Our Time to Rise in Midlife

Latest Episodes:

Ep.430: The Art & Heart of Holiday Gathering with Anna Watson Carl Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

It's that time of year - when we look at calendars and either get excited or feel overwhelmed. Anna Watson Carl, people gatherer extraordinaire, walks us through the why of holiday gathering and how to take the pressure off of ourselves.

As a woman who loves a good dinner party, Anna tells us some of her past holiday mistakes and how she learned from them. As a trained chef, she gives us actual food ideas for both a sit down event or a mingle and snack kind of party. (See below for recipes.) If rosemary, garlic, fig sauce, and lemon curd sound like your kinds of holiday foods, you are going to love Anna's recipes from her blog and cookbook, The Yellow Table.

Holiday gathering is meant to be fun. Whether you're a host or a guest at an event, you will walk away from this conversation with both practical ideas and inspiration. It is the science and the art of holiday gathering.

Connect with Anna

Blog: https://www.theyellowtable.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annawatsoncarl/

Newsletter: https://substack.com/@annawatsoncarl

Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/The-Yellow-Table-Celebration-Gatherings/dp/1454917652

Listen to this episode

On iTunes or watch it here:

https://youtu.be/22the4UQcZc Mentioned on the show

Anna's cookbook The Yellow Table: A Celebration of Everyday Gatherings: 110 Simple and Seasonal Recipes

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

Dishes to Bring to a Party:

Fall Quinoa Salad with Brussels Sprouts & Delicata Squash Kale Salad with Winter Squash and Pine Nuts Rosemary Shortbread Pecan Squares

Festive Holiday Menu: Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Rosemary Fig Butter

Crispy New Potatoes with Rosemary

Haricots Verts with Dijon Shallot Vinaigrette Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Lemon Curd

Homemade Hostess Gifts:

Spicy Rosemary Cocktail Nuts Maple Pecan Granola

Dorina Gilmore-Young's French toast casserole

Some questions for reflection

What are your priorities this season?

How do you want your guests to feel after a gathering?

How do YOU want to feel this season?

Ep.429: The 7 People You Need to Buy for This Holiday Season (and what to get them) Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Christmas decorations have already been in the stores for months, but now it's time to get serious about holiday shopping. Why? Because we want to make the most of our time and money, and we want to be thoughtful gift givers.

Alex and Krista lay out seven people you may have on your shopping list and some ideas on what to get for them. From husbands to teenagers, parents to coworkers, we've got you covered. Some principles on what to consider when selecting a gift and some detailed suggestions on what might be the perfect idea.

This is heavy on the practical as we offer a few episodes in the coming weeks on preparing for the Christmas season. Your December self will thank your November self as you check things off of your to-do list like shopping and wrapping.

Merry Christmas!

A few things mentioned: FOR TEENS/YOUNG ADULTS

TSA pre-check

Nail gel kit with light

Custom Converse

Portable speakers

Spike ball

FOR HUSBANDS

Pizza oven: Ooni or a little less expensive Solo brand

Outdoor Weber gas griddle or grill cover

ABC dates

FOR FRIENDS

Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie's book of prayers

FOR TEACHERS

Krista's soft peanut brittle

FOR BUSINESS PARTNERS

Crate + Barrel white bakeware

FOR YOU

Coaching with Krista

Some questions to consider

Who is on your list? What is your budget? When is your deadline for shopping done? When is your deadline for wrapping?

Ep.428: DISC Your Way To Better Relationships Part 2 with Krista Gilbert + Alex Kuykendall Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

The DISC is one of the leading assessments to help people learn to communicate better in the workplace and in relationships. In Part 1 last week we broke down what the letters stand for, and how we can learn to self identify our natural tendencies in conflict, pacing, processes, interpersonal relationships and decision making.

In Part 2 this week we're looking at how the types interact and what potential sticking points may surface because of our style. We also discuss each type in leadership positions and what the potential strengths and pitfalls may be as they lead.

Join us as we interview DISC coach Krista Gilbert on how to be more self aware and insightful about the way you work with others in any arena.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW TO TAKE THE DISC ASSESSMENT AS AN INDIVIDUAL, A COUPLE, OR A GROUP SIGN UP HERE.

"Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse." ― Barbara Brown Taylor

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

How do you see your DISC type conflicting with another DISC type?
How can you adjust your communication style to work more effectively with that person?
What is your one BIG takeaway from the DISC assessment information?

LET'S CONNECT FRIENDS!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

Ep.427: DISC Your Way to Better Relationships with DISC coach Krista Gilbert Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

DiSC® is a personal assessment tool used by more than one million people every year to help improve teamwork, communication, and productivity, especially in the workplace, though there are also tremendous personal benefits when using the DISC.

DISC provides a common language people can use to better understand themselves and those they interact with—and then use this knowledge to reduce conflict and improve working relationships.

In this episode DISC coach, Krista Gilbert, shares about the four D-I-S-C types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance or Conscientiousness. We dive into why t's so important for leaders to be self aware and how they can use this insight to better relate to those around them.

If you want a powerful new tool for your relational and work tool box, this episode is for you!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE DISC

Krista can help you if you would like to take the DISC assessment and receive a comprehensive report and debrief. SIGN UP HERE.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

D – DOMINANT

Seeks control Decisive Direct Results oriented

I- INTERPERSONAL

Persuasive Spontaneous Friendly Doesn't mind the spotlight

S- STEADY

Team oriented Follows through Stays loyal Accepting of others

C-COMLIANT

Compliant Analytical Planner Needs Accuracy

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GROW

What type do you most identify with – the D, I, S, or C?
What is one of the greatest strengths of that type that you embody?
What is one growth area you know you need to work on?
How can you use this tool to help you become a better family member? a better colleague? a better friend and neighbor?

LET'S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

Ep.426: Fun + Fire - here is something we love + something we don't Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Every once in a while we release an episode called Fun + Fire.

Sometimes it's lighthearted and sometimes we delve into something hard. Today we are camping on the lighter side, discussing what we are loving and also drawing attention to a big problem for all of womankind.

You'll have to listen to see what it is.

If you want some practical ideas for the season and also want to laugh a little, join us for this fun conversation.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW:

Krista's 10 Days of Fall Vibes on Instagram.

Here are the categories:

DAY 1: DÉCOR SWAPPING IN THE FALL

DAY 2: FALL MEAL PLANNING

DAY 3: A FALL TABLESCAPE

DAY 4: RE-SETTING A MORNING ROUTINE IN THE FALL

DAY 5: THE VERY BEST AMISH ZUCCHINI BREAD

DAY 6: HARNESS FALL TO MAKE MEMORIES

DAY 7: THE BEST ITALIAN SOUP RECIPE

DAY 8: HUNT THE GOOD – PRACTICING GRATITUDE

Day 9: OUR EASY FALL CANDY MIX

Day 10: DECORATING YOUR FRONT PORCH FOR FALL

Coach Prime

Ugg platform boots

Free people platform boots

New balance sneakers

Edda Knee High Boot by Naturalizer

Ep.425: Identity Crisis: What happens when your purpose shifts? With Rachel Joy Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

Life is changing. What we used to be responsible for, may no longer be in our charge. Whether it's work-related, a parenting dynamic, or caring for parents who used to care for us, when our purpose shifts we may start to wonder who we even are anymore.

Enter Rachel Joy to the conversation. As someone who coaches women on their identity and purpose, Rachel gives us some practical ways to think about changing "assignments" throughout life. Our identity, who God says we are, does not change, but our purpose - or assignment of what we're in charge of - might. We cover grief when things change when we don't want them to, transitions as times when old lies might resurface, and the importance of trusted friends to challenge wrong thinking and celebrate our victories.

If you are in a season of shift, we encourage you to remember who God is. And if you aren't really sure, this is a great time to seek him out. His love for you defines you. No matter your boundaries and allotments - your larger purpose is to walk this life with him.

Follow Rachel

On her websites:

www.s-coaching.org www.sparrowcollective.org

On Instagram:

@rachelrjoy

@_sparrowcollective

@_s_coaching

A few things mentioned on the show

Sparrow Collective

Identity Course

Identity Sheets

Questions for reflection

What are the lies I'm believing? What are the fears around the lies that I'm believing? Are their idols that I'm worshipping other than God?

Questions for reflection What passions has God given you? What burdens has he given you? What are the gifts he has given you? What are the spheres of influence he has given you?

Ep.424: Rising to parent teens + young adults - Part 2 Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

In part two of our series on parenting teens and young adults, today we once again join with therapist and author Kristen Hatton to discuss the realities of raising this generation.

Using a hot seat format, we hit some of the most challenging topics. From vaping to bullying to eating disorders to sex, we're "going there" in this episode.

If you want a refreshingly honest, faith-informed perspective on teen parenting, this conversation is for you.

**If you didn't listen to part 1, be sure to listen here.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Birds and Bees Ministry

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE

Take some time to journal or talk through these.

Be a student of your teen or young adult – what do you notice?
Are you under or over parenting? What evidence is there of this?
How can you love your child's friends well?
What can you do to address the heart of your child (rather than focusing on behavior modification)?
Who could help you navigate this season with your teen / young adult?
What activity can you do with your teen / young adult to connect right now?

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

Ep.423: Rising to parent teens + young adults with Kristen Hatton Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

Are you raising teens or young adults? Then these next two episodes are just for you. In part one of this two part series, we are talking about rising to meet this specific season of parenting.

Therapist, author and parent Kristen Hatton joins us to discuss over and under parenting (and how to not do either), how to live with the uncertainty of not knowing a child's future and how to avoid the trap of codependency.

We know this is a tricky time in life. We're WITH you in it! Let's rise together.

Find Kristen Hatton on her website.

SOME THINGS YOU HEARD ON THE SHOW

Kristen's new book – Parenting Ahead

Our interview with Curt Thompson – neurologist and expert in the integration of neuroscience and faith

Adam Young, the YOU diagram

Codependent No More

LET'S CONNECT!

Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend.

Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you!

Ep.422: What I've Noticed About You: Our Keys to Longterm Friendship (Part 2) with Krista and Alex Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Friendship is intentional. If you want depth to this lifeline of a relationship, you need to make it a priority. In our second part of our conversation around healthy friendships, Krista and Alex continue with their discussion of attributes they've noticed about each other that have strengthened their relationship over three decades.

From humility to honesty a friendship requires trust - often over time. It also requires the kind of commitment that creates safety. But how do we incorporate these building blocks into our everyday interactions? How do we have the kinds of relationships that are both encouraging and challenging us to growth in the very best ways?

We hope this conversation inspires some reflection on your own friendships and encourages you to consider where you want to invest your time and energy this year. We all want friends. We all want to be good friends. We don't often pause to consider how we are doing in this arena. This series is intended to help us do just that.

I few things mentioned

Boundaries and Safe People by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

Reflection questions

When was a time a friend believed the best in you? How did that feel?

How well do you keep confidences? Who can you trust to keep things confidential?

Who is within arm's reach that you would like to become better friends with? What can you do with intention this week to reach out to that friend?

Ep.421: What I've Noticed About You: Our Keys to Longterm Friendship (Part 1) with Krista and Alex Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

The podcast co-hosts, Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall, have been friends for over 30 years. Because of this, they have observed qualities and behaviors in each other that make the other person an especially good friend. Podcast listeners often ask about their friendship, but they've never talked about it at length on the show...until now.

Using what they notice in each other as friends, Krista and Alex, are able to talk through what makes a good friend. Some of the things they highlight are personal qualities or character attributes, and some are how those qualities play out practically.

Quality friendship is critical to a healthy and thriving life. If other relationships in your life are changing, or if you simply want to be a better friend, focusing in on the kinds of friendships you are working toward can improve your overall health. It is our time to rise and be the kinds of friends we'd like to have.

A few things mentioned on the show

The Good Life: Lessons From the World's Longest Scientific Study on Happiness

Loving My Actual Neighbor : 7 Practices to Treasure the People Right in Front of You

The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days

Questions for reflection

How would you like to be a better friend to others?

How can you give a long-term friendship new priority?

What practical things can you do to ask better questions? Be a more active listener?

How can you be intentional about checking in on a friend's milestones and important moments?