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.

What Makes This Conversation So Compelling

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.

The Practical Wisdom You'll Gain

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

Her Four Life-Changing Pillars

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.

In this episode, we talk about:

• 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.

Highlights from our conversation:

• 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

Key takeaways:

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/

We know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance sports with personal identity, and that's why we're so excited to welcome Megan Cannon, a mental health therapist specializing in sports and performance. She'll be joining us to dive into this important conversation.

In this enlightening conversation, we explore the evolving landscape of youth sports and the impact it has on both athletes and their families. Megan shares valuable insights on:

Navigating the Pressures of Modern Youth Sports

• The shift from fun to serious competition at younger ages
• Balancing multiple sports and avoiding early specialization
• Creating healthy boundaries and protecting family time

Supporting Your Young Athlete's Mental Health

• Recognizing warning signs of burnout or struggle
• Fostering resilience and emotional intelligence
• The importance of identity beyond sports

Practical Tips for Parents and Coaches

• Setting intentions for the sports season
• Encouraging free play and diverse interests
• Building a supportive team culture

Whether you're a parent, coach, or athlete yourself, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on nurturing well-rounded, mentally healthy young athletes. Learn how to foster a love for sports while prioritizing overall well-being and personal growth.

Don't miss Megan's insightful advice on creating a positive sports experience that extends far beyond the field or court. It's time to redefine what success looks like in youth athletics!

Check out her website here: https://www.megancannoncounseling.com/

For the Parenting Teen Athletes group, head to: https://www.megancannoncounseling.com/parentsofathletes (An 8-week virtual group for parents of teen athletes, designed to provide support, education, and practical tools for navigating the challenges of raising an athlete).

Do you feel like you're juggling a million balls in the air while trying to maintain a picture-perfect Instagram feed? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Kate Strickler, the relatable voice behind Naptime Kitchen, to chat about the messy, beautiful reality of balancing authenticity and social media presence.

Kate opens up about her journey from sharing simple recipes during nap time to becoming a social media sensation with over 300,000 followers. We dive into the challenges of maintaining boundaries between real life and online content creation, and how sometimes stepping away from the screen is necessary for personal growth.

Highlights from our conversation:

• The evolution of Naptime Kitchen from a creative outlet to a thriving brand
• Kate's decision to take a social media break and how it reshaped her perspective
• Balancing vulnerability and privacy when sharing about family life online
• The process of writing her new book and tackling tough topics like body image and financial pressures
• Kate's refreshing take on aging and embracing life experiences

Key takeaways you won't want to miss:

• How Kate navigates the pressure to constantly create content while staying true to herself
• The importance of setting boundaries and protecting what's sacred in your family life
• Why sometimes the best recipes aren't just for dinner - they're for life
• Kate's insights on finding authenticity in a world of curated social media feeds
• The unexpected joys of stepping away from technology and embracing tangible experiences

Whether you're a content creator yourself or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of building an online presence, this conversation offers a candid look at the realities of personal branding in the digital age. Kate's honesty and humor shine through as we explore the complexities of sharing our lives online while staying grounded in what truly matters.

So grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), and join us for this refreshingly real conversation about finding balance, embracing imperfection, and staying authentic in a world that often feels anything but.

Follow Kate Strickler https://www.instagram.com/naptimekitchen and read her new book, "I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen" https://a.co/d/dUK7nAf.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a baseball empire that's more about fun than just the game? Get ready to step up to the plate with Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas and founder of Bananas Foster. In this episode, we're sliding into home base with a conversation that'll make you rethink everything you know about America's favorite pastime.

Emily shares the wild ride of transforming a struggling team into a nationwide phenomenon that's part baseball, part fun, and all heart. From dancing players to grandma cheerleaders, discover how the Savannah Bananas are hitting it out of the park by putting fans first and fun front and center.

But that's not all, folks! We're also digging into Emily's personal journey as a foster mom and how it led to the creation of Bananas Foster, a nonprofit that's changing the game for kids in the foster care system. Get ready for some major league inspiration as Emily reveals:

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How the Savannah Bananas went from striking out to selling out stadiums across the country
• The secret sauce behind creating a sports experience that three generations can enjoy together
• Why putting "fans first" isn't just a catchy slogan—it's a business model that works
• How Emily and her husband Jesse balance running a baseball empire with raising a family on the road
• The unexpected joys and challenges of fostering, and how it shaped their family and business
• How Bananas Foster is using the power of celebration to change the narrative around foster care

Whether you're a baseball fanatic, a budding entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, this episode is guaranteed to knock it out of the park. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, and join us for a conversation that's as entertaining as a Savannah Bananas game itself!

"We are not who we are as a company without the fans. That's the name of the company, Fans First Entertainment. We remind ourselves every single day, every single person on staff stays humble because we would not be here without them."

Ready to see how a little creativity and a lot of heart can change the game? Let's play ball!

Follow more of Emily's journey here! https://www.instagram.com/emcole3

In this deeply personal episode, I open up about my journey with eating disorders and the path to healing that led me to Colorado for intensive therapy. It's a story of struggle, redemption, and the power of breaking free from the chains that once held me captive.

For years, I battled with body image issues and destructive behaviors, hiding my pain from those around me. But through a series of God-given moments and the support of an amazing community, I finally found the courage to seek help and confront the roots of my struggles.

A Journey of Healing and Redemption

• The vivid dream that sparked my decision to get help
• How a chance encounter on a plane affirmed God's presence in my journey
• The transformative power of EMDR therapy and heart prayer sessions
• The symbolic act of throwing away lies written on rocks into a river

Breaking the Silence

This episode isn't just about my story - it's a call to action for anyone struggling in silence. I discuss:

• The importance of positive self-talk and body image in parenting
• How to recognize potential signs of eating disorders in loved ones
• The value of seeking professional help and building a supportive community

Embracing Freedom and Purpose

I also reveal the profound realizations that came through my healing journey:

• Understanding my true identity as God's masterpiece
• The significance behind my new tattoos and their empowering messages
• How facing my past has given me a new purpose in sharing hope with others

This raw and honest conversation aims to inspire anyone facing similar struggles to seek help, break free from shame, and embrace the healing power of vulnerability and faith.

Grab a seat for a relaxed convo with TeriLyn Adams, the content creator in the game since 2004. She opens up about swapping Mormon blogging for Christian mom life, moving from Utah to North Carolina, and keeping faith and online vibes authentic.

We get real about motherhood, postpartum anxiety and depression, and trying therapy and meds (spoiler: Zoloft helped balance life at home and with her husband). Plus, her influencer playbook: making life easier for busy moms while juggling fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with a big emphasis on staying true to herself. She also chats about lifting other women and creating flexible, mom-friendly opportunities.

What we cover:

• Honest, hopeful faith journey: leaving Utah, a new vibe, and staying grounded
• Mental health in motherhood: postpartum anxiety/depression, trying therapy, finding support
• Finding your lane as an influencer: keeping it simple for busy moms and balancing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle
• Empowerment and leadership: lifting other women and creating flexible work-life options

So tune in and you'll receive smart tips for creators and moms navigating life's twists, paired with honest conversations about growth that stays true to your values. Come sit under the oaks for laughs, raw stories, and the push to own your unique path.

Follow TeriLyn here: https://www.instagram.com/terilynadams

Life's full of tiny nuggets of wisdom that can totally change the way we see things. In this episode of Under the Oaks, we're diving into the treasure chest of life lessons we've picked up along the way. Whether it's a fun movie quote, a piece of solid advice from someone we love, or just a funny, eye-opening moment, these nuggets bring us guidance, comfort, and even a good dose of reality when we need it most. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let's chat about the little bits of wisdom that make life a little sweeter!

From breaking down big goals into manageable steps ("Inch by inch, life's a cinch" - yes, even when you're staring down that mountain of laundry) to stepping beyond your comfort zone (because growth is usually uncomfortable), these truths remind us that sometimes the best progress comes from just taking one tiny step at a time. We also talk about challenging those pesky negative thoughts, truly listening to others, and practicing kindness even when someone's driving you crazy.

And of course, we'll remind you to embrace your quirks and be unapologetically you because everyone else is already taken, and honestly, nobody does it better than you. Whether you're just trying to survive Monday or aiming for a glow-up, these nuggets will give you practical tips and a few laughs along the way.

Tune in, and let's share our favorite wisdom nuggets!