Are you part of a blended family? Do you know someone who is navigating step-parenting? Have you wondered how non-traditional families make it work? Well, it's something I know all too well and I'm sharing my own experiences in today's podcast. 
In this episode, I talk about:

Navigating step-parenting

The importance of learning from other families

Establishing boundaries and roles at home

The realities of being part of a blended family

I was recently invited to the No Greater Joy Podcast hosted by my friends Peter and Heather Stow to discuss my experience with step-parenting. I'm grateful for the space they created for me to share my story and to increase the visibility of blended families in the church. Throughout the conversation, you'll learn more about how I adjusted to life as a S’Mom (aka Step-Mom). I talk about the lessons I learned and also the emotional impact of step-parenting.
As you listen, I hope you gain a new perspective on blended families and how they are part of God's plan. When I married Matt, I also gained Parker and Ryen and they've been a beautiful addition to my life. It hasn't always been easy, but the Olthoff household is one full of love and God's grace.
I went from being single to becoming a step-parent REAL quick and it changed my life forever. So, whether you're a step-parent or looking for ways to support a friend or family member who is part of a blended family, I hope this podcast encourages you. You can tag us @biancaolthoff, @peterstow and @heatherstow, we'd love to learn more about how this episode spoke to you.
Love you, 
B
RESOURCES/LINKS
No Greater Joy Podcast with Peter & Heather Stow Stow Ministries
Ep 13: How To Step-Up In Step-Parenting With Parker Olthoff
WGT Email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org 
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 105: Building a Blended Family, Leading with Love and The Delicate Dance of Step-Parenting with Peter & Heather Stow and Bianca Olthoff

Author, speaker, and Christian leader, Bianca Juárez Olthoff invites you to listen in as she offers practical advice on relevant topics and amazing conversations with guests that will impact your life in positive ways. No topic is off the table and faith will always be at the forefront of the conversation. So... WE'RE GOING THERE! For more on Bianca like her books Play With Fire and How To Have Your Life Not Suck, visit www.biancaolthoff.com

Religion & Spirituality

Other

Spirituality

Christianity

Buddhism

Hinduism

Judaism

Islam

What happens when a crisis in leadership affects an organization? Is the opportunity for restoration and rebuilding possible? Yes it is! 
Dr. Jon Chasteen is on the podcast today. He is a husband and father, an author, the Lead Pastor of Victory.Church, and the Former University & Seminary President. Our conversation helps us understand better:

How we can rebuild after a leadership crisis

The role and challenges of a Re-Leader

The impact of foundation building

Planting seeds for future generations

Overcoming weariness and burnout

The challenges of rebuilding are real. It is important that we don’t despise the small beginnings because they will lead to the rewards of re-leading in marriage, business, and other aspects of life. Fixing what you didn’t break is hard. Navigating it can make us feel weary or stuck in the process. Remember, doing hard things with perseverance allows God to show up and bring transformation.
Not only is my friend Jon teaching us how to shift our mindset to view crisis as an opportunity for growth and improvement, we are also getting strategies on how to do hard things, lead through a mess, and find strength to keep moving forward.
Restoration is possible, friend! Let us know how you are making progress rebuilding your life by tagging us @biancaolthoff and @jonchasteen
XO,
B

RESOURCES/LINKS
Guest
Jon Chasteen http://releader.co 
ReLeader: How To Fix What You Didn't Break 
Quote
And the real question for every, really every real eater is am I willing to plant a tree and build something that I may never taste the fruit of it.
Takeaways
Re-leading requires patience and trust-building.
Don't despise small beginnings; they are essential for growth.
Re-leading can be challenging and discouraging, but it is a calling.
Zoom out and envision the long-term impact of your re-leading journey.
Doing hard things allows God to show up and bring transformation.

⋇
Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here
⋇
Bianca’s new book Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience And Faith When Giving Up Isn't An Option
⋇
The Grit Don’t Quit Bible Study is now available.
⋇
So grateful to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by Airdoctor. Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code WGT you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 

⋇
Subscribe to We’re Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don’t forget to leave a loving review!
Apple
Spotify
Google
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Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca.
⋇
Want to stay connected, join the community today.
⋇
WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org
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Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 153: BONUS The Role of a Re-Leader and The Impact of Rebuilders in Leadership with Jon Chasteen and Bianca Juarez Olthoff

Are you holding back in being vulnerable with others? Is not being part of an authentic community a factor? 
I had a deep discussion with my friend Jennie Allen on all things emotions and vulnerability. Jennie is founder and visionary of IF:Gathering, a writer, podcaster and public speaker who will be sharing with us:

There is power in friendship

How to pursue God-Sized dreams

Creating space for vulnerability

Emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity

Healing through confession

Living wholeheartedly and authentically 


Friends, finding and being part of an authentic community is HUGE because it contributes to personal transformation and growth. And transformation begins by being vulnerable. And if you can’t find a community like that follow Jennie’s advice and start your own. You can do this!
Jennie’s heart for revival and vulnerability is contagious! Let us know how you are being transformed by tagging me @biancaolthoff and @jennieallen.
Love you,
B

RESOURCES/LINKS
Guest
Jennie Allen jennieallen.com 
Instagram: @jennieallen
Book: Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It
Quote
Because I wasn't comfortable with emotions in myself, I wouldn't allow myself to feel them and because I wouldn't feel them, I would keep getting stuck in places that God wanted to free me.
Takeaways

Authentic friendships and support are essential for pursuing God-sized dreams.

Emotional intelligence and spiritual maturity are key to personal growth and revival.

Confession and vulnerability lead to healing and freedom.

Living wholeheartedly involves embracing and processing emotions.


⋇
Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here
⋇
Bianca’s new book Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience And Faith When Giving Up Isn't An Option
⋇
The Grit Don’t Quit Bible Study is now available.
⋇

So grateful to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by AquaTru. Get 20% OFF any AquaTru purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and use promo code WGT

⋇
Subscribe to We’re Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don’t forget to leave a loving review!
Apple
Spotify
Google
⋇
Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca.
⋇
Want to stay connected, join the community today.
⋇
WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org
⋇
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 152: BONUS The Transformative Power of Vulnerability, Revival and Authentic Community with Jennie Allen and Bianca Juarez Olthoff

Have you ever been misinterpreted or criticized by something you said? Are you trying to navigate the challenges of cancel-culture while maintaining your commitment to speaking the truth? 
My friend Tim Ross, and my guest on today’s show, is a podcaster, social media influencer, author, and preacher who’s had his experiences with controversy and conflict, both in public and on social media.
Tim shares how he remains unashamed in speaking the truth. He also provides insights on:

Responding to criticism 

Handling conflict in a mature and loving manner

Addressing strong language and misinterpretation

Anyone who has a public platform knows that there will always be online criticism and sometimes controversy. Knowing when not to engage is important.
Having a space for people to be seen, heard, known, and loved is important for healing from this and other types of trauma. Therapy and confession are a crucial role in the healing process. 
Show your appreciation to Tim by tagging him @Upsetthegram and me @biancaolthoff.
Love you,
B

RESOURCES/LINKS
Guest
Tim Ross upsettheworld.com 
Book: Welcome to the Basement: An Upside-Down Guide to Greatness 
The Basement Podcast
Tim Ross Instagram
Tim Ross YouTube
B-Side App (Apple) (Google Play)
Quote
Confession is literally good for the soul. It's absolutely good for the soul. And there's a lot of people that confess vertically, but they don't do it horizontally, and therefore they actually don't get healed.
Takeaways

Dealing with controversy and conflict requires a strong sense of identity and purpose.

Navigating cancel-culture involves staying true to one's beliefs and not being swayed by public opinion.

Responding to criticism and controversy should be done with maturity, love, and a willingness to engage in dialogue.

Using strong language can be effective in conveying strong emotions, but it is important to consider the context and potential misinterpretation.


⋇
Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here
⋇
Order Bianca’s new book GRIT DON’T QUIT
⋇
The Grit Don’t Quit Bible Study is now available.
⋇

So grateful to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by HomeChef. For a limited time, HomeChef is offering my listeners 18 Free Meals, plus Free Shipping on your first box, and Free Dessert for Life, at HomeChef.com/goingthere. Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.

⋇
Subscribe to We’re Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don’t forget to leave a loving review!
Apple
Spotify
Google
⋇
Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca.
⋇
Want to stay connected, join the community today.
⋇
WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org
⋇
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 151: BONUS Speaking Truth Unashamedly, Confession and Accountability with Tim Ross and Bianca Juarez Olthoff

Are you going through a personal crisis that has been made public? Have you faced scrutiny because of it? Going through challenges and painful experiences is difficult. But know this, friend: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. 
Brandi Wilson is an author, coach, speaker, and my friend. We will listen to her personal journey of going through divorce and starting over. She discusses the challenges she faced as a pastor's wife and the public fallout of her marriage ending. 
For someone going through a divorce, maintaining a sense of self and direction amidst the turmoil of the process can be shattering. That’s why it’s important to take time for healing and to prioritize personal growth after a divorce. 
Finding hope and sense of restoration after the end of a significant relationship is possible. Healing will come and restoration is found in Jesus. Tag me @biancaolthoff and @lovebrandiwilson to share your experience.
Love you,
B

RESOURCES/LINKS
Brandi Wilson  https://lovebrandiwilson.com/ 
Books - Better Than Ok: Finding Hope and Healing After Your Marriage Ends
Quote
A role in a title can be taken away, but no one can take God's call on your life but Him.
Takeaways

Divorce can be a challenging and painful experience, but it also offers an opportunity for personal growth and starting over.

Supporting friends going through divorce requires empathy, patience, and allowing them to grieve and heal at their own pace.

It is important to avoid speaking negatively about the ex-spouse in front of children and to create a safe and honest environment for them.

Before starting to date again after divorce, it is crucial to take time to heal, seek therapy if needed, and focus on personal growth.

God is with you in the midst of divorce and can bring healing, restoration, and a new beginning.


⋇
Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here
⋇
Order Bianca’s new book GRIT DON’T QUIT
⋇
The Grit Don’t Quit Bible Study is now available.
⋇
Subscribe to We’re Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don’t forget to leave a loving review!
Apple
Spotify
Google
⋇
Listen & subscribe to The Best of You - https://tinyurl.com/TheBestOfYouPodcast
⋇
Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca.
⋇
Want to stay connected, join the community today.
⋇
WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org
⋇
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 150: Navigating Personal Challenges, Finding Hope and Restoration with Brandi Wilson and Bianca Juarez Olthoff

Did you know that food has the ability to elevate moods and foster connections? Are you ready to find healing and restoration in the kitchen?
My friend and renowned chef, Aarti Sequeira, shares how she found her passion for cooking and how it can be a source of peace, connection, and healing. Find out how:

Food can lift spirits and bring people together

Cooking as a reflection of life

Finding peace in the kitchen

You know that it’s always a party when Aarti is around! She shares a recipe for Persian Spinach and Eggs and encourages listeners to cook and share your creations with us by tagging me @biancaolthoff and @aartipaartipics
XO
B

RESOURCES/LINKS
Guest
Aarti Sequeira 
Books
Unwind: A Devotional Cookbook for the Harried & Hungry
My Family Recipe Journal
An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul
Ep 42: Soul Food for Your Ears with Aarti Sequeira
 
Persian Spinach and Eggs Recipe Video
Persian Spinach and Eggs (Nargesi)
Ingredients:

1 red onion, finely chopped

1 pound of baby spinach (or regular spinach), washed and drained

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 to 2 large eggs per person

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Sauté the chopped onion until it turns light and translucent.

Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted (about 10 minutes). You might need to add the spinach in two batches.

Cook until excess water evaporates.

Season with turmeric, salt, and pepper.

Create small wells in the spinach using a spoon and crack the eggs into these wells.

Cover the pan and cook for a few minutes until the eggs reach your desired doneness.

Serve the Persian Spinach and Eggs on its own or with some bread (such as lavash, barbari, Turkish pide, or pita bread).


Quote
I'm constantly amazed, flabbergasted, humbled by the fact that, you know, the first thing that Jesus did for his disciples after he resurrected was to cook for them.
Takeaways

New beginnings can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths.

Mistakes in cooking can often lead to delicious surprises.

Cooking can be a source of peace, connection, and healing.

Food has the power to lift spirits and bring people together.

The transformative way that cooking brings joy to our lives. 


⋇
Convoy of Hope - Empowering Women and Girls Together Donate here
⋇
Order Bianca’s new book GRIT DON’T QUIT
⋇
The Grit Don’t Quit Bible Study is now available.
⋇
So grateful to our sponsors!
This episode is sponsored by HomeChef. For a limited time, HomeChef is offering my listeners 18 Free Meals, plus Free Shipping on your first box, and Free Dessert for Life, at HomeChef.com/goingthere. Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.

This episode is sponsored by Airdoctor. Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code WGT you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! 
⋇
Subscribe to We’re Going There on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss out on any of the great topics and conversations. Don’t forget to leave a loving review!
Apple
Spotify
Google
⋇
Visit biancaolthoff.com/resources to learn more about books and other resources from Bianca.
⋇
Want to stay connected, join the community today.
⋇
WGT email: podcast@inthenameoflove.org
⋇
Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 105: Building a Blended Family, Leading with Love and The Delicate Dance of Step-Parenting with Peter & Heather Stow and Bianca Olthoff

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