Ordinary People. Ordinary Things. with Melissa Radke

Latest Episodes:

The Big 1-2 May 22, 2018

Show notes

There's a chapter in my upcoming book about something that happened to me when I was 13. Don't get sad or nervous, it wasn't a traumatic thing. Maybe it was a little traumatic, but you'll enjoy reading about it. It reminded me of how hard it is to be 13. It's hard being 11 to 18.

Today, I am talking to a 12-year-old. On this very day May 22, 2006 Remi Hope Radke came screaming into my world, and I haven't had a moment of silence since. I couldn't imagine having a different guest on my podcast today. Every May 22nd, Remi Hope dominates our thoughts and our world, so there is no reason why today should be any different.

You can find Melissa here:

Podcast Web Page Facebook Page @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram @msmelissaradke on Twitter

Show Notes

[01:45] Remi is growing up. I wonder if having a public mom makes her life more difficult? Sometimes I feel like I'm making it harder on her. Although, if I were she would let me know.
[02:08] Today, I'm going to sit down with Remi and introduce her to you.
[02:19] Remi came to us through adoption. She came to us less than five months after we buried our son. I cried out to God to help me mend what was torn apart.
[02:49] One day I was in the kitchen. Out of nowhere, I felt a tender presence. It was like a compassionate reach. I heard the words "everything you are in need of will come to you wrapped in a blanket."
[03:08] This made no sense to me. How can everything I want come in the form of a tiny baby?
[03:26] Remi Hope came into my world. She was not a replacement for Elisha. She was the cure for the broken and missing piece.
[03:59] She was an uncontrollable toddler in every single way. We were called in to meet with every teacher at every school.She was fulfilled of nonstop.
[04:20] She's a little older and a little wiser now but no less filled with life and humor.
[04:26] Today, I'm talking to her about everything from adoption to living in the public eye to boys.
[04:48] Remi had her thoughts and doubts about being on the show.
[05:13] Remi thinks the podcast could be a little better and funnier.
[06:15] Remi is thinking about starting her own podcast. She would try a food and give her opinion and then have guest opinions. It would be like Remi's reviews but would be called Remondade similar to lemonade.
[08:00] Remi and Melissa share their knowledge about historical energy sources and renewable and alternative energy. Geothermal, solar, wind, biofuels, and hydroelectric.
[10:40] Remi plays soccer, basketball, softball, and she wants to play football. She's heading into the sixth grade and doing great.
[11:24] She met her best friends Rashawna and Adeline at church. She knew they would grow up together and be best friends. She is a leader in kid works. Remi is great at memorizing scripture.
[12:06] Remi she shares some of her favorite scriptures.
[13:31] Remi is healthy and loves fruits and vegetables and broccoli.
[14:15] Her favorite show is Deception, and her favorite movie is Jurassic World.
[15:58] Remi was about seven when she found out she was adopted. She always wanted to watch Tarzan, and they would always stop the movie and tell Remi that the gorillas were adopting Tarzan.
[16:53] Remi is cool with the adoption. Melissa is really her mom. Her mom was a very good sharer. Someday, Remi may want to meet her birth mom, and that is okay.
[17:51] Remi approves of the fun life they have and how Melissa puts stuff out on the Internet.
[19:00] She likes the fame. There is nothing she hates about it. Our family has been talking about a reality show. They have filmed three times. It's a lot of work. There is a whole household of people.
[20:02] Remi thinks it is fun. They are probably getting a TV show.
[20:39] Melissa held Remi back because of her attitude, and she repeated kindergarten. She was like a wild tornado unleashed on the school system.
[21:53] A lot of kids repeat kindergarten. She can let it go. She is in the top of her class and two of her best friends are in that grade.
[22:44] She's excited about going to middle school and choosing where she sits.
[24:00] Remi shares the stages of being ladylike.
[24:29] She is looking forward to church camp and some other fun camps she goes to and has great friends there. She is also going to the Texas A&M soccer camp. All while possible shooting a show.
[25:18] She would like to have a sleepover on her birthday in the guest room with her friends.
[25:57] She would like a horse for her birthday, but she'll take the sleepover and a kiss. To start with.
[26:16] Remi's lightning round.
[28:27] Special thanks to Remi Hope Radke.
[28:44] Hope has always been a part of your name. From Melissa's book Eat Cake. Be Brave.

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:

Summer Hair, Don't Care May 15, 2018

Show notes

Our hair is one of the first things people notice about us. It frames our face, maybe even our identity. A good hair day versus a bad hair day can affect our self-esteem and our mood. Maybe this is something I always innately knew, because even as a child I was obsessed with hair, hair styles, and magazines about hair styles. Today, we are talking about everything having to do with hair.

Rob Fisher is a stylist at Bella Salon in Lufkin, TX. Rob is the stylist who did my hair for my book cover, and he does amazingly beautiful hair. I wanted to talk to Rob today, because he is brutally honest when it comes to hair. We aren't pulling any punches on this episode of straight talk about hair, coloring, and styles.

You can find Rob Fisher here:

Hair and Makeup Artistry by Rob Fisher on Facebook Hair by Rob Fisher on Instagram Get an appointment with Rob Fisher Bella Salon Lufkin, TX

Show Notes

[03:38] Rob is actually not my stylist. He just did my hair for my book cover. He is a good friend, though.
[03:51] The only reason Rob is not my stylist is because I'm loyal to my current stylist.
[04:28] Rob did my hair for the book cover because he is all about the show hair.
[05:25] Melissa gets her hair done every three weeks. Now the gray is coming in.
[05:56] Today, we are talking summer hair don't care.
[06:13] In the summer, people are looking for a change. They want to be brightened up. They want some fun.
[07:28] How it's so much better to find a hairstyle that fits the individual as opposed to trying to match a picture.
[08:08] Melissa likes the Adele celebrity haircuts.
[09:01] The hottest new colors for spring and summer. Balayage is freehand painting. It can be done with any color. This is the most popular thing going on now.
[09:46] The difference between ombre and balayage.
[10:12] The silver gray hair trend is gone.
[11:09] Balayage is good for anyone, because you'll have a little bit of your natural root showing, and it is easy maintenance.
[12:44] At what age should women stop the multicolor hair painting? It's bold and fun, but not pretty.
[14:20] Should Melissa spray her hair pink? Rob is doing a lot of lavender and pink on the roots.
[17:14] Discussing bangs thoroughly. Botox over bangs. Bangs can't be used to hide forehead wrinkles. Melissa has bangs because they looked adorable on Jennifer Garner.
[20:37] Melissa's friend Janet has beautiful hair.
[20:51] Melissa is bringing bangs back.
[21:39] Banks can be a pain if you don't have perfectly straight hair. Look back at pictures and decide if you actually like having bangs or not.
[22:29] Rob tells a funny story where a lady with beautiful hair wanted a mullet.
[23:56] Melissa asks for a body wave every year, and her hair stylist won't do it.
[26:46] Put your thumb over the face and tell me what you like about the hair. Usually, it's not about the hair it is about the person's face.
[27:50] Rob does not like scrunchies.
[29:31] Hairstyle with short hair flipping in the back with lots of different layers.
[30:22] In Texas people have big hair.
[30:47] An easy overall flattering look depends on the person themselves. Rob likes medium length hair.
[33:05] As people get older their face elongates. Long hair can make your face look more drawn down. That's when you would cut your hair short.
[33:55] Some of Rob's favorite products and brands. Rob is an Aveda only stylist. Before Aveda he was a Paul Mitchell stylist. Melissa loves Kenra and Drybar Texas T and Southern Belle. Be.
[36:22] Rob loves Bed Head products.
[37:29] Save a few washes and try some dry shampoo. Aveda dry shampoo is not aerosol. Rob went 12 days without washing his hair by using dry shampoo.
[39:45] Lighten round questions for Rob.
[40:24] What is customary for tips. 22% There really isn't a correct amount, but it is always appreciated.

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:

All The Beautiful Girls May 08, 2018

Show notes

Sometimes you meet someone who you just know is going to be a good friend. Michelle Briley is one of those people for me. She is a great woman, and someone who I have known and enjoyed while we both have embarked on our spiritual journey. Michelle Briley is the President of The Junior League of Lufkin which is about women building better communities.

Today, we talk about a unique program that Michelle started to help girls establish a solid footing in life and have the self-esteem to grow up to be the great women they were meant to be. Seventh grade can be a tough time for girls, yet that is the age bracket where the foundations of their self-esteem are forged. Through the Girls Rock Academy and the Beautiful Me program girls who are at the most risk are mentored to build the esteem needed to help reach their true potential. The brilliance and kindness of this program just might bring a tear to your eye.

You can find Michelle here:

Girls Rock Academy Beautiful Me Junior League of Lufkin Junior League of Lufkin on Instagram Junior League of Lufkin on Facebook

Show Notes

[02:41] Melissa invited Michelle to church after their kids were playing together. They also did a bible study together. They already had rapport, but they don't remember the first night they met.
[04:18] Melissa remembers getting to know Michelle at bible study.
[05:19] Melissa used to call after work drinks bible study. One night they also had bible study at a Mexican restaurant. That is where they really shared and opened up.
[06:29] Michelle was reserved about sharing in the bible study group.
[07:12] What happens in Bible study, stays in Bible study. Eventually, Michelle began to open up.
[07:25] Michelle was wanting a more intimate relationship with God, but she really didn't know how.
[07:39] She grew up strict Southern Baptist and knew God and knew the Scriptures.
[07:58] Michelle decided to open up and work through her issues and improve her personal relationship with God.
[08:57] Michelle got to meet the Holy Spirit. She never realized she could have a relationship with Him.
[09:56] Live by the nudge or that thing that you feel in your heart that is the Holy Spirit.
[10:45] The Bible study class made Michelle feel like she was worthy. She had never thought before that she was good enough.
[11:18] She learned that we are God's children, and that he is a king, so we are a king's children.
[11:26] Holding onto the thought of being God's child is such a comfort.
[12:56] Moving with the power and the authority that the Scripture enables in you is really empowering.
[13:34] How in order for Michelle to grow and continue her journey, she had to let some friends go that weren't on the same path as her.
[15:30] Michelle was the provisional trainer for the Junior League of Lufkin, Texas. She wanted to do a class project that made a difference.
[15:50] She discovered that seventh grade girls were in the process of laying the foundation of their self-esteem. This meant that who they were going to be and what they thought of themselves was determined at that age level.
[17:36] How seventh-grade can be tough for most girls. Melissa and Michelle had wonderful parents, but just think of the girls who don't have that.
[17:52] 92% of teen girls would like to change something about the way they look. Body weight ranks the highest.
[18:26] In order to help girls determine a positive self-worth for the rest of their life Michelle and her team put together a program called Beautiful Me.
[18:51] The program was started three years ago to help these seventh grade girls feel good about themselves and their lives.
[19:12] These were girls and needed a strong woman in their lives.
[19:25] They developed a basic mentor program.
[19:55] These girls were taken to a clothing store called Belk and allowed to pick out an outfit of their choice.
[20:28] They also treated the girls to a beauty makeover with hairstylist and makeup.
[21:01] Then they took them to a women's luncheon to see other women succeed and other women celebrating each other.
[21:22] This year, they have an in-school program called Girls Rock Academy.
[21:35] It's a structured mentor program where they meet with the girls at least two times a month. They talk about everything from self-esteem, social media to dining table etiquette.
[22:31] At the end of the Academy, they participate in Beautiful Me. It's a goal to have this at all the schools.
[23:33] The desires and the dreams of these young girls are incredible.
[25:45] They have the curriculum, they have laid the foundation, and they know what they are looking for. They could roll out this program at any school.
[27:06] This is not an expensive event. You just need to find the connections to make it happen and step out of your comfort zone to help these future women of the world.
[27:23] If you find yourself with time to give, don't sit on it. Do something valuable.
[28:43] Michelle wants to instill in these girls that it is their hearts that matter.
[32:57] The lightning round.
[33:56] How Melissa feels better after being around Michelle.

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:

An Ode to Teachers May 01, 2018

Show notes

Are you a teacher? Do you love a teacher, know a teacher, had a teacher, or have been a teacher before? If so, this podcast is specifically for you. I was a voice teacher for three weeks and found it scary and terrifying and ended up quitting. Teachers are underpaid and under appreciated. Today, I am talking to teachers and those who love teachers. Next week is teacher appreciation week, and I want to talk about the job that every girl at my high school wanted except for me. Today is an ode to teachers.

You can find Melissa here:

Podcast Web Page Facebook Page @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram @msmelissaradke on Twitter

Show Notes

[00:21] How being a teacher is one of the jobs that I would like to do the least.
[00:35] I taught voice lessons for three weeks and woke up with diarrhea every single morning.
[01:13] Today, I am taking an opportunity to speak to teachers directly.
[02:21] Being a teacher is a job of purpose. It's no mistake. There is nothing that God hasn't thought out, and you are a teacher because you are supposed to be.
[03:40] How the Bible says that there are seasons and a time for everything.
[04:35] If you read Ecclesiastes, you will see that you have spent your time teaching and preparing to teach, because it is what you are supposed to be doing.
[08:05] Teachers are about teaching lessons so please don't miss this important lesson.
[08:53] The message of Hebrews 12 verses 1-3 as broke down in The Message Bible.
[11:08] In 2009, we had just moved to Lufkin, Texas. Remy had just started kindergarten.
[11:43] This was a tough year for us, and Remy had to hear a lot of yelling during this year.
[12:17] Remy's teacher was a constant in a pretty unconstant world.
[13:16] How God loves children and will do whatever it takes to make sure that they are surrounded by the constant.
[13:24] Children need to be surrounded by the love during the day, especially, if they are not surrounded by the love at night.
[14:07] You might be the favorite teacher of the town's next mayor. You might be the bright spot in that future surgeon's day.
[14:30] Teachers have a selfless job, because they have to help these children find their purpose.
[14:49] Ecclesiastes 3 if it were written by a teacher…
[17:50] My lightning round that I wrote for my own self. (My feelings on school.)
[19:39] How to bless your teacher next week during teacher appreciation week.
[20:06] No apples, candles, or homemade potholders. Teachers like to look cute, and they are running out of things to wear.
[20:22] The I am so freaking valuable shirts sale out everywhere I go. Show your teacher how valuable you think they are.

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
Red Ribbon Week Video
This Sucks But God Is Good (online course)
The Message Bible
I am so freaking valuable shirt. (promo code:Him TEACHER)

I'm So Easy To Work For Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

About two years ago, I was on staff at a church as a worship pastor. My career took a bit of the turn, and I found myself traveling and speaking and writing a book. Eventually, I had to step down from the position at the church, and it killed me. My new career was exciting, but I realized that I was having trouble keeping up with everything, because I wasn't organized.

About eight months ago, my husband the Attorney General left his job to come on board and help manage me. He realized he couldn't keep me on track or else he would've done it years ago. We realized, we had to find a person that was so organized that they could keep me in line without being too organized and causing me to run away. We found the amazing Erin Cuccio to hire as my Executive Assistant. Today, you get to meet the wonderful Erin.

You can find Erin here:

Beauty for Ashes Erin Cuccio on LinkedIn

Show Notes

[04:11] Erin is excited to be here.
[04:52] How podcasts should be in the 30 to 40 minute range, and you can't talk about yourself all the time.
[05:20] How Melissa loves having an assistant and it makes her feel so proud.
[05:35] How Melissa and Erin connected. Erin's husband started a business in Lufkin. They were looking for a church and found Melissa's church. Erin thought Melissa was hilarious and started following her.
[06:41] A few months later, The Red Ribbon Week video came out and Erin's friends were sharing the video.
[07:06] Eventually, Erin went through Melissa's online bible study course This Sucks but God Is Good.
[07:17] At the end of the course, Erin and David did a live video saying that they wanted to hire an assistant.
[08:00] Melissa made a Mother's Day phone call to women who were experiencing some form of loss. When Melissa called, Erin was able to share some of her story and how she followed Melissa in the first place.
[09:09] Melissa remembered Erin from the call when Erin decided to apply for the assistant position.
[09:44] Melissa and Erin's personalities are very different, but they do get along. Working with Melissa has been a growing experience for Erin.
[10:28] Erin said If she was young and single, she would've moved to Nashville and worked in PR and booking for a celebrity. She thinks it's amazing that God has opened that door for her in Lufkin, Texas.
[10:55] Erin wasn't nervous about the podcast at all. She used to work in radio. She was a worship pastor. She worked in flower arrangements and a t-shirt company. She is a Renaissance woman.
[12:19] Erin has always been independent and ambitious. She started working when she was 16. She worked for TCBY, she was a DJ for a Christian radio station, worked at a Christian bookstore, worked for an electrical contractor, worked in medical records, a real estate agent, a teacher, she ran a home-based flower and t-shirt business, she led worship, and now she works for Melissa.
[13:32] This is been one of the first times in Erin's life that she has been able to do one thing.
[13:52] Erin doesn't consider herself flighty, she just has somewhat of a gypsy soul.
[14:19] Erin is so solid and grounded, she is really well-suited to bring Melissa back down to reality.
[15:01] Melissa doesn't do one-on-one really well. Just the thought of it makes her really nervous. Traveling with Erin is really easy.
[16:39] After Melissa speaks, Erin brings her chocolate and a Coke.
[17:57] How David is very thorough.
[18:32] We have a big event coming up May 4th and 5th 2018. It is right here in Lufkin, Texas. The Social Event of the season. It's a Friday night and most of Saturday.
[19:29] Women tend to be nurturers by nature. It's important to remind women that they need to nurture themselves.They need time to refresh and refuel.
[20:02] Melissa has so much to offer in her message, so to give women a weekend is a wonderful gift and a way to just hang out and talk about things that are important.
[20:52] This is the first annual social event of the season. This is a social event for the churched and the unchurched the hopeful and the hopeless.
[22:07] This weekend gives you a place to sit at the table. This weekend is going to have value and give women something that will refresh their hearts. There will be fun and laughter and also learning and growing and connecting with other women.
[24:44] Dress comfortable, prepare to have a good time, and if you come alone you won't be leaving alone.
[25:17] We love community. Erin and I also have one terrible horrible thing in common and that is that we have both lost a child. When you walk through something like this, you better have community.
[27:05] How having an online community and bible study has helped teach Erin that it is so important to have a community backing you up.
[27:46] Community is the secret to growing and living your best life.
[28:48] At women's core, they want to belong.
[29:16] This year's theme is called Live Known. It's so easy for us to hide behind things. Become what you truly are by living known. Women want to be seen.
[31:09] How identity is a huge crisis that we all struggle with.
[32:57] We are going to do heart work and ask ourselves tough questions and answer them.
[33:32] There is a sense of empowerment in knowing who you really are.
[34:35] We need to stop pushing our desires and passions down. God gave us potential for a reason and Melissa wants to help women find that potential.
[37:53] Erin's lightning round questions.
[40:12] Erin is one of God's most shockingly we never saw it coming gifts to Melissa and David. Just meeting Erin alone would make going to the event worthwhile.
[41:38] How women push themselves down, because they always want other people to feel important. Women need to keep in mind how they feel.

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:

Tight Roll This Apr 17, 2018

Show notes

Spring is here, and it is time to talk about fashion. I have two lovely guests who are moms and amazing women. They have also opened a boutique clothing store in my hometown of Lufkin, Texas. Nicole Carter and Sarah Levine are the co-owners of Spruce a boutique fashion store.

On this episode, we talk about what colors are in for the spring season and the essentials that every woman should have in her wardrobe. We have some fun with fashion don'ts and celebrities that always look put together. We also share our favorite ladies to follow on Instagram. Most important of all, we talk about what really matters which is the woman inside.

You can find Nicole & Sarah here:

Spruce Spruce on Facebook

Show Notes

[03:49] Nicole and Sarah are here. After the podcast, they are heading off to a style show.
[04:46] Nicole was a fashion major, and Sarah was a graphic design major. Nicole and Sara met three years ago and became good friends.
[05:24] They went on a three hour trip with their husbands which actually turned into a seven-hour trip. This gave them a lot of time to talk about the details of opening up a boutique clothing store.
[05:41] They have five kids between the two of them and four are girls.
[06:45] They started with a broad idea and then narrowed it down to a clothing store.
[07:36] Spruce pays homage to East Texas and they love to spruce things up.
[08:44] Melissa loves subscription box services and easy ways to shop.
[09:43] The clothing at Spruce is in a range of sizes.
[10:40] Everybody's body is unique. It's hard to find stylish clothes that fit.
[11:36] How Melissa had a friend walk into a boutique store and the woman at the counter actually said I hope you are here for a birthday gift, because we don't have anything in your size.
[11:47] Spruce wants people to come into the store and feel good about themselves.
[12:08] Pastels are a common spring color. Vibrant purple, vibrant yellow, and military green are all popular this year.
[13:02] How denim also seems to be popular this year. Although, it's more of a chambray.
[13:45] Chocolate brown has also worked its way into spring and summer.
[14:01] Go to clothes can be denim tops and bottoms, platform espadrilles, and canteen bags. Also dark denim, light denim, and a summer shoe. Everyone needs a black dress and some good staple jewelry.
[17:22] Spend money on the things that count like a great pair of jeans. Also, a cute necklace can go a long way.
[18:42] Some of the biggest fashion mistakes that women make. Not wearing a good bra. A bra is a foundation garment. It doesn't need to be sexy, it needs to be supportive.
[20:51] The white boot is a fashion no. White summer shoes are okay.
[22:06] It's a no not to wear the appropriate shape wear.
[23:14] Don't have panty lines. Wear something to smooth things out.
[24:20] Famous people who are getting it right. Joanna Gaines is a celebrity who gets it right. She dresses really cute even when she is working. She always looks put together.
[25:52] Margot Robbie and Candice Huffine are two other celebrities that dress and look great.
[26:24] Knowing how to dress your own body is so important.
[26:50] Sarah is inspired by her impeccably dressed 88-year-old grandmother. She also loves how her girlfriends dress.
[27:53] Favorite people to follow on Instagram: Lauren Lefevre wears figure flattering clothes. A girl with curves is always put together. Melissa follows Brighton Keller because of her personality.
[30:57] When you do videos for a living, people notice little things like whether your nails are done or not.
[32:11] Don't miss The Social Event on May 4th and 5th in Lufkin, Texas. The theme is Live Known.
[34:32] The lightning round questions.

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:

MoMster-in-Law Apr 10, 2018

Show notes

You are all invited to the social event of the season. It is literally called The Social Event. Join me and a bunch of ladies just like us on May 4th and May 5th in Lufkin, Texas. The theme is Live Known. This is not your mom's Sunday School retreat.

My best friend in the whole world is on the show. Her name is Karli Soule, and her beautiful daughter Haley is getting married. Today, we are going to talk about spring weddings, letting go, leaning in, the dresses, the food, and the control issues. Along with, what an amazing mother-in-law Karli will actually be.

You can find Melissa here:

Podcast Web Page Facebook Page @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram @msmelissaradke on Twitter

Show Notes

[02:35] Spring is wedding season and everywhere you look girls are in bonnets on the side of the freeway looking for that perfect shot.
[03:04] There is also a darker side, where the mother of the bride is silently weeping in the bathroom and there are challenges, fights, and disagreements.
[03:55] One of my all time best friends is on the show today. Here name is Karli Soule, and I can't wait for her daughter Haley to get married.
[04:14] Haley is going to look so beautiful. I can't wait to watch and see how Karli Soule tries to become one of those cool mother-in-laws.
[04:58] Today, we are going to talk about spring weddings, letting go, leaning in, the dresses, the food, and the control issues.
[05:09] Karli is one of my best friends in the whole wide world.
[06:54] Maybe a future episode with Karli and me is going to be about frugality where Karli teaches Melissa to be frugal and Melissa teaches Karli that you only live once.
[07:16] Dr. Thunder isn't Dr. Pepper. If Karli brings the drinks, everything will be off brand.
[08:08] Karli loves Dollar General.
[08:41] Karli and Melissa were both new to East Texas. Melissa asked Karli out for a girls night. Karli showed up wearing jeans a t-shirt and flip-flops. Melissa is dressed up.
[11:48] Karli is the type of woman who takes the free t-shirt. Melissa lives her life feast or famine.
[15:56] Karli's oldest daughter is Haley. Her second daughter is Abbey, and her youngest is Olivia. Their father and her husband is Jason. They have three talented gorgeous girls.
[18:28] Haley is a favorite daughter. Karli had her after finishing college. They got married and turned to Christ after that. Haley saved them.
[21:49] For awhile, it was Haley and Karli. It was a special time. They still have a special bond.
[24:21] Karli has found a dress. It was difficult, but she found one and feels good about it.
[25:57] You are not a Southern Belle if you don't peel of seven layers underneath your dress.
[29:13] Wedding aren't cheap even when they have quite a few friends helping out.
[30:17] Haley is also very frugal. Weddings are a big deal for a family with three daughters.
[31:30] There are a ton of ideas to save money on Pinterest.
[32:17] Karli wants to be the type of mother-in-law that knows just because you think it you don't have to say it.
[32:56] She wants to love and support without giving unsolicited advice.
[33:48] How raising an adult child is so much more different than raising a toddler.
[36:02] How there is a shift that will take place when Haley gets married. They will get through it though, and it will also be a celebration.
[36:56] How once we get on the other side of change we realize that there are other good things that came from it.
[37:15] Karli and her husband are so happy for Philip and Haley. Karli's prayer is that when hard times do come that it'll just catapult them into a deeper relationship with not only each other but also with God.
[39:47] Karli is not going to be a MoMster-in-law. She is going to be great.
[40:51] You need to trust the Jesus in her.
[41:52] 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:

This Sucks...But God is Good Apr 03, 2018

Show notes

Events in our lives are what shape us and make us who we are. In this episode, I share a heartfelt true story that shook my faith to its core. I begin with an excerpt from my book that is really the story that made me who I am today. I also talk about how this story is the basis for my course This Sucks... But God Is Good.

This story is about my struggles trying to get pregnant and stay pregnant, and one of the sweetest and holiest Christmas mornings that I had ever had. This is the story of an experience that shook my faith to its core, and how David reminded me that our faith is all that we have ever known.

You can find Melissa here:

Podcast Web Page Facebook Page @MsMelissaRadke on Instagram @msmelissaradke on Twitter

Show Notes

[01:02] I share an excerpt from my upcoming book that is the story of what made me who I am today.
[10:25] When my faith was shaken to its core, and I was ready to be done. David said, "we can't, he's all we've ever known."
[11:09] How this podcast episode was originally intended to be about my best friend preparing for her spring wedding.
[11:29] A glitch in the original recording, made me realize that I had to share the story that has made me who I am today.
[12:05] My children are my Purple Heart. They are the rewards that I got after my war was over.
[12:23] This is the story that I want to tell the world. I'm going to tell that story to you today.
[13:00] I started writing my story down about a year ago.
[13:26] I wrote the story down in the form of a course. Today, somewhere between 1500 and 2000 women have taken my course entitled This Sucks... But God Is Good.
[13:50] I had to apologize to my mom for the title, but it came from an article I wrote several years ago where I said that everyone who has suffered from infertility should wear a shirt that says This Sucks... But God Is Good.
[14:35] Broken and hurting people are walking around everywhere, and we don't even know it.
[15:11] I began to write down the things that I learned through the process of being angry, hating, learning, watching, and needing him.
[16:27] What I'm teaching isn't your typical bible study. There are a lot of pop culture references mixed in.
[16:47] I'm just a woman like you who wanted a child.
[17:20] This course may go down as the craziest thing I've ever done.
[17:38] It will be the thing that I'm the most proud of other than raising those kids.
[18:13] We talk about bible stories. We talk about how I got pissed off at the "no" I was getting from God.
[18:29] We talk about clenching our fists and holding tightly to the things we think we must have.
[18:59] You don't get homework every week, instead you get heart work.
[19:46] We have many hurting women who took the course. Women whose husbands have left them for someone they thought was a friend.
[20:11] We have women who have been hurt in all kinds of ways taking the course.
[20:31] We also have women who have done the hurting taking the course.
[23:22] Everyone has a story. What is the story you are carrying around? Maybe you have been carrying it around for so long you don't even remember what it was.
[23:53] I want to help you get to whatever is at the core of your issue. I want to help you get rid of whatever is poisoning you.
[24:29] There is only one person who can do that for you. He did it for me. The problem is sometimes we are angry at him.
[25:21] It's time to stop running and stop blaming.
[26:00] I have two beautiful healthy children. God never turned his back on me.
[27:08] This week, I just have to talk about what was in my heart.
[27:43] This is a six week course that you can do in the privacy of your own home, your desk, or wherever you are at. You can do it at your own pace.
[31:35] You can be whole. You can be put back together and be better than you were before.

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
This Sucks... But God Is Good (online course) 20% Discount Code: Limping
Beth Moore
Lisa Harper

Over My Bread Body Mar 27, 2018

Show notes

Meridith Baxter is here today. She is my cousin, but she is more like my sister. We have a super fun podcast planned for you entitled Over My Bread Body. Spring is here, and summer is around the corner. All of the stores are moving out the sweatshirts and bringing in the swimsuits. Today, we talk about getting ready for summer and more.

We talk about all of the things that we have tried to get ourselves beach body ready including eight of us in swim skirts doing water aerobics or what we called "swim gym". We also talk about having confidence with yourself and your body. We stress the importance of not judging others or yourself. It's important to be kind to others and be an example to those ladies who are younger than us by being who we needed to be for our younger selves.

Show Notes

[04:34] Meridith shares a story about how they attempted water aerobics to become summer ready. It was eight women in their family, and they were all about the same size and they spent three weeks making it their "swim gym". They also had snacks and drinks.
[06:21] Melissa decided to kick it up a notch with boogie boards and pool noodles.
[07:10] They had a great time, but they didn't really lose any weight.
[08:08] When they were kids after doctor's appointments they would go to Dairy Queen. Comfort food is popular in their family.
[11:25] What Meridith dreads the most about summer. The sun in general.
[12:15] Melissa doesn't mind the pool, but she doesn't like sleeveless tops.
[14:23] Meridith wore her wedding dress to please herself and her husband, she wasn't self-conscious in any way.
[14:51] We've tried every trick in Dr. Oz's book of helpful suggestions for losing weight. We've tried everything from Weight Watchers to putting money in a pot and whoever loses the most weight wins the money.
[15:25] Then instead of gift giving for Christmas we decided to do a cookie exchange.
[16:24] Melissa did a 3 day juice cleanse and probably spent $32,000.
[17:32] When one of us loses a substantial amount of weight it makes the rest of us mad, so we sabotage each other.
[20:36] During cheerleader tryouts, Meridith had to wear a different shirt than everyone else because the normal shirt wasn't in her size.
[21:26] Meridith's brother married a woman named Kylie who used to only wear bikinis. She wore this one broached bikini out to the pool, and we tried to get out but our swim dresses were so heavy we were stuck in the pool.
[22:50] They invited some people from church over for Thanksgiving and they said, "wow, you all can put bacon in anything and make it work."
[23:56] Meridith's husband Jake made her a 30 minute workout.
[24:43] Melissa is blind with confidence. We have so much fun at the beach or the pool, we don't obsess about it.
[25:37] Everybody's in the same boat. Even people who are skinny have body issues. The whole reason for going to the beach or the pool is to enjoy yourself.
[26:19] Melissa is confident that neither of the skinny beautiful women who she went to Maui with are as funny as her. They were also women who built other women up.
[27:13] Don't go out of your way to spend time with someone who tears someone else down.
[28:33] The effect of who you surround yourself with and how it affects your outlook and how you see yourself.
[29:20] The power of evaluating yourself and not being hard on other women and not being hard on yourself.
[30:03] Be the person that your younger self needed.
[30:35] Treat a younger woman like you know she needs to be treated. Think back about how you felt at that time in your life.
[31:36] We're all just women trying to figure things out, and we need other positive people around us.
[36:21] Meridith uses 100 SPF and covers herself with large hats.
[40:45] Lightning round where we find out some cool things about Meridith.
[43:47] Perfection doesn't make us happy. Knowing who we are and what we are that's the goal.
[45:26] Miracles are all around us, we just get so used to seeing them that we call them ordinary things.

Today, we gave some awesome tips for getting beach body ready. If you would like to hear more of our best ideas take a screenshot of your phone while listening to today's podcast, and share it on social media like Instagram or Facebook and tag me in it with #OrdinaryPeopleOrdinaryThings, and I will send you a rundown of our favorite summer tips, favorite summer drinks, favorite summer swimsuits, and if you're nice my chicken strip recipe.

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
This Sucks But God Is Good (online course) 20% Discount Code: Ordinary
Eat Cake. Be Brave.
The Bachelor
Dr. Oz

The "F" Word Part Two Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

Last week we began discussing the horrible "F" word of forgiveness. My friend and Pastor Jeremy Yancey was on the show. The show became really good, but it was also really long, so we just divided it into two parts. This is the follow-up to last week's show. We dive into the stages of forgiveness and how to free yourself.

I have heard from so many of you that you needed to hear this teaching from this point of view. You needed to hear this perspective and be reminded that there are some unresolved feelings. Some of you may even have bitterness, unforgiveness, and resentment in your heart. The message resounded with you guys as much as it resounded with me.

You can find Jeremy here:

Timber Creek Church 936.632.3540 Timber Creek Church Podcast Timber Creek Church on Facebook Timber Creek Church on Twitter

Show Notes

[02:26] There has been broken trust in Jeremy's life but nothing that he considers horrific. He has seen it with family and friends though.
[03:45] There are certain laws and principles of life that help us understand how to live.
[05:00] Step back and do a personal inventory. It's possible that the issue has grown bigger than it should have. Begin to identify the areas of hurt. Rage and unforgiveness is a process that grows.
[06:46] How I don't care is a protection mechanism, because if you don't care about something it can't hurt you.
[07:39] Absence can build walls. Then you start thinking about something that happened and ruminating about it and it becomes worse.
[08:29] When you escalate things in your mind, you start believing things that aren't true.
[09:26] You can't really trust your own judgment when you are hurting. You can't trust your own emotions when it comes to forgiveness.
[11:46] A lot of people struggle with unforgiveness, because they try to find the strength within themselves.
[12:11] If you have the humility you can learn from anybody. If you are a Christ follower, you can get strength from Jesus.
[12:58] Find some people in your life that will talk honestly with you and come from a balanced perspective.
[13:36] Try to listen to people who actually want you to get better.
[18:25] Choose how and where you're going to spend your energy. Don't waste it on holding a grudge or trying to get revenge.
[18:42] Spend yourself on releasing. Which is for you. Reconciling which makes things okay but maybe still little delicate. Restoration is where things are whole, and you trust each other again.
[20:53] Preempting best practices like not being easily offended. Understand that conflict is part of life.
[21:45] Understand the level of trust that has been broken. We want to know that we are safe and that we can trust the people we are with.
[23:03] Being easily offended comes down to being vulnerable.
[24:25] Put your hands out in front of you with your palms up and make the tightest fist you can. Hold that fist, then slowly release it. When I walk with clenched fists I miss opportunities for growth and opportunities to hang onto something else.
[27:07] Lean into the pure love of God, and you will receive what you really need. This will lead to a less stressed life and less regrets.
[29:54] Lightning round. Find out how Jeremy really feels about life, science fiction, comfort, strange food choices, road trips, and more.

What? Your pastor isn't a Hype Man for a middle aged white woman rapping… If you haven't met Mama Bear, check her out here with JY in this hilarious parody featuring your very own Melissa Radke and Jeremy Yancey.

Can't get enough? We went back and did FOUR more follow ups to that first video, and at least three of them, you don't want to miss! Click the link to get all five in your inbox!

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.

[bctt tweet="'How we deal with forgiveness has to do with the kind of wound we are dealing with.' -Jeremy Yancey " username="msmelissaradke"]

Links and Resources:

Podcast Web Page
Facebook Page
@MsMelissaRadke on Instagram
@msmelissaradke on Twitter
This Sucks But God Is Good (online course) 20% Discount Code: Ordinary
Timber Creek Church
Mama Bear Parody with Melissa and Jeremy
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The "F" Word Part One
Brene Brown

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