No Seriously, How Do I Do This?

The heart of this podcast was always to “go there” on widely shared experiences that we don’t talk about enough, especially in the Church. The topic of sexual assault fits the bill perfectly, devastatingly. Amanda J. Rivers joins us to share honestly about her experience as a childhood sexual assault survivor, giving us a glimpse at what life looks like for the victims. But she doesn’t leave us there. She continues on to offer tangible hope. In part 1 we focus primarily on setting the stage and offering hope to survivors, while part 2 focuses on the supporters’ role. Her recent book, “How to Respond When Someone Tells You About Sexual Assault,” was designed to be a practical resource for those who are approached with news of sexual assault and is available to No Seriously listeners at a 15% discount through Barnes & Noble with code: BNPSERIOUSLYHOW. The resource is also available through Amazon. You can learn more about Amanda and find access to additional resources at amandajrivers.com.

When is the last time you let yourself freely play? No agenda, no to-do list, just joyful recreation. There is something in us that whispers that play is for children; that playfulness is a sign of immaturity. Dr. Melissa Mork joins us to debunk that lie and to remind us that play is not only valid but valuable for people of ALL ages. While your play style might look different from those around you, finding time to let loose is vital. Join us to find the permission you’ve been longing for, to be free and embrace fun.

Have you ever marveled at your well-laid plans and breathed in the deeply felt self-satisfaction they resulted in? Welp, this week I had a very different plan for what this episode was going to be about. Incidentally, every plan I made, every attempt I underwent, fell apart. In the end I felt like God intended for me to share a very different story: mine. This Easter will mark a dozen years as a believer for me. It is my prayer that this episode is an encouragement for the prodigals and their loved ones. It's a reminder to embrace and share the story God gave you and to never.stop.praying.

Abbie Parker felt beyond lost before the call came with an opportunity for her to join with the Christian band, I Am They. She was recovering from a failed marriage, wondering where she had missed God’s direction, and if her dreams needed to be forfeited. She couldn’t see a way out. On this week’s episode she shares how she coped, forged ahead, and found her way back to thriving in Christ. She pulls back the curtain on some of the resources that made the biggest difference on her journey and invites you into the freedom and fullness she found.

Pat wears a ton of hats: artist, worship leader, husband, father, etc etc. Like you, he’s busy and every single aspect of his life has been overhauled by COVID - from worship, to recording, to virtual schooling. In this episode Pat gives a glimpse at his family’s “new normal,” while offering some life-giving wisdom about the importance and virtues of showing ourselves grace. Also, if you’re like me, you are totally gonna wanna be friends with his dad after this one.

Connecting with our kids in meaningful ways is our ultimate mission as parents. But if men are from mars, where are our kids from? As a parent myself I can affirm that kids are downright mysteries at times. Dr. Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages has worked hard over his career to help demystify life’s more important relationships, including those we have with our children. In today’s episode he give us insights and ideas that will help us all connect with our children in ways that will fill their love tanks to overflowing.

You huff, you puff, you aaaaalmost make it to February with your fitness resolutions. It’s a tale as old as time. Kim Dolan Leto seems to have cracked it. She made a point to get healthy and FINALLY did. She was an ESPN Fitness America Champion, cover girl on countless fitness magazine covers, author, podcaster, wife, mother, believer… But it took a serious "coming to Jesus" moment for her to fully surrender to HIS way of doing things. She educates, inspires, and encourages on this week’s episode. To learn more about her visit: www.kimdolanleto.com

If there's one thing Julie's kids understand, it's that mama loves to move. A pediatric physical therapist, group fitness instructor, and founder of Babies First Fitness, Julie understands the supreme importance of raising kids to be active and physically engaged. Whether you're just starting out as a parent, or worry that you haven't always set a good example for your older children, Julie offers practical advice on establishing healthy and active habits in your home.

It's something that unites us all, that none of us want, but that we can't seem to let go of: mom guilt. On this episode Summer pulls back the curtain to her own struggles and helps you find freedom from yours. Come with an open heart and willingness to finally take steps to (to quote one of Summer's kids' favorite movies) let it go. It's an uncomfortable topic to talk about, to be honest about, but there is no true freedom to be had unless we do.

As our gift to you this Christmas, we have put together a little something for you to enjoy and listen to with your family. We hope it helps you understand, just a little bit more, the significance of the Savior being born on the floor of a stinky barn. We pray that it draws you closer to the Reason of the Season and to each other as we head headlong into the most wonderful time of the year... wrapping up (pun intended) a tumultuous 2020. God bless you and from our family to yours, Merry Christmas.