Fortitude
Everyone has a story of Fortitude! When we tell our stories of pain in adversity - stories of courage, redemption and hope - we give others permission to speak up and get the help they need. Each episode will give the listener a look inside what overcoming adversity looks like no matter what life throws at you. Each story is uniquely different - stories of alcoholism/addiction, infidelity, rape, abuse, loss of a child/children, cancer, rare disease, tragic accidents...etc.! We are in this life together to support one another and build community around hope and redemption. I am your host, Heather Kittelson, and I am so excited to have you here as part of the Fortitude community!
Episodes
76 episodes
Season 3 Eps. #50 Rebekah Scott - The Power of Creation, Compassion and Christ
In this heartfelt episode, hosts Heather and Amos Kittelson welcome Rebekah Scott, a dynamic entrepreneur, designer, author and podcast host, to kick off Season 3! Rebekah is a servant to God, wife to Nicholas, mother to 4 beautiful ...
#49: DeVonte Garcia - Forgiving Family and Freedom from Addiction
In this heartfelt episode of Fortitude, hosts Heather and Amos sit down with DeVonte Garcia, a young father with an incredible story of redemption and forgiveness. DeVonte shares his journey of battling drug addiction and the pain of an abse...
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#48: Kendra Russell - Protecting Kids in the Age of Technology
As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our children's lives, so too does the risk of exploitation. Kendra Russell, a digital evidence forensic examiner from South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation, stands at the forefront ...
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#47: Sarah Kurtenbach - Financial Sovereignty for Young Women
From accumulating a million dollars in debt to achieving financial freedom, Sarah Kurtenbach is a powerful advocate for financial literacy for teenage and college-age women. Grounded in biblical wisdom, Sarah's mission is to empower young women...
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#46: Pete & Krista Beerman - Building a Vision: Marriage, Ministry, and Mission with the Beermans
From battling personal struggles like pornography addiction and autoimmune disease, to building a thriving church and business in a small Minnesota town, Pete and Krista Bierman share their story of resilience and unwavering commitment to their...
#45: Greg Sands - From Skid Row to Major Benefactor: Victory Over Addiction
Once trapped in the cycle of crack cocaine addiction on the notorious streets of Skid Row, Greg Sands' story is one of extraordinary redemption. This episode takes you through Greg’s intense struggles with addiction, the life-altering realizati...
#44: Dr. Lauren Skattum - A Modern Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman
A guardian of traditional, personalized healthcare and deeply attuned to the needs of women's health, Dr. Lauren Skattum is a force in today's complex medical landscape. Her journey has taken her from Alabama to Africa, and now to her ...
#43: Jill Albers - Divine Appointments and Humbling Adventures
Meet Jill, the newest member of Fortitude, as she shares how unexpected and difficult paths have led her to a life rich with adventure. From adopting holistic health methods as her father battled pancreatic cancer, to her unconventiona...
#42: Paul DeJong Returns To Fortitude - "Bloom Where You Are Planted"
We welcome back our most listened-to guest from Season 1, Paul DeJong! Paul shares updates on his life since retiring due to Parkinson's disease, discussing the physical and emotional adjustments he's navigated. From embracing assisted li...
#41: Season Two Begins. Amos & Heather's Vision for Fortitude, Wisdom, and How YOU Can Get Involved
What is Fortitude all about, & why are Amos and Heather continuing with a season 2? We are grateful you are here to find out. If you, or someone you know has a story of Overcoming Adversity with Courage, Redemption and Hope, we ...
#40: Angela Drake - Loud Mouth Mama - Tackling Suicide with Compassion and Courage
After the loss of her daughter Brittany in March of 2016, Angela Drake has made it her mission to channel her grief into hope, resources, and support for others. She is the Founder of Fight Like A Ninja and Owner of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. S...
#39 - Lori Sheldon - Change of Heart: A Family's Tale of Faith, Prayer and a New Heart
Lori Sheldon, a recent author whose journey of resilience, love, and faith is nothing short of inspiring.Lori, a dedicated mother of three beautiful daughters and wife to Kevin, shares her extraordinary experience navigating he...
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#38: Rollie & Ruth Vander Lee - A Couple's LOVE Prevails Over Near Death COVID Experience
From Rock Rapids, Iowa, Ruth and Rollie share their harrowing journey through COVID-19, a story marked by love, loss, and miraculous divine moments. From facing the unthinkable with the loss of Rollie’s father to Ruth's life-threatening batt...
#37: Tom Henderson - Faith, Family, and Forgiveness
Tom Henderson is a follower of Jesus, husband to Laura, and father to Isaiah and Chase. He is also the founder of RESGEN, the RESGEN Men’s Summit and the RESGEN Giving Life Podcast. He is driven by a passion to reach people with the Good New...
#36: Dylan Lesselyoung - Unbroken Spirit: A Journey Beyond Limits
Dylan, the founder and President of Wheelchair Adventures. Born and raised in South Dakota, Dylan's life took a significant turn when a car accident/suicide attempt at the age of 18 resulted in a C2/C3 spinal cord injury, leaving him as a quadr...
#35: John Glasser - A Torchbearer's Journey of Unwavering Faith!
In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we invite John Glasser, a man whose life is a beacon of transformative faith. From his roots in a family that spread the gospel across state lines to his own personal struggles and revelations, Jo...
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#34: Michael De Jong - From the Shadows to the Sanctuary: A Beautiful Journey of Divine Purpose
In this episode, Amos and Heather Kittelson welcome Michael De Jong, a man of deep faith, to discuss his transformative journey from a troubled past to leading a well known ministry and church. De Jong recounts his path from a...
#33: Heather Erickson - Touch of Love: Remembering Ethan’s Infectious Spark
In this profound episode of "Fortitude," hosts Heather and Amos Kittleson sit down with Heather Erickson, who shares a touching and deeply personal story of her son - Ethan's courageous battle with cancer from the ages of 11years old to 12ye...
#32: Kuol Malou - Healing Invisible Scars Through Empathy
Kuol Malou's journey is one of resilience, transformation, and deep-rooted commitment to community and relationships. Originating from South Sudan amidst civil unrest, Kuol sought refuge in the United States in 1998, a life-altering experien...
#31: Melanie Brown - Earthly Angels Do Exist - Beautiful Faith & Hope During a Time of Loss
Get ready for this episode of Fortitude, where resilience meets inspiration! Join hosts Heather and Amos as they engage in a powerful conversation with Melanie A. Brown, a seasoned nurse and award-winning international sales team leader with...
#30: Reid & Jessi Johnson - A Family United: Love, Adoption, and Faith
In this heartwarming episode of "Fortitude," meet Reid and Jessi Johnson, a devoted couple living in Sioux Falls, SD. With seven children, ranging from six months to nineteen years old, Reid and Jessi's lives are a beautiful tapestry o...
#29: Paul & Bethany Perissien - Mission Haiti, Self Sacrifice for Eternal Purpose
In this special episode of "Fortitude," we shine a spotlight on Paul and Bethany Perissien, a remarkable couple who serve full-time with Mission-Haiti, a local non-profit organization in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Join us as we delve int...
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#28: Amos & Heather - If You Want to Change the World...Go Home and Take Care of Your Family!
Heather shares her journey of transitioning from a full-time career to becoming a mompreneur. Hear her courageous decision to resign from her job last summer to focus on her family and children, and the emotional and spiritual challenges...
#27: Missy and Trenton Bass - Community Prayer & Support Provides Unmeasurable Comfort & Healing
It’s been five years since Tenton’s tragic football accident, which resulted in him becoming paralyzed. Through his life changing injury Trenton has remained “Trenton Strong” with a community of friends and family surrounding him and cheerin...
#26: Jeremy Brown - Full Surrender - Worldly Ways to God's Way
Jeremy is a successful entrepreneur who owns and operates Throne Publishing, Legacy Acres and Warrior - which he calls side hustles. His legacy and favorite identity here on earth is rockstar husband and father, and he is nailing it!...
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