If you've ever wondered, 'Help! What is my young adult going to do with the rest of their life?' then you're in the right place. Or maybe you ARE the young adult asking, "How do I figure out what to choose for a career when I can't even decide what to have for breakfast!?"

Rest easy, today we are diving into the exciting and sometimes overwhelming journey of helping you or your young adult discover their future path.

Our guest is Tyler Lafferty, author and co-founder of Seven2, 14Four and Strategy Labs, as well as an educational non-profit called Slingshot. For more than twenty five years he has been following his passion of helping students dream big and discover new opportunities.

The episode explores the journey of career discovery and mentorship, emphasizing the importance of dreaming big, introspection, and taking risks. It addresses the challenges faced by young adults and parents in navigating career paths and provides practical guidance for self-discovery and pursuing passion and purpose.

If you are wondering where to go on this career path journey, either as a young adult or the parent of a young adult...this will help you take the first step. You will want to share this episode with the young people in your life!

Tyler's website: Slingshot Tyler's book: Be More Like You Book

Build a network of people to help you in your career path.

1. How can you open up your thinking about your child's career path?
2. Who are some other people in your child's life, who they can have a meaningful conversation with?
3. What assumptions do you hold about your child's career path journey?

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What does the Gospel, the big message of who God is in the world, have to do with the here and now? Everything.

Midlife is a time of transition, often unexpected change, and trusting that God is with us every turn and upheaval is a gift that stabilizes us in a season that can feel anything but stable.

Courtney Doctor is the perfect person to be with us in this conversation. Through her work as the Director of Women's Initiatives at The Gospel Coalition, Courtney speaks with women of all life stages about how God's big story right sizes our current stress. When we remember who God IS and what he PROMISES, we can feel a little more sure that we will get through the day. No amount of midlife stress will change God's nature or plan for the world.

This is an episode about God meeting us where we are right now at this very moment. We hope it meets you in your deepest need - he can and he does.

Courtney's Website and Instagram

Courtneys book- From Garden to Glory

Other books mentioned:

Prayers in the night by Tish Harrison Warren

Growing Together by Melissa Kruger

One to One Bible Reading by David Helm

Even Better than Eden by Nancy Guthrie

Scriptures mentioned:

Exodus 34

Matthew 26

Psalms 23

John 17

Genesis 3

1. What small part of your life feels mundane that could be a place where you see God today?
2. How does knowing that God is reconciling all things to himself bring you peace?
3. Is God answering a prayer in a way that you are not seeing?

Why does abandonment cut so deep? Our guest, Dieula Previlon, reminds us that we are hardwired for relationships and when that need is threatened, we feel pain. Abandonment can be the threat or the actual experience of being left, excluded, rejected, unseen, or uncared for. We can carry this wound from childhood or we can be experiencing it now in midlife. Whether through a divorce, a friendship loss, or even a child growing up and leaving, abandonment can leave wounds that need tending.

Dieula reminds us to stay present for each other. Our emotional availability is the counter to abandonment. She also covers how we can work through our feelings of abandonment from God. As both a trained therapist and ordained pastor - Dieula offers us a wholistic roadmap for healing.

Dieula's website

Dieula's Book- Does God see me?

-Genesis 2:18

-Sweet magnolia- On Netflix

1. Where have you felt the deep cut of Abandonment?
2. How has Abandonment impacted your attachment style?
3. Who can you go to for support as you face your feelings?
4. What would it look like to invite God into your plan?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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Summer is already fun, but here's a few ideas to add to your list! The more intentional we can be about planning ahead, the more likely it will be that room will be made for those moments that make summer special.

In this episode we talk about outdoor summer concerts, pool time, picnic chicken, fresh flowers, charcuterie boards, frozen treats, some favorite makeup finds, and more.

Join us and let's get in the mood for S-U-M-M-A-H!

• Don't forget about free concerts in the park as a fun and free entertainment option during the summer.
• Invest in a portable picnic table for convenient outdoor dining experiences.
• Try making picnic chicken in a sourdough bowl for a delicious and unique meal.
• Consider buying paper bouquets as a creative and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers.
• Experiment with frozen fruit treats like frozen grapes soaked in Prosecco or frozen watermelon and bananas.
• Explore the Starbucks spicy refreshers for a refreshing and less sweet summer drink.
• opt for comfortable wedge sandals for a stylish and comfortable summer footwear option.
• Host summer charcuterie parties with themed boards like breakfast, birthday, chocolate, fruit and cheese, or s'mores.
• Use lip pencils for a more defined and put-together look during the summer season.

• Wild Card Podcast with Rachael Martin
• Trader Joe's- Fresh flowers
• Fresh Cut Paper- Paper flowers
• J.crew- swim wear
• Volatile- Wedge Flipflops
• Rebecca Reid Podcast episode #445
• Steve Madden- Parra wedge sandals

1. What can you schedule or put on your calendar now to make summer more fun?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

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Rick and Diane Thomas, also known as Krista's parents, have so much wisdom we couldn't limit our conversation with them to one episode, so we are bringing you part two. You don't want to miss what these two wise people have to say about creating a legacy - something that will last past their time here on earth.

They are an inspiration around living with intention as they share how they maintain fun in their daily experiences, continue to model open communication within their family, and how to embrace the season you are still in!! In this episode we cover how to welcome others into a growing family, how we can support our aging parents, and what faithful participation in a church community can look like.

These two are a treasure. In fact, Alex decided we should dub them "America's grandparents"! They are kind, funny, generous, and continue to live a life of curiosity, adventure, and investment in people. They are a model for us to rise and meet the moments of today, even if those moments are different than those of yesterday.

"Legacy is not something we leave for people, but it is something we leave in people".

1. What are you doing to cultivate fun and growth in your life?
2. How can you show practical love and presence to the older people in your life?
3. How could you move more fluidly through this season?
4. How can you better embrace other peoples passions and personalities

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

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Creating a legacy in this world is something that is hard to measure, but easy to identify. Legacy is not something we leave for people, it's something we leave IN people. The impact is profound, and the ripple effect lives far beyond us.

Legacy is something we all want to leave, but how do we do it?

Today on the podcast we are diving into this very topic with two of the most qualified people on the subject: Rick and Diane Thomas – otherwise known as Krista's parents. They live out legacy better than anyone else we personally know, and we wanted to share their hard-won wisdom with you.

We talk about the importance of intentional legacies, the impact of strong family values, and the significance of building relationships across generations. Rick and Diane share their experiences of creating a close-knit family, fostering a sense of community, and continuing to grow and explore new adventures in their own lives.

They emphasize the importance of faith, generosity, and being present in the lives of the people closest to them. You will walk away from this episode inspired to create a legacy that lasts in your own life

1. How does your family story impact your legacy?
2. What are some small actions you are taking to build the legacy of your family?
3. How can you invest in new relationships and maintain long standing ones at this stage of your life?
4. How are you continuing to open your world?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

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Conflict...it's something we all come up against and many of us shy away from it as soon as there is any hint of it. We forget that disagreement itself is not bad; as people we are not always going to agree on everything. Then we throw in some misplaced expectations and some big emotions and conflict can suddenly move from a natural part of a relationship to something destructive. We can quickly move into unhealthy patterns and hurtful words, actions, or tones...and this is why we shy away.

But our guest Donna Jones, reassures us that conflict doesn't have to be awful. In fact healthy conflict is actually possible! Through listening with intent to understand, deciding what is ours to carry and taking responsibility for that, and recognizing how our personality responds to potential conflict, we can approach conflict with confidence rather than fear. We can talk about the problem at hand rather than each other. We can work toward common ground while believing the best in each other.

Conflict is unavoidable. Let's not make it terrible. Let's decide to face disagreement, knowing we can be respectful and kind with intention.

Website: Donna Jones

Instagram: donnaajones

Donna Jones Book: Healthy Conflict, Peaceful Life

James 1:19

-Do you tend to push into conflict? Or pull away from it? How has your personality impacted how you view conflict?

-Who can you listen to this week with the intent of better understanding this person?

-Are there things you are carrying that you shouldn't be?

-How can you take responsibility for what is yours to own in a conflict? And allow others to carry what is theirs?

Do you have a high school graduate this year? Or does someone you know? In this episode Alex is interviewing Krista, asking questions such as: -How do you celebrate a high school senior well? -How do you help them practically prepare for college? -How do you say goodbye when it's time for them to leave (nooooooo… I'm not ready!)? -And what do you do about this grief over the loss?

In this conversation, you will find practical advice and helpful questions to ask. Krista emphasizes the importance of communication, setting expectations, and planning ahead. She also discusses ways to make graduation and the moment of departure feel special and recognized.

No matter where you find yourself – fully party planned or not even started, happy or sad, prepared or completely unprepared, this episode is for you!

HOW WE SAY GOODBYE BEFORE OUR CHILDREN GO TO COLLEGE

• Communicate with your child about their expectations and what success looks like to them
• Plan and budget for the expenses of launching a child to college
• Make graduation and the moment of departure feel special and recognized
• Acknowledge and cope with the emotions and grief that may arise during this transition
• Find joy in the journey and embrace the new chapter

Before College weekend questions

• What will make this fun for you?
• What will make this feel special for you?
• What does support look like to you during this time?

1. What conversation do you need to have with your child now about graduation coming up?
2. What is important to you as you mark this transition?
3. What can you do now to practically prepare for fall?
4. How can you have that significant conversation with your child before he/she leaves?

What if instead of fighting our family, we fought FOR our family? This is the charge Chris and Julie Bennett are putting in front of us. That sounds like something we want to do, but how do we practically implement it?

The Bennetts give us practical ways to implement grace, forgiveness, and hope into our relationships with our children, our spouse, and those we bring into our family fold. Family is about belonging - so our aim is to create a place of honesty, safety, and grace. Chris and Julie speak from a lifetime of fighting for their family together.

If you are needing both some inspiration and practical help today, this conversation is for you. The world hands us a lot to deal with, especially in midlife. We don't have to fight with those we love, as much as we have to fight for a family culture that demonstrates wild love.

Chris & Julie's - website

Chris Bennett's - Instagram

Julie Bennett's - Instagram

Chris and Julie's book- Fighting For Family

The chosen - Tv show

1 peter 1:23- Imperishable seed

1. What would it look like to fight for your family in this season, rather than fight with your family?
2. Think of someone in your life who seems particularly complicated, how can you embrace them in their complexity?
3. Who or what do you need to forgive?
4. What prayer can you craft for your children to pray over them consistently?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Have you ever asked the question, "Does anyone like me?" Maybe people used to like you, but you are wondering if they do now. Or maybe your son or daughter is asking that question.

Few admit they have these thoughts, and even less talk about them out loud. We're changing that! Today on the podcast we are discussing the topic of feeling liked and building friendships. We explore the middle school mentality that often resurfaces in adulthood, the impact of transitions on confidence, and the transfer of insecurities from failed relationships.

You will learn how many hours it takes to build a new friendship and what we can do to open ourselves up to new relationships.

Midlife can shift our friendships - we're here to help!

Website: sarahbragg.com Instagram: sarahwbragg

Sarah's Book- Is Everyone Happier Than Me?

• The middle school mentality of questioning whether people like us often resurfaces in adulthood, especially during times of transition.
• Being introspective and self-aware can help us recognize and address our insecurities and negative patterns of thinking.
• Building friendships takes time, with casual friendships requiring 40-60 hours, and deeper friendships requiring over 200 hours of quality time together.
• Being open to new friendships, even on a casual level, can lead to meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
• Noticing the good in ourselves and approaching relationships with curiosity and compassion can enhance our ability to build and maintain friendships.

1. Has there been a season or circumstance where you have been more prone to feeling like no one likes you?
2. How could you focus on showing how much you enjoy others around you today, rather than focus on how others feel about you?
3. What are some qualities you have that make you a good friend?
4. How could you convey a posture of openness to others around you today as you are out in the world?