In today’s diet-culture society, food issues and body hatred have become the norm. But you were created to be FREE. Welcome to Old School Food Freedom, where we go back to the basics—God’s basics—for how we view food, our bodies, and our worth. Hosted by FINDINGbalance Executive Director Chrissy Kirkman, this podcast features Biblically-sound experts, thought-leaders, artists, and everyday people who will inspire you to interrupt negative cultural soundtracks and rediscover God’s original de ...
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Step into your God-given identity, know your value and live the life you were made for. Join author, speaker, and life coach Allie Marie Smith for inspiring conversations with women of faith about mental health, body image, wellness, relationships, intentional living, and so much more. Receive practical wisdom and encouragement to help you thrive and live a wholehearted life of freedom and purpose. Our culture constantly bombards us with lies and pressure to be more, do more, and hustle for ...
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Finding Hope and Comfort Amidst Grief — with Julie Davies and Christie Myers
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28:13
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28:13Have you ever experienced grief or an unbearable season of loss? Whether it's the loss of someone you love, a relationship, or an unfulfilled dream, God wants to bring you peace and comfort and walk through this season with you. In this episode, Julie Davies, Licensed Counselor, and your co-host, Christie Myers, talk about finding God's comfort ami…
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62: Social Media Reset: Unplug, Reconnect with God, and Reclaim Your Joy with Allie Marie Smith
50:05
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50:05Every moment on social media matters. It shapes who we are and the women we will become. But even hearing that, it still feels impossible to break the habit of reaching for the phone to see what your friend has been up to, or what the latest trending Reel is, or even using these apps for work. So… what are you to do? Allie Marie Smith joins Chrissy…
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Embracing Your Actual Life — With Elizabeth Woodson
23:57
23:57
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23:57Elizabeth Woodson is a Bible teacher and the author of Embrace Your Life: How to Find Joy When the Life You Have Is Not the Life You Hoped For. Elizabeth knows what it like to have unfulfilled longings and unmet dreams. In this conversation, she helps us walk through our own areas of loss or disappointment, reminding us that it’s okay to grieve the…
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61: Making & Breaking Agreements with Jordan & Marie Foote
49:44
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49:44The voice of the enemy is loud and persuasive—and sometimes easier to hear than God’s tender, loving messages. Satan is sneaky with the agreements he lures us into. Once we realize the weight of all those lies we’ve believed, it can feel like a hopeless situation we can’t untangle from. But nothing could be further from the truth! Jordan and Marie …
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60: Understanding Spiritual Roots with Jordan & Marie Foote
47:54
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47:54Chrissy frequently references the concept of negative spiritual roots, but we've never spent an entire episode digging in to understanding how deep-seated emotions, beliefs, and experiences fuel harmful behaviors and perspectives. Often rooted in past hurts, trauma, or unaddressed sin, spiritual roots can hinder growth and distance us from God. Ins…
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Finding Healthy Sexuality and Healing after Trauma and Abuse — with Tabitha Westbrook and Allie Marie Smith
44:39
44:39
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44:39Have you or someone you know experienced sexual trauma and abuse? Author and Counselor Tabitha Westbrook joins Allie Marie Smith to discuss the profound impact of sexual trauma and abuse on girls and women's lives. Tabitha shares her personal journey of healing from childhood sexual abuse and an abusive marriage, emphasizing the importance of faith…
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59: Lessons to My Teenage Self with Amy Connell
45:48
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45:48No matter which generation you were born into, there are lessons we’d each love to go back and share with our teenage selves. While we can't change the past, we can certainly grow in the present with God's grace. Certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and author Amy Connell joins Chrissy for this in-depth conversation. In this episode, Amy sh…
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How to Navigate Fear and Failure — with Heather Thompson Day and Christie Myers
30:47
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30:47Do you struggle with the fear of failure or trusting God through the difficult seasons of your life? Dr. Heather Thompson Day joins us to talk about the importance of trusting God through life's seasons, navigating fear and failure, and understanding the true meaning of passion. She shares her personal journey of identity and purpose, the role of s…
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Navigating the Coexistence of Joy and Pain — with Nicole Zasowski and Allie Marie Smith
43:09
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43:09In this episode, Allie Marie Smith interviews Nicole Zasowski a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the coexistence of joy and pain in life. They discuss Nicole's personal journey through loss and the importance of embracing both emotions. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind joy and pain, practical ways to practice Thanks…
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58: Navigating Information Pollution with God’s Grace with Kirsten Schmidt
44:47
44:47
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44:47Let’s say you find yourself scrolling for hours on social media. And when you’re able to pull yourself away, you go into intense shame mode. Is there possibly something more gentle and helpful that could be done in those moments? The answer is yes! God is there, and He’s waiting for us to turn to Him. Kirsten Schmidt returns to the podcast to discu…
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Three Keys to Recovering from an Eating Disorder — with Brittany Braswell and Allie Marie Smith
40:40
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40:40Do you struggle with an eating disorder or chaotic eating? Are you always dieting, restricting, or do you ever binge or purge? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Brittany Braswell discuss the complexities of eating disorders, their impact on us, and the journey towards recovery. Brittany shares her professional insights, emphasizing the i…
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57: Supporting Your Significant Other Through an Eating Disorder with Amy Ozier
52:03
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52:03The role of supporter is delicate and demanding—even more so when you’re trying to figure out how to support your significant other through an eating disorder. You question if you’re actually seeing disordered eating behaviors, how to get help, what help to get, and the weight of trying to manage a romantic relationship, to name a few. But hope and…
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How Self-Compassion Can Set You Free — with Aundi Kolber and Allie Marie Smith
35:17
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35:17In this episode, Allie Marie Smith has a heartfelt conversation with Aundi Kolber, a licensed professional counselor and bestselling author. They talk about Aundi's personal journey through trauma and how it shaped her work in counseling and writing. They discuss the importance of self-compassion, the challenges of having an inner critic, and the n…
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56: Supporting Your Child Through an Eating Disorder with Amy Ozier
57:15
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57:15Chrissy met Amy Ozier a year ago—and here they are now for a hope-filled discussion of helping a loved one through an eating disorder. It’s much harder than most people would know, and something no one is really ever ready for. But there are resources, support groups, and, of course, the Lord. The desire for this episode is to help anyone who is su…
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How To Cultivate Life-Giving Friendships — with Bailey T. Hurley
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30:00Are you lonely or feel like no one gets you? Are you having a hard time finding positive friends who love you just as you are and bring out the best in you? Be encouraged that it is possible to create long-lasting and healthy friendships, starting now. Bailey T. Hurley, author of “Together Is A Beautiful Place,” is everyone’s favorite community che…
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How to Fight for Joy in the Midst of Suffering — with Abigail Wells and Allie Marie Smith
42:11
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42:11Don’t miss this conversation about choosing joy in the face of suffering and unthinkable challenges. Allie’s new friend, Abigail Wells joins us to share her inspiring journey of facing aggressive bone cancer at the age of fourteen, which led to the amputation of her leg. Abigail’s joy is inspiring and contagious and will give you or someone you lov…
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55: Can God Really Make Me Whole Again? with Chrissy Kirkman
42:56
42:56
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42:56Chrissy has firsthand experience of the struggles faced by those battling food issues, and the courage it takes to seek help. And while she’s still challenged by diet culture from time to time, she’s no longer held captive by it. Her mission is to help other women find Jesus in the middle of their struggles with food and body image, so they can kno…
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How to Change Your Life and Reach Your Goals — with Jess Dahl
30:51
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30:51In our New Year’s day episode we talked about stepping into our full God-given potential. In this episode, we get practical! Allie and Jess Dahl explore the journey of personal growth, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, establishing effective habits, and overcoming obstacles to achieve one's potential. They discuss practical strateg…
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Doesn’t it sound lovely to be able to remove the influence of diet culture from mealtime? Well, that doesn’t need to remain a pipe dream! From being single and feeling mentally drained, to having a household of picky eaters, to recovering from an eating disorder—the challenges are real. But mealtime can be made easier! Ann Kent joins Chrissy to sha…
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How to Step into Your God-given Potential this Year — with Jess Dahl and Allie Marie Smith
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32:56It’s a new year! With it comes new goals, new dreams, new challenges, and new mercies! This episode is a must-listen as you embark on a new year. In this conversation, Allie and Jess Dahl explore the themes of personal growth, faith, and the importance of co-creating a life aligned with God's purpose. They discuss the significance of reflecting on …
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Allie's HUGE news, a ministry update and a year-end reflection
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18:41In our closing episode for 2024, Allie shares a ministry update, her HUGE news, and an end-of-year reflection and prayer. Thanks for joining us for another year of our podcast. Look out for powerful episodes in the new year to help you reach your full potential. See you in 2025, friend! Join our love her a'latte campaign and make this podcast possi…
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53: Building Secure Attachment in Online Spaces with Josi Wahlert
56:25
56:25
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56:25It can be incredibly challenging to feel comfortable and safe being seen—especially in online support groups. And yet… without comfort and safety, it’s impossible to even open ourselves up to allow for healing. So where do we go from here? Enter: Josi Wahlert. Josi and Chrissy have never met in person, but Chrissy has experienced true growth and he…
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How to Experience the Peace of God — with Ann Swindell
36:31
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36:31Are your days filled with stress, busyness, and striving? Do you long to live a life of peace, but it feels impossible? In this re-released episode, Allie talks with author Ann Swindell, who shares wisdom and practical tips for how to experience the peace of God. Our culture tells us we will find peace by escaping our lives or numbing out. However,…
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A Raw Conversation about Depression and Suicide — with Julie Davies and Allie Marie Smith
41:44
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41:44Do you or someone you love battle depression? Do you struggle with suicidal thoughts? You are not alone, and there is hope for you. In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and Julie Davies discuss the profound impact of depression and suicidal thoughts, sharing their personal journeys of struggle and recovery. They emphasize the importance of community,…
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52: An Unfed Believer is An Easy Target with Leslie Schilling
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56:16Today, Chrissy is talking with Leslie Schilling about how an unfed believer is easy prey, an easy target. There has been a trap set before us by the enemy who is the ringleader of the diet culture circus, and it’s gonna be talked about! They get into topics like The Weigh Down diet culture, weight-centric healthcare practices, and what Christ-cente…
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Caring for Your Soul During the Holidays — with Diane Arnold
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30:12Are the holidays hard for you? Are you having anxiety or disappointment as the holidays draw near? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and Diane Arnold discuss the importance of caring for one's soul during the holiday season, addressing challenges such as loneliness, grief, and family dynamics. They emphasize the need for self-care, setting priorit…
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51: Preventing Holiday Body Image Meltdowns! with Rachael Gilbert
42:17
42:17
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42:17If you’re anything like me, you notice how body image struggles start to increase leading up to, during, and after the holidays. We’ve spent time in recent episodes talking specifically about food and the holidays, and this feels like a natural next step in the conversation. Thankfully, I have Rachael Gilbert here with me today! She’s sharing her s…
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Keys for a Joyful Life and Strong Mind – with Diane Arnold and Allie Marie Smith
31:43
31:43
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31:43Do you crave more joy or better mental health? In this episode of the Wonderfully Made podcast, Allie Marie Smith speaks with licensed professional counselor Diane Arnold about mental health, identity, and the importance of understanding one's purpose. They discuss Diane's new book, '12 Habits for a Sound Mind and a Joyful Life,' which offers pract…
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50: Preventing Holiday Food Freakouts! with Kristen Williams
42:12
42:12
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42:12Somewhere in September, holiday foods begin appearing on store shelves. It starts with candy and rolls into Thanksgiving and then Christmas baked goods. Before you know it, the New Year is here and you’re feeling such shame and guilt. But this year can be different! Kristen Williams joins us today for our 50th episode—where we have lots to celebrat…
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How to Find Freedom and Redemption from Shame — with Morgan Krueger and Allie Marie Smith
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35:11Do you ever feel unworthy because of your past? Have things people done or said left you with wounds and low self-worth? Do you believe that if someone knew the truth about you, they wouldn’t love you? In this powerful conversation, Morgan Krueger, author of “Goodbye Hiding, Hello Shame,” talks to us about the complex topic of shame and the journey…
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49: Finding Freedom from P*ornography & S3xual Shame, Part 2, with Dr. Joy Skarka
30:16
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30:16For many of us, the “sex talk” is a reminder that there’s shame around the topic of sex. And yet God has such a beautiful purpose for sex in a marriage! Men and women are living in such sexual shame—but that doesn’t have to be the case. You get to change the course of that story for your family! And there are plenty of resources available to you. D…
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Finding Freedom from Pornography — with Dr. Joy Skarka and Allie Marie Smith
27:53
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27:53Do you struggle with viewing pornography or sexual brokenness? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and Dr. Joy Skarka discuss the sensitive and serious topic of pornography addiction. They highlight the prevalence of pornography among women and the various forms it takes, such as online videos, TV shows, movies, and erotica. Dr. Skarka shares her pe…
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48: Finding Freedom from P*ornography & S3xual Shame, Part 1, with Dr. Joy Skarka
30:56
30:56
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30:56It is possible to find freedom in Christ from s3xual shame and struggles like p*rnography. (Ladies listen up, because this isn’t a topic that only applies to men.) Too many women are living with s3xual shame and guilt. And for many that spirals into eating issues and negative self-talk. Dr. Joy Skarka joins me for this 2-part conversation and we be…
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How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome — with Robyn Graham and Allie Marie Smith
34:00
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34:00Do you struggle with self-doubt? Do you dismiss your gifts or downplay your accomplishments despite your successes? Do you ever feel like a fraud in your own life or that you are going to find out that you aren’t who you are supposed to be? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Robin Graham discuss overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt…
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47: 90s Diet Culture Time Capsule with Amy Carlson
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42:54The 90s had no shortage of messaging that revolved around diet (mostly all things no or low fat) and exercise. From NordicTrack to our trusty VHS tapes, there was no shortage of fitness trends! And this 1995 issue of Shape Magazine I found stored in my old closet reminds us of that. Amy Carlson joins me for the second half of our look at diet cultu…
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46: 80s Diet Culture Time Capsule with Amy Carlson
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54:01
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54:0180s diet culture was confusing at best. And that’s from an adult woman’s perspective decades later! Imagine being a young girl and receiving messaging that tells you to both blend in and embrace your uniqueness. Good grief! Registered Dietitian, Amy Carlson, joins me for this episode. We’re taking a trip back in time—thanks to a pamphlet I was give…
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Finding True Sexual Freedom In A Culture of Lies — with Cynthia Garrett
31:11
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31:11In this episode, Allie Marie Smith interviews Cynthia Garrett about reclaiming true sexual freedom in a culture of lies and how it is different from the sexual freedom the world promotes. Cynthia shares her powerful story of transformation and how she found Jesus while imprisoned in Italy for a crime she did not commit. They discuss the damaging ef…
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HerStory: From Trans to Transformed — with Lex Renick
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41:30Lex Renick shares her powerful story of transformation from living as a trans man for 14 years to embracing her identity as a woman. She talks about the struggles she faced growing up in an abusive household and the lies she believed about herself. Lex emphasizes the importance of knowing and believing that God created each person wonderfully and i…
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Knowing Your Worth — with Sarah Dubbeldam and Allie Marie Smith
37:21
37:21
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37:21Sarah Dubbeldam, founder of Darling Magazine and Darling Society, shares her journey of creating a platform and business that celebrates women's worth and beauty. She discusses the importance of authenticity and the impact of the modeling industry on body image. Sarah also introduces Darling Society, a clothing line that aims to combat negative sel…
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The Power of Your Scars — with Dr. Michelle Bengtson and Allie Marie Smith
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33:57Scars are permanent. Whether they are physical, emotional, spiritual, or other, they are a perpetual part of us. They are reminders of the pain and suffering we have endured, and as such, can bring us shame, rejection, and pain. Allie Marie Smith interviews Dr. Michelle Bengtson about turning pain into purpose. They discuss the concept of scars and…
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45. Are the Health at Every Size® Principles Biblical?
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20:28After listening to our Q&A Mix Tape conversation in Season 2, our friend Erin Todd from the "Intuitive Eating for Christian Women Podcast" reached out. Like us, she’s seen so many women wrestle with one question we covered, “Are the Health at Every Size® principles Biblical?” She encouraged us to create a stand-alone episode with this as the focus,…
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How to Experience Vibrant Health — with Robin Rhine McDonald and Allie Marie Smith
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34:12In this conversation, Allie Marie Smith and Robin Ryan McDonald discuss the importance of optimal health in body, mind, and spirit. They emphasize that body size is not an accurate indicator of overall health and that grace-based decisions should be made to improve health. Robin shares her personal journey of struggling with body image and finding …
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44. Body Shaming Ourselves & What the Bible Says with Travis Stewart
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23:07If you sit with God’s word and reflect on what is shared about body shame and image you may just change your perspective—and your life. And that’s exactly what my prayer is for you today. When you change your mind, you change your life, and that can change the world! Joining me is Travis Stewart. His work has helped me personally and I knew I wante…
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Upholding the Dignity of Women — with Jennifer Strickland
24:23
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24:23The dignity of girls and women is under attack. In this conversation, author, speaker and former model Jennifer Strickland talks about the dignity of womanhood and biblical womanhood. She talks about the cultural attack on womanhood, the power embedded in the name woman, and the role of women as life-givers and protectors. Jennifer shares her perso…
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Forgiving After Trauma — with Susannah Griffith and Allie Marie Smith
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27:37Have you experienced trauma at the hands of others? Are you having a hard time healing and finding forgiveness? In this episode, Allie Marie Smith and guest Susannah Griffith discuss the topic of forgiving after trauma. They explore the intersection of Biblical forgiveness and trauma. They discuss the common ways girls and women have been traumatiz…
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43. Aging Gratefully with Heather Creekmore
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41:08Aging is a journey filled with wisdom, beauty, and profound growth, and there's no need to fear or stigmatize it. In this enlightening episode of the Old School Food Freedom Podcast, host Chrissy Kirkman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Creekmore about transforming our perceptions of aging. Join Chrissy and Heather as they attack th…
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How to Process Your Emotions — with Dr. Alison Cook and Allie Marie Smith
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24:23Do you ever experience emotions that leave you paralyzed and confused? In this conversation, Allie Marie Smith interviews Dr. Allison Cook about conflicting thoughts and emotions. Dr. Cook shares the core message of her book, 'I Shouldn't Feel This Way,' which focuses on naming and understanding complicated emotions. She emphasizes the importance o…
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42. Reclaim Your Summer with Heather Creekmore
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40:17Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy being with friends and family, and there's no need to continue waiting until you're a certain size to enjoy it. In this empowering episode of the Old School Food Freedom Podcast, host Chrissy Kirkman engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Creekmore about transforming th…
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Overcoming Self-Sabotage — with Dr. Alison Cook and Allie Marie Smith
18:27
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18:27Do you ever make progress in an area in your life only to self-sabotage? In this conversation, Dr. Alison Cook discusses the topic of self-sabotage and provides insights into why we undermine our own success and well-being. She explains that self-sabotage is like sabotaging someone else, but directed towards ourselves. Common ways women self-sabota…
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Shining Your Light with Confidence — with Dee Cekanor and Allie Marie Smith
31:44
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31:44There has never been and there will never be another you! God is glorified when you shine your light with confidence and show up as your authentic self. In this episode, Allie Marie Smith interviews Dee Cekanor, a retired Paralympian who is passionate about shining the light of Jesus. Dee shares her journey of faith, her experience in the Paralympi…
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