A Big, Happy Life with Whitney Putnam

Let's talk women's bodies + healthy lifestyles, shall we? Podcaster + author Latasha Ferguson talks all about her own health journey and shares how she overcame being a single mom on welfare weighing the heaviest she ever weighed to where she is now - healthy + happy. We get into the shameful pathways of thinking + negative views women hold about their bodies. Latasha shares the work that really ended up changing her life + it isn't the cabbage soup diet. Latasha's story is one for any woman who has ever battled a relationship with food or unhealthy + unholy viewpoints of her body (which is many of us). You will feel so deeply inspired + have such powerful tools after listening to  this incredibly honest + vulnerable conversation. Let's go meet my friend, Latasha.

In this episode, you get to pull up a seat and get into the mind of a pastor's wife. Normally many pastor's wives don't "let you in" for fear of what might be said about them, but Rebecca shares her story boldly and beautifully. She wants to live ministry life as authentically as she can, therefore we get to learn what her experience has been like, hopefully spurring us on to support our ministry leaders. Rebecca and I also dive into tough conversations about our bodies, struggles in friendships and just straight up shame conversations. Rebecca's honesty is refreshing. I can't wait for you to know her!

In this episode we talk all about following God when it doesn't line up with the American Dream. Bethany Adkins and her husband had the big house in California. They had a pretty dreamy lifestyle.  And they were working great jobs while raising a family with some darling kids. Then God rearranged their dreams, which left them with a lot of questions until they were obedient and moved across the country. Bethany and I talk all about listening to God when He asks us to do the unpopular thing. She shares her story of joy despite it looking very different from worldly happiness. And we talk about how to walk by faith even when it is scary and uncertain. Spoiler alert: they are happier than ever. Tune in to this episode! 

In this episode, Alan Briggs and I talk all about leadership + abundant life. Alan helps leaders discover their unique design.  As the founder of Stay Forth Designs, he cares about leaders becoming free + coming alive again. Chatting with Alan was like sitting down for one heck of a coaching session + I guarantee he's going to tell you something in this episode you need in order to take a step forward in your own journey. We talk about scarcity mentality, the value of relationships + the power of clarity. Consider this your own personal coaching session. Our treat. Alan + I agree: a big, happy life is available in Jesus, keep fighting for it.

In this episode, we get to hear Sharon's own road to abundance. Sharon is a well-known voice in today's Christianity. You can find her leading her own church alongside her husband, as well as speaking up for the advancement of the kingdom via her own books, Nice + Free of Me. She also cuts through the social media world, making us think and bring clarity to the day, As we chat, we discuss her own thought process of how she decides when to say no and what to keep building. She provides such wisdom in how to chose emotional health over constant striving. And then she dives into her own journey as a woman in ministry. It's quite fascinating! Ya'll are going to love her (if you don't already). She will help you see the way of Jesus and take a moment to decide for yourself how you want to keep following Him.

In this episode, we wrap up our mini-series on leadership. The fifth "B" is "building purpose." Jesus was the most mission-filled human that ever existed. Yes, He was full of mercy + grace. He was full of passion. He was full of hope. He also was completely filled with purpose. Jesus lived every minute with purpose. When he got away, it was for a purpose. When he gathered people around a table, it was for a purpose. When he healed, purpose. When he rebuked the pharisees it was for a purpose. Jesus was zealous with purpose. In today's episode, I want to encourage you to find your purpose and create pathways toward it. 

Jesus built a team that changed the world, but if you talk with anyone managing people and its dynamics are the hardest part about building a team that creates change. Jesus had several aspects about his team that show us how to build a team and/or community worth noting. Jesus didn't build a perfect team, but he did build a team based off conviction. He also chose ordinary men and women, He picked people who cared about obedience to God and He also created a team who lived open and transparent lives. It's so important that we surround ourselves with people who are committed to the mission and one another. Let's chat!

In this episode, we don't talk about the habits most everyone talks about. Get up, make your bed, work out, read your Bible, establish a to-do list, go to bed early. Although those are all great, Jesus created some habits that actually allowed his message to spread across the globe. How? We explore some key habits Jesus set that advanced his mission on a day-to-day basis. Tune in to find out all three habits that we can apply to our lives, too!

In this episode of a big, happy life we explore the second "B" of leadership - building our talents. We discuss answering the question: What are you good at? and why it can be so hard to answer. We also dive into the difference between humility and confidence as well as what boundaries you put in place to ensure your gifts are being used. All of us are called to be leaders as student's of Jesus.  So here is your invitation to be the very best leader you can be. Let's build our talents. Ready, go!

NEW FORMAT! A big, happy life is a life that builds off Jesus lifestyle. Jesus was and is the most influential leader. So how do we become  women that others want to follow?  For five weeks, we will explore five B's of leadership so that we can be the best leaders our communities know. Why? So we can make Jesus famous +  live, big, happy lives. This week, we are exploring building our language. Let's dive in together!

Ok, this episode is so fun + it is filled with such truth! Nick Brandt is Senior Events Director at Pulse Movement, a evangelistic movement centered at making Jesus known. Nick and I chat all about margin and creating space to actually model our life after Jesus. In a world that celebrates "hurry," Nick talks about the importance of slowing down while discovering the best place to spend our energy. Nick has served in various roles, ranging from acting on Friday Night Lights to leading the college ministry at Passion City Church. But my favorite of all...we went to high school together! Get ready to go back to the glory days with us. Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Nick!

In this episode we talk all about bodies. Megan Dahlman, leader of Strong Mamas, talks all about the dark places women can go when they think about their bodies. Because let's be honest, we can go to some pretty negative places. Not only is Megan a kick butt trainer, but she is an insanely smart nutritionist. My favorite part about Megan is that she loves Jesus and wraps up how the gospel redeems even our bodies. In her international Strong Mamas program, Megan leads hundreds of women into a healthy + whole lifestyle. This episode is a must for the ladies. You will have so many "aha" moments...trust me! Meet my friend, Megan!

Michelle is a power punch of the very best kind. She's the founder of She Works His Way, a community that encourages and equips working women to put Jesus first - in work, home and heart. In this episode, Michelle and I tackle identity; we explore the endless ways we try to achieve fulfillment and always come up short. Michelle also dives deep and candidly into her former eating disorder and how she found freedom and healing. And when you actually hear her voice, you will be able to tell that she HAS FREEDOM. For so many of us, we have been searching for "who we are," especially during a time in history where everything else is falling apart. Michelle is going to amp you up and give you so much truth. Enjoy my friend, Michelle Myers! 

In this episode, I have the privilege and absolute honor of chatting with a local Kansas City girl with an unlikely story. She has quickly become a hero of mine, and I'm sure she will for you. My new friend, Kiley, is 18-years-old and was recently diagnosed with a scientifically fatal brain tumor call glioblastoma. And at the exact same time, she is watching her dad suffer from the exact same cancer. It is the most aggressive brain cancer, is typically found in 3 out of 100,000 people and most often begins around males around 64-years-old. But Kiley doesn't want you to only know this about her story. She wants you to know about her Jesus. She is committed to telling the world about her Savior. Let's be her megaphone. Let's get this episode out into the world. Let's help Kiley tell the world about Jesus. Ready, go...

We go there in this episode! Jessica Hottle + I chat about key triggers for women that take us captive. We dive head first into body image, technology + bitterness. We essentially talk about all the things that I tend to struggle with and then some! Jessica coaches women to find freedom from their past + healing in their bodies. She is the author of three books, founder of the podcast titled, "What's the Truth," and she's super smart when it comes to our brains + bodies. Women, this one is especially for us. I am positive you will find some practical tips for freedom. 

Every season I hop on and chat about the topic we have been discussing. This season we've been talking all about freedom and I want to share something near and very dear to my heart. How we can set our pastor's wives free. The pressure of the local church can sometimes be overwhelming. Therefore we have leaders experiencing the pressure and either burning out, checking out or sadly taking their own lives. I don't have a world of solutions, but I do have my own story and practical tips to free our pastor's wife specifically. If you aren't a "PW"...there is a good chance you know one. Listen in! I'm pretty candid about my experience in hopes that we can set more pastor's wives free.

This season we are exploring A Big, Happy Life and how God's plan of abundance leads us to freedom. Today I get to share a really fun conversation with you. My friend, Chrystan Ferrell is joining me today. Yes, Chrystan is a speaker and an author and she really loves Jesus. She is also my friend and we have been through a lot - and I mean A LOT of life together. If you are craving a really honest conversation about what freedom has looked like and felt inside a friendship, this is your episode. We don't hold anything back. And believe me, we don't share the hard parts of our relationship because it makes us feel good. We want to share the freedom we've experienced in our friendship because we know that abundant and free lives come when we are living deeply in community with each other. Nothing is off limits today. Let's go!

Meet my friend, Mary! Mary is the author of Everyday Theology, an eight-week Bible study exploring essential doctrines and why they matter in our everyday lives. She holds an MA in Theological Studies and works in publishing. With all her rich theological background, I wanted her to walk us through freedom and how we see it throughout scripture. I love Mary's insight and perspective of how being bound in Jesus is really the only way to freedom. You guys are going to love her. Let's dive in deep into the Bible, friends! Ready...go!

Season three is all about freedom + this week's guest is going to chat about finding freedom and contentment in every single season of our lives - the good + the bad. Tracy Steel is an author + a speaker + my new friend. Her most recent book is called A Redesigned Life and as a former interior design major she reminds us what is most important to redesign … our hearts and our minds. You are going to love her. She is real + dives into her imperfect life with us while giving us real practical tips of how to cultivate a life we love despite our season. This episode is going to help you find actual happiness + freedom no matter what your current calendar holds. Tracy is actual joy + I can't wait for you to meet her. Let's go!

Best-selling author + international speaker, Gary Thomas, kicks off season three! And if you have ever found yourself in a messy relationship this episode is for you. Gary reminds us that the heart of the gospel is freedom and that the opposite of freedom is idolatry. Even our relationships can teeter into idolization. Gary gives us practical ways to navigate our relationships in a way that Jesus models throughout scripture. He even defines toxic people vs difficult people. SO GOOD! This episode will help give clarity to how to navigate the people you spend your life with, how to stay on mission and how to listen to God's voice above all. This episode literally gave me so much freedom. Can't wait for you to listen!

She really is everything you expect and more. Jennifer Allwood and I talk about everything from Betsey Johnson to how to be successful in business. She is after all, a business guru who loves Jesus. Her recent book release, Fear is Not the Boss of You helps women get unstuck and move into a place of living out their dreams and we talk nitty gritty in this episode. She reminds us that following Jesus is a wild ride and if it isn't, we should be wondering why not. She gives us practical tips to listening to the Holy Spirit. And she also gives practical pointers on how to get unstuck. Jen has been featured Forbes, USA Today and the DiY network to name a few. Get ready to learn from this chick, she is a firecracker + she's not about to apologize for it! Let's go!

This episode is for you if you've ever doubted your calling as a woman! Kadi is the best-selling author of “Developing Female Leaders.” She comes alongside our well-intentioned male leaders and encourages them to ask good questions about how the women of their organization might be utilized differently. Kadi is kind and hopeful in a conversation that could become harsh and degrading. And she is making in-roads for many women to use their gifts. I couldn't be more grateful for her work. Today we talk all about the good questions she asks leaders, sticky floors and even how to overcome doubt in your own calling. THIS EPISODE IS SO GOOD, YA'LL. Let's go!

This episode will make you laugh so hard. I promise. Honestly, this episode was made for that reason, and that reason alone, for you to crack a smile. We talk about the woes of Coronavirus - woes like zoom mishaps, wearing the same outfit for too many consecutive days, homeschool delights and jumping on a trampoline problems. At one point Jami coins a new phrase, "dumpster fire" and you may never see yourself another way. Excellent self-care, friends. Because if self-care is laughter than this episode is yours! Enjoy!

Once a season, Whitney sits down and tells all. In this episode, Whitney gives a wide-open window into her own life and how she leads and chases her dreams. She tells her stories of failure and of times that she has had deep doubt about how she was made and her own giftings. Most importantly, she gives one key clarifying question, as well as a three-step process for all listeners to begin to live out their purpose. You will leave this episode feeling not alone in your own story of leadership, as well as with a tool belt of insightful thoughts to help mobilize you into chasing your dreams.

You asked and we delivered! This week's episode is all about the enneagram! Jenaye White, a Senior Publicist at Lifeway, joins me as we kick around the ball of all things relational. We talk about how every single number on the enneagram has leadership traits and how every number brings something so valuable to the table. My favorite is when we personally go into a bit of a therapy session of what numbers we are drawn to, what are our "wannabe" numbers (hilarious!) and what it's like being a 3 as a woman. I am so excited for you to get to know my friend and my fellow enneagram 3, Jenaye!

Brian Dixon is a best-selling author, conference speaker and business coach and we dive into it all during this episode of a Big, Happy Life. In this episode, Brian gives us three key questions to ask ourselves to provide clarity and purpose. Get ready! Some of the questions are scary. Brian also talks about how he has honest conversations with his wife and that he simply doesn't know all the answers about God. Brian completely challenged me to start thinking about what "magic" I might bring to the world and I know He will do the same for you. Enjoy listening this week, friends!

Just wait and see if you can catch up with Allie! Allie is the founder of The Purpose Group and the host of the chart-topping podcast, The Purpose Show, and she helps us find clarity in a chaotic world. This episode is fast and furious as we tackle some big topics: hot mess mom culture, minimalism, meditation and living a life as full as we absolutely can. Allie is as real as they come and you better believe she tells the good, the bad and the ugly. If you are looking for real, practical ways to live an abundant life, this is your episode!

You will love this episode with my new friend, Jess Carey!  Jess is the author of Chart a Course and a woman ready to move you from dream-paralysis to living the dream. Jess and Whitney talk about what it looks like to rediscover a dream, practical ways to pursue that dream and who to involve. Jess Carey's book reached #1 in Religious Studies on Amazon on it's debut. We laugh, talk about parenting and Ellen DeGeneres. Don't miss this episode!

In Episode 11 of a Big, Happy Life I have the incredible privilege to introduce you to a leadership guru that many in the Christian circles admire and seek for wisdom. Ron Edmondson has impacted thousands upon thousands of lives, helping people from all different types of careers, backgrounds and lifestyles lead well. In fact, he has helped my family transition a web of new career changes and dreams for our future. It is inevitable in life that we will be faced with change and navigating those roads aren't easy; this can include changes in our families, in our careers and personal changes. Ron gives incredible advice as to how to navigate those transitions, reminding us that many of us know what to do, we typically are too scared to do it. And although it seems scary, when God speaks we should obey. Only then will we be able to experience peace. This episode has so many nuggets of truth that will practically help you lead well and risk well, too. 

In Episode 10 of a Big, Happy Life, I get to introduce you to Lisa Leonard, founder of Lisa Leonard Designs, author of Brave Love, wife to Steven and mama to David and Matthias. Lisa and I met at a conference and quickly became soul friends. In fact, I would say this: the first conversation I ever had with Lisa was deeply rooting for me and actually helped me have the guts to transform into the woman I know God was calling me to be. Lisa and I are inviting you to pull up a chair beside us and have the same kind of conversation. We tackle big topics, like what makes us feel unloveable, the never-ending battle of feeling "good" enough, and the beauty of coming up imperfect again and again. I can't wait for you to listen and I hope + pray this conversation has the same impact that Lisa's voice had in mine. 

Episode #9 is the last episode in Season 1 “A Big Happy Life: In The Midst of Pain” and guess what? I listened to YOU! You all wanted to hear from my husband Michael and I talk about our marriage and he said YES! Seems weird to put our marriage story in the season of “in the midst of pain,” but let's be honest, marriage can be really hard. Michael and I talk about our most challenging years in marriage, what we've learned in counseling and give helpful tips for a big, happy relationship. Honestly, our marriage is in its sweetest spot and much of it is because we work at it. I can't wait for you to listen in to me and my guy sharing about the good, the hard, the work and how we believe we are living a big, happy marriage now. We hope you love it! Enjoy!

In episode #8, we get the incredible opportunity to hear Grace Grutter's story. Grace has been featured on NBC Today's Show and has actually been the catalyst to changing an important law for children's healthcare screenings in Missouri. Six years ago, Grace had a beautiful daughter, Nella. Just after she was born, Nella was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which is fatal in children. Grace was told that Nella had weeks, maybe months left to live. Today, Nella is thriving. She is a miracle little girl. This holy conversation between Grace and myself is a conversation about short conversations with God, surrendering to His plan and finding joy in the midst of brutal pain. We talk about marriage and even how our pain points become part of our story. Grace has become an advocate for normalizing disability and shining a light on the dignity of all lives. This is such an important conversation, and I'm so glad you all get to join in the conversation!

In episode 7 of a Big, Happy Life I am so excited to introduce you to my friend, Niki Hardy! Not only does she have the most amazing accent, she is also an incredible human. She's the author of the new release, Breathe Again: Living Well When Life Falls Apart. And she speaks across the country teaching women how to thrive, not just survive. In this episode, we talk all about her story about what it was like to lose her mom and her sister to cancer and then six weeks later, be diagnosed with rectal cancer. She's cute about it now and has all sorts of funny jokes, but in the midst of all that loss, Niki needed to really discover how to lean into God. Niki gives us really practical tips (which I love) to help move us through really hard things. Honestly, it doesn't have to be a cancer diagnosis. We are each facing something painful and God wants to walk with us through the pain. Niki gives us so many ways to join Him in the journey. I have already taken some of her tips and put them into practice. Get ready friends. You are going to love my friend , Niki.

In every season of a Big, Happy Life, Whitney will take one episode to deep dive into her own discovery of living the abundant life. In episode #6, Whitney talks about the death of some of her dreams. You will hear her own personal struggles of the life she thought she would live as a pastor's wife, as well as what it feels like to watch a disease take someone you love. Whitney then explores the Scriptures and what they say about brokenness and loss, genuinely answering the question, "Is Jesus really offering a big, happy life despite brokenness?" Check out this 30-minute episode to discover hope in your own broken places. 

In Episode 5 of a Big, Happy Life I get to introduce you to my friend, Bailey Heard. This girl speaks across the country and is a life coach helping women find their gifting and calling. She has been featured on Jamie Ivey's The Happy Hour and given a Ted X talk, “Finding Courage in Unlikely Places." She is legit my real life friend and her story is hard + messy + beautiful and so deeply inspiring. It feels like a lifetime ago that I met Bailey because our husbands were best friends. We became instantly close. I think because we both could talk Jesus in depth as well as eat chips and queso while talking about our favorite pair of shoes. Bailey tells her story today of losing her husband at the young age of 30 to a vicious cancer. She also shares with us her story of grief, letting us into its messy stages and nuances that most people don't share. She is real + honest + I couldn't love her any more and I know you will, too. You can find Bailey on instagram at @baileyheard. My friends, enjoy my time with Bailey!

On episode #4 of A Big, Happy Life I have the honor of getting to know Mary DeMuth. Mary is the author of We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis. She is also the author of 40+ books and a podcaster at Pray Everyday. Not to mention, she is a mom to three grown children, wife to Patrick and a former church planter. Mary has her own sexual abuse story to tell and she willingly shares it with us today. Mary's honest truth-telling and ability to find God in the midst of her pain made me so drawn to her and I know you will be, too. Get out a sheet of paper because you are going to want to take some notes! Let's dive in and hear from Mary DeMuth. 

On episode #3 of A Big, Happy Life I get to introduce you to my new friend, Scarlet Hiltibidal. Not only is Scarlet funny, but she is the mama to three beautiful girls and is married to a man who has always dreamed of being a farmer. Scarlet is the author of two recent books: Afraid of All The Things and He Numbered the Pores on my Face. Oh yeah, and she also writes a column for Family Life Magazine and Lifeway. She is an excellent communicator and enjoys speaking to women across the country about the freedom and rest you can find in Christ Jesus. Best part? She is the very first person to introduce me to sinkholes and firenados. Scarlet is the real deal. We talk about adopting her daughter with special needs, truly needing community and fighting to stay in God's Word. I can't wait for you to get to know her. Enjoy hearing from my new friend, Scarlet!

On Episode #2 of a Big, Happy Life I am excited to introduce you to my dad, Rick Langdon. You guys, he legit has been my hero for as long as I can remember. Honestly, if I had the time I would sit down and write out a biography for him and I guarantee it would be a best-seller, if not a movie script. He has an incredible story and he is telling it all on the podcast today. You basically are going to get in on all our family secrets. He talks about what it was like to grow up in a home with an alcoholic father to landing his dream job, he is such a dad and reminds us all to make our beds, but what is really special is you get to hear about our journey with my mom's degenerative disease. This man, my dad, is loving my mom in sickness and in health. And I'm not just saying it - I see it. He is really doing it. Together we talk about how he gets angry at God and still loves God. He shares how he has practiced the gift of being present, and mostly he talks about how God is in control. I love this man. And I know you will, too.

My guest for a Big, Happy Life Episode #1 is Lisa Whittle. Lisa is an author, on the cusp of releasing her 7th book. She is a the founder of the podcast, Jesus over Everything, and she's a Christian speaker traveling the nation to tell others about Jesus. Lisa and I start talking about the hard things we have gone through, namely the grief of losing a parent and how to process the pain. Lisa and I talk about the many ways this grief has wrecked us and how we have had to align the pain with our faith. I think we can all relate to Lisa's story regardless of whether or not we've lost a parent - we all have loss in some form. Lisa gives incredible tips on how to keep our eyes on Jesus and how He still gives us joy despite our circumstances. You will be so encouraged by her real, authentic attitude and her commitment to truly believe Jesus over everything.