Ep 84 with Holly Wagner: Letting Go, Leaning In, and Leading Well
Christine Caine's Life & Leadership Podcast with Propel WomenShow Notes
Resilience isn’t built in comfort—it’s formed in the fire. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with her longtime friend and pastor, Holly Wagner, for a deeply personal and hope-filled conversation on longevity in leadership, lasting friendships, and staying true to your calling through every season. From pioneering ministry in Los Angeles to transitioning leadership after 35 years, Holly shares wisdom forged through grief, betrayal, church hurt, and hard-won joy. If you’ve ever felt burned out, bitter, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you that perseverance is worth it—and that leadership rooted in Jesus will always bear fruit.
SHOW NOTES:Building a Legacy that LastsHolly reflects on 35 years of ministry, the transition of church leadership, and why she’s committed to investing in the next generation of leaders.
Leading Through the Hardest SeasonsFrom losing her father to navigating betrayal, cancer, and church hurt, Holly shares how gratitude, faith, and friendship helped her stay the course.
The Power of Lifelong FriendshipChristine and Holly open up about their 30-year friendship—and how choosing intentionality over convenience has shaped their leadership and healing.
The Trap of Platform CultureThey discuss the dangers of performance-driven ministry and why real transformation begins with humility, not hype.
Leadership Rooted in Jesus, Not ComparisonHolly explains how a global upbringing and grace-filled parenting helped her lead without jealousy, competition, or compromise.
Find Holly on Instagram at @hollywagnerlaConnect with her ministry at sherises.com
Follow Christine, @ChristineCaine
Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode, and don’t forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast.
You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can’t wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts!
—Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine.
We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities.
No matter where a woman has influence – in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry – Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Christine Caine's Life & Leadership Podcast with Propel Women
Your life isn’t meant to stagnate—it’s meant to overflow with purpose, conviction, and the life of Christ. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with author and spiritual formation leader Ann Voskamp for a deeply moving conversation about living “given,” guarding against spiritual drift, cultivating a heart of compassion, and staying anchored in Scripture in a distracted world. Ann shares her journey from global activism to deep soul formation—and why believers must reclaim intentional, Scripture-shaped living. If you’re hungry to grow in spiritual depth and purpose, this episode will stir your heart.
You were created for influence—not by grasping for power, but by walking in the authority God already placed inside you. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Anglican pastor and leader Rachel Hughes for a profound conversation on calling, spiritual warfare, women’s leadership, and learning to partner with the Holy Spirit in everyday life. Rachel shares her journey from BBC television to pastoring a thriving church, the unseen battle that keeps women small, and why embracing the supernatural is essential for spiritual formation. If you’re longing for clarity, courage, or fresh fire—this episode is for you.
When life falls apart, can you still trust God to make things right? In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Lysa TerKeurst for an honest conversation about trusting God through heartbreak, betrayal, and unanswered questions. Lysa shares what she’s learned about walking through pain without becoming bitter, finding peace in the mystery of God’s goodness, and how difficulty and healing can coexist. If you’ve ever felt unseen or left behind in your pain, this conversation will help you find purpose again.
You don’t have to be in ministry to live on mission. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Mimi Chan, a senior leader at Amazon and the co-founder of Christians at Amazon, to talk about what it means to carry your faith into the workplace with courage, integrity, and excellence. Mimi shares how she’s seen God move in the corporate world, how prayer sparked a global movement of faith groups across tech companies, and why your everyday work might be one of the most sacred assignments you’ll ever have.
Faith doesn’t need fame—it needs faithfulness. In this episode, host Christine Caine sits down with Swedish pastor and author Lina Nielsen for an honest conversation about staying steadfast in a world that’s moved on from church. From leading in one of the most secular nations on earth to raising daughters who love Jesus, Lina shares how she’s kept her fire for God through changing seasons, cultural shifts, and challenges in leadership. You’ll be reminded that purpose isn’t built on popularity—it’s built on daily obedience.