Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

My guest this week is Liz Bell Young, a writer, experience designer and mother of three in Cincinnati.

Author of the memoir, "In the Wide Country of Love" and creator of the Anthropologie-distributed Haven Magazine, Liz is an MFA graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and The University of Cincinnati.

She is a contributing author for The Magnolia Journal, Artifact Uprising, Darling Magazine, HERE Magazine, and Procter & Gamble.

Liz's upcoming book on building havens is represented by Punchline Agency.

4:41 – Liz 101

• Liz loves 3 dimensional creative experiences and is a full-time freelancer.
• She drives a van, is very tall and her kids have a turtle.
• Despite her different interests, she could never shake the desire that she wanted to be a writer.
• She has a masters in fine arts and creative writing.

10:34 – Creating experiences

• As a child, she enjoyed creating little worlds and experiences.
• Getting to combine writing with experiential work has been so energizing to Liz.
• Liz and her friends designed a camping experience for women.

21:40 – Writing for church

• Liz became a senior writer at her church and training alongside the church's designers.
• When they worked together, their work was so much better.
• She wrote printed materials, scripts, immersive prayer services.

24:41 – Haven magazine

• Liz wanted to make something concrete and tangible that could be sold on a shelf.

35:08 – Success stories

• Liz doesn't see things as black and white – successes and failures.
• When something goes wrong or she doesn't get what she wants, she figured she'd get it the next time.
• You need to celebrate people, even if they get what you want.

49:28 – Taking off the pressure

• Try to take the pressure off yourself.
• Liz has been considering the idea of hospitality with what you have.
• Love people in simple and thoughtful ways.

53:40 – Get to know you

• Strangest pet peeve? Water on public bathroom sinks.
• Favorite TV show as a kid? Felicity

FEATURED QUOTES

I could never shake this desire that I really wanted to be a writer.

Getting to combine writing with experiential work has been so energizing to me.

Writing can help heal people.

Love people in simple and thoughtful ways.

CONNECT:

https://www.lizbellyoung.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest this week is Jen Smith, a personal finance expert and author of the Amazon best-selling book The No-Spend Challenge Guide.

Jen and her husband paid off $78,000 of debt in less than two years making well under 6-figures. She talks about it on her blog, Modern Frugality, and as the co-host of the Frugal Friends Podcast.

3:07 – Jen 101

• Jen's podcast teaches people how to spend.
• She believes people can live a life they love with the money they already have.

9:48 – Money mindsets

• We think that money is just numbers on a screen when you check your account balance or dollars in a wallet, but it's only a means to get the things you want.
• Money touches everything in your life that you care about.

19:30 – Pivotal moments

• There are pivotal moments in your life where you can choose to be challenged, but it will provide a lot of growth.

21:58 – Dealing with debt

• Paying off debt is like going on a diet. You try to go extreme and lose it fast, and then a week in you aren't doing it anymore.
• The radical middle is making small changes with large impact.

32:41 – Less friction

• The less friction and barriers there are to paying for something, the more people pay, on average, according to studies.

39:53 – Post debt hangover

• After paying off debt, it can be hard to get over the shame of how you previously spent money.
• You can always choose a different path.

51:17 – Get to know you

• Her splurge item? CrossFit
• Something we'd never guess about her? She doesn't like celery.

FEATURED QUOTES

When I was able to identify what a money mindset really is, I was able to start identifying what I thought about money.

We think that money is just numbers on a screen when you check your account balance or dollars in a wallet, but it's only a means to get the things you want.

Money touches everything in your life that you care about.

https://www.modernfrugality.com/author/jensmith/page/5/

https://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/about/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest this week is Selina Ho, founder & CEO of Recloseted, a company that is working to transform the harmful fashion industry. She learned she had to do her part after learning the devastating truths behind garments.

Selina gathered a team of all-stars — from sourcing experts to material scientists – and leveraged her own business experience working at startups and Fortune 500s to help amazing slow fashion clients.

When she's not working, Selina loves to hike and snowboard, meditate/do yoga, or cook a new recipe.

3:57 – Selina 101

• Recloseted is the first one-stop consulting agency for sustainable fashion.
• The company helps launch and scale sustainable brands and make existing companies more sustainable.
• She wore a polyester shirt at work and broke out in a rash. That led her down a rabbit hole of what's in clothing.

7:39 – What she has learned

• A lot of synthetic materials are made out of oil.
• Cotton uses so much water.
• Selina was shocked by the treatment of garment workers.

15:42 – How she helps companies

• Recloseted works with companies to determine budget, resources and goals.
• Many of the owners are creative, passionate people who need business knowledge.

21:07 – Bumps along the way

• There are trials and tribulations and rough patches, but you need to keep going.
• You haven't failed until you stop.

25:13 – Leveling up

• At every level of business, you become a better version of yourself. You keep leveling up.
• A big thing has been realizing and learning how to lose control. When it's your business, you really like to hold on tight.
• You need to trust other people to do good work, and you need to empower them.

30:43 – Future proofing your business

• Sustainability is not a nice-to-have. It's a must-have.
• Make sure your finance and business is sustainable and in order.

39:20 – Recloseted Radio

• Selina talks more about this topic on her podcast, Recloseted Radio

41:24 – Get to know you

• Favorite meal? Poke bowl
• Something we'd never guess about her? She's very outdoorsy

FEATURED QUOTES

For me, a big thing has been just realizing and learning how to lose control. When it's your business, you really like to hold on tight.

You need to trust other people to do good work, and you need to empower them.

At some point, you need to not be the smartest person in the room.

https://www.recloseted.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest this week is Katelyn Beaty, an editorial director for Brazos Press. She loves words and believes they can change the world. Katelyn is a Midwest native living in New York City and has written for The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and The New York Times on topics such as politics, gender, and theology.

She is cohost of the Saved by the City podcast and previously served as print managing editor at Christianity Today. She's the author of Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, and Profits Are Hurting the Church and A Woman's Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World.

2:48 – Katelyn 101

• Katelyn's an oldest child and an INFJ/Enneagram 3w4.
• She was excited to head to Italy to spend some time with girlfriends.

7:10 – Passion for writing

• She loved reading the newspaper as a child and learning what was happening around the world.
• Katelyn was the kind of student who enjoyed writing papers in high school and college.

10:00 – College newspaper

• In college, Katelyn loved writing op-eds in the college newspaper. Students came up to her and said they appreciated her articulating what they had been thinking.

20:30 – Celebrities for Jesus book

• It's not a light, breezy topic, but it's hopeful.
• Don't center ministries on one charismatic individual.
• Spiritual leaders need accountability, especially those with big platforms.

45:10 – Forgiveness

• You need to make things right when things are broken.
• Restitution is important when you have done wrong.
• Avoid apologies that sound like PR statements, and sit out longer than you think you need to.

1:03:29 – Get to know you

• Weirdest pet peeve? Standing on a moving walkway

FEATURED QUOTES

I enjoy helping authors steward their message well.

I was the kind of student who, in high school and college, enjoyed writing papers.

The bigger your platform, the more accountability you need.

CONNECT:

https://www.katelynbeaty.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest this week is one of my best friends in the world, Sharon Hodde Miller. Sharon is an author, co-pastor at Bright City Church in North Carolina, and she teaches about faith, culture, and the Bible. She is a wife, mom to three kids, and lover of all things Disney.

5:09 – Sharon 201

• This is Sharon's second time on the show.
• She has spent the past two years pastoring her church during a pandemic and homeschooling her kids.

8:23 – The Cost of Control book

• Sharon's latest book, The Cost of Control, is about why we crave control, the anxiety it gives us and the real power God promises.
• Sharon turned inward and realized she was having big control issues at home with her kids and shouldn't be homeschooling them.

17:50 – Overwhelming information

• Every time we open our phones to check social media or the news, we are being overwhelmed with information.

24:05 – Constant access to media

• There's constant negativity on social media, and that makes some people feel a level of control.
• We have lost the ability to disagree with each other, and it is costing us our mental health.

37:15 – Coping with loss of control

• When we lose control in one area of our life, we often exert control over other areas.
• Some people cope with stress by cleaning.
• God doesn't give us control, but He does give us agency.

41:14 – Anxiety and red flags

• Anxiety is a big red flag, and your body can tell you a lot about how you're feeling.
• Some people clench their jaw, for example.
• You need to name your problem accurately. Don't rush past it.
• You are feeling anxious because you are ingesting news all the time.

59:24 – Words of wisdom

• Control is something we all struggle with. We know we should surrender and trust God instead of ourselves.

1:02:08 – Get to know you

• Career change? Work at Disney World
• Guilty pleasure? Disney podcasts

FEATURED QUOTES

It costs us whenever we try to have control, and this isn't an "if," it's a "when."

God doesn't give us control, but he does give us agency.

You are feeling anxious because you are ingesting news all the time.

Honor the limitations of your soul and have boundaries around that.

Control is something we all struggle with. We know we should surrender and trust God instead of ourselves.

CONNECT:

https://sheworships.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

Today's show is an extremely requested episode. My husband, John, is a financial advisor and is here to answer all your money questions. Many of you have emailed and DMed me asking for this episode, so let's jump into it.

3:11 – Why take financial advice from John?

• John is a financial advisor and owns a media company, Third Wheel Media.
• He migrated from journalism to interviewing financial advisors. He decided to do the job himself.

5:45 – John's financial lessons

• Both of John's grandfathers were good with money but in different ways.
• One grandfather was good at earning money by selling candy for a living. He was also a good investor.
• His other grandfather was good at not spending money. He didn't make much money but he was a good saver and sent his kids to college.

8:39 – John's first house

• John bought his first house at age 25 and put 20% down.

11:20 – Question: How to budget on one income and make decisions jointly?

• This is more of a marriage question. All of the money that comes into the household is joint money, no matter who earned it.
• With second marriages, spouses often maintain separate financial lives.

19:36 – Question: Do we have an allowance?

• Yes, we each have our own spending money each month.
• And yes, we have a monthly budget.
• If you have a blow money spending category, you can buy whatever you want.

27:05 – Question: Should kids get an allowance, tithe, etc.?

• Our son is 6½, so he doesn't understand as much about money. Our daughter, who's older, understands more.
• We have kids' piggy banks – spend (80%), share (10%) and save (10%).

35:15 – Question: What is a good dollar amount for retirement?

• No offense, but this is a pointless question because it's impossible to answer.
• John has clients who retired with $175,000 in retirement savings. Most people would say that's not enough, but they don't spend much and are happy that way.
• John also has clients who aren't getting much of a Social Security benefit. They have almost $2 million in savings, but they spend a lot each month.

42:38 – Question: Where do I start when living paycheck to paycheck?

• People in this boat are often so stressed that they can't get out of their own way.
• There is a path out of debt, but it won't happen overnight.
• Define your priorities (rent, car payment, food, etc.) and increase income.

52:12 – Question: Are you comfortable talking about money with family and friends?

• We've made money this thing you can't talk about in our culture, but it isn't like that in other cultures.
• It drives John crazy that families don't talk about money, and children don't know the financial situation of their aging parents.
• Why can't we have these generational conversations about money?

56:01 – Question: Should I do a 529 or IRA for kids?

• Do a 529 for kids. A Roth IRA is not the best use of this money.

58:14 – Question: How do you save for a vacation when there are other priorities?

• You don't have to spend a bunch of money on a vacation. It can be simple.
• If money is that tight, the vacation probably isn't a priority.

1:04:08 – Question: What to do if my finances feel out of control?

• If you're in financial despair, you don't have a good command of your numbers.
• Find out what you spend on groceries and miscellaneous expenses.
• Spend a couple months and look at every expense.

FEATURED QUOTES

There's always a way out (of debt). The question is, how disciplined and motivated are you to make it happen? – John

If you are in a marriage or partnership … it has to be a mindset shift where this is our money, and not his money and her money. – Molly

This is why you need a financial advisor. We can figure this stuff out with you and determine what your life looks like and how much money you need. – John

Why can't we have these generational conversations about money? – John

CONNECT:

https://rosewoodwealthmanagement.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest today is Michelle Fortin, an award winning broadcast journalist, speaker, comedian, and actress. Her energetic personality and quick wit keep audiences entertained and encouraged.

She routinely emcees events and conferences, and gives keynote addresses on motherhood, relationships, and faith. She's made numerous TV appearances on shows like Good Morning America, TODAY, The List, and Inside Edition.

In 2019, PHOENIX Magazine named her among the "Great 48" – a list of the Valley's Most Influential People.

As the brunette-half of the popular comedic duo, Leeann & Michelle, you may recognize Michelle from viral parodies and comedic sketches, which have accrued 40 million views.

4:43 – Michelle 101

• Michelle lives in Arizona with her husband and two kids.
• She started her career as an anchor, reporter and producer. Her dream was to be Katie Couric.
• After talking with her former college professor, she became an adjunct professor in communications and got interested in improv.

15:12 – Improv shows

• Michelle travels the country doing improv and speaking.

22:30 – Reset the rhythm year

• Michelle did nothing for a year, calling it her "reset the rhythm year."
• She did not work and turned down social invitations.
• She cooked new meals, played with her kids and slowed down.
• It was tough for her because she is a high capacity person who is much better busy than bored.

31:39 – Finding your community

• Michelle and her family try to get together with friends often and in an informal way.
• She pursues friendships, which can be tough to do as an adult.

41:01 – The best comedy

• Jerry Seinfeld once said the best comedy is when you lean your head back, laughig and say, "That's so true."

44:54 – Top Knot Comedy

• Michelle and Leeann want to bring joy and respite to people through their comedy.
• Michelle shares funny memes each week for different enneagrams.

50:07 – Finding humor

• Comedians love to find humor where you don't expect to find humor.

1:04 – Get to know you

• Strangest pet peeve? The sound of people clipping their fingernails.
• Who would she do a comedy show with? Me, Molly Stillman!

FEATURED QUOTES

It doesn't matter what your job is .., improv is for everybody.

I'm a high capacity person. I'm much better busy than bored.

Comedians love to find humor where you don't expect to find humor.

CONNECT:

• https://punchlineagency.com/michelle-fortin
• https://www.youtube.com/c/LeeannMichellefunny/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest today is Josh Block, president of Block Imaging, a second generation family business in Lansing, Mich., specializing in refurbished imaging equipment, parts, engineering service and mobile solutions.

A few areas Josh focuses heavily on are: fostering a culture where people thrive and in turn serve and bring value to the healthcare community; inviting people into investing in a worthy mission and writing an uncommon story; and challenging, encouraging, and equipping people to become more capable than they would have ever imagined.

Aside from work, Josh enjoys being a husband and dad, playing golf, traveling, and playing the guitar.

5:11 – Josh 101

• He turned 40 last September and feels like he has transitioned to the second half of life.
• Josh has 165 team members in Lansing and spread around the world.

10:55 – Thrust into leadership

• Josh experienced forced humility when he was thrust into a leadership position.
• He knew nothing about their Japan operation.
• He had to come in and ask for help and be humble.
• In Josh's experience, running a large business is easier than a small business.

16:07 – Company culture

• Treat others as you'd like to be treated. Eventually, treat others as they'd like to be treated.
• The three Ts his company lives by – make thoughtful decisions, be transparent and be together.

23:48 – Helping other companies

• Common things others companies struggle with are keeping info private, bosses making decisions all on their own and not being thoughtful.

35:40 – Working on a book

• Josh is working on a book about leadership and creating a "people matter" culture.

44:06 – Get to know you

• Favorite TV show as a kid? Saved by the Bell and Fresh Prince of Bel Air
• Favorite meal? Qdoba or Chipotle burrito bowl

FEATURED QUOTES

I think running a large business has some things that are easier than running a small business.

We believe that people matter more than anything.

https://www.blockimaging.com/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest today is Marcy Gregg, an abstract oil painter, author, speaker and survivor. Her life changed forever in 1990 at age 30 after a serious complication arose during the birth of her third child, leaving her in a coma with little hope to survive.

Marcy miraculously woke up days later, only to believe she was 17 years old. Much of her memory was gone and she was left with the daunting task of rebuilding her identity in a life she did not recognize.

Marcy was determined to make the most of her second chance at life and eventually found herself picking up a paintbrush. In sharing her life story on various stages and in living rooms across the nation, Marcy seeks to inspire others by finding beauty in the abstract, both in life and art.

Her book, Blank Canvas, was published on May 24.

4:28 – Marcy 101

• She is a professional artist, mother of three, grandmother of four and one on the way.
• Marcy lives in Charlotte, and her paintings are on display across the country.

5:15 – In a coma

• After Marcy had her third baby, she fell into a coma. Doctors told her husband that if she woke up, she likely wouldn't be the same.
• She finally woke up and believed she was 17 years old.

12:38 – Gifts from God

• Even though she lost years of memories, she was able to remember her husband from when they were teenagers.
• When Marcy's three kids came to visit her in the hospital and she held them, she knew they were hers.

16:30 – Praying for memories

• Marcy prayed for God to return her memories. Her body was healed but her mind wasn't.
• She got angry at God and turned to alcohol. She drank to forget what she couldn't remember.

24:50 – Walk of honesty

• Beginning her walk of honesty, Marcy told her family about her drinking problem.
• She woke up one morning and had a desire to paint.

27:58 – Her painting journey

• Marcy had no memory of taking painting in college. She became an artist in residence and painted in a studio.
• A passion for color and oil painting grew within her.
• Although what happened to her has been difficult, Marcy believes God is the master artist of her life.

36:35 – Blank Canvas

• People asked Marcy to write a book about her life, but she never felt called to do it.
• A friend had a dream that Marcy was supposed to write this book.

40:29 – Get to know you

• Favorite meal? Grilled salmon and broccoli
• Art influence? It comes naturally

FEATURED QUOTES

I knew I had to let go and trust Him no matter what.

I really surrendered my will to God's will.

I began to really trust God with the no-matter-what's.

I drank to forget what I couldn't remember.

CONNECT:

• https://www.marcygreggart.com/
• https://www.marcygreggart.com/memoir

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!

My guest today is Paige Allen, a pastor, a speaker and writer. She's passionate about opening doors for others to have "a-ha" moments in scripture. Paige is known for her sometimes-hilarious yet vulnerable storytelling that disarms in order for truth to settle in hearts.

Paige grew up as a pastor's kid, and although she thought she would try and stay away from vocational ministry, she's now served on the same church staff wearing multiple hats for more than 17 years.

Currently, Paige serves as executive pastor at Church on the Rock in Lubbock, Texas, where she preaches often, leads the staff, gives oversight to global missions and The New Legacy Home for Women.

She also leads a thriving women's ministry and co-hosts the Bloom Talks podcast, where unknown but remarkable women tell their stories of God's faithfulness.

5:03 – Paige 101

• She lives in the Texas panhandle with her husband and two daughters, 12 and 10.
• Her father started the church where Paige works now.

8:25 – Power of naming

• There is power in giving names to things.
• People often live up to their names.
• Names are powerful, because they speak identity over us.

17:14 – Upcoming book

• Paige is working on a book that will come out in 2023.
• She is fascinated by stories of women in the Bible whose names we don't know.

25:23 – Women in ministry

• When Paige was 14, she felt called to preach and share God with others.
• A man she knew told her she was a woman and would be better as a counselor.
• Paige put her dreams of preaching on the backburner but still had the dream inside her.

38:30 – Using her gifts

• Paige uses her gifts to glorify God and serve Him.
• There is power in seeing someone who looks like you do something you love.
• Find out what doors are open for you and focus on those.
• When you get to know people's stories, you feel connected to them.

46:54 – Get to know you

• Favorite meal? Mexican food
• Something we'd never guess about her? She cross-stitches

FEATURED QUOTES

You don't have to have a massive Instagram following or be on a stage or whatever. Jesus sees you.

Jesus shines a spotlight on you, and he cares about all of those things that are precious to our heart.

I love learning from the experts, but I also love learning from the people right next to us.

CONNECT:

http://www.paigeallen.net/

Thank you to our partners of the show!

Are you looking to clean up your household cleaning products this year? MamaSuds would like to help! The best way is to simply start with one product. Every time you run out of a specific cleaning product, replace it with a non-toxic one. Another tip, purchase a product that has multiple uses. The MamaSuds Collection has many multiple use products (castile soap or the toilet bombs are just a few!). Their blog has lots of great tips and a castile soap recipe that you can print and make a lot of your own effective cleaners! Give them a try at www.mamasuds.com and don't forget to use the coupon code MOLLY for 15% off your order!

I'd like to thank our other partner of the show and that's Tradlands. Tradlands is an INCREDIBLE sustainable fashion brand that believes in clothing that you can live in NOW and love forever. Clothing that not only makes you feel like your best self, but also fits in a way that flatters. Their gorgeous dresses, pants, tops, and more are designed to move with you throughout your busy days. Their Nico dress is my dress in a love language —not only does it have sleeves, but also POCKETS and you know how I feel about dresses with pockets. I love how comfortable and stylish each piece - and they come in colors like classic neutrals or vibrant hues. One of the things I love most about Tradlands is their focus on sustainability and creating small batch clothing that lasts… they never over produce what they make and focus on only the highest quality materials. And you know how much I love supporting small businesses, too. Check them out at https://tradlands.com/businesswithpurpose and use the code MOLLY20 for 20% off!