This week on the Circle 31 Podcast , Ellen and Melissa are joined by Ellen’s longtime friend Brooke Swift for a tender and honest conversation about glorifying God through the work of motherhood. As a stay-at-home mom to three little ones (with one on the way), Brooke shares what it’s like to follow Jesus in a season that is deeply personal, often unseen, and sometimes overwhelming. Brooke’s story reminds us that God is present in every diaper change, every napless afternoon, and every sacrifice...
Aug 13, 2025•12 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , we’re kicking off the month with Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox, authors of our August Circle 31 Book Club pick, Five Mere Christians . From stories about preschool PE and chicken restaurant uniforms to deep theological truths, this episode sets the tone for our monthlong conversation about glorifying God in our everyday work — paid or unpaid. You’ll hear: How redefining work (yes, even laundry and dog walks!) can reshape the way you see your purp...
Aug 06, 2025•22 min
School is (kind of) in session, and class has never been more fun! Have you ever wondered how your everyday work can actually glorify God? Whether you're juggling lesson plans, crafting lattes, or chasing toddlers, it’s easy to wonder if what you’re doing really matters. Good news: It absolutely does! Starting August 1, Circle 31 Book Club is diving into Five Mere Christians: Binge-Worthy Biographies That Show You How to Glorify God in Your Work. You’ll hear from four incredible women who’ve wre...
Jul 05, 2025•46 sec
We’re tying this thing up with a bow as we discuss the epilogue of The Hidden Prince on the Circle 31 Podcast with Tessa Afshar. We’ll peek behind the scenes of her writing process and hear how she came up with the book's ending, all the while pointing us to God’s provision in Keren, Jared, and Cyrus’ lives — and our lives too. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? We have a lot more coming up this year, and we don’t want you to miss it! Learn more here. If you are a...
Jun 25, 2025•12 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , we’re back with biblical content specialist Wendy Blight! We discuss God’s goodness and how it's not based on whether He’s answering our prayers (anyone else struggling with this?) … and we discuss who we’d cast in The Hidden Prince movie. Nick Jonas may or may not be mentioned. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? We don’t want to read without you! Join for free today to get access to our community; watch exclusive ...
Jun 18, 2025•11 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , Wendy Blight brings her wisdom and wit as we discuss God’s favor — what it is, why it is important, and what it means for us. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? We don’t want to read without you! Join for free today to get access to our community; watch exclusive videos from the author; and get into God's Word through teachings by Wendy Blight, our biblical content specialist. If you are a member, log in and share ...
Jun 11, 2025•11 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , we get to hear from the author of our newest Circle 31 pick, The Hidden Prince ! She brings the fun and gives us a glimpse behind the scenes to make the story within the pages come alive even more. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? We don’t want to read without you! Join for free today to get access to our community; watch exclusive videos from the author; and get into God's Word through teachings by Wendy Blight,...
Jun 04, 2025•13 min
Do you love getting lost in a good story? We do too! Our next Circle 31 Book Club pick could open your eyes to a whole new way of seeing God. Whether you’re staying put this summer or jet-setting across the country, it’s our hope, through our Circle 31 Book Club pick — The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar, that you’ll see so clearly how God is in control of your life, even on the toughest days. We’ll start reading on June 1, 2025, and can’t wait to have you join us! If you’re not a member yet, join...
May 01, 2025•1 min
We’re wrapping up the final episode of this series of the Circle 31 Podcast with Jess Connolly, author of Breaking Free from Body Shame . To bring things to a close, our friend Cailah Garcia Lopez shares her powerful story of chronic illness and loss, and how she has found hope through God’s Word and Jess’ book. We believe you’ll find hope in her story too. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community...
Apr 23, 2025•14 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , Shae Hill opens up to hosts Kendra and Ellen, along with author of Breaking Free from Body Shame — Jess Connolly, about some very relatable struggles. She talks about the constant pressure to "fix" our bodies, the well-meaning but triggering comments from friends, and the challenge of knowing what God says about us but still struggling to fully believe it. Spoiler alert: He loves us anyway. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 ...
Apr 16, 2025•18 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , Taylor Stuart shares her deeply personal story with hosts Kendra and Ellen, along with author of Breaking Free from Body Shame — Jess Connolly. It's a journey marked by doubt and grief, yet filled with hope in God who continues to work in her journey through infertility. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community, watch exclusive videos by the author...
Apr 09, 2025•10 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , Melissa Taylor, a friend and teammate of hosts Kendra and Ellen, opens up about her personal journey with autoimmune diseases and struggles with body insecurities. The highlight of the episode? Jess Connolly, author of Breaking Free from Body Shame , says something to Melissa that leaves her almost speechless, and it could be just the thing you need to hear too. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31 Book Club? You’re missing out...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min
Would you believe me if I told you that the most beautiful thing about you isn’t the way you look? That can be hard to grasp in today’s age of social media. Through our Circle 31 Book Club April pick, Breaking Free from Body Shame by Jess Connolly, we hope you’ll begin to let go of the shame you’ve been carrying around your body and reclaim what God has already called good. We’ll start reading on April 1, 2025, and can’t wait to have you join us! If you’re not a member yet, join Circle 31 Book C...
Mar 01, 2025•1 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , the author of Relaxed , Megan Fate Marshman, is BACK with the hosts Kendra and Ellen! Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community, watch videos from the author, and participate in our Beyond the Pages livestream event (it’s how we end every book reading month!). If you are a member, log in and share your favorite part of this week’s podcast episode. Need a book...
Feb 26, 2025•13 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , hang out with your hosts Kendra and Ellen as they discuss Part 3 of Relaxed . This part is all about trusting God with all the areas of our lives (money, friendships, grief — all the things). Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community, watch videos from the author, and participate in our Beyond the Pages livestream event (it’s how we end every book reading mon...
Feb 19, 2025•13 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , hang out with your hosts Kendra and Ellen as they discuss Part 2 of Relaxed . There’s a question Kendra’s been dying to ask, and she does on this episode! Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community, watch videos from the author, and participate in our Beyond the Pages livestream event (it’s how we end every book reading month!). If you are a member, log in and...
Feb 12, 2025•8 min
In this week’s episode of the Circle 31 Podcast , join your hosts Kendra and Ellen and the author of Relaxed , Megan Fate Marshman! We’re discussing Part 1 and having fun while we do it. Listening to this podcast but not a member of Circle 31? You’re missing out! Join for free today , and get access to our community, watch videos from the author, and participate in our Beyond the Pages livestream event (it’s how we end every book reading month!). If you are a member, log in and share your favori...
Feb 05, 2025•14 min
God isn't worried — He's relaxed. What if we can be too? Our next Circle 31 Book Club pick is Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman. We’ll start reading on February 1 and can’t wait to have you join us! If you’re not a member yet, join Circle 31 Book Club for free at circle31.org . If you are a member, log in and join a Grow Group! Grab your copy of Relaxed here . The Circle 31 Book Club community of women is part of Proverbs 31 Ministries....
Dec 18, 2024•1 min