Straight From The Heart(land)

Christine is so happy to welcome Sarah Lubach back on the podcast for this important conversation about race and the events of the past few weeks. We discuss what we're learning, how we're failing, who's inspiring us and steps we can take to support the Black Lives Matter movement. It's a frank discussion about our own shortcomings and a time of asking questions about white privilege, anti-racism, defunding the police and the next steps we can all be taking to support (and enact) real change in our world. We hope you'll listen and join in the conversation. (Plus, like always, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!)

China's divorce rates skyrocketed after COVID-19 which gets Christine thinking about how all of our relationships - friendships, marriages and co-workers - will fare after all of this. How are we handling our grief? Why do we feel so judged? What resentments are we carrying that will cause damage? And is there anything we can do to protect our relationships?? (Please say yes.) Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Christine is discovering all sorts of quirks of her own and her family's during the quarantine. Plus, quirks that only a quarantine would bring into our lives (hello, social distance parades, zoom happy hours, and wiping down our groceries!). Take a listen to see if you have some of these same Quarantine Quirks! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

It's holy week! That seven days between Palm Sunday and Easter, filled with reflection, worship and traditions. How will COVID-19 change our approach to this coming weekend? I have mixed feelings and some apprehension about it. But, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to make this a holy week to remember by doing one small thing! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

From my quarantine to yours....hello! Checking in to see how everyone is doing and sharing my personal ups and downs, including a major revelation that I got yesterday just when I desperately needed it! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Straight From The Heart(land)! Happy birthday to you!! Christine is celebrating four years of podcast fun and talking about living our lives from a place of being led vs. being driven. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

My word for 2020 changed! Hear why and how this year's word is challenging me to stop riding the emotional roller coaster and start responding vs. reacting. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

In honor of MLK Jr Day on Monday, Christine is sharing frankly about the lack of diversity in her own life and why she thinks that is. True confessions...and plans to change this reality. Plus, crazy winter weather and What's Making My Heartbeat!

I set out to read 52 books (one per week) in 2019. Did I make the goal? Find out in this week's episode, including who are my favorite authors and what are my top picks for best books of the year. Plus, I share all about our holiday break and What's Making My Heart Beat!

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy movie sounds so delightful! In this week's podcast episode, Christine brings you her top, family-friendly holiday movies. Check this list twice because there's something here for everyone! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Yes, there's much to be thankful for. But before we share gratitude around the table on Thursday, I have a few things I'd like to get off my chest.  Plus, two important questions related to Thanksgiving and What's Making My Heart Beat!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in your mind or heart? Me, too! In fact, I probably described all of us at some point. But, now more than ever we can all use some soul minimalism.  What is it?? Just like decluttering our homes, two key steps can help us declutter our souls saying goodbye to what is weighing us down. Listen to this week's episode to learn how to slow down, lose the "mom brain" and get back to what's most important. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Christine is turning 45 and talking all about it in this week's podcast, including how unfair it is to peak physically at 22, being compared to Daisy Duke and learning to embrace the phrase, "I don't know."

Didn't lead with a hug? Failed to take them to the doctor in a timely manner? Yep, done it! After a broken collarbone, a sprained wrist and twisted knee (and that's just this fall!), Christine has learned a thing or two about parenting kids through their injuries. Mostly by doing it wrong!  Plus, prepare to have your mind blown by new injury protocols. Oh, and What's Making My Heart Beat, too!

Raise your hand if you're feeling stressed out. {Christine with both hands raised high.} Whether it's a perfect storm of scheduling demands, crazy circumstances you didn't expect, or your own procrastination {Christine raising hands again}, stress is real and we're talking about how to deal with it in this week's episode.

This is the best time of year for tv! All of our old favorite shows return and lots of new ones promise us hours of viewing pleasure. It's good to be a tv watcher right now! Christine shares the scoop on what's coming back, what's new and what shows will have their final seasons this year. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Ever experienced identity theft?? Christine may have just lost hers! Listen to this week's podcast to hear about her car buying adventure, how she handed over her info, how we all face identity theft (of the heart) every day and how to stay strong! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Are you a good or bad decision maker? And does faith simplify or complicate your process? Join Christine in this week's discussion about making decisions and how her 20-something self had A LOT to learn! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

After two crazy incidents involving Kwik Star's grace and generosity, Christine reflects on the generosity of strangers and whether it is easier to give or to receive. (This episode could also be titled, "Why Kwik Star is awesome!")

Just in time for those fall sports contests kicking off this week, Christine is sharing her thoughts on a recent editorial written to rein in unruly sports parents and adult fans. Listen to make sure you're part of the solution, not the problem! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

After almost throwing in the towel on the podcast altogether, Christine is introducing a new format: short and sweet episodes containing God's HEART spoken straight from her HEART to your HEART. Take a listen to hear why and learn more about what the new episodes will sound like! Oh, and there's HEART beats!

We're at the point in the summer where our kids' diets are made up primarily of fruit snacks and Cheez-its and we find random cups on every surface in our homes. Help!! This week's episode is offering snack solutions to finish the summer without losing your mind (or your temper). It's Snack-tastic! Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

With warm July temps comes the need for shorts and the dreaded swimsuit (gasp!). In this week's episode, Christine discusses summer body anxiety and how a full life and lots of fun just might be waiting for us on the other side of our fears and judgments. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Grab your friends and a cold drink - it's time for TRIVIA!! The topics are all summer related and will get you reminiscing about your favorite summer foods, songs, blockbusters, etc. Can you beat Sarah's score of 95?? Plus, a 4th of July Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

It's time to create that summer bucket list and this week's episode has all kinds of ideas to help you do it! From family fun to yummy food, road trips to rainy-day options, this week's podcast is sure to inspire a summer's worth of adventure for you and your people. Plus, a big BUZZ in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 

Summer is finally here and that means time to find a good beach read!   In this week's episode, we're getting you started with our 2019 summer reading list. Favorite authors, books we've read recently and our top picks for fiction and non-fiction summer reads.   Plus, the summer podcast schedule in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We're finally experiencing warmer temps in the Midwest and so it's a good time to chat about Spring and Summer fashion trends for 2019. Christine and Sarah talk crop tops, body suits, dad shoes.....and, of course, the trends they'll ACTUALLY wear. Plus, Lubach award recipients in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Whether you're a Disney fanatic or vowed to never go (like Christine before she went), this episode has all you need to know to plan your first Disney trip. From FastPasses and Magic Bands to food, rides and attractions, Christine provides tons of useful tips and hacks to make your trip "magical." Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Repeat after us: It's not you, it's May. It's not you, it's May. It's not you, it's May. In this week's episode, Christine unpacks why the month of May is so crazy, yielding its nickname, "the new December." This month is lovely in many ways, but definitely the "Iron Mom" triathlon of physical, emotional and mental demands. Plus, how Christine dropped the ball on Teacher Appreciation Week in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

It's Mother's Day week and Christine and Sarah are reflecting on their collective 25 years of motherhood and sharing lessons they've picked up along the way. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Ever been to a grand opening with those giant scissors? In this week's episode, you get to hear from the woman who invented them. (Seriously.) As part of our "I Love My Weird Job" series, Christine interviews Kimberly Baeth of Golden Openings who has helped tens of thousands of businesses launch through grand opening events complete with scissors, banners, balloons, shovel and keys to the city. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

In this week's podcast, we continue our "I Love My Weird Job" series with fiction author, Rena Olsen. Rena is a master storyteller crafting intriguing suspense in her books, "The Girl Before" and "With You Always," but began her award-winning writing career back in third grade. A long-time reader of Rena's books, Christine was majorly fangirling throughout the episode. If you have an interest in learning the in & outs of the publishing world, this episode is for you! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!  

We're launching a new series this week about weird jobs and our first guest is the ONLY person Christine knows who does this job.....pageant consulting!! Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes worlds of pageants and what it takes to become Miss America? Cassie Marks of Make Your Mark gives us the complete dish.....including the key to preventing any wardrobe malfunctions - butt glue! Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

When someone in our life is experiencing success, why is it so easy to fall into competition vs. celebration? Why do we compare ourselves to one another and see the world through the eyes of scarcity which tells us there's a limited amount of success, happiness, love and praise to go around? Join the conversation on this topic this week as well as spring fever, social media adjustments and Disney planning in the Pulse. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 

In over three years of the podcast, the topic of social media has been one of our most consistent. We've debated its effects on our kids, our relationships and our hearts. Now, in this week's episode, we're discussing why both Christine and Sarah are saying goodbye to social media, including why we didn't want to, what convinced us, what we think we'll miss and what we're planning to do instead to ensure continued connection with our friends and family. If you're ever considered saying goodbye to social media (or wonder what kind of craziness has gotten into us!), you'll definitely want to listen and share this episode. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Sometimes we make faith complicated and the best solution is to go back to the beginning. To wrap up our "Faith In Real Life" series, Christine interviews her 13 year-old daughter, Tess. In the interview, we're reminded that no matter what phase of life we're in, the love of God and the love of people are what get us through. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We continue our "Faith In Real Life" series with guest, Michael Meggison. (Leave it to Michael to earn us our first-ever "Explicit" podcast rating - thanks, Megs!) Michael shares what faith looks like as a busy dad of three kids (and a beautiful wife - lol!) as he prepares to turn 50 this week. Plus, a whale watching in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We continue our Faith In Real Life series with retiree, empty nester, and mentor to Christine and Sarah, Mary Stier. After an illustrious career, Mary entered full-time ministry and is currently completing a two-year, spiritual formation program. Mary shares the highs and lows of faith during this season of her life and offers insights, valuable hacks and advice for whatever phase you find yourself in. Plus, Daylight Saving(s) Time in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We launch a new series this week called, "Faith In Real Life." It's a discussion about how faith grows and expresses itself in different phases of life and our first guest is Bridget Rauch. Bridget is newly married and shares the opportunities and challenges she faces growing in her faith as both a young single woman and now as she's married, including hacks for any season of life and faith. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We are up to our necks in snow around here and kind of over it. (Okay, we're totally over it!) But, it got us thinking about our beauty routines and how they change (for the better or worse) during the winter. From skin care, hair and makeup to nutrition, exercise and clothes, Christine and Sarah chat all about how they're coping and working to stay beautiful this winter. Plus, a podcast-versary in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Woo hoo!! Christine's husband Michael is on the podcast this week and they're talking about the division of household labor between them. Who handles which chores and why? As well as, how did they come up with this plan, how much does their upbringing influence it, do they want to switch chore assignments, and how come they aren't using the free labor living in their own home more?? Lots of laughs and insights (good or bad?) into the Meggisons! Plus, a bittersweet Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Have you given up hope? Does believing in a good future feel too painful? Then this episode is for you! We wrap up our Belonging series looking at God's heart for us to "be longing" for the good gifts He has in store for us.....and why it's sometimes hard to have hope. Plus, a big birthday in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We continue our series on Belonging taking a look at the one person we're guaranteed to belong to perfectly - God. He chose you to be part of his family, a place you'll always belong, and wants you to relish in your role as a child of the King. Plus, a painting project in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

We weren't meant to do life or faith alone. We were created to belong to one another and do life in community. But, what does that mean and how can we make that happen in our own lives? Join Christine in her conversation about belonging in this week's episode. Plus, Marie Kondo in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Kids have so many options for activities these days. It's enough to make your head spin just thinking about it, let alone bust your budget and schedule. In this week's podcast, Christine identifies three messages the world tells us when it comes to this topic and offers a different approach that just might be the solution you've been waiting for! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Ever felt the pressure to perform or be perfect? Tired of trying to gain others approval while losing yourself in the process? In this week's podcast, Christine and Sarah discuss their own struggles with proving their worth and their steps for finding freedom. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Christine interviews Simple Purposeful Living's Erin Port about strategies for kicking off the new year, including goal setting and how to find success by making those resolutions both simple and purposeful. Plus, a New Year's Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Remember that "Grown-Up Christmas List," classic song by Amy Grant? In this week's episode, Christine and Sarah create their own grown-up Christmas lists, including peace on earth and a solution to middle school body odor. Plus, a 2018 recap in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

What's your favorite Christmas treat, song, or movie? Do you have a favorite gift or memory? In the second week of Christmas with the Meggisons, Christine asks her kids these questions and also what they think is the true meaning of the season. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, an Advent challenge in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat.

The Meggison kids are taking over the podcast sharing with Christine all about their Christmas traditions, including the ones they like, the ones they don't (can you say Christmas lights??), and which ones they plan on passing along to their own kids. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!

Whether you're a Black Friday veteran or a Black Friday rookie, this episode will give you all kinds of tips and tricks for maximizing your shopping experience, including how to stay on budget, get the best deals and have fun. Plus, a Friendsgiving Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!