Ruth Chou Simons is with us this week, and trust me, I got down to the real investigative questions like how she manages hotel rooms with six kids and what it was like being on *Good Morning America* earlier this year. You’re welcome! But seriously, it’s the week before Thanksgiving 🦃🦃, and today’s show is an invitation to take a deep breath as we reflect on God’s goodness. We’re diving into Psalm 23 and what it really means to have God as our Good Shepherd—the One who takes care of us, provid...
Nov 20, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 78
With Thanksgiving around the corner, many of us are thinking about what we’re thankful for, what we might be taking for granted, and what gratitude really looks like. Today’s show comes at the perfect time, as Mark Batterson helps us reframe everyday miracles and see God in the midst of our daily lives. Mark encourages us to “change your pace and place to change your perspective.” Sometimes, to wake up to wonder, we need to step outside our routines—whether that’s by taking a walk or going on a ...
Nov 13, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Remember how I’ve been having lunch every Wednesday with a wonderful group of friends for the last 15+ years? Today’s show is inspired by those lunches—because lately, all we seem to talk about is midlife and menopause. It's a season, let me tell you! To help us all navigate this wild ride, I’m thrilled to bring in a true expert: Dr. Mikala Albertson. We’re diving deep into everything you never thought you'd need to know about menopause, perimenopause, and all the hormonal roller coasters that c...
Nov 06, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Today’s my birthday… so there’s that! 🎉🎂 And it’s totally not too late to get me a gift—I’ll be accepting food-chain gift cards for Diet Dr. Pepper all week long. 😂 In honor of my birthday, I’m kicking off MESSmerized with a little segment I call “Things I Know for Sure” after celebrating 50+ birthdays. Really rolls off the tongue, right? But there’s more! Megan Fate Marshman joins us on the show for the first time ever. She’s amazing, and we cover everything from parenting fails to perfectin...
Oct 30, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Jon Acuff! If you don’t know Jon, he’s like the fun friend who makes you laugh but also slips in the kind of wisdom that makes you go, "Huh... I really needed to hear that." We covered everything from goal-setting and personal development to parenting in a way that doesn’t drive us or our kids completely nuts. But what really hit home was our conversation about helping our teens win in life. Jon had a lot to say about recognizing that every kid’...
Oct 23, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 74
We’ve got a new show out today, and I’m so excited for you to hear this important conversation with Natalie Runion. We’re going deep into the messy but important topic of church life and the realities of church hurt, how to spot an unhealthy church, and when it might be time to walk away—or stick around. We also explored the idea that ministry isn’t just for pastors and church staff. Every believer has a ministry! Whether it’s through serving, worshiping, or simply being a witness in your commun...
Oct 16, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Today on MESSmerized I’m hanging out with the amazing Ellie Holcomb, who’s fresh off a tour with none other than Lauren Daigle. Ellie gives us the scoop on life on the road—think tight spaces, late-night chats, and the wild sense of community that comes with sharing a bus. She also gives us an insider peek on her friendship with Lauren, how they ended up collaborating on a song, and their favorite moments on tour (spoiler: their song Be Okay will give you all the feels). But it’s not all music a...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 72
"If politics is robbing you of peace, you might have misplaced your trust." Mic drop please for the quote above from today’s show. Today the Pastor of my church Bent Tree Bible, Libin Abraham, joins us to dive into the tricky (but important) topic of Christians engaging in politics. We talk about how it's not just about showing up—it's about being prayerful, peaceful, prophetic, powerful, and purposeful. But the big reminder here? Our top loyalty is to Jesus, not any political party. We’re here ...
Oct 02, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 71
It’s starting to get embarrassing how much I gush each time I interview Pastor Max Lucado. But my goodness, after today’s show I promise you’ll understand why he’s often referred to as “America’s Pastor.” He has the kindest, most relatable presence even when he’s tackling something as complex as the end times in his new book What Happens Next . If you are like me and grew up a little bit nervous thinking about the end times and what it might look like when Jesus returns, please grab a latte and ...
Sep 25, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 70
First of all, look at all the amazing guests coming our way this fall on MESSmerized! Seriously, the Lord has been so good to provide opportunities to talk with so many of my personal heroes of our faith and hear their words of encouragement. So, if you’re not subscribed to MESSmerized , will you do so today? Also, will you consider sharing your favorite episode(s) with your friends, your small group, and even on social media? What a blessing it would be to have your help getting this show out t...
Sep 18, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 69
I know, I know. You’ve read the title of today’s show, and you’re thinking there ain’t a one of us who really wants to think about how much time we are spending on our various forms of technology. Myself included. True story, recently I was considering ways I could spend more time in prayer, and I literally convinced myself that I had not one spare second in my day. As if the Holy Spirit worked for Apple, at that exact moment a notification popped up on my phone with my average screen time for t...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 68
It was hard to figure out how to title today’s show because we cover so much ground. If you are not yet familiar with Pastor Matt Chandler, today is going to be a good day for you! Matt Chandler is the Pastor of The Village Church in Dallas, and today he’s bringing the much-needed reminder that we were created for this exact time in human history. That matters because if we were created for the here and now, we can have confidence in God’s plan even when we feel anxious, ill-equipped, or exhaust...
Sep 04, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 67
With all the kids heading back to school, there’s always the anxiety that goes with unknowns and new beginnings. And that’s just for us as parents! Joking. Sissy Goff and David Thomas from Daystar Counseling are with me today, and they are bringing the heat. They are literally the wisest, kindest, and dearest people you’ll ever meet. I could go on and on, but instead I’m giving you a few of the topics we cover today: What your kids wish you knew How anxiety presents in girls vs. boys Thoughts on...
Aug 28, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 66
It’s August, and Heather and I are still on our summer quest to surprise each other with cool guests on Sidetracked. Today is no exception as Heather comes in hot, surprising me with the one and the only Jess Connolly. Let’s be honest, it’s the end of summer and I’m guessing there’s some portion of you that’s tired physically, spiritually, or emotionally trying to do it all? Jess Connolly addresses just that as we talk about her new book and all the research behind the how, where, and why of res...
Aug 21, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 65
I dropped JB off for his first day of second grade yesterday. He’s still at the age where he’s super excited to go back to school. I’m currently at the age where I’m happy to drop him off. Will I miss him? Absolutely. Does he need the structure? 100%. Do I pray like crazy for him to be seen, loved, and have good friends this school year? Daily. Going back to school always brings lots of emotions, but especially for our neurodivergent kiddos. As parents, we pray they can learn effectively, that t...
Aug 14, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Oh my goodness, I can’t wait for you to hear today's show with Billy Rodgers! And despite the weird wording of the title of this show, we're talking about sharing our faith with friends and family (and not just sharing our faith with Billy Rodgers. ha!) Billy and his wife, Brandie, are some of our very dearest friends in the world. They are amazing people with a heart for evangelism. When Billy recently shared the statistic with me below, I knew we had to have a conversation on MESSmerized about...
Aug 07, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 63
I’ll never forget the time in high school when Kate and I had a disagreement, and she threw down these inflammatory words: “welllll I am 18 years old.” I believe my response was something like, “yes dear one, you’re an 18-year-old that drives our car, uses our cell phone, lives in our house, wears our clothes, and exists on our money.” (Perhaps I should have paused a bit before responding.) Nonetheless, if you have older kids, you’ve probably had similar moments of trying to adjust to kids reach...
Jul 31, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 62
My family is on vacation this week, and in honor of family trips gone wrong, here’s a little summer travel excerpt from Life is Messy, God is Good : I appreciate how Home Alone completely lowered the bar on family travel expectations after the parents left Kevin at home TWICE. Not to mention that biblically speaking, Jesus’ parents lost Him for more than three days while returning home from Jerusalem. I’m encouraged that if Joseph and Mary had a parenting fail and lost the Messiah, I can calm th...
Jul 24, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 61
This week we have a fun show as Heather and I continue surprising each other with guests on Sidetracked. I was in charge of our guest today and I’m so excited for you to hear our conversation with Makayla Noble. If you don’t know Makayla, here’s a little background: On September 20, 2021, Makayla Noble, a world-champion cheerleader, suffered an injury that resulted in a severe spinal cord injury. People from all over the world joined together to pray for her life and follow alongside her healing...
Jul 17, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 60
I’ve been trying to slow down and enjoy the “moments” this summer with my family. It slips by so quickly if we aren’t careful, and that seems especially true now that we have one in college (and another one going away in a year). Tonight we played pickle ball and let’s be clear, my kids get their athletic ability from Mike. But we laughed, watched the sunset, and ended with homemade ice cream. It feels like the perfect night full of pure joy. Speaking of joy (how about that transition, right?) ....
Jul 10, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Happy 4th of July week! I’m hoping you have big plans with friends and family to celebrate our country’s Independence Day. I found a new homemade ice cream recipe this summer that’s super easy and has been a fan favorite. I’m linking it here in case you're feeling ambitious and want to give it a whirl. In continuing our “how do I series,” we have Jessica Hurlbut joining us today talking about the fear and disappointment of facing our kids' unexpected diagnosis. Jessica is a mom, podcaster, autho...
Jul 04, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 58
“There’s no fast-tracking the grief process.” - Abby Rike My good friend Abby is with us today talking about grief and the many forms it takes. Grief is most often associated with death, but it’s also important to acknowledge the grief we face in the loss of a dream, relationships, health, and so much more. Abby reminds us that there is hope in the midst of our deepest grief, and she tackles some of the lies we are tempted to believe when we’re struggling through the hard stuff. Interesting fact...
Jun 26, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 57
I mentioned it last month, but as a little reminder, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a super fun show we do together called Sidetracked . As a part of this little venture, this summer we’ve decided to surprise each other with a guest and then release the episode on both of our shows. It’s been super fun so far, and we’d love to know how you’re liking it and if you want more of these shows! On today’s Sidetracked episode, Heather surprises me with author, speaker, teac...
Jun 19, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Summer . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. Kids . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. Vacation . . . I love you, but you’re chaotic and expensive. Feel free to join in on my mindless chants of summer. I’m super excited about today’s show and talking about ways to save a little money. To be clear, I’m not talking about it from the 401K and investment perspective for the long-haul, but literally what can I do TODAY to get the budget back on the rails. Crystal Paine is...
Jun 12, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Today we’re talking about body image, learning to love our body, and calling out the false narratives we’ve bought into from culture and other places relating to our physical body. Talking about body image kinda feels like no-man's land, and I’m thinking I might as well hit politics and money while I’m at it. Joking. But having a discussion around how to love our body is something that is important, and I believe it is not discussed enough in Christian circles. So we’re doing it here today! Liz ...
Jun 05, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 54
I’m going to keep this short because, well, listen to the intro and you’ll understand. But somewhere between trying out a new spray tan and finding our trampoline in our front yard after a storm—it’s gotten kinda weird over here. But thankfully, on the show is one of our faves, Dr. Ken Wilgus. We’re talking about how we survive summer with teens, and below is a preview of a few points that are coming your way: Set absolute limits on screens in advance Establish household expectations Require som...
May 29, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Here’s a fun little podcast update for you. As most of you (hopefully) know, Heather MacFadyen of the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and I have a little sideshow we do once a month called Sidetracked . Basically, it’s an unfiltered conversation between the two of us discussing life’s goings on, parenting, faith, etc. It comes out the first Friday of the month on Don’t Mom Alone, and It’s been a big hit. So, spinning off from that concept this week, we’re doing a second episode of Sidetracked in the sum...
May 22, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 52
We’re answering “how to” questions these days on MESSmerized, and today we’re tackling the awesome yet complex topic of friendships. I think of all the things I’m asked to talk about from my book, most often I’m asked about the topic of friendships and how to cultivate the really deep, meaningful ones. Thankfully the queen of friendships (I made that up on the spot by the way) is with us today. Amy Weatherly is covering the good, bad, and ugly of doing life with others, and why it’s so important...
May 15, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 51
It’s week two of our new series asking “how do I _____” questions. Each week we’re bringing in amazing guests with practical advice for all areas of life. If you missed last week with Courtney DeFeo, we talked about cheering on other women, and you definitely need to go back and listen if you missed it. So so good. 🎉 This week we are tackling marriage, and I’m so excited for you to meet Dave and Ann Wilson. They are pastors, speakers, and hosts of the nationally syndicated radio show Family Lif...
May 08, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 50
It’s May and if you’re anything like me, you’re already tired just thinking about all of the end-of-year conferences, award ceremonies, track meets, class picnics, and everything else headed our way. But don’t worry, we will survive it all together! That being said, I’m SUPER EXCITED that May is finally here because TODAY is the day we start a new series on MESSmerized. (And trust me, you’re going to LOVE it! ❤️❤️❤️) The next few months we’re examining “how do I _______?” questions on the show. ...
May 01, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 49
