Asking for a Friend

Many women are struggling to find their place in the church today. From misguided teachings to dangerous theology, women have been told to sit down, be quiet...or even go home. So, what is a woman's role?  In this episode, I'm having a raw and honest conversation with Meghan Tschanz about women in the church and how the church has come to look very similar to the sex industry. Meghan shares her powerful story of working with exploited women, and what that means for the church.  *Trigger warning -- We talk about some dangerous harm done to women in the sex industry.  LINKS:  The making of biblical womanhood Half the church Malestrom Meghan's Book: Women Rising Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

It's no secret that kids are facing grief, trauma and mental health. We don't want to shelter our kids from the hard things happening -- so how do we talk to them about hard things?  In this episode, I'm chatting with Drs David & Donna Lane about how to have hard conversations with our kids about the things happening in our world and around them. They give great advice on walking through grief and trauma with our kids, and how to help kids through mental health struggles.  LINKS My Dog Can't Jump Book Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

As Christian women, the conversation around sex, singleness, and desire is a struggle. Even in marriage, it can be difficult to separate truth from the lies of purity culture. How do we navigate sexuality in a way that honors God? Kat Harris and I are chatting today on the podcast about what it looks like to live with sexual integrity as a Christian woman. Kat gives challenging advice for the woman who desires to honor God with her body – and shares powerful truth about what Jesus really had to say about women. LINKS Kat’s Instagram Sexless in the City Book The Refined Woman Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

“What are you?” Many of us will never know what it’s like to get that question. For those with multiethnic and multicultural backgrounds, finding their place can be painful, but it can also provide unique opportunities to connect with Jesus and the world around us. How can people of mixed ethnicity find belonging? Today I’m answering that question with Chandra Crane! With a Thai birth father, a European American mother, and an African American father who adopted her when she was five, Chandra’s experience provides powerful encouragement for anyone who is searching for belonging. LINKS Chandra on Twitter Mixed Blessing on Instagram Mixed Blessing Book Chandra’s Website Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

If you have ever felt your voice silenced, this episode is for you. For so many women -- this is part of your story. In this episode, I'm chatting with Tiffany Bluhm, author of the book "Prey Tell: Why We Silence Women Who Tell the Truth and How Everyone Can Speak Up". We discuss how women can speak up when they feel silenced and the power of your voice in this #metoo age. In this episode, you will hear:  → Why women stay silent instead of speaking out against injustice. → How to be an advocate for a silenced woman. → Encouragement and practical tips for the woman feeling silenced. Get Prey Tell here! Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

When tragedy strikes, it’s easy to feel hopeless. But what if the very thing that hurts us is the thing that God wants to use? What if we allowed Him to use our pain to mold us into who He wants us to be? If you’re struggling to find the purpose in your pain, this episode is for you! I’m chatting with author Andrea Bourgeois about seeking God in the midst of the struggles we experience. Andrea shares the lessons she has learned through her own trials and powerful encouragement for using your pain to impact those around you. LINKS Andrea’s Instagram Just Breathe Devotional Andrea’s Website Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

We all know what it’s like to feel the sting of rejection. Whether it happened when you were a child or it happened last week, it can be difficult to put your heart back out there. Where is God in the midst of our heartache and can He really use rejection for good? Today I’m answering these hard questions with Kait Warness. Join us as Kait gives practical advice for bouncing back from rejection and reminds us that heartbreak is what makes us into who we are. LINKS Kait’s Instagram Thank You for Rejecting Me Book Heart of Dating Podcast Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

As Black History Month comes to a close, we still have work to do. How can we continue to elevate the voices of people of color? What does it look like to authentically come alongside one another as bridge builders? This week I’m rounding out my February series with Patricia Taylor, as she shares her experience as a Black woman and bridge builder! We chat through what it looks like to be authentically yourself as a woman of color and how white people can continue to elevate the voices of BIPOC long after Black History Month. Patricia shares the importance of knowing your “why” and encouragement for the body of Christ to step into hard things with one another. LINKS Patricia's Instagram Some Thoughts From Your Black Friend FB Be the Bridge FB Group Be the Bridge on Instagram Upside Down Podcast Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life stages, listening to their stories, and elevating their voices. Dorena Williamson and I are chatting today about her experience as a best-selling children’s author! Dorena shares the inspiration behind her writing and gives powerful encouragement for women of color aspiring to be published. We’ll also talk about our shared experience as pastor’s wives and how each of us, no matter our story, can continue to show up in the face of discouragement and doubt. LINKS ColorFull Book Dorena’s Instagram Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer!

One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life stages, listening to their stories, and elevating their voices. This week, I’m chatting with Jena Holliday of a Spoonful of Faith. Jena shares her journey to becoming an illustrator (including her most recent partnership with Target!) and using her gifts to champion women from all walks of life. LINKS Spoonful of Faith Tumbler at Target Spoonful of Faith Journal at Target Jena's Instagram Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

One of the first steps towards anti-racism is learning from the everyday experiences of people of color. This Black History Month, I’m speaking with Black women of different backgrounds and life stages, listening to their stories, and elevating their voices. If you love to learn and want to feel supported on your anti-racism journey, today’s episode is for you! Join me in hearing from Lucretia Berry as she shares her experience as a Black woman in education. LINKS Stony the Road Book Brownicity Lucretia's Instagram Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

Work, family, school, church… In the midst of a busy world, making the Bible a priority can seem like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. If you’re struggling to consistently enjoy time in God’s word, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you. Today I’m chatting with Brittany Ann about what it looks like to fall in love with God’s word. Brittany gives great encouragement for the woman who feels like she can’t get it all done, and practical advice for making a daily habit of studying the Bible. LINKS Fall in Love With God's Word Book Equipping Godly Women Brittany Ann's Instagram Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

As Christ followers, we know that Jesus is coming back to make things right. We know He’s going to restore all things. But until then, it’s easy to feel stuck, as we deal with the reality of life in a broken world. Where can we find hope? Today I’m answering that question with Kat Armstrong as she shares encouragement for all of us who find ourselves in in-between places. LINKS The In-Between Place Book Kat’s Website Kat’s Instagram Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

If you’ve been around church for a while, you’ve likely been impacted by the messages of purity culture. Rachel Joy Welcher believes it’s time to talk back. If you are struggling with untangling God’s desire for sex, dating, and marriage from the lies of purity culture -- this episode is for you. In this episode, Rachel gives great encouragement for those who have been wounded by the Church’s definition of sexual purity, and practical advice for changing the conversation. LINKS Talking Back to Purity Culture Book Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

As we kick off a new year, how do we move forward and fight back against fear and anxiety? How do we continue to show up on our darkest days? Whether you consider yourself “Queen of the New Year” or the glamour is already wearing off, this episode is for you! Today I’m chatting with Hannah Brencher, author of “Fighting Forward”, about how to establish rhythms, practice discipline, and show up for yourself January 1st and beyond. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Fighting Forward Book Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

Well, we did it. We made it to the end of 2020, the longest year of our lives. But it’s not all bad — there were some great things that came from 2020! In this final episode of the year, Brook and I are sitting down to chat through all the major things that impacted women, culture and the church. Plus, if you are looking for a book or twelve to read, we’ve got you covered! LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:  There are tons of links this week! Head over to see the full show notes here!  Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

We all face seasons of suffering and hardship. In these times, we often find ourselves feeling isolated and alone in our pain. How can we find comfort and companionship when life gets dark? Today, I’m chatting with Wendy Alsup as she reintroduces us to the companions in suffering that God has given us in His word. Wendy also gives practical advice for walking alongside friends who are suffering, and encouragement for those who are currently in the thick of it. Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness Book Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

There is so much pressure on parents to do everything and be everything for their kids. How calm down and lighten up about parenting? If you feel the need to let go a bit, this episode is for you! Melanie Dale and I are chatting about how to calm down about parenting. You will be encouraged by Melanie’s joy and walk away with some great tools to calm the h*ck down! Episode 27: Can my parenting survive the apocalypse? with Melanie Dale Calm the H*ck Down Book Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

The American church still remains one of the most segregated places in the world. How should the church approach this struggle? Is there a place in the church to talk about politics? Today I’m answering these hard questions with Trillia Newbell. Join us as we approach this tough topic and give practical ways to step into this space. Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******

The holidays can be hard enough for many people but then throw in the chaos of 2020…yikes. Is it possible to find joy in the holidays of 2020? I’m chatting with Mary Carver about how to find joy in the holidays when it’s a struggle. We chat about holiday movies, difficult family members, and practical ways to give back. Follow me on social media: INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER Subscribe to my newsletter and check out the free resources I offer! *******