Worth Your Time

In this episode of "Worth Your Time" podcast, I speak with author, speaker and If Gathering Founder Jennie Allen! Years ago, Jennie told God she was up for "ANYTHING" God had for her life -- which ultimately led to the If Gathering and her book (which made me fall in love with her!), Anything.

Of course I was so excited to speak with Jennie, after following her work for so long. She's got a new book and a new children's book series, which is especially exciting to me as a Mom. In this conversation, I chat with Jennie about her history in ministry, how she stays accountable and faithful as a leader, her new book, Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World and her fabulous new children's series, Theolaby.

It was so exciting to speak with Jennie, a woman of deep faith who is truly making a difference for Jesus in this generation!

Recent Episodes:

Mikayla Albertson: Family Doctor & Mother of 5

Hunter Beless: Helping Women Know & Love God More

Tsh Oxenreider: Bitter and Sweet Seasons of Lent

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In this episode of Worth Your Time, I speak with Mikayla Albertson, author of the new book, Ordinary on Purpose: Surrendering Perfect and Discovering Beauty Amid the Rubble.

Mikayla is a family doctor and mom of 5. She lived a life of striving and success, until one day God stopped her in her tracks. She says the world was screaming at her: "Do more! Be more! Have more! You can be perfect!"

Then, her husband became addicted to drugs and life started falling apart. In the midst of the chaos and hardship, Mikayla realized all she really wanted was an ordinary life. All the good, hard, messy, gritty, lovely and beautiful.

God spoke to her about changing her life and she listened. It wasn't easy, but Mikayla and her family eventually built that "ordinary life" she so longed for and she wants to tell others its possible too! You can follow her journey on Instagram here!

Recent Episodes:

Hunter Beless: Helping Women Know & Love God More

Tsh Oxenreider: Bitter and Sweet Seasons of Lent

Rachel Marie Kang: On Faith, Art & Life

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In this episode of the podcast, I speak with Hunter Beless, the founder and host of the "Journeywomen" podcast, which has become one of my favorites over the years. I love Hunter's focus because she digs deeply into theological topics and talks with some of the spiritual heavyweights many of us admire.

At the same time, she is relatable and a faithful mom raising three littles, serving in her church, teaching her kids and now -- she's written a children's book, which I'm so excited about! Hunter has become a familiar face on the speaking circuit and you can often find her at the Gospel Coalition women's conference or collaborating with the lovely ladies of Risen Motherhood (check out my episode with Laura Wifler here!)

Don't miss her beautiful wisdom and enjoy this easy conversation with a fellow, Christian mom who wants to help you know God and love Him more.

Recent episodes:

Tsh Oxenreider: Bitter and Sweet Seasons of Lent

Rachel Marie Kang: On Faith, Art & Life

Sheila Gregoire: Let’s Talk About Sex

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In this episode, I speak with Tsh Oxenreider, a writer, podcaster, mom and world traveler. I first heard of Tsh years ago when she was working on her book about traveling around the world with her young family. I was fascinated and intrigued by her story and was so excited to have the opportunity to chat with Tsh about her new book, "Bitter and Sweet: A Journey Into Easter."

Lent starts very soon (depending on when you listen to this!) so grab this book now. Also, even if you are listening off-season, grab it for the next Lent -- happens every year ;) She also has a great book on Advent if you are looking for other resources.

I love what Tsh writes on her website: "I believe we become more human — more who we’re made to be — when we live sacramentally. Which is to say, when we see things how they really are, thanks to the good wisdom and creativity of our Maker."

This episode is super short because I had a ton audio mishaps and then lost a big part of the interview. But, short and sweet never hurt anyone and wanted to make sure you heard about Tsh's important message for this book. If you are considering adding Lent to your annual ritual, I highly recommend it -- and a book companion with application resources to go along with it will make it all the more meaningful.

Follow Tsh on Instagram for updates on her work and life!

Recent episodes:

Rachel Marie Kang: On Faith, Art & Life

Sheila Gregoire: Let’s Talk About Sex

Katie Scott: Joy & Purpose in Everyday Mom Moments

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Rachel Marie Kang is a beautiful writer and the creator of Indelible Ink Writers—an online community of diverse creatives willing and wanting to bring forth bare words and brave art. She's got a book on creativity coming out this year and I gotta say, this conversation really nourished my soul.

I didn't know Rachel before, but I felt we were kindred spirits as creatives and I think fellow Enneagram 4s and creatives will really enjoy this dive into writing, mothering and where the seeds of our inspiration come from. I'm so excited to read her book and encourage you to check out Indelible Ink Writers! Check her out on Instagram here.

Recent episodes:

Sheila Gregoire: Let's Talk About Sex

Katie Scott: Joy & Purpose in Everyday Mom Moments

Elisha & Angela: Faith After Fundamentalism

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Sheila Gregoire talks about sex and it's earned her some exclusion in the Christian world, but for all the wrong reasons. She's been writing and speaking on sex within Christian marriage for years, but her latest book, "The Great Sex Rescue" taps new ground -- and it's fascinating.

She's done intensive, comprehensive surveys of men and women -- and her discoveries fuel what she covers in this book. Namely, Christians (and culture generally) have often put women in the terrible position of "obligation sex" or doing things they aren't comfortable with because they think they "owe" it to their husbands. That's just one of the things we cover, but an important one. That is NOT a healthy view of sex and no woman should feel this way.

>>> More episodes here

Sheila is bold and unafraid to tackle popular Christian marriage books and authors. In fact, she often excerpts some of the worst lines and exposes just how toxic, abusive and insane some of them are. She's authentic, fun and standing up for healthy relationships in a way that's refreshing and essential

If you can't tell, I absolutely loved speaking with her and highly recommend her work!

If you are struggling with sex in your marriage, I also want to mention the work of Janna Denton-Howes, a woman I have worked with and found to be an incredible, empowering resource.

Recent episodes:

Katie Scott: Joy & Purpose in Everyday Mom Moments

Elisha & Angela: Faith After Fundamentalism

Jessica Hottle: Breaking Up With Lies From Your Past

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Katie Scott is mom to three littles and God gave her a vision to show tired mommas how to "chase vibrance" in their everyday lives. She helps women find joy and purpose, even in the moments that feel mundane.

Moms of little kids are tired and short on time -- and Katie knows that! She helps them live into their unique, God-given purpose even when things feel chaotic.

Practical help, encouragement, community and empowerment are values you offers and she is so relatable! I loved talking with Katie about motherhood, ministry and doing what you can in this season in life!

Recent episodes:

Elisha & Angela: Faith After Fundamentalism

Jessica Hottle: Breaking Up With Lies From Your Past

Amanda Waldron: Faith RE-Construction Coach

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Elisha and Angela are friends who grew up together in a very conservative fundamentalist church environment. Hell and damnation were the regular vibe and spiritual abuse ran rampant. The guilt and misguided ways in which their pastors and spiritual leaders taught them made Christianity confusing -- and not at all the true way of Jesus.

As they got older, both of then eventually found their way to new avenues of the Christian faith. Over time, they each saw how screwed up their fundamentalist backgrounds really were. Today, they've been able to make peace with God but the religious trauma from the past is still there, beneath the surface.

In this conversation, I speak with them both about what they went through, how they reconciled it and where they are today with their faith. As we begin to talk more openly about spiritual abuse and deep church hurt in society, I think some will resonate with their experience.

Recent Episodes:

Jessica Hottle: Breaking Up With Lies From Your Past

Amanda Waldron: Faith RE-Construction Coach

Ashley Lande: From LSD to Jesus

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Jessica Hottle is a Christian writer, podcast host, speaker, and coach for women. Her new book, "Face Off With Your Feelings: Break Up with the Lies of Your Past and Embrace the Truth For Your Future" is available for pre-order now on her website.

According to her bio, she "hates rules, restrictions, and religious duties" and lives her life by putting God first, and living authentically, with integrity, and in freedom through Christ. After living through a past where she idolized her body and letting men or work be the source of her value, she made a dramatic change.

Jessica was able to find freedom from the pain of her past by realizing that her worth was only determined by the love of Jesus going to the cross for her. Her perspective as a coach and author is one that encourages women to be wholistically health in spirit, soul AND body.

She loves to help women find freedom from their pasts and healing in their bodies through faith-based fitness coaching, books, and speaking events to create long-term, sustainable results.

I loved chatting with Jessica about her transformation and also about how she's built a very cool brand and self-published multiple books with major success. Don't miss this inspiring conversation.

Recent Episodes:

Amanda Waldron: Faith RE-Construction Coach

Ashley Lande: From LSD to Jesus

Jackie Aviles: Mama Cancer Warrior

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Amanda Waldron has a job title that's very new to the scene: Deconstruction Coach. But not just any Deconstruction Coach. She's the kind that helps folks rebuild their faith when they are seasons of doubt and distress. A trained social worker, Amanda started to hear more issues related to faith in her professional practice.

It gave her the idea to help more folks struggling online. As many struggle with doubt, church hurt or overcoming past faith struggles, they are in need of guidance. Unfortunately, too many people offering that are leading people away from Christ rather than back to Him.

Amanda helps people recover the authentic parts of their faith and discover a deeper way to believe. She exposes the parts of Christianity that were never meant to represent God and works with people to overcome myths or misinformation they may be carrying with them unnecessarily.

One of her mantras if "curiosity" over "certainty." While I'm sure Amanda and I don't agree on every tactic, this was a fascinating conversation and I truly appreciate the work she is doing to capture those who need the freedom to explore and the space to come back when they are ready. Perhaps you'll take insight or encouragement from her words today!

Recent episodes:

Ashley Lande: From LSD to Jesus

Jackie Aviles: Mama Cancer Warrior

Amy Gannett: Theology is For Everyone

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