Alexis Butcher was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 while pregnant with her first child. On this Date she discusses how she made it through this unimaginable experience with her faith in God still in tact, and what healing and redemption has looked like in the years that have followed.

Hey, Allie here! In this week's Speed Date, you will be serenaded! Music is my number one artistic passion, and this week I'm sharing a song that I wrote that I continue to listen to in a season of discomfort and, honestly, distress. It's called "Tired." So often when we say we’re tired, we’re really devastated, heartbroken, grieving, upset, lonely, afraid, worn down, weary. "Tired" acts as a euphemism for feelings that are much more deeply felt.

This song is my prayer and lament. My hope is that it gives you a space to feel your hard feelings, and then move toward truth and not get stuck in your emotions and despair. Quite a date, right?

I'm also including a resource that I have been using: a daily song devotional that has helped remind me of truth when I want to fall into despair.

https://short.theworshipinitiative.com/home

Thanks for listening! Please comment, like, and share this episode. Thank you for your support!

A car accident in 2012 changed everything, but Hannah Rock is refusing to let it define the rest of her story. After breaking her neck and crushing her spine, she was told she would never walk again, yet she has spent the last 14 years holding onto a promise that feels bigger than the pain, the wait, and the setbacks.

Hannah joins Allie Alaniz for an honest, deeply personal conversation about faith, trauma, and the kind of hope that has to survive in real life. What starts as a nostalgic catch-up about church days, dance teams, and youth group memories quickly turns into a powerful testimony of loss, loneliness, perseverance, and the stubborn belief that God is still writing something beautiful. This feels less like an interview and more like two friends wrestling with big truth, deep pain, and real hope.

If you need a reminder that waiting is not wasted, that healing is not only physical, and that God can use your story while it is still unfolding, this episode is for you. Perfect for anyone walking through disappointment, delay, or a season that feels bigger than their strength.

On this Speed Date, we talk about why kids are the BEST. Allie shares her personal journey through childhood trauma, inner child work, and how her children help her reconnect with her true self. She explores the healing power of curiosity, resilience, and embracing childlike wonder to overcome adult anxieties.

This Date is with Jessica Manke, certified "ride-or-die." If you've ever struggled to go beyond surface-level friendships, consider this "Ride-or-die 101." Jess and Allie talk about their friendship and what took them from acquaintances to emergency contacts. Topics include but are not limited to: dinosaurs, scabies, the giant blobs that campgrounds have in their lakes (spoiler alert: tragedy ensues), running into a burning building for each other, and Jess being the sole tennant on a mold-infested floor of a college dorm.

On this Speed Date, Allie talks about local Cincinnati artist, Chuck Folzenlogan. She briefly highlights who he is, his art style, and where you can see his art for yourself! Check him out at chuckfolzenlogan.com and on instagram at @chuckfolzenloganart!

Alexis Butcher was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 while pregnant with her first child. On this Date she discusses how she made it through this unimaginable experience with her faith in God still in tact, and what healing and redemption has looked like in the years that have followed.

PARENTS, BE PREPARED! Host Allie Alaniz and her daughter, Amelia-Jane, discuss Amelia-Jane's experience learning the "Secret of Santa" through her mom's book. As the first reader of this book, Amelia-Jane gives valuable insight into a child's perspective on learning this delicate secret and how the magic of Christmas and her childlike wonder was preserved.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of The Secret of Santa for the children in your life, it is available online on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you want a signed copy of the book, there is a PayPal link in the bio on the Coffee Date Instagram page where you can purchase directly from Allie, the author. Shipping is available! Links to all are also provided below.

Purchase a SIGNED copy from the author:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VTF5ZN488W7R8

Amazon:

https://a.co/d/0g14ANoB

Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-of-santa-allison-cassidy-alaniz/1150155044?ean=9798318836107

Meet Cru Andreasen, author of The Endurance! On this Coffee Date, Cru talks with Allie about his book-in-progress: a sci-fi murder-mystery on a terraformed Mars. Highlights include: sentient AI characters, Martian accents and trendy Martian clothing as well as Cru's inspiration, writing process and where to read the chapters he's releasing weekly. This was such a fun Coffee Date! Listen now!

Should you date your best friend?? Friends turned spouses, Josh and Allie, share their hot take on this question in this Speed Date. Listen now and join the conversation online!