Work and Play with Nancy Ray

Work and Play with Nancy Ray is a weekly podcast all about learning to balance the two most competing areas of our lives: work and play. She dives into topics like productivity, work life balance, leading a team, time management, contentment, play, sabbath, marriage, parenting, and rest, always pointing back to scripture, the ultimate guide for a life of faith. This is a podcast all about learning to work and play well, which ultimately leads to a healthy soul and a fulfilling life.

286 - 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk

Today I honor the life and death of my brother in Christ, Charlie Kirk. I also admit that I don’t always get it right on this podcast and platform and I share some Scripture and some resources that might help you if you’re confused about what people are saying and are searching for some truth. Resources from this episode: Rhythms Reset The Charlie Kirk Show  Charlie at My Church Turning Point USA Joshua 1:9 1 Peter 3:15  1 Corinthians 15:58 Allie Beth Stuckey Justice Episode Erika Kirk Addressing the Nation  Echo Unafraid Amir Odum YouTube Video Charlie on a College Campus: Video 1 Charlie on a College Campus: Video 2 Charlie on a College Campus: Video 3 Some Thoughts I Agree With John 14:6 John 14:27 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

09-17
29:33

285 - Proactive vs. Reactive

Today’s episode is all about how to be proactive versus being reactive. Resources from this episode: Verity Conference (Use code: NANCYRAY15 for 15% off)  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey  Free Weekly Checklist! Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

09-09
16:07

284 - Prepare Your Mind for Action

I was reading through 1 Peter the other morning and this verse just stuck out at me. 1 Peter 1:13 - “Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Today’s episode is just me sharing a little bit of what I feel like the Lord has been teaching me lately, specifically about this verse and the importance of our minds. Resources from this episode: 1 Peter 1:13  Send Nancy an Audio Message! Rhythms Reset Dwell Bible App Discount Isaiah 26:3  Marco Polo Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

09-02
16:47

283 - I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen with Kate Strickler

Today I got to sit down with my friend, Kate Strickler of Naptime Kitchen, and talk all about some of our favorite things, recipes, practical things we love, but especially her new book, I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen. We talk a lot about the theme of contentment, which you guys know is dear to my heart. I’m so excited for you to listen to our conversation today. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App  Episode 056 - Meal Planning Made Fun with Kate from Naptime Kitchen  The Home Reset  I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen Book by Kate Strickler Naptime Kitchen Overnight Oatmeal Naptime Kitchen Honey Butter Crockpot Chicken Naptime Kitchen Greek-ish Crockpot Chicken Naptime Kitchen Daily Green Smoothie Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Roll Recipe Over the Door Organizer Naptime Kitchen Website Kate Strickler on Instagram  Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

08-26
45:57

282 - Love Your Life with Rachel Awtrey

I met my friend Rachel at a retreat a little over a year ago and we were fast friends. She is a fellow podcaster and now an author. Today, I’m having her on the Work and Play podcast to talk all about her new book and some big sister advice that you are not going to want to miss. Resources from this episode: Rachel Awtrey Website Follow Rachel on Instagram Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey Podcast Soul Camp Love Your Life book by Rachel Awtrey Your Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.  Big Sis Advice  Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung Psalm 68:3 Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

07-31
46:48

281 - Traveling with Kids : 3 Lists and All My Tips

Today’s episode is all about traveling with kids. We’ve been at this for a while and I’m so excited to share all of my tips + three lists that I cannot do without. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Walker Family Goods Duffel Bags Lalabu Baby Wrap Travel White Noise Machine Visit my Cornerstore! Send me an audio message! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

07-24
25:02

280 - Two Roosters with Jared Plummer

Jared Plummer is the founder of Two Roosters Ice Cream, a popular and delicious ice cream shop with eight locations here in the Raleigh area that everyone is crazy about. They have their standard menu of favorites, but they also rotate their guest flavors every month. If you caught my last episode, you’ll know that their July flavors feature local podcasters and the Work and Play podcast is one of them. Today, you’re going to get to hear from Jared as we talk all about Two Roosters and what work and play looks like in his world. Resources from this episode: Two Roosters Ice Cream Send Nancy a Voice Message! Work and Play Episode 026 - My Favorite Business Book of All Time Traction by Gino Wickman The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni Kelsey Plummer with Raymond James C12 Business Forums Ecclesiastes 11:1-5 Visit my Cornerstore! Ice Cream Scooper Recommended by Jared Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

07-17
01:05:27

279 - Fun Summer Announcement!

Are you ready?! I don’t think you’re ready. This is such a fun summer announcement! Work and Play is officially an ice cream flavor! Today, I am bringing on some special guests to share all about how the Work and Play podcast has been turned into ice cream, literally. Resources from this episode: Two Roosters Ice Cream Leave Nancy a Voice Message! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

07-03
07:39

278 - The Summer of Less

This episode is all about my summer of less. Resources from this episode: We Make Space by Melissa Helser John 3:30  New Life Camp Visit Nancy's Cornerstore!  Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Glass Food Storage Containers  Leave Nancy a Voice Message!  Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

06-27
17:45

277 - Simple Ways to Feel Closer to God

Today’s episode is all about simple ways to feel closer to God. Resources from this episode: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole 25% Off Dwell Bible App Episode 173 - How We Sabbath  Episode 232 - A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 1  Episode 233 - A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 2  Send me an audio message!  Visit my Cornerstore!  The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence  Mildliner Highlighters  Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

06-19
17:07

276 - 5 Tips for a Smooth Summer

Happy summer! I’m so excited that summer is finally here! Today’s episode is simply five tips for you to have a smoother summer. Resources from this epsiode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Trader Joe's Organic Freezer Pops Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

06-12
17:47

275 - Milestone Birthdays

We just got back from New York City celebrating Milly’s 10th birthday! Today’s episode is all about that trip and how we are celebrating big milestone birthdays in our family. Resources from this episode: Work & Play Episode 63 - Joy-Filled Birthdays Color Factory NYC Becco Italian Restaurant Top of the Rock The Metropolitan Museum Naptime Kitchen Brighter Day Press Keen Sandals Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

06-06
20:07

274 - How to Have a Nesting Party

My nesting party was one of my favorite days of my life. I know that sounds crazy, but it was so much more than getting my home ready for having a baby. It was a day where I was surrounded by my favorite women on this earth, humbly receiving their love, work, and care. It’s a day that will always remind me that when I’m feeling alone, I’m actually not alone at all. I have women who love me. Today, I’m going to share the practical side of how to throw a nesting party and the heart side of why it meant so much to me. I’m going to have my friend and sister-in-law, Samantha Ray on to give her perspective of what it was like because she threw the nesting party for me. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Resources from this episode: Emily Thomas Substack Samantha Ray Substack Let's Talk Life with Samantha Ray Podcast Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

05-29
43:25

273 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 2

Last week’s episode was all about what’s saving my life right now - mom edition, but I focused on everything that was free. This week is everything else, so it’s part two of What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition. Resources from this episode: EveryLife Diapers EveryLife Shampoo and Body Wash Tubby Todd All Over Ointment Solly Wrap Lalabu Baby Carrier How to Fight Mastitis Naturally Blog YOTO Player Spotify Premium Plans Slugs and Bugs on Spotify Forrest Frank on Spotify Good News Guys on Spotify Jess Ray on Spotify Warby Parker Pilot Pens A'Del Cosmetics Caraway Pans Glass Food Storage Legacy Photo System Clear Your Photos Free Guide Timeless Book Series by Gabrielle Meyer Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

05-22
23:34

272 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 1

Let’s pretend you and I are sitting down at a coffee shop and you just asked me, “Nancy, what is saving your life right now as a mama of five?” Then I tell you everything that I can think of. That is what today’s episode is going to be. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App 2 Peter 1:3-4 Nourish Move Love on YouTube Clear Your Photos Free Guide Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

05-20
21:42

271 - Winnie's Birth story

Winsome Joy Ray, our precious fifth baby, was born at home on Christmas Day. This is her birth story. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Blog Nourish Move Love Labor Inducing Workout Peace album by Bethel Music Matin: Rest album by Jess Ray Matin: Turn album by Jess Ray Matin: Love album by Jess Ray A Vision for this Season How to Visualize Your Dream Birth by Hailey Aliff Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

05-09
30:35

270 - 20 Things for Postpartum

Hello and welcome to May is for Mamas! I am so excited! I love this month of the year on the Work & Play podcast! We are kicking off this series with 20 of my favorite things that I have experienced this postpartum season. This is going to be a great episode for you to forward to a pregnant mama or someone who is postpartum. There is going to be a total of five episodes released every Thursday during the month of May with something for moms and something free for you (like a gift or a discount). It’s all going to be in every episode, but you have to stay and listen to the end, so don’t miss it. I can’t wait for May is for Mamas 2025. Let’s go! Resouces from this episode: Lumebox (red light therapy) Stanley cup HydroJug Owala water bottle Element Electrolyte Drink Mix Peace album by Bethel Music Matin: Rest album by Jess Ray Matin: Turn album by Jess Ray Matin: Love album by Jess Ray On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni Hiccapop bed bumper Hatch alarm clock Solly baby wrap LUXE bidet Colorfulkhola joggers No-bake energy balls Brewer's yeast Haakaa breast pump Kindle Paperwhite Nursing tank tops We Heart Nutrition postnatal vitamin (use code NANCYRAY for a discount!) Frida Mom peri bottle Free Diastatis Recti Repair Program on YouTube 25% Off Dwell Bible App FREE GIFT: Calm Amidst the Choas podcast series Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

05-02
22:34

269 - Underestimated with Mary Marantz

Well today you’re in for a treat. I have my dear friend, Mary Marantz, author of Underestimated, on the podcast. She has written three amazing books, but we’re talking about her latest one. I cannot even tell you what a gift it has been to me so far. I know you’re going to love this conversation with Mary. If you are stuck in feeling afraid of moving forward in a dream or idea that you have… if you feel like you’re just a drop in a bucket and you don’t know how to create… if you feel like you are afraid and there are scripts playing in your head and you don’t know how to get past them, today’s episode is for you. Resources from this episode: Underestimated by Mary Marantz Dirt by Mary Marantz The Best of You by Alison Cook Biblical Principles to Overcome Overwhelm with Jordan Raynor Take the achiever quiz! Pre-Order Underestimated Mary Marantz on Instagram Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

04-25
01:06:11

268 - 11 Wins from the Contentment Challenge

Do you know what I don’t talk about enough? My Contentment Challenge. It has become a regular part of my life every year now, but it continues to be one of the best things that I do. Today, I’m going to share eleven benefits that I experience every single time I do the Contentment Challenge and my unique approach to it this year. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Take the Contentment Challenge Work & Play Episode 3 - The Contentment Challenge Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

04-17
23:07

267 - Day-Tight Compartments

Today, I’m going to share what it means to live in day-tight compartments. This is a follow-up episode from last year called, “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Basically, an encouragement and reminder to you to be present today and that’s all you need to focus on. Resources from this episode: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

04-11
12:42

Preeti Sharma_Career guide

Very nice article! I'm Preeti, I write for educational blogs. I make a collection of wonderful educational blogs from where I could take inspiration for writing. This article really inspires me though it is a little different from my domain but nonetheless it is a good writing. I sometime write for a education site blogs www.clearexam.ac.in Let me know your thoughts if I could contribute to your blog too.

04-10 Reply

Preeti Sharma_Career guide

Very nice article! I'm Preeti, I write for educational blogs. I make a collection of wonderful educational blogs from where I could take inspiration for writing. This article really inspires me though it is a little different from my domain but nonetheless it is a good writing. I sometime write for a education site blogs www.clearexam.ac.in Let me know your thoughts if I could contribute to your blog too.

04-10 Reply

Deshonda Williams

my friend told me about one of the podcasts Nancy Ray posted, and before I knew it, I found myself listening to 3 more! I love this show. A little bit of practical, biblical, and fun. I'm a fan :)

07-11 Reply

Recommend Channels