What happens when you meet someone who truly lives by the art of noticing? You get Caroline Lunne, a 26-year-old marketing maven, Instagram creator, and writer who's built an entire philosophy around waking up the part of you that likes everyday life.

Caroline moved to Charleston four years ago and has since created a vibrant online presence that celebrates finding joy in everyday moments. From her colorful home that screams "coastal cottage meets creative spirit" to her marketing agency Migrate, she's proof that following your instincts can lead to extraordinary places.

But this conversation goes deeper than pretty Instagram feeds and business success. Caroline opens up about losing her mom to cancer last November, a woman who taught her that "the special occasion is today" during their magical springs together in Paris. It's raw, real, and the kind of vulnerability that stops you in your tracks.

Here are 5 key takeaways you can expect from this conversation about finding joy in everyday moments:

• Learn the simple 10-minute practice that can wake up your "liker" and help you notice beauty everywhere around you.
• Discover how to separate your creative work from your art without burning out or losing the joy in what you do.
• Understand why fun isn't frivolous—it's actually serious business for living a life you genuinely like.
• Get practical tips for building community through creativity, from running book clubs to connecting fellow creators.
• Find permission to prioritize small moments of enjoyment over endless productivity and the "must-do" list.

Caroline's story is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn't just about the big moments—it's about stacking small things you love into each day. Whether she's leading 200 women through The Artist's Way on Zoom or simply making coffee in her cheerful kitchen, she shows us that noticing what brings us joy is the first step to developing real taste in life.

This is for anyone who's ever felt creatively stuck, overwhelmed by their to-do list, or wondering how to find more genuine enjoyment in their daily routine. Sometimes the most profound wisdom comes wrapped in the simplest practices.

You may recognize Melly Paxson as the fairy godmother from Disney's Descendants — but in this episode of Under the Oaks, we get to know the woman behind the role.

Melly joins us for a heartfelt, down-to-earth conversation about leaving Los Angeles during the pandemic and moving to Charleston without ever visiting first. What started as a leap of faith became a life-changing reset for her family, her faith, and her sense of home.

With honesty and humor, she shares about navigating Hollywood as a woman of faith, walking through infertility, and choosing sobriety on Christmas Eve 2020. Her story is a reminder that transformation doesn't always come with fireworks sometimes it begins with one quiet, brave decision.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Moving to Charleston sight unseen and why it felt like coming home
• Rethinking what alcoholism can look like and choosing freedom
• Motherhood, infertility, and embracing the unexpected
• Her love of interior design (including dreams of a muted pink house)
• A few fun behind-the-scenes moments from Descendants

This conversation is warm, real, and deeply encouraging, the kind that feels like sitting with a friend who's willing to share the whole story.

If you've ever wondered what it looks like to quietly change your life from the inside out, this episode is for you.

Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs this reminder today.

Follow Melly here: https://www.instagram.com/mellypaxson/?hl=en

What happens when you lose your job and decide to bet everything on a dream that feels impossible? When Jenny and I sat down under the oaks with Evan Cooper, that's exactly where we started. After being fired from his sales job, Evan chose to go all-in on content creation with 8,000 followers and $4 in his bank account. No backup plan. No viral moment. Just a decision.

In this conversation, he shares the raw reality behind building a social media presence from scratch — posting 150 videos that "nobody watched," questioning himself, and slowly discovering that trying to be impressive was actually holding him back. Everything shifted with one simple 22-second video about going to the movies alone. Not flashy. Not overproduced. Just honest.

We talk about the internal shift that mattered more than the algorithm and how authenticity became his secret weapon when he stopped trying to be "cool" and started being himself. The conversation moves into fostering rescue dogs (including the internet-famous Vader), coaching middle school basketball, and the life-shaping conversation he had with his mom in a Walmart parking lot that redefined why he creates in the first place.

• The power of consistent failure as a learning tool - How intentionally failing fast can accelerate your path to success.
• Finding your authentic voice - Why being vulnerable about loneliness and struggles creates deeper connections than highlighting wins.
• The importance of giving back - How helping others became both his content strategy and personal fulfillment.
• Building community in a lonely industry - Honest thoughts on the isolation that comes with content creation and how to combat it.
• Strategic content decisions - The intentional choices behind everything from his signature black shirt uniform to when he shares mental health updates.

This isn't a typical "how I went viral" story. It's an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and using your platform to make others feel seen and heard. If you've ever felt behind, overlooked, or unsure whether to keep going, this episode is for you.

Follow Evan here: https://www.instagram.com/evcoop/

Sometimes a single moment can change the direction of your life.

After touring Star Gospel Mission in Charleston, Shea Chambers came face-to-face with the hidden reality of homelessness among women and children in our own community. What began as a simple visit quickly became a calling she could no longer ignore and within just 30 days, Friends of Morning Light was born.

In this heartfelt conversation, Shea shares how God moved her from heartbreak to bold action, revealing that ordinary obedience can create extraordinary impact. Together, we talk about the unseen struggles families face, the power of transitional housing, and the hope that grows when people say yes to serving others.

This episode is a gentle invitation to listen for where God may be leading you and a reminder that showing up with a willing heart can change everything.

• The hidden reality of homelessness for women and children
• How one visit sparked the vision for Friends of Morning Light
• Why transitional housing creates lasting healing and stability
• Trusting God's calling, even when the vision feels overwhelming
• Simple, meaningful ways to serve in your own community

Follow along with Friends of Morning Light and discover ways to support families in need. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more stories like this take root. 🤍

https://www.stargospelmission.org/friends

Sometimes the moments that feel the most unplanned become the places where redemption begins.

In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Chapple Chandler, content creator, home renovator, and mother to talk about the story she never expected to live and the grace she never imagined finding.

At just 19 years old, while in college on scholarship, Chapple faced an unexpected pregnancy and a future that looked nothing like she had planned. What followed were years of single motherhood, hard work, quiet shame, and the slow journey toward healing.

But God was gently writing a different story.

Chapple shares how an encounter with God's love transformed her identity, lifted the weight of shame, and led her into a life marked by restoration, family, and purpose. In a beautiful twist only God could orchestrate, her teenage daughter would later introduce her to the man who became her husband, reminding us that redemption often unfolds in the most unexpected ways.

This episode is a reminder that nothing in your story is wasted. Even the unplanned beginnings can become beautiful redemption in God's hands.

In this episode we talk about:

• Trusting God when life doesn't go as planned
• Walking through single motherhood, shame, and survival
• Finding true identity as God's beloved daughter
• The power of community in hard seasons
• Sharing your story so others can find hope

If you've ever wondered whether God could redeem your past, this conversation will meet you with deep encouragement and gentle hope.

Follow Chapple here: https://www.instagram.com/chapplechandler?igsh=bWhrN241MXg4OTF1

Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the consumer trends flooding your social media feeds? From Stanley cups to barrel jeans, weighted vests to vibration plates, it seems like there's always something new we're supposed to want, need, or try.

Jenny and I are getting real about the trends that captured our attention this year, and more importantly, which ones were worth it and which ones we're ready to toss. We're sharing our honest experiences with everything from those peel-off lip stains everyone's talking about to the health gadgets that promised to change our lives.

But this isn't just about roasting products we regret buying. We're also celebrating the trends that actually delivered, like the shift toward authenticity in content creation, the rise of Christian music in mainstream culture, and the blessed acceptance of wearing cozy sets everywhere.

• Learn to distinguish between trendy and timeless when making purchasing decisions.
• Discover which viral products lived up to the hype and which ones are gathering dust.
• Understand how social media algorithms influence our buying habits and spending patterns.
• Get honest reviews of popular items from Stanley cups to magnetic nasal strips.
• Find strategies for teaching kids healthy consumption habits in our trend-obsessed culture.

We're also talking about the cultural shifts we're loving, like the move away from perfectionism in social media and the return to authentic, raw content. Plus, we're discussing some trends we're ready to leave behind, including the mean-spirited "de-influencing" movement that's been targeting content creators.

Whether you're someone who jumps on every trend or waits to see if something sticks around, this conversation will help you navigate the constant stream of "must-have" products with more intention and less regret.

Sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the most unexpected places. What if I told you that spray tanning people in a small Kentucky town could lead to a thriving real estate career, keynote speaking, and writing a book to inspire thousands?

Dana Gentry's story is anything but conventional. From battling panic attacks and addiction to building a successful business empire, her path has been marked by both struggle and incredible faith. But it's not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about how she's learned to live with such intentionality that every day becomes an opportunity to shine light in the secular world.

This isn't your typical success story. Dana gets refreshingly honest about the messy parts, losing friends in tragic accidents, her father's battle with alcoholism, and her own struggle with prescription drug dependency. But what's remarkable is how she's transformed these experiences into wisdom that helps others avoid burnout while pursuing their biggest dreams.

You'll hear about the moment she sat on Sullivan's Island beach, completely burned out despite outward success, and how God spoke the word "restore" so clearly that it became the foundation for her first book. It's the kind of story that makes you believe in divine appointments and perfect timing.

Dana doesn't just share inspiring stories, she gives you actionable strategies for living intentionally:

• The power of mentor lunches and seven specific questions that can change your career trajectory
• How to create boundaries that protect and feed your soul
• Daily rhythms that keep you grounded, including her unique approach to morning routines
• The 80/20 principle for sustainable living without perfectionist pressure
• Building authentic relationships that transcend social and economic differences

Through years of personal development work, Dana identified four pillars that shaped her success: intentional living, building great relationships, the power of proximity to mentors, and running your own race. Each pillar comes with real stories and practical applications that you can implement immediately.

What I love most about this conversation is Dana's heart for making Christianity look "perfectly imperfect." She's proof that you can be successful in the secular world while letting your faith shine bright—feathers on your shirt and all.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, struggling with comparison, or simply wanting to live with more purpose, Dana's story will leave you feeling both challenged and encouraged. Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at her health routines, her "God boxes" (trust me, this will make you smile), and why she plays worship music around her entire property 24/7.

Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/danaggentry/

Snag her book here: https://restoredevotional.com/

Does January ever make you feel like you're supposed to become a whole new person overnight? New habits. New body. New routines. New life. And somehow it all feels exhausting before it even starts.

In this episode, we're flipping the traditional goal-setting mindset on its head. Instead of starting with everything we think we need to fix, we start with something deeper: who God created us to be.

After reading The Road Back to You and walking through our own journeys of self-discovery, we've seen how our personality, wiring, and natural tendencies shape whether our goals actually take root or quietly fall apart a few weeks into the year.

• What if growth didn't mean becoming someone else?
• What if it meant becoming a healthier, more grounded version of who you already are?
• What if we started with gratitude instead of guilt?

This conversation is about building goals that align with your real life, your real season, your real rhythms and your God-given design instead of chasing unrealistic standards that lead to burnout and frustration.

• Why identity-first goal setting changes everything
• How to recognize the difference between growth and trying to be someone you're not
• The line between healthy challenge and burnout culture
• Why celebrating your wins actually fuels sustainable growth
• How to create goals that work with your personality instead of against it
• What it looks like to pursue growth rooted in faith, peace, and alignment

We also share reflections from this past year, from family memories and travel, to finding sustainable rhythms with health and fitness, to naming areas where God is inviting deeper trust, especially in seasons of worry and fear.

This episode isn't about doing less with your life. It's about doing it with more intention. More peace. More clarity.More alignment.

Because real growth doesn't feel like pressure, it feels like becoming who God already created you to be.

As we wrap up season one of Under the Oaks, Jenny and I take a moment to reflect on our podcasting journey. From tech hiccups to unforgettable interviews, we've learned so much about sharing stories and building community.

We discuss how our vision for the podcast evolved, moving beyond influencer interviews to showcase people of influence with compelling stories. Our conversations have touched on faith, identity, and finding light in a sometimes dark world.

Highlights from our chat:

• The challenges and joys of starting a podcast from scratch
• How our perspective on guests and content shifted over time
• Memorable moments with interviewees like Landon Bryant, Emily Cole, and Sarah Vandiver
• Navigating social media and current events as content creators
• What we're excited about and leaving behind for season two

Key takeaways:

1. The importance of letting conversations flow naturally during interviews
2. Finding unity and positivity amidst divisive topics
3. Balancing faith, business, and authenticity in the online space
4. The value of hearing diverse stories and perspectives

We're so grateful for everyone who's joined us under the oaks this season. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, we hope these conversations have inspired you as much as they've inspired us.

Stay tuned for season two - we can't wait to share more stories, laughs, and wisdom with you soon!

What's it like to share your faith and intertwine in the world of social media? Join us as we sit down with Sarah Vandiver, the creative force behind the Instagram account @sarah.joy, to explore the beautiful intersection of home decor, personal branding, and spiritual growth.

Sarah opens up about her journey from accidental blogger to influential content creator with over 700k followers, sharing how she navigated the challenges of building an online presence while staying true to her values. We dive into the vulnerable moments that shaped her faith and how she's learned to integrate her beliefs into her content in an authentic way.

• The unexpected path that led Sarah from nonprofit work to home decor influencer
• How she balances sharing her faith online without compromising her privacy
• The power of devotionals in connecting with her audience on a deeper level
• Practical tips for maintaining a strong spiritual foundation in a fast-paced digital world

1. Finding purpose in your platform beyond likes and followers
2. Overcoming fears and anxieties through faith
3. The importance of starting your day with intention and scripture
4. Embracing vulnerability to create meaningful connections online

Whether you're a seasoned content creator or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of building a faith-based brand, this episode offers valuable insights on staying grounded while growing your influence.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will encourage you to approach your own journey - both personal and professional - with renewed purpose and joy.

Read Sarah Joy's blog here. https://sarahjoyblog.com/

Follow along on Instagram here. https://www.instagram.com/sarah.joy/