The Speakeasy

Author and speaker Dawn Spicer joins Blake to discuss a heavy and often overlooked topic within the church: infidelity. She shares her personal journey of having an affair, the subsequent unraveling of her life, and the long path of restoration that followed. They discuss the void that led Dawn to seek fulfillment outside her marriage and the importance of recognizing and addressing those feelings before they lead to destructive decisions. Through her story, they highlight the significance of authenticity, accountability, and the power of grace and redemption in the Christian life. This conversation offers a raw and honest look at the challenges many face and the hope that can be found in Christ, even after the deepest of failures.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Explore the impact of societal pressures and personal expectations on marital satisfaction.
• Learn about the importance of authentic community and accountability in preventing and healing from sin.
• Gain insights into the balance between happiness and holiness in the Christian walk.

Dawn is the author of Even Still – available everywhere Fall 2024!

To connect with Even Still…

Website: dawnspicer.me

Instagram: @dawnspicer_

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Writer, author, and online educator Hannah Brencher joins Blake to discuss her journey with unplugging from technology and the importance of finding a balance between being present online and in real life. She shares how burnout, particularly as a new mom during the pandemic, led her to embrace a lifestyle of unplugging, which she initially resisted but ultimately found necessary for her mental health. Hannah explains how her journey inspired her to start the "Thousand Hours Plugged" challenge and write a book on the subject. The conversation touches on the nuanced approach to technology use, the dangers of overconsumption, and the importance of setting boundaries to maintain mental and emotional well-being.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Understand the impact of overconsumption of digital content on mental health and well-being.
• Explore practical tips for setting boundaries with technology to foster a healthier, more intentional lifestyle.
• Discover the personal challenges and benefits experienced from unplugging from technology.

Hannah is the author of The Unplugged Hours – available everywhere September 17!

To connect with Hannah…

Website: hannahbrenchercreative.com

Instagram: @hannahbrencher

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Therapist and writer, Sam Jolman joins Blake to discuss the harmful effects of purity culture on both men and women, especially those raised in the church. Sam shares his personal journey of grappling with his own sexuality and the challenges within his marriage. They explore how men, often left without proper guidance on sexuality, struggle to integrate their sexual desires in healthy ways. The conversation explored how shame can distort our understanding of our bodies and sexuality, and highlighted the importance of bringing these struggles into the light, where healing and redemption can take place.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Understand the importance of embracing and honoring the body as created in God's image.
• Discover how Jesus' compassion offers freedom and redemption in struggles with body image and sexual shame.
• Reflect on the theological understanding of desire and pleasure as gifts from God.

Sam is the author of The Sex Talk You Never Got – available everywhere now!

To connect with Sam…

Website: samjolman.com

Instagram: @samjolman

Facebook: @samjolman

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TV host, author, and producer Cynthia Garrett joins Blake to discuss the lies women are told regarding their bodies, sexuality, and empowerment. She shares her journey from making common dating mistakes and ignoring biblical teachings on sex to embracing God's design for sexuality. She emphasizes how media, particularly shows like Sex and the City, have distorted societal views on relationships, leading many to adopt unhealthy behaviors. The conversation critiques the feminist and sexual revolution's impact on culture, highlighting how these movements have led to a degradation of true freedom and fulfillment. The discussion also touches on the alarming trends of normalizing pedophilia and the influence of media on youth, advocating for a return to biblical principles and responsible parenting.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Gain insights into the impact of the sexual revolution and feminist movement on modern beliefs about sexuality and gender.
• Understand the influence of the media on shaping societal norms and expectations.
• Explore the ongoing cultural battles over sexual ethics and how to navigate them with a faith-based perspective.

Cynthia is the author of The Naked Truth – available everywhere now!

To connect with Cynthia…

Website: cynthiagarrett.org

Instagram: @cynthiagarrett

Facebook: @cynthiagarrettministries

Sponsors:

Nutrafol.com Promo Code "Blake"

Soul Wellness - Promo Code "Blake" - 30% off!

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Author and speaker Christy Boulware joins Blake to discuss teenage anxiety and mental health. The conversation centers on how anxiety manifests differently in teenagers compared to adults, highlighting symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, stomachaches, and a tendency to isolate. Both Blake and Christy share their personal experiences with anxiety from childhood through adulthood, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing anxiety in teenagers. They also stress the critical role parents play in having open and honest conversations with their children about mental health, aiming to equip both parents and teens with tools to navigate anxiety effectively.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Gain insights into how anxiety manifests differently in teens compared to adults, including common symptoms and behaviors to look out for.
• Learn about specific physical and emotional indicators, such as insomnia, headaches, stomach aches, isolation, and increased comparison behaviors.
• Discover practical techniques for helping your child manage anxiety, including the importance of having open conversations and providing a balance of space and support.

Christy is the author of Nervous Breakthrough – available everywhere now!

To connect with Christy…

Website: christyboulware.com

Instagram: @christymboulware

Facebook: @christy.boulware

Podcast: Fearless Tips & Talks

Sponsors Link:

Our Place - Promo Code "BLAKE"

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Pro-life activist, speaker, and podcaster Seth Gruber joins Blake to discuss the current cultural and political climate, criticizing the church's passive approach to issues like abortion and gender ideology. Seth argues that the church has allowed itself to be sidelined, contributing to the rise of secularism and the moral decay in America. They emphasize the need for Christians to be bold and uncompromising in their beliefs, matching the zeal of those pushing progressive agendas. Seth also introduces his upcoming book and film, the 1916 Project, which aims to uncover the historical roots of today's societal issues, particularly the influence of Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Gain insights into the role of the church in shaping societal values and resisting cultural shifts.
• Explore the impact of disengagement and apathy within the church on contemporary issues.
• Discover the intersections of faith, politics, and activism in addressing pressing moral and ethical challenges.

Check out Seth's new documentary, The 1916 Project, releasing in Fall 2024

Pre-order Seth's new book, The 1916 Project, releasing in Fall 2024

To connect with Seth…

Website: sethgruber.com

Instagram: @sethgruberofficial

YouTube: @sethgrubershow

Podcast: The Seth Gruber Show

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In this solo episode, Blake reflects on her personal journey of faith, grappling with long-held beliefs about happiness and holiness. Raised in a church environment that emphasized suffering and purity culture, she explores how these teachings shaped her understanding that God prioritizes holiness over happiness. However, a profound realization comes when she discovers Psalm 128, which directly states that happiness is a blessing for those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. This revelation challenges her previous beliefs and prompts a reevaluation of happiness within her faith journey, emphasizing that God's desire for his children includes happiness alongside holiness.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Understand the difference between toxic religious beliefs and biblical truths.
• Learn about the significance of happiness in a relationship with God, as interpreted from scriptures.
• Gain insights on finding happiness through following God's instructions and aligning with His will.

Click here to access the Happiness & Holiness Verse Study!

To hear more of Blake's thoughts on this, check out her Instagram!

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Author of "I Am a Woman", Jennifer Strickland joins Blake to discuss the complex and often controversial topic of what it means to be a woman. They delve into how this seemingly straightforward question has become contentious in modern society, particularly among Christians who believe the answer is clear. Jennifer shares her motivation for writing her book, which stemmed from observing the women's marches and the conflicting messages about womanhood. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming and defining womanhood based on biblical principles, highlighting how women have historically been life-givers and stabilizers in society. The conversation also touches on the damaging effects of the feminist movement and the need for women of faith to speak out and lead with clarity and dignity.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Explore the biblical and Hebrew definitions of womanhood and their significance.
• Hear about the importance of women speaking up in today's societal and cultural debates.
• Reflect on the personal and societal consequences of the pro-choice movement and how it has affected men and women.

Jennifer is the author of I Am a Woman – available everywhere now!

To connect with Jennifer:

Website: urmore.com

Instagram: @jenniferstrickland_author

Podcast: The I Am a Woman Podcast

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Political commentator and strategist Brilyn Hollyhand joins Blake to discuss their mutual love for politics, sharing insights and predictions about the current political climate. Brilyn shares his unique story of how he became interested in politics during the 2016 debates and how he believes the younger generation can bring positive change. They also talk about the challenges of engaging the youth in politics and the importance of having intergenerational conversations to bridge the divide. This episode highlights Brilyn's experiences, including his meetings with political figures and his efforts to create a youth council for more meaningful participation in politics.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Understand the importance of youth involvement in politics and how to create a seat at the table for younger generations.
• Learn about the challenges and solutions for bridging the generational divide in political discourse.
• Gain insights into the current political climate and the importance of having open conversations across different age groups.

Brilyn is the author of One Generation Away – available everywhere on July 9!

To connect with Brilyn:

Website: brilynhollyhand.com

Instagram: @brilynhollyhand

X: @brilynhollyhand

Podcast: The Brilyn Hollyhand Show

Sponsor:

Patriot Mobile - Promo code "Blake"

Soul - getsoul.com - code "Blake" for 30% off!

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Pastor, apologist, author, and speaker Sam Allbery joins Blake to discuss his new children's book, "God's Go-Togethers," which aims to help parents navigate conversations about marriage and sexuality with their young children. Pastor Sam shares his journey, including his struggle with same-sex attraction and his decision to become a pastor and author. He emphasizes the importance of instilling a positive, biblical framework for marriage in children early on, rather than focusing solely on prohibitions. The conversation also touches on the broader cultural context and challenges Christian parents face today, underscoring the need for grace, repentance, and consistent spiritual dialogue within families.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Learn practical tips for having age-appropriate conversations with children about biblical marriage.
• Gain insights into addressing difficult questions children may have about same-sex relationships and cultural views on marriage.
• Hear advice on how to approach these topics without panic, fostering a positive and grace-filled environment for your children.

Sam is the author of God's Go-Togethers – available everywhere now!

To connect with Sam:

Website: samallberry.com

Instagram: @samallberry

Sponsors for this week:

Patriot Mobile - Promo Code "Blake"

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