The holidays can feel magical… or they can feel like mayday, mayday!
If your expectations, emotions, or family dynamics are making this season feel heavy, this episode will be a breath of fresh air.

Today it’s just you and me, talking through three simple steps and five practical tips to help you tell yourself the truth, process what you’re really feeling, and actually enjoy your holiday season—with God right in the center of it.

Announcements:
🎄 Join the Clean Heart Club Facebook group for weekly guided meditations and our December Joy to the World mornings.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
✨ Learn about Clean Heart Club Together 2026 — our 90 Day, faith-filled coaching community.
🎁 Need a stocking stuffer? My book Hello, You! is available on Amazon.

Get Your Holiday Helper

Today I’m introducing you to 22-year-old entrepreneur and hometown girl, Whitney Zumhalen. Whitney grew up on a family farm in small-town Illinois, raced through college to earn her marketing degree and an MBA, and now runs her own digital marketing business helping local companies grow online. We talk about farm work ethic, going viral with our local Drive-In Theater, the wild world of social media (and AI!), and what it’s really like to be a young business owner trying to build a life that honors God, family, and meaningful work.

Connect with Whitney

• Personal Instagram: @whitneyzumbahlen

• Biz Instagram: @whitmarketinggroup

• Personal TikTok: @whitneyzumbahlen

• Biz TikTok: @whitmarketinggroup

• LinkedIn: Whitney Zumbahlen

• Email: [email protected]
  Viral video: https://www.tiktok.com/@driventheatre/video/7497713196078206251

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Clean Heart Club crew, you are in for such a tender, faith-filled treat today. 🥹✨

I’m welcoming my longtime friend Sherry Weedman to the podcast—pastor, mama of seven (one in heaven), Grammy to 21 (and a great-grandma!), and spiritual mama at HopeUC Nashville, a beautiful “barn church” that’s bursting at the seams with worship, community, and real-deal Jesus people.

We talk about what it means to be a “family of families” in the church, how to create small group spaces where people are truly seen and known, and why the world is hungry for authentic, not polished. Sherry shares deeply vulnerable stories of losing her son and grandson, how God met her in devastating grief, and how He truly makes beauty from ashes—or as she says, “brutiful things: both brutal and beautiful.”

If you’ve ever been hurt by church, avoided small groups, struggled with shame, or wondered if God could ever redeem the hardest parts of your story…this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a holy invitation. 🤍

• HopeUC Nashville and the HopeUC global family of churches

  https://youtu.be/MEOOfBiyVEc

  http://www.hopeucnashville.com/

  
  

• Darlene Zschech (writer of “Shout to the Lord” and part of the HopeUC story)
  

Mentioned in this EpisodeCreative Comfort: Where Grief Meets God by Natalie Weedman (Sherry’s daughter-in-law)

https://a.co/d/3VnINXj

If this blessed you, would you follow/subscribe and share it with a friend who needs courage today?

Want gentle soul care in your inbox? Join my Clean Heart Club list for meditations + notes from me.

P.S. If you’ve been thinking about baptism…consider this your nudge. I’m cheering you on.

P.P.S. New here? My book Hello, You! is a hug in paperback—made to walk with you through seasons like this.

Thanks for listening, friend. I’m so glad you’re here. 💛

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I’m welcoming my former junior-high student (full-circle goosebumps!), Susanne Schackman—now a wife, mama of four, interior designer, and one-year cancer-free survivor. We talk honest faith, a wild roof-fall miracle, a river-side baptism with her daughter, why peace really can pass understanding, and what breast cancer looked like for her (hint: not a lump). It’s tender, real, and full of hope.

Meet Susanne

44, married to her best friend, mom of 4 (21, 18, almost-16, and 5!)

Interior designer in commercial spaces; outdoor-living superfan

One year cancer-free—praising God for clear margins and no spread 🙌

Gentle health PSA (from Susanne)

Breast cancer doesn’t always show up as a lump. Nipple discharge (especially bloody/colored) can be a sign. If that’s you—or someone you love—please call your provider and ask for mammogram + ultrasound (and push for an MRI if needed). Early matters. You matter. 💗

Connect + next steps

If this blessed you, would you follow/subscribe and share it with a friend who needs courage today?

Want gentle soul care in your inbox? Join my Clean Heart Club list for meditations + notes from me.

P.S. If you’ve been thinking about baptism…consider this your nudge. I’m cheering you on.

P.P.S. New here? My book Hello, You! is a hug in paperback—made to walk with you through seasons like this.

Thanks for listening, friend. I’m so glad you’re here. 💛

Let's Connect

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In this heartfelt episode of the Clean Heart Club podcast, host Susan Shull welcomes her dear friend Sheri Fisher. Together, they explore Sherri's inspiring journey from a challenging past to a life filled with faith, gratitude, and healing. Sherri shares her personal experiences with overcoming adversity, the power of breath prayer, and the importance of finding a supportive community. Tune in to hear how Sherri's faith and resilience have transformed her life and how she continues to inspire others through her Soul Journey podcast and coaching endeavors.

Meet Sheri:

She's a wife, mom, retired teacher of 32 years, and now a Master Certified Christian Life Coach. She’s the host of The Soul Journey Podcast and founder of the Soul Journey Collective, where she helps women at the threshold of change—whether that’s retirement, empty nest, or other life transitions—find clarity, confidence, and faith in God’s plan.

Through her podcast and coaching, she combines her love of Christian music, Scripture, and encouragement to remind women that every chapter of their story can be filled with purpose, hope, and abundance.

Email: [email protected]

The Soul Journey Podcast

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Link Tree (everything in one place!)

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For the second time on the Clean Heart Club Podcast, it’s just me behind the mic! 🎙️ In this special solo episode, I share the story behind my brand-new book, Hello, You! Being Yourself in a World that Wants You to Be Everyone Else.

This conversation is part behind-the-scenes, part encouragement, and part invitation to step into the freedom of becoming your true self in Christ.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The surprising way this book project began during my Master Coach training
  

• How fear, people-pleasing, and old habits surfaced—and how God used coaching, journaling, and Scripture to bring healing
  

• The baby steps that helped me move forward when writing felt overwhelming
  

• Why reflection questions matter and how they’re helping readers dig deeper
  

• A sneak peek at all 15 chapter titles
  

• Scriptures and favorite quotes woven throughout (Psalm 139, Romans 12, C.S. Lewis, Dallas Willard, L.M. Montgomery, and more)
  

• A heartfelt excerpt from the introduction and a closing prayer for you

Favorite Quotes from the Episode

“When you do something out of your comfort zone, it brings up everything—and that’s where God meets you.”

“You’ll never find your true self apart from God.”

“We get to live until we die—fully live.”

Chapter Highlights from Hello, You!

1. Not a Grandfather in the Sky
   

2. You—God’s Masterpiece in the Light
   

3. Your Body: A Masterpiece in Motion
   

4. Goodbye, Robot Girl
   

5. Not Every Thought Deserves a Me
   

6. Living in Your Love Era
   

7. I Never Dreamed I Would Be Disfellowshipped—but I Was
   

8. She’s in There—Let’s Go Find Her
   

9. Confessions of a Former Fixer
   

10. Get Off the Throne, Darling
    

11. Put Down the Prickly Thing
    

12. Looking for Lovely
    

13. Bring Your Own Container
    

14. Dear Heavenly Father… Wait, What Was I Saying?
    

15. Ta-da! It’s Me

Resources & mentions

• Book: Hello, You! Being Yourself in a World that Wants You to Be Everyone Else —https://amzn.to/4pHm6Yf

• Cover/Editor: Honey — [email protected]

• Quotes from C.S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Dallas Willard, and more

Support the show

• Grab your copy of Hello, You! and a second for a friend
  

• Leave a short ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon review (2–3 sentences helps a ton)
  

• Share this episode in your stories and tag @avintagefarmwife
  

• Email Susan your takeaways or a favorite quote from the book

We’re back for Season 3 of the Clean Heart Club Podcast—and I couldn’t think of a better way to start than by welcoming back my pastor and friend, Kevin Colclasure.

You loved our last conversation with Kevin, and this time we’re diving into a topic he’s been preaching and living: spiritual disciplines—the practices Jesus modeled that help us grow in holiness and become more like Him.

In this rich and practical conversation, we talk about:

• What spiritual disciplines are (and what they’re not)

• Why Sabbath rest might be harder than it sounds

• The difference between being a Christian and being a follower of Christ

• How practices like prayer, Scripture, solitude, and fasting shape us over time

• Why holiness is an invitation, not a “holier-than-thou” attitude

• How God transforms us as we simply spend time with Him

Kevin also shares his own journey of learning (and sometimes struggling!) to practice disciplines like Sabbath, journaling, and fasting—and why it’s worth starting small.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deepen your walk with Jesus in your everyday life—or if you’ve struggled to make time for God in the busyness of the world—this episode will encourage and challenge you in the best way.

Resources & Mentions:

• The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

• Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

• Dallas Willard’s teaching on discipleship and spiritual disciplines

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Welcome back to the Clean Heart Club! Today, Susan has a truly inspiring conversation with Deanna Leonard—a creative coach, artist, speaker, and retired corporate executive whose journey will move and motivate you.

Deanna shares how she went from a high-powered corporate career (including an MBA from Duke and global travel) to early retirement, surviving a stroke, and reinventing herself as a creative leader helping other women embrace new technology (including AI!) to rediscover their own artistic spark.

This episode is packed with honesty, wisdom, and laughter. Get ready to feel both challenged and encouraged to live at the pace of grace.

Resources Mentioned:

• She Is AI: Global movement helping women find their voice and tools for life

• Creative Event Magazine: Where Deanna’s art was featured and toured Europe before landing in Times Square

• • Rest and Build by Cynthia White
    The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

  
  

  Meet Deanna:

  As a LinkedIn Top 100 AI Creative, I bring a unique blend of high-energy storytelling and 20+ years of leadership experience to every stage and boardroom. I empower businesses and women to harness AI strategically, transforming toplines, bottom lines, and everything in between. Through my work with SHE IS AI, I’m on a mission to help a million women worldwide unlock the transformative power of inclusive, ethical, and human-centered AI. Whether it’s my keynote on “Tech Couture” at UNC or my talk on when EI meets AI, or my consulting with leading brands, I bridge the gap between cutting-edge AI tools and real-world business impact. Let’s turn innovation and creativity into actionable growth together. And let’s learn the value of living at the pace of grace.

  
  

  Connect with Deanna:

  Deannaleonard.art

  Deanna Leonard, MBA | LinkedIn

  Facebook

  Instagram

  
  Meet Susan

  Hi! Thank you for being here!  I'm a farmwife, Mom and Grammie to 7 sweeties, and a Christian Life Coach. I love Jesus, and want the world to know HIM. My life's mission is to help other women walk in wellness - body, mind, and spirit. 

  
  

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• 
  

 In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Susan sits down with singer-songwriter, coach, and author Cassie Fowler for a conversation that will stir your heart and strengthen your courage. Cassie shares her personal story of navigating depression, anxiety, and burnout, and how God met her in the hard places to bring healing and purpose.

Cassie performs her original song Even If — a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness in uncertain seasons. She also unpacks the lessons she’s learned from writing her book Courageous Identity, coaching others, and facing personal fears of rejection.

From battling the “I should disappear” lie to stepping boldly into God’s calling, Cassie offers rich encouragement for anyone standing at the edge of something hard — whether it’s writing a book, pursuing a dream, or simply taking the next step. You’ll hear about emotional regulation, living outside your comfort zone, people-pleasing, spiritual growth, and the invitation to encounter God’s real and beautiful presence in every season.

Some of the beautiful takeaways from Cassie’s story:

• "Showing up as my authentic self gives others permission to show up for themselves."

• The difference between I want to → I will → I must when pursuing big goals

• Choosing excitement over fear

• How to sit with anxiety rather than react to it

• The difference between compassion and codependency

• Letting go of needing permission and fully stepping into God-given freedom
  

🎶 Special Feature: Cassie debuts her original song Even If — don’t miss this beautiful moment of worship and vulnerability.

Connect with Cassie: Cassie’s book Courageous Identity is in the works — stay tuned for its release! 🎤 You can find her singing karaoke or leading worship — she’s a creative through and through!

Resources Mentioned:

• Life Mentoring School by Dr. Edie Wadsworth

• Brilliant Perspectives podcast by Graham Cooke

• Dallas Willard on apprenticeship with Jesus
  

A Word for the Listener: Wherever you are in your hard thing, may Cassie’s journey remind you: you don’t need permission to become who God made you to be. Freedom is already yours. 🌿

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What makes someone pack up their Ford Escort, grab their sled dog, and drive solo to Alaska without ever having set foot there? Faith. Grit. 

In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with my friend and fellow writer Cathy Brooks, an Alaskan author who has lived an extraordinary life—from dairy farm roots in rural Pennsylvania to off-the-grid wilderness living with babies and 25 sled dogs (yes, really). Her story is full of courage, hardship, and the unmistakable faithfulness of God.

We talk about:

• What it’s really like to live in interior Alaska
  

• The spiritual strength it takes to endure isolation
  

• Hearing the sound of the Northern Lights
  

• Raising babies in the wilderness
  

• The historical wounds of the Church in Alaska—and the hope of healing
  

• Why processing pain matters—and how her book Sirens helps others begin
  

Whether you're navigating a wilderness of your own or simply curious what it looks like to live an our-of-the-ordinary life, Cathy’s story will move you deeply.

Resources & Links:

• 📚 Sirens by Kathy Brooks → [Sirens]
  💻 Kathy’s website: www.write22.com

  
  

  Meet Susan

  Hi! Thank you for being here!  I'm a farmwife, Mom and Grammie to 7 sweeties, and a Christian Life Coach. I love Jesus, and want the world to know HIM. My life's mission is to help other women walk in wellness - body, mind, and spirit. 

  If you are ready to elevate your life and step out of your comfort zone (which can often become a prison) ⁠check out the Clean Heart Club Course here⁠!

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