Courageous Perserverance: Bea Pedersen on Overcoming Adversity with Humor and Love

Courageous Destiny™ Podcast with Kristin Crockett

The Courageous Destiny podcast takes listeners on an inspiring journey as Kristin Crockett interviews Bea Pedersen, a remarkable individual whose life story is a testament to resilience and faith. Bea's memoir, 'After Seven, When the Rates Are Cheaper,' serves as the focal point of their discussion, beautifully intertwining personal anecdotes with broader themes of perseverance, connection, and the transformative power of storytelling. Bea recounts a pivotal moment during a mission trip to Haiti, where she faced chaos and loss, leading to her brother's memorable advice about calling later when the rates were cheaper. This moment not only inspired the title of her book but also encapsulates the significance of maintaining connections during challenging times—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the episode.

As Bea shares her multifaceted background, from her days as an opera singer to her work in nonprofit fundraising, listeners are drawn into her narrative of overcoming adversity with humor and grace. The podcast transitions into a conversation about the importance of resilience, with Bea reflecting on her upbringing and the lessons she learned about perseverance from a supportive teacher. Her journey highlights that challenges are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles as part of their unique story. Bea's commitment to writing daily letters to her son during his deployment underscores the power of connection, illustrating how even physical distance cannot diminish the bonds of love and support.

The discussion culminates in Bea's aspiration to become a motivational speaker, sharing her story to inspire others to find hope and courage in their own lives. Listeners are prompted to consider their paths and the potential for transformation, reinforced by Bea's belief that with faith, anything is possible. The episode serves as a beacon of encouragement, urging individuals to pursue their passions, cultivate resilience, and share their stories with the world. Bea's inspiring journey and her heartfelt message of perseverance leave listeners with a sense of empowerment, inviting them to reflect on their own lives and the connections that enrich their experiences.

Takeaways:

• Bea Pedersen's journey showcases the power of storytelling to overcome adversity and inspire others.
• The title of Bea's book, 'After Seven When the Rates Are Cheaper,' reflects a personal and poignant moment in her life.
• Writing daily letters to her son during his deployment helped to maintain a deep connection despite physical distance.
• Bea emphasizes the importance of perseverance, character, and faith in facing life's challenges and uncertainties.
• The podcast highlights the transformative effects of sharing one's story as a motivational speaker.
• Courage can manifest in various forms, including speaking openly about one's faith and experiences.

About Bea Pedersen:

Bea Pedersen has spent her life sharing her faith, her achievements, and her challenges through the delightful art of storytelling. Her whimsical, and sometimes acerbic wit, uplifts and inspires all with whom she has shared these delightful tales.

A second-generation Italian-American, Bea was born in Chicago, the last child of a large family. After relocating to the northwest suburbs, Bea was diagnosed with a congenital disease which caused a severe visual impairment. However, she persevered, being the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. She pursued her goal of becoming a professional opera singer performing on the stages of Orchestra Hall and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Always prepared to face new opportunities, Bea relinquished her promising career to assist her family and secured a position as a professional fundraiser in the non-profit arena. Flourishing in this new line of work, Bea led her constituents on multiple mission trips to Haiti, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. In addition, she has given countless motivational presentations and educational sessions throughout the United States. Using her story-telling gifts to engage her supporters, Bea has raised millions of dollars in support of world hunger, higher education, and child abuse prevention, care, and advocacy.

A published author, Bea has turned her story-telling skills into real-life tales featured in her first book, After Seven When The Rates Are Cheaper. She is currently working on a sequel as well as several children’s books, and will be publishing her son’s first book, The Character of Success in 2025.

Bea lives in rural Northern Illinois with her husband, Marco, of over 35 years and her dog, Glory.