The Tried and Truth Podcast with Annica Fischer

If summer has you feeling "all the feels", you're not alone! Wrapping up this season with some real life summer inspiration. AND...if you haven't caught up on all of this past season yet, be sure to add those conversations to your summer playlist because there are some absolutely incredible guests you won't want to miss! You'll find conversations with life coaches, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, designers, speakers, and friends on everything from marriage and parenting to making decisions, running a business and what it means to live a successful life. 

Melissa Ice joins us on the podcast this week to share more on her story of helping empower and employ women and girl survivors of trafficking and how she’s embarked on a journey of seeing broken relationships restored and seeing women’s stories changed, positively, forever.  You’ll hear more on when the pull to serve is greater than fear, how we can live in community and relationships when the world focuses more on individualistic living, and how doing the next right thing is simply enough - even when it means walking away from something because you can’t give it your “yes” anymore. As a pursuer of dreams, entrepreneur in a handful of business ventures, Founder of a social enterprise, Chief Vision Officer and mom of two, Melissa shares what leaving a legacy looks like and a lesson learned on what to expect from others (especially when you have high expectations of yourself).  - More About Melissa -  Melissa is the Founder & Executive Director of The Net, an anti-trafficking non-profit that has served over 1,000 survivors since 2012 where they seek to empower and employ women and girls. The Net launched a social enterprise called The Worthy Co, that employs survivors to make products where Melissa serves as Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer. Melissa was named Fort Worth Inc’s 400 Most Influential People, Fort Worth Magazine’s Best Philanthropist in 2018, and Fort Worth Business Press 40 Under 40. She is married to her husband Jamey of 15 years and has two little girls.  ______ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Worthy Co The Net  Casa de Ice on Instagram @casa_de_ice You can follow Melissa on Instagram @melissaice *---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here! It's a good place to be.   

In this episode with Jenny Nuccio, founder and CEO of Imani Collective, Jenny shares more on her latest book Let It Be Wild: Stepping into Unknown and Finding a Home -  She’s encouraging us all to take ownership of our inspiration and faith and surround ourselves with positive voices and influences to keep pushing forward.  Jenny’s story of living a “wild” life will encourage you to try new things, take a few small risks, take care of YOU, trust the journey you’re on and courageously step into the unknown.  “...because it's truly trusting the journey and the process that God had me on of just stepping into something completely out of my control and then truly finding myself at home and comfortable in this ambiguity of a life.” - Jenny Nuccio _____ You can find out more at jennynuccio.com, on IG @shopimanikids  ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here! It's a good place to be.   

Monica Swanson is back on the podcast to talk about "Raising Amazing" kids - “ones who love God, like their family and do the dishes without being asked”.  Amazing kids grow out of amazing families and as Monica explains these don't happen by chance. Monica shares more on how to pour into our kids lives in ways that shape them and inspire them into young adults that are ready to launch into the world. You'll hear more what we as parents actually CAN even when we feel there is so much that we can't do and why adversity is the fuel for greatness.  "How can you give your kid this beautiful, wonderful, comfortable life, but also grow them to have the kind of character that's gonna open doors and really be what they need most to face everything out there in the world..." - Monica Swanson _____________________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:  BOOKS by Monica Swanson: Raising Amazing & Boy Mom Check out her website at monicaswanson.com  Follow Monica on Instagram @monicaswanson_ and Facebook @thegrommom  

Jodie Berndt joins us this week to share marriage insights, encouragement, and honest truths about the “perfect" soulmate. She has so much wisdom on how we can love our spouses better and make enjoying them a priority. You’ll hear the greatest thing you can do for your marriage and even a few tips on parenting priorities. She's bringing her humor and wisdom to this life-giving conversation to encourage you today!  _______ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 3:25 40 years of marriage - marriage insights and does the perfect soul mate really exist? 6:57 The greatest thing we can do for our marriage  8:39 You don't get very far into marriage before you realize you need some help. 20:14 parenting priorities  22:15 Word of encouragement for marriages based on your work with so many couples  22:54 Your spouse is not a mindreader  38:45 Guest perspective: What does success look like to you? 41:36 Truths & Takeaways MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE > You can learn more about Jodie, her Praying the Scriptures series, and access more resources at jodieberndt.com (my favorite downloadable resource: 31 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR YOUR MARRIAGE) > Follow Jodie on Facebook @jodieberndtwrites or on Instagram @jodie_berndt > Jodie’s Latest Book: Praying the Scriptures Over Your Marriage:  Trusting God with Your Most Important Relationship

Rebekah Lyons joins us this week to talk all about building a truly resilient life in this must-listen episode. She shares some of her own personal experiences with emotional health and anxiety and will guide you through  the five rules of resilience so you, too, can thrive in difficult times. You’ll hear more on the power of community and adversity and how they can awaken us to greater things as we build resilience together.  >>>EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [1:38] More on Rebekah’s story past and present [8:54] Rules of Resilience [10:52] Rule #1 PLUS the free therapy available ot you [12:38] Rule #2 [13:41] Rule #3 [13:54] Treat anxiety as your friend [14:46] Anxiety does not define you [15:57] The fancy word for “fear” [16:16] Rule #4 [16:26] Rule #5 [17:29] Adversity - the teacher  [20:47] “...Resilience is getting comfortable with pain.” [23:25] There’s no shame in feeling what you’re feeling [27:25] Guest perspective - What does success look like to you? [30:44] Truths & Takeaways _________________ ABOUT REBEKAH LYONS Rebekah is a national speaker, host of the Rhythms for Life podcast, and bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal, You Are Free, Freefall to Fly, and Building a Resilient Life: How Adversity Awakens Strength, Hope and Meaning. Rebekah is a mom of four, two of whom have Down syndrome. An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression--and invites others to discover and boldly pursue their God-given purpose. You can follow along on her website at rebekahlyons.com  or on Instagram and Facebook @rebekahlyons.   ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here!     

Soul Care Mentor, Bonnie Gray, walks you through how to transform life’s chaos into calm. If you’re tired of feeling anxiety, overwhelm, and have found yourself running on empty far too often, you’re not alone and this conversation is for you.  Bonnies shares practical tips on how to enter into a space of rest and prepare yourself to face life’s challenges with renewed well-being, confidence, energy and gratitude.  She’ll reveal why soul care and self care both matter, why you can’t think your way out of stress, how to rewire your brain for emotional well-being, and 3 lies that trigger anxiety and 3 truths to set you free.  About Bonnie:  Bonnie Gray is a Soul Care mentor and the author of Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm, Whispers of Rest, Finding Spiritual Whitespace and Sweet Like Jasmine. Having healed from PTSD, Bonnie is passionate about helping thousands of listeners detox stress and flourish in emotional wellness with God’s love through soul care, Bible Study and prayer. Bonnie is mom of two teenage boys and resides in Silicon Valley.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [2:10] Bonnie’s story [7:45] About Breathe - why she wrote it and why it matters [13:44] Soul care coaching [19:48] Panic attacks, “be still”, and trusting [27:43] When you don’t feel like your cheerful self  [34:57] Absorbing others stress, panic attacks and seeing a therapist  [39:14] Ambitions scripture calls us to [40:49] You can’t think your way out of stress [43:05] lies that trigger anxiety and 3 truths to set you free [49:23] Go get yourself some flowers  [51:43] Being emotionally honest is… [58:30] How do you teach your kids what you’ve learned about anxiety, soul care, and self care? [1:07:00] Social media, how our brain interprets it and healthy rhythms to establish  [1:18:55] Truths & Takeaways ___________________________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Soulcarequiz.com Follow Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here!   

Artist Anne Neilson invites us to experience the brushstrokes of life on the canvas of our lives in this conversation - allowing brushstrokes, textures, and explosions of color that come through every trial, joy, heartache, and hope we encounter to shape us and create beauty. Through sharing her own personal journey, she’s coming alongside of your in yours as you uncover the gifts within you, right where you are, even in the messes, the mundane, and the mistakes. You’ll hear more about creating impact with whatever you have, taking leaps of faith, not being afraid of failure, staying true to who you are and what you’ve been called to and the power of a heart and life surrendered.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [1:35] Brushstrokes of Life & Anne’s story  [1:26] The “D-” in 10th grade art [4:31] Your life as a blank canvas [6:56] The message in our messes  [9:47] When the voice of discouragement sneaks in [14:29] Lesson learned along the way - drown out the doubts and naysayers [16:05] Stay true to what God has called you to [17:31] The small whisper that led to her next step [19:26] Selling the first 1500 copies - from Oprah to Kathy Lee Gifford and beyond [21:40] When hobby turned ministry  [24:28] The power of surrender and contribute right where you are [27:03] It’s hard to partner with God when our fists are clenched [28:22] One step at a time  [29:36] “We could change the world with that” &  the leap of faith moment [31:37] Challenges and obstacles in staying true to our vision [32:40] What advice would you give someone trying to figure out what’s next? [36:40] What does success look like to you? [38:44] Comparison is the thief of joy  [42:21] Truths & Takeaways ___________ ABOUT ANNE NEILSON Well known for her ethereal Angel Series, which are inspiring reflections of her faith and recognized for their stunning use of color. In response to demand for more access to her acclaimed Angel paintings, Neilson published two coffee table books and launched Anne Neilson Home, a growing collection of luxury home products, including candles, note cards, Scripture cards, prints, and journals. Neilson also owns Anne Neilson Fine Art, a gallery located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Representing more than 50 talented artists from across the world, the gallery is dedicated to being a lighthouse in Charlotte and beyond, illuminating the work of emerging and established artists and is the author of the newly released book, The Brushstrokes of Life. Find Anne on her website at www.anneneilsonhome.com or on Instagram @anneneilsonhome AND @anneneilsonfineart.

Lauren Fuhr, artist and designer, joins us on the podcast to talk all about creating something original, meaningful relationships, purposeful living, and the art of boundaries. Lauren shares tips on building genuine connections with people, entrepreneurship, and the importance of enjoying the season that you’re in. After this conversation with Lauren, you’ll be inspired to notice more of the small things around you, recognize your limits and perhaps set some boundaries in your life, chase a definition of success that actually aligns with who you are, and have some practical tips on personal and professional growth.  -About Lauren Fuhr- ​​Based in Denver, CO, designer and artist Lauren Fuhr has worked with notable brands both locally and nationally, including Magnolia, Amber Lewis Interiors, House & Garden Magazine, and more . She creates paintings, home décor, and apparel that promote an artful, beautiful and purposeful lifestyle. Follow Lauren and her work on Instagram @laurenfuhrdesign.co or visit her website at www.laurenfuhrdesign.com ___________________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [1:43] The story behind the art  [4:36] Did you begin with the confidence to do your own thing or did you work for someone first? [4:48] Taking the pressure off with a day job  [9:32] What is purposeful living? [11:29] Is your art a true outflow of something that's happening in your own life or inspiration that you received somewhere else? How do you start a creative endeavor? [14:10] The importance of boundaries  [16:47] Lessons learned in building relationships and building a brand [19:45] Building authentic and genuine relationships [21:09] How do you stay true to who you are and what do you wished you'd learned sooner? [21:45] Enjoying the season that you’re in [24:05] Spouses fingerprints on the work we create  [27:46] How can we really begin to see greater art and wonder all around us?  [30:30] A tip for anyone who wants to start a business without a business background [35:35] What does success look like to you? [40:15] Truths & Takeaways 

This week, we’re talking with Lauren Chandler about pursuing our dreams and sharing our gifts AND how to come alongside our spouses as they pursue theirs, too! We’re talking about the inspiration behind her work, growing together with our spouses, and knowing when to rest and take a step back from what's before us. Lauren shares insights on her love for stirring people's hearts, advice for anyone with a dream or desire who feels like now isn't the right time PLUS you won’t want to miss her top 3 parenting tips - yes, please!  Learn more about Lauren’s work and what she’s up to on her website at laurenchandler.com  Or you can follow along on Instagram @laurenchandler _______________________________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [4:25] Lauren on being a beauty seeker  [5:06] How do you infuse the idea of stirring up beauty and stirring up people's hearts into each of the areas of your life?  [10:40] The art of creating based on what we’re learning [11:17] My sob story from their marriage conference  [17:00] When we let the walls down  [17:16] Tips for when both spouses have dreams, desires and vocation/calling to pursue  [19:17] No season is wasted - The gifts and the dreams He has put in your heart - He will grow them even there in those maybe more hidden places for the time when it's your turn to have the room be made for you. [24:05] How do you know when to take a step back and rest? [29:15] For someone who has dreams, desires, or there is something that they want to go back to school to do, or work to create, or a business to start, or a ministry to start BUT they feel like now is not the time, what would you advise? [30:42] Planting the seeds for our dreams [33:33] 3 Parenting Tips for parents today  [46:52] What does success look like for you or your home? [49:51] Truths & Takeaways

Do you feel like emotions get the best of you when you’re triggered? Do you simultaneously desire stronger, richer, healthier lives and relationships - especially the one with your spouse? Amber Lia joins us this week to talk all about flipping the switch on how we view marriage “triggers” and leads us into a conversation all about opportunity for growth in our homes and lives. She invites us into her own journey and work around marriage, parenting, and health triggers, what she’s learned, what they signal, and how to use them to create transformation in our own hearts and minds.  She reminds us of an important truth - whatever you’re going through today is not the end of the story.  We unpack two of the most common marriage triggers - being too busy & idolizing expectations we place on our spouses. Amber talks about success and the grittiness and resilience it requires, who modeled it best, how the obstacles before really can be the way.  EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:  [2:53] Amber’s story/not alone in your struggles [6:03]the desire to protect our reputation  [8:12] Flipping the switch: triggers are opportunities [10:20] What level of frustration and anger is okay? [10:50] Applying truth “in our own backyard” [12:34] Not alone in your struggles  [13:34] Triggers are a signal for growth  [14:46] Marriage triggers [17:11] Two of the most common marriage triggers [19:26] The idol of "spouse expectations"  [24:04] The legacy of our marriage - practical tips [26:53] What you do today matters [28:20] What do you wish you’d learned sooner? [33:35] We're here for a reason [37:00] The obstacle is the way  [40:00] Truths & Takeaways _____ Mentioned in this episode:  Find Amber Lia at amberlia.com or on Facebook or Instagram @therealamberlia Facebook Group - Gentle Parenting w/ Amber and Wendy  Books mentioned in this episode >>>  Marriage Triggers: Exchanging Spouses' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses Food Triggers: Exchanging Unhealthy Patterns for God-Honoring Habits Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday  --> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here! 

Michele Cushatt joins us this week and we're talking all about life's ups and downs and everything in between. An honest, inspiring, and vulnerable conversation you didn’t even know you needed. Michele is a three-time head and neck cancer survivor, four-time author, leadership and executive coach, international speaker, and mom of six kids. She’s the (reluctant) expert of trauma, pain, and the deep human need for authentic connection and enduring faith.  In this conversation, she's sharing more on how to maintain a solid belief in a good God when life feels like it's falling apart, the difference between joy and toxic positivity, and the destructive power of shame. Plus, Michele shares simple truths that will remind you that you're not alone on your journey.  A conversation filled with hope, mentorship and practical tips that don't require more "work".  _______ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [1:50] Michele’s story  [10:35] "I get what it feels like to be like at the end of your strength and to not know up from down anymore and to not know what you believe anymore." [11:27] Suffering - what it is and what it does [14:27] Space for BIG feelings [16:12] The Practice of perspective  [17:32] How do you come alongside of people whose faith is failling? [18:16]  You're not alone in feeling like you don't have it together [19:36] Being a mom is the hardest thing [20:13] Vulnerability is so critical - we cannot endure real life in isolation [24:10] Shame steals significance  [29:27] What do you wish you'd known sooner? [32:17] Mistakes are a fantastic classroom [35:16] Truth vs. toxic positivity  [39:28] What does success look like to you? [42:05] Truths & Takeaways ________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE >>>> Michele's new book - A Faith that Will Not Fail   Michele’s Website: Follow Michele on Facebook @michelecushatt on Instagram @michelecushatt ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here!   

Podcaster, author, wife and mom, Tara Sun joins us this week on the podcast. She is sharing more on her latest book release all about surrendering your story and more on her journey towards freedom from control.  In this conversation, Tara talks about trading control for greater peace and joy, reminds us of what there is to gain in the “waiting” and how your story is still being written even in those seemingly quiet seasons. If you find yourself anxious and gripping control often, worried that you don’t have a five year plan mapped out, or feel like you’ve run yourself ragged in trying to figure it all out, you’ll be encouraged by this episode.  Follow Tara on Instagram @misstarasun Check out Tara’s Podcast > Truth Talks with Tara Check out Tara’s latest book > Surrender Your Story Website: tarasunministries.com _______________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [3:40] Freedom from control & surrendering your story [4:50] When our stories don’t play out the way we expect  [5:34] The journey towards finding freedom [9:12] The hard part about surrendering...  [10:08] What does trusting God with our stories look like? [14:25] What God can do with our trust vs. what we can do with our life [18:04] Waiting vs. manipulating the timing of things  [21:25] your story is written in the waiting too [25:00] Impatience is the antithesis of surrender and here's why [28:00] Tara’s hope for her new book > Surrender Your Story [29:10] Guest Perspective: What is one thing you wish you’d known sooner? [31:22] Guest Perspective: What does success look like? [35:17] "Truths & Takeaways" ___________ ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here! 

In this Behind the Brand episode with enewton, founder Elizabeth Newton shares her tips on pushing through the hard things, the value in who you surround yourself with, how we rise by lifting others up, and some of her lessons learned along the way.  If you love a good story about something ordinary turning into something extraordinary, you'll love this conversation.  You’ll hear Elizabeth share how her business was built one relationship at a time and the true gift found in celebrating others.  Whether you simply love a good brand story, are in the middle of chasing a dream, or are uncertain of what you even want to do, she’s got something for you!  ___________________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Enewton Website Shop local - find the local retailer nearest to you here ---> If you’re new here, welcome! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss out on any of the inspiring and encouraging conversations with friends, entrepreneurs, and mentors on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave your feedback here (scroll down and you can click on the stars or write your thoughts) or feel free to share this episode with a friend. You can also follow along on instagram @annicafischer. Glad you’re here!   

If you’ve ever felt like you were in a true place of spiritual apathy, good news you weren’t alone or maybe if that’s right now for you, you’re not alone.  In this episode, worship leader, writer, and co-founder of Dwell Ministries, Aaron Williams joins me on the podcast to talk all about his latest book he co-authored with Kathyrn Maack, Whole: The Life Changing Power of Relating to God with all of Yourself.  Here’s what you’ll hear: what to do when you experience roadblocks in your spiritual journey, more on all those personality profiles we all know and love, what it looks like to increase your self-awareness as it relates to experiencing more on your spiritual journey, one of the most growth oriented things you can do, what it means to delight more and why finding “balance” isn’t what we really need.  ________ Episode Highlights: [2:30] When dreams pivot  [5:04] Why did you all choose to write about this topic? [6:28] It’s a normal experience to feel spiritual apathy [9:05] All about the book: Whole: The Life Changing Power of Relating to God with All of Your Self [11:55] Our personality profiles and their impact  [13:23] When we experience roadblocks in our spiritual journey  [15:00] Increasing our self- awareness [15:54] What piece of advice would you share for people who feel like they're lacking in “abundance”? [17:30] Freedom from the check-list syndrome [22:06] The question we need to ask ourselves often [24:08] If we will “trace the ray back to the sun”… [25:00] Finding balance vs. transformation [31:47] You never know what you left to unlock [34:56] One of the growth oriented things you can do is… [37:00] Truths & Takeaways ----more---- MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Book: The Life Changing Power of Relating to God with All of Your Self Follow Aaron: on Instagram @aaronwmusic   Aaron’s website Follow Kathryn on Instagram @kat_maack For more encouragement, inspiration, and stories on life, business, faith, parenting and everything in between, be sure to subscribe to the podcast and follow along on instagram @annicafischer.  See you there!

This week we’re going behind the brand with Thistle Farms, a non-profit social enterprise built and grounded on “love”.  For 25 years, Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. They believe that “love is the strongest force for change in the world, because love has the power to heal” and you will definitely hear evidence of that in this conversation with Dorris Walker-Taylor. Dorris currently serves as Thistle Farms Senior Relations Community Ambassador and is also a graduate of the residential program and a survivor. You’ll learn a lot, laugh, and maybe even cry as you hear her story of hope, be inspired by what Thistle Farms has established and the work it continues to do, be reminded of what can become of small beginnings, and learn what a “single candle” can do. A story of… Hope. Healing. Small Beginnings. Big Impact. Love.  _______ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 1:40 Behind the Brand Thistle Farms: How it started + Doris's story 26:40 A place built on love, grounded in love 31:39 “Love heals every body.” 32:00 The small rays of light - “Single candle cut through the darkest night”  32:20 What can we do? 33:04 Everybody has a story - all of us can do one little thing 33:33 Drops of hope add up 33:46 Heal, employ, empower 39:06 Guest perspective: What does success look like to you? 41:10 A challenge  40:50“Prayers do not have an expiration date” 43:11 Truths & Takeaways ----more---- Mentioned in this episode:  Thistle Farms website + Shop/Visit Follow Thistle Farms on Instagram @thistlefarms Thistle Farms Programs  Hope is Always Real by Dorris Walker-Taylor

This week, my friend and executive life coach, Katy Akester, joins us on the podcast.  If you're feeling stuck, having trouble making decisions, living at the corner of imposter syndrome and self-protection, this one is for you! Katy shares her insights from her experience working (and meeting her husband) in improv, working in executive leadership for a global non-profit, and helping individuals gain clarity and greater self-awareness as an executive life coach. Katy also shares more about when seeking inspiration crosses over into shame and self judgement and the best place you can start when you're lacking confidence and feeling indecisive. It's jam packed with simple truths and lessons learned that'll meet you right where you are.  You can find Katy on her website at katyakester.com ___________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [6:25] Being open-handed [7:40] For those who don’t know what they want to do with their life [9:15] What holds people back? [11:23] If you lack confidence or feel stuck... [14:16] If you feel “stuck”, self-protection might be playing a role. [16:10] If you're a "performer"... [17:34] Confidence is an “internal thing” [20:00] What are the values you live by? What makes you tick? [20:32] Where to start when indecisiveness and tensions rise  [21:25] Are you living your life with the lens of judgment?   [24:34] Comparison and imposter syndrome [28:57] Diversity who you’re learning from & following [30:00] Lessons from improv [36:15] Being and building community (from the lens of improv) [40:00] Examples of how to live “yes, and”  [41:55]  Guest perspective - how do you define success? [44:00] Final tip from Katy  [46:23] Truths & Takeaways  

Shannan Martin joins us this week on the podcast to talk all about the real value of doing life with the people who live closest to us.  Shannan is the author of Falling Free, The Ministry of Ordinary Places, and most recently, Start with Hello - all written around the central theme of “What does it look like to live in this world together?” and “Why does it even matter?”.  I like to think of Shannan as the expert neighbor you want to both “be” and “have”.  She helps you find joy and meaningful relationships in ordinary places like your own backyard.  In this episode, she shares more on the value in building community, a life of intention & interdependence, how to build truer friendships, why we need to learn to receive, what happens when we step out of our homogenous lifestyles and comfort zones, and what builds lasting connection and community. Shannan keeps things simple and practical (which we can all appreciate!).   You'll walk away with: (1) the permission to abandon the idea that you have to be self-sufficient all the time (2) the encouragement to go first as you embrace the joy that comes from living “actual life” together with those around you, even in the messes and imperfections that it brings and (3) details on her famous pickle recipe.  “Let’s live actual life together even in the messes or the imperfectness that it brings.” - Shannan Martin _______________________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [7:50] The value in getting to know the people “closest” to us.    [9:30] The sense of security, rootedness, and belonging that we’re looking for    [10:00] Finding more joy    [11:00]  A practical tip    [11:50] It’s not about the decor   [12:45] Less about Martha Stewart-ing, more about togetherness    [15:00] How most of us are actually living (aka our “real” lives)   [16:08] Truer friendships   [17:13] We’re all busy. Make it easy.    [19:06] Behind her books: answering big questions    [21:20] Moving us forward in a life of connection   [22:40] Being intentional with opportunities    [25:00] The abundant life vs. the comfortable life    [26:50] Lesson learned: A posture of need   [31:20] Learning to receive    [33:25] Guest perspective: What does success look like to you?   [36:13] A “love song for the long haul”   [39:36] Truths & Takeaways  __________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Website: shannanmartin.com Twitter: @shannanwrites Instagram: @shannanwrites Shannan’s books - Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted -- The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness all around You -- Start with Hello (and Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors)  Shannan’s newsletter & pickle recipe :) - shannanmartin.com/resources  

Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs joins us this week on the podcast and you’re gonna love this conversation (and her work even more!).  “It was a lot of standing on my faith, being brave, defying fear, and doing hard things.” - Ginger  As an award-winning interior designer (including HGTV’s 2021 Designer of the Year), book author, Instagram influencer, mom of five, and serial entrepreneur, her story is nothing short of amazing. It started during one of the most difficult times of her life battling cancer when she had a realization that you shouldn’t have to be fighting for your life to make the space you’re in beautiful. Through the transformation of her own space and surviving cancer, she began Urbanology Designs to inspire and help others elevate their homes’ beauty, comfort, and function.  In this episode Ginger shares her perspective on obstacles, how she manages meaningful work both inside and outside of the home, a practical tip on creating a life-giving space, and some entrepreneurial insights on staying grounded and building a culture around your “why”.  __________ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS [2:05] Ginger’s story  [4:25] Hold fast to what it means to have a healthy life  [5:25] We need to women supporting other women [6:26] The “unlikely start” of Urbanology Design  [8:40] Leaning in to her surroundings  [9:59] Transformation and realization [11:10] “Ginger’s golden nugget” on obstacles  [12:49] Standing on faith, being brave, defying fear and doing hard things  [13:33] How have you stayed grounded and grounded your business? [14:23] So much demands our attention [17:00] One thing you can do for your home [18:45] Don’t do everything at once [20:08] Do not put something in your home that you like.  [20:45] Your space is constantly competing - you can’t even see clearly [21:19] Doing meaningful work at home & work  [23:14] Don’t compare - your situation is a unique, God-given formula  [23:33] God has given each one of us exactly what we need every single day to live with intentionality and purpose.  [24:30] The “vision retreat” for your new year [32:40] What do you wish you’d known sooner in your business?  [37:44] Guest perspective: What does success look like to you?  [39:47] There’s no growth in our comfort zone.  _____________ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Site: Urbanology Designs  Urbanology Cottage & Urban Fire House (Events) Beauty by Design: Refreshing Spaces Inspired by What Matters Most  Follow Ginger and Urbanology Designs on Instagram: @urbanologydesigns @urbanologycottage @urbanfirehouse

This week, Wendy Speake joins us on the podcast and WHOA are you in for some encouragement (especially if you’re a mom).  Wendy has a way of meeting you right in the middle of your struggles, whether it’s anger, social media, or sugar!  As a Bible teacher and background as a trained actress, her stories and words will comfort, equip, and encourage you.  In this episode, Wendy leaves us all feeling equipped and encouraged as we talk about the story behind a handful of her books including: The 40-Day Sugar Fast, The 40-Day Social Media Fast, The 40-Day Feast, Triggers, and Parenting Scripts. If those titles don’t say enough, we dive into topics such as “blaming and shaming”, self control when the kids are out of control, wisdom on how to choose our “yeses”, our role as our kids grow, and what to do when our kids feel a little (or a lot!) like sandpaper.  Episode highlights:  5:40 Behind the book - Triggers 9:50 Our tendency when our kids do wrong  11:00 “Figure out what you mean to say before you say something mean”  11:40 There’s something God wants to do in us FIRST. 12:36 Blaming and shaming 13:15 Training is long suffering 14:35 Everytime our kids do something wrong… 15:18 What topic/trigger has resonated most? 15:46 “YOU are not a victim, you’re a mom!”  16:46  Self- control when our kids are out of control  17:07  Sibling rivalry 19:10 Triggers are opportunities to parent  22:14 You don’t stop having triggers… 22:43 If you don’t learn how to control your triggers now 23:09 Our job is to “hold the line” 24:18 When your kids feel like sandpaper… 26:23  We all want to love our kids well 31:10 The the social media fast  37:55 ADVICE: You can’t do everything!  38:20 “Don’t cry over spilled milk” is for the moms who are spread too thin  45:55 Guest perspective - what does success look like to you? __________ Mentioned in this episode:  wendyspeake.com Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses Parenting Scripts  The 40-Day Sugar Fast (STARTS JANUARY 9TH) The 40-Day Social Media Fast The 40-Day Feast Follow Wendy on Instagram @wendy_speake Follow Wendy on Facebook @wendyjspeake