Are you ready?! I don’t think you’re ready. This is such a fun summer announcement! Work and Play is officially an ice cream flavor! Today, I am bringing on some special guests to share all about how the Work and Play podcast has been turned into ice cream, literally. Resources from this episode: Two Roosters Ice Cream Leave Nancy a Voice Message! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through th...
Jul 03, 2025•8 min•Ep. 279
This episode is all about my summer of less. Resources from this episode: We Make Space by Melissa Helser John 3:30 New Life Camp Visit Nancy's Cornerstore! Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Glass Food Storage Containers Leave Nancy a Voice Message! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to us...
Jun 27, 2025•18 min•Ep. 278
Today’s episode is all about simple ways to feel closer to God. Resources from this episode: 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole 25% Off Dwell Bible App Episode 173 - How We Sabbath Episode 232 - A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 1 Episode 233 - A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 2 Send me an audio message! Visit my Cornerstore! The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence Mildliner Highlighters Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used i...
Jun 19, 2025•17 min•Ep. 277
Happy summer! I’m so excited that summer is finally here! Today’s episode is simply five tips for you to have a smoother summer. Resources from this epsiode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Trader Joe's Organic Freezer Pops Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!...
Jun 12, 2025•18 min•Ep. 276
We just got back from New York City celebrating Milly’s 10th birthday! Today’s episode is all about that trip and how we are celebrating big milestone birthdays in our family. Resources from this episode: Work & Play Episode 63 - Joy-Filled Birthdays Color Factory NYC Becco Italian Restaurant The Metropolitan Museum Brighter Day Press Keen Sandals Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase throug...
Jun 06, 2025•20 min•Ep. 275
My nesting party was one of my favorite days of my life. I know that sounds crazy, but it was so much more than getting my home ready for having a baby. It was a day where I was surrounded by my favorite women on this earth, humbly receiving their love, work, and care. It’s a day that will always remind me that when I’m feeling alone, I’m actually not alone at all. I have women who love me. Today, I’m going to share the practical side of how to throw a nesting party and the heart side of why it ...
May 29, 2025•43 min•Ep. 274
Last week’s episode was all about what’s saving my life right now - mom edition, but I focused on everything that was free. This week is everything else, so it’s part two of What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition. Resources from this episode: EveryLife Diapers EveryLife Shampoo and Body Wash Tubby Todd All Over Ointment Solly Wrap Lalabu Baby Carrier How to Fight Mastitis Naturally Blog YOTO Player Spotify Premium Plans Slugs and Bugs on Spotify Forrest Frank on Spotify Good News Guys on ...
May 22, 2025•24 min•Ep. 273
Let’s pretend you and I are sitting down at a coffee shop and you just asked me, “Nancy, what is saving your life right now as a mama of five?” Then I tell you everything that I can think of. That is what today’s episode is going to be. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App 2 Peter 1:3-4 Nourish Move Love on YouTube Clear Your Photos Free Guide Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchas...
May 20, 2025•22 min•Ep. 272
Winsome Joy Ray, our precious fifth baby, was born at home on Christmas Day. This is her birth story. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Blog Nourish Move Love Labor Inducing Workout Peace album by Bethel Music Matin: Rest album by Jess Ray Matin: Turn album by Jess Ray Matin: Love album by Jess Ray A Vision for this Season How to Visualize Your Dream Birth by Hailey Aliff Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you...
May 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 271
Hello and welcome to May is for Mamas! I am so excited! I love this month of the year on the Work & Play podcast! We are kicking off this series with 20 of my favorite things that I have experienced this postpartum season. This is going to be a great episode for you to forward to a pregnant mama or someone who is postpartum. There is going to be a total of five episodes released every Thursday during the month of May with something for moms and something free for you (like a gift or a discou...
May 02, 2025•23 min•Ep. 270
Well today you’re in for a treat. I have my dear friend, Mary Marantz, author of Underestimated , on the podcast. She has written three amazing books, but we’re talking about her latest one. I cannot even tell you what a gift it has been to me so far. I know you’re going to love this conversation with Mary. If you are stuck in feeling afraid of moving forward in a dream or idea that you have… if you feel like you’re just a drop in a bucket and you don’t know how to create… if you feel like you a...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 269
Do you know what I don’t talk about enough? My Contentment Challenge. It has become a regular part of my life every year now, but it continues to be one of the best things that I do. Today, I’m going to share eleven benefits that I experience every single time I do the Contentment Challenge and my unique approach to it this year. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Take the Contentment Challenge Work & Play Episode 3 - The Contentment Challenge Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on...
Apr 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 268
Today, I’m going to share what it means to live in day-tight compartments. This is a follow-up episode from last year called, “ Be Where Your Feet Are .” Basically, an encouragement and reminder to you to be present today and that’s all you need to focus on. Resources from this episode: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these lin...
Apr 11, 2025•13 min•Ep. 267
Last week, I told you all about my favorite books from 2024. This week, I’m going to tell you all about what I plan to read in 2025. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club By my friend on Goodreads! Kindle On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less TwoTone Creative The-Opt Out Family: How to Give Your Kids What Technology Can't by Erin Loechner The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 40 Days of Decrease by Ali...
Apr 03, 2025•15 min•Ep. 266
Reading books will forever be an important part of my life. It is something my dad has instilled in me. I will always be sharing the books that I’m loving and the books that I’m hoping to read on this podcast because I think it’s one of life’s greatest gifts. So today I am going to be sharing with you my favorite books that I read last year in 2024. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Book Club Goodreads Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley The Frozen ...
Mar 20, 2025•21 min•Ep. 265
I am so excited to be back behind this mic! Today, we are going to talk about why I named this podcast “Work and Play” and I’ll share a fresh take on what it means to me now. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Nancy Ray Blog Join My Email List! Andrew Peterson on Spotify Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and runnin...
Mar 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 264
It is January! Happy 2025! This is my annual State of the Podcast episode. It’s going to be short and sweet, but I’m also really excited to share all the ideas and things I’m thinking about for Work and Play with Nancy Ray in 2025. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Nancy Ray Blog 2025 Survey Join My Email List Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps m...
Jan 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 263
Well, we just had our 5th baby and we decided to keep the news of our pregnancy all to ourselves until baby was born. Today, with the help of my friend Emily, I’ll be sharing all about why we chose this path. Resources from this episode: The Connected Family Substack Cultivate What Matters Emily Thomas Website Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this...
Jan 07, 2025•40 min•Ep. 262
Okay, friend! I have been keeping the biggest secret from you all year and I'm so excited to finally share it with you today. I don't think you're ready for this... Are you ready? Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!...
Dec 31, 2024•2 min•Ep. 261
Today is a very brief episode. It’s a tradition of sorts on this podcast for me to read this to you. I change it a little every year so that it pertains specifically to this year. It’s simply called, “Finish Strong.” Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use ...
Dec 17, 2024•4 min•Ep. 260
If you do absolutely nothing else with this episode, then listen to the intro. I want you to listen to my encouragement to take time to reflect at the end of your year. Today, I am going to be sharing my three favorite rhythms (or traditions or appointments) I put in my calendar at the end of every single year to finish the year well. These are things that really make me pause and reflect on the things that I have learned, the mistakes that I have made, and how I want to change. That can make al...
Dec 10, 2024•21 min•Ep. 259
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Today, I’m going to be sharing my five favorite Christmas traditions, my five favorite gifts to give at Christmas time, and my five favorite Christmas albums to listen to. Resouces from this episode: Calm Amidst the Chaos Podcast Series The Giving Manger Instax Camera Every Moment Holy Volume I Every Moment Holy Volume II Every Moment Holy Volume III Chunky Knit Blanket Mulling Spices Made for People by Just...
Dec 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 258
Happy Thanksgiving week! Oh my goodness, I can’t believe we are here! Today’s episode is all about our very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. It’s so simple. It costs nothing. I hope you and your family enjoy it! Resources from this episode: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Val Marie Prayer Journals Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up...
Nov 26, 2024•23 min•Ep. 257
Hey there! You're in the right place for Work and Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (November 19th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week!
Nov 19, 2024•18 sec
I specifically reached out to my podcast guest today and said, “Please come on my podcast. I have been watching you and have been so inspired by you. I would love to hear more about your story and get a chance to catch up.” We have been kind of online friends for over five years. Seeing what she is doing in her life is so inspiring. So today I am going to talk with Laura Jean Bell about health, faith, speaking life, about her story, and about her new book. Honestly, I feel like I was just sittin...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min•Ep. 256
Happy November! I am setting the bar high this year for no one but myself. I feel like this is going to be a podcast experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes, but today I am sharing with you my extreme Christmas goals for this year. Resources from this episode: Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when y...
Nov 05, 2024•12 min•Ep. 255
Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking to my new friend, Cleere Cherry. You might know her as Cleerely Stated on Instagram. She has been such a massive blessing to me. I love the way she writes and the way she speaks life. Her faith is resilient and contagious. I just feel so honored to have this conversation today with Cleere. I know you’re going to love it. Resources from this episode: Cleere Cherry on Instagram Let's Be Cleere Podcast 2 Corinthians 12:9 Cleerely Stated Website Revive...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 254
If you’re anything like me, you’re already starting to think about the holidays and Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. Today’s episode is simply going to be some questions for you to ask yourself (and for me to ask myself) before the holiday craziness begins. Resources from this episode: A Vision for this Season - Free Guide Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White The Giving Manger Proverbs 11:24-25 Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this pos...
Oct 22, 2024•19 min•Ep. 253
Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking with Megan Fate Marshman about her new book called, “ Relaxed .” Let me just tell you, this conversation was so special. It is one that I am going to listen to over and over again. I hope it means as much to you as it has meant to me. Resources from this episode: Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman Ephesians Chapters 1-3 Matthew 6:21 Proverbs 4:23 Megan Marshman on Instagram Megan Marshman on YouTube Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate li...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min•Ep. 252
Today’s episode is going to be sweet, short, and hopefully powerful as I declare the truths of Colossians 1 over your work. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App Colossians Chapter 1 A Vision for this Season Free Guide Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!...
Oct 08, 2024•19 min•Ep. 251
