Worth Your Time

The day I started this podcast, I knew I’d eventually interview my best friend, Michelle Cordero. She is kind, courageous and resilient, having overcome a childhood filled with domestic violence, depression and a broken home — I’ve always wondered how she managed not to dwell on the things that could have held her back.

Today she shares what she’s learned from her past, from the recent death of a close friend of cancer and how parenting her high-energy and uniquely sweet little boy, who is 5, taught her how to trust her gut even when teachers and experts told her something different. Spoiler alert: Her gut was right.

Michelle says this of her challenging few years raising a rambunctious boy:

“Trust your gut. You know your kid…you are your child’s only advocate and you have to stand up for them. Don’t let one teacher tell you what’s best. You know what’s best as their parent.”

Michelle is also mom to a 3-year-old girl and works full-time at the Heritage Foundation, commuting 1.5 hours both ways each day to Washington, DC from her home in the suburbs of Virginia. Despite her busy life, she manages to make time for bettering her marriage, taking care of herself through exercise at Orange Theory (we hear that a lot on this podcast!) and doing all kinds of really memorable things with her kids each weekend.

You’ll love her “list idea” for keeping yourself happy and on track — and she talks about how it’s helped her in her frequent struggles with depression. We also talk about about false stereotypes of conservative women and why would would both give our right leg to have a long, drawn out sit down dinner with one of our favorite writers, Elizabeth Gilbert.

What we talked about:

* Heritage Explains Podcast* Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday “Your Own Truth” episode* The Happiness Project podcast* The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Anchor* Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert* Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert * My tribute to Liz Gilbert for inspiring me to finish my book!* WorkLife podcast by Adam Grant* Michelle’s Cookbook: Jelly Shots (so many fun recipes for parties!)

Connect with Michelle:

* Instagram* Facebook* Twitter

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carrie Sheffield dreams really big. And she doesn’t just dream, she takes action. Her big, hair, audacious goal (some call it a “BHAG”) was creating a media empire in BOLD Media.

She’s getting there and it’s awesome to watch from pretty close by. I’ve known Carrie for many years on the DC media scene, but we only recently spoke more personally, and it’s been a treat. She’s a truly, genuine person to respect and quite the role model for young women today.

Carrie says:

“We exist because we want to build the beloved community that Martin Luther King spoke about….the concept of beloved community, we believe that exists here and now and it’s our responsibility to build that everyday.”

In today’s episode, we talk about how she went from a DC intern to writing op/eds for some of the nation’s most well-known newspapers, speaking to thousands and starting her own media company.

BOLD isn’t just any old platform. It seems to bring diverse minds together to talk about difficult issues in a civil and respectful way. You can find panels live on BOLD throughout everyday, featuring people of all colors and ideologies.

As the company partners with more publications, organizations and potentially TV networks, there’s no doubt you’ll be seeing BOLD on your screen in the near future if you haven’t already. Carrie is living out her dream beautifully — and psst, she was just featured in the Wall Street Journal column, “The Secrets of Wealthy Women.”

What we talked about:

* BOLD Media* Crazy Christians* Zero to One by Peter Thiel* Blue Ocean Strategy* Mastery by Robert Greene* Secrets of Wealthy Women podcast* Financial Grownup podcast

Connect with Carrie:

* Facebook* Twitter* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Picture yourself in the 7th grade cafeteria eating Fritos, drinking Sprite and complaining about having to go to gym class after lunch. Those are some of my first memories of Lynn Downey. I never would have imagined we’d be chatting it up on a podcast (those didn’t exist) gulp 20+ years later.

But here we are! Lynn followed her dreams of becoming a Hollywood actress after majoring in theater in college — and I ended up writing and communicating. I’m so happy we could merge these two crazy professions for an online conversation reunion. Even though we haven’t seen each other in years, Lynn’s fun personality and confidence shined through.

I loved when she talked about ego, self-awareness & how hard we can be on ourselves as professionals, saying this:

“I think that the ego is literally trying to save our life, physically and emotionally. Like, if you do that bad, then you’ll die!”

She’s been a working actress in LA for 14 years and yes, you may have seem her in a thing or two. What I loved about this conversation was connecting with Lynn as a creative. It reminded me that no matter which art you choose to practice, the creative process translates. We talked about learning to accept the process it takes to even BEGIN creating the thing. And that is part of accepting yourself, your passion all that it takes to get there.

She’s also been on a roller coaster of a spiritual journey and has finally accepted she may just stay out in crazy California for life (or maybe not!) This is a great convo and you creative peeps will most definitely get something out of it.

What we talked about:

* Lynn talks with Shauna Niequist after “Cold Tangerines”* Little Candle Productions* Life Group TV Show* The Liturgists Podcast* Tattoos on the Heart (book)* Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin* Lynn on IMDB

Connect with Lynn:

* Facebook* Twitter* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kira Davis is an outspoken political writer, activist, actress, film writer and director, mom and podcast host. Yes, we’ve got another woman who keeps busy busy busy with her many passions, which means Kira and I get along great 🙂

Kira says:

“The real problem with race relations is the lack of grace. We can never have an honest conversation about race if each party is not willing to come to the table and say, I’m giving my right to be offended.”

You may recognize her from a couple of viral videos, her online conversation with President Barack Obama or hits on Fox News. But it’s not just her spicy takes on political issues that make Kira awesome — she’s the writer and director of a new film about Harriet Tubman, which was recently featured at the Toronto Black Film Festival.

I respect Kira’s courage in voicing opinions that aren’t always popular with those around her — and her willingness to be vulnerable and kind in all she does. It was awesome to have this conversation with her, where I felt completely comfortable bringing up whatever I wanted to. She’s inspiring and I think you’ll enjoy today’s conversation.

What we talked about:

* Kira’s writing at Townhall* Minty: A Harriet Tubman Film* Smart Girl Podcast* How Inappropriate Podcast* Unbelievable podcast* Prayer by Tim Keller* Preview of Kira on Fox News

Connect with Kira:

* Facebook* Twitter* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When I met Jennifer Schubert-Akin, I thought she was one of the kindest, gracious women I’d ever encountered. Little did I know there was much more to her than that.

As the founder of the Steamboat Institute, a non-profit policy organization based in beautiful Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Jennifer has proven herself a determined and dedicated warrior for freedom, free speech and Constitutional principles.

Quote from Jennifer:

We believe the most important thing we can do right is attracting people from all ideologies — left, right and in between — to hear reasonable arguments where people don’t scream at each other. I like to say, it does not take much intellectual rigor to call someone stupid. It does, however, require intellectual rigor to think through your own arguments, if you have to debate someone on the facts.Jennifer Schubert-Akin

Not only that, she is an accomplished athlete who will completed her 25th Boston Marathon in a row this year and has run many 100-mile ultra-marathons, including the famous Leadville trail marathon multiple times.

It’s that grit and hard work that she puts into running races that took over 24 hours that gave her the tenacity it takes to found an organization, no small feat. But she didn’t just found Steamboat — it’s thriving. Now in its 11th year, the Steamboat Institute brings names like Steve Forbes, Carly Fiorina, Ben Sasse and Ryan Zinke to the mountains for its annual Freedom Conference.

Though Jennifer is conservative, she aims to foster robust debate on issues that matter from both sides of the aisle — bringing in both liberals and conservatives to debate hot issues in their “Campus Liberty” debate series. Civil dialogue is key and boy, do we need more of that these days!

I loved talking with Jennifer about how hard work in one aspect of life translates to other parts of your life. I can see that so much in her and admire all that she’s done to build this growing & inspiring organization. She is certainly a female role model to all you ladies out there!

What we talked about:

* The Steamboat Institute* Freedom Conference* Boston Marathon* Leadville Marathon* University of Maryland President Wallace Loh remarks

Connect with Jennifer:

* Facebook* Twitter * Steamboat Institute Facebook* Steamboat Institute Twitter* Steamboat Institute Instagram

Recent Episodes of “Worth Your Time”:

* Saying ‘Yes’ to God When You Least Expect it with Linda Znachko* Living Beloved: Author, Attorney and Congressional Spouse Erin Hawley*

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I first heard today’s guest, Linda Znachko, unexpectedly at an event several months ago. She had me in tears within a few minutes of telling her story. The same could be said of our interview today, where Linda joined me at my house to talk about her beautiful ministry, He Knows Your Name.

Simply put, this organization gives abandoned babies dignity in death. When a baby is abandoned outdoors or at the hospital in some kind of tragic circumstance, Linda is the one who comes to that baby’s side, taking custody of the child, giving them a name, a funeral and a headstone.

Her ministry extends beyond just babies, and she’s been given the opportunity to help women mourning stillbirths, abo rtions and even the deaths of older children. There are so many families in need who cannot afford funerals or headstones. I’d never considered the importance of a headstone until reading her book, which showcases how beautifully families have been able to find closure through this simple gesture.

The circumstances Linda encounters everyday are heartbreaking, but she has taken up this task with humility and courage. The friendships forged across many lines and the ability to share the love of Christ with people dealing with the hardest thing they may ever experience are priceless. I was truly honored to have Linda in my home to share her stories.

What we talked about:

* He Knows Your Name* He Knows Your Name: How One Abandond Baby Inspired Me to Say Yes to God (Book)* Cuddle Cots* Safe Haven Baby Boxes

Connect with Linda:

* Twitter* Facebook (personal)* Facebook (He Knows Your Name)* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s guest on on “Worth Your Time” is Erin Hawley, an inspiring momma who has just moved her crew of two young boys to Washington, DC to support her husband, Josh, the newest Senator from Missouri.

Erin is a graduate of Yale Law School, has clerked for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts and published her first book this year — “Living Beloved.” The book is a beautiful testament of her life written for parents about how we can navigate the world as sons and daughters of God. It all comes from what she’s learned about love from being a mom.

Erin’s pathway to successful career woman began humbly on a farm in New Mexico, which she tells listeners about. Her position as the wife of a Senator has only just begun but it’s obvious she’s got plenty to say and do in her own right. Let’s just say Senator Hawley is lucky to have such a strong, smart, incredible woman in his life to keep him on the right track 😉

What we talked about:

* Living Beloved* Senator Josh Hawley* Run with the Horses by Eugene Peterson

Connect with Erin:

* Facebook* Twitter (Erin’s not on Twitter but here’s her husband’s handle!)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes, the universe drops someone into your life — and that’s how it was with Rochelle Asberry! I was fortunate enough to meet her after I spoke at Linking Indy Women a few months ago. We met for breakfast and had so much to talk about — and so much in common!

In today’s episode, Rochelle and I talk about her journey to finding success as a health and wellness coach — including a successful massage therapy practice. Rochelle also talks about what it means to truly embrace the present and find joy in all that you do. She loves the concept so much, she wrote a whole book about it!

I especially loved the inspiration she found to start a non-profit called Kind Hands Foundation, which provides health and hygiene products for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

LISTEN IN YOUR PODCAST APP HERE!

What we talked about:

* Joy is in the Now Place* Kind Hands Foundation* Linking Indy Women* The Bible* The Rhythm of Life by Matthew Kelly

Connect with Rochelle:

* Facebook* Website* Instagram*

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever felt like you were going crazy when political issues get hot? I feel ya. So does today’s podcast guest, Audrey Scagnelli.

Bipartisanship and civility is kind of her middle name.

She’s the founder of Sanity Media, a new online hangout for moderates, liberals, conservatives – and some non-politicals, too. Her group is united by a common belief in the importance of listening to each other, and in the possibilities of pragmatism and collaboration.

It’s possible — and Audrey has found a ton of folks who are on board with the idea of conversation, moderation, respect and civility. She’s partnered with and interviewed a co-founder of MoveOn.org, representatives from the Bipartisan Policy Center and many who have embraced the idea of bipartisan dinner parties in order to strike up relationships with those across the aisle.

It’s our shared humanity that has been lost in the online bickering and Audrey aims to bring us all back together. We talk plenty of Trump in this episode and how 2016 did a number on everyone — from Left to Right. What we do with it is up to us! I hope you’ll listen in on our conversation and take a little civility with you when you leave.

What we talked about:

* Sanity Media* Sanity Podcast* Corrosion of Conservatism by Max Boot* Living Room Conversations* Smitten Kitchen* K Street (show)* The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin* Monk (show)

Connect with Audrey:

* Twitter* Facebook* Instagram

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trillia Newbell has a voice that radiates joy. You’ll hear that in today’s episode, when I speak with her about her career as a writer, her love of the gospel and about important topics like racial diversity, Christians in the age of Trump and a hope greater than this world.

Trillia is the author of many books, most recently a bible study on Romans, but her book “United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity” is where I first read her words.

After getting the chance to meet her at the Gospel Coalition Conference last year, I was thrilled when she accepted the invitation to chat with me on “Worth Your Time.” Trillia’s wise words about staying joyful, hopeful and embracing the neighbors and friends God has put into our lives were a breath of fresh air. You can tell she knows how to preach!

At one point in our conversation, I told her I hoped we wouldn’t be dealing with the same racial divisions and issues we are today in 25 years — wondering how I could raise my children to the ones who change this. She reminded me of something that’s hard to swallow, but true:

“Until Jesus returns and all things are made new, we are going to be in that already-but-not-yet waiting season…. it can get better, but it will not end until Jesus returns.”

This is a fallen world and it’s important to remember that we will never solve all the problems here on earth. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do our best, but we must recognize that sinners will always be sinners.

This mentality always reminds me of Lauren Daigle’s “O Lord,” which I have listened on repeat many times while dealing with tough issues that seem to have no solution:

What we talked about:

* Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis* United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity* If God is For Us: The Everlasting Truth of Our Great Salvation* Ethics and Religions Liberty Commission (ERLC)* 12 Books for 2019 (book club)* The Jesus Way by Eugene Peterson* Biography of Frederick Douglass* Deep Work by Cal Newport* You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader*

Connect with Trillia:

* Twitter*

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices