What happens when fear feels like your most familiar emotion, yet God is calling you to step boldly into His promises? This conversation with author and teacher Heidi Lee Anderson explores the beautiful tension between feeling afraid and living afraid.

In this episode of Napkin Noes, Heidi opens up about her cancer story, the prophetic word spoken over her during treatment, and how meeting her husband in the middle of chemotherapy became one of God's most beautiful plot twists. Her new devotional All In, All Yours walks through the book of Joshua, showing us how the Israelites' conquest of the Promised Land mirrors our own spiritual battles today.

We explore the fascinating Biblical timeline from Jacob's wrestling match with God to Joshua leading God's people across the Jordan River—and why understanding this history helps us read Scripture with fresh eyes. Heidi breaks down the difference between Canaan as enemy-held territory and Israel as God's intended inheritance, creating a powerful parallel for the abundant life Christ has secured for us.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

• The crucial difference between feeling fear and becoming fearful—and how this shift in perspective can set you free.
• Why God sometimes keeps "giants in the land" even after we've entered His promises, and how these battles train us for victory.
• Biblical insights into Israel's history that illuminate current events and deepen your Scripture reading.
• How to discern God's voice and timing when you're standing at a crossroads, unsure whether to move forward or wait.
• The power of generational prayer through Grandma Phyllis's daily intercession that covered Heidi's entire life—including praying for her future husband before she was even born.

Heidi's story reminds us that God's timing is perfect, even when His delays feel like denials. Whether you're waiting for a promise to unfold, wrestling with fear about the future, or wondering how to hear God's voice more clearly, this conversation offers both biblical truth and personal encouragement for the road ahead.

Follow Heidi here: https://www.instagram.com/heidileeanderson/?hl=en

Purchase Heidi's new devotional here: https://heidileeandersonministries.com/allinallyours

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/

There's something magical that happens when you sit down with someone who's discovered their purpose and is living it out boldly. That's exactly what I experienced when I chatted with actress, writer, and songwriter, Masey Mclain. As we talked about her latest film Soul on Fire, I found myself scribbling notes about what it really means to find your calling through intimate relationship with God.

My Favorite Takeaways:

• Your gifts are tools for sanctification, not just platforms for success
• Cultivating intimacy with God is the foundation for discovering your purpose
• Sometimes the biggest risks lead to the most beautiful outcomes
• We're all being "fit for heaven" through our earthly experiences
• It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness

Masey opens up about her role as Beth in Soul on Fire—a movie based on John O'Leary's incredible true story of surviving burns on 100% of his body as a nine-year-old. What struck me most wasn't just her portrayal of this fierce, grounding female character, but how the script arrived at a pivotal moment in her own life when she was walking through her own season of fire.

We chatted about how she met her husband, if she always knew she wanted to act, and certain takes in the movie that really struck me.

If you need something to do this weekend, go get yourself a ticket to Soul on Fire. You won't regret it.

Follow Masey here: https://www.instagram.com/maseymclain/?

Grab your tickets here: https://soulonfiremovie.com/

If you've ever felt stuck in decision paralysis, craved clarity in your business, or wished you had someone in your corner who actually gets it, this episode is your permission slip to move.

Meet Amy Snook — business coach, former Glossier exec, child actress-turned-founder, and the unapologetic voice of "just make the decision and move forward." She's built brands, advised startups, led creative teams, and coached dozens of female entrepreneurs around the world—all with a grounded mix of vision, humor, and candor.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How 10-year-old Amy convinced her parents to move across the country so she could pursue acting
• What it was like to join Glossier in its earliest days and work directly with Emily Weiss
• Why women get paralyzed in decision-making and how to break that cycle fast
• The biggest mistakes people make when hiring and scaling their business
• The unexpected emotional labor of entrepreneurship (and why coaching can be a lifeline)

This conversation will leave you braver, clearer, and a little more willing to chase the vision you can already see—even if no one else does yet.

Follow Amy on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/amylaurenlovell?igsh=Nm92bjVwbDBzamF3

Follow her Substack here: https://pareabooks.substack.com/

Have you ever felt a nudge to pursue something more, but weren't quite sure what that "more" might be? In this candid solo episode, I'm peeling back the curtain on my journey from data analyst to accidental entrepreneur, and how I built a podcast production agency.

I'm sharing the pivotal moments that shaped my path, including:

• The conference that sparked my passion for storytelling and marketing
• The moments I felt a nudge from Holy Spirit that led to an important encounter at a coffee shop
• The importance of being open to God's guidance and unexpected opportunities
• Practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to find their niche

You'll learn about the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and how I navigated the transition from a 9-to-5 job to full-time entrepreneurship. I'll also reveal the strategies that helped me carve out a unique space in the podcasting industry.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Why it's crucial to "show up" even when you're not sure of the outcome
• How to identify and leverage your unique combination of skills
• The power of taking on beta clients and learning as you go
• Balancing faith, intuition, and strategic planning in business
• The importance of defining your scope of work early on

Whether you're considering a career pivot, dreaming of starting your own business, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of podcast production, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.

Join me as I reflect on the unexpected twists and turns that led me to where I am today, and discover how you can embrace your own journey of growth and transformation.

Follow along on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/?hl=en

Chances are, you've seen Ashleigh's work...without knowing you've actually seen Ashleigh's work. From Joanna Gaines to Halfbaked Harvest and Target to Delta, Ashleigh's photos have been seen near and far!

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with the wonderful food and lifestyle photographer, Ashleigh Amoroso in her beautiful studio in Austin, TX. [If you're listening to this episode, I suggest viewing this one instead!!].

We chatted about:

• How she pivoted from her career at Apple to dipping her toes into photography
• Why she showed up to her first shoot with JOANNA GAINES with an EYE PATCH
• How she overcomes fear before starting something new
• Food Photography tips for your next girl's night out
• Why you don't need a guidebook on how to find your unique lane - you can create it yourself

This was truly such a beautiful conversation. Also -- come to find out, she went to the same, tiny highschool as my cousin in Baton Rouge?! Small world.

Anyway, follow Ashleigh here! You'll love her! https://www.instagram.com/ashleighamoroso/

AND - if you heard the little, secret note in there about my PODCAST COHORT opening up - here is the link!! And DON'T FORGET the code for the free session after you've entered the program!!

Now go call your mom - or your best friend. Chat soon!

Xx

In this solo episode, I'm opening up about my recent move from vibey Austin, TX to a small town in Pennsylvania—and why it felt like the right (but unexpected) next step. If you're standing at the edge of a big life transition or wondering if it's time for one, this chat is for you.

I'm breaking down five ways to navigate life's pivots with more clarity and less panic—including the exact practice I use when I need to make a big decision and don't know what to do.

Whether you're in the in-between, resisting the nudge, or just craving change, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.

What we cover:

• [00:58] Why I moved from Austin to Wayne
• [05:21] Noticing the nudge to move
• [09:45] How to utilize the exercise of 'trying on' a decision to make a life change
• [11:34] How to know WHEN it's time to make a change
• [20:17] How to trust your gut
• [26:28] What to do during the in between time of a change
• [30:00] Does it ever feel like I'm going backwards when making a life change?

Here's to trusting the quiet nudges, making brave moves, and building a life that feels deeply aligned—even when it doesn't make sense on paper.

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/

Read the Substack companion to this story here

Tori shares her remarkable story of meeting her husband Seth (previous bass player of NEEDTOBREATHE) during a news interview, their whirlwind romance, and their leap into the world of hospitality. From living in tents and campers to creating a multi-million dollar treehouse retreat, Bolt Farm Tree House, Tori's journey is filled with unexpected twists, setbacks, and triumphs.

You'll hear about the challenges they faced, including community opposition and financial setbacks, and how they overcame them through determination and a willingness to invest in themselves. Tori opens up about the personal growth required to transition from hands-on building to leading a team of 37 employees.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

• How a bald eagle sighting led to a life-changing decision
• Why failure can be a better teacher than success in business
• How to balance big vision with practical risk management
• The importance of mentorship in scaling a business
• Transitioning from doing everything yourself to becoming an effective leader

Tori's story is a testament to the rewards of pursuing your passion, even when it means taking the road less traveled. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration to chase your dreams, this episode is packed with valuable insights and heartwarming moments.

So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and prepare to be motivated by Tori's journey from news anchor to treehouse tycoon. Who knows? You might just find yourself booking a stay at Bolt Farm to reconnect with nature - and yourself.

Follow Tori Here! https://www.instagram.com/toribolt/

Follow Bolt Farm Treehouse Here! https://www.instagram.com/boltfarmtreehouse/?hl=en

Follow Elizabeth here! https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co/

Book you stay here! https://www.boltfarmtreehouse.com/

I'm thrilled to welcome back our first-ever Napkin Note repeat guest, our girl, Olivia Adriance! Since our last chat, life has taken some exciting turns for this gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free recipe creator.

Today we are chatting about:

• Building a Business with Heart: We dive into the behind-the-scenes of content creation, from handling overflow email, and hiring the right support to iterate on processes and tuning into what actually energizes versus drains us in business.
• Pregnancy & Life Changes: Olivia shares how her life has shifted since her last appearance—she's now in her third trimester! She opens up about listening to her intuition, adjusting her workflow, and the ways she's preparing both mentally and practically for motherhood.
• Confidence, Capacity, & Community: We talk candidly about real confidence coming from lived experience—not just "faking it til you make it." We also touch on finding value and purpose, expanding your capacity for what matters most, and letting yourself grow by redefining what "failure" even means.

My friendship with Olivia is something I truly cherish and her willingness to dig both deep and light make this episode one you'll leave feeling inspired, informed, and a little more joyful about walking your own path.

Dream big, trust your own journey, and don't forget—a little delusional confidence (and some good friends) just might get you where you're destined to go!

Follow Olivia here: https://www.instagram.com/olivia.adriance/

Follow her Substack here: https://oliviaadriance.substack.com/

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Links from the episode:

Energy Audit from our business coach: https://open.substack.com/pub/pareabooks/p/paving-a-path-to-rejuvenation?r=1utjxr&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

Austen Netzley's Book, 2-week Vacation: https://amzn.to/3YQy5a5

Olivia's Radiant Skin E-Book: https://oliviaadriance.shop/products/radiant-skin-reset

The episode we have all been waiting for! I sat down with my mom, Ann Evans (or perhaps Mrs. Evans to you), to explore the tapestry of family stories, friendship, and the art of being true to oneself.

From carrying a briefcase to junior high to rocking animal print sleeping bags before they were cool, Ann shares her journey of embracing her unique style. We dive into the importance of trusting your intuition, especially as women, and how this has shaped both our lives.

• The origin of "unapologetically Ann" and why it's essential to be true to yourself
• How my mom's discernment has protected her and others throughout her life
• The power of long-lasting friendships, from childhood besties to 20-year Bible study groups
• Hilarious family moments, including a Christmas surprise gone awry
• Parenting wisdom passed down through generations

• "In for a pound, in for a penny" - going all in on your decisions
• "Chickens come home to roost" - what goes around comes around
• "You can let the birds fly around your head, but don't let them make a nest" - dealing with temptation

We also touch on my upcoming move back to the East Coast and how it feels to have your children spread their wings. My mom shares her perspective on balancing the pride of raising independent children with the heartache of having them far away.

This episode is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds, the importance of staying true to yourself, and the beauty of embracing life's journey - complete with all its twists, turns, and unexpected moments of joy.

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Follow my mom here: https://www.instagram.com/annevans3900/

Today's Napkin Notes episode is with actress, author, and mother, Alexa Penavega. If you're like me, you probably first experienced Alexa on the big screen with the mega franchise hit, Spy Kids. But throughout the years, it felt like we grew up together with the movie Sleepover, Hallmark movies, and now - Great American Family. But we're talking so much more than Hollywood in today's episode (okay, okay - we talk about it a little bit because it's fun, ya know?!).

In our convo, Alexa opens up about her unique childhood in the entertainment industry, how her faith has been the anchor through life's storms, and the importance of intergenerational friendships.

She candidly shares about:

• The transition from living on a houseboat to settling in Tennessee
• Balancing a successful acting career with family life
• How to maintain a soft heart despite life's challenges
• Starting a production company with her husband and close friends
• Practical advice for being more present in daily life

For fans of Alexa's work, she provides some exciting insights into her recent projects:

• The making of "Get Him Back for Christmas" and working with Mario Lopez
• Potential future collaborations, including a possible "Sleepover" remake
• Her transition to Great American Family

This episode is a heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and finding purpose in every season of life.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Alexa's story, this episode promises to leave you feeling uplifted and motivated to embrace life's journey with grace and trust in God's plan.

Follow Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethevans.co

Follow Alexa here: https://www.instagram.com/vegaalexa/

Subscribe to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LaVidaPenaVega