Behind the Bliss Podcast

You heard it here: we're changing some things! It all switches over on July 19th, we're throwing a party in Birmingham and would love for you to come! Listen here for the story and details! Join our launch team! Click here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/647a140d8533b6ba4f70a28d

This is the summer of fun and joy! If you need a little help, some ideas and motivation to make this summer the best one yet, click to listen! I have several ideas for you: some with little effort, high effort, comfortable and risky, easy and challenging, alone and with people - we cover a lot! Grab a pen and paper, whip out your notes app and start making your summer bucket list today with me! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/235

I am all about reflecting in finding the things in past seasons that are worth continuing or worth stopping in this episode it's just that! A few ideas and thoughts that I have had over the past month, that I recorded in Voice Memos for you to listen to! Some are by myself on a whim, and others are thoughtful, and others are with friends! Welcome to the inside of my brain, basically.

Today's guest, Heidi, has been through it! From cancer diagnosis to miscarriage and other worst case scenarios, she has a lot to say about doubting God when life gets tough. She understand what it's like to ask the hard questions especially when dealing with faith. “God where are you?” “What are you up to?” “Why am I going through this?“ We bring these questions to the surface and so does she in her new book “PS it's Gonna Be Good!” Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/233

Imagine this like we're voice memo'ing in texts! Updates, random thoughts, things the Lord is teaching me all candid, not professional by any means and very "off the cuff." From one "voice message" queen to you!

Life Lately and Rating Netflix Shows with one of my BFFS IRL | Episode 231 by Rachel Awtrey

Walking through emotional healing, spicy questions, Rachel's big work secrets shared, our first friend, hurt feelings, and somehow Thomas works in aviation into the conversation (go figure). ALL OF IT SHARED TODAY!

You read that right and I'm telling you everything: how I knew something was wrong, how I asked for help, what's been helping and an encouragement for you, too. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/229

Let's chat and catchup! We started a new business, Thomas is flying all over the world, Maddex is still the cutest toddler and Oliver is cackling! OH! And Rachel is now dairy free and all the things - it's a great time to be an Awtrey!

Emily Ley, Simplified Planner creator and routine queen, joins Rachel today to chat through morning routines, why they matter, how to show up best in your life and it is so much fun! She even shares her top 5, bottom 5 of a morning routine and a BIG SECRET she hasn't shared yet! WAHOO! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/227

This episode is a firey one with Cleere Reeves from Cleerely Stated! So much wisdom on what God is teaching her in this season of "just going for it." How do you know what to go for, what an "open door" looks like, making decisions out of peace instead of fear. We talk it all! Rachel also shares a life hack from a listener, Sydney, and her top Amazon purchases recently. It's a good one!

Today we're phoning our friends! Scarlet, from last week's episode, and I called up some of our mutual gal pals (and Thomas) and asked them what God has been teaching them and their answers are sooo good! We just had to share!

This week, Rachel is joined by one of her real life friends and "little sis" of Birmingham, Scarlet Stearns. Scarlet has a blog, Feel the Smile, has nine siblings and an incredible story of how she grew up in a group home, met Jesus and wants to share his Biblical truths with women everywhere. They also talk about snacks they love and crave, trends they like and dislike and a few other funny stories you'll need to hear! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/224

Break out your pastels, Easter decor and chocolate bunnies - it's time to prep our minds and hearts for Passion week! This episode, Rachel walks us through a few of her favorite sources, top Easter trends she loves, why the Easter Bunny is straight up creepy and phones a friend mid-episode. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/223

Emily is a twin mom now and Rachel is getting her feet under her and about to finish her "fourth trimester" so you could say that there's "babies on the brain" with our team around here. In this episode, we're introducing new segments, spilling the personal information and giving you details on our top 5 and bottom 5 baby products. Want more "motherhood" content?? Text MAMA to 33777 to hop on our motherhood email list! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/222 Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Life can be a bit hectic, we all know that! Rachel, especially knows that right now with living a life of two under two. It might not be easy, but it definitely doesn't have to be extra hard! Today, we are talking five mind shifts that have changed the game, brought clarity, get rid of unneeded stress, and give us more margin to enjoy what's around us. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes Rachel on Instagram: Instagram.com/Rachel.awtrey

We have a lot to catch up on family! So I am bringing in the “man”ager to help me! Thomas started a new job, and he is explaining it all (and how cool it is), Rachel went to the ER with Oliver (quite scary), we're talking shows we're loving, things we're learning and more! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/219 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Ever heard the saying there's an app for that? Today I'm comin' at ya with some apps I have discovered over the years that have made my life SO much easier. From photo editing to finances and productivity to cycle tracking- I've got you covered on all the things and I explain exactly how each fits into my daily life! For a full list of apps I love, check out the show notes for this episode! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/219 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

At the beginning of January I celebrated my 28th birthday at home with my little fam + some friends. It got me thinking about all of the knowledge and wisdom I've learned over the years living through some of the highest highs and the lowest lows. To be honest, the last year has shaped me in more ways than I could have imagined so today I'm sharing 28 things I've learned in life from the silly to the serious from my heart to yours! Press play for some laughs and a fun girl chat! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/218 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Today's episode is a special one because baby Oliver is HERE! Thomas is joining me to replay our labor and delivery story and experience of our Oliver Wells being brought into the world! We are sharing the wild story of his birth, a lot of things that were helpful for me, what I didn't know before delivery and how this birth was SO significantly different than Maddex! Press play if you love a goooood storytime! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/217 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Pregnancy loss is so common, yet many women walk this dark road alone. After walking through a loss at the beginning of 2022 and ending the year with a healthy baby in my arms, I've felt the full range of emotions that the heartache and hope of new life can bring. Today author Jenny Albers joins me to talk about courageously expecting after miscarriage and loss and what it looks like to face a pregnancy with faith rather than fear.  Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/216 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

How often do you think about the legacy that you are building in your life? Maybe it's often, and maybe life is so busy that you hardly ever pause to think about what you'll leave behind one day. Today Trudy Cathy White, author and daughter of the founders of Chick Fil A joins me to talk about building a life that leaves a legacy starting today. We chat about everything from discovering your core values, to growing leadership skills, addressing the tough parts of today's world, and so much more. Press play for a wealth of knowledge and wisdom from Trudy's heart to yours. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/215 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Happy New Year! Maybe you've set intentions for 2023 already that you're crushing, or maybe you're easing into a fresh start. Either way, when many of us set goals for the year we include something about the health of our bodies. Today I'm welcoming my friend and nutritionist Dylan Murphy to talk all about the process of learning to love your body and how to steward it well in the days ahead this year without the pressure of diets, new workout routines, and comparing yourself to others. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/214 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

We're taking a break and will see you in 2023! Cannot wait to welcome this New Year with you - we have an incredible lineup we can't wait to share!

What do you do when you've felt like you've hit rock bottom? It's a feeling we will all face at some point in life, and clinging to The Lord isn't always easy in tough seasons of life. Gospel music star Anne Wilson is joining me today to talk all about finding hope in the midst of heartache through her testimony and her new book My Jesus. Press play for honest stories, raw encouragement, and a true message behind the mess life can bring! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/213 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Today's episode is SO fun and I'm so excited to welcome back one of my favorite guests (and yours), Thomas!!! We are catching up about what life's been like since we moved back to Birmingham, taking our thoughts captive, not being afraid of what others think of our decisions, the arrival of baby #2 and so much more! You're sure to walk away with a nugget of wisdom or at least a laugh, guaranteed! We can't wait to hang out with you in your headphones, car, or wherever you're listening! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/212 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Have you ever held on to your own plans and dreams in fear of what was next? It's hard to let go of our grip on our own lives and turn over to what God has for us especially when we're having trouble seeing what's next. Today's guest, Anne Neilson is here to talk all about her journey to becoming a nationally renowned artist and give practical tips on living life with your hands wide open in order to nurture your soul. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/211 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Can we believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving and Christmas is right around the corner?? I'm taking the “hardest people to buy for“ responses from Instagram and helping you find the perfect gift for the difficult people you are shopping for on your list! Lots of good ideas inside with explanations of who they're for so grab some hot cocoa and enjoy!

If someone asked you if you wanted to be a more joyful person, you'd probably say yes right? Today I'm welcoming one of THE most joyful people I know to talk all about exactly that! Ellie Holcomb is talking to us all about how to reposition your heart towards joy when you're in a funk, how to put Jesus on display for those in your life, and how to authentically show up exactly as you are in your everyday life. This episode feels like the warm hug we all need, trust me! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/209 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

The holiday season is upon us and that means Advent! In this episode we are talking all about how to prepare for the Christmas season and beyond well with Ruth Chou Simon's new book Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Aways. Press play for all the holiday tips and how to truly celebrate the season of Advent while you navigate craziness of the Christmas season. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/208 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

The joy of knowing Jesus is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children as they grow up to navigate the world we live in. Author Asheritah Ciuciu joins me today to talk all about how we can help our kids experience the gift of Jesus this holiday season and beyond. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/206 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

We are getting so close to welcoming baby Awtrey number two into the world! I'm finding myself making lists and getting all the things ready for little one's arrival and I want to share exactly what I'm doing with you! In this episode, I'll be talking through 10 practical things I'm doing to prepare for baby #2 from my favorite baby items to my game plan for making sure I get all the things done. Press play to listen in! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/206 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

It's no secret that we have big emotions sometimes that are hard to sort through. How you know if your feelings are valid? How do you process through the feelings while also moving forward at the same time? Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham are on the show to talk all about how to navigate being in your feels! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/205 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey More about Blake: https://www.blakeblankenbecler.com/

Friendship can be so awkward - like, “hi! Are we friends? Orrr?” We've been there, too. From making friends, to determining what kind of friends are our friends and then potential friendship breakups, it can be tricky water to navigate. That's why we brought in Blake Blankenbecler, a licensed therapist and friendship educator to hit some of these pain points for you! Listen now! Shownotes:behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/204 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey More about Blake: https://www.blakeblankenbecler.com/

Working mamas, we are looking at you! (Spoiler alert, ALL mamas are working moms). Balancing work, life, and raising babies isn't an easy task. I think if you really ask anyone, they'd tell you there truly is no such thing as balance. Today Rachel and BTB's marketing gal, Emily, sit down to have a candid conversation talking about what work looks like from home, outside of the home, and giving some encouragement in the seasons of motherhood where you feel like you can't possibly do it all. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/203 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

If you're in the dating scene, today's episode is for you! Dating these days feels so incredibly difficult, if not impossible for so many people. Safa Grey from Godly Dating 101 is joining us today to talk all about practical and tangible ways to date well in today's world. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/202 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Fall is almost here and I'm spilling all of my favorites today in this girl chat! We're catching up on what I'm loving these days, how I'm prepping my home for the Fall season, and what I've learned through recording 200 episodes of Behind The Bliss! Thank you for pressing play and cheering this show on, we wouldn't be here without you! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/200 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

So often we hear about seeing God move in the highest highs and lowest lows of our life. But what about those everyday moments? Sometimes it's so easy to get swept up in the everyday that we forget God meets us there too. Musician Matthew West is joining us today to talk all about how to seek God in the ordinary, mundane moments of life! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/200 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Let's talk about boundaries. Sometimes they're hard to set, but oh so important to the relationships we have in our lives. How do we set them? What do we say to people without coming off rude? Today, Dr. Sasha Shillcut is joining us today to give all of us a pep talk on bravely setting boundaries in your life! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/199 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Today's conversation is one that I've been dreaming about since Behind The Bliss started! The one and only Kathie Lee Gifford is joining us today to talk all about her story, what it means to fall in love with Jesus, and her new feature film The Way. Press play to be filled with encouragement and joy, friend! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/198 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

It can be intimidating to think through what's next in life, what decisions should be made and the reasons behind them. You're not alone! Today's guest, Chanel Dokun, brings us an amazing conversation all about this with practical and honest next steps to help you feel like you know a bit more about what you're doing and why you're doing it. We're going into morning routines, finding your purpose, and setting yourself up for success for what's next. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/197 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Soul care is more than a good shower, favorite coffee and time to yourself - it's intentional, finding a connection with things in your day to day life and it creates an overflow to serve and love others well. Author, Manda Carpenter, gives us some wisdom on this today and you'll leave inspired to tell the truth, be honest with yourself and love authentically! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/196 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

GIRLIES!!! We did a thing! A BIG thing!! One million downloads on BTB in all 50 states and all over the WORLD! To say thanks, we're doing a few things this August so stay tuned as we announce all the things! UGH TEAM BTB LOVES YOU AND IS SO OBSESSED WITH YA and all of your millions of plays!

Today's conversation with Alexandra Hoover dives into an idea a lot of us face but struggle to find hope in: doubting God. We walk through what to do with our uncertainties about Him because of what we see in the world and ways to believe in the truth He says when life feels too complicated for us to trust Him. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/193 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Hey hey! It's CRAZY to think that summer is coming to an end and that this is the finale of our summer series! Rachel is going solo on the mic today to talk to you all about her favorite summer things, what's going on in life and just catching up in this girl chat with you! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/193 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Motherhood is one of the greatest joys of life and can also bring some of the biggest challenges we face as women. Postpartum Therapist Rachael Elmore is on the show today to talk all about how to get through those messy days of postpartum. She's sharing her best tips, tools, and resources to help you embrace God's vision of what motherhood is in world we live in. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/192 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Life is built around our relationships with other people. However, it can be difficult to set boundaries that help those relationships thrive! Elizabeth Earnshaw, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is joining me to talk all about how to navigate the sticky and difficult relationships. This episode is full of practical tips on how to manage disconnect and conflict with the people in our lives Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/191 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Loss is really hard, especially when you might be mourning a loss of someone you never even knew. Jamie Dorr is on the show today opening up about her journey miscarriage, loss, and infertility. This is a road so many women walk silently, and we are bringing it to the light today so you know you're not alone. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/190 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Show Description: Let's talk about sex! This was THE most requested topic when we announced our summer series “Well, That's Awkward!” and today we are going there! Rachel's real life gal pal. Gracen Warren is on the mic discussing how to even talk about sex with your partner and other people! We get it, just saying the word “sex” out loud can be cringey. Tune in for an honest conversation on expectation, reality, how to make sex fun and find intimacy with your spouse. Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/189 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

How do you date well in 2022? For real. This is the question we are all asking! If you're in the dating game, this episode is for you! Dating Coach and owner of Heart of Dating, Kait Warman is joining Rachel today to talk all about what dating looks like in 2022! This conversation tackles everything from dating in apps, escaping the friendzone, and addressing temptation within a dating relationship. Press play to hear all of the juicy details from the one of the most trusted voices on dating in the online world! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/188 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey

Let's talk about money! Finances are an easy place to feel alone in life because we don't talk about it enough. Emily, our marketing gal, is joining me today as we continue our Summer Series for a candid girl chat about how we've dealt with the ups and downs of money over the years and answer your money questions! Shownotes: behindtheblisspodcast.com/shownotes/187 BTB on Instagram: instagram.com/behindtheblisspodcast Rachel on Instagram: instagram.com/rachel.awtrey