Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

My guest this week is the incredible Rose Booth. With over 30 years of experience in technology and publishing, Rose is a dedicated mentor and counselor, passionate about ministry and teaching. She is also the co-host of the podcast, One Single Thought.

In December 2021, Rose's life took a turn when she became an amputee, offering her a new perspective on life. Her first book, Dancing in the Valley: Finding Life and Joy Amidst the Shadow of Death Nipping at My Heels, was released in December 2023.

I'm so excited to have her on the show today to share her inspiring story and talk about the power of surrender, as well as the growth that comes from navigating through dark valleys. Her story is such a powerful reminder that, even in our darkest moments, God is faithful and His plans for us are always good.

2:03 – Rose 101

• Rose's involvement with her church + journey as an author and podcast host
• Being born to parents who experienced 18 years of infertility
• Being instilled with a sense of independence from a young age

16:50 – Facing the Valley

• Rose's series of health complications and surgeries
• Grappling with questions of faith and purpose
• Rose's pivotal moment of surrender

27:45 – Navigating Setbacks

• The unexpected setbacks that kept Rose from healing
• Deciding to undergo amputation
• Yearning to be with Jesus

36:44 – Finding Strength in Surrender

• Encouragement for those in the valley
• Growing in the darkest places
• God is working all things for good

46:13 – Takeaways + Rose's Life Today

• How Rose is doing physically today
• Publishing her book + future projects

FEATURED QUOTES

"The worst time of my life, God used to make my dreams come true."

"God will grow you more when you're in the darkness than He ever will in the light. It's one of the only things that grows in the dark and it's our faith."

"If we think in the valley that we are where we're supposed to be because it's part of God's plan, then we know that this is ultimately going to work out for His good and His glory."

Learn more about Rose:

https://www.rosebooth.net/

Order Rose's book, Dancing in the Valley

https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Valley-Finding-Amidst-Nipping/dp/1955051240/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X9EWQA7QFLWY&keywords=dancing%20in%20the%20valley%20rose%20booth&qid=1701392519&sprefix=%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1

One Single Thought podcast:

https://www.rosebooth.net/podcast

Rose on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/rosieboo65/

This week, I am sitting down with the incredible John R. Miles, the driving force behind the wildly popular Passion Struck podcast and nationally recognized radio show. With a background as a former US Navy officer and a senior executive at a Fortune 50 company, John is celebrated as a transformative leader in intentional behavior change and personal mastery.

He's an author, entrepreneur, and visionary in modern leadership and I'm so excited to have him on the show today to talk about his new book and the transformative power of purpose-driven living.

Stay tuned for a powerful conversation on overcoming adversity, fostering authentic connections, embracing gratitude in our daily lives, and much more. I was truly inspired by my conversation with John, and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

2:38 – John 101

• John's unique career path
• John's book + the "pinball life"

10:01 – Breaking Free from the Pinball Life

• The self-discrepancy theory
• Intentionality as a muscle
• Life crafting + identifying goals
• Building a foundation through pillars of support

20:50 – Awakening to Purpose

• John's unexpected career shifts
• John's wake-up call and journey towards a more meaningful path
• Aligning with your true calling

32:43 – Gratitude, Connection, and Purpose

• Our innate desire for purpose
• The power of connection and service
• Being vessels for a greater purpose

40:42 – Hope in Hardship

• The transformative power of pain and hardship
• Focusing on the small wins
• The path to rebuilding

48:15 – Takeaways

• Connecting with John
• Matt Doherty's story

FEATURED QUOTES

"When we're acting like a pinball, we're completely unintentional, we are so distracted by the world around us, so caught up in the matrix, that we're not allowing ourselves to live with intention- to craft the life we want, to become a self-realized version of ourselves that God put us here to actuate in our life."

"We can have suffering and be self-compassionate. We can experience trauma and be forgiving. But I think too many of us hold on to these things as either ors."

"We all can rebound, but it takes intentional action to do so."

Learn more about John:

https://johnrmiles.com/

Passion Struck Podcast:

https://passionstruck.com/passion-struck-podcast/

John's new book, Passion Struck:

https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ

John on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/john_r_miles/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesjohn/

https://www.youtube.com/c/johnrmiles

My guest this week is Matt Brown, the founding and senior pastor at Sandals church in Riverside, California. From a humble eight-person church plant in 1997, Sandals Church has now expanded to 14 physical campuses across California, with a digital footprint touching 110,000 people weekly.

In our conversation, Pastor Matt shares insights from his latest book, Every Day a Miracle. He challenges us to explore the everyday opportunities for miracles and invites us to see Jesus not just as a savior but as a healer.

I can't wait for you to join us for this powerful discussion filled with laughter, tears, and deep reflections on faith and prayer.

2:17 – Matt 101

• The early years of church planting
• Matt's hobbies and interests outside of pastoring
• A vision to be real as a church

13:16 – The Power of Confession and Repentance

• Modeling confession for the next generation
• A story of miraculous healing

20:31 – Faith-Driven Miracles

• The inspiration behind Matt's book, Every Day A Miracle
• God answers all prayers with yes, no, or wait
• Miracles in moments of desperation

28:12 – Participation in Miracles

• Getting real with God
• Repetition and meaning in prayer
• Trusting and worshiping amid uncertainty

40:27 – Journeying with Jesus

• Matt's prayer for people reading his book
• Asking "how" instead of "why" during disappointment
• The complexity of healing

52:21 – Takeaways

• Connecting with Matt
• Pre-ordering Every Day A Miracle

FEATURED QUOTES

"If you want to heal, you've got to get real…That's just the only way it works."

"I'm not one of these super uber charismatic people that's always believed in miracles… I'm a Baptist, who has been compelled by repeated evidence that they happen, that miracles are real, and they happen every day."

"I cannot guarantee the miracle you want, but I do guarantee the miracle you need."

"There's a very little chance of that prayer being answered if your audience is the people around you and not the God in heaven."

Learn more about Matt:

Sandals Church

https://sandalschurch.com/

Pre-order Everyday a Miracle

https://everydayamiraclebook.com/

Matt on social media

https://www.instagram.com/matthewstephenbrown/

https://twitter.com/pastormattbrown

https://www.facebook.com/pastormattbrown/

Today we're joined by my good friend, Shannon Leyko. Shannon is an author, podcast host, mother of three, and a military wife who recently moved from Alaska to Florida with her family.

As a former Miss New York for the Miss America Organization, classically trained vocalist, and reality television development producer, Shannon has worn many hats throughout her life. Along with this, her book, You're Completely Normal, achieved recognition as one of the Top 50 Hot New Releases in Self-Development on Amazon in 2020.

Shannon currently works as a ghostwriter and content creator for a world-renowned psychologist and is the host of the podcast Paring Down, where she helps listeners live a more intentional, decluttered life.

Stay tuned for a powerful conversation on embracing the non-linear path, cherishing the present, and being mindful of what truly matters. I know you're going to love it!

7:31 – Shannon 101

• Becoming Miss New York after college
• Moving to DC and Virginia Beach
• Becoming a military wife and moving to Alaska
• Writing a book, moving to Florida, and starting a podcast

13:08 – A Non-Linear Path

• Societal pressure to follow a linear life trajectory
• The inspiration behind Shannon's book, "You're Completely Normal"
• Guiding children to be content with their individual paths
• Nonlinear paths leading to personal growth and wisdom

26:22 – The Power of Patience

• Taking your next step in faith
• The human tendency to take matters into your own hands
• Peace through trusting in God's plan

32:54 – Decluttering and Slowing Down

• How living in Alaska inspired the Paring Down Podcast
• The power of intentionality and gratitude
• The sentimental aspect of decluttering
• Swedish death cleaning

54:07 – Don't Save the Good Wine

• Living intentionally and for the now
• Wear the sequin pants
• The frailty of life
• Creating a calm home environment

FEATURED QUOTES

"It will all come together if you just continue to pursue the things that God calls you to that bring you joy, and not always just move through with urgency."

"If I remove this urgency from my life, this idea of where I want to go, what success means to me…remove all of that and just put on God's lenses and say, 'I trust in His will. Let me sit back and listen to what He wants from me.' That… makes our lives so much better."

"Be mindful and present right now, because today matters. Use the good things. Don't put the quilt that your grandma sewed for your child in the closet because you don't want anything to spill on it. Put it on their bed. Let them use it."

Learn more about Shannon:

https://www.theexpertbeginner.com/

Shannon on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/paringdownpodcast/

The Paring Down Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paring-down-realistic-minimalism-to-live-more-intentionally/id1713108995

Shannon's Book, You're Completely Normal:

https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Completely-Normal-Trading-Should/dp/0578742616

My guest this week is the incredible Susie Larson, who you might know as the host of the popular radio show, Susie Larson Live. Susie is also a best-selling author and national speaker who is passionate about helping people discover the depth of God's love, the value of their soul, and their calling in Christ Jesus.

Susie is a two-time finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, has authored over 20 books and devotionals, and touches the lives of over half a million people weekly on social media with her daily devotionals.

We'll be diving into her newest book, Waking Up to the Goodness of God: 40 Days Toward Healing and Wholeness, and exploring what it means to intentionally embrace God's goodness each day. Susie has such a powerful story of faith, healing, and resilience and has amazing insights into what it looks like to make space for hope in our lives, even in the darkest of moments.

3:34 – Susie 101

• Susie's family and upbringing
• Starting as an author and speaker and becoming a full-time talk radio host
• Susie's journey through high-risk pregnancies and Lyme disease
• Embracing the goodness of God

17:09 – Trust in the Midst of Loss

• Choosing trust over bitterness in the face of life's hardships
• Leaning into God's goodness
• Actively imprinting God's goodness on the heart

24:50 – Making Space for Hope

• We can't afford to live without hope
• Spend time getting to know God
• Finding older mentors that have a fire for God

29:23 – Spiritual Resiliency

• Affirmations and declarations rooted in biblical truths
• Battling inner critics and countering the lies of the enemy
• How Susie rewired her brain while battling Lyme disease

37:16 – Overcoming Fear + Closing Thoughts

• The significance of 40 days in healing
• Pushing through the wall of fear to expand your ministry and purpose
• Ordering Susie's book and where to find her radio show

FEATURED QUOTES

"I would say a large share of Christians might have right theology around salvation- they know they're saved, but they don't know they're loved- and that makes a very big difference."

"Maybe you're in between crises, and in between storms… this is the perfect time to be looking around and noticing the goodness of God all around you."

"There are legitimate reasons for fear in our day. But there's even more legitimate reasons for faith because our future is bright in Jesus."

"If you're willing to apply yourself to the truth of God, change will happen."

Learn more about Susie:

Susie's Book, Waking Up to the Goodness of God

https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Up-Goodness-God-Wholeness/dp/0785294716

Susie's Radio Show:

https://myfaithradio.com/programs/susie-larson-live/

Susie's Website:

https://www.susielarson.com/about

Welcome to the first official episode recorded in 2024! After an incredible year filled with so many inspiring conversations, I've decided to shake things up and steer away from the usual New Year's resolutions talk this year.

Let's face it, there's nothing inherently magical about January 1st. So instead, I want to share some of my favorite lessons from the podcast and life in 2023. I hope this episode encourages you and inspires a fresh perspective on the year ahead!

3:51 – Word of the Year

• Reflecting on the last two years
• This year's word: "flourish"
• Your word of the year

7:16 – The Podcast in 2024

• 8 years of the podcast
• Switching up formats this year
• Getting creative and breaking routines

9:43 – "If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry"

• Recording my audiobook
• Prayers for this journey
• Pre-ordering the book
• Mini book tour

13:41 – Top 5 Episodes of 2023

• Episode 334, Megan Hyatt Miller
• Episode 369, Jay Hewitt
• Episode 373, Dr. Emily Smith
• Episode 345, Jamie Winship
• Episode 376, Ginny Yurich

23:29 – Encouragements For This Year

• Saying "no" to more things and "yes" to the right things
• Giving yourself room to try new things and mess up
• Learning when and when not to apologize
• Creating margin in your summer

FEATURED QUOTES

"I want to give you the encouragement to, this year, give yourself the space to break routines. Give yourself the space to get creative, give yourself the space to try something new."

"I'm encouraging you to say no to more things, so that you can say yes to the right things. This is not a new concept. But it's easier said than done."

"I am so excited about what this podcast is going to look like this year."

We're kicking off the new year with Bill and Kristi Gaultiere. They are Doctors of Psychology and founders of the Soul Shepherding Institute, a ministry dedicated to helping pastors, leaders, churches and more thrive with Jesus in emotional and relational health.

Bill and Kristi have authored several soul care books and resources, such as their newest book, "Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith." I'm so excited to have them on today to explore the relationship between our spiritual lives and mental health. Stay tuned as we talk about how embracing our feelings can lead to greater joy, peace, and spiritual growth.

4:25 – Bill and Kristi 101

• A background in counseling and ministry
• Starting Soul Shepherding in 2009

9:21 – Psychology and Faith

• Spiritual Directors vs Spiritual Counselors
• All truth is God's truth
• Embracing emotions to deepen your relationship with others and God

19:43 – The Enneagram

• Using the Enneagram as a tool for spiritual growth
• Unconscious sin, dysfunction, and areas of growth
• Dealing with distressing emotions to cultivate positive emotions

27:15 – Embracing Emotions, Empathy, and Faith

• Anxiety as a repressed emotion
• Empathy and understanding with the Enneagram
• Jesus' emotions and faith

38:12 – Breaking Free into Greater Joy

• Taking action when dealing with anxiety and depression
• Finding words for your emotions + seeking support
• Bill and Kristi's recommended resources

FEATURED QUOTES

"We just realized that all the people who are helping other people are prone to neglect their own soul. And so that's our niche, to reach in there for the people that are really committed in their relationships in their work... and to really help them care for their own soul so that their work, their ministry, can be coming out of the overflow of God's love to them."

"God doesn't want us to be hiding our emotions. He wants us to be emotionally honest with him, like the psalmist."

"Jesus shows us perfect faith in God. He shows us how to have healthy feelings and thriving faith. He shows us how feelings and faith are not necessarily enemies. Some people think that they don't get along with each other, but actually being aware of our emotions and learning to care for our emotions and other people's emotions…helps us become more like Jesus."

Soul Shepherd Website-

https://www.soulshepherding.org/

"Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith" Book-

https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Feelings-Thriving-Faith-Emotionally/dp/0800742818

Soul Shepherd Enneagram Resources-

https://www.soulshepherding.org/enneagram/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhc-sBhCEARIsAOVwHuQwau6brhW2gSyD3j64zm6zbSQIfbfanPcY0jg0uitQPjGzELTh_yIaAqdeEALw_wcB

Meet with a Spiritual Director-

https://www.soulshepherding.org/spiritual-directors-directory/

This week, I'm excited to welcome Ginny Yurich, a homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside- a global movement reclaiming childhood and fostering family connections through nature-based play. Alongside her husband, Josh, Ginny is the brilliant mind behind the 1000 Hours Outside lifestyle brand, featuring an online store, app, podcast, a brand new book, and much more.

Whether you have kids or not, this episode is an absolute must-listen. We dig deep into issues that resonate, especially for those of us stuck behind desks and indoors all day. This conversation was deep, thought-provoking, and left me feeling challenged and convicted in the best way. It's easily one of my top 10 favorite episodes of all time, and I'm so excited to share it with you!

3:36 – Ginny 101

• Struggles of early motherhood
• A playdate that changed everything
• Transformation through outdoor time
• Writing about this experience

15:07 – The Power of Outdoor Play

• The challenges of modern parenting
• Making small, intentional changes in daily routines
• Building outdoor habits as a family
• The power of friends and community with outdoor activities

34:11 – Embracing All Seasons

• The magic of winter
• Leaning into the unique experiences each season brings
• Cultivating grit and resilience

41:55 – Parenting in a Changing World

• Balancing structured and unstructured activities
• Encouraging self-discovery and independence
• Rethinking the college-centric path

1:01:21 – Takeaways + Words of Encouragement

• The power of pre-ordering books
• The long-term impact of parenting choices
• Celebrating real-life, hands-on experiences

FEATURED QUOTES

"If all that time, all those memories, all that relationship building, all of that connection, all of those moments of exhale- if those had gone to screens, our life would be so much less full….This is about bringing balance back to childhood."

"What I've learned over the past decade is that this is a step that you take as a family. And the step is awareness. It's about knowing that, when we play outside, it benefits every single member of your family, from your newborn to your grandmother to your great grandmother."

"There are long-term effects to the choices that we make. And this is their life, this is their childhood. And it's important to understand, at least to a small degree, what self-directed childhood play does for kids. And it does an immense amount."

Learn more about Ginny:

https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/

https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/about-us

https://www.amazon.com/Until-Streetlights-Come-Brightens-Uncertain-ebook/dp/B0BW11WHTN/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1703003496&refinements=p_27%3AGinny+Yurich&s=books&sr=1-1

Jenny and Dave Marrs have been restoring and renovating historic homes since 2004. You may know them as the stars of the HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous, where they showcase their amazing work in their charming hometown, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Jenny and Dave believe that beautiful spaces are often imperfect and full of character, much like those who live there. Faith, family, and community are the driving forces behind everything they do, and I'm so excited to have them share their story with you today.

Listen in to learn more about the heart behind the work that they do, their passion for nonprofit and community engagement and what it means to lean into intentional living.

5:35 – Jenny and Dave 101

• Moved to Arkansas in 2004
• Started a family building company
• Getting picked up by the HGTV network

12:02 – Cultivating Hope

• Jenny's fundraiser that evolved into a nonprofit
• Establishing a partnership in Zimbabwe
• Empowering orphaned teenagers through agriculture

19:49 – Called To Adoption

• A heart for adoption and family preservation
• Misconceptions about adoption and foster care
• Acknowledging the brokenness and trauma that comes with adoption

28:25 – Home and Heart

• Incorporating charitable passions into their HGTV show
• A passion for restoring older homes and preserving history
• The logistics of moving a home to a new location
• The cultural shift in homeownership

51:04 – Intentionality In Your Space

• Jenny's book release
• Making your home work for you and your family
• Where to find Jenny and Dave

FEATURED QUOTES

"There's so much beauty in adoption and redemption and all of that but it is all very much rooted and trauma and loss and brokenness, which is just the reality."

"Your family's story changes…when we moved out here 10 years ago, our twins were just about to turn four. Now they're bigger than Jenny is…there's always a shift and a juggle to make it fit our family's current needs."

"You can always paint the walls back and sell it… you can make changes and take risks… it's about giving yourself permission to love the space where you live."

This week, I am thrilled to have the incredible Ciara Laine Myers as my guest. Ciara is a mother, award winning business owner, and author of the book Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone.This book is an collection of personal stories and life lessons brimming with heart, passion, and raw authenticity that will resonate with every reader.

In our conversation today, Ciara and I dive into the depths of vision and purpose in life. We learn more about Ciara's story, what led her to write this book, and reflect on the beauty that comes from embracing both the dreamer and the visionary within ourselves.

Stay tuned as we chat about the delicate balance between dreaming and doing, the importance of humility in fulfilling our calling, inspiring others with our gifts, and so much more!

2:45 – Ciara 101

• Growing up in the faith
• Starting a group counseling center
• Being called into the writing industry

8:52 – A Calling To Write

• A strong calling to stop digital work
• The genesis of Ciara's book
• Finding and living one's purpose, calling, and vision

21:28 – Living With Purpose

• The role of purpose and meaning in longevity
• Adam and Eve in the garden
• Practical approaches for pursuing purpose in your life

33:23 – Balancing Vision and Action

• The distinction between being a dreamer and a visionary
• Bringing your dreams to fruition and inviting others into the process
• Being confident in one's calling while maintaining humility

43:28 – Closing Thoughts

• Daily date with God + what this looks like for Ciara
• How to connect with Ciara

FEATURED QUOTES

"God is an example to us of how we need to be a visionary. If he had stopped at the dreaming, none of us would exist."

"How can I serve one person with my gift? Awkwardly? Humbly? Just one soul. How can I do that? If I throw a concert and only one person comes, it's more than worth it."

Learn more about Ciara:

https://veiledfree.com/