Let's talk about the difference between believing in God and actually believing God. Kay Ashley joins Vanessa to share how fear, past experiences, people-pleasing, and even religious performance can quietly shape what we believe, even when we know all the right Christian answers.

Resources

• The Work Is to Believe by Kay Ashley
• https://books.by/kay-ashley 

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram
• https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh

• Book Vanessa to speak
• http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about why Scripture memorization still matters in a world where the Bible is always just a tap away. Vanessa sits down with longtime mentor Dr. Paul Patton to explore what happens when God’s Word moves beyond something we can access and becomes something deeply written on our hearts.

They unpack the practice of the Shema, the example of Jesus, the cost of distraction, and practical rhythms for remembering what matters most. This conversation will challenge you to consider what is shaping your thoughts, your priorities, and the way you live out your faith each day.

Resources

- Everyday Sabbath by Paul Patton and Robert Woods

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

- Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram

- Book Vanessa to speak

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about the legacy we’re building right now. Legacy is more than what we leave behind someday. It’s shaped in the way we love our families, steward our work, make difficult choices, and follow Jesus in everyday life.

Vanessa sits down with attorney and Legacy Center founder Lizette Sundvick for a meaningful conversation about burnout, success, parenting, faith, and learning to live with greater intentionality. 

Resources

- Sundvick Legacy Center

• https://www.sundvicklegacycenter.com/

- Ignite Life

• https://www.ignitelifelv.com/

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

- Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram

• https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh

- Book Vanessa to speak

• http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about what your home is growing and how small, intentional choices can cultivate a family culture centered on Jesus. Vanessa Hartsell and Sydney Overlien explore how everyday influences can quietly shape our homes. You’ll learn how abiding in God’s Word, creating healthy rhythms, and honestly evaluating what has become “normal” can help your family reflect the gospel.

Whether you’re raising children, living alone, or navigating an empty nest, this episode will encourage you to take one faithful next step right where God has placed you.

Resources

• Mom’s Night by Ignite Life
• https://www.ignitelifelv.com/mom-camp 
• Closer: 52 Devotions to Draw Couples Together
• https://a.co/d/01b964d6 

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram
• https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh
• Book Vanessa to speak
• http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about why some relationships grow deeper while others stay stuck at the surface. Vanessa explores what helps people feel truly seen, what often gets in the way of connection, and how small changes in the way we show up can transform our friendships.

This conversation will encourage you to consider whether your closest friendships are helping you grow closer to Jesus and how you can become the kind of friend who receives others with grace, points them toward Christ, and faithfully walks beside them. 

Let's talk about creativity, faith, and why the arts matter in God’s kingdom. Vanessa sits down with Jeanne-Marie to explore what changes when we recognize that we were made in the image of a creative God. Whether you dance, build, teach, parent, solve problems, or simply bring fresh ideas to everyday life, your creativity can reflect your Creator and serve a greater purpose.

You’ll learn how the arts can cultivate confidence, resilience, mentorship, and genuine discipleship. If you have ever believed you are not creative or wondered how your gifts fit into God’s work, this episode offers an encouraging new perspective.

Resources:

• “A Time to” Studio
• https://www.atimeto.org/ 
• Lake Mead Christian Academy
• https://www.lmca.org/ 

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell:

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram
• https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh
• Book Vanessa to speak
• http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about one of the most meaningful conversations you may ever have… the one that points someone to Jesus. In this episode, Evan shares the deeply personal story of his grandfather's unexpected second chance after flatlining, the urgency he felt to share the gospel, and the powerful reminder that we never know how much time we have.

Whether you've hesitated to talk about your faith or wondered if God could use an ordinary conversation for an eternal purpose, this episode will encourage you. You'll discover why living missionally isn't about having all the right words… it's about loving people enough to speak with courage, trusting God with the results, and recognizing that today's conversation could have eternal significance.

Resources

• Discover Your Story Workshop

• Club Christ

• I Once Was Lost by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp

• How to Talk about Jesus (Without Being That Guy): Personal Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram

• Book Vanessa to speak

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let’s talk about what it really means to be a faithful steward. Stewardship is about so much more than budgets, debt, or financial freedom. It’s about trusting God with everything He has entrusted to us and allowing Him to shape our hearts in the process. In this conversation, Rick and Stephanie Kinney share how God transformed not only their finances, but also their marriage, parenting, priorities, and view of His provision.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by debt, struggled to say no, or wondered how to honor God with your resources, this episode offers both practical wisdom and genuine hope. 

Resources

• Financial Peace University

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair’s Instagram

• Book Vanessa to speak
• Learn more about Ignite Life

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about what it really means to show up for people when life gets messy. In this deeply honest conversation, Vanessa sits down with Carly Souza - founder of Fostering Hope in Las Vegas, wife, and mom of nine - to explore what it looks like to love people well in the hardest seasons of their lives. You'll walk away encouraged, equipped, and challenged to lean in rather than pull back when suffering shows up at your door.

Resources 

• The HUB Las Vegas
• https://thehublv.com/

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram
• https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh
• Book Vanessa to speak
• http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request 

👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

Let's talk about the real reason so many of us stay stuck: fear, lies, and a version of ourselves that’s trying way too hard. In this episode, Vanessa shares what her five-week sabbatical uncovered about rest, identity, and what it actually looks like to stop striving and start abiding in Jesus. If you’ve ever felt burned out, off-track, or like you’re running on momentum instead of peace, this conversation is going to hit home.