Hopeful-ish with Scarlet Hiltibidal

Update: 2025-12-03

Description

Listener note: This episode might be a good one to pop on those headphones or earbuds if you have little ears nearby. Part of our conversation includes a suicide and a cancer diagnosis.

She's known for her laughter, wit, and upbeat outlook on life. But the last five years have taken a toll on Scarlet Hiltibidal and she's ready to talk about it. Scarlet joins AllMomDoes podcast host Julie Lyles Carr for a vulnerable conversation about what it takes to face life challenges with honesty while still remaining hopeful-ish.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/48wWPYS

Takeaways:

Scarlet is a mom of four, navigating chaos and change.
Her new book 'Hopeful-ish' addresses personal pain and hope.
The title was inspired by her husband's suggestion to lighten it up.
Scarlet's writing process is influenced by her interactions with women facing similar struggles.
Post-COVID, many are wrestling with feelings of sadness and despair.
The importance of tending to one's faith like a farm is emphasized.
Humor can coexist with deeper emotional struggles.
Scarlet shares a poignant story about a donut and a young girl that brought her hope.
Being open with children about faith and struggles is crucial.
Hope is a gift from the Holy Spirit, not something we can manufacture.

Sound Bites:

"I want people to read it."
"I was not running to God."
"Don't fake your faith!"

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:51 The Creative Process Behind 'Hopeful-ish'
05:31 Processing Grief and Loss Post-COVID
08:48 Wrestling with Hope and Personal Struggles
11:34 Balancing Humor and Heaviness in Life
14:16 The Donkey Attack and Farming Adventures
17:13 The Journey of Becoming a Farmer
19:08 Tending to the Farm of Your Soul
21:13 Navigating Jadedness and Hope
23:04 The Gift of Hope in Difficult Times
28:43 Parenting Through Faith and Challenges

Keywords: Scarlet Hiltibidal, Hopeful-ish, grief, faith, motherhood, creativity, COVID-19, personal growth, humor, parenting