The Big Top

Episode 34: Human(Kind) with Ashlee Eiland May 28, 2020

Today’s episode is full of laughter, stories, and honest reflection. Which is our favorite combination!

We have the beautiful and eloquent Ashlee Eiland with us. She is the author of Human(Kind): How Reclaiming Human Worth and Embracing Radical Kindness Will Bring Us Back Together (WaterBrook; 4/7/20). In her book, advocate Ashlee Eiland shares her compelling story of being a black woman living on two sides of the fence: as the token black girl in majority-white spaces and as the “whitewashed” black girl in majority-black spaces. As she discovers her own unique worth through these recollections, Eiland learns that extending radical kindness toward every person—regardless of social status, political views, or religious beliefs—gives each person hope and rekindles a common humanity and dignity.”

“Ashlee is an elegant and intelligent writer, an eloquent and passionate communicator, and a brave and kind voice in our community. I’m thrilled that she’s sharing her own story and her prophetic vision for what connection might really mean. Ashlee teaches me by example how to live with courage and compassion, and I believe her perspective and voice will be deeply meaningful to so many people.”

—Shauna Niequist, New York Times best-selling author

“(Ashlee) is a holy, mysterious, beautiful creation who has a sacred glow in the deepest part of her, a divine ‘yes’ right at the center. And discovering this is the core call of this book—to move beyond the categories and limitations we put on each other and even the ones we put on ourselves. To uncover the longings, the divine invitation, the sacred image in one another. To uproot buried hopes and possibilities and nurse them back to life—using kindness as a potent remedy. Resurrection power is found in the simple truth that kindness might just be able to bring us all back to life.”

—Danielle Strickland, author, speaker, and social justice advocate (From the Foreword)

“In her tenderly written book, Ashlee draws on a range of personal experiences to explore how life fashions identity. She reflects on big themes, from the love of family to the brutality of racism and the search for belonging, and calls us to greater awareness of the stories and systems still shaping our lives and communities. Through her deeply personal words, Ashlee leads us toward a grace-filled vision of humanity in which we see the imago Dei in ourselves and one another and live it in the everyday. ‘Human(Kind)’ indeed.”

—Jo Saxton, Leadership coach and author of The Dream of You

Ashlee Eiland serves as the formation and preaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church. She shares God’s message of redemption and reconciliation at conferences, colleges, and events around the country. She began her professional career working for Nestlé USA and left corporate America to pursue full-time vocational ministry. Ashlee earned a BA in international relations from the University of Southern California and completed her master’s in organizational leadership at Judson University. Ashlee and her husband, Delwin, have three children and live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Visit her online at

www.AshleeEiland.com

https://www.instagram.com/ashlee_eiland

https://twitter.com/Ashlee_Eiland

Episode 33: Mindless Eating, Hard Body Image Days, and Self-Compassion with Jess Durando May 07, 2020

Friend, you need this conversation today. Jessica tells us our wins for the day right now are: food, movement, self-care, and structure. Why so simple and freeing? Because everything counts. We couldn’t agree more. We also talk about little mind shifts that reframe our day, our week, and eventually us. And then we ask about what to do with mindless eating right now and bad body image days. She gives us great thoughts! We think it’s safe to say we are all wrestling in some way with these topics and Jess gives us some solid ground. Owner of Happy Belly Coaching and a certified nutrition coach as well as pre and postnatal coaching, get Jess in your life.

Follow Jessica on IG @jessdurando for her therapist and health coach thoughts as she helps women and mamas be the best version of themselves, mind & body. You can also find her at www.happybellycoaching.com

Episode 32 | Therapy Session with Craig Flack Apr 23, 2020

Excuse us while we bear our very souls in front of you all. We share things we haven’t shared with anyone until we all got together. Unprecedented times calls for unprecedented vulnerability on The Big Top. Our most requested and most regular guest, Craig Flack, comes back for more today on the show. A comedian-turned-pastor, he gives lightness, levity, and let’s us simplify what really is the measure of a good day during this stay-at-home season. And it’s a good word, friends. Don’t miss it. We talk about our personal anxiety, our fears, our struggles, and things we are discovering about ourselves right now that we’d prefer not to mention. We share perspective in the middle of a pandemic that frees us up rather than weighs us down.

Episode 31: Wins & Losses in a Global Pandemic Apr 06, 2020

We are back! And since we last podcasted, just a little bit has changed. Like, the entire globe. And on top of it all, Amy is launching her book into the middle of this dumpster fire with all the grace she can muster. Grace Looks Amazing on You releases April 7 and we are still prepared to party pandemic-style! Lori and Amy share wins and losses right now, binge shows, and what it looks like to connect to God in the middle of every kind of emotion, fear, and anxious thought. Enjoy the show!

You can purchase Amy’s new book anywhere books are sold! She highly recommends buying one for you and one for a girlfriend since it’s such a pretty gift-book! With Easter and Mother’s Day and Graduations coming up….this is PERFECT!

Season 2: Episode 5 | Holiday Edition! with Lori and Amy Dec 13, 2019

Fair warning: you may want to listen to this without little ears around because we chat honestly about some Christmas season traditions! This holiday edition is full of laughter and learning: we talk Santa. Live Nativities. Advent. The Elf. And most of all staying above all the stress. We share a few mindful practices and have some thoughts on truly enjoying the last few weeks of this special season. Also, here’s a link to sign up to get Amy’s 12 Days of Christmas each morning starting today up on her blog! http://www.amyseiffert.com/subscribe

Season 2: Episode 4 | The Middle Matters with Lisa-Jo Baker Oct 29, 2019

Lisa-Jo Baker is lighthearted, brilliant, and she CRUSHES it in our shenanigans at the top of the show. But she also crushes it when it comes to bringing us real, sound, soul-truth we are all so darn thirsty to hear. She’s a lawyer turned mother, author, and speaker…three things she never thought she would be. And here she is, reminding us of the important spiritual truths about life in the middle. She’s in the middle of raising her kids, in the middle of her life (she will gladly tell you her age is 44), and as far as her middle section? She is embracing every beautiful part of it. You’re going to want to share this one.

“I want to give Lisa-Jo’s book a standing ovation because it’s exactly what’s needed for this particular time, when our ‘ordinary’ lives seem so unextraordinary compared to what we see or hear on our phones. I’m beginning to embrace my middle, physically and metaphorically, and I’m finding the most extraordinary thing: The freedom and the joy I thought was missing in my life? It was there all along.”
—Aarti Sequeira, chef, TV personality, journalist and author

Follow Lisa-Jo on instagram at Lisa-Jo Baker and head over to her one-stop shop and check her out: http://lisajobaker.com/

Season 2: Episode 3 | When Values and Finances Collide with Natalie Taylor Oct 15, 2019

Finances. Some of us love talking about spreadsheets and numbers. Some of us would rather eat dirt. Wherever you fall on the financial feelings spectrum, today’s show really is for you! Natalie Taylor gives us a fresh new look when it comes to our values, our family, and our finances. Lori and Amy each take the values guide that Natalie has created and talk honestly about where our money goes and why. This is one where you’re going to want to listen in with your spouse and have honest discussions about right after. Enjoy!

To access Natalie’s values guide: www.natalieanntaylor.com/podcast

Natalie Taylor is a Certified Financial Planner professional and Behavioral Financial Advisor who is passionate about helping people cultivate a plan for their finances based on their values and goals. She helps people not only make progress, but find confidence, balance and peace along the way. Frequently quoted in major publications such as the Huffington Post, Forbes, Business Insider and Lifehacker, Natalie draws on fifteen years of comprehensive financial planning experience, six years with fintech startups, and a decade of professional speaking to share advice that works in real life , not just on paper. Natalie was most recently the Director of Financial Advice for a subsidiary of a Fortune 100 company and has guided thousands of people through everything from buying their first home to managing multi-million dollar portfolios.

In front of an audience, she shares effective strategies for achieving and maintaining balance between enjoying life today and planning for someday. Natalie connects with audiences of all kinds with an authentic and relatable style that inspires her audience to look at their finances differently, and empowers them to begin a fresh conversation about money unlike any they’ve had before.

As a consultant, Natalie draws on her experience as a brand voice manager, product SME, strategy consultant and financial advisor trainer & coach to help companies move their mission forward in the fintech and financial services spaces. Whether it’s helping financial advisors learn to connect and communicate more effectively with clients, working through product strategy, or helping a financial brand connect with a Millennial and/or female audience, Natalie’s goal is to help companies make progress and create meaningful change.

Hunt down Natalie here: www.natalieanntaylor.com

Season 2: Episode 2 | The Open Table Sep 20, 2019

Today we talk about why Amy gave up coffee, why someone might choose feet over hands, and why we have a REAL sustainable solution to poverty right in front of us. Angie Williams from The Open Table shares her journey of finding what she has been looking for all her life: an antidote to poverty. The bottom line: relationship transforms poverty. You are going to want to get yourself ON A TABLE after this one! This is a share-with-all-your-friends kind of episode. Enjoy!

Angie says you can text or call her here: 1-804-852-3862 because she is that passionate about this. You can also email her: angiewilliams@theopentable.com

Angie Williams is the Managing Director of Development for Open Table. Angie is an accomplished leader in the development and innovation of services for youth, young adults and families. As Open Table’s Managing Director of Development, Angie has led the creation of implementation and expansion strategies for state and county projects in collaboration with government, human services organizations, faith-based organizations, foundations and other community sectors. She has twenty years of experience working with youth, young adults and families. At United Methodist Family Services (UMFS) of Virginia, a $30 million statewide private child welfare agency, Angie developed systems and training that allowed more than 1,200 volunteers to invest their relational and social capital in UMFS programs and services across the state. She also serves on the Virginia Systems of Care Expansion Team implementing a statewide SAMHSA grant project integrating Open Table as a model to serve youth and families. Angie served as the director of youth and young adult programs for the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church and its 1,100 churches and more than 300,000 members. One of Angie’s key accomplishments is the development of a statewide leadership training program for young adults that has expanded and sustained for 15 years. Angie has a B.A. from The College of William and Mary and holds certifications in youth ministry through Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as certification in volunteer administration through the international Council of CVA. Angie and her husband Jeff are the proud foster-adoptive parents of two daughters adopted through UMFS – Sharon at age 14 (now 27) and Leona at age 5 (now 15).

Season 2: Episode 1 Making Yourself a Priority with Renea Fieck Aug 30, 2019

Welcome to Season 2 of The Big Top called: Pull Up A Chair! We are inviting different folks to join us at the table so we can hear from them about their expertise and wisdom. We need to know a few key things like: mustache or mullet? Mayo or mustard? You know, the basics. But also, we have Renae Fieck with us who is a life coach, podcaster, mom, occupational therapist, entrepreneur, and More Than Mom Summit CEO. And she wants us to “let go of busy, embrace stillness, create space to live a life you love.” Doesn’t that sound lovely? And she has arrived at this place honestly—her story is something you are not going to want to miss.

Episode 25: Birthday Reflections All Around with Amy & Lori Jul 29, 2019

All the birthday fun on this one! Amy turned 40 AND the podcast is one year old on Episode 25 today!

We need to talk about what has happened this past year, our birthday, our enneagram numbers (and what Amy actually is despite what she thought) and why we all want to be Lori’s number. We talk about our regrets this past year and some things we have both been learning. This one is just Lori and Amy - and we are laughing, learning, & looking back and we think you’re going to love it.

Episode 24: Male and Female Friendships with Craig Flack May 09, 2019

“Avoidance is not a boundary. It’s a wall. Half of my church is female. If I don’t have women in my life helping to shape my thinking then they will feel voiceless.” -Pastor Craig Flack

How do we have healthy male-female friendships in our adult life? Is it possible? What about in the church context? God has given us brothers and sisters and He is the Father. But how do we do it well? What do we lose and what do we gain with having coed relationships or not having them? Let’s talk wisdom, good boundaries, laws, and the spirit. Aaaand let’s talk about Lori’s new job and Amy’s new book! All the things. We think you’re going to love this one!

Episode 23: Forgiveness with Steve Rieske Mar 28, 2019

“As soon as I say: When another person changes, then I can finally be Ok, I just farmed out my well being into some else’s life.” - Steve Rieske, pastor and counselor. How often do we do that? Put our well-being into someone else’s hands? Bank our ability to be OK on someone else changing? All. The. Time. So what do we do with this thinking, with forgiveness, with reconciliation, with all the relationship exchanges? We brought on our dear friend Steve Rieske to talk all about this topic. And we all need it. You know what else you need? To laugh about what kind of pool you might want to jump in if it was filled with something besides water. Like mayo. You never know what kind of laughing and learning you’ll come across under The Big Top but we think you’ll love it!

In the fall of 2019, Steve became the full-time Lead Teaching Pastor at Brookside Church and he has been involved with Brookside since its creation, serving in multiple roles including as an Elder. In addition to serving Brookside, Steve served with the college ministry CRU since 1999. Steve holds an undergraduate degree from Ohio University and in 2014 received his Masters of Arts and Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. Steve and his wife Sandy were married in 1997 and have three children (Narnia, Danny, and Jack).

Episode 22: Slow Growth in a Fast World with Amy and Lori Mar 14, 2019

Would you rather be an olympic athlete or The U.S. President? TOUGH CALL. Also. Just as importantly, how do we have good, slow growth in our life in our fast paced world? What’s been a hard but really good practice that is actually changing your life? Why? Amy and Lori share their recent practices for growth in the middle of their jobs, their family life, their dreams. This one is SUPER practical - you’ll walk away with some great ideas!

Some references from the show: The Good and Beautiful God and Dallas Willard’s Triangle for Spiritual Growth

Episode 21: Tackling Tough Topics: Marriage & Family with Krista Cassell Feb 21, 2019

“The unfortunate thing is that married couples come in about ten years too late.” This is a consistent pattern that marriage and family life coach and counselor Krista Cassell is seeing in our marriage culture. Why is that? What is the first step back toward one another when contempt has crept in? Let’s talk! Also. We’ll talk about double bacon croissants, saltwater cleanses, and eroded trust in marriages and rebuilding that trust! All completely related, obviously.

Krista Cassell is a Board Certified Biblical Counselor (BCBC) and Board Certified Christian Life Coach (BCLC) who graduated from Light University with a Masters diploma in Biblical Counseling, specializing in adolescents. She received her Board Certification in both counseling and coaching through the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Although Krista counsels and coaches families and individuals in all walks of life, she is most passionate about working with hurting families struggling with difficult relationship and behavioral issues. Her passion developed through her personal experience within her own family. Having a child with a mis-diagnosed neurobiological disorder for many years, she has a heartfelt interest in helping families who share the same struggles and want to seek restoration and healing. Krista is trained in the Love and Logic parenting curriculum, which provides practical tools and techniques that help adults achieve respectful, healthy relationships with their children.

Bonus Episode 20: Valentine's Day on Sex & Marriage Feb 14, 2019

It’s Valentine’s Day! So we put together a good, honest bonus episode about marriage and sex. Nothing is off limits under The Big Top. Today we have a bonus guest with us as well, none other than Pastor Craig Flack. He is the Teaching Pastor at Celina First Church of God and we have had him on before to tackle some tough topics. We love his candid, funny, and God-honoring nature. We talk about why sex seems so very complicated, what we can do to improve this sacred space, and what Craig (from his years of pastoral marital counseling) sees as some steps we can take to redeem the broken places.

Episode 19: Tackling Tough Topics: Racial Reconciliation Jan 03, 2019

If ever we needed to tackle a tough topic, this is it. We can do this, friends. We have to do this. Let’s talk. And we have THE best woman to talk to. Mika Karikari graciously discusses racial healing and reconciliation on this episode of The Big Top. She has fight, she has brains, she has grace. Also. She has thoughts. Particularly on either kangaroos or koalas. It’s all about the pockets. DO not miss this one! But truly, we share fails and wins, she shares heartbreaking realities, and we all pitch in and discuss steps forward for every one of us. Prepare your heart and tune in.

Mika is a 30 something who loves Jesus, her husband, baking, hugs, writing, coffee and her beloved hometown of Cincinnati. Professionally, she works in higher education and enjoys being part of student's collegiate journey. She is also a current doctoral candidate whose research is focused on Black women and leadership. When not working you can find Mika baking, reading for fun, or watching sports with her hubby.

Mika’s references and resources:

The Danger of a Single Story TED Talk by Chimamanda Adichie

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh- This oldie but goodie is a written work that every white person should read.

Racial Microagressions in Everyday Life by Dr. Sue- Although this article is in the context of clinical practice, it does an excellent job of addressing microaggressions in an accessible way.

The Hate you Give by Angie Thomas- Great fiction book that addresses relevant race issues in America. It also was made into a movie.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds & Brendan Kiely- Great fiction book that addresses police brutality from the perspective of both a white boy and a Black boy.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult- Her website includes questions that are great prompts to having an honest conversation about race

Bonus Episode: New Year's Resolutions! Jan 01, 2019

Happy New Year! You did it. 2018 is gone and we are facing a brand spanking new year. This quick bonus episode has some shenanigans, reflections, rainbow trout discussions, and resolutions. How do we reconcile the past resolutions we’ve broken? What does it even mean to resolve? Listen to Amy and Lori’s plans and resolutions for themselves and their family this new year!

Episode 17 | Tackling Tough Topics: Emotional Risk Factors and God's Protective Factors with Lorianna Joos Dec 17, 2018

Bananas for fingers or bananas for toes? You be the judge. AND just as importantly, let’s tackle another tough topic. What emotional risk factors do you have in light of your history, family of origin, your personality? How does this affect your daily life? And where does God come into all of that? And what do you actually do about it all? All this and more in our conversation with the lovely and lively Lorianna Joos, who gives us extremely practical advice in this area. You are going to adore her!

She is a licensed counselor who has been practicing for 11 years and has experience working with relationship issues, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, anger, domestic violence, obsessions, grief and loss, trauma, sexually maladaptive behaviors, substance use, family counseling, couples counseling, premarital counseling, teenagers, and children. She has taught various workshops on emotional healing, boundaries, healthy relationships, and surviving trauma. She currently serves as a licensed counselor with A Renewed Mind in Perrysburg

Episode 16 | Tackling Tough Topics: Raise Your Voice with Kathy Khang Nov 29, 2018

Do you ever feel like an imposter? Like someone is going to figure out that you aren’t really who you are? That you can’t really do what you have set out to do? It’s a real thing, a real fear. The Imposter Syndrome is just ONE of the places we go on this amazing episode. We are tackling tough topics, y’all and we got one of THE best on the show today. You may have heard her on Jen Hatmaker’s For The Love podcast recently as her latest book was released, “Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up.” She KILLS it on exploring finding your voice, failing as you go, and raising it up in confidence. You are NOT going to want to miss this.

Episode 15 | Tackling Tough Topics: Anger with Lori and Amy Nov 16, 2018

What does an extra toe, the butter to potato ratio in mashed potatoes, and throwing shoes have in common? THIS episode! We are talking Thanksgiving AND tackling tough topics. Today: Anger, among other shenanigans. If there’s one topic we could talk for days about, it’s anger. But let’s be clear. We aren’t here to rant. We are here to recognize anger and reel it in. So what do we get angry about? What does it look like? And how do we manage this every day common emotion? Let’s talk anger. And resources. And tips and tricks. One of Amy’s favorite books on this topic (along with counseling!) is Controlling Your Anger Before It Controls You by Gregory Jantz. We are certain everyone can relate to this episode, no matter your stage of life or your season. Enjoy!

Episode 14 | Tackling Tough Topics: Anxiety with Rania Haynes Nov 01, 2018

We’ve got a brand spanking new series for you and you don’t want to miss it. Just drop whatever you’re doing and go listen. It’s fine. Your boss will understand.

Our series is Tackling Tough Topics and first up: Anxiety.

There’s not one soul who doesn’t have it and everyone needs to manage it somehow. And today’s episode? Let’s just say we have an Egyptian goddess on our hands. You’ll learn more about Rania Haynes but what you need to know is that she is a therapist with over 20 years of experience and she loves tackling tough topics. And anxiety is one of her favorites. She believes we can live whole, integrated lives and who doesn’t want to hear about that?! You’ll love her. She’s down to earth and full of grace and truth. Get ready for some fantastic counseling.

Episode 13 | Motherhood with Lori and Amy Oct 18, 2018

We are wrapping this baby up with our own banter about this crazy country we call Motherhood. And what better way to do it than to answer YOUR questions! Thank you to all those who sent us questions and messages. We definitely cover our personal thoughts on mayo, so be confident we cover your important topics. We talk about what a game changer having a positive narrative is in your home and about two necessary key words for moms: accept and celebrate. So grab that load of laundry, press play, and get ready for loads of…wisdom? humor? You be the judge.

Episode 12 | Motherhood with Ashlee Gadd Oct 04, 2018

Can you imagine being an entrepreneur, author (The Magic of Motherhood), podcast host, and mother and choosing to take an entire month off of work? It sounds like a dream! This is exactly what Ashlee Gadd, owner of Coffee and Crumbs did this past August and we wanted to hear all about it! On top of that, she shares her fantastic view on her body after having two kids, the spiritual awakening of motherhood, and her favorite episode on her fantastic and famous podcast. Not to mention her take on the enneagram and pregnancy overalls! Ashlee mentions The Road Back to You as her favorite resource for all things enneagram, check it out.

Episode 11 | Motherhood with Megan Smalley Sep 20, 2018

We are talking about all things motherhood, but we would be remiss to not talk about the very difficult road some of us walk through to get there: infertility. On today’s show, Megan Smalley brings a feisty and faith-filled view of her well-known journey. Megan is the host of the Give Grace podcast and several amazing resources for walking through hard things. We laugh and learn together with this beautiful and tenacious soul!

Megan Smalley is a pastor's kid. A coach's wife. A new mom to twins. A conquerer of infertility. A follower of Jesus. And a warrior for those that are struggling.

Growing up in Texas, she is a big believer in the saying that you can take her out of Texas but you can't take the Texas out of her. She lives in Auburn, Alabama with her cute coach of a hubby now, but Texas will forever be home. She is a big city girl that has found the beauty in a slower paced, small college town life.

After battling infertility for four years including two rounds of IVF, she is incredibly passionate about helping those that are walking through hard things. Let's be honest... life is hard. Her prayer is that her work will be a small little place in the world wide web full of resources that can help you navigate some of the struggles she has faced in life. As hard as the struggles have been, she never wants to suffer in vain. If just one person can be encouraged by what they have walked through, all of the pain is worth it. To God be the glory for the great things He has done.

You can find Megan Smalley here! And she is on the socials here.

Episode 10 | Motherhood with Craig Flack Sep 06, 2018

Yes we did. We invited a man to talk about motherhood and we went places we never thought we’d go! It was an absolute blast! You do NOT want to miss this one. Craig Flack is the teaching pastor at Celina First and a return guest–because so many of you enjoyed him the first time! He’s hilarious, a straight shooter, and has provocative thoughts for our culture.

Just fair warning, when we ask Craig our last question, if you have little ears around we want you to know we dive into sexual intimacy and very real talk. It’s the last ten minutes or so. We love being real, but we also want to be sensitive. We want you to be able to decide what conversations you want to start with your children and not have them started for you.

On the show Craig talks about healthy sacrificial love toward our children and the kind of sacrifice that is very unhealthy in our culture. He demystifies date night and he also shares a few ways that he adores how his own wife lives out her motherhood! It’s the beeeest. Enjoy!

Episode 09 | Motherhood with Alli Patterson Aug 23, 2018

Who doesn't want to hear from a mom who kick boxes, loves baking, and is finishing her masters degree at Dallas Theological Seminary talk about motherhood? Allie Patterson has fantastic thoughts as one of the teaching pastors at Crossroads Church in Cincinatti, OH. She is practical, brilliant, and with four kids–she definitely has a thing or two to say about motherhood!

Episode 08 | Motherhood with Courtney Defeo Aug 09, 2018

What do Justin Timberlake, lemurs, and motherhood have in common? Well you're about to find out! We adore Courtney Defeo and her wit, charm, and beautiful wisdom. Courtney is a mom of two girls, an author, a speaker, a visionary, a podcaster, and a woman who has enlightening thoughts on motherhood. She is so very practical which we all need! She gives us some golden truths on who YOU are as a mother, what season you are in, and what God is doing around you. More on Courtney on the show notes at www.amyseiffert.com under podcast.

Bonus Episode 07 | Motherhood Series Kick Off! Aug 03, 2018

Who wouldn't want just a quick bonus episode where Lori and Amy talk about being moms, about how Amy wrote her book (Chin Up) on motherhood because it felt like a lopsided dress on her when it looked so beautiful on everyone else, and on some bonus encouragement for the weekend? No one, that's who.

But most of all, can we talk about how amazing the line-up is for the next several episodes? Yes, let's! Courtney Defeo (author, podcaster of "Leading Girls") Ashlee Gadd (podcast: Coffee and Crumbs and author of The Magic of Motherhood) Alli Patterson (podcast: IKR? and pastor at Crossroads Church) and Meg Smalley (podcast: Give Grace, owner of Scarlet and Gold Shop)

We are beside ourselves to have these killer thought leaders and cannot wait for all the laughing and learning to come! Enjoy this Friday Bonus Episode!

Episode 06 | Women In Leadership: Amy and Lori Jul 26, 2018

This is the one where Lori and Amy suggest Cheeto's and icecream solve all your leadership problems! And on top of that stellar wisdom, they have an honest conversation and share their leadership struggles, joys, and lessons learned. If they had advice for both women and men in leadership, what would they say? Take a listen and enjoy the show!

Amy is currently the Director of Outward Movement at Brookside Church and has been in a variety of leadership positions in ministry over the last 20 years. In the last 11 years she is continually learning how to be faithful in both motherhood and ministry. Lori is currently the Connections Catalyst at CityCampusChurch and has also been in a variety of leadership positions in ministry over the 12 years and is trusting God at every new season. And they will both tell you the same thing: they NEVER thought they'd be working for a church.

Episode 05 | Women In Leadership: Ben Thompson Jul 12, 2018

"Be careful where you’re saying God can’t and God won’t...because it’s never gone well where the church has done that…." - Ben Thompson. On this episode Ben, the Pastor of City Campus Church in Columbus, Ohio, gives us a four-chair analogy for thinking about women in leadership. He shares his honest journey on how he saw women in leadership ten years ago and where he is now. We are positive you'll enjoy his chill but brilliant nature in this episode. But let's not overlook his lightening speed skills in our opening conversation. We may need to have a best of the best when it comes to our circus games.

Episode 04 | Women in Leadership: Craig Flack Jun 25, 2018

What pastor has a former life in stand-up comedy, challenges the status quo on women in leadership, and shares about some serious zipper snafoos he's run into while preaching? This guy.

On this episode with pastor Craig Flack you will definitely find a good bit of circus shenanigans and a great deal of thought regarding women leading in the church context. Which is a perfect combo when it comes to The Big Top.

During the show Lori, Amy, and Craig reference an article titled, "Why Women Can't Lead In Your Church" by Geoff Surratt. Using this article as a springboard, they hit Craig's personal experiences, some theology, and some fantastic challenges Craig has to male pastors. Not to mention the importance of Craig's pinewood derby trophies that he is supremely proud of. We've got all kinds of important things you are not going to want to miss! Enjoy the show!

Episode 03 | Women In Leadership Series: Barb Roose Jun 25, 2018

What are the top three leadership tips Barb Roose keeps in her head at all times? Barb shares these simple yet profound thoughts with us on this episode! We had an absolute blast talking with Barb about leadership blunders, leading yourself well, and what it looks like to be confident in the seat you find yourself sitting in. She also sings us a little song that all leaders MUST hear! The three of us were our own little circus of laughter and leadership chatter. You're going to want to take notes on this one!

Episode 02 | Women In Leadership: Kevin Crawford Jun 22, 2018

Why would a pastor change his life mission statement after thinking through women in leadership? Kevin shares why on this episode of women in leadership in the church context. Kevin has been pastoring for 16 years and has learned, grown, and shifted his view on women in leadership over the past two decades. On this episode, he shares about creating a culture for women to lead, his thoughts on female pastors, and the women he respects in leadership. He asks some great questions at the end for us all to think through and a game of Mad Gab to start us off? Yes please! Enjoy The Big Top this week!

The Big Top: Episode 1 Jun 14, 2018

Amy Seiffert and Lori Brittenham invite you to join their over-the-top circus. They both love laughing and learning and they hope you go back to your circus feeling a bit lighter. This episode introduces you to the hosts and sets the stage for weeks to come. The next topic up for The Big Top is: Women in Leadership.

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