From the pandemic Instagram lives to deep dive podcast conversations we have had an absolutely electric time on On a Lighter Note. It has been a journey of revelation, inspiration, pure joy and profound hope in the midst of truly dark and sometimes even scary times. As we wrap up Season 2 Elyse takes a look back at some of the most popular episodes over the seasons — reminding us of the wisdom we can glean as we embark on the next chapter. As always, this episode is for you exactly where you are...
May 30, 2023•20 min•Ep. 29
We all talk about “Cancel Culture” but have we confronted the fact that we all participate in some form? Responding to hate with more hate in the comments, liking mean-spirited posts, or laughing at the latest “social media dragging” are a few examples. How do we turn it all around for good? Here to shed light and a newfound perspective is Brittany Dawn, Founder of She Lives Freed and Chiseled and Called Podcast. Ultimately Brittany has walked through the fire of social media bullying and come o...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Does checking your bank account give you anxiety? Do you feel hopeless about paying off mountains of student loan or credit card debt? Finances are often the trigger for anxiety and hopelessness in so many people today especially in America where 78% are living paycheck to paycheck. But here to dispel anxiety and fuel us with powerful truth is Financial Expert and bestselling author Rachel Cruze. We all need more education and grace when it comes to our finances. Rachel is all about equipping ev...
Apr 18, 2023•58 min•Ep. 27
What would you do if you had to fly a plane with no experience? Try the radio? Pray? Freak out? A man named Doug White had to learn first hand what flying by faith when was forced to safely land his family on a plane after the pilot died unexpectedly mid-flight. This episode we are joined by the man whose incredible true story became the inspiration for LightWorkers' latest film ON A WING AND A PRAYER now available on Prime Video starring Dennis Quaid. We are also joined by incredible screenwrit...
Apr 11, 2023•51 min
Do miracles really happen? Join producer Roma Downey and film director Sean McNamara for an inside look at the making of their latest movie "On A Wing And A Prayer" arriving on Prime Video Friday April 7. Starring the incomparable Dennis Quaid, Heather Graham and Jesse Metcalfe and based on a miraculous and heroic true story of a man named Doug White played by Dennis Quaid as he goes on a harrowing journey to safely land a plane and save his entire family from disaster after their pilot dies une...
Apr 04, 2023•48 min•Ep. 25
Do you feel disqualified in asking God for help because of a mess you caused yourself? Or are feeling more and more hopeless that God will intervene in a crisis you can’t seem to find him in? Is any mess too big for God? In today’s episode of On a Lighter Note - Pastor Samuel Rodriguez is here to profess what God has proclaimed over our mess. Jesus knew exactly how to speak to our souls for this exact situation and he did it by doing the unexpected, by using the very mess we’re so defeated or fe...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min
We all want a miracle but we don’t want to actually NEED a miracle. Meaning we want the incredible miracle story, but not the mess, crisis or struggle that comes before it. So what happens when we can’t find God when we’re waiting on a miracle? What happens when we can’t understand why he won’t answer our prayer (the way we think it should be answered). Easter is the pinnacle of the ultimate miracle and it’s also a time we often reflect on the reality of our faith. Do I really trust God? Does he...
Mar 14, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 23
What’s it actually like just starting a marriage? And not just the Instagram reel, post-honeymoon version but the real, vulnerable and heart striking humility. In part two of our amazing conversation on relationships, The Heart of Dating’s Kait & JJ Tomlin are here to tell all the lessons 6 months into marriage! From separating fairytales from truth, merging homes and schedules, the challenge of comparison and embracing the beautiful and messy life of covenant marriage that is worth everythi...
Mar 09, 2023•27 min
What is the secret to a healthy relationship? Can men and women really be friends? We’ve asked this question for eons but what if it's a lot more simple than we make it? The incredible clinical Psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Henry Cloud breaks down the most crucial element in every relationship — trust. We’ll dive into how to earn trust and recover when it’s broken. Dr. Cloud discusses how friendships are often the educational training camp for entering a romantic relatio...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Has our world lost touch with kindness? How do we stay kind while managing our own feelings of pain or distrust of others? This incredibly special episode of On a Lighter Note we are taking a lesson from, LightWorkers president, award-winning actress, producer and the world's most famous angel Roma Downey from her latest book “Be an Angel” which is now available. Roma touches not only on the importance of extending compassion to others especially in our isolated post-COVID world, but she highlig...
Feb 21, 2023•54 min•Season 2Ep. 20
If you could jump in a time machine to the past what would you tell yourself at the most crucial stages of your relationship? In other words, what do you wish you knew that you know now about singleness, dating and marriage? Christian dating experts, The Heart of Dating podcast hosts and newlyweds Kait and JJ Tomlin are here to dive deep into all the powerful journey of finding and keeping love. Through their love story they share genuine wisdom and insights about singleness, dating, marriage an...
Feb 14, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Has dating gotten weirder or less weird post-pandemic? Why do Christians turn coffee dates into future spouse interviews? What in the world is going on in the world of Christian dating right now!? This Christian dating state of the union Elyse is joined by friends and ground-breaking content creators Chaz Smith and Hillary Phillips to give us the full scoop. From first date horror stories, guy vs gal’s perspectives on dating with intention for marriage, and listing least favorite “icks”. Chaz, H...
Feb 08, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Are you a week into the new year and already feeling stuck in the rut of 2022? We love to set new goals, new missions, new resolutions — but why do often we lose steam so quickly? In this episode Elyse gives the pep talk we need to kick off 2023 in the right direction and avoid falling into the trap of overrated “new year, new me” mindsets that leave us feeling more disappointed than inspired by year’s end. In this episode we’ll talk through our obsession with chasing the new yet our inability t...
Jan 10, 2023•33 min
What stories are you ruled by? Are they stories you've learned from your family, friends or even the media that shape your greatest highs or mark your greatest wounds? Does your story actually come from you?Spoken Word Poet, Author and Speaker Arielle Estoria speaks about the power of not only your words but your story to renew, strengthen and heal. She shares about the power of your story is not just for your own edification but to move and inspire those around you. Author and Professor Brené B...
Jan 03, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Do your dreams reflect a big God or a "realistic" God? Do you actually believe God can do bigger or are you still burdened by circumstances and doubt that miracles can happen in your life? Author & Speaker, Marshawn Evans Daniels shares about the power believing bigger with God. She reminds us not to have a scarcity mindset with miracles, and how to stay open for the possibility of new ones. It’s in this place of believing God for more where we can avoid idolizing our blessings and truly rec...
Dec 27, 2022•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 15
It's no secret that Christmastime can be a mixed up feeling. Instead of "the most wonderful time of the year" it often feels more like "the most exposing time of the year". We often chase to close the gap between reality and expectation of the Christmas season - but we in turn cover up the truth of how we feel and what our soul needs. Elyse boldly declares that that exposure is not a bad thing, just the cue that we need to align with God to be there for us whether we finish the year soft or stro...
Dec 22, 2022•22 min
Does binging cheesy Christmas movies feel more like fun or a much needed escape from life? Is it OK for it be a bit of both? The Christmas cheer of the season brings plenty of laughter and joy but it also can feel complicated holding space for the pains of life. So what's the right posture? Comedian and Actress Anjelah Johnson-Reyes knows exactly the feeling of holding space for laughter and tears. With the heights of her success this yea from releasing her first book, two comedy specials and a ...
Dec 20, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Why are Christians often known more for who they hate than who they love? What does it practically look like to love EVERYONE - even the people you can't stand? In a world becoming more polarized by the day - the idea of loving everyone feels more like a fantasty than reality. Pastor Choco de Jesús- Founding Pastor of New Life Church and General Treasurer of the Assemblies of God passionately shares his guide to loving well in spite of our sometimes radical differences in values and perspectives...
Dec 13, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
What do you do when you're angry with God, and can't seem to shake the feeling? Author, entrepreneur and international speaker, Rosie Rivera shares a powerful message about meeting God during a very dark time in her life. Rosie dives into the series of traumas she experienced from childhood sexual abuse, suicide attempts, divorce and the sudden death of her sister. Opening up about her feelings of betrayal and anger as she sought answers to why God would allow such traumatic things to happen to ...
Dec 06, 2022•57 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Where do we find the room to fit the enormous emotion that is grief? In Christian culure, we have a reputation for throwing phrases around like "they're in a better place" but not acknowleding the unthinkably painful and often slow process of lamenting. Nearing the Christmas season - many of us are faced the reminder of loss. Pastor of Fresh Life Church Levi Lusko vulnerably shares the story of the tragic and unexpected death of his 2-year old daughter and how he found his footing again. What do...
Nov 29, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 11
How do we forge authentic, deep, life-giving friendships in a culture of staying socially “booked and busy” yet quietly guarded? Thanksgiving is no longer just a family holiday — it’s a time to focus on friendship, some of the most crucial relationships in our lives. But what does it take to not only find a true friend but to be a true friend? In this episode, Elyse invites none other than her so-called best friend (more like soul sister) Katy Knox to speak to the heights, valleys and ultimately...
Nov 22, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The Chosen TV series based on the life of Jesus told from the perspective of the disciples has become a global phenomenon. Now stepping into the third season, the honeymoon is over, and the disciples must now deal with the costs of following the Messiah. In this special minisode Elyse sits down with some of your favorite cast members, the writers, and more from The Chosen to share insights on the series, the roles they play and how its impacted their lives as well as audiences around the world. ...
Nov 16, 2022•28 min
Do you find yourself looking forward to the holidays but also dreading it? Does this time of year fill you with excitment but also anxiety? How do you stay sane dealing with family when holidays and trauma don't mix? How do we smile through "most wonderful time of the year" when coping with loss, divorce, or other traumas? Trauma therapist and life coach, Dr. Anita Phillips addresses major quesitons surrounding navigating mental health and challegning family dynamics all during "the happiest tim...
Nov 15, 2022•37 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Do you ever find yourself answering “I’m OK” when you're really not OK? We live in a culture of hiding the messy, broken parts of ourselves from our friends, families and God. How do we face our brokenness to find healing in the areas we try to hide? Many of us feel the pressure to be perfect, but what we really want is the freedom to be broken. In this episode Toni Collier, founder of the international women's ministry Broken Crayons Still Color — will show us how to bravely process our brokenn...
Nov 08, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 8
What do you do when you feel like you’re stuck in survival mode? When there seems to be no end to the chaos? How do you reconcile a season where so much has been lost? Learn how to go from survival mode to thriving with one of the most influential voices of our lifetime, Pastor Samuel Rodriguez. In this episode Pastor Samuel shares his own journey of weathering the storms and the key to finding hope in the midst of a difficult season. So wherever your faith and emotional levels are today, whatev...
Nov 01, 2022•50 min•Season 1Ep. 7
What do we do in the ‘in-between’ seasons? When we have said goodbye to one season but haven’t quite arrived at the next — how do we cope? It’s like wearing summer clothes when fall weather is fast approaching. The anticipation of a new season is when the pain or discomfort is at its greatest. In this episode Elyse walks us through her learnings from scripture in how to recognize and honor our feelings of exhaustion, discomfort and awkwardness in a transition season. However, what it practically...
Oct 27, 2022•29 min
What does it mean to rise above the critics? How do we truly achieve success? Is it even possible to get to a place of happiness, peace and contentment? International award-winning speaker and success coach, Anand Chulani, is here to help you unlock the strategies and tools needed to sustain true success in a way that will keep you healthy, happy and feeling fulfilled. True success comes not only from external wins, but when we take a deeper look within. From award-winning producer and actress R...
Oct 25, 2022•51 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Have you ever worked hard to finally reach your dream only to feel lost and confused instead of rewarded? Singer Ally Brooke was in the exact same boat both during and after her time with Fifth Harmony. From smiling for cameras at red carpet events yet feeling her lowest from the harsh public scrutiny - to enduring rejection after rejection in her search for a new label as a solo artist. God showed up and rescued her in ways she couldn’t imagine. Hear how she learned how to accept and trust God’...
Oct 18, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 5
What does being a leader actually mean? What does being a GOOD leader mean? Bestselling Author and Pastor of Zoe Church Chad Veach downloads all the knowledge to equip and empower the leader in all of us. In this episode Chad will dive into the art of recognizing our own influence and then harnessing it for good. He’ll also teach us how to lead the hardest person you’ll encounter — yourself. Leave this discussion encouraged and motivated to cultivate the gifts God has given you while being an in...
Oct 11, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 4
How do we champion truth in a world of quick offense? Well, author, speaker and truth-telling warrior Lisa Bevere is here to guide us. In this episode Lisa will break down the difference between harsh truth and hard truth — and how to handle it ourselves. From navigating sensitive conversations with empathy and honesty to the keys to navigating some of our most crucial relationships from friendships to dating. Lisa is getting into it all — but not without a little bit of fire and a lot of laughs...
Oct 04, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 3
