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

Hey friend, have you ever found it hard to hold onto joy, especially when life doesn’t go as planned? Maybe you’re in a season of waiting, doubting, or just plain exhaustion, wondering if real, lasting joy is even possible. If that’s you, today’s conversation with Nicole Zasowski on Brave Woman, Mighty God is going to feel like a deep breath of fresh air.

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker who beautifully combines vulnerability and wisdom. In this episode, we discuss the brave choice to pursue joy even when life feels heavy. Through the stories of biblical women like Sarah and Elizabeth, we explore the struggle of trusting God’s promises and the incredible gift that joy truly is.

Nicole and I dive into the complexities of joy—how it’s not about pretending everything’s perfect, but about celebrating God’s goodness even in the middle of uncertainty. We talk about why joy feels vulnerable, how gratitude anchors us when life gets hard, and the importance of savoring the good gifts God gives.

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

• Joy is a divine gift—not something we have to manufacture.

• Trusting God’s promises often requires patience, perseverance, and hope.

• Practicing gratitude helps us hold onto joy even in tough seasons.

• True joy celebrates personhood over performance.

• We can resist the pull of counterfeit, illusionary joys by staying rooted in God’s truth.

• Sharing our joy with others multiplies it.

• Vulnerability and joy go hand in hand—keeping your heart open is brave.

• God's transforming grace meets us right where we are.

Nicole’s heart and story will encourage you to choose joy even when it feels risky—and to trust that God is faithful to bring beauty out of every season. If you’re longing for more joy in your life, this episode will remind you it’s not only possible, it’s what you were created for.

Nicole Zasowski is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker. She lives just outside New York City with her husband, Jimmy, and their two kiddos. With the vulnerability of your closest friend and the wisdom of your most trusted resource, Nicole invites others to discover how losing our grip on what we know leads us straight into the transforming grace of God—where we find what we truly need.

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

Nicole Zasowski: Website Instagram Daring Joy Bible Study What if It’s Wonderful book  

Do you have a dream on your heart that feels a little too big, too scary, or too far away? Maybe you've felt the sting of comparison, wrestled with insecurity, or questioned if you're really equipped for what God is calling you to. If that’s you—pull up a chair, because this conversation with Rebecca George is for you.

Rebecca is the host of the Radical Radiance podcast and author of Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. She’s passionate about helping women pursue their God-given dreams with joy, purpose, and boldness. Together, we talk about what it looks like to say yes to Jesus even when it’s hard or uncertain, and how gratitude, community, and the Holy Spirit empower us to keep going.

We also dive into the importance of trusting God's timing, letting go of the “good” things to make space for the best things, and surrounding ourselves with people who will champion and encourage us along the way. Rebecca reminds us that we're not meant to carry our callings alone—and that when we step forward in faith, God shows up with abundance.

• Comparison, fear, and insecurity don’t get the final say—God does.

• The Holy Spirit fuels our passion, calling, and perseverance.

• Gratitude keeps us grounded as we pursue big dreams.

• Sometimes we need to quit good things to make room for God things.

• Intentional friendships are essential to thriving in our callings.

• God’s timing is always right—even when we don’t understand it.

• You don’t have to do it all. You just have to say yes to what He is asking.

Rebecca George is the host of the Radical Radiance podcast and author of Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. Her life mission is to leave people better than she found them and to help them know Jesus more deeply than when they first met her.

Rebecca’s heart and story will remind you that you were made on purpose, for a purpose—and that your calling is worth pursuing with courage and joy. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to step forward in faith, this is it.

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

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode: Rebecca George: Website Instagram Do the Thing book You’re Not Too Late book  Half Baked Harvest

Have you ever wondered about the roles women played in the early church? In this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God, I sit down with Dr. Nijay Gupta, a brilliant New Testament scholar, to uncover the stories of remarkable women like Deborah, Mary, Phoebe, and Junia. These women weren't just background characters—they were leaders, messengers, and apostles who played vital roles in God's story.​

Dr. Gupta shares insights from his research, shedding light on how these women's contributions have often been overlooked or misunderstood. We discuss the cultural and historical contexts of their ministries and how their examples can inspire us today.​

• Deborah's leadership: Understanding her role as a judge and prophetess in Israel.​

• Mary's faithfulness: Exploring her significance beyond traditional narratives.​

• Phoebe's mission: Recognizing her as a deacon and trusted courier of Paul's letters.​

• Junia's apostleship: Acknowledging her as a prominent figure in the early church.​

• Modern implications: How these stories empower us to embrace our callings with courage and faith.​

Dr. Gupta's passion for Scripture and his respect for these trailblazing women will leave you inspired to delve deeper into the Bible and see the profound impact women have had—and continue to have—in God's kingdom.

Dr. Nijay Gupta serves as a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary. He has authored several books, including Tell Her Story, and co-chairs the Pauline Theology seminar of the Institute for Biblical Research. Dr. Gupta also contributes as a senior translator for the New Living Translation.​

If you've ever felt sidelined or questioned your place in God's plan, this episode is a reminder that He has always called and equipped women to lead, teach, and transform the world. Let's step into our God-given roles with boldness and grace.

Other books Dr Nijay mentioned:

• The Mary We Forgot by Jennifer Powell McNutt

• The Prophet's Anthem by Michelle Knight

• Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Lisa Weaver Swartz

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

Here's what you'll take away from this episode:Nijay Gupta website, Tell Her Story book, Instagram Substack

Do you ever feel like your life is too ordinary to be meaningful? Like you're stuck in the mundane, unseen, or waiting for something more? If so, this conversation is for you. On this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God I'm joined by the wise and gracious Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth is an author, artist, entrepreneur, and mama to six boys—yes, six! She has a heart for encouraging women to see God's grace right in the middle of real, everyday life.  

Ruth and I talk about what it means to be faithful where you are—especially in seasons that feel hidden or restless. We chat about embracing the sacredness of small moments, the joy tucked into the mundane, and how our daily choices are shaping something beautiful for the future. Ruth shares powerful insight on identity, worth, and the bravery it takes to believe that what we’re doing today matters—even when no one sees it but God.  

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

- Feeling unseen doesn’t mean you’re not valuable—God sees you.  

- Our identity isn’t in what we do, but in whose we are.  

- There is deep beauty in faithfulness, even in the mundane.  

- Community and self-awareness help us grow in our walk with Christ.  

- Celebrating small wins leads to long-term faithfulness.  

- Embracing imperfection allows us to walk in grace.  

- Rest and reflection are vital parts of the faith journey.  

Ruth’s words will remind you that you don’t have to hustle harder to be seen or valued—you just have to show up and trust the One who sees it all. If you’ve been wrestling with restlessness or wondering if what you’re doing matters, let this episode be the encouragement your soul needs today.  

Ruth Chou Simons is a Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author of several books and Bible studies, including Beholding and Becoming and Now and Not Yet. She’s an artist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and speaker who loves using words and art to sow God’s truth into people’s hearts. Through her online shop GraceLaced.com and social media, Ruth invites others into her journey of grace intersecting everyday life. She and her husband, Troy, are the grateful parents of six boys.  

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

Ruth Chou Simons Website Instagram  Now and Not Yet book