Dr. Angela Butts Chester is a Pastoral Counselor in private practice in Long Beach, CA. An author, cancer survivor, and host of Daily Spark with Dr. Angela (radio) and Daily Spark TV, she has built a career spanning more than 20 years and hundreds and thousands of people counseled. Dr. Chester has also served as an Associate Pastor. She has built a reputation as a thought leader on issues related to motivation and Christian empowerment as an international motivational speaker. She is the author of the bestselling book Before You Tie the Knot – A Premarital Counseling Workbook for the D.I.Y Couple. She is the podcast host of Modern Living with Dr. Angela on iHeartRadio, and Hello Monday on Spotify. She is the host of Daily Spark TV that airs on Preach the Word Network, Roku, Vimeo, and Apple TV. She was just named one of the Top 30 Inspiring Women to Look Out For in 2021.
FWM: “Enlighten, Inspire, and empower you.” Explain.
Gladly! I believe we all have been called to a purpose in life; something we must do that brings fuller meaning.
When we enlighten, we give someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation. When we inspire, we fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative. When we empower, we make someone stronger and more confident in life.
Some people need just one piece, while others may need all three. When the piece that’s missing aligns they discover their newfound authority and power to do something about their situation and life path. They feel that they can make a better determination about moving forward.
FWM: You are a faith-based media professional, empowerment speaker, and pastoral counselor. How are you helping others to overcome unproductive mindsets and see new opportunities?
As a radio and tv host, I love spending time with each guest. They bring a certain perspective and share their stories of success and outlook for the future. Knowing that millions of households have access to these interviews is exciting.
As a speaker, I like the energy of the audience. Knowing my time with them is limited, my goal is to make it rewarding.
As a Pastoral Counselor, this is the most one-on-one time. Creating that space for each person to feel safe to discuss their faith and how it impacts them.
On each platform, practical action steps are often shared, whether by the guest or myself. It is in this way that many find their purpose. Something is said that helps them better understand their issues with procrastination, indecisiveness, unbelief, lack of determination, not having a support team, or views about money and finances, just to name a few.
They are enlightened by the sharing, inspired to move forward, and empowered to live their best life. With speaking engagements and one-on-one sessions even more resources are made available.
FWM: You originally offered one-on-one empowerment sessions, due to the pandemic you have included virtual to give more women access to next-level accountability and growth. Tell us about Pivot for Purpose.
Thank you for that question. First the name – Pivot for Purpose. When we pivot we change direction or course. Purpose is that thing you are destined to do. When one pivots or changes course on purpose, it allows them to operate from a place of higher calling or frequency. They are no longer doing something that simply allows them to get a paycheck. When you operate from a place of purpose, you are doing the thing you love most, so the highs and lows that come are dealt with differently.
We all have things that we absolutely love to do. Maybe taking photos makes you feel like a million dollars. It’s the thing that makes you feel alive. But you’ve been told you can’t make a living from your passion, so you try your hand at something else. Pushing you further and further away from your life purpose.
It is in these limiting beliefs that many reside. They have subconsciously taken on the beliefs of others. This system of thinking does not serve them or their purpose in life no matter how well meaning the advice may have been.
Pivot for Purpose teaches you how to shift your paradigm and discover your individual call in life and walk in it. Many take the class to learn how to go from a poverty mindset to an abundance perspective. Having someone to help you stay accountable is another reason.
Who has inspired you?
Celebrities would include media pioneer Cathy Hughes, Film and TV producer Tracey Edmonds, and the acclaimed poet and storyteller Dr. Maya Angelou.
Last but not least is my family. Their stories of fortitude, resilience, love, hope, and being laser-focused help keep me inspired as well.
FWM: You were named one of the Top 30 Inspiring Women to Look Out For in 2021. How does it make you feel?
Amazing! It confirms for me that I am walking the path and purpose for me – I am living out the call on my life. It’s exciting and humbling to know that so many people are being inspired.
FWM: Tell us about your internationally known show, Daily Spark TV.
Daily Spark TV is the spin-off to Daily Spark with Dr. Angela (radio). Radio is a 6-day a week program, where TV is weekly. I have the pleasure of interviewing authors from around the world about their works of fiction, non-fiction, and self-help.
In the beginning stages, I started where many do, on public access tv; that taught me a lot and I’m happy to have had that experience.
After reassessing my goals, finding a new production team, and a new outlet for the show, that’s when things really started to blossom. Being in partnership with Christian network television has given me the international reach I was looking to achieve. With that viewership available I have guests from California to Texas to Virginia, from the UK to Australia.
What I have found is that when we talk to people we find out how much we are alike, despite racial, ethnic or gender differences. Hope, dreams, aspirations. One may say it in a different language but it’s the same desire.
In a global community setting, it reminds us to look beyond just the community in which we live. You can find inspiration in all places, in all people, at any time when you are willing to see what is available before you.
FWM: What can we expect in the upcoming months?
I’m really excited about what we have in store! We are preparing for a new season of Daily Spark TV, and our 500th episode of Daily Spark with Dr. Angela.
Visit my website at drangelachester.com for more.
You can find Daily Spark TV on FB @DailySparkTVOfficial
You can find Daily Spark with Dr. Angela on FB @DailySparkWithDrAngela
