Today we finish what we started last week; an exercise called Life Mapping. (If you missed it, you’ll definitely want to go back and listen to Part 1 first!) This week, I’ll walk you through an exercise that’s been life-changing for me and for the folks that I’ve led through it in the past. It’ll help you to backtrack to understand where you’ve been and illuminate where you’re going. As you do the work of this Life Mapping exercise, you’ll begin to see the places where you started believing lies...
Feb 17, 2021•21 min•Ep. 40
I just finished a crazy (and insanely frigid) adventure race with my husband and some buddies that involved chilling us to the bone and navigating to checkpoints with headlamps and a map. So many times in the confusing darkness (and did I mention cold?) we had to pause to step back and assess where we were, and where we were going. It got me thinking about how important it is to do that in real life, too: to take a step back and assess the shaping of our character and the nature of our calling o...
Feb 10, 2021•26 min•Ep. 39
On today’s episode, I share an analogy that’s been really helpful for me in how I view my life and priorities when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed: The 4-Burner Life. If you’ve ever cooked a big meal with lots of elements to juggle, you know what I mean (ok I know some of us are workin’ with a microwave and a hotplate, but track me with here…) On your stove you’ve got a couple things on the front burners that you’re actively cooking, and maybe some others on the back burners that don’t requir...
Feb 03, 2021•22 min•Ep. 38
In today’s show, I encourage you to pay attention to what’s good when it’s good. I know. It’s the dead of winter and with all that’s going on in the world right now, it’s really easy to focus on what’s discouraging and painful. Instead, let’s try to pay attention to what’s actually good; and I don’t mean circumstances. If you ever find yourself with a buoyant spirit and a more-hopeful-than-normal mindset, take note of the things in these three categories that very like contributed: Rhythms: What...
Jan 27, 2021•20 min•Ep. 37
Welcome to Season 2 of the Let’s Be Real podcast! On this first episode of 2021, I invite you to join me in embracing a new mantra: “Something is better than nothing.” If you’re like me, there’s something in you that believes you can experience more joy, freedom and fullness. You might have even set some goals to move toward that this year. In today’s episode, I talk about what to do when you hit that first failure. What if we allow what we’re not experiencing to lead us into what we could exper...
Jan 20, 2021•20 min•Ep. 36
Today on the podcast I'm sharing an interview I just did with Jessica Morris and Hope Church in Memphis, TN--we talk about corona-fatigue, boundaries, rest and how to love your family during the holidays. Would love for you guys to jump in and take a listen! And if you prefer to watch online, you can check it out right here: https://www.hopepres.com/Media#!/swx/pp/media_archives/206115/episode/84228
Dec 09, 2020•38 min•Ep. 35
Hey friends! Today on the podcast we've got a little switcheroo going, as I'm sharing an episode from my other podcast, How to Study the Bible. It's been awesome to see so many of you connecting with God through His Word, and letting me guide you into that experience. Today's episode is from the beginning of a series we did on the book of Philippians. Here's what it's all about: A new season of How to Study the Bible Is here! This season, Nicole takes us through the book of Philippians and what ...
Dec 02, 2020•27 min•Ep. 34
Tommy Thompson is a friend, author, executive coach and personal mentor to me and I can't wait to share our conversation with you today especially going into the holidays. Today, Tommy and I talk about: How Tommy burnt out in his thirties--and what he learned from it that impacted his ability to grieve the loss of his daughter a few years ago. What lacking margin will do in our life Simple practices that help us engage with space Why so many of us do NOT want space (and what to do about it) How ...
Nov 25, 2020•27 min•Ep. 33
If 2020 makes you want to cry, take a break from the chaos and despair and tune in today for a lot of laughter and wisdom from my friend and author Teresa Swanstrom Anderson. ❤️😂 Teresa brings us an extra shake of joy on the show today, sharing with us real talk about her marriage, raising six kids, how her middle school years in Guatemala shaped her passion for real community, and why she loves the Bible so dang much. In addition to all of that, of course I ask her about her pink hair (which I...
Nov 18, 2020•41 min•Ep. 32
Have you ever sensed God calling you to something more...but then self-doubt and resistance kick in? If so, you'll love learning from speaker, author, business coach and podcaster Alli Worthington, as we talk about hearing the voice of God--and what it takes to step into "more than enough" in your life. On today's episode, we get real about Alli's move from entrepreneur to COO of an international ministry, as well as how she confronted her fear when God said "leave." Together, we cover: Why Alli...
Nov 11, 2020•36 min•Ep. 31
We all face a myriad of choices each day. Our choices often are so habitual that we don't even realize we are making them--and together, those actions create our reality. But what do you do when you have a choice in front of you that's hard to make? How do you know how to choose between options that all seem good (or all seem terrible?)? And how do you know if what you are choosing is reasonable or not? These are the questions on today's show that help you stay connected to your heart when it co...
Nov 04, 2020•25 min•Ep. 30
This episode is for all the over scheduled and under capacity, those who feel their energy drain away because they have to many life-sucking things to do and not enough soul-energizing time in their schedule. It’s for everyone who has this longing to be more present, more connected, more in tune with their relationships and creativity and down time but feel like a slave to deadlines and to-do lists. Today on the show I’m going to get real with you about my own tendencies to overwork, and how dea...
Oct 28, 2020•33 min•Ep. 29
If you've ever felt lost in a transition in life--whether it's a change you've initiated or a change that's come to you--then you do not want to miss this episode with Nancy Beach, author, speaker and leadership coach. Nancy has shepherded me through multiple leadership transitions in my own life and has been a pioneer and trailblazer as a woman in ministry and in living out the gospel through her life, including in her role of breaking the silence of abuse and coverup with Bill Hybels at Willow...
Oct 21, 2020•36 min•Ep. 28
On today's episode of Let's Be Real I want to introduce you to one of my coaches who has completely changed the way I view work and productivity. Steve Perkins is a business and leadership coach and founder of Greenhouse. Greenhouse is the go-to place for helping people and organizations clarify their purpose and live into their potential. Steve has been my productivity guru and shares some of his methods for getting people like me to get focused and clear on their purpose, and then take action ...
Oct 14, 2020•37 min•Ep. 27
On today's episode of Let's Be Real, we continue our conversation all around writing and publishing, and I want to start with a story about the day I almost quit writing before I even began publishing. If after listening to that story, you know you want to continue your publishing journey, then you've come to the right place. Of course, you'll need to know your why and your people before you go even further (make sure to check out Part One here). Today I'll answer your questions on: Do I need an...
Oct 07, 2020•52 min•Ep. 26
Today's podcast is FIRE with our guest Ameerah Saine, founder of Brunch and Slay and BAS Media, host of the Brunch and Slay podcast, and creator of the #WeBuildWeWin movement, helping allies take action to bring awareness and goodness to race equality. We decided to make be really real on this episode, covering: Stepping into your full confidence as a woman and leader Embracing your season of motherhood The benefits of failure and disappointment Owning your influence Honest conversations on race...
Sep 30, 2020•54 min•Ep. 25
We are starting a new series on WORK because no matter if you are working at a corporate office, for a nonprofit, at a church, in the home or for yourself, we ALL have hard things that we dream of doing. And one of the things I get asked about often is HOW TO WRITE A BOOK. So on today's episode, I share with you a framework for beginning to follow your dream of book writing, and a few tips I've learned along the way. "The reason people read nonfiction books is because they have a question or the...
Sep 23, 2020•27 min•Ep. 24
For so many of us, those dreams die before they even have a chance to be viable because of ONE KEY FACTOR that we often don't know to consider. Today on the podcast, I'll be talking about how to do hard things! Hard things are about: Honing in on your purpose Creating a plan Setting your practice and finding your people. If today's podcast resonates with you because you know you have a dream that you are trying to bring into reality, or you sense a nudging toward a transition in your life into a...
Sep 16, 2020•34 min•Ep. 23
Today is one of my favorite podcasts SO FAR because I'm answering YOUR questions that you've sent into the show. Today we are covering: Ruth's connection between anger, depression and boundaries... Deb's question on applying Ephesians 2:10 to her life... and Shankirah's questions about the enneagram and END TIMES. Scriptures for today: Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Cor. 12:7 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, wh...
Sep 09, 2020•27 min•Ep. 22
It's been so good to explore boundaries together and I'm thrilled to bring Sharon Hersh to the show today to wrap up our series! Sharon Hersh is a licensed professional counselor, an adjunct professor in graduate counseling programs, a sought-after speaker, and the author of several books. Sharon and I talk all about what it looks like to love other well (even when it's messy) and how we can find true belonging in our own souls and in the world. Sharon is very open and honest about her own journ...
Sep 02, 2020•38 min•Ep. 21
Today we are tackling the actual technique of evaluating, processing and enforcing healthy boundaries. And if you haven't done this yet--definitely go check out the FREE boundaries assessment for you that you can take as you listen to the series. So download it now and then jump in to the conversation. Just go to nicoleunice.com/boundaries and grab it now--and then come back and listen in to the series. OK, let's review why we would do the hard work of creating and enforcing boundaries: Because ...
Aug 26, 2020•32 min•Ep. 30
Today on the show, we're talking about red light issues in your relationships--and how to handle them. Red light issues are things that should raise a big STOP in your life. These are behaviors in others that create an unhealthy dynamic for both of you. We'll be talking about: The difference between loads and burdens The difference between dysfunctional and dangerous Using challenge and choice We are in a series talking ALL about boundaries and how to be a peaceful, joyful person with your YES a...
Aug 19, 2020•32 min•Ep. 19
Boundaries. You know about them, you've heard about them--and chances are there's some people in your life (or all the people in your life) that you just can't seem to stay healthy with. It's your demanding boss that you can't seem to make happy. It's your ongoing issues with your inlaws--where you just can't seem to have a peaceful visit. It's that friend who always seems to need more from you--and you are exhausted by it. Boundaries are simple to talk about but difficult to enforce--and can be...
Aug 12, 2020•28 min•Ep. 18
I mean, 2020. Let's just get real for a minute about the fact that the world has turned upside down and you might be considering homeschooling your children. Can you imagine going back to your younger self, 5 years ago, and said "hey, 2020 is the year you decide to home school your kids!" Like I said, crazy. The world has turned upside down and perhaps you are finding yourself considering an entirely new way of living life, parenting and raising your kids. So if that's you, or a friend, or your ...
Aug 04, 2020•48 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, we cover: -Why anger seems so socially unacceptable for women -The three directions our anger takes and how to address each one -Why understanding and dealing with the rage machine inside is a key component of your purpose -What to do when your anger takes you over the line And of course, we can't talk about anger and not talk about Jesus turning over the tables in the temple...you know what I mean? (and if you don't, tune in to hear QUITE a story about the Jesus you may not hav...
Jul 29, 2020•29 min•Ep. 16
Oh friends, I cannot believe that we launched a podcast in a pandemic--and fifteen episodes later, the world is in an even messier place then when we began. But in the midst of the chaos, I am so grateful that we have a place to have conversations about how we can become stronger, more resilient human beings together, and on this episode, we are tackling an issue that everyone I know is dealing with on one level or another--anxiety and fear. Today, I answer the following questions that have been...
Jul 22, 2020•30 min•Ep. 15
These women are POWERHOUSES and you're going to love getting to know them. Elisa is the President Emeritus of MOPS International, a prolific speaker and author and one of my personal mentors. Eryn is the visionary behind So Worth Loving, a spitfire of sparkle, and a new friend that I loved spending time with on the podcast. Together, Elisa and Eryn have started a new podcast tackling the tough conversations of life in this world and also sharing their multi-generational wisdom for all of us! On ...
Jul 16, 2020•39 min•Ep. 14
Hey friends, we are continuing our podcast series on tackling those pesky issues that keep you from experiencing fullness and freedom in your everyday life. Today we are talking about COMPARISONS and whew wee! Here's a few highlights: Why you come at your comparison issues naturally How to move beyond middle-school identity and into the fullness of maturity What it looks like to compare yourself to the YOU God intends for you to become.
Jul 08, 2020•23 min•Ep. 13
Today we begin a new series on issues that are easy to ignore in our souls, but hinder us from experiencing the most freedom and most health possible. We are kicking it off today with a conversation about CONTROL--what is it, how does it masquerade, and what we can do about it. We'll cover: -The two main soul dynamics that hide behind control. -How to handle what's within our power to do and what is it to let go. -How do I connect with what's really going on inside of me so that I know how my ac...
Jul 01, 2020•24 min•Ep. 12
On the show, Jean Paul tells us his story, his road to healing and EVEN shares a very special treat at the end of the show--you won't want to miss it! I first discovered Jean Paul Samputu through The Forgiveness Project, an international collective seeking to highlight stories of forgiveness from around the world. Jean Paul Samputu was born in Rwanda whose family became victims of the Rwandan genocide, when nearly one million Rwandan Tutsis were killed by their own countrymen, the Hutus. Jean Pa...
Jun 24, 2020•58 min•Ep. 11
