She is Kindred

In this episode, Britt chats with Kathryn Maack, co-author of the book, "Whole." Together, they discuss what it means to love, trust, and follow God with your whole being and how, in doing so, we learn to love others as God intended along the way. Kathryn Maack is the cofounder of Dwell Ministries. She is passionate about the future of the Church and loves catalyzing ideas and people toward their highest Kingdom potential. She and her husband BJ live in Little Rock, AR, and have four kids: Libby, Anna, Rachel, and Andrew. Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

Today's episode is a continuation of our series titled, “How to Be Whole.” The last two episodes have talked about our physical and mental/emotional being, but today we're diving into the social component and talking about relational wholeness…And we're doing it with one of my favorite people in the whole world, Carla Powderly. Carla is a kindred spirit and beautiful soul with a heart for humans that radiates in all she does. She's a licensed professional counselor with her own personal story laced with navigating complex relationships, and I know that the godly wisdom she shares in this episode is going to be life-giving for everyone who listens. Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

In today's episode, Britt talks with Dr. Sarah Meyer about the pursuit of perfection and more importantly, the pursuit of grace. While discussing her own journey, including struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, she explains how she came to realize that there is no such thing as perfect and that chasing such an unattainable goal only compounds stress in an already stressful world. Dr. Sarah talks about the ways science, therapy, resources, and faith all work together to relieve anxiety and support mental health in their own individual way. She also speaks to the strategies she uses within her own life to help keep her grounded when difficult seasons come.Dr. Sarah Meyer has been married to her husband Mike for 17 years and they have 5 children, ages 9 and under. She graduated with her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2011 and worked full-time in outpatient therapy until starting her family in 2014, when she made the decision to step away from her career and stay home while their children were young. During this time, Sarah struggled with being at home full-time and developed severe depression and anxiety, ultimately spiraling down to the point of suicidal ideations. Through a series of God moments, she was led back into a healthy lifestyle and now has a passion to help other women who are struggling to know that there is hope and space to thrive no matter their season of life. At the end of 2020, Sarah launched “Embrace. Live. Thrive.” and is now on a mission to destigmatize mental health issues in motherhood and educate women on the foundations of self-care.  The Embrace. Live. Thrive Podcast can be found on all major podcast apps. In this episode, Britt talks with Dr. Sarah about:-The pressure to be perfect and why that's an unattainable goal-The power of empathy and self-compassion-The importance of boundaries, connection, & mindfulness within relationships-The roles of community and faith in mental health support systems-Strategies to utilize and work through adversity and create perception shiftsQuotable“It's been through a series of...little God moments that He really has taught me that the basis of connection is understanding, vulnerability, empathy, self-compassion, and understanding that we're all doing the best that we can.”  - Dr. Sarah Meyer“Jesus practiced self-care. He practiced retreat, he practiced compassion for others, but he did that because he was invested in the heart of the Father. And so, as believers, we find that same grace, for ourselves because of the grace that God extends to us.”  - Britt Smith“If you are your true, authentic self, your people will be drawn to you.” Dr. Sarah Meyer“Sometimes what we walk through isn't completely for us, it's for those we walk with.” - Dr. Sarah Meyer“We've got to have an eternal mindset, but we also have to be open to the fact that God is using the world around us and the people within our communities to bring healing and hope.” - Britt SmithResources:Embrace.Live.Thrive WebsiteEmbrace.Live.Thrive InstaEmbrace.Live.Thrive Facebook PageEmbrace.Live.Thrive LinktreeSupport the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

In today's episode, Britt chats with Dr. LaToya Wiggins about setting boundaries, saying no, and prioritizing the right things for the current season. Dr. LaToya Wiggins is the CEO of She is Nourished, LLC. She is a wellness coach, self-care strategist for Christian moms, and transformational speaker. She transitions moms with multiple children from worn-out to winning so they will no longer feel depleted but develop the necessary healthy habits to be nourished, renewed, and rejuvenated with biblical principles that bring peace instead of self-pity. Dr. Wiggins received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, in 2011. In 2018, she received her health and life coaching certifications from the Health Coach Institute. She is a wife, mother of three sons, physical therapist, and lover of health and wellness. Dr. Wiggins enjoys dancing, comedy shows, and traveling.Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

As we continue our "Pursuit of Less" series, Britt chats with Rebecca Hargraves about fostering spiritual connection through calm, quiet, and practicing intentionality, especially as women of faith. While discussing her own journey to living a quieter life, Rebekah shares the struggles that we experience as women, mothers, and general members of society as we chase the idea of what we think living an abundant life should look like. Rebekah sheds light on what her own journey to pursue less has looked like and in what ways she's redefining what she's been called to do.Rebekah Hargraves is a wife, homeschooling mama of two, blogger, podcaster, speaker, and author whose passion is to edify, equip, and encourage women in their journey of Biblical womanhood, particularly with an emphasis on the gospel and its implications for everyday life. Rebekah's first book, "Lies Moms Believe (And How the Gospel Refutes Them)" released the fall of 2017, and the "Lies Moms Believe" Companion Bible Study came out March 30, 2018. You can find Rebekah on her website, Hargraves Home and Hearth, on Instagram, or on iTunes via The Home and Hearth podcast.In this episode, Britt talks with Rebekah about:Generational busynessHow to cultivate quiet in spite of the world's distraction and noiseFinding the balance between overwhelm & responsibilityHow to meet God in the marginsHow our faith informs our view of intentional living Quotable:“We have to be okay with the life that we're in right now and the life we've been given if we're ever really going to be able to pursue intentionality.” -Britt Smith“I had to clear out those voices in order to hear the One, the only One, ultimately, that won't lead me astray, that is perfect, that knows what's best for me.”  -Rebekah Hargraves“Jesus doesn't beat Martha up for her hospitality, but he does say that Mary, who is sitting at his feet listening, has chosen the better portion.” -Rebekah Hargraves“If we can break free from the voices that are coming at us, defining abundant life in a way that's not actually accurate, we can find so much freedom.” -Rebekah Hargraves"I want to be the one that walks with God in every moment, whether it's miraculous or mundane." -Britt SmithResources:Elijah Bible Study by Priscilla ShirerBreathe – Rest & Sabbath focused by Priscilla ShirerIg Examen explainedRebekah's WebsiteRebekah's InstagramSupport the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

WIN A COPY OF KIM & ERIN'S BOOK! Enter to win a copy of "The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years" by doing one or all of the following!+ Follow @sheiskindredco - @kknowlezeller - @erinstrybis on Instagram+ Subscribe to the She is Kindred Newsletter+ Subscribe to Kim's newsletter, Walk & Talk+ Subscribe to Erin's newsletter, NourishWe're kicking off the 2nd season of the She is Kindred Podcast with episode 34 and the start of our new series, “The Pusuit of Less.” We've all felt the pull toward more - more possessions, a bigger following, a fuller calendar. And yet, many of us find more somewhat lacking. And we begin to ask the question, “When is enough, enough?”. In a poignant conversation with Kimberly Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis, co-authors of the book “The Beauty of Motherhood,” host Britt Nikel Smith explores what it means to find contentment in less because God alone is enough. Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is a writer, pastor, wife, mother of two, and the co-author of The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years (Morehouse Publishing, March 2023). She lives with her family in Cole Camp, Missouri. Connect with her online at kimberlyknowlezeller.com or on Instagram (@kknowlezeller).Erin Strybis is a Chicago-based writer, mama of two and coauthor of The Beauty of Motherhood.  Connect with her on Instagram (@erinstrybis) and at erinstrybis.com, where you can subscribe to Nourish and preorder The Beauty of Motherhood, releasing March 21.In this episode, Britt talks with Kim + Erin about:Balancing vocation and home lifeRooting yourself in gratitude for all that you have instead of all that you lackGod's unconditional, eternal provisionIntentionality and clear value settingRaising the next generation to believe they are belovedPractical ways to create perspective shifts, acknowledging every season can be enoughResources Mentioned in this Episode:The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early YearsSIK Ep 15: Identity, Imposter Syndrome and Imago Dei w/Sarah SouthernKimberly Knowle-Zeller's NewsletterErin Strybis' NewsletterTo Light Their Way by Kayla CraigThe Book of Common Courage by KJ RamseyDevotions by Mary OliverCoffee + CrumbsMothering SpiritQuotable:"We have enough." - Erin Strybis“We are loved even before we are known.” - Kimberly Knowle-Zeller“I know that God is good. I am imperfect, but He is loving me perfectly in the midst of that.” - Britt Nikel SmithSupport the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

We round out our "Families are Built, Not Born" series with a podcast episode about Chosen Family. Shin-Yu Lee shares her story of finding women, who she calls her Godmothers, to help her regain much of the childhood experiences she lost. She discusses reparenting and learning how to advocate for oneself. Through honest self-reflection, Shin-Yu shares the gift that her chosen family has become and how it's modeling new ways of parenting her own children as she raises the next generation in a new way. Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

In today's episode Britt talks with Amey Foley about surrogacy and her personal experiences throughout three separate surrogacy journeys. Amey shares practical insight as well as personal implications for anyone interested in beginning the journey for themselves - on either side of the process.  Throughout their conversation, the veil of mystery surrounding this miraculous procedure will be pulled back as they ask hard questions like, "Are we playing God", and wrestle with the ethical dilemmas that ultimately bring about one of God's greatest blessings: children. Amey is a wife and mom to two boys, ages 12 and 7, living in Southwest Missouri. After spending 12 years in Early Childhood Education, she recently made the switch to the medical field where she works alongside her personal OB/GYN and has the opportunity to support women in every stage of their family journey. Amey is currently in her third surrogacy journey, having successfully carried two pregnancies for a couple in France. Episode Highlights: Amey's surrogacy journey x3Stories of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiencesEthical and moral dilemmas when becoming a surrogateReasons to become a surrogate or reasons to use a surrogateThe belief that all children are gifts and the miraculous opportunity to build a family in this way. Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

Support the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

In today's episode, Britt talks with Ashley Ensley about fostering and adoption and the roles that these have played within her own family and life. While telling her own story, Ashley shares the ups, downs, ins and outs of what fostering and adoption looked like in her own life as a single woman and part of a married partnership with her own biological kids. Ashley provides insight and takeaways in how the foster system works, including reunification.Ashley Ensley is a Southwest Missouri native who is married with five kids, two of whom were adopted through the foster care system. As lifelong believers in Jesus, she and her husband, Jeremy, followed the call and fostered for a total of 10 years, opening their home to over 40 children along the way. In this episode, Britt talks with Ashley about:-Foster Care and the Foster Care System-Reunification: the main goal of Fostering and what that looks like-Adoption and the effects on her life-The Importance of a Support System within a Family-The affects of fostering on biological children within the home-Her experience with fostering teens and misconceptions around fostering teensResources & Suggested Ways to Support Foster Families and the Foster System:-Google your local county & foster care for trainings and resources-The Karyn Purvis Institute-Get registered as a Respite Provider for your local Foster Care System to provide Foster Parents breaks-Provide meals, supplies, donations (clothing, school supplies, etc.) to Foster Families and FosterChildren“There are always going to be people in your ear that are going to be negative about your dreams, your passions, your desires, and even things that you feel that God has called you to do. And pushing past those can be really hard, especially if it is someone that you really respect and love.” - Ashley Ensley“Your goal is to help support a family, not really to build your own whenever you go into fostering.” - Ashley Ensley“I think whenever people who think about foster care, and people who foster, they think ‘Oh, they really have a heart for the kids.' But it needs to be more than that, it needs to be a heart for their parents as well and there needs to be a willingness to show them the same sort of grace to come alongside them and say ‘How can we model what strong family bonds look like so that we can help you have some sort of better life as well?'”  -Britt Nikel Smith“The system is not set up to break generational trauma. When the things are not fixed at the root, they're just going to keep growing.”  - Ashley EnsleySupport the showIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us! Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!

On episode 29 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt and Dr. Bianca Goodrum travel into the heart of mental health and wellness. Together, they discuss the vital importance of counseling and therapy, and the commitment and hard work required to free us from grief and heal us from trauma. It begins with forgiveness and establishing boundaries, and ends with us realizing every small step has led us to real, lasting change.Bianca D. Goodrum, Ph.D., LPC-S is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Department at Our Lady of the Lake University. Bianca and her father Kenneth E. Goodrum, LPC-S work together in their family counseling private practice Conceivable Resolutions, PLLC. She works with clients through a variety of concerns, including grief and bereavement, depression, trauma, anxiety, and familial concerns.Connect with Bianca on Instagram @goodrumbiancaIn this episode, Britt talks with Dr. Bianca Goodrum about: Holding space for grief, and learning to move forward through it.Historically and culturally, seeking mental health has not been encouraged or openly recommended. Now, we see a shift beginning that encourages us to consider mental health a pillar of wellness. Resources including therapists for BIPOC seeking support in healing from trauma. (Link to resources below)Forgiveness looks different from person to person, and forgiveness may mean establishing a boundary so that the relationship can still exist in a way that is healthy for you. Therapy requires commitment and hard work, and the goal is to take steps (small or big) so that you wake up each day feeling a little better and a little different.Resources mentioned in this episode: Psychology TodayLatinx TherapyMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black GirlsQuotable“Grief is about integrating, how do I take this along with me? It doesn't go away, you don't get over it. You just learn to move forward in it.” -Dr. Bianca Goodrum“Instead of compartmentalizing your grief and trauma, putting in these boxes and shipping it out to sea and losing that piece of you, now we are beginning to see ourselves more holistically. When we do that, it opens the door for us to acknowledge and believe that our mental health affects every other part of our being.” -Britt Smith“If you are a learner of life, and as long as you are on this earth, there will always be healing and restoration that is going to happen. ” -Dr. Bianca Goodrum“Small steps are still steps.” -Britt Nikel SmithConnect with She is KindredJoin the Fall Book Club! We're reading through “Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First,” by Laura Tremaine! Hosted by Alex Cox, each week will feature a guided reading schedule and discussion questions, culminating in a live zoom call with author Laura Tremaine herself! The book club will run until November 1st, 2022 and is totally free to join!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Keep cultivating common ground and common grace!Support the show

On episode 28 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt holds space for Julie Klein's deeply personal story of being a cycle breaker.  Britt and Julie come together as mothers who deeply desire for the next generation to witness the power and redemption in true forgiveness so that we don't walk in the old ways of being. And the way to true forgiveness involves making the choice to engage in our grief, to move through the grief, and to accept that grief does not have a timeline. Julie Klein is a social worker/mental health counselor. Though she is not currently in the social work field, her heart remains hopeful for social justice in this fractured world. She currently stays home constantly herding and unschooling her intensely spirited children. A pour-over cup (or two or three) of coffee is her lifeline and keeps her in the game. She is a fierce advocate for showing up with vulnerability and authenticity, believes everyone has a powerful story to share, and is convinced words hold the unique power to connect with others. She writes at the intersection of her evolving faith and the joys of life, the inevitable grief of life, and the gray that is in-between. Though she has called various cities across the United States home, she now resides near Seattle, Washington with her husband and three children. Connect with Julie on Instagram: @julielynnkleinIn this episode, Britt talks with Julie Klein about: Generational trauma presents in different ways from generation to generation.The importance of understanding our old narratives in order to move forward to create new narratives. Forgiveness is necessary so that we can experience true freedom within our new narrativesTherapy including EMDR and medications are incredibly helpful tools to help us heal our trauma wounds. Engaging in our grief is a choice, and it can be overwhelming. Once we move through the grief, we are no longer bound to it and are freed up to move into our new story. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and Our World EMDR TherapyThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About OurselvesQuotable:“When we have understanding and acceptance about our narrative, it empowers us to move on and create a new narrative. To give ourselves the gift of freedom to live in the new narrative is ultimately how we walk in forgiveness because we aren't held to the old way of being.” - Julie Klein“Without forgiveness, we remain tethered to the person who harmed us. We are bound with chains of bitterness, tied together, trapped. Until we can forgive the person who harmed us, that person will hold the keys to our happiness; that person will be our jailor. When we forgive, we take back control of our own fate and our feelings. We become our own liberators. We don't forgive to help the other person. We don't forgive for others. We forgive for ourselves. Forgiveness, in other words, is the best form of self-interest. This is true both spiritually and scientifically.” - Desmond Tutu“In some ways, the most forgiveness I've needed to give is to myself.” - Julie Klein“And in doing so, you are opening the door to release the tether from that trauma in your past, and to give them (our children) this wide berth to develop fully and freely as the next gSupport the show

Summary + Guest BioIn today's episode, Britt talks with Gina Birkemeier about generational trauma and how that has manifested within her own story. While referencing her book, "Generations Deep," they discuss having the courage to recognize imperfections and acknowledge that, despite our best efforts, our past can sneak into our present, and affect others in ways we wish they wouldn't. Gina gives insight on how to heal and acknowledge hurt within ourselves while we work to move forward. It is an enlightening and hopeful discussion for all who are struggling to carry the weight of their past and the trauma and dysfunction of the generations that preceded them.  Gina Birkemeier is a licensed professional counselor, award-winning author, and speaker. She is a doctoral candidate and holds a master's degree in psychology and theology, along with advanced training in trauma and evidence-based therapies to help people heal. Fueled by a passion derived from being a survivor of generational dysfunction and trauma, Gina has walked with the hurting to help them find hope and healing for nearly two decades. Her teaching and writing are rooted in a combination of faith–defined as a healthy relationship with God–and the sciences of psychology, biology, and epigenetics. In this episode, Britt talks with Gina about: What “generational trauma” actually means and how it manifests Misconceptions and misunderstandings about generational trauma and dysfunctionHealing our inner and past selvesHow to break the cycle and begin to forge new paths for self and future generationsThe cycle of continued healingQuotable:-“The idea is not to wipe away past versions of ourselves but to integrate them into who we are today.” - Gina Birkemeier-“It isn't so much about the ruptures as it is about the repairs - and what we do moving forward from the ruptures.” - Gina Birkemeier“That's where the cycle breaks, it's not that you're suddenly raising the next generation perfectly, it's that you're raising the next generation with integrity, not just for them but in and of yourself, and with a willingness to apologize and make things right when they go wrong.” - Britt Smith“And really, it does come down to taking the initiative to be brave enough and have enough courage to make changes and to recognize when we didn't make the change when we should have." - Britt Nikel Smith“If you are breathing – there is an opportunity for healing, for change, and for growth,”  - Gina BirkemeierResources: Generations Deep - Gina's WebsiteConnect with Gina on InstagramJoin Gina's Facebook Group“Generations Deep” by Gina BerkemeierCurt Thompson's Podcast “Neurofaith”Curt Thompson's Podcast “Being Known”Curt Thompson's BooksThe Best of You Podcast by Dr. Alison CookDr. Alison Cook's WebsiteConnect with our community!Join the Fall Book Club! We're reading through "Share Your Stuff, I'll Go First," by Laura Tremaine! Hosted by Alex Cox, each week will feature a guided reading schedule and discussion questions, culminating in a live zoom call with author Laura Tremaine herSupport the show

 What do we do when we've been betrayed or wronged by another? How do we move forward in healing instead of harboring hurt for a lifetime? Charity Craig begins to unpack these tough questions in today's episode as she shares her personal story of moving forward after her husband's affair. Within our candid conversation, you'll find practical ways to engage in healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation despite betrayal. Charity Craig is a writer, speaker, podcaster, and the founder of Lillian & Co. She lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Matt, and their four children. After working hard to restore the broken places in her marriage post-affair, she's developed a heart for helping other women do the inner work needed to thrive in their relationships as well. You can connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and at her website charitycraig.comSupport the show

We've all heard it - The Mommy Wars. Despite our best efforts, there always seems to be an underlying case of “who did it better”?  One of the areas where we see this crop up frequently is within circles of working mothers. Is it better to work out of the house or to be a stay-at-home mom? What if you work in the home and still try to manage taking care of your children? Is that even a realistic possibility? What if you choose not to work at all? It's an endless cycle filled with societal pressure and copious amounts of mom guilt. And we're here to jump smack dab into the middle of the conversation today!Host Britt Nikel Smith chats with three different mamas - Anne Boedges, Jackie Hayes, and Ainsley Hoover - about their unique career stories and the way they're raising their families with intention. They share the challenges and blessings that accompany their choices and have a candid conversation about mom guilt and the ways it affects everyone. Britt talks with Anne, Jackie, and Ainsley about...Equitable family contributionsSocietal pressures on motherhood + careersGenerational expectations and perceived criticismsMom guiltLearning to juggle everything according to your own family's needsPracticing presence in every situationQuotable:“I didn't feel like I was pulling an equitable share. It was either all teacher or all mama and I couldn't find my footing, so I decided to make the change for myself.” - Ainsley Hoover“I just hope they feel how much love went into every day with them.” - Jackie Hayes“Your life doesn't have to look like someone else. Your work doesn't have to look like someone else. But we're all in it together. It's all worthy work. And at the end of the day, we just want them to know we put all our love into it.”Resources mentioned in this episode:The Mom Hour PodcastSupport the show

In Episode 24 of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt chats with Alex Davis, an attorney turned writer and coach, whose life goal is pursuing meaningful work that makes her soul come alive. Their conversation centers on giving yourself permission to pivot, personally and professionally, and how we can do the necessary work in order to make our dreams a reality. Alex Davis is a wife, mother, and attorney-turned-entrepreneur. She is the founder of Davis Legal Media, a content marketing agency serving the legal industry. She is also a writer who shares her reflections on all that is good, true, and beautiful in motherhood and family life. Her work has been published in Verily Magazine, Coffee + Crumbs, Public Discourse, FemCatholic, Everyday Mamas, and more. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Jacob and her two boys.In this episode, Britt talks with Alex about: Doing hard work + heart work to pursue a fulfilling careerLiving along with insecurities, but not giving them control over youThe power of words; making distinctions in what we do vs. who we areCombatting fear of change or starting something newPersonal stories of pivoting from one path to anotherResources mentioned in this episode: Alexandra Davis' Personal BlogMary MarantzThe Mary Marantz Show"Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots" by Mary MarantzShe is Kindred Podcast: "Slow Down and Stop Achieving for Your Worth"Coffe & Crumbs PodcastThe Lovely Life Podcast"The Next Right Thing" by Emily P. Freeman"I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet" by Shauna NiequistShe is Kindred Podcast: Identity, Imposter Syndrome, and Imago Dei She is Kindred Podcast: "Practicing Presence in the Pursuit of Dreams"Quotable:“Is it possible that we could start to believe that every season is preparing us for the next? And the things we're gleaning in those seasons, even when they might not be ideal for what's deep in our hearts, they are training us and teaching us so we can learn and listen in the middle of those.” -Britt Nikel Smith“It's stretching…but it's also freeing…when you have permission to be a beginner and to be new  at something.” -Alex Davis“If we can make the distinction between who we are and what we do, then it might just open up the door to explore all the possibilities that are available to us.” -Britt Nikel Smith“In the silence we can hear…God's voice inviting us...to consider something new.” -Alex Davis"Do the very best work you can. Serve people. Be kind. And be grateful that you had the opportunity to do a good, full day of work.” -Alex Davis"Start where you are." -Britt Nikel SmithSupport the show

On episode 23 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt dives in with fellow mom and photographer Kelly Laramore. They talk openly about starting their own businesses, the joys and challenges when it comes to growing their businesses, and most importantly, the reason why being business owners is their hard-earned dream:  flexibility and freedom of time with their families of young children. This episode is for all the dreamers out there - you can do it but find your community and mentors along the way who will cheer you on!Kelly Laramore (@kellylaramorephotoandfilms) is a storyteller, mom, and lover of pajamas. She is married to her college sweetheart, and mom to six littles. She is also a St. Louis, MO-based luxury family photographer and filmmaker with a style that aims to capture emotion, authenticity, and connection for her clients through photos and films. Kelly is passionate about creating fun childhood memories for her kids and supporting small businesses, especially women-owned.In this episode, Britt talks with Kelly Laramore about: Our desire as moms is to have the freedom of time to be fully present for our children, especially during special events and occasionsThe journey to running your own business is often lonely, and the measure of success looks different from business to business As moms, we need to give ourselves permission to ask for help and outsource when we cannot do it allOwning your own business is incredibly different than a workplace where there are promotions and raises for a job well done. As business owners, it is vital to surround ourselves with a community and mentors to guide us on the path.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Kelly Laramore: Luxury Portrait Photographer and Filmmaker Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making MachineSlow Growth Equals Strong RootsThe Goal Digger PodcastQuotable“As a mom and as a business owner, you have to find your own measure of success along the way. It is not just what someone else is doing if you have to find what makes sense for you and your family.” Britt Nikel Smith“And that is the burden of small business ownership: You have to do it all. There is a definite learning curve that comes with owning a business and learning to prioritize the right things especially when you have a family of your own. And knowing that my time is more valuable to me than money.” Britt Nikel Smith“They tell you family always comes first, in a way. Sometimes work comes first. And I think choosing which comes first in which situation is the hardest thing.” Kelly Laramore“Let this be your permission that if you are in the middle of building a business and you are a mom that feels like I can't do it all, don't - don't do it all.” Britt Nikel Smith“I want to show my kids that women can have a career outside of the home. They can follow their dreams. I want my boys to know one day if they have a wife who wants to work outside of the home and follow her dreams, that it is not something out of the ordinary. It is okay for her to do that. Because that is what is going to keep her going, and it is going to make her a better mom and better wife.” Kelly LaramoreSupport the show

Episode 22 of the She is Kindred podcast is a perfect launch into this month's theme: “The Working Woman.” Host Britt Nikel Smith chats with writer Rachel Marie Kang about pursuing dreams and how we can practice presence in the middle of them. Their conversation leans into building a life that focuses less on “what's next” and more on “what's now.” Can we find purpose in all that we do? And can we begin to believe that even the smallest things hold significance and purpose? Rachel believes creativity can and does thrive in the every day and encourages listeners to release the expectations of perfection and practice presence instead. Rachel Marie Kang is a New York native, born and raised just outside New York City. She is a graduate of Nyack College (New York) with a degree in English with Creative Writing and Bible. She is founder of The Fallow House and author of Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You. Rachel's writing has been featured in Christianity Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and (in)courage. She lives and writes in North Carolina with her husband and two children. Connect with her at rachelmariekang.com and on Instagram at @rachelmariekang.In this episode, Britt talks with Rachel about: God as the dream-giverShifting dreams & the strategy it takes to pursue themLearning to enjoy the process of the pursuitFinding purpose in everything we do and createPracticing presence and setting realistic expectations Choosing perspective over perfectionResources mentioned in this episode: Let There Be Art: The Please and Purpose of Releasing the Creativity within You by Rachel Marie KangShe is Kindred Podcast: Identity, Imposter Syndrome, and Imago Dei "Upstream" by Mary OliverRonne Rock“The Irrational Season” by Madeleine L'EngleRachel Marie Kang Creative CoachingEpisode Quotes:“I think often we can disregard parts of our journey and say, ‘Well, that's not really my big picture dream.'... And yet, those are the things that are preparing us for what's next. Every season is preparing us for the next season in our lives.”  -Britt Nikel Smith“Sometimes, dreams are birthed in that soil where you may have experienced a void or a wound and through doing whatever…there's a healing there. Light shines through and hope comes.” -Rachel Marie Kang“Our art pushes back the darkness in our lives and in this world. Every time you pick up a pen, every time you dance, every time you record a podcast episode, that has the potential to bring light and life into your life and into someone else's.” -Rachel Marie Kang“Create for pleasure. Create for purpose. Create because that is a way to bring help and hope into the world.” -Rachel Marie Kang“There is worthy work to be done in every season.'” -Britt Nikel Smith// Connect with us on Instagram @sheiskindredco Join our monthly newsletter & never miss an episode!Support the show

On episode 21 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt reconnects with Heather Gilion, author of "Dancing on My Ashes," speaker, and founder of Story Designs by Heather Gilion.  Heather tragically lost her father, her husband, and her brother-in-law within the first year of her marriage to her college sweetheart. In this episode, Heather dives deep into processing traumatic loss and grief, and how she still chooses to wake up each day to say "Yes" to what the Lord has for her. Sisters, we all are familiar with grief, whether it's in our own lives or the lives of those in our community. Let's learn from Heather's open heart and be reminded that we can still worship in the midst of overwhelming grief. Heather Gilion co-authored the book, "Dancing On My Ashes: Learning to Love the One who Gives and Takes Away." After experiencing great tragedy 20 years ago, she now uses her God-story as a platform to encourage and equip others. She does so through speaking engagements and an art ministry called Story Designs.  Heather and her husband, Dallas, serve at LifePoint Church in Ozark, Mo. They have two boys: Noah, 15, and Zachariah, 12. In this episode, Britt talks with Heather about: The back-to-back losses of her father and husband within the first year of her marriage.Navigating deep grief as a young widow and not understanding why God didn't do what she wanted Him to doHow to worship when our lives are ashes and how to have hope when bitterness takes overHow to anchor ourselves to God, being open to receive what He has to giveEncouragement and resources for widows and those grieving lossesResources mentioned in this episode: Story Designs by Heather Gilion Dancing on My Ashes by Heather Gilion and Holly Snell Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard Episode Quotes:"Jesus was so well acquainted with grief. He walks among us in it." -Britt Smith"People would look at us and say, 'How can they worship when their lives are ashes? But really, it was a chance for us to say we are broken; we are not good, but we are held." -Heather Gilion"The enemy is always looking to steal, kill, and destroy, but the Lord uses it for greater good. We live in a broken world. We're not going to be saved from hard things. God flipped the script, and he took something so horrendous and so tragic in our lives and has brought us out of it...It is our rescue story." -Heather Gilion"Loneliness is so hard. God is near the brokenhearted. Don't run from Him, but run to Him. It is a daily choice, and His Word is alive and active. Widows have a special place in His heart. He sees them, He has his eye on them, and He wants others to protect them and care for them. That is His desire and his heart." -Heather Gilion"When we anchor ourselves to who God is, He will give us what we need in that moment and for the moments to come." -Heather GilionSupport the show

Marriage can be an incredible gift. Many of us would say that it is one of the greatest treasures of our lives, but the hard truth is, that's not the case for everyone. On episode 20 of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt tackles a tough topic with Amanda Spencer: domestic violence and marital abuse. Amanda, a survivor of abuse, courageously shares her story and the freedom she's gained since leaving. This episode will force you to slow down and see the woman behind the story, the woman who felt voiceless and isolated for too long. We encourage you to listen with compassion and a willingness to press into the truth of these tough topics because women like Amanda deserve to have their story told. Amanda Spencer is a mom, RN, American history buff, and domestic abuse survivor. After leaving her abusive marriage in February of 2020, she has been rebuilding her life financially and rekindling her passions for writing, creating, and making life more beautiful. She and her boys enjoy spending time outside as much as possible, reading through the Harry Potter series together, and Friday Night Pizza and Movie Nights. She has a passion for sharing her story of domestic violence with the goal of helping other victims recognize they are not alone, and inspiring them to find their own path to freedom. Support the show

Summary + Guest Bio:On episode 19 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt chats with award winning author, blogger, speaker, wife, and mom - Sheila Wray Gregoire. Sheila shares her story with equal parts humor and deep vulnerability on a subject that is often not discussed openly in Christian circles: Sex and Marriage. Together, they wade through the ways that we can build healthy sex lives while also navigating sexual dysfunction and inequality. She charges the Church to provide better education and encouragement for newlyweds as they explore what it means to have a thriving, enjoyable sex life together. Sheila Wray Gregoire is a popular speaker, marriage blogger, and the author of eight books, including The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex. She loves encouraging women in their relationships, both with God and with their husbands, children, and friends. Her passion is for marriage, and she and her husband Keith speak together at marriage outreaches and at FamilyLife Canada marriage conferences. Sheila believes in authenticity, and gives real solutions to the very real and messy problems women, and couples, can face. You can usually find her in Belleville, Ontario, where she's constantly texting her two young adult daughters and knitting. Preferably simultaneously.In this episode, Britt talks with Sheila Wray Gregoire about: The discrepancy between what the Church teaches on sex and the reality of our experiencesThe Great Sex Rescue published the first and largest survey of Evangelical women (20,000) on satisfaction regarding sex and marriage. It showed that popular Christian resources and books written on improving sex and marriages were doing more harm than good. Vaginismus: what it is and what predictors that have been found for itBritt shares her own personal story and the long journey to pain-free sexStrong sex life takes responsibility of both husband and wife.Resources mentioned in this episode: 00:30 https://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/ Marriage, Sex, Family, Faith00:50 Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex00:55 31 Days to Great Sex03:00 The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended47:15 Gift of Sex47:20 The Great Sex Rescue, Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex, Good Guy's Guide to Great Sex53:10 Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel TruthFollow @sheilagregoire and share this podcast!Quotable:"We've turned sex into male entitlement and female obligation,  and that really increases the rate of sexual pain and primary vaginismus, which is really damaging. This is not the way God talks about sex. It is the furthest thing from the way that God talks about sex." - Sheila Gregoire"In Jesus's ministry, He brought countercultural equality. Why wouldn't it translate to sex and marriage? It's not just about sexual function, it is also about sexual equality." - Britt SmithSupport the show

In episode 17 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt swaps her host seat for a guest seat. Alex Wright, She is Kindred's own community coordinator, will be interviewing Britt and her husband, Michael "Smitty" Smith,  about love, marriage, and the relationship they've built on genuine partnership and teamwork. In this episode, Alex talks with Britt and Smitty about: Building a strong marriageVulnerability in relationshipsOvercoming trials in marriage togetherHow parenthood shifts marriageCreating a culture of teamwork within your relationshipQuotable:“It was never ‘these are your problems, these are my problems' it was us tackling it together.” - Michael "Smitty" Smith“I think we have found contentment in the chaos… This (life) is a tangible representation of the gifts that we've been given. We're going to choose to look at that with gratitude and know that twelve years ago, our first year of marriage we were looking at a very different future,” - Britt Smith“I think it's about being able to lay down your ego and say 'What do you need in this moment?'” - Britt Smith.Want to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Summary + Guest Bio:Episode 17 of the She is Kindred podcast marks the beginning of a brand new month and a brand new theme: “Love, Sex, and Marriage.” And while the weeks that follow will dive deep into a myriad of topics less commonly talked about within most circles, we wanted to take some time to acknowledge the women in our community who are not married first. We want to say that we see you too, sister. In your waiting. In your independence. In all the unexpected ways that life has brought you to this specific season of singleness. Your story matters just as much as the rest of us. With her guest, Kelly Witherbee, Britt wades into the murky waters of extended singleness and the implications of that both within the Church and public society. They discuss the struggles of singlehood, society's standard of family, and the strength that one develops when living alone. Their conversation hinges on the truth that those who are single, by choice or by chance, are more than worthy of having a seat at every table, even in - especially in - the Church. Kelly Witherbee is a school psychologist in the Midwest and a proud daughter, sister, and aunt to many. She loves Broadway musicals, British royalty, and you'll rarely find her without a book in her hand. She moonlights as a wedding photographer on the weekends and, as an Enneagram 2, spends the rest of her days investing in the lives of others. You can connect with her on Instagram at @kellywitherb.In this episode, Britt talks with Kelly Witherbee about: The struggles and unexpected blessings of extended singleness Ways that the Church should better honor single people within their communitiesGod can handle our big emotionsMental health and asking for helpHow singleness can shape one's view of self How married friends can support their single friendsThe importance of finding friends in similar life spacesEncouragement to anyone who is in a season of singlenessResources mentioned in this episode: 35:25 - “Identity, Imposter Syndrome and Imago Dei” with Sarah Southern Annie F. DownsQuotable“Single people are just as qualified, just as worthy, just as loved by Jesus as everyone else.” - Britt Smith“God can handle those big emotions…We're allowed to express those to the Lord…And He says… ‘I will meet you in that.'” -Britt Smith“Find things that you love and lean into them…That is building up more of who you are. Don't wait for other people to go do it.” -Kelly Witherbee“Hold on to who you are because who you are matters. Who you are is worthy. Who you are is who God made you to be.”Want to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

On episode 16 of the She is Kindred podcast, Britt chats with author, speaker, and educator Mary Marantz. She is Kindred thrives on meeting each other in the middle of our stories, where we find common ground and cultivate grace in the process. We hold conversations about growing in intentionality and believing our worth is found in more than what we do. One of the ways Mary does this is sharing her story with candor and authenticity.Mary Marantz grew up in rural West Virginia and attended Yale Law School. She decided to forgo her three-year law degree to pursue a business in photography with her husband, Justin. She recently decided to start writing books and signed a five-book deal in 2019. She just released her second book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. You can find Mary at marymarantz.com and on Instagram @marymarantz. Follow her podcast on https://marymarantz.com/themarymarantzshow. In this episode, Britt talks with Mary Marantz about: The exhaustion of constantly striving and achieving Giving up achieving for your worthDoing in order to be valuedWho we are without our goalsInherent worth and visible productivityWorking for your worth v. from your worth Resources mentioned in this episode: Dirt by Mary MarantzSlow Growth Equals Strong Roots by Mary Marantz14:40 The Mary Marantz Show, Episode One33:40 What's Here Now by Jeanne Stevens33:50 Awake by Anjuli Paschall 51:10 Achiever Quiz55:25 Follow @marymarantz on Instagram and @sheiskindredco to enter a giveaway for her newest book! Share this podcast episode with fellow sisters.“Even if you don't recognize or acknowledge that there's this sort of physical, tangible exhaustion that accompanies pursuit of dreams, there is this mental weight that says, ‘I have to keep going.'” – Britt Smith“Busyness is not a badge of honor.” – Britt Smith“You were created to do good work. You were created to do things with excellence as if working for the  Lord. You were created to use the gifts that you have been given–these talents that you can go out and multiply–this work that has been prepared for you in advance. And what a gift it is to get to co-create with the Creator of the universe.” – Mary MarantzWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Summary and Bio: This month, our conversations surround the topic of body image + self-worth, and on the fifteenth episode of the podcast, Britt chats with guest, Sarah Southern, about how our faith can shape our identities as women, Imposter Syndrome, and Imago Dei (the image of God). Sarah Southern is a writer and occasional freelance graphic designer. She enjoys baking sourdough bread, reading widely, drinking craft coffee, and weekend hiking. She and her husband, Jordan, currently live in Denver, CO, with their rescue pup Lucy. Follow her on Instagram @sarahbsouthern or subscribe to her substack: sarahsouthern.substack.comIn this episode, Britt talks with Sarah about: Imposter Syndrome and its pervasiveness in our societyBelief and belonging Deconstruction/Reconstruction of the faith journeyThe Church's effects on women's rights and worthThe modern Church as a champion for womenFeeling like a fraud within your own circle Proving our worth and measuring our success through social media“In my Imago Dei, made in the image of God…I have worth and value simply because I am.” -Sarah Southern“I am created in the image of a God who saw fit to give us callings and stir up creativity, but also call us to rest.” - Britt SmithResources + Recs"Walking on Water" by Madeleine L'engle"Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott"An Altar in the World" by Barbara Brown TaylorMarty SolomonWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, but you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Summary and Bio: Today's episode continues our June theme of body image and self-worth. In this episode, Britt talks to Joy Nicholas about her relationship with her body and her eating disorder. Joy Nicholas is a mother to five kids, aged 6 to 22. She has lived in six countries and currently resides in Seoul, South Korea where she is writing her first book, a memoir. You can follow more of her adventures on Instagram at @justyouraveragejoy.In this episode, Britt talks with Joy about: Society's views and expectations of our bodiesMotherhood and breaking the cycleStewarding self-worth as ChristiansNavigating body image in all forms (physical, mental, emotional, etc)Encouraging others in similar situations“My life felt mixed up…here was something I could do. It made me feel like I was doing something right. It was this cycle.” Joy Nicholas“I would say a sense of control or value, come from what we believe about ourselves.” Joy Nicholas“I think the world has a vested interest in making you feel worthless. It gets you to buy more, and do more things. I always think - what are they trying to sell me right now? I think the world wants you to feel insecure. It feeds their agenda.” Joy Nicholas “I think there's a lot more openness about different body types and promoting self-worth…but we really still have a long way to go!” Brittany SmithResources mentioned in this episode:@diaryofanhonestmom@elysemyers@breabird @brielenahan Women Wise NutritionWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, but you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

SUMMARY AND GUEST BIO:This episode wraps up our focus for May of Motherhood.We've tried to have conversations surrounding motherhood that aren't frequently discussed in many circles. We've acknowledged some really hard and beautiful things and today's episode will be no different. Britt is joined on this episode by Dolly Lovato, a wife and mama whose own motherhood journey has been marked by the work of breaking generational trauma, navigating multiple mental illnesses, and finding help and healing along the way.Dolly Lovato is a wife and mother of two currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona. She has a background in film, Jewish ministry, digital marketing, and dance. When she is not snuggling babies or tackling the dishes, she is pursuing a second degree online, writing, and actively pursuing healing from generational trauma and abuse. Dolly is passionate about starting meaningful conversation around the stories we hold deep within our hearts. She believes that survivors have more power than we realize, and that finding and using our voices brings healing not just to the individual, but to the world. IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS WITH DOLLY LOVATO ABOUT:Generational traumaMental health issues + abuse within familiesMental health and its effect on motherhood + marriageFear and stigma surrounding seeking professional helpTeaching children about mental illness“People who struggle with mental health issues–it's just even more important to have a routine of rest and implementing rest because your body is tired; your body is trying to heal itself, and God wants to heal you also…That's why God created the Sabbath, and that's why God calls us to rest.” - Dolly Lovato“It's okay to not feel the pressure of having to do in order to prove my worth.” - Britt SmithRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:ACE Test (Adverse Childhood Experiences Test) (6:46)Perinatal Depression (depression during pregnancy) (16:34)Toxic Positivity Culture (28:37)National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 (1:02:38)Mending the Soul book and workbook (1:04:18)It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst (1:04:53)After the Rain: Gentle Reminders for Healing, Courage, and Self-Love by Alexandra Elle (1:05:02)The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Traumaby Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. (1:05:23)Arizona area: Southwest Human Development (1:06:09)The Good Fit Counseling Program (1:06:12)Better Help (1:07:00)Want to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supportSupport the show

SUMMARY AND GUEST BIO:In episode 12 of the She Is Kindred podcast, Britt and Kailyn Rhinehart talk about when motherhood isn't all you expected it to be. They chat about what it says about moms when we feel like we are struggling to connect with our baby in the ways we so deeply want to. They ask difficult questions like “how can we move through potentially difficult connections and find ways to mother well and take care of ourselves in the process?” Kailyn Rhinehart is a wife and mom to two wild, blond babes. She is an avid list-maker and consumer of coffee in any form. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology, she is a kindergarten teacher turned mama-writer. A New Englander at heart, she and her family currently live wherever the military sends them. Kailyn is also a creative & editorial assistant for She Is Kindred. IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS WITH KAILYN RHINEHART ABOUT:Life before babyComplicated deliveries and the recovery process and birth traumaRecognizing postpartum depression and how to ask for helpSupporting brand new momsThe motherhood journey and advocacy over your own birth story and process“It took me a while to admit out loud that I remember nothing from my birth. I have kind of blocked out the first few months. And that was a hard thing for me to start admitting. It took years…I think there is a balance of the heavy expectations and then the results of the heavy expectations.” - Kailyn Rhinehart“There are things that you cannot control. There are seasons of your life that are going to be more difficult than others, and that changes you. We have to learn how to grow through that and to give ourselves grace in the middle of it. I was so hard on myself as a first-time mom, and a second-time mom, and a fourth-time mom.” - Britt Smith“I think advocacy is key. Learning to advocate for yourself and learning to allow the other people who are in the room with you that you trust to advocate for you as well.” - Britt SmithRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:EMDRBirth Trauma Postpartum Depression (PPD)Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)Want to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Today's May episode continues Motherhood month. We want to start here and hold space for you - wherever you are on this road. We want to honor you. We see and acknowledge your longing to become a mom and the complications you may be faced with along the way. We know the emotions the word “motherhood” can stir up. We want to hold space for you here. In this episode, Britt talks to Annie Marhefka about her journey in and through motherhood while being motherless herself. Annie Marhefka is a writer in Baltimore, Maryland, where she spends her time writing, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and hiking with her kiddos. Her creative nonfiction and poetry have been featured in Versification, Coffee + Crumbs, Sledgehammer Lit, Capsule Stories, Remington Review, and The South Florida Poetry Journal, among others. Annie is the Executive Director at Yellow Arrow Publishing, a Baltimore-based nonprofit supporting and empowering women writers, and is working on a memoir about mother/daughter relationships. You can find Annie's writing on Instagram, Twitter, and at anniemarhefka.com.In this episode, Britt talks with Annie about: What it's like to mother without your own motherPassing on loved ones' stories and legaciesHow to honor those we love and carry on their memory through memoirs and lives well livedGrief and closure The mother-daughter dynamic and relationship“I had to do it, I had to go out and find other moms because I didn't have my own.” - Annie Marhefka.“We as mothers try to be better, do better, than our own mothers in so many ways. And as much as we don't want to compare, we do…Our journey is as much about the daughters as it is the mothers.” Annie Marhefka“We don't just honor the people around us by talking about them, but we honor them by reflecting who they were to us, to the world.” Brittany Smith“It's processing who they were to you and how they molded you into who you are. And how you're going to choose to raise up your children in that same way.” Brittany Smith“Write the recipes down, but write the story with the recipe…I feel like there's stories in everything. We have to share those stories and tell those stories. Our daughters and granddaughters are going to want to know those things.” Annie MarhefkaResources mentioned in this episode: Handling the Truth: On the Writing of Memoir Want to dig deeper?We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, but you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Hey friends, Britt here. Changing up the show notes for this one. Today's episode is incredibly special to me because I get to introduce you to my own mama, Michelle Howard. Coming from rocky beginnings, she was a teen mom who chose life for her daughter - me - and that life has lead us, in many ways, to growing up together.  As an adult now, I clearly see how our stories are so uniquely intertwined. You can't have one without the other, and the beauty of that is how we've learned to love and trust and extend much grace along the way. The faithful hand of Jesus is written all over her life and mine, and I cannot wait to share some of that with y'all today. Michelle Howard is wife to Shawn and mama to Brittany and Brianna. When she's not traveling for work as the Director of Nursing Simulation for Rasmussen University, you can find her elbow deep in her latest craft project, doting on her four grandchildren, or dreaming of the ocean from her home in landlocked Missouri. Connect with her on Instagram @shellmae7. In this episode, Britt talks with her mom, Michelle, about: Her difficult childhood and the path that led her into drug addiction and teen pregnancyThe radical, saving love of Jesus that changed her heartThe struggles of blended family life and finding ways to make it work, even when difficultLearning to parent as a young mom and the transition into parenting adult childrenAdvice for other young or single moms and the communities that surround them.“Your life isn't over. This one thing doesn't define you…Be strong. Set a goal and be strong.” - Michelle Howard“Invest in someone's life this week, sister." - Brittany SmithIf you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show

Today's episode kicks off the month of May and Motherhood month. We want to start here and hold space for you - wherever you are on this road. We want to honor you. We see and acknowledge your longing to become a mom and the complications you may be faced with along the way. We know the emotions the word “motherhood” can stir up. We want to hold space for you here. In this episode, Britt talks to Angela Lee about her path through her story of infertility. Angela Lee, originally from Oklahoma, lives in South Carolina with her husband Bryant and their five-year-old little boy who came to them via an IVF journey. She has always wanted to be a mom (or ballerina, which she was!). A former dance teacher, she now experiences dance when judging competitions. Angela is an advocate and encouragement for anyone walking through infertility. Find her on Instagram @while_in_waiting or check out her website. In this episode, Britt talks with Angela about: The unexpected, often complicated path to motherhoodUnexplained infertility and the frustrating desire for answersThe community of infertilityThe stigma attached to infertilityThe willingness to share and encourage others on a similar journey "God is not a god of percentages. He is not a god of 1%, He is a god of 100%.” - Angela Lee.“I remember I was sitting at a birthday party, and there was a woman there - and people don't have ill intentions when they say things, but she said, I can't imagine anyone who is having a hard time who is having a baby, how that would feel because that was what a women's body is made to do… hearing everyone agreeing made me feel like something is wrong and I was broken. And that's something people going through this journey regularly process.” - Angela Lee.“I can be hopeful, and know that even though this is hard, there are still good things somewhere. - Angela Lee.“Let's acknowledge that not everyone's journey is not going to tie up with a pretty bow. It's okay to not know what to say. It's okay to sit in that grief, to sit in that space of not knowing what's next. You have people who will sit in that corner with you, people who will wait with you and cheer you on along the way.” - Brittany Smith. Resources mentioned in this episode:(21:50) - Moms in the Making (31:43) - National Infertility Awareness Week(32:06) - 1 in 8 people experience infertility/Infertility statistics (33:15) - Angela's book, “While in Waiting: our journey through heartache, hope, and healing.”(40:40) - Read Angela's blog at https://book.whileinwaiting.com/ If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

Summary and Guest Bios: Today's episode marks the last week of April's theme, Living in the Tension, and this conversation is all about finding hard-fought hope in the midst of the heaviest grief. In this episode, Britt holds space for some difficult yet encouraging conversations surrounding miscarriage, infant loss, and disrupted adoptions with guests, Christa Castro and Erica Pitchers, who share parallel journeys of loss. Christa Castro grew up in Springfield, MO, and now lives in Kansas City. She and her husband, Andy, have been married 13 years. She's a mom of 4 in her home (Josiah-10, Timothy-8, Audrey-3, and Judah- 9 months), 1 in heaven, and 4 whom her heart loves from a distance as they are with their biological or other adoptive families. Over the years she has stayed home with her children, homeschooled, nannied, and ran the children's ministry of a local church plant. After spending the past 3 years in real estate, she has transitioned back to my Early Childhood Education degree to teach Transitional Kindergarten at a Classical Christian School in Kansas City, while pursuing real estate for friends and family when she can! She loves talking about all things adoption, parenting and education.Erica Pitchers is a wife to Evan, and mother to Charlotte (7), Cora (5), Julian (1), as well as a three babies in heaven, Millie, Q, and Josiah. She's lived all over the map: born and raised in Mexico, graduated high school in Kansas City, went to college in St. Louis, did a brief stint in Nashville with her professional drummer hubby, and is currently setting down roots back in STL. She has an education degree, but stays home with her kids, and enjoys coaching volleyball.In this episode, Britt talks with Christa and Erica about:Miscarriage, Infant Loss, and Failed AdoptionsThe comfort in knowing someone else is going through a similar season of lifeWhat to do when grief persists and life moves onHow to find hope in loss and keep moving forwardHow grief and joy intermingle “That's just amazing to see the redemption out of it, and it doesn't negate the losses. It doesn't replace them. But it does, in a way, give you a new perspective and make you even more grateful and thankful for the gifts that you do have.” -Britt Smith“This is what life would have potentially looked like, and I see it as a gift and not as a curse. I think that it's a really hard place to get to for a lot of moms that go through loss.” - Erica Pitcher“You can have multiple emotions and thoughts and feelings all at one time. Just because one day you feel good and you have a great day doesn't mean you are forgetting your loss. It doesn't mean you aren't honoring the child that was. I think sometimes people feel like they have to live in their grief–in the negative part of their grief– in order to honor their loss. There's this balance of being able to live life and acknowledge the good while also taking those moments as they come. It's giving yourself permission to have hope.” -Christa CastroResources Mentioned in this Episode(41:53) Brave Mama's Facebook Group (42:18) Rachel Lewis' Blog and book, Unexpecting (44:08) Find a therapist who will listen and help you walk through the grief(45:24) Pregnancy After Loss on Instagram (@pregnancyafterlosssupport) and the AppWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and theSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

In the seventh episode of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt and Alex Cox talk about navigating chronic illness in everyday life, parenthood, and holding onto hope through it all. Alex Cox is a reader, teacher, and writer balancing life with autoimmune diseases while carving out spaces for creativity. She lives in Paris, Tennessee, with her husband and two sons but has moved all over. Alex teaches 9th grade English and Creative Writing. She is an Enneagram 3 who loves to put aside her to-do lists to read in her comfy chair. You can find her on Instagram at @megahast.In This Episode Britt Talks to Alex About:How to navigate autoimmune diseasesHow to balance motherhood, teaching, and caring for others while choosing every day to care for yourself Processing new diagnoses and grieving what you thought life would look likeOther's awareness and misunderstanding of chronic illnessTaking care of not just your physical health, but emotional and mental health as well.“I simply cannot see this as a crutch or a reason to not live. It's the opposite. I fight it daily, but it has helped me slow down. That's the gift. You must choose to see it like that; if you don't feel this way all the time it is okay. Sit with the grief. Sit with not being okay. It is okay to not be okay. At the end of the day, you have done the dang thing, and you're here.” Alex Cox“A lot of people look at chronic illnesses as something that a person can just push through…And you'd be surprised at how many people think that if I just follow a strict routine of exercising or dieting, I will be magically okay. No one with a chronic illness like many that are out there right now can be cured–but we find ways to live through the tension.” Alex CoxResources and Recommendations Mentioned in this Episode:Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach's We Can Do Hard Things podcastBurnout The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia NagoskiThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizBrene Brown Unlocking UsWintering The Power of Rest and Retreat by Katherine May (and her podcast)@happypancreas on Instagram. Whitney and her text messages and encouragement The Lazy Genius / Kendra Adachi“The Uses of Sorrow” by Mary OliverSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

In the sixth episode of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt and Emily Lawson discuss the ways parenting can look different than expected, particularly when parenting children with neurodiversity.  Emily Lawson is from Central Iowa, where she was born and raised. Emily and her husband have twins who are 5 and a soon-to-be 3-year-old. She's a stay-at-home mama by day, and gifted artist by night. You can connect with her on Instagram at @EmilyElisabethArt. IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS WITH EMILY LAWSON ABOUT:How to navigate neurodiverse parentingHow to balance grief for what happens when parenting looks different than imagined as well as the joy that your children are here Coming to terms with the fact that the parenting journey may look vastly different than initially imaginedUnderstanding neurodiverse parentingHow to be humble humans, especially to our childrenHow to view life through a lens of hope“If it feels hard that's because it is hard. Our stories have legitimate hard parts.” -Emily Lawson“It doesn't make you a bad person or a bad mom to acknowledge that your circumstances are difficult - or to acknowledge that you expected them to go differently. ” -Britt Smith"In order for me to deal with my struggle with perfectionism, I use art as a way to sit in the mess.” -Emily LawsonWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

It's Month 2 of the She Is Kindred podcast and we are opening up our next series–Living in the Tension: Holding Space for Grief and Hope. Britt sits down with her long-time, sister-friend of over 20 years, Andrea Malarkey, who braved one of the toughest challenges anyone can face: cancer.Andrea Malarkey works for Disney Events in Orlando, Florida, and has supported the She Is Kindred Team since its inception. She believes that connecting with people is one of the most powerful things you can do with your life. Her happy place is the beach, she's always down for a dance party, and the 90s will forever be her spirit animal. IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS TO ANDREA ABOUT:Raw moments of Andrea's struggles with maintaining her independence and navigating the challenges of a busy life in her late 20's all while facing Stage 2 breast cancer.Struggles with maintaining confidence and not allowing this hurdle in life to define who she is as a person. The timeline from diagnosis until today and how this season of life has taught them both valuable lessons that they will carry with them for years to come. “Imperfection can be beautiful.” – Andrea Malarkey“It has shaped who I am, but it hasn't defined me”-Andrea Malarkey“The insecurity of appearing weak was hidden behind my wig” – Andrea MalarkeyWant to dig deeper? We'd love for you to join our Patreon community! Not only will you be supporting the podcast and the work we're doing here, you'll also receive early access to episodes, get exclusive bonus content (like behind-the-scenes videos and fun q&a games we play with our podcast guests), a carefully curated monthly Spotify playlist, and you'll be able to connect more fully with our team and our guests!If you've resonated with the She is Kindred podcast, would you take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify, or iTunes? Thanks so much, sisters! We're so grateful you're in this with us!Talk to you next week!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

In the fourth episode of the She is Kindred Podcast, Britt chats with three of her closest friends, Erica Pitchers, Elysia King, and Eva Robinson. Together, they have been through both joyful and tumultuous seasons of life and have found ways to love well in the midst of it. Their conversation delves into the role of grief and heartbreak, along with hope and vulnerability within friendships. Elysia King, She is Kindred's artistic director, is a mother to two boys, Aiden and Desmond, and wife to her husband, Derek. She is an extroverted ICU nurse turned artist currently located in STL. Find her work at @elysiakingart on all social media outlets.Erica Pitchers is a wife to Evan, and mother to Charlotte, Cora, Julian, as well as a three babies in heaven - Millie, Q, and Josiah. She's lived all over the map: born and raised in Mexico, graduated high school in Kansas City, went to college in St. Louis, did a brief stint in Nashville with her professional drummer hubby, and is currently setting down roots back in STL. She has an education degree, but stays home with her kids, and enjoys coaching volleyball.Eva Robinson is a mother to Levi and Asher. She lives in STL with her boys and her husband, Justin, a minor-league baseball umpire. She is a professional violinist and gifted vocalist, who spends her days teaching violin and piano lessons. You can connect with her at @evaclairerobinson. IN THIS EPISODE, BRITT TALKS WITH ELYSIA, ERICA, AND EVA ABOUT:Being willing to step out and invest in friendship and communityDoing the everyday things together to build relationshipsIntentionality in friendshipsBeing present and vulnerable in relationshipsHow to care for others during trauma and hardships“I remember thinking, she wept with me I'm going to rejoice with her. That was a healing moment for me - to be able to rejoice with her.” Erica Pitchers“It was such an important lesson for me to learn, when you're walking alongside someone - sometimes you don't have the pretty words….nothing was going to make them feel better. I realized this is how we show Jesus to others. We sit with them in their grief and we expect nothing in return. We show up. You don't have to say anything, just show up.” - Elysia King“Grace upon grace. That has been the theme of our friendship and our lives.” Brittany Smith“You can't offer grace, in an amount greater than you have experienced it.” - Eva Robinson RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:14:16 - Marco Polo30:14 - “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

In the second episode of the She is Kindred Podcast, host Britt chats with a trio of best friends; Blythe Bergstrom, Libby Ryan, and Loranna Pyles. The women have known each other since college when Loranna and Blythe got matched as roommates, then added Libby into their friendship after a memorable encounter shortly thereafter. Their twelve-year friendship has stood the test of new babies, marriage, life changes, and more. Over time, they've learned how to grow their friendship, embrace and celebrate their differences, and invest in themselves and others. Listen as they share the ways they've been intentional with their friendship and how it's allowed them to pour into their individual communities with open arms as a result. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)

Our very first episode of the She is Kindred Podcast starts at the beginning as Britt interviews her high school English teacher, Melissa Troxell, who was instrumental in encouraging her to share her story with vulnerability and authenticity.  Their conversation discusses the truth that everyone has a story worth sharing, and how our stories are often more interconnected than we realize. They share their own personal perspective on what it means to find and build community, even in unlikely spaces, and how we must choose to value our own story before can truly value others. “It makes me wonder how many of our stories are interconnected with one another, and we don't even realize it. Part of my heart is to use She Is Kindred...to acknowledge that we are all coming from places that are maybe not quite as different as we think.” - Brittany SmithSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/sheiskindred)