The Sister Circle Podcast

Latest Episodes:

#557 – When Striving Steals Your Joy with Ashley Menzies Babatunde Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

Today I’m talking with Ashley Menzies Babatunde—lawyer, DEI leader, storyteller, and host of No Straight Path. Ashley shares how striving, achievement, and perfection shaped her early years…and how failure, burnout, and grief invited her to slow down and rediscover who she really is.

We talk about knowing when you’re striving, how to reconnect with your purpose, the healing power of journaling, and navigating big feelings while becoming a new mother without your own mom here. Ashley also introduces the concept of “time affluence” and how to create space in your life for the things that actually bring joy.

It’s honest, warm, insightful, and full of permission to breathe.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Simple signs you’re striving instead of living intentionally
How journaling helps uncover your passions
The power of mentorship and sharing your network

Related Resources

Connect with Ashley on Instagram or her website.
Listen to Ashley’s podcast “No Straight Path” here.
Check out Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes, PhD

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #557 – When Striving Steals Your Joy with Ashley Menzies Babatunde first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#556 – Faith and Finances Ange Matthews Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I sit down with investor and educator Ange Matthews, founder of The Happy Investor Method, to talk honestly about money, mindset, and what’s possible when you believe God cares about your financial life.

Ange shares her journey from making $40K a year with six-figure debt… to becoming a multimillionaire investor before age 40. We talk about investing while paying off debt, shifting from survival mode to possibility, and why Christians shouldn’t feel guilty about stewarding wealth.

If you’ve ever felt behind or overwhelmed by money, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to take right now.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Breaking old money mindsets
Building wealth from scratch
Seeing money as stewardship

Related Resources

Connect with Ange on Instagram or her website.
Get Your 150 Investment Ideas Download
Check out more podcast episodes on money here!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #556 – Faith and Finances Ange Matthews first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#555 – When the Holidays Hurt Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

The joy of the holidays can often overshadow any moments of grief and sadness we experience.

In this episode of the podcast, I share my practical guidance for allowing grief, loss, and sadness to flow, specifically during the most wonderful time of the year. My own journey of loss has taught me that even in sorrow, there is still room for joy, but we must first give ourselves permission to exhale.

Here’s your invitation to make room for healing this holiday season.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Remembering what was
Recognizing your emotional capacity
Releasing the pressure to pretend

Related Resources

Listen to this encouraging episode about The Gift of Grief.
Feeling uneasy about holiday obligations? Listen to this episode for Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress.
Connect with a Bible study through Bible Study Fellowship
Prepare your heart and mind for the year ahead with the Write It Down guide and the free Dream Builders Workshop.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #555 – When the Holidays Hurt first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#554 – The Truth About Codependency Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I get to the root of that oh-so-uncomfortable word: codependency.

If you’ve ever felt like you were losing yourself in a relationship, this chat will encourage you to value God’s approval above anyone else’s, and to lean into His plan for your life. You’ll leave feeling motivated to require mutual respect and a sense of independence in your relationships.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Pursuing personal peace
Pleasing God instead of people
Putting relationships in proper perspective

Related Resources

Ready to prioritize your peace? Listen to this podcast episode on Building Better Boundaries.
Need help putting yourself first? Listen to this podcast episode and practice The Art of Saying No.
Check out my conversation with Nona Jones on Overcoming Rejection.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #554 – The Truth About Codependency first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#553 – Rebranding the Church with Dr. Eric Mason Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

What does it mean to “rebrand the church”? In this conversation with Dr. Eric Mason, founder of Epiphany Fellowship and author of Rebranding the Church, we talk about how believers can restore the church’s witness in a world that has lost trust in Christianity.

We cover church hurt, discipleship, generational shifts, and why authentic community still matters. If you’re wondering how to heal from disappointment and help the church be healthy again, this episode will encourage you to press in.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Returning the church to Gospel roots.
Healing hurt without leaving community.
Moving from consuming to contributing.

Related Resources

Connect with Dr. Mason on Instagram @pastoremase.
Grab a copy of Guest’s book: Rebranding the Church: Restoring the Image of God’s People in the World
Listen to The Sanctuary podcast with Dr. Mason.
Enjoy this episode from Nona Jones on Navigating Change, Church, and Culture

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #553 – Rebranding the Church with Dr. Eric Mason first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#552 – Breaking Busy Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Do you make time to appreciate the very things you once prayed for? Sometimes, chasing the next thing can cause you to miss out on the moments that were once out of reach.

In this episode, I uncover the gift in letting go of busyness and embracing stillness. Burnout may be your norm now, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I can’t wait for you to take back your time by slowing down.

And even if it takes longer to reach your destination, you’ll enjoy the journey along the way.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Engaging with your life
Leaning into solitude
Clearing your calendar

Related Resources

Ready to cultivate a rhythm of slowing down? Listen to this podcast episode for motivation When It’s Hard to Rest.
Need more encouragement? Check out this conversation with Asheritah Ciuciu on Rest for the Weary.
Grab the 2026 Full Circle Planner and schedule time to be still.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #552 – Breaking Busy first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#551 – The Holy Work of Hospitality Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. In this episode, I’m inviting you to trade the pressure of “doing it all” for the peace of simply being there. Together, we’ll talk about what it really means to practice hospitality that reflects God’s heart—choosing presence over perfection, connection over performance, and joy over exhaustion. Because at the end of the day, the best memories aren’t made in flawless spaces—they’re made wherever love and grace have room to gather.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Releasing perfection
Making memories
Creating connection

Related Resources

Ready to prepare for the season ahead? Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to plan for the holiday season.
Check out this podcast episode for my tips for coping with holiday stress.
Listen to my conversation with Sarah Harmeyer on hospitality and the heart of the home.
Intentionally plan for the holidays with the 2026 Full Circle Planner, which is currently 15% off!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #551 – The Holy Work of Hospitality first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#550 – How to Break the Consumption Cycle Oct 26, 2025

Show notes

Are you tired of being consumed by everything happening around you? The constant distraction of social media posts, online shopping carts, and nonstop phone notifications is difficult for even the most disciplined person to ignore.

In this episode, I share my steps for guarding your heart against consumption and embracing contentment and gratitude. You only have so much time, energy, and money. Why not spend it on what matters most?

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Paying attention to patterns
Redirecting limited resources
Focusing on what matters most

Related Resources

Ready to implement gratitude into your daily rhythm? Listen to this podcast episode on taking care of your soul.
Check out this oldie-but-goodie episode on using your time well.
Not sure how you’re spending your time? Monitor your moments with the 2026 Full Circle Planner and the Daily Tracker.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #550 – How to Break the Consumption Cycle first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#549 – Learning to Rest: How to Depend on God in Every Season with Ruth Chou Simons Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

What if rest isn’t a break from real life—but the key to living it well?

In this episode, I sit down with Ruth Chou Simons, artist and bestselling author, to talk about rest, dependence, and freedom in God’s timing. Together, we explore how to stop striving, embrace your limits, and live with a heart at peace even when life feels busy.

If you’ve ever struggled to slow down or felt guilty for resting, this conversation will remind you that rest is worship—and that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity.

Highlights from Today’s Episode

Reframing rest as worship, not weakness
Learning to trust God’s timing instead of forcing outcomes
Discovering freedom in living unhurried and fully dependent

Related Resources

Grab a copy of Ruth’s book: The Way of the Wildflower
Connect with Ruth on Instagram and her website.
For more encouragement, check out this podcast episode on When it’s Hard to Rest
Download your Wildflower Declarations

CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES

The post #549 – Learning to Rest: How to Depend on God in Every Season with Ruth Chou Simons first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

#548 – Waiting on God Without Losing Your Joy Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

How do you remain hopeful while waiting on God? When life feels insufferable, there’s no better time to release disappointment and choose joy.

In this episode of the podcast, I share a few ways that I’ve held on to joy at difficult moments in my life. If you’re losing hope in your waiting, the sound advice and Biblical wisdom that I share will encourage you to keep going.