Letting the Light In

Hey Y'all!

I am beyond thrilled to share my friend Catherine and her incredible story with y'all today. CatCat has been a joy in my life since meeting her my sophomore year, and our conversation is such evidence of the steadfastness, loyalty, and compassion that she has blessed me with. In this episode, we talk about her time in DC teaching at an inner city school, her now husband, Ben, who is in the Navy and the seasons of dating across thousands of miles, including when Ben was underseas for multiple months without the ability to communicate. Catherine and Ben moved to Italy in November, and she talks gracefully about the challenges of adjusting, trying to find a job, and navigating a lifestyle unfamiliar to her. I know that you will be encouraged listening to Catherine, where it is so clear in her life that sacrificing for the people you love is always worth it.

My favorite person is back behind the mic again. This time, we are discussing the tornado that has encompassed every fiber of our being, otherwise known as our mixed mocha babe, Foster. Tay recaps the birth situation, (which I recap in Episode 21)and we jointly discuss essentially anything you can think of: Moving with a 3 week old, how I thought him coming home 3 minutes later than he said he'd be was the end of the world (sleep deprivation makes everything worse), Fossy's (lack of) sleep, and our favorite parts about him. Heck, we even talk about sex. Sorry Grandma. Hope our honesty sheds some light for some of y'all prospective parents, and for all of y'all wise enough to not have kids, here's to a few laughs.

Markus Phox aka my baby brother - Episode 31 by Kamri Phillippi

Happy Tuesday!

Often times, the word "budget" is a giant buzz kill. I am convinced that KK will make you think otherwise. I have always looked up to KK for the way she stewards and views money, and our conversation only further confirmed that. Some people in our lives are just tremendously gifted at several things, and KK is one of them! Med student, faithful friend, treasured daughter and sister, humble follower of Jesus, and devoted lover of ALL living things, namely her 3 animals. In this conversation, we discuss when and where to grocery shop, getting over the image of shopping certain places, what to buy in bulk, and how budgeting actually produces greater generosity in our hearts. I say this in the episode, but KK nurtures the people and things in her life in a way like no one else - listen and you'll be so thankful you did!

Happy 2018 Y'all!!!

I can't think of a better way to start this new year than by sharing my precious Meg wit y'all. As a senior, Megan sought me out as a freshman at Carolina, and made it her personal mission to drown me in grace and love. Either her or Kate (Episode 12!) drove me to church nearly every Sunday, and for a car-less freshman, re-discovering my identity, it meant the world. In this episode we talk about those days at Carolina, her decision to leave the classroom to be at home with their toddler Ford, her husband, David, and how to make meaning of days where the fear of monotony settles in far too often. I wouldn't be who I am without Megan, so I am extremely thankful to share her with y'all. Happy listening!

Happy Tuesday Ya'll!

Ever been around someone that is incredibly refreshing? Whose perspective and grace for themselves spills over onto you? Robyn Nohling is all of those things and more. As both an RD (registered dietician) and NP (nurse practitioner), she is both helping women heal from hormonal issues AND find peace with food and their body size. I found Robyn through Kylie (episode 25!) and her blog (thereallife-rd.com) has been such a source of joy. In this episode we talk about her recent move from NYC to Boston, marriage, how she ended up in nursing school, and how God puts you right where He wants you even before knowing Him. I know the holidays have us moving at a faster pace, so my prayer for this episode is that you'd give yourself a moment to slow down while listening. I know Robyn's wisdom will leave you filled with hope - happy listening!

Happy Tuesday, Ya'll!

Beyond thrilled to share this dear friend on today's episode. Warning: we talk about when she called off her engagement, unmet expectations, and why teaching the marginalized is just about the greatest thing ever. I met Teresa nearly 4 years ago when I was in my first year of teaching at a charter school in KC. By God's grace, she immediately became a confidant, cheerleader, and someone I would grow to cherish more even years after working alongside of her. In this episode, we talk about running before, during and after college, special education, Teach for America, how to make friends in a new city, living away from your family, and, of course, she plugs her brother's kombucha that you can buy in Target. It's a long episode, and it's because it is so packed full of goodness. So worth your listen. Enjoy!!

Hey Y'all!

Today I have the deep joy of introducing y'all to Kristen Wilkerson. She is a force to be reckoned with - full of wisdom, courage and kindness. Wife, mama, church planter, and lover of Jesus, Kristen and her husband, Taylor, planted a church in Harlem, and haven't stopped running in grace since. In this episode, we talk marriage, moving to Harlem a week after her honeymoon, why choosing to be brave in opting for community over comfort is always the best choice, continuing to run your race even when kiddos come, her sweet baby Nora, and what candy to get at CVS before the movies. Kristen is the type of woman who immediately makes you feel like a dear friend: listen, and you'll see exactly what I mean!

I'm still pinching myself at the thought of today's guest as I release our conversation 3 weeks later. Kylie Mitchell of immaeatthat spends her life shedding light on the darkness of disordered eating and she does it with tremendous grace and compassion. Regardless of your history with food,I know you'll adore all the wisdom she sheds in our conversation. We talk about how her career as a registered dietician started, the importance of accountability in disordered eating, her favorite and least favorite parts of carrying little raspberry (what they're calling their baby girl until she arrives)her husband Andrew, and how there's no such thing as a good or bad food. I left this conversation with so much hope for my own perspective on food, so I know you'll be equally heartened. Enjoy!!

Hey Y'all!

Staying home with Fossy is my favorite thing. As you can probably tell, the pace of life over here has slowed way down, and the number of hours each day I have both hands free are few. I want every baby cuddle I can get, and I also want to continue to give the podcast the adequate preparation and prayer it deserves, so I'm moving to releasing one every other week! In this quick episode, I share how our new city is, a few highlights from his 2 months on earth, and give you a preview as to who you have coming on the podcast in 2017! Thank you for your grace as I figure out this new mama hat. I'm still so humbled that God has given me this creative outlet and I couldn't be more excited for what's to come on the podcast.