Messy but Meaningful (formerly Ed Pursuits) Podcast - Happy Healthy Meaningful Life

Life is full of bumps, breakdowns, and unexpected setbacks — but what if obstacles aren’t detours, but part of the road itself? In this episode, I share stories from scripture and my own life that reminded me to expect resistance and trust God’s hand through it all. From Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall under attack, to Nephi refusing to give up on the brass plates, to my own recent migraine and even a broken-down SUV, I’ve been learning that God uses obstacles to protect us, teach us, and strengthen our faith. I’ll also share a simple journaling practice with prompts to help you reframe your own challenges and discover what God may be showing you through them.

Books and Resources mentioned:

Journaling link on instagram https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLO5vs1Ti_W/?igsh=eDRqaWVlcWUydXdp

Joe Dispenza speech- https://youtu.be/LCuvMtC02qE?si=YUmYfI4X0RXYgzaW

Nehemiah 4, 1 Nephi 4:1-3

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Menstrual migraines are more than just a bad headache—they’re a full-body experience that can knock you off your feet. In this episode, we dive into why they happen, what’s going on hormonally, and the natural ways you can support your body before, during, and after a migraine hits.

We’ll explore common triggers, how to track your symptoms, and the power of nutrition, herbs, and gentle lifestyle practices for prevention and relief. If you’re ready to move beyond frustration and start working with your body instead of against it, this conversation will give you tools to find balance and hope.

Get the book here: https://edpursuits.com/product/natural-relief-for-menstrual-migraines-a-holistic-guide-to-healing-with-herbs-nutrition-and-self-care/

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

In this episode of Messy but Meaningful, I share some personal stories that taught me the power of gratitude — from the time my arm was paralyzed and healed, to near-misses on the road, to the car trouble that reminded me how thankful I am for our new-to-us vehicle. Life is full of challenges, but sometimes the obstacles are invitations to notice what we’ve taken for granted.

We’ll explore simple ways to practice gratitude in daily life — from journaling and affirmations to breathing exercises inspired by Joe Dispenza and Tony Robbins. I’ll talk honestly about how hard it can feel to find gratitude when life has been overwhelming, and how even small steps can shift your focus toward peace, faith, and joy.

If you’ve been feeling weighed down by the hard things, this episode is a reminder that gratitude is the easiest first step toward hope, alignment with God’s love, and a deeper sense of happiness.

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

How do you simplify life so things run smoothly — without having to overthink every detail? In this episode, we dive into the power of rhythms and routines to help you accomplish what matters most.

We’ll explore self-care routines that keep you grounded, homeschool rhythms that give kids clarity and ownership, and household habits that make cleaning and decluttering feel more doable.

Every family and every season is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you. Small rhythms really can create a big sense of peace, purpose, and flow in your day.

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise of trendy diets and nutrition fads to talk about what really matters: finding what works for you and your family. I’ve tried it all—keto, paleo, plant-based, raw, low-fat—and here’s what I’ve learned: every diet works for someone, but no diet works for everyone.

We’ll explore the simple truths most approaches agree on—like the importance of whole foods, hydration, and gut health—and why protein, veggies, and minerals are your quiet powerhouses. I’ll also share thoughts on why supplements can help, but why herbs and real plants will always be superior. We’ ll also look at how the French approach food!

You’ll hear practical tips for mindful eating, meal planning, grocery sanity, and even why growing your own herbs (yes, even just one!) might be a gentle first step into feeling more nourished and in control.

This episode is about giving yourself permission to experiment, to ditch the guilt, and to trust that small shifts make a big difference. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present and intentional.

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

This is the first episode in a new Messy but Meaningful series on self-care for moms—and we’re kicking things off with real talk. What is self-care, really? And how do you find time for it when your days are already packed with kids, chores, and constant demands?

I share a personal story, the truth about what happens when we don’t take care of ourselves, and why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. We’ll explore the many forms self-care can take: from food, movement, and quiet time to journaling, hobbies, and routines that actually fill you up instead of draining you.

You don’t need a spa day to feel human again. This episode is your permission slip to start where you are, use what you have, and build self-care into the rhythm of your real life.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to rethink what self-care can look like—for you.

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

In this first deep-dive episode of the Messy but Meaningful Self-Care Series, I share a turning point in my own healing—a time when I was burnt out, spiritually dry, and weighed down by life. A friend (and therapist) introduced me to Come to Your Senses by Dr. Stanley Block, and it completely shifted how I approached my inner world.

I began learning to be present—not just in a vague sense, but as a practiced skill. Stanley teaches how to notice the “requirements” our minds create—the subconscious programming and thought loops we live by without realizing it. Others might call them stories. Either way, they can keep us stuck. When we pause, become aware, and reconnect with something bigger (what he calls Source, and what I eventually recognized again as God), we start to find peace.

Presence became the foundation of my self-care—not just for mental health, but for spiritual clarity, physical well-being, and emotional balance. This episode is about noticing, letting go, and returning to the quiet place where God is.

Books and Resources mentioned:

Come to Your Senses by Stanley Block

Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Joe Dispenza

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram @edpursuitscom and facebook @edpursuits

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life rhythm of how I make my everyday sourdough bread using 100% spelt flour. This is the bread I bake again and again—nourishing, simple, and forgiving enough to fit into real life with kids, chaos, and all.

I’ll walk you through how I prep my starter (yes, it lives in the fridge most of the time), how I mix the dough more like a batter and let time do the work, and how I use fresh-milled spelt or grind it in batches to keep it easy.

You’ll also hear how I sneak sourdough into my daily routine with crepes, tortillas, and pan breads made from discard—and how I boost my bakes with whey or kefir from my yogurt-making.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a spelt-based loaf that works with your lifestyle, this one’s for you.

📥 Grab the downloadable recipe

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram and facebook

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com

What if the medicine your body needs is already growing between the cracks of your sidewalk?

In this episode, I share the time my friend started admiring my weeds and asked if she could have some! That moment made me realize that all the herbs I was buying at the store were real live beautiful actual plants, some of which were growing right in front of my eyes!! I started blending clovers and dandelions into my smoothies the next day! (spoiler: they’re bitter, and yes, I learned the hard way).

Together, we’ll explore the basics of herbal preparations — from teas and tinctures to simple kitchen infusions — and meet five powerful “weeds” you probably walked past this week:

• 🌼 Dandelion – A bitter liver ally hiding in plain sight

• 🍀 Red Clover – Sweet blossoms full of nutrients and gentle hormone support

• 🌱 Plantain – The skin-soothing sidewalk superstar

• 🥬 Curly Dock – A wild green packed with iron and resilience

• 🌾 Mullein – The fuzzy friend your lungs and ears will thank you for

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a mama looking to reconnect with the natural world, this episode is your invitation to see your lawn with new eyes. Because sometimes, the healing starts right under your feet.

💌 Listener Challenge:

Snap a photo of a “weed” you now see differently and tag me! 🌿

(Plus, grab the free PDF guide to the 5 featured plants — link here)

In the thick of everyday life, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But friend, you’re doing better than you think.

In this encouraging episode, I share honest stories from my own messy, beautiful journey raising eight kids—moments of doubt, grace, and growth. You’ll hear a heartfelt mix of personal experiences, scripture, and reflective questions designed to help you pause, notice your progress, and reconnect with what truly matters.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about giving yourself credit, finding purpose in the mess, and remembering that your quiet efforts have lasting impact. So take a breath—you’re not behind. You’re right where you need to be.

Get my free 7 day Reset Journal when you sign up for the newsletter here: https://edpursuits.kit.com/resetjournal1

Follow me on instagram and facebook

Check out the blog at edpursuits.com