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Friday, May 2, 2025

From the Pit to the Crown: Elaine Mingus on Healing, Faith, and Finding Purpose

 


From the Pit to the Crown: Elaine Mingus on Healing, Faith, and Finding Purpose

On this episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with a woman whose story is as awe-inspiring as it is deeply human. Elaine Mingus—writer, speaker, business owner, mother of seven, and the reigning United States of America Mrs. Texas 2025—joined me for an unfiltered conversation about trauma, transformation, and the radical grace of starting over.

Elaine's journey is not one for the faint of heart. She shares with unwavering vulnerability her early battles with childhood sexual abuse, an eating disorder, and heroin addiction. But what marks her story is not the darkness she endured—it’s the light that followed.

"I used to brag about how much I could drink or snort. Now I brag about how far I’ve come," Elaine told me, with a grounded confidence only someone who has clawed their way out of hell can carry.

The Power of Storytelling

Elaine believes storytelling isn’t just a form of expression—it’s a lifeline. “We literally exist in story form,” she explained. “Even our dreams tell stories. And those stories release oxytocin and dopamine—healing chemicals. Stories help both the listener and the teller.”

Her own healing began not in a clinical setting, but in a church—one she walked into on a whim wearing a tutu veil and blood-red lipstick. What started as an attempt to get a free Bible for “research” became a divine encounter that changed everything.

"All these good things came from one moment of God touching my life and bringing me out of the pit."

From Pageant Losses to Purpose-Driven Wins

Elaine’s foray into pageantry wasn’t about the glitz. It was about gaining a platform to share her story. And though she lost her first four pageants, she gained something more valuable—perspective.

"I could lose forever if it meant one more person gets to know the God of the universe who wants a relationship with them."

It wasn’t until her fifth attempt that she won the Mrs. Texas crown. And it couldn’t have come at a better time—financially strained, with seven kids, and a husband recently laid off, Elaine’s victory wasn’t just personal. It was divine timing.

Advocacy on the National Stage

Elaine is now using her platform for change. As part of RAINN’s National Speakers Bureau, she recently traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for survivors of sexual violence, championing stronger laws around statutes of limitations and support services.

She urges us to remember that the average age of disclosure for sexual abuse is 52—and that laws must reflect the long, painful process of healing. Elaine is proof that speaking out can bring light to someone else’s path.

A Life of Purpose—and Balance

Balancing motherhood, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and pageantry isn’t easy. But as Elaine says, years of homeschooling and raising seven kids prepared her to manage chaos with grace. With the support of a loving husband and her belief in seasons of life, she’s learned to let go of rigid timelines and trust in God’s unfolding plan.

"Your purpose never changes, but your strategy will."

Lighting the Path for Others

Elaine often says that stories are candles—we light them to help others find their way. She encourages anyone listening to start where they are.

"You don’t have to see the whole picture. Just take the next best step."

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Catch the full conversation on The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel—available on:

✨ Connect with Elaine Mingus:

📲 Stay Connected with Rosabel Zohfeld:

If this story stirred something in you, don’t stay silent. Share your story, reach out, and let your light be someone else’s candle. 🔥

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Saturday, April 26, 2025

Leadership Beyond the Stars: A Conversation with Christopher Loric

 

SESG YouTube Video


Leadership Beyond the Stars: A Conversation with Christopher Loric

What if humanity’s biggest leap wasn’t a new technology, but leading wisely through the unknown?
This was the thought-provoking question we explored in my latest episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast, featuring my guest, former Navy officer and science fiction author, Christopher Loric.

Christopher’s book SESG Explorer is not your typical space opera. It's a gripping narrative about leadership, courage, diplomacy, and the messy human experience of facing the ultimate unknown: first contact with alien life. Drawing from his 28 years of military experience, including service with the Navy, Marines, and Air Force and now reflections on the emerging Space Force, Christopher crafts a story grounded in realism and heart.

During our conversation, Christopher shared that the idea for SESG Explorer first sparked during his 2006 deployment to Iraq, when he observed firsthand the complex cooperation between military branches. He later wove these real-world dynamics into his futuristic tale, updating the book after his retirement to reflect the creation of the Space Force and evolving global dynamics.

One of the most compelling aspects of SESG Explorer is how Christopher portrays the alien Kamorrigans—not as purely evil or benevolent beings, but as flawed, complicated entities, much like humans. This nuance invites readers to grapple with moral dilemmas, political tensions, and the balance between diplomacy and war—topics that are strikingly relevant today.

Christopher also offered a sneak peek into the next installment of the trilogy, Minerva, in which humanity wrestles with whether to remain isolated or expand into the galaxy. Meanwhile, multiple missions run parallel: establishing colonies, building alliances, and facing off against unforeseen threats.

When asked what advice he would give to young dreamers inspired by space exploration, Christopher emphasized: "Follow what you love. Whether it's science, diplomacy, leadership, or technology, space needs all of it." He also passionately advocated for “space diplomacy” to prevent future conflicts beyond Earth.

And for those wondering, yes, Christopher believes in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The universe’s vastness leaves room for endless possibilities, and he approaches this belief through a lens of both science and faith.

Christopher is working hard to release Minerva, complete the trilogy's final book, and even dabble in a sci-fi romance novel. There's no slowing down for this imaginative storyteller!

📚 Connect with Christopher Loric:

🌟 Connect with me, Rosabel Zohfeld:

Don't forget to subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast for more inspiring conversations and extraordinary stories that remind us all that our lives are meant to be unscripted. 🚀🎙️

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Exploring Family Legacy, Courage, and Craft with Chris Skates



Exploring Family Legacy, Courage, and Craft with Chris Skates

In a powerful new episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel, I sat down with the talented Chris Skates — novelist, chemist, former gubernatorial speechwriter, and master storyteller.

Chris’s latest novel, Moonshine Over Georgia, vividly recounts the untold stories of America’s Prohibition Era. Inspired by the real-life experiences of his grandfather, a courageous revenue agent in 1940s Georgia, Chris weaves historical truth, family legacy, and masterful fiction into an unforgettable tale of danger, resilience, and justice.

The Journey from Chemist to Storyteller

Chris’s path to becoming a full-time writer is a story in itself. Though encouraged by his teachers early on, he chose a pragmatic route, pursuing a career in chemistry for financial security. But storytelling has always remained close to his heart. After sharing a short story honoring his grandfather at a family reunion, the overwhelming response inspired him to pursue publishing. This led to magazine features, award-winning novels, and eventually, government speechwriting at the state and national levels, even crafting messages for President Trump and Vice President Pence.

The Heart Behind Moonshine Over Georgia

In our conversation, Chris shared how he deeply connected with his grandfather, who instilled in him storytelling traditions and a profound sense of honor and resilience. Moonshine Over Georgia captures the harsh realities of the illegal liquor trade and the devastating toll it took on families — a side rarely depicted in romanticized portrayals of moonshiners.

Chris revealed that writing this novel was like assembling a massive jigsaw puzzle: part real stories, part living witness interviews, and part creative weaving to fill the gaps. The result is a rich, authentic narrative that transports readers straight into the gritty streets and fields of 1940s Georgia, balancing brutal realities with the enduring humanity of the time.

From the Page to the Microphone

One of the most moving parts of our talk was hearing about Chris’s experience creating the audiobook for Moonshine Over Georgia. Although he initially attempted to narrate the story himself, he ultimately teamed up with a professional voice actor who vividly brought the characters—and the deep emotional heart of the story—to life. For Chris, hearing his grandfather’s story spoken aloud revealed even more layers of personal connection and healing.

Facing Life's Biggest Battles

Beyond his writing, Chris shared a deeply personal story of resilience: a harrowing battle with a rare and deadly form of leukemia, which he survived against overwhelming odds. His upcoming collection of short stories, Showdown at the Beanstalk, will blend humor and inspiration from his life, encouraging readers that survival and triumph are possible no matter the odds.

A Message to Fellow Creators and Dreamers

Our conversation resonated with a shared truth: storytelling is an act of courage. Whether it's overcoming self-doubt, revising until the work feels truly finished, or finding new ways to connect with readers in an increasingly noisy world, Chris and I believe in the transformative power of stories—not just for others but also for ourselves.

As Chris beautifully put it, "If I don’t write, I don't know how I would function."

Connect with Chris Skates and Rosabel

👉 Dive into Moonshine Over Georgia and explore the world of Prohibition through the eyes of a man who lived it.
Chris’s books — including Moonshine Over Georgia — are available on Amazon in print, Kindle, and audiobook formats.
Just search for Chris Skates, Author on Amazon!

👉 Follow Chris on social media:
- Facebook (search Chris Skates)
- Twitter/X (search Chris Skates)

👉 Stay connected with me, Rosabel Zohfeld!
Visit rosabelunscripted.com to find all my social media links, send me a message, and subscribe to The Life Unscripted Podcast for more inspiring conversations.

👉 Grab your copy of my book The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream — available now on Amazon!

Thank you for being part of our growing Life Unscripted community, where every life story is unscripted and every conversation matters.

Until next time, stay curious, stay bold, and stay unscripted!

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Healing, Loss, and Connection: A Conversation with Jason Tuttle of Letters to Zachary

 


Healing, Loss, and Connection: A Conversation with Jason Tuttle of Letters to Zachary

Welcome to the Rosabel Unscripted blog, where we dive deeper into the conversations and stories that matter. In our latest episode, I spoke with Jason Tuttle, founder of Letters to Zachary, a healing community built on unimaginable loss and the power of vulnerability. Here’s a look at our conversation and the insights that can help every family navigate grief.

From Early Hope to Profound Loss

Jason and his wife embarked on their parenting journey with joy and anticipation. Their first son was diagnosed in utero with multiple severe conditions, including Eagle‐Barrett syndrome—a rare disorder affecting just 1 in 40,000 births. Despite the perinatal specialists’ worst‐case scenarios, his birth brought new challenges: neurological delays, non‐verbal status, and respiratory fragility that led to repeated hospital stays. Two years later, their daughter was born with nearly identical complications, compounding the family’s responsibilities and emotional load.

The Night Everything Changed

Years of endurance honed Jason’s caregiving instincts. So when, one February evening, his son suddenly refused to sleep, eat, or drink—and later developed a rock‐hard abdomen—Jason raced him to the children’s hospital. In the trauma room, a team of medical professionals fought for forty‐five minutes, even using defibrillation, but ultimately Jason’s boy slipped away in his arms. He later reflected on the surreal coldness of a life suddenly gone and the silent drive home, wheelchair empty beside him.

Journaling as a Bridge to Healing

Early on, Jason’s counselor suggested journaling. Hesitant at first, he began writing raw “letters” to his son. When he shared one in an all‐women grief group on Facebook, the response was overwhelming: parents said Jason’s words mirrored exactly how they felt. That validation sparked Letters to Zachary, evolving into a Facebook page, Instagram and TikTok channels, and a complete website where Jason publishes prose, poetry, and candid video reflections.

Challenging Misconceptions About Men and Grief

Our conversation turned to a key mission of Jason’s platform: rewriting the script on how men grieve. Society often frames male grief as stoic or short‐lived—“three days and back to work”—but Jason reminds us that grief is lifelong. He encourages men to:

  • Honor their emotions instead of burying them.
  • Speak openly, even just a short note or a social‐media post.
  • Seek community, knowing that vulnerability invites others to share their own pain.

He also gently educates loved ones—especially women—on supporting grieving men by listening to understand rather than “listening to respond,” and offering respect without minimizing a man’s emotional experience.

Practical Advice for Families

If you or someone you know has faced sudden loss, Jason’s guidance is simple and profound:

  1. Acknowledge that grief “sucks.” There’s no shame in admitting it’s hard.
  2. Allow your process. There is no right timeline—each journey is unique.
  3. Watch for signs of overwhelm. If dark thoughts turn toward self‐harm, reach out for professional help immediately.
  4. Lean on creative outlets. Writing, art, or even a grief‐themed coloring book can offer moments of calm and reflection.

One of Jason’s own mantras:
“Though we strive for the mountaintop, it is in the valley we live—and the valley builds the strength to climb again.”

Looking Ahead: Growing the Legacy

Jason isn’t done building. He dreams of speaking on live stages, sharing his message face‐to‐face with audiences who need permission to grieve authentically. He’s also published a grief coloring book—each page honoring a real child’s memory—that offers families a gentle way to remember and talk about loss together.

Connect, Subscribe & Support

  • Visit Jason’s community: letterstozachary.com for his full archive of letters, videos, and resources.
  • Follow on social media: Facebook · Instagram · TikTok (links on his website).
  • Grab the grief coloring book: Amazon.
  • Rosabel Unscripted hub: www.rosabelunscripted.com for all our media links—Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify—and past episodes.
  • Subscribe on YouTube: The Life Unscripted with Rosabel.
  • Follow on Spotify: Life Unscripted Podcast.
  • To support our mission, please Pick up my book, The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream, on Amazon.

Thank you for reading—let’s keep the conversation going, embrace our valleys, and climb the next mountain together.

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Friday, April 25, 2025

Writing Your Own Story: The Inspiring Resilience of Laura Vosika

Writing Your Own Story with Resilience – A Conversation with Laura Vosika

In the latest episode of The Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel Zohfeld, I had the privilege of sitting down with the truly remarkable Laura Vosika. Laura is not just a mother of ten—yes, ten!—but also a talented author, musician, podcast host, publisher, and the dynamic force behind Glenmirril Farms. Her story beautifully illustrates what it means to reinvent yourself through resilience and determination.

A Life Reinvented Through Courage and Faith

Laura’s journey hasn’t been easy. Growing up in a challenging home environment with alcoholic family dynamics, she faced immense pressure at a young age. Rather than succumb to her circumstances, Laura chose to take charge. She put herself through college at the age of eighteen, determined to author her own narrative.

In our conversation, Laura openly discussed the role faith played in guiding her life choices, from embracing motherhood with ten children to pursuing her passions for music and literature.

From Music and Publishing to Farming

Laura’s vibrant career as a musician began unexpectedly after initially struggling with musical lessons. She humorously recounts her rocky start with organ lessons and the eventual discovery of her true musical passion: the trombone. Her musical journey has led to unforgettable experiences, like playing at historic events and participating in orchestras and jazz bands.

Laura's passion for storytelling eventually led her to establish Gabriel's Horn Press. Her publishing journey began as a cooperative effort among fellow writers, but soon blossomed into something much larger, becoming a significant part of her identity.

Most recently, Glenmirril Farms was born in the tumultuous year 2020, turning a period of uncertainty into an opportunity to cultivate life, learning, and sustainability. With sheep, rabbits, chickens, and flourishing gardens, Laura and her family are embracing the joys and lessons of farming life.

Healing Through Storytelling

Laura’s candid reflection on writing as a powerful tool for healing resonates deeply. After experiencing a difficult marriage, she found writing novels cathartic and empowering, providing an avenue for self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. She emphasizes the importance of gratitude, resilience, and personal responsibility in rewriting our stories.

Practical Steps Towards Resilience

Laura’s advice for listeners who feel stuck or overwhelmed is simple yet profoundly impactful: practice daily gratitude, take personal responsibility, and believe in your capacity to change your circumstances. She embodies the powerful truth that we can shape our destinies, no matter how challenging our past or present.

Connect with Laura Vosika

Follow Laura on social media:

Stay Connected with Rosabel Zohfeld

If you enjoyed this inspiring conversation, please subscribe and follow me, Rosabel Zohfeld, and The Life Unscripted Podcast. Let's continue living and writing our lives courageously and unscripted!

"Remember: You are the author of your story. Choose to write it beautifully."

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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

From Hidden Pain to Hidden Potential: Cari Rickabaugh’s Journey of Healing and Hope

 


From Hidden Pain to Hidden Potential: Cari Rickabaugh’s Journey of Healing and Hope

In the latest episode of The Life on Scripted Podcast with Rosabel, I had the honor of sitting down with a woman whose story left me deeply moved and inspired—Cari Rickabaugh, a licensed massage therapist, master bodyworker, trauma healing life coach, and a living embodiment of resilience.

Cari's journey is one of profound pain transformed into purpose. For three decades, she endured emotional, verbal, and mental abuse from within her own family. Her life looked "perfect" from the outside, but inside her home and heart was a different reality. That internal turmoil eventually took a toll on her physical and mental health—causing seizures, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and more.

But everything changed when a miracle arrived in the form of a friend and a life coach who helped her confront and process the trauma she thought she had buried. At the age of 45, after decades of darkness, Cari began her path to healing—not just mentally, but physically and spiritually.

What stood out most in our conversation was Cari’s unique understanding of trauma not just as an emotional experience, but as something that the body holds onto. As she shared, “When you start healing the mind, you can heal the body. And when you heal them at the same time, the changes are incredible.”

Cari’s healing has opened doors she never imagined—speaking at conferences, writing her story in the book A Journey of Riches: Unlock Your Hidden Potential, launching a mini podcast, and helping clients around the world rediscover their wholeness through a powerful combination of coaching, somatic work, and energy healing.

She reminded us that healing is not always linear. Sometimes, it means uncovering layers we didn’t know existed. Sometimes, it means doing it scared. And always, it means knowing that you are not too broken to be helped.

As Cari said so powerfully, “You can create—like I am—whatever life you want.”

Connect with Cari Rickabaugh

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If Cari’s story moved you, I invite you to subscribe to The Life on Scripted Podcast with Rosabel, where we explore stories of resilience, raw truth, and transformation.

🧡 Follow me on social media for more empowering stories and behind-the-scenes content.
📚 And don’t forget to grab a copy of my book, The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream—a story of grit, growth, and discovering the light within.

✨ Subscribe. Share. Heal.
Together, let’s keep writing our stories—one brave word at a time.

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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Coming Home to Yourself: A Journey Through Healing and Narrative Transformation with Annie Emprima

 

Coming Home to Yourself: A Journey Through Healing and Narrative Transformation with Annie Emprima

On this episode of the Life Unscripted Podcast, I had the profound honor of sitting down with Annie Emprima-Martin, the founder of One Emprima. Annie is a guiding light in healing and transformation; her story is as profound as her work. With over two decades of experience helping people reclaim their voice, reshape their narratives, and return to the sacred space of their own bodies, Annie’s approach is both revolutionary and deeply human.

From Disempowerment to Empowerment

Annie’s journey began in a place of personal struggle. Coming from a dysfunctional background and facing challenges in the military, she experienced trauma and betrayal that became the soil in which her spiritual awakening took root. Through those painful experiences, she discovered a calling to help others heal—both emotionally and spiritually and physically.

She legally changed her name to Emprima, a symbolic and intentional act of reclaiming her identity. “There’s only one of me, just like there’s only one of you,” she says. Her mission? To help others tap into their inner superpowers and find clarity, conviction, and peace.

The Mural Method and Inner Narrative Work

Annie’s Mural Method invites people to revisit their past from a higher perspective, allowing for healing through understanding and energetic transformation. Clients walk through the mural of their story, witnessing younger versions of themselves and releasing emotional pain that no longer serves them.

She also offers Story Alchemy coaching for those new to metaphysical healing, a safe space to explore limiting beliefs and gently connect with body and spirit.

Transformation in Action

Annie has helped clients reverse fibromyalgia, ease PTSD, and even regain vision. Though she humbly calls them "anomalies," the results speak for themselves. Her work emphasizes the body-mind-soul connection and complements traditional medical and mental health care.

The Power of Presence, Breath, and Community

“We need witnesses in our lives,” Annie said during our conversation. She explained that community acts as a natural antidepressant. She taught us about six layers of belonging and how physical presence and connection help us regulate our emotions.

And it all begins with breath. Mindful breathing, she explains, is one of the gentlest first steps toward healing. It’s free, simple, and always available.

Staying Grounded While Helping Others

To remain grounded, Annie practices hot yin yoga and long walks—activities that clear trauma stored in the body while calming the mind. She reflects on her own story with compassion and curiosity and meets herself with grace, just as she encourages others to do.

Final Words of Encouragement

“When we heal ourselves, we permit others around us to heal too.” That’s the heart of Annie’s message—and a powerful reminder that healing can be personal and communal.

🌿 Let’s Stay Connected

To explore Annie's work and begin your own journey of healing, visit her website at OneEmprima.com.

You can also find her on:

🎧 Subscribe to the Life Unscripted Podcast with Rosabel to hear more healing, growth, and transformation stories.

📖 Get your copy of my book, The Courage to Succeed: A True American Dream, on Amazon.

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Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The information shared on this website and in all Rosabel Unscripted or Rosabelievers materials is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation.

For downloadable guides and resources, visit the Rosabelievers Resource Center.

Rosabel Unscripted

Strong Protected Business: 7 Powerful Ways to Prevent Costly Business Disasters

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