The Cultivate Podcast

Tammy Brown answers your REAL life questions and curiosities about the Enneagram. In this episode she shares how to use the enneagram as a parent, particularly paying attention to the styles more prone to the pitfalls of social media. She'll also tackle your questions on how to navigate multiple high scores, get REAL with yourself and others about how you're experienced, and she speaks truth over a listener's self-awareness about codependency.

Tammy Brown answers your REAL life questions and curiosities about the Enneagram. In this episode she takes your questions on how to use this personality assessment tool to pursue “personal spiritual formation,” what your “wing” is and why it matters. She'll also share ways to encourage a spouse or family member to cultivate health in their style and how to handle negative stereotypes about your own style.

You're inclusive, patient and have the beautiful ability to consider multiple perspectives. But real life comes with conflict and your desire to pursue peace can leave you indecisive and unwilling to share your voice and needs. Tammy invites Madison Moses, Sandals Youth Creative Lead and her firstborn daughter, to share what she's learning about doing REAL life as a Peacemaker.

You're confident, assertive and a fierce, but tender protector of your people. But unrefined power and uncontained strength can keep the Challenger from being REAL with self, God and others. Tammy welcomes Melody Workman, her dear friend and Executive Director of Story and Experience at Sandals Church, for a conversation on embracing vulnerability, harnessing strength and cultivating health as an Enneagram 8.

You are fun, engaging and oh, so full of joy. The Seven inspires people and projects with their vision, versatility and uncanny ability to help us find joy too. But the pursuit of pleasure can make the reality of pain a difficult and dark road for the Enthusiast to travel. Kelli Welzel takes to the mic with Tammy for an honest conversation on balancing the beauty and brokenness of life as an Enneagram 7.

You are a loyal, reliable and trustworthy guardian of truth. The Six might have a pension for worst case scenarios, but no one will be better prepared. But, life in pursuit of safety can leave the Loyalist anxious, insecure and on the outside of opportunity. Tammy welcomes Diane Huntsman, a fellow Enneagram 6 from the Cultivate Team, to share the journey from fear to faith, and the practice of believing the best of self, God and others along the way.

You are thoughtful, perceptive and observant in your pursuit of knowledge. While the Five may not be the life of the party, their generosity, wit and wisdom leave us wanting more. A need to privately process and avoid incompetence can, however, cause the Observer to isolate and hoard the goodness they offer the world. Lori Zimbardi, ROGO Foundation Manager and self-proclaimed “fiviest five in five town,” takes to the mic with Tammy for a smart, honest and delightful conversation on life through the eyes of a five.

You see beauty in things that most of us take for granted. The Four has an intuitive ability to express their creativity and help us embrace what's beautiful in ourselves, God and others. But that sensitivity can be a double-edged sword as the Individualist balances the tension of high emotion, self-doubt and envy. Tammy welcomes Kennedy Waldrop, Sandals Artist in Residence, an Enneagram 4 and her daughter, for an insightful conversation on embracing creativity, seeking self-awareness and channeling emotions in a healthy way.

You are a visionary - focused, determined and driven to succeed. The Three brings hope, agility and passion to the pursuit of their goals and will gladly help us achieve ours too. But success can't come at any cost and the fear of failure can cause the Achiever to struggle with their inherent worth leading to deceit of self, God and others. Tammy welcomes Christina Crowley, our Sandals Production Director and an Enneagram 3, to share her pursuit of healthy success in life, family, and ministry.

You have a heart to serve and you're the first to raise your hand to help. We can count on the Two to be with us and for us in our times of need. But we're each so much more than what we do and left to their own devices, the Helper can avoid their own needs and wants to the point of pride, bitterness and burnout. Listen in as Tammy and Megan Renck, our Sandals Moreno Valley Campus Lead and an Enneagram Type 2, talk about setting helping boundaries, investing in self-care and finding rest in God's love regardless of what you do for Him or others.

You love a good checklist, know you're right from your wrong and nobody can load a dishwasher like you. Life simply wouldn't be as orderly without the One. But life is measured by more than perfect details and if you're not careful, your inner critic will rob you of God's goodness and grace. Whether you are a Type 1 or want to learn how to love one well, join Tammy Brown and Nancy Salley, our resident Enneagram 1, for a REAL conversation on the beauty and the brokenness of life as a Reformer.

The Enneagram will never replace God's voice in our life. Why? Because God isn't the issue, we are. This personality assessment tool reveals both the beauty and the brokenness within us SO THAT we can invite God to help us heal, grow and embrace the life He created us for spiritually, emotionally and relationally. In part 2 of their conversation, Tammy Brown and Pastor Matt Brown, Lead Pastor of Sandals Church and author of A Book Called YOU: Understanding the Enneagram from a Grace-Filled, Biblical Perspective, share why the Enneagram can help us discover our REAL identity in Christ.

The Enneagram can't save you, only Jesus can do that. But the Enneagram will help you better understand yourself, God and others SO THAT you can live the life you were created for. Tammy Brown is joined by Pastor Matt Brown, Lead Pastor of Sandals Church and author of A Book Called YOU: Understanding the Enneagram from a Grace-Filled, Biblical Perspective. Listen in and learn what the Enneagram is, what your style says about you, and how biblical self-discovery can help you cultivate spiritual growth and healthy relationships.

We all have people in our lives who need to know Jesus, so how do we share our faith and maintain our relationships? Pastor Matt Brown joins the conversation to help us learn how to take ownership of our spiritual growth SO THAT we can share the truth, promise and hope of Jesus. Originally aired November 1, 2020.

If your scroll is killing your soul, you're not alone. Social media use is at an all time high and so is comparison, anxiety and unkindness. This fan favorite is a heart check on what we need to STOP and how we should START treating social media SO THAT we are responsible, honest and yup, you guessed it...kind! Originally aired May 1, 2019.

It's one of our most popular episodes for a reason. How do we speak our mind and still honor Christ? How do we share our opinion without silencing others? International speaker and best selling author, Lisa Bevere, joins the conversation to help us learn how to be bold without crossing boundaries and sacrificing kindness. Originally aired June 1, 2019.

In our #1 downloaded episode of all time, Tammy Brown and Melody Workman answer the question “is REAL friendship possible?” While friendship isn't always easy breezy, with reasonable effort and honest intentions, we can learn how to cultivate healthy, authentic friendships in our lives. Originally aired August 1, 2019.

God's word is full of instruction and direction for this life, but He very much wants us to bring Him our deepest desires, our biggest dreams and our greatest hopes. Because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, hope is God's promise to us. But how do we create space for hope in a world that does not always feel hopeful? Tammy is joined by Bek Deal, from our Sandals Church Worship Team, for a beautiful and honest conversation on pursuing our dreams, harnessing hope from God's word and inviting Jesus into the things we're dreaming of now and in the future.

If you're someone who struggles with all the what-ifs and worst case scenarios in this life you may also find yourself paralyzed by fear. God's word tells us not to fear, not because there's nothing to be afraid of, but because He is with us and He goes before us in all things. Join Tammy Brown and Tiffany Parry, our Cultivate Ministry Supervisor, for an honest conversation on facing our fears and finding freedom by trusting God, cultivating His truth into our lives and, rather than watching for the worst, believing in the best He can do. 

The journey to REAL freedom would be nothing without some fun. God has called us to both grow to know Him and to enjoy the life He's called us to live. That's good, right and fun! But there's a difference between chasing happiness and cultivating joy into our lives. Tammy and Kelli Ayotte, our Sandals Church Kids Creative genius, chat about the freedom that is found in pursuing Jesus, making room for joy and finding fun even in the unexpected.

With everyone's life on scroll it can be downright hard to resist the temptation to compare our lives to the latest and greatest version of the next gal's. But comparison is a slippery slope that leads to confusion, competition and ultimately chaos in us and around us. REAL freedom is found in focusing on what God has called us to do as well as celebrating the good things He's doing in others. Melody Workman joins Tammy Brown as they share their wisdom and insight on battling insecurity, overcoming jealousy and becoming women who choose not to compare.

For some, cultivating courage looks like going after what you want and for others it means asking for what you need. REAL freedom is found when we have the courage to be vulnerable with ourselves, God and others. Tammy Brown is joined by Morgan Teruel, Sandals Church Online Campus Supervisor, for a conversation on being brave enough to ask for help and authentically invite others into our lives, as well as the consequences of choosing self-sufficiency over vulnerability.

As our journey to REAL Freedom continues, we consider one of the greatest, but often most difficult pursuits in our Christian life: stillness. We live in a culture of instant gratification and constant busyness, so much so that if we're not careful, our identity becomes rooted in what we do rather than who we belong to - Jesus. Tammy welcomes Pastor Alfredo Ramos back to the podcast for an honest conversation on what it looks like to cultivate peace and stillness into our lives. They're talking about the art of listening, accepting interruptions and giving ourselves the freedom to disconnect so that we can reconnect with God. 

Week 2 of our summer series and if you live tangled up in what other people think, it's time to find REAL freedom. Tammy Brown is joined by Diane Huntsman, our Cultivate Ministry Lead, for a conversation on growing in truth and self-awareness while releasing the need to manage everyone's opinions, ideas and expectations. They're also getting REAL about the flipside just in case you're the one sharing your opinions like they're the gospel truth. We're learning what it looks like to live free by cultivating accountability to God, rather than everyone else!

Summertime lends itself to a more relaxed pace and vacation vibes, but just because you're on the go, doesn't mean you can't grow. Wherever you are this summer, join The Cultivate Podcast for a special 9-week series on finding REAL freedom thru cultivating your best life spiritually, relationally and emotionally. The Bible says that “if the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36) and there is no greater authority on living that out with self, God and others than our Founding Pastor, Matt Brown. Join the first couple of Sandals Church for an incredible one-on-one conversation about the REAL freedom we find when we cultivate authenticity into our lives, as well as the consequences if we choose not to.

God calls us to be quick to forgive, but too often that looks like a quick sorry without really letting go. They say “don't sweat the small stuff,” so how much energy do we burn hanging on to every little offense? While there is a difference between small annoyances and big hurt, God's call to forgiveness is still a command. Tammy invites Christina Crowley to the mic to close out our May forgiveness series as they talk about why REAL forgiveness means keeping short accounts and doing the hard work of letting go.

We are broken people living in a broken world, so it goes without saying that pain is a REAL thing. God not only wants to meet us in our hurt and grief, but He offers to redeem them with mercy, grace and forgiveness. So how do we hold our hurt and still find the joy and peace that Jesus wants us to know in this life? Tammy sits down with Becca Boganwright and Melody Workman for a REAL conversation on what it looks like to embrace sorrow while aligning our heart with God's SO THAT we can be women who both receive His forgiveness and give it away.

Loyalty, justice and truth are vital pursuits in our Christian life, but mingle in pride and they become obstacles to cultivating forgiveness into our lives. But God...He gives grace and He calls us to as well. So what does it look like to choose His way even when our feelings haven't caught up? Tammy is joined by Donna Martin to discuss what they've learned in their own life and relationships about the practice and discipline of forgiveness, even when it feels really hard to do.

Our Spring 2021 Cultivate Book Study has Sandals Church Women learning what the Bible says about being forgiven and forgiving others. Our teaching team is joining us on the podcast for REAL conversations on the personal side of their forgiveness journey - how they've practiced it, what they've learned and things they wish they knew sooner. We're kicking off this month-long series as Tammy Brown, Lori Albee and Melody Workman talk about being brave, believing the best and becoming women who willingly say “I'm sorry.”

We're wrapping up our kindness series by taking your questions. What does it look like to live out your faith with kindness when the people around you aren't on the same page? And...one of our most asked questions, how do you choose kindness and set healthy boundaries in family relationships? Tune in as Tammy tackles your questions and offers some wisdom on the road to kindness.

This is a conversation you CANNOT miss! We're all about kind women, but what do guys make of this pursuit of kindness? Tammy invites Pastor Alfredo Ramos, Sandals Church Palm Avenue Campus Pastor, to the mic for a REAL conversation on what men see in kind women and yup, what they make of unkindness among us. Tune in for some mic drop moments and a perspective on kindness that will have you thinking twice about choosing anything but.

Even though we wish it wasn't so, unkindness happens. We can't control what others do BUT we can choose how we respond. Will unkindness define us or refine us? Will it make us bitter or better? No one understands unkindness more than Jesus and so, there's no one who can help us handle the hurt like Him. Join Tammy and Melody for a REAL conversation on how we can not only pursue truth, but seek growth and healing when we invite God into the process of surviving unkindness.

Kindness is more than something we do. Rather, it's the way we live. When we choose kindness, and when we don't, we send a message about who God is to us and how He's at work in our lives. We can talk to people about Jesus, but they'll actually listen when they see Him in the way we speak, act and live. If kindness matters to God, it should matter to us. Join Tammy and special guest, Christina Crowley, for a REAL conversation on cultivating kindness into our lives as a spiritual discipline and response to what God has done for us. 

We live in a world that's pressuring us to mold our image to fit its ideas. Sure, it's great to be nice, but what does it mean to pursue kindness as a demonstration of our convictions and character? Kindness is more than a trending hashtag, it's a calling from Jesus and the story our lives tell. We're kicking off a month long series on all matters of kindness by busting kindness myths. Join Tammy Brown and Melody Workman for a REAL conversation on what kindness is, what it is NOT and how we can choose to live it out for ourselves, God and others.

We're concluding our series on gatekeeping by tackling the g-word...guilt. As with any discipline, gatekeeping takes practice. It's about progress, not perfection. Too often, we're plagued by guilt for choosing what's healthy for us over what makes everyone else happy. Our life matters and Jesus gave up His own SO THAT we can live with fullness and abundance, with gratitude not guilt. Join Tammy Brown, Melody Workman and Tiffany Parry, our Cultivate Ministry Supervisor, for a REAL conversation on how to steward our boundaries as well as support others in the pursuit of theirs.

Being a gatekeeper of our lives takes practice and discipline, especially when it comes to our emotional health. Healthy boundaries begin with us learning how to process our feelings through our faith, then cultivating the truth of God's word into our lives. No one else can order our priorities and protect our peace. Are you the “fixer” of everyone who is left weary and worn? Is your social media scroll stressing you out? Does your body pay the price for your runaway thought life? Join Tammy, Melody and special guest, Vivi Diaz, for a REAL conversation on the blessing of boundaries and how God can use them to protect us mind, body and soul.

We continue our series on gatekeeping by taking a closer look at our relationships. Whether you're already setting wise boundaries or you're too busy building walls, if you long for healthy and whole relationships, this is a REAL conversation for you. Tammy is joined by Melody Workman to talk friendship, feedback and following through on what is most healthy for you.

The Cultivate Podcast is going weekly! We're kicking off this month's conversation by learning what it means to be a gatekeeper, both cultivating and protecting our spiritual growth. If we want to grow in our relationship with God it's vital that we learn the difference between a good thing and a God thing. Tune in as Tammy Brown and Melody Workman are joined by Diane Huntsman, the Cultivate Ministry Lead, for a REAL conversation on discipline, sacrifice and the consequences of compromising our spiritual health and growth.

As women, we carry things - sometimes longer than we should, sometimes because we think no one else can. The new year lends itself to fresh starts, resolve and looking forward, but what about letting go? Tammy and Melody are challenging us to get REAL and ask ourselves what we're carrying that needs to be laid down as we head into a new year. Maybe it's a relational offense, personal loss or past hurt. It could be a choice that requires change, a discipline we need to cultivate or a boundary it's time to set. If you find yourself hanging on, chasing after or living in the past, it's time to get REAL about letting go SO THAT you can grow wiser and stronger moving ahead.

Wondering how to find your holiday cheer in the tangled mess of angry people, politics and a pandemic? Us too! Whether the tension is on the news or in your living room, we're all weary and searching for peace, stability and rest. This year definitely looks different, but rather than be discouraged, what if we've been given an opportunity to infuse the holidays with what is meaningful, memorable and REAL? No matter what you're tangled up in, Tammy & Melody are challenging you to be wise and kind as you untie the knots and make this a December to remember.

TCP welcomes PMB to continue this important conversation on sharing our faith. While nurturing relationships is vital to Christian community, we can't care more about maintaining friendships than we do about saving souls. Pastor Matt joins Tammy and Melody to talk about taking ownership of our spiritual growth so that we understand the gospel, can accurately share it and correctly lead people to Jesus. Learn why we need to share the truth about sin on the way to the promise of salvation so that people understand how desperately they need a Savior and how much He loves them. This is a conversation that will not only help you understand the battle for your soul, but be REAL with others about the hope for theirs.

So many people are asking if we're living in the end times. While none of us know when the end is, we do know that all people will eventually meet their end. The good news? As followers of Christ, we have hope to share and the way we share it matters. Telling others about Jesus can feel hard and scary, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you don't want to, wouldn't know where to start or are worried you'll say the wrong thing, join Tammy & Melody for a REAL conversation with special guest, Claude Hickman, that will encourage and equip you to tell others about Jesus.

We walked into 2020 basking in the luxury of planning and predictability and then…#pandemicproblems. We've ALL had to learn what it looks like to shift our priorities, hold plans loosely and surrender our idea of control. So what does it look like to become the best version of ourselves when the world feels like a battleground? How do we live out our faith in a culture that is tearing it down? Tammy & Melody look back at REAL life in an unexpected season and share why we still need to look ahead and cultivate truth, growth and wholeness into our lives.

Who knew?! We're learning as we go and processing through the roller coaster of emotions that comes with staying home, social distancing and SO MUCH togetherness. Tune in as Tammy & Melody get REAL about how they're surviving and thriving plus what they've learned that they hope sticks after this unsurpassed season in quarantine.

A panel of special guests, including our own Pastor Matt Brown, joins Tammy to answer the question: in a culture that tells us to “be happy,” is wholeness even possible? Not only is it possible, but we know YOU can do this! Tune in to learn what it looks like to pursue wholeness in every season and why it's vital we move beyond chasing feelings and toward a life that is unbroken and undivided.

In Part 2 of our LIVE episode of The Cultivate Podcast, Tammy & Melody answer your questions about the biggest challenges you face in your relationship with Jesus and how today's culture makes it hard to be “all in.” You're not alone in your battles to find time with God, avoid the constant noise and distraction or even to live in a world quick to judge your every move. Tune in for REAL conversation on setting simple habits, containing culture and being your own best protector.

In Part 1 of our LIVE audience recording of The Cultivate Podcast Tammy & Melody announce our 2020 theme and get REAL about what it looks like to cultivate wholeness and live a life unbroken and undivided. So many of us struggle with broken relationships and distracted hearts making it hard to focus and find time to authentically connect with ourselves, God and others. Listen in to learn practical ways to seek, surrender and set boundaries SO THAT you can live a whole life.

Listen again to our most downloaded episode of 2019 as Tammy and Melody talk about the beauty and balance of REAL friendship. Learn why loyalty, celebration and protection can help you be the best version of yourself and grow in healthy, authentic friendship. Tune in, then take some time to reflect on how you can cultivate relational kindness in 2020!

Is it just a fad or far-fetched idea that we can exchange pressure for peace? In this episode, Tammy and Melody share life lessons they've learned as they navigate the pressure and imperfection of family, work and life and try to pursue a more peaceful mindset. If we're willing to ask ourselves some REAL questions and make peace a priority, Jesus truly can be our peace on earth.

Is the struggle to be your best self REAL during the holidays? Tune in as Tammy and Melody share how the enneagram can help each of us be a little less crazy and a lot more KIND. If you're dreading family drama, high pressure gift giving, celebration burnout or that one control freak (you know who you are), we've got you covered! We're talking HOW TO avoid the angst, embrace the beauty and make this a more wonderful-ish time of year for yourself and the people you love.

Tammy and Melody continue their conversation with special guest, Kayla Stoecklein as she hones in on the NOT SO helpful things she encountered on her personal journey through grief, even from a well meaning Christian community. Listen in for valuable lessons as we learn HOW TO be kindness and walk alongside those facing pain, brokenness and grief. When we know better, we do better and this is an area where we want to be women who offer our most KIND selves.