What if the money stories you’ve been told—especially in the church—are actually holding you back from stepping into the life God has for you?

In this powerhouse episode of Diamonds in Dumpster Fires, Melie sits down with Christian entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author Janine Mix, who went from living in a cockroach-filled apartment and $120,000 in debt… to building a multimillion-dollar life by 33.

What if joy isn’t about feeling good all the time? In this episode, Melie sits down with Charlie Engelmann—educator, speaker, and PhD candidate studying joy—to unpack what joy really is, how it’s different from happiness, and why adversity is actually essential for building a joyful life.

Have you ever felt like you're screaming into the void—on social media, in a room full of people, or even in your own home? Like no one really sees you?

In this powerful episode, Melie gets real about something deeply personal: the ache of feeling invisible. Whether it's navigating Instagram algorithms, dating apps, or church gatherings, the sting of being unseen is real—and you're not alone.

Together, we explore the concept of the false self vs. the true self, how societal pressures push us into living inauthentically, and how we can break free from external validation to embrace our God-given identity. If you’ve ever found yourself striving for worth through achievement, approval, or possessions—this episode is for you.

Do you ever feel guilty for doing something just for fun? In today’s episode, we’re talking about the importance of creativity for the sake of creativity—and why self-expression is essential, not a waste of time.

Life after a major transition—like divorce—can feel like standing in the rubble, wondering what’s next. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Meston, a Transformation Life Purpose Coach, who knows firsthand what it takes to rebuild with intention. Chris shares his personal journey of self-discovery and how he turned a difficult chapter into an opportunity for growth.

Welcome back to Diamonds in Dumpster Fires! In this special (and slightly spooky) 13th episode, we’re tackling a topic you might not expect on a faith-based podcast—superstitions, luck, and how they intersect with faith and resilience.

Life throws curveballs, but resilience is the key to bouncing back stronger. In this episode of Diamonds in Dumpster Fires, we dive into The Resilience Blueprint—a practical, faith-based guide to developing resilience when life gets messy.