Keep It Real with Rachel Sinclair

Put your crazy Christmas attire on, because we're having a party!

Author and TED speaker Hannah Brencher joins me to discuss truth vs. feelings, how to set sustainable goals, listening to the Holy Spirit, reexamining our view of “productivity,” and what she's learned on her journey to 1,000 phone-free hours (!!). Hannah shares about a season when she battled severe depression, and how shifting her mindset and writing out truths gave her a new strength. This journey inspired her latest book, #FightingForward, which is a “nitty-gritty guide to beating the lies that hold you back.”   Hannah Brencher: Instagram, Facebook, Website Rachel Sinclair: Instagram, Facebook, Email, Website   #christianpodcasts #mentalhealth #healthyhabits

What do you do when you really want something you don't have? Heather Thompson Day, author of “It's Not Your Turn,” joins the podcast to share encouragement, motivation, and truth. Heather is a brilliant professor who brings a wealth of knowledge on how our brains process communication, as well as how we can filter emotions and circumstances through the lens of God's greater purpose. This podcast is rich with takeaways! It's a great message to share with a friend who is struggling with contentment or patience. Don't forget to purchase “It's Not Your Turn” on June 29, 2021, wherever books are sold. Heather Thompson Day: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Rachel Sinclair: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Email

Welcome back! To kick off a new season of the show, I interview Kat Conner Sterling, who plays “Presley” in the Netflix movie musical “A Week Away.” We talk about what it’s like to film a movie, facing fears, and why she loves playing the "classic quirky girl."   Kat shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Bailee Madison, Kevin Quinn, Sherri Shepherd, and David Koechner, as well as her experience connecting with #AWeekAway fans since the movie's release.   We also couldn’t help reminiscing about Samford University, where Kat and I met, and of course we had to mention Step Sing! (IYKYK

Ginna Claire Mason – a.k.a. “Glinda” in WICKED the Musical on Broadway – is my guest! ✨ In this *magical* episode, Ginna Claire shares about her journey to Broadway, and she gives us an inside look at what it’s like to play Glinda the Good.   Of course, we talk about how her life has changed since the pandemic, which includes starting a business to teach musical theater to youth across the nation. Other topics include God’s good design for rest, our favorite desserts at Merridee’s in Downtown Franklin, and home renovations, to name just a few.

Friends, you are going to adore my guest for this episode, the fabulous Sophie Hudson! Sophie is a bestselling author, speaker and co-host of The Big Boo Cast, one of my favorite shows in the podcast world. She also happens to be my former high school psychology teacher! We talk about finding your voice as a writer, living in a pandemic, loving nonfiction & struggling with fantasy, and actively putting others first. Her new book, “Stand All the Way Up,” is filled with hilarious stories and powerful essays that challenge readers to stand up for what matters and let go of the things that don’t.   If you like what you hear, don’t forget to leave a rating & review! Thanks for listening!   Sophie Hudson: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Rachel Sinclair: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter  

Happy Father’s Day! On this episode, I welcome my very own dad, Don Sinclair

Anybody looking for some hope? This is the episode for you. My guest is Robert J. Morgan, the author of one of my favorite books of all time, “The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times.” This bestselling book shares 10 quick, simple and TRUE steps on how we can trust God when we’re struggling to see a way forward. Pastor Morgan and I talk about grief, gratitude, endurance and everyday practices that allow us to lean into God’s grace.   Robert J. Morgan – books, “The Red Sea Rules,” podcast Rachel Sinclair – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, email signup (used sparingly for my favorite content + fun giveaways!)

Today I welcome one of my heroes of the writing world, Robin Jones Gunn! Robin is the author of over 100 books, including the beloved “Christy Miller” series, “Sisterchicks” series, and “Finding Father Christmas.” On this episode, we talk about the power of female friendship, especially when built on honesty, unconditional love and endurance. Robin also shares fascinating stories about her life as a writer, and I received a cherry-on-top blessing when she encouraged me personally. Purchase her new novel, “Being Known,” on Tuesday, April 28!   Robin Jones Gunn: all books, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Rachel Sinclair: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Newsletter

It's Nicole C. Mullen, y’all!

Buckle up, y’all! We’re kicking off 2020 with some wise words, tough truths and real encouragements from Retha Nicole. Retha is a certified business and life coach who loves helping people get their lives back on track so that they can thrive. We talk about accountability, making friends as an adult (which is hard!), setting boundaries and coming to God even when it’s messy.   Follow Retha on Instagram and Facebook, and reach out to her if you’re interested in getting a business consultation or booking her as a speaker. Happy 2020!   [Hear Retha’s testimony on The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey.] [Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!]

She’s back! Angie Sinclair, a.k.a. my wonderful mother, has returned to the podcast per listener request. This time she shares her advice and opinions in response to questions that YOU submitted! We truly run the gamut of conversation topics, from funny stories of when Mom was a single gal living on her own, to her opinion on multi-colored Christmas lights, the meaning of a seasonal “uniform” and more. Plus, you’ll learn why you should always have gas in your car and why Mom could possibly end up with a granddaughter named Puah

“It’s A Love Story,” indeed, and you will LOVE Lincee Ray! Lincee is the talented author behind two of my most favorite recent books, and she is SO. FUN. Lincee shares how she became an accidental blogging super star (thanks, #TheBachelor!). I share about the time I got gum stuck in my hair during a slow dance in high school and a teacher had to cut it out with scissors

Videographer and photographer Harrison Tarabella joins us for episode 11 and brings the most fascinating (and terrifying!) stories from traveling across the world. We talk about creativity, work-life balance and God-given passions. Plus, we swap stories from the Big Island in Hawaii, including an epic account of Harrison’s drive to the top of Mauna Kea and my family’s venture into the Waipio Valley with Bob, the sketchy van and the mules. Enjoy!   Show links: Harrison Tarabella –– Instagram, YouTube, website College film project –– “To Write a Paper” Blog Post –– What God Taught Me in Hawaii

Oh friends, what a treat this episode is! Shruthi Parker is a beautiful person inside and out, and I can't wait for you to meet her. Shruthi is a lifestyle blogger and writer based in Austin, Texas who focuses on travel, food, fashion, faith and relationships. On this episode, we talk about creativity, our shared LOVE of the city of London and the global kingdom of God. Shruthi was raised in a Hindu household, and perhaps my favorite part of this episode is when she shares her story of how she became a Christian. (“I feel like every day when you consider being within the kingdom of God and being part of His family, it still takes your breath away.” AMEN!) Check out Shruthi's blog, thehonestshruth.com, and follow her on Instagram here.   ALSO, I want to give a big shoutout to my friend Ben Law for helping me figure out the audio! Ben is a talented musician, so please give him a follow and check out his music.   Last random note – the Bible verse I attempted to quote was NOT from Paul, but from James! It's James 3:9. Whoops!

On this episode, my guest is Mallory Marcus, my best friend of 13 years and counting! We talk about what goes into a lasting friendship, how to make new friends in different seasons of life and how we’ve learned from mistakes in our relationship (cue the Latvian hat story!). And don’t worry––we definitely share some embarrassing stories from our tween years

Guys–this podcast has my heart overflowing with ALL the laughs, feels and hope. If that’s too cheesy for you, I dare you to listen and disagree!

Buckle up for episode with 7 with Susannah B. Lewis! You may know her as “Whoa! Susannah” from her viral Internet videos that have brought laughter to millions of fans around the world. Her recently published memoir “Can’t Make This Stuff Up” is a hilarious and heartfelt bestseller that you are going to want to add to your summer reading list right now. In this episode, we talk about everything from “The Golden Girls” to writing, from addiction to chipmunks in basements, and everything in between. She is precious, and I know you are going to love her!   P.S. — The word is “breathtaking!”

For March, we're tackling a topic that everyone loves and has probably struggled with at some point or another––FOOD! I chat with the soon-to-be registered dietician and excellent food blogger, Maddi Lupul. One of the reasons I enjoy following Maddi is that she is REAL when it comes to talking about nutrition and health. Here you won't find extreme opinions or strict dos and don'ts. As Maddi says, nutrition is truly individualistic, and there is no one right way to be perfectly healthy. (That's impossible, and that's okay!) As a side note, I also play a goofy game of self-discipline where I have to donate $1 to charity whenever I say "like" or "um"

It’s the month of love, and I got to chat with NYT bestselling romance novelist Rachel Hauck! If you love books, stories, characters, plots, etc., you will eat up this episode. It was so fun to jump inside Rachel’s brain and learn about her writing process, including discipline with time management, finding inspiration, editing (and cutting characters when necessary!

WELCOME to the podcast! For the very first episode of “Keep It Real,” I sit down with singer-songwriter Lydia Laird to talk about her journey in the music industry, inspiration behind the songwriting process, why it’s okay to say “thank you” when using your gift for the Lord, and so much more. Plus, if you hang onto the very end, you’ll get to hear an impromptu acoustic version of one of Lydia’s new songs, “Where Your Heart Is.” You can find Lydia on her website, lydialaird.com, and on all social media @lydialaird. Enjoy!

My guest for episode 4 is Shannan Martin, author of “The Ministry of Ordinary Places,” and MAN does she have a lot of wisdom to share! She talks about her journey of moving her family to a neighborhood on the “wrong side of the tracks,” so to speak, and how God turned her idea of community upside down in the best way. We talk about sharing life with people who come from different backgrounds, who carry heartbreaking struggles and who are beautifully made in the image of God. End the end, Shannan encourages us to 1. Ask God to see our place and the people around us the way He sees them. 2. Pay attention to what God’s already doing and choose to be a part of it. I adore this conversation, and I know you will too! Follow Shannan on her website, shannanmartinwrites.com, and on social media.

On episode 3, I have the honor of talking with the lovely and talented singer, songwriter and star of the new film “Runnin’ From My Roots,” Janelle Arthur! Janelle shares about her lifelong love of singing, performing, telling stories and simply connecting with people. She also talks about her experience filming a movie and playing the daughter of Deana Carter (singer of the #1 country classic, “Strawberry Wine”). Lastly, we have a heartfelt conversation about what it means to shine the light of Jesus in a secular world. “Runnin’ From My Roots” the song is available on iTunes, Spotify and anywhere you listen to music. (Watch the music video on CMT in the link below!) The movie is available online and will be exclusively in-store at Walmart beginning Dec. 11. Go follow Janelle, download her music and purchase “Runnin’ From My Roots”! (Learn more at runninfrommyroots.com/.) Music Video: http://www.cmt.com/video-clips/u1te55/music-videos-janelle-arthur-runnin-from-my-roots

Can I just say that I LOVED recording this podcast?! I interview Angie Sinclair, a former Oxmoor House kitchen assistant, food stylist, recipe editor… and oh! She’s my momma too :). We talk about food, working in a test kitchen, my culinary skills (or lack thereof), her Granny Tressie and Granny Fern, blue bathrooms in the 70s, magic roast pans, the difference between yams and sweet potatoes, sweet potato toppings… and so much more. We laughed a lot, and I hope you will too. I’ve included links in the show notes below. If you like what you hear, subscribe, give us a rating and SHARE! Thanks for tuning in! The Big Boo Cast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-boo-cast/id262921699?mt=2 Southern Living Our Best Christmas Recipes: https://www.amazon.com/Southern-Living-Best-Christmas-Recipes/dp/0848711831/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540986053&sr=8-2&keywords=southern+living+best+christmas+recipes&dpID=51JWJK7BZZL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch The New Food Lover’s Companion: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EQDHHT4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1