Have you ever experienced one of those moments where something incredible happens and all you can say is "Only God could have done this"? These divine interventions—both dramatic and subtle—reveal a profound truth about living beyond our limitations. Stephanie unpacks her phrase of the year, "Only God," exploring how this perspective transforms everything from career setbacks to everyday encounters. Drawing from Paul's words in Corinthians about coming "in weakness and in fear and with much trem...
Mar 11, 2025•23 min•Ep. 124
This episode emphasizes the journey of faith amid fear and obedience challenges. The conversation highlights personal anecdotes, biblical insights, and a fresh call to action for listeners seeking renewal and connection to God. • Reflecting on the need to apologize less and embrace confidence • Understanding the lessons from Hebrews 11 on faith and obedience • Exploring the importance of intentional prayer in decision-making • Discussing the challenges of planning a retreat and overcoming overwh...
Feb 28, 2025•19 min•Ep. 123
Skipping an event might seem trivial, but prioritizing well-being is a powerful act and often a mindset shift. In this episode of "Giving Your Best Life," I share my journey in recognizing when to hit pause for the sake of longer-term goals. Discover how understanding our reasons for saying "yes" can guide us toward intentional decisions that prevent burnout. I also recount leading an event plagued by last-minute cancellations, shedding light on how honoring commitments is crucial for personal i...
Oct 26, 2024•13 min•Ep. 122
Have you ever considered that sometimes our greatest lessons come from unexpected places? Join me, Stephanie, as I recount a surprising Sunday at church that reshaped my understanding of serving and giving. Through my story, I invite you to explore the notion that service doesn't always mean being in the spotlight but contributing joyfully, even when plans shift unexpectedly. This revelation extends beyond the church walls, reminding us that having a servant's heart can significantly enhance our...
Oct 23, 2024•7 min•Ep. 121
Have you ever had to make a life-changing decision that went against the advice of your loved ones? Join me, Stephanie, as I share my journey of leaving a career in law enforcement and choosing not to return to corporate America after a layoff, all in pursuit of following Jesus. Reflecting on Luke 15:25-27, we'll explore the emotional and relational costs of true discipleship and discuss why prioritizing our commitment to Christ over the approval of our family and friends is crucial, even when i...
Sep 26, 2024•11 min•Ep. 120
Have you ever wondered how to support a friend when distance separates you? In episode 119 of "Giving Your Best Life," I share the heartfelt journey of staying connected and providing meaningful support to loved ones who are far away. Then switching gears, get ready to be inspired by an unforgettable trip to Montana, where personal growth met breathtaking landscapes. Accompanied by my husband and niece, I embarked on rigorous hikes in Glacier National Park, learned to fish, and embraced the beau...
Jul 23, 2024•29 min•Ep. 119
Can you truly define success in a way that aligns with both your faith and business aspirations? Join us on the Giving Your Best Life Podcast as Stephanie and Zach Lloyd, Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach, share their personal journey of navigating these two worlds. Discover how they've struggled yet persevered in finding validation beyond worldly measures like income and social media engagement, all while trying to stay true to their Christian values. Zach has taken the bold step to completely ignore...
Jul 11, 2024•22 min•Ep. 118
Imagine the transformative power of movement on mental health. Join us on this enlightening episode of Giving Your Best Life Podcast, where Stephanie and Zach Lloyd delve into the profound connection between physical activity and mental wellness. Hear Stephanie’s touching story about a friend's triumph over depression and anxiety through consistent exercise. Supported by Zach’s detailed scientific insights, discover how even a 10-minute burst of vigorous activity can significantly improve your m...
Jul 09, 2024•9 min•Ep. 117
Ready to make the most out of summer? Learn how intentional planning and a "summer dream list" can transform your season from mundane to magical. Stephanie dives into her tactical approach to seizing sunny days in Northwest Indiana, a region where winters are notoriously long and dreary. By categorizing summer activities—whether it's home projects, physical fun, or quality time with loved ones—you can ensure every day is filled with joy and purpose. From hiking multiple state parks in one day to...
Jul 04, 2024•21 min•Ep. 116
Have you ever felt paralyzed by worry, unable to seize new opportunities? Reflecting on a heartfelt conversation with a close friend, Stephanie uncovers how worry and anxiety can become a major distraction in our lives. In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, we delve into the power of prayer and gratitude as tools to combat anxiety. Inspired by a specific Bible verse, we emphasize the importance of bringing all our concerns to God. By sharing practices such as maintaining a prayer and gratitu...
Jun 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 115
Get ready to debunk some fitness myths and learn effective exercise strategies with our special guest, Zach Lloyd, a Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach. Have you ever wondered why walking with small weights seems ineffective? Zach explains how minimal weights like one-pound dumbbells quickly become part of your body weight, losing their effectiveness. We'll also break down the benefits and risks of rucking, a weight-bearing exercise that can significantly ramp up your calorie burn and endurance. But mo...
Jun 13, 2024•14 min
Have you ever wondered how delegating responsibilities can transform not just your leadership but also the lives of those around you? On Episode 113 of Giving Your Best Life, I share a heartfelt personal story about missing a cherished annual event and the surprising growth that came from letting a volunteer step up in my absence. Learn how this decision not only provided the volunteer with invaluable experience but also underscored the critical need for preparation and support when entrusting o...
Jun 11, 2024•9 min
What if achieving your goals meant sacrificing your weekends or rethinking your daily routines? In this episode of Giving Your Best Life, Stephanie and Zach tackle the often-overlooked concept of trade-offs in goal setting. From the substantial time commitments needed for marathon training to the potential strains on personal relationships, we shed light on the intricate balancing act required to pursue significant goals without disrupting the other facets of your life. Listen as Zach shares his...
Jun 06, 2024•14 min•Ep. 112
Have you ever felt sidetracked by well-meaning people, even when you're trying to stay true to the calling God has for your life? Join me, Stephanie, on this powerful episode of the "Giving Your Best Life" podcast as we wrap up our distraction series by focusing on the often-overlooked topic of people who divert us from our path. I'll share personal stories about my own struggles with staying on track. Together, we'll explore the challenges of prioritizing God's calling over the demands and expe...
Jun 03, 2024•29 min•Ep. 111
As Stephanie wandered through the forest, the serenity of mushroom hunting became a profound metaphor for pursuing our calling. In this episode, Stephanie weaves together lessons from Proverbs 3:5-6 and Ephesians 6:11. Our journey doesn't end with finding focus amidst life's distractions, it's also about the enduring virtues of patience and persistence. Stephanie shares anecdotes from the quiet underbrush of the forest and beyond, illustrating the incredible power of gratitude in transforming ou...
May 14, 2024•19 min•Ep. 110
Spring has sprung and so have Stephanie and I, Zach, straight into the heart of outdoor fitness—and we're taking you with us! As the days grow longer, it's time to shed those winter blues and find exhilaration in the most unexpected places: your very own backyard. From transforming mundane yard work into a heart-pumping exercise to venturing out with your four-legged friends, we're here to show you how simple, everyday tasks can invigorate both mind and body. Discover with us how the change of s...
May 09, 2024•9 min•Ep. 110
Sometimes the most turbulent waters reveal the pearls of our deepest transformations. In a heartfelt exchange on our latest podcast, Zach Lloyd, a beacon of hope whose story punctuates my book "The Gratitude Challenge," opens up about his life's rough patches that ultimately sculpted the man he is today. Together, we navigate the emotions of the past—bullying, heartbreak, substance abuse—and how these shared experiences, raw and unfiltered, have shaped our dedication to fitness, faith, and helpi...
May 02, 2024•21 min
Rebecca Shellito stepped into the spotlight, as she accepted an honor that many would covet - yet for her, it was a mountain of anxiety to climb. Our heart-to-heart conversation reveals Rebecca's raw battle with the glare of recognition while juggling life as a caregiver for her child with autism. As I walk her through her trepidation and strategize ways to navigate this prestigious event, we uncover the universal stress of public accolades and the underestimated impact of seeking support. It's ...
Apr 30, 2024•24 min•Ep. 107
Stephanie and Zach share the transformative power of confronting friends with love and courage. Zach, always the advocate for transparency, recounts the vital lessons learned from friends who once held their tongues when guidance was most needed. Together, we dissect the delicate art of understanding intentions behind advice, and how this molds our personal growth and spiritual paths. It's an episode that transcends the boundaries of faith, challenging all listeners to reflect on the courage it ...
Apr 25, 2024•16 min
Have you ever felt the weight of your possessions taking up physical and mental space to distract you from pursuing your calling? Join me, Stephanie, as I reveal the transformation that unfolded when I cleared out a space for my prayer closet, inviting a deeper connection with the divine. Our latest heart-to-heart dissects the poignant message of 1 John 2:15-17, shedding light on the traps of materialism and the overshadowing of our faith by worldly distractions. Together, we tackle the tough qu...
Apr 24, 2024•14 min•Ep. 105
Ever feel like you're on a solo mission toward health while your spouse is content with takeout and couch evenings? You're not alone. Join me, Stephanie, as I open up about the personal challenges I've faced in syncing my fitness goals with my spouse's lifestyle. Together with Zach Lloyd, the Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach, we dissect the complexities of diet and relationships, offering insights on how to foster communication and set realistic expectations that can turn your loved one into a suppor...
Apr 18, 2024•13 min
Discover the thin line that separates the excuses we make from the stark reality of our actions with co-host, Sustainable Anti-Diet Coach Zach Lloyd. In this thought-provoking discussion, we peel back the layers of self-deception that often hinder our health and fitness aspirations, stressing the power of self-awareness and the necessity of setting achievable exercise benchmarks. Listen closely as we delve into strategies for ensuring consistent progress—even through life's inevitable upheavals—...
Apr 11, 2024•19 min•Ep. 103
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through your phone, losing hours meant for more meaningful pursuits? On this episode Stephanie will peel back the layers of everyday distractions, drawing wisdom from 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 and the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. We delve into how the modern world's temptations, from the ping of a notification to the demands of daily chores, can sidetrack us from our life's true calling. As we unravel the ways in which even the most wholesome act...
Apr 09, 2024•11 min•Ep. 102
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the vicious cycle of "starting over" every time you falter on your goals? Join us as we unwrap the secret to resilient progress with our sustainable anti-diet coach, Zach Lloyd. We'll share intimate tales from our own lives, unraveling the pitfalls of the reset mentality that so many of us fall prey to. Discover why it's not just about how often you fall but how you rise that truly counts, and learn how to maintain your course without backtracking to square ...
Mar 28, 2024•11 min
We've hit a milestone that fills my heart with gratitude—episode 100 of Giving Your Best Life. It's a time for reflection, celebration, and a poignant look at what it means to truly live out the Great Commission. As we rejoice in this centennial moment, I share not just a message, but a decree of faith, conviction, and the unwavering pursuit of divine guidance through the lens of Matthew 28:16-20. I reveal the intricate dance between my personal spiritual journey and the broader mission entruste...
Mar 26, 2024•17 min•Ep. 100
Have you ever felt trapped in the relentless pursuit of perfect consistency in your habits? In this episode, Stephanie with sustainable anti-diet coach, Zach Lloyd, will discuss the perils of this all-or-nothing mindset. They'll peel back the layers of why chasing flawless consistency can backfire, inviting shame instead of success. Together, They will chat about redefining what it means to make choices that honor our future selves, tackling the psychological tug-of-war between immediate pleasur...
Mar 21, 2024•18 min
Have you ever felt the world weigh heavily on your shoulders, seeking solace but not knowing where to turn? In this episode, Stephanie shares her journey toward finding peace through rest and faith. Through personal stories, including an impactful weekend with her friend Amy, she invites listeners to reflect on what God has for their life. Connect with Stephanie: Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here . Shop Stephanie's books here . Follow me on IG: @Giving_Gal or FB/GivingGal...
Mar 19, 2024•12 min•Ep. 98
In this episode, Stephanie and her accountability partner, Sustainability Anti-Diet Coach Zach Lloyd, discuss how struggling with weight loss can feel like an unending battle, especially when engulfed by a sea of fad diets and miracle promises. But what if the key isn't in the monumental goals, but in the incremental victories that stand the test of time? Together, they dissect the realities of shedding pounds and how societal pressures often lead us astray from achieving long-term success. Thei...
Mar 14, 2024•16 min•Ep. 97
In this episode, Stephanie shares with you a variety of ways to pray. You'll hear about how these practices can deepen your faith and align your life with God's purposes. Stephanie will offer you the tools to weave prayer into the fabric of your daily life. Join her on this journey of reflection and discover how gratitude paired with prayer can be your guiding light, even in the toughest of times. Connect with Stephanie: Get a free resource The 4G Method Journal here . Shop Stephanie's books her...
Mar 12, 2024•17 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, Stephanie's accountability partner, Sustainability Anti-Diet Coach Zach Lloyd, joins her in explaining why health is so important and how it relates to following God's calling for your life. A few topics they discuss: The significance of prioritizing health in our lives Address common misconceptions and societal pressures (social media/influencers) surrounding health Encourage listeners to define their health goals based on realistic expectations The power of self-reflection and...
Mar 05, 2024•15 min•Ep. 95
