We have such an incredible guest joining us for today’s show! Bola Sokunbi is a certified financial instructor (CFEI), money expert, speaker, and founder of Clever Girl Finance, one of the largest personal finance media platforms for women in the U.S. Bola received the 2021 Financial Education Instructor of the Year Award from the National Council of Financial Educators and is a 4x best-selling author of the  Clever Finance Series and her book,  Choosing To Prosper. She is passionate about helping women take control of their money stories and live life on their terms. Bola has such amazing things to say about breaking free from a limiting money mindset, being intentional, and giving yourself grace along your financial journey. I could not be more excited to have her  back on the show with us today to share her story and wisdom with all of you! 4:49 – Bola 201  Bola’s life as a business owner, mom, and wife Releasing 4 books Bola’s career journey and mission Pursuing her business on her own terms  22:35 – Embracing Imperfections in Money Management  “Low dough March” Tips for curbing impulsive spending Embracing imperfections and finding solutions that work for you  40:57 – The Wealth Paradox  The cultural attitude towards money  Wealthy individuals being idolized and demonized Common misconceptions about wealth Money as a tool  51:24 – Final Takeaways  Breaking free from a limiting money mindset Learning from others, being intentional, and open-minded to opportunities Changing dynamics in the financial planning industry Connecting with Bola  FEATURED QUOTES “I had an idea that I wanted to build a business that would help women- that would empower women to not feel any shame or any judgment about their finances.” “Automation is a tool that can help you save and help you get out of debt faster, that can help you invest more. Leverage the tools and resources that can help you help yourself.” “Give yourself that grace. We’re all making money mistakes.” “Money is not anything. It&#39;s a tool. It doesn&#39;t make you good, it doesn&#39;t make you evil, it doesn&#39;t make you kind, it doesn&#39;t make you hideous… it… amplifies who you are. If you&#39;re a good person, you&#39;re a great person with money. If you&#39;re an evil person, you&#39;re a worse person with money. It’s a tool.” Learn more about Bola: https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/ Clever Girl Finance Book Series https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bola-Sokunbi/author/B076GP7FS3 Bola’s book, Choosing To Prosper  https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Prosper-Triumphing-Adversity-Achieving-ebook/dp/B0B4V644NT The Clever Girls Know Podcast https://www.clevergirlfinance.com/podcast/ Clever Girl Finance on social media https://www.instagram.com/clevergirlfinance/ https://www.youtube.com/clevergirlfinance https://www.facebook.com/clevergirlfinance/ Connect with me:  http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilau

#386 How to Build Lasting Wealth with Personal Finance Expert Bola Sokunbi

I am so incredibly excited to sit down with Joy Clarkson in this week’s episode. Joy wears many hats - from being a research associate in theology and literature at King’s College London to serving as the Books and Culture Editor for Plough Quarterly. Completing her Ph.D. in theology at the University of Saint Andrews, she&#39;s also the face behind the popular podcast  Speaking with Joy and the author of several books, including her latest release,  You Are a Tree, which we chat about today. This conversation was so rich, and it was such a delight to unpack some of the powerful metaphors found in scripture together. I hope you join us as we learn more about the inspiration behind Joy’s new book and talk about how God uses imagery and nature to help us better understand ourselves, our relationships, and the mysteries of life. 7:06 – Joy 101  Living in Scottland and teaching theology in London Joy’s books and podcast Joy’s love for tea, music, and baking  13:03 – The Origin Story for Joy’s book  Frequently relocating as a child Joy’s lifelong connection with trees Living in one place for 27 months Exploring trees in Scripture   18:50 – Nature’s Lessons  The profound metaphors found in nature God’s intentional creation The 7 metaphors explored in Joy’s book  26:44 – Metaphors of Mystery  God’s intentional design woven into creation Embracing childlike wonder to see God’s presence and intentionality Using metaphors as tools to describe the mysterious aspects of creation  40:59 – Final Takeaways  Unpacking “love is a disease” The metaphors of trees and travel Connecting with Joy  FEATURED QUOTES “Scripture itself… it&#39;s not just a rulebook…doesn&#39;t give us a bunch of abstract, philosophical truths about God- it draws on our experiences of the natural world, and our experiences of light and height and depth, to help us understand ourselves and our relationship with God.”   “I think metaphors kind of keep us open to the many facets of things and the mystery of being alive.”   “We are created to belong in this world, and to have a relationship [with] it and to find meaning in it.”   “To be in the world and to flourish we do need to have roots, we do need to be like a tree and stay in one place. But even the best tree human life is still a temporary life and we still have this sense of belonging for a home that isn&#39;t here.&quot; Learn more about Joy: https://joyclarkson.substack.com/about Check out You Are a Tree:  https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Tree-Metaphors-Nourish/dp/0764238256 Check out Aggressively Happy:  https://www.amazon.com/Aggressively-Happy-Realists-Believing-Goodness/dp/0764238248/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_w=LfzV1&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&amp;pf_rd_p=cf86ec3a-68a6-43e9-8115-04171136930a&amp;pf_rd_r=144-9553475-8087324&amp;pd_rd_wg=LvZyp&amp;pd_rd_r=6d7bd05c-79fe-4760-962e-083df08e9a43&amp;ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

You are a Tree with Joy Marie Clarkson | EP: 385

My guest this week is the amazing Donna Jones. Donna is a national speaker, church planter, pastor’s wife, and self-described bible explainer with a remarkable speaking portfolio spanning 26 states and 4 continents. Donna is also the host of the weekly  That's Just What I Needed podcast and the talented author behind  Seek: A Woman's Guide to Meeting God,  Taming Your Family Zoo, the  Get Healthy Bible Study Series, and more.  In honor of her newest book,  Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life, she joins us today to share powerful strategies for handling conflicts with grace and truth. We talk about everything from navigating disagreements to the biblical foundations of forgiveness. I know there is something valuable in this conversation for everyone- get ready for a good one! 2:29 – Donna 101  Pastor’s wife and church planter National speaker, writer, and mom Passionate about conflict resolution Gym, coffee, and shoe lover  7:04 – Healthily Handling Conflict  Communicating thoughts, feelings, and opinions with grace and truth Donna’s unique perspective on conflict through ministry Don’t make the small things big and the big things small  18:31 – The Art of Listening & Disagreeing Gracefully  The conflict continuum Listening to understand Learning to disagree without being disagreeable  34:20 – Forgiveness  Forgiveness is a command, choice, and promise Starting with the “want to” Inviting Jesus into the pain It’s never too late  49:28 – Takeaways  Ordering Donna’s book Connecting with Donna Free online resources  FEATURED QUOTES “I would like to hope that this book serves the purpose to help people avoid things that will make them regret how they handled some conflict in their life.” “If you have conflict with someone, it does not mean you are a bad person, they are a bad person, or your relationship is somehow defective or bad.” “When we invite Jesus into those spaces, He doesn't shame us. He sympathizes because He leans towards us and He whispers, ‘I know. I felt it too. I get it. I understand. And I can help.’” Learn more about Donna: https://donnajones.org/ Get your copy of Healthy Conflict/Peaceful Life:  https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Conflict-Peaceful-Life-Communicating-ebook/dp/B0CDKY8YNJ Donna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnaajones/ Donna on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnajonesspeak/ Connect with me:  http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly Preorder my book: PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY: Barnes & Noble:  https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon:  https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook:  https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target:  https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart:  https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound:  https://bit.ly/IIDLICib    

#384 How to Handle Conflict in a Healthy Way with Donna Jones

My guest this week is the incredible Rose Booth. With over 30 years of experience in technology and publishing, Rose is a dedicated mentor and counselor, passionate about ministry and teaching. She is also the co-host of the podcast, One Single Thought. In December 2021, Rose's life took a turn when she became an amputee, offering her a new perspective on life. Her first book,  Dancing in the Valley: Finding Life and Joy Amidst the Shadow of Death Nipping at My Heels, was released in December 2023. I’m so excited to have her on the show today to share her inspiring story and talk about the power of surrender, as well as the growth that comes from navigating through dark valleys. Her story is such a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest moments, God is faithful and His plans for us are always good. 2:03 – Rose 101  Rose’s involvement with her church + journey as an author and podcast host Being born to parents who experienced 18 years of infertility Being instilled with a sense of independence from a young age  16:50 – Facing the Valley  Rose’s series of health complications and surgeries Grappling with questions of faith and purpose Rose’s pivotal moment of surrender  27:45 – Navigating Setbacks  The unexpected setbacks that kept Rose from healing Deciding to undergo amputation Yearning to be with Jesus  36:44 – Finding Strength in Surrender  Encouragement for those in the valley Growing in the darkest places God is working all things for good  46:13 – Takeaways + Rose’s Life Today  How Rose is doing physically today Publishing her book + future projects  FEATURED QUOTES “The worst time of my life, God used to make my dreams come true.” “God will grow you more when you're in the darkness than He ever will in the light. It's one of the only things that grows in the dark and it's our faith.” “If we think in the valley that we are where we're supposed to be because it's part of God's plan, then we know that this is ultimately going to work out for His good and His glory.” Learn more about Rose: https://www.rosebooth.net/ Order Rose’s book, Dancing in the Valley  https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Valley-Finding-Amidst-Nipping/dp/1955051240/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X9EWQA7QFLWY&keywords=dancing%20in%20the%20valley%20rose%20booth&qid=1701392519&sprefix=%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1 One Single Thought podcast: https://www.rosebooth.net/podcast Rose on social media: https://www.instagram.com/rosieboo65/

#383 How to Find Strength in Surrender with Rose Booth

This week, I am sitting down with the incredible John R. Miles, the driving force behind the wildly popular Passion Struck podcast and nationally recognized radio show. With a background as a former US Navy officer and a senior executive at a Fortune 50 company, John is celebrated as a transformative leader in intentional behavior change and personal mastery. He’s an author, entrepreneur, and visionary in modern leadership and I’m so excited to have him on the show today to talk about his  new book and the transformative power of purpose-driven living. Stay tuned for a powerful conversation on overcoming adversity, fostering authentic connections, embracing gratitude in our daily lives, and much more. I was truly inspired by my conversation with John, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did! 2:38 – John 101  John’s unique career path John’s book + the “pinball life”  10:01 – Breaking Free from the Pinball Life  The self-discrepancy theory Intentionality as a muscle Life crafting + identifying goals Building a foundation through pillars of support  20:50 – Awakening to Purpose  John’s unexpected career shifts John’s wake-up call and journey towards a more meaningful path Aligning with your true calling  32:43 – Gratitude, Connection, and Purpose  Our innate desire for purpose The power of connection and service Being vessels for a greater purpose  40:42 – Hope in Hardship  The transformative power of pain and hardship Focusing on the small wins The path to rebuilding  48:15 – Takeaways  Connecting with John Matt Doherty’s story  FEATURED QUOTES “When we're acting like a pinball, we're completely unintentional, we are so distracted by the world around us, so caught up in the matrix, that we're not allowing ourselves to live with intention- to craft the life we want, to become a self-realized version of ourselves that God put us here to actuate in our life.” “We can have suffering and be self-compassionate. We can experience trauma and be forgiving. But I think too many of us hold on to these things as either ors.” “We all can rebound, but it takes intentional action to do so.” Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/ Passion Struck Podcast: https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-podcast/ John’s new book, Passion Struck:  https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ John on social media: https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/ https://www.youtube.com/c/johnrmiles

#382 Living a Life with intention and purpose with Guest John R. Miles

My guest this week is Matt Brown, the founding and senior pastor at Sandals church in Riverside, California. From a humble eight-person church plant in 1997, Sandals Church has now expanded to 14 physical campuses across California, with a digital footprint touching 110,000 people weekly. In our conversation, Pastor Matt shares insights from his latest book, Every Day a Miracle. He challenges us to explore the everyday opportunities for miracles and invites us to see Jesus not just as a savior but as a healer. I can’t wait for you to join us for this powerful discussion filled with laughter, tears, and deep reflections on faith and prayer. 2:17 – Matt 101  The early years of church planting Matt’s hobbies and interests outside of pastoring A vision to be real as a church     13:16 – The Power of Confession and Repentance  Modeling confession for the next generation A story of miraculous healing  20:31 – Faith-Driven Miracles  The inspiration behind Matt’s book, Every Day A Miracle God answers all prayers with yes, no, or wait Miracles in moments of desperation  28:12 – Participation in Miracles  Getting real with God Repetition and meaning in prayer Trusting and worshiping amid uncertainty  40:27 – Journeying with Jesus  Matt’s prayer for people reading his book Asking “how” instead of “why” during disappointment The complexity of healing  52:21 – Takeaways  Connecting with Matt Pre-ordering Every Day A Miracle  FEATURED QUOTES “If you want to heal, you’ve got to get real…That's just the only way it works.” “I'm not one of these super uber charismatic people that's always believed in miracles… I'm a Baptist, who has been compelled by repeated evidence that they happen, that miracles are real, and they happen every day.” “I cannot guarantee the miracle you want, but I do guarantee the miracle you need.” “There's a very little chance of that prayer being answered if your audience is the people around you and not the God in heaven.” Learn more about Matt: Sandals Church https://sandalschurch.com/ Pre-order Everyday a Miracle https://everydayamiraclebook.com/ Matt on social media https://www.instagram.com/matthewstephenbrown/ https://twitter.com/pastormattbrown https://www.facebook.com/pastormattbrown/

Does Jesus Still Perform Miracles Today? with Pastor Matt Brown | EP: 381

Today we’re joined by my good friend, Shannon Leyko. Shannon is an author, podcast host, mother of three, and a military wife who recently moved from Alaska to Florida with her family.   As a former Miss New York for the Miss America Organization, classically trained vocalist, and reality television development producer, Shannon has worn many hats throughout her life. Along with this, her book,  You’re Completely Normal, achieved recognition as one of the Top 50 Hot New Releases in Self-Development on Amazon in 2020.   Shannon currently works as a ghostwriter and content creator for a world-renowned psychologist and is the host of the podcast  Paring Down, where she helps listeners live a more intentional, decluttered life.   Stay tuned for a powerful conversation on embracing the non-linear path, cherishing the present, and being mindful of what truly matters. I know you’re going to love it!     7:31 – Shannon 101    Becoming Miss New York after college Moving to DC and Virginia Beach Becoming a military wife and moving to Alaska Writing a book, moving to Florida, and starting a podcast      13:08 – A Non-Linear Path    Societal pressure to follow a linear life trajectory The inspiration behind Shannon’s book, “You’re Completely Normal” Guiding children to be content with their individual paths Nonlinear paths leading to personal growth and wisdom      26:22 – The Power of Patience    Taking your next step in faith The human tendency to take matters into your own hands Peace through trusting in God’s plan      32:54 – Decluttering and Slowing Down    How living in Alaska inspired the Paring Down Podcast The power of intentionality and gratitude The sentimental aspect of decluttering Swedish death cleaning    54:07 – Don’t Save the Good Wine    Living intentionally and for the now Wear the sequin pants The frailty of life Creating a calm home environment      FEATURED QUOTES   “It will all come together if you just continue to pursue the things that God calls you to that bring you joy, and not always just move through with urgency.”   “If I remove this urgency from my life, this idea of where I want to go, what success means to me…remove all of that and just put on God’s lenses and say, ‘I trust in His will. Let me sit back and listen to what He wants from me.’ That… makes our lives so much better.”   “Be mindful and present right now, because today matters. Use the good things. Don&#39;t put the quilt that your grandma sewed for your child in the closet because you don&#39;t want anything to spill on it. Put it on their bed. Let them use it.”   Learn more about Shannon:   https://www.theexpertbeginner.com/   Shannon on Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/paringdownpodcast/   The Paring Down Podcast:    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paring-down-realistic-minimalism-to-live-more-intentionally/id1713108995   Shannon’s Book, You’re Completely Normal:    ht

#380 The Non-Linear Timeline of Life, Swedish Death Cleaning, & Minimal-ish Lifestyle w/ Shannon Leyko

My guest this week is the incredible Susie Larson, who you might know as the host of the popular radio show, Susie Larson Live.  Susie is also a best-selling author and national speaker who is passionate about helping people discover the depth of God's love, the value of their soul, and their calling in Christ Jesus. Susie is a two-time finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, has authored over 20 books and devotionals, and touches the lives of over half a million people weekly on social media with her daily devotionals. We'll be diving into her newest book,  Waking Up to the Goodness of God: 40 Days Toward Healing and Wholeness, and exploring what it means to intentionally embrace God's goodness each day. Susie has such a powerful story of faith, healing, and resilience and has amazing insights into what it looks like to make space for hope in our lives, even in the darkest of moments. 3:34 – Susie 101  Susie’s family and upbringing Starting as an author and speaker and becoming a full-time talk radio host Susie’s journey through high-risk pregnancies and Lyme disease Embracing the goodness of God  17:09 – Trust in the Midst of Loss  Choosing trust over bitterness in the face of life’s hardships Leaning into God’s goodness Actively imprinting God's goodness on the heart  24:50 – Making Space for Hope  We can’t afford to live without hope Spend time getting to know God Finding older mentors that have a fire for God  29:23 – Spiritual Resiliency  Affirmations and declarations rooted in biblical truths Battling inner critics and countering the lies of the enemy How Susie rewired her brain while battling Lyme disease  37:16 – Overcoming Fear + Closing Thoughts  The significance of 40 days in healing Pushing through the wall of fear to expand your ministry and purpose Ordering Susie’s book and where to find her radio show  FEATURED QUOTES “I would say a large share of Christians might have right theology around salvation- they know they're saved, but they don't know they're loved- and that makes a very big difference.” “Maybe you're in between crises, and in between storms… this is the perfect time to be looking around and noticing the goodness of God all around you.” “There are legitimate reasons for fear in our day. But there's even more legitimate reasons for faith because our future is bright in Jesus.” “If you're willing to apply yourself to the truth of God, change will happen.” Learn more about Susie: Susie’s Book, Waking Up to the Goodness of God https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Goodness-God-Wholeness/dp/0785294716 Susie’s Radio Show: https://myfaithradio.com/programs/susie-larson-live/ Susie’s Website: https://www.susielarson.com/about  

#379: Waking Up to the Goodness of God with Susie Larson

Welcome to the first official episode recorded in 2024! After an incredible year filled with so many inspiring conversations, I've decided to shake things up and steer away from the usual New Year's resolutions talk this year. Let's face it, there's nothing inherently magical about January 1st. So instead, I want to share some of my favorite lessons from the podcast and life in 2023. I hope this episode encourages you and inspires a fresh perspective on the year ahead! 3:51 – Word of the Year  Reflecting on the last two years This year’s word: “flourish” Your word of the year  7:16 – The Podcast in 2024  8 years of the podcast Switching up formats this year Getting creative and breaking routines  9:43 – “If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry”  Recording my audiobook Prayers for this journey Pre-ordering the book Mini book tour  13:41 – Top 5 Episodes of 2023   Episode 334, Megan Hyatt Miller  Episode 369, Jay Hewitt  Episode 373, Dr. Emily Smith  Episode 345, Jamie Winship  Episode 376, Ginny Yurich  23:29 – Encouragements For This Year  Saying “no” to more things and “yes” to the right things Giving yourself room to try new things and mess up Learning when and when not to apologize Creating margin in your summer  FEATURED QUOTES "I want to give you the encouragement to, this year, give yourself the space to break routines. Give yourself the space to get creative, give yourself the space to try something new." “I'm encouraging you to say no to more things, so that you can say yes to the right things. This is not a new concept. But it's easier said than done.” “I am so excited about what this podcast is going to look like this year.”

#378 2023 Year in Review & 2024 Vision Casting!

We’re kicking off the new year with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere. They are Doctors of Psychology and founders of the Soul Shepherding Institute, a ministry dedicated to helping pastors, leaders, churches and more thrive with Jesus in emotional and relational health.   Bill and Kristi have authored several soul care books and resources, such as their newest book,  “Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith.” I’m so excited to have them on today to explore the relationship between our spiritual lives and mental health. Stay tuned as we talk about how embracing our feelings can lead to greater joy, peace, and spiritual growth.    4:25 – Bill and Kristi 101    A background in counseling and ministry  Starting Soul Shepherding in 2009     9:21 – Psychology and Faith     Spiritual Directors vs Spiritual Counselors   All truth is God’s truth  Embracing emotions to deepen your relationship with others and God     19:43 – The Enneagram    Using the Enneagram as a tool for spiritual growth   Unconscious sin, dysfunction, and areas of growth  Dealing with distressing emotions to cultivate positive emotions     27:15 – Embracing Emotions, Empathy, and Faith    Anxiety as a repressed emotion  Empathy and understanding with the Enneagram   Jesus’ emotions and faith     38:12 – Breaking Free into Greater Joy    Taking action when dealing with anxiety and depression  Finding words for your emotions + seeking support  Bill and Kristi’s recommended resources     FEATURED QUOTES   “We just realized that all the people who are helping other people are prone to neglect their own soul.  And so that's our niche, to reach in there for the people that are really committed in their relationships in their work... and to really help them care for their own soul so that their work, their ministry, can be coming out of the overflow of God's love to them.”   “God doesn't want us to be hiding our emotions. He wants us to be emotionally honest with him, like the psalmist.”   “Jesus shows us perfect faith in God. He shows us how to have healthy feelings and thriving faith. He shows us how feelings and faith are not necessarily enemies. Some people think that they don't get along with each other, but actually being aware of our emotions and learning to care for our emotions and other people's emotions…helps us become more like Jesus.”  Soul Shepherd Website- https://www.soulshepherding.org/ “Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith” Book-  https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Feelings-Thriving-Faith-Emotionally/dp/0800742818 Soul Shepherd Enneagram Resources-  https://www.soulshepherding.org/enneagram/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhc-sBhCEARIsAOVwHuQwau6brhW2gSyD3j64zm6zbSQIfbfanPcY0jg0uitQPjGzELTh_yIaAqdeEALw_wcB Meet with a Spiritual Director- https://www.soulshepherding.org/spiritual-directors-directory/

#377 How Our Faith and Emotions Connect with Bill and Kristin Gaultiere

This week, I'm excited to welcome Ginny Yurich, a homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside- a global movement reclaiming childhood and fostering family connections through nature-based play. Alongside her husband, Josh, Ginny is the brilliant mind behind the 1000 Hours Outside lifestyle brand, featuring an online store, app,  podcast, a brand new book, and much more. Whether you have kids or not, this episode is an absolute must-listen. We dig deep into issues that resonate, especially for those of us stuck behind desks and indoors all day. This conversation was deep, thought-provoking, and left me feeling challenged and convicted in the best way. It’s easily one of my top 10 favorite episodes of all time, and I’m so excited to share it with you! 3:36 – Ginny 101  Struggles of early motherhood A playdate that changed everything Transformation through outdoor time Writing about this experience  15:07 – The Power of Outdoor Play    The challenges of modern parenting Making small, intentional changes in daily routines Building outdoor habits as a family The power of friends and community with outdoor activities  34:11 – Embracing All Seasons  The magic of winter Leaning into the unique experiences each season brings Cultivating grit and resilience  41:55 – Parenting in a Changing World  Balancing structured and unstructured activities Encouraging self-discovery and independence Rethinking the college-centric path  1:01:21 – Takeaways + Words of Encouragement  The power of pre-ordering books The long-term impact of parenting choices Celebrating real-life, hands-on experiences  FEATURED QUOTES “If all that time, all those memories, all that relationship building, all of that connection, all of those moments of exhale- if those had gone to screens, our life would be so much less full….This is about bringing balance back to childhood.” “What I've learned over the past decade is that this is a step that you take as a family. And the step is awareness. It's about knowing that, when we play outside, it benefits every single member of your family, from your newborn to your grandmother to your great grandmother.” “There are long-term effects to the choices that we make. And this is their life, this is their childhood. And it's important to understand, at least to a small degree, what self-directed childhood play does for kids. And it does an immense amount.” Learn more about Ginny: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/about-us  https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain-ebook/dp/B0BW11WHTN/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1703003496&refinements=p_27%3AGinny+Yurich&s=books&sr=1-1

#376 Until the streetlights come on with Ginny Yurich, 1000 Hours Outside

Jenny and Dave Marrs have been restoring and renovating historic homes since 2004. You may know them as the stars of the HGTV show  Fixer to Fabulous, where they showcase their amazing work in their charming hometown, Bentonville, Arkansas.    Jenny and Dave believe that beautiful spaces are often imperfect and full of character, much like those who live there. Faith, family, and community are the driving forces behind everything they do, and I’m so excited to have them share their story with you today.   Listen in to learn more about the heart behind the work that they do, their passion for nonprofit and community engagement and what it means to lean into intentional living.    5:35 – Jenny and Dave 101    Moved to Arkansas in 2004     Started a family building company     Getting picked up by the HGTV network     12:02 – Cultivating Hope    Jenny’s fundraiser that evolved into a nonprofit     Establishing a partnership in Zimbabwe     Empowering orphaned teenagers through agriculture     19:49 – Called To Adoption    A heart for adoption and family preservation     Misconceptions about adoption and foster care     Acknowledging the brokenness and trauma that comes with adoption    28:25 – Home and Heart    Incorporating charitable passions into their HGTV show     A passion for restoring older homes and preserving history     The logistics of moving a home to a new location     The cultural shift in homeownership    51:04 – Intentionality In Your Space    Jenny’s book release     Making your home work for you and your family     Where to find Jenny and Dave    FEATURED QUOTES   “There's so much beauty in adoption and redemption and all of that but it is all very much rooted and trauma and loss and brokenness, which is just the reality.”   “Your family's story changes…when we moved out here 10 years ago, our twins were just about to turn four. Now they're bigger than Jenny is…there's always a shift and a juggle to make it fit our family's current needs.”   “You can always paint the walls back and sell it… you can make changes and take risks… it's about giving yourself permission to love the space where you live.”

#375 What is the real meaning of HOME? With Dave and Jenny Marrs of HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous"

This week, I am thrilled to have the incredible Ciara Laine Myers as my guest. Ciara is a mother, award winning business owner, and author of the book  Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone.This book is an collection of personal stories and life lessons brimming with heart, passion, and raw authenticity that will resonate with every reader.   In our conversation today, Ciara and I dive into the depths of vision and purpose in life. We learn more about Ciara’s story, what led her to write this book, and reflect on the beauty that comes from embracing both the dreamer and the visionary within ourselves.    Stay tuned as we chat about the delicate balance between dreaming and doing, the importance of humility in fulfilling our calling, inspiring others with our gifts, and so much more!   2:45 – Ciara 101    Growing up in the faith     Starting a group counseling center      Being called into the writing industry    8:52 – A Calling To Write    A strong calling to stop digital work     The genesis of Ciara’s book     Finding and living one's purpose, calling, and vision    21:28 – Living With Purpose    The role of purpose and meaning in longevity     Adam and Eve in the garden     Practical approaches for pursuing purpose in your life    33:23 – Balancing Vision and Action    The distinction between being a dreamer and a visionary     Bringing your dreams to fruition and inviting others into the process     Being confident in one’s calling while maintaining humility    43:28 – Closing Thoughts    Daily date with God + what this looks like for Ciara     How to connect with Ciara    FEATURED QUOTES   “God is an example to us of how we need to be a visionary. If he had stopped at the dreaming, none of us would exist.”   “How can I serve one person with my gift? Awkwardly? Humbly? Just one soul. How can I do that? If I throw a concert and only one person comes, it's more than worth it.”   Learn more about Ciara:   https://veiledfree.com/

#374 Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone with Ciara Laine Myers

This week’s guest is the incredible Dr. Emily Smith, who you might also know as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist on social media. Emily is an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Surgery at Duke University and at the Duke Global Health Institute.   With a background that includes four years at Baylor University, a PhD in Epidemiology from UNC Chapel Hill, and an MSPH from the University of South Carolina, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Beyond her professional achievements, Emily is a devoted wife of 20 years, the mom of two incredible children, and shares her home with a sweet golden retriever and golden doodle puppy.   I am so excited to dive into Emily’s story and the heart behind her new book,  The Science of The Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors, with you today. Stay tuned for a powerful conversation that challenges, uplifts, and encourages a deeper understanding of what it means to truly love our neighbors.    6:04 – Emily 101    Born in eastern New Mexico  Moving around, medical school + research at Duke  A passion for global engagement + public health     14:07 – The Good Samaritan    Two questions from the Good Samaritan story  The Science of the Good Samaritan  Recognizing and addressing structural injustices     20:35 – Becoming Authentic Neighbors    Moving beyond token gestures of kindness  Recognizing the historical context of poverty and inequality   Shifting from shame to understanding  Emily finding her calling     29:49 – The Birth of "Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist"    Responding to the pandemic  Navigating rapid online growth + hostility from strangers  Finding courage in the face of adversity  Discovering a like-minded community      44:44 – The Work of Neighborly Love    Taking a deeper look at “Science of The Good Samaritan”  Recognizing injustice + entering the conversation like a good neighbor   Heart-centered faith  A call for courage    FEATURED QUOTES   “Epidemiology is the science of the Good Samaritan... it's a science of quantifying who is most at need so that we don't walk by.”   “It feels very natural as a person of a Christian faith to do the type of science that I do, because it's quantifying those that are typically overlooked.”   “When we consider health for our children, we want them to be fully healthy, thriving, happy, live out their full potential. So why don't we want that for the rest of the world?”   Learn more about Dr. Emily Smith:   https://www.facebook.com/friendlyneighborepidemiologist/   https://emilysmith.substack.com/   https://www.instagram.com/friendlyneighborepidemiologist/?hl=en   https://globalhealth.duke.edu/news/epidemiologist-next-door

#373 The Science of the Good Samaritan with Dr. Emily Smith, Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist

Our guest this week is the incredible Adrienne Bankert, award-winning national news anchor and host of "Morning in America" on News Nation. With an impressive background that includes five years at ABC News, two Emmys for her work on "Good Morning America," and coverage of global events from Tokyo to Paris, Adrienne has worked with some of the biggest names and headlines throughout her career.   We’ll chat about Adrienne’s career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her book,  "Your Hidden Superpower: The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You with Anyone."  This book focuses on the genuine and transformative influence of kindness and offers guidance on building authentic connections in various aspects of life, be it within teams, friendships, or even with strangers.   Adrienne is an amazing woman and getting to hear her story and wisdom was such a treat. I know you’re going to love this conversation!    3:24 – Adrienne 101    A passion for storytelling  Growing up in a small town  Internships and connections in college  Becoming a news anchor   Balancing confidence and fear throughout her career     15:25 – The Emotional Challenges of Journalism    Adrienne’s approach to traumatic stories  Adopting a mindset of service  Being present, safe, and a voice of comfort     25:00 – The Power of Kindness    Adrienne’s book  Who do you want to be?  Being authentic  Muscle memory for being more fulfilled and relatable  Stop living in fear     38:42 – Profound Lessons    Making an impression with the time you have  Authenticity in journalism  Connect with Adrienne     FEATURED QUOTES   “I came from very humble beginnings, and I think that prepared me for where I am today.”   “As you do venture out, it becomes easier and easier to stay confident. And also, to balance… You learn how to be confident without being too aggressive, and you learn how to be humble without being passive.”   “When you stimulate your life with kindness on a regular basis, it has a biological, psychological and physical change that you will find in your personal life and your professional life and in your mental health.”    Learn more about Adrienne:   https://www.newsnationnow.com/   https://www.newsnationnow.com/author/adrienne-bankert/   https://www.instagram.com/abontv/?hl=en

How Kindness Can Be A Superpower with Adrienne Bankert

Today’s guest, Anh Lin, is a celebrated interior stylist known for her captivating designs and thought-provoking writing, including  The Abundant Life Devotional Journal. Anh is also the creator of the popular faith and lifestyle blog, Girl And The Word, which has since expanded its influence through YouTube, Instagram, Tik Tok, and her online shop, The Hooga Shop.   In this episode, we dive deep into Anh’s powerful story and how these experiences have shaped her unique perspective on design and life. We also discuss her new book,  Forever Home: Moving Beyond Brokenness to Build a Strong and Beautiful Life.   Listen in as we talk about moving beyond brokenness, embracing a fulfilling and meaningful life, and so much more. This conversation with Anh was such a delight. I just know you’re going to love it!    3:35 – Anh 101    Born in Vietnam  Moving to Pasadena, California  Losing her father to cancer  Finding Jesus in the darkest times     19:14 – Resilience Through Faith    Jesus has overcome the world  Suffering is a universal experience  God can empathize      24:48 – New Beginnings    A newfound appreciation for life  Seeking therapy   Healing + a deeper connection with God     34:07 – The Journey To Interior Design + Writing    An unexpected path to interior design  Gaining a social media following   Moving beyond brokenness and restoring a sense of peace    FEATURED QUOTES   “I think that's exactly what a life with Jesus gives you. He allows you to live beyond the physical and beyond the cultural demands and seek to purpose.”   “My ultimate hope is that Forever Home can be a guidebook to helping you restore the sense of peace that has been hijacked by trauma.”   “You can start small instead of feeling overwhelmed by tackling entire rooms at a time. It all begins with a deconstruction process. And at first, being in this demolition phase might feel like a tear down. But it's only when you demolish this old life, can you actually rebuild something new and better for yourself.”     Learn more about Anh:   https://www.girlandtheword.com/   https://www.instagram.com/girlandtheword/?hl=en   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqo-jdu6ue5Wv-oe5-PSNvQ

Moving Beyond Brokenness to Build a Strong & Beautiful Life with Anh Lin

I am beyond excited to announce that after 7+ years in the making, my book,  If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came in This Room For, is now available for pre-order. It feels so surreal that this day is here.    Today I’m going to give you a glimpse into this journey and share the inspiration behind writing this book. This memoir is the story of my testimony. It’s a story of brokenness, shame, and regret, but most importantly, it’s a story of restoration, redemption, and healing. This project has been an absolute labor of love that I cannot wait to share with you!   Whether this is your first time listening, you’ve been here since day one, or something in between, I'm grateful for each one of you who has been a part of this incredible journey so far. I pray that this book makes you laugh, cry, and realize that even the messiest, muddiest, most broken parts of your story can be redeemed.    1:57 – A Special Announcement    Pre-ordering my memoir   A labor of love  The inspiration behind this book     7:39 – What Is This Story About?    My mother’s passing  My journey with loss, debt, and brokenness  Transformation and redemption through Jesus     13:49 – Support + Share!     Where you can pre-order the book  My prayer + excitement for this journey  My new website + more!     FEATURED QUOTES   “I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that in less than five months, you are going to hold in your hands a copy of my book… of some of the most honest and vulnerable words I have ever written and shared.”   “My prayer is that as you read this book, that you can see that even the messy, muddy, broken parts of your story can be redeemed- that there is no one that is too far gone to be redeemed and to be forgiven. That we all make mistakes.”   “Life is the both and; it is about living in the tension of the grief, and the joy and the beauty and the brokenness.”   PRE ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

IT IS TIME! My new book "if i don't laugh, i'll cry" is available for preorder!

This week, we have an incredible guest, Jay Hewitt, joining us. He is a pastor, author and motivational speaker, and his life journey is nothing short of a remarkable testimony of courage and faith.   At the age of 37, Jay was confronted with a devastating diagnosis- terminal brain cancer. Through this experience, he found strength in God and embraced his calling to be a storyteller. His memoir,  I Am Weak, I Am Strong, is coming out this fall, which details his extraordinary journey to become an Ironman while battling cancer.    Living in Orange County, California, he cherishes his family and continues to inspire others with his unwavering faith and empowering messages. His journey reminds us of the boundless strength within each of us. Join us for an incredibly moving and powerful conversation that you do not want to miss!    2:47 – Jay 101    A calling to ministry  Jay’s family  Battling brain cancer  Jay’s testimony    9:00 – Embracing New Assignments    From student ministry to new adventures  Launching a church + discovering new giftings  Saying ‘yes’ to where God leads    15:59 – Jay’s Diagnosis + Journey    The discovery of Jay’s brain tumor  Finding the right surgeon + the surgery  Jay’s cancer diagnosis + shortened life expectancy   A shift in prayer    33:48 – The Ongoing Journey    Holding on to hope and faith  Inspiration for the Ironman   Beginning training and chemo    49:05 – Resilient Faith    Combining one’s calling with confidence  Asking in faith  Cooperating with God’s work    55:59 – Jay’s Life Today + Wisdom    Current health status  Living each day to the fullest  Depending on God’s strength    FEATURED QUOTES   “In 2 Corinthians 12:10, God says, ‘My grace will sustain you.’ And that's what I've been learning through this whole thing.”   “I've just come to realize, it's only by God's grace that we have today. And it's not just me. It's you. It's the people next to us. The people listening right now. It's by God's grace that we have today.”   “I need to dream like I'm gonna live forever and live like it's my last day. And that's how I keep moving forward in this life of uncertainty with my specific type of cancer.”    Pre-order your copy of I Am Weak, I Am Strong, available November 14th, 2023:      https://www.zondervan.com/p/i-am-weak-i-am-strong/

How to Build a Resilient Faith with Jay Hewitt

Our guest this week is the remarkable Jay Kim, who serves as the lead pastor at West Gate Church in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, and a teacher in residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz. Jay is not only a gifted pastor, but a seasoned writer, having authored several books, including  Analog Church and  Analog Christian, and most recently, the  40 Days Through The Book: Colossians Bible study. In addition to his writing and pastoral roles, Jay co-hosts two podcasts: Barna’s Making Space podcast and Western Seminary’s ReGENERATION podcast, and is an incredibly talented speaker and educator. If you're someone who loves diving into scripture, you are going to love this episode. His ability to bring the text to life and make complex concepts clear is truly inspiring. Listen in as we dive deep into the background and cultural context of the book of Colossians in this episode and explore how it directly apply to our lives in the present day. Get ready to be educated, entertained, and moved as Jay Kim shares his incredible wisdom and perspective with us. 3:47 – Jay 101  Growing up in Silicon Valley A father, pastor and writer Jay’s testimony   16:51 – 40 Day Bible Study  Why Colossians? The relevance of Colossians “My truth” is gaining prominence   25:44 – Jay’s Writing Approach  Laying out the cultural context Parallels between ancient Colossians and our struggles today Jay’s revelations during his studies  37:26 – Honoring God’s Love  Being chosen by God is a statement of love Taking God’s love for granted + understanding costly grace Becoming people of love, compassion, and humility  46:23 – Jay’s Prayer For This Study  God is in control Finding peace in God’s promise  FEATURED QUOTES “Finding some people who love you and care about you and are willing to sort of lean into whatever you're going through. It's just….it's a lifeline.” “Your motivation, your desires, your intention- point them to God and the things of God and then think about what that means for your life….That's the life of centering or reorienting yourself around Jesus.” “My prayer, then, and my prayer now is the same. It's that people would find an immense hope and comfort and confidence for life, in knowing that someone else is in is actually in control of the human story.” Learn more about Jay: https://jaykimthinks.com/

How to Seek Godly Wisdom with Jay Kim

In this episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Rachael Powell, the Chief Communications Officer of Passages. Passages is an organization with a remarkable mission – they've brought over 10,000 Christian college students to Israel while helping them to grow as leaders and caring community members on their college campuses. Rachael has a profound passion for Gen Z and younger millennials, and in this conversation, she shares her insights on how to best care for and nurture the faith of the next generation. Through her role at Passages, she aims to inspire young minds and help them dig deeper into their faith. Tune in as she discusses the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and deeper connections in church life, especially for younger generations. Before we dive into the episode, please note that this conversation was recorded well before recent events in Israel and Gaza. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are suffering and impacted by this current situation. 3:44 – Rachel 101  An unexpected path to passion Becoming a part of Passages Transformative experiences in Israel  7:08 – Visiting Israel: A Journey of Faith and Identity  The history, culture, and tangibility of Christianity The power of a firsthand experience Digging deeper into your faith  10:56 – Discipling Gen Z  The unique challenges faced by Gen Z in this digital age The deconstruction movement Craving community and deeper understanding The power of contextual discipleship  19:09 – A Safe Space  Finding genuine in-person connections and community Creating a supportive environment to ask questions Wrestling with faith  32:29 – What Gen Z Is Looking For?  The power of authenticity Curiosity and a willingness to listen Being open about your journey and faith struggles  40:04 – Shifting Church Culture  Authenticity over flashiness Reconnecting with ancient roots Embracing the community experience  FEATURED QUOTES “We like to say that Israel is like drinking from a firehose, and that when you leave, you will probably have more questions than what you came with. And that's not a bad thing. That's the beginning of a journey to becoming deeper in your faith and really understanding.” “It begins with this challenge in Israel of digging deeper, but it doesn't end there. It continues with community and curiosity throughout life.” “I think even some of our concepts about how our faith has to be so individualized is also not a Middle Eastern concept. Faith in the Middle East is a community. It's a group of people living together, who all believe the same things and often meet together to ask each other questions to read scripture out loud, right? To live in community.” https://www.passagesisrael.org/ Connect with Rachael: rachael@passagesisrael.org

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