• Beyond Existing - Beyond the Small Talk

  • By: Alisa Stockov
  • Podcast

Beyond Existing - Beyond the Small Talk

By: Alisa Stockov
  • Summary

  • Has life's struggles left you feeling like you were going through your days "just existing?" In this podcast you will hear stories/testimonies from myself and others who have dealt with the struggles life has to offer and getting to that place in which life is being lived "beyond existing." I appreciate all of those who have been willing to "put themselves out there" to open up and share personal information for the betterment of others.

    © 2025 Beyond Existing - Beyond the Small Talk
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Episodes
  • From a Marriage Trapped by Alcohol to Embracing Independence at 40
    Jan 29 2025

    What if you found yourself pregnant at 17 amidst a circle where alcohol blurred the lines of support and denial? This week, our guest shares her compelling story of teenage pregnancy, navigating complex family dynamics, and the emotional journey that unfolded with her partner at her side. It’s a heartfelt narrative of resilience, as she challenges societal stereotypes, manages the demands of early parenthood, and pursues higher education, all against a backdrop of personal growth and unwavering family support.

    Our conversation takes a candid look at the intricacies of marriage, from the challenges of infidelity and forgiveness to the struggle of living with a partner battling alcohol. Hear how she found escape and identity through her teaching career, even as she faced the heartbreak of miscarriage and the joy of planned pregnancies. We explore how personal choices weave through life events, forging a path lined with love, resilience, and the art of balancing personal passions with family life.

    Witness the powerful transformation of our guest as she embarks on a journey of independence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her courageous decision to leave a toxic relationship marks the beginning of an inspiring quest for self-empowerment at 40, where she learns to manage finances and finds fulfillment in her role as a teacher. With faith guiding her through, she reflects on divine messages in tragedy and the importance of empathy and understanding amidst life's toughest challenges. Join us for an episode that captures the essence of overcoming adversity and discovering joy in everyday moments.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • "We were dirt poor but so was everyone else" Christine opens up about life in rural NC in the mid-1940's and 50's, tragic loss of siblings, and the struggles of a mother with mental illness
    Dec 29 2024

    What happens when you're one of twelve siblings growing up in a rural community without modern conveniences? Christine, our guest, paints a vivid tapestry of her childhood, filled with challenges, heartache, and the warmth of a close-knit community, the Statesville Brickyard community. As she recounts her experiences, from the tragic losses of several siblings to the small joys of getting electricity for the first time, Christine's story becomes a powerful testament to the resilience and faith that have guided her through life's trials.

    Christine's journey doesn't shy away from the difficulties of large family dynamics, particularly when compounded by the challenges faced by her deaf siblings. We touch on the haunting premonitions of her mother and the heartbreaking abuse Christine endured, yet marvel at her ability to turn her experiences into empathy and understanding in her teaching career. Her narrative is a reminder of how her faith offers refuge and healing.

    From a challenging upbringing to a life filled with love, Christine's story is more than just survival; it's about transformation and overcoming depression through faith. We explore the host's journey from rock bottom to recovery, and how these shared stories are the bedrock of this podcast. This episode promises not just to inspire but to provide a beacon of hope for anyone wrestling with similar struggles, underscoring the transformative power of resilience and faith.

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    46 mins
  • "A God of Second Chances" Karen Shares her Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Building a Family with her Husband Bart Through Adoption
    Dec 9 2024

    What if life's unexpected challenges were the stepping stones to a greater destiny? Meet Karen, a multi-business owner and devout Christian, who shares her remarkable journey of faith, resilience, and transformation. Growing up in a devout Christian environment, Karen learned to differentiate between her own thoughts and divine guidance, using scripture as her compass. She opens up about her first marriage, navigating the trials of infidelity and infertility, and the lessons learned from overlooking red flags during courtship. Karen’s journey is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of heeding a higher calling, even when life throws unexpected storms your way.

    Karen's path to motherhood took a different route, as she and her husband Bart faced the emotional and physical struggles of infertility. With faith as her anchor, she embraced the Foster to Adopt program, overcoming financial and emotional hurdles to create the family they longed for. Listen to Karen’s poignant recount of fostering and eventually adopting Bryson, a biracial baby who brought immense joy and love into their lives. Her story highlights the significant impact of choosing alternative paths to parenthood and the deep bonds that form through the process of fostering and adoption.

    But Karen's journey doesn't stop at family. Her career transformation is equally inspiring, shifting from a physical therapist assistant to finding a calling in massage therapy. This change was fueled by personal experiences, including overcoming a serious car accident. Amidst these transitions, Karen's faith in divine guidance led her to pursue her dream of opening a salon, with community support and perseverance lighting the path. Karen’s story is a compelling reminder of how embracing life’s uncertainties with faith can unlock unexpected opportunities and fulfillment.

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    1 hr and 2 mins

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