This Is Your Nudge

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

Have you ever felt like you’re waiting on God to show up? Maybe you're in a season where faithfulness feels hard, or you wonder if what you’re doing really matters. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m joined by the incredible Kelly Minter, a Bible teacher, author, and worship leader who is passionate about living out her faith in both big and small ways. We talk about one of Kelly’s favorite women of the Bible—Elizabeth—and how her story of faithfulness and perseverance can encourage us in our own waiting seasons.  

We also dive into Kelly’s amazing work in the Amazon with Justice & Mercy International, where she serves alongside jungle pastors to reach vulnerable communities. Whether it’s serving globally or right in our own neighborhoods, Kelly shares practical ways we can step into God’s calling, even when we feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start.  

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

- God is always at work, even when we can’t see it.  

- Serving doesn’t have to be big or far away—it starts in our own communities.  

- Community fuels our faith—we don’t have to do it alone.  

- Saying yes to God’s leading will always lead to deeper joy and purpose.  

Kelly’s wisdom and personal stories will inspire you to step forward in faith, trust God’s timing, and embrace the blessings of serving others. If you’ve been waiting on God or wondering how to make a difference, this episode is your invitation to say yes and watch Him move!  

Kelly Minter is a Bible teacher, author, and worship leader who is passionate about teaching the Word of God. When she’s not writing, speaking, or singing, you can find her picking homegrown veggies with her nieces and nephews or traveling the Amazon River with Justice & Mercy International. A Southern transplant, Kelly loves college football, long walks, and a diner mug full of Justice Blend coffee.  

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

Website https://kellyminter.com/

Instagram @Kelly_Minter Esther Bible Study 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Shoes4theshoeless

Have you ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol? Maybe you've wondered if that nightly glass of wine is really helping you unwind or if there's a deeper reason behind your habits. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m sitting down with Jenn Kautsch, founder of SoberSis and a leader in the Sober Curious movement. Jenn is passionate about creating a judgment-free space for women to explore their drinking habits without labels or shame. We dive into the concept of gray area drinking—the space between rock-bottom addiction and casual drinking—and how so many of us fall into it without even realizing.  

Jenn and I talk about the cultural norms surrounding alcohol, the sneaky lies the industry tells us, and the truth that Jesus offers us as the real source of rest and identity. We also get practical, discussing strategies to break unhealthy habits, the role of neuroplasticity in rewiring our brains, and why curiosity and awareness are the first steps toward change.  

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

- Gray area drinking is more common than you think—and you’re not alone.   

- Jesus offers true rest and identity—we don’t need alcohol to cope.  

- Preparing for success can make all the difference in breaking toxic habits.  

- Community is key—we heal best when we don’t do it alone.  

Jenn’s wisdom is so encouraging, whether you’re considering a break from alcohol, curious about a sober lifestyle, or simply wanting to make more intentional choices. If you’re ready to step into a life of clarity, courage, and deeper connection with God, this episode will inspire you to take that first brave step.  

Jenn Kautsch is the founder of SoberSis, a community designed to help women renegotiate their relationship with alcohol without labels, judgment, or shame. A leader in the Sober Curiou* movement, Jenn offers a 21-Day Reset Challenge and is the author of Look Alive, Sis. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her husband of almost 30 years and is a proud mom of two adult children.  

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

Jenn Kautsch Website Instagram Look Alive Sis book Join Jenn’s 21-day challenge
Free mocktail recipes

Have you ever wrestled with the complexities of friendships? Maybe you've been hurt by a friend, struggled to find deep, meaningful connections, or wondered how to build relationships that truly last. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m sitting down with my friend Alli Patterson to talk about the bravery it takes to show up in friendships—through vulnerability, setting boundaries, and learning to trust again after betrayal. We dive into the story of Rahab, a woman in the Bible whose courage and faith reshaped her future and connected her to God’s bigger plan. Alli shares powerful wisdom on recognizing *counterfeit* friendships, understanding our relational capacity, and how Jesus models healthy, grace-filled connections.  

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

- Friendships require bravery—we have to be willing to show up authentically.  

- Rahab’s story reminds us that faith and courage can change everything.  

- Not every relationship is meant for the same level of depth—and that’s okay!  

- Jesus modeled boundaries in relationships, and we should too.  

- Trusting God with our friendships allows us to let go of unhealthy ones and embrace better ones.  

If you’ve ever struggled with friendships—whether it’s feeling left out, unsure of how to build strong connections, or healing from relational hurt—this episode is for you. Alli’s wisdom will remind you that God designed us for relationships and that, with Him, we can navigate friendships with grace, truth, and courage.  

Alli Patterson is an author, teaching pastor at Crossroads Church, speaker, wife, and mom of four. She is passionate about helping others build a life on the firm foundation of Jesus' truth and grace through authentic, scripture-rooted teaching. She’s the author of Blueprint for Belonging and How to Stay Standing.  

Links:

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

Alli: Fun quiz related to the book Website 

Instagram/Facebook - @theallipatterson 
Blueprint for Belonging book

Hey friend, have you ever felt unseen, unworthy, or just plain exhausted by trying to do it all? Then this conversation is for you. In this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God, I sit down with Amy Seiffert to explore the power of embracing our identity as daughters of God.  

Amy and I dive into the lives of incredible women in the Bible—women like Huldah, a hidden gem in the Old Testament, and the bleeding woman, whose desperation and faith led her straight to the healing power of Jesus. We talk about the bravery it takes to claim our worth, the restoration found in Christ, and how community plays a vital role in our healing. Plus, we unpack what it means to bring kindness and compassion into our parenting and how saying NO is actually an act of bravery.  

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

- Huldah is an often-overlooked but powerful voice in the Old Testament.  

- The bleeding woman’s faith shows us how Jesus restores our identity.  

- We are invited to fully embrace our identity as daughters of God.  

- Receiving God's love is just as important as giving it.  

- Healing happens in community—when we share our brokenness, we find restoration.  

- God’s heart for women is one of empowerment, restoration, and love.  

Amy’s insight and wisdom will encourage you to stand confidently in who you are, knowing that Jesus calls you daughter—loved, seen, and cherished. If you’ve been struggling with your worth or feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to do it all. You just have to know Whose you are.  

Amy Seiffert is an author, speaker, and Bible teacher with a passion for encouraging women to embrace their identity in Christ. She’s the author of Grace Looks Amazing on You and Starved, and she regularly speaks on faith, motherhood, and living fully in God’s grace.  

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

Amy Seiffert: Website,  Your Name is Daughter book, Instagram

If you’ve ever felt like your past is too messy or your wounds are too deep, this conversation with Toni Collier is for you. I’m so honored to kick off season 2 of my podcast with the powerhouse Toni Collier. She's a speaker, author, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, and a woman who knows firsthand what it means to walk through trauma and come out the other side stronger, braver, and filled with hope.  

We dive deep into what it means to heal—not just survive, but truly *heal*—from the wounds of our past. We talk about how shame and guilt try to keep us stuck, why community is essential in the healing journey, and how God meets us in the middle of our brokenness. Toni also shares how the story of Ruth in the Bible has inspired her resilience, and she reminds us that we don’t have to heal alone.  

And if you’re thinking, “That sounds great, but where do I even start?”—Toni has got you. We also talk about her course, The Hopeful Woman, which helps women step into healing through biblical truths and the power of community.  

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

- Healing isn’t something we do alone—God designed us for community.  

- Shame and guilt are lies that try to hold us back from the freedom God offers.  

- The story of Ruth reminds us that even in loss and uncertainty, God is writing a redemption story.  

- Worship is a posture of surrender, and surrendering to God brings healing.  

- Bravery looks like inviting others into faith and hope, even when it feels scary.  

- There’s always hope—God never leaves us where He found us.  

Toni’s story will inspire you to rise up, let go of shame, and step boldly into the healing God has for you. If you’ve been waiting for permission to move forward, this is it. Let’s go, brave woman.  

Toni Collier is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, an international women’s organization helping women process their brokenness and step into healing and hope. She is a dynamic speaker, host of the Still Coloring podcast, and the author of Brave Enough to Be Broken and the children’s book Broken Crayons Still Color.. Toni is passionate about teaching people all over the world that you can be broken and still worthy—that feeling unqualified doesn’t mean you’re not called.  

Laura L. Smith: WebsiteInstagram   Brave Woman, Mighty Godbook

ToniJCollier.com

ToniJCollier.com/Freebies – Freebies 

ToniJCollier.com/Hope – Join the waiting list for the next 100 Hopeful Women course

@tonijcollier – Toni’s Instagram

@tonjcollier on YouTube

@brkncrayons – Instagram for Broken Crayons Still Color
Broken Crayons Collective – Facebook Group for Women