Valentine's Day, dating, and relationships—let's get real! In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Styers, America's go-to relationship expert and one of the top 10 relationship experts in the country. Jennifer has been a Fox News radio relationship expert for the past 10 years and shares practical advice on dating, self-awareness, and finding love that lasts.

We dive deep into what role faith plays in relationships, how to trust God's timing instead of forcing our own will, and why women need to stop squinting at red flags until they look pink-ish! Jennifer shares real stories from her 30 years of coaching and matchmaking, talks about the difference between masculine and feminine energy in dating, and reminds us why holding our standards high actually attracts the right person.

If you're single, dating, or just want honest relationship advice rooted in faith and real-life experience, this episode is for you!

Find Jennifer: 

Website: www.lovejenn.com 

Instagram: @jennifer_styers 

Podcast: LoveAbility Podcast

Episode Overview: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Tonya Shellnut, a successful real estate professional who has built a thriving business while staying true to her values and faith. Tonya shares her journey from corporate America to real estate entrepreneurship, the importance of building genuine relationships, and how she balances business success with family and community impact.

Key Topics Discussed:

Getting Started in Real Estate

• Tonya's transition from corporate work to real estate
• Why she chose real estate as a career path
• The importance of having the right support system and mentorship
• Learning the business through hands-on experience

Building a Successful Real Estate Business

• The power of building authentic relationships over transactions
• How referrals and repeat clients fuel sustainable growth
• Creating systems and processes for consistency
• The importance of knowing your market inside and out
• Working with investors and understanding their unique needs

Faith and Business

• How faith guides business decisions and client relationships
• Treating every client with integrity and respect
• The importance of being honest, even when it's difficult
• Giving back to the community as a cornerstone of success

Team Building and Leadership

• Growing from solo agent to team leader
• Finding and developing the right people
• Creating a culture of excellence and accountability
• Balancing support with high standards

Market Insights and Strategy

• Understanding local market dynamics
• Working with different types of buyers and sellers
• Navigating challenging market conditions
• The importance of education and staying informed

Work-Life Balance

• Managing a demanding career while prioritizing family
• Setting boundaries and protecting personal time
• The role of faith in maintaining perspective
• Building a business that supports your lifestyle, not controls it

Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Professionals

• Start with education and find a great mentor
• Focus on building real relationships, not just closing deals
• Be willing to work hard, especially in the beginning
• Stay consistent and don't give up when things get tough
• Let your faith and values guide your business decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Success in real estate is built on relationships, not just transactions
• Integrity and honesty are non-negotiable, even when it costs you a deal
• Faith and business can work together beautifully
• Building a team allows you to scale while maintaining quality
• Community impact should be part of your business model
• Work-life balance is possible with intentional boundaries

Episode Description

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the She Laughs podcast, Nancy sits down with keynote speaker, personal branding strategist, and founding Brand Builders Group member Kristen Hartnagel for an honest conversation about courage, grief, joy, and calling. Kristen shares her journey of taking bold leaps of faith in her career, navigating the devastating loss of her sister and parents, and learning how to let grief move through her without allowing it to define her life. Together, Nancy and Kristen explore what it means to honor emotions, pursue joy intentionally, and live fully even after profound loss. This episode is a reminder that fear does not get the final word and that joy is something we can choose, even in the hardest seasons.

Episode Summary

Kristen Hartnagel joins the She Laughs podcast to share her story of faith-led courage, resilience, and purpose. With over 30 years in sales and thousands of hours of coaching experience, Kristen reflects on the pivotal moment when she walked away from a secure job that no longer aligned with her values and stepped into what would become Brand Builders Group. The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Kristen opens up about losing her sister to ovarian cancer and both parents in a short span of time, and how her family’s spiritual foundation helped her process grief without becoming consumed by it.

Throughout the episode, Kristen offers practical wisdom on how to allow emotions to move through us, how to support loved ones who are grieving, and how to communicate honestly about our needs. She also shares how creativity, music, and community have been essential to maintaining joy, including her role in an all-female rock band and her upcoming work with Evolve Now, a collaborative imagineering community. This conversation encourages listeners to face fear with clarity, invest wisely in their thoughts, and take meaningful steps toward the life God is calling them to live.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

Kristen explains why joy should guide career decisions and how listening to your body can signal when something is no longer aligned. She shares an intimate and faith-filled perspective on grief, loss, and walking loved ones home at the end of life. Nancy and Kristen discuss practical ways to grieve without suppressing emotions or letting them take over. The episode also explores how to support friends who are grieving or facing a difficult diagnosis with honesty and compassion. Kristen closes by offering a simple three-step mindset framework for overcoming fear and taking your next brave step forward.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Kristen Hartnagel and her work
 02:05 Taking a leap of faith and leaving a secure career
 04:43 Choosing joy over fear in major life decisions
 06:01 Kristen shares her family story and experience with loss
 08:55 Timeline of her sister’s and parents’ illnesses and passing
 11:38 Processing grief without letting it define your life
 14:07 Allowing emotions to move through you
 16:44 Practical ways to grieve and honor emotions
 18:20 Supporting loved ones through grief and diagnosis
 22:49 Communicating needs during seasons of loss
 28:58 Finding joy through creativity and music
 30:45 Personal branding, purpose, and serving from lived experience
 32:15 Evolve Now and collaborative imagineering
 33:08 Kristen’s band, The Six Pack, and creative fulfillment
 35:33 Three steps to move past fear and take action
 38:25 Final encouragement and closing reflections

Links Mentioned

Book a free strategy call with Kristen Hartnagel to discuss personal branding or Evolve Now
 Kristen Hartnagel YouTube channel
 The Six Pack band video “Spirit in the Sky”

Summary

In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, host Nancy Segrato Barnes welcomes Tracy Peterson, an international speaker and family nurse practitioner, to discuss the multifaceted roles of women and the importance of building confidence in both mothers and daughters. Tracy shares her journey of creating 'Women Lessons' after a poignant moment with her daughter, emphasizing the need for women to look inward for validation rather than seeking it externally. The conversation explores the challenges of self-criticism, the significance of gratitude, and practical steps to foster true confidence. Tracy outlines seven lessons that guide women towards self-acceptance and empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace their strengths and weaknesses while cultivating a daily practice of gratitude. In this conversation, Traci Peterson and Nancy Segrato Barnes explore the various ways individuals perceive and hear God's voice, the importance of finding truth amidst a plethora of information, and the transformative power of gratitude. They discuss the significance of owning one's divine gifts, reframing negative labels, and the balance between self-care and family responsibilities. The dialogue emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from recognizing one's unique qualities and using them to serve others, while also acknowledging the need for spiritual growth beyond physical appearances. In this conversation, Nancy Segrato Barnes and Traci Peterson discuss the profound impact of celebrity culture on body image, the role of mothers in shaping their daughters' perceptions, and the importance of investing in self-worth and health. They emphasize the need for women to build supportive communities, set standards for friendships, and live in alignment with their potential. The discussion also touches on the significance of nurturing a relationship with God as a source of strength and guidance.

Takeaways

• Tracy Peterson emphasizes the importance of teaching women and girls about true confidence.
• The concept of 'one minute moments' can lead to significant teaching opportunities.
• Self-criticism is a common struggle among women, and overcoming it is essential for personal growth.
• True confidence comes from looking inward and upward for validation.
• Gratitude is a powerful tool that grounds individuals in the present moment.
• Daily practices are crucial for maintaining confidence and self-love.
• Remembering who you are and whose you are is foundational for self-acceptance.
• Women often aim for an ideal that is subjective and varies from person to person.
• The journey to confidence is ongoing and requires consistent effort.
• Children can teach us valuable lessons about self-acceptance and joy. Some people hear God's voice through thoughts, dreams, or music.
• Finding truth requires discernment in a world full of mixed messages.
• Gratitude practice helps ground us in the present moment.
• Owning your divine gift is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Reframing negative labels can empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness.
• Self-care is crucial for being able to care for others effectively.
• Imbalance in life can be a powerful teacher.
• We are more than our physical bodies; our spirit matters.
• Being present with our loved ones is a gift we can give.
• Success follows when we use our gifts to serve others. Celebrity culture heavily influences body image perceptions.
• Mothers play a crucial role in shaping their daughters' views on body image.
• It's essential to invest in our bodies and self-worth.
• Living in your potential requires daily choices and habits.
• Community and friendships are vital for women's empowerment.
• Setting standards for friendships is important for personal growth.
• Building a relationship with God can provi

Summary
In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, host Nancy engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sheila Page, exploring themes of faith, personal growth, and overcoming life's challenges. Sheila shares her journey of transformation, emphasizing the importance of surrendering control and embracing vulnerability. The discussion also delves into the introduction of Make Wellness and the benefits of natural peptides, highlighting how they can enhance health and well-being. Throughout the conversation, the significance of gratitude, connection with God, and the lessons learned from life's valleys are underscored, offering listeners inspiration and encouragement.

Takeaways

• Faith is essential in overcoming life's challenges.
• Surrendering control can lead to personal growth.
• Sharing struggles helps others relate and heal.
• Gratitude shifts our perspective on life.
• Embracing valleys can lead to deeper understanding.
• Personal connection with God is vital for spiritual growth.
• Life's challenges can be opportunities for transformation.
• Natural wellness solutions can enhance health.
• It's important to personalize your wellness journey.
• Modeling behavior for children is crucial in parenting.

Sound Bites

• "I was such a control freak."
• "I wouldn't trade one of them."
• "You have to look for it."

Chapters

00:00  The Power of Faith and Control

02:48  Sheila's Journey of Overcoming Obstacles

05:42  Lessons from Loss and Blind Faith

08:46  The Role of Surrender in Personal Growth

11:45  Embracing Life's Valleys

14:47  Finding Gratitude in Everyday Life

17:53  The Importance of Personal Connection with God

20:53  Navigating Life's Challenges with Faith

23:41  Introduction to Make Wellness and Peptides

26:48  The Benefits of Natural Peptides

29:44  Understanding the Science Behind Peptides

32:41  Personalizing Your Wellness Journey

35:49  Final Thoughts on Faith and Health

Summary

In this episode of the She Laughs Podcast, Nancy Segrato engages in a heartfelt conversation with Mark Holloway, author of The Freedom Diaries. Mark shares his personal journey of grappling with overwhelming sadness and finding solace in conversations with God during his darkest moments. The discussion delves into the nature of faith, the struggle of hearing God's voice, and the impact of doubt and the enemy's tactics on spiritual growth. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding God's kindness and the transformative power of open dialogue with the divine. In this conversation, Nancy Segrato explores the complexities of communicating with God, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in seeking divine guidance. She discusses the significance of writing down prayers and thoughts to enhance clarity and connection with God. The dialogue also addresses overcoming fears and insecurities, particularly for women, and encourages listeners to embrace their unique gifts. The conversation culminates in understanding that God desires a relationship with us, and that communication is a two-way street, requiring both asking and listening.

Takeaways

• Mark Holloway's journey began in the darkest moments of his life.
• He discovered he could have conversations with God through writing.
• Doubt often creeps in when trying to hear God's voice.
• God's nature is kinder and closer than we often perceive.
• The enemy uses doubt to hinder our relationship with God.
• Conversations with God can lead to profound insights and healing.
• Understanding scripture can help align our thoughts with God's voice.
• God appreciates our efforts to communicate with Him, even when we doubt.
• The struggle of faith is common and part of the journey.
• God's love is unconditional, regardless of our past actions. You can interrogate God in your quest for answers.
• God desires a relationship that involves conversation.
• Writing down prayers can enhance communication with God.
• Feelings play a crucial role in understanding God's guidance.
• There is no hierarchy in hearing from God; everyone can connect.
• Overcoming fear is essential to embracing one's unique gifts.
• God often asks questions to draw us into deeper conversation.
• Asking God what He thinks of us can lead to profound insights.
• Faith requires action; we must be proactive in our relationship with God.
• God is always ready to communicate, regardless of our behavior.

Sound Bites

• "You did this, but she'll be back."
• "There are two sides to every story."
• "God speaks more than we realize."
• "The enemy just has to stop that."
• "You can't interrogate God."
• "God is like a woman, too."
• "We have to live by our feelings."
• "He wants a relationship."
• "God is not a Buddha."
• "You need a conversation."
• "Ask and keep on asking."
• "What do you want to talk about today?"
• "Your behavior isn't acceptable."

Chapters

00:00 Crying Out to God: A Personal Journey

01:44 Introducing Mark Holloway and His Story

03:12 Conversations with God: The Writing Process

05:03 The Struggle of Hearing God's Voice

07:29 Understanding God's Nature and Our Perceptions

17:30 The Loneliness of Loss and Finding God

19:20 Doubt and the Enemy's Tactics

30:41 The Battle of Faith and Spiritual Growth

33:29 Interrogating God: The Quest for Divine Communication

42:22 Overcoming Fear: Embracing Unique Gifts

48:04 The Importance of Writing in Conversations with God

56:07 Understanding God's Communication: Asking and Listening

Summary
In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, Nancy and Teresa Moore delve into the complexities of navigating the holiday season, focusing on the emotional challenges that arise from grief, expectations, and the desire for connection. They discuss the importance of communicating expectations within families, the role of sacrifice, and the emotional burden often placed on women during the holidays. The conversation also touches on how to bring faith into holiday celebrations while managing the pressures of consumerism and societal expectations. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and genuine connection during a time that can often feel overwhelming.

Takeaways

• Christmas brings up a lot of grief over our childhood.
• We confuse performance with presence and perfection with connection.
• The longing is the same for all of us.
• What happens when those expectations go unspoken or unmet?
• I am not doing this again.
• Kids don't really remember that.
• We are so focused on the perfect gift to make you happy.
• You need people that are supportive around you.
• It's okay to be sad and it is okay to be angry.
• You don't have to know them.

Sound Bites

• "I am not doing this again."
• "Kids don't really remember that."
• "You don't have to know them."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief During the Holidays

01:43 Expectations vs. Reality in Holiday Celebrations

03:35 The Human Longing for Connection

09:59 Communicating Expectations in Relationships

17:45 The Role of Sacrifice in Family Dynamics

24:18 Managing Family Obligations and Expectations

31:34 The Emotional Burden on Women During Holidays

38:08 Understanding Grief and Loss During the Holidays

46:47 Bringing Jesus into Holiday Celebrations

Summary

In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, host Nancy engages with Casey Harris, an expert in practical spirituality and two-way prayer. They discuss the importance of overcoming fear and shame to connect with God and discover one's authentic self. Casey shares insights from her book and the One Journey framework, emphasizing the need for practical daily spiritual practices and the transformative power of community. The conversation highlights real-life stories of individuals who have experienced profound changes through spiritual connection and the importance of asking honest questions in one's spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• Spirituality is about connecting with God and oneself.
• Fear often prevents individuals from living their full potential.
• The One Journey framework focuses on practical spirituality.
• Authenticity is crucial in spiritual practices.
• Community plays a vital role in healing and growth.
• Questions are essential for deepening spiritual understanding.
• Daily practices can help integrate spirituality into life.
• Transformative experiences often occur in retreat settings.
• Hearing God's voice is accessible to everyone.
• Self-acceptance is key to overcoming fear and shame.

Sound Bites

• "God does not want us to be afraid."
• "You don't have to belong to a church."
• "You are a child of God."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Connection

02:46 The One Journey Framework

06:03 Practical Spirituality and Daily Practices

08:58 Transformative Retreat Experiences

11:53 Casey Harris's Background and Expertise

15:07 Healing and Growth in Community

17:56 The Role of Questions in Spirituality

20:41 The Importance of Authenticity

23:58 The Book: Connecting with God

26:49 Overcoming Fear and Shame

29:42 Hearing God's Voice

33:03 Real-Life Transformations

35:53 The Journey of Self-Discovery

38:40 Integrating Spiritual Practices into Daily Life

41:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

Summary

In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, host Nancy engages with Jen Higgins, a holistic wellness expert, discussing the importance of self-worth, happiness, and the interplay between physical and mental health. Jen shares her unique approach to helping women rebuild their lives after divorce and unhealthy relationships, emphasizing the need to listen to one's body and prioritize self-care. The conversation covers various topics, including nutrition, exercise, finding purpose after life changes, navigating menopause, and integrating spirituality into wellness. The episode encourages women to embrace their worth and take actionable steps towards a healthier, happier life.

Takeaways

• You matter and you deserve to be happy.
• Holistic wellness involves addressing both physical and mental health.
• Listening to your body is crucial for understanding your needs.
• Nutrition directly impacts mental health and mood.
• Exercise can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances.
• Finding purpose after significant life changes is essential.
• Menopause is a natural phase that requires understanding and adaptation.
• Spirituality plays a vital role in overall wellness.
• Self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for well-being.
• Exploration and trying new things can lead to personal growth.

Sound Bites

• "You matter and you deserve to be happy."
• "You have to learn to prioritize yourself."
• "You matter and you deserve to be happy."
• 
  

Chapters

00:00 Embracing Self-Worth and Happiness

02:09 Holistic Wellness: A New Approach to Healing

06:20 Listening to Your Body: Nutrition and Mental Health

12:07 The Importance of Exercise in Healing

18:38 Finding Purpose After Life Changes

21:57 Navigating Menopause: Understanding Changes

26:30 Exploring Meaning and Purpose in Life

33:19 Integrating Spirituality in Wellness

Summary

In this episode of the She Laughs podcast, Fatima shares her journey as a first-generation Latina and her experiences in civil rights advocacy, particularly focusing on her work with unaccompanied children and her recent transition to healthcare strategy. She emphasizes the importance of faith, trust, and gratitude in navigating life's uncertainties and encourages listeners to embrace their purpose and advocate for others.

Takeaways

• Fatima's journey is rooted in her cultural identity as a first-generation Latina.
• Her father's experiences with discrimination inspired her to pursue a career in law and advocacy.
• She believes in the importance of being a channel of hope for those in need.
• Fatima emphasizes the need for gratitude in all circumstances.
• She acknowledges the challenges of testifying before legislative bodies as a young Latina woman.
• Her work with unaccompanied children has profoundly impacted her perspective on advocacy.
• Fatima's transition to healthcare strategy reflects her commitment to serving underserved communities.
• She believes that faith guides her decisions and career path.
• Fatima encourages others to take the first step towards change, even in uncertainty.
• She highlights the importance of remaining present and trusting in God's plan.

Sound Bites

• "I don't know where God will take me."
• "I want to be a channel of hope."
• "I love policy and I love advocacy."
• "I believe in providence."
• "I just have to be present."
• "I just have to trust my faith."
• "Everything will turn out beautifully."

Chapters
00:00 Faith and Trust in the Journey

03:15 Cultural Identity and Purpose

10:47 Advocacy and Civil Rights Work

19:39 Navigating the Legal System for Children

25:02 Transitioning to Healthcare Strategy

30:36 Finding Courage and Joy in Uncertainty