Worth Your Time

Manda Carpenter is 28 years old and has already been a foster mom for several years. It's a passion God put on her heart years go, in childhood, and she was just waiting for the opportunity to go for it. She met an incredible man, married him and the two set out on their foster journey.

They even signed up to take on kids with significant psychological issues, those cases that not everyone might be willing to take on, She's an incredible advocate and a humble servant of Jesus. In the midst of motherhood, Manda is also thriving as a writer, speaker and leader.

She recently came out with a devotional, "Space" and is working on her first full-length book. She has a couple of life mantras, including "Impressing is Exhausting" and "Get Too Attached" (in reference to being a foster parent). Honestly, it was so refreshing to speak with someone just letting God take the lead in life. She's got a platform, readers and followers, but Manda's heart is humble and pure.

It's hard not to be inspired by the way she lives her life and respect the way she honestly tackles the tough questions that come with fostering and living life as we are called to as Christians. Build a longer table, she says. I'm in.

What we talked about:

Space devotional

Peel the Orange Marriage Course

One Simple Wish (gifts for foster kids)

I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown

Nice by Sharon Hodde Miller

Connect with Manda:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes.

Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics.

Recent Episodes:

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah: President & CEO, Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service

Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn

Nancy French: Not Your Average NYT-Selling Author

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Krish O'Mara Vignarajah is one impressive -- and gracious -- lady. She's the President & CEO of Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service (LIRS) and has been working hard during our country's recent immigration struggles.

Prior to this position, Krish ran for Governor of Maryland and was Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama -- very cool! I get her to answer a few questions about working with Michelle in this interview :)

I first encountered Krish while researching a piece I wrote on families in the immigration crisis for the Washington Post. I so enjoyed chatting with her that I knew I wanted to have her on the podcast right away! She has a lot of important insight on history and current immigration policy and how it's affecting those crossing the border.

Hit up the interview around 20 minutes to hear Krish tick off some VERY important info. about the immigration crisis, myths people believe and why we all need to be invested in this.

She's a toddler mom, like many us are -- or have been -- and I really resonated with her on the professional and mom life balance. Her passion, intelligence and mission are incredibly inspiring and I was so grateful to speak with her for this episode.

What we talked about:

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

Commercial for Governor with her daughter

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Connect with Krish:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Recent Episodes:

Rachel Barkley: Fighting a Spinal Tumor with a Newborn

Nancy French: Not Your Average NYT-Selling Author

Pastor & Mom of 4: Melanie Lynam on Miracles

Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes.

Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politic

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I never expected to be interviewing Rachel Barkley about one of the scariest moments of her life. Three weeks after giving birth to her first baby, Rachel woke up unable to feel her leg. In a whirlwind of events, she was soon rushed into surgery in attempt to remove a massive spinal tumor that had been growing for years.

Not knowing if the tumor was cancerous or if doctors would be able to get it out, she went into surgery with the understanding of how grave the worst case scenario really was. Throughout it all, Rachel relied on her faith in God to get her through -- and the way she's handled it all has been nothing short of amazing. 

Thankfully, she came out of surgery with the best possible outcome, but that still meant a very long road ahead -- learning of how to walk again, regain function in other parts of her body and spending months in an in-patient rehab facility. All the while, she has a newborn baby Hudson who needed his Momma.

In today's interview, I speak with Rachel about every part of her journey until today. She's still recovering and has a long way to go, but is thankful for the unexpected progress she's made. Even the doctors are amazed. It was an honor to hear Rachel's story and I know it's going to provide hope for others who are going through a dark time.

What we talked about:

Hope Heals by Katherine Wolfe

It's Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Connect with Rachel:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to “Worth Your Time” on iTunes.

Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics.

Recent Episodes:

Nancy French: Not Your Average NYT-Selling Author

Pastor & Mom of 4: Melanie Lynam on Miracles

Champion for Life: Lauren Enriquez of the Human Coalition

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Nancy French is many things: writer, mother, wife, swimmer, survivor of sexual abuse. She's cultivated an incredible career as a ghostwriter of books for celebrities and political figures alike -- and written her own books, as well.

Most recently, she wrote the biography of Alice Marie Johnson, the woman in prison for a non-violent drug offense -- famous for being released from prison due to advocacy from Kim Kardashian. Nancy interviewed Kim, who wrote the foreword of the book, as well.

She's mom to three great kids -- one by adoption -- and wife to David French, a highly respected faith and culture writer who nearly ran for President on the Independent ticket in 2016. How did that play out for them? You'll find out. 

In today's interview, I speak with Nancy about everything from her young romance with David ( their love story that she recently wrote about in the Washington Post!) to adopting their daughter and what it was like that time she almost became a potential First Lady.

We also talk about why she decided to speak out against President Donald Trump in 2016, revealing devastating sexual abuse she endured as a child. How did 2016 change her? We discuss and Nancy is funny, gracious and kind in the thoughts she conveys. 

Connect with Nancy:

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

PSST: Wanna get new episodes when they drop? Subscribe to "Worth Your Time" on iTunes.

Sign up for my email list HERE for bi-weekly episodes & commentary on faith, culture & politics.

Recent Episodes:

Pastor & Mom of 4: Melanie Lynam on Miracles

Love Your Neighbor: Shannan Martin’s Messy, Beautiful Life

Rita Soronen: President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

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Pastor and mom of 4 Melanie Lynam lives in Australia and has a pretty amazing story. She felt the call to ministry as a teenager and just always knew that's what God wanted her to do with her life.

In this episode, we talk about her journey towards that role, how she met her husband in a bit of an unexpected twist and the miraculous story of her baby Isabella's path to life. When you hear this story, you'll hardly believe it -- but wow, what a testament to Melanie's faith and God's provision in such an uncertain time.

We also talk today about how there are some denominations that don't believe in female pastors. Why is that? Melanie fills us in on her thoughts. We chat a little about Melanie's own journey into podcasting (there aren't as many of them Down Under!) and how she feels as she is about to give birth to her fourth baby!

Recent Episodes:

Love Your Neighbor: Shannan Martin's Messy, Beautiful Life

Rita Soronen: President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption

Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned

Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women

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Today’s episode of “Worth Your Time” is a real treat. I was honored when writer Shannan Martin agreed to speak with me, after becoming a HUGE fan of her writing.

Her two books — both incredible and worth buying — are “Falling Free: Rescued From the Life I Always Wanted” and “The Ministry of Ordinary Places” will convict you to your core the moment you crack them open.

Shannan’s story of building the life she wanted, complete with monetary security, good jobs, a great home, neighborhood and friends was turned upside down when she her husband Corey tuned into God’s call on their lives.

Shannan says:

It’s worth looking at the world through the lens of Jesus, that we can see beauty in hard places and we can see interruptions as our redemption.

They did a 180, moving to a place they never expected with their three children and striking up relationships with the most unlikely folks. They also ended up adopting their 4th child, a 19-year-old named Robert who brought unexpected blessing and joy to their new lives.

Shannan’s life is one example of how we can live a bit more like Jesus did here on earth. It’s a life that includes less money, lots of interruptions, reams of grace, humility you never thought you could muster and a true dependence on God for whatever may come with each day.

I was just as inspired and moved by hearing her in real life as I have been reading the words in her books. She’s got plenty to teach us all, but you can tell she doesn’t hold herself in any kind of high regard. She’s just listening to God and trying to love the people around her. It really is that simple.

What we talked about:

* Falling Free* The Ministry of Ordinary Places* Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy* Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

Connect with Shannan:

* Facebook* Instagram* Twitter* Website

Recent Episodes:

* Rita Soronen: President & CEO, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption* Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women

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Lauren Enriquez has dedicated her life to the pro-life movement, working first with Students for Life and now with the Human Coalition as a communications director.

In today’s episode, I speak this love, passionate and articulate mother of four littles, about why she care so deeply about transforming our culture of death into a culture of life.

She’s got some really important things to say — and a few of them might be new information to listeners. I encourage you to listen with an open mind, even if you don’t consider yourself pro-life.

I was a lot more talkative than normal in this episode, but wanted to have a truly open, honest conversation about an issue I care deeply about as well. Enjoy this great chat with Lauren!

What we talked about:

* The Human Coalition* Students for Life* Ben Shapiro Podcast* Michael O’Brien books* “Surviving Infant Loss” episode of “Worth Your Time”

Connect with Lauren:

* Twitter* Instagram* Facebook

Recent Episodes:

* Rita Soronen, CEO & President, Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption* Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women

DON’T MISS: We had a birthday! Don’t miss my Top 10 Episodes of the year!

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Rita Soronen has been working on behalf of vulnerable children for decades and has been doing so for the Dave Thomas Foundation for many of those years. Today I spoke with her about why the work DTFA does is *so* vital right now — and what moves her to dedicate her life to this cause.

You’ve heard of Dave Thomas, the founder of Wendy’s restaurant? What you may not know is that he left a way more important legacy than hamburger’s when he died. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is the only public nonprofit charity in the United States that is focused exclusively on foster care adoption.

It’s National Adoption Month and the reason I was so pumped to speak with Rita is because DTFA has found a way to get older kids adopted out of foster care at higher rates than in the past. This is an incredible accomplishment and so important for these kids, who too often linger in the system until adulthood, only to then suffer awful hardships like addiction, homelessness, depression and more.

To move the needle for this demographic is a massive accomplishment and we need to get the message out there. Through their “Wendy’s Wonderful Kids” program, they are truly making a difference. Listen in and see how you can be a part of this important change.

What we talked about:

* Dave Thomas Foundation* Wendy’s Wonderful Kids* Children’s Rights* DC Family & Youth Initiative* Marian Wright Edelman* Just Mercy

Connect with Rita & DTFA:

* Facebook* Twitter (DTFA)* Twitter (personal)* Instagram

Recent Episodes:

* Bobbi McCormick: Letting God Lead When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?

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Bobbi McCormick is such a breath of fresh air! She lives up to her online persona, bringing joy and optimism into our conversation. We met years ago through the blogging world and I’ve followed her story through infertility, foster care, adoption and more.

I loved Bobbi’s perspective about “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable” and truly following God’s lead in those moments when we have no idea what to do.

She’s fresh off of adopting her second child and deep into a “debt free by 40” plan a la Dave Ramsay. Bobbi is a fitness instructor with Revelation Wellness, marathon runner, preschool teacher and an inspiration through it all. In today’s conversation, we discuss what it was like to discover infertility, to walk through adoption and put her faith in God without knowing what was next.

What we talked about:

* Bobbi’s website* Revelation Wellness* Glorious in the Mundane with Christy Nockels* Go and Tell Gals podcast with Jess Connelly* Rhythms for Life podcast with Rebekah Lyons* You are the Girl for the Job by Jess Connelly* Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher

Connect with Bobbi:

* Instagram* Facebook* Twitter

Recent Episodes:

* Jess Ekstrom: CEO & Founder of ‘Headbands of Hope’ Paves the Way for Women* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?* Loving Immigrants and Refugees: Briana Stensrud of ‘Welcome’

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Jess Ekstrom’s new book, “Chasing the Bright Side” is the perfect title for her personality. Though we haven’t met in person, she radiates light in conversation and I’ve learned so much from her online course helping women learn to hone their speaking skills.

Jess started an amazing company, “Headbands of Hope” when she was in college and it’s still thriving today, bringing style to many and plenty of headbands for children suffering from cancer. She’s got an amazing entrepreneurial story in today’s episode — one that makes you wonder how she had the gumption to keep going. But she did and the world is better for it.

Since founding her company, Jess has become a sought after speaker on the conference circuit. She’s built a career out of professional speaking jobs and is now training other women to do the same. I learned from Jess that people are dying to get more female speakers and we’ve got a gap to fill, friends. We’ve also got money to make in doing so, so don’t sell yourself short!

I really just enjoyed chatting with Jess today. She’s fun, genuine and truly encouraged me to keep reaching for those speaking goals I have.

What we talked about:

* Headbands of Hope* Mic Drop Workshop* Chasing the Bright Side (book)* Everything is Figureotable by Marie Forleo* That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph

Connect with Jess:

* Facebook* Twitter* Instagram

Recent Episodes:

* Stephanie Lobdell: Where is God in the Everyday Struggle?* Loving Immigrants and Refugees: Briana Stensrud of ‘Welcome’* A Cancer Warrior’s Legacy: Kelly Trent on Her Son Tyler’s Life

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