The Speakeasy

Join Blake, a proud Louisianan and devoted Christian, as we dive into Louisiana's groundbreaking legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every state-funded classroom. This episode offers an in-depth look at the intersection of faith, politics, and education in our beloved state.

Discover why this law, part of a larger educational reform package, has stirred both support and controversy. We'll explore it through three lenses: as Christians, historically, and culturally, to unpack the complexities and implications. She shares personal insights, historical quotes from the founding fathers, and the broader cultural context of this debate.

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Author, influencer and ex-New Age follower Caroline Dooner joins Blake to share her journey from disordered eating and new age spirituality to Christianity. Despite dabbling in witchcraft and the occult, seeds were planted that kept pointing her to Jesus as the answer. A Christian conspiracy theorist's testimony of going from a New Age psychic medium to a Jesus follower through supernatural experiences started chipping away at Caroline's worldview. Ultimately, Caroline found that calling on the name of Jesus brought instantaneous peace and freedom from the fear, anxiety and demonic torment she had been experiencing.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Recognize how God can use imperfect messengers and circumstances to gradually open people's eyes to the truth of who He is.
• Discover how Jesus relentlessly pursues the lost and draws them to himself, even when they are not seeking him.
• Learn how seeds of truth about Jesus can be planted even in the midst of deception.

Caroline is the author of The F*ck It Diet and Tired as F*ck – available everywhere now!

To connect with Caroline:

Website: carolinedooner.com

Instagram: @carolinedooner

Episode Sponsors:

Hiya Health

Patriot Mobile

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Homeschool mom, podcaster, and author Jennifer Pepito joins Blake to discuss the importance of creating peaceful and sacred homes. Jen shares her journey of striving for a perfect home environment and the realization that true peace comes from small, consistent habits rather than perfection. They emphasize the importance of balancing grace with intentionality in parenting, noting that societal pressures and personal fears often hinder this balance. Jen advocates for a faith-driven approach to motherhood, where reliance on God and daily spiritual practices create a nurturing and resilient family atmosphere.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Learn about the significance of modeling positive behavior and values for your children.
• Discover the importance of habit stacking and how small, incremental changes can lead to lasting improvements in your home environment.
• Explore the idea of simplifying routines and incorporating manageable habits to create a more peaceful household.

Jennifer is the author of Habits for a Sacred Home – available everywhere now!

To connect with Jennifer:

Website: thepeacefulpreschool.com

Instagram: @jenniferpepito

Podcast: Restoration Home

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Author Monica Swanson joins Blake to focus on homeschooling, a journey that Blake has recently stepped into. Monica shares her experience from being a skeptic to a homeschooling advocate and author. In her book, she aims to uncomplicate homeschooling, providing a manual that parents can adapt to their needs, ensuring a joyful and rewarding experience. The conversation addresses common concerns about socialization and the differences in the educational landscape now compared to previous generations, highlighting the advantages and challenges of homeschooling.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Discover practical tips for starting your homeschooling journey, regardless of your background or previous experience.
• Understand the importance of embracing a mindset shift to fully commit to and enjoy homeschooling.
• Find encouragement and support from the homeschooling community, knowing you're not alone in this journey.

Monica is the author of Becoming Homeschoolers – available everywhere now!

To connect with Monica:

Website: monicaswanson.com

Instagram: @monicaswanson_

Podcast: The Monica Swanson Podcast

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Worship leader, songwriter and teacher, Natalie Runion joins Blake to discuss church culture and the challenges faced by believers. Natalie shares her journey from being a pastor's kid to experiencing significant church hurt, which led her to nearly leave the ministry. However, a transformative moment inspired her to start "Raised to Stay," a movement encouraging believers to remain committed to the church despite its flaws. They discuss the importance of distinguishing between being hurt by individuals in the church and the institution itself, advocating for healthy church environments and genuine community. The conversation emphasizes the need for believers to seek out churches that prioritize community, accountability, and spiritual growth, rather than those focused solely on numbers and fame.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Understand the difference between deconstruction and demolition in a faith context.
• Gain perspective on the importance of accountability and vulnerability in Christian communities.
• Explore the dynamics of mega churches versus smaller churches and what to look for in a healthy church environment.

Natalie is the author of Raised to Stay (available now!) and The House That Jesus Built (coming September 2024!)

To connect with Natalie:

Website: natalierunion.com

Instagram: @raisedtostay

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Co-founder of Aro, a digital wellness solution for families, Joey Odom joins Blake to discuss the nuances of technology use, emphasizing the importance of balance and positive reinforcement rather than demonizing screen time. Joey explains that Aro goes beyond traditional parental controls, focusing on the core relationship individuals have with their phones. Joey shares personal experiences of realizing the need to change his own phone habits, highlighting the value of modeling healthy behaviors for children. The episode encourages listeners to embrace nuance and cultivate intentional relationships with technology within their families.

In this episode, you'll be able to…

• Gain insight into the detrimental effects of excessive phone usage on relationships and mental well-being.

• Learn practical strategies and approaches to change your relationship with your phone, including setting boundaries, being intentional with phone use, and reducing false dependencies.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the need for societal shifts in attitudes towards phone usage and the importance of fostering healthy relationships with technology.

Use code BLAKEG to join Aro today!

To connect with Joey:

Podcast: The Aro Podcast

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Blake sits down to talk about her personal journey of leaving one church after seven years and transitioning to a new church, emphasizing the importance of finding alignment with a church's values and priorities. She discusses the process of discernment, prayer, and seeking God's guidance when considering a new church community. Join her for today's episode while she highlights the significance of being part of a church that supports spiritual growth, community, and theological alignment. Ultimately, the episode stresses the importance of being where God intends and finding a church that resonates with one's spiritual journey and family values.

To keep up with Blake as she navigates this new season, be sure to follow her on Instagram.

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We have a very fun and somewhat chaotic episode for you today with Blake and her best friends, Kyleigh, Nick, and Jeremy, who share their journey of friendship and life experiences. They recount how their bond evolved from Instagram acquaintances to real-life friends, including that one time when Nick and Kyleigh moved into Blake and Jeremy's driveway in a 38' motorhome. The episode highlights the deep connection they developed, the challenges they faced, and the eventual return to settled life, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and supportive relationships in navigating life's transitions. They reflect on how their friendship and faith sustained them through various life changes, including job opportunities and challenges, ultimately underscoring the profound impact of their shared experiences and God's faithfulness throughout.

To keep up with their friendship and ongoing shenanigans, be sure to follow Blake and Kyleigh on Instagram.

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Lead pastor at The Pursuit NW and recovering politician Russell B. Johnson joins Blake to talk about his journey from working in politics to planting a church that grew at record speed when they refused to close their doors during the lockdown. Listen in as they talk about his conviction and passion for sharing the truth in today's culture where it is wildly unpopular and how we can love people without compromising our allegiance to Scripture.

To connect with Russell:

Website: thepursuitnw.com

Instagram: @russellbjohnson | @thepursuitnw

Facebook: facebook.com/ThePursuitNW

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Wellness advocate, kitchen creative, wife and mom, Fallon Lee joins Blake to share her personal journey from a mindset focused on diet culture and thinness to embracing holistic wellness and self-care. She discusses her past struggles with anxiety, joint pain, and exhaustion, attributing them to her rigid diet and lifestyle. Fallon opens up about her journey into motherhood, where she faced additional health challenges, including a Hashimoto's diagnosis. She reflects on her shift towards a whole-food healing approach and the importance of finding balance and grace in one's wellness journey. The conversation touches on the complexities of navigating health advice on the internet and emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to self-care and nutrition.

In this episode, you'll be able to:

• Understand the philosophy behind Fallon's approach to wellness, emphasizing enjoyment of food and the importance of nourishing the body.

• Explore the importance of individualized nutrition and the limitations of generic calorie quizzes and calculators.

• Gain solidarity and support in the wellness journey, knowing that others have faced similar challenges and found success through nourishing practices.

To connect with Fallon…

Website: fallonstable.com

Instagram: @fallondanae

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