Spoken Freely Podcast

Small black and white checkered flags lined our front walk. Bouquets of wildflowers picked from the field across the street brightened our tables. The smokey smell of brisket and pork hung in the air. The loud buzz of race cars could be heard in every conversation. And it was LIFE-GIVING. Our first party in I don’t know how long? To open our home to friends, neighbors, and strangers was exactly what my soul needed.   I sure have missed connecting with folks during this last year. I hadn’t even recorded an episode in six months. So when I sat down with today’s guest, my cup was full. And I loved everything about it. Maureen Cook is someone I met two years ago and I instantly felt connected to her story. With the recent launch of her family’s campaign, Dave Gives Back, Maureen was ready to begin sharing her story publicly.   Today, Maureen talks about her husband, Dave, an accomplished mountain climber who’s zest for life and adventure impacted everyone around him. When tragedy struck their family, Maureen had to navigate leading their three children through incredible loss as well as picking up the reins of Dave’s new company.   Through their experience, Maureen and her children saw the selfless efforts of search and rescue volunteers that place themselves in dangerous situations to help those in need. They created Dave GIves Back to raise funds and awareness for these volunteers and mountain safety education.   Maureen lovingly shares the story of Dave’s life. I have no doubt you will be blessed by this conversation.

December. Did you think we’d make it? Many would say this has been the world’s longest year. The hardest year. The most frustrating year. The wackiest year. And while we may agree on some of these descriptions, I hope we can all find some good that came from this year.    We slowed down. Albeit it was a forced slow down, but in our house we noticed one another. We created together, adventured together, found new ways to do church, school, work, birthday celebrations and even doctor’s visits.    As hard as it’s been to be separated from family for so long, we formed a family with neighbors that encouraged one another, met each other’s needs, traded canned goods and shared toilet paper. We’ve celebrated an entire year’s worth of holidays with those we live right next to.   Today’s guest has formed a family with those around her for the last several years. Jen Ludlow is an old friend that has lived the expat life in a few different countries. Her family has experienced rich cultures and traditions and formed community with folks very far from home.   Jen shares the hard parts of being alone and feeling different in unfamiliar surroundings and reveals the extraordinary blessings God had planned for her family.    I pray this episode encourages you to look at the challenges you’ve faced this year and recognize the good work God has done in ways you least expected.

Fall is my favorite season. Growing up in Houston, we seldom had cool days and leaves never turned the amazing colors I’d see in magazines. Our “pumpkin patches” consisted of dirt fields where trucks would offload pumpkins grown in other parts of the country. God gave other places the right soil and climate to generate all the beauty of fall-but I loved it anyway.   Now that I’m back in Texas again, it doesn't feel right to decorate for the season until it cools down a bit. My sweaters and boots are taunting me in my closet. But this weekend, my girls and I couldn’t wait any longer. We outfitted in the house in shades of orange, gold, and cream, lit pumpkin spice candles, and baked warm and spicy cookies.   My guest today shares a similar love for fall and turns out she lives right here in my new town and even grew up not far from me in Houston! Sharron Davis is the Executive Director of Solace Retreat, a destination that provides respite, support, resources, and community for families who experience loss due to sudden physical trauma. My neighbor recently told me about Sharron’s ministry and I wanted to know more.   We sat down and Sharron began to unpack her story. We talk about the life she and her husband Matt created and the sudden turn she experienced five years ago. Friends, God will use you and your story for His glory. You will want to share this one with a friend.

Although we’ve been home most of this year, we still have been able to stay connected to those we love thanks to our smartphones and social media. You know what I haven’t given much thought to recently? That I can still have conversations with my friends and family, but meeting new people has essentially stopped.    I met today’s guests in an unexpected way. Six days later, I sat down with fellow Texas podcasters, Jay and Jess Norman. We connected right away and I can say I have great new friends that I’ve never met in person!    The Norman’s are farmers and since I lived in America’s heartland for so many years, we bonded over sweet corn instantly! The hosts of the Moving On podcast each walked through difficult seasons of life with separation, divorce, and single-parenting. After marrying four years ago, they began blending their families. Jess and Jay speak from their hearts about the challenges of connecting with stepchildren and navigating parenting in their new family dynamic.    We talk a lot about relationships and how they’ve learned that without grace, tensions can escalate quickly and become tugs-of-war that are difficult to overcome. The Norman’s coined the hashtag #droptherope which has given me a new perspective on stopping a crucial conversation before it becomes an exchange I regret.   Friends, you’re going to love Jess and Jay as much as I do, and I think you’ll learn so much wisdom from their experiences. Enjoy today’s conversation and be sure to share it with a friend!

I don't know about you, but there's a few things I miss. Lipstick, jewelry, coffee dates, and I'd probably say, cleaning wipes. We've gone without some of our favorite things for a long time now. A few weeks ago, we had to tighten up again because numbers were going bonkers. The highlight of our day is a car trip through a local drive-thru to satisfy our cravings for sweet iced tea. The complexities of 2020 seem to continue to pile up and tensions about returning to school are escalating. Even in our own home we are asking, do we buy school supplies? Are back to school clothes even needed? Like my family, you may be wondering how can we communicate without killing each other. Why is he acting that way or why is she talking like that? We continue to consult the enneagram to try to navigate how we are interacting with one another in this season. For our final episode in our quarantine series, we take listener questions and ask our guest, enneagram teacher, David Bell. David has great insights and I'm sure you'll find lots of useful information to take away!

We miss our friends! We are more than ready to get back to work on the Spoken Freely podcast. Given the events of the last several weeks, we felt it was important to stay quiet, to listen, to learn, and reflect.  Today’s episode is a bit different as we ease back into our routine. Kevin and I talk about recent happenings in our nation and local communities. We share about how we are guiding discussions in our home with our children and how we are navigating our exposure to media that we all experience daily. We feel it is important you know what we believe here at Spoken Freely Ministries and encourage you to connect with us any time. 

Friends, we made it! We made it to the end of May! These last three months may have felt like some of the longest months of our lives, but WE ARE GETTING THROUGH SOME TOUGH THINGS. Summer is right at our doorstep and while it may look a little different this year, there are still all kinds of ways we can make memories with those we love.   We are on our third episode during quarantine and I am loving the conversations we are having here on the Spoken Freely podcast! Last year, we did a mini series on the enneagram with Enneagram Insight teacher, David Bell. He is back to take us through how our numbers may be impacted by this pandemic.   David helps us understand how stress can influence our responses and actions and why although we identify with one number, we may be feeling and acting in ways that are not typical for us. He breaks down the complexity of the enneagram, providing clarity for us as we seek to understand ourselves and one another.    If you are new to the enneagram and want to know more about my conversation with David, I encourage you to check out our 4 part series from last spring as well as on Facebook @DavidBellEgram.    Enjoy my conversation with David!

Every morning when I wake up, I have to think really hard about what day it is. Then I make the tough decision: green joggers or black joggers. Top knot or just unbrushed mess? Do you find yourself making the same three decisions in the midst of this monotony? Does everyday feel like Friday?   Well friends, we are two months into quarantine and just this week, restaurants have opened to a slim capacity and some shops are allowing a handful of customers at time, encouraging face masks and cleaning continually. It’s still weird, even after all these weeks.   I’m so grateful for daily conversations with friends that remind me that I’m not on this journey alone. None of us are. In fact, it is the encouragement of others that maintains my sanity and lifts my spirits. Today, we meet with a few guests that share their quarantine experiences thus far. Hearing their perspectives will nudge you to seek the good in what’s happening around us.   Our first guest is Meleice VonMinden, an old and dear friend that I haven’t spoken to in years! At the start of lockdown, Meleice and her family make a huge life change-a move across the country in a pandemic. We talk about anxiety and panic, unsettling feelings that can take over at a moment’s notice. Meleice shares how God has been so kind to show her His goodness throughout this challenging experience.   You’ve probably heard some fantastic ways to celebrate high school seniors during this seemingly disappointing end to a major milestone. We talk with high school senior, Cambrie Luce. She tells how many are navigating these emotional days, hoping for graduations and proms to happen later this year.   The last two guests of this episode are living out shelter-in-place right in my own home! My two girls, Bella and Caia, talk about the adjustments we’ve all had to make being at home for days on end. We dish on the positives and negatives of at-home learning and reveal what are some new practices we hope do not “go back to normal.”   Everyone has a story being written during this unsettling time. Pause and notice the good around you. Use your stories to bless and encourage someone else this week!

When I woke up, I could hear the rustling of leaves from trees blowing in the wind outside my window. I heard songs of the neighborhood regulars, the birds that frequent the feeder swinging from our live oak tree. The sun was bright, and the sky was clear.    You know what? I can’t say that I pay attention to much of the outside details when I’m preparing to leave the house for work each day. But quarantine? That’s changed everything about my routine; from how and when I wake up, to what I wear, to if I even brush my hair. Now, I even have to wait in line for my own coffee pot!   My guess is, a lot about this life has changed for you, too these last few weeks. We see images in the media, we hear stories from the news, neighbors, and our social media feeds. We know some people felt the strain of a suddenly changing economy early on. We commiserate with other moms and dads on the new territory of homeschool.    Last week, God laid on my heart the idea for the next two episodes of the Spoken Freely podcast. I sit down with different women and have conversations about life in quarantine. One is a small business owner who’s had to make significant changes. Abby McKinney, owner of Ella Mae’s Boutique in Indiana, shares the realities of how shelter-in-place affects our local stores.   Then I visit with a guest we’ve learned from before, Sarah Goodman. The Tackling the Clutter organization expert is back to talk about the gift of time. We’ve been given weeks of it. How are we using it? She talks about the pressures to accomplish big tasks and what’s realistic for each of us. She points out that our kids have been given this same gift and how we can make this time meaningful for them as well.   Friends, I hope you find wisdom in today’s episode. I can’t wait for you to hear from these two women. 

Birthdays are a big deal in my family. My mom always celebrated BIG and I’ve carried that on with my own kids. We even celebrate our half birthdays with half a cupcake, half a candle, and we sing half of the happy birthday song. Even our dog Max gets a birthday party. We can’t believe it’s been ONE YEAR since we launched the Spoken Freely ministry and podcast. In today’s episode, we recap some of our favorite items of the week, takeaways from several episodes, and thoughts from what we’ve learned this past year. Would you celebrate with us? We wouldn’t have a podcast if it wasn’t for fabulous listeners like you. We are so grateful for all God is doing through the stories of our amazing guests and for the encouragement of those who listen! The best birthday gift we could receive is you sharing your favorite episode with a friend!

Happy February, friends! I’ve seen lots of posts about how January was 74 days long. I think if you live where there’s lots of snow and ice, it probably does feel that way! I love February! I’m a huge fan of Valentine’s Day and the pink and red hearts I see everywhere I go.   What I love even more is the conversation you are about to hear today! My friend Meloney Jefferson recently sat down with me to share the incredible story of her son, Jace. Meloney and her family live in our new town, Belton, Texas. She and I began working together a few months ago and while I didn’t know much about her until our interview, I was instantly drawn to her warm, kind spirit.   After experiencing unrelenting headaches and a swollen optic nerve, Jace was diagnosed with an astrocytoma brain tumor in June 2015. Meloney takes us on her journey of caring for her young son, whose only wish was to return to playing baseball as soon as possible.   This episode is a little longer than usual and you may even listen in parts. But it is absolutely worth EVERY MINUTE of your time. Friends, I am not going to lie to you. You will need tissues. But you are also going to laugh! Meloney tells heartwarming stories of her sweet son and details a million ways of how God went before them and orchestrated their path.   Laugh, cry, and share this episode with a friend. You will be so encouraged by this conversation.

We are over halfway into January, friends! Can you believe it? I hope you’ve had a fantastic start to your new year and are crushing all your goals! I managed to clean part of a closet and felt pretty good until I noticed a Christmas wreath still hanging on the back door!    One thing’s for sure...we have some amazing guests planned for 2020 and I am thrilled to introduce you to today’s guest, Tiffany Leininger. Tiffany is a writer who lives in the Indianapolis area and is a wife and mom to two girls.    We talk about her motivation for writing, her current writing project, and the writing workshops she leads in prison ministry. Tiffany has a powerful story she shares with us today-one of incredible love and sacrifice. She walks us through the journey of being a gestational carrier and how God was able to use her to carry a child for her brother and sister-in-law.   I love Tiffany’s perspective that each day truly is a gift and we get to be used by God. She uses the term “available” and ever since we recorded, I’ve been challenging myself to be available for what God has in store for me every day.   Friends, I know you’ll be blessed by today’s episode. I encourage you to share it with someone after you listen!

Here we are, friends! 2020. Can you even believe it? I remember growing up, I was a huge fan of the cartoon, The Jetson’s. I was certain that by this year, I’d be teleporting about in my space car, followed by the bubbly sounds their car always made.   Instead, I’m still often sitting in traffic, on the ROAD, in the family SUV. But the good news is, there’s time to listen to podcasts! And we are kicking off this new year with a de-clutter and organizing expert, Sarah Goodman.    Sarah is a busy wife and mom of three young boys in central Texas. When I first met Sarah one year ago, I was launching the Spoken Freely podcast. She shared her dream of a business helping others clear the clutter by showing simple ways to get in control of your stuff, therefore your life. Sarah is active on her blog and Instagram where she shares videos, pictures, tips and tricks for keeping your home functional in simple ways.   As an enneagram one, Sarah’s conscientious and discerning nature make her a natural at organization, but she also shares her struggle with perfectionism. A champion of vulnerability, we hear stories from her journey and how she maintains balance. We talk about the comparisons we make when we peruse social media and compare our spaces to what we perceive to be the reality of others. Sarah feels it’s important that everyone give themselves permission to not be Pinterest-perfect.    We learn how and when to let go of an item and how to decipher when to buy new when it's needed; not just to collect more. And how do you get the family to declutter and keep the home organized? We talk about how to teach the kiddos to be helpers, too.   Early on in our friendship, Sarah and I talked about how to take a step into something new-something you are passionate about that differs from your career, or in the midst of motherhood, or whatever busyness takes precedence in your life. We both want to encourage you to take that step. You have much to offer others!

Merry Christmas, friends! I pray that joy is abundant for you this holiday season. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and gosh it sure got here in a hurry! I think I’ve only gotten to sit down twice to enjoy all our decorations.   Today you may be traveling or completing the last of your shopping. Maybe you are baking holiday goodies to take to the family gathering or cleaning like mad before you open your home. Whatever it may be, I encourage you to listen to today’s episode while you do it!   You’re gonna hear from my great friend and neighbor, RaeAnn Flor. RaeAnn is a wife and mom to three that is also raising two therapy dogs. We will hear about her experience as a music therapist as she uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals.    You’ll laugh as you hear her story of how she arrived in California for her internship and how she made her future husband jealous after a break-up! She shares her journey of grief she walked through the loss of her brother-something she and I connected with early on in our friendship.    RaeAnn dispels some of the myths about service dogs vs. therapy dogs and shares stories of how her dog makes an impact in her local school system. Throughout today’s episode, you will laugh-and that’s what I hope for most for you today-to experience joy. Joy, when often this time of year can be hard, heavy, and stressful.    I pray you are filled with peace that only our Savior can bring this holiday season and always.

Happy December, friends! I get the feeling a lot of us were waiting for this month. So many people told me they decorated early, were singing Christmas carols last month, and couldn't wait to slow down and enjoy it all.   I think that's exactly it. Slowing down and finding rest in the midst of the crazy. I encourage you to find a moment to listen to today's episode. I chat with my sweet friend and longtime co-worker, Denise Funkhouser.    Denise is known by many as a cheerleader. An encourager. As an enneagram 2, Denise is warm, exudes kindness and sincerity, and is truly servant-hearted. With 11 years in ministry under her belt, she has countless stories of connection with others.   Opening up about her past, Denise shares how becoming a young, single mom changed her professional path and how she landed where she is today. She talks about her perspective on adoption and how her incredibly supportive family helped her to navigate difficult seasons in her life.   Today's conversation is filled with nuggets on how to encourage and bless others. Perfect timing during this hectic month where our own busyness often keeps us full speed ahead. I can't wait for you to hear this conversation with Denise!

The leaves are changing and falling, the air is icy cold, hot chocolate made with salted caramel (and oatmilk) is my new fave, my birthday and favorite holiday are fast approaching, and I have a heartfelt conversation with today's guest to share with you! What could be better?   I first learned of Lindsey Cunningham from her personal ministry on Instagram, @confessionsofapastorswife. A gifted writer, wife, mom, and church planter in South Carolina, Lindsey shares words of encouragement and hope to those weighted down by the heavy things of life.   We talk about the real truth of starting a church from scratch and the raw reality of running ragged while wearing all the hats. Lindsey describes the battle to resist comparison between mega church success and the small start-up experience.    Having walked a journey of pain from hurtful words and betrayal from serving at a church previously, we dig in to what living life in a glass house of a ministry role can be. Lindsey shares wisdom that every listener can use no matter their circumstances-release and let go. Hanging on to the residue of another's words can be destructive and God desires that we seek his truth; not someone else's thoughts.   Grab a blanket and a mug (or hop on the treadmill if you must!) and enjoy today's show!  

Happy Friday, friends! Today’s episode is one that we hope you will listen to. It’s a little different this week, as you will be hanging with Summer and me.   As you may know, Summer and I worked together for three years in ministry. In November of last year, we ran into each other at a conference in North Carolina. It was then that we began dreaming of creating a ministry to encourage women in their faith. Since then, we have loved gathering with you and creating a safe space for women to share their stories. It’s crazy to think that we started this all in Indiana and we both ended up in Texas 10 months later. Today, you’ll hear my heart as I share with you my decision to step away from the podcast to concentrate on studying God’s word and writing. No worries though! Summer will continue to host the podcast and she has some exciting things planned for the future. You may recognize some shakiness in my voice and that’s because I was trying to keep myself together. Can I just tell you how thankful I am for this safe, loving place where I can share my heart, too?  I am truly going to miss gathering with you all every other week (especially co-hosting with my pal, Summer), but you can still find me on our social media page writing and sharing my heart to encourage you in your faith.

Happy Friday, friends! We know how busy October can be and you likely have a full schedule. We encourage you to find a moment of pause this weekend and invite you to listen to today’s episode. We are talking with our sweet friend, Amber Meegan. Amber is a wife and mom of three living in San Antonio, Texas. Summer and Amber met this summer and instantly connected when Amber shared part of her story. A co-founder of Shine On (@shineonrun), an organization that seeks to bring awareness to pregnancy and infant loss, Amber’s mission is to bring hope and healing to those who have babies in heaven. October is the official month for pregnancy and infant loss awareness. You’ll hear Amber’s own words of losing her precious twins-a journey of immense heartache, anger and confusion. She describes her grief as “isolating” and formed unrealistic healing goals. God began to bring about healing through running. Amber was hungry for God’s presence and began to meet him in those moments. She realized she had an opportunity to preserve her twins’ memory and does so through Shine On. She established a run to bring honor to all angel babies.

Happy Friday, friends! We are moving closer to fall and even though we could still be swimming where we live, we urge you to grab that snickerdoodle latte and a fuzzy blanket and meet our new friend, Allie Bryant!   Living in the Indianapolis area, Allie is a wife and new mom that serves in ministry. We love her vibrant personality and obsession with all things makeup, shoes, and pop culture. She offers some teaching on the Enneagram and how much she's learned about what motivates her.   Allie opens up about her repeated experiences with disappointment and loneliness through her eight year struggle with infertility. She candidly speaks on the reality of what it means when when everyone else's life is moving on but yours isn't.    We discuss how our community can change as we go through different seasons and offers wise words as we consider how to support someone in our own communities in their darkest times. She shares how the unknown, something many of us fear, is actually an opportunity to stretch our faith. God gives us the next step-not the full map.   We learn Allie's reaction to her pregnancy is one you might not expect! She admits she knows she may walk this journey again in the future but recognizes we can be okay in the present and we can continue to live our lives to the fullest in the midst of our circumstances.

It's Friday!!! On our favorite day of the week, we love to introduce you to our friends. We'd like you to meet Sarah Johannesen, a blogger and advocate for women, inner beauty, and food freedom. Sarah is a recent college grad who loves her town of Austin, travel, the perfect cup of coffee, and encouraging others in their journeys to overcome food and health struggles. Sarah shares how she endured years of poor body image which resulted in an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. She found herself across the country from her home, wrestling with God, trying to balance the impossible. Her loving parents found her care in a treatment center and she worked hard to transform her life both physically and spiritually.   Now, Sarah seeks to be part of the shift in the way women view themselves, addressing tender topics like insecurity, anxiety, and depression. Sarah is a girl's girl who desires everyone to know their worth and value in the eyes of God.

Friends, we have been waiting for this one! This episode is dear to our hearts as this conversation is with our precious friend, Trish Lowery. Trish is a wife to Jamie and mom to two very active kiddos that keep her on her toes! She is Queen of All Things Baked and really should have her own television show!   After her previous career with a very long title and surely is only for those that are very smart (and French speaking), Trish found herself in ministry. Trish and Summer first became friends while working together in ministry and clicked as enneagram 8's long before they knew what that meant!   Trish opens up about her health journey that very unexpectedly changed her life at Christmas of 2017. She shares an earnest view of how seemingly devastating news is no match for God's tender love and mercy. Through her story, we see how a kind God places others in our path to support, care, and encourage us in our darkest times.   This girl is the friend everyone longs to have. We have no doubt that after you hear Trish's words, you will be blessed.

Friends, can you believe it? We are six months in to the Spoken Freely podcast! What started as a casual conversation in our office at work has turned into 19 episodes of friends gathering together to open their hearts and speak freely. Not hiding behind shame or concealing our difficult experiences, but embracing one another and extending grace and love.   Today's show is a little different because we are actually together recording in person! Normally we are across the country from one another, but this week, we spent time in laughter, silliness, and raw and honest conversation about what is going on in each other's lives. We thought this was the perfect episode to check-in at the six month mark and share what's on our hearts.   We encourage you to do the same! Grab a friend, new or old, and connect in your favorite way-coffee, lunch, or maybe a long walk. Create a safe space for vulnerability and spur one another on in love.

Have you ever thought about changing your career? Feel led to something completely different than what you've always done? If you've ever wondered what starting something new could look like, then you'll love today's episode! We spend time with Laura Mobley, a wife, mom, and foster and adoption ministry leader.   Laura shares how God stirred her heart to care for others who live a very different life than the one she knows. She and her husband felt that God would make it very clear to them if adoption was something they were to pursue. Not only has the experience changed her family, but also influenced Laura's career path.   Laura reveals both the hard and beautiful pieces of her journey and encourages us with very tangible ways to support foster and adoptive parents.   You're going to love today's conversation, so grab your latte, put on your headphones, fold that laundry or enjoy your commute while we get to know Laura Mobley!

Today's conversation is with speaker and ministry leader, Manda Carpenter. Manda is a wife and foster mom living in Chicago. Her focus is investing in women and encouraging them to grow their relationship with God and leadership of self and others.  We spend time talking about how #impressingisexhausting and how becoming owners of our junk can allow us to experience freedom. Manda shares how God brought her out of her own shame and how His grace creates beautiful transformation.    Our chat also digs into the busy of everyday life and how necessary it is for our souls to refuel. Manda tells how she wasn't fully present during some seasons of her life and saw a need to create space. She shares that space used well isn't selfish and if Jesus needed time away to rest, then we certainly can't get away without giving our minds, souls, and bodies space as well.

Today's episode is a love story that will touch your heart. We spend time with Tanya Stirling, a first time author who never expected to write a book, let alone publish one! Tanya's book is about the tender love she shares with her late husband, Bobby. Tanya describes the story of her 35 year marriage including how their love began-at age 12! Her love for her family is evident and the values she and Bobby instilled in their children has been passed on to their grandchildren. She walks us through the journey of his unexpected illness and a friendship that blossomed with a distant family member who simultaneously experienced similar circumstances.    A special moment in the attic revealed Bobby's own words that served as the catalyst for Tanya's book, One in a Million. Friends, we know you are going to love what you hear today. Tanya and Bobby have lived their lives for Christ and share His love with everyone they meet.

Have we got a treat for you! Today's show is all about Shannan Martin, author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places and Fallen Free. Shannan is our special guest at our upcoming event in July, but we thought we'd all get to know her a little better on this episode of the Spoken Freely podcast.   We dish about dessert, coffee vs. tea, her love of a good book and other favorite things about being a homebody. She shares about her path from the country to the city and emphasizes the importance of physical proximity to people so we can love like a neighbor. We love how she shares about having open hands so that God can drop things into our hands and take things out.   Shannan reveals that we learn what's important about the culture of our place when we slow down and pay attention to our surroundings. We promise you will take away so many good nuggets from our conversation today, you might even listen a second time!   Interested in attending the event with Shannan Martin in Indianapolis? You can find out more information and purchase your tickets at www.spokenfreely.org/event! We hope to see you there!

Today's episode is just in time for Mother's Day! We spend time with Kristin Funston, author of the new book, More for Mom: Living Your Whole and Holy Life. Kristin is a wife and girl mom who loves her backyard chickens and a plate of enchiladas.    Kristin shares how she'd been living her life from a place of depletion where seemingly endless transactions of give and take left her exhausted-feeling the world needed more from her instead of experiencing fully what God had to give her.   We talk about the myth of balance-giving of ourselves equally to every demand. She shares how we are already whole and complete in Christ. We just have to receive it. Jesus is the more that every woman needs.   We know you will enjoy today's show and will be encouraged by Kristin's words! To learn more about her book, go to www.moreformombook.com!

Friends, you are going to love today's episode. Our conversation today is with Jen Huckaba, a busy mom of three, wife to Ben, and ministry leader in the Indianapolis area. After discussing life's most important things-coffee and tacos, Jen dives deep into the value of community.    At a young age, Jen learned all too well how those around us can get us through the hardest experiences in life. She tells the tender story of the pain and loss of the love of her life and how the tribe surrounding her walked through darkness with her.    She shares the sweet way she came to know Christ and how she allowed Him to change her heart, her attitude, and her ways. She explains that following Christ is a daily choice and encourages listeners that some days are easier than others-but it's a choice worth making.    We know you will be blessed by Jen's story and we hope if there's something you've been through that you haven't shared, you'll begin praying how God can create moments for your words to impact someone else's life.

We are back with our final conversation with Enneagram teacher and mentor, David Bell, of Enneagram Insight, LLC. In this series, we have been going in depth on each number so you can use these episodes as a resource to identify your core type.   This episode focuses on numbers 8, 9 and 1, also known as the "doing triad." Even if you don't think you are one of these types - we encourage you to still listen! While David focuses on these types, he includes other types in this discussion to help us better understand some of the differences between each of them! Plus you probably know someone who is a 8, 9 or 1 and it can be so helpful in your relationships with them!   Check out our website at www.spokenfreely.org.

We are back with another conversation with Enneagram teacher and mentor, David Bell, of Enneagram Insight, LLC. In this series, we are going in depth on each number so you can use these episodes as a resource to identify your core type.   Our show focuses on numbers 5, 6 and 7, also known as the "thinking triad." Even if you don't think you are one of these types - we encourage you to still listen! While David focuses on these types, he includes other types in this discussion to help us better understand some of the differences between each of them! Plus you probably know someone who is a 5, 6 or 7 and it can be so helpful in your relationships with them!   Check out our website at www.spokenfreely.org.

Today's conversation is with author and speaker, Sarah Forgrave. Sarah and her family live in Indiana where she spends her days writing and her husband designs toys. They no doubt have the most popular house in the neighborhood! Sarah recently released her second book, Prayers of Hope for Caregivers, a book encouraging those that may be weary and worn from the challenges of caring for someone with serious medical issues. We dive deep into Sarah's journey from dark emotional pain as a result of suffering from a chronic health condition to now publishing two books. We learn how God prepared the way for her path by tucking His word into her heart for moments when she was unable to find encouragement for her soul.    During our time with Sarah, we talk about the blessings of community and how a little thoughtfulness can go a long way. If you've ever walked alongside someone in a difficult season or maybe in the midst of one now, you will be glad you listened!   www.spokenfreely.org

In today's episode, we are back for Part 2 with Enneagram teacher and mentor, David Bell, of Ennegram Insight. In this series, we are going in depth on each number so you can use these episodes as a resource to identify your core type.   This show focuses on numbers 2, 3, and 4, also known as the "feeling triad." You may not identify with one of these numbers, but we encourage you to listen! You may have a relationship with someone who is and we believe it is important we understand the numbers of those around us.    Get your pens ready! You may want to take lots of notes!  

Friends, today's episode is one you don't want to miss! Our conversation with mentor and teacher of Enneagram Insight, David Bell, is first in a four part series.    David has recently made the transition from pastor to teaching workshops and one on one mentoring using the enneagram. He also serves as the executive director for a new nonprofit in the Indianapolis area.   David shares that the Enneagram is dynamic and offers wisdom that can transform your life - who you are, how you live your life and your relationships.   Whether you are new to the enneagram or have been learning about your number for awhile, you'll leave this episode with nuggets of wisdom!   www.spokenfreely.org

Happy Friday, friends! We have a sweet, fun new friend for you to meet today! Our conversation with Rebekah Butler is sure to brighten your day. You’ll hear how we met last fall and bonded over a shared love for sugar. And no episode is complete without a discussion on the Enneagram! Rebekah talks about how much she’s learned about herself by studying her number and how she understands the differences in motivations between her and her husband impacts communication and behavior. Rebekah is a full-time working wife and mom that recently took a step into her calling-speaking about a particularly dark season in her life. As a brand new mom, she experienced the hard struggle of deep sadness, feeling distant and withdrawn, helpless and overwhelmed. She describes her journey to receive God’s healing and how she drew closer to Him in the process. Rebekah speaks wise words on community and the importance of building your tribe. You will love her cheerful spirit and we know you’ll take away some great truths.

Our guest for Episode 6 is Danisha Brown. Danisha is a swimwear designer, make-up artist, teacher, and ordained minister that lives in Indianapolis with her husband and two boys. We talk with Danisha about what it is like when you’ve been called to several ministries or professions. She describes how she struggled with accepting the call as a minister and how surrounding herself with other women of God reminds her of her priorities. We know you’ll be encouraged by her words of wisdom, humor, and positivity.

In Episode 5 of the Spoken Freely Podcast, we spend time with Miranda Kinter. Miranda is a wife and mom of two in the Indianapolis area whose ministry includes creating warm and welcoming environments in her church. She provides powerful insight on hospitality and challenges us to rethink where and how we are hospitable. She shares a beautiful picture of Jesus humbly serving others, putting them before himself. Miranda also discusses her journey into counseling and the importance of having someone neutral to speak into your life. 

In today’s episode, we spend time with Sarah Harmeyer. Sarah is a people-gatherer who wanted to get to know the people in her new neighborhood. This simple desire has gathered nearly 3500 people to date and has become Sarah’s personal love mission. Using a table as her home base, Sarah fosters connection with others by creating a safe space to gather with one another to listen and love. Today, you’ll hear about their company, Neighbor’s Table, and stories of people-gathering from across the country.

In this episode of the Spoken Freely podcast, we get to know our co-host, Kayla. We cover the fun stuff, like cupcakes and laser tag, and dive deep into Kayla's journey of painful loss through family tragedy. Kayla speaks candidly of living life in fear as well as searching for love and a place of belonging. She shares how God ministered to her heart and revealed that He has a place for her. You will be blessed to hear Kayla's story and you will be encouraged that God has a place for you to belong, too.  www.spokenfreely.org

In this episode of the Spoken Freely podcast, we get to know our co-host, Summer. In our conversation, we talk about Summer's disdain for shoes in the house, why she thinks she has the worst enneagram number, and what she has learned about her own vulnerability. Through some of the most painful times in her life, Summer struggled with anxiety and the need for control. She talks about how she has found freedom in giving control to God and boldly stepping into her calling.  www.spokenfreely.org

On Episode #1, you will hear a little bit about Kayla and Summer, how the podcast became a "thing" and where the name "Spoken Freely" comes from. They love to share the story of how the podcast got started because God is in the middle of it all! Listen to how Summer and Kayla unexpectedly attended the same conference in North Carolina to pursue speaking and writing.

Friends, we are so excited about this podcast! We will be launching in the next few weeks. Follow us on Instagram @spoken.freely for updates on our launch date!