Sometimes it feels like God is silent, leaving us unsure of where to turn or how to keep going.
In this episode, Barb speaks with Dominique Young, author of God, Where Are You? and founder of Faith Mamas, as she shares her own journey through grief, doubt, and unanswered prayers. They discuss why healing is often a slow process, how faith and therapy can work together, and why dropping the “masks” we wear is essential for real growth.
This episode is full of honest reflection, practical guidance, and hope for anyone navigating seasons of silence, struggle, or uncertainty in their faith.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence
Download the Faith Family Worldwide App
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Dominique Young is the founder of Faith Mamas Inc. (Faith Family Worldwide), a community of more than 6,000 Christian women and a private app serving over 1,700 believers. She helps people break free from fear through Scripture and has been featured on the Don’t Mom Alone podcast and The Refreshed Moms Podcast. Dominique holds a psychology degree from Hampton University and a master’s in theology from Fuller Seminary. She is also a devoted wife and a mother of four.
What do you do when the life you planned gives way to a season you never saw coming?
In today’s episode, Barb is joined by pastor, author, and podcaster Courtney Ellis for a thoughtful conversation about navigating life’s tough transitions. Together they explore why God created change, what nature can teach us about living through it, and why even good change can bring real grief.
If you’re facing a transition—expected or unexpected—this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and hope for the road ahead.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amidst Life's Tough Transitions
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Courtney Ellis is a pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, California. She is the author of six books, including Looking Up: A Birder’s Guide to Hope Through Grief. Courtney hosts The Thing with Feathers, a podcast about birds and hope.
Waiting for a miracle can be one of the hardest places to live, especially when faith wears thin, answers are delayed, and hope feels fragile.
In this episode, Barb talks with her long-time friend, author Lauren Gaskill about what it means to hold on to a faith that just won’t quit. Drawing from her book Until the Miracle Comes, Lauren shares how to begin again when disappointment has shaken your faith. She’ll share encouragement to remember your God-given identity changes everything. She tells us about why lament is a vital part of our faith journeys. This episode will remind you that God is working, even when you cannot see it.
If you’re believing for a breakthrough and wondering how to keep going, join Barb and Lauren for this powerful conversation.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Until the Miracle Comes: Finding Victory in a Faith That Won’t Quit
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Lauren Gaskill is an author, speaker, and the founder of the She Found Joy Podcast and retreats. She is passionate about helping others encounter Jesus and become transformed by His love. In her spare time she enjoys singing, hiking with her husband and sons, and baking just about anything — from cookies to crème brûlée.
What would change if you truly believed you are fully known—and fully loved—by God?
In this episode, Barb is joined by author Glenna Marshall to talk about her book Known & Loved and the life-changing truths of Psalm 139. Together, they explore how God’s love differs from ours, and how the gospel reshapes our understanding of shame, suffering, and doubt. This conversation invites us to lift our eyes from ourselves and fix our gaze on the one true God whose love never runs dry.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Known and Loved: Experiencing the Affection of God in Psalm 139
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Glenna Marshall is married to her pastor, William, and is the mother of two sons. She is the author of The Promise Is His Presence, Everyday Faithfulness, Memorizing Scripture, and Known and Loved. She is a member of Grace Bible Fellowship in Sikeston, Missouri, where she and her husband have served for over twenty years.
Whether you’re single, married, or simply navigating the cultural noise around sex and identity, this episode will challenge and encourage you to see sexuality through the lens of God’s redemptive love.
This week, Barb is joined by Dr. Juli Slattery, author of Surrendered Sexuality, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about faith, intimacy, shame, and identity. Juli shares how our sexuality isn’t about self-discovery—it’s about understanding God’s love—and how true transformation begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start surrendering our hearts to Him.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes...Everything
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Juli Slattery is the president and cofounder of Authentic Intimacy, a ministry helping people make sense of God and sexuality. She is the host of the weekly podcast Java with Juli. She has authored or coauthored fourteen books, including God, Sex, and Your Marriage, Rethinking Sexuality, and 25 Questions You're Afraid to Ask about Love, Sex, and Intimacy. Juli is a member of the board of trustees of Moody Bible Institute. She and her husband, Mike, have three grown sons and live in Akron, Ohio.
Ever open your Bible and think, “Where do I even start?” You’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck.
In this week’s podcast episode, Barb talks with Ellen Krause, Ashley Armijo, and Taylor Krause, co-authors of The Easy Bible Study Method, about how to approach Scripture with a simple 4-step framework that helps you actually understand what you’re reading — and delight in it.
If you’ve been craving a deeper walk with God but feel overwhelmed by Bible study, this conversation is for you.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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The Easy Bible Study Method: A Guide to Understanding, Applying, and Delighting in God's Word
Visit the Coffee and Bible Time Website
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
ELLEN KRAUSE, aka Mentor Mama, is cofounder of Coffee and Bible Time with daughters Ashley and Taylor. She hosts the CBT Podcast, which equips people to delight in God’s Word and thrive in Christian Living! Ellen has been involved in women’s ministry for over 20 years and mentors women worldwide through CBT. Her MA in marketing and her years in corporate America help CBT flourish. In her free time, she enjoys working out, doing mixed media art, sewing, gardening, and cooking.
ASHLEY ARMIJO is cofounder of Coffee and Bible Time, a ministry that helps women learn how to delight in God’s Word and thrive in Christian living. She is an alumna of the Moody Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Ministry Studies. It is Ashley’s passion to teach women how to study and delight in God’s Word whether that is online through Coffee and Bible Time or opening up her home to young women in the community. When Ashley doesn’t have her nose in the Bible, she is spending time with her family, painting, and homemaking.
TAYLOR KRAUSE holds a bachelor's degree in pre-counseling and has devoted herself to extensive academic and personal study of the Bible. She is passionate about helping women apply biblical principles to their everyday lives, guiding them to grow closer to God through His Word. With a deep commitment to integrating spiritual and mental health, Taylor encourages women to embrace their true selves and feel fully loved. In her free time, she enjoys writing music, playing games with family, and taking time to relax.
What if stress isn’t just a problem to manage — but a signal to rest?
In this episode, Barb talks with nurse and author Tracie Braylock about Radical Relaxation — a healing, faith-filled approach to dealing with stress that goes beyond self-care checklists.
You’ll learn how engaging your God-designed relaxation response can lead to real peace, deeper trust, and lasting transformation — mind, body, and spirit.
Listen now and discover why rest might be the most radical act of faith you can take today.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Tracie Braylock (MSN, BSN, RN) is a holistic nurse educator, writer, and wellness consultant. As a former operating room nurse, she advocates for mind, body, spirit well-being, holistic wellness experiences, and liberating relaxation. Her work has been featured in the American Holistic Nurses Association New Beginnings magazine, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Hallmark Mahogany. Tracie teaches workshops, leads retreats, and lectures on issues related to nursing, writing, self-care, and healing lifestyles. She lives in Ohio with her family.
Are you doing all the “right” Christian things but still struggling to feel joy? You’re not alone.
In this heartfelt conversation with special guest, Asheritah Ciuciu, we talk about what it means to move from duty to delight—from trying to earn God’s love to truly enjoying it.
Together we’ll explore the simple rhythms that restore joy and the freeing truth that we were created for delight—not performance. If your faith feels weary or stuck, this episode will remind you that joy isn’t just for eternity; it’s for right now.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Asheritah Ciuciu is a bestselling author, national speaker, and host of the Prayers of Rest podcast. Asheritah is the author of many books, including Full, Prayers of Rest, and Unwrapping the Names of. A Romanian missionary kid, she's passionate about helping people around the world enjoy through creative spiritual habits. Asheritah is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they raise their three spunky kiddos in NE Ohio. Discover your creative devotional type at www.OneThingAlone.com.
What do you really believe about heaven?
When faced with her own terminal diagnosis, author Colleen Chao discovered that heaven wasn’t a faraway idea. It was a living hope that changed how she faced each day.
In this moving episode, Colleen shares the peace, beauty, and courage that come from fixing our eyes on eternity—even when life on earth is marked by suffering. Her words will stir your heart, strengthen your faith, and remind you: this isn’t the end of the story.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Colleen Chao is an editor, writer, and former English teacher. During her unexpected chapter of singleness, she traveled and explored new places, mentored young women, sang and acted, and spent unhealthy amounts of time at coffee shops. In 2010, at age 34, she married strong and handsome Eddie Chao, and eleven months later she gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Jeremy.
In 2017, after a long journey through chronic pain and illness (both her own and her son’s) Colleen was diagnosed with breast cancer. After intensive chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, Colleen enjoyed two years of clear test results—but in Spring 2021 she learned that the cancer was back, and it was terminal this time. Out of this indescribable sorrow has come stunning beauty, and Colleen’s desire is to spend the remainder of her days sharing this beauty with others who suffer.
When she’s not visiting a doctor or wrangling words, Colleen enjoys the beautiful outdoors, side-splitting laughter, and half-read books piled bedside. She makes her home just outside Boise, Idaho with Eddie and Jeremy, and their dog, Willow.
Do you ever feel left out, overlooked, or like you don’t quite belong? In a world where loneliness is at an all-time high, what if the belonging you’ve been searching for has already been given to you? In today’s conversation, Dr. Carmen Joy Imes invites us to rediscover God’s vision for community and connection. In her new book, Becoming God’s Family, Carmen helps us see how the Bible reshapes our understanding of belonging—not as something we achieve, but as a gift we receive in Christ. If you need one reason to give God’s family one more try, join us for this important conversation.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, in Southern California. She is the author of Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God's Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and Becoming God's Family: Why the Church Still Matters. Carmen has a YouTube channel where she releases weekly Torah Tuesday videos and you can find her writing on various websites, including Christianity Today, The Well, and The Politics of Scripture blog. Carmen is passionate about equipping the church to engage the Old Testament well and to see its relevance for the Christian life.
Does your faith feel fragile, distant, or broken? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jason Hague and Catherine McNiel share how a mid-faith crisis can actually be the doorway to a deeper, more resilient walk with God.
Doubt isn’t the end of your faith—it may be the beginning of something new. In this powerful conversation, my guests share their personal stories of grief, unmet expectations, and doubt—and how God met them in the middle of the mess. Together, we’ll explore why seasons of crisis can be fertile ground for deeper growth, how to let go of false certainties, and how to embrace a faith that is more resilient, honest, and rooted in God’s goodness.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Catherine McNiel is a chaplain, author, editor, and speaker searching for the creative, redemptive work of God in our ordinary lives. She lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, three children, and one enormous garden. Catherine holds an MA in human service counseling and is finishing a Master of Divinity at North Park Theological Seminary. Her previous books include Fearing Bravely, All Shall Be Well, and Long Days of Small Things, which was an ECPA finalist for New Author.
Jason Hague is the associate pastor of Christ’s Center Church near Eugene, Oregon, and the author of Aching Joy: Following God Through the Land of Unanswered Prayer. Jason has written extensively on the subject of the Christian faith and autism, special needs families, and his own spiritual journey toward hope for his own nonspeaking autistic son. His writing has appeared in Christianity Today, Focus on the Family, and Fathom. He and his wife have five children.
What if the weight you’ve been carrying isn’t just pain—but offense? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, author and speaker Alexandra Hoover joins Barb to talk about her new book, You Can Let Go, and the freedom that comes when we trust Jesus with our wounds.
Together, they explore how to navigate hurt, why offense can keep us stuck, and how letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it means healing.
Whether you’re holding onto quiet resentment or walking through deep pain, this episode will encourage you to lay it down, let the light in, and move forward in the wholeness God has for you.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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You Can Let Go: Make Peace with Your Past, Break Free from Offense, and Move Forward with God
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Alexandra Hoover is a compassionate writer, a sought-after speaker, and the author of Eyes Up and Without Wavering. With a heart for inspiring others, she combines biblical wisdom, practical insights, and a deep passion for helping people navigate life's challenges with faith and hope. A proud Latina, Alexandra serves her local church and is pursuing a master of arts in women and theology at Northern Seminary. As a wife and mother of three, she treasures balancing family life with ministry, finding joy in serving, and inspiring others.
What if anxiety wasn't a sign of spiritual failure but an invitation to meet Jesus in the middle of your fear? In this episode of Bold, Brave, and Beautiful, bestselling author and Bible teacher Becky Keife shares her powerful story of moving from shame and striving to freedom and peace. Drawing from her new book A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, Becky reminds us that anxiety doesn't disqualify us from God's love—it's the very place where His grace meets us. With honest stories, practical peace practices, and biblical truth, Becky offers hope for anyone longing to calm their anxious heart and experience God's presence in a fresh way.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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A Verse A Day For The Anxious Soul
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Becky Keife is the author of A Verse A Day For The Anxious Soul and a Bible teacher, speaker, and author passionate about helping people hear's voice, embrace their true identity, and step into their purpose. A dedicated mental health advocate, Becky equips individuals and churches to understand anxiety biblically and experience Jesus wholly. She loves long naps, puffy clouds, and shady trails. Becky lives in Southern California with her husband and three always-hungry teenage sons.
Our world is in desperate need of bridge builders, meaning people who will reach their hand out to those who feel unseen or hurting. These days, we’ve narrowed our view of hospitality to HGTV and Instagram, but our hearts are more lonely than ever. During the Covid-19 pandemic, author Laura Baghdassarian Murray hosted a solitude and silence retreat via Zoom. As a result of that experience, Laura began to champion spaces where people could practice welcome and hospitality, even online. Join in for a thoughtful conversation about how you can open yourself up to letting God use you as a bridge builder to bless others.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Becoming a Person of Welcome: The Spiritual Practice of Hospitality
Healed Hearts are Hospitable Hearts Worksheet
Learn More about Laura's Online Retreats Here!
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Laura Baghdassarian Murray (DMin, Fuller Seminary) is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with and others (www.digitalsilentretreats.com). She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.
What do you wish you could do, but lack the confidence to do it? Do you wish that you were more like the women who get out there and get things done even when the odds seem against them?
Join Barb on this new episode of The Bold, Brave and Beautiful Podcast as she talks to confidence expert and her personal leadership coach, Lisa Allen. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Lisa has helped women collect the confidence God has for them and create action steps for their season ahead. Lisa is the author of the brand new book, Your Confidence Compass....From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership, and will show us how confidence is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the God who holds all things together.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Your Confidence Compass....From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Lisa Allen is a Jesus-loving, coffee-loving, leopard-print loving woman. She has a passion for and connection to women and uses this passion as a speaker, coach and ministry leader. She comes with a combined two decades of non-profit leadership as an Executive Director at Proverbs 31 Ministries and as Women’s/Life Group Director of Forest Hill Church. These 20 years of experience give her a unique connection to and understanding of women of faith, women pursuing faith and women desiring to walk out their faith authentically.
Her experience as a board-certified life coach, author and speaker has uniquely prepared her as a popular keynote speaker, conference speaker or workshop facilitator. She has served on the Proverbs 31 Ministries Speaker Team for over a decade.
Her engaging messages leave her audience with a renewed passion, calling and confidence. Anyone who spends any time with Lisa can attest that she enjoys the certifications she’s received for Enneagram Training, Team Coaching, DISC Personality Profile and Gallup Clifton Strengths. Her book “Your Confidence Compass … From Self-Doubt to Self-Leadership” was released in April, 2025 and has helped women collect the confidence God is providing for them as they create action steps for their season ahead. Lisa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband and has two grown, married children, a darling Yorkie, PJ and her first grandchild, Noah.
Moms don’t like to talk about the moments when they lose it on their kids. I’ve been there, and felt heaps of guilt. Yet, moms who struggle with anger don’t have to struggle alone.
Join me and best-selling author, Amber Lia, for an important conversation about her new devotional, Untriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger. Amber shares encouragement for every mom longing for freedom from anger and the self-condemnation that often accompanies it. We’ll talk about how to invite God to help us parent with tenderness and patience. Amber will offer practical help and hope to you!
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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UnTriggered: 60 Days of Transformation for Moms Who Struggle with Anger
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
AMBER LIA, a former English teacher, has authored multiple bestselling books, including Food Triggers and Parenting Scripts. In her popular book, Triggers: Exchanging Parents' Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses, Amber, and coauthor Wendy Speake guide parents toward peaceful parenting. She and her husband own a production company in Chattanooga, TN, and are parents to four boys ages 8 to 18. A certified independent health coach, Amber helps clients looking to live life to the full! When she's not searching for Nerf darts around her house, you can find Amber writing to encourage families on her website at AmberLia.com.
Do you sometimes feel like an outsider in the Christian life? You may show up at church but you worry that you don’t always belong. Perhaps you’ve made mistakes in your past or you have secret struggles or problems that you don’t want to tell anyone about. Unfortunately, church has a reputation for condemning and kicking out instead of coming alongside those who have fallen down.
Join me and author Oghosa Iyamu as we discuss God’s radical and generous hospitality to the undeserving regardless of our past, position or power. We discuss her new 6-week Bible study, Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All. Our conversation will call all believers to reflect God’s vision and His kingdom, where all who come are forever welcomed.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
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Forever Welcomed: A Study on God’s Impartial Love for All
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Oghosa Iyamu, the daughter of Nigerian parents, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and author who is passionate about testifying to God's greatness. She is the host of the teaching podcast, Forever Welcomed, releasing this Fall. In addition to over twelve years in full-time ministry, Oghosa has studied at Dallas Theological Seminary, later graduating from Southwestern Theological Seminary, where she earned her Master of Divinity degree. She has written for YouVersion, She Reads Truth, Lifeway, Radical (a ministry by David Platt), Lies Young Women Believe, and many other platforms. Oghosa resides in Atlanta, GA.
Life can be messy—and sometimes, it feels like the floor drops right out from under us. Bestselling author Tracie Miles calls these moments “lifequakes”—those unexpected, painful events that shake our world and leave us feeling lost, stuck, or wondering where God is in the chaos.
In this encouraging episode, Barb sits down with Tracie to talk about her powerful book, God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence. Tracie opens up about the personal lifequake that turned her world upside down, and shares practical steps and biblical truths that helped her move from heartbreak to hope, and from fear to faith.
If you—or someone you love—are facing a season of uncertainty, grief, or change, this conversation will remind you that new beginnings are possible, and that God hasn’t left your side for a moment.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Connect with Tracie on Instagram
God’s Got You: Embracing New Beginnings with Courage and Confidence
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Have you ever looked around at your life and thought, “This is not what I signed up for”? The plans you had, the peace you hoped for, the answers you expected—none of it looks the way you imagined. Instead, you’re navigating unexpected struggles, heartbreak, or detours you never saw coming.
In this hope-filled episode, Barb sits down with author, counselor, and Bible teacher Nicole Unice to talk about her new book, Not What I Signed Up For: Finding the Strength, Purpose, and Faith to Get Through a Season You Didn't Expect. Together, they unpack the disorienting seasons of life that leave us feeling spiritually disappointed, emotionally exhausted, and desperately searching for answers. With real-life stories, biblical wisdom, and plenty of grace, Barb and Nicole explore how to stay grounded in your faith even when your circumstances don’t make sense.
Whether you're walking through a tough season or supporting someone who is, this conversation will encourage you to embrace honesty with God, lean into His presence, and rediscover a hope that holds—even when life looks nothing like you planned.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Connect with Nicole on Instagram
Check out Nicole's book, Not What I Signed Up For.
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Nicole Unice is a pastor and leadership coach who facilitates environments of safety and vulnerability so that leaders and teams can courageously identify obstacles keeping them from their maximum potential. As a sought-after speaker, Nicole has a down-to-earth style that allows even the largest gathering to feel conversational. Nicole is the author of several books focused on spiritual transformation and is a featured speaker through RightNow Media and Punchline. She holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Nicole and her husband, Dave, live in Richmond, Virginia, with their three children and two pups.
As a pastor and community leader, Nicole is the author of several books on healthy faith, honing in on the connection between our emotional and spiritual life. Nicole’s books come to life through her popular video curriculum series found on RightNow Media, and she preaches frequently for conferences, churches, and organizations. In addition, She’s the host of How to Study the Bible, a popular weekly podcast that has reached people in 188 different countries in the last year alone. Find out more at nicoleunice.com.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of life’s responsibilities? Do you find yourself running on empty, trying to keep up with the constant demands of work, family, and faith—only to end each day feeling exhausted and unseen? You’re not alone.
In this week’s episode, Barb sits down with author and speaker Ashley Morgan Jackson for an honest conversation about the toll that burnout takes on our minds, bodies, and spirits. Together, they explore what it means to live under the crushing pressure of performance and expectation, and how God's grace meets us in our most depleted moments.
Whether you're in a season of waiting, wondering if God still sees you, or simply trying to make it through the day, this episode offers hope, compassion, and practical truth for finding peace in the middle of the pressure. Tune in and discover how to let go of what’s crushing you—and receive the gentle strength of the One who holds you together.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Tired of Trying: How to Hold On to God When You're Frustrated, Fed Up, and Feeling Forgotten
Stronger Than Stress: 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm
Stronger than Stress Bible Study
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Ashley Morgan Jackson is an author, speaker, and social media expert. She formerly worked full-time for Proverbs 31 Ministries and has ministered to her online community for ten years. She is passionate about women learning to let go of the lie that they have to perform for God’s love and instead realize they can receive His love, just as they are. Ashley is a wife of fourteen years to her wonderful husband, Daniel, and a mom to two growing boys. The family lives in Charlotte, NC.
We are back with part 2 of Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we’re diving into a conversation that has gone unspoken in faith communities for too long — mental health. As Christian women, we’re taught to be strong, to serve others, and to keep pressing on… but what happens when our minds feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weary?
Join Barb and special guest Laura L. Smith for a powerful yet practical conversation about how you can develop God-honoring, effective mental health care strategies in your life, starting today! Laura shares the tools that you need to rest in God's unconditional love and to find your strength and peace in Him.
Whether you're walking through a hard season or simply need encouragement for your journey, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone — and that healing and hope are possible in Jesus.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Holy Care for the Whole Self: Biblical Wisdom for Mental and Spiritual Well-Being
Connect with Laura on Instagram!
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Laura L. Smith is a popular speaker, best-selling author, and Bible teacher leading women to tear down lies so they can live in truth. Holy Care for the Whole Self is her thirteenth book.
Most recently she is known for Restore My Soul: The Power and Promise of 30 Psalms and How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30 Beloved Hymns (which sold more than 130,000 copies).
A fan of Jesus, her prince charming of a husband, their four kids, almond milk mochas, dark chocolate, music, books, and travel. Smith describes her work this way: “I tell stories (through writing and speaking) in hopes of helping others discover what took me so long to see: God’s amazing grace is abundant and free for the taking. We can’t earn it. We don’t have to. All we have to do is accept it. And when we do, surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.”
Laura lives in the picturesque college town of Oxford, Ohio. There you’ll find her running the wooded trails, strolling the brick streets, teaching a local Bible study, shopping at the Saturday morning farmer’s market, or going on a sunset walk with her family.
Welcome to Summer Strong, our new series created to equip you with what you need to find rest amongst the busyness that this season brings!
Whether you're juggling kids, calendars, or career goals, each episode offers practical tools, honest conversations, and soul-deep encouragement to help you stay grounded and whole. For the next five episodes, we will be revisiting some of our top conversations from the past about finding hope and strength in challenging times.
Today, Barb will share how God taught her to turn stress into strength, and how you can become an overcomer too!
Let’s make this summer your strongest one yet—mind, body, and soul.
Have you ever prayed, “God, what do I do?” These days, our struggle with uncertainty can stop us from making important decisions or cause us to second-guess the decisions we do make. It’s stressful trying to figure out what’s right and the fear of what will happen if we are wrong.
Join Barb and her longtime friend, author Katie M. Reid, to discuss Katie’s new Bible study, God, What Do I Do? They will discuss how to make wise decisions, step into the kingdom calling God has for you, and the importance of trusting in our never changing God.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Connect with Katie on Instagram
Connect with Katie on Facebook
God, What Do I Do? - A Bible Study on James 1-5 About Making Wise Decisions in Uncertain Times
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Katie M. Reid is a Bible teacher, author, and podcaster. Trained in education, Katie teaches around her kitchen table, in the classroom, and around the country. She cohosts The Martha + Mary Show and runs the Martha + Mary Show Sisterhood group on Facebook. Katie is a pastor’s wife and worship leader. Through her Bible Study, "God, What Do I Do?" Katie inspires women to make wise decisions in uncertain times. Following Jesus, marrying her husband, and being a mom to five are the best decisions she's made. Connect with Katie at katiemreid.com
For the first time ever, Barb’s answering audience questions! Join Barb and her fabulous podcast producer, Tabitha for all the inside scoop! Barb’s telling us who her favorite child is, which Bible study she’s most proud of and answering spicy questions about how to help friends far from Jesus and which body part is her favorite. Tucked into all of Barb’s answers are plenty encouraging words for you!
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Connect with Barb on Instagram
Connect with Barb on Facebook
Trusting God with Your Loved Ones Free Resource
Stronger Than Stress Bible Study
What does it mean to live a good Christian life? Is it being friendly or always seeing the positive side instead of the realities of life’s struggles? What if being a good Christian is different from being like Christ?
Join Barb and author Elisa Morgan for a conversation that invites us to peel past the niceness of Christianity and learn to live by the fruit of the Spirit so God can transform us into something truly sweet. Elisa Morgan is the founder of MOPS International and co-host of Our Daily Bread, God Hears Her Podcast.
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Connect with Elisa on Instagram
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Fruitful Living: Growing a Life That Matters
ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST
Elisa Morgan (MDiv) has authored over twenty-five books including The Beauty of Broken, Hello, Beauty Full, When We Pray Like Jesus, You Are Not Alone, Christmas Changes Everything and her newest book, Fruitful Living.
For twenty years, Elisa served as CEO of MOPS International (The MOMCo) and now is President Emerita. She writes for Our Daily Bread Devotional and co-hosts Discover the Word and God Hears Her for Our Daily Bread Ministries.
With her husband, Evan, she has two grown children and three grandchildren who live near her in Denver, Colorado. Her constant companion is Mia, an elderly Jack Russell who shadows her every move.