Podcasts

When your world implodes, you can either crumble or rebuild. For my guest today — Gail Showalter — she chose to rebuild.

Once married with three children, a stable family business, a dream home, and what looked like a “forever story,” Gail’s life was shattered when betrayal entered her marriage. Suddenly, everything she believed in — stability, trust, identity — was gone. Divorce hurt. It made her question, doubt, and grieve.

But it was not the end.

Gail picked up the pieces, returned to college with her children, changed careers, and dedicated herself to a mission born from her pain: she would help other women rise from heartbreak.

That mission led to the birth of Single Moms EmpowerEd (formerly SMORE for Women), a nonprofit she founded in 2007 to offer hope, education, and empowerment to single moms navigating the hard road.

In this episode of The High Ticket Woman, we lean into the hard questions and hope-filled answers. Gail shares her story with raw honesty — the ache of betrayal, the weight of resilience, and the faith that carried her through. We explore:

• How to rebuild identity and purpose after divorce

• Why education and community can become lifelines for single moms and their children

• The emotional and spiritual cost of walking alone — and why none of us have to

• What true empowerment looks like when you’re doing life with courage, faith, and dignity

Gail’s journey isn’t sugar-coated. It doesn’t promise “quick fixes.” But it offers something far more powerful: redemption, restoration, and a testimony that God can rebuild what feels irreparable.

Whether you’re healing from heartbreak, parenting through pain, or simply seeking hope and strength for the next step, this conversation will meet you in those places and remind you that your story doesn’t end with loss. It can still become a legacy of courage, compassion, and new beginnings.

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In a powerful conversation that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s most challenging moments, Gail Showalter’s story emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation. Her journey from a painful divorce to becoming a champion for single mothers reveals the extraordinary power of personal resilience and intentional growth.

Imagine being a single mother of three, navigating the treacherous waters of divorce while simultaneously pursuing higher education.

This was Gail’s reality – a testament to her unwavering determination. She didn’t just survive; she thrived, becoming a Braille teacher and ultimately founding Single Moms Empowered, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women seeking educational and professional advancement.

“I had to recognize maybe I hadn’t made the right choices,” Gail reflects candidly, highlighting the critical importance of self-reflection and personal accountability. Her organization doesn’t just provide financial support, it offers a comprehensive support system that helps single mothers pursue higher education and build sustainable careers.

One of her most inspiring success stories is Jackie, a grandmother who persevered through multiple obstacles to become a social worker. This narrative underscores a fundamental truth: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and pursue your dreams.

Gail’s philosophy centers on transforming victim mentality into empowerment. “Your life is not going to change unless you do something differently,” she emphasizes, challenging listeners to take active roles in their personal growth. Her approach isn’t about sympathy, but about providing tangible pathways to success.

Her recent book, “Living, Learning, Loving,” captures her philosophy through twelve chapters of inspirational stories. Each chapter not only shares her experiences but also includes thought-provoking questions designed to spark personal reflection and growth.

The conversation with Walt Thiessen reveals a deeper message: challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities for transformation. Gail’s journey demonstrates that personal growth isn’t linear – it’s a complex, sometimes messy process of continuous learning and adaptation.

Her work with Single Moms Empowered has created ripple effects beyond individual success stories. By supporting mothers’ educational journeys, she’s simultaneously investing in their children’s futures, breaking generational cycles of limitation.

For anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain, Gail’s story offers a powerful reminder: your current circumstances do not define your potential. With determination, support, and a willingness to learn, remarkable transformations are possible.

As Gail herself would say, “Take one step at a time” – and watch how those steps can lead to extraordinary destinations.

Jamie M. Lima and Gail Showalter discuss the financial struggles and realities faced by single parents, focusing on debt management and employment challenges. They explore how financial hardship influences children's financial habits and emphasize the importance of career-focused education for achieving financial independence. The conversation highlights programs and degrees that can aid single mothers' success. They address planning for the future, overcoming confidence issues post-divorce, and managing guilt while taking leaps of faith. Practical day-to-day financial strategies are shared, along with the importance of creating a support team.

Key Points

• Finding a reliable support system, including a good counselor, is crucial for single moms to navigate the emotional aftermath of divorce.

• Setting a reasonable, step-by-step plan for educational or career advancement can significantly boost confidence and future financial stability for single mothers.

• Encouraging a positive mindset through daily gratitude practices can help single moms and their children cope better with the daily challenges they face.

In this episode of 'Her New Lens,' host Tricia Rose Stone interviews Gail Cawley Showalter, a coach, author, speaker, and advocate for single mothers. Gail shares her inspiring story of raising three children as a single mom for 16 years, which shaped her mission to empower women through faith, education, and community. She discusses the founding of her nonprofit, Single Moms Empowered, which provides resources and scholarships to help women pursue meaningful careers. The conversation explores Gail's resilience, faith, and commitment to helping single mothers achieve independence and success. Gail offers heartfelt advice, insights into her spiritual journey, and practical steps for women in transition, emphasizing the importance of renewed self-confidence and being gentle with oneself.

00:00 Introduction to Gail Cawley Showalter

01:12 Gail's Journey as a Single Mother

02:41 Founding Single Moms Empowered

04:32 Challenges Faced by Single Mothers

05:30 Support Systems and Mentorship

08:35 Faith and Education

19:05 Advice for Women in Transition

25:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast isn’t just something we make each week, it’s a ministry. Every story we share is meant to remind you that you are deeply loved by God, and that He’s still moving - right here, right now - through the lives of real people. 

And this month is our Halfway to Sunday Pledge Drive: a time where we’re inviting you to come alongside us and help this ministry keep growing.

If you’ve been encouraged by what you hear, would you prayerfully consider joining us on Patreon? You’re not just subscribing, you’re helping share stories that point people back to Jesus. 

Thank you for being a part of the Halfway to Sunday Community!

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SHOW NOTES:

What do you do when the life you pictured breaks apart? In this tender, practical episode, Gail Showalter and Jill talk about rebuilding when you feel behind and how God often shows up in ordinary details and how starting over can become holy ground. You’ll hear about setting boundaries that guard your peace, finding steady support (wise friends, mentors, counselors, faith communities), and simple rhythms that push back on isolation: sleep, Scripture, walks, small goals. Gail also shares why a focused season of growth can create ripple effects far beyond you, moving from pain to purpose in ways only God could write. If you’re navigating loss, change, or a fresh beginning, this conversation offers Christian encouragement and concrete next steps. You don’t need the whole map…just the next faithful step.

"The strongest women I’ve met are single mothers. Their resilience is a testament to what courage looks like in real life." – Gail Showalter
SHOW NOTES

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Gail's journey as a single mom showcases resilience and faith.

• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

• Single mothers can find support through community and education.

• It's important to navigate past relationships thoughtfully.

• Practical life skills are essential for fostering independence in children.

• Education can be pursued online, making it more accessible for single moms.

• Financial management and budgeting are crucial for single mothers.

• Spiritual nourishment through prayer can provide strength during tough times.

• Overcoming challenges requires faith and a willingness to step out of comfort zones.

• Single mothers are some of the strongest individuals, deserving of support and understanding.

"Do a complete autopsy on the previous relationship—reflect, learn, and grow before moving forward." – Gail Showalter

Navigating Life with Courage and Faith: An Inspiring Conversation with Gail Showalter

When you meet someone whose life story resonates with strength, wisdom, and grace, it's impossible not to feel inspired. Kristen Wambach’s recent heartfelt conversation with Gail Showalter offered exactly that—a beacon of hope and guidance, especially for single mothers navigating life’s complex journey. Gail, affectionately known as the "Old Bird with Feathers of Wisdom," has dedicated her life to supporting single mothers, drawing from her own experiences and faith-driven path.