Sometimes the story we tell ourselves is not really true. Sometimes the story others tell about us is not really true. On "Today's Heartlift with Janell," Author, Trauma-informed, board-certified marriage and family specialist, and Professional Heartlifter, Janell Rardon, opens conversations about how emotional health and mental fitness effects absolutely every area of our lives. When we possess and practice healthy, strong, resilient emotional health practices, life is so much better. Read ...
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Janell Rardon Podcasts
Join Best-selling author Linda Evans Shepherd as she host guests sharing stories of the way God works in their lives. She investigates answers to pray to help strengthen the faith of listeners.
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Send us a text A Christmas Eve Meditation for You, Mom The day is loud, the list is long, and yet a quiet song can steady the heart. We pause for a short Christmas Eve heartlift, reading Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55, The Voice translation) and letting its courage seep into the places where we feel stretched thin. This isn’t soft-focus sentiment.…
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351. St. Nicholas's Secret to Finding Rest in a Weary World
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31:48Send us a text A cave near Bethlehem. Stone, straw, and a light that still reaches us. We follow Saint Nicholas’s quiet pilgrimage and find our own footing in a season when headlines blur, and hearts grow tired. The story of Emmanuel, God with us, becomes more than a lyric—it turns into a lifeline you can hold, a place you can enter, a presence you…
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Loving One Another: A Meditative Reading Of 1 John 4:7–21
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4:45Send us a text What if love didn’t start with your effort but with God’s presence moving toward you? This guided, unhurried reading of 1 John 4:7–21 explores a radical claim—God is love—and shows how that truth can steady anxious hearts, transform relationships, and make faith visible in everyday life. We walk through the text line by line, hearing…
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350. Quiet Gifts: Saint Nicholas and Loving Others Well
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47:28Send us a text "Understanding is the essence of love" (Thich Nhat Hanh). The quiet before wonder can change everything. We move through Advent by stepping into the story of Saint Nicholas—not the myth, but the young man whose hidden generosity saved daughters from slavery and modeled a love that protects dignity. From that spark, we explore how rea…
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349. St. Nicholas and the Practice of Generous Love
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48:29Send us a text A storm-tossed sky lantern lands in a front yard with a daughter’s message to her dad, and a simple response turns into a global moment of shared grief and hope. That story becomes our gateway into the real Saint Nicholas—an early Christian bishop who noticed the vulnerable, met practical needs with courage, and quietly changed lives…
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348. A Guided Prayer To Break Small Thinking And Receive Bigger Blessings
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5:46Send us a text Sharing a Thanksgiving Prayer/Meditation of Gratitude: Ask for Something Greater. Matthew 7:7 heralds a beautiful message: "Ask and keep on asking, and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking, and you will find; knock and keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." This week's question: "What if your prayers are …
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347. Do You Need a Little Empty in Your Life?
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32:08Send us a text "Learning to say no to good things so we can experience better things may sound easy, but it can feel really hard - hard to know when it's the thing to do, and hard to do it. Yet there's a healthy vulnerability that comes with saying no." -Dr. Arianna Molloy, Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work Silence and emptine…
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Send us a text "You're allowed to stop." In this conversation, I explore rest not as a luxury or reward, but as a sacred practice woven into the very heart of creation. We dive a little deeper into Dr. Arianna Molloy's book, "Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work." If God rested, why is it so hard for us? We'll discuss the pressur…
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Send us a text Have you ever been asked, "What is your calling?" In Episode 344, Dr. Arianna Molloy, author of "Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work," shares her research and helps us answer that question from a beautiful place of understanding and maturity. In this episode, we reframe calling as a living relationship with God, g…
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344. From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work
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49:09Send us a text Dr. Arianna Molloy, author of "Healthy Calling: From Toxic Burnout to Sustainable Work," shares on "calling burnout" and why it hurts more than standard exhaustion. Regular burnout says, "I don’t like what I’m doing anymore." Calling burnout says, "I don’t know who I am anymore." To find our way back, she offers a practical, research…
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Send us a text Pull up a chair at the Dim Sum Table and discover why your story—every tender, tangled part—holds real weight. Janell welcomes Jenn Suen Chen, author of Dim Sum and Faith: How Our Stories Form Our Souls, to explore how faith, family history, and formation weave together, not as a self-help checklist but as a lived way of being shaped…
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Send us a text "A heart out of rhythm has a way of revealing a life out of rhythm." Guided by insights from Tom Rosshirt's Chasing Peace: A Story of Breakdowns, Breakthroughs, and the Spiritual Power of Neuroscience, we explore the connection between breakdowns and breakthroughs. We talk plainly about the difference between happiness tied to outcom…
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341. What the Book of Job Teaches Us About Trauma, Faith, and Becoming Trusted Listeners
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51:35Send us a text In this episode, we explore how trauma reshapes belief, what the ancient story of Job reveals about suffering, and how to become trusted listeners who create safe spaces instead of offering quick fixes. Dr. Michelle K. Keener, author of Comfort in the Ashes: Explorations in the Book of Job to Support Trauma Survivors, gives practical…
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340. The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Isn't Your Only Name
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49:33Send us a text The quiet after the last suitcase leaves can feel like a freefall—or a doorway. We lean into that threshold with Kate Battistelli, author of The After Party of the Empty Nest: Mom Isn't Your Only Name, to reframe the empty nest as an after-party —a time to honor the first act of mothering and step into a purposeful, hope-filled secon…
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Prayer Investigator: Finding Strength as a Single Mom of Seven with Peggy Sue Wells
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17:38Join Linda Evans Shepherd on this inspiring episode of the Prayer Investigator as she interviews Peggy Sue Wells, a solo parent to seven children. Discover how Peggy Sue remained sane, achieved stability through prayer, and relied on God's guidance during challenging times. Learn about her adventures, her impactful ministry 'Single Mom Circle,' and…
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339. Burnout's Secret Language: Completing the Stress Cycle
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38:26Send us a text What happens when the warning signals from our bodies become so normalized that we fail to recognize them as distress calls? After experiencing a sudden atrial fibrillation episode that landed me in the emergency room, doctors asked the question that haunted me: "Why did you wait so long to seek help?" The answer was both simple and …
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339. Ready to Break the Stress Cycle in Your Life?
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49:21Send us a text What happens when life throws you not just a curveball, but an ongoing series of challenges with no end in sight? Katie Schnack, author of "Everything Is Not Fine," opens up about her journey through her son Shepherd's diagnosis with a rare medical condition called VACTERL. Rather than offering trite solutions, Katie shares how she's…
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Prayer Investigator: The Power of Prayer—A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness with Karen Porter
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15:38In this heartfelt episode of 'The Prayer Investigator,' host Linda Evans Shepherd welcomes Karen Porter, a renowned international speaker and co-owner of Bold Vision Books. Karen bravely shares her personal story of being wounded by a dear friend and how she found solace and healing through a powerful prayer. Discover the incredible journey of over…
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338. Living Like a Guide Dog: The Art of Being Brave with Michael Hingson
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1:02:50Send us a text *Visiting the archives today in commemoration of 9/11. k Welcome, New York Times Bestseller Michael Hingson, survivor of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and his guide dog Roselle, as they share profound wisdom about bravery, overcoming adversity, and moving forward with faith as we celebrate our 300th episode. The conversation t…
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337. The Sacred Art of Slowing Down: Finding Relief from Rushed Living
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59:11Send us a text Licensed Counselor, A. C. Seiple, author of The Sacred Art of Slowing Down: Find Relief from Rushed Living, Soothe Your Soul, and Restore Wholeness Within, shares a transformative approach to finding relief from rushed living by embracing the sacred art of slowing down and reconnecting with our embodied selves. Through exploring auto…
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336. The Untold Power of Women's Leadership in Scripture
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49:27Send us a text The story of the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well is familiar to many, but what if everything we thought we knew about her was filtered through centuries of misinterpretation? Dr. Caryn Reeder joins us for a paradigm-shifting conversation that challenges traditional views of this remarkable biblical figure. For generations, sermons ha…
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335. Beyond the Stigma: Faith and Mental Health Reimagined
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59:56Send us a text Dorcas Cheng-Tozun joins us to discuss her new Bible study, "Mental Health: Experiencing God's Care for Our Mind, Body, and Spirit," and shares her personal journey through burnout, depression, and healing. We explore how faith communities can better respond to mental health needs with compassion rather than judgment, while discoveri…
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334. Darwin and Scripture: Beyond the Taboo with Dr. Dru Johnson
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55:39Send us a text Dr. Dru Johnson, author of What Hath Darwin To Do With Scripture? challenges our understanding of creation, evolution, and faith through an intellectually curious exploration of Darwin's observations and biblical narratives. This conversation bridges seemingly opposing worldviews by examining how Genesis might be the most Darwinian t…
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333. If the Ocean Has a Soul with Marine Biologist Rachel G. Jordan
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1:01:06Send us a text Marine biologist Rachel G. Jordan explores the intersection of faith and science through her experiences studying ocean life. Her book "If the Ocean has a Soul: A Marine Biologist's Pursuit of Truth through Deep Waters of Faith and Science" reveals profound spiritual insights discovered in underwater ecosystems while challenging read…
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332. Chasing Sacred with Mikella Van Dyke
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45:41Send us a text What are you chasing? The elusive promise of fulfillment through success, recognition, relationships, or material possessions? Mikella Van Dyke is well acquainted with this pursuit. Growing up as the daughter of Bible translators in Thailand, she experienced firsthand the challenge of finding her identity amid cultural transitions be…
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331. Your Feelings Are Not Your Enemies: A Conversation With Dr. Alison Cook
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55:16Send us a text A Summer Replay of One of Our Favorite Conversations here on the podcast: Episode 108. Dr. Alison Cook guides us and helps us understand: What if the overwhelming thoughts and feelings you've been trying to suppress, ignore, or overcome could actually become your greatest allies? In this profound conversation with Dr. Allison Cook, P…
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330. The Deep Well of Protective Mama Love
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38:05Send us a text The power of protective maternal love transforms families, communities, and ultimately our world. When Tara Hackney adopted her daughter from India, a transformative realization occurred during a tender moment of singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" to her traumatized toddler. The beloved song's lyrics—"red and yellow, black and…
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330. Is it Time for a Social Media Reset?
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52:29Send us a text What if the moments spent endlessly scrolling are robbing you of the life you were meant to live? In this eye-opening conversation, Janell welcomes Allie Marie Smith, founder of Wonderfully Made and author of "Social Media Reset: A 30-Day Guided Journey to Unplug, Reconnect with God and Reclaim Your Joy." Allie shares her profound pe…
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Send us a text What happens when society values people solely by their economic output? In this powerful conversation, Janell welcomes classics scholar Nadya Williams, author of "Mothers, Children, and the Body Politic: Ancient Christianity and the Recovery of Human Dignity" (IVP), to explore how our modern devaluation of motherhood parallels pre-C…
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Send us a text Dr. Holly Catterton Allen reveals that spirituality is crucial to childhood resilience. She explains that children are born as spiritual beings with an inherent capacity for deep relationships with self, others, and God. She challenges traditional approaches to children's faith formation by emphasizing contemplative practices and "wo…
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327. The Secret to Truly Nourishing Your Body with Meredyth Fletcher
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48:44Send us a text What if the secret to truly nourishing your body isn't just about what you eat, but how safe you feel when eating it? This transformative conversation with nutritional therapy practitioner and author Meredyth Fletcher reveals the profound connection between our mental state and physical health in ways you've likely never considered. …
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Send us a text Today's conversation with Naeem Fazal, author of "Tomorrow Needs You: Seeing Beauty When You Feel Hopeless," explores finding beauty and hope amid trauma and darkness, offering a powerful message of transformation for anyone feeling hopeless. • Naeem shares his extraordinary testimony of encountering Jesus supernaturally after growin…
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325. Faith Speaks: How God's Word Transforms Motherhood
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31:51Send us a text Emily Assel shares how the Word of God transforms motherhood and the power of making declarations over our lives and families. • Understanding how connecting with God changes the way we parent. • Learning to use small moments with God rather than feeling guilty about lacking hours for study. • Discovering the difference between "mani…
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324. Wherever You Are, Whatever You Have: It Matters To God
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38:47Send us a text "Often, motherhood is when we need God the most and yet have the least amount of time to spend with Him. But just as we desire to love and meet the needs of our children, so our Heavenly Father longs to do the same for us. Too often our time limitations and the guilt that comes with them, keep us from his arms and his transforming po…
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Prayer Investigator: "I Found Healing from My Abusive Childhood" with Patricia Durgan
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19:23In this heartfelt episode of 'The Prayer Investigator,' host Linda Evan Shepherd talks with Patricia Durgan, a childhood abuse survivor. Patricia shares her powerful testimony of overcoming abuse through her faith in Jesus, offering hope and practical advice for others seeking healing. Discover how she navigated the physical, mental, and spiritual …
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323. Grandmothers, Mothers, and Mentors: Why Women's Influence Matters
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47:31Send us a text So proud to be in Feedspot's Top 100 Mental Health Podcasts: https://podcast.feedspot.com/mental_health_podcasts/ Today's Heartlifting Episode: Something is stirring in the hearts of women across generations. That quiet voice urging us toward purpose beyond ourselves—toward becoming maternal presences in a world desperately needing w…
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Prayer Investigator: Everyday Miracles—The Power of Prayer with Joy Brown
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8:34In this episode of Prayer Investigator, host Linda Evans Shepherd introduces special guest Joy Brown. Joy shares her inspiring stories about how God turns ordinary moments into miracles through the power of prayer. From a heartwarming anecdote involving coffee can lids and bakery coupons to impactful prayers, this episode sheds light on recognizing…
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322. True Mothering Extends Beyond Biology, Part 3
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30:30Send us a text Sandra Glahn's journey begins with eight failed pregnancies and a devastating question: If motherhood is a woman's highest calling, what was her purpose? Raised in a culture where women were expected to channel all spiritual gifts into raising children, her infertility triggered not just personal grief but a profound spiritual identi…
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321. True Mothering Extends Beyond Biology, Part 2
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46:17Send us a text Dr. Sandra Glahn shatters misconceptions about the goddess Artemis of Ephesus and reveals how cultural context transforms our understanding of biblical passages about women's roles in the church and family. • Artemis was not a fertility goddess but actually "nobody's mother" – a virgin huntress who was known for killing women and chi…
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320. True Mothering Extends Beyond Biology
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30:19Send us a text Through personal stories and theological insights, New Testament Scholar and author Sandra Glahn challenges traditional views of motherhood and explores how maternal presence can be expressed beyond biological childbearing. Her journey through multiple pregnancy losses led to profound questions about women's purpose that ultimately e…
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Prayer Investigator: Babbie Mason's Divine Appointment at Sam's Club
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23:21In this episode of the Prayer Investigator, host Linda Evans Shepherd welcomes Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Babbie Mason. Babbie shares amazing stories of how her simple prayer to share her faith beyond the stage transformed everyday encounters into divine appointments. From spontaneous blessings at a Sam's Club to heartfelt moments in a …
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Send us a text Dr. Kevin Chapman shares biblical principles for mastering our emotions through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques that align with God's Word. His robust approach shows how we can transform our emotional responses by understanding the true purpose of emotions and learning to respond to them in healthier ways. • Emotions aren't o…
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Prayer Investigator: Finding Freedom from Toxic Relationships with Janell Rardon
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24:08In this powerful episode of Prayer Club, host Linda welcomes award-winning author Janell Rardon, a trauma-informed mental health coach, to discuss how to navigate difficult relationships through persevering prayer. Drawing from her own painful experience with a church leadership conflict, Janell shares how the biblical story of Hannah guided her jo…
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318. The Hummingbird's Secret: Finding Rhythms of Rest in a Busy World with Eryn Lynum
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49:26Send us a text What if your very life depended on rest? For author and Master Naturalist, Eryn Lynum, diagnosed with Addison's disease at just 14 years old, this isn't a philosophical question—it's reality. With adrenal glands that no longer function, Erin's body can't produce the stress hormone cortisol, making overwhelming stress potentially fata…
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317. Seeing Resurrection is No Small Thing with Aundi Kolber
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1:00:51Send us a text Janell welcomes Aundi Kolber, a Licensed Professional Counselor and author, to explore how the flow of strength helps us move beyond trauma to true flourishing. Aundi reminds us "that seeing resurrection is no small thing." • Aundi explains the "window of tolerance" – the optimal zone where we can feel emotions without being overwhel…
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316. Cultivating Psychological Flexibility: A Mother's Guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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59:16Send us a text Psychological flexibility transforms how we mother and mature. I welcome psychologist Jill Stoddard to explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help women navigate anxiety, stress, and the challenges of parenting with more significant presence and authenticity. • Understanding psychological flexibility as being present…
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315. Normalizing Girls in Church Leadership: A Conversation with Amy and Rob Dixon
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55:40Send us a text Today is National Picture Book Day, so we celebrate by bringing the voices of Rob and Amy Dixon to the table. In this episode, I speak with Amy and Rob Dixon about their new picture book, Penny Preaches, which helps normalize girls in church leadership roles. We: • Explore the theological frameworks of complementarianism versus egali…
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314. The Radical Practice of Relaxation with Tracie Braylock
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51:08Send us a text Tracy Braylock, holistic nurse and well-being advocate, joins us in exploring the revolutionary concept of relaxation as a radical act of faith. We discuss how believers can engage their God-designed relaxation response to exist in a state of peace regardless of external circumstances. In this episode, Tracie and I discuss: • Underst…
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313. Body First: A Revolutionary Approach to Trauma Recovery with Britt Piper
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1:10:02Send us a text Brittany Piper, author of "Body-First Healing: Get Unstuck and Recover from Trauma with Somatic Healing." Brittany transforms our understanding of trauma recovery with her groundbreaking approach that places the body—not just the mind—at the center of healing. After surviving sexual assault, foster care experiences, and profound loss…
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312. Turning Down the Noise: Cultivating Emotional Health in an Overstimulated World with Sarah Boyd
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52:34Send us a text Sarah Boyd, child development expert and author of "Turn Down the Noise: A Practical Guide to Building an Emotionally Healthy Family in a Chronically Overstimulated World," joins me for a profound conversation about building emotionally healthy families in our chronically overstimulated world. Despite increasing awareness about resil…
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