Stay ConnectedHas something simple ever changed your life? A lunch box note changed mine. A few years ago, my husband wrote a timely message to our son that said: BE STRONG, PROTECT THE WEAK, LOVE EVERYONE. Those six words ignited our family’s mission to love others well.
Each week on Be Love. Do Good. podcast, we’ll share ideas, encouraging words, and stories that inspire you to love outside your comfort zone.
Welcome back to the Be Love. Do Good. podcast! In this special solo episode, we're sharing tips for parents as the new school year approaches. We'll talk about setting goals with your children, choosing scriptures for inspiration, and establishing personal rhythms for a peaceful and productive year.
📔 Get a copy of the Christian Parenting prayer journal here!
🎧 Listen to our episode on the power of community with Liz Bohannon on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
00:00 Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. Podcast!
00:18 Back-to-School Emotions
00:44 Preparing for a Successful School Year
04:14 Setting Goals and Family Mission
07:52 Creating Rhythms and Praying for Kids
13:57 Building Community and Support
15:18 Thanks for Listening!
Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. with Kristi Hayes!
In this episode, Kristi welcomes her friend and colleague Dr. Sheryl Victorian, Chief of Police in Waco, TX. Chief Victorian shares her inspiring journey of over 30 years in law enforcement, reflecting on her experiences and the personal values that have guided her career. This conversation offers deep insights into the challenges and rewards of authenticity, as well as leading with integrity and finding strength in difficult times.
📸 Keep up with Kristi on Instagram at @bestrongstory
Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. with Kristi Hayes!
In this episode, Kristi welcomes Liz Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs and Chief Growth Officer of Noonday Collection. They highlight the nuts and bolts of creating community, the impact of social media on loneliness, and practical steps for fostering relationships. If you're ready to build stronger bonds in your community, this episode is for you!
📸 Follow Liz on Instagram at @lizbohannon
🎧 Subscribe to Plucking Up with Liz Bohannon
💡 See more of what Liz is up to: Check out Sseko Designs and Noonday Collection
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Welcome to the Be Love. Do Good. podcast!
00:45 Meet Liz: Entrepreneur and Community Builder
02:11 Liz's Journey and Philosophy on Community
05:34 The Importance of Building Community
10:12 Challenges and Realities of Modern Friendship
16:29 The Role of Social Media in Loneliness
20:56 The Importance of Asking for Help
22:28 Breaking the Stigma Around Asking for Help
25:47 Cultural Perspectives on Asking for Help
29:56 Building and Maintaining Community
34:16 Practical Tips for Cultivating Relationships
40:55 Thanks for listening!
Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. with Kristi Hayes!
On this episode of Be Love. Do Good. Kristi sits down with Toni Collier, author, speaker, and founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, to discuss Toni's healing journey, the importance of community, and encountering the living God in the midst of life's trials. Toni doesn't put up a front: She's honest about how this broken world has challenged her. But even the brokenness of this world shows us God's closeness and kindness to us, especially when things look dark. If you're struggling to understand God's plan in your pain, this episode is for you.
Be Love. Do Good. is an outreach of Be Strong Story.
You can follow Toni on Instagram at @tonijcollier
Listen to Toni's podcast, Still Coloring, wherever you get your podcasts.
Get Toni's book, Brave Enough to be Broken, on Amazon or from the publisher.
Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. with Kristi Hayes!
In this episode, Kristi sits down with Dr. Charles Fay to discuss his approach to raising mentally strong children through Love and Logic. Dr. Fay shares personal anecdotes and insights on the power of empathy and setting boundaries in parenting. They delve into how fostering a loving relationship and understanding can significantly impact a child's development. Additionally, Dr. Fay talks about his latest book, 'Raising Mentally Strong Kids,' co-authored with Dr. Daniel Amen, offering listeners a peek into the combination of neuroscience and parenting practices. This conversation is packed with practical tips for parents seeking to cultivate resilience and empathy in their children.
Be Love. Do Good. is an outreach of Be Strong Story.
You can find Dr. Fay's book, Raising Mentally Strong Children, wherever books are sold, or on Amazon.
For more information about Dr. Fay, visit his website Love and Logic.
Welcome to Be Love. Do Good. with Kristi Hayes!
In today's episode, Kristi and Dr. John Delony dive into the presence of anxiety while juggling parenting, career, and everything else in life. The conversation spans Dr. Delony's journey from anxiety to finding peace, the impact of society's expectations on us (especially women!) and the importance of choosing connection as the path to leading a non-anxious life.
If you're ready to ditch your anxious life, today's episode is for you.
You can find John's book wherever books are sold, or on Amazon: Building a Non-Anxious Life
You can also find John's show on YouTube: The Dr. John Delony Show
Be Love. Do Good. is an outreach of Be Strong Story.
Episode Highlights
00:00 Navigating Life's Challenges: From Parenting to Personal Growth
00:51 The Journey Back to Texas: A Tale of Change and Rediscovery
02:32 Behind the Scenes of 'Be Love, Do Good' Podcast
04:05 Diving Deep into Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming
15:37 The Cultural Narrative: Women, Work, and Identity
20:13 Finding Balance: A Conversation on Being Driven and Feeling Guilty
22:59 The Impact of Choices on Anxiety and Family Life
23:49 Confronting Reality: The First Step to Healing
25:27 Reimagining Family Dynamics and Priorities
26:41 Choosing What Matters: Letting Go of Societal Expectations
28:08 The Power of Being a Regulated Adult for Your Children
30:35 Embracing Disappointment and Failure as Growth Opportunities
32:09 Exploring the Frantic Life vs. The Non-Anxious Life
34:06 The Journey to a Non-Anxious Life: Personal Reflections
37:48 Starting Points for Overcoming Anxiety
39:12 Connecting with Others: The Path to Healing
40:22 Finding Hope and Building a Non-Anxious Life
Today I am interviewing Andy Stephenson, my brother! He is an author, family therapist, and Northview Campus Pastor. Along with that, he is a loving husband, father, brother, and son.
Andy and I share how we have stayed close as siblings, even while being 11 years apart in age. Not only have we lived out these techniques, but we are seeing them work with our children and families as well!
I promise in this episode you will gain strategies to implement with your children and your family that bring you closer! You will be inspired to take action to make your family’s bond even stronger!
Today I am interviewing Justin Bane who is featured on the new Magnolia Network show the Fieldhouse and the owner of the Fieldhouse Gym.
Justin shares his story of growing up in a small town, overcoming adversities, dreaming big dreams, and how his passion for people rules his day.
I promise in this episode you will be inspired to love others well, be courageous to overcome obstacles, and motivated to take a chance on yourself.
Justin Bane and the Fieldhouse Gym are going to be featured on the Magnolia Network. His story that he shares with us today will show us that through dedication, staying humble, and being about others anything is possible.
Check Out the Trailer for Fieldhouse
Instagram: @thefieldhouseabilene
Download his show here:
This week Kristi is recapping her favorite lessons and concepts
she will be implementing in her own marriage from her marriage
series these last four weeks!
Kristi has been married for 19 years, and found many takeaways
from this series. Some of her favorite concepts she has
implemented in her marriage already are: radical generosity,
embracing the differences between her and her spouse, and not
trying to be right, but trying to understand each other better.
The podcast guests over the last few weeks have been so
impactful, and we are confident if you give them a listen, you
will be inspired!
Listen to the Marriage Series here:
https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Check out our show notes for more: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
As we wrap up our marriage series I am interviewing Nate and Kaley Klemp, authors of The 80/80 Marriage.
Nate is an author, philosopher, life coach, cofounder of LifeXT, mindfulness junky, and an anthropologist of modern marriage. Kaley is a YPO-certified facilitator, executive coach, and guide for executive teams in communication, strategic planning, and conflict resolution. They have been married for 15 years.
Nate and Kaley, high school sweethearts, started marriage off with the 50/50 rule, doing everything equal and fair while still pushing to grow in love. They quickly realized the 50/50 rule was more distracting and frustrating than expected. They now have found that you should not keep score while learning to love. They tell us how they went from the goal of a 50/50 marriage, to an 80/80 marriage and have found happiness and success through this mindset and the spirit of contribution.
Their story will encourage us to love our spouses well. If you have ever wondered what more you could do to love your spouse better, you want to listen to this podcast!
Get in touch with Nate and Kaley
Instagram: 8080marriage
Buy their book: 80/80 Marriage
For more show notes:
As we continue our marriage series I am interviewing Toni Nieuwhof, author of Before You Split: Find What You Really Want For the Future of Your Marriage.
Toni Nieuwhof is a family law mediator, former divorce attorney, author, speaker and co-host of the Smart Family Podcast. She has been married to Carey Nieuwhof for over 30 years.
Toni tells us how she went from unhappy marriage to thriving marriage. She is very vulnerable with her marriage story, which may have seemed hopeless for a time, but was restored.
Her story will encourage us to keep going. If you have ever thought about splitting or feel like it is just too hard, or there are too many things that are between you and your spouse, this is the interview you want to listen to.
Get in touch with Toni:
Instagram: Toninieuwhof
Buy her book: Before you Split
Sponsors:
Waco Hat Company, supporting the homeless in our city.
https://wacohatcompany.com/
This week we are continuing our series on BE. LOVE in your marriages with Dr. Kelly Flanagan.
Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a psychologist, author, consultant, and speaker who enjoys walking with people through the three essentials of a truly satisfying life: worthiness, belonging, and purpose. His blog writings have been featured in Reader’s Digest, The Huffington Post, The 5 Love Languages, and the TODAY Show. Kelly is the author of Loveable, and he just published his new book True Companions, all about relationships which we will dive into today.
Today we talk about COMPROMISE.
How do you compromise without losing yourself?
What is a healthy compromise in a marriage?
Why is this one of the most important things to have a healthy, thriving marriage?
How can we seek to understand the other person?
How do we live our lives putting each other first?
No matter if you are newly married, in the middle passage, or have been married over 40 years this episode and series will encourage us to love each other well in our partnerships.
Get to know Kelly here:
https://drkellyflanagan.com/
Kelly’s new True Companions book: https://www.amazon.com/True-Companions-Everyone-Relationships-Through/dp/0830847685
Check out our show notes for more: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
This week we are starting our series on BE. LOVE in your marriages.
This week we have the opportunity to bring back Dr. Kelly Flanagan who is answering all of our marriage questions.
Dr. Kelly Flanagan is a psychologist, author, consultant, and speaker who enjoys walking with people through the three essentials of a truly satisfying life: worthiness, belonging, and purpose. His blog writings have been featured in Reader’s Digest, The Huffington Post, The 5 Love Languages, and the TODAY Show. Kelly is the author of Loveable, and he just published his new book True Companions, all about relationships which we will dive into today.
Today we talk about what makes marriages healthy and thriving.
What are the common things that destroy a marriage?
How can we be proactive in continuing to build true companionship?
Kelly gives us practical advice, shares his communication tips of listener/speaker technique and gives us a place to start this week to better our marriages.
No matter if you are newly married, in the middle passage, or have been married over 40 years this episode and series will encourage us to love each other well in our partnerships.
Get to know Kelly here:
Kelly’s new True Companions book:
Kelly’s first book Loveable
Listen to Kelly’s first interview with us about his book Loveable:
Check out our show notes for more: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Sponsors:
Waco Hat Company https://wacohatcompany.com/
Waco Hat Company was founded by a mother and son in Waco, Texas, as a fun way to enable others to show pride in their community while loving their neighbors. All proceeds are donated to Mission Waco, helping support their effort to empower the poor and marginalized locally.
Hit Your Stride:
Hit Your Stride is a professional development company that helps people look and sound smart when they talk.
Call them at 314-401-0066
Have you ever wanted to create a mission for your life but didn’t know where to start? This is the podcast for you.
We are finishing up our RECOVER and REPLENISH series with an episode on creating our core values and mission statement. This is the how-tos!
Identifying core values and mission for your life helps you say yes to the right things. It helps you decide what to prioritize and what really matters in life. If we don’t do this we can feel ?????? scattered when doing things or be doing the right things.
My friend Jeremy Bedenbaugh of Recreate-Solutions helps us figure all of this out. Whether you are just getting out of college or in midlife you will not want to miss this podcast. Make sure you join Jeremy’s 21 Day Challenge in February to dig into these even more.
And make sure you go to our show notes for specific questions and resources you can use to journal this process.
And if you haven’t listened to the three episodes before this, get caught up here:
Episode 88: RECOVERING from 2020
Episode 89: BUILDING A RESILIENT MINDSET
Episode 90: KNOWING YOURSELF+SETTING BOUNDARIES
Thank you to your incredible sponsors:
RERUNS: You Shop, Sell, and Earn Money. An incredible way to resell your clothes or buy used clothes. All the proceeds go to charity. Relove, do good.
Hit Your Stride: Hit Your Stride is a professional development company that helps people look and sound smart when they talk.
Call them at 314-401-0066
Today is episode 3 of 4 of our series RECOVER and REPLENISH with my friend Jeremy Bedenbaugh, founder of Recreate-Solutions. We talk about knowing yourself and why it is so important to know who we are and why we act the way we do?
How do we distinguish between our false self and our true self? What happens when we figure out who we are? Why it is important to always be learning and transforming.
We talk about boundaries? What happens when others are not ok with our transformation? How do we work through this? How do we say NO in a healthy way that connects to our passion and callings? How do we get past finding our worth in what others think of us, and live out of our worthiness?
In this episode we dig into our own transformation and boundaries. As you will hear in the podcast, I have an aha moment, that I am an overfunctioner. And as you listen you might be too! Jeremy helps us understand when helping others can really be hurting ourselves and others.
Jeremy connects the dots of our true self, what boundaries we need to have to be healthy, and how we can connect our calling to our living for others.
Check out our show notes for more resources, like the 2 circles that saved my life that Jeremy references and questions.
And if you haven’t listened to the two episodes before this, get caught up here:
Episode 88: RECOVERING from 2020
Episode 89: BUILDING A RESILIENT MINDSET
Thank you to your incredible sponsors:
RERUNS: You Shop, Sell, and Earn Money. An incredible way to resell your clothes or buy used clothes. All the proceeds go to charity. Relove, do good.
Hit Your Stride: Hit Your Stride is a professional development company that helps people look and sound smart when they talk.
Call them at 314-401-0066
This week we are continuing our series on Recover and Replenish for 2021. I have Jeremy Bedenbaugh, founder of Recreate Solutions with me again to talk this week about building a resilient mind.
Last week we talked about the emotions we felt from maybe the losses or disappointments of 2020, and that it's ok to recognize those emotions and sit in them, write them out, but we don’t want to just stay stuck in those forever. This week we are going to talk about why mindset is so important. We are discussing how we label things, how we can practice switching our mindset from negative to resilient.
One of my favorite things we discuss is the concept of story vs fact, and how to recognize when we let negative labels attach to our circumstances. You can find this worksheet in our show notes.
What did you learn about yourself, family, business, leadership, priorities?
Today we are going to be talking about mindset. How we stay resilient when things we can’t control happen to us.
Stick with us these next four weeks. This four week format will be like a master class so make sure you listen to the first episode and listen in order. You can find episode one in this series here:
Check out the show notes for questions and resources.
You can also watch our interview on our youtube channel.
Thank you to our sponsor this month
RERUNS- Second-Hand. People first.
At ReRuns.com, you can buy and sell quality, pre-loved clothes and earn the same amount of money you’d earn on other sites. We make it simple and easy to shop for high-quality finds from top kid and adult brands, list the items you want to sell, and earn money, just like that.
But then we thought, in addition to giving things we’ve loved new life, what if the simple act of buying and selling could help people in need? At ReRuns, we give all of our profits to deserving charities across the country and around the world. It’s a simple idea with beautiful possibilities.
ReLove. Do good.
How to Recover from 2020 so we can move into the new year with purpose
4 part series (Recovery and Replenish for 2021)
We are so happy to be back with our new series called RECOVER and REPLENISH.
We wanted to make sure BEFORE we got into goals or intentions for 2021, we looked at last year, took time to review and also recover. This month will feel a little like a master class, with questions and extra resources available each week in our show notes, so make sure you check that out. For this 4 parts series I have my friend Jeremy Bedebaugh joining me, founder of Recreate Solutions who works with leaders from every environment to help them start, get unstuck, and most of all get healthy.
We will talk about how to set ourselves up for 2021, making sure we take the time to replenish ourselves before we just forget 2020 and sprint to the new year. We thought it was important to take the proper time to get ready for the new year as 2020 has not been normal and has collectively affected us in so many ways.
I encourage you to listen to each episode in the proper order for the next 4 weeks as they will all play on each other.
GET EXTRA QUESTIONS and RESOURCES in our Show notes:
You can also watch our interview on our youtube channel.
Thank you to our sponsor this month
RERUNS- Second-Hand. People first.
At ReRuns.com, you can buy and sell quality, pre-loved clothes and earn the same amount of money you’d earn on other sites. We make it simple and easy to shop for high-quality finds from top kid and adult brands, list the items you want to sell, and earn money, just like that.
But then we thought, in addition to giving things we’ve loved new life, what if the simple act of buying and selling could help people in need? At ReRuns, we give all of our profits to deserving charities across the country and around the world. It’s a simple idea with beautiful possibilities.
ReLove. Do good.
This is a must listen before you get with your people for the holidays. Many of our families and friends are at odds with how to talk to each other about politics, religion; things that can pull us apart. Our guest today, Sarah Anderson, grew up in a family of politics and she wrote this helpful book, The Space Between Us: How Jesus Teaches Us to Live Together When Politics and Religion Pull Us Apart
Sarah grew up in a family of politics and knows first hand how it can tear us apart. Today Sarah gives us some of the most practical ways we can stay curious, come to the table with a humble posture, and remind our people that our relationship with them matters more than anything else. Sarah is going to help us heal the space between us.
This is such an important topic for this moment in time.
For those who are looking for a better way to engage on the topics that mean the most to them,
for those who are looking to build a bridge with the people politics and religion has isolated them from,
for those who won't settle for the growing space between us and who believe there's a better way.
Connect with Sarah Anderson
Instagram: sbanderson
Purchase her book here:
Get her 3 tips for surviving election season, Since it feels like it is still happening.
Go here for Thanksgiving Liturgy Printable.
This week we are continuing our Love Everyone series with Dr. Kelly Flanagan, psychologist and author of the book Loveable: Embracing What is Truest About You, So You Can Embrace Life.
Dr. Flanagan is a clinical psychologist and father known to millions for the letters he writes to his children and shares on his blog. Loveable is written to the little one in each of us, who is all too ready to be reminded: you are enough, you are not alone, and you matter.
In Loveable, Dr. Flanagan reveals the core insight gleaned from his years of clinical work: you are here for a reason, yet you cannot truly awaken to it until you have first embraced your truest, worthiest self and then allowed yourself to be truly embraced by others.
We dive into why we lost our truest self, how we can get back to it, and how we can love others even when we disagree on things; because this is where we find ourselves right now.
You will walk away with hope, inspiration, and some tangible ways to start remembering you are loveable.
Get to know Kelly here:
Purchase Loveable here:
Our podcast sponsor: Advent Prep Club Our Sponsor Hi-light this month is an incredible company that is helping us make the holidays memorable for our kids.
Check out https://adventprepclub.com/
Advent Prep Club is your personalized online planning tool to guide you through the preparation and execution of an Advent activity calendar. Designed for families with toddlers to high schoolers, you’ll get full access to 150+ creative activity ideas, customized templates and printables, resources, how-tos, and helpful tips and suggestions from years of Advent activity calendar experience. In a year full of uncertainty and change, make Christmas 2020 memorable, meaningful and FUN for your family! Visit adventprepclub.com for more information and to sign up.
This week we are interviewing Kristin Andrus. She is a mother of 6 and a social media presence who helps families serve and love others. She talks to us about how to be a family whose DNA it is to serve the community. She gives us very practical ways to serve in this season. We talk about why parents are so important to foster loving and serving others in their children at a young age.
You are going to love her spunky attitude, her beautiful heart and get some great ideas of how we can help our kids love others well.
Check out Kristin’s Instagram for awesome parenting ideas:
Instagram: kristinandrus
Our Sponsor Hi-light this month is an incredible company that is helping us make the holidays memorable for our kids.
Check out www.adventprepclub.com
Advent Prep Club is your personalized online planning tool to guide you through the preparation and execution of an Advent activity calendar. Designed for families with toddlers to high schoolers, you’ll get full access to 150+ creative activity ideas, customized templates and printables, resources, how-tos, and helpful tips and suggestions from years of Advent activity calendar experience. In a year full of uncertainty and change, make Christmas 2020 memorable, meaningful and FUN for your family! Visit adventprepclub.com for more information and to sign up.
Today we are kicking off our series Love Everyone. We all say we want to love everyone, but do we actually do it. Today’s guest Adam Weber inspires us every day to ask how we can go out of our way to just love one person today. It’s that simple intention that has changed his life.
Through a deep time of pain, when he didn’t want to love again, he started to think of people who loved him when he was unlovable. This simple habit helped him remember why it was so important to love others because it changed his life. He even wrote a book about it called Love Has a Name: Loving the Different, Difficult, and Everyone Else.
Adam teaches us to look at life differently. He helps us understand that loving others should be the most important thing to do, even if it feels like an interruption in our very busy schedule. It should be the schedule.
Adam is genuine, shares his own struggles with loving others, and helps us find the courage to love those different than us, and the strength to love those who may be difficult to love. This is a must listen episode.
Get Adam’s new book here: Love Has a Name
Connect with Adam on instagram: adamaweber
Did you know we wrote a children’s book? Check it out here: The Lunchbox Note: a story about loving others.
Today I have the privilege of interviewing Rondell Trevino, founder of The Immigration Coalition. Their organization is providing clean drinking water to Immigrant and migrant families in Matamoros, Mexico along the Southern Border, and biblically balanced resources on immigration that show compassion to immigrants and respect for the rule of law.
The reason I have Rondell on today is two fold.
This is an important listen as we lead up to November 3rd.
Check out more information here on the show notes:
Thank you to Crossfit Misfits for being our sponsor for this series.
If you are ready to get in shape and have fun doing it, check out Crossfit Misfits in Waco
Today I am interviewing my new friend Emily Mills Co-founder of Jesus Said Love, a non-profit that helps to awaken hope and empower change in the lives of those impacted by the commercial sex industry—including human trafficking. They do this through outreach, job training and work therapy, social enterprise, and education and prevention.
Emily and I talk about what it looks like to protect the woman in need, the woman who may be so similar to us, but has been dealt a different hand in life. We have more things in common than divide us.
She gives us a different perspective of what a woman looks like who has been trafficked. She gives us a different inside look of a woman who may feel like this is the only path of survival. Emily and her husband Brett spend their life engaging, empowering and providing a safe place for women to come and feel worthy.
Emily and Brett started as worship leaders but their heart broke wide open after hearing about the sex trafficking industry. They started to hang out with moms and women and got to know their stories. Then they started going to strip clubs to care for the women there. Not to save them or condemn them, but to show them love in ways they had never experienced before.
Their story of strip clubs to a thriving non-profit and now social enterprise, called Lovely to help employ survivors, is incredible. The perspective she gives us, and how we can also learn to see others who we may have judged in the past is a must listen.
Here are some ways you can support Jesus Said Love.
Next time you want to buy gifts for friends or yourself, shop Lovely. Each purchase helps employ survivors.
https://ourlovelystore.com/
Donate to Jesus Said Love and help them continue the incredible work they are doing.
https://jsl.churchcenter.com/giving
Instagram: JesusSaidLove
Social Enterprise Instagram: Lovelyenterprises
Jesus Said Love: Jesussaidlove
Check out our giveaway on instagram this week with Jesus Said Love
Instagram: Bestrongstory
**WARNING SENSITIVE SUBJECT MATTER DISCUSSED**
Today I am interviewing Joe Smarro who helped lead the San Antonio Police Department’s mental health unit and crisis intervention training. Because of this team more than 100,000 people have been diverted away from jail or emergency rooms. Thanks to the work of the San Antonio Police Department’s mental health detail and its Crisis Intervention Training program the need to use force has been reduced and instead has helped to connect people with the mental health services they need.
He and his partner Ernie were featured in a HBO documentary called: Crisis Cops which “is an intimate portrait of two Texas police officers who are helping change the way police respond to mental health calls. The film takes audiences on a personal journey, weaving together their experiences during their daily encounters with people in crisis. These two officers are not your everyday cops.”
We talk about our current police culture, how it can be improved, and why he is so passionate about helping other police departments adopt methods to deal with the mentally ill, so much so, that he went full time with his business Solution Point Plus to train others.
Joe talks about the weapons of empathy and listening, and how he can truly relate to those he comes in contact with in the field because of his own story of trauma, mental illness, and healing.
Joe’s story is impactful and he will challenge us to look at things a bit differently. He will inspire us to really “see” people and give us hope for the future.
Connect with Joe:
Instagram: joesmarro
Website: www.solutionpointplus.com
Watch the HBO documentary: Crisis Cops
Sponsor for this podcast episode:
Crossfit Misfits http://www.cfmisfits.com/
Our coaches and participants are welcoming, supportive, and committed to creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
Today we are kicking off our PROTECT THE WEAK series with an organization who knows a thing or two about protecting others. International Justice Mission is a organization that was created to END modern day slavery. Their proven solution consists of rescuing and restoring victims, bringing criminals to justice, and strengthening justice systems.
Today’s guest is Philip Langford the President of International Justice Mission (IJM). Philip has spent his life rescuing, restoring, and educating the world on modern day slavery. Since joining IJM in 2006, Philip has led IJM field programs in Southeast Asia, Africa and South Asia to strengthen justice systems to protect the poor from slavery and human trafficking, gender-based violence and police abuse of power. During his time as Vice President of Regional Operations for Southeast Asia, Philip led IJM’s programs in the region to combat cross-border labor trafficking in domestic and multi-national supply chains and the global proliferation of online sexual exploitation of children. Prior to working in Southeast Asia, as Vice President of Regional Operations for Africa, Philip led IJM’s field programs across Eastern, Western and Southern Africa targeting child labor trafficking, gender-based violence and police abuse.
Most of us don’t even realize this exists not just in foreign countries but in our own.
Philip and I talk about what it looks like to live a life on behalf of others well-being, why we need getting out of our comfort zones is the biggest blessing, and how right now we can help those who are being treated unfairly.
Philip has seen the atrocities of slavery, but he has also seen the beauty that can come from rescue and restoration. Philip gives us hope and the tools to be the change.
Be a part of ending slavery
Find more more info https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
https://www.bestrongstory.com/family-coaching
The Be Strong Series was a rich and amazing group of people who shared their struggles and hardships in hopes to inspire us to muster up our own dose of strength in hard times.
I learned so much from this month’s episodes, so I am giving you some of my favorite take-aways from this series. I am going back through each episode and pulling out some of the special things that I learned.
One common theme I learned through all of these podcasts, is the power of accepting our story and all that comes with them, they have the power to heal us and others. Some of our guests shared some really hard things on our podcast, but they all agree that when we share our stories it frees us and frees others.
Be Strong Series Guests:
#75 Sam Collier Episode: Author, Podcast Host, Book: A Greater Story #75
#76 Magdalena Newman: The Real Life Wonder Family, Memoir: Normal: A Mother and her Beautiful Son
#77 Tyler Labine: Actor on NBC New Amsterdam #77
#78 Ashley Abercrombie: Author: Rise of The Truth Teller # 78
Did you know that we provide family coaching? This month we are talking about navigating tech with your family. Head here to sign up for this month.
https://www.bestrongstory.com/shop/family-coaching-subscription-monthly-999
We are in the 4th week of our BE STRONG SERIES, where we are sharing stories of those who have been strong through unimaginable difficulties.
Ashley Abercrombie, author of, Rise of the Truth Teller, is sharing her powerful story with us today. Ashley reminds us that it is ok to tell the truth about ourselves and our past.
She shares with us about her own struggles to overcome rape, addiction, abortion, perfectionism, and hiding under a fake mask for years.
We talk about how to step out of our pain and shame and find healing, acceptance, and truth in our own stories.
Listen in to learn how to get over the fear of hiding, and pretending everything is fine, to share our truth and accept our past.
Get her book here: Rise of the Truth Teller
Our podcast today is sponsored by Southern poms. These are my signature earrings and bracelets. Most every picture you see me in I will have these pom pom earrings on!
They are a woman owned company that provides handmade pom pom earrings, tassel earrings, & unique beaded bracelets and necklaces.
Listeners will receive 20% off their order with code BESTRONG20 .
Episode notes https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today we have the privilege of interviewing Tyler Labine for the third episode of our Be Strong Series. Tyler plays Dr. Iggy Frome, head of psychiatry, in the NBC medical drama New Amsterdam. Yes, New Amsterdam is one of our favorite shows on TV so I couldn’t wait to talk to Tyler about his own story of strength.
He gives us a look into his real life and his struggles with eating disorders and addiction. His journey with embracing all the good and all the bad in his life is the true definition of strength. This interview is so tender and raw and I am so grateful for Tyler’s vulnerability and his pursuit of authenticity to share his story and struggles in hopes to give freedom to others.
You will be on the edge of your seat this entire interview as he inspires us to continue our own journey of accepting ourselves just as we are.
Watch NBC New Amsterdam
Check out our new Children’s book: The Lunchbox Note: a story of loving others
Check out our show notes for more information.
Remember the book Wonder by RJ Palacio? The book is about the little boy Auggie who had Treacher Collins syndrome, a crania-facial disorder in which some bones and tissues in the face aren’t developed. This book helped change the world of my guest Magda Newman.
Magda Newman’s family is called the “real life Wonder” family. 20/20 did a special on Magda’s family and her family's journey with Treacher Collins syndrome. Magda and her son Nathaniel have written a beautiful memoir called Normal: A Mother and her Beautiful Son.
We talk through her journey of strength as Magda and her husband Russell were completely in shock when Nathaniel was born. They had no idea how their life would be turned upside down with 70+ surgeries, multiple life threatening situations with Nathaniel and the stress that would affect their own health as they cared for their son 24-7; constantly monitoring in the first months and years of his life, things that most parents of newborns never have to face. Things like making sure he wouldn’t drown from a tiny amount of water getting into his tracheostomy, or making sure he didn’t get multiple infections from his surgery, to helping him make friends and find their normal, when people didn’t understand or were scared of the way their son looked.
Throughout this interview I am overwhelmed by Magda’s strength to not only fight for her son’s normal, but how she also has the perseverance to fight her own health battles that almost took her life twice. We talk about her past disciplines as a concert pianist and her life in Poland and how that set her up to fight some of the hardest times of her life.
After finishing up this interview you will be inspired to get through your own hard times. Magda gives us ways she got through the isolating, stressful, and fearful times in her life. You will take away such a beautiful perspective of a mother’s love for her child.
We also talk about how we can teach our kids to be kind and compassionate to those kids who may look different than us. Things we can ask, ways we can approach them with love and respect.
Buy Magda’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Normal-Mother-Her-Beautiful-Son/dp/1328593126
Watch her 20/20 special here: https://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-family-nathaniel-magda-newman/story?id=67838415
Click here for more show notes
This week we are starting our NEW SEASON and NEW SERIES called Be Strong.
We are bringing you all new guests, all new interviews, and each month we will be diving into a new topic this fall.
This month we are focusing on the first phrase of our lunchbox note, which says, “BE STRONG.” We will be interviewing those who have been through hard circumstances and they will teach us their definition of what it means to be strong.
Today we are interviewing Sam Collier, sought after speaker, pastor, author, podcaster, who shares his story of how he was abandoned as a baby and later meets his birth mother on the Steve Harvey show of all places. We talk about disappointment, what happens when things don’t work out the way we think they should, how to surrender, and what it means to accept our past, present, and future, no matter the trials we have been through.
In Sam’s new book: A Greater Story, all of us are given permission to embrace our stories, and know that just because they may start out hard, it doesn’t mean we can’t embrace all the parts and find freedom in every area of our lives.
You will be captivated by Sam’s story, but also his ability to get all of us to make amends with ourselves and realize every one of our stories has a purpose. He helps us find what that purpose may be.
I was so inspired by this interview in our BE STRONG series, and I know you will be too.
Grab Sam’s book here: A Greater Story
Listen to Sam’s Popular Podcast: https://agreaterstory.org/radio/
You can check out the rest of our show notes here:https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
And tune in next week for another special guest in our BE STRONG series.
We are ending this summer with some things we have learned this past season, and a little back to school special.
We know things look way different than any other school year we have had and we wanted to talk about some of the things we could do as parents to help us get through this year.
I polled a variety of our community and everyone is on high alert when it comes to stress right now, me included.
So today as we finish up summer and head into a new season I wanted to give some things we have learned this past year, and also how we are trying to go into this school year with a positive attitude.
Listen in to this short podcast as we talk about 2 ideas that might change our minds about this year.
Also make sure you tune in next week as we start our next season and our very first series called BE STRONG. This series will be focusing on those who have been through hard circumstances and teach us their definition of what it means to be strong. First up is Sam Collier, who shares his story of how he was abandoned as a baby and how EVERY single one of our stories can have purpose. No matter what we have been through.
When we say love everyone, don’t we want to preface it with….everyone but…..or I can love almost everyone but….that big but gives us some trouble. So in this day and age, when Covid-19, and the upcoming election, and racial tensions have seemed to have us doing the opposite of love, how do we ACTUALLY live out this statement?
This week we are talking about our last phrase of our lunchbox note, Love Everyone, which will also be a series on our podcast this fall. You can go to our website www.bestronstory.com or check out episode 25 to see how a lunchbox note inspired our family, our company, our podcast and our new children’s book. Each month this fall we will be diving into each phrase, series style.
Each week in August I have talked about what each phrase has meant to us.
This week I will be going talking about what loving everyone can mean. I talk about how hard it is to hate someone close up, and if we really actually believe we are to love our neighbor, how do we do that if we don’t know them.
What I have found is that love always requires sacrifice. Always. True love always requires us to get uncomfortable. If we are truly about loving others most of the time it means setting aside our needs and wants and coming alongside someone else’s needs and wants.
There has never been a better time than the present, in this social climate to learn how to love others, even when we don’t want to.
Dive in with me this week to what this can look like.
On today’s episode we are exploring the second line of our “lunchbox note” phrase, PROTECT THE WEAK.
Head back to episode 25 if you don’t know about the lunchbox note that inspired our company, podcast, and new children’s book.
This fall we will be interviewing different guests who live out this PROTECT THE WEAK phrase on a regular basis. From rescuing those from being trafficked to being a safe place for those on the streets. Each week they will give us tangible ways for us to do the same in our own environment.
Listen in this week, as I explain this phrase and what it has meant to our family.
Did you know we have a new children’s book? Get The Lunchbox Note: a story of loving others here. The perfect message for back to school.
This month we are outlining our series that we will start this fall.
Same Podcast, new content!
We have never done a series before so I am super excited about it.
As most of you know we started our podcast because our community asked us to share stories of those we were meeting that were loving others well. For the past year and a half we have been sharing stories of those who are loving in creative ways in hopes of inspiring the listener to love others in their own way. Because we believe love shows up in different ways, big and small; and all ways make a difference.
But these next few months we are going to do our first series where each podcast is based on a certain topic. What we are doing is taking the phrase that has inspired us the most, you know the one that was written on the lunchbox note that said BE STRONG, PROTECT THE WEAK, LOVE EVERYONE. The one that inspired our company, family coaching, podcast and new children’s book that was just sold out in Target what??
This phrase was written to our son by my husband and if you haven’t heard that story you can go back to episode 25 and hear that entire story.
So this is what we are going to do this month. We are going to dive into each phrase.
BE STRONG
PROTECT THE WEAK
LOVE EVERYONE
And say what they mean to us
And then in September we will be focusing on the part of the phrase that says BE STRONG and interviewing others who inspire us to be Strong in whatever circumstance we may find ourselves. For many of us we have stories- stories of pain, heartache, things we have overcome, things that we are in the thick of, or maybe we are in pain so great we feel like giving up. We want our Be Strong series to help you keep going, to share stories of those who have been through something real hard and who have made it through to the other side.
We all have our definition of Being Strong and hopefully one or more of the interviews we feature during our BE STRONG series will encourage you.
LISTEN in to TODAY’S EPISODE as we talk about what it means to us to Be Strong!
Michelle McKinney is our guest today and she brings the FIRE and inspiration to know what our purpose is and live in it. She helps women design, define and bring their God-given dreams to life. She believes that every woman can fulfill her God-given purpose, and she is on a mission to help them get there. That’s why she started her company, Dreams Unleashed, to help others pursue their dreams.
My favorite piece of advice is when she says, “Our dreams are never about ME, they’re always about others”.
When we live into our gifts and purpose we are making others better and serving others.
She talks about advocating for ourselves which in turn helps us advocate for others.
If you are squelched in your dreams or don’t know what your purpose is, this is the podcast for you. And if you know your purpose this podcast will inspire you to stick with it.
Michelle gives us some tangible ways to know our gifts and steps to live into them.
She is literally coaching us through this podcast and you can use many of the tips she talks about RIGHT NOW.
Click here for the full show notes and how to get in touch with Michelle.
Coaching with Michelle McKinney
Dreams Unleashed- get your coaching now
http://www.dreams-unleashed.com
Instagram:
Michelle.mckinney
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.mckinney/
Books we reference:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Today we are talking about one of the best, when it comes to caring for those in the margins. She defines the marginalized as those who are not in the main narrative. Some people can be obvious and some not as much.
Danielle talks about no matter where we live or what we do it is our responsibility to find and learn from those who have been pushed out of the main story.
This has to be one of the most important interviews I have ever done. She gives us practical ways to listen and learn from those we may have never known. Whether it be refugee, homeless, those in foster care, etc... Danielle’s goal is to live a life of love and she gives us very practical ways in how to take the first steps in becoming love in our communities.
As a 20 year veteran of the Salvation Army, Danielle has fought for those who are marginalized or have felt less than. Danielle Strickland is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Her aggressive compassion has served people firsthand in countries all over the world. From establishing Justice Departments for The Salvation Army, to launching Global anti-trafficking initiatives, to creating new movements to mobilize people towards transformational living. Danielle trains, advocates, and inspires people to live differently.
Danielle is the author of 5 books with her most recent being The Ultimate Exodus: Finding Freedom From What Enslaves You and The Zombie Gospel: The Walking Dead and What it means to be Human. She is host of DJStrickland Podcast, Co-founder of Infinitum, Amplify Peace, Brave Global and Women Speakers Collective. Danielle is a mom of 3, wife to Stephen Court and has been affectionately called the "ambassador of fun".
Click here for more show notes: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
How to connect with Danielle Strickland:
https://www.daniellestrickland.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daniellejstrickland/
Facebook:
Today’s guest is a kindred heart. He loves those that many people see as invisible. He spends a lot of time with the homeless and gives us tips to keep our eyes open to others who many just disregard. We talk about the years when someone gave him a chance when he was a young boy and in poverty himself. We talked about when he lived on the streets so he could truly understand those he was going to serve. Get ready for your hearts to be open.
Terence believes EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE SEEN.
Terence Lester is an author, non-profit leader, activist, and founder of LOVE BEYOND WALLS and THE DIGNITY MUSEUM, and just released his latest book, I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People.
His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, USA Today, NBC, and so many others. They have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles). He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination.
Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to help illustrate social justice issues and holistic approaches to solving these ailments.
In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit, Love Beyond Walls, and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty rebuild their lives. They also have just started the Dignity museum which is an interactive museum for people to understand homlessless.
We have so much to learn from Terence, I am excited for him to teach us about poverty and how we can open our eyes to Invisible people.
To learn more about Love Beyond Walls and The Dignity Museum click here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
This week we have the hilarious Melissa Radke (comedian, author, viral video sensation, and star of the show Radkes on USA Network. I am so excited to share this interview. She is not only everyone’s immediate best friend because of her realness, but she teaches us about persevering when others have torn you down. Melissa grew up as a talented singer, but after multiple producers turned her down and told her awful things about her appearence, she fell into a depression. And then when she turned 40 she had a change of heart. She was making a commitment to live ONE WHOLE YEAR of BRAVE, no matter what, she wrote the best selling book EAT CAKE, BE BRAVE out of her experience.
Her hilarious videos have been viewed more than 40 million times worldwide and her family just finished with the first season of The Radkes on USA network.
She inspires us to be unapologetically ourselves. She teaches us to be brave even when others try to keep us small.
I promise you will laugh out loud after listening, but also be encouraged to be the you, the you were always created to be.
This week’s sponsor is Meg Delagrange. She’s a designer and marketer for small to medium-sized businesses who want to grow and make a difference. She does logos, ad campaigns, and websites. She also does marketing consultations when you just need someone to brainstorm with. Meg even made our very own BE LOVE PODCAST LOGO. She is offering a 30 minute free consultation for anyone who mentions Be love podcast.
https://www.megdelagrange.com/
For more information on Melissa check out the rest of our show notes.
In this episode, Arielle Estoria shares one of her soulful spoken word poems, we talk about society’s image of a healthy body, her latest modelling gig for Kim Kardashian's new shareware line SKIMsand and what it means to love yourself well. You don’t want to miss the end when she speaks worth over us in spoken word, it gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears. I want every person to feel the truth of what she is speaking.
Arielle’s motto “Words are not for the ears but for the soul” helps pierce the audience’s soul and blooms awareness of identity and worthiness. Her words help instill and remind individuals of their value through words.
Arielle Estoria broke into the competitive slam world of Spoken Word poetry in 2012. Arielle then branched out as a freelance contracted poet in 2015. She has shared her work through spoken word and themed keynote talks with companies such as Google, Sofar Sounds, Lululemon, Dressember, Tedx, the SKIMS campaign by Kim Kardashian and more. She has consecutively emceed annual conferences such as Yellow Conference for creative and entrepreneurial women, Hair Camp, a conference for Hairstylists in the industry, and Anchored in Love for teenage girls featuring surfer Bethany Hamilton. Arielle has lead writing, social media and self-acceptance workshops in various settings ranging from students to professional development spaces.
Arielle is the Co-Author of two self-published collections of poetry: Vagabonds and Zealots (2014) and Write Bloody Spill Pretty (2017) which can both be found on Amazon.com. In 2016 she released her EP of poetry and music titled Symphony of a Lioness which can be found on Itunes, Apple Music and Spotify.
She is one of those bright lights that have come on the scene. A voice for women, love of self, encouraging women to be who they were created, and capturing the essence of light and love.
You won’t want to miss this episode….
Check out our show notes here to get the spoken word poem that Arielle speaks over us at the end.
Have you ever wondered if you could make a difference right where you are with your gifts and talents, where you live, in your community? Today is the perfect conversation for you.
Today I am talking with Chris Marlow, CEO of Help One Now an organization that empowers families in developing countries to help end extreme poverty, and author of the book, Doing Good is Simple:Making a Difference Right Where You Are, which you know is what we are all about here at Be. Love podcast.
Chris and I talk about injustice and how we can come together to listen, learn and help. We talk about the simple ways every single one of us can come alongside another in service.
Chris breaks it down for us in ways we can love others today, right where we are.
Get his book: Doing Good is Simple: Making a Difference Right Where You Are
Instagram: chrismarlow
Learn about HELP ONE NOW organization: https://helponenow.org/home/
Show notes: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
As we go into summer I wanted to have on one of my favorite parents on the show to help us with some intentional parenting ideas. Jess Klasnick is a mom of three, wife to Matt, and lives in Breckenridge, Colorado. Her family had a conversation one day about what mattered to them, and the result of those conversations meant upending their current life to follow that dream. They traded the goals of having a Fortune 500 job that kept their family apart to finding a way they could spend more time together.
They sold all their possessions, saved up money, and traveled the world for a year, think “the bucket list family” and then after they decided that they still wanted to live a life of intentionality. For them that meant moving into a 2 bedroom condo in the mountains and choosing a different way to live.
Jess gives us some incredible questions to ask our family. She gives us tips on how to prioritize our family time and she also gives us some great advice on how to dream and follow those dreams. Because building a life you dream about with your family matters.Jess gives us the courage to be confident in having different values for our families.
Every family will be different, but I believe coming out of quarantine there were some things we all learned and things we can all prioritize better. Jess helps us get to the heart of what we desire as a family.
We also talk about some great ideas for summer with our kids; ways to help them be responsible, learn new things, work as a team. Think ideas on chores, house managers, giving our kids the freedom to fail and try again. Ideas you can start today.
You will want to follow Jess’s journey at https://www.recalculatinghappiness.com/travel-family-blog
And her instagram account which gives tips weekly on so many things from:
Traveling the world with kids, simplifying your life, parenting tips, and so much more.
Instagram: recalculating.happiness
Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/recalculating.happiness/
Head to our website for more show notes: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today’s guest is one of the lead actors from my favorite hit show from NBC, New Amsterdam. Jocko Sims plays Dr. Floyd Reynolds in this brilliant show. He is a talented actor, (you may have seen him in the show Crash, The Last Ship) he is a producer, incredible cook, hails from Texas, but resides in NYC. I wanted to interview someone from this show, because it is one of those shows that touches your heart. They are using their platform to talk about issues of race, healthcare, and mental health with love and compassion.
Last year I had the opportunity to travel to New York City with the Today Show Parents team and previewed the second season of New Amsterdam. While there I met some of the staff of this NBC hit show. I had previously written a blog post about how one of the phrases Dr. Max Goodwin played by Ryan Eggold asks in each episode, “How can I help?” It impacted me in such a way that I want to live my life with that question always on my lips as I meet people. So after talking with NBC, they reached out to Jocko who was so gracious and kind, you will fall in love with him.
Thank you to Jocko for letting me ask heartfelt questions about how we can be a community that helps each other, no matter what. I hope you are touched by this conversation and it inspires you to help others in your own way.
Thank you to our sponsor RECREATE-SOLUTIONS who assist leaders and organizations get started, unstuck, and get healthy. Check them out at https://www.recreate-solutions.com/
Watch New Amsterdam on NBC
Jocko Sims
The reason today’s podcast has this title, is because this is how our new children’s book, which launched this week, came about. About 3 years ago a friend of a friend asked me a very important question on the phone. We chat about how that question produced this book that we could have never dreamed.
My co-author Marianne Booth and I talk about the process of how this story came about. How she was inspired to write a children’s book based on the story of how a lunchbox note changed our life. We talk about our hopes and dreams for this book, and how each family can live out the message of be strong, protect the weak, love everyone.
We talk about the importance of following a prompting, knowing that it could change your life.
Get your New Children’s Book HERE
Today I talk with Abbie Mirata, the Co-Founder of live kyndly. She is a joy expert and teaches us how to exercise what she has trademarked as JOY JOINTS. She sees choosing Joy as an exercise, something we have to do daily. When your Joy Joints are strong it allows you to better deal with everyday stress, major life events, (HELLO COVID-19)!
She offers advice from the difference between joy and happiness. She describes happiness as more of a feeling based on circumstances, where Joy is defined as a VALUE to her, something that we don’t compromise even when our circumstances aren’t joyful.
She explains training our JOY JOINTS like we train our physical joints.
She gives us some practical ways of how we can strengthen our JOY by doing certain exercises; like cleansing our social media feed, things that don’t bring joy.
Start small by choosing how we react to small things.
Bring others into our space and ask others for help.
Train ourselves to breathe before we react.
Be empathetic to other’s reactions.
The ability to manage our emotions is a life skill.
How many of us have a hard time asking for help? Abbie helps us reframe this concept. We give others a gift when we give them the opportunity to help us.
More on show notes…..https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
This week we are talking to my friend Bob Cancalosi, author of Four Loop Learning, The Art of Journaling and Reflective Leadership. The premise of Bob’s philosophy is that leaders who are more reflective are truly more effective. He has learned that deliberate reflection helps leaders slow down, think deeper and implement change with enhanced precision which results in greater impact results. During his tenure at GE, Bob served in the role as Chief Learning Officer for the Healthcare Business for 7 years with responsibility for the leadership development of 60,000 global employees. Then the last 8 years of his career he was the Leader of the GE Crotonville Global Customer Education team with responsibility for the leadership development of GE’s global strategic customers and training over 5,000 customer executives annually.
Bob has been journaling for over 20 years and studying the leadership best practices from leaders in all types of industries and organizational structures in over 100 countries throughout the world. He uncovered a recurring observation that the leaders who were deliberately more reflective were more effective in achieving results, and this is why his book centers on leadership journal coaching.
There is never a better time than the present to reflect on our lives. Quarantine has made us sit back and reflect on our priorities, schedules, and family time. You will love this conversation with Bob, who has so much wisdom when it comes to using the gifts in your life to share with others.
Also on the podcast Bob tells us about his medical journey that has impacted his life in many ways. Cancer of the neck and throat has paralyzed the sides of his face, and yet he is still sharing his gifts and talents with others. He is a true inspiration.
You will be inspired and learn tangible steps on how to reflect, but also how that reflection leads to action.
Learn more about Bob and our show in our show notes: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
We love stories of optimism, perseverance, overcoming trials. We need those stories to help us overcome our own struggles. Today’s guest will encourage you. My friend Becky Canatsey has been through her fair share of trying circumstances. We talk about how a diagnosis of not one but 2 of her 3 children took them on a path they never thought they would have to walk. She talks about the fear of not being able to have control of the outcomes, how to be positive in the face of adversity, and most of all how she is teaching her girls to trust and have hope even in the hardest of uncertain times.
This podcast is so relevant to what we are facing today. Becky gives us ways to stay positive even when our mind wants to go negative. She teaches us as a mother what it looks like to be an example to our children, when you suffer.
If you have ever been through a trying time, you will want to listen to my conversation with Becky today.
Check out show notes for more.
If you know me, you know I love me a great book. Memoirs and non-fiction are my favorite. I am so giddy to have one of my favorite book authors on the show today. This book, Same Kind of Different As Me, changed my view on the homeless, taught me how to get out of my comfort zone and love others well. This is the book I always recommend to others when they want to open their heart and love others well.
I wanted to bring you a story of hope this week, and this is definitely that story.
The book, and now a movie, is about a true story of how a Successful businessman, Ron Hall and his wife, Deborah, discover a renewed sense of purpose when they begin to volunteer at a local mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Their lives change forever when they develop an unlikely friendship with Denver Moore, a homeless man who inspires them to save their struggling marriage. This synopsis doesn’t even do it justice. You will be in awe of this story. I literally sat with my mouth wide open listening to him tell it over again.
Ron is a very sought after speaker, author, and producer.
I encourage you to get the book, Same Kind of Different As Me, and his follow up book
Workin’ Our Way Home, that details the relationship between Denver and Ron after their encounter.
Or if you need a great movie to watch with your family, you can find the movie on Netflix, with an incredible cast like Renée Zellweger, Greg Kinnear, Djimon Hounsou.
I promise you will want your entire family to listen to Ron recount his incredible journey with someone he would have never thought would be his lifelong friend.
Check out our show notes to get in touch with Ron and links to his books:
Today’s guest is Jeremy Bedenbaugh, who is a long time friend and who also helps leaders recreate. Jeremy is the founder and CEO of Recreate Solutions, a company founded out of personal experience. Jeremy went through a very public and also private recreating of himself. He learned that vulnerability is key when it comes to being who you were created to be. He now helps leaders and companies recreate and transform. Jeremy and I have a very candid conversation about what it looks like when you start over, when you strip off some of your protective layers we have had on us for a long time and live into our true self.
We talk about how to use some of our most trying times to heal ourselves and use what we learned to share with others. And aren’t we all in trying times right now.
Jeremy gives us some tips right now during this pandemic to evaluate who we are and who we want to be. There is no better time to look very honestly at who we are and ask ourselves is this where we need to be; am I living into who I was created to be; are there some things in my life I need to strip away that I am too scared to think about?
Jeremy helps us ask ourselves the tough questions to get us thinking how we can start to be vulnerable with ourselves and others; opening ourselves up to all that we were created to be.
You will also laugh a ton during this conversation. Jeremy and I have the gift of sarcasm and banter and have a great time. Enjoy this light-hearted but deep conversation today.
Tune in today and go to our show notes for all the links to her FREE guides she is making available to us this week.
Thank you to our sponsor Project Helping for helping families serve others well. Check out their amazing Kind Kits to do with families here: https://kyndkit.com
and their services for businesses to get all their employees volunteering https://projecthelping.org
Did you know we wrote a children’s book. It is all about the lunchbox note that changed our family’s life. You can pre-order your copy now. https://www.bestrongstory.com/book
I wanted to have a wellness expert on here this week to help us breathe, to help us focus on the things we can control during a time that seems OUT of control.
If you have felt frazzled and all the emotions these past weeks during the Covid-19 this podcast is for you. Dr. Michelle helps us focus on the non-negotiable things we can focus on.
Sleeping, eating, breathing, gratitude.
Today I am talking with Dr. Michelle Robin, an international speaker, best-selling author, radio host, and practicing chiropractor. She is the founder of Your Wellness Connection, P.A., one of the nation’s most successful integrative healing centers focusing on disciplines such as chiropractic, Chinese medicine, massage therapy, energy medicine, counseling, nutritional and wellness coaching, and movement arts. She is the Chairman of the Board of Small Changes Big Shifts®, an organization that exists to empower people to whole health through balanced daily practices and wellness providers who guide them and founder of Big Shifts Foundation®. Dr. Robin also consults with businesses and non-profit organizations developing wellness programs based on her philosophy of the Quadrants of Wellbeing. She has spoken on improving individual wellbeing as well as creating a culture of wellness, to a wide variety of groups and organizations across North America.
She guides us in a breathing exercise that we can practice daily, and she helps us recenter and focus on the things that matter. She helps us get back into a rhythm when things seem so unorderly. One of my favorite things she says, “Rhythm builds Resilience”.
She asks us questions like, “Are you ok, today?” Helping us take one moment at a time.
Tune in today and go to our show notes for all the links to her FREE guides she is making available to us this week.
Thank you to our sponsor Project Helping for helping families serve others well. Check out their amazing Kind Kits to do with families here: https://kyndkit.com
and their services for businesses to get all their employees volunteering https://projecthelping.org
Family Coaching is happening. Teaching and topics to strengthen your family.
Sign up here: www.bestrongstory.com
Today my friend Jennifer, CEO of Togather Moments, a company helping families make the most out of their time together is on the podcast today. We talk about how since Covid-19 and how quarantine has forced us as families to be together, and what that has looked like for all of us. We answer questions like:
How can we be intentional in these moments so that we can take some of these times into the future?
What can we learn as families what is a priority and what isn’t?
How can we strengthen our family during this uncertain time?
What are some tangible ideas we can do together?
Jennifer gives us some great ideas if you have small to older age kiddos. She is a mom of 4 in a range of kids ages 3-12.
Take a listen today to see how we can all make the most of this time together.
Check out Jennifer’s company https://www.togathermoments.com and order one of their games to do with your family during this time!
Thank you to our sponsor Project Helping for helping families serve others well. Check out their amazing Kind Kits to do with families here: https://kyndkit.com
And their services for businesses to get all their employees volunteering https://projecthelping.org
Family Coaching is happening. Teaching and topics to strengthen your family.
Sign up here: www.bestrongstory.com
This week I am sharing my heart with you as we go through Covid-19 together. Most of us have been in our houses away from others for the past 2-3 weeks. We are helping protect ourselves and others by staying home. However, one thing that has been fresh on my mind, is how do we help others when we can’t be with them? How do I talk to my kids about staying safe but also serving others in this time?
It feels like we are all in a bubble and all of us are being affected differently. Some have been affected by sickness, loss of job, uncertainty of how to make it to the next week without a paycheck, or just how to survive being in confined spaces with our kids who we are now homeschooling on the fly.
No matter how all of us are being affected, all of us have questions and lots of emotions.
In this podcast I want to share my heart on how we are talking to our kids about the Corona Virus as well as creative ways we can love others while we are in quarantine.
Can’t wait for your feedback, know that each of you are loved and we will get through this together.
Thank you to our sponsor:
Kate Crocco, Author of Thinking LIke a Boss, order her new book here
The perfect time to read a book, keep motivated, and be thinking of how to reach your goals even when many have had to pivot. Kate Crocco is the perfect person to help you do just that.
A therapist and a mindset coach, she is the perfect person to help reset us in this hard time.
Check out her website here and take her quiz on what might be holding you back. https://www.katecrocco.com/quiz
Check out more on our episode notes here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I am talking with Lauren Scrugg Kennedy. Lauren is a Blogger, author and wife to Jason Kennedy. This conversation could not be more perfect timing. When all of us are feeling a little down and nervous, Lauren’s powerful story of her finding healing in a tragic experience can make us all hopeful.
We talk about marriage tips and how she and Jason strengthen their marriage even though sometimes they are in the public eye. Jason is a correspondent for E news and hosts his own show called In the Room.
We talk about moving away from family to California and finding community in new places.
Lauren has a passion for helping us stay healthy with clean living. We talk about the importance of what we put in our bodies and what products we put in our home. She has a way of being so approachable and teaching us in such a gracious manner.
This conversation will lighten your heart during this hard time we are all facing right now. You won’t want to miss this episode.
To learn more about Lauren go to our show notes here
Thank you to our sponsor:
Kate Crocco, Author of Thinking LIke a Boss, order her new book here
Did you know we provide family coaching. Topics and teachings to help strengthen your family check it out here.
This week I talked with Joanna Waterfall, Founder of Yellow Co. a community of women creating meaningful work. She is the guru of helping others find community. So much so that she started a company based on others finding each other and their shared passions.
Joanna and I talk about how we were all made for the community, how to find it, and why it matters. We discuss how hard it can be, how we can be a society that can be socially connected but lonely at the same time. She gives us advice on how to be vulnerable and take the risk to find those who will do life with you.
Another thing at which she excels is teaching us how to create meaningful work. Yellow Co. defines work as creating meaning in this world and making sure what you do aligns with you. A huge part in that is knowing yourself, so you can lead not only yourself but others.
We talk about our own struggles of identity and worthiness and how to find our wholeness so we can help others find theirs.
This is a conversation that will encourage you and set you on your next steps to find or strengthen the community you have always desired.
To learn more about Joanna and Yellow Co. Check out our show notes. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Thank you to our sponsors:
Kate Crocco who wrote “Thinking Like a Boss” uncover and overcome the lies holding you back from success and she’s offering our listeners TWO free chapters! All ya gotta do is take her quick 45-second quiz that helps you discover what’s holding you back from taking that next move in life and business and then along with your results, you will receive the first two chapters of this book for free! So head on over to KateCrocco.com/quiz to get your results and two free chapters of Thinking Like a Boss!
Craftingood: Creating experiences of kindness to do with your family.
Most of us know what’s important in our life, but does the time we spend on them reflect this?
If you looked at how we lived our life, would people know what was really important to you?
Would your life reflect your priorities?
Today I have my friend Kyle Barger, founder of Make a Day, on the podcast. He started serving others out of the success of his company. Something that started as a small opportunity to love others has turned into a non-profit that serves the homeless in Ohio.
Here are some of the main takeaways from our conversation:
If you want to get clear on what should matter in your life and how to make the right things important, you will love this conversation.
Join me as I chat with my old friend and teammate about what matters, how to make it a priority in your life, and how to leave a legacy by serving others in the unique way you can.
Sponsors:
CraftinGood Inspiring a Kinder world Together
CraftinGood supports and encourages families to come together, celebrate differences, stand up for equity and inclusion, improve the wellness of themselves, each other, the planet and to live with a focus on love and trust over fear and doubt.
They are giving 20% off to our listeners if you use the code BELOVE. Start your first kindness subscription box today.
TOUCH GERM BLOCK
Did you know that 80% of infectious diseases are spread by contact?
What do you Touch on a daily basis? How do you know you’re protected? Introducing TOUCH. The world’s first preventive, proactive, sanitizing germ block. Now you can protect yourself from germs BEFORE you come in contact with them. TOUCH evenly sprays on like sunscreen and stays on like sunscreen, creating a persistent barrier for up to 6 hours. Touch is 99.99 % effective and is safe for children! To order TOUCH …….simply visit us at touchgermblock.com OR AMAZON and receive free shipping on all 4 packs.
Head to our show notes for more information on Kyle and some of the things we talked about today. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
I love talking about things that are inspiring to me, something that I am learning, something that was an AHA moment for me.
And one of those things I am working on right now is being present in me.
Not scrolling my phone when I am bored or lonely, or adding something to my day that doesn’t really need to be there because I can’t just be still. But I am focusing on just being present, noticing things around me; the beauty, the sounds, the gift of that moment.
We live in a world where we are bombarded with stimulus at ALL hour, minutes, seconds of the day.
Today’s podcast I give some specific ways I am trying to BE more present, to be more at home with myself.
If you find yourself feeling cluttered or you can’t free up space in your mind, check out this short episode and try some of the things that are helping me right now.
For more show notes and how to start family coaching with us head over to www.bestrongstory.com where we go over topics that help strengthen your family and the community you live in. Simple teaching, simple tools, simple ways you can be love to those around you daily!
PODCAST SPONSOR:
4 Loop Learning
CHECK OUT the art of Leadership through Reflective Journaling. If you have ever wanted to become a reflective leader, Bob is the one to lead you through this practice.
Bob journals with one very simple goal- to share the knowledge with others to help them unlock more potential as they fulfill their own leadership ambitions. With 31 years of leadership experience at GE, and over 70 journals meticulously kept over the past 20 years, Bob brings the lessons he has learned—in life, and pursuits of leadership—and the tools to apply them with Four Loop Learning, a guide to leadership journaling.
https://www.fourlooplearning.com
Have you ever felt like you wanted to do something but didn’t feel qualified? Maybe you had a dream you wanted to go after but you didn’t feel like you were smart enough or had enough experience to succeed? Today we are talking to Kate Crocco, she is a licensed therapist+mindset and confidence coach and author of her new book “Thinking Like A Boss,” which you can now get on Amazon or anywhere books are provided. She is also is a mama to two little girls who keep her busy. I love picking her brain of how she is able to get the things she wants accomplished while loving her family well.
We talk about what to do when we feel unqualified, how to put practices in our life to practice our confidence, how to look at saying NO differently.
This episode is one you can think about your entire life. With tangible tools from her therapy practice, Kate teaches us to go for our dreams, gives us the freedom to help others go after theirs, and to set up boundaries in our life so we can say YES to the things that are important.
If you have ever had trouble saying NO to others or making boundaries, Kate gives us some steps to protect the life we want to create.
And guess what Kate is giving us 2 CHAPTERS of her book for FREE.
All you have to do is take her quick 45-second quiz that helps you discover what’s holding you back from taking that next move in life and business and then along with your results, you will receive the first two chapters of this book for free!
So head on over to KateCrocco.com/quiz to get your results and two free chapters
Check out our sponsor today
CraftinGood Inspiring a Kinder world Together
CraftinGood supports and encourages families to come together, celebrate differences, stand up for equity and inclusion, improve the wellness of themselves, each other, the planet and to live with a focus on love and trust over fear and doubt.
They are giving 20% off to our listeners if you use the code BELOVE start your first kindness subscription box today.
For more show notes and how to start family coaching with us head over to www.bestrongstory.com where we go over topics that help strengthen your family and the community you live in. Simpled teaching, simple tools, simple ways you can be love to those around you daily!
Today’s guest is Hoda Melki. Hoda is from Beirut, Lebanon and lives there with her husband. They both founded Heart for Lebanon which is a non-profit that provides help to refugees. The trip that forever changed my life is the one I took to Beirut. To see first hand the refugees’ story, to sit with them on their floor as they tell of atrocities, and to see Heart for Lebanon come alongside in their pain was amazing.
Hoda grew up in a worn- torn country and tells about her experience. For those of us who can’t fathom this life, this is a podcast you need to listen to. We talk about ultimate forgiveness, what it looks like to forgive those who have wanted to harm you. We talk about love on an entirely different level and what it truly looks like to love someone who is suffering.
We talk about what it looks like now in the Middle East.
The one thing I love so much is conversing about how we can live in different parts of the world but our hearts can be so similar, and our pain and suffering can be universal.
“We can open our heart, listen to their story, give them eye contact, let them know we are here for them. Her voice is heard when I see her sorrow.”
“Her Story is my Story.”
We talk so much on be.Love podcasts about knowing other’s stories and coming alongside those who have different experiences than we do so we can understand.
Don’t miss this conversation I have with Hoda this week.
Check out more on our show notes:https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Learn more about Heart for Lebanon and how you can support the incredible work they are doing.
Instagram: Heartforlebanon
Facebook: Heart for Lebanon
Sponsor Hi-Light:
CraftinGood Inspiring a Kinder world Together
https://craftingood.com/pages/about-us
CraftinGood supports and encourages families to come together, celebrate differences, stand up for equity and inclusion, improve the wellness of themselves, each other, the planet and to live with a focus on love and trust over fear and doubt.
If you would like to advertise with Be.Love podcast, shoot us a note info@bestrongstory.com
Last day to get into our FEB. Coaching series, we will be talking about the love languages, don’t miss out, sign up by Feb 19th. www.bestronstory.com
Today my guest is Mica May, founder and CEO of May Designs. You have seen her beautiful designs at Target. In this conversation we talk about finding our creativity in our own way, asking others for help in the areas we aren’t gifted in, and how to connect with others who are going through similar situations.
Mica has a successful business that she started by solving a problem for herself and her friends. She also is a part of the “Lucky Few” parents who have a child with down syndrome. We talk about what it was like to find a community that understood what they were going through as parents.
My favorite part is the last question, when Mica talks about connecting with her kids 5 minutes a day by just looking in their eyes and being present. This has been a game changer for me, I have been doing this with my kids. Don’t miss the last 5 minutes of our conversation of how to connect with our kids and our loved ones.
4:15-8:16: The story of how Mica May started her company
11:15: Don’t be afraid to ask others
12:28: How to validate each other and our spouses
14:13 How do we find our creativity
17:00 Being confident in your own giftings
24:00 Not feeling shame for not knowing things and asking for help.
27:00 Having their son Jackson who has down syndrome.
34:00 Struggling to find community
35:00 Book real life moments with people
36:00 Show up for people
42:00 Be present with others and ways we can do that by eye contact, and other tangible ways.
Connect with Mica May
Click here for more show notes
Sponsor:
4 Loop Learning:
https://www.fourlooplearning.com/author/bobston1/
Today we are talking about all things GRIEF, specifically how do we walk with friends through grief. All of us will or have experienced grief in some way. It could be the loss of a loved one or friend, loss of a dream, relationship, future, family.
People around us are grieving every day, and we all want to help them, but how do we enter their pain? Many times we don’t know what to do or what to say, so then we find ourselves saying and doing nothing at all.
This year we have personally felt the sting of grief. We have lost 3 very important people in the span of 9 months. We have experienced some incredible support through this time and wanted to share what helped us. We also polled our community of what helped them through grieving.
This podcast shares very tangible ways you can support and care for your friends when they suffer a loss. Some may be things you have already done, and some of these may be new ways to support you have never thought of.
Join us today as we have a very real discussion on how we can support others through loss.
Molly Stillman is the founder and creator of Still Being Molly, a life and style blog started in 2007, and the host of the Business with Purpose podcast. Her true passion lies in helping inspire women to know that they were created on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose. Molly has had the honor of collaborating with brands such as Stitch Fix, Target, Elegantees, The Root Collective, Sseko Designs, Noonday Collection, and more. She is honored to have been featured in such publications and media as US News & World Report, Scary Mommy, The 700 Club, Cary Magazine, and was named as one of the “Carolina’s 75 Most Stylish People” by Carolina STYLE Magazine. She is a wife to John, mama to Lilly and Amos, dog mom to Tater and Audrey, a loud laugher, lover of Jesus, Diet Coke and all of the Chipotle burritos.
Here are some things we dive into this week:
Loving others by living out your purpose.
What do we do with the stirrings in our heart.
Don’t downplay the desire that has been placed in your heart.
What if our purpose doesn’t feel valuable?
Why does the world get to tell us what we have to be, or what is important?
There is room at the table for everyone.
We talk about singleness and those who feel content to stay single.
Loving others through your purchasing power.
How do we serve others in the way we purchase things.
My vulnerable journey about getting praise and accolades.
Head over to our show notes for more information and how to get in touch with Molly.
Find Molly:
Instagram: Stillbeingmolly
Website: www.stillbeingmolly.com
Listen to her Podcast: Business with Purpose
Episode 110, 120,130 are great to talk about ethical brands.
Check out this tab to search for ethical brands.
Today’s guest is one of my favorite Brits. Steve Cockram and I are talking all about self awareness. Steve Cockram is an international speaker, author, and consultant to top-level executives and leaders around the world. He is a subject matter expert on personality and wiring, organizational leadership, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication. Steve is the co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, a global leadership consultancy. He is also co-author of the books 5 Gears and 5 Voices published by Wiley.
There are some podcast guests I have on that I believe if we listened and put their knowledge into practice it could really change our lives. Today’s guest will do just that. Many of us think we are self aware but are we really. And if we don’t know ourselves and know how to lead ourselves how can we lead others. Every single one of us, whether you own a business or are a stay at home mom, you have influence on someone. Steve has years of experience in personalities, communication, and how to love others well by learning to communicate with them.
We talk about SO many things. You will want to listen to this several times.
Some of my big takeaways:
We talk about how to ask the right questions of our spouse and our kids. How we can go years without really knowing how to love and communicate with the people closest to us.
You will want to listen to this several times over.
And Steve has made many of the tools he writes about free for our listeners.
Go to https://www.giant.tv/bb to get these tools free for a month.
Also check out his book 5 VOICES: How to Communicate Effectively With Everyone You Lead
For more show notes click here. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
I met Christina at a boxing class, I was visiting NYC for my 40th birthday and per my normal tradition of taking a new fitness class, Christina happened to be my instructor. I fell in love with her energy and passion for teaching and encouraging her class. Afterwards we chatted about all things. I heard her story and knew she had to share it on our podcast. Christina has been a fitness model for Nike, Adidas. She has been featured in Shaun T’s Beach Body videos. She was a professional dancer and spent time as part of the Rockettes.
She is currently a Rumble Boxing Instructor and she is sharing her passion and story to help heal others.
For anyone who has struggled with loving their body, or struggling to talk to themselves with kindness, this podcast is for you. Christina Jensen opens her heart and shares her very vulnerable story of her relationship with her body. For years Christina battled with being comfortable in her own skin. Through constant critique in the dance and fitness model industry she had to learn how to switch the old narrative and make a new one.
I love this interview because she is New Yorker, and you know I love New York, but she tells it to us straight.
She talks about how because of her industry she was constantly critiqued and scrutinized. She now uses her story of healing to help other women love themselves, to switch the narrative of what many have been told about themselves and to see themselves differently as a beautiful masterpiece. The world is so filtered, how do we practice loving ourselves just the way we are.
Click here or full links and show notes
Many times we want to “fix” people. And many times we do this from a good place but what if we just met people exactly where they are without the agenda to fix them, but just to love them.
Today’s guest teaches us to do just that.
Growing up in rural Minnesota, Callie Himsl always longed to live for something bigger than herself. Her curiosity took her around the world, landing in Haiti where she met her husband. She has lived in Port-au-Prince for seven years and has had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s most marginalized and most influential people. These encounters have gifted her with wisdom and knowledge about how to change the world.
Wherever we live, we all have people who need to know they belong, right where they are. Be inspired today to see others and serve right where you are!
This week’s Sponsors:
Simple Acts Guide
All of us want to raise kind and loving kids, this gives us some great ideas of how to do just that! An entire book filled with ideas of how to serve as a family.
Get Natalie’s book: Simple Acts: A Busy Families Guide to Giving Back
Our sponsor this week is Recreate-Solutions
Check out our BE STRONG FAMILY COACHING
Today’s guest is the perfect guest to start the New Year with a bang, obviously we booked Jacki Carr for ALL the goals, intentions, and how to put it all into practice. Jacki is a goal coach, writer, motivational speaker, and the co-founder of Rock Your Bliss. As a leader in transformation, her coaching style includes real talk and true connection to your whole self honoring the successes and the many failures as well as the permission to be a beginner again and again….and again. She believes all of us are a beautiful contribution to this world and have a unique gift to give this world.
Whether you love a good vision board like I do, or goals for the New Year intimidate you, you will love this conversation with Jacki. She gives us some practical steps on how to be who you were created to be with small steps to share our gifts with the world.
Things we talk about:
How to create goals specific to us.
What hinders us from reaching our goals?
There’s room for everyone’s gifts at the table.
How you can get over fear of failure
Specific steps to help us go into the New Year with purpose.
You will want to grab a notebook and take notes for this one.
Check out Jacki and how you can connect with her here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
And get 10% off her goals speak course using the code belove
https://www.jackicarr.com/goalspeak
Merry Christmas to all! Christmas is my very favorite time of year, it’s full of hope, promise, joy, beautiful trees, memorable gifts - all the sparkly things. But many times the holidays aren’t the most joyful season for everyone. Sometimes it can be full of loss, grief, brokenness. In this podcast we talk about some of the losses we have experienced this year and how joy and loss can co-exist. We talk about the hope of Christmas even though a painful season. We hope this podcast brings you peace this season.
Today’s guest is Natalie Silverstein. I met Natalie this year on a trip to NYC. Natalie has given her life to serve others and help other families do this, too. She is a mother of two and has walked the talk. Natalie gives us some tangible ways we can teach our kids to be generous and compassionate to others. She even wrote an entire GUIDE to help us in our own families.
Her book is called Simple Acts: The Busy Family’s Guide to Giving Back. Her book was featured in HuffPost as the TOP 10 books for raising kind kids.
Check out Natalies book and how to connect with her here:
https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to meet Oprah Winfrey, or to work for her? Today’s guest is Christine Mulhearne who has worked for O, The Oprah Magazine for the past 13 years. She shares some incredible wisdom from the years she has been a part of O, The Oprah Magazine. This is one of the most interesting conversations. Christine is energetic and confident in who she is. She lives in NYC, but is a southern girl at heart. She is unapologetically herself and gives us some great advice on how to be exactly who we are! We talk about what it means to dive into our best lives and what that means for each one of us. You will laugh and have a skip in your step after listening to Christine.
For more show notes and how to get in touch with Christine, check out our show notes here.
It’s our first ever Gift Guide on the podcast. We are so excited for this episode because we have everything for ALL your Christmas gifts. Each company is featured because our family has not only been enriched by what they have created, but they are all companies that build on behalf of others and love others well, and you know that is what we are all about at be.love podcast.
On the show today we feature 6 companies that offer gifts from beautiful home goods, leather goods and shoes, serving kits to do with your family monthly, comfy tees and sweatshirts, and so much more…..
Check out our show notes here https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
for all the links of each incredible business and discount codes.
This week’s “be love quick tip,” is about gratefulness. We are rolling into Thanksgiving and many of us are reminded at this time to really focus on gratitude, but how do we carry that gratitude the entire year? How do we teach our kids to be grateful? How do we model this on a daily basis?
Join us as we dive into these topics today!
Don’t forget we have an apparel company www.bestrongstory.com and this weekend is our BIGGEST sale of the year. Shop all apparel for adults, kids, lunchbox notes, which are the perfect stocking stuffers. Everything is printed at our partner Sox Place, which is a homeless shelter that helps provide jobs to former homeless.
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so grateful for each and everyone of you!
Today’s guest is Cassandra Curtis. Cassandra Curtis, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Once Upon a Farm. Cassandra brings extensive knowledge of product development, childhood nutrition and parenting experience to her position at Once Upon a Farm. When Cassandra had her first child she could not find an organic, whole foods baby food to feed her child. Cassandra has a background in nutrition and health and was making her own baby food in her kitchen. She decided that even though she might have the time to do this, many other mothers did not, so she started a company to solve a problem.
I wanted to talk to Cassandra today because we both believe that mothers deserve to give their kids the very best nutrition, although not all mothers have access. Cassandra and her team at Once Upon a Farm will be the first organic baby food to be WIC certified. Her baby food will be accessible to mothers who are in the Women, Infants, and Children program who may not have been able to afford organic food in the past.
We talk about what it was like to start a business from scratch, why she is so passionate about providing access to all, and how she stays present with her family as she builds a growing company.
I loved chatting with Cassandra. She has a calming nature that I immediately felt just conversing with her for an hour.
For more on Cassandra and Once upon a Farm click here for show notes.
Today’s interview is a powerful one. There are not many times when I have no words, and this interview was one that was hard to find the words to say. Our guest today is author, Lora Jones.
Lora Jones’s world shattered on Nov. 23, 2004, the night she survived but lost her husband and two children in a head-on collision. She secretly, desperately wished for death to claim her, too—how could she go on alone?—but a soft, faint voice sang to her in the midst of her deepest pain that night, the voice of God.
In her new book, Song of a Wounded Heart: Regaining Hope and Trust After Personal Tragedy: The Incredible True Life Story of a Woman Who Lost Everything (Morgan James Publishing, June 25, 2019), Jones shares her remarkable journey from death to hope and encourages readers to believe in the goodness of God, despite their circumstances.
We talk about grief, the will to continue when you world is taken from you, when you doubt your purpose and how to sit with those in grief.
I loved talking with Lora, the way she even soothed my soul as I personally am experiencing grief in my life.
If you have ever lost someone you loved or wondered why awful things happen, or if you are in a time of grief and confusion I know this interview will encourage you. Lora lost everything and yet she found the strength to take the next step every single day.
For more show notes and how to contact Laura please check out our show notes.
Use this code for 2 weeks of free healthy and simple meal plans for your family.
This has been a God send for my family as I am always trying to think of what to make for my family that is healthy but easy. Prep Dish takes all the guess work out. I get dinner plans and grocery lists every week. I know what I am having and how I am going to prepare it. For the busy parent this has been incredible, and if you use our code up above you get 2 weeks free! You won’t want to miss out on this!
In this episode, Arielle Estoria shares one of her soulful spoken word poems, we talk about society’s image of a healthy body, her latest modelling gig for Kim Kardashian's new shareware line SKIMsand and what it means to love yourself well. You don’t want to miss the end when she speaks worth over us in spoken word, it gave me goosebumps and brought me to tears. I want every person to feel the truth of what she is speaking.
Arielle’s motto “Words are not for the ears but for the soul” helps pierce the audience’s soul and blooms awareness of identity and worthiness. Her words help instill and remind individuals of their value through words.
Arielle Estoria broke into the competitive slam world of Spoken Word poetry in 2012. Arielle then branched out as a freelance contracted poet in 2015. She has shared her work through spoken word and themed keynote talks with companies such as Google, Sofar Sounds, Lululemon, Dressember, Tedx, the SKIMS campaign by Kim Kardashian and more. She has consecutively emceed annual conferences such as Yellow Conference for creative and entrepreneurial women, Hair Camp, a conference for Hairstylists in the industry, and Anchored in Love for teenage girls featuring surfer Bethany Hamilton. Arielle has lead writing, social media and self-acceptance workshops in various settings ranging from students to professional development spaces.
Arielle is the Co-Author of two self-published collections of poetry: Vagabonds and Zealots (2014) and Write Bloody Spill Pretty (2017) which can both be found on Amazon.com. In 2016 she released her EP of poetry and music titled Symphony of a Lioness which can be found on Itunes, Apple Music and Spotify.
She is one of those bright lights that have come on the scene. A voice for women, love of self, encouraging women to be who they were created, and capturing the essence of light and love.
You won’t want to miss this episode….
Check out our show notes here to get the spoken word poem that Arielle speaks over us at the end.
On today’s BE. LOVE QUICK TIP I talk about what that looks like, how you can start, and how loving others together can be one of the most memorable things you can do.
Teaching our kids to love and serve at a young age, helps them keep these habits as they grow older and even have their own family.
We would love to know your ideas and ways that you serve with your family.
Tag us @bestrongstory on instagram or facebook or email us: info@bestrongstory.com
And for those of you listening now, sign up for our newsletter and we will send you the FREE PDF Family Pledge. A pledge that reminds us to BE STRONG, PROTECT THE WEAK, LOVE EVERYONE and what that looks like, when lived out.
CLICK HERE to get the family pledge
Today’s podcast sponsor is LeClair Inc. Thanks Mark, for believing in our podcast!
If you are inspired by today’s episode, please share it on your social media channels and tag us @bestrongstory.
Most all of us know someone who has been impacted by cancer. It is a disease that has no prejudices, and can affect the young, old, poor, rich, men, or women. Today I am talking with Barbells for Boobs founder Zionna Hansen about what it means to advocate for those you love who have cancer.
Zionna started Barbells for Boobs out of a need to help her friend who had struggled with the healthcare system after she knew something was wrong, but couldn’t get a mammogram because of her age. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer.
Zionna has walked through her friend’s battle, as well as her sister’s battle with cancer.
She has such a passion for helping others. For 10+years she led Barbells for Boobs and finds herself in this season of life starting a new chapter.
Some things we talk about:
*What it looks like to change courses and start something new.
*The difference between self-preserve vs quitting
*Do you think we can serve too much?
*Can we intentionally manage burn out when we are going all in?
*How do we care for ourselves while we are caring so passionately about others?
I can’t wait for you to meet Zionna. Her passion and love for others is contagious.
Click here for more show notes. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
You don’t want to miss my conversation with Chad Moses from the organization TO WRITE LOVE ON HER ARMS. TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
It is one of the most powerful conversations about mental health I have ever had. We talk about depression, suicide, substance abuse and the power of sharing our struggles with another so we can get the help we need. Because NONE of us are meant to go through this alone.
Through Chad’s personal story which he so bravely tells our listeners, we can all find common ground, whether we have struggled with some of the same things, or know someone who does.
He also helps us be safe places for those who need someone to believe in them and help them change the negative narrative they are believing about themselves.
All in all my desire is that this conversation brings so much HOPE and comfort to the thousands who struggle with mental illness or have a loved one who does.
If you need help please visit https://twloha.com/find-help/
Hey ya’ll, every now and then we are going to be dropping little quick “ be love tips” on our podcast. Little shorts about loving others well. A 5-10 minute quick recording.
It could be a story of someone we know that inspired us to act, something we did as a family that touched us, but just little “be love quick tips,” that might help all of us throughout the day.
Simple things that may make us open our hearts and spread a little love in our busy days. Because I know I need a good reminder every single day that my purpose is to love this world well.
Today’s QUICK TIP is brought to you about the award my daughter received at camp that gave me pause. It made me think about trying to raise confident kids.
Confidence means knowing WHO you are and WHOSE you are. For our kids, to start knowing who they are and accepting who they are in the little years and keeping that truth as they grow older is exactly what I want them to put in their heart. But if they don’t see their mama exemplifying that, then my kiddos are not going to model it.
I talk about how if we are wanting our kiddos to grow up to know they are worthy of love and confidence then we have to believe this about ourselves.This is such a hard thing to do, and we are never too old to start.
Raising confident kids in this day and age is an intentional process and something we are ALL going to fail at more than once, and that’s ok. I give a few ways of how we are trying to speak confidence over our kids, their character traits and how we are trying to model this no matter how hard it can be.
I hope these little tips help you, and as always share your tips and tricks, You can find us on @bestrongstory on instagram and facebook, and if these little quick tips inspire you, please let us know, share with your friends, leave us a review. All these little things help us tremendously and helps this movement spread. Let’s go love the world, you guys!
This week we have Liz Bohannan back on our podcast. She has become one of my favorites, you know those people you can just sit with over a cup of coffee for hours and it still not be enough time, that’s Liz. She is kind and passionate, and cares about others, AND she just wrote one of my favorite leadership books of the year called Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now.
I would give this book to any person who wants to be a part of change in this world. She made me think of leadership in a totally different way, and gave me freedom to pursue something by just starting, not waiting for something to happen.
You hear speaker after motivational speaker say, “find your passion,” but she says things like, “ create your passion, own your average, and dream small.”
Liz is passionate about others, and started an entire company, Sseko Designs, after her heart was broken wide open for women in Uganda who had a desire to go to University but couldn’t afford it. She turned their dreams into reality with a couple failed ideas and then landed with Sseko Designs which is celebrating its 10th year of providing women overseas and in the states, jobs and education. She is also a sought after speaker and storyteller. She is on the Forbes list of popular speakers. I can’t wait to share our conversation. You will have a smile on your face the entire time.
Go here to purchase her book, get book tour dates. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today’s guest is a kindred heart. He loves those that many people see as invisible. He spends a lot of time with the homeless and gives us tips to keep our eyes open to others who many just disregard. We talk about the years when someone gave him a chance when he was a young boy and in poverty himself. We talked about when he lived on the streets so he could truly understand those he was going to serve. Get ready for your hearts to be open.
Terence believes EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE SEEN.
Terence Lester is an author, non-profit leader, activist, and founder of LOVE BEYOND WALLS and THE DIGNITY MUSEUM, and just released his latest book, I See You: How Love Opens Our Eyes to Invisible People.
His awareness campaigns have been featured on MLK50, USA Today, NBC, and so many others. They have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. In 2018, Terence led the March Against Poverty as he walked from Atlanta to Memphis (386 miles). He finished the march and spoke at the historic Lorraine Motel for the 50th Anniversary of MLK’s assassination.
Terence’s unique approach combines storytelling and digital media to help illustrate social justice issues and holistic approaches to solving these ailments.
In 2013, Terence founded the non-profit, Love Beyond Walls, and has helped hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty rebuild their lives. They also have just started the Dignity museum which is an interactive museum for people to understand homlessless.
We have so much to learn from Terence, I am excited for him to teach us about poverty and how we can open our eyes to Invisible people.
To learn more about Love Beyond Walls and The Dignity Museum click here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
This week we have the hilarious Melissa Radke (comedian, author, viral video sensation, and star of the show Radkes on USA Network. I am so excited to share this interview. She is not only everyone’s immediate best friend because of her realness, but she teaches us about persevering when others have torn you down. Melissa grew up as a talented singer, but after multiple producers turned her down and told her awful things about her appearence, she fell into a depression. And then when she turned 40 she had a change of heart. She was making a commitment to live ONE WHOLE YEAR of BRAVE, no matter what, she wrote the best selling book EAT CAKE, BE BRAVE out of her experience.
Her hilarious videos have been viewed more than 40 million times worldwide and her family just finished with the first season of The Radkes on USA network.
She inspires us to be unapologetically ourselves. She teaches us to be brave even when others try to keep us small.
I promise you will laugh out loud after listening, but also be encouraged to be the you, the you were always created to be.
This week’s sponsor is Meg Delagrange. She’s a designer and marketer for small to medium-sized businesses who want to grow and make a difference. She does logos, ad campaigns, and websites. She also does marketing consultations when you just need someone to brainstorm with. Meg even made our very own BE LOVE PODCAST LOGO. She is offering a 30 minute free consultation for anyone who mentions Be love podcast.
https://www.megdelagrange.com/
For more information on Melissa check out the rest of our show notes.
https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today’s podcast is a little different. Many of you asked if we would have someone interview us and tell our story, so we said, “Sure”. Today my friend Kari Sowers is interviewing me. We had such a fun interview, with some kids interrupting, snoring dogs and meowing kitty cats. We talked about how our company and podcast came about. How a little lunchbox note changed our families’ life, became our family mission, and inspired our company and podcast. We talk about my former jobs that had nothing to do with what I do now, think White House, and fitness trainer, but how they all have prepared me for what I do now.
We talk about kids of course, and how we are trying to raise good, loving humans and not psychos. Time will only tell (sarcasm). We hope you enjoy our interview. We love being your host, but it was fun having the tables turned.
Our podcast sponsor is Atlas Coffee. If you live near Atlas Coffee you can bring in a friend and get one drink for you and one drink free for them. They are also offering a discount on their favorite Corvus bags of coffee. Just mention Be love podcast.
For more show notes click here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I talk with Megan Tamte who is the founder and Co-CEO of Evereve, a fashion brand she created because of a disastrous trip to the mall soon after having her baby. So she created a place for mothers to feel beautiful and special. Evereve’s tag line is “with heart,” we talk about how loving others is the most important part of their business. They hire people who love fashion but who love people more!
We take leadership lessons and the “tiny behaviors” they teach their employees, and how we can train this behavior in our own life and pass it on to our children. These are ways we can see people the way they need to be seen. Simple behaviors like remembering a name or looking someone in the eyes and being genuinely concerned for others.
She talks about teaching her kids about empathy, how they can think beyond themselves and see others as masterpieces. She has some amazing nuggets for parents about showing her kids that they are loved no matter what they do, or what they achieve. Instead of celebrating the accomplishments of her kids, she just celebrates who they are.
Full show notes here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I am talking with Dave Hollis, CEO of Hollis Co. He is just as down to earth as you may think he is. We had such fun talking about what it was like this year as his wife Rachel’s bookGirl, Wash Your Face, was a topseller and what that felt like.
We talk about what it looks like to have patient trust, their journey of adoption and fostering, and how that experience set them up for what they are doing now. We share our hearts for helping our kids get out of their comfort zone so they can be exposed to other people’s stories, and show love and empathy for those who have had different experiences.
We also discuss something he has never talked about which is the Hollis Co. Foundation and how they are giving back with their success.
3 ways they are showing up for different communities:
Veterans
Women
Children in Care (foster care)
You won’t want to miss this one.
We look to the future and see what is coming down the pipe for Hollis Co. and Rachel Hollis this year.
Full show notes here with links to ALL THE THINGS.
Today I am talking with my dear friend Becky Conzelman, Pro-cyclist and Crossfit Games athlete, mama to two of my favorite kiddos, and Co-Founder and Executive Director of FAITH RXD
Since the airing of this episode It is with very heavy hearts we share that our beloved Becky passed away on April 6th. This interview was Beckys last.
We interviewed Becky a month ago, but when this was ready to go on air, Becky suffered a brain aneurysm and brain bleed. Thankfully she was rushed to the hospital and her life was then spared.
I wanted you to hear this podcast of her story, because I wanted you to know who Becky is, her heart, her passion for others. Everyone should know Becky and her story of hope through crushed dreams of not making the Olympics, to finding her identity in something other than competing. Her faith has never faltered. I think you will love the incredible story of my dear friend Becky.
If you would like to encourage or show appreciation to the Conzelman family I encourage you to donate to FAITH RXD:
Instagram:
Facebook:FaithRxd
Becky Conzelman
Instagram:@beckyconzelman
Today I talk with Noonday Founder and CEO Jessica Honegger.
She is so fun and funny to talk with. We talk about how she is courageously accepting herself and in turn that helps her celebrate others well. Celebrating our own flaws and loving our whole selves helps us have freedom to love others well.
We laugh a lot, but there are so many nuggets of truth about loving ourselves with authenticity so we love others well.
We talk about rest and hustle, and she tells a great story of loving others intentionally when we may feel insecure ourselves. We talk about staying in the uncomfortable and being vulnerable.
She gives us some practical steps to accept ourselves and others.
Jessica has written a book all about this calledImperfect Couragewhich is one of my favorite books of the year.
Click here or full links and show notes
Today I interview Lauren Carpenter who is a breath of sweetness and compassion to others. Lauren is Co-founder of Branded Collective, a jewelry company that partners with those who are survivors of sex trafficking. Listen in as we dive into how each of us can use our talents, maybe the ones we didn’t even know we had, to help others.
We talk about the power of encouraging one another and recognizing the gifts of others and telling them about these gifts.
Some other things she talks about:
We talk about the signs of sex trafficking and how this happens right in our own neighborhoods. It’s not just a far away thing. She tells of staying aware and keeping our eyes open to others, so we can notice when things may seem “off”. We dive into why it’s so important to research and come alongside those who are doing work in the trenches.There are many forms of sex trafficking and we talk about the signs and what to do when something feels “off”.
If you see a woman or child who doesn’t seem like they belong with who they are with:
Call Human Trafficking hotline:
1 (888) 373-7888
Click here for some of the organizations we discuss, books, and more information on Branded Collective. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Emma Hicks is a 27 year old powerhouse who wears many hats: wife, mother of 3, entrepreneur, chef and baker (solely for her family ;), aunt, Rising Tide Society QC Tuesday's Together co-leader, antique picker, and 1st generation hobby farmer.
She is the host and founder of Camp Climb (a retreat for females with a creative business or looking to pursue a creative passion) and Iowa Gathering (highly curated, intimate vintage market; brought to life because of HGTV). Craving a disconnection from the online world, building ‘in real life’ relationships, creating experiences, and being a part of positive community, she bet on the fact others were hungry for it too. She acknowledged her gifts, talents, and expertise: planning/coordinating, bringing together communities, running a small business, and igniting powerful connections. After countless brain dumps and a few sketchpads later, she is climbing her mountain to make an impact.
You will love hearing her story of how she went from professional “picker” to HGTV pilot, to 8 years an entrepreneur. Her first love is “unburying old treasures and bringing them back to life.” She’s doing this with vintage finds, but also with her Camp Climb that she founded to bring entrepreneurs, creatives, and those who want to dive into their dreams together into community. She wants to give others a taste of a thriving community, by teaching others to network, collaborate.
We talked about the things she learned along the way, as a young mother, entrepreneur, how to bring her dreams to life in tangible ways. The value of hard work, how to acknowledge what her gifts are and how to live out of those. We talk about how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable.
We talk about the value of keeping an open arms approach to all things.
We talk about what fires us up, but also what is sustainable, and the baby steps of confidence and baby steps of getting out of your comfort zones.
Today Emma is teaching us how to build on behalf of others. How to leverage our gifts and talents to build beautiful things that can help others too.
Emma is a breath of fresh air, someone who understands what it’s like to run a business, but also knows how to unplug an enjoy the simpler things in life. She balances both really well, which is so hard to do in the age of constant technology and social media.
Listen and be inspired to do what you are gifted at, stay present, and unplug so you can stay recharged to build your life on behalf of others.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SHOW NOTES AND HOW TO CONNECT WITH EMMA. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Branden Harvey is a storyteller focused on the good in the world. If Branden’s learned one thing from his work, it’s this: There's no shortage of good news in the world. You just have to know where to look. He's the host of the podcast Sounds Good, the creator of the Goodnewspaper, a printed newspaper full of good news, and has built an online community over more than 250,000 world changers. He's helped brands like Disney, Square, Southwest Airlines, and (RED) tell meaningful stories with heart all over the world. He's been written about and featured by media including The Washington Post, Seventeen Magazine, Fortune Magazine, and Mashable.
Branden looks for the helpers, he celebrates the helpers, and his company gives us all tangible steps to get involved. In this episode Branden helps us look for the helpers and be the helpers.
Branden was a humanitarian photographer where he traveled the world hearing others stories and seeing others perspectives. He gives us tangible steps of how to get involved in our community and find the things that break our hearts so we can do something about it.
SOME THINGS WE TALK ABOUT:
“When we take action towards the injustices of the world that’s the ultimate antidote to cynicism and apathy. “
I see a lot of pain, what can I do?
It takes all of us to move the needle.
We talk about how it’s important to know what is going on in the world. Reading the news and being impacted by stories that might not affect us personally, but should affect us.
How can we be affected by others stories and also be a solution to their injustices.
It’s complicated but also simple.
It’s ok, to let these stories break your heart.
“You cannot selectively numb emotion.”
Brene Brown
He talks about how he used to reject pain, but now lets it penetrate his heart.
We talk about our brains internal negativity bias and how we can change this bias. So many times we forget to savor the good news.
Allow your heart to break
Look for the helpers
Be a helper
Don’t go it alone.
You will be inspired by this conversation to be a helper. To find those who need help and be the one who does good for those who need it.
For how to connect with Branden click here for more show notes:
https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Our guest today is Heather Boersman, a speaker, author and life coach who loves to adventure with her husband Alex and their three kids Cohen, Claire and Byron. She has been speaking to teen girls and women for the past 12 years in Canada and the USA. She has recently published her second book, Letters from a Big Sister, where she collaborated with other authors like Jamie Ivey, Jessica Honegger who was on our show and Jenna Kutcher to share letters of advice they would write to their younger self.
Today we talk about what we would say to our younger self now. All the struggles we went through as teens and how sometimes those insecurities and struggles follow us into adulthood. We discuss the cycles that all of us deal with when it comes to how we find our worth and significance. How can we remind ourselves daily that we are worthy and significant.
We talk about the difference between rest and striving. She gives us her red flags for when she needs rest and needs to stop striving. She teaches us ways to see our own red flags.
We talk about identity and what we are all searching for, how we search for worth in all the wrong places.
Who am I?
Am I accepted?
Am I worthy?
She talks about her struggles with bullying and how those struggles inspired her to write a book for young girls, as well as living her life on behalf of others to know they are valuable and worthy. She talks about her struggles with perfectionism and now leading with vulnerability.
Some quotes I loved:
“Leading with Vulnerability creates connection.”
“I am not moving forward unless it’s with TEAM.”
We also talk about online time for teens and adults. We talk about safeguards you can create as parents for your child as they start to engage on social media.
“You don’t have to work for love and significance, you can LIVE from love and value, just because God dreamt you up. Just because YOU are!”
It’s the difference between walking into a room and saying, “Here I am”, and instead staying,” There you are.”
“Who can I find today that I can bless and hear their story?”
“I focus on finding others who need someone to listen.”
“Live from LOVE and not FOR love.”
“You actually have to love yourself in order to love others.”
Connect with Heather.
https://www.heatherboersma.com
Instagram:Heatherboersma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heather.boersma.3
Get Heather’s book:
Today we are talking about one of the best, when it comes to caring for those in the margins. She defines the marginalized as those who are not in the main narrative. Some people can be obvious and some not as much.
Danielle talks about no matter where we live or what we do it is our responsibility to find and learn from those who have been pushed out of the main story.
This has to be one of the most important interviews I have ever done. She gives us practical ways to listen and learn from those we may have never known. Whether it be refugee, homeless, those in foster care, etc... Danielle’s goal is to live a life of love and she gives us very practical ways in how to take the first steps in becoming love in our communities.
As a 20 year veteran of the Salvation Army, Danielle has fought for those who are marginalized or have felt less than. Danielle Strickland is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Her aggressive compassion has served people firsthand in countries all over the world. From establishing Justice Departments for The Salvation Army, to launching Global anti-trafficking initiatives, to creating new movements to mobilize people towards transformational living. Danielle trains, advocates, and inspires people to live differently.
Danielle is the author of 5 books with her most recent being The Ultimate Exodus: Finding Freedom From What Enslaves You and The Zombie Gospel: The Walking Dead and What it means to be Human. She is host of DJStrickland Podcast, Co-founder of Infinitum, Amplify Peace, Brave Global and Women Speakers Collective. Danielle is a mom of 3, wife to Stephen Court and has been affectionately called the "ambassador of fun".
Click here for more show notes: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
How to connect with Danielle Strickland:
https://www.daniellestrickland.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/daniellejstrickland/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DanielleJStrickland
Today I am interviewing Rian Smoak. Rian is a Triathlete and has competed in multiple marathons and triathlons, including the Ironman Championships in Hawaii, which is the Mecca of all Ironmans. After Rian crossed the finish line in Kona he knew he needed to provide an opportunity for someone else to have that feeling, who maybe couldn’t finish on their own. This started the partnership with his teammate Bryce. Bryce has Cerebral Palsey and is in a wheelchair. CP makes him unable to walk or use his legs. Through an incredible friendship they are taking the triathlon world by storm. Rian is giving Bryce the opportunity to cross finish lines. Rian and Bryce have competed in multiple races together. This consists of Rian pulling Bryce in a boat on the swim portion, pulling Bryce behind his bike, and pushing him in a race stroller on the run.
This Saturday they will be tackling a FULL Ironman at IM BOULDER.
You will be so inspired to hear Rian talk about why he knew he had to use his passion for racing to help someone else, how he changed his attitude when it comes to competition. How a friendship formed between two very different but similar men, and how Bryce is teaching us all to be grateful, inspired, and being present is what life is all about it.
We also talk about how we can treat others with special needs, and how Bryce can teach us to treat everyone with kindness and respect even if they may seem different.
See full show notes here! https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Michelle McKinney is our guest today and she brings the FIRE and inspiration to know what our purpose is and live in it. She helps women design, define and bring their God-given dreams to life. She believes that every woman can fulfill her God-given purpose, and she is on a mission to help them get there. That’s why she started her company, Dreams Unleashed, to help others pursue their dreams.
My favorite piece of advice is when she says, “Our dreams are never about ME, they’re always about others”.
When we live into our gifts and purpose we are making others better and serving others.
She talks about advocating for ourselves which in turn helps us advocate for others.
If you are squelched in your dreams or don’t know what your purpose is, this is the podcast for you. And if you know your purpose this podcast will inspire you to stick with it.
Michelle gives us some tangible ways to know our gifts and steps to live into them.
She is literally coaching us through this podcast and you can use many of the tips she talks about RIGHT NOW.
Click here for the full show notes and how to get in touch with Michelle.
Coaching with Michelle McKinney
Dreams Unleashed- get your coaching now
http://www.dreams-unleashed.com
Instagram:
Michelle.mckinney
https://www.instagram.com/michelle.mckinney/
Books we reference:
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Justin Kruger founder of Project Helping and KYND KITS talks about how his struggle with mental illness helped him be passionate about serving. Justin hospitalized himself twice without a soul knowing. He even won the sales rep of the year at his former business the same year he went into the hospital and no one knew.
We talk about the stigmas of mental illness, why it is so hard to talk about it, and how some silently struggle for years.
After years of struggling silently Justin went on a service opportunity with his then new girlfriend, only because he didn’t want to look like a jerk for not going. After he experienced serving others - his whole world changed. It led him to lead a life of service and use that passion to help heal others with the same struggles he had.
This is a beautiful story of the silent struggles many of us face and how one man came through the other side and is helping others along the way.
Jennifer accidentally became a restaurant owner when she was researching for a school project. It was something she loved and then realized that she could create a space that was nourishing for others bellies, but also for their soul.
Jennifer founded JUST BE KITCHEN, a place for overall wellness for body and soul. Just BE Kitchen is a 100% gluten, grain, & refined sugar free fast-casual committed to nourishing guests with PALEO, Whole30, KETO & AIP friendly comfort food!
From her past fear of abandonment, she teaches us how to turn our pain into passion and how to bring our vulnerable selves out into the world.
I know so many will resonate with her stories of a place of self-love and self-discovery. She talks about nourishing our whole self by learning to love ourselves first because we were all made for connection.
This episode is about putting yourself out into the world, learning about nourishing your whole self, and using your pain to fuel passion and well-being in others.
For ways to connect with Jennifer or more show notes click here. https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Also, head over to @bestrongstory on Instagram for a chance to enter our giveaway with JUST BE KITCHEN.
Welcome friends, today we are talking about one of my favorite topics, LEADERSHIP. You can tell how excited I am because I am talking SO fast the whole time I am interviewing our guest Jeremie Kubicek.
His former companies and current company GIANT WORLD WIDE has the mission to raise up liberating leaders who change their leadership culture in every sector. He is one of Incs top 100 leadership speakers.
No matter if you are leading a company or one person, all of us are leading in some way or another. We talk about how a title doesn’t mean much, but influencing others is what leadership is all about.
He talks about his near death experience that changed everything for him. It changed his entire definition of leadership. You will have goose bumps after this story.
We talk about how a leader is someone who fights for the highest possible good of the person they lead.
We talk about the 100X leader, which is his new book and blueprint to help us understand our health as a leader.
He takes us through how to lead ourselves mentally, physically, spiritually, and how we can assess if we are a healthy leader.
He calls it the health index…he uses me as an example. Follow along and see where you end up.
At the very end he leads us through the 5 circles of leadership.
YOU WILL DEFINITELY WANT TO TAKE NOTES ON THIS ONE!
It’s important to find people who are for us, and finding people who are fighting for our highest good.
Click here for more show notes and links to books and Jeremie’s info.
https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I have Theresa Mazza with me. She is currently the volunteer director of Hope House of Colorado. Hope House metro-Denver’s only resource providing free self-sufficiency programs to teen moms, including Residential, GED, and College & Career Programs.
She talks about the stigma of being a teen mother, and how to see people without judgment, but get to know the story behind the person.
We talk about living out our calling to love our neighbors well.
She talks about how to be in relationship with others and how we can serve one another. She teaches us how we can sometimes see serving as a project instead of experiencing the humanness of others.
Theressa reminds us all to love without an agenda. That sometimes the best thing is to just show up for someone.
Find all Theresa’s show notes and info here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today’s podcast is with my sweet friend Cathryn Shaw. It started with one homeless couple and keeping her eyes open to others. She started asking what they needed after trial and error and started to become part of the homeless story.
She has become an advocate for the homeless but now has created a true kinship with the homeless. She is founder and director of ALL AMONG US. THE MISSION OF ALL AMONG US IS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH A DESIRE TO TRANSITION FROM GENERATIONAL POVERTY TOWARD SELF-SUFFICIENCY.
She shares her heart for the homeless and how we all can provide dignity to others. She shares her unlikely path to founding an organization called ALL AMONG US and Women’s Care Center.
This is such a powerful conversation of the power of one person. Finding your one person to come alongside and build a relationship with. Make sure and listen to the end when she talks about the 10%. It is so important.
Find how to connect with ALL AMONG US AND CATHRYN HERE https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
People may know Ben best from his time on season 20 of ABC “The Bachelor” . “ The Bachelor” has allowed Ben an enhanced platform to share what he is most passionate about which is his faith, his hope for humanity.
Ben is using his platform to change the world. We dig into some of his heart projects which include Generous International, a company dedicated to giving profits to social issues around the world starting with coffee. He also works closely with Humanity for Hope United, an organization that assists underserved villages in remote parts of Honduras.
We talk about no matter the size of our influence we can serve others right where we are. Every person has the capacity to love another and change another’s life.
We talk about life after the Bachelor and what that has looked like with his work with charity.
Find everything we talk about and links here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I talk with Susan Rameriz, founder of Austin Angels. Austin Angels is a non-profit that helps improves the lives of foster care children.
We talk about how to come alongside all children so they feel worthy and loved.
Susan left a high paying corporate job to do something that gave her purpose and to do work on behalf of others. We talk about what that looks like, and how to lean into a calling for our lives even when we don’t have all the answers.
She was invited to a foster care conference and it changed her entire life. Listen to this powerful story.
Susan also gives us some simple steps to love vulnerable children well and we talk about the ins and outs of the non-profit world.
Complete show notes here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I am talking with my dear friend Becky Conzelman, Pro-cyclist and Crossfit Games athlete, mama to two of my favorite kiddos, and Co-Founder and Executive Director of FAITH RXD
Since the airing of this episode It is with very heavy hearts we share that our beloved Becky passed away on April 6th. This interview was Beckys last.
We interviewed Becky a month ago, but when this was ready to go on air, Becky suffered a brain aneurysm and brain bleed. Thankfully she was rushed to the hospital and her life was then spared.
I wanted you to hear this podcast of her story, because I wanted you to know who Becky is, her heart, her passion for others. Everyone should know Becky and her story of hope through crushed dreams of not making the Olympics, to finding her identity in something other than competing. Her faith has never faltered. I think you will love the incredible story of my dear friend Becky.
If you would like to encourage or show appreciation to the Conzelman family I encourage you to donate to FAITH RXD:
Instagram:
Facebook: FaithRxd
Becky Conzelman
Instagram: @beckyconzelman
Ben Nockels is the owner and founder of Commonplace bookstore in Okc. Commonplace has been featured as one of OKC favorite places to go. He built commonplace books because of his love for books and people. Ben wants everyone to feel welcome and brings everyone to the table.
The reason I have Ben on is because he is one of the best I know at creating space and margin for others.
He teaches us how to live intentionally so when our “schedules” are interrupted we don’t view it has an interruption but a gift to connect with others. He lives a life of “paying attention with ever increasing measure.” He teaches us how to pay attention to others and the world around us.
Ben has some incredible ways that he lives his life for others, you don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation.
Full show notes here……https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
Today I talk with Megan Tamte who is the founder and Co-CEO of Evereve, a fashion brand she created because of a disastrous trip to the mall soon after having her baby. So she created a place for mothers to feel beautiful and special. Evereve’s tag line is “with heart,” we talk about how loving others is the most important part of their business. They hire people who love fashion but who love people more!
We take leadership lessons and the “tiny behaviors” they teach their employees, and how we can train this behavior in our own life and pass it on to our children. These are ways we can see people the way they need to be seen. Simple behaviors like remembering a name or looking someone in the eyes and being genuinely concerned for others.
She talks about teaching her kids about empathy, how they can think beyond themselves and see others as masterpieces. She has some amazing nuggets for parents about showing her kids that they are loved no matter what they do, or what they achieve. Instead of celebrating the accomplishments of her kids, she just celebrates who they are.
Guess what ? Evereve’s new styling service TRENDSEND that is shipped directly to your door is giving 20% to anyone who signs up for our newsletter. Sign up and get your first shipment for 20% off!
Sign up for newsletter
Your 20% off link will come within the hour after signing up for our
Full show notes here: https://www.bestrongstory.com/be-love-podcast
#03 Liz Bohannon/Founder of Sseko designs
Liz Bohannon is our guest this week on Be Love podcast. Liz is the founder and CEO of Sseko designs. An ethical fashion company using fashion to create opportunity & community for women globally.
We laugh a lot and tell our funny breast feeding stories. We know you moms, can relate! Those loud machines ya’ll!
The core of our conversation is about how to love others well by creating an open heart and learning how to look at everyone as beautiful creations. She talks alot about curiosity and how being intentional to see others as teachers in her life has helped change her views on having to always be right.
We talked about how loving others is keeping an open heart when others think differently than us. She talks about practicing everyday to listen and have an open heart to others, which is not something that comes natural to her. She gives us some incredible advice on this (starts at 13:10). We discuss how we are both giver and receivers, creating kinship with others.
She talks about how to have dignified and uplifting conversations with others who think differently than us. (19:51)
She talks about how commitment is her love language and helping these girls go to University in Uganda was not an option NOT TO DO! (30:00)
The last question about how she has experienced a small act of kindness and love is powerful. (35:00)
Find Liz:
Instagram: @lizbohannon
Find Sseko Designs
Instagram: @ssekodesigns
Learn more about Sseko designs
Book mentioned:
Barking to the Choir: Father Gregory Boyle
(Talking about Radical Kinship)
Today I talk with Noonday Founder and CEO Jessica Honegger. She is so fun and funny to talk with. We talk about how she is courageously accepting herself and in turn that helps her celebrate others well. Celebrating our own flaws and loving our whole selves helps us have freedom to love others well. We laugh a lot, but there are so many nuggets of truth about loving ourselves with authenticity so we love others well. We talk about rest and hustle, and she tells a great story of loving others intentionally when we may feel insecure ourselves. We talk about staying in the uncomfortable and being vulnerable. She gives us some practical steps to accept ourselves and others. Jessica has written a book all about this called Imperfect Courage which is one of my favorite books of the year.
Click here or full links and show notesToday I am talking with Dave Hollis, CEO of Hollis Co. He is just as down to earth as you may think he is. We had such fun talking about what it was like this year as his wife Rachel’s book Girl, Wash Your Face, was a topseller and what that felt like. We talk about what it looks like to have patient trust, their journey of adoption and fostering, and how that experience set them up for what they are doing now. We share our hearts for helping our kids get out of their comfort zone so they can be exposed to other people’s stories, and show love and empathy for those who have had different experiences. We also discuss something he has never talked about which is the Hollis Co. Foundation and how they are giving back with their success. 3 ways they are showing up for different communities: Veterans Women Children in Care (foster care) You won’t want to miss this one.
We look to the future and see what is coming down the pipe for Hollis Co. and Rachel Hollis this year.
Full show notes here with links to ALL THE THINGS.
Ever notice how a simple thing can change your life? Well, a lunch box note changed ours. A few years ago, my husband wrote a note to our son that said: BE STRONG, PROTECT THE WEAK, LOVE EVERYONE. This message has become our family mission to spread to the world. At BE LOVE podcast, we want to show you tangible ways for you to love others. Each week we will share stories of people who are giving back and loving their communities. From CEOs to non-profit leaders to everyday people, we believe any act of love can change the life of another. Join us as we are inspired each week to take action and love out loud.
In this delightful podcast episode with Molly Stillman, we dove into the heartwarming tales and poignant moments from her new memoir, " "If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: Navigating Life's Highs and Lows with Molly Stillman"Molly's infectious joy and humor shone through, as she effortlessly connected with the audience through laughter and wit. What makes this conversation truly special is Molly's ability to seamlessly blend humor with vulnerability. Despite the lighthearted moments, she fearlessly opens up about the deep grief she experienced when her mother passed away at a young age. It's this unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling that makes Molly Stillman such a joy to talk to. As you listen, you'll find yourself not just entertained but also deeply moved, resonating with the pieces of your own story mirrored in Molly's journey. It's an inspiring and genuinely enjoyable experience, leaving you feeling uplifted and connected to the authenticity of Molly's narrative.
Get Molly’s New Book: If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry
Get to know Molly: https://www.stillbeingmolly.com/
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In today's episode, we're diving deep into a concept that often slips through the cracks in the quest to be right - the delicate balance between being connected and being correct. We all love to be right, but what if that insistence on correctness starts getting in the way of our connections with others? We'll explore how prioritizing understanding, empathy, and genuine connection can be the key to flourishing relationships. It's a reminder that being in sync with others, especially our family, often trumps the satisfaction of being correct. So, buckle up and join me as we navigate the nuanced dance between correctness and connection, discovering the profound impact of putting relationships first.
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today, we're thrilled to host Quilen and Hannah Blackwell, the visionary founders of Southside Blooms, a unique farm-to-vase florist on Chicago's Southside. Beyond crafting exquisite floral arrangements, Quilen and Hannah share the compelling story of their commitment to both the environment and the underserved communities they serve.
In our conversation, they discuss the intentional choice to establish their business in an impoverished neighborhood and the transformative power of "withness" as they actively engage with the community. The founders passionately recount their journey of investing in the lives of local teens, embodying a profound dedication to service.
We talk about how to make service the DNA of our families.
Join us for an inspiring dialogue on how Southside Blooms has become a symbol of positive change, illustrating the true essence of loving others well in every petal and person they touch.
Learn more about Southside Blooms
BE LOVE.do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit: www.ChristianParenting.org
In this insightful podcast episode featuring author, psychiatrist, well known speaker, Curt Thompson and his book, "The Deepest Place: Suffering and Formation of Hope," the discussion explores the profound significance of welcoming suffering in our lives. The conversation addresses the idea that to be human is to suffer and tackles the vital question of how we can welcome suffering rather than avoiding or ignoring it. Thompson's perspective emphasizes that if we are securely attached to Jesus, we ultimately live in a safe world. The episode also highlights the importance of experiencing suffering within a community, showcasing how shared struggles can shape and foster hope. Additionally, the hosts discuss the role of parents in guiding their children to understand and navigate suffering, emphasizing the importance of helping kids learn to suffer well. Tune in for an enriching conversation on the transformative power of embracing suffering and the role of community in shaping hope amidst life's challenges.
Learn more about Curt:
Get Curt’s book: The Deepest Place
Listen to Curt’s Podcast:
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
In today's podcast, we delve into 6 practical tips for cultivating kindness in our children. Tune in to this short episode to discover effective strategies for nurturing a compassionate and considerate mindset in your kids.
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
In today's podcast, I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Soo Battle, a board-certified and licensed pediatrician serving as the Medical Advisor at the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims & Children (ACCVC) in Waco, Texas. Dr. Battle is also the founder of Camp Careful, a program dedicated to reducing and preventing child sexual abuse through child empowerment, family education, and community awareness.
Our conversation delved into the crucial topic of having open and sometimes awkward conversations with children about their bodies. Dr. Battle shared valuable insights on how parents can proactively engage with their kids, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable discussing boundaries and personal safety. Emphasizing the role of parents as the primary educators for their children, she underscored the importance of addressing these topics early on.
A significant portion of our discussion focused on online safety, considering the prevalent risks of sexual exploitation in today's digital age. Dr. Battle provided practical tips for parents to become the best safety app for their kids, highlighting the need for vigilance in monitoring online activities. Acknowledging the sensitivity of the subject matter, we advised parents to listen to the podcast before exposing their children to potentially mature content.
Dr. Soo Battle's expertise offered valuable guidance for parents navigating the challenges of educating and protecting their children in a world where the threat of sexual exploitation is ever-present.
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
In this podcast, we'll explore straightforward tips for sustaining a healthy family lifestyle. Discover how to make health a lasting part of your routine through effective planning, engaging in shared physical activities, involving your kids in preparing nutritious meals, and incorporating other simple tips to kickstart your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
Get a weekly meal calendar
Learning to love our bodies blog post
Glass containers for fridge organization.
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
In this insightful podcast episode, I had the privilege of interviewing Terry Crist, the author of "Loving Samaritans: Kindness in an Us vs Them World."
Together, we delved into the profound concept of loving others in today's complex world. Terry shared valuable insights on nurturing a culture of love, especially when faced with disagreements. A highlight of our conversation was his perspective on guiding our children to love others, even amidst differing opinions.
We explored intentional ways to embody the compassion of Jesus, discussing practical steps to be His hands and feet in a world often characterized by division. Tune in to discover how Terry's wisdom can inspire a transformative approach to kindness and love in an increasingly polarized society.
Pre-Order Terry’s book, it comes out January 30th
Follow Terry on Instagram
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
In this podcast episode, I'll show you an easy step by step way to involve your family in creating a shared mission for the new year. We've been doing this for a while and found it's a great way to get everyone on the same page and working towards a common goal. Grab our family mission pledge to follow along with. Follow along with our video teaching BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be go to https://www.christianparenting.org/
Be strong. Protect the Weak. Love Everyone. www.bestrongstory.com
In this special episode, we invite you to join us in a heartfelt journey of reflection over the past year with your family. Whether it has been a year of triumphs or challenges, taking the time to pause and look back as a family can be a powerful experience. Ask each family member questions like: What were your favorite moments? What were the biggest challenges we faced together? How did we grow individually and as a family? By sharing these reflections, we not only appreciate the highs and lows but also recognize the goodness of God throughout.
Embracing this practice not only strengthens family bonds but also models to our kids the importance of gratitude and reflection in acknowledging God's goodness, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. Join us as we celebrate, learn, and grow together as a family in this season of reflection.
Questions to ask:
What were some of your favorite parts of the year?
What brought you Joy this year?
Who encouraged us? How can we say thank you?
What did we miss the most?
Did we love others well? And how?
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want tobe, visitwww.ChristianParenting.org
Join me for a Christmas breather as we navigate this busy season. Amidst the hustle and bustle of gathering presents and planning, it's common to feel the stress creeping in. Perhaps you forgot a gift or missed noting a Christmas party on your calendar. This is the time when everything can feel a bit overwhelming. In this episode, I invite you to take a moment to pause and find peace. Let's share a prayer together, offering you the opportunity to choose tranquility today and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
Did you know we wrote a children’s book: Great gift for the kids
Get our book here:
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this insightful episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Josh and Katie, the brilliant authors behind the upcoming book "New Person Same Marriage," set to be released in January. During our conversation, they took us on a vulnerable journey through the highs and lows of their own marriage rollercoaster. Their candid sharing of almost reaching the brink of falling apart was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. What sets their book apart are the game-changing principles they've unearthed to breathe new life into their relationship. Tune in to discover invaluable tips and advice for married couples, as Josh and Katie delve into recognizing warning signs or red flags, mastering the art of communication, and, most importantly, the transformative process of renewing a broken marriage. Whether you're navigating the complexities of your own relationship or simply curious about the secrets behind enduring partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to foster lasting love and connection.
Get their new book: New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Worst Days Be Your Last Days.BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Ever feel the weight of ensuring the holidays are extra special for your kids? The pressure to orchestrate a myriad of activities, advents, and devotionals can be overwhelming, leading to a sense of dread rather than joy. What if this year, we embrace simplicity? What if we grant ourselves permission to focus on just ONE meaningful aspect and let go of the rest? Tune in as I share some uplifting thoughts on making Christmas simpler, alleviating the pressure, and allowing ourselves to truly enjoy the essence of the season.
Some ideas, but choose one or none! Just keep it simple and joyful.
Kid’s advent for Christian Parenting
Did you know we wrote a children’s book: Great gift for the kids
Get our book here:
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Ronald Oliver, who not only survived 27 summers in Angola prison but also emerged from the experience with a profound faith in God. As Ronald shares his extraordinary journey, he emphasizes the crucial role that trust in God played in navigating the challenges of incarceration. His unwavering faith is a beacon of hope, illustrating that even in the darkest moments, redemption and forgiveness are possible through a higher power.
In addition to his own experiences, Ronald touches on the impact of parents in shaping the lives of their children. He reflects on the crucial role his own parents played in instilling values and resilience, underscoring the significance of parental guidance in molding the character of the next generation. Ronald's insights add a layer of depth to the conversation, highlighting the broader theme of familial influence on personal growth.
Ronald's newly released book, "27 Summers: My Journey to Freedom, Forgiveness, and Redemption During My Time in Angola Prison," serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone facing adversity. Join us for an unforgettable interview that explores the profound connections between faith, family, and personal transformation. This riveting episode not only underscores the incredible power of trusting in God but also emphasizes the pivotal role parents play in shaping the lives of their children. Don't miss out on this impactful conversation.
Get his book
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In today's podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing Ciara Lane Myers, the insightful author of Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone."
Our conversation delves into Ciara's personal journey of discovering her purpose, exploring how God reveals our unique gifts and callings even when they seem elusive. Ciara candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining a sense of purpose amid the busyness of motherhood, reassuring us that God has a special plan for each of us.
Addressing the universal question of purpose, Ciara shares a surprising revelation about how God spoke to her and provides a tangible method for listeners to connect with their own sense of purpose.
Stay tuned as Ciara generously imparts her wisdom and personal experiences, offering valuable insights on navigating life's twists and turns while staying attuned to the purpose that God has uniquely spoken into each of our lives.
Grab Ciaras book Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision is Gone."
Get to know Ciara on Instagram: Ciaralainemyers
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this captivating interview with Lauren McAfee, we delved into the heart of her new book, "Beyond our Control,” that she wrote with her husband Michael.
Lauren shared with us her personal journey through some of life's most challenging moments, including her grief with infertility, her adoption journey, a cancer diagnosis, and a surprise battle with anxiety and panic attacks.
It was in these moments of vulnerability and uncertainty that she learned to navigate the depths of lament, and she found solace in clinging to God. Lauren's resilience and unwavering faith shine through as she recounts the transformative power of her faith during these profound challenges. "Beyond our Control" is not just a book; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and healing in the face of life's most trying circumstances. Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking discussion on how we can all find hope and purpose amidst life's challenges.
Grab their book: Beyond Control Let Go of Unmet Expectations, Overcome Anxiety, and Discover Intimacy with God Connect with LaurenBE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this brief and heartfelt episode, we delve into the profound journey of being what your kids need. As parents, we often find ourselves confronted with the challenge of understanding and meeting our children's unique needs, especially when those needs differ from our own natural inclinations. Using a personal anecdote involving my daughter, I share the struggles I've encountered when trying to provide her with what she truly requires. Sometimes, it's the aspects of parenting that don't come naturally to us that can be the most demanding. I'll explore how faith and seeking God's guidance can offer solace and wisdom in our pursuit to become the parents our children need. Join me on this short but impactful episode as we navigate the intricate path of parenthood and discover the strength that lies in adapting to our children's distinctive needs.
Grab our children’s book here:
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Welcome to this episode of "Making Holidays Memorable with Your Kids," where we delve into the art of creating lasting memories during the holiday season with your children. We explore Thanksgiving traditions, discuss the importance of unique family rituals, emphasize the significance of planning in advance to reduce holiday stress and involve kids in the planning process. Additionally, we discuss the dangers of comparing your holiday experiences to others on social media and share stories of authenticity. Our goal is to inspire you to create lasting and cherished holiday memories with your loved ones. We would love for you to share some of our own over on Instagram or facebook @bestrongstory.
Grab our Children’s Book
Read about our traditions in Today Parents
Get our Giving Calendar
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In our latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of hosting the acclaimed author, Doug McElvey, to discuss his latest book, "Every Moment Holy: Volume 3; The Work of the People." We delved into the profound concept that every moment in our lives can be sacred and filled with meaning, even the seemingly mundane ones. Doug's book offers a collection of beautifully crafted prayers designed to help us find that holiness in the everyday. Our conversation was an exploration of the transformative power of recognizing the God in the ordinary, touching on how this realization can infuse our lives with purpose, gratitude, and a sense of reverence. Doug McElvey's insights were not only enlightening but also deeply moving, underscoring the universal importance of finding sacredness in our everyday experiences. His book, "Every Moment Holy," is a testament to the beauty and potential of the human experience, and our conversation was a heartfelt exploration of how we can all embrace the work of making each moment holy.
Get Every Moment Holy: Volume 3
Learn more:
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
I'm not sure about you but maintaining composure during my child's sporting events often feels like an insurmountable challenge. As a parent deeply involved in the world of sports, both as a former young athlete and as a parent with sports-loving kids, navigating this terrain can be quite the balancing act. We've all witnessed those impassioned parents on the sidelines, fervently arguing with referees – and perhaps, at times, that has been us. It's a place we've all found ourselves in. As my own children grow older, I've noticed that youth sports can sometimes bring out the worst in parents. This may manifest in the undue pressure we place on our children or the identity we associate with them as athletes.
In our podcast, Coach Smith Getterman imparts invaluable insights into fostering a well-rounded, faith-centered approach to youth sports, steering clear of the pitfalls of being overly controlling as sports parents.
Young athletes face a myriad of pressures from their parents. Coach Smith advocates for a shift in perspective, moving away from a sole focus on professional aspirations and redirecting our attention toward the character development and personal growth opportunities inherent in sports.
He underlines the paramount importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between offering parental support and refraining from exerting undue pressure. The key lies in transparent and open communication with our children, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, goals, and aspirations in sports.
The podcast also delves into the integration of faith in sports. Coach Smith adeptly explains how he guides young athletes to recognize the spiritual facets of sports, such as teamwork, integrity, perseverance, and how these core values can form the foundation of their identities in sports.
If you are a sports parent, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation.
In this episode, we're joined by Ann White, author, speaker, and Bible teacher, discussing courage in parenting, and inspiring our kids to be courageous.
Ann White introduces her latest work, the "Courage for Life Study Bible for Women," and shares her personal journey and connection to courage through years of living a life of fear.
We explore the essence of courage in parenting, how faith plays a role, and practical tips for overcoming parenting fears. She answers questions of how do we teach our kids to know God and read his word. How do we set our kids up for success with the world can be a scary place.
Get Ann’s Courage Bible here:
Learn more about Ann here
Get Ann’s first book, Courage for Life: Discover a Life Full of Confidence, Hope, and Opportunity
As we celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this month, I've been thinking a lot about how crucial it is to stay connected with your spouse, especially when life gets overwhelmingly busy with work, kids, and all the chaos that comes with it.
In this podcast episode, "Connecting with Your Spouse in Busy Times," I'll be sharing three simple yet powerful tips to help you maintain that deep connection with your partner this week. These tips are vital because, without intentional effort, we risk losing touch with each other over time. Remember, nurturing your relationship is an investment in a future where you're more in love than ever, ready to embark on new adventures together. Thanks for tuning in!
In this episode of we're joined by Edward Grinnan, Editor-in-Chief of Guidepost magazine and author of "A Journey of Faith: A Mother’s Alzheimer’s, a Son’s Love, and His Search for Answers." Edward shares his heartfelt experiences caring for his mother battling Alzheimer's disease. We'll explore the challenges of being in the role of caregiver for aging parents, finding support, and how to navigate this journey while supporting one another. Edward emphasizes the pivotal role faith played in his journey, teaching him patience, empathy, and resilience during difficult times. This episode is essential listening for anyone caring for aging parents or facing the prospect of this journey in the future. You can find Edward Grinnan's book, "My Faith Journey," here.
In our podcast interview with Amanda Held Opelt, author of "Holy Unhappiness: God, Goodness, and the Myth of the Blessed Life," we discussed the powerful role our emotions play in shaping our lives. Amanda's profound understanding, shaped by her own experiences, including the sudden loss of her sister Rachel Held Evans and her battle with infertility, serves as a poignant reminder to explore a more profound sense of fulfillment through faith while embracing the intricate tapestry of our emotions in our pursuit of genuine happiness.
Amanda challenged the conventional idea that achieving external markers of success guarantees happiness. Instead, she urged us to root ourselves in Christ to prevent our feelings from dictating our life's course. We also explored the importance of helping our children navigate uncomfortable emotions and coping with life's disappointments when our checkbox approach to happiness falls short.
Get Amanda’s book here
Learn more about Amanda Held Opelt
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Is your family ready for school to start? My kids were a resounding, “NO”, their parents were a, “heck, yes!”
In today’s episode, we talk about the significance of yearly family rituals before school and the power of our family pledge. These rituals are not just routines; they're moments of connection and goal-setting. We discuss how to involve your kids in setting goals and selecting a scripture for the year to bring unity and purpose to the year ahead.
A family pledge is a statement of shared values. Learn how to create one that strengthens family bonds and reinforces core values. We provide examples and tips for involving everyone in its creation.
Grab ours here: www.bestrongstory.com
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this episode, we're joined by Kayla Craig, the author and podcast host of "Liturgies for Parents." Kayla's latest book, "Every Season Sacred, Reflections, Prayers, and Invitations to Nourish and Nurture your Family throughout the Year" is a practical guide for integrating faith into our busy lives. We discuss how to infuse spirituality into our thin margins, making it more than just another task on our to-do list.
Kayla’s new book is the guidebook we all need, to help us weave faith into our already busy lives. Kayla reminds us that we don't need to have everything figured out; the journey of faith can be taken with our families, one step at a time.
Pre-Order and get lots of goodies: Every Season Sacred
Listen to her podcast: Liturgies for Parents
Get to know Kayla more: Website
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today, I'm honored to have the opportunity to conduct a second interview with Max Lucado. If you missed his first podcast with us, you can listen to it here:
In this episode, we delve into his latest book, "God Never Gives up on You." Max, in his unique way, opens up with authenticity, sharing his personal journey. He is not only a highly accomplished author but also one of the most compassionate individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm confident you will appreciate Max and find this episode truly inspiring.
Preorder Max’s new book that comes out September 12 here:
Learn more about Max here
Head to our Instagram to win a free copy of Max’s new book
BE LOVE do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be, visit www.ChristianParenting.org
How do we build a spiritual foundation with our kids? Where do we start? What are some of the building blocks are kids need to know? Join us today as we learn the answer to many of these questions.
Join Reverend Mamas Victoria Robb Powers and Cameron Mason Vickrey in this episode as they reveal the creation journey behind their new children's book, "My Love, God Is Everywhere."
The hosts discuss how their online community, dedicated to faith-based resources for parents and children, led to the realization of a much-needed book in the market. From a playful idea to a tangible August 15, 2023 release under Thomas Nelson, discover how this book emphasizes the enduring presence and unconditional love of God in a child's life.
Powers and Vickrey share insights into shifting the focus from God's power to His constant companionship, providing a solid foundation of faith that can withstand life's challenges.
Grab their book here:
Learn more about Reverand Mamas on their instagram
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mary Carmen Englert, author of "7 Pathways: Ancient Pathways to a Deeper Relationship with God. After a life-altering health trauma, Mary Carmen embarked on a transformative journey to nurture her connection with God through seven distinct pathways.
Mary Carmen passionately guides us through each pathway, sharing personal stories and practical insights. If you don’t know where to start in a relationship with God, or your relationship you have had with God for years feels stagnant, this episode is for you.
Engaging with Scripture and Learning deepened her faith, and Surrendering brought liberation through trust in God's plan. For those seeking a more intimate spiritual connection, Mary Carmen's book and website (https://sevenpathways.com/) offer valuable tools to embark on your own journey. Join us to explore these 7 pathways and inspire a richer connection with God in your life.
Grab her book here: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637631588?tag=simonsayscom
In my podcast episode today, I shared three valuable lessons from leading an organization that will also help me in parenting.
As you listen, you may find one of these lessons particularly resonating with you. encourage you to try implementing that lesson in your parenting this week. Whether it's being more transparent in your communication, actively listening to your children's thoughts and feelings, or taking action based on these insights can make a significant positive impact on your family dynamic.
So, give the episode a listen and pick one lesson to put into practice. Embracing these lessons both at work and at home can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey as a leader and a parent. Enjoy the podcast, and I hope you find inspiration to make this week a little brighter for you and your children!
We can teach it until we are blue in the face, and sometimes our kids have them and sometimes they don’t. But one day with enough practice they will start to get it!
I talk about 3 that we started early in this podcast, and why they matter!
Many parents wonder why their kids lack manners, but with consistent effort, we can positively shape their behavior. It starts with leading by example - demonstrating good manners ourselves, using "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" regularly. Positive reinforcement and gentle corrections are crucial in shaping their behavior. Explaining the reasons behind manners helps them understand the importance of being respectful and considerate. We can practice empathy and role-play scenarios to teach appropriate responses in different situations.
Remember, teaching manners is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By guiding our kids, we can help them grow up to be polite and respectful individuals.
Check out the book I talked about today: 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teen
In this episode, we're excited to discuss Christian Bevere's new book, "Break Free from What Broke You: How God Redeems and Rewrites Your Story. Christian Bevere, a renowned author and speaker, delves into the powerful theme of redemption and how it can transform our brokenness into a beautiful new story.
The book centers around the idea that all of us, at some point, face brokenness in our lives. Whether it's from past mistakes, hurts, or circumstances beyond our control, these broken pieces can leave us feeling defeated and lost. However, Christian Bevere reminds us that our brokenness is not the end of the story. God's redeeming power can rewrite our narrative and bring healing and purpose to our lives.
Throughout the pages of "Break Free from What Broke You," Christian Bevere shares personal stories, biblical insights, and practical guidance to help readers embrace God's redemptive work. She emphasizes that no matter how shattered we may feel, there is hope and restoration available to us through God's love and grace.
The book delves into essential themes, such as surrendering our brokenness to God, forgiving ourselves and others, and finding freedom from shame and guilt. Christian Bevere also addresses how embracing God's redemption can lead to a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
Whether you're navigating through a difficult season, seeking healing from past wounds, or simply wanting to deepen your understanding of God's redemptive power, this podcast will be for you.
Get Christian’s Book here:
Get to know Christian here:
I have the pleasure of speaking with Leslie Schilling, a Registered Nutritionist and Dietitian and therapist, and the author of "Feed Your Self." Leslie's expertise lies in helping individuals foster a healthy relationship with food and their bodies, she focuses on teaching teens and adults how to be healthy and whole in a culture impacted by harmful diet culture norms.
As parents, it can be challenging to navigate discussions about body image with our teenage children. Leslie provides valuable advice on initiating open and empathetic conversations about body image and self-esteem. With her guidance, we explore strategies to foster healthy habits without resorting to restrictive diets and instead focus on balanced nutrition and enjoying food while listening to our bodies' needs.
During our conversation, we delve into the pervasive influence of diet culture, which has infiltrated various aspects of our lives and left a negative impact on body image and self-esteem for many individuals. Leslie shares valuable insights on how this culture affects both adults and children and contributes to harmful perceptions of food and body image and how we can break this cycle.
A central theme of our discussion revolves around nurturing a positive relationship with food and bodies. Leslie emphasizes the importance of viewing food as neutral, neither good nor bad, in order to encourage a healthy approach to eating. By promoting body positivity and self-acceptance, Leslie sheds light on the significance of creating a foundation for overall well-being.
Learn more about Leslie and the services she provides
Grab her new book Feed Your Self.
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In this episode, we have the privilege of interviewing Ruth Chou Simmons, renowned author of "Pilgrim": 25 ways God’s Character Leads us Onward, and a speaker known for her empowering messages.
Ruth is a mom of 6 boys and founded the company Gracelaced where she shares inspiration through art.
Ruth discusses the transformative power of embracing life's challenges and reframing them as opportunities for personal growth, along with insights on self-compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, and finding peace amidst uncertainty.
Pilgrim reminds us of profound truths by showing us how God’s grace and provision shape each Christian’s unique journey of conforming to the image of Christ. On the path of spiritual growth and maturity, knowing God’s character makes all the difference. When your travels leave you worn and weary, God will not abandon you—you can lay your burdens in His hands, find hope in His presence, and follow His path as He leads you onward.
Get to know Ruth
Check out Gracelaced
Pre-Order her new book Pilgrim
Check out her other books
BE LOVE.do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit: www.ChristianParenting.org
One question I get asked all the time, “How do I teach my kiddos about God.” “Are the resources you suggest for my pre-teens?”
On this episode, we tackle a question that many parents ask: "How can I teach my kids about God?" We understand the importance of finding good devotionals and resources to guide children in their spiritual journey. In this episode, we share a wealth of recommendations that we've personally used and gathered from friends with kids in different stages of life. Join us as we explore ways to introduce your kids to God's love and wisdom.
Summer Devotional Plan: As the summer season approaches, it presents the perfect opportunity to start a devotional plan with your children. Use this time to engage in meaningful discussions about faith and introduce new concepts into their hearts. We provide practical ideas and suggestions for summer devotionals that will create a memorable and transformative experience for your family. Let this summer be a time of growth and spiritual connection.
Bibles:
Jesus Storybook Bible (littles)
Kids devos:
Kids read truth (littles)
Not consumed bible studies (all kids ages)
Jesus calling for kids (elementary kids)
Pre-Teen/Teen
Teen to teen 365 devos for teen guys
Heart of an athlete devos 31 days
Speak love by Annie F Downs for teen girls
Walk in Faith (5 minute devotions for guys)
5 minute devotion for teens: a guide to God and mental health
Other resources:
Join us in this episode as we rediscover the transformative power of play and the importance of saying "yes" to playing with our kids. In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the simple joy of play and its profound impact on our relationships.
Firstly, let's clarify that we're not advocating for constant entertainment of our kids. Boredom is actually a great thing as it fosters their imagination and creativity. However, in this episode, we focus on reigniting the playfulness within ourselves and embracing those moments when our children invite us to join in their play.
We explore the significance of creating moments that foster connectedness and value in our relationships with our kids. Whether it's shooting hoops together or jumping on the trampoline, these playful activities serve as opportunities to strengthen the parent-child bond and cultivate deeper connections.
Furthermore, we reflect on the importance of nurturing our own playful spirits. As adults, we often forget the joy and wonder that come with engaging in playful activities. By saying "yes" to our kids' invitations to play, we not only create cherished memories but also experience the profound joy and fulfillment that can only be found in being fully present in those moments.
If this episode encouraged you, please share and leave a review.
Did you know we wrote a children’s book about loving others?
Check out the Lunchbox Note: a story about loving others.
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Join us in this captivating episode as we speak with Albert Tate, a renowned Los Angeles pastor and author of “Disobedient God: Trusting a God Who Goes Off Script.”
Join us as we delve into the profound wisdom that Albert imparts, encouraging us to trust God even when His plans are beyond our comprehension.
During the interview, Albert shares personal anecdotes and insights that challenge our limited understanding of God’s ways. He reminds us that although we may not always grasp His plan, God always knows what is best for us. Albert’s words provide the encouragement and reassurance we need to surrender control and place our trust in the unfathomable wisdom of the Almighty.
Albert’s message serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating through uncertain times. He reminds us that even in the midst of confusion or hardship, God’s faithfulness remains unwavering. By surrendering our doubts and placing our trust in Him, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from knowing we are in the hands of a loving and all-knowing God.
Get Albert’s book
Learn more about Albert
Check out Albert’s first book: How We Love Matters: A Call to Practice Relentless Reconcillation.
BE LOVE.do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Join us in this episode as we speak with Dr. Chinwé Williams, LPC, NCC, author of "Beyond the Spiral: Why You Shouldn't Believe Everything Anxiety Tells You." In our conversation, we tackle the important topic of anxiety in teenagers and explore practical ways to provide support. Chinwe shares valuable insights on challenging anxious thoughts and empowering teens to navigate through anxiety. From fostering open communication to practicing self-care, this interview provides actionable strategies for helping teens with anxiety. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that sheds light on supporting teens on their mental health journey.
Learn more about Chinwe Williams
Grab her book: Beyond the Sprial
Check out her other book: SEEN: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection
BE LOVE. do good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
In today's podcast episode, we are thrilled to have Kyle Idleman author of the best seller (not a fan) as our special guest.
Kyle is the author of a new insightful book "When Your Way Isn't Working: Finding Purpose and Contentment with Deep Connection with Jesus."
His expertise in addressing challenges like feeling worn-out, discouraged, and inadequate makes this interview a must-listen.
During my conversation with Kyle, we explore the crucial message that Jesus wants us to remember when we face such struggles. Drawing from his book, Kyle shares the metaphor Jesus used to describe the good life: "I am the vine. You are the branches. Abide in me." This powerful concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a deep connection with Jesus, regardless of the difficulties we encounter.
Throughout the podcast episode, Kyle sheds light on practical ways to find greater rest, depth, and connection in our lives. He encourages us to let go of the pressures of performance and productivity, acknowledging that it is in surrendering what we cannot do that God can work wonders. Additionally, Kyle guides us on stepping out of isolation, even when it feels intimidating, and he addresses the common distractions that hinder our connection to God, offering valuable strategies to overcome them.
Learn more about Kyle:
Get his book
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
This week we talk about how we feel about our bodies. This can be a sensitive subject and one I want to honor. No matter our background or history, many of us struggle with seeing our bodies as good. We don’t automatically speak kindly to our bodies but expect our kiddos to treat theirs a different way than we treat ourselves.
Today I talk vulnerably about struggles and how we can help our kids see their bodies as gifts while teaching ourselves to experience that same gift.
More caught than taught is one of the phrases I live by. It’s never too late to practice loving our bodies, treating them with kindness in the way we view ourselves, but also the actions we take to keep them healthy and whole.
Ways to support our podcast:
Leave a review
Subscibe
Follow us on social media @bestrongstory
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today I talk with the amazing and hilarious Jami Nato. If you don’t follow her on Instagram, stop what you are doing right now and go give her a follow @jaminato and be prepared to laugh your heart out.
Jami’s vulnerability and transparency are a gift to us. Today we laugh a lot, but also get serious when it comes to finding our journey by following the breadcrumbs of our past to discover your purpose today.
“Jami found her breadcrumbs in the rubble after her marriage fell apart. Downgraded from perfect Christian wife and mother to hot mess, she finally let go of what the world (and the church) said she should be and let God reforge her into a thriving, joyful woman living on purpose.
Jami has the hard questions and share what God has taught her through her own story-so you can step fully into yours.”
Grab her her book
Learn more about Jami
Follow her on insta
Leave us a review pretty please.
Today I talk with Christina Zorich, actress and film maker and the daughter of actress Olympia Dukakis. We talk about how an injustice like human trafficking broke her heart and how she used her gifts and talents to open other’s eyes to how they can combat human trafficking.
This episode is dear to my heart as I am the Executive Director of an anti-trafficking organization called Unbound Now. We talk about how we can learn about the injustices of the world and do something about it.
Christina created A new multi-award-winning documentary – THE NEW ABOLITIONISTS - uncovers this dark world of trafficking in Southeast Asia and highlights four brave Christian ministries who are pushing back against evil, offering victims love, hope and freedom. From filmmaker Christina Zorich, THE NEW ABOLITIONISTS will be available on AppleTV, Amazon and other streaming platforms April 11, through Freestyle Digital Media.
“Human sex trafficking is a global industry that exists for many reasons, including the fact that many are too scared to confront it, are in denial it exists, or don’t know what to do to help. I hope that The New Abolitionists works to eradicate these responses with deep understanding and real-life practical solutions,” said Zorich, who produced and directed the film.
Watch the film here:
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Facebook
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Summer is coming! My kids are pumped- and I am a little nervous because I work full time outside the home and I want to make sure I have things scheduled out for the summer. No matter if you are full time stay at home parent, or working parent, summer can be amazing, but also can be challenging. Many times, we think of things we want do to as a family, what camps the kids need to go to, or vacations we want to take. But have you thought about the personal rhythms you need to make sure stay in place to keep YOU healthy. Bedtimes change and school activities are no longer which means working out, or getting your quiet time in, will also change. This podcast reminds us and gives us some tools to help not only get our personal rhythms in place before the summer, but also helps us have a daily rhythm for our kiddos as well.
Get the summer daily checklist for kids here
Get your FREE PDF Summer Bucket List here
Grab our children’s book here
Please subscribe and leave us a review!
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today I want to talk to the mamas of little’s. The mama’s who are in the throes of newborn, toddler, kinderville. These years were exhausting and hard. I think many times I didn’t realize other people were experiencing the same things as I was, and I wish I had shared more of my experience. Because as I am now on the other side, I see so many needed the encouragement I did.
I hope for those of you who are in these sweet holy stages, that this episode would be an encouragement to you.
8 things I talk about:
Embrace the suck
It’s going to be ok
Expect Interruptions
Find Help
Do NOT compare yourself to others
You are the Best Mom for you kids
Start Small
Remember
If this was an encouragement to you, please leave us a review and subscribe to our podcast, it means the world.
We know that the bond between a father and daughter is important. Today I have on dad and daughter duo and they talk about their new book Girl Dad!
Working together as a dynamic father-daughter duo, Jay and Rae Anne Payleitner are delving deep into what it takes to be a Girl Dad, sharing how to build lasting relationships and the steps it takes to prepare daughters for every season of their lives in their new book Girl Dad: A Father-Daughter Duo Discuss Truths that Impact a Girl’s Heart, Mind, and Spirit (Salem, May 9, 2023).
Girl Dad is not just for the baby girl in her crib or toddler hosting a tea party or a teen getting her first car; it’s for every stage of the father-daughter relationship. Rooted in scripture and filled with personal insights and experiences, the Payleitners show how to build lasting relationships, becoming an essential guide for any dad who wants to strengthen his connection with his daughter.
Grab their book here:
Learn more here:
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Bonnie Gray is a Soul Care mentor and the author of Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm. So many of us have felt the weight of the last few years and how it has led us to anxiety and depression. All human beings have nervous systems and emotional needs designed by God to help us flourish and heal when we take action. Gray’s goal in Breathe is to help believers detox stress through soul care, science, scripture, and prayer. This is not a book about ideas, but refined practices that readers will be able to use in their everyday life. Breathe empowers readers to practice biblical mindfulness, which is the true source of transformative peace over secular mindfulness.
We go deep today, and I think you will gain so many things you can put in practice this week.
Learn more about Bonnie here:
Get her book Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less and Transform Chaos to Calm.
Take the SOUL CARE QUIZ
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Have you ever read a book you couldn’t put down? I am an avid reader and one of the best series I have ever read is written by my guest today, New York Times Best Selling author Karen Kingsbury.
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures.
Today I have the privilege of talking to Karen and her son Tyler Russell who recently wrote a new book for their children’s books series, Being Baxters.
This series follows the beloved characters I fell in love with so many years ago as children and is written for children ages 8-12 years old.
Here are some things we talk about:
Their mom/son relationship and what mom’s mean to their sons.
How we can nurture and encourage our sons.
What it looks like to be intentional when it comes to building a lasting relationship.
How do we encourage our kid’s dreams and speak life into them.
Karen has some amazing parenting advice, and Tyler talks to us from the perspective of sons. It is a beautiful interview.
Learn more about Karen here:
Grab their new book here:
Follow Tyler Russell on instagram
Today I talk with Laura Smith, parent and author of the 5-Minute Devotions for Teens: A Guide to God and Mental Health
This devo removes the stigma on mental health and advises Christian teens what they can do when they are depressed and anxious. Scattered throughout the book are tips to help teens maintain good mental health practices such as meditation, disconnecting from social media and technology, saying affirmations, and much more.
Today with social media and added pressures, teens are dealing with mental health more than ever. Today’s conversation gives us the encouragement and tools we need to come alongside our kids who may be struggling. Laura reminds us to ask for help from others and that we can’t do this alone.
Get Laura’s book: the 5-Minute Devotions for Teens: A Guide to God and Mental Health
Learn more about Laura here
If your teenager is struggling with suicide call the suicide hotline 988
Be Love Do Good is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Three-time GMA Dove Award-winning worship leader, singer-songwriter, author and podcaster Christy Nockels releases her first full-length studio album in over five years, This Is The Hour.
I remember listening to Christy Nockels and her husband Nathan when they were Watermark when I was in college and how much their music meant to me. I was so fortunate to be able to speak to Christy about her new album, why she wrote it, and the events that she personally had to go through before she could release it to the public.
We talk about finding God’s presence, and how that is everything.
What it’s like to walk away from fame and what she learned in the process.
How does God meet us in painful places.
How to find the glorious in the small moments.
As a worship leader for over 25 years, Christy’s heart is to simply lead others to connect and communicate with the living God. Her new album carries a storyline that God has already used in a deep and personal way in her and her producer-husband Nathan’s lives. They have experienced these songs spiritually and even emotionally, and they have already been a healing balm to their own hearts.
Listen to her new album This is the Hour here:
Read her book: The Life You Long For.
Learn more about Christy here.
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Research tells us eating dinner with our family during the week is beneficial in so many ways. But how do we ACTUALLY do this when we have multiple kids in different activities and eating together seems like a pipe dream.
My friend Christy Ogden, mother of 5, knows a thing or two about figuring out how to get her family all together for a purpose, and she gives us lots of ways to do just this in our interview today.
She talks about practical ways we can get around the table with multiple kids and busy schedules and why it has mattered so much. She gives us ideas of intentional questions we can ask, and how to foster open communication with our kids. She even wrote a book about it.
In her book, Around the Table , she weaves in her own memories of life at their table with her family and hosting multiple people and events over the past twenty years. The main theme is that the table should be a place of gathering people together and fostering relationships. In it, she shares both the joys and the heartbreaks of her own life in a very candid way. But she also gives a lot of practical applications for how others can foster these kinds of interactions in their own family.
You will love this interview and get some inspiration to get your family “around the table.”
Get Christy’s book here
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Crystal Paine, New York Times bestselling author and best known as the Money Saving MomⓇ Founder, who has reached millions with practical advice that has changed families for the better. As a bestselling author, founder of a widely popular enterprise, top podcast host—and busy mom of six—Crystal Paine should be exhausted. Or at least overwhelmed. But she’s not. In fact, she’s thriving.
For the first time ever, Crystal is opening up and teaching on something moms have been asking her about for years: TIME. In her new book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most (March 7, 2023), Crystal shares the strategies and guiding principles she lives by to maximize her time and energy while balancing many responsibilities, staying sane, living meaningfully, and loving life.
You will love our conversation and get some real life tips you can use this week to prioritize what matters most.
Get to know Crystal here
Buy her book here
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
I don’t know about you, but saying sorry is hard, really hard! Especially to our kiddos.
Today I share a story with you about why I needed to say sorry to my kid and the emotions behind it. I talk about my tendency to control things because the underneath emotion is fear, I am not adequate as a parent.
If you have ever felt controlling, inadequate, or need to tell your kids you are sorry, this short 10-minute podcast is for you.
Give us your thoughts in a podcast review.
Follow us on Instagram:
Follow us on Facebook:
Grab our children’s book
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today I talk with author Ashlee Gadd who wrote the book Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood.
You might think margins in parenting? What the heck is that? How do we even do that, with all the responsibilities of parenting.
Ashlee is a creative and lost that part of her when she was in the throes of motherhood, she talks to us about how to find and pursue those passions before motherhood and why it impacts our family for good so much.
Some things we talk about:
Mom guilt
Creating Margins
How do we continue our passions when the busyness of kids come along?
Why is having a community in your life important?
What happens when we don’t ask people to help?
After this podcast you will feel a much-needed permission slip to pursue your God-given creative gifts alongside motherhood.
Learn more about Ashlee here:
Grab her book here:
Read her blog here:
Please leave us a review if this has been an encouragement to you!
Grab our children’s book about loving everyone here:
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual guidance to help you grow into the perfectly imperfect parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
If you are like our family, we are heading to Chick-fil-A weekly. Not only are their chicken sandwiches the BEST, but their customer service is always spot on. Today on the podcast I have Trudy Cathy White, the only daughter of the founders of Chick-Fil-A and she talks to us about the importance of family values. How to make them, how to preserve them, and how to leave a legacy that lasts way after we are gone. We dig into their core family values and how their business relies on values as well. Things like Faith, Family, Integrity, Generosity, Gratitude .
She has recently written a book called A Legacy that Lastswhich gives us an inside look into these values and how to instill and preserve them in our own homes. She helps understand why being intentional matters in the long run.
You will love today’s podcast and will learn so much about the Cathy family and why they are so successful today.
Follow her on Instagram
Today I have on my boss Susan Peters, founder and CEO of Unbound Now an anti-human trafficking organization. I wanted her to come on to talk about what human trafficking is, and how we can help raise our kids to be confident in who they are and be able to have hard conversations.
The more conversations we can have about big topics with our kids and make it commonplace in the home, the more our kids will come to us when something doesn’t feel right. We talk about not panicking when our kids come to us with something scary, and how she broke the cycle of abuse in her own family. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in this episode.
Learn more about the organization we work for: Unbound Now
Give to Unbound Now
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
I think stories change us, inspire us, and many times challenge us. Today I am sharing a few stories we have experienced that may help us all remember that it can be easy to love others, see others, and help our kids build relationships with others.
Listen to this short podcast and I hope some of these stories inspire your family.
We would love it if you would leave a review if this podcast has encouraged you.
Get our children’s book that is all about loving others: The Lunchbox Note: A Story about Loving Others.
Be Love. Do Good. is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit www.ChristianParenting.org
Today’s story is unbelievable. A story of love conquering all, in the midst of trials and heartache. Fox and Rob were married and lived together 6 months before their lives were torn apart. This is a beautiful story of faith, hope and love that has persevered through all odds. Fox & Rob Richardson, subjects of the Academy-Award nominated documentary TIME, who defied all statistics and are happily married after being separated for 21 years due to an overzealous prosecution. In his twenties, Rob was fighting to get his business of the ground and was turned down by every bank for a loan. In an act of desperation to provide for their growing family, he attempted to rob one. With no priors, Rob was sentenced to 61 years in prison, leaving Fox to raise their sons alone and fight for her husband’s freedom.
Rob ended up serving more than two decades in America's bloodiest penitentiary, Angola, until receiving clemency in 2018. Fox and Rob now spend their time advocating for incarcerated families where they have a vision to change lives and laws through love.
In their forthcoming book, Time: The Untold Story of the Love That Held Us Together When Incarceration Kept Us Apart (Baker Books, February 7, 2023), these high school sweethearts (together for 36 years now) dive deep into the incarceration that separated them, the love that sustained them, and the miracles that brought them back together.
You will be inspired by their true story.
Get their book here:
Learn more about Fox and Rob here:
Follow them on Instagram:
Today I have one of our listeners’ favorite guests, Carlos Whittaker on the show. We talk about his new book How to Human available today!
In How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us, speaker, author and social media personality Carlos Whittaker leads us on a three-part journey, to "be," "see," and "free," that we can pursue in order to all live together as the best versions of ourselves. This fresh vision to reclaim our love and joy leads us to a collective breath of air as we exchange division for real relationship. He emphasizes that:
Today’s podcast is a wonderful reminder of what it means to be truly human in a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from each other and from God.
Listen to his first podcast on BE LOVE.DO GOOD
Visit him
at https://carloswhittaker.com and https://www.instagram.com/loswhit/
Faitth Brooks is an author, speaker, and educator. She wrote the new book: Remember Me Now: A Journey Back to Me and a Love Letter to Black Women. Faith is a beautiful voice to help us journey back to ourselves and how to honor one another along the way; celebrating those who may have a different background than us. We talk about why it’s important to build relationship with those whose race and culture are different than ours, small steps to do it right, and why understanding the perspective of others makes our hearts grow bigger and more alive.
Learn more about Faitth here:
Grab her book here:
I can’t believe it is 2023! Whether you are a goal maker, or one who doesn’t love making new intentions or resolutions, I think we can agree that we all need more God in our life this year. More of his compassion, love, kindness, peace, grace, and all the other attributes. In this podcast I talk about 3 ways we can do that this year:
Some of my favorite resources:
Bibles:
Devotions:
Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
You are Beloved by Henri Nouwen
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Prayers and liturgies:
Common Prayer, A liturgy for Ordinary Radicals
There is a book that has been my bible study’s favorite for the past few years. It is the book of liturgies called, Every Moment Holy. I gifted it to all my friends this year and I read it daily.
It is full of prayers that are for everyday life. It makes me want to see life as a gift, even the mundane things I do daily like, drink my coffee, prepare a meal, laundry. It reminds me that every single moment is holy and that is how I choose to live.
Today I have spokesperson Leslie Thompson on to talk about how we live like this. How do we intentionally make every moment holy, even thoise that seem like interruptions and inconveniences?
I love this conversation and especially wanted you to hear it as we go into the New Year. A chance to reset our minds and hearts.
Get to know Leslie here:
Buy Every Moment Holy here:
Follow Every Moment Holy
LISTENERS get 15% off use code using code BELOVEDOGOOD!
It’s the New Year, and for many it means goal setting, and reviewing the past year. So many of us make individual missions and goals for the year, but have you ever thought about getting together with your family and making a mission?
This podcast is a step by step on how to make a FAMILY MISSION!
GRAB YOUR FREE FAMILY MISSION GUIDE
We hope you will join us as we share how we created our family mission and how it has impacted us and how you can make your own.
Learn more about us: www.bestrongstory.com
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: bestrongstory
Facebook: bestrongstory
Monica Swanson is a popular blogger (www.monicaswanson.com), host of the Boy Mom podcast, and author of Boy Mom and Raising Amazing, and mom to four boys.
Monica and I talk about all the things, why raising boys is awesome and what are some of the challenges.
How can we raise men who have integrity and love others?
What were some rhythms she instilled in their family?
How to help boys be themselves and not compete with each other?
Her book, Raising Amazing offers parents with kids of all ages a resource to build generations of adults with character, strong family bonds, and a relationship with God.
Get her book here
Get to know Monica here
Follow on Instagram here
I don’t know about you but sometimes I dream of simplicity around the holidays. I want to figure out the recipe for helping our family live out the words of Paul in Acts 20:35 “it is better to give than receive."
I want my family and I to not only embrace this but really soak it in during this season. However, if you're like me you have multiple parties to plan or attend, you have kiddos running around the house making their way too long, 10-page Christmas list, and before we know it, Christmas has come and gone and the true meaning of Christmas has gone by in a blur of tinsel and flocked snow that seems to end up everywhere in my house.
A few years ago I felt like the lists, the parties, and all the "things" had gotten out of hand. I wanted to find a way to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle and truly observe Advent, to help my kids understand the power of giving and the gratitude of receiving.
In this podcast:
Get your FREE GIVING CALENDAR
I loved having this father/son duo on the podcast to talk about the relationship between father and son. Dads want to have a great relationship with their sons, but sometimes they don’t know where to start.
Today I talk with this son and dad about:
This is so important to the Kubiceks that they came up with their own company called
6 summers, a resource to help dads be intentional with their sons.
Check out their website here and get started today.
I loved this conversation with Juli Bevere, a founder of Sons and Daughters, led by John and Lisa Bevere’s sons and their wives. Sons and Daughters is an initiative that helps young adults discover the adventure, freedom, and purpose found in their Creator. What began in 2017 as a few YouTube videos for millennials has grown into a collection of studies, podcasts, events, and a global community with Ambassadors in over forty countries.
I talk with Juli about living an integrated life, as a follower of Jesus, mother, daughter, wife. What does it look like to integrate everything? We talk about identity and how our lives change when we find our identity first in Christ before anything else.
Check out their new devotional I AM TRANSFORMED, (40 Devotions for Knowing Who You Are and Whose You Are) a companion devotional book for their book. I AM
Learn more about Sons and Daughters ministry
Listen to their podcast
Follow them on instagram
Warning: Adult topics discussed.
Today I talk with Rachelle Starr, founder and CEO of Scarlet Hope, a Non-profit dedicated to sharing the hope of Jesus with Women in the Adult Entertainment industry.
Rachelle helps us get out of our comfort zones and reminds us that God can use us anywhere. You will be inspired to love others better and have the courage to help your family get out of their safe space and into the lives of others. When God asks us to go, he always directs our steps.
You can grab Rachelle’s book here:
Learn more about Rachelle and Scarlet Hope here:
Who doesn’t want to bring out the best in their kids? I think all of us do!
This podcast was one that really got me thinking and had me talking with my kids immediately after.
Here are some things his book goes into and what we talked about on the podcast
To be empowered with effective relational parenting skills.
Children who will almost immediately and positively respond to a new parenting approach Principles that are easily adaptable to the full spectrum of school-age children. Dramatic improvement in communication as the principles are adopted and consistently applied A more joy-filled home complete with understanding and purpose. Grab Miles Book:Leave a review if this podcast has encouraged you.
Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? Have you ever moved into a new place and craved community but didn’t know how to find it?
This was me a few years ago. We moved to a new state the week COVID shut down the world. SPOILER ALERT: Not a great time to build community or new friendships.
We lived in a new neighborhood bustling with new families, but I didn’t really feel connected to anyone. It seemed as if everyone had their own group, and no one had kids our age so it didn’t automatically match up. But what I learned is if I really wanted community I needed to ask for it. So I did….
Listen to this episode today to see how one simple text led to a community that has been lifegiving.
Grab our childen’s book:
Families are struggling to connect and grow together. Social media influencer and father of four, Andy Dooley, wants to change that. His new book, Building a Family of Faith: Simple and Fun Devotions to Draw You Close to Each Other and Nearer to God wants to help families connect to God and each other.
We talk about:
Andy Dooley is committed to empowering today's families as a passionate leader, pastor, and fitness professional. He has been working with young people and families for over eighteen years through sports, fitness, and ministry. He is a Men's Health contributor, and he holds multiple fitness certifications with International Sports Sciences Association. He is the author of Walk in Faith: 5-Minute Devotions for Teen Guys. He is happily married to Tiffany, and they have four gorgeous children, Hope, Skylee, Andy II, and Ava, and live in Seattle, Washington.
Grab his book here:
Connect with Andy
Deborah Liu is a seasoned technology executive based in Silicon Valley. She is currently the president and CEO of Ancestry, the company at the forefront of family history and consumer genomics. Prior to this, she served on the leadership team of Facebook, where she was the vice president of Facebook App Commerce. During her time there, she founded Facebook Marketplace and created Facebook Pay, Facebook Audience Network, and App Ads.
Deb and I talk about her new book Take Back Your Power. Ten Rules for Women at Work.
Deb and I go in depth about her journey as a CEO, wife, and mother of three. We talk about her going after her dreams, but also creating a home. We talk about partnerships in marriage and how choosing the right mate is one of the most important things we can do. A real eye-opener for me is when she talks about the different lanes her and her husband operate in, and how they don’t critique each other’s lanes. This advice alone will save some marriages ;)
We talk about different seasons in life, and why that really matters. We talk about giving ourselves grace and doing what we can in the season that is in front of us.
As an ambitious woman this interview was such an encouragement to me.
Get her book
Follow her on instagram
Pat Bradley is the President of International Crisis Aid, one of the first organizations to show up in “no-go zones” where starvation, disease, and danger are a part of everyday life. A humble beginning turned into life-saving efforts for people living in crisis in eleven different countries. Crisis Aid is committed to “helping the helpless” with relief efforts locally and globally, equipping those who are beyond the crisis to take responsibility by providing programs that train, inspire, and move them to independent, self-sustaining living. Pat and Susan, his wife of more than forty years, live in St. Louis. They have two adult children and six grandchildren.
Pat Bradley stared out the back car window at seventy displaced people huddling together under a few trees to escape the blistering African heat. They had fled their village in South Sudan in the middle of the night as it was destroyed amid a bloody civil war that had indiscriminately claimed the lives of young and old family members alike. As these desperate, mourning survivors became smaller in the back window, they grew ever bigger in Pat’s heart. He knew they wouldn’t survive unless someone did something―and quickly. But he was just a normal guy―a formerly divorced recovering alcoholic who worked at an ad agency. What could he possibly do?
From that moment forward, Pat Bradley refused to do nothing.
In this interview, we talk about how all of us can DO SOMETHING, wherever we find ourselves.
Get to know Crisis Aid
Get Pat’s book: Born For Rescue
Today I talk to author Shannan Martin, who wrote the book Start with Hello (And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors) In this practical, compelling book, author Shannan Martin shares simple practices for living as a more open-hearted, empathetic neighbor who sees past what divides us, looks for common ground, and is rewarded with vibrant and enduring connection.
There are so many ways, both intentionally and unintentionally, we wall ourselves off from one another, yet we are truly better, healthier, and happier together. The good news is authentic connection can be found. Martin shares how to:
This episode is so good!
Get Shannan’s new book:
Get to know Shannan on Instagram:
Check out Shannan’s website:
Have you ever felt off in your personal or professional life? Have you ever felt like you couldn’t find peace in your purpose? Do you ever feel frazzled? This is the podcast for both you and ME!
Today we have leadership guru Jeremie Kubicek, a global speaker, a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and a serial entrepreneur. As Co-Founder of GiANT, he works to certify leaders inside and coaches/consultants on an operating system that unlocks the potential of leaders inside organizations like Google, Microsoft, the US Air Force, Chick-fil-A, and thousands of small, medium, and large companies.
We talk about his new book The Peace Index and after a near-tragic accident, Jeremie’s philosophy on life and work changed dramatically. He works tirelessly to help people see
life from a bigger perspective, and The Peace Index is one of those examples.
The simple idea is this.
How do you have inner Peace when there is very little outward Peace?
Jeremie has created a powerful assessment that people can use as a daily/weekly benchmark around Purpose, People, Place, Personal Health and Provision to help understand where people are off, and he gives them practical things to do each and every day to improve those numbers.
Things we talk about and his book covers:
Take your peace index assessment
Grab Jeremie’s book: The Peace Index
Learn more about GiANT
Today I have the lovely Lauren Chandler on the podcast. Lauren is passionate about writing, music, and leading worship at her home congregation, The Village Church, and across the country. She is the author of two Bible studies, including With Us in the Wilderness, and two other books including one for children: Goodbye to Goodbyes. Lauren and her husband, pastor Matt Chandler, live with their three children in Flower Mound, Texas.
Today we talk about what it looks like to praise God in all seasons of life. The good and the bad, which inspired her new children’s book, Praise Him. Lauren’s lyrical lines are accompanied by whimsical illustrations and encourage children that no matter day or night, wherever they go, they can praise God continually.
You will fall in love with Lauren and her heart.
Get to know Lauren here:
Grab her book Praise Him.
Kayla Stoecklein became an unexpected widow in August 2018 when her husband, Andrew, the pastor of their large church in California, died by suicide. With three young boys also grieving and a heart full of pain, it became her mission to bring hope and help to others who have faced unexpected hardships. (GMA interview)
A few years ago in a conversation with a friend Kayla shared these words with her, “I had this beautiful life, I had everything I could have ever asked for and more, and it’s like that whole life died with Andrew and I was handed a brand-new life that I never saw coming. And I so desperately want to believe that this new life, even though it looks really different than before, can still be beautiful too. It’s as if I am rebuilding beautiful.”
Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Kayla’s book Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who's on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.
Sometimes, the journey from agony to awe takes time. Rebuilding Beautiful is the perfect roadmap for anyone who's on the path from heartache to a life that is a new kind of beautiful.
Get Kayla’s book here:
Get to know Kayla
I am so honored to have NYT best-selling author Max Lucado on today.
Max’s books have sold more than 96 million copies in 56 languages worldwide with more than 145 million total products in print branded with his name and words.
This was a dream interview for me as I have always been a Max Lucado fan and so many of his books have touched my life. We talk about his new book, Help is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
You will love Max and the way he speaks simply with compassion. You can hear his heart for others in everything. If you have ever been overwhelmed by life, circumstances, or wonder how you can do it all, this is the podcast interview for you.
Get Max’s new book here:
Connect with Max here:
Some say the most important times with our kids are the beginning of the day and the end of the day with, but those had become some of the most stress-filled, rushed, chaotic moments of our time together.
We were rushing out the door, many times there were tears from me or the kids in the mornings. At night I was counting down the moments for alone time because I was done for the day.
This short 10-minute podcast I give two things that helped me make mornings a little calmer and more carefree, and bedtimes more peaceful.
If you ever struggle with either of those times of day, this one is for you.
Get our children’s book here:
If this was an encouragement to you, please leave us a review.
Have you ever wondered why people act the way they do, or why you and your spouse see the same thing so differently? Why our kids can’t seem to just “get” it. Why can’t people think like you?
It can be frustrating at times, but when we learn to see through the lens of others, it helps us tremendously love others the way they need loved.
That’s why I wanted to have Enneagram Experts Jeff and Beth McCord on the podcast. We talk about who we are and why it is so crucial to be aware of how we view ourselves and the world. I have found the more I know about myself and others, the more love and grace I can give myself and others around me.
Part of their mission is to help others, break free from self-condemnation, fear, and shame by knowing and experiencing the unconditional love, forgiveness, and freedom in Christ.
Beth and Jeff McCord, founders of Your Enneagram Coach: Their upcoming book More Than Your Number: A Christ-Centered Enneagram Approach to Becoming AWARE of Your Internal World is the enneagram book I’ve been looking for years. If you feel like knowing your enneagram number is limiting and even debilitating, the McCords show how everyone has a bit of all nine enneagram numbers in them. They have ideas to show how empowering and enlightening the enneagram can be for parents. (I also love how well they fuse the Gospel into the enneagram. It is powerful.)
Pre-order their book here.
Learn more about the enneagram coach and all of their resources here.
This week we are focusing on all the back-to-school questions! One of the big ones, is how do we get our kids to open up to us, to tell us what’s really going on? How many times have you asked your kids, “how was your day?” only to get a generic answer like, “good, or ok?”
Today in this short 10-minute podcast I am sharing the two questions that have opened up communication for me and my kiddos. I hope these simple questions might be able to help you too.
Please visit us over on Instagram@bestrongstory and share your questions and tips.
Sopha Rush is married to the most amazing man of God, Anthony Rush Jr., mother to her two amazing boys Harlem & Bronx, and Founder of Livedeeplyrooted. Sopha is passionate about helping others discover their purpose and truth about themselves.
Sopha just came out with a 100 day devotion to help us to live deeply rooted in Christ. As a mom of two littles she has found herself wanting to do it all, but knowing there are seasons for everything, but the one thing she has found that she can’t live without is Jesus.
Sopha gives us some practical ways to stay firmly rooted in Jesus when we are busy, stressed, overwhelmed, and feel like we can’t add one more thing to our plate. Or when life is hard and joy seems unattainable.
If we want to help our kids know and love time with Jesus, we need to model it ourselves. I can’t wait for you to hear Sopha and her practical ways and incredible story of how she found freedom and joy in Jesus when she experienced abandonment at a young age.
Get Sopha’s devotional here:
Get to know Sopha here:
Today I have on Heather Avis who is the founder and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, a social awareness brand on a mission to make a more inclusive and loving world with an emphasis on shifting the Down syndrome narrative.
The author of Everyone Belongs and the New York Times bestselling children’s book Different—A Great Thing to Be!
She runs The Lucky Few's hit Instagram account and is the author of a book and co-host of the podcast by the same name. A former education specialist teaching high school students, Heather is a popular speaker and a mother to three adopted children (two with Down syndrome).
Heather and I talk about what it’s like to make spaces where everyone feels like they belong.
We talk about her life with two kids who have down syndrome, and how she wants to help change the narrative.
We talk about how we can make others with disabilities feel welcome, even if we don’t know what to do, and be uncomfortable.
You will gain so much knowledge in this conversation.
Listen to the link here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-love-do-good-with-kristi-hayes/id1451620813
Grab Heathers new book here: Everyone Belongs
Learn more about Heather:
www.HeatherAvis.com / @TheLuckyFewOfficial
Can you believe school is almost here? Some of us can’t wait, and some of us are wondering how we are going to get all the thing done before they head back.
In the midst of reminding our kids to finish their required summer reading, and school shopping, and all the other things we forgot, I want to talk today about preparing our kids hearts for the school year.
Today in this short podcast I talk about two things that we do to help our kid’s hearts and minds prepare for the new year.
If you have little ones here is a children’s book that can help get your kiddos hearts and minds ready.
This month we have some of the best of the best coming your way. We pulled from some of the most listened to podcasts of the year. We didn’t want you to miss some of the most talked about and listened to interviews.
Today we are re-releasing our conversation with the relatable and hilarious Jami Nato is sharing making intentional parenting simple. I love how she gives us permission to not do all the things. Just one thing at a time when it comes to parenting, and it starts with us!
Jami is the best at sharing ideas that all of us can do! Jami is a blogger, amazing mother, speaker, and one of my favorite parent instagram influencers.
Today she talks about so many wise nuggets, especially to make intentional parenting simple, and how it starts with giving grace to ourselves.
Some things we chat about:
God gave us these exact children for a reason.
How to dig into the heart of your child and build intentional relationships.
Give yourself grace. Stop believing the lies that you are a bad parent or not enough.
Resources we talked about:
Connect with Jami
Be love quick tip today is it starts with you? I couldn’t get this point out of my mind, before I can start to intentionally parent my kiddos I have to start with getting myself full. Start small, listen to something uplifting while you drive kids to school or work, while you do laundry, start the morning with some quiet time with God, it’s more
This month we have some of the best of the best coming your way. We wanted to re-release this important episode with Jemar Tisby, if you missed this one, you will definitely want to catch up today!
All of us want our kids to stand up to injustices in our world. As Christians we are to love others, come alongside one another, and help each other understand our God given worth and dignity. Fighting Racism should be something we want to dive into headfirst and do everything in our power to make sure this is not happening on our watch.
Today we are talking about how to fight racism, with Jemar Tisby, New York Times Best-Selling author. He has written the Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism and How to Fight Racism (Young Reader’s Edition).
If you have ever wanted to talk to your kids about racism but just didn’t know where to start or didn’t know if you had the knowledge to give them the right tools, this is the conversation for you.
Jemar is a historian, author, and speaker, and helps teach and guide us on how to help ourselves and raise our kids to fight racism.
Sometimes an important topic like this can feel overwhelming to tackle but in Jamar’s book How to Fight Racism he dives into three things:
Awareness
Relationship
Advocacy
I promise after this episode you will understand the importance of understanding others and you will be confident to start or continue the conversation with your family.
Don’t miss this one!
Learn more about Jemar Tisby
Grab his books: The Color of Compromise, How to Fight Racism, How to Fight Racism (Young Readers Edition)
This month we have some of the best of the best coming your way. We pulled from some of the most listened to podcasts of the year. We didn’t want you to miss some of the most talked about and listened to interviews. Today we are re-releasing our conversation with founders of She Works His Way, and our conversation of is there such a thing as work life balance and what does it look like.
The age old question for almost every parent is,“How do we find work/life balance?
Is there even such a thing? Many times, it feels like if we just balanced it all we would have a full, complete, and happy life. But sometimes that balance feels like a big unicorn in the sky, something completely unattainable.
If you are a parent who continues to struggle with this, Somer and Michelle are here to help us rethink this question. They are here to give us some practical tools and perspective of what it looks like to dispel the notion of the world that we must have it all together; that we have to wear all the hats perfectly.
Somer and Michelle wrote the book She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get-Things-Done World. She also founded She Works His Way a place for working women to be discipled.
With passion and wisdom, Myers and Phoebus challenge the modern-day thinking about "boss babe" mentality, helping working women place all dreams, goals, and side hustles under the authority of Jesus.
As a mom who is an entrepreneur and loves to work this was such an encouraging and uplifting conversation and helped me see what really matters in the grand scheme of things.
Buy She Works His Way Book:
Connect on instagram:
Learn more: https://sheworkshisway.com/
This month we have some of the best of the best coming your way. We pulled from some of the most listened to podcasts of the year. We didn’t want you to miss some of the most talked about and listened to interviews. Today we are re-releasing our conversation with Carlos Whittaker, the human hope dealer!
He embodies our podcast’s definition of Be Love. do good. You may have read Carlos’ books, or maybe you have seen his good deeds on Good Morning America, the Nick Cannon Show, or anywhere they have gone viral, like raising a tip for Tonee the Piano man, or helping a woman get a service dog, or helping teens in Brooklyn.
Carlos sees people, like really sees people. People call him the Hope Dealer. He gives hope to people everyday and shares it with his hundreds of thousands of social media followers.
He gets to the heart of people and his passion is to help others see people too. People who are different from you, people you have bias against, people who get on your last nerve.
Today Carlos tells us story after story of how he has seen people tear down the walls and get to know others, which brings perspective and open hearts. Carlos gives us tangible ways of how to take the first step.
I promise you, you will be so encouraged and inspired to see others and love others better after this interview.
I am so thankful for people like Carlos in this world. He truly makes this world a better place.
Get to know Carlos here:
Carlos Instagram
Don’t forget to subscribe and review our podcast. We would be so appreciative.
I have heard people ask about certain things, “Is it too late?” And I would say, “It’s never too late,” especially when it comes to apologizing. Today on this short episode I am reminded why it is so important to say, “sorry.”
I talk about when my husband came to Holden and asked for his forgiveness for not giving him space to process his emotions. I talk about how hard it is for me to say, “I am sorry,” because admitting I’m sorry feels like I am wrong, and I love being right!
This short episode reminds us it’s never too late to say we are sorry, even if the outcome isn’t what we want it to be, even if things aren’t “fixed.” Sorry is a powerful word, so we can’t be afraid to say it.
Today we laughed A LOT! If you don’t know the Skit Guys may I introduce you to some of the greatest and funniest people you will ever meet. Today we talk about their new feature film Family Camp. Family camp is fun for all ages, a movie you will want to take your family to. Through each scene and family portrayed you will see yourself in a little bit of all of the characters.
Tommy and Eddie talk about how this was a dream of theirs for years. What it looks like to have open hands and let God direct your steps, and how God, laughter, and fun can all go together.
I promise you will be smiling after this conversation and will be inspired to parent with grace, forgiveness and vulnerability.
Check out how you can get the film on demand or DVD June 28th.
Follow Family Camp on instagram or Facebook
Get to know more about Tommy and Eddie here
Get their book about friendship Smells like Bacon
I don’t know about you but there isn’t a compliment I don’t love, or that makes me feel good. So why is it, we don’t tell people more the positive things we are thinking about them? Are we nervous they will think we are crazy? Especially if they are a stranger?
I was reminded this week as several strangers complimented me on things, how great that felt, and how it really made my day, so much that it inspired a podcast episode.
Today in this short podcast I remind all of us if we are thinking something kind about someone, tell them, RIGHT THAT MOMENT. Words matter. If all of us made a commitment to share great things with others, to make someone’s day, to just say out loud what we were thinking, it would make a difference, I promise.
Let’s do it this week!
Today I have on author, licensed counselor, podcaster, and co-founder of Living Wholehearted, a professional counseling and organizational development firm, and Courageous Girls, an online curriculum equipping moms and daughters for every stage of their growing years.
Terra and I discuss the mother/daughter relationship, why it can be so tumultuous, and how we can connect throughout the years.
We talk through some of the biggest fears parents have in raising their kids and how we can navigate these.
We also talk about one of the things I am learning a lot about, creating space for our own feelings and our kids’ feelings. How to normalize emotions so our kids grow up with a healthy understanding of them.
Grab Terra’s book Courageous Daughters: Rooted in Grace
Get Terra’s online courses for moms and daughters here;
Get to know Terra better here:
Today I am talking with Natalie Silverstein author of Simple Acts: The Busy Teen’s Guide to Making a Difference and Simple Acts: The Busy Family's Guide to Giving Back she is the go to when it comes to helping our family live a life of service to others.
Natalie gives us practical ways we can help our kids, and especially teens, live a life outside themselves. We talk about ways we can come alongside our kids and teens to help them live the long game of service.
Some things we discuss:
Making service a priority in our family.
How do we serve others when we are so busy?
How can we help our kids serve in their passions and talents?
How do we get our teens off their phones and off the couch to go be a changemaker.
Connect with Natalie:
Get her books:
Follow her on Facebook
Follow her on Instagram
This week I am talking all things summer! First of all can you even believe school is almost out? Some of us are so excited, some of us have that “deer in the headlights” look because you can’t believe it is already here! What in the world are you going to do all summer with kiddos at home. Especially if you work full time out of the house.
I give some ideas of how to teach a “life skill” this summer, some expectations you can give so your kids so their eyeballs don’t fall out from watching tv, and some ways we personally as parents can be present.
Follow along on our instagram for more ideas
Bestrongstory
And make sure you sign up for our newsletter this week for our Bucket list PDF, and our This or That PDF.
Today I have on marriage experts Carla and Byron Weathersbee who founded Legacy Family Ministries. We talk about why having a strong marriage is important when it comes to having a strong family unit. We talk about ways we can make sure we strengthen our marriage when it gets hard, getting help in the rough patches, and how to make marriage a priority when life gets chaotic, (we can all raise our hands), and so much more.
We could have talked for hours about so many different things when it comes to the importance of marriage, but I know this will inspire you and give you some great ideas of how to foster your own marriage.
Marriage is one of the greatest gifts, but sometimes it has to be fought for, and sometimes it can be full of pain, but when we fight for one another, and learn to love one another through the hard, you can find beauty on the other side.
Get to know Byron and Carla https://countdowntomarriage.com/home
Follow them on social:
Would you do us a favor and leave us a review? We would be so appreciative.
And don’t forget to follow us on our socials:
@bestrongstory on Facebook and Instagram
Today I talk to Becky Leach, a writer, author, artist, and a survivor of sexual assault. Becky just released one of the most vulnerable and brave books called: THE PIVOT: Believing God When You Really, Really, Don’t Want To.
We talk about the secret she held in for over 30 years, what happened when she finally told her truth, and how God came alongside her in her most difficult circumstances. She talks about real times when she didn’t believe God could handle her pain, and how she chose to believe in Him even when she didn’t feel like it.
You will immediately fall in love with Becky and her heart for others. We are so appreciative that she shares her painful journey so others can be free.
Grab her book here:
Learn more about Becky here:
Follow Becky in Instagram: Beckyleachtx
Today I have on the podcast author Anjuli Paschall and she teaches us how to stay awake to what really matters. Many times, we are looking for the next big thing before we feel successful, happy, fulfilled. Anjuli reminds us to stay awake to small moments that mean everything, and to not miss what’s right in front of us. She gives us practical ways we can do this daily. Grab Anjuli’s book Get to know Anjuli
This week I am diving into the ways we have identified our kiddo’s God-given passions and talents and how they can creatively serve and love others with them. Our kids are very different and the way they serve others is also very different.
I have a kiddo who is extroverted and one who is more shy around others, loving others looks different for them.
Being curious about our kids and helping them identify what gifts they have and how they can use those to serve others has been a goal of mine as they grow. One of my kids love to build things. So how do I help him find opportunities to use that skill to serve? One of my kids loves and I mean LOVES little kids. How can I provide her with opportunities to use that gift?
In this podcast I give you practical ways to be a student of your children, to help identify what they love, and simple ways you can find places for them to love others in their gifts.
It’s a short one today but packed with ideas for you!
If you have been encouraged by our podcast, would you leave us a REVIEW? Reviews help us tremendously and helps us know how to serve you better!
One of the quotes that has stayed with me after this interview is “You don’t need to wait for a desired outcome before you start healing.” Lisa Appelo tells her story of how her life was turned upside down after a shocking tragedy upended their family. She shares with us the details of her grief, the messy in between of healing, and how God put her life back together again when she thought it was over.
You will be touched by her story, her faith, and the hope she regained. If you want to hear more of her story, please grab her new book: Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart.
Learn more about Lisa:
Follow her on Instagram: lisaappelo
If this episode or any others encouraged you, would you please leave us a review?
This is the second part of my interview with Jason Ramos. If you haven’t heard the first part take a listen here.
Jason’s story is filled with brokenness, trauma, abuse, drugs, and prison, and how God completely transformed his life.
Sometimes we think there are some people who will never change, or they are too far gone. Many of us have loved ones we have given up on or felt like they were hopeless.
This story will help us see into a perspective many of us will never know. It helps us really SEE people. It’s a story of God’s power in the life of one of his children.
This is part 1 of my 2 part interview with Jason Ramos. This week I am sharing a story of complete transformation. And it’s too unbelievable to just do one part, so we broke it into 2.
Jason’s story is filled with brokenness, trauma, abuse, drugs, and prison, and how God completely transformed his life.
Sometimes we think there are some people who will never change, or they are too far gone. Many of us have loved ones we have given up on or felt like they were hopeless.
This story will help us see into a perspective many of us will never know. It helps us really SEE people. It’s a story of God’s power in the life of one of his children.
Tune in next week for the second part of my interview with Jason.
How many times do we ask the question or get asked “How are you?”
And the response is, “I am just so busy!”
I understand as parents, employees, caretakers it can feel like life will never slow down.
Many times, we go through life rushing from responsibility to responsibility and we miss the most important things right in front of us. PEOPLE. I know, if I have packed my schedule and create no space to be interrupted or to pay attention to the needs right in front of me, I will miss it every time.
Today I talk about 2 ways we can “see“ others, some ways we can shine God’s light on others without missing someone in need or in pain because we are just TOO busy. As busy as we all are we have a choice to slow it down and to ask God every day to “SEE” someone, to bring encouragement to one another. We all know that a kind word or even gesture can change someone’s entire day. Let’s be people that create space to see others.
If you have been encouraged by one of our podcasts, would you please leave a review?
Grab our children’s book here The true story of how a lunchbox note changed our family.
Bring some tissues to this episode! Today I interviewed Randy Hartley who is the father portrayed in the movie and the book Beautifully Broken. It’s about three fathers who fight to save their families, their lives becoming intertwined in an unlikely journey across the globe where they learn the healing power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Y’all, if this wasn’t a true story you would never believe it was real. Randy takes us on an unbelievable journey of how one man’s family was changed forever by a Rwandan refugee.
In this interview we talk about unimaginable pain and suffering and how we can come out restored and offer forgiveness. I can’t even do it justice to try to explain how this story unfolds. Do yourself a favor and listen to a story that will change you.
Buy Randy’s book Beautifully Broken and watch the movie.
Have you ever had a kid wake up cranky, be unhappy about the breakfast you woke up early to make, and you still keep a calm and sweet attitude? That’s a hard pass for me. Griping and complaining from others can ruin my mood quickly. How many times do we let someone else; our kids, our spouse, our friends dictate the way we feel, the way we view ourselves?
Jess puts me through a little life coaching session, and we figure out how I can be responsible for how I want to feel, even if others around me might not be up to my expectations. And speaking of expectations; we talk about how the ones we put on others, the unfair ones and the ones not met, impact us.
Jess Klasnick is a life coach who specializes in helping us get unstuck in our attitudes and feelings.
Learn more about Jessica’s coaching: https://www.jessicaklasnick.com/
I read a book recently called Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms. A publicist had reached out to see if we wanted to have the author on the podcast and she sent me a copy of the book. You need to know that I truly research everyone on our show, and read their stuff to see if they will be valuable to our audience. I do this because I want to give our listeners something that will help them strengthen their own family so they can love others outside their immediate family well
I honestly was a little nervous to read this book, not because I don’t love habits, but I thought it might feel like more things to do in our already busy schedule or even guilt that we aren't doing some habits we should be. BUT…. this book is none of those things. There is so much grace in Justin and this book, and it is wild to see how many things we are already doing in our family that we can just add a little intention to and it will change everything.
I loved this conversation so much; it made me think, challenged me, and also encouraged me that we are on the right track. You will get some tangible action items immediately after listening to this episode to put habits in your family that could truly change your family dynamic.
Get Justin's book: Habits of the Household
Or his first book: The Common Rule
Connect with Justin https://www.justinwhitmelearley.com/
There is a quote I have been mulling over for some time. “We can’t expect our kids to have a heart for others if we never show them the needs of others”.
As parents we all want our kids to care and love others. We want them to care about the needs of the world, but we as parents also have to show them. Sometimes this can feel overwhelming because there are so many needs and we feel like we have so little time.
Listen to this short podcast today where I give 3 simple ways we can help our kids build compassion for others by showing up for them.
Grab our children’s book that talks all about loving others.
If this podcast inspired you we would love for you to share it and leave a review.
Follow us on our social media channels @bestrongstory
I have had Dr. Flanagan on several times, because his words of wisdom and his therapist’s heart are always something that is perfect when I am struggling with a certain area in life. Kelly is a therapist and the author of two amazing books: Loveable and True Companions.
How do we expect our kids to live life with open hearts and love toward others if we aren’t
modeling this daily. Whether it is when we are griping about public opinions on national discourse, or treating someone online with animosity; our kids are watching everything we do. How can we bring open heartedness to all of our interactions, how can we recognize when we close our hearts to others?
Kelly and I dive into the ego and self-protection and why this impacts everything we do including parenting, loving others, and being who God created us to be. Many times we are parenting out of our own wounds that need to be healed.
I can’t wait to hear what you think?
Connect with Dr. Kelly Flanagan
Past BE LOVE. do good episodes with Kelly
Have you ever been in a season of brokenness? Maybe you are in the depths of that season right now. Today I am speaking with Toni Collier, gifted communicator, author, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color.
Toni shares her own story of brokenness with us and inspires us that even in the hardest of times we can stay hopeful. Toni shares with us her past of leaving an abusive marriage, finding ways to provide for her daughter, and her fears along the way.
No matter what your story is, your past, your present right now, she reminds us “Nothing we have done, no matter how devastating or devious, can push us too far out of His love to reach us, rescue us, and restore us.”
Connect with Toni:
Website:http://tonijcollier.com/
For resources about Hope after Brokenness visit Broken Crayons Still Color
Steve is one of my favorite guests on the show, not just because he has a British accent, but because he is full of wisdom and advice for how parents can lead their kids.
Steve is a guru of leadership and an expert in personalities. He is the co-founder of Giant Worldwide a global leadership consulting company, and he has co-authored several books,
The 5 voices is the one we dive into today.
So many times as parents it is hard to parent the kids who are different from us, but Steve gives us the tools of how to truly know your kids, and how to nurture them to be who God created them to be.
We go in depth into personalities, how to parent with high support and high challenge, and his top 2 things of how to raise great kids.
You will leave this conversation with confidence and tools to be the parent you knew you could be.
Get to know Steve:
Take the 5 voices free personality assessment:
Get his book the 5 voices
I don’t know about you but most families these days are BUSY. Whether it is our family or others I talk to, our life consists of carpooling, sports’ schedules, homework, late dinners, and full time working. Your life might look similar or a different busy if you are in the throes of toddler days of nap times, and schedules.
No matter what I hear from others all the time, how do we make quality time with our kids, something they crave and need the most, when our life is full.
This podcast I am giving some quick tips on how we can carve out time with our family, or add intentional time to the things we are already doing. Like intentional convo in the car, or commitment to dinners even if they are late.
I walk you through a few ways you can start to make quality time a part of your life with your kids.
I promise you will be able to apply one of these to your life this week!
Things we talk about:
Make sure you get your Noteworthy cards from Christian Parenting this month. These are sweet notes you can use to encourage your kids daily. Check it out here.
Check out our Children’s book about Loving Others
I don’t know about you, but this year has been full of things that can create anxiety in ourselves and our kids. Maybe for the first time you have experienced anxiety or are starting to see your kids feel anxious and need help.
Dr. Chinwe is a therapist who specializes in anxiety in adolescents and teens. She has also co-authored the book Seen: Healing Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teens through the Power of Connection.
We talk about how to notice signs of anxiety in our kids, what is causing this, and ways we can help our kids through this. She gives us practical tips and tools to navigate many emotions that may never have been experienced by our kids before.
Dr. Chinwe gives us hope and encouragement that we will get through this together and she gives us the tools to do so.
Get her book SEEN
Connect with Dr. Chinwe on instagram
More about Dr. Chinwes work
The age old question for almost every parent is, “How do we find work/life balance?
Is there even such a thing? Many times, it feels like if we just balanced it all we would have a full, complete, and happy life. But sometimes that balance feels like a big unicorn in the sky, something completely unattainable.
If you are a parent who continues to struggle with this, Somer and Michelle are here to help us rethink this question. They are here to give us some practical tools and perspective of what it looks like to dispel the notion of the world that we must have it all together; that we have to wear all the hats perfectly.
Somer and Michelle wrote the book She Works His Way: A Practical Guide for Doing What Matters Most in a Get-Things-Done World. She also founded She Works His Way a place for working women to be discipled.
With passion and wisdom, Myers and Phoebus challenge the modern-day thinking about "boss babe" mentality, helping working women place all dreams, goals, and side hustles under the authority of Jesus.
As a mom who is an entrepreneur and loves to work this was such an encouraging and uplifting conversation and helped me see what really matters in the grand scheme of things.
Buy She Works His Way Book:
Connect on instagram:
Learn more: https://sheworkshisway.com/
Happy New Year! Today we are talking about how to create healthy habits as a family. What does it look like to be an example to your kids when it comes to moving our bodies and eating healthy? How do we help get our families on board?
This podcast is all about simple steps to help our families make healthy habits. We will talk about nutrition, moving our bodies, mindsets, and how as parents we can be encouraging about healthy behavior instead of nagging or shaming.
In my past I was a health and fitness coach and so I know how tricky some of these topics can be, but also how important and gratifying it is when we figure it out.
Topics discussed:
Some Resources we made:
Week of healthy eating plan.
Weekly Meal Calendar
Please leave us a review if this podcast encouraged you.
Did you know we wrote a children’s book to help families love their communities?
Check out our children’s book here
All of us want our kids to stand up to injustices in our world. As Christians we are to love others, come alongside one another, and help each other understand our God given worth and dignity. Fighting Racism should be something we want to dive into head first and do everything in our power to make sure this is not happening on our watch.
Today we are talking about how to fight racism, with Jemar Tisby ,New York Times Best-Selling author. He has written the Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism and How to Fight Racism (Young Reader’s Edition).
If you have ever wanted to talk to your kids about racism but just didn’t know where to start or didn’t know if you had the knowledge to give them the right tools, this is the conversation for you.
Jemar is a historian, author, and speaker, and helps teach and guide us on how to help ourselves and raise our kids to fight racism.
Sometimes an important topic like this can feel overwhelming to tackle but in Jamar’s book How to Fight Racism he dives into three things:
I promise after this episode you will understand the importance of understanding others, why it’s so important, and you will be confident to start or continue the conversation with your family.
Don’t miss this one!
Learn more about Jemar Tisby
Grab his books: The Color of Compromise, How to Fight Racism, How to Fight Racism (Young Readers Edition)
It’s the New Year, and for many it means goal setting, and reviewing the past year. So many of us make individual missions and goals for the year, but have you ever thought about getting together with your family and making a mission?
This podcast is a step by step on how to make a FAMILY MISSION!
What do you want your family to be known for?
What attributes do you want others to say when describing your family?
What are some areas your family is passionate about?
How can you use your gifts and many God-given talents to serve the world?
We hope you will join us as we share how we created our family mission and how it has impacted us and how you can make your own.
Get your free family mission guide.
Learn more about us: www.bestrongstory.com
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: bestrongstory
Facebook: bestrongstory
Do you need some advice before you head to the holidays with family? Worried about what contentious subjects that might be breached as you are passing the mashed potatoes?
From politics, to vaccines, to racism, families run the gamut on where they stand. I have heard from people all over the country who are already anxious to be with family who might think differently than them.
How do we handle conflict? Differing opinions? When to make boundaries? How to keep tenderhearted to those who push your buttons?
Today Sarah Anderson the author of The Space Between Us: How Jesus Teaches Us to Live Together When Politics and Religion Pull Us Apart
Sarah comes from a political family and helps us navigate how to find things that we have in common, how to be curious with one another, and how to love each other through differing opinions. If you have any anxiety about being with extended family this holiday season this is a must listen.
Today I have probably my favorite guest ever, my 10-year-old daughter Carter Mae.
We talk about her favorite Christmas traditions, what Jesus means to her, and why this season is so special. There is something magical about seeing Christmas through our kids’ eyes. It brings a whole new perspective and joy to the season.
Don’t miss the end where we talk about the hope of the season even when this time might feel really dark. We share our journey with loss during the holiday season, and how light has shown through.
Connect with us on social instagram
Did you know we wrote a children’s book? The perfect gift for the kiddos in your life. It is about the true story of how a lunchbox note changed our life.
Today's podcast is on fire. My guest Bri Stensrud calls us to action to be a family who truly welcomes others. What does a Christlike welcome look like?
Bri Stensrud is the Director of Women of Welcome, she is a human dignity advocate and her passion is to equip others to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues.
We talk about her work with refugees, the border crisis, and how we are called to treat others. If you want first steps of how to teach your family to love what many call the “others”, Bri encourages and challenges us today. She teaches us how to find an injustice that breaks us, and then figure out a way to dive in and be a Christlike advocate.
I promise after this episode you will be ready to challenge your family to live bigger and bolder.
Find out more about Women of Welcome
Connect with Bri on instagram
Check out the new Women of Welcome Bible Studies
I don’t know about you but sometimes around the holidays I dream of simplicity. My stress starts to take over when I know I have forgotten a gift or my kids bring me a list of 1038208378 random gifts they DON’T NEED.
It was wearing me out, and I wanted to get our family back to focusing on the real meaning of Christmas. One for my sanity, and two so my kids could practice what it looked like to truly GIVE instead of just RECEIVE.
In this episode, I give some ideas your family can implement this season to help you get back on track, and teach our kids that giving really is better.
Make sure you grab our GIVING CALENDAR (things to do each day) here and we will send it straight to your inbox!
Advent devotions I love:
Preparing for Christmas Richard Rohr
Resources for kids:
Buy from businesses who make an impact
We are so lucky to have Mary Beth Chapman on the show today. Mary Beth is a mother to 6 kiddos with her husband, singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and are adoptive parents of 3 from China.
Mary Beth is an author of the book, Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope.
Her book details the tragedy of losing their youngest adoptive child and the hope that God brings them in the darkest places and co-founder of non-profit Show Hope that helps break down barriers between waiting children and loving families.
Mary Beth and I talk about life before fame, the wonderful and hard journey of adoption, and their non-profit that helps other families adopt.
Mary Beth is so down to earth and vulnerable in this conversation. I promise our conversation will be a bright spot in your week.
For any questions about adoption check out https://howtoadopt.org/
Follow Show Hope on instagram:
If you are a parent, you know helping our kids navigate friendships is a big part of parenting. That’s why today I wanted to bring on my friend and producer Jeanette Tapley to give us all the advice on helping our kids make and become good friends.
We talk about everything from drama to boundaries; it all makes this show.
We cover it all! Whether you are dealing with mean girl drama, or a new teen who needs some help setting boundaries, this is the friendship episode for you.
Connect with Jeanette:
Jeanette’s instagram
Listen to her podcast It’s Time for Coffee
Wanna raise grateful kids? Here are a few tips to help keep gratitude at the forefront in your family.
We all need a little extra dose of gratitude this year and since November is the month of being thankful, I thought this would be the perfect time to make sure we did a few things as a family that kept gratitude front and center.
Join us on our grateful challenge this month!
Listen to this episode for simple ways we are helping our family keep gratitude at the center and some things you can do today; like implementing a gratitude jar, journal, or ideas to encourage others.
Don’t forget to check out our social media to tell us your grateful ideas.
We would be so honored if you subscribed or left a review.
Did you know we wrote a children’s book: Check it out here
Today we have the definition of Be Love. do good on our podcast, our guest Carlos Whittaker. You may have read Carlos’ books, or maybe you have seen his good deeds on Good Morning America, the Nick Cannon Show, or anywhere they have gone viral, like raising a tip for Tonee the Piano man, or helping a woman get a service dog, or helping teens in Brooklyn.
Carlos sees people, like really sees people. People call him the Hope Dealer. He gives hope to people everyday and shares it with his hundreds of thousands of social media followers.
He gets to the heart of people and his passion is to help others see people too. People who are different from you, people you have bias against, people who get on your last nerve.
Today Carlos tells us story after story of how he has seen people tear down the walls and get to know others, which brings perspective and open hearts. Carlos gives us tangible ways of how to take the first step.
I promise you, you will be so encouraged and inspired to see others and love others better after this interview.
I am so thankful for people like Carlos in this world. He truly makes this world a better place.
Get to know Carlos here.
Follow Carlos on Instagram
Don’t forget to subscribe and review our podcast. We would be so appreciative.
The relatable and hilarious Jami Nato is sharing making intentional parenting simple. I love how she gives us permission to not do all the things. Just one thing at a time when it comes to parenting, and it starts with us!
Jami is the best at sharing ideas that all of us can do! Jami is a blogger, amazing mother, speaker, and one of my favorite parent Instagram influencers.
Today she talks about so many wise nuggets, especially to make intentional parenting simple, and how it starts with giving grace to ourselves.
Some things we chat about:
Resources we talked about:
Connect with Jami
Don’t forget to listen to our BE LOVE QUICK TIP at then end.
Did you know we wrote a Children’s book about our true story of the lunchbox note that changed our life?
Check it out here:
Today I am in the podcast closet alone, talking about something that inspires me.
When my kids were little my husband traveled during the week. I was exhausted and needed my kids to chip in and help make their lunches, lay out their clothes, small things that made a big difference; things that helped me out.
What I found is that by helping my kids learn to be responsible for their own things, contribute around the house and learn some life skills at an early age, it would pay off in the end.
Today we are talking about how to LET GO as parents, trust our kids and guide them to being their own problem solvers. Sometimes it’s more about US letting go of control and letting our kids make some decisions on their own.
Today I share ideas of what we can do to help our kids thrive on their own:
Follow us on social media:
Today I am interviewing Sally Clarkson, author of multiple parenting books, speaker, blogger, mother to 4 grown amazing children. Sally is the mentor everyone wants to have coffee with. Everyone wants Sally on speed dial when a problem arises in parenting. Sally is a gentle reminder that you are the perfect parent for your kids.
Today we talk about her new book Help, I am drowning, Weathering the Storms of Life with GRACE and HOPE.
From Sally:
“It has taken me a lifetime to learn the truth about what it means to suffer in this world and yet live to see the grace of God. I want to come alongside others so they will not feel as lost or alone as I often have. I want you to know, my friends, that you are seen and loved in the place you find yourself right now.
Friends, I want to encourage you today. I learned, through many of my own stormy seasons, that in order to bring light and truth into a dark world as a follower of Christ, I need to face the harsh realities of disappointment, despair, and difficulties in the real world with courage, faith, wisdom, and light given by Him.”
In this interview I ask practical questions of how do we weather the storms when life feels too hard.
How do we reach out for help in community when it feels too scary?
How do we raise kids who weather storms well?
Sally is a gentle reminder that we are the parent for our kids, and gives us tips to weather the storms.
Make sure you listen to our BE LOVE quick tip at the end, it is one of the most powerful reminders I have ever heard as a mother.
Get in touch with Sally: website
Buy her book
Connect on Instagram
Connect on Facebook
If this podcast encourages you, will you do us a favor and leave a review and subscribe?
This week I have the powerhouse Ashley Abercrombie author of Love is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You’ve Been Avoiding and Create Real Change, and we are talking about the last phrase of our napkin note: LOVING OTHERS, not the people who are easy to love, but the ones we have a hard time loving. You know who they are. And before you roll your eyes at me and think- but that person is just too hard, too different, too opinionated, too ______; listen to this episode about handling conflict, being an example to our kids, and teaching our kids to love, respect, and be curious about other’s stories.
What we find is that we are much closer than we seem if we just get to know each other.
Ashley Abercrombie is like your favorite big sister, teaching you truth through the most loving heart. Ashley is a speaker and writer, popular podcastor of the podcast Why Tho. She is the author of Rise of the Truth Teller: Own Your Story, Tell it Like it is, and Live with Holy Gumption, and the forthcoming Love is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You’ve Been Avoiding and Create Real Change
Learn more about Ashley here:
Get her book: Love is the Resistance:Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You’ve Been Avoiding and Create Real Change
Follow her on socials
Instagram: AshAbercrombie
Make sure you listen to the end for our BE LOVE QUICK TIP OF THE WEEK.
You probably know now, if you listened to our latest episodes, that a simple lunchbox note changed our lives.
Today I am talking about the second phrase on that note “Protect the Weak” - what that means to us, how we live that out, and how as families we can do this together.
We all want our kids to have open hearts, empathy, and truly SEE others, but we have to teach them to be aware. This podcast is all about how to do just that.
I explore these three takeaways:
#1 keep your eyes open/ learn/ ask questions
#2 be in proximity to others who have a different story than you.
#3 Get in the trenches
Some resources and quotes I reference:
Book: Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle
Quote: “There is no them and us. There is only us.” - Gregory Boyle
Quote: The problem with the world is we have forgotten we belong to one another.” -Mother Teresa
Grab your FREE printable daily affirmations for your kids.
Today we are interviewing the generous and kind Dave Hollis, who also happens to be a NYT best selling author, host of the popular Rise Together podcast, keynote speaker, life and business coach and author of the new book Built for Courage.
Dave was our very first guest, and now he is in on our 100th episode.
As parents we desire to help our kids be strong in who God has made them; to be confident in their characteristics and live in their purpose. This can be a tough thing to figure out even in our 40s, so figuring out how to parent our kids to start understanding this when they are young is a huge gift.
Dave and I also talk about the hardships that he has faced in the last few years and how he navigated the grief; what he shared with his kids and how he was an example to them as they will one day face their own disappointments in life.
I encourage any of you who are going through challenges or who have been through something hard to give this one a listen for practical steps of how to help our kids BE STRONG in the hard.
Pre-order Dave’s book here
If you want to be coached by Dave Hollis go here
Follow Dave on Instagram
If this episode or any episode of our podcast touched you, please leave a review, or share with a friend.
Grab our free printable of spiritual affirmations you can print out here for your kid’s mirror or locker.
We are BACK, and we have missed you so much!
In this episode you will hear:
And if you are new to our community we also share how our business, podcast, and children’s book were inspired by a simple lunchbox note that changed our family’s life.
We would love for you to follow this show wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure you grab our free customized lunchbox notes you can print out for your kids’ lunchboxes!
Oh, and sharing is caring. Don’t forget to share this with your fellow parent friends! See you next week with a special guest!
Connect with us:
Instagram: @bestrongstory
Facebook: @bestrongstory
You can get your copy of the book, The Lunchbox Note: A Story of Loving Others, here.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
