In this episode of The Trailblazer Talks, Courtney Jones wraps up the current season by reflecting on her journey, encouraging listeners to maintain their faith during the summer, and sharing insights on trusting God's plan. She emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the lessons learned from biblical figures like Moses. As she looks forward to the next season, she expresses excitement for new opportunities and the continued journey of faith.

Takeaways:

• This season has been one of the best yet.
• It's important to stay connected to God during busy times.
• Trusting God can be challenging, but it is essential.
• Moses' story teaches us about faith and calling.
• God often uses those who feel unqualified.
• Obedience is success.
• Community support is vital for personal growth.
• Planning is good, but flexibility is key.
• God's timing is different from our own.
• The podcast will return in August after a brief summer break!

Follow on Instagram: @courthopejones

Website: thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com

Are you feeling discouraged in your calling? Wondering if it's really worth it to keep going when the results feel slow or the weight feels heavy?

In this episode of The Trailblazer Talks, Courtney shares a heartfelt message for anyone walking out a God-given calling that feels overwhelming, exhausting, or unclear. Through biblical truth, honest encouragement, and practical steps, you'll be reminded why your yes still matters—even when it’s hard.

Whether you’re building a ministry, starting a creative business, writing, leading, or serving behind the scenes, this episode will help you press forward with clarity and faith.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why difficulty doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong

• The mindset traps that make us want to give up

• Biblical encouragement for weary leaders

• Practical ways to stay grounded and keep going

What do you do when the calling is clear — but the timing isn’t?

This week on The Trailblazer Talks Podcast, Courtney has a conversation with author and speaker Chelsey DeMatteis about discerning God’s voice through writing, motherhood, and ministry. From unexpected book deals to starting a worship gathering with no venue or budget, Chelsey shares how she’s learned to trust God’s whispers even when the outcome is unknown.

If you’re wrestling with clarity in your calling or wondering whether to persevere or pause, this conversation will help you tune in to God’s direction with faith and peace.

Takeaways:

• How to recognize when God is asking you to wait, pause, or press on

• Why “no” doesn’t always mean “never” in the kingdom of God

• How Chelsey knew it was time to write Mercy in the Margin

• The role of spiritual community in discerning next steps

• What it looks like to walk out your calling when the path feels unclear

Chelsey DeMatteis is a wife, mother, and woman on fire for Jesus. She is a devotional writer for Lifeway's Journey Women Magazine, Salem Media, and YouVersion. She hosts the Living with Less Podcast and is the author of More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World and A Thrill of Hope. Chelsey resides in the midwest with her husband and their two children. Learn more at ChelseyDeMatteis.com or follow her on Instagram @chelseydematteis.

Show Links:

More of Him - https://amzn.to/43MKONQA Thrill of Hope - https://amzn.to/3Hdj9wP

Chelsey's Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-with-less-podcast/id1450217627

Sponsor: littlecreativecompany.com

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Follow Courtney: https://instagram.com/courthopejones

In this week’s episode of The Trailblazer Talks, Courtney sits down with author and adoptive mom Kara Stout for an honest conversation about trusting God’s timing, letting go of control, and learning to find peace in the in-between.

Kara shares her 10-year journey of waiting to become a mom, what God taught her through grief and loss, and how her devotional book An Untroubled Heart was born from walking closely with God through unanswered prayers.

This conversation is filled with wisdom and encouragement for anyone navigating an uncertain season, wondering if God is still near. If your heart is aching for peace, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

• How to find peace with God when life feels uncertain

• Trusting God when prayers go unanswered

• Kara’s adoption story after a decade of waiting

• Why persistent prayer matters—even when God feels silent

• The power of morning and evening devotional rhythms

• Creating a peaceful home through worship and Scripture

If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, not enough, or waiting on someone to give you permission—this episode of The Trailblazer Talks will speak straight to your heart.

Author and speaker Mary Marantz joins Courtney for a conversation rooted in honesty, encouragement, and hope. They unpack Mary’s newest book, Underestimated, and talk about what really holds us back from walking fully in what God has called us to.

From perfectionism and people-pleasing to fear and procrastination, Mary shares practical wisdom on building self-trust, letting go of old narratives, and starting small—even when the world underestimates you.

About Mary Marantz:

Mary Marantz is the three-time bestselling author of Underestimated, Dirt, and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots and the host of the popular podcast, The Mary Marantz Show. She grew up in a trailer in rural West Virginia and was the first in her family to go to college before going on to Yale for law school. Her work has been featured on CNN, MSN, Business Insider, Bustle, Thrive Global, Southern Living, Hallmark Home & Family, and more. She and her husband Justin, live in an 1880s fixer-upper by the sea in New Haven, Connecticut, with their two very fluffy golden retrievers, Goodspeed and Atticus.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

- Order Mary’s book Underestimated: https://amzn.to/3ET9wm5

- Take the “Name the Fear” Quiz: https://namethefear.com

- Discover your core driver with the Achiever Quiz: https://achieverquiz.com

- Learn more about Mary’s work: https://www.marymarantz.com

- Follow Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymarantz

Visit the Podcast Website: thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com

Follow Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/courthopejones

Sponsor: Little Creative Company - littlecreativecompany.com

Have you ever felt stuck between faith and disappointment?
Today’s solo episode is a heart-to-heart about what to do when your prayers seem unanswered and how to dream with God again after a long season of waiting or discouragement. If you've ever walked through disappointment, discouragement or doubt, this episode is for you!

We’ll talk about:

• Why disappointment often comes down to trust

• What Proverbs 3:5–6 really calls us to live out

• How biblical figures like David and Thomas wrestled with doubt too

• 5 practical, biblical steps to steady your faith and dream again

• Why your hope is safe with God — even when the wait feels too long

Whether you're in a season of delayed dreams, waiting for breakthrough, or just trying to keep believing, this conversation will meet you right where you are and remind you that your story isn’t stuck — it’s still being beautifully written by God.

Scripture References:
Proverbs 3:5–6 | Psalm 34:18 | John 20:27 | Proverbs 13:12 | Hebrews 6:19 | Joel 2:25 | John 15:4–5

Mentioned in this episode:

➔ My book, It Is Written — Strengthen your faith and pray Scripture with boldness! https://amzn.to/4cNSJgE

➔ Little Creative Company — Need a powerful brand or website that helps you reach the people you're called to serve?

➔ Subscribe & Leave a Rating/ Review Please!

Email me: [email protected]

Follow me: https://instagram.com/courthopejones

Website: thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com

What do you do when you're stuck in life and nothing seems clear?

In this vulnerable and wisdom-filled episode, Bethny Ricks—author of Face Forward—shares her story of walking away from a successful corporate career after a health scare, navigating burnout, and learning to trust God with the unknown.

We talk about letting go of titles, releasing our need for control, and what it really looks like to move forward in faith when life falls apart. If you’re in a hard season or feel stuck between where you’ve been and where you’re going, this episode is for you.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How to move forward when you don’t know what to do

• Why being honest with yourself comes before any strategy

• What Bethny’s mini-stroke taught her about surrender

• How to let go of people-pleasing and the illusion of control

• Why hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a person

• Encouragement for writers, leaders, and women in waiting seasons

• Real talk about burnout, disappointment, and starting again with God

Order Face Forward by Bethny Ricks: https://amzn.to/42KosLi

Follow Bethny on Instagram: @bethnyricks

Check out more episodes at: thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com
Follow me on Instagram: @courthopejones

👉 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show!

In this powerful episode, Courtney sits down with Elle Cardel—author, Bible teacher, and founder of the women’s ministry Daughter of Delight—for a heartfelt conversation about learning to truly delight in the Lord through every season of life.

Elle shares her incredible journey of launching her online ministry, navigating her daughter’s life-threatening heart condition, and how God met her in moments of suffering with unexpected joy. You’ll hear practical encouragement for growing in prayer, reading your Bible with confidence, and letting go of perfection in your walk with God.

We also talk about:

• Elle’s new book She Delights and companion Bible study (launching April 22!)

• What it really means to be “bold and beheld” as a daughter of the King

• Why nothing satisfies our soul like God does—and how to stop striving and start resting in His delight

Whether you’re in a valley, on a mountaintop, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that God delights in you and wants you to delight in Him.

Order Elle’s new book + Bible study here:

https://amzn.to/44mwIlo

Connect with Elle: @elle_cardel + @daughterofdelight

Author's Links: Website | Podcast | Facebook | IG

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LET’S CONNECT:Explore more at thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com

Subscribe + leave a review to help more women find biblical encouragement.

In this episode, Courtney interviews Tabitha Panariso, a licensed professional counselor and author, discussing the themes of rejection, healing, and personal growth. Tabitha shares her journey through various forms of rejection, including familial abandonment and friendship breakups, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of self-worth and relationships. The conversation delves into practical steps for healing, the importance of building trust, and the impact of church hurt on faith. Tabitha emphasizes the significance of self-compassion and authenticity in overcoming rejection and encourages listeners to trust God's timing in their personal journeys.

Follow Tabitha on Instagram: @tabithapanariso

Subscribe to her substack: www.tabithapanariso.substack.com

Order her book: https://amzn.to/424S9rq

Follow Courtney on Instagram: @courthopejones

Podcast Website: www.thetrailblazertalkspodcast.com

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Trailblazer Talks, Courtney Jones tells the story of starting her business and dives into how to dream with God by aligning your desires with His will. She shares her personal story of transitioning from a corporate career to running her own business, answering the most common questions like:

• How do I know if a dream is from God?

• What steps should I take to align my vision with Scripture?

• How do I stay faithful and take small steps of obedience?

Courtney also shares biblical insights from Habakkuk 2:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:10, and other key scriptures to help listeners dream with God without falling into the traps of manifesting or divination.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• Understanding your identity in Christ before pursuing your calling

• How to submit your dreams to God and align them with Scripture

• Why writing the vision (Habakkuk 2:2) is a biblical principle

• The importance of taking small steps and being obedient in the waiting