Life can be messy—and sometimes, it feels like the floor drops right out from under us. Bestselling author Tracie Miles calls these moments “lifequakes”—those unexpected, painful events that shake our world and leave us feeling lost, stuck, or wondering where God is in the chaos.

In this encouraging episode, Barb sits down with Tracie to talk about her powerful book, God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence. Tracie opens up about the personal lifequake that turned her world upside down, and shares practical steps and biblical truths that helped her move from heartbreak to hope, and from fear to faith.

If you—or someone you love—are facing a season of uncertainty, grief, or change, this conversation will remind you that new beginnings are possible, and that God hasn’t left your side for a moment.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Tracie on Instagram

God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence

Visit Tracie's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

  Tracie Miles is the bestselling author of seven books, director of COMPEL Pro Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, and the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery program. She has three grown children, a son and daughter in law, and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “This is not what I signed up for”? The plans you had, the peace you hoped for, the answers you expected—none of it looks the way you imagined. Instead, you’re navigating unexpected struggles, heartbreak, or detours you never saw coming.

In this hope-filled episode, Barb sits down with author, counselor, and Bible teacher Nicole Unice to talk about her new book, Not What I Signed Up For: Finding the Strength, Purpose, and Faith to Get Through a Season You Didn't Expect. Together, they unpack the disorienting seasons of life that leave us feeling spiritually disappointed, emotionally exhausted, and desperately searching for answers. With real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and plenty of grace, Barb and Nicole explore how to stay grounded in your faith even when your circumstances don’t make sense.

Whether you're walking through a tough season or supporting someone who is, this conversation will encourage you to embrace honesty with God, lean into His presence, and rediscover a hope that holds—even when life looks nothing like you planned.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Nicole on Instagram

Check out Nicole's book, Not What I Signed Up For.

Visit Nicole's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Nicole Unice is a pastor and leadership coach who facilitates environments of safety and vulnerability so that leaders and teams can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from their maximum potential. As a sought-after speaker, Nicole has a down-to-earth style that allows even the largest gathering to feel conversational. Nicole is the author of several books focused on spiritual transformation and is a featured speaker through RightNow Media and Punchline. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nicole and her husband, Dave, live in Richmond, Virginia, with their three children and two pups. 

 

As a pastor and community leader, Nicole is the author of several books on healthy faith, honing in on the connection between our emotional and spiritual life. Nicole’s books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media, and she preaches frequently for conferences, churches, and organizations. In addition, She’s the host of How to Study the Bible, a popular weekly podcast that has reached people in 188 different countries in the last year alone. Find out more at nicoleunice.com.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of life’s responsibilities? Do you find yourself running on empty, trying to keep up with the constant demands of work, family, and faith—only to end each day feeling exhausted and unseen? You’re not alone.

In this week’s episode, Barb sits down with author and speaker Ashley Morgan Jackson for an honest conversation about the toll that burnout takes on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Together, they explore what it means to live under the crushing pressure of performance and expectation, and how God's grace meets us in our most depleted moments. 

Whether you're in a season of waiting, wondering if God still sees you, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers hope, compassion, and practical truth for finding peace in the middle of the pressure. Tune in and discover how to let go of what’s crushing you—and receive the gentle strength of the One who holds you together.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

ashleymorganjackson.com

Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten

Stronger Than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm

Stronger than Stress Bible Study

Connect with Ashley on IG!

Connect with Ashley on FB!

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Ashley Morgan Jackson is an author, speaker, and social media expert. She formerly worked full-time for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has ministered to her online community for ten years. She is passionate about women learning to let go of the lie that they have to perform for God’s love and instead realize they can receive His love, just as they are. Ashley is a wife of fourteen years to her wonderful husband, Daniel, and a mom to two growing boys. The family lives in Charlotte, NC.

We are back with part 2 of Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!

 

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we’re diving into a conversation that has gone unspoken in faith communities for too long — mental health. As Christian women, we’re taught to be strong, to serve others, and to keep pressing on… but what happens when our minds feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weary?

 

Join Barb and special guest Laura L. Smith for a powerful yet practical conversation about how you can develop God-honoring, effective mental health care strategies in your life, starting today! Laura shares the tools that you need to rest in God's unconditional love and to find your strength and peace in Him.

 

Whether you're walking through a hard season or simply need encouragement for your journey, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone — and that healing and hope are possible in Jesus.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

laurasmithauthor.com

Holy Care for the Whole Self: Biblical Wisdom for Mental and Spiritual Well-Being

Connect with Laura on Instagram!

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Laura L. Smith is a popular speaker, best-selling author, and Bible teacher leading women to tear down lies so they can live in truth. Holy Care for the Whole Self is her thirteenth book.

Most recently she is known for Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms and How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns (which sold more than 130,000 copies).

A fan of Jesus, her prince charming of a husband, their four kids, almond milk mochas, dark chocolate, music, books, and travel. Smith describes her work this way: “I tell stories (through writing and speaking) in hopes of helping others discover what took me so long to see: God’s amazing grace is abundant and free for the taking. We can’t earn it. We don’t have to. All we have to do is accept it. And when we do, surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.”

Laura lives in the picturesque college town of Oxford, Ohio. There you’ll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the brick streets, teaching a local Bible study, shopping at the Saturday morning farmer’s market, or going on a sunset walk with her family.

 

Welcome to Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!

 

Whether you're juggling kids, calendars, or career goals, each episode offers practical tools, honest conversations, and soul-deep encouragement to help you stay grounded and whole. For the next five episodes, we will be revisiting some of our top conversations from the past about finding hope and strength in challenging times. 

 

Today, Barb will share how God taught her to turn stress into strength, and how you can become an overcomer too! 

 

Let’s make this summer your strongest one yet—mind, body, and soul.

Have you ever prayed, “God, what do I do?” These days, our struggle with uncertainty can stop us from making important decisions or cause us to second-guess the decisions we do make. It’s stressful trying to figure out what’s right and the fear of what will happen if we are wrong. 

 

Join Barb and her longtime friend, author Katie M. Reid, to discuss Katie’s new Bible study, God, What Do I Do? They will discuss how to make wise decisions, step into the kingdom calling God has for you, and the importance of trusting in our never changing God.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Katie on Instagram

Connect with Katie on Facebook

God, What Do I Do? - A Bible Study on James 1-5 About Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times

Visit Katie's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Katie M. Reid is a Bible teacher, author, and podcaster. Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She cohosts The Martha + Mary Show and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Katie is a pastor’s wife and worship leader. Through her Bible Study, "God, What Do I Do?" Katie inspires women to make wise decisions in uncertain times. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five are the best decisions she's made. Connect with Katie at katiemreid.com

For the first time ever, Barb’s answering audience questions! Join Barb and her fabulous podcast producer, Tabitha for all the inside scoop! Barb’s telling us who her favorite child is, which Bible study she’s most proud of and answering spicy questions about how to help friends far from Jesus and which body part is her favorite. Tucked into all of Barb’s answers are plenty encouraging words for you!

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Barb on Instagram

Connect with Barb on Facebook

Trusting God with Your Loved Ones Free Resource

Stronger Than Stress Bible Study

Matthew: Pray Like This Bible Study

Visit Barb's Website

Listen to Previous Podcast Episodes!

What does it mean to live a good Christian life? Is it being friendly or always seeing the positive side instead of the realities of life’s struggles? What if being a good Christian is different from being like Christ?

 

Join Barb and author Elisa Morgan for a conversation that invites us to peel past the niceness of Christianity and learn to live by the fruit of the Spirit so God can transform us into something truly sweet. Elisa Morgan is the founder of MOPS International and co-host of Our Daily Bread, God Hears Her Podcast.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Elisa on Instagram

Connect with Elisa on Facebook

Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters

Visit Elisa's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

 

Elisa Morgan (MDiv) has authored over twenty-five books including The Beauty of Broken, Hello, Beauty Full, When We Pray Like Jesus, You Are Not Alone, Christmas Changes Everything and her newest book, Fruitful Living.

 

For twenty years, Elisa served as CEO of MOPS International (The MOMCo) and now is President Emerita. She writes for Our Daily Bread Devotional and co-hosts Discover the Word and God Hears Her for Our Daily Bread Ministries.

With her husband, Evan, she has two grown children and three grandchildren who live near her in Denver, Colorado. Her constant companion is Mia, an elderly Jack Russell who shadows her every move.

Join Barb and author of Redeemer, a new Bible study on the book of Ruth by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. At 37 years old, Dorina was widowed with 3 small children. She connected with Ruth’s story and over the years has drawn strength and hope. During this conversation, they discuss the many layers of Ruth’s story, including the “just-so-happened” moments, should every woman be looking for her Boaz, and most of all, how Ruth’s story shows us God’s heart for the vulnerable.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Dorina on Instagram

Connect with Dorina on Facebook

Redeemer: God's Lovingkindness in the Book of Ruth

Visit Dorina's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

  Dorina is passionate about helping diverse women discover God’s glory on life’s unexpected paths and flourish in their God-given callings. Dorina has published more than 20 children’s books, Bible studies, poetry, and devotionals, including Breathing Through Grief and Walk Run Soar. She also hosts the Global Glory Chasers podcast. She lives in Central California with her hubby Shawn and three courageous daughters.

Everyone has doubts about God but it’s hard for us to talk about them. But when we don’t talk about them, it actually weakens our faith in Him. In this episode, we explore how honest questions can strengthen, not weaken, our connection with God. Inspired by Niki Hardy’s new book, God, Can We Chat?, Barb and Niki discuss embracing doubts as the start of a deeper, more authentic faith. Come as you are and discover the unrelenting love of a God who welcomes your questions.

 

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Connect with Niki on Instagram

Connect with Niki on Facebook

God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God, One Doubt at a Time

Visit Niki's Website

 

ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

 

Niki Hardy is a proud Brit (now living in the US) and the author of the Audi Award–nominated Breathe Again and One-Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer. Niki has been featured on the Hallmark Channel, Life Today, and Premier Radio. 

 

Having left corporate life, been to seminary, moved continents, planted churches, started businesses and nonprofits, and navigated loss, cancer, church hurt, and painful uncertainty, she firmly believes God loves a cheerful doubter. Niki lives in North Carolina with her husband and ridiculous Doodle, Charlie, who is the main reason their three grown kids come home. Learn more at NikiHardy.com.