Uncommon Purpose

Recording together (hello, Westfield Library!), Mandy and Stephanie explore harvest as more than crops—it’s a spiritual season where we pause, notice the fruit of faithful work, and practice gratitude. From chickens and cornfields to academic-calendar rhythms, they trace the whole cycle: prepare → plant → cultivate → prune → wait → harvest → rest. The conversation gets real about “enough,” active waiting, and how some harvests don’t look like we hoped—but God’s presence and faithfulness are still the truest reward. You’ll hear stories of ministry seasons taking flight, deployments that stretched dependence, and the long obedience behind “overnight” fruit. The episode lands with a gentle challenge: take a sacred pause to name your harvest and thank God—then celebrate.

Listen for:

• The full rhythm of growth: prepare/plant/cultivate/prune/wait/harvest/rest
• Why “harvest” means embracing enough and practicing gratitude
• Real-life examples of fruit in family, friendship, and ministry
• When the “harvest” isn’t what you expected—and where God meets you

Scripture referenced / alluded to

• Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not become weary in doing good… at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
• James 1:2–4 — “Consider it pure joy…,” perseverance maturing us (fits the “even if” harvest)
• John 15:1–5 (vine, pruning, fruit), Psalm 126:5–6 (sow in tears, reap with joy)

Themes & frameworks to list

• The harvest cycle: prepare → plant → cultivate → prune → wait → harvest → rest
• Active waiting vs. passivity (worship, journaling, communion, breathwork, presence)
• Sabbath prep (“get things done so you can not get things done”)
• Enough as a spiritual posture; gratitude as the close of every season

Practical prompts

• Sacred Pause: Sit 5 minutes. Name 3 fruits from this season. Thank God for each.
• Relational Harvest: Text one friend/mentor and name the “fruit” you see in them.
• Presence Practice: One slow, intentional ritual (light a candle, pour-over coffee, or evening walk) to mark the shift from work to rest.

Calls to action

• Share your harvest on Instagram: @uncommonpurposepodcast
• Subscribe/follow the show; leave a review with one “harvest” you’re celebrating.

Mandy and Stephanie kick off Season 4 with contagious excitement (and matching outfits!) as they announce Harvest to Hope—a four-month journey through the holidays from fall to Christmas. Recorded in true Uncommon Purpose fashion—equal parts laughter, reflection, and depth—this conversation sets the tone for a season devoted to celebration, intentional living, and keeping Jesus at the center of it all.

From pumpkin spice to Hallmark movies, the co-hosts talk honestly about what it means to stay present through the chaos of October to December. They name the tension between joy and exhaustion, resilience and rest, grief and gratitude, and remind listeners that every season can become sacred when we slow down and remember why we celebrate.

Whether you love Christmas trees (plural!), red-truck décor, or late-night Hallmark binges, you’ll find warmth and purpose in this kickoff episode—and a gentle nudge to approach the coming months with hope, humor, and holy awareness.

Video Audrey Mentioned at the Beginning of the Episode: IT'S TIME!

Listen for:

• Why the co-hosts chose Harvest to Hope as their new theme
• How to keep Jesus in the center of every celebration
• Honest reflections on play, grief, resilience, and tiredness
• The great Christmas-tree debate and Hallmark traditions
• How being present changes how we experience the season

Scriptures & Themes

• Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who are weary…” (rest & presence)
• Galatians 6:9 – Perseverance and harvest
• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know…” (centering in busy seasons)
• Themes: Presence, resilience, slowing down, purpose in celebration, joy + grief, spiritual rhythms, finding Jesus in every holiday

Topics & Stories

• Why the team shifted from a “deep” planned season to this celebratory one
• The meaning behind Harvest to Hope — four months (Oct–Dec) of purpose-filled celebration
• Balancing faith and fun: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas
• Hallmark movies, Christmas-tree traditions, and the true nativity timeline
• Honest talk about resilience and permission to rest
• “Sister Perry” (menopause humor and honesty) and being gentle with ourselves
• The rhythm of fall as a built-in invitation to slow down and reconnect

Mentions & Resources

• John Mark Comer’s “Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” sermon reference
• Therapy & Theology Podcast with Lisa TerKeurst
• Dull’s Tree Farm and Dickens on Main in Texas
• Oura Ring conversation on rest and resilience tracking

Reflection Prompts for Listeners

• What does it mean for you to be present this holiday season?
• Where do you feel weary or “tired of being resilient”?
• What rhythms help you slow down—Sabbath, journaling, walks, worship?
• How might you find Jesus in the middle of the ordinary—pumpkins, parties, or porch lights?

Calls to Action

• Follow and engage on Instagram @uncommonpurposepodcast and Facebook.
• Comment your favorite fall-to-Christmas tradition or how you plan to stay present.
• Share this episode with a friend who needs a little hope heading into the holidays.

In this Season 4 kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reunite after a long summer apart and invite listeners into an honest catch-up on life, loss, and laughter. From family bucket lists and barista daughters to RV trips, coffee rituals, and floods in Texas, the conversation moves easily between humor and depth. Both women share how the last few months have been marked by intentional family time, unexpected grief, physical healing, and renewed spiritual rhythms.

They talk about what it means to be centered in Christ amid chaos, how our bodies carry unprocessed sorrow, and the importance of slowing down to notice both joy and redemption. It’s a tender reminder that God meets us right where we are—on porches, beaches, and backroads—holding both our laughter and our tears.

Listen for:

• Stephanie’s “core-four” family summer, grief, and God’s redemption
• Mandy’s reflections on embodiment, grief triggers, and spiritual grounding
• Real talk about inflammation, clean coffee, and why our bodies remember
• What it means to be centered—anchored in Jesus when life feels uprooted
• A reminder that presence, play, and prayer belong together

Scriptures & Themes

• Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
• Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.
• Matthew 11:28–29 – Rest for the weary.
• Philippians 4:7 – Peace that passes understanding.
• Themes: Embodied faith, centering in Christ, redemption, grief, intentional presence, joy and sorrow coexisting.

Places & Stories Referenced

• Texas floods (July 2024) – community response, neighbor love, economic impact
• Asheville/North Carolina hurricane – resilience and recovery
• Southwest Michigan (St. Joe & South Haven) – family RV trip and beach memories
• Disney World & Port Aransas family bucket list – joy and play as spiritual practice

Resources to Link

• Echo Prayer App – Mandy’s prayer-list reminder tool
• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (for embodied grief)
• Clean coffee recommendation: Kion Coffee (from their chiropractor’s tip)
• Family Framework at Northview Church (Adventure Race reference)

Practices Mentioned

• Grounding pads & walking barefoot (“toes in grass”)
• Yoga and somatic breathwork (for emotional regulation, not spiritual blending)
• Silence, solitude, journaling, communion, and worship as personal disciplines
• “Family Friday” bucket-list tradition for intentional connection
• “Sacred play” — rediscovering fun as a spiritual reset

Listener Reflection Prompts

• Where have you been—emotionally, spiritually, physically—since summer?
• What grief might your body still be carrying?
• What practice (walks, worship, journaling) helps you feel centered in Christ?
• Where did you see God’s redemption in the middle of something hard?

In this episode, Mandy and Stephanie celebrate the conclusion of their third season by reflecting on the importance of celebration in their lives and faith. They discuss the significance of remembrance in scripture, and how personal experiences shape their understanding of celebration. The conversation highlights the importance of overcoming negative thought patterns and the significance of community in celebrating milestones. They also touch on the balance of joy and mourning, highlighting that both can coexist in meaningful ways.

In this episode of the Uncommon Purpose Podcast, Dr. Mike discusses the transformative power of chiropractic care. The conversation explores the importance of understanding trauma and stress, the evolution of chiropractic practice, and the necessity of making lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health. Dr. Mike emphasizes the role of neurologically based chiropractic in empowering patients to take control of their health and the significance of creating a supportive environment for healing. The episode concludes with insights on living an intentional life and the challenges of making lasting changes. In this episode, the conversation delves into the complexities of making healthy food choices in a toxic environment, the impact of one's upbringing and surroundings on health, and the importance of embracing discomfort for personal growth. The discussion also highlights the role of chiropractic care in maintaining health and the necessity of a long-term commitment to wellness.

Resources:

https://thepremierlife.com

https://www.seedoilscout.com/

Join Mandy and Stephanie today as Jenni Keller shares her experiences in writing and ministry, highlighting her recent transition into entrepreneurship with a focus on leadership development for churches. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality in parenting and the significance of acknowledging individual identities in twins. Throughout, themes of faith, personal growth, and the challenges of entrepreneurship are explored, showcasing Jenni's journey and the support of her friends. In this conversation, Jenni shares her journey of growth, faithfulness, and the importance of community and mentorship. She discusses overcoming doubt, the significance of spiritual disciplines, and the power of example in leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of connection, support, and a long-term commitment to faithfulness in one's spiritual journey.

Resources:

https://jennikeller.co

Love Comes Near: An Advent Bible Study

Establish Your Heart: A Six-week Study of James

NLT Every Woman’s Bible

Jeff Scott is an author, speaker, and passionate teacher about the Holy Spirit. With nearly 50 years of Christian experience, he has dedicated himself to helping others understand and experience a meaningful relationship with God's Spirit.

In this engaging podcast episode, Jeff Scott shares his journey of faith and understanding of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the often misunderstood role of the Holy Spirit as a guide, counselor, and comforter, emphasizing the importance of inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives. The conversation explores practical encounters with the Holy Spirit, the significance of being Spirit-led versus Spirit-filled, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments. Listeners are encouraged to seek and recognize the Holy Spirit's guidance in their daily lives, highlighting the transformative power of this divine presence. In this conversation, Jeff Scott shares his insights on recognizing the Holy Spirit in daily life, the importance of building relationships with the Holy Spirit, and his journey as an author. He emphasizes the significance of slowing down to notice divine guidance and the role of community in spiritual growth. Jeff discusses his book 'Empowered for More' and his passion for helping others understand their faith journey, while also reflecting on the art of writing and sharing wisdom.

Recommended Resources:

• Book: "Empowered for More" by Jeff Scott (https://a.co/d/d4Q6Mg9)
• Website: JJeffersonScott.com
  • Devotionals: "Guided" and "Never Alone"

In this engaging conversation, Mandy Polster shares her journey of connection, community, and spiritual growth. The discussion highlights the importance of friendships, the transition from corporate life to ministry, and the challenges and joys of ordination. Mandy reflects on her experiences with family, the pursuit of joy, and the deepening of her spiritual disciplines. The conversation concludes with thoughts on mentorship and the significance of living out one's calling in various contexts.

Mandy and Stephanie welcome listeners to season 3 of Uncommon Purpose Podcast! They share their excitement about this new season and how in each upcoming episode they have the joy and privilege of celebrating some sweet friends and the uncommon accomplishments in their lives. Listeners are invited to join the celebration!

Come along with Mandy and Stephanie for a very special Memorial Day conversation. Get to know Mandy and her husband, Phil Cooley. They share candidly about their life together and about how Phil found his calling and career of service in the Indiana Army National Guard as well as an Indiana State Trooper. Their conversation covers the following:

• The impact of a heritage of service
• The journey to find this calling
• Deployment experiences
• Finding and pursuing purpose
• The experience of being a military spouse
• Decompressing as a family
• The value and importance of Memorial Day

Resources:

Tribe by Sebastion Junger