Wrestling With Life
We are all wrestling with something – especially us twenty and thirty somethings who are navigating the most transitional, confusing, overwhelming times of our lives thus far. We’re doing so many things for the first time: getting started in our careers, living on our own, moving to new places, dating (or marrying) new people, making new friends, and asking the big life questions like, “What is the point of all of this?” And on top of all that, our generation is up against something none of our ancestors before us have ever navigated: growing up in a tech savvy world full of constant distractions. We’re more connected than ever before – yet we’re largely lacking purpose, in-person community, and faith in anything besides “quick fixes” to give us relief. Instead we’re overwhelmed with information, addicted to our phones, and desperate for a more meaningful existence. Whether you’re wrestling with your self-image, your faith in God, or your entire life’s purpose – I’m here to tell you that you are not alone and to encourage you to find both beauty and purpose in the midst of your struggle. My name is EmLed and this is the Wrestling With Life podcast :) I’m in my late twenties and spent the last few years in my “healing era” – going to therapy, reading tons of self-help books, and pouring myself into my career ambitions. This is what the modern mental health movement tells us will fix our problems, right? But my obsession with self-improvement slowly morphed into a pursuit of perfection, outperforming my competition, and total self-absorption. Funny enough, all the time I spent “finding myself” left me feeling more isolated, more insecure, and more sad than ever before. Then God brought me to my knees and opened my eyes – I can’t do life without Him. Wrestling With Life is for anyone like me who is tired of trying to play God and rely on themselves to find peace. Together, we’re gonna look to Jesus for inspiration on how to live and love and give and feel. We’ll kick perfection and control and pride to the curb and intentionally seek how God may use our pain for good. We’ll explore how we can build community and lift others up and embrace humility. And above all else, we will strive to accept our beautifully messy, limited human nature and remember that the point of life is learning to unconditionally love one another – not rise above each other. Whatever you’re wrestling with, you are not alone – let’s Wrestle With Life together. Follow @em_led11 on Instagram for more <3
Episodes

Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
One of the biggest things I used to overthink the most was my past: ways I messed up, people I let down, things I wished I handled differently. And I know I'm not alone in this.
In this episode, I'm sharing the three biggest perspective shifts I've made in order to make peace with my past. I also explain how my relationship with God has truly allowed me to do that.
If you're feeling lots of shame over your past, you are not alone & this episode is for you :)
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Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
Tuesday Mar 04, 2025
The results are in: 20% of 22–35-year-olds report they overthink their career more than anything else in life. I can relate! Choosing your life's work is no small decision. But I think a lot of the problem stems from bad advice we've been given on our careers in general.
We're closing out our overthinking series by dispelling 5 major career myths that keep us overthinking, limited, and stuck when it comes to finding great purpose and joy in our work. Then we're replacing these myths with 5 fresh perspective shifts that will get us out of our own way and help us step into our calling.
Let's go babyyyyy!
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Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
AMAZING NEWS Y'ALL - your girl is officially an entrepreneur!! What!!
As I'm navigating starting my own business for the first time and TOTALLY being pushed out of my comfort zone, it only makes sense to start a podcast series on how to stop playing small and start stepping in faith. Right??
This is the only solo episode in the whole series, which sets the stage for interviews I'm recording with some of the most inspiring and insightful entrepreneurs in my local hometown of Wilmington, NC.
In this episode, I'm reflecting on the five biggest lessons I learned during my time working in corporate America.
From navigating office politics to mastering leadership skills, I'm sharing real-world insights to help you stop playing small and start stepping out in faith.
Whether you're aiming to grow in your career or seeking motivation to make bold moves, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways :)
Key Topics:✅ Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome✅ Lessons in leadership and communication✅ Embracing faith-based decisions in business✅ Tips for stepping outside your comfort zone
🎧 Tune in and discover how to apply these corporate lessons to elevate your life and career :)
My Social Media & Podcast Production Services
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Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
In this powerful episode, we're welcoming the inspiring Brittany Wheeler to the mic for a heartfelt conversation about stepping into God-sized dreams with bold faith.
Brittany, host of the podcast The Brittany Wheeler Show, shares her personal journey of walking away from the career she thought she wanted, trusting God through uncertainty, and walking courageously towards the vision God called her to.
Coolest things we talk through:✅ How to silence fear and boldly pursue your purpose✅ Trusting God when the path ahead feels unclear✅ Embracing the unknown with unwavering faith
If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger but were held back by fear, this episode will encourage you to take that next step baby!! Tune in for a soul-stirring conversation that will ignite your faith and challenge you to dream beyond limits.
The Brittany Wheeler Show
Wrestling With Life
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Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tune in to hear Wilmington local author, podcaster, and business owner, Justin Gates, share his personal journey of entrepreneurship: the highs, the lows, and the moments when trusting God made all the difference.
Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating the intersection of faith and career, this episode offers honest insights, real talk about risk-taking, and a reminder that purpose and profit can go hand in hand.
Connect with Justin Gates
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Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
What's up y'all! Today we’re joined by Nick Rizzo, a video marketer located in Wilmington, NC who helps local business owners get customers with Instagram!!
In this episode, Nick and I dive deep into the mental shifts required to take your business and life to the next level. Whether you're navigating burnout, struggling with imposter syndrome, or hitting a plateau in growth, Nick shares practical strategies and empowering insights to help you rewire your thinking, own your value, and unlock your full potential.
We explore how to:
Get more comfortable on camera
Break free from self-limiting beliefs
Determine whether or not being an entrepreneur is your calling
Balance mind, body, and soul to build a resilient, success-driven mindset
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, creators, and professionals ready to level up with intention and confidence!! Tune in :)
Need help with your social media content?
Connect with Nick Rizzo
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Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Y'all -- put your hands together for my good friend Sam Johnson!! This convo will live rent free in my head for a WHILE because it parallels so perfectly with similar messages the Lord has been sending my way over the last few months.
Sam and I dive deep into:
How Sam's trust in the Lord to provide has always paid off in both his career and life
How Sam has overcome feelings of insecurity and unbelonging
What a life of abiding with Jesus looks and feels like
If you're not sure where you stand with God or you're wrestling with feelings of not enoughness, this episode is truly for you -- tune in and get your tissues ready :')
Reach out to Sam: sam@vigilanthope.com
Donate to Vigilant Hope
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Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
This episode is so close to my heart you guys!!
I finally got to sit down with one of my best friends, Gillian Scott, a local Wilmington architect who recently launched Arc30 Studio. This conversation is one I’ve been craving for months and let me tell you -- it DID NOT disappoint!
Gillian has been such a steady, faith-filled presence in my life since I moved to Wilmington. Walking alongside her as we both build our own businesses as well as grow spiritually has been such a gift :')
In this episode, we talk about what it really looks like to release expectations — in our work, our lives, and even our faith journeys. This isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about giving yourself permission to evolve, to trust God in the process, and to embrace the not knowing.
If you’ve ever felt behind, stuck, or overwhelmed by the pressure to “get it right,” I know this episode will feel like a deep exhale for you!! Gillian’s honesty, wisdom, and humor will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired to keep going :)
Thanks for being here y'all!! You are not alone in your wrestling 💛
Contact Gillian: gillian@arc30studio.com
Learn more about Arc30 Studio
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Tuesday May 13, 2025
Tuesday May 13, 2025
What's up y'all! In this empowering episode that will give you all the feels, I'm sitting down with certified leadership coach Jennifer Brown to explore the transformative concept that you are not your thoughts. Jen shares her personal journey into coaching, the pivotal mindset shifts that helped her break free from limiting beliefs, and the tools she uses to help clients take control of their mental narratives and thrive in their businesses.
Whether you're battling negative self-talk, struggling with imposter syndrome, or just curious about what a life coach actually does—this conversation is packed with relatable insights and practical advice.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The difference between your thoughts and your identity
How to recognize and interrupt negative thought loops
Jennifer’s favorite tools for self-awareness and emotional regulation
The power of curiosity in mindset work
Why observing your thoughts (without judgment) is the first step toward change
How to integrate your faith into "self-help"
Resources Mentioned:
Email Jen: jen@journeyofgracecoaching.com
Journey of Grace Coaching Website
Connect with Jen on LinkedIn
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Tuesday May 20, 2025
Tuesday May 20, 2025
This week, I'm sitting down with PR expert and local Wilmington community builder, Alli Rodriguez. She is the founder and CEO of ARPR and she is here to talk about the power of collaboration & community over competition in business!!
From her journey into public relations to her commitment to creating spaces where women can thrive together, Alli shares candid insights into building authentic relationships, showing up as your full self, and why choosing community is always a winning strategy.
Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to do business alone!!
CONNECT:
Follow Alli on Instagram
Visit ARPR's Website
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