Isn't It Lovely? Podcast

TW: This episode discusses infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss.

Tracy and Rachel spend a morning listening to the incredible life story of Megan Bartel. Rachel passes around tissues; Tracy uses the term “high lows” and realizes she needs speech lessons. Megan discusses how she survived childhood cancer, as well as her grief process after the loss of her baby boy Briar Steven just weeks before he was due to be born. Megan provides amazing insight into both navigating grief and supporting others in their grief. Everyone fangirls over Brené Brown and hopes she is listening.

Episode Mentions:

Francis Chan: http://crazylove.org/

Brené Brown: https://brenebrown.com/

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center: https://www.avera.org/locations/mckennan/

Cuddle Cots: https://www.avera.org/balance/pregnancy-and-birth/cuddlecot-allows-precious-moments-with-late-child/

Briar Blessings: https://www.facebook.com/briarblessings/

Megan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbartel0620/

Hours before they catch a flight home to Colorado, Jimmy and Lauren Masters detail the years in the making love story of becoming adoptive parents to their youngest son. Rachel and Tracy join Jimmy in agreement that Lauren is the best; Jimmy and Lauren detail their individual journeys to saying “yes” to fostering and then watching as, “God penned the story.” From getting the initial call about a baby in the NICU to a moment in the courtroom with the biological mother, and so much more, by the end of their story there is not a dry eye in the studio. Jimmy and Lauren conclude by giving advice and encouragement to those feeling that same the nudge to foster and/or adopt.

Episode Mentions:

Matthew 17:20 (NIV) He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

1 Samuel 12:16 (NIV) Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Psalms 27:13 (NIV) I remain confident of this:

I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Tracy and Rachel welcome sisters and entrepreneurs Kayla Thompson and Erin Rallis of Marie and Marie Bridal for a conversation about pursuing dreams and goals, finding balance, and creating a beautiful and meaningful client experience. Kayla and Erin praise their supportive families and honor each other’s strengths; Tracy and Rachel make 90’s references and consider buying wedding dresses for their day-to-day lives.

Episode Mentions:

Website: https://marieandmariebridal.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marieandmariebridal/

Silk Pumpkin Spice Almond Creamer (Seasonal Product)

Queen City Bakery: https://queencitybakery.com

The Experience Economy, With a New Preface by the Authors: Competing for Customer Time, Attention, and Money by B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore

SSR Podcast: https://www.ssrpodcast.com

Cobra Kai on Netflix

Palpable joy, energy, and passion permeate the studio as Rachel and Tracy welcome Gretchen Shafer to the show. Gretchen shares her love for the country and people of Haiti, as well as her journey with cancer and how both transformed her perception of motherhood and life. Rachel submits her wish to crown Gretchen Prom Queen of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Gretchen details how her trips to Haiti began and how the Haitian people have become her family. She discusses holding both worlds — Haiti and the United States— at once and how love, truly, can conquer all. Gretchen adoringly hassles Tracy over her wearing of “Grandma Goggle Chains.”

Episode Mentions:

Life 96.5 - https://life965.com/

Mission Haiti - https://www.mission-haiti.org/

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing.” Mother Theresa

Simba Educational Ministries - https://www.simbaministries.org/

Ignite Fitness Studio - http://ignitefitness.studio/

Glasses Chains - https://www.amazon.com/KAI-Top-Tortoise-Eyeglasses-Sunglasses/dp/B0899GXL1X

Tracy and Rachel welcome pastor and author Adam Weber for a conversation about authenticity, vulnerability, and empathy. Adam encourages us to love intentionally and embrace brokenness and kindness; Tracy and Rachel fangirl over his wife Becky and extol the groundbreaking virtues of…coffee.

Episode Mentions:

Website: adamweber.com

Instagram: instagram.com/adamaweber/

Love Has a Name: Learning to Love the Different, the Difficult, and Everyone Else by Adam Weber

Irish Twins Soap Company: https://www.irishtwinssoaps.com

koffiestraw.com

Coffea Roasterie: https://coffearoasterie.com

Season 1 Trailer for the "Isn't it Lovely?" Podcast.