Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. with Melissa Radke

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After The Show: The Radkes -Tell It To The Judge Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

We are talking about everything that happened in episode 4 of this week's episode titled Tell It To The Judge. This episode centered around my ability to judge hush puppies. Don't be jealous, because this is a God-given gift. It's also about mine and David's inability to have a regular date night. We've tried, but it can't be done.

It's only possible to have a regular date night if you don't have kids, pets, or bills. I don't know how people make a regular Tuesday night date night work. We're going to be talking about this and also how to keep that dating spark alive when you've run out of everything to do in your town.

Show Notes

[02:19] Today's guest is David Radke.
[03:20] Melissa loves this episode. It made Lufkin look really good.
[04:00] There are a lot of people who don't enjoy living in Lufkin, Dallas, or anywhere else for that matter.
[05:30] There are a lot of things to do in Lufkin. There are a lot of organizations to be a part of. For the size of our town, the amount we give to charity is really outstanding.
[07:04] Melissa talks about how you can drive through Lufkin and you know everybody. Plus, they're memories everywhere.
[09:44] Lufkin can raise your kids, treat you well, and give back to the community.
[10:08] We have the Forest Festival at the Expo Center. Every year they have the hush puppy competition.
[11:45] Melissa wrote a Facebook Manifesto 3 or 4 years ago about how no one would choose her to be a hush puppy festival judge.
[12:02] She was finally asked while they were filming the show.
[12:58] Hush puppies are tied to fried things. David heard that when people were frying things, they would throw a little batter into the oil and then give it to the dog or use it to hush the puppy.
[14:15] Hush puppies are made with cornmeal and other fancy ingredients for the contest.
[16:35] There was also some bribery on the show.
[17:41] I ate so many different has puppies that the recipes all kind of run together, but I'm going to find the winning recipe and publish it here.
[18:21] Aunt Melba's hush puppy recipe may be the original colonial recipe.
[22:10] Date nights. Do we still need them?
[23:01] A classic Annette was that she didn't see the text asking here to sit with the kids.
[23:44] David shared a date that Melissa wasn't on.
[26:19] A date is an evening. It's an event. David took Melissa to the airport and flew her to Washington for an Amy Grant concert. They had backstage passes. It was a night she will never forget.
[28:41] It's really nice when your spouse or partner makes an effort and tries to create an evening that is different.
[28:55] Melissa and Sinbad had a conversation when they went to see him.
[30:20] For David, it's just spending time together and finding a mutual love of each other's interests.
[31:08] Don't live in a comparison trap for your dating life.
[31:39] 2 a.m. patty melts at the Waffle House have been some of David and Melissa's best states.
[32:01] Some of Melissa's favorite dates have been driving in the truck and going to Sonic and just looking at land that they might want to buy some day.
[32:39] You need to make a commitment to have one-on-one time. Family dates are good too. The biggest thing is the time you spend together.
[34:27] One of the reasons I think our show is taking off is because it's relatable. We live and work in a small town and drive a car that desperately needs to be updated.
[35:07] Our show tells the story of life really well.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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Texas State Forest Festival

After the Show: The Radkes - Driving Me Crazy Jun 18, 2019

Show notes

This week's episode of the Radke's entitled Driving Me Crazy is simply about the things we hide. I really did let my license expire, and I hid it from David Radke for over a year. Why? Because I knew he would do what he did and get all Law and Order on me. So, I had to put it off as long as I did.

Sometimes, I may also hide beauty products from David Radke. We are getting older, but men don't get it. David and I talk about my beauty product purchases, and it's all in good fun. You'll have to listen to the end to see if any compromises were made. My good friend Jen who was driving the McLaren last night, stops by and we talk about cars, friendship, our text group, the show, how much fun we had at the grocery store, and our mutual love of Lufkin, Texas.

Show Notes:

[02:04] David got the mail on the day the notice about my license showed up.
[03:20] David would prefer that Melissa had a valid license and drove well.
[04:16] In high school, Melissa was voted worst driver two years in a row.
[05:12] Some of the things that Melissa has hit include a horse, a dog, a TV, two mailboxes, a stop sign, and a truckload of migrant workers.
[06:48] The episode was also about Melissa buying beauty products.
[07:26] The root issue is David keeping Melissa on a budget.
[09:17] David is aging gracefully. He gets better with age.
[11:33] Melissa wants to age gracefully. David likes the finished product. He just wants her to tone down the products.
[13:54] Melissa's friend Jennifer who was on last nights show is here.
[14:52] Jen has a lot of money, but she doesn't like to show it off, so she drives a McLaren.
[15:33] Jen's husband doesn't let Melissa park Big Darla in their parking area on the stone pavers, because she leaks.
[16:43] Melissa and Jen met when their daughters were in preschool. Jen admired Melissa's parking skills.
[17:54] Jen moved Melissa's car when she left it running with the keys in it.
[18:39] That was how they became friends, but Melissa may have been mad for a couple of days.
[20:33] Jen's husband is mature. They have zero problem with it.
[21:52] People who watch Bravo and E have been seeing episodes of The Radkes.
[24:17] The day at the grocery store is what we truly due.
[26:09] Getting cash back on the register is a great tip.
[27:12] Jen's background is different than her real life, but she is the every ordinary girl.
[28:21] Too dumb for New York too ugly for LA. Killing it in Lufkin everyday.
[29:14] Jen loves the small town feel of Lufkin. If you break down, you will get help. When we were at the store, we saw friends all over.
[30:43] Jen tells a story where she accidentally referred to Aunt Melba as Grandma.
[31:50] Jen is an everygirl who can afford to pay the check.
[32:24] We have a group text called Botox, Weaves, and Silicone.
[33:59] Because I want to stay married, I have promised too cut down a bit on my purchases.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

After the Show: The Radkes - Mommy Issues Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

Welcome to After the Show of The Radkes. If you are looking for an explanation for episode 2 Mommy Issues, you have probably guessed by now that there is no explanation. Just like there isn't an explanation for anything else we do on the show. It's really just our lives, our family, and the lovely town of Lufkin, TX.

This week we faced a problem that is rampant among families everywhere, and that is mothers. Either you are one or you got one. That's the thing about mothers. You get messed up by one, then you turn around and mess somebody else up. It's really just a vicious cycle. No one parents with perfection.

This episode brought out some emotion in me. Talk about my daughter and I cry. Talk about my mother and I cry. Hopefully, you will be entertained by the family dynamic of three generations and feel the love that we share for each other.

Show Notes:

[03:21] Melissa, David, Remi, and Melissa's Mother Annette are here to talk about the show.
[04:15] Melissa is always wanting Remi to be more girly.
[05:08] Growing up, Melissa was over the top girly according to Annette.
[08:31] Remi asked Melissa to be her soccer goalie, and she did better than Remi thought she would.
[09:53] Melissa played softball and basketball growing up. Sports weren't really her thing, but she was always up for a good costume and a photo.
[13:08] This episode encapsulated Melissa and Annette's relationship perfectly. They are the yin and Yang or the Dorothy and the Sofia of the Golden Girls.
[13:19] We forgive each other quite often and love each other a lot.
[14:24] We ended up singing together in the show, but Melissa's beef was that Annette didn't ask her before signing her up.
[17:28] The Dixie Chunks. Annette, Melissa, Aunt Melba, and Meredith were singing and wanted to come up with a name. Melissa's Dad suggested the Dixie Chunks, and they fell over laughing, but the name stuck.
[23:39] This was a cute real to life episode balancing the way Melissa s' mother raised her and how Melissa is raising Remi.
[25:09] Melissa had a pony that would roll over when Melissa got on him.
[26:21] David and Melissa are Mitch and Cam from Modern Family, and Melissa looked like Cam with a helmet.
[28:54] Annette, Melissa, and Remi love and adore each other, no matter what. Share this episode with your mother.
[30:15] Be sure to watch the show and subscribe and listen to us talk about After the Show.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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After the Show: Melissa Explains it All

After the Show: Melissa Explains It All Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

Our new show The Radkes is now airing on the USA Network. This is an unscripted show about our family. Real people experiencing real everyday life. The show, is just like the podcast, which is just like our real lives. For the next few episodes while our show is airing, we'll be doing a series of podcasts about the previous night's show.

Episode 1 is called Melissa Explains It All, and it's all about me trying to have "the talk" about sex with my daughter Remy. I did what I could and then deferred to my Aunt Melba who has become a social media and Radkes star in her own right. On this podcast, I have the Attorney General David Radke, and two special guests. My daughter Remy Hope Radke and my Aunt Melba.

If you haven't seen the first Network Episode of The Radkes, it might be fun to watch it before listening to this podcast. If you listen to the podcast first, don't worry, the show isn't as embarrassing as it sounds. It's really just ordinary people living their lives and doing what other ordinary people do. We hope we make you laugh, smile, and find something to relate to.

Show Notes

[04:32] In this episode, Melba is so free with her language on all things sex.
[05:07] Aunt Melba isn't married. She was married happily for many many years to her high school sweetheart.
[05:45] She still wears her wedding ring, so men won't ask her out.
[07:03] Aunt Melba loved her husband, and she loves sex, and she thinks it's from God
[08:03] Remy's status is single and looking to mingle. She's not ready for relationships, but she's ready to know about relationships.
[09:53] The episode is really just about what's going on in our lives at the time.
[10:01] It begins with David sending me explicit text messages with eggplants and question marks.
[11:31] We never know what's going to come out of Remy's mouth. The show isn't scripted.
[15:14] Melba had an emoji run in on her cell phone. People kept sending her <3 which is supposed to be a heart.
[17:02] Melissa's Mom didn't talk to her about sex. Her mother did give her a book about sex and then never followed up.
[18:09] The show is supposed to be fun and lighthearted and make everybody laugh. Coming of age is a very real thing. Most of us come from generations where sex wasn't talked about a lot. David feels the open dialogue is a good thing.
[18:57] Aunt Melba's Mom (Granny) sent her to the pastor and his wife for premarital counseling. They gave her a book to read.
[20:47] If the parents don't leave things open for discussion, it makes the kids more curious to find out about things.
[22:58] There is nothing scripted on our show.
[23:22] Aunt Melba shares her view on cucumbers.
[24:38] Remy is totally cool with the previous episode, she has just grown a lot.
[25:58] We can't thank Melba enough for being on our very first show.
[27:07] Everybody can identify with somebody on the show. Remy was a real trooper to be a part of the show.
[28:21] The goal is to find joy in the ordinary. I hope that is what the Radkes help you do.
[29:36] Subscribe to Ordinary People Ordinary Things to be a part of everything we are doing on the show.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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How to Talk to Your Kids About Sex Without Crying
Body Talk ll…

The Core Four May 29, 2019

Show notes

Recently, my family of four went on the biggest adventure that we have ever been on. We filmed a television show. I know other families have done this. They've done it longer than us, and they've done it better than us. For us, this was a pretty big deal. From the moment the first crew member showed up at our home, we felt like we were embarking on a journey.

I couldn't imagine three other people who I'd rather be on this journey with than David, Remy, and Rocco. On day four, I heard them refer to us as the Core Four. It felt like the four of us were embarking on an adventure that very few people would ever go on. I don't think I've ever felt closer to my Core Four than I did during that time. Today's episode is all about the Core Four and our adventure.

Show Notes:

[05:10] Melissa starting doing videos about three or four years ago. We've had a ton of content. It's funny, relatable, and real. Then Melissa's book came out. A production company reached out to us about three years ago.
[06:35] They pitched to networks and USA was interested. This show came about because of all of the other stuff that Melissa was doing. We prayed about it and this was a door that stayed open.
[07:35] The producers loved Melissa's POV or point of view. It's one that people can identify with. We seemed relatable, because we are.
[10:11] David encouraged Melissa to do the videos and to reply to the emails from the production company.
[10:34] We said yes to the show, because they liked our point of view and then didn't want us to be any different than we are.
[11:13] The mantra for our family is to just go ahead and be courageous.
[12:03] We had a real positive feeling about opening things up for other people who feel the same way that we do. Plus, we have a great core four and extended family and friends.
[12:47] The Radkes premieres on June 4th on the USA Network on Tuesday nights 9:30 Central. The first three episodes will also be on Hulu, YouTube, and watchback. You'll also be able to find it on other streaming platforms that carry the USA Network.
[15:27] The first episode will be released commercial free tonight on Facebook, Instagram or IGTV, and YouTube.
[20:58] It's hard to launch a show even if you do have name recognition. The network is trying to get the word out, so please share and enjoy our show. If you want good family-friendly entertainment it's being provided for you.
[23:55] Our show is an unscripted family sitcom. There are real life family situations, but they are edited to be pretty fast-paced.
[25:28] Remy and Rocco share their opinion on what they think the rest of the family feels about the show.
[25:50] We also discuss the impact of the show on Lufkin. It looks great in the videos.
[30:08] Remy and Rocco share who their core four friends are, and they can't wait for the show to come out.
[31:25] Every Wednesday for the next six weeks we are going to release an after the show podcast.
[32:34] Record episodes or season pass and watch it live or the recording in the first three days to help with the ratings.
[33:14] For us, this isn't just about getting our name out there, we really want to provide some family entertainment where people can sit down and escape and just laugh.
[34:01] Melissa sometimes loses herself watching TV. She hopes people identify with this show and the core four, so that they feel less alone.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

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Soul Survivor May 21, 2019

Show notes

Every scar you have tells a story. Sometimes being vulnerable and telling your story is what you and those around you need. When people are vulnerable with us, we are reminded that we are not alone. The reason I'm talking about this is because my friend Kayla Stoecklein is here to share a story that isn't easy to share. She shares her story in an effort to help others who may be going through painful situations. She is the perfect example of first the pain, then the rising.

Kayla is a recently widowed mom of three busy boys (ages 2, 4, and 6). Prior to the loss of her husband, she was a pastor's wife and stay at home mom. She is now in the process of reinventing her life, figuring out who she is, and what she is passionate about, and what she is gifted at. She is passionate about people, addicted to life change, and defiantly choosing joy everyday as she chases after what she calls "a happy beautiful life" after loss. Her life mantra is "God's Got This."

Show Notes

[03:33] Melissa met Kayla at the Dream Big Intensive. The property was beautiful.
[06:35] A year-and-a-half ago Kayla's husband began having panic attacks. He was the lead pastor of a large church, and he was under a lot of pressure.
[07:20] They were visiting doctors trying to find out what was happening with him.
[08:00] His panic attacks became more severe, and he ended up in the hospital, and they still couldn't figure out the root of his mystery illness.
[08:18] A psychiatrist diagnosed him with depression.
[09:42] He took a sabbatical and was feeling a little bit better. Then he went back to work.
[10:03] He was preparing to talk about mental illness. A lot of people were struggling with this, and they were grateful that he was talking about something that they could relate to.
[11:17] His mental illness took a turn for the worst and he attempted suicide. He ended up in the hospital, but passed away shortly after that.
[11:47] It was shocking for everyone to see a young healthy guy with a young family, who is talking about mental illness, commit suicide.
[12:27] Kayla was a stay-at-home mom, and her whole life revolved around her husband and the church.
[13:07] Kayla was only 29 and was wondering what she was going to do with the rest of her life. She was also very sad, because her and her husband had an incredible relationship.
[14:36] Kayla isn't mad at Andrew, but she is so angry about what happened.
[18:05] It's very difficult walking alongside someone with mental illness, because it's almost like they are two different people.
[18:44] Being able to know and identify triggers is so helpful.
[22:48] Kayla takes things a day at a time. She doesn't have a plan, she just sits with her grief and lets herself feel it.
[25:07] Kayla has been taking time for self-care and doing what she needs to do to enable herself to grieve and get through this season.
[25:55] She is so grateful that she has the luxury of time to grieve in a way that fits her.
[28:40] Kayla has a blog called God's Got This.
[29:42] Her social media blew up and people message her constantly. A majority of the people are walking beside someone with mental illness, and they are just very grateful that someone is talking about it.
[30:40] Walking alongside someone with depression gives you a little taste of depression.\
[31:32] If someone mentions suicide, take it seriously.
[32:18] Kayla has also received messages from people who were considering suicide and changed their mind.
[32:40] The stories don't take away Kayla's pain, but they give her purpose with it. God uses us for good. Lives have been saved through the sharing of this story.
[34:19] One of the best things that Kayla's friends have done is send her late night texts just to check on her and just listening to her.
[35:26] The worst thing someone can do for someone who is grieving is to tell them that they know exactly how they feel.
[38:23] God sends us people to light our way to places that are foreign to us. Kayla is the one holding the lantern.
[40:28] Kayla answers the three questions…
[45:09] To love is to be vulnerable. This perfectly describes today's podcast.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

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God's Got This
Kayla Stoecklein on Instagram
Brene Brown
Lysa TerKeurst
Glennon Doyle
Dream Big Intensive Bob Goff
Streams in the Desert
Minding the Pain With Stefanie Boyce
Uncharted Territory
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Stretched Too Thin May 14, 2019

Show notes

Are you trying to juggle work, family, home and all of your obligations? Too often we try to do everything and please everyone and end up feeling guilt or shame for not being able to do it all. My guest today has practical tips and advice for any of us who feel like we are stretched too thin. It's such a pleasure to have Jessica Turner on the show today.

Jessica is a wife, mom, sister, friend, marketing professional, blogger and best-selling author of the books The Fringe Hours and Stretched Too Thin. In this episode, we talk about her new book. We also talk about why some moms who work-at-home don't really consider themselves working moms. We talk about automating, prioritizing, getting help, and giving yourself permission to say no. We talk about those important things that we all need to do to help keep ourselves sane and at our best.

Show Notes:

[05:25] It's still a tug-of-war with working moms and stay-at-home moms. Working is bringing in an income.
[06:11] Women who work at home don't see themselves as working moms.
[07:03] Women who work from home often don't want to call themselves working moms. Maybe it's because of some type of social stigma.
[09:00] A lot of stay-at-home working moms think that if they don't technically get in their car and go somewhere that they aren't a working mom.
[09:30] Jessica went to Melissa's book signing in Nashville.
[10:00] Melissa thinks Jessica's book is for busy moms not just "working" moms.
[10:16] Jessica surveyed 2000 women who work or bring in some type of income. Stay-at-home moms who feel stretched too thin will get a lot of value out of the book.
[12:45] Jessica writes about boundaries with work, practicing meaningful relationships, self-care, managing the home, and more.
[13:03] Her research shows that the greatest struggle for working moms is either self-care or managing the home.
[13:26] Self-care is probably a little bit more of a struggle and that's what Jessica's first book was about.
[13:43] Women are great at taking care of everyone else.
[14:17] Self-care is necessary and important and it shows our kids that they need to take care of themselves too.
[14:55] Self-care includes investing in your passion, investing in your body, and spiritually and emotionally.
[15:16] Try time tracking and see where your time is going.
[16:40] Track everything you do for a week and how much time you spend on it.
[17:10] See where you spent your time and where you can spend your time better. Also notice if you said yes to too many things.
[18:37] Jessica tries to live by the "if it isn't a heck yes then it's a no."
[19:32] Sometimes even having to pause is a sign that it's not the right time for you.
[19:50] It's easier to say no from the beginning then you say yes to something and have to backtrack.
[21:23] Just because something's a great thing, it's not a great thing for you right now.
[22:58] Working moms often get left out. It can be hurtful to not be invited. Sometimes working moms want to be included. Let your friends know you still want to be included.
[27:57] Subscription services. Automating our lives is an easy way to streamline. This can free up your mind and lesson the mental load.
[30:22] House cleaners and services like Grove Collaborative can be helpful. It's life giving and helps other businesses.
[32:40] The world will fight for your time, and you have to fight back.
[33:32] Mother's can have friends. It's important to model relationships for our kids. It's a life giving shift.
[34:30] Glass balls vs rubber balls. Glass balls will shatter if dropped. Treat yourself like a glass ball not a rubber ball. Spend time where it is important. Relationships and self-care are glass balls.
[37:29] Think about how you are feeling and use it as motivation to make changes in your life.
[38:04] Often, we push our feelings aside instead of using them for change.
[40:44] Jessica answers the three questions...
[45:03] Women need to be empowered to not feel guilt and shame and take time for self-care.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
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Stretched Too Thin
The Mom Creative
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The Mom Creative Facebook Page
Jessica Turner on Instagram
Jessica Turner BookSnobbery on Instagram
The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You
Grove Collaborative
When I Pray for You

Soul Sisters May 07, 2019

Show notes

Making friends isn't always that easy. Especially, adult friendships. When you meet someone you click with, hang on to them. When I was on my book tour in Nashville, I met today's guest. Annie F. Downs is a best-selling author, nationally known speaker, and podcast host based in Nashville. She is the host of the That Sounds Fun podcast and I was a guest on that show. Our conversation was like two girlfriends having a chat.

Today, we want you to be part of our conversation. We have fun as we catch up on our latest pop culture interests. We talk about how it's good to open yourself up to people who have different opinions and not to be closed off about your beliefs. We talk about faith and communicating with God and understanding how to recognize those nudges. We mostly talk about life and friendship and invite you to go on the journey with us. I also send out an invitation to take the time to meet someone new or connect with an old friend.

Show Notes

[04:29] Annie goes by Annie F. Downs, because there's a famous Australian quilter named Annie Downs. She does have an interest in finding all of the other Annie Downs and maybe create a club or something.
[15:04] Annie and Melissa loves the same type of pop culture shows and have a great time talking about their favorite people to follow.
[15:13] Annie is following Chris Pratt. He is open about his beliefs. She's also following Dax Shepard and Debra Messing.
[19:35] Melissa knows a lot of the same people. She is hungry to expand her friendships and relationships.
[20:39] You get an upfront view of God pursuing people who aren't Christians.
[21:21] in your leisure time is great. Crocheting classes are a great place to meet people.
[22:08] Annie hopes she's not creating more Christian culture. She hopes she's helping people find a way to live where they know God and enjoy life.
[22:46] Melissa wanted to take people to Jesus not take them to church.
[23:02] There's a difference between loving the church and investing in the church and loving Christian culture.
[24:31] Annie wrestles with living within the church and yet not creating something that's unattractive to the non faithful.
[27:09] Annie loves faith.
[28:33] Annie hears way more people say that they are disappointed in God than people who are hurt by people in the church.
[28:46] This is where Annie's book Remember God comes from. We need to teach people to look for God in the midst of not having what they want.
[30:38] Let's All Be Brave stirred up a lot of emotions and pain in Annie. For her, the writing wasn't the hardest, it was the aftermath of the writing.
[32:25] Annie didn't give the readers a bow at the end. The whole theme of the book was God's kindness.
[35:34] If we had everything we wanted, we would still not be satisfied
[36:05] There's a difference between contentment and satisfaction.
[40:11] We need to be able to tell God the truth, even when we are angry.
[40:55] The more we wrestle with Him, he won't let go.
[42:04] Annie shares how she feels about God.
[43:31] How God shows up when Annie has her dark moments. Sometimes it's like a self-correction idea that comes to her.
[44:38] God in generous about making his presence known.
[45:34] Live by the nudge, and you feel it more and more.
[48:42] Melissa shares a story where she was nudged to give a watch to someone who liked it. God didn't want time to be an issue for her.
[50:37] Melissa believes that we do hear God, we don't always act on it, and we don't always believe it but we do hear it.
[51:21] Just two friends having an honest conversation.
[52:15] The three quick questions...
[58:04] Adult friendships are hard, if you've been thinking about calling someone and making a lunch date just do it.

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Sign Up for Insider Access
Fab Fit Fun Boxes For $10 Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Bolster Sleep For 10% Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Annie F. Downs Website
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs Podcast
Annie F. Downs on Facebook
Annie F. Downs on Twitter
Remember God and Other Books by Annie F. Downs
Scott Harrison Charity: Water
Armchair Expert Podcast
Don't Be Tardy
Andy Cohen Instagram
Chris Pratt
Jason Kennedy
Lauren DAigle
I Kissed Dating Goodbye
Bob Goff
That Sounds Fun Episode 96: Melissa Radke

Soul Food with Amy Hannon Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

I am Southern, and there are benefits and drawbacks to that, but the food is a benefit. Today's guest is like a kindred spirit. A sister I didn't know I had. I had been following Amy Hannon on social media, but I was still surprised and delighted when out of the blue, she sent me a copy of her new book. Amy's book is a cookbook called Love Welcome Serve: Recipes that Gather and Give. The recipes are amazing, but her message of intentional kitchening is even better.

Amy Hannon is a business owner, entrepreneur, author, and a genuinely gracious and caring soul. She is the owner of Euna Mae's a kitchen boutique named after her grandmother. She hosted a cooking show on a Northwest Arkansas NBC affiliate producing over 160 episodes. She is the author of Love Welcome Serve a comfort food cookbook that is all about sharing, gathering, and family. Today, we talk about recipes, what it means to serve, and we get to the heart of intentional kitchening.

Show Notes

[05:11] Amy feels like she knows Melissa. Melissa wanted to meet Amy, she has been following her story.
[06:23] Amy often gets asked if she knows Melissa.
[08:28] Social media helps you find your kindred. It's a weird and fun way to find your people.
[09:30] People send Melissa books, but it usually comes with an ask. Amy's book didn't come with an ask. It just came in the mail and touched Melissa's heart. It reminded her of cooking with her mama in the kitchen.
[11:45] Amy wanted to help people use food and time in the kitchen to taste life and love.
[13:06] Amy makes the pies in her book for her dad every Christmas. The food helps him remember and love. It brings back memories.
[15:12] Amy puts brown sugar and a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch in her chili. It was amazingly good.
[15:53] Amy started playing with recipes and just putting stuff in.
[17:34] Melissa and Amy are going to have a sausage ball trying Hidden Valley Ranch and Red Lobster Cornbread Mix. Brown sugar will make it a little sweeter.
[19:21] The cream cheese chicken enchiladas have two cups of heavy cream poured over the entire pan. The tortillas simmer in the cream.
[20:18] Brown sugar chili over cheese grits is really good.
[20:35] Amy married a pastor and had to learn how to cook quick. Everything in her cookbook is super easy. She doesn't have time or energy to spend.
[21:45] She cooks real food, but tries to use reasonable shortcuts.
[22:37] One of Amy's favorite things to do on vacation is shop local grocery stores.
[23:39] Amy answers some questions from Melissa's friends.
[24:50] Her and her family ate at the Boathouse in Central Park in New York. She's convinced that food tastes better if the situation and the people are right.
[26:24] Amy loves using a dutch oven.
[28:16] Amy always has butter, pasta, potatoes, onions, heavy cream, and frozen shrimp on hand.
[29:21] She leaves the butter out and eats raw cookie dough.
[29:58] Amy makes more than she needs and gives out take-out containers to guests.
[31:19] Her love languages are verbal affirmations and gifts. People bring her treats and things made in her city. She always keeps sauces, salts, and red pepper jelly with little serving spoons.
[34:55] Always have a little something on hand for a hostess gift.
[37:17] David makes the Aaron Franklin smoker recipe.
[38:42] Amy felt like God told her she had something to say. Women are busy, compare themselves, and have lost what a privilege it is to be in the kitchen cooking. If we remember that we have a purpose to live with intention and change the lives of people.
[39:51] Remember that we have a wonderful purpose to be intentional in our kitchen's for God's glory. People love to gather and eat. Food breaks down walls and creates connections and unity.
[41:48] Double your recipe, if you have soup to give the person who needs food will come. Live in a spirit of generosity.
[43:04] Love Welcome Serve is an awareness for Amy.
[46:56] I'm bringing you dinner. What's the best night? Don't ask, just tell.
[47:09] Everybody at home can just breathe and relax. It represents a slower sweeter time.
[49:00] Teenagers want adults around who love them for who they are.
[51:04] Amy and her husband Sam are in a new season in their lives. Raising teenagers and their friends were a delight in their home.
[53:49] Things look different in every season, open your eyes to find relationships to love and nurture.
[55:13] People who are cooked for feel cared for.
[56:37] Amy answers the lightning round...

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Sign Up for Insider Access
Fab Fit Fun Boxes For $10 Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Bolster Sleep For 10% Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Love Welcome Serve: Recipes that Gather and Give
Bob Goff
Le Creuset Dutch Oven
Franklin Barbecue
Amy Hannon
Euna Mae's
Euna Mae's on Instragram
Euna Mae's on Facebook

UNadulterated Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

Erin Arruda is here today. We met during a conference, and we both liked each other instantly. One of the chapters in my book, that has gotten a lot of feedback from both women and men is the chapter titled Lovers and Leavers. Erin's story goes well with that chapter. Erin found redemption and happiness, but it wasn't an easy journey, and it certainly wasn't easy to talk about.

Erin openly shares her story of life, love, guilt, shame, and redemption on today's show. She also talks about her book Unadulterated: His Scandalous Grace—Your New Identity and how she found her way back to the lord and happiness. Erin is now happily married with three beautiful daughters. She loves her friends, and holds them close in her heart and home. I hope you enjoy this inspirational conversation with Erin.

Show Notes

[04:26] Melissa and Erin instantly bonded over books and the desire to tell their stories.
[05:55] Erin was raised in church with two sisters and a brother. Somehow along the path she started associating church with perfectionism.
[07:21] She tried to check all the boxes and do everything she was supposed to do.
[07:41] She got married after college but became an isolated and depressed person.
[08:28] She fell into every temptation and began to have an affair. She was still engaged with church and her family, but she was hiding another life.
[09:29] After the affair ended, she just kept going with her life.
[09:46] Isolation and hiding keeps us from being vulnerable.
[10:20] She got a new job and worked long hours. She also fell in love with a guy from work.
[10:53] She felt her marriage was a prison and left her husband and moved in with her sister.
[12:46] Then she discovered that she was pregnant.
[15:07] She was in a desperate place. She even considered getting an abortion.
[16:30] She just got divorced and now she was going to get married again and have a baby.
[17:05] Mickey asked her parents for their blessing.
[18:04] Her father welcomed Mickey, and she realized if he could love her that much than how much more could her God in heaven love her.
[18:17] In that moment everything changed.
[21:33] She started planning the wedding. Three days later she miscarried. Her entire family showed up to grieve.
[22:44] They still got married, and that was almost 12 years ago.
[24:21] It is better in the light.
[29:07] After you realize you are forgiven, there is another part. It's that our identity really is in the resurrection. The connection of that is what helped Erin to get past the shame she felt after she was forgiven.
[30:16] Because of Jesus, our sin no longer has power.
[31:23] Erin's parents didn't know that Erin had another affair or that it had been going on with Mickey for so long.
[32:02] Erin and MIckey submitted their questions to the lord. They let the word restore them out of brokenness.
[33:15] There are churches that are okay with imperfection.
[34:16] Erin and Mickey have three beautiful girls, and they both serve in the church.
[37:10] Erin gets strength about telling her story when people thank her because she has helped them.
[40:41] If you knew how much Jesus loved you, you wouldn't feel shame and guilt. Jesus calls you by your name not by what you have done.
[43:17] Erin does the lightning round...

Thanks for joining us on Ordinary People Ordinary Things. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review. Just like your mother taught you.

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
Eat Cake. Be Brave.
Sign Up for Insider Access
Fab Fit Fun Boxes For $10 Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Bolster Sleep For 10% Off Use the Code: Ordinary
Erin Arruda Website
Erin Arruda on Instagram
Unadulterated: His Scandalous Grace—Your New Identity
Erin Arruda on Facebook
erinarruda@gmail.com
Chris Tomlin

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