Welcome to the show today! We are in the middle of Smart Girl Summer. We have one of my favorite smart girls with us today, Jo Saxton. We are bringing back a great episode with her this week. She's one of the wisest, kindest, most brilliant women around, and I know you're going to love it. Jo has dedicated her career to empowering women to live into their God-given potential, confident in their call, intentional with their influence, and equipped with the support and resources they need along the way.

Over the course of her career, she has led in ministry and non-profit settings as well as pastoring and church-planting. She has also written several books to help women be intentional with their influence. She is also a podcast host and led online Leadership Coaching communities of women dedicated to their own development as leaders in their spheres of influence.

Join Jo and I as we talk about:

• How Jo got started, where she is now, and where she is headed

Favorite quotes: 

• 13:10 (Audio) - “Just because it’s uncertain doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. It doesn’t mean it’s all falling apart. And even if it is all falling apart, it doesn’t mean it’s over. It means I’ve got to be curious about it rather than give up and walk away.”

Coaching this week: (9:44 audio) 

Confidence Boost: Simple Steps to Overcoming Fear and Taking Action 

This week’s coaching I help you conquer hesitation and take action. Hesitation can hold you back. There’s a strong link between hesitation and self-esteem. Confidence is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. To break free from this cycle, you need to be proactive and I provide you with some super practical steps to build confidence. Embrace the boldness within you and take that first step!

Recommendations: (48:36 audio)

In this week's show I share a movie, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. This is a new trilogy that they’re kick-starting and it’s super entertaining. If you’re looking for a good movie to watch, I recommend it. 

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Jo Saxton Website

Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here.

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

Welcome to the show! Today, we are with one of my favorite smart girls- Hannah Brencher. She is a bestselling author, speaker, and course creator. She’s back on the show and sharing the behind-the-scenes you won’t get anywhere else. Hannah is the founder of More Love Letters, a global love letter-writing movement (leaving letters for strangers), a TED speaker, an entrepreneur, an author, and an online educator. 

Hannah teaches people to establish important disciplines through her fantastic online courses and doesn’t shy away from tough topics like mental illness. I’m so excited for you to get to hear from her today! In her new book, The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World, Hannah demonstrates how powering down changed her entire life. The Unplugged Hours gives you the practical ideas and spiritual inspiration you need to stop scrolling and start living.

Join Hannah and I as we talk about:

• What burnout looks like and how to move forward

Favorite quotes: 

• (9;16 audio) “Little by little, you change and you develop but you have to be really careful that you don’t change and develop into what you think other people want you to be.”

Coaching this week:  Biggest Success Secret   (38:16 audio) 

I shared my biggest success secret! Success in life is not that much about being smart or talented. The secret is grit and support! Grit will lap genius every single time, and you need people who know more than you helping you. Whatever you want to do in life, the number one success secret is to get gritty and get the help you need.

Recommendations: (46:21 audio)

This week I am recommending a movie, The Fall Guy. This rom com came out in May. Big thumbs up to Ryan Gosling. Get a big tub of popcorn and enjoy. It’s an easy watch and it’s super, super fun.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Hannah Brencher Website

Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here.

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kimberly Stuart, a multifaceted talent—writing coach, author of eight novels, and podcaster. Alongside New York Times-bestselling author Bob Goff, she has guided hundreds of aspiring authors through executive coaching, online courses, podcasts, and live events. Kimberly’s expertise and passion for storytelling have made her a beacon for writers seeking inspiration and practical advice.

In her new book, Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit): Rediscovering the Grace that Sets Us Free, Kimberly shares moments that encourage readers to embrace God's fierce love over lesser alternatives. Join us as we delve into the early days of her career, the nuances of writing fiction versus nonfiction, and her advice for aspiring authors. We also discuss the motivation needed for tough days, the failures she has faced, and the valuable lessons learned from them.

Join Kimberly and I as we talk about:

• The early days of her career

Favorite quotes: 

• “Sometimes those little tiny dreams we haven’t even put any oxygen on yet, those are the ones that we need someone else to say out loud.” (7:02 Audio)

Coaching this week: Self Talk  (43:25)  

In coaching for this episode, I teach about our inner voice.  Sometimes, but I think more often than not, the voice in our head is mean and critical or just a downer. I want you to keep in mind that the relationship that you have with yourself is the most crucial one because that voice isn't going anywhere. If you wouldn't take that kind of talk from a friend, you don't want to take it from yourself. I'll also want you to flip it around. Would you ever talk to a friend that way? Would you talk to your best friend, your spouse, or your child in the way that you talk to yourself?

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Kimberly Stuart Website

Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here.

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

Welcome to today’s episode, where I am beyond excited to chat with none other than Ruth Chou Simons. Many of you know her as the creative genius behind GraceLaced, but she is also a powerhouse businesswoman with a wealth of wisdom to share. In this episode, we're going to uncover stories you've never heard before, including insights into her latest project. Ruth's journey is filled with invaluable lessons about starting small, persevering through challenges, and growing a business with intention and heart.

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, award-winning artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker. She uses her multifaceted platform to infuse the Word of God into people's lives. Her new book, Now and Not Yet: Pressing In When You’re Waiting, Wanting, and Restless for More, encourages readers to view their current situations through God's lens, aligning their perspective with His and choosing to engage deeply with their circumstances instead of seeking escape. Join us as we delve into how Ruth has grown her business, her advice for artists, the mental hurdles she's overcome as an entrepreneur, and the business advice that has stuck with her through tough times. This conversation is sure to be packed with inspiration and practical wisdom!

Join Ruth and I as we talk about:

• How Ruth has grown her business by starting small and slow

Favorite quotes: 

• Don’t worry about somebody else’s story just press into the story that God is writing in your life right in this season.” (9:26 Audio) 

Coaching this week:  Two Simple Filters for Saying Yes or No

In coaching for this episode, I share that knowing when to say yes or no can be challenging, but using your top three current values and specific short-term goals as filters can help guide your decisions. By aligning opportunities with your values and goals, you ensure that you make room for what truly excites you and moves you forward in your life's purpose.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Ruth Chou Simons Website

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

In today's episode of our podcast, we're diving deep into the intriguing world of Enneagram personality types with special guest Elizabeth Orr, author of The Unfiltered Enneagram: A Witty and Wise Guide to Self-Compassion. Elizabeth, who also serves as the associate chaplain for spiritual formation at Wake Forest, is here to explore the layers of our personality with a blend of humor and insight. Her book encourages us to confront and laugh at the aspects of ourselves we often keep hidden, promoting a journey toward true self-awareness and compassion.

We're thrilled to have Elizabeth join us, especially given the buzz around her new release and her engaging content on the popular Rude Enneagram Instagram account. Throughout this discussion, we'll cover various topics, including common misconceptions about the Enneagram, the core beliefs associated with each type, and the importance of acknowledging our shadow sides. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or looking to deepen your understanding, this conversation promises to enlighten you on embracing your full self and extending compassion to yourself and others. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of the Enneagram in fostering self-love and improved relationships.

Join Elizabeth and I as we talk about: 

• Common pitfalls when we are first introduced to the Enneagram

Favorite quotes: 

• “One of the biggest pitfalls, no matter where you are on your journey, that can be an easy trap to fall into is identifying too much with the type you land on.” (Audio 13:00)

Coaching this week:  How to Rewire Your Mind for Bravery and Resilience  

Before I do each coaching call, I have my clients fill out information that helps them identify their recent wins, which helps them recognize where they are experiencing growth and momentum in their lives. Embracing both smooth and challenging experiences with compassion builds confidence over time, allowing you to move forward with greater understanding and resilience.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Elizabeth Orr Instagram

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

I’m thrilled to have you join us in this episode as we dive into the powerful world of storytelling with my dear friend, Ally Fallon. Today, Ally will share some incredible insights into the emotional health benefits of writing our own stories. She’s here to guide us through the process of getting started and tapping into the transformative power of putting our experiences down on paper.

Ally Fallon isn't just any guest; she's an accomplished author, speaker, and the founder of Find Your Voice—a community dedicated to helping people express themselves through writing. With her extensive background, including ghostwriting 11 books and authoring impactful works like The Power of Writing It Down and Indestructible, Ally brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her latest book, Write Your Story, introduces an 8-step framework that helps anyone craft a meaningful and captivating narrative. Join us as we explore why writing matters, the unexpected benefits it holds for our spiritual, emotional, and physical health, and how you can start making yourself the hero of your own story, even if you've never written a word before.

Join Ally and I as we talk about:

• Why writing our story matters

Favorite quotes: 

• (5:17 Audio) “The main reason writing our story matters is that the act of putting our story on paper teaches us who we are, what our life is about, what we are here for, why we matter, what makes our life so significant, and what is the most interesting thing about us. Beyond that, when we share that story it also allows us to connect with other people who are in our lives.” 

Coaching this week: How to Quit Letting Guilt Weigh You Down

In coaching on this episode, I highlight the importance of using feelings of guilt as a gateway to deeper self-reflection, suggesting that these emotions can reveal significant underlying issues, like past unresolved experiences or current unmet needs. I encourage you to engage with guilt, using it as an opportunity to understand and address the root causes, which will ultimately help you find resolution and peace.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Ally Fallon Website

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

Welcome to today's show featuring my friend Myquillyn Smith, also known as the Nester. We're diving into a fun discussion about our homes, including a candid confession about my biggest decorating faux pas. You're about to discover what that is as we explore the intimate details of home decor.

Myquillyn Smith, a bestselling author known for her books Welcome Home and Cozy Minimalist Home, has spent over fifteen years inspiring women to embrace their spaces, imperfections included, and personalize them. In her latest work, House Rules: How to Decorate for Every Home, Style, and Budget, she presents a compelling collection of one hundred universal decorating truths that cater to any house, style, and budget.

Join Myquillyn and I as we talk about:

• Universal decorating rules

Favorite quotes: 

• “Decorating is just as much about what we remove from a room than what we add. It isn’t about adding expensive things. It is about adding the right things.” (9:48 Audio)

Coaching this week: Keep It Simple & Take Action

In coaching this week, I share that to succeed, keep it simple and take action. Overcoming the tendency to overthink and procrastinate is key; start with small steps, seek guidance if needed, and remember that progress comes from action, not endless planning.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Myquillyn Smith Website

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

Join us today for an engaging talk with Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston, recognized experts on friendships. They share their wisdom on navigating the highs and lows of relationships, recognizing toxic behaviors, and fostering healthier connections. Known for their popular Sister, I Am with You page, and their bestseller, Amy and Jess provide practical advice to enrich your social life in our latest discussion.

In their latest book, Here For It (the GOOD, the BAD, and the QUESO): The How-To Guide for Deepening Your Friendships and Doing Life Together, they offer strategies to strengthen bonds and highlight the importance of love and open communication in friendships. Our conversation covers essential tips on dealing with common friendship challenges and taking the initiative to form new relationships. Tune in for their expert advice on improving and deepening your friendships.

Join Amy, Jess,  and I as we talk about: 

• 5:58 video Red flags for toxic friendships

Favorite quotes: 

• 9:22 video - “If there aren’t any friends in your life right now that are life-giving then take that energy for meeting and investing in new people.”

Coaching this week: 

Use Self-Awareness to Take Action (39:15 video) 

In coaching this week, I share how self-awareness alone won't lead to progress; it must be combined with action to achieve goals and gain momentum. To move forward, you can identify one manageable step you can take toward your objectives, initiating a vital shift from insight to real change.

Recommendation: (43:00 video)

This week, I share a must-read book about maximizing longevity for your overall health and wellness.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Sister I Am With You  Website

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe to YouTube and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

This episode shares a great conversation with one of my favorite writers in the whole world, Sarah Bessey. Today, we are diving into an important topic that I don't think gets covered enough: what do you do when you feel like you're in the wilderness of your faith. If you're struggling with doubts about your faith, or supporting someone who is, you're not alone. Sarah's wisdom, empathy, and thoughtfulness are going to be a blessing to you like it has been to me.

Sarah Bessey has authored or edited five books, including the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer. She also leads Evolving Faith, a conference and online community for people who are reimagining their faith with hope. In her new book, Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith, Sarah becomes a shepherd for our curiosity, giving us a table for our questions, tools to cultivate what we crave, and a blessing for what was, even as we leave it behind.

Join Sarah and I as we talk about:

• Examining our faith

Favorite quotes: 

• “You can’t wander away from God’s love. You can get a few things wrong and still enjoy the goodness and friendship of God. This is not a thing that is jeopardy.” (18:15) 

Coaching this week:   Cultivate Self-Awareness

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Sarah Bessey Website

Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here.

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli

You are in the right place today if you are tired. I mean... Who isn’t tired, right? I'm so excited to talk about ways to beat exhaustion in today's hectic world. My guest, Jess Connolly, wrote the book Tired of Being Tired: Receive God's Realistic Rest for Your Soul-Deep Exhaustion, and she's here to help us tackle this common struggle. Jess challenges the idea that we need permission to rest and stresses the importance of protecting our peace for lasting well-being.

Our conversation will dive into the myths that keep us from resting and provide practical steps for change.  I'm eager to learn how to manage exhaustion and create sustainable rest through small, daily shifts.

Join Jess and I as we talk about:

• What can we do about our exhaustion and tiredness

Favorite quotes: 

• (8:55 Audio)  - “I don’t know many women in varying life stages who aren’t tired. If they have small kids, they are tired; if they are empty nesters, they are tired; if they are in a season of building their career, they are tired. The college girls I know are tired. There is a collective issue.”

Coaching this week:  What is Self-Awareness & Why You Should Care About It (34:57 audio)

In coaching today, we talk about how goal setting often neglects the essential first step of self-awareness. By observing our bodies, thoughts, and emotions without judgment, we gain valuable insights into our triggers and patterns, allowing us to set goals that align with our true needs and create effective strategies to overcome challenges.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Jess Connolly Website

Order your copy of Remaining You While Raising Them here.

Hope you loved this episode!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)

xo,

Alli