Pursue YOU with Pat Smith en 2026 Pursue YOU is a faith-centered personal growth podcast for women who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of life. If you’ve ever looked up and wondered, How did I get here? — this show is for you. Hosted by Patricia “Pat” Smith, Pursue YOU explores identity, healing, resilience, purpose, and the courage to rebuild from within. Through vulnerable reflections and powerful conversations with leaders and faith voices, Pat creates space for women navigating life transitions, rediscovering themselves, and redefining who they are beyond the labels. If you’re ready to reconnect with your identity, confront fear, and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence — It’s time to Pursue YOU. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/5bbd4e98-16b5-11f1-a6df-8facb0c5c07d/image/dc4dafc951e1b1d63968f3484e4e1aa5.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Pursue YOU with Pat Smith episodic Pat Smith Pursue YOU is a faith-centered personal growth podcast for women who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of life. If you’ve ever looked up and wondered, How did I get here? — this show is for you. Hosted by Patricia “Pat” Smith, Pursue YOU explores identity, healing, resilience, purpose, and the courage to rebuild from within. Through vulnerable reflections and powerful conversations with leaders and faith voices, Pat creates space for women navigating life transitions, rediscovering themselves, and redefining who they are beyond the labels. If you’re ready to reconnect with your identity, confront fear, and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence — It’s time to Pursue YOU. Pursue YOU is a faith-centered personal growth podcast for women who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of life.

If you’ve ever looked up and wondered, How did I get here? — this show is for you.

Hosted by Patricia “Pat” Smith, Pursue YOU explores identity, healing, resilience, purpose, and the courage to rebuild from within. Through vulnerable reflections and powerful conversations with leaders and faith voices, Pat creates space for women navigating life transitions, rediscovering themselves, and redefining who they are beyond the labels.

If you’re ready to reconnect with your identity, confront fear, and step into your next chapter with clarity and confidence —

It’s time to Pursue YOU.

]]> Pat Smith jmupat22@gmail.com What 30 Years of Friendship Taught Us About Showing Up for Each Other What do you need from your friendships in this season of life? Pat Smith and her longtime friend Millicent Finney reflect on how friendship changes in your 50s and 60s, why different seasons require different kinds of support, and what it really means to show up for someone. From navigating decades of motherhood and family life together to literal late-night rescue calls, Pat and Millicent reveal the kind of friendship where the roles may change—but you still know, “If I need something, you’re there.” Along the way, Pat catches herself minimizing what she brings to the friendship and realizes that love doesn’t have to look equal to be mutual. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 07 Sep 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 Pat Smith What do you need from your friendships in this season of life? Pat Smith and her longtime friend Millicent Finney reflect on how friendship changes in your 50s and 60s, why different seasons require different kinds of support, and what it really means to show up for someone. From navigating decades of motherhood and family life together to literal late-night rescue calls, Pat and Millicent reveal the kind of friendship where the roles may change—but you still know, “If I need something, you’re there.” Along the way, Pat catches herself minimizing what she brings to the friendship and realizes that love doesn’t have to look equal to be mutual. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network What do you need from your friendships in this season of life?

Pat Smith and her longtime friend Millicent Finney reflect on how friendship changes in your 50s and 60s, why different seasons require different kinds of support, and what it really means to show up for someone. From navigating decades of motherhood and family life together to literal late-night rescue calls, Pat and Millicent reveal the kind of friendship where the roles may change—but you still know, “If I need something, you’re there.”

Along the way, Pat catches herself minimizing what she brings to the friendship and realizes that love doesn’t have to look equal to be mutual.


RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 593 no 8: Putting Everyone Else First: People-Pleasing, Perfectionism & Finding Yourself at 60 with Millicent What happens when the woman who holds everything together finally admits she is tired? In this deeply emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her lifelong friend Millicent Finney for a raw, unscripted conversation about friendship, faith, perfectionism, identity, and the hidden cost of always being the strong one. For decades, Millicent has been the protector, the problem-solver, the woman who makes everything happen for everyone else. But in this conversation, she opens up about what it looks like to turn that same care inward for the first time. From navigating marriage, motherhood, and career, to confronting people-pleasing, image pressure, and the fear of disappointing others, Millicent shares how God is calling her into a new season of alignment and self-trust. Tune in as Pat and Millicent explore what it means to pursue yourself without guilt, how friendships evolve across seasons, and why choosing yourself is not selfish; it is a matter of self-care. This episode is for every woman who has put herself last for too long and is finally ready to step into who God created her to be. KEY POINTS  00:00 - Introduction — Being the strong friend can cost you yourself 00:38 - Forgetting your purpose while caring for everyone else 00:49 - Finding your way back to God’s purpose 19:23 - Learning to pursue yourself after a lifetime of serving others 21:17 - Confidence, humility, and walking boldly with God 53:23 - The perfectionism that keeps you stuck 55:18 - The exhaustion of trying to look like you have it all together 56:21 - When God creates space for you to rediscover yourself 57:47 - Fighting for yourself as much as you fight for others 1:00:33 - It’s never too late to choose yourself QUOTES  “Showing up for myself is not the same as showing up for others.” – Millicent Finney “You operate under these safety rules, and you get nowhere.” “It’s a blessing and a burden to always be the one making it happen.” “Remove boundaries from yourself. Anything you put on yourself, no one gave it to you.” “It’s never too late. Just stop getting in the way of yourself.” GUEST RESOURCES  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:45:00 -0000 full 1 8 Pat Smith What happens when the woman who holds everything together finally admits she is tired? In this deeply emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her lifelong friend Millicent Finney for a raw, unscripted conversation about friendship, faith, perfectionism, identity, and the hidden cost of always being the strong one. For decades, Millicent has been the protector, the problem-solver, the woman who makes everything happen for everyone else. But in this conversation, she opens up about what it looks like to turn that same care inward for the first time. From navigating marriage, motherhood, and career, to confronting people-pleasing, image pressure, and the fear of disappointing others, Millicent shares how God is calling her into a new season of alignment and self-trust. Tune in as Pat and Millicent explore what it means to pursue yourself without guilt, how friendships evolve across seasons, and why choosing yourself is not selfish; it is a matter of self-care. This episode is for every woman who has put herself last for too long and is finally ready to step into who God created her to be. KEY POINTS  00:00 - Introduction — Being the strong friend can cost you yourself 00:38 - Forgetting your purpose while caring for everyone else 00:49 - Finding your way back to God’s purpose 19:23 - Learning to pursue yourself after a lifetime of serving others 21:17 - Confidence, humility, and walking boldly with God 53:23 - The perfectionism that keeps you stuck 55:18 - The exhaustion of trying to look like you have it all together 56:21 - When God creates space for you to rediscover yourself 57:47 - Fighting for yourself as much as you fight for others 1:00:33 - It’s never too late to choose yourself QUOTES  “Showing up for myself is not the same as showing up for others.” – Millicent Finney “You operate under these safety rules, and you get nowhere.” “It’s a blessing and a burden to always be the one making it happen.” “Remove boundaries from yourself. Anything you put on yourself, no one gave it to you.” “It’s never too late. Just stop getting in the way of yourself.” GUEST RESOURCES  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What happens when the woman who holds everything together finally admits she is tired?

In this deeply emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her lifelong friend Millicent Finney for a raw, unscripted conversation about friendship, faith, perfectionism, identity, and the hidden cost of always being the strong one.

For decades, Millicent has been the protector, the problem-solver, the woman who makes everything happen for everyone else. But in this conversation, she opens up about what it looks like to turn that same care inward for the first time. From navigating marriage, motherhood, and career, to confronting people-pleasing, image pressure, and the fear of disappointing others, Millicent shares how God is calling her into a new season of alignment and self-trust.

Tune in as Pat and Millicent explore what it means to pursue yourself without guilt, how friendships evolve across seasons, and why choosing yourself is not selfish; it is a matter of self-care. This episode is for every woman who has put herself last for too long and is finally ready to step into who God created her to be.

KEY POINTS 

00:00 - Introduction — Being the strong friend can cost you yourself

00:38 - Forgetting your purpose while caring for everyone else

00:49 - Finding your way back to God’s purpose

19:23 - Learning to pursue yourself after a lifetime of serving others

21:17 - Confidence, humility, and walking boldly with God

53:23 - The perfectionism that keeps you stuck

55:18 - The exhaustion of trying to look like you have it all together

56:21 - When God creates space for you to rediscover yourself

57:47 - Fighting for yourself as much as you fight for others

1:00:33 - It’s never too late to choose yourself


QUOTES 

“Showing up for myself is not the same as showing up for others.” – Millicent Finney

“You operate under these safety rules, and you get nowhere.”

“It’s a blessing and a burden to always be the one making it happen.”

“Remove boundaries from yourself. Anything you put on yourself, no one gave it to you.”

“It’s never too late. Just stop getting in the way of yourself.”


GUEST RESOURCES 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 4278 no What Does the Bible Actually Say About Same-Sex Relationships? | Pastor Delman Coates Pastor and biblical scholar Dr. Delman Coates joins Pat Smith for a candid conversation about the Bible, homosexuality, and the Scriptures Christians have long used to discuss same-sex relationships. Dr. Coates challenges traditional interpretations of Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans, and Matthew 19, explaining why historical context, language, consent, and translation matter when reading Scripture. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation invites you to look closer, ask deeper questions, and study the text for yourself. GUEST RESOURCES Pastor Delman Coates Website | delmancoates.org RESOURCES Pat Smith IG | @patsmithty PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full Pat Smith Pastor and biblical scholar Dr. Delman Coates joins Pat Smith for a candid conversation about the Bible, homosexuality, and the Scriptures Christians have long used to discuss same-sex relationships. Dr. Coates challenges traditional interpretations of Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans, and Matthew 19, explaining why historical context, language, consent, and translation matter when reading Scripture. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation invites you to look closer, ask deeper questions, and study the text for yourself. GUEST RESOURCES Pastor Delman Coates Website | delmancoates.org RESOURCES Pat Smith IG | @patsmithty PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Pastor and biblical scholar Dr. Delman Coates joins Pat Smith for a candid conversation about the Bible, homosexuality, and the Scriptures Christians have long used to discuss same-sex relationships. Dr. Coates challenges traditional interpretations of Leviticus, Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans, and Matthew 19, explaining why historical context, language, consent, and translation matter when reading Scripture. Whether you agree or disagree, this conversation invites you to look closer, ask deeper questions, and study the text for yourself.


GUEST RESOURCES


Pastor Delman Coates

Website | delmancoates.org


RESOURCES


Pat Smith


IG | @patsmithty


PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 460 no 7: When Faith Makes You Feel Shame: Rethinking What We Were Taught with Dr. Delman Coates What if the faith you were taught was never meant to imprison you? In this bold and deeply freeing episode of Pursue You, Pat Smith sits down with Pastor and theologian Dr. Delman Coates for a powerful conversation about Scripture, identity, marriage, sexuality, and the harm caused when faith is stripped of context and compassion. Together, they unpack how the Bible has been misused to shame people navigating divorce, relationships, sexuality, and major life decisions.  “Grief, divorce, sexuality… these are complex issues, and the church gives people simple answers.” – Pastor Delman Coates.  Dr. Coates challenges rigid interpretations of Scripture and explains why many commonly quoted verses have been misunderstood, mistranslated, or weaponized… often leaving people stuck in fear, silence, and self-condemnation. This episode delves into what it truly means to live a faith rooted in love, justice, and freedom. If you’ve ever felt torn between your faith and your heart, silenced by shame, or afraid to ask hard questions in church, this episode will meet you with clarity, courage, and grace. 👉 Learn more at lifesavingdivorce.com and explore the book The Life-Saving Divorce for deeper guidance.  KEY POINTS  00:00 - Introduction  03:59 – When Scripture creates bondage instead of freedom. 09:26 – Pat redefines what a “successful” marriage actually means. 12:49 – The spiritual weight of believing divorce means disappointing God. 17:11 – God can give us agency to choose a new season. 20:25 – Why context matters when interpreting Scripture. 26:54 – Desire is something to manage, not automatically demonize. 35:42 – Faith does not require everyone to think the same. 41:00 – Reaching the point where you finally choose yourself. 43:34 – How shame caused Pat to silence herself and step away from ministry. 1:27:13 – Why we need more voices in the middle, not just the extremes. QUOTES  “We use scripture to put people in bondage instead of freeing them.” – Pastor Delman Coates “God is not always an either-or God. God is a both-and God.” – Pastor Delman Coates “There are no texts in Scripture that condemn consensual, same-gender loving people.” – Pastor Delman Coates “Scripture is about critiquing systemic injustice, not policing personal piety.” – Pastor Delman Coates “We should come alongside people to help them navigate hard decisions, not demonize them.” – Pastor Delman Coates GUEST RESOURCES  Pastor Delman Coates Website | delmancoates.org RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:48:00 -0000 full 1 7 Pat Smith What if the faith you were taught was never meant to imprison you? In this bold and deeply freeing episode of Pursue You, Pat Smith sits down with Pastor and theologian Dr. Delman Coates for a powerful conversation about Scripture, identity, marriage, sexuality, and the harm caused when faith is stripped of context and compassion. Together, they unpack how the Bible has been misused to shame people navigating divorce, relationships, sexuality, and major life decisions.  “Grief, divorce, sexuality… these are complex issues, and the church gives people simple answers.” – Pastor Delman Coates.  Dr. Coates challenges rigid interpretations of Scripture and explains why many commonly quoted verses have been misunderstood, mistranslated, or weaponized… often leaving people stuck in fear, silence, and self-condemnation. This episode delves into what it truly means to live a faith rooted in love, justice, and freedom. If you’ve ever felt torn between your faith and your heart, silenced by shame, or afraid to ask hard questions in church, this episode will meet you with clarity, courage, and grace. 👉 Learn more at lifesavingdivorce.com and explore the book The Life-Saving Divorce for deeper guidance.  KEY POINTS  00:00 - Introduction  03:59 – When Scripture creates bondage instead of freedom. 09:26 – Pat redefines what a “successful” marriage actually means. 12:49 – The spiritual weight of believing divorce means disappointing God. 17:11 – God can give us agency to choose a new season. 20:25 – Why context matters when interpreting Scripture. 26:54 – Desire is something to manage, not automatically demonize. 35:42 – Faith does not require everyone to think the same. 41:00 – Reaching the point where you finally choose yourself. 43:34 – How shame caused Pat to silence herself and step away from ministry. 1:27:13 – Why we need more voices in the middle, not just the extremes. QUOTES  “We use scripture to put people in bondage instead of freeing them.” – Pastor Delman Coates “God is not always an either-or God. God is a both-and God.” – Pastor Delman Coates “There are no texts in Scripture that condemn consensual, same-gender loving people.” – Pastor Delman Coates “Scripture is about critiquing systemic injustice, not policing personal piety.” – Pastor Delman Coates “We should come alongside people to help them navigate hard decisions, not demonize them.” – Pastor Delman Coates GUEST RESOURCES  Pastor Delman Coates Website | delmancoates.org RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What if the faith you were taught was never meant to imprison you?

In this bold and deeply freeing episode of Pursue You, Pat Smith sits down with Pastor and theologian Dr. Delman Coates for a powerful conversation about Scripture, identity, marriage, sexuality, and the harm caused when faith is stripped of context and compassion.

Together, they unpack how the Bible has been misused to shame people navigating divorce, relationships, sexuality, and major life decisions. 

“Grief, divorce, sexuality… these are complex issues, and the church gives people simple answers.” – Pastor Delman Coates. 

Dr. Coates challenges rigid interpretations of Scripture and explains why many commonly quoted verses have been misunderstood, mistranslated, or weaponized… often leaving people stuck in fear, silence, and self-condemnation.

This episode delves into what it truly means to live a faith rooted in love, justice, and freedom. If you’ve ever felt torn between your faith and your heart, silenced by shame, or afraid to ask hard questions in church, this episode will meet you with clarity, courage, and grace.

👉 Learn more at lifesavingdivorce.com and explore the book The Life-Saving Divorce for deeper guidance. 

KEY POINTS 

00:00 - Introduction 

03:59 – When Scripture creates bondage instead of freedom.

09:26 – Pat redefines what a “successful” marriage actually means.

12:49 – The spiritual weight of believing divorce means disappointing God.

17:11 – God can give us agency to choose a new season.

20:25 – Why context matters when interpreting Scripture.

26:54 – Desire is something to manage, not automatically demonize.

35:42 – Faith does not require everyone to think the same.

41:00 – Reaching the point where you finally choose yourself.

43:34 – How shame caused Pat to silence herself and step away from ministry.

1:27:13 – Why we need more voices in the middle, not just the extremes.

QUOTES 

“We use scripture to put people in bondage instead of freeing them.” – Pastor Delman Coates

“God is not always an either-or God. God is a both-and God.” – Pastor Delman Coates

“There are no texts in Scripture that condemn consensual, same-gender loving people.” – Pastor Delman Coates

“Scripture is about critiquing systemic injustice, not policing personal piety.” – Pastor Delman Coates

“We should come alongside people to help them navigate hard decisions, not demonize them.” – Pastor Delman Coates


GUEST RESOURCES 

Pastor Delman Coates

Website | delmancoates.org

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 5338 no Ambiguous Loss: The Hidden Grief of Divorce, Friendship & Identity | Pat Smith & John Onwuchekwa Grief isn't always about losing a loved one. Sometimes it's grieving a marriage, a friendship, your health, or the future you imagined. In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith and John Onwuchekwa explore ambiguous grief—the hidden losses that come from divorce, broken relationships, chronic illness, and the life you thought you'd have. If you've ever struggled to explain why you're still hurting, this conversation may help you understand why. GUEST RESOURCES  John Onwuchekwa Website | johno.co IG | @jawn_o RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 Pat Smith Grief isn't always about losing a loved one. Sometimes it's grieving a marriage, a friendship, your health, or the future you imagined. In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith and John Onwuchekwa explore ambiguous grief—the hidden losses that come from divorce, broken relationships, chronic illness, and the life you thought you'd have. If you've ever struggled to explain why you're still hurting, this conversation may help you understand why. GUEST RESOURCES  John Onwuchekwa Website | johno.co IG | @jawn_o RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Grief isn't always about losing a loved one. Sometimes it's grieving a marriage, a friendship, your health, or the future you imagined.


In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith and John Onwuchekwa explore ambiguous grief—the hidden losses that come from divorce, broken relationships, chronic illness, and the life you thought you'd have. If you've ever struggled to explain why you're still hurting, this conversation may help you understand why.


GUEST RESOURCES 

John Onwuchekwa

Website | johno.co

IG | @jawn_o

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 456 no 6: Grieving Loved Ones, Divorce & the Life You Thought You'd Have | Pat Smith & John Onwuchekwa What if grief isn’t a journey to finish, but a language to be fluent in?  In this deeply moving episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by grief educator and faith leader Dr. John Onwuchekwa for one of the most honest conversations about loss, loneliness, and healing you’ll hear. As the author of We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys biblical book, he highlights the importance of acknowledging one’s true purpose, letting it shape our relationships, careers, and life choices.  Together, they explore how grief lives in the body, why isolation makes pain heavier, and how faith can both complicate and comfort the grieving process. Dr. John also challenges the common belief that grief is a journey with an endpoint and reframes it as a language we must learn to speak fluently. From losing parents and siblings to grieving marriages, homes, identities, and seasons of life, this episode validates losses that many people are told they should be “over by now.” If you have ever felt ashamed of how long you’ve been grieving, confused by why your body hurts, or lonely in your pain, this conversation will meet you with truth, compassion, and permission to heal, without rushing yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 19:18 – Grief is not a journey. It is a language you learn to speak. 21:20 – Loss is not limited to death. Divorce, identity shifts, and endings count too. 43:48 – Shame makes grief heavier and healing harder. 45:13 – Avoiding grief is what causes people to get stuck in it. 51:28 – Your body does not lie. It remembers what your mind tries to avoid. 54:41 – You are not weak for grieving. You are human. 57:44 – Grief done in isolation becomes trauma. 59:07 – You don’t need answers. You need someone to sit with you in the dark. 1:00:52 – Healing happens through connection, not timelines. QUOTES  “Grief is not a journey. It is a language.” – John Onwuchekwa “The goal of a language is not to finish. It is to become fluent.” – John Onwuchekwa  “Your body does not lie. It tells the truth.” – John Onwuchekwa “The only people that get stuck in grief are people that try to avoid grief.” – John Onwuchekwa “Grief is bad when it is done in isolation.” – John Onwuchekwa “People are not scared of the dark. They are scared of being alone in the dark.” – John Onwuchekwa  GUEST RESOURCES  John Onwuchekwa Website | johno.co IG | @jawn_o RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 19 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 6 Pat Smith What if grief isn’t a journey to finish, but a language to be fluent in?  In this deeply moving episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by grief educator and faith leader Dr. John Onwuchekwa for one of the most honest conversations about loss, loneliness, and healing you’ll hear. As the author of We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys biblical book, he highlights the importance of acknowledging one’s true purpose, letting it shape our relationships, careers, and life choices.  Together, they explore how grief lives in the body, why isolation makes pain heavier, and how faith can both complicate and comfort the grieving process. Dr. John also challenges the common belief that grief is a journey with an endpoint and reframes it as a language we must learn to speak fluently. From losing parents and siblings to grieving marriages, homes, identities, and seasons of life, this episode validates losses that many people are told they should be “over by now.” If you have ever felt ashamed of how long you’ve been grieving, confused by why your body hurts, or lonely in your pain, this conversation will meet you with truth, compassion, and permission to heal, without rushing yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 19:18 – Grief is not a journey. It is a language you learn to speak. 21:20 – Loss is not limited to death. Divorce, identity shifts, and endings count too. 43:48 – Shame makes grief heavier and healing harder. 45:13 – Avoiding grief is what causes people to get stuck in it. 51:28 – Your body does not lie. It remembers what your mind tries to avoid. 54:41 – You are not weak for grieving. You are human. 57:44 – Grief done in isolation becomes trauma. 59:07 – You don’t need answers. You need someone to sit with you in the dark. 1:00:52 – Healing happens through connection, not timelines. QUOTES  “Grief is not a journey. It is a language.” – John Onwuchekwa “The goal of a language is not to finish. It is to become fluent.” – John Onwuchekwa  “Your body does not lie. It tells the truth.” – John Onwuchekwa “The only people that get stuck in grief are people that try to avoid grief.” – John Onwuchekwa “Grief is bad when it is done in isolation.” – John Onwuchekwa “People are not scared of the dark. They are scared of being alone in the dark.” – John Onwuchekwa  GUEST RESOURCES  John Onwuchekwa Website | johno.co IG | @jawn_o RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What if grief isn’t a journey to finish, but a language to be fluent in? 

In this deeply moving episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by grief educator and faith leader Dr. John Onwuchekwa for one of the most honest conversations about loss, loneliness, and healing you’ll hear. As the author of We Go On: Finding Purpose in All of Life’s Sorrows and Joys biblical book, he highlights the importance of acknowledging one’s true purpose, letting it shape our relationships, careers, and life choices. 

Together, they explore how grief lives in the body, why isolation makes pain heavier, and how faith can both complicate and comfort the grieving process.

Dr. John also challenges the common belief that grief is a journey with an endpoint and reframes it as a language we must learn to speak fluently. From losing parents and siblings to grieving marriages, homes, identities, and seasons of life, this episode validates losses that many people are told they should be “over by now.”

If you have ever felt ashamed of how long you’ve been grieving, confused by why your body hurts, or lonely in your pain, this conversation will meet you with truth, compassion, and permission to heal, without rushing yourself.

KEY POINTS 

00:00 – Introduction

19:18 – Grief is not a journey. It is a language you learn to speak.

21:20 – Loss is not limited to death. Divorce, identity shifts, and endings count too.

43:48 – Shame makes grief heavier and healing harder.

45:13 – Avoiding grief is what causes people to get stuck in it.

51:28 – Your body does not lie. It remembers what your mind tries to avoid.

54:41 – You are not weak for grieving. You are human.

57:44 – Grief done in isolation becomes trauma.

59:07 – You don’t need answers. You need someone to sit with you in the dark.

1:00:52 – Healing happens through connection, not timelines.

QUOTES 

“Grief is not a journey. It is a language.” – John Onwuchekwa

“The goal of a language is not to finish. It is to become fluent.” – John Onwuchekwa 

“Your body does not lie. It tells the truth.” – John Onwuchekwa

“The only people that get stuck in grief are people that try to avoid grief.” – John Onwuchekwa

“Grief is bad when it is done in isolation.” – John Onwuchekwa

“People are not scared of the dark. They are scared of being alone in the dark.” – John Onwuchekwa 


GUEST RESOURCES 

John Onwuchekwa

Website | johno.co

IG | @jawn_o

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 4137 no 5: The Relationship I Never Built With Myself: Learning to Love All Parts of Me with Ludmila Woodruff (Part 2) In PART 2 of this transformative conversation, Pat Smith and relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff move beyond the lessons of marriage and into the relationship that shapes every other one: the relationship with yourself. As Pat courageously confronts the beliefs she's carried for decades, she realizes that the validation, love, and confidence she searched for in others could never replace what she had never learned to give herself. Together, they explore why self-worth affects the love we receive, how childhood wounds become adult relationship patterns, why so many women struggle to receive compliments, advocate for themselves, and feel financially secure, and how healing begins when we stop rejecting the woman staring back at us in the mirror. This episode is a powerful invitation to finally build the relationship you've been missing all along: the one with yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 01:37 – Why healing starts by building a relationship with yourself.  04:40 – High-achieving women are often the support for everyone else.  09:35 – The healthiest relationships begin when you become securely attached to yourself. 10:16 – Ludmila's powerful mirror exercise for learning to genuinely love yourself. 18:42 –  Why self-worth determines the love you're able to receive. 22:46 – The permission slip to rewrite the stories you've believed about yourself for years. 30:04 – Love is not enough: Women must advocate for themselves emotionally and financially. 36:07 – The realization that changes everything. 42:22 – Pat choosing courage, self-compassion, and a brand new relationship with herself. QUOTES  "I did not love Pat. I didn't see me. I didn't totally receive all of me." – Pat Smith "You haven't built a relationship with yourself yet." – Ludmila Woodruff "I don't think I ever looked at myself as a winner." – Pat Smith "Your husband doesn't see a woman who feels beautiful. He sees a woman who performs." – Ludmila Woodruff GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 12 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 5 Pat Smith In PART 2 of this transformative conversation, Pat Smith and relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff move beyond the lessons of marriage and into the relationship that shapes every other one: the relationship with yourself. As Pat courageously confronts the beliefs she's carried for decades, she realizes that the validation, love, and confidence she searched for in others could never replace what she had never learned to give herself. Together, they explore why self-worth affects the love we receive, how childhood wounds become adult relationship patterns, why so many women struggle to receive compliments, advocate for themselves, and feel financially secure, and how healing begins when we stop rejecting the woman staring back at us in the mirror. This episode is a powerful invitation to finally build the relationship you've been missing all along: the one with yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 01:37 – Why healing starts by building a relationship with yourself.  04:40 – High-achieving women are often the support for everyone else.  09:35 – The healthiest relationships begin when you become securely attached to yourself. 10:16 – Ludmila's powerful mirror exercise for learning to genuinely love yourself. 18:42 –  Why self-worth determines the love you're able to receive. 22:46 – The permission slip to rewrite the stories you've believed about yourself for years. 30:04 – Love is not enough: Women must advocate for themselves emotionally and financially. 36:07 – The realization that changes everything. 42:22 – Pat choosing courage, self-compassion, and a brand new relationship with herself. QUOTES  "I did not love Pat. I didn't see me. I didn't totally receive all of me." – Pat Smith "You haven't built a relationship with yourself yet." – Ludmila Woodruff "I don't think I ever looked at myself as a winner." – Pat Smith "Your husband doesn't see a woman who feels beautiful. He sees a woman who performs." – Ludmila Woodruff GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  In PART 2 of this transformative conversation, Pat Smith and relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff move beyond the lessons of marriage and into the relationship that shapes every other one: the relationship with yourself. As Pat courageously confronts the beliefs she's carried for decades, she realizes that the validation, love, and confidence she searched for in others could never replace what she had never learned to give herself.

Together, they explore why self-worth affects the love we receive, how childhood wounds become adult relationship patterns, why so many women struggle to receive compliments, advocate for themselves, and feel financially secure, and how healing begins when we stop rejecting the woman staring back at us in the mirror. This episode is a powerful invitation to finally build the relationship you've been missing all along: the one with yourself.

KEY POINTS 

00:00 – Introduction

01:37 – Why healing starts by building a relationship with yourself. 

04:40 – High-achieving women are often the support for everyone else. 

09:35 – The healthiest relationships begin when you become securely attached to yourself.

10:16 – Ludmila's powerful mirror exercise for learning to genuinely love yourself.

18:42 –  Why self-worth determines the love you're able to receive.

22:46 – The permission slip to rewrite the stories you've believed about yourself for years.

30:04 – Love is not enough: Women must advocate for themselves emotionally and financially.

36:07 – The realization that changes everything.

42:22 – Pat choosing courage, self-compassion, and a brand new relationship with herself.

QUOTES 

"I did not love Pat. I didn't see me. I didn't totally receive all of me." – Pat Smith

"You haven't built a relationship with yourself yet." – Ludmila Woodruff

"I don't think I ever looked at myself as a winner." – Pat Smith

"Your husband doesn't see a woman who feels beautiful. He sees a woman who performs." – Ludmila Woodruff


GUEST RESOURCES 

Ludmila Woodruff

ludmilawoodruff.com 

IG | @ludmilawoodruff 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 2674 no The Childhood Belief That Followed Me Into Marriage | Pat Smith on Pursue You Why do so many women lose themselves in relationships? In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith realizes that her need to be perfect wasn't a personality trait—it was a survival strategy. Relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff unpacks how childhood experiences can teach us to earn love through performance, and why that pattern often leads to burnout, resentment, and losing ourselves. GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 10 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 Pat Smith Why do so many women lose themselves in relationships? In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith realizes that her need to be perfect wasn't a personality trait—it was a survival strategy. Relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff unpacks how childhood experiences can teach us to earn love through performance, and why that pattern often leads to burnout, resentment, and losing ourselves. GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Why do so many women lose themselves in relationships? In this powerful conversation, Pat Smith realizes that her need to be perfect wasn't a personality trait—it was a survival strategy. Relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff unpacks how childhood experiences can teach us to earn love through performance, and why that pattern often leads to burnout, resentment, and losing ourselves.

GUEST RESOURCES 

Ludmila Woodruff

ludmilawoodruff.com 

IG | @ludmilawoodruff 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 270 no 4: What I Learned From My Two Failed Marriages with Ludmila Woodruff (Part 1) What if the love you've been searching for can't begin until you stop performing for it? In PART 1 of this deeply personal episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff to unpack the hidden beliefs that quietly shaped her marriages, her identity, and the way she learned to seek love. Together, they explore how childhood experiences influence adult relationships, why so many women lose themselves trying to be "good enough," and how the need for approval can turn into a lifetime of performing instead of belonging. As Ludmila gently challenges Pat's long-held beliefs, a powerful realization begins to emerge: maybe the relationship that needs the most healing isn't with someone else, it's with yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 02:49 – Why Pat refused to let divorce become her identity. 05:00 – The relationship lessons most women were never taught. 07:57 – How to raise daughters without passing down shame. 11:43 – The parenting approach that builds emotionally healthy kids. 16:45 – Pat asks the question that changes everything: "What was my part?" 22:19 – Why self-love determines the love you accept. 26:19 – The childhood moment that taught Pat to perform for love. 30:13 – The identity crisis that comes after the roles disappear. 35:00 – Why healthy love feels safe, not exciting. QUOTES  "When women are in a performative state, and they are dating or married, it never works out." – Ludmila Woodruff "I still believe in love... but this time, I want to get it right." – Pat Smith GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 05 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 4 Pat Smith What if the love you've been searching for can't begin until you stop performing for it? In PART 1 of this deeply personal episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff to unpack the hidden beliefs that quietly shaped her marriages, her identity, and the way she learned to seek love. Together, they explore how childhood experiences influence adult relationships, why so many women lose themselves trying to be "good enough," and how the need for approval can turn into a lifetime of performing instead of belonging. As Ludmila gently challenges Pat's long-held beliefs, a powerful realization begins to emerge: maybe the relationship that needs the most healing isn't with someone else, it's with yourself. KEY POINTS  00:00 – Introduction 02:49 – Why Pat refused to let divorce become her identity. 05:00 – The relationship lessons most women were never taught. 07:57 – How to raise daughters without passing down shame. 11:43 – The parenting approach that builds emotionally healthy kids. 16:45 – Pat asks the question that changes everything: "What was my part?" 22:19 – Why self-love determines the love you accept. 26:19 – The childhood moment that taught Pat to perform for love. 30:13 – The identity crisis that comes after the roles disappear. 35:00 – Why healthy love feels safe, not exciting. QUOTES  "When women are in a performative state, and they are dating or married, it never works out." – Ludmila Woodruff "I still believe in love... but this time, I want to get it right." – Pat Smith GUEST RESOURCES  Ludmila Woodruff ludmilawoodruff.com  IG | @ludmilawoodruff  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What if the love you've been searching for can't begin until you stop performing for it?

In PART 1 of this deeply personal episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with relationship coach Ludmila Woodruff to unpack the hidden beliefs that quietly shaped her marriages, her identity, and the way she learned to seek love.

Together, they explore how childhood experiences influence adult relationships, why so many women lose themselves trying to be "good enough," and how the need for approval can turn into a lifetime of performing instead of belonging. As Ludmila gently challenges Pat's long-held beliefs, a powerful realization begins to emerge: maybe the relationship that needs the most healing isn't with someone else, it's with yourself.

KEY POINTS 

00:00 – Introduction

02:49 – Why Pat refused to let divorce become her identity.

05:00 – The relationship lessons most women were never taught.

07:57 – How to raise daughters without passing down shame.

11:43 – The parenting approach that builds emotionally healthy kids.

16:45 – Pat asks the question that changes everything: "What was my part?"

22:19 – Why self-love determines the love you accept.

26:19 – The childhood moment that taught Pat to perform for love.

30:13 – The identity crisis that comes after the roles disappear.

35:00 – Why healthy love feels safe, not exciting.

QUOTES 

"When women are in a performative state, and they are dating or married, it never works out." – Ludmila Woodruff

"I still believe in love... but this time, I want to get it right." – Pat Smith


GUEST RESOURCES 

Ludmila Woodruff

ludmilawoodruff.com 

IG | @ludmilawoodruff 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 2658 no The Secret To Friendships That Last A Lifetime What makes a friendship last for 26 years? Pat Smith sits down with two of her closest friends to reflect on the bond that's carried them through marriage, divorce, career changes, and every season of life. They share why jealousy has no place in real friendship, the importance of creating safe spaces for one another, and the simple habits that have kept their friendship strong for more than two decades. If you've ever wondered why some friendships fade while others become family, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 Pat Smith What makes a friendship last for 26 years? Pat Smith sits down with two of her closest friends to reflect on the bond that's carried them through marriage, divorce, career changes, and every season of life. They share why jealousy has no place in real friendship, the importance of creating safe spaces for one another, and the simple habits that have kept their friendship strong for more than two decades. If you've ever wondered why some friendships fade while others become family, this conversation is for you. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network What makes a friendship last for 26 years?

Pat Smith sits down with two of her closest friends to reflect on the bond that's carried them through marriage, divorce, career changes, and every season of life. They share why jealousy has no place in real friendship, the importance of creating safe spaces for one another, and the simple habits that have kept their friendship strong for more than two decades.

If you've ever wondered why some friendships fade while others become family, this conversation is for you.


RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 397 no 3: What 26 Years Of Friendship Taught Me About Life, Loss & Loyalty What does real friendship look like when life falls apart? In this emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her longtime friends Donna and Cara for an unfiltered conversation about sisterhood, resilience, caregiving, grief, and the power of women who show up without judgment. Their friendship spans more than 26 years, carrying them through love, divorce, loss, faith, caregiving, career shifts, and personal reinvention. Together, they reflect on what it means to be a safe place for one another, how true friends step in during the most challenging seasons, and why vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength. From hospital rooms to kitchen tables, from grief to laughter, this episode is a reminder that healing often happens in community. If you’ve ever wondered whether real, ride-or-die friendships still exist, this conversation is proof that they do; and that they can carry you through every season of life. KEY POINTS  Real friendships don’t expire. They evolve. Vulnerability is strength, not weakness. You don’t divorce your friends, even when life changes. Safe friendships create space to fall apart and rebuild. Caregiving teaches patience, honor, and humility. Faith deepens when you walk through hard seasons together. Healing often happens around kitchen tables, not stages. You have to be a good friend to have good friends. QUOTES  “We never divorced each other. We’re still here, still showing up for each other.” – Donna “There was never any jealousy amongst us. That’s why it’s lasted.” – Cara “I don’t think we chose each other. I think life chose us, and then God sealed it.” – Donna “I need you two to have your own relationship. That’s how friendships grow.” – Cara “The greatest honor in my life is how we took care of our parents.”  – Donna RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 29 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 3 Pat Smith What does real friendship look like when life falls apart? In this emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her longtime friends Donna and Cara for an unfiltered conversation about sisterhood, resilience, caregiving, grief, and the power of women who show up without judgment. Their friendship spans more than 26 years, carrying them through love, divorce, loss, faith, caregiving, career shifts, and personal reinvention. Together, they reflect on what it means to be a safe place for one another, how true friends step in during the most challenging seasons, and why vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength. From hospital rooms to kitchen tables, from grief to laughter, this episode is a reminder that healing often happens in community. If you’ve ever wondered whether real, ride-or-die friendships still exist, this conversation is proof that they do; and that they can carry you through every season of life. KEY POINTS  Real friendships don’t expire. They evolve. Vulnerability is strength, not weakness. You don’t divorce your friends, even when life changes. Safe friendships create space to fall apart and rebuild. Caregiving teaches patience, honor, and humility. Faith deepens when you walk through hard seasons together. Healing often happens around kitchen tables, not stages. You have to be a good friend to have good friends. QUOTES  “We never divorced each other. We’re still here, still showing up for each other.” – Donna “There was never any jealousy amongst us. That’s why it’s lasted.” – Cara “I don’t think we chose each other. I think life chose us, and then God sealed it.” – Donna “I need you two to have your own relationship. That’s how friendships grow.” – Cara “The greatest honor in my life is how we took care of our parents.”  – Donna RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What does real friendship look like when life falls apart?

In this emotional episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith is joined by her longtime friends Donna and Cara for an unfiltered conversation about sisterhood, resilience, caregiving, grief, and the power of women who show up without judgment. Their friendship spans more than 26 years, carrying them through love, divorce, loss, faith, caregiving, career shifts, and personal reinvention.

Together, they reflect on what it means to be a safe place for one another, how true friends step in during the most challenging seasons, and why vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather a strength. From hospital rooms to kitchen tables, from grief to laughter, this episode is a reminder that healing often happens in community.

If you’ve ever wondered whether real, ride-or-die friendships still exist, this conversation is proof that they do; and that they can carry you through every season of life.

KEY POINTS 

  • Real friendships don’t expire. They evolve.
  • Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
  • You don’t divorce your friends, even when life changes.
  • Safe friendships create space to fall apart and rebuild.
  • Caregiving teaches patience, honor, and humility.
  • Faith deepens when you walk through hard seasons together.
  • Healing often happens around kitchen tables, not stages.
  • You have to be a good friend to have good friends.

QUOTES 

“We never divorced each other. We’re still here, still showing up for each other.” – Donna

“There was never any jealousy amongst us. That’s why it’s lasted.” – Cara

“I don’t think we chose each other. I think life chose us, and then God sealed it.” – Donna

“I need you two to have your own relationship. That’s how friendships grow.” – Cara

“The greatest honor in my life is how we took care of our parents.”  – Donna


RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 2550 no The Secret Shame I Carried After Divorce | Pat Smith on Pursue YOU For years, Pat Smith carried shame over the parts of her story that didn't go according to plan. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about divorce, disappointment, faith, and the freedom she found when she stopped defining herself by her mistakes. Pat shares why shame kept her stuck, how God's grace changed her perspective, and the powerful realization that transformed the way she views failure, healing, and second chances. If you've ever felt like your mistakes disqualified you, this conversation is your reminder that you are not broken, you're human. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 Pat Smith For years, Pat Smith carried shame over the parts of her story that didn't go according to plan. In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about divorce, disappointment, faith, and the freedom she found when she stopped defining herself by her mistakes. Pat shares why shame kept her stuck, how God's grace changed her perspective, and the powerful realization that transformed the way she views failure, healing, and second chances. If you've ever felt like your mistakes disqualified you, this conversation is your reminder that you are not broken, you're human. RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  For years, Pat Smith carried shame over the parts of her story that didn't go according to plan.


In this deeply personal conversation, she opens up about divorce, disappointment, faith, and the freedom she found when she stopped defining herself by her mistakes. Pat shares why shame kept her stuck, how God's grace changed her perspective, and the powerful realization that transformed the way she views failure, healing, and second chances.


If you've ever felt like your mistakes disqualified you, this conversation is your reminder that you are not broken, you're human.

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 351 no 2: Who Are You When Your Roles Are Gone? | Pat Smith on Pursue YOU Podcast What happens when the noise stops… and you’re finally left alone with yourself? In this deeply personal solo episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith opens up about identity loss, shame, isolation, faith, and the quiet seasons that force us to confront who we are without our titles. At 54, after decades of motherhood, marriage, ministry, and service, Pat shares what it feels like to reach a moment where everything familiar falls away, and you are invited to meet yourself again. This episode is for the woman who feels stuck, numb, embarrassed by her past, or unsure what comes next. Pat speaks honestly about grief, divorce, faith, healing, and why silence can be both a gift and a thief. She reframes isolation as preparation and reminds listeners that pursuing yourself is not selfish, it is necessary. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, whether you still matter, or whether God can use you in this season, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start pursuing the life that is still unfolding. KEY POINTS  Titles are temporary. Identity is eternal. Feeling empty can be an invitation, not a failure. Silence can heal you or isolate you. Choose how you use it. Pursuing yourself is not selfish. It’s obedience. Shame thrives in secrecy. Healing begins in truth. You are not your mistakes or your past decisions. God speaks loudest when life finally gets quiet. It is never too late to meet the real you. QUOTES  “I thought maybe it was too late. Maybe I had given away most of my life to everybody else.” “I chose to be alone many times because I felt embarrassed by how long I had been grieving.” “It is not selfish to pursue you. Everything you gain from that will bless everyone else.” “Silence can be a gift, or it can be a thief.” “You are not your mistakes. You are not your decisions.” RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 2 Pat Smith What happens when the noise stops… and you’re finally left alone with yourself? In this deeply personal solo episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith opens up about identity loss, shame, isolation, faith, and the quiet seasons that force us to confront who we are without our titles. At 54, after decades of motherhood, marriage, ministry, and service, Pat shares what it feels like to reach a moment where everything familiar falls away, and you are invited to meet yourself again. This episode is for the woman who feels stuck, numb, embarrassed by her past, or unsure what comes next. Pat speaks honestly about grief, divorce, faith, healing, and why silence can be both a gift and a thief. She reframes isolation as preparation and reminds listeners that pursuing yourself is not selfish, it is necessary. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, whether you still matter, or whether God can use you in this season, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start pursuing the life that is still unfolding. KEY POINTS  Titles are temporary. Identity is eternal. Feeling empty can be an invitation, not a failure. Silence can heal you or isolate you. Choose how you use it. Pursuing yourself is not selfish. It’s obedience. Shame thrives in secrecy. Healing begins in truth. You are not your mistakes or your past decisions. God speaks loudest when life finally gets quiet. It is never too late to meet the real you. QUOTES  “I thought maybe it was too late. Maybe I had given away most of my life to everybody else.” “I chose to be alone many times because I felt embarrassed by how long I had been grieving.” “It is not selfish to pursue you. Everything you gain from that will bless everyone else.” “Silence can be a gift, or it can be a thief.” “You are not your mistakes. You are not your decisions.” RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What happens when the noise stops… and you’re finally left alone with yourself?

In this deeply personal solo episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith opens up about identity loss, shame, isolation, faith, and the quiet seasons that force us to confront who we are without our titles. At 54, after decades of motherhood, marriage, ministry, and service, Pat shares what it feels like to reach a moment where everything familiar falls away, and you are invited to meet yourself again.

This episode is for the woman who feels stuck, numb, embarrassed by her past, or unsure what comes next. Pat speaks honestly about grief, divorce, faith, healing, and why silence can be both a gift and a thief. She reframes isolation as preparation and reminds listeners that pursuing yourself is not selfish, it is necessary.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late, whether you still matter, or whether God can use you in this season, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start pursuing the life that is still unfolding.

KEY POINTS 

  • Titles are temporary. Identity is eternal.
  • Feeling empty can be an invitation, not a failure.
  • Silence can heal you or isolate you. Choose how you use it.
  • Pursuing yourself is not selfish. It’s obedience.
  • Shame thrives in secrecy. Healing begins in truth.
  • You are not your mistakes or your past decisions.
  • God speaks loudest when life finally gets quiet.
  • It is never too late to meet the real you.

QUOTES 

“I thought maybe it was too late. Maybe I had given away most of my life to everybody else.”

“I chose to be alone many times because I felt embarrassed by how long I had been grieving.”

“It is not selfish to pursue you. Everything you gain from that will bless everyone else.”

“Silence can be a gift, or it can be a thief.”

“You are not your mistakes. You are not your decisions.”


RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 2123 no Who You Think I Am Isn’t the Whole Story In this powerful segment of Pursue YOU, Pat vulnerably opens up about the weight of public perception, identity loss, and the frustration of being reduced to labels instead of being understood through her full story. As she reflects on motherhood, marriage, career, and personal reinvention, Dr. Delatorro offers a transformative perspective on personal growth, faith, and purpose—reminding her that before the glory comes the story. Together, they explore how identity can become distorted by roles and expectations, why God develops us in hidden seasons, and how reclaiming your narrative is the first step toward true self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this conversation will remind you that your roots matter—and your story is still unfolding. GUEST RESOURCES  Dr. Delatorro McNeal Website | www.delatorro.com IG | @drdelatorro RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 Pat Smith In this powerful segment of Pursue YOU, Pat vulnerably opens up about the weight of public perception, identity loss, and the frustration of being reduced to labels instead of being understood through her full story. As she reflects on motherhood, marriage, career, and personal reinvention, Dr. Delatorro offers a transformative perspective on personal growth, faith, and purpose—reminding her that before the glory comes the story. Together, they explore how identity can become distorted by roles and expectations, why God develops us in hidden seasons, and how reclaiming your narrative is the first step toward true self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this conversation will remind you that your roots matter—and your story is still unfolding. GUEST RESOURCES  Dr. Delatorro McNeal Website | www.delatorro.com IG | @drdelatorro RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network In this powerful segment of Pursue YOU, Pat vulnerably opens up about the weight of public perception, identity loss, and the frustration of being reduced to labels instead of being understood through her full story. As she reflects on motherhood, marriage, career, and personal reinvention, Dr. Delatorro offers a transformative perspective on personal growth, faith, and purpose—reminding her that before the glory comes the story. Together, they explore how identity can become distorted by roles and expectations, why God develops us in hidden seasons, and how reclaiming your narrative is the first step toward true self-discovery. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, this conversation will remind you that your roots matter—and your story is still unfolding.


GUEST RESOURCES 

Dr. Delatorro McNeal

Website | www.delatorro.com

IG | @drdelatorro

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network

]]> 338 no 1: Finding The Courage to Rebuild Yourself From Within | Dr. Delatorro In the powerful pilot episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with renowned speaker and author Dr. Delatorro McNeal, II, MS, CSP, CPAE, for a soul-deep conversation about identity, faith, fear, and purpose. This episode marks Pat’s first step into telling her own story and inviting you to do the same. Through raw reflection and spiritual insight, Dr. Delatorro introduces life-changing frameworks from his book Shift Into a Higher Gear, helping Pat unpack grief, loss, labels, and the courage required to pursue the version of herself that exists beyond public perception. Together, they explore why adversity is often intentional, how fear is learned, and faith can be learned too, and why healing is not linear (but necessary) if we want to live fully and freely. This conversation is an invitation for anyone who feels stuck, unseen, or unsure of what comes next to stop waiting and start moving. “I literally thought, who am I? This home, this life, none of it felt like ME anymore.” – Pat Smith If you have ever felt like life stripped everything away so you could finally meet yourself, then this episode is for you. KEY POINTS  You cannot pursue purpose while hiding behind labels. Adversity is not always the enemy.  Fear is a learned behavior.  How healing is required before love, leadership, and clarity can return. Change the identity, change the outcome. Growth often happens underground before it becomes visible. Courage is not the absence of fear, as it is an action despite it. You are allowed to redefine yourself on your own terms. QUOTES  “All of the things were stripped away so that you could focus on you.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the presence of fear and executing anyway.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “If we can learn fear, we can learn faith.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “Make sure people understand your story before they celebrate your glory.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal GUEST RESOURCES  Dr. Delatorro McNeal Website | www.delatorro.com IG | @drdelatorro RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 full 1 1 Pat Smith In the powerful pilot episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with renowned speaker and author Dr. Delatorro McNeal, II, MS, CSP, CPAE, for a soul-deep conversation about identity, faith, fear, and purpose. This episode marks Pat’s first step into telling her own story and inviting you to do the same. Through raw reflection and spiritual insight, Dr. Delatorro introduces life-changing frameworks from his book Shift Into a Higher Gear, helping Pat unpack grief, loss, labels, and the courage required to pursue the version of herself that exists beyond public perception. Together, they explore why adversity is often intentional, how fear is learned, and faith can be learned too, and why healing is not linear (but necessary) if we want to live fully and freely. This conversation is an invitation for anyone who feels stuck, unseen, or unsure of what comes next to stop waiting and start moving. “I literally thought, who am I? This home, this life, none of it felt like ME anymore.” – Pat Smith If you have ever felt like life stripped everything away so you could finally meet yourself, then this episode is for you. KEY POINTS  You cannot pursue purpose while hiding behind labels. Adversity is not always the enemy.  Fear is a learned behavior.  How healing is required before love, leadership, and clarity can return. Change the identity, change the outcome. Growth often happens underground before it becomes visible. Courage is not the absence of fear, as it is an action despite it. You are allowed to redefine yourself on your own terms. QUOTES  “All of the things were stripped away so that you could focus on you.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the presence of fear and executing anyway.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “If we can learn fear, we can learn faith.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal “Make sure people understand your story before they celebrate your glory.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal GUEST RESOURCES  Dr. Delatorro McNeal Website | www.delatorro.com IG | @drdelatorro RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  In the powerful pilot episode of Pursue YOU, Pat Smith sits down with renowned speaker and author Dr. Delatorro McNeal, II, MS, CSP, CPAE, for a soul-deep conversation about identity, faith, fear, and purpose. This episode marks Pat’s first step into telling her own story and inviting you to do the same.

Through raw reflection and spiritual insight, Dr. Delatorro introduces life-changing frameworks from his book Shift Into a Higher Gear, helping Pat unpack grief, loss, labels, and the courage required to pursue the version of herself that exists beyond public perception.

Together, they explore why adversity is often intentional, how fear is learned, and faith can be learned too, and why healing is not linear (but necessary) if we want to live fully and freely. This conversation is an invitation for anyone who feels stuck, unseen, or unsure of what comes next to stop waiting and start moving.

“I literally thought, who am I? This home, this life, none of it felt like ME anymore.” – Pat Smith

If you have ever felt like life stripped everything away so you could finally meet yourself, then this episode is for you.

KEY POINTS 

  • You cannot pursue purpose while hiding behind labels.
  • Adversity is not always the enemy. 
  • Fear is a learned behavior. 
  • How healing is required before love, leadership, and clarity can return.
  • Change the identity, change the outcome.
  • Growth often happens underground before it becomes visible.
  • Courage is not the absence of fear, as it is an action despite it.
  • You are allowed to redefine yourself on your own terms.

QUOTES 

“All of the things were stripped away so that you could focus on you.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal

“Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the presence of fear and executing anyway.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal

“If we can learn fear, we can learn faith.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal

“Make sure people understand your story before they celebrate your glory.” – Dr. Delatorro McNeal


GUEST RESOURCES 

Dr. Delatorro McNeal

Website | www.delatorro.com

IG | @drdelatorro

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 2418 no For the Woman Who Gave Her Life Away | Pursue You Podcast Official Trailer What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide? Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss. Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin. PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out. It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time. Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU.  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  Mon, 13 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0000 trailer 1 Pat Smith What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide? Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss. Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin. PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out. It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time. Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU.  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide?

Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss.

Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin.

PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out.

It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time.

Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU. 


RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

]]> 138 no I Sat Dormant for 3 Years... It's Time What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide? Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss. Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin. PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out. It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time. Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU.  [megaphone]  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  [youtube]  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | https://www.instagram.com/patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/) Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:18:00 -0000 trailer 1 Pat Smith What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide? Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss. Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin. PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out. It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time. Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU.  [megaphone]  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | @patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network  [youtube]  RESOURCES Pat Smith  IG | https://www.instagram.com/patsmithty  PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/) What happens when the strength you’re praised for becomes the place you hide?

Hosted by Pat Smith, PURSUE YOU is dedicated to women who have spent their lives holding it together while quietly falling apart. This season pulls back the walls that many women keep up, inviting honest conversations about identity, faith, love, friendship, and rediscovering yourself after loss.

Through deeply personal reflections, Pat shares her journey: from being the “too much” child to losing herself through motherhood and divorce, and questioning her worth and faith. Along with special guests, each episode explores grace, healing, women showing up for each other, and the courage it takes to redefine who you are and begin.

PURSUE YOU  is not about having it all figured out.

It is about telling the truth.Giving yourself grace.And choosing yourself, one brave step at a time.

Welcome to Season 1: This is your invitation to Pursue YOU. 

[megaphone] 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | @patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network 

[youtube] 

RESOURCES

Pat Smith 

IG | https://www.instagram.com/patsmithty 

PURSUE YOU is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)


]]> 33 no