In honor of Mother’s Day week, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are joined by a special guest at The Messy Table—the beautiful and refreshing Korie Robertson! You might know her as the calm to the colorful Duck Dynasty crew, but Korie is also wife to Willie, mama to six, “Kmama” to seven—as well as a New York Times best-selling author, adoption + fost…

We get it—we’re all busy. Life is full with work and family, with hard and good things. And we don’t always make space to intentionally process the important stuff, like faith. Like eternity. But if Christianity is true, shouldn’t we carefully consider its significance? If Jesus really lived and died and rose again, what does that mean for us now? …

Have you ever felt the sting of rejection? And maybe it was more than mere feelings—you were legitimately abandoned, unwanted, dismissed, or devalued. But did you also know there’s a flip side to rejection? Our fabulous guest for today’s episode at The Messy Table wears all the hats and does all the things. Nona Jones is a wife and mother, innovato…

Isn’t it wild that—no matter what kind of messes we face, cause, or stumble into—we serve a God who’s always close? Jamie Landers is a misplaced Texan living in Tulsa, as well as a wife and mother of four who loves to remind women who and whose they are—whether that’s in churches or strip clubs, through writing or speaking, from a stage or over a c…

How do you keep moving forward when life isn’t going as planned? According to Michelle Meisner—a wife, boy mom, and long-time staff member at Life.Church who loves Crossfit and poetry; who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in her mid 20s—you must “embrace the traction.” Michelle has faced some significant challenges in her adult life: an a…

Ever since she was a little girl, Heather Miller dreamed of becoming a wife and a mother. But only three years into a thriving marriage, her plans were shattered by tragedy and—at 21 years old—she became a widow. But even the darkest nights can be overwhelmed with light. Even Jesus came into the world when things were especially heavy. Even death c…

Could you use a dose of inspiration? Whether you’d love to renovate a space in your home, parent your children with fresh wisdom, or even set some life-giving boundaries so that everyone around you might thrive—it takes intention to cultivate a meaningful life. So let us introduce you to the darling and creative Lesley Graham! Lesley is an expert o…

Dive into a lighthearted and candid conversation with the charismatic OnlyFans content creator, Jewel, as she spills the beans on her journey to success. Joined by her trusty assistant, Walter, they delve into the “whys” and “hows” of Jewel’s decision to embark on the OnlyFans adventure. Packed with chuckles, insights, and Jewel’s infectious charm,…

Tori Hope Petersen bounced around twelve foster homes until she emancipated or “aged out” of the system at 18 years old. But even in the middle of a rollercoaster childhood, God met her in her mess. Despite the odds being stacked against her, Tori became a 4x State Champion and All American in track and field, found a forever family when she wasn’t…

Friends!!! Welcome back to The Messy Table! YAY!! And sorry for all the exclamation marks, but we’ve missed you, missed these conversations, missed these powerful stories, and are so thankful to be back in this intentional space. Kicking off our fall episodes is the darling, strong, and faith-filled Brandi Wilson. Brandi is a boy mama, football mam…

God cares deeply about the details of our individual stories. But we can’t forget that we’re also a part of a bigger, overarching story. From beginning to forever, this is God’s story and it’s our story and it’s the greatest story on earth. Here to share a piece of her personal journey, as well as some hard-earned wisdom, is the wonderful Elizabeth…

Mother’s Day week can bring all the feels—joy, sadness, gratefulness, longing, and other conflicting emotions. But our guest today at The Messy Table is no stranger to such tension. Lindsay Johnson battled infertility for four years AND she’s experienced a surprise pregnancy. She’s known the delight of watching her kids grow AND the heartache of lo…

Can you imagine taking a seemingly harmless DNA test (for fun!) only to discover that you’re not exactly who you thought you were? And there are strangers out there who share your genetic makeup? Amy Williams was in her mid-40s when she received the shock of her life. But even when life gets wild, messy, and unpredictable, God is never surprised. I…

Welcome to episode 33 of the Loose and Conversational podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to have co-host Jenn back in the studio and our special guest, Belle. As always, this podcast is all about having fun and chatting over a few drinks. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy the conversation!…

Jana Findlay grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Her dad was an alcoholic who died in her teens and her mom was a single woman who struggled to make ends meet. Jana numbed the pain with drugs, alcohol, and dysfunctional relationships—eventually winding up pregnant. But Jana knew there had to be something more. She knew there had to be somethin…

When you’re not okay, where do you turn? When you’re not okay, can you dare to admit it? When you’re not okay, it’s okay—but you don’t have to stay that way. Today’s guest at The Messy Table is the beautiful and talented Lydia Laird—a Jesus follower, music maker, and mental health advocate who grew up as a pastor’s kid, missionary’s kid, and one of…

Some seasons are harder than others. Have you been there? Are you currently there? Maybe it’s not one massive thing (or maybe it is), but you’ve found yourself feeling discouraged, disheartened, or simply down. Being human can be hard, living on this earth can be messy, and navigating this good-yet-fallen world can be incredibly overwhelming. But t…

It’s one thing to feel physically depleted, but another thing entirely to be spiritually malnourished. Yet, too many of us live there—functioning on a steady diet of empty calories when our souls are starving for more. Thankfully, today’s guest at The Messy Table is Amy Seiffert—a wife and mom, author and speaker, podcaster and Bible teacher who’s …

Leanna Romoser had a growing belly, a decorated nursery, a detailed birth plan, and high expectations. But she didn’t expect to be diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, restricted to hospital bed rest, or for her baby to arrive 7 weeks early. She didn’t anticipate spending weeks in the NICU, struggling to bond with her newborn, or that her daughter’s…

What if the warning flags in your mind or the signals from your body are also invitations—to come close to God? To step into the grace and freedom that’s already yours? After a series of unsettling panic attacks and a spike in anxiety that was spinning out of control, Claire Westbrook—a wife, mom, worship pastor, and singer/songwriter—began to look…

As you think about how to honor God in this new year, you might focus on your physical health, your spiritual health, or even your mental health. But what about your digital health? Today at The Messy Table, author, speaker, podcaster, and masterclass host, Arlene Pellicane, is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell about setting ourselves up …

In this episode, I travel with my daughter Callie to Vancouver to see Bert Kreischer. The night after the show, we had a few spiced rum and cokes and sat in our room at the Residence Inn and had a good old chat.By David

As we move into the Christmas season, there is SO MUCH JOY to be found. But for those who simply cannot escape what’s difficult or broken or painful or devastating, there’s also a place at this table for you. Today at The Messy Table, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are chatting with Grace Whitnah—a wife and mother of five who’s lived through a paren…

Have you ever been shocked by the unexpected? Rattled by the unplanned? Panicked by the uncertain? Or simply disappointed by unmet expectations? Amanda Wright has been there—stunned by two pink lines (at a time when she wasn’t expecting them). As a college student and preacher’s daughter who was unmarried and unprepared, Amanda felt embarrassed, un…

From dropping out of high school to earning her doctorate in psychology, from living on the streets to helping others in hard places, from being stuck in a cycle of dysfunction to defying the odds stacked against her… Dr. Amy Newberry is a wife, mom of four, licensed professional counselor, the owner of Restore Family Counseling, and an advocate fo…

Who’s tired of rushing around? Who’s exhausted from trying to keep up? Who’s not the best at setting healthy boundaries? Who could use a little more (okay, a LOT more) rest? Our guest today at The Messy Table is Christina Patterson—a wife and mom, author and speaker, Bible teacher and devotional writer. Christina founded Beloved Women, a nonprofit …

We all need mentors who’ve gone before us—to guide us, to stretch us, to encourage us. We’ve also been empowered by the King of kings Himself to pass along the wisdom we’ve gleaned to those who are coming after us. Today at The Messy Table, Cynthia Huffmyer is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell about some of what she’s learned over the pas…

If you’ve ever had a God-sized dream, a quiet nudge of vision, or even a teeny-tiny idea planted in your heart, this episode could be the breath of encouragement you need! Today at The Messy Table, Heather Turner is chatting with Jenn Jewell about dreaming big and trading up. About paying attention to whispers, stepping out in faith, shifting your …

Look at us, back together again! Happy September and welcome back to The Messy Table—an ordinary space for us to slow down and remember that GOD IS AT WORK IN OUR MESS. Kicking off the 2022 fall season here at The Messy Table is Ginger Ward—a fantastic mama, an intentional leader, everybody’s favorite cheerleader, and the Central Group Leader of Tr…

Have your plans ever been derailed? Has a dream ever quietly died? Have you thought God was leading you one way, but, turns out, you were wrong? Carrie McCarty has known disappointment: She thought she’d marry her high school/college sweetheart, but that relationship ended. She thought she’d be a biological mom, but those two pink lines never showe…

It’s May, y’all! AND Mother’s Day week. AND Foster Care Awareness Month. AND we’re nearing the sun-soaked days of summer—which often means extra time with the younger humans in our lives. And that’s why we’re THRILLED to have Amanda Torres as our guest today at The Messy Table. Sharing the unexpected messes and mercies of motherhood with LaTonya Pr…

Jen Lake never expected her pastor-husband to die—in front of her eyes or in front of their church. She never planned to be a young widow with three small children. And she never anticipated finding love again … Today at The Messy Table, Jen is sharing her unexpected journey with grief, as well as a surprising catalyst for continued healing. Now, h…

We don’t always notice God’s fingerprints—until we look back. But He’s constantly working and continuously present, even when we fail to see it. Jas Reynolds is a New Yorker transplanted in Oklahoma, as well as a wife, mama, and pastor/communicator at Life.Church. Today at The Messy Table, Jas is chatting with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell about: h…

Have you ever wanted to quit something good? Our guest today at The Messy Table has been there. Renee Swope was ready to resign from motherhood—after desperately longing to become a mom. Overwhelmed by the job, deflated by insecurity, and enamored with guilt, the thought of giving up (at least for a few days) sounded like a vacation. Renee and her …

God designed this incredible world to teach us, stretch us, and shape us. The challenge is pausing long enough to notice how He’s working, and acknowledge how we’re growing. Here to chat with Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell today at The Messy Table is Donna Stuart—a Texan transplanted to Washington DC, where she and her husband (and 3 kiddos) planted…

If you’ve ever felt too wounded, too shattered, or too terribly far from God, this episode is for you. Yes, you. And today’s guest at The Messy Table Podcast is poised to remind you that (spoiler!) “broken crayons still color.” With a delicious mix of fire and charm, Toni Collier is sharing her redemption story. “Broken crayons still color.” —Toni …

In a performance-driven, goal-oriented, success-obsessed world, is it possible for an overachiever to find rest? Is it realistic to value meaningful work AND healthy boundaries? Here to share a bit of her story at The Messy Table is Ashley Clinesmith—a wife, girl mom, business professional, lifelong learner, and recovering overachiever. As a natura…

Two best friends. Two separate pregnancies. Two heartbreaking losses within two short weeks of time. Here to share their tragically sacred stories at The Messy Table are Alyson Brown and Kelsi Cole—cofounders of Foreknown Ministries, re-definers of joy, and mamas to little ones on earth and in heaven. Now, a big part of their calling is empowering …

Happy January, friends! We can’t think of a better way to kick off the 2022 season than a conversation with Rachel Cruze at The Messy Table! In today’s episode, Amy Groeschel and Jenn Jewell are chatting with Rachel about stewarding our lives—our money, our time, our relationships—to magnify God. We’re covering topics like: Shifting seasons of work…

Right in the middle of this holiday madness (the wonderful, the challenging, and the complicated), guess what we have for you?! A special BONUS EPISODE at The Messy Table Podcast! It’s easy to get wrapped up in it all—the gifts, meals, programs, parties, chaos, and fun. But what if we pause long enough to consider WHAT actually happened over 2,000 …

Why would someone purposefully step into heartbreak? Why would they intentionally sacrifice time, money, and emotional/physical margin to care for strangers in need? Sharing a piece of her unconventionally beautiful story at The Messy Table, as well as reminding us of true things, is Heather Van Wormer—a wife, foster mama (with a biological sweetie…

If you’ve ever tried to carry the weight of the world, you know, it’s an exhausting attempt. But the good news is… Our guest today at The Messy Table is the incredible Hosanna Wong—author, speaker, and spoken word artist who grew up “doing church” on the streets of San Francisco, and happens to be an expert on How (Not) to Save the World. In this e…

It has sure been a while since we released an episode. After I get this posted, I will do a quick blog about what’s going on and record that as a separate mini-episode. Ergo, I’m not going to talk about it now. This episode features two fascinating and remarkable guests; Zandara Kennedy and Gaston Morrison. My co-host for this show is returning gue…

For nearly 6 years, Rebecca Bender was trapped in the dark and violent world of sex trafficking. When she finally escaped, she knew she wanted to fight to change culture and offer hope to other survivors. Rebecca is not only a human-trafficking survivor, but also a wife, mother of 4, speaker, author, thought leader, educator, and advocate. As the C…

Though we each have uniquely individual journeys, there’s still so much that’s universal—joys and struggles and the curious provision of God. And today’s guest at The Messy Table Podcast exemplifies no exception… “Kate” is a physician assistant, doctor’s wife, and homeschooling mama of 4 who’s currently serving alongside her family as missionaries …

20 years ago, Cindy Beall’s marriage was dangling by a thread. Betrayal had shattered her reality and uncertainty was threatening her future. 10 years ago, Cindy published a book—divulging how she and her husband, Chris, experienced healing after trust was broken; offering hope to those following in their footsteps. Today, we’re celebrating! The sw…

We all want to thrive, don’t we? We’d rather not waste our time and energy on fruitless endeavors. Yet, still, we can find ourselves merely surviving this beautiful thing called life. In today’s episode at The Messy Table, Kristen Campbell is chatting with Kat Robinson and Jenn Jewell about the significance of thriving where you’re planted—even tra…

Does God really work ALL things together for good, like it says in Romans 8? And do “all things” include those mysteriously jagged pieces that don’t make perfect sense? Y’all, our guest today at The Messy Table is ridiculously FUN and deeply COMPASSIONATE. Heather Brower serves on the Content Development Team at Life.Church, is parenting two awesom…

Oh happy day! After a brief summer break (WE MISSED YOU!), The Messy Table Podcast is all cued up and ready to be back in your earbuds… And guess what? We’re kicking off the season with a guest we deeply respect—a truth-telling, boy-raising, Kingdom-advancing, example-setting, life-speaking WOMAN OF GOD. Y’all, Priscilla Shirer is in the house! On …

This week we welcome the good folks from the Neonarcissism Podcast. Jackie, Kim and Brad are professionals, and they give us some great information that you need to know if you are dealing with a narcissist. Jackie and Kim form ElementQ, and they work in the field of Emotional Intelligence. Brad is a great psychologist; I know that personally. Chec…