Letting the Light In

Hey Ya'll!

Today's guest is my darling friend Tori Schaulis. When I caught wind of what Tori was studying for her Master's (Intercultural Studies, focusing on Race, Culture, and Reconciliation) and her latest project (a work guide designed to help people enter into conversations and relationships with those different than them), I knew I had to have her on. Talk about timing; what Tori shares in the episode was exactly what I needed to hear, right where I am at. Tori has one of the most adventurous spirits I know. In this episode, we talk about that love of travel, where it has taken her (Peru, Greece, and currently LA), her brief stint of working with Chip and Jo, breakups, and LA life. She even shares her experience of being a minority, working at at a majority black summer camp. This is easily one of my favorite conversations to date, and is so timely for anyone, anywhere.

Snag the #buildbridgesnotwalls work guide when it comes out on her website torischaulis.com

Hey y'all!

It feels so good to be back, although this episode was recorded way back in May! It does without saying that I am ELATED to share Heather Avis with you. She has been such an instrumental voice graciously and lovingly speaking about the goodness of difference. Heather is a follower of Jesus, wife, mama, speaker, author and friend. She and her husband have adopted all of their kiddos, Macyn, Truly and August. Macyn and August have Down Syndrome, which Heather has dedicated her life to shedding light on the misconceptions that pervade our culture. If you haven't read her book, "The Lucky Few," stop this podcast now and march yourself to Target. Sadly, our power went out (and you'll hear it lol), and the interview was cut way short. However, I know these 30 minutes will bless you like they've done me! Happy listening.

Hey Ya'll!

One of the things I benefitted the most from and helped me feel the most prepared before going into labor was reading a birth story and meeting with another woman who had been induced several times the day before I went to the hospital! I hope that this podcast episode is exactly that for some of you, regardless of if you're having a baby tomorrow or in 10 years! I kept a pretty detailed note on my phone throughout the process because I knew I wanted to share with ya'll. In this episode, I talk about the days leading up to, the actual labor, and how things have been going since Fossy man has been home with us. Warning: the word cervix is used several times :) Even if you aren't anywhere near this stage of life, I pray its encouraging!

*Letting the Light In will be taking a brief break - look for the next episode on Tuesday, October 3rd! In the mean time, I would be so thankful if you left a review or rating on iTunes! I'll miss ya'll and am already looking forward to sharing the first guest - hint: she has 3 kiddos, champions down syndrome, and has one of the greatest insta accounts EVER (@macymakesmyday).

Hey Ya'll!

There is nothing like showing off the goodness of your very best friend, and today I am elated to give you that. Kat has walked with me through the darkest seasons of my life, and rejoiced in the richest. In this episode we talk about accepting differences in other people, her time in Nepal fighting sex and human trafficking, and her new ballin bagel making hobby. She's a deep treasure to me that I'm overjoyed to shine light on today.

Link to listen in profile.

*due to some Skype hiccups, the episode is 2 parts!

Hey Ya'll!

There is nothing like showing off the goodness of your very best friend, and today I am elated to give you that. Kat has walked with me through the darkest seasons of my life, and rejoiced in the richest. In this episode we talk about accepting differences in other people, her time in Nepal fighting sex and human trafficking, and her new ballin bagel making hobby. She's a deep treasure to me that I'm overjoyed to shine light on today.

Link to listen in profile.

*due to some Skype hiccups, the episode is 2 parts!

Hey Ya'll!

It was such a gift to sit down with Blair and Syd, two of the mamas I admire most. As my due date has approached, I have closely watched them love their daughters, husbands, and friends with tremendous power and grace. In this episode, we talk all things pain-free labor, how your demeanor affects your child, the changes a baby brought in their marriages, doula or no doula, and working while mama-ing. As you'll hear me say in the episode, Blair and Syd have been precious lifelines to me in the past year. Anything they say to do, I run with it! Minus the no epidural part :) I'm elated to share them with you.

Happy August!

My parents - what an honor to talk to and share them with ya'll. Interviewing them was even more fun than I could have ever anticipated! In this episode, we talk about navigating an interracial relationship, how obsessed our family is with sports, the challenges and joys of parenting, their tremendous influence on my life, AND whether or not they freaked out when I first brought Tay home ;) warning: there are a few tears in this episode, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Happy listening!

Hey Ya'll!

Ever had a million questions you were afraid to ask? Thanks to a precious and brave friend who just flat out asked me, Tay and I got to sit down with our BFF couple friends (and baby's god parents, if I might add) and talk all things marriage/relationship. I couldn't imagine doing this episode without them, since their marriage is one I admire. Topics we cover: conflict, how to remain an individual while being committed to your spouse, marriages we admire, how we do not complete each other, and biggest misconceptions about marriage. This was the most fun - so much fun, that our laughs often affect the sound quality! Happy listening :)

p.s. if you haven't hopped over to iTunes to leave a rating or review, I would be SO thankful.

p.s.2 stay tuned until the very end to hear about the new mini-series and next 2 podcasts coming up!

Happy Tuesday, Ya'll!

Today's episode contains JOY herself, my cherished friend, Catherine Klunder. Catherine is a teacher, daughter, sister, friend, worship leader, lover of Jesus and justice. In this episode, we talk about teaching the marginalized, public vs. private schools, tremendous suffering, and what she wants to tell every person about her precious students. Catherine continues to push me to be a greater advocate for those that don't have a voice, and her life is a living testament of responding to the Lord's faithfulness, even when extreme sadness surrounds you. I know you'll be encouraged. Happy listening!

Hey Ya'll!

If you've been around me in the past 4 months, you've heard me hoot and holler about the latest personality test: The Enneagram! I am so dang excited to share an expert on today's episode, Enneagram Coach Beth McCord! Beth and I connected via social media, where she provides extremely insightful posts about each Enneagram type. If you're new to all of this, and feel as if I am speaking Chinese, listen to todays show! In the episode, we talk briefly about each type, what led to her career as a coach, the types of services and resources she provides, and her family, of course! I absolutely adored talking to Beth. She is extremely gracious, insightful, and kind. After hearing her talk about the joy of truly knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you'll be as hooked on the Enneagram as I am!

Also, you can find Beth via social media at: 

Instagram: yourenneagramuniversity

Facebook: Your Enneagram University 

Twitter: enneagram_coach

Free assessment and resources: 

yourenneagramuniversity.com

Her coaching website: 

yourenneagramcoach.com

Finally, here are her suggestions for moving forward after you listen!

First Step suggestions for audience:

1. Take free assessment

2. Explore each Type page on website to verify your Type. Find the Type that has your: Core Fear, Core Desire, and Core Weakness

3. Take Enneagram 101 online course — cliff notes version of several complex books but put into a quick and easy to understand course. Extremely helpful. You will walk away with a robust understanding of the whole Enneagram, yourself, and all 9 Types, plus a 63-page workbook that goes with the course for only $45.