Building For Life

What kind of wake do you leave behind—calm water that carries people forward or chop that wears them out? We take that image and build a practical, human playbook for creating a company that gives life and a life that makes others stronger. From faith-shaped focus to day-to-day leadership habits, we map the small moves that add up to a culture people can feel.

We unpack stewardship over ownership—how “nothing’s mine” turns success from a prize into a responsibility. That shift shows up in the room: being fully present, receiving people and moments without rushing, and telling the truth with kindness. We break down how to create safety without coddling, using clear feedback rituals, naming shared goals, and separating the person from the problem. You’ll hear why kindness includes challenge, how to spot resentment before it leaks into decisions, and the simple “water bottle” exercise that turns feedback into a win-win.

Pressure doesn’t have to poison purpose. We talk resilience as a bounce-back factor, the rhythm of rupture and repair, and leading teams through stressful seasons like software launches with honesty and boundaries. Beyond the walls, we look at community impact—serving partners, customers, and neighborhoods so the business feels like a tree by water: rooted, stable, and generous with shade. We close with concrete reflection prompts to check your wake, your fruit, and your early signs of burnout so you can course-correct fast.

If you’re ready to build a culture that feels different—steadier, kinder, and more courageous—press play. Then share your one practice you’ll try this week, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Surrender. The very word can make us uncomfortable. But what if the path to peace runs directly through letting go of what we can't control?

On this episode of Building for Life, we dive into the challenging but transformative practice of surrender. We explore how acknowledging our lack of control—far from being a sign of weakness—actually becomes a doorway to unexpected strength and resilience.

My co-host Allison and I share personal stories of surrender from very different perspectives. I reflect on navigating life after profound loss and physical trauma, while Allison opens up about the challenges of parenting a child with health concerns. Together, we discover that surrender isn't about giving up, but rather about recognizing what truly deserves our energy and attention.

The conversation takes a practical turn as we walk through the powerful "palms up, palms down" exercise—a somatic practice that helps physically release burdens we were never meant to carry. We also explore how small shifts in language (from "I'm not good at that" to "I'm not good at that yet") create measurable changes in how we physically experience stress and limitation.

Perhaps most powerfully, we discuss reframing our definition of success and embracing the unexpected turns life takes. When plans collapse and dreams shift, surrender becomes not just a spiritual nicety but a vital skill for moving forward. As I share from my own journey, finding peace in God's "second life" for me doesn't minimize what was lost, but opens space for what might still be.

Whether you're facing major life transitions or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures, this conversation offers gentle wisdom and practical tools for releasing what weighs you down. Subscribe to Building for Life for more conversations that blend faith, resilience, and practical wisdom for life's challenges.

What if the bravest people aren't fearless at all? In this thought-provoking discussion, Missy Manuel and Allison Babin challenge conventional wisdom about courage by exploring how true bravery often means moving forward while carrying fear like a backpack.

Through vulnerable personal stories, Missy shares how she navigated a high-stakes business opportunity by processing her fear rather than ignoring it. The hosts examine practical approaches to handling fear—journaling, prayer, consulting trusted advisors—and explore how emotions serve as valuable signals when we pay attention to them. Rather than suppressing fear or letting it control us, they suggest a middle path of acknowledging its presence while continuing to function.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through leadership challenges and parenting dilemmas, with both hosts sharing moments when fear drove unhealthy reactions. Missy's practice of "circling back" after fear-based responses demonstrates how emotional intelligence operates in leadership settings. Meanwhile, Allison reflects on balancing her parental fears with her daughter's need for independence and growth. Their candid exchange reveals how naming our fears diminishes their power, while community support from those further along similar journeys provides crucial perspective. As Missy quotes her mentor, "Jump and build your wings on the way down"—sometimes courage means taking action before feeling fully prepared. This episode equips listeners with practical tools for developing a healthier relationship with fear while continuing to move forward in life's uncertain moments.

Ready to transform your relationship with fear? Subscribe to Building for Life for more conversations that blend practical wisdom with vulnerable insights about growth, leadership, and living with purpose.

Life rarely asks permission before demolishing our carefully constructed plans. Miss Emanuel knows this firsthand, having faced both her husband's unexpected death and a devastating propane grill explosion within six months. What makes her story remarkable isn't just her survival, but her ability to find genuine gratitude amid these life-altering circumstances.

When everything familiar vanished overnight, Miss Emanuel found herself navigating unfamiliar terrain - managing an airplane, properties, and businesses while processing profound grief. Her practice of "art journaling" became crucial, allowing her to visually map her emotional landscape and identify what no longer served her new reality. This wasn't mere journaling; it was emotional scrapbooking that engaged different neural pathways and brought clarity amid chaos.

Just as she was finding her footing, a propane grill accident left her hospitalized with severe burns, dependent on neighbors for basic care, and unable to enjoy simple pleasures like wearing sleeveless dresses or enjoying the summer sun. Yet even this trauma became transformative. "It shifted me," she reflects, explaining how the experience forced her to slow down, release over-responsibility at work, and develop deeper empathy for others in suffering. Her perspective remained remarkably centered: "Even though I may never wear a sleeveless dress again, it's still good. It's skin... it grew back."

What equips someone to navigate such profound demolition with grace? Miss Emanuel credits years of cultivating an intimate spiritual practice where God's presence feels tangibly real. This foundation gives her confidence that painful circumstances still serve some greater purpose. Her wisdom for listeners facing their own demolition? Start with reflection: examine what pathways, thought patterns, or relationships no longer serve your highest good. Be willing to release familiar discomfort to discover the spacious staircases that may have been available all along.

Ready to examine what needs demolition in your life before circumstances force change upon you? Subscribe now and join us next week as we discuss "doing it afraid" - because transformation rarely begins in our comfort zones.

September 12th started like any other day for Missy Manuel. She dropped her husband Greg off at the airport, said goodbye, and went about her day. Hours later, she received the phone call that would change everything – his plane had crashed. In one moment, the life she had designed with her husband of 38 years was completely altered.

This raw and powerful season premiere takes us through Missy's journey of navigating profound grief while still showing up for her business, her community, and herself. With remarkable candor, she shares the tools that have sustained her through life's darkest valley – from prayer and journaling to leaning on spiritual family and embracing vulnerability. "I had to give myself permission that everything wasn't fine and I didn't know the next step necessarily," Missy reveals, offering listeners permission to honor their own struggles.

What emerges through this conversation isn't just a story about loss, but a masterclass in resilience. Missy speaks about redefining every aspect of her life – her home, her role, her future – while honoring both her grief and the possibilities that still lie ahead. Her journey demonstrates that growth isn't linear but continuous, requiring both strength and the willingness to acknowledge when we're not okay.

The episode concludes with a powerful question for listeners: "What do you need to give yourself permission for?" Whether it's permission to rest, to cry, to have fun, or to pursue something others don't understand – Missy invites us all to extend ourselves the grace we so readily offer others. Join us for this deeply moving conversation about building life when the blueprint suddenly changes, and discover tools that can help you navigate your own unexpected turns with courage and hope.

We appreciate you tuning in to the Building for Life Podcast! We are so excited to close out this season and prepare for next season, which will start in January of 2025. Join us again, as we'll be discussing all things building - homes and lives - with great interviews and brand new content. Please join us then!

Ever feel like you're juggling too many challenges at once? This week on the Building for Life podcast, Missy Manuel and Taylor Burtner are here to share their firsthand experiences of turning tough times into growth opportunities. We take you behind the scenes at Manual Companies, where exhaustion and setbacks have pushed us to our limits. Discover the power of maintaining a positive mindset and standing firm on core values, even when the going gets tough. We discuss how cohesive teamwork and community support can help transform obstacles into stepping stones.

Resilience is our focus as we dive into the importance of perseverance amid adversity. Missy and Taylor reflect on how to keep getting back up, no matter how many times life knocks you down. Through motivational insights and practical advice, we encourage listeners to view setbacks as valuable lessons for future success. Embrace the metaphor of obstacles as pathways to improvement and join us in exploring how aligning as a team can help avoid pitfalls and lead to lasting growth. Whether you're a business leader or navigating personal challenges, this episode is packed with inspiration to fuel your journey through tough times.

Can you imagine breaking free from the never-ending hustle and bustle of everyday life to truly connect with yourself and your spiritual guidance? Join Cheryl Evans and me, Missy Manuel, on this enlightening episode of the Building for Life podcast as we uncover the common pitfalls that often hinder personal growth. We discuss how our fast-paced society pressures us to be constantly on the move, making it challenging to slow down and honor our true selves. Cheryl sheds light on the significance of self-awareness and the profound impact of deep-seated beliefs and familial patterns on our identity formation. We also explore the vital role of a supportive community and healthy environments in challenging these limiting beliefs and fostering personal transformation.

In our conversation, we bravely tackle the courage and determination required to embrace significant life changes, especially when it involves stepping away from conventional paths and facing potential financial instability. Cheryl shares her invaluable wisdom on owning one's decisions and the importance of embracing a different way of living, even when sacrifices are necessary. Through questioning and curiosity, we can begin to uncover the underlying issues that keep us stuck, ultimately fostering growth and authentic living. Don't miss this enriching dialogue, and be sure to tune in next week for more insightful discussions on the Building for Life podcast.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey of growth and healing? Join me, Missy Manuel, as I sit down with my dear friend and seasoned therapist, Cheryl Evans, for a heartfelt conversation about the unprecedented surge in self-improvement and therapy, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheryl sheds light on the urgency and hunger people now have to connect the dots in their lives and find clarity. Together, we unpack the essential first steps towards self-awareness, exploring how mindfulness can lead to profound changes, even at the neurological level.

From the personal stories of our 25-year friendship to addressing the younger generation's struggles with technology and anxiety, this episode is packed with actionable insights and heartfelt advice. Cheryl shares her wisdom on recognizing internal states and taking mindful action to promote healing and growth. Whether you're a newcomer to personal development or a seasoned traveler on this journey, this conversation promises to offer valuable guidance and encouragement. Tune in and discover practical strategies to kickstart your path to a more aware and fulfilling life.