Elevate Life Podcast

We all need a plan.
Plans give us direction. They give us purpose. They help us take the next step toward the life we’re trying to build.
But what happens when the plan falls apart?
What do you do when the money doesn’t come in? When your child gets sick? When you lose your job? When legal issues, family challenges, or unexpected setbacks suddenly force you off the path you thought you were on?
In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding explores one of the most common realities of personal growth and life transformation: learning how to adjust when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Through personal reflections, leadership lessons, and practical insights gained from working with individuals overcoming significant barriers, Eric discusses why having a plan is still important—even when that plan needs to change. More importantly, he explores how resilience, adaptability, and perseverance often become the most valuable tools we have when the future feels uncertain.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why having a plan matters—even when it doesn’t unfold exactly as expected• How to navigate unexpected setbacks without losing sight of your goals• The difference between changing your destination and changing your route• Why flexibility is one of the most important leadership and life skills you can develop• How to stay focused when circumstances create confusion and uncertainty• Practical ways to keep moving forward when the path ahead isn’t clear
Whether you’re facing career challenges, financial setbacks, family struggles, health concerns, or simply feeling stuck in a season you didn’t anticipate, this conversation will encourage you to keep taking the next step.
Because success isn’t reserved for people whose plans work perfectly.
It’s often found by those who learn how to adapt when they don’t.
About Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit helping individuals overcome barriers, build sustainable careers, and create lasting life transformation through coaching, community, accountability, and career development.
Learn more, volunteer, donate, or get involved:
🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

Growth sounds exciting… until it starts costing you something.
In this powerful episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a challenging and deeply personal message recorded live from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering. In “Built Through Change,” Eric unpacks the uncomfortable reality of transformation—how real growth often comes through pressure, discipline, consistency, and learning to respond differently when life gets difficult. 
As Leaders in Elevate Life Network move deeper into Skill Development, many are experiencing the tension between the life they’ve always known and the future they’re trying to build. This episode explores what it truly takes to change—not just externally through career development, but internally through mindset, habits, ownership, and perseverance.
In this episode, Eric discusses:
• Why the life you want requires a different version of you• How transformation begins by changing the way you think (Romans 12:2)• Why growth often feels like loss before it feels like progress• The four responses to pressure: avoidance, blame, growth, and ownership• How habits—not motivation—shape your future• Why employers are hiring more than just skills—they’re hiring discipline, reliability, and character• How pressure can reveal and build who you are becoming
Blending biblical truth, personal stories, modern life examples, and practical encouragement, Eric challenges listeners to stop waiting until they “feel ready” and start building the habits necessary for lasting transformation.
This message is especially for anyone who feels stuck in the middle of change—tired, overwhelmed, uncertain, or struggling to stay consistent. Because as Eric reminds us:
“You are not stuck. You are being built.”
About Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, accountability, community, and career development.
Learn more or support the mission:🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

Life transformation is about more than finding a job—it’s about finding a path forward.
In this honest and deeply personal episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a raw “brain dump” conversation inspired by real challenges faced by several Leaders at Elevate Life Network this week. Through stories, reflection, and practical insight, Eric explores what it means to help people not only build a career path, but also develop a healthier direction for their lives, relationships, mindset, and future.
This episode dives into the reality that growth is messy. Success is rarely linear. And sometimes people don’t just need advice—they need structure, support, accountability, and a community willing to walk beside them.
In this episode, Eric discusses:
• Why many people need a life path—not just a career path• The importance of helping individuals navigate setbacks, struggles, and difficult seasons• How community and accountability create lasting transformation• Why recognizing and celebrating small wins is critical for growth and motivation• The impact of Elevate Life Network’s “Shout Outs” during Family Gatherings and how celebrating others builds confidence and connection• How healthy community helps people move from survival mode into purpose and stability
Eric also shares the heart behind Elevate Life Network’s mission to combat economic, relational, and spiritual poverty through workforce development, mentorship, and authentic community.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain about your future, or simply in need of people who genuinely care—this episode is for you.
And if you’re looking for a way to make a difference, Eric closes this episode with a direct invitation to become part of the Elevate Life community through your time, prayers, support, or financial partnership.
Get Involved with Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit in Canton, Ohio helping individuals build sustainable careers, stronger relationships, and healthier futures through coaching, community, and career development.
Learn more, donate, or get involved:🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

How you see yourself shapes everything.
In this powerful episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, we feature a transformational message from guest speaker Vera Thomas, recorded live at an Elevate Life Network Family Gathering. In her talk, “See Your Windows, See Your World,” Vera challenges us to examine the lens through which we view our lives—and how that perspective impacts our confidence, decisions, and future.
With over 40 years of experience in personal development, leadership coaching, and youth mentorship, Vera brings a deeply personal and inspiring message rooted in resilience. Having overcome childhood trauma, homelessness, and loss, she now dedicates her life to helping others recognize their worth, overcome emotional barriers, and step into their full potential.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How your self-perception (“your window”) shapes your reality and life outcomes• Practical ways to overcome limiting beliefs and negative self-talk• The connection between identity, confidence, and long-term success• How to build resilience through adversity and turn pain into purpose• Why personal growth starts with changing how you see yourself
Vera’s message is both motivational and practical, offering tools that can be applied in your career, relationships, and personal life. Whether you’re navigating challenges, working toward a new beginning, or seeking clarity in your purpose, this episode will encourage you to shift your perspective and take ownership of your future.
Through her work with Instilling Greatness, Vera continues to impact individuals, families, schools, and organizations by equipping them with the tools needed for lasting transformation and growth.
About Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.
Learn more or get involved:🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

What if something as simple as kindness could transform your life—and the lives of those around you?
In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding shares a powerful message from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering on the impact of acts of kindness. Blending biblical teaching with modern scientific research, Eric explores how kindness is not just a moral value—but a practical, life-changing force.
Drawing from the teachings of Jesus in Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 24), this episode highlights how kindness is deeply rooted in faith and is a reflection of how we are called to live. But beyond scripture, research shows something incredible—kindness has a measurable impact on our mental health, physical wellbeing, and relationships.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How kindness is modeled and encouraged by Christ in Matthew 24
• The science behind kindness and how it benefits the giver, receiver, and even observers
• Why acts of kindness can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall happiness
• How kindness builds stronger teams in the workplace and healthier cultures
• Practical ways to incorporate intentional kindness into your daily life
Kindness isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a powerful tool for personal growth, leadership development, and community transformation. Whether you’re at work, at home, or in your community, choosing kindness can create a ripple effect that impacts far more people than you realize.
At Elevate Life Network, we believe real transformation happens through both personal responsibility and meaningful relationships—and kindness is a key part of that foundation.
About Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.
Learn more or get involved:
🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

What do you do when relationships get hard?
 
Whether it’s family, coworkers, friendships, or community—differences are inevitable. Different backgrounds. Different perspectives. Different expectations. The question isn’t if we’ll face conflict… it’s how we respond when we do.
 
In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Diana Spaulding shares a powerful message from a recent Elevate Life Network Family Gathering on Working Through Differences. Drawing from real-life experience, biblical wisdom, and the heart of Elevate Life’s mission, Diana unpacks how we can move from frustration and division toward understanding, growth, and stronger relationships.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
 
• Why conflict is a natural part of growth—not something to avoid
• How to approach differences with humility, patience, and self-awareness
• The role of communication and listening in resolving conflict
• How unresolved differences can hold us back in life and career
• Practical ways to build healthy, lasting relationships in any environment
 
At Elevate Life Network, we believe transformation doesn’t just happen through career development—it happens through community. Learning to work through differences is a critical step in building the kind of life, relationships, and future we’re all striving for.
 
Whether you’re navigating tension at work, challenges at home, or learning how to better connect with others, this episode will equip and encourage you to handle conflict in a way that leads to growth—not division.
About Elevate Life Network
 
Elevate Life Network is a faith-based workforce development nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio, helping individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers through coaching, community, and career training.
 
Learn more or get involved:
🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com
 

On this powerful Palm Sunday message, we explore one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture—Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—and the tension that still challenges us today.
 
The crowd welcomed Jesus as King… but for the wrong reasons.
 
They wanted a Savior who would fix their circumstances.
Jesus came as the Savior who would transform their hearts.
 
In this message, we unpack the difference between the King we want and the King we need, and how that same struggle shows up in our lives today.
 
Are we following Jesus for what He can do for us… or surrendering to Him as Lord?
 
This episode challenges you to:
Move from expectation to surrender
Embrace personal responsibility in your faith
Understand the true mission of Jesus beyond comfort and convenience
Step boldly into discipleship and life transformation
 
And if this truly is the greatest story ever told…
are we willing to share it?

What is love… really?
 
In this special episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, we revisit a powerful message originally shared at Elevate Life Network’s Family Gathering just before Valentine’s Day. In a world where culture, music, and media constantly define love for us—often in conflicting ways—it’s time to take a step back and ask a deeper question: What is love meant to be? 
 
Through real-life insight, cultural reflection, and timeless truth, this episode challenges the way we’ve been taught to think about love—and invites us to rebuild our understanding from the ground up.
 
You’ll discover:
How culture (especially music and media) shapes our view of love
Why men and women often experience and define love differently
The gap between what we feel love is… and what it actually is
A deeper, more grounded definition of love that leads to stronger relationships and personal growth
 
Whether you’re navigating relationships, healing from past experiences, or simply trying to understand love on a deeper level, this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you.
 
This isn’t just about romantic love—this is about how love impacts your decisions, your identity, your growth, and your future.
 
🎧 Listen now and redefine what love truly means.
 

The Courage to Change | Stepping Into a New Season
Episode Description:
Change is never easy—even when it’s the change we’ve been praying for.
In this episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, Eric Spaulding explores the challenges and opportunities that come with major life transitions. As one cohort of Elevate Life Network Leaders graduates and steps into the workforce, a new group begins their journey toward career stability, personal growth, and meaningful community.
What happens when the familiar season of life ends, but the next chapter hasn’t fully begun yet?
Drawing from the biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites across the Jordan River (Joshua 3), Eric unpacks a powerful truth: the river often comes before the promise. Real transformation requires courage, faith, and the willingness to step forward even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why change feels so difficult even when it’s good for us
• How community and accountability make transformation possible
• Why faith often requires stepping into the unknown first
• The role of structure, mentorship, and purpose in breaking cycles of poverty
• How career development and personal growth can lead to lasting life change
Through biblical insight, modern examples, and reflections from the work happening at Elevate Life Network, this conversation highlights what it takes to move from survival to stability—and ultimately toward purpose.
Whether you’re navigating a career transition, seeking personal growth, or simply feeling stuck in your current season, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take your next step.
Because sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply step into the river.
About Elevate Life Network
Elevate Life Network is a workforce development and life transformation nonprofit based in Canton, Ohio. Through coaching, community, and career training, ELN helps individuals overcome barriers and build sustainable careers that lead to long-term stability and generational change.
Learn more or support the mission:
🌐 https://elevatelifenetwork.com

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Life Podcast, the Mayor of Canton, Bill Sherer II, sits down with our Leaders to share a hopeful, practical vision for the future of Canton.
 
Mayor Sherer outlines key priorities shaping Canton’s momentum—citywide revitalization, paving all roads and alleys, expanding job opportunities, and even how the city is managing extreme cold weather right now. Beyond infrastructure, he offers a candid look at workforce development and why the skilled trades remain one of the strongest, most future-proof career paths available.
 
Drawing from his own journey in the Iron Workers Union, Mayor Sherer explains the real benefits of union trades: competitive pay, excellent benefits, in-demand jobs that are resilient in the age of AI, and a clear path to long-term stability. He also shares the personal influence of his father—a lifetime union member—whose example helped shape his work ethic, values, and career direction.
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:
The future of Canton, Ohio and local revitalization efforts
Workforce development and job growth
Careers in the skilled trades and unions
AI-resistant, high-demand career paths
Leadership shaped by real-world experience and family legacy
 
🎧 Tune in to hear how vision, hard work, and opportunity are coming together to build a stronger Canton—and how today’s Leaders can be part of that future.