the reality that in order to become truly resilient, we often have to go through experiences of great adversity. 
 
Throughout Tamala’s childhood and into her marriage, her life was deeply rooted in tradition and stability, until one day she was faced with an unexpected divorce. Although Tamala knew about God, it wasn’t until the shock of this abandonment that she began to rely wholeheartedly on the Lord, as He was her sole lifeline and strength. As she began pouring into her relationship with God, Tamala’s personal devotions turned quickly into devotions that she shared with friends and family, and ultimately became something that she felt called to author and publish under the title, Starting the Journey: A 30 Day Devotional. 
 
Vivan and Tamala discuss the fact that it is okay to recognize your pain and stay with it for a bit, but you eventually need to set your eyes on where God is taking you and start moving forward. Tamala explains that she needed to get to a place where she was at peace with the pain, because on this side of eternity, things are never going to be perfect. And yet, in spite of the pain we may feel or the ways in which people may fail us, God will never fail, and His promises are ones that we can stand confidently upon.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Tamala May is a nurse practitioner, author, and speaker from North Dakota, and is also a mother of three children. After facing a sudden experience of pain and abandonment, Tamala began walking even more closely with the Lord, and felt called to turn her personal devotions into a series to help other Christians struggling with resilience. Her book is titled Starting the Journey: A 30 Day Devotional, and is the first volume in an upcoming devotional series. 
 
When she isn’t writing or speaking, Tamala works in an oncology unit, and provides care and compassion for cancer patients and survivors. 
Website: https://pursuingchristministries.org // http://tamalamay.com/
Book: Starting the Journey: A 30 Day Devotional by Tamala May
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
“If there wasn’t pain in this life, it would be heaven. What would we need a Savior for if this life wasn’t hard?” - Tamala May
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 Simple Shift: Transitioning to a Life of True Significance | Ep. 024

Have you ever felt like your life lacks significance, despite what you read in Scripture? Is it difficult for you to believe that your life is meaningful in God’s eyes? In today’s episode, Vivian Cumins is joined by Rachael Adams, a business owner and author who felt for many years that her life was only valuable when she was accomplishing the things on her to-do list. This even worked itself into her relationship with God, as Rachael began believing that her worth was wrapped up in achievement, and God was most proud of her when she was most successful.
 
After seeking Scripture, Rachael realized that this internalized belief was a tool that the enemy was using to deter her from God’s true plans for her life. Vivian and Rachael discuss the reality that so many Christian women feel the same way, and believe that their lives and efforts don’t truly matter unless they are successful in one way or another. For many women, this fear or self-doubt prevents them from using the gifts that God has granted them, so Rachael encourages listeners to cherish small beginnings and seek guidance from the Lord. 
 
God’s love is not contingent on achievement, but He has great plans for His children, and for many, the fear of failure prevents us from beginning anything. Instead of focusing your energy on what you can do, focus on what God is going to do. Ultimately, the things we accomplish are not for personal glory, but should be for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom, and any labor done in and for the Lord is not in vain.
 
GUEST BIO:
 
Rachael Adams is a speaker, host of The Love Offering Podcast, and author of A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life. Rachael grew up in an entrepreneurial family and was a stay-at-home mom who struggled for many years with feeling like her life wasn’t significant. After seeking Scripture to help her overcome her internalized need for success and productivity, Rachael discovered her passion for helping women recognize their God-given purpose and significance.
 
Website: https://rachaelkadams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachaeladamsauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor/
Podcast: The Love Offering Podcast
Book: A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life by Rachael Adams
 
POWERFUL QUOTE:
 
“Our whole lives are God’s training ground, and He’s preparing us with every single conversation and experience.” - Rachael Adams
 
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 Balanced Caregiver: Exploring Strategies for Support & Self-Care | Ep. 023

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities of caring for a loved one, unsure how to balance their needs with your own? I sat down with Pamela Wilson, a seasoned expert who transformed her personal caregiving experiences into a mission to support others. We unpack the often-overlooked challenges of caregiving, from recognizing when you've become a caregiver to managing the complex emotions that arise. Pamela shares invaluable strategies for maintaining your well-being while providing care, including how to build a strong support network and the importance of self-care – even when it feels impossible. We also explore practical tips for initiating difficult conversations with aging parents and navigating the healthcare system. Whether you're currently in a caregiving role or anticipating it in the future, this episode offers compassionate insights and actionable advice to help you find balance and resilience in your caregiving journey.
 
GUEST BIO
 
Pamela D. Wilson Bio, MS, BS/BA, CG, CSA, is an international caregiving expert, advocate, and speaker. She has supported older adults and caregivers for over twenty years as a care manager, professional fiduciary, and subject matter expert. This unique experience serves as Wilson’s platform to increase awareness of caregiving as an essential role in life and to support individuals of all ages in navigating healthcare systems and the related financial and legal choices that impact access to care.
Pamela hosts and produces The Caring Generation® podcast and answers questions from caregivers on her YouTube Channel. She is the author of The Caregiving Trap: Solutions for Life’s Unexpected Changes and the creator of the online course Support Caring for Aging Parents.
Website: https://pameladwilson.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/pameladwilsoncaregivingexpert
Instagram: https://instagram.com/wilsonpamelad/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@PamelaDWilsonCaregivingExpert
 
Podcast:  https://pameladwilson.com/podcasts-for-caregivers-caregiving-radio-program-the-caring-generation-pamela-d-wilson-host/
POWERFUL QUOTE
 
"The teacher shows up when the student’s ready. We have to be ready to be open to change in our lives. Self-care [for caregivers] is non-negotiable.” - Pamela 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 

Empowered by Purpose: Becoming the Strong Step-Mom God Called You to Be | Ep. 022

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to step into the role of a stepmom with grace, purpose, and divine calling? In this heartfelt episode, Vivian sits down with Jen Rogers to unpack the joys and challenges of becoming a stepmom in a blended family. Drawing from both of their personal experiences, Jen and Vivian offer a candid look at the rollercoaster ride of stepparenting, addressing everything from imposter syndrome to dealing with defiant children and difficult exes. Jen shares her inspiring journey from feeling like an outsider to embracing her role as a "bonus mom" with confidence and faith. Through this conversation, you'll find practical advice, spiritual encouragement, and a reminder that you're not alone in your stepmom journey. Whether you're a seasoned stepmom or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights on how to thrive in your calling, build strong family bonds, and find your unique place in God's plan for your blended family. Join Jen and Vivian as they explore the path to becoming the strong stepmom God has called you to be.
GUEST BIO
 
On the brink of a failing marriage after becoming a stepmom and blending families with her new husband, Jen knew she had to choose – her way or God’s way. Since her way wasn’t working, she decided to dive deep into God’s Word to find answers. 
 
Jen Rogers is an inspirational speaker, a Certified Professional Life Coach, and a podcast host. She inspires women throughout the world to remove the shackles of “should” and “shame” to experience the strength, confidence, and boldness that comes from embracing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Through years of experience as a stepmom, Jenn helps other stepmoms thrive by conquering imposter syndrome so they can stop wrestling with things out of their control and go from burnt out, to in love, with their lives.
 
Jen is also a recovered certified public accountant who helps startup Christian women entrepreneurs leverage resources so they can stop running around with their hair on fire and have time for the people, places, and play they treasure most. Jen’s taken all she’s gleaned from corporate, her epic resign-firing, and her Stepmama role, squishing them together with love, as she pivoted her podcast and work to Time To Simplify. When she’s not helping others launch a podcast (or coaching Stepmamas on the side), she’s speaking on stages about creating more time each day through leveraging the power of gratitude, planning, creative connections, and secrets of highly successful women entrepreneurs.
 
Website: https://coachjenrogers.com
https://coachjenrogers.com/launchyourpodcast
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jenrogers.thejenrogers
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/thejenrogers
POWERFUL QUOTES
 
"If you want to thrive in your journey, just adopt the spirit of curiosity." - Jen Rogers
 
“The family that you're in right now, no matter how many families you've been in, you've never been in this family before. Never. So you're always learning." - Jen Rogers
 
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 

Beauty Treatments, Transitions, and Poop - Oh My! | Ep. 021

This week’s Sister Talk with Viv & Becca is packed with all sorts of fun and the sharing of  secrets - like our costly and up close and personal beauty treatments, ‘poop’ petitions, and the unexpected ways prayers get answered. We also dive into the real struggles of transitioning to a new state, building a social circle in unfamiliar surroundings, managing the work-from-home lifestyle, and maintaining long-distance family bonds.
 
I believe there are three pillars to living an abundant, well-balanced life: God first, self-care, and good old-fashioned fun! That is what the Sister Talk with Viv & Becca segment is all about. We are just two Oklahoma gals with a unique bond and passion for storytelling and encouraging women to embrace every season of life. 
 
There is something for everyone in this segment and we guarantee you’ll find a topic that will put a smile on your face. So, grab your headphones and coffee and join us for some sister talk!
 
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://www.facebook.com/viviancumins2
Instagram: https://instagram.com/viviancumins
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JugglingLifeFindingBalance
TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@viviancumins
Apple & Spotify (Smartlink): https://link.chtbl.com/JugglingLifeFindingBalance
MemoryBlogger website: https://memoryblogger.com