Karrie chats with good friend, author and spiritual formation pastor, Alex Gowler, on today's episode. He walks us through how the choices we make today, form who we are tomorrow. Alex talks through some topics from his book, "What the Feels" such as the importance of our emotional literacy, what it looks like to honor those emotions and answering, "What do we do with all of our feelings?".

Book: "What the Feels" by Alex Gowler

This week, Karrie chats with her friend Heather Stringer, artist, licensed mental health therapist and ritual maker. Heather leads with the quote, “forgetfulness leads to exile, while remembrance leads to redemption” as they dive into the practice of embodiment and the importance of ritual making to mark your life. Heather challenges some of the ideas and misconceptions of rituals today and brings us back to the original intent and beauty of rituals and how they play a big part in relationship with God.

Instagram: @life_in_ritual

Website: Life In Ritual

Karrie sits down with artist Tanya Godsey to talk about her creative process with God and stepping into obedience to her calling. She discusses the value of walking in confidence and choosing contentment while knowing that what God has entrusted her with, is reward enough in her life. Tanya talks about her transition as the Director of Spiritual Formation at Freedom Movement with spiritual transformation and what that means for her life.

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tanyagodsey/

Spotfiy: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4h3MTNgpLd9G3Yly2HJtnO?si=8faYRNV4R9GNoe6hBhMCqA

Website: tanyagodsey.com

Karrie rings us into the New Year with her own reflection of the last year and how she is approaching this new year to set herself up for the future. Karrie walks us through what she is planning for this year and how she is approaching growth and her goals. Listen to Karrie discuss the importance of Spiritual Formation and needing Jesus in our every day.

Karrie sits down with her husband Mario Garcia to talk about family traditions and their purpose. They discuss how traditions are created and knowing when they need to be let go. Hear their conversation covering traditions, family dynamics, and finding belonging. Whether you are a parent, just married, or single, learn more about the value behind having traditions and creating connections during the holidays. 

**Warning: references sexual abuse and some explicit language**

Blaine and Karrie discuss Blaine’s journey writing his new book “Exit the Cave” and the process of putting his own story into writing. Blaine talks about how he was able to discover his own freedom and healing by working through his story of addiction. Hear Blaine and Karrie dive deeper into how it takes strength and a level of risk to be vulnerable - but the risk is always worth it.

Website, Instagram, Twitter

Book: “Exit the Cave” 

**Trigger Warning (references violence and sexual assault)**

Karrie sits down with Cheryl Nembhard, an international speaker, author, podcast/tv host & social justice advocate. Cheryl walks us through her own story of her need to belong and how God has used her story to connect with other's pain. Listen in as Cheryl and Karrie discuss the importance of being able to hold other people’s pain and surrender to God’s divine plan.

Instagram: @cherylnembhard

Twitter: @cherylnembhard

Facebook: Cheryl Nembhard

YouTube: Cherly Nembhard

Website: www.CherylNembhard.com

National Faith-Based TV Show “On The Path with Cheryl Nembhard” 

This week, Karrie sits down with Cassandra Speer to discuss her new book "Her True Worth", her personal story, and how she provides a healing space for others. Cass talks about stewarding her time in order to walk alongside others going through the trenches of life and how to remain faithful through heartaches.

You can find Cassandra and Brittany Maher's book “Her True Worth” at Target, Barnes & Noble, and other bookstores.

Instagram: @Hertrueworth @cassandralspeer @brittmaher

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hertrueworth/

Website: www.cassandraspeer.com

YouVersion Bible App 5-Day Reading Plan: Her True Worth

Alex and Karrie sit down to continue their discussion on the importance of taking an extended time of rest and restoration through a sabbatical. Alex talks in more detail about how he intentionally rested, the process that came along with ample rest, and the many surprises that occurred. Hear more on the need for rest not only for our leaders, but for everyone.

Alex is the Spiritual Formation Pastor at The Hope Collective Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois. After being on his own journey of what it means to rest, Alex has created a guide for taking time to rest. ”Ready to Rest: A Sabbatical Guide for Ministry Leaders” takes a more in-depth look at best practices, tips, and tools for preparing for time away. It is available to download at https://www.alexgowler.com/rest.

Alex and Karrie sit down to discuss the counter-cultural idea of finding value in resting and restoration. They talk about how we need rest in order to tap back into God’s presence, so when moving forward into the next season, we also move closer to God. Alex shares his own experiences with rest in his weekly sabbaths and his recent sabbatical.

Alex is the Spiritual Formation Pastor at The Hope Collective Church in Lake Zurich, Illinois. After being on his own journey of what it means to rest, Alex has created a guide for taking time to rest. ”Ready to Rest: A Sabbatical Guide for Ministry Leaders”  takes a more in-depth look at best practices, tips, and tools for preparing for time away. It is available to download at https://www.alexgowler.com/rest.