The Alli Worthington Show

Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer. Today, I'm with one of my favorite smart girls, Debra Fileta. She is an amazing counselor. She is an author many times over. She's a speaker, and she runs a network of Christian counselors. She's absolutely brilliant, and she is so kind, gracious, and loving. 

Today, you’ll get to know her a little bit more and learn how she got to where she is. You know I'm obsessed with the behind-the-scenes and all the things that nobody ever gets to talk about. That's what we're doing today, and I think you'll love it. 

Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in dating, marriage, and relationship issues, along with a spectrum of mental health disorders and issues. She is also a speaker, and host of Talk to Me and the Love + Relationships podcasts. She is the author of six books, including her latest, RESET: Powerful Habits to Own Your Thoughts, Understand Your Feelings, and Change Your Life. 

Join Debra and I as we talk about:

• Debra’s background and journey

Favorite quotes: 

3:33 - “It's this idea of do you wait on God or do you take action as if they're two different things. But to me, waiting on God is a posture of my heart. It's not a passive posture. It's not sitting around twiddling my thumbs. It's being intentional and moving towards Him.”

4:14 - “I am responsible for doing all that I can do with the talents that God has given me, and then He's responsible for doing all that He can do. And when we both do that, really good things can happen.”

8:17 - “Living intentionally is living how God wants us to live.”

15:35 - “It takes that faithfulness to what's in front of you and then always going back to why am I doing this to begin with? Why am I actually doing this? I'm doing this because this is what God has called me to do. I'm doing this because I have a message that He's placed on my heart. And if I really believe that, then I need to be a good steward of sharing that message.”

27:42 - “Sometimes, the most thriving ministries are the ones that are the best in their business mentality because it's about growth. It's about being good stewards of what you have been given, not just winging it.”

31:55 - “I also feel like the more the Lord gives me, the more intentional I need to be with keeping my heart in the right place and just holding onto that attitude that this is really for Him.”

Recommendations (34:06 audio)

This week’s recommendation is an amazing foundation by IT Cosmetics - Bye Bye Foundation. It is what I love. It’s a broad spectrum SPF 50 that actually looks great on your skin. It’s very moisturizing and gives me an extra layer of sunscreen on my face.

For fun additional recommendations that come out from me once or twice a month, with books I’m reading, movies I’m watching and makeup I love, go to Alliworthington.com and take a quiz or download something free to get these Good Things emails, if you aren’t already receiving them.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Debra Fileta Website

Little Things Studio is a woman-owned small business bringing daily reminders of beauty and truth to your home and life. These thoughtfully-designed products are made in the USA and focus on the rich words of hymns and the beauty of nature. 

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

xo,

Alli

https://alliworthington.com/the-secret-to-taking-action-with-debra-fileta/

This week, I’m with the wonderful Crystal Paine, otherwise known as Money-Saving Mom. Crystal and I started our online careers at similar times. We both pioneered what it looked like to be a mom and an entrepreneur and do it all surrounded by kids. 

Crystal has grown a brilliant company and is the epitome of a smart girl. Full disclosure, she is one of my business coaching clients - and I say that makes her even smarter. I'm thrilled for you to hear all the behind-the-scenes information of Crystal's business.

Crystal Paine is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and New York Times bestselling author of Say Goodbye to Survival Mode, and Money-Making Mom.

In her latest book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most, Crystal offers practical steps, simplified systems, and time-saving hacks to help you wrap your time and energy around what matters most in your life — even when you feel pulled in a thousand different directions.

Join Crystal and I as we talk about:

• Crystal’s background and journey

Favorite quotes: 

• 6:50 - “There were a lot of failures, trials, errors, mistakes, and missteps along the way, but I look back and really feel like that was what set me up for success because I learned so much through making a lot of mistakes and doing things wrong.”

Coaching this week (44:00 audio)

My Best Strategy for Overcoming Procrastination 

This week, I’m sharing a tip called negative visualization. It’s imagining what could happen if we don’t do something, letting us see the cost of inaction and makes us more likely to take that first step in work, health, or friendships. Pick one thing you’ve been putting off and start this today.

Recommendations (51:36 audio)

My fun recommendation this week is a little charger that goes on your keychain to charge your Apple watch. If you have the same problem I do, your Apple watch dies all the time. You can use it to charge your watch during the day so it’s charged when you need it.

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Crystal Paine Website

Little Things Studio is a woman-owned small business bringing daily reminders of beauty and truth to your home and life. These thoughtfully-designed products are made in the USA and focus on the rich words of hymns and the beauty of nature. 

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

xo,

Alli

https://alliworthington.com/unlock-business-growth-secrets-with-crystal-paine/

Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer. Today, I’m with a powerhouse of fun and brilliance, Havilah Cunnington. She was just recently on the show teaching us how to hear from God, and now she's sharing the behind-the-scenes of her work and her ministry. 

She runs the Christian non-profit - Truth to Table, and she doesn’t shy away from bringing you all the details. This is a dream episode of Smart Girl Summer. You’re going to love this one! 

Havilah Cunnington is a Bible teacher, author, small business owner, and itinerant speaker obsessed with helping people live the abundant life God has called them to live. 

Havilah’s new book, Created to Hear God: 4 Unique and Proven Ways to Confidently Discern His Voice, teaches that God speaks to each of us differently, and the key to understanding the unique way He speaks to us is through our prophetic personality.

Join Havilah and I as we talk about:

• Building her nonprofit ministry

Favorite quotes: 

• 2:47 - “You better have a business mindset because it doesn’t just happen with the sprinkle of favor. It really has to be a conscious decision to build.”

Coaching this week: (33:63)

How to Take Action 

Action creates information. When you do something you learn from it. Don’t freeze up. Make a choice and move. Take action on all the good things that you know that you want to give it a try. It may not be perfect, but it will be progress. Keep moving. Keep learning. And keep growing.

Recommendations: (42:04)

My fun recommendation this week is about lashes. Lash View Self-adhesive lashes from Amazon, come in clusters of lashes. They simply stick to your lashes and they’re easy to put on and take off. These are great! 

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Havilah Cunnington Website

Little Things Studio is a woman-owned small business bringing daily reminders of beauty and truth to your home and life. These thoughtfully-designed products are made in the USA and focus on the rich words of hymns and the beauty of nature. 

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

xo,

Alli

Welcome back to Smart Girl Summer. Today, we are with one of my favorites, the wonderful Laura Tremaine.  She has been on the show before, talking about friendship and life. Today, you'll hear the behind-the-scenes that you have not heard anywhere else and get some of her favorite advice.

Laura Tremaine is an avid reader, writer, and enthusiastic podcaster who believes that sharing yourself will make you less lonely. Laura Tremaine grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Los Angeles sight unseen when she was twenty-two. She worked in film and television production for many years before pursuing writing full-time.

In her book, The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs, Laura gives every woman the help she needs to think about friendships in a new way and find true connection, freedom, and joy in her relationships.

Join Laura and I as we talk about:

• Why she started blogging and moved to Hollywood

Favorite quotes: 

• “Mindset will only take you so far, but if you don’t have the right mindset, it can sink you fast.”  (13:17 audio)

Coaching this week:   (38:14 audio)

One Tech Tool You Need to Start Using, ChatGPT.  If you haven’t started using it, I need you to start. People either haven’t tried it at all or they really love it. Do not feel intimidated. Don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s really an exciting time. It isn’t perfect but it is going to help you excel. This is our next step up. 

Recommendations: (40:22 audio)

This is theme park summer, and this week I share about Hershey Park. I wasn’t sure  what to expect, I mean it’s named after a Hershey bar. There are so many things to do there! I was really impressed. There’s a water park, a zoo, big scary rides, and tons of coasters. It’s absolutely adorable! Get the express pass and enjoy!

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Laura Tremaine Website

Little Things Studio is a woman-owned small business bringing daily reminders of beauty and truth to your home and life. These thoughtfully-designed products are made in the USA and focus on the rich words of hymns and the beauty of nature. 

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 in the middle of Smart Girl Summer. Today, we are bringing back a favorite Smart Girl Summer episode with the wonderful Bianca Olthoff. She is a favorite of mine, and she's a favorite on the show. She's been on many times, and today, she is sharing about her behind-the-scenes. 

Bianca Juarez Olthoff is a best-selling author and host of the We’re Going There podcast. She is a passionate Jesus-loving, Bible-teaching, book-writing MexiRican who loves to help people navigate life, connect in community, and live significantly. 

In her book, Grit Don't Quit: Developing Resilience and Faith When Giving Up Isn't an Option, Bianca helps us cultivate perseverance when giving up isn’t an option. Perseverance requires hope that is rooted in the One who can go beyond our wildest dreams to accomplish more than we could ever imagine.

Join Bianca and I as we talk about:

• God’s grace for various seasons of life

Favorite quotes: 

• “If the Lord is asking you to lay this down, it’s because it’s not yours to carry, and when you pick this backup, it will be with even greater strength.” (14:20 audio) 

Coaching this week:  Boosting Your Mood (40:49 audio) 

This week I share secrets to get out of negative self-talk soup. The secret is to boost your body. Do small things to boost your mood in the morning. Really positive, powerful chemicals are ready in your body to be tapped into.

Recommendations: (46:49 audio)

I’m talking this week about Little Things Studio, the Nashville-based business I bought half of at the end of last year. All of the products are handcrafted in America by women. We are woman owned and employ women locally. 

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Bianca Olthoff 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 in the middle of Smart Girl Summer. Today we are with one of my favorite smart women in the world, Beth McCord, better known as Your Enneagram Coach. I love doing these smart girl summer episodes. I learned quite a bit and I'm sure you will too. 

Beth McCord is an accomplished Enneagram speaker, author, coach, and teacher with over two decades of dedicated experience. In her new book, The Enneagram for Moms: See the True Colors of Yourself and Your Children as God Intends, Beth blends Enneagram wisdom with practical insights to foster authentic and healthy family dynamics.

Join Beth and I as we talk about:

• What is working for businesses in 2024

Favorite quotes: 

• “There is a lot of being curious, figuring things out, and being flexible. Being flexible is one of the biggest things.”  (9:06 audio)

Coaching this week: (29:47 audio)

Escaping the Mediocrity Trap: A Guide to Getting Unstuck

In this week’s coaching, I share tips for recognizing mediocrity situations and practical steps to escape the mediocrity trip. The mediocrity trap is one of the trickiest ruts to escape. Unlike terrible situations that, once you are out, often turn into funny stories or proud memories, mediocre situations drag on and become what I call the "Lost Years."  The biggest obstacle to getting unstuck is often our own mindset. Don’t settle for a life that’s just okay.

Recommendations: (41:00 audio)

This week’s  recommendation is Spotifiy’s free audio books. If you have Spotify Premium, this year they're including free audio books in their membership. I looked and all of my books are available. Enjoy!

Links to great things we discussed: 

• Beth McCord 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 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