Desiree Petrich (E122)
In today’s episode, we are chatting with Desiree Petrich. Kate is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, visionary, and a dreamer of big dreams. She’s a writer and a self-described theology nerd with a passion for empowering others to share their stories by bravely sharing her own. Kate’s work focuses on where the church meets the world and the beautiful tapestry of stories within our communities.
In 2018, Kate founded a tuition-free private school for children experiencing homelessness in Atlanta. What began with just 9 young scholars has now grown to serve over 60 scholars—a pivotal chapter in Kate’s personal story and a testament to her belief in stepping out in courage, even without the traditional credentials. Kate is the author of Once Upon a School, which is a story of her journey.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Conviction: Kate shares her journey of founding a school for children experiencing homelessness with no formal background in education. Her story is proof that passion and purpose can lead to extraordinary change.
Motherhood and Mission: Kate shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to visionary leader, balancing the demands of motherhood while answering a call she couldn’t ignore. Driven by a deep conviction and a need she saw in her community, she took the courageous first steps to create lasting change.
Gathering Quiet Stories: Kate explores her passion for uncovering the often-overlooked stories within our communities and why they matter.
Kate’s Book Flight - Memoirs of Women Empowerment: Hear about the memoirs that have inspired Kate, all centering on women’s resilience, courage and the empowerment that comes from sharing our stories.
Believing in Yourself: Kate opens up about trusting her intuition, taking the first steps toward change and learning that you don’t always need credentials—just a willingness to say “yes.”
This conversation was so inspiring, filled with heart, purpose, and Kate’s incredible passion for lifting others up. Whether you’re a parent, dreamer or someone searching for stories of hope and empowerment, this episode will move you to believe in your ability to create change.
Connect with Kate King:
Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor
This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter
Book Flight
Present over Perfect by Shauna Niequist
The Smallest Lights in the Universe by Sarah Seager
Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
