Permission Slips

“Learning to try softer is the work of learning to pay compassionate attention to our mind, body, and soul.” —Aundi KolberWhen I think about the people whose work in the world has most impacted my life, Aundi Kolber is at the top of my list! Her writing has provided me with compassionate language that allowed me to participate in my own healing with greater courage. But here's the thing—Aundi doesn't just know about healing, she is living proof that it's possible, and that wholeness is worth fighting for.I'm honored to share this conversation about what it means to try softer, honor our stories, and keep practicing the work of giving and receiving compassion. Join us as we talk about things like:Aundi's story of trauma, white-knuckling, and her unexpected path to healingRecognizing the impact of our culture, even if we don't experience big "T" traumaLearning to try softer—and why we will never graduateWays that our faith experiences might influence our sense of safetyHow our window of tolerance helps us to stay with ourselvesPractical ideas for interrupting shame with compassion  Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC) and the best-selling author of the critically acclaimed books Try Softer,™️ Strong like Water, and Take What You Need. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. Aundi has appeared on Good Morning America, regularly speaks at national events, and is a frequent podcast guest. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Resources from this episode: Aundi's books:Try Softer - https://a.co/d/0gVPhVGdTry Softer Guided Journey -  https://a.co/d/02oU9eXFStrong Like Water - v=https://a.co/d/09yYsSonStrong Like Water Guided Journey - https://a.co/d/0i8f8A4FTake What You Need - https://a.co/d/0i6F5OKIConnect with Aundi on her website - https://aundikolber.com/ or on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aundikolber/   * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

Kandice and I have been friends for over 15 years, and it’s no exaggeration to say that our friendship has changed the trajectory of my life. Along with our other dear friend, Stephanie, we learned to practice vulnerability together as we created intentional spaces to explore who each of us was made to be.Join us for a conversation about our friendship journey as we discovered how to name the gifts we saw in each other, hold one another’s pain, and help each other see ourselves more clearly. We talk about how Kandice's pursuit helped our friendship to grow, the book that brought us together, and the creative ways we used our gifts together for the good of others—even when it came at a high cost.Our hope is that as you listen, you’ll begin to imagine how you might be able to cultivate deeper, more intentional friendships in your own life. The world needs what only you can give—and you’re not meant to do it alone!  RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Connect with Kandice on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kandicehalferty/ Anchor School - https://anchortacoma.org/anchorschool Spiritual Formation Cohort - https://anchortacoma.org/spiritual-formation-cohort Episode 20: Delight, Unraveling, and the Stages of Faith | Susan Bouterse - https://www.podcastics.com/episode/387596/link/ Rebekah Lyons, Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning - https://a.co/d/07y20ThH Bryan Halferty, Terrible Beauty: A Story of Calling, Breaking, and the Unmaking that Made Me - https://a.co/d/0iqgzeTq Interested in the Made for More Mastermind? Join the waitlist to get more info! https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/madeformoreinfo * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

Of all the amazing guests I’ve hosted on the podcast, this one is my all-time favorite! Corey DeBritz is a brilliant strategist, innovative dreamer, and servant-hearted leader—who also happens to be my husband.I invited Corey to join me for a conversation about friendship and teamwork in marriage, and the brave man said yes! Starting when we first met, we traced the threads of our story from friendship to “hanging out intentionally” and eventually marriage. We talk about what it looked like to dream and partner together before kids, what we learned the hard way about setting boundaries, and how our roles have shifted in different seasons of life. We even share about one of our proudest, most challenging, and most costly accomplishments in our lives—and how it impacted both our physical and mental health.I hope this conversation expands your imagination for what it could look like to support the people in your life as they become the fullest, most authentic versions of themselves! Listen as we talk about things like:How Corey fell in love with me (and why it took him so long)How we learned the hard way about the need to set boundariesThe impact of stress on both our physical and mental healthMy identity crisis that came from becoming a stay-at-home-momThoughts about who does what in marriage—and why our values matterRedefining what we each need in different seasonsSupporting each other’s dreams, even when it’s costlyGod’s design for mutual submission and sacrificial loveHow we want to respond when—not if—things go sideways RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE: Washington Family Ranch - A Young Life Camp https://washingtonfamilyranch.younglife.org/ Learn about coaching with Jillian at https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/ * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

 "I wouldn’t have become who I am right now without you guys." —Michélle KonsonI met Jenni LaBrie and Michélle Konson only a year and a half ago at the Write to Publish conference, where we all showed up alone with the hope of finding direction in each of our writing lives. We came with the dream of getting published, and left with something even better—dear friends who help us imagine more beauty than we could ever create on our own.Almost exactly one year into launching this podcast, I'm thrilled to bring these treasured friends back to talk about how we cultivated such a meaningful friendship, what it looks like to continually choose vulnerability, and how our belief in one another expands our capacity to dream about what's possible for each one of us.I hope this conversation with Michélle and Jenni will help you imagine how you might be able to nourish deeper friendships in your life. Because if we're going to create anything brave or beautiful in the world, we can't do it alone.Join us for this vulnerable conversation about friendship, including:Why building friendship requires risk and intentionalityCreative ideas for connecting with friends, even during busy seasonsHow vulnerability has played a pivotal role in deepening our connectionThe role we've played in one another's creative journeys—and the joy of holding each other's dreamsHonest confessions about the messiness that comes with raw, real friendshipHow practicing vulnerability together allows us to become our true selves Michélle Konson is a writer, speaker, and Story Work guide who helps people explore how their past shapes the way they show up in their lives and relationships. She is the creator of the Untangling Your Story journal, and her work is deeply shaped by the belief that creativity and healing are rarely formed alone. Vulnerable and intentional friendships have been central to her own creative journey and to the way she lives a more fully connected life. Reach out to Michélle Konson about speaking at your event on her website at https://www.michellekonson.com/Get your copy of Michélle's powerful Untangling Your Story journal https://www.michellekonson.com/journalConnect with Michelle on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michellekonson/  Jenni LaBrie is a visual synthesist, writer, and speaker helping messages stick with powerful words, visuals, & voice. She has a gift for distilling thoughts to their purest essence—and then making them visible and shareable. Former teacher turned creative entrepreneur, Jenni lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three kids, where soft pants reign supreme and washing her hair once a week feels like a win.Connect with Jenni LaBrie or get more info about speaking on her website at https://www.jennilabrie.com/Grab one of Jenni’s freebies to learn how to sketchnote! https://www.jennilabrie.com/freebiesFind Jenni on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jennilabrie/   Previous episodes of Permission Slips with Michélle and Jenni:Listen to Episode 2: Embracing Your Story with Kindness | Michélle Konsonhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/350621/link/ Episode 3: Finding Space to Dream Again | Jenni LaBriehttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/350766/link/   * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

This conversation with my friend—and the founder and visionary of Sonshine Interpreting—Araya Williams, came at just the right time for me personally. We talk about calling, identity, and taking brave steps even when you don't know how it's going to work out. Araya shares how her work with the Deaf community and the creation of Sunshine Interpreting grew out of paying attention to what moved her heart and what she couldn’t shake. Again and again, we come back to the courage it takes to listen—to God, to ourselves, and to the quieter invitations in our lives.We also name the hard reality of what's required to walk in your calling, including self-doubt, shame, and the internal voices that tell us we’re behind or not enough. This conversation felt like a gentle reminder that our worth isn’t something we earn through productivity or success, and that clarity often comes slowly.If you’re holding questions about purpose, feeling tender around your identity, or needing permission to be honest about your struggle, I hope this episode feels like an exhale—and an invitation to listen to the One who wants to tell you who you really are.A few things we talk about:Why self-compassion matters more than we thinkHow paying attention to what moves us can point us toward purposeThe courage it takes to follow a calling without guaranteesNaming the voices of shame and self-doubt (and not letting them lead)What it looks like to listen for God’s voice in real lifeWhy our worth was never meant to be measured by productivityLetting ourselves be seen—and why that can be healingLiving with more freedom by accepting who we are RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Living Fearless by Jamie Winship - https://a.co/d/ekDyKzxSonshine Interpreting - https://sonshineinterpreting.com/ or connect on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sonshineterpsChristian Interpreters Conference - https://www.christianinterpretersconference.org/Learn about coaching - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/  * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

"January is the new week between Christmas and the new year." —Emily P. FreemanJoin me as I make space to reflect on 2025 by sharing my list of what worked and what didn't over the past year. I hope these honest, in-process thoughts give you permission to ask yourself the same questions, and in so doing, offer you clarity about how you want to move forward into 2026 with greater wholeness and courage. Learn more about coaching - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/ Other resources from this episode:20 // Delight, Unraveling, and the Stages of Faith // Susan Bouterse https://www.podcastics.com/episode/387596/link/21: How to Practice Being Known in a Confessional Community | Rachel Miller https://www.podcastics.com/episode/389719/link/Center for Being Known (Confessional Communities) - https://www.thecbk.org/5: Rejecting Diet Culture & Body Shame | Rachel Kulcsarhttps://www.podcastics.com/episode/352666/link/ * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

"As women in ministry, we need cheerleaders." —Lee NienhuisI met Katie and Lee at a conference for writers and speakers, and we connected instantly. Something unique about their friendship struck me right away: There was not a lick of competition between the two of them—only genuine belief in one another and the work each was doing in the world. It overflowed to everyone they met (including me) like streams of encouragement, watering the parched writers and speakers around them so seeds of hope could grow.In this episode, Katie and Lee share about their friendship and the ways it has strengthened each of them in their individual callings. We talk about the jealousy that can crop up—even in ministry—and how to untangle ourselves from it, as well as the importance of having cheerleaders in our lives who will help us stay the course.Listen in as we discuss:The power of friends who believe in one another's callingsHow to navigate jealousy in friendship by remembering which team we're onChoosing collaboration and cheerleading instead of competition in ministryWhat it looks like to be a "ladder-holding leader" Finding our identity in Christ, rather than in the opportunities we're given (or not)When God's definition of good may differ from our expectations CONNECT WITH LEE & KATIE:Katie M. Reid - https://www.katiemreid.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/katie_m_reid/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KatieMReidWriterFREE INTRO LESSON (from God, What Do I Do?) - https://katiemreid.myflodesk.com/biblestudyfreebie1Link to Bible Study and more resources:  https://www.katiemreid.com/judges/ Lee Nienhuis - https://leenienhuis.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leenienhuis/Counter Cultural Parenting - https://leenienhuis.com/counter-cultural-parenting/Comparison Girl for Teens - https://leenienhuis.com/comparison-girl-for-teens/Brave Moms, Brave Kids - https://leenienhuis.com/brave-moms-brave-kids/ CONNECT WITH JILLIANCoaching info - https://jilliandebritz.com/coaching/  * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

"We enter into relationship—we enter into meaning—through the doorway of feeling, and specifically negative feelings. To eliminate those would be to eliminate...the sweetness of actual relationship." —Justin McRoberts, author, spiritual director, and creative consultantIn this episode, author Justin McRoberts and I explore the complexities of human emotions, including the importance of embracing imperfection, the beauty of connecting with pain—both our own and others'—and the role of curiosity in our healing. Justin shares insights from his latest book, In the Low, reminding us that our seasons of darkness and depression are not evidence that we're broken, but an essential, beautiful part of being human.We talk about things like:Disappointing people so that you can become who you are meant to beEmbracing pain as a way to know ourselves—and connect with others—more deeplyWhy sitting with hard emotions takes practice How curiosity can help us learn from our emotionsReminders that our current situation is not our final destination; there is hope beyond the lowThe beauty of acquainting ourselves with our shortcomings and imperfections How there are depths of human relationships that we don't get to experience without painThe importance of inviting others to help learn about yourself (rather than fix you)Justin McRoberts is an author, coach, speaker, and songwriter. When he’s not writing, speaking, or coaching, you can find him as the host of the At Sea Podcast. He just released his 8th book (and the 3rd he’s written with Scot Erickson), In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons. He lives in the East San Francisco Bay Area, and he calls his mom every day. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:In the Low: Honest Prayers for Dark Seasons - https://a.co/d/h9t7RKnConnect with Justin:Coaching and more - https://www.justinmcroberts.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/justinmcroberts/At Sea Podcast - https://www.justinmcroberts.com/podcast  * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

 "It's not so much about falling in love with myself, but falling in love with who Jesus has made me to be and what that allows and invites to the world around me." -Kelsey JenneyMost of us don't walk around feeling like we're "the best of the best of the very, very best." But Kelsey Jenney reminds us that, according to the very words of the God of the universe, we are actually "tov meod"—very good! I don't know about you, but I just can't hear that enough.Listen to Kelsey's contagious joy as she shares about dressing up her SnuggleBears (a.k.a. her doodle doggies babies), Jesus' sense of humor, and the kind, welcoming presence of God in the middle of her ordinary little life. Our conversation covers topics like:Kelsey's annual Christmas photo shoot with her dogsWhy humor and laughter are necessary to really know JesusReminders that you are made very good—and you're allowed to take up spaceLearning to love who God has made you to beEmbracing our personhood over our position or professionHow to practice being present with God in our ordinary, daily momentsHow naming what is real allows for deeper connection with GodPermission to use all the exclamation points and get more dogs!!!!!Kelsey Jenney has served on staff with the mission of Young Life for 20 years in a variety of roles. She is also a certified Spiritual Director, a certified Enneagram Harmony Triad Practitioner, and holds a certification from the Transforming Center in Spiritual Formation.  * * * * * CONNECT WITH KELSEY:Website: https://www.kelseyjenney.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doodlediva/  * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

“How do I get off of that wild roller coaster, that hamster wheel that I’m on…and find my way back to center, rooted and grounded in love?” -Chuck DeGroat, PhD, LPCWe all know what it feels like to be running at a pace we can't sustain, where the demand on our bodies—or our souls—becomes too much. The constant adrenaline carries us through...until it runs out, and we shut down or numb out just to find some rest.But what if there was a different way to function? What if you could find a more compassionate way to live in your body—accessing resources that allow you to stay connected to yourself and to God, even when life gets hard?In this episode, author, therapist, and spiritual director Chuck DeGroat invites us to imagine the kind voice of God, calling to us with compassionate questions that invite us to come "home." He shares his journey of learning to retrain his brain and body, offers tools for supporting our nervous system, and illuminates the connection between our bodily intuitions and spiritual lives.Listen as we talk about things like: The intersection of spirituality and mental healthUnderstanding the ways our nervous system responds to overwhelmPractices for returning to center, or "coming home"The connection between our bodies and spiritual livesConsidering God's questions in the garden as a framework for connectionThe roles of compassion and imagination as we encounter GodHow to offer a kind welcome to our thoughts, emotions, and embodied sensationsI hope this conversation will give you permission to look bravely and honestly within, believing that, as Chuck writes, "God's heart is always ready to help you find your way back home."Chuck DeGroat is a professor of pastoral care and Christian spirituality at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, where he also serves as executive director of the clinical mental health counseling program. He is an author, licensed therapist, church consultant, and spiritual director. He and his wife, Sara, have two daughters. * * * * *CONNECT WITH CHUCK:Website - chuckdegroat.netSubstack - https://sitwithchuck.substack.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chuckdegroat/ or Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/chuck.degroatHealing What's Within: Coming Home to Yourself—and to God—When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering by Chuck DeGroat OTHER RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days by Aundi KolberInto the Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation by Martin LairdThe Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri NouwenBreath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James NestorJesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Kenneth E. Bailey * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

“People aren’t to be fixed. That’s not why we’re there. We’re there to connect. We’re there to connect with people and with God.” -Rachel MillerHave you ever longed for deeper relationships? Are there parts of your story—or of yourself—that you keep from others because you don't know how they'll respond if you show up fully? Do you wonder if it's possible to truly experience the abundant life described by Jesus? This episode is for you.Join me as my friend, Rachel Miller, talks about her experience in a confessional community—an intentional group of people who are "practicing for heaven" by telling their stories more truly. We talk about what it's like to be fully known by others, and the ways we've both been transformed by the compassionate presence of people who help us see ourselves through their eyes.Listen to as we discuss things like:The terrifying vulnerability and healing power of sharing our stories with othersDescribing the confessional community model and the storytelling liturgyThe power of being present to our emotions, bodies, and one anotherPermission to ask, "Will you tell me again?" when we're struggling to believe what others see in usHow receiving compassion from our community helps us imagine the compassion of JesusInvitations to practice giving and receiving love—imperfectly—over and over again RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODEJoin a Confessional Community through the Center for Being Known - thecbk.org/ccsBeing Known Podcast - Season 7: Confessional Communities Being Known Podcast - Season 11: Rupture and Repair The Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson, MD * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

“God wants to enlarge our terrain of freedom. He wants to bring us through so he can set us free.” -Susan BouterseWhat if paying attention to our delight is part of how we notice God's invitation into a deeper journey with him?This conversation with Susan Bouterse will invite you to expand your imagination for how God might be at work in your life, wooing you and stirring your heart in ways that "expand your terrain of freedom." Listen to Susan's journey through an unexpected career transition (from pediatrics to ministry?!), and to insights about the stages of faith—including encouragement for anyone facing their own "unraveling" or dark night of the soul. We hope you'll get a taste of the kindness of God through this honest, vulnerable conversation about how we've each experienced his love in tangible, embodied ways.Susan Bouterse is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Anchor Church in Tacoma, Washington and the Executive Director of Anchor School of Discipleship & Ministry. She trained as a spiritual director through Soul Formation Academy and delights in seeing the One she loves reveal his love to another. Susan has a master’s degree in theological studies from Multnomah University. She is also an M.D. and practiced pediatrics for over 20 years before being called to ministry. Susan and her husband Phil have three grown children and enjoy the beauty and activities of the South Sound in the PNW. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:Anchor Church: https://anchortacoma.org/Anchor School: https://anchortacoma.org/anchorschoolPrevious episode - Soul Companionship for Your Spiritual Journey // Kari MirroSoul of Shame by Dr. Curt ThompsonEmotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter ScazzeroPracticing the Way by John Mark ComerThe Critical Journey by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich    * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

"He can use our failures, he can use our insecurities, he can use our parenting mistakes. He can use all of it. We just have to believe that he can and that’s where we have to start.”For those who feel called to lead but wonder if they have what it takes, those who are weary from the costs of leadership, those with a vision for where they want to go but feel stuck in small beginnings—this conversation is for you. Join us me as I talk with Willow Weston about her leadership journey, and hear her invitation to collide with Jesus right where you are—believing he'll meet you, heal you, and use what you have in unexpected ways.Willow Weston is an author, speaker, podcast host, conference curator and the Founder and Director of Collide, a nonprofit ministry based in the PNW with a national reach impacting thousands of women. She has been in ministry for 25 years and loves bringing passion, truth, and story into every room she walks into. She authentically shares her story of pain, and the beauty that comes out of it, in a way that inspires and encourages people to bravely invite Jesus into their own brokenness so they can experience hope and healing too. Willow, a mom and wife for over 25 years, is as real as it gets, obsessed with throwing parties, coffee, the beach, sunsets, kid cuddles, and a good, good story. LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:Connect with Willow on her website or Instagram Listen Willow and Jillian on the Collide PodcastPre-order Willow's book Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt or the companion Bible studyCheck out the Yes, You Bible study from CollideLearn more about The Intentional Life course with Jillian starting October 14!     * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

This episode wraps up my very first season as a podcaster, and the first 18 episodes of Permission Slips! After four months of producing an episode every week, I've learned a lot about the process—and about myself. Listen in for my reflections on 7 things I've learned on this podcasting journey, which I hope will also encourage you in whatever new thing you're beginning, too!   Thanks for listening to Permission Slips, friends. I'm taking the summer to rest and dream, but I'm already looking forward to being back with you here again in the fall! Until then, may we all give ourselves permission to rest, so that we might be restored, refueled, and re-energized for what's ahead!

“Leadership by its definition requires influence. Influence requires trust. You’re not going to lead anybody if they don’t trust you.” — Dr. James B. AveyThis was more than a conversation about the mechanics of leadership—it was about how to be the kind of human that lives intentionally, loves others well, and as a result, impacts the world for good. Join me as I talk with my good friend, who also happens to be a highly respected researcher, distinguished professor, and sought after leadership expert, Dr. James Avey! Grab a pen, because this conversation is chock-full of wisdom for anyone who has influence on others—which is all of us. We cover a lot in this episode, including:Counting the cost of leadership and prioritizing the things that matter most—especially those closest to youClearly defining what it means to “win” by identifying your unique valuesDefining what leadership is and the difference between positional power and personal power Why trust is the foundation of leadership and the 3 components that lead to trustThe connection between trust and vulnerability and how they influence each otherHow we’ve each experienced the generosity of benevolent leaders—and how it changed usThe importance of clear vision, especially for leaders without positional powerThe power of calling people up and helping them see that they matter in order for a vision to become realityHow feedback and recognition make people feel seen, valued, and heard—at very little cost to you.  James B. Avey holds a Ph.D. in Leadership, Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Research and Professor of Management in the College of Business at Central Washington University and previously in engineering human resource management at The Boeing Company. He is one of the most prolifically cited scientists in his field. His work has appeared in top scientific outlets including Journal of Management, Journal of Business Ethics and Personnel Psychology as well as popular news outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.   * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

“We have to be the resilient ones. We are the ones who have to be resilient in order to fight through the obstacles on behalf of our next generation.” -Dr. Tanita MaddoxGen Z is navigating a landscape that is vastly different than the one most of us grew up in. These "digital natives" live in an online world with cultural norms and language they speak fluently—one that many older folks often struggle to learn.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, employer, or anyone else interacting with young people born between the years 1997 to 2012, this episode is for you! My good friend, Dr. Tanita Maddox, lets us into her research on the questions Gen Z is asking about life and faith. What she shared brought us both to tears at different points—because Gen Z needs us to show up for them, no matter how uncomfortable we feel.As Tanita shared in this episode, “If it’s hard, it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It’s just hard, period.” I hope this episode equips and inspires you to fight for connection with a generation that needs us, just as much as we need them. Listen in as we talk about things like:What sets Gen Z apart from previous generations, especially in their relationship with technologyThe 7 big questions this generation is asking, and what's underneath each oneWhat Gen Z wants to know about life and faith—and why it's important to admit we don't have all the answersWhy mental health isn’t about feeling good and happy all the timeHow our listening needs to change if we want to communicate with digital natives effectivelyQuestions we can ask to connect with our kids in a way that makes them feel heard Why we need to be the resilient ones to fight on behalf of our next generation  Born and raised in Arizona, Tanita now serves with Young Life as the Interim Spokane director and as the national director for generational impact. Since 1998, she has worked directly with adolescents and young adults, still serving as a volunteer Young Life leader. She completed a Masters of Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and Doctorate of Ministry at Phoenix Seminary, where her doctoral thesis was in sharing the gospel with Generation Z.  She has been married to W. Ashley since 2005, and they have two sons. Their family enjoys watching major league baseball, and their favorite team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. Resources mentioned in this episode:Pre-order What Gen Z Really Wants to Know About God: Seven Questions About Life and FaithConnect with Dr. Tanita Maddox at tanitamaddox.com or on Instagram @drtanitamaddoxThe Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathon Haidt The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Lisa Demour, Ph.D.   * * * STAY CONNECTEDConnect with Jillian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jilliandebritz/Want to reach out to Jillian about speaking or coaching? Learn more on her website: https://jilliandebritz.com/Sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter: https://jilliandebritz.myflodesk.com/subscribeSubscribe to Permission Slips on Substack: https://substack.com/@jilliandebritzBe sure to subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

Nothing triggers a battle with body shame like swimsuit season. (Ask me how I know.) As we enter into summer, I hope this conversation with my dear friend, Brandi Hyatt, will give you permission to treat your body with more kindness and compassion—and to reject any lies that tell you your size is your measure of worth.  This episode felt more vulnerable than usual, as Brandi turned the tables on me at one point and asked me questions about my current struggle in my relationship with my body—then helps me work through this raw, in-process part of my journey in real time! Brandi is a certified yoga instructor who has played an instrumental role in helping me see myself and my body with greater gentleness. She guides people through what she calls “sacred yoga,” which integrates faith-centered meditation and traditional yoga movements for an embodied worship experience that strengthens the body, mind, and soul. Listen in to our conversation as we share about: How learning to listen to the voice of God has strengthened us both in our fight against body shame The connection between our physical, embodied experience and our spiritual sense of connection with God Why we might need to go back into our stories to identify the narrative we’ve learned to believe about our bodies The grit required to actively resist the voices that tell us lies about who we are  Ideas for when we need to borrow the words of others until we believe God's words for ourselves How yoga can be a tool to integrate your heart, mind, body, and soul for an embodied faith in Jesus Permission to disagree with lies and tune into the One who knows you and loves you as you are   If you find this episode helpful, you might also appreciate the episode on "Rejecting Diet Culture and Body Shame" with Rachel Kulcsar   * * * Stay connected: Connect with Jillian on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter! Want to book Jillian to speak or work with her as your coach? Learn more on her website. Subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

What if God is kinder, gentler, and more present than you can imagine? Join me for this conversation with spiritual director, Kari Mirro, as we explore the gift of spiritual companionship on our journeys of discerning the presence and activity of God in our actual lives.   Listen in as we talk about our spiritual journeys, including: The role of a spiritual director and how they hold a non-judgmental space to help you notice the movement of God in your life Opening ourselves up to people we trust to help us navigate the gap between our head and our heart—or our heart and our head Why we need other people to walk with us on the journey of spiritual formation How everyone’s perception and experience of God is different, but why we can still relax with those whose journeys look different than ours How paying attention to our longing might allow us to get curious about God’s invitations The role our imagination might play in allowing us to experience the kindness, gentleness, and compassion of God   You can connect with Kari via email, learn more about spiritual direction on her website, or on Instagram @direction_with_kari. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Art of Christian Listening - by Thomas "Practicing a Posture of Unreasonable Hospitality" podcast episode   * * * Stay connected: Connect with Jillian on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter! Want to book Jillian to speak or work with her as your coach? Learn more on her website. Subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

"I can actively create hope in myself through this practice...where there was nothing before, I can create something." What if creativity is about more than the art we make, food we cook, or music we produce? What if creativity could be a tool—a weapon, even—that allows us to fight for hope in even the darkest places of our lives? Listen in to this conversation with my friend, artist, writer, and coach, Kristin Vanderlip, as she shares about the power wielding imagination as an act of resistance to despair. Because if you have the ability to create something new, you have the power to fight for hope in your own life, and in the lives of others. Join us for this conversation as we talk about: The power of putting our experiences—especially hard ones—into words Creativity as a spiritual practice that empowers us to defeat despair as we activate our imaginations Advice for those who don’t think of themselves as creative people Ideas to disconnect the end product from the process and practice of creativity Letting go of the idea that we need certain skills and paying attention to what brings life, energy, and delight Why nourishing the creative parts of ourselves is as essential as nourishing our bodies Practical ideas for integrating more creative space into your days Permission to invest in your creativity as part of your sacred calling in the world Kristin Vanderlip is a writer, artist, and certified writing coach who is passionate about spreading the love of writing and creativity as paths to healing and hope. After experiencing deep personal grief, Kristin returned to writing and art as ways to process pain, connect with God, and find resilience. Kristin believes creativity is a sacred invitation—to meet ourselves, to meet God, and to find healing and hope. Kristin is the founder of the Pen & Mend Collective, a writing community where women receive monthly journal prompts, attend virtual Writing Rooms, and engage in meaningful reflection and conversation—all designed to help them write their way through sorrow and into healing. She is the author of the faith-based journals Rest: A Journal for Lament and Rise: A Journal for Perseverance. Connect with Kristin on her website to find info on her journals, art, workshops, and more at www.kristinvanderlip.com or follow Kristin on Substack or on Instagram.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Rachel Marie Kahn - Let There Be Art Andrew Peterson - Adorning the Dark Madeline L’Engle - Walking on Water Amy McNee - We Need Your Art Julia Cameron - The Artist’s Way Maggie Smith - You Could Make This Place Beautiful Annie F. Downs - “That Sounds Fun” podcast   * * * Stay connected: Connect with Jillian on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter! Want to book Jillian to speak or work with her for coaching? Learn more on her website. Subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!

What might happen if you made space to look at your life from a different perspective? What if you carved out time to reflect on your values, priorities, and dreams? Join my friend and International Coaching Federation certified coach, Jesse Aguero, and I as we explore how coaching allows us to live with greater purpose, clarity, confidence, and joy!   Listen to this conversation as we talk about: How coaching is like working with a travel agent, Uber driver, and mining for treasure Why creating space to find clarity is one of the best gifts you can give yourself How our self-leadership affects our leadership of others—and why healthy people make healthy leaders Choosing to be intentional about how we want to spend our lives when we have so much coming at us The power of asking questions that allow us to prioritize what matters most The difference between coaching and counseling (or consulting or mentoring) Ideas to integrate a “coaching approach” into your leadership or parenting Jesse Aguero is a professional certified coach who has worked with clients from all around the world, helping them navigate life and leadership challenges. He received his Advanced Certification in Transitional Coaching through Western Seminary and his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With 30 years in executive leadership, 25 years of marriage, and 18 years of parenting, he’s been equipped with a wide variety of tools to help leaders grow and move forward with a clear vision.   * * * Stay connected: Learn more about coaching with Jesse on his website. Connect with Jillian on Instagram or Facebook or sign up for the monthly Permission Slips email newsletter! Want to book Jillian to speak or work with her as your coach? Learn more on her website. Subscribe to Permission Slips so you never miss an episode, and please share or review this podcast to help others find it!