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

Does Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” feel challenging in a world that feels so divided? If you’ve ever struggled with how to love people who think, live, or believe differently than you do, this episode is your nudge to love your neighbor.

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Jenni Wong-Clayvillel, a pastor, leader, foodie, and all-around firecracker of encouragement. Together, we talk about what it means to live out the greatest commandment, to love God and love others. And not just the easy people. But the complicated ones. The different ones. The people who challenge us to grow.

From her years in ministry Jenni shares real-life, practical ways to listen better, stay curious, and build bridges instead of barriers. We talk about how community shapes us, how prayer softens even the hardest relationships, and how God's kingdom is more diverse than we may realize.

• Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a choice we make, even when it’s hard.

• Curiosity and questions are powerful tools for understanding others.

• Listening well means setting aside assumptions and truly being present.

• Diversity reveals more of God’s beauty and design.

• Praying for those we struggle to love can be transformational.

• Loving others well often means showing up, again and again.

Jenni’s wisdom, humor, and love for Jesus will inspire you to live more open-hearted and intentionally connected. If you’re ready to love more like Jesus, this is your nudge.

Jenni has been in full-time ministry since 2001, serving as a pastor in Portland, Texas, Oklahoma, and now the Washington DC area, where she and her husband Brian recently launched NOVA Community Church. She’s a proud boy-mom to Chance and Paxton, an unpretentious foodie, a very serious coffee snob, a mediocre CrossFitter, and a self-proclaimed comedienne. Her passion for people and her heart for God shine through in every conversation.

Follow This Is Your Nudge to keep getting those little pushes that remind you, you’re not meant to stay stuck. You’re called to step forward in love, faith, and purpose today.

Links:

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

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 

Jenni Wong-Clayville: https://www.instagram.com/jclayville/reels/?hl=en

https://www.propelwomen.org/content/soulhealthy-leadership/gjebmn

https://novacommunity.church/who-we-are

Healing can be heavy. If you've been walking through pain, carrying offense, or wrestling with how to move forward, this episode is for you. This conversation with t Alexandra Hoover is your nudge to stop carrying the hurt alone and to step into the healing God is offering.

Alexandra and I talk openly about trauma, offense, and the deep work of healing. We explore how acknowledging pain is not weakness but the first step toward wholeness. We also dive into what forgiveness really means (and what it doesn't), the importance of vulnerability, and how our identity in Christ gives us the courage to face what hurts.

With grace and wisdom, Alexandra reminds us that God doesn’t want us to shove down our pain or mask it with distractions. He wants to walk through it with us—toward freedom.

• Healing starts when we name and acknowledge our pain.

• Offense is a weight we can choose to carry—or release to God.

• Vulnerability is not weakness; it's a doorway to healing.

• Forgiveness isn’t condoning, it’s releasing.

• When we don’t forgive, we’re the ones held hostage.

• We are not our trauma. We are beloved daughters of the King.

• Faith is essential in the journey to healing.

• You are not alone, and healing is possible.

This is your nudge to face what’s been weighing you down and let God begin the healing work. You don’t have to figure it out all at once—you just have to say yes to the next step.

Alexandra Hoover is a compassionate writer, speaker, and author of Eyes Up and Without Wavering. A proud Latina, she’s committed to helping people navigate life’s pain with hope and faith. She serves her local church, is pursuing a master’s degree in women and theology at Northern Seminary, and somehow juggles it all while being a wife and mom of three. You can find her at alexandravhoover.com or on Instagram @alexandravhoover.

 Follow This Is Your Nudge so you never miss a moment of clarity, courage, or hope—and so you’re always reminded: you don’t have to stay stuck. There’s healing, and there’s joy ahead.

Links:

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

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 

Alexandra Hoover: https://www.alexandravhoover.com/

You Can Let Go book: https://amzn.to/48yup1U

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Alexandra Hoover:

Can we talk about how hard it can be to balance all the things during the holidays? If you’re craving peace, joy, and a little motivation to care for your body and your soul this season, this episode is your nudge.

In this festive and real conversation, I’m joined by the lovely Betsy St. Amant Haddox, rom-com author, CrossFit fan, and all-around encourager. We chat about Betsy’s favorite Christmas traditions (yes to Christmas lights and hot cocoa!), the challenges of staying active and motivated during the holidays, and the deeper spiritual reasons why caring for our bodies matters.

Betsy shares honest reflections on overcoming barriers to fitness, finding community in movement, and the joy of starting something new—even in December. We also talk about her brand-new Christmas romance novel, which is full of fun, chaos, and meaningful messages about faith and the true meaning of Christmas.

• You don’t have to “wait for January”, you can start caring for yourself today.

• The holidays don’t have to derail your health, there’s room for balance and grace.

• Community in fitness can lift your spirit and keep you motivated.

• You are never too late or too old to start pursuing your health goals.

• Betsy’s new novel brings cozy, meaningful Christmas vibes you’ll love!

This episode is your reminder that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s sacred. You can care for your body, enjoy the season, and keep your eyes on Jesus through it all.

Betsy is the author of nearly thirty romance novels and novellas. She lives in Louisiana with her husband, two teens, and a furry Schnauzer-toddler and has deep-rooted passion for helping women walk in truth. Betsy’s latest release, Holly and Nick Hate Christmas brings her signature wit and warmth to the Christmas season. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her near a CrossFit gym or baby-talking her dog. She also offers author coaching and editorial services through Storyside LLC and writes devotionals for iBelieve.

Make sure to follow This Is Your Nudge so you never miss the encouragement you need to step out of someday and into the beautiful, balanced life God is inviting you into today.

Links:

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 

Betsy St. Amant Haddox: https://betsystamant.com/

Holly and Nick Hate Christmas book: https://amzn.to/3LtpZjX 

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Betsy St. Amant Haddox:

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or the weight of the world? If you’ve been longing for peace but not quite sure how to find it, this episode is your gentle nudge to stop striving and start resting in the truth of who you are: deeply loved and already enough.

In this beautiful and honest conversation, I’m joined by best-selling author Holley Gerth. We talk about her newest book, Prayers for Peace of Mind, and what it looks like to walk through anxiety while still trusting God’s love and guidance. Holley’s wisdom and experience are both comforting and empowering, reminding us that fear is a natural part of doing meaningful work, but it doesn’t get the final say.

Together, we unpack what it means to live authentically, lean into community, and care for our minds and souls in practical, faith-filled ways.

• Fear often shows up when we’re stepping into something important—but it doesn’t have to stop us.

• Embracing your identity as God’s beloved helps calm the noise of comparison and self-doubt.

• Simple practices like deep breathing, worship, and honest prayer can bring peace in stressful moments.

• Community isn’t optional, it’s essential to navigating life’s hardest moments.

• God doesn’t need us to be perfect—He invites us to show up as we are.

Holley shares from her heart (and her counseling background) to offer encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about their next step. This episode is a sweet reminder that peace is possible—and it starts with being still and knowing you are His.

Holley Gerth is a best-selling author, podcaster, and life coach with a Master of Science degree in Counseling. She knows firsthand what it’s like to battle anxiety, perfectionism, doubt, and burnout—and how to rise above them with God’s help. Her latest book, Prayers for Peace of Mind, is filled with gentle, grace-filled prompts for reconnecting with God's truth in everyday life.

Make sure to follow This Is Your Nudge so you never miss a moment of hope, truth, and encouragement to move out of someday and into the beautiful purpose God has for you today.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: 

https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/

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

30% off Brave Woman Mighty God book https://kregel.parable.com/product/9780825448928

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

Holley Gerth:

https://holleygerth.com/

https://www.instagram.com/holleygerth/

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Holley Gerth:
Prayers for Peace of Mind book: https://amzn.to/3XrXci9

Have you ever found yourself listening to the wrong voices? The ones that tell you you’re not enough, that your past defines you, or that you’re too much? You’re not alone. And this episode is your nudge to silence those lies and tune into the voice of the One who created you.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Hosanna Wong, spoken word artist, Bible teacher, and author—to talk all about identity, truth, and the joy of living fully as God’s beloved daughters and sons. Hosanna shares how we can stop letting negative voices define us and start living in the freedom that comes from knowing who we are in Christ.

We talk about declaring God’s truth over our lives, creating space for daily connection with Him, and why our past does not get the final say. Hosanna also opens up about her personal journey of fighting for time with God, building supportive community, and discovering the unique ways each of us can connect with Him.

• Your identity isn’t found in what others say, it’s rooted in who God says you are.

• Declaring God’s truth out loud can transform your mindset.

• Time with God is worth fighting for in our busy world.

• Your past doesn’t define you, God calls you His masterpiece.

• Joy is part of our inheritance as daughters and sons of the King.

• You were made to live with boldness, purpose, and freedom.

Hosanna’s message is filled with truth, passion, and real encouragement to live loved, free, and fully in God’s grace.

Hosanna Wong is an author, Bible teacher, speaker, and spoken word artist who is passionate about equipping people with tools to speak truth into lies and live out their God-given purpose. Her powerful storytelling and spoken word performances have reached audiences around the globe, and her books and messages continue to inspire women to embrace their identity in Christ.

Make sure to follow This Is Your Nudge so you never miss a moment of clarity, courage, and encouragement to step out of someday and into the goodness God has for you today.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram 30% off Brave Woman Mighty God book

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

Hosanna Wong:

https://www.hosannawong.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hosanna.wong 

https://www.tiktok.com/@hosannawongofficial 

https://www.facebook.com/officialhosannawong 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeCZaE0vSMGzVRjcBrDWLlA 

What God Says About You picture book: https://amzn.to/3HdmZWV

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Hosanna Wong:You Are More Than You’ve Been Told book: https://amzn.to/4qRJ3sr

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling social media wondering why your life doesn’t measure up, or caught in a cycle of trying to “do it all” and still not feeling enough—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of This Is Your Nudge, I sit down with my dear friend, Erica Ligenza Gwynn, an author, podcast host, wife, and mama who is boldly calling out the lies women believe and pointing us to the truth of God’s Word. We dig into her latest book That’s Just Not True and talk about how social media, hustle culture, and so much more and how they’re pulling us away from God’s abundance for us.

Erica reminds us that we don’t have to be ruled by comparison, fear, or striving. God has a unique role for each of us in His Kingdom, and when we stop chasing the world’s approval and start resting in His truth—we find peace, purpose, and freedom.

• The hard stuff you’re walking through? It can still be good stuff.

• Social media shows the highlight reel, not the whole story.

• 90% of life (like an iceberg) happens below the surface.

• Comparison is a joy-stealer and a calling-distractor.

• You have a unique and irreplaceable role in God’s Kingdom.

This episode is your nudge to stop believing lies and start living in the beautiful truth of who God created you to be.

Erica wears many hats—author, podcast host, wife, mom, and encourager. She’s passionate about helping women stop believing lies and start living in the freedom of God's truth. Her latest book, That’s Just Not True, is a powerful resource for anyone ready to break free from comparison and step boldly into who they are in Christ.

Make sure you’re subscribed to This Is Your Nudge so you never miss a reminder that God is calling you out of “someday” and into the beautiful purpose He has for you today. 

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Erica Ligenza Gwynn: https://ericagwynn.com/

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

That’s Just Not True book https://amzn.to/4lCUdxc

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ericaligenza/

FREE resource: 10 Affirmation for When You Don’t Feel Enough

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Erica Ligenza Gwynn:

Do you ever feel like your dreams are just out of reach? Maybe you’ve hit roadblocks, rejections, or delays that have made you wonder if it’s worth it to keep going. If that’s you this episode is your nudge.

I’m sitting down with the delightful Melissa Ferguson, bestselling author of heartwarming rom-coms like Meet Me in the Margins and The Perfect Rom-Com, as well as her brand-new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse. Melissa’s story is full of both laughter and grit. From her background in biblical studies to her journey as a writer, wife, mom, and farmhouse dream-builder, she’s learned firsthand what it means to follow God’s nudges, trust His timing, and persevere even when the path gets tough.

We chat about recognizing God’s leading in everyday decisions, the joy tucked into simple farmhouse moments (like coffee on the porch!), and the resilience it takes to push through obstacles in writing, building, or really any dream you’re chasing. Melissa reminds us that comparison only steals our joy, and that endurance rooted in daily time with God—is what will carry us forward.

• Recognizing God’s nudges can guide even the biggest life decisions.

• Building dreams,whether a home or a career, requires patience and endurance.

• Writing (and most passions) take resilience in the face of rejection.

• God’s calling shows up in different ways across our seasons of life.

• Comparison is a thief of joy and progress.

• Daily time with God anchors clarity and peace.

Melissa’s story will nudge you to keep moving forward, to trust God’s goodness in the waiting, and to find joy in the little moments along the way.

Melissa Ferguson lives in Tennessee with her husband and children, leaning into their growing farmhouse lifestyle. She’s the author of heartwarming romantic comedies including Meet Me in the Margins and The Perfect Rom-Com, as well as her new picture book Our Friendly Farmhouse. With a Master’s degree in Theology and Biblical Studies, Melissa’s writing blends wit, heart, and faith in a way that delights readers of all ages.

Don’t forget to subscribe to This Is Your Nudge so you won’t miss the encouragement you need to step out of someday and into the goodness God has for you today.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Melissa Ferguson:

Website: https://melissaferguson.com/

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

Our Friendly Farmhouse picture book: https://amzn.to/4lUtL2F

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:About Melissa Ferguson:Meet Me in the Margins rom com: https://amzn.to/4lPOTr3

Are you waiting for the perfect moment to chase the dream God placed on your heart? Or maybe you’re still wondering if you’re even “qualified” to do the thing you keep thinking about? Consider this your nudge. 

In this first episode of my revamped show newly renamed,  This Is Your Nudge, I get to sit down with the amazing Jo Saxton—author, speaker, podcast host, leadership coach, and all-around powerhouse. Jo and I chat about what it really means to embrace our God-given gifts and step into the lives He’s called us to live.

We talk about the pressure of societal expectations, the lies we’ve believed about our worth, and how to stop waiting for permission to pursue what God has already placed within us. Jo shares so much wisdom about the power of community, the beauty of dreaming big with God, and why nurturing those dreams isn’t selfish, it’s obedience.

• Why your gifts are not accidental (they're on purpose, for a purpose!)

• How societal expectations can keep us small, and how to break free

• The importance of community as you step into your calling

• How to nurture your God-dreams instead of burying them

• What to do when fear tries to talk you out of action

• A reminder that you don’t have to be ready, you just have to be willing

If you need a nudge  to get going, to finally do the thing, to believe that God really can use you—this episode is for you. Let this be your moment to step out of someday and into the goodness God has for you today.

Jo Saxton is a Nigerian-born speaker, author, and podcast host who is passionate about empowering women to live boldly in their callings. She’s the founder of the Ezer Collective, co-host of the Lead Stories Podcast, and a trusted voice in conversations around leadership, identity, and purpose.

🎧 Subscribe to This Is Your Nudge wherever you listen so you never miss a chance to get unstuck and live the brave, bold life God has for you.

Links: 

Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   Brave Woman, Mighty God book

Jo Saxton:

Website: https://www.josaxton.com/

Ezer Collective: https://www.josaxton.com/ezer-collective

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

What you’ll hear in this episode:About Jo Saxton:Ready to Rise book https://amzn.to/3ImCqg1