Episode # 28, Meredith

In today’s episode, I sit down with my friend, Meredith, for an honest conversation on the cost of following Jesus. She’s a soon-to-be mom, musician, and wife to Caleb, who together actually sang at Noah and I’s wedding. We discuss what it really means to be led along paths of righteousness, what true surrender looks like, The Lord’s faithfulness in our lives, and being content in the present where He has us. She’s tender-hearted and wise, and I’m excited to share her story.

Connect with today’s guest @meredith.macie

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

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What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here. 

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

For questions, comments, or to share your story on the show, email me at [email protected]

Episode # 28, feat. Noah

Happy New Year! After a short break for the holidays, I'm joined today by my husband, Noah, for the first episode of 2026. We have an unfiltered conversation on the things we learned in 2025 and our goals and resolutions for 2026, touching on faith, career and finances, podcasting, fitness and health, relationships, and more.

We share some highlights from the past year, including a handful of the things we took away from Jesus '25 in Orlando last month, and how we're hoping to carry it all into the new year.

I pray our conversation leaves you feeling reflective, hopeful, and encouraged as you, too, turn the page into this fresh chapter that The Lord has blessed us with.

Connect with Noah @_youngnoah and @inoahrealtor

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review, or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

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What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there's so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we've come from, and what we've learned along the way, and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That's my heart behind Empty Glasses - it's a podcast geared towards telling real stories, by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There's a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

For questions, comments, or to share your story on the show, shoot me an email at [email protected]

Episode # 27, Genesis || In this week’s episode I sit down with my friend, Genesis. She’s truly sunshine in human form, as a wife to her high school sweetheart, mom to three, and content creator. She opens up on her journey of being raised in the church to then walking away and unexpectedly finding out she was pregnant at 19 years old. She’s since learned there really is a reason for everything we go through, and shares how coming to know Christ’s love has helped her begun to find true freedom and healing. We touch on the effects of performance-based faith and legalism, as well as getting free from the weight of the shame of our past. Her story is real, raw, and honest, and ends in a call to go forth and love people like Jesus. It’s powerful, and I pray you too are able to find hope here when guilt maybe feels stronger than grace.

Connect with today’s guest @genesislitteral

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 26, Rachael || In this week’s episode I sit down with Rachael, a seasoned wife, mom, coffee fanatic, and worship leader. We dive into her heart for worship and discuss how worship is both our song, and the way we live our lives, whether we’re at work, working out, washing dishes, cooking dinner, or reading The Bible. She shares an inside glimpse into one of the hardest seasons she’s walked through, and shares how by wrestling with God she actually came out closer to Him on the other side. And, it was out of this wrestle that her book, Backwards, was written. We touch on all this and more, and you’ll see that her heart is for people to truly just know and trust that God is who He says He is. I hope you’ll stick around through the end, and pray you’re as encouraged as I was chatting with her.

Connect with today’s guest @rachaelrestrick

Buy her book, Backwards, on Amazon.

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 25, Janine || I want to wish today’s guest, Janine, a very happy birthday. It just so happened to line up that her episode would air on her special day, so happy birthday, Janine!! Our conversation was a beautifully honest one centered around the theme of community. From being raised in a Christian home, to deconstructing her faith post college, Janine shares powerful testimonies of God’s provision in her life and how community, alongside other things, helped to grow her faith. We discuss the importance of letting people in, truthfully sharing what’s on your heart, and vulnerability. She gives some practical tips on how to make friends and find good community, as well as advice on laying aside judgement and stepping out of our comfort zones to build meaningful relationships. I was encouraged and have no doubt you will be too, so I hope you’ll stick around till the end.

Connect with today’s guest @jayne9e

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 24, Thanksgiving Special || Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s episode is a little bit different than usual, but is a special one. I take some time to talk about the idea of “thanksgiving”, breaking it down in both a biblical, and practical, context. I’ll share some thoughts of mine as well as some research I’ve done on this topic, including the neuroscience of gratitude on anxiety and the brain, having a heart of gratitude amidst suffering, and the gospel as the greatest we could ever receive. You’ll hear a bit from me, your host Bella, as well as some of my past Empty Glasses Podcast guests sharing what thanksgiving looks like to them. It’s timely and reflective, and I pray you’re encouraged and stick around until the end.

I’m so grateful for everyone who has supported the show this past year, by listening, following, and sharing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Connect with today’s guests @caitsingleton @claraxoxo22 @alisonisaacs @genesislitteral @omercedesb @lifewithalliejo @jayne9e @_youngnoah

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 23, Morgan || In today’s episode, I chat with Morgan, a bold evangelist, young wife and mom, servant-hearted leader, and lover of the outdoors. If you love storytelling and hearing stories of God’s goodness, this one is for you. Morgan shares her heart for Jesus and people, through incredible testimonies from the mission field. From her time in Florida, to Australia, Africa, and now Montana, she shares what it looks like to practically live for God in the day to day, and how to invite Him in and listen for His voice. She gets real and honest about things she’s been through and things she’s believing in for the future, all while remaining steadfast and trusting in God’s plan above her own. This conversation stirred my heart, as I’m sure it will yours.

Connect with Morgan @morganllclarke

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 22, Gianna || In today’s episode I sit down with my friend Gianna for a genuine conversation packed full of truth. She’s a girls girl, and talks us through so many practical things she has walked through, and still is walking through. A large part of our conversation centers around “waiting on God” and what that practically looks like. She shares her disappointments, struggles, fears, and the lies she’s faced over the years of becoming the woman God has made her to be. It’s hard to be patient and remain hopeful when it seems like our dreams are coming true for everyone around us, but not ourselves, and we talk about it. We even touch on finding the balance between “just praying about it” and seeking practical help, like therapy, when hope feels too hard. This is real, practical, and timely, and I hope you’ll stay through to the end. I’m so glad you’re here.

Connect with Gianna @gianna.chickelero

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 21, Carley || Today’s conversation with my friend, Carley, was such a sweet one. As you’ll hear, while she is a few years younger, we grew up in similar circles, in the same community, and are now walking in a similar season of life. While we did chat on marriage and homemaking, we spent a lot of our conversation hitting on a variety of other things. We break down the lie that submission equals oppression, and dove into what true femininity and biblical womanhood look like. We touch on romanticizing life, comparison as women in this digital age, and even some tips for non-toxic, natural living. It’s applicable and timely, so whether you’re here specifically for one of these things, or you’ve just stumbled across this episode, I have no doubt there’s something for you here.

Connect with Carley @simplelifeofcarley

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod

Episode # 20, Alison || In today’s episode I chat with my friend Alison. We met while living in California, doing missions together with The Circuit Riders, a few years back. She has a true heart for Jesus and a passion for seeing the lost saved and encountering His love. Our conversation centers around the love of God, and trusting that His will for our lives is better than we could imagine, even when we might not understand. We discuss what it looks like to trust God, and remain hopeful in seasons of hurt and disappointment, so if you find yourself there now, you’re in the right place to be encouraged. Whether you’re a long-time follower of Jesus, or just trying to learn what He’s about, I’m so glad you’re here, and I pray this conversation blesses you.

Connect with Alison @alisonisaacs

If this encouraged you in any way, consider sharing with a friend, leaving a rating/review or letting me know in the comments. Thank you for listening!

…….

What is Empty Glasses Podcast and what makes it different?

I believe there’s so much power in getting real, raw, and honest about who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we’ve learned along the way and from my experience, many of those conversations have happened while communing around a table, as we sip and dine together. That’s my heart behind empty glasses — it’s a podcast geared towards telling real stories by real people. So, I invite you to be a part of these conversations; grab your drink of choice and join us at the table. There’s a seat for you here.

To learn more, and to stay up to date, follow Empty Glasses Podcast on Instagram: @emptyglassespod