The Happiest Lives was designed for Christian women who want to stop being disappointed in their relationships and feel more loved and loving. Here you will learn to think better, feel better, and love better. This podcast is hosted by Jill M. Lillard, MA LPC, a licensed counselor, and Gottman Certified Couples Therapist. Jill has been helping people manage their minds, process their feelings, and have better relationships for over 25 years. For application exercises and support in applying ...
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Jill M. Lillard Podcasts
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E131: From Listening to Living- Pressing On In The Spirit
12:34
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12:34This is the final episode in the series The Listening Life: How to Hear God’s Voice. Over the last few weeks we’ve learned to slow down, turn on the lights, and make space to hear from God. But how do we carry that into the messy middle of our real lives? In this episode, I’ll share how a couple learned to lay down heavy burdens in prayer, how wait…
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Have you ever sat down with God feeling heavy, distracted, or unsure where to start—and walked away renewed? In this episode, I share exactly what happened during a 45-minute meeting with the Holy Spirit. I came with aches, longings, and discouragement, but God met me with truth, shifted my perspective, and reminded me that what feels dormant is no…
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E129: Your 45 Minute-Meeting With The Holy Spirit
23:32
23:32
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23:32Have you ever sat down for quiet time and walked away feeling like you just checked a box — but didn’t really connect with God? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, I share a practical, 45-minute structure you can use to turn your quiet time into an intentional meeting with the Holy Spirit. This simple nine-step rhythm w…
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E128: The Listening Life: How To Hear God's Voice
16:09
16:09
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16:09Have you ever wondered if you’re really hearing God’s voice—or just your own thoughts? In this first episode of The Listening Life series, Jill Lillard unpacks what it means to live attuned to God’s presence and guided by His Spirit. Through the “one thing” thread woven across Scripture—David’s desire for God’s presence, Mary’s attentiveness, the r…
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E127: Receiving Correction Without Falling Apart
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25:25
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25:25This is the final episode in the series Truth in Love: The Courage to Correct and Be Corrected. Over the past five weeks, we’ve looked at what it means to offer correction in a way that reflects the heart of God—truthful, loving, and wise. But today we’re flipping the perspective. What does it look like to receive correction without spiraling into …
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E126: Giving Correction Without Playing God
24:08
24:08
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24:08This is part four in the series Truth in Love: The Courage to Correct and Be Corrected. Correction isn’t easy—and when we step into it, it’s tempting to slip into the role of “fixer,” as if it’s our job to make someone else change. But scripture reminds us that’s not our role. We are called to speak the truth in love, with gentleness and humility, …
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E125: When To Speak & When To Let Love Cover It
17:40
17:40
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17:40This is the third episode in the series Truth in Love: The Courage to Correct and Be Corrected. In this conversation, Jill explores one of the most important skills for healthy, godly relationships: discernment. How do you know when to speak up and when to let love quietly cover an offense? Both can be acts of love. Both can protect trust. Both can…
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This is Part Two of the series Truth in Love: The Courage to Correct and Be Corrected. When you see something that feels wrong, do you speak up—or stay silent? In this episode, we ask: Who am I to say something? We’ll explore why correction matters, what it can look like in everyday life, and the real reasons we often hold back—fear of man, not wan…
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E123: Truth in Love- Courage to Correct & Be Corrected
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18:35
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18:35We’re kicking off a new series called Truth in Love: The Courage to Correct and Be Corrected. In this episode, we take a fresh look at what correction really is—not punishment, but an invitation. Not shame, but love. You’ll learn how God uses correction to shape us, not reject us—and why we so often resist it. I’ll share a personal story about how …
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E122: Exhausted, Edgy & Numb- What Your Nervous System Is Telling You
1:02:32
1:02:32
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1:02:32If you’ve been feeling anxious, burnt out, emotionally flat, or just off—this episode is for you. In the final installment of our Hormones, Happiness & the Holy Spirit series, I’m joined by certified Christian health practitioner Cristal DuBois to explore the fascinating connection between your nervous system, adrenal health, and spiritual well-bei…
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This is the eighth episode in our Hormones, Happiness & the Holy Spirit series, where we’re exploring what it really means to live with joy—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Today we’re talking about desire and drive. God created you with longings—for meaning, connection, and purpose—and the energy to move toward them. But what happens when…
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This is the seventh in the series on Hormones, Happiness, and the Holy Spirit. If you’ve been feeling more anxious, irritable, or just not like yourself, it could be connected to perimenopause or menopause. In this episode, Jill talks with Dawn Valentino, a registered nurse and holistic health practitioner, about what’s really going on in your body…
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E119: Rivers of Living Water: The Holy Spirit in You
29:46
29:46
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29:46Part 6 of the Hormones, Happiness & the Holy Spirit Series “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” — John 7:38 In this episode, we’re talking about the Holy Spirit, not as a vague presence or a future reward, but as a real, active, present force living in you right now. If you’ve been feel…
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E118: When Thought Work Isn’t Enough: A Real Talk on Mood, Medication & Mental Health
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1:04:06
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1:04:06This is Episode 5 in the series Hormones, Happiness & The Holy Spirit. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things—journaling, praying, renewing your mind—and still feel stuck, discouraged, or just plain off, this episode is for you. Today I’m joined by my favorite guest (and husband), Dr. Richard Lillard—a clinical psychologist with…
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In this fourth episode of our Hormones, Happiness & the Holy Spirit series, we’re talking about the thoughts behind your feelings—because the stories you tell yourself are shaping how you feel, how you act, and how close you feel to God. If your brain is the hardware, your thoughts are the software—and outdated programming rooted in fear, shame, or…
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In today’s episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, we’re continuing our Hormones, Happiness, and the Holy Spirit series with a deep dive into brain health. Jill shares insights from her recent certification as a Brain Health Practitioner with the Amen Clinics and introduces six key brain systems that influence how you think, feel, focus, and functio…
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E115: Protein, Sunshine & The Chemistry of Happiness
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52:14What if your mood struggles weren’t just in your head—but in your gut, your diet, and even your sun exposure? In today’s episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, I’m joined by Christian nutritionist Chelsea Blackbird as we continue our Hormones, Happiness, and the Holy Spirit series. We’re diving into the body-lifestyle-mood connection—how things lik…
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E114: Hormones, Happiness & The Holy Spirit
19:39
19:39
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19:39What really makes us happy—and what gets in the way? In this kickoff to a new series, Jill Lillard explores happiness from a whole-person, Spirit-led perspective. Drawing on her experience as a therapist, coach, and ministry leader, she unpacks how our thoughts, hormones, and spiritual life all interact to shape our emotional well-being. You’ll lea…
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E113: When Surrender Is The Only Good Option
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1:02:31
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1:02:31Part four of our Loosening Your Grip Series. In this episode, I sit down with my friend Heather Gilion as she shares her family’s journey through her son’s cancer diagnosis and the decision to amputate his leg. This isn’t a teaching. It’s not a step-by-step. It’s a real-life story of loss, faith, and the kind of surrender you don’t plan for—but cho…
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Part 3 of The Loosening Your Grip Series. If they would just change, everything would be better… right? In this episode, we’re talking about what really happens when we try to manage the people we love—and how to let go without giving up. You’ll learn how to stop living in someone else’s model, how to set boundaries without detaching, and why true …
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E111: Letting Go Of The Life You Imagined
26:02
26:02
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26:02This is part 2 of the Loosening Your Grip Series. You had a vision for how life would go- the timeline, the outcomes, the relationships. But what happens when reality looks nothing like the dream? In this episode, we’re talking about that gap. About what it means to release the picture you were holding and trust that God is still writing a good sto…
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E110: You’re Not in Charge—and That’s a Good Thing
18:06
18:06
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18:06This begins the new series: Loosening Your Grip. What if the very thing you’re trying to control is what’s actually keeping you stuck? In this episode, I’m sharing a really personal story. Years of chronic pain, self-reliance, and striving brought me face-to-face with a hard truth: I’m not in charge. And that’s a good thing. We’ll talk about why co…
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Worry might feel responsible. It might feel productive. But it’s not. It’s just a mental habit—one you’ve rehearsed for years. And today, we’re turning it around. In this final episode of the Habit Turnaround series, we’re breaking down why worry shows up, how it hooks you, and what to do instead. I’ll teach you a simple, powerful tool—The Four P’s…
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You’re doing all the things—managing the schedule, watching the budget, keeping the peace, trying to eat clean and “be the good one.” But let’s be honest: it’s exhausting. That tight grip? That anxious push to make it all work? That’s white-knuckling. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the habit of white-knuckling—what it is, why we do it, and…
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Procrastination might not seem dramatic—but it’s quietly draining your peace, cluttering your mind, and robbing you of forward momentum. In part six of The Habit Turnaround series, we’re talking about how to stop putting things off and start showing up with purpose. You’ll learn why procrastination isn’t a time issue—it’s a thought pattern—and how …
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This is Part 5 of The Habit Turnaround series, and today we’re talking about quick thrills—the little dopamine hits we chase to avoid discomfort. Whether it’s snacks, scrolling, shopping, or staying busy, these habits feel good for a moment but keep you stuck long-term. I’ll show you how to break the cycle with the 10 Minute Habit Turnaround so you…
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Withdrawing might seem like the peaceful, “Christian” alternative to conflict—but it’s not. It’s just another sneaky habit that keeps us stuck. Whether you shut down in conversations, avoid emotions, or silently drift from God, today’s episode will help you see the truth behind the habit of pulling away. In Part 4 of The Habit Turnaround Series, we…
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Arguing feels automatic—but it’s actually a habit. One rooted in fear, frustration, and the need to feel in control. In today’s episode, Part 3 of The Habit Turnaround Series, I’ll show you how to interrupt that habit and build a new pattern rooted in clarity, peace, and connection. You’ll learn: • Why arguments keep repeating • What emotional floo…
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Complaining can feel justified—but is it actually helping? In this episode, we explore how complaining becomes an automatic habit, why it keeps us stuck, and what the Bible teaches about a better way forward. Instead of venting frustration, we’ll look at the biblical practice of lament—how to bring our struggles to God in a way that leads to peace,…
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Most of our habits aren’t intentional—we just fall into them. But what if the habits shaping your life aren’t actually serving you? In this episode, we’re diving into The Habit Turnaround—how to recognize unhelpful patterns, understand why they stick, and intentionally create habits that align with the life God is calling you to. We’ll break down t…
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In this episode, we’re wrapping up our Genesis Takeaway series with a powerful reflection on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah. At first glance, it’s a story of judgment, but when we slow down and look deeper, it reveals profound lessons about hesitation, obedience, and trust. Are you struggling to move forward in faith? Do you find yourself looking …
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In this special 100th episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, Jill Lillard dives into the lessons of waiting from the first 25 chapters of Genesis. She explores how God uses waiting as a powerful, active process that binds our hearts to His. Jill shares how waiting isn’t passive, but a season of building faith, patience, and trust. Using the stories…
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In this episode, Jill Lillard dives into the messy side of relationships through her study of Genesis. She shares how God continues to work even in our mistakes to bring about his purposes, urging us to shift our focus from who’s right and who’s wrong to how God is working and what he is calling us to do. With practical questions and biblical wisdo…
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Ever feel like you—or others—need to be perfect? In this episode, Jill explores how Genesis reveals the beauty of God’s grace amid human weakness. From Adam and Eve’s fall to Cain’s destructive choices, see how God’s promises remain steady, even when we fall short. Tune in and be reminded that His strength meets you right where you are. Enrolling n…
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This week, we begin a new series, Genesis Takeaways, where Jill shares what God has revealed to her in the first 25 chapters of Genesis. In this episode, she explores the beauty of God’s covenant, the patterns of human weakness, and how His faithfulness remains steadfast. From Adam and Eve to Abraham and Sarah, discover how God’s love story has bee…
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In this episode of The Happiest Lives Podcast, Jill Lillard wraps up the month’s series on Spirit-Led Planning and Execution by exploring how to be a finisher. She reveals why we lose momentum on our goals and the role of the prefrontal cortex in follow-through. She shares ten practical strategies to overcome obstacles and finish strong. Discover h…
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In this episode, Jill shares how to manage your time with intention and purpose, which is part of her series on Spirit-Led Planning and Execution. Discover 12 practical tips to align your schedule with your core values, prioritize relationships, and balance work, rest, and spiritual growth. Learn how to invite God into your planning, steward time a…
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E94: Commitments, Values & What's Important
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14:01
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14:01This is part two of the Spirit-Led Planning & Execution series, where we explore how to align your life with God’s will by prioritizing commitments that align with your values. Jill offers practical guidance for evaluating your time, energy, and focus to ensure they reflect what matters most. Tune in to learn how to recognize misaligned priorities,…
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In this new series, discover how to align your plans with God’s will, partner with Him through obedience, and execute your goals with faith and surrender. Jill shares personal stories, biblical insights, and practical tips to help you balance spontaneity and control, stay anchored in your relationship with the Lord, and make decisions that reflect …
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In the final episode of her series Reconciliation & Forgiveness, Jill Lillard dives into the art of receiving feedback—a vital part of having conversations that foster reconciliation. Jill explores the emotional challenges we face when receiving feedback and offers practical strategies for processing it effectively, regulating emotions, and deliver…
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In episode three of the series Reconciliation & Forgiveness, we dive into the art of giving feedback with humility, kindness, and grace. Whether it’s a minor disagreement or a major conflict, discover practical tools to communicate clearly, invite change, and strengthen your relationships. Enrolling now for The Happiest Lives Academy. We start Janu…
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In this episode, Jill Lillard continues part 2 of the series on Reconciliation & Forgiveness. Through personal stories and biblical principles, she shares practical steps for healing relationships, setting healthy boundaries, and balancing peace with realistic expectations. Whether in friendships, family, or marriage, you’ll gain valuable insights …
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In this episode, I kick off the Reconciliation & Forgiveness series by exploring the importance of forgiveness in our lives. I share a personal story of holding onto bitterness and the journey toward forgiveness, showing how God’s grace can work through even the hardest emotions. You’ll also learn the difference between forgiveness and reconciliati…
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This is the final episode of the series Marriage Designed By God. Discover how to love sincerely and sustainably, even when you don't feel like it. Explore the role of the Holy Spirit in marriage, and learn practical tips for cultivating a deeper relationship with God and your spouse. Enrolling now for The Happiest Lives Academy. We start January 1…
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This is part 4 of the series Marriage Designed By God. In this episode, Jill Lillard explores the inherent differences in marriages. Discover why God designed these differences and how they can bring couples closer together. This episode is perfect for couples and anyone looking to strengthen their relationships through understanding and embracing …
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This is part 3 of the series Marriage Designed By God. In this episode, Jill discusses the concept of covenant love in marriage, exploring its biblical roots and offering practical tips for living out a committed, sacrificial love in modern relationships. Enrolling now for The Happiest Lives Academy. We start January 1. If you are looking for a hig…
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In this episode, Jill explores God’s design for intimacy in marriage, the barriers we face, and paths to vulnerability and deeper connection. This is part 2 of the series Marriage Designed By God. Enrolling now for The Happiest Lives Academy. We start January 1. If you are looking for a high-touch program, community, and daily access to support and…
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In today's episode, we start a new series called 'Marriage Designed by God.' We'll discuss what marriage means, how God wants it to look, and how husbands and wives can help each other. Get ready to learn about love, teamwork, and what the Bible says about being a good partner. Enrolling now for The Happiest Lives Academy. We start January 1. If yo…
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In the final episode of the Be Transformed series, Heather Gilion returns to share powerful insights about a season many of us struggle with — the season of waiting. While no one enjoys waiting, it’s often in this space that our greatest transformations take place. Heather unpacks the idea that waiting is not wasted time, but a time where God is wo…
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In every season, especially the challenging ones, God is at work, shaping and strengthening us in ways we may not yet see. In today’s episode, Into the Fire, I am joined by special guest Heather Gilion. Fresh from sharing her impactful message at our Happiest Lives Weekend in Missouri, Heather brings her heartfelt insights on walking with God throu…
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