Do you have an idea, dream, stirring in your heart, but you keep dismissing it, ignoring it, or telling yourself you can’t do it?

Maybe you don’t feel qualified, like it’s too late, like someone else is already doing it, or the answer will be no. So why bother asking?

This conversation is your nudge to not let any of that hold you back and instead take the next faithful step.

I’m sitting down with my friend Annie F. Downs, and we’re talking about what it looks like to trust the unique life God is writing for each of us. Annie shares stories from her own journey, from writing and moving to marriage, tattoos, ministry, and all sorts of unexpected turns. She reminds us that God’s calling rarely unfolds in one giant, obvious leap.

More often? It looks like one small yes followed by another.

Annie shares a beautiful picture of perfume and its “dry down,” or how the same fragrance smells different on every person who wears it. Our faith is like that. We all carry the aroma of Christ, but because God created each of us uniquely, following Jesus isn't going to look the same on me as it does on you.

And that’s the point.

• Comparison can keep us from noticing what God is doing in our lives.

• God made you uniquely, so your calling isn't supposed to look like someone else's.

• Small, faithful steps matter. 

• Start asking good questions before dismissing an idea or giving up.

• A “no” doesn't always mean stop. Sometimes it means wait, redirect, learn more, or try another way.

• A trusted community can help us discern God's voice when we aren't sure what He's saying.

• What you're being faithful with today may be preparing you for something you can't see yet.

• We can cheer wildly for what God is doing through someone else without questioning what He's doing through us.

• Courage doesn't always look like one huge leap. Sometimes it simply looks like trying again.

Friend, you don't need to know how the whole story ends before you take the next step.

You don't have to have someone else's gifts, opportunities, timeline, or story. You just have to be willing to pay attention to what God is doing in yours.

So before you count yourself out, assume the door is closed, or let a “no” convince you to quit, ask the question. Take the step. Invite your people in. Try again.

This is your nudge.

Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for her engaging and honest style, Annie makes readers and listeners feel like long-time friends. She is the co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Network and host of the television talk show I Gotta Ask.

💛 Make sure you're following This Is Your Nudge so you don't miss a single conversation encouraging you to stop making excuses, step out of someday, and into the promises and goodness God has for you today.

Laura L. Smith links: 

Website: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4rpX5lk

Annie F. Downs links:

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

Book: Don’t Let That Hold You Back 

Website: https://www.anniefdowns.com/

YouTube: youtube.com/@AnnieFDownsTSF

Podcasts: That Sounds Fun https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/

TV Show: I Gotta Ask https://www.anniefdowns.com/i-gotta-ask/

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Annie F. Downs

Do you ever feel like there’s just… not enough? Not enough money, time, energy, margin, opportunities, or security? If so, this episode is your nudge to stop living from a place of fear and start living from the abundance God has already promised you.

Today I’m joined by my sweet friend Jen Thompson, and we’re diving into the difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and wow, this conversation hit deep. Because if we’re honest, so many of us are walking around exhausted, striving, and constantly comparing, believing the lie that we’re somehow falling behind.

But God never asked us to live clenched-fist lives.

Together, Jen and I unpack what Scripture says about God’s provision, from manna in the wilderness to Jesus teaching us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” We talk about the freedom that comes when we stop obsessing over tomorrow and start trusting God with today.

• Scarcity says “there’s never enough.” God says “I will provide.”

• Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to fight fear and comparison.

• Social media can quietly fuel anxiety and discontent if we’re not careful.

• God’s provision often shows up daily, not all at once.

• Abundance isn’t about having more stuff—it’s about trusting the God who gives us what we need.

• Spiritual disciplines help us stay rooted when culture tells us to strive.

• Joy grows when we stop chasing what everyone else has.

• We can learn to live open-handed, peaceful, and fully present.

Jen shares such practical wisdom for reclaiming joy in everyday life and reminds us that abundance isn’t reserved for “someday” or “when things finally settle down.” It’s available right now through faith, gratitude, and trust in God’s goodness.

So, this is your nudge:Stop living like God won’t give you what you need.Stop believing satisfaction and happiness are for everyone else.Lift your eyes. Daily bread is still more than enough. And it doesn’t look like crumbs. It looks like abundance.

Jen Thompson is the author of Return to Jesus, speaker, and encourager passionate about helping women recognize the goodness and abundance of God in everyday life. Through biblical truth and practical wisdom, she inspires others to move from fear and striving into peace, gratitude, and trust in God’s faithful provision.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4rpX5lk

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Jen Thompson: https://trulyyoursjen.com/

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

Return to Jesus book: ​​https://amzn.to/4tmCAWk

Udi’s gluten free baguettes: https://amzn.to/3PsNBHG

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Jen Thompson:

Do mornings ever feel… a little out of reach? Like you want to be the girl with the quiet time, the coffee, the Bible open… but real life just doesn’t look like that?

This episode is your nudge to let go of the pressure, and meet Jesus right where you are.

I’m joined by the amazing Jennifer Dukes Lee, and we’re talking all about mornings—but not in the “wake up at 5am and have it all together” kind of way. We’re redefining what it actually means to be a “morning person” and why your morning doesn’t have to be early or perfect to be powerful.

Jennifer shares practical, grace-filled ways to invite God into your morning to jump start your day in all the best ways—whether you’ve got five quiet minutes, a chaotic house, or you’re whispering a prayer on your commute.

• You don’t have to be an early riser to be a “morning person” with the Lord.

• There’s no perfect morning–your morning can look different from everyone else’s and still be awesome.

• Jesus Himself modeled intentional time in the morning with the Father.

• Simple moments (even quick prayers in the car or bathroom!) count.

• Taking care of your body–sleep, movement, hydration matters too.

• “Resourced faith” means filling your tank so you have it as a resource on hard days.

• Legalism steals joy—grace brings connection.

Jennifer reminds us that God isn’t waiting for us to get it all together—He’s simply inviting us to start our day with Him, however that looks. And when we do? It’s a game changer.

So whether your morning is slow and quiet or loud and a chaotic, this is your nudge:Don’t wait for perfect. Just start with Jesus.

Jennifer Dukes Lee is a best-selling author, speaker, and self-proclaimed “morning evangelist” from Iowa. Her new book, How to Love Your Morning dives deeper into how no matter what your life looks like, your mornings can be amazing when you start them with Jesus. She’s also the author of Growing Slow, It’s All Under Control, and Stuff I’d Only Tell God. Jennifer’s heart is to help you experience more of Jesus in your real, everyday life—right where you are.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Jennifer Dukes Lee: https://jenniferdukeslee.com/

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

How to Love Your Morning https://amzn.to/4qY5gV4

Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence: https://amzn.to/40rE0mc

Prayer journal we discussed: https://amzn.to/40rE0mc

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Jennifer Dukes Lee:

Have you ever felt like there’s a gap between where you are and where you think you should be? This episode is your nudge to stop fighting or mourning that gap and instead start understanding and closing it.

I’m sitting down with my dear friend Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, author, and someone who beautifully bridges the space between science and faith. We talk about what he calls the “mental gap” and how so much of our struggle isn’t about our circumstances, it’s about what’s happening inside our minds.

Here’s the good news: YOU ARE NOT STUCK!

Through the power of neuroplasticity (yes, your brain can actually change!) and the truth of God’s Word, you can begin to rewire your thoughts, reshape your responses, and step into a life marked by peace, purpose, and real freedom.

• The “mental gap” is real—but it doesn’t have to bet permanent.

• Your brain is designed to change (hello, neuroplasticity!).

• You can partner with God to retrain your thoughts this is what Dr. Lee calls “self-brain surgery.”

• Trauma and even generational patterns can impact your mental health—but healing is possible.

• Gratitude and mindfulness are powerful tools for managing intrusive thoughts.

• The way you think today can impact generations after you.

Dr. Lee reminds us that we don’t have to be passive in our thinking—we can be intentional. And when we align our thoughts with God’s truth, everything begins to shift.

This episode is your nudge to stop believing you’re stuck and start believing that change is possible—with God, in you.

Dr. Lee Warren is a neurosurgeon, author, and podcast host who is passionate about helping people find healing and hope by combining neuroscience and faith. Through his work, he equips others to transform their thinking, improve their mental health, and live with greater purpose and resilience.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Dr. Lee Warren https://wleewarrenmd.com/

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

The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery book https://amzn.to/3YCNIRQ

What if the hardest thing isn’t understanding what Jesus did… but actually receiving it?

In this special Easter episode of This Is Your Nudge, I’m slowing down with you to reflect on the weight and beauty of the cross. Not just what it means, but what it cost. Because when we really sit with that, the sacrifice, the love, the intentionality, it changes how we live.

I’m walking through the reality that Jesus didn’t just give us a moment or a message… He gave us everything. And sometimes, we treat that gift like it’s too big, too much, or maybe even something we have to earn. But friend, this is your nudge to stop striving and start receiving.

• What Jesus’ sacrifice actually cost, and why that matters

• How the cross mirrors the way we give (and struggle to receive) in our own lives

• The powerful connection between Psalm 22 and Jesus’ crucifixion

• Why receiving God’s gifts can feel harder than earning them

• Practical ways to actually live in the abundance Jesus already gave us

This episode is an invitation. Not to do more. Not to try harder. But to open your hands and receive what’s already been given.

Because Easter isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something we’re meant to live in.

This is your nudge:Stop minimizing the gift.Stop holding it at arm’s length.Stop thinking it’s for someone else.

It’s for you. Right now.

*This episode is adapted from a chapter in Restore My Soul: the Power and Promise of 30 Psalms by Laura L. Smith copyright 2022, published by Our Daily Bread Publishing

Links:

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Here’s what we talk about in this episode:
Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845

Ever felt like you’re fighting a battle you can’t quite see? Maybe it shows up as fear, discouragement, anger, or a heaviness that seems to come out of nowhere. If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to start proactively fighting. You’re not powerless. God has given you everything you need to win the battle before it even starts..

Today I’m joined by my friend, Beth Guckenberger. We talk about something many believers experience but don’t always discuss: spiritual warfare. Beth brings wisdom, clarity, and hope as we unpack how to recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand firm in the authority we already have in Christ.

This conversation isn’t about living in fear, it’s about living aware, equipped, and confident in the victory Jesus has already won. Beth shares practical ways to prepare your heart and mind through prayer, Scripture, confession, worship, and community so that when spiritual battles come (and they will), you’re ready.

• The enemy is real—but God is way more powerful.

• Understanding the enemy’s tactics helps us stay spiritually alert.

• Fear and anger can often signal deeper spiritual battles happening beneath the surface.

• We have authority in Christ to stand against the enemy’s schemes.

• Confession, prayer, and worship are powerful tools for spiritual freedom.

• Scripture renews our minds and strengthens us in moments of doubt.

Beth reminds us the battlefield often starts in our minds—but when we fill our thoughts with truth, worship, and the promises of God, the enemy loses his ground.

This episode is your nudge to take down the enemy by standing firm in the power of Jesus.

Beth Guckenberger

Beth Guckenberger is a speaker, author, and the co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries. Through her ministry and writing, Beth helps believers live with courageous faith and deeper trust in God. She is the author of several books including Reckless Faith, Throw the First Punch, and The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts. Beth is passionate about equipping people to recognize spiritual battles and walk confidently in the authority Christ has given them.

Beth Guckenberger: https://recklessfaith.com/?v=0b3b97fa6688

Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bguckenberger/

• Throw the First Punch – Beth Guckenberger https://amzn.to/4pWmMbp

• The Heart Who Wanted to Lasso Thoughts – Beth Guckenberger https://amzn.to/4pmvcZW

• The Bible App https://www.bible.com/

• Worship music for spiritual warfare and encouragement https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7oX3bprpkQJBpws5TliMP0?si=FazI_xMbTLK82kpAeChmCA

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:Resources Mentioned

Have you ever felt like someone else is doing it better, faster, or more “important”? That you’re not enough? If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to stop looking around and start leaning into exactly who God created you to be.

Today, I’m sharing stories of incredible women in the Bible who didn’t have the same gifts, roles, or callings—but each of them said yes to God in their own unique way. And because of that? Their lives made an eternal impact.

We’re talking about women like Mary Magdalene, Martha, Mary, and Lydia each one showing us that bravery doesn’t look one way. It looks like obedience. It looks like trust. It looks like showing up with what you have and letting God do the rest.

• You don’t need someone else’s calling, you need to be faithful to your assignment.

• Martha and Mary show us there’s beauty in both serving and sitting at Jesus’ feet.

• Lydia teaches us that leadership and influence can start right where you are.

• You don’t have to have it all figured out, just a little faith (even mustard-seed size) is enough.

• God created you with unique gifts on purpose—not by accident.

• Obedience often starts small but leads to a big impact.

This is your reminder: you don’t need to be more like anyone else. You just need to be available to God.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time, or doubting if it even matters—this is it. This is your nudge to say yes.

Laura L. Smith: 

Website https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

99 cent Brave Woman, Mighty God book: https://amzn.to/4kN06ZJ

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world or wondering how to do something that matters, this episode is your nudge to choose hope and take action to share that hope with others.

I’m honored to sit down with Gloria Umanah, a visionary leader, L'Oréal Women of Worth honoree, and the creative force behind Hope Booth. Gloria shares her powerful story of stepping out of despair and into purpose, the spark that started Hope Booth, and how a simple, immersive moment of truth and love can completely shift someone’s trajectory.

We talk about what hope really is, not just wishful thinking, but movement toward healing and light. Gloria opens up about how suffering can become soil for something beautiful, how community fuels our mental health, and how faith gives hope its staying power.

This isn’t just a conversation, it's a wake-up call to grab onto the hope Jesus offers… and to live with intention, margin, and eyes wide open to those around us.

• Hope is not passive, it’s action-oriented and rooted in belief.

• Suffering doesn’t cancel hope, it often deepens it.

• Being present and living with margin allows us to notice and serve others.

• Faith in Jesus fuels sustainable hope when everything else feels shaky.

• Healthy community is essential for healing and mental wellness.

• Celebrating the small wins in dark places matters.

• You don’t have to fix everything, you just need to bring hope where you are.

Gloria Umanah is the founder and executive director of The Ex-Nihilo Collective, visionary behind Hope Booth, and an internationally recognized Christian spoken word artist and communicator based in Atlanta. She’s passionate about seeing a generation awakened to the freedom found in Christ and is dedicated to building creative, hope-filled experiences that spark healing and connection.

Links:

Laura L. Smith: Laura L. Smith: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Gloria Umanah: https://www.gloriaumanah.com/

Donate to HOPE booths: https://hopebooth.org/partner

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Gloria Umanah:

Maybe someone you love is walking through recovery, maybe you’re that someone. Or maybe you just want to better understand addiction, healing, and what real support looks like so you can love others well. This episode is for you.

I’m joined by compassionate and kind dear friend, Caroline Beidler, a recovery advocate, author, and community-builder. Together, we talk about the real journey of recovery—not just sobriety, but the process of becoming whole again. We explore how identity, community, faith, and love all play a part in the healing journey.

Caroline opens up about how we can support those in recovery without losing ourselves in the process. She gives practical insight on navigating social events, setting boundaries, and how mocktails (yes, really!) can help create inclusive spaces for everyone. Most of all, she reminds us that addiction is not a moral failing—it’s a place where compassion is desperately needed.

• Recovery is about more than sobriety—it’s about building a meaningful, joyful life.

• You can support someone in recovery and take care of your own emotional health.

• Boundaries are not just helpful—they’re necessary.

• Talking openly about addiction reduces shame and creates healing spaces.

• Milestones in recovery deserve to be celebrated, big and small.

• Addiction isn’t a choice, and approaching it with grace changes everything.

• Recovery isn’t just possible, it can be beautiful.

Whether you’re personally impacted by addiction or just want to learn how to love better, this episode is your nudge to lean in with open hands and a compassionate heart.

Caroline Beidler, is an author, speaker, and the Managing Editor of Recovery.com. Her own lived experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery inspires her to help others find recovery in all its varying forms. She has built a global network of recovery supporters. Caroline lives in Eastern Tennessee with her husband and her twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: Laura L. Smith: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Caroline Beidler: https://www.carolinebeidler.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinebeidlermsw

When You Love Someone in Recovery. book:https://amzn.to/4gm1bWe

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Caroline Beidler:

If shame has ever whispered that you're not enough, or made you feel like hiding parts of your story, this episode is for you. My conversation with the wise and compassionate Dr. Zoe Shaw is your gentle, firm nudge to stop letting shame call the shots in your life.

Together, we unpack the difference between guilt and shame (spoiler: one can be helpful, the other absolutely isn't). We also talk about how shame sneaks into our relationships, decisions, and identity. Dr. Zoe, a licensed psychotherapist and author. She shares powerful insight on what shame really is, where it comes from, and how we can begin to untangle it, through awareness, curiosity, movement, and grace.

We talk about what healing looks like when shame has been wrapped around us for years, and why self-forgiveness and setting healthy boundaries are essential for growth. There’s no quick fix, but there is hope.

• Shame says “I am wrong.” Guilt says “I did something wrong.” There’s a big difference.

• Shame thrives in secrecy. Naming it is the first step to healing.

• Movement matters—our bodies store emotional pain and need release too.

• Setting boundaries is not selfish, it’s self-care.

• Curiosity over condemnation leads to healing.

If you’ve been carrying shame or battling the lies it tells you, this episode is a reminder that you’re not stuck. God’s healing is real, and your healing can begin today.

Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience helping women untangle shame, co-dependency, and perfectionism. She's a mom of five (two still at home, one with special needs), a former UCLA athlete, and a bold truth-teller with a tender heart. Her passion is helping women step into the freedom and healthy love Jesus offers.

 Make sure to follow This Is Your Nudge so you don’t miss a single episode of truth, healing, and the gentle push you need to step into the life God has for you.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: Laura L. Smith: https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/laurasmithauthor/

Brave Woman, Mighty God book https://amzn.to/4qSiW4r

Nuuly: $30 off your first month, cancel or pause your subscription at any time: https://share.nuuly.com/laura5845 

Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Dr. Zoe Shaw: https://drzoeshaw.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrZoeShaw/

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@dr.zoeshawtalks/videos

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/drzoeshaw/

Stronger in the Difficult Places. book: https://amzn.to/4nTHyse

Free resources: 

Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: Opt in : https://dr-zoe-shaw-enterprises.kit.com/7247f0bc86

Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places

 https://dr-zoe-shaw-enterprises.kit.com/a8adebb5af