The Truly Co Podcast

The celebration of the birth of Christ is here and today's episode is in honor of that wonderful and momentous event. Join Lindsay May as she welcomes back Rachel Booth Smith to the show and invites her to share a sweet truth with us.  Rachel is a long time friend of The Truly Co., having contributed multiple articles to the magazine. She has been featured in Chrisitianity Today, as well as other publications, and is soon to have a book out through Moody Publishers. She is currently pursing her Masters of Divinity, specializing in Old Testament studies. You can find out more about her on her website, through Instagram or Facebook. Today's episode uniquely focuses on two prayers spoken by two different women, one in the Old Testament and one in the New. These prayers, offered centuries apart, are beautifully paired and Rachel provides insight into what connects them and how they both connect to us today. Sit back and enjoy a rich teaching from the Word of God. May it prepare your heart in new and fresh ways as you commemorate the birth of Jesus and the gift He is to us every day.

The holidays are upon us! And so are the endless activities and Pinterest comparisons we make as we attempt to do everything in show-stopping style. Can anyone relate? Today The Truly Co. welcomes Cristina Slabic to the show to help us lead with joy and not dread as we step into this holiday season. Cristina is a time management and productivity coach who has learned to say no to doing everything and instead does less with greater satisfaction. In this episode you will learn how to: Say no graciously and without guilt.   Implement exit strategies for traditions you want to phase out or simplify. Prioritize what is non negotiable for you Allow regret to be a positive tool in your life And most importantly, you will learn the one question you want to ask yourself as you enter the holiday season. Today's conversation will empower you to embrace the holidays with anticipation as well as teach you how to manage your time throughout the year. Cristina can be found on Instagram and through her website.

Join Lindsay May as she welcomes Jenni Kaymeyer to the show today to talk about an issue that everyone will experience at some point in life: grief. Jenni is a licensed therapist, clinical director, and long time friend of The Truly Co. In The Home Issue, Jenni wrote an article titled “The Stages of Grief,” and today's episode expands on that by discussing the real-life process we go through during times of loss. And loss can come through the death of a person, a dream, a relationship, or even a season of life. Throughout their conversation, Jenni outlines the stages of grief and the order you can expect to go through them. She offers practical tips and resources to help you find the support you need to move through grief in a healthy manner. Along with being one to experience grief, Jenni also touches on how to support someone else in their journey.  You don't want to miss this insightful podcast for yourself and those you love. And don't forget to order a copy of The Home Issue and have Jenni's article as a continual resource. Connect with Jenni at @jennikahmeyer

Did you know that every day in America there are typically half a million children in foster care? That statistic is staggering yet for the average person it feels overwhelming to know how to help.  Today The Truly Co. welcomes Rachal Pollard (@pollardmama93) to the show to help us learn just how to do that. Rachal is a mom of five, has been married for 29 years and is passionate about foster care and adoption.  She is a foster and adoption ministry leader at her church and is an administrator for Project Belong. Her article in The Pursuit Issue titled “Setting an Extra Space at the Table” sparked our curiosity at The Truly Co. to want to know more. How can we help with this fostering crisis in America? Rachal specializes in helping churches and individuals know that fostering does not have to begin with opening your home to a child in need. There are a myriad of ways to support the foster and adoptive needs in your commuity. Today's conversation is filled with small and practical ways you can help as well as discussing how to know if you are ready to foster.  In this episode you will learn how to make a difference personally, within your church, and even your women's minstry. Rachal provides practical and simple ways you can make a difference right where you live. And you don't have to start a fostering ministry to do it!  You don't want to miss this episode and afterwards be sure to order a copy of The Pursuit Issue to read her article. You can make a difference in the life a child in need!

Do you have a hard time inviting others into your home? Today we're talking all things hospitality with Amber Stumph, founder of Copper and Nines, a company dedicated to helping people create meaningful space. Why do we feel so much pressure to make our homes perfect? Our guests simply want to experience life close to us. Our homes foster an atmosphere to grow meaningful relationships through personal connections.    After listening to today's conversation, you'll learn:  Why opening the doors to our home can feel so intimidating How we can switch our perspectives to become others-oriented Strategies to be "guest ready" at all times How we can have a healthy perspective of what a "beautiful home" looks like How to confidently walk into a thrift store to find unique decor items that will work for your space.   Quotes to remember:  "I can't do it all, but I can do this."   "Whether God has given you a grand or a humble home to live in, you can be proud of the space you have because you have something to offer people."   Read Amber's article An Open-Door Policy in Truly's Home issue.  Connect with Amber Stumph on Instagram (@copperandnines) , Facebook, or learn more about what she's up to at copperandnines.com. 

Today's episode is a mixture of raw pain and extraordinary hope as The Truly Co. welcomes Lisa Appelo to the show. Due to the tragic and sudden death of her husband, Lisa instantly became a single parent to seven children. Now, ten years later, her book Life Can Be Good Again helps other young widows find hope in the hard places of loss. Lisa shares her story and how she learned to walk her children through grief at the same time she was walking through it herself. She addresses the fear that she would never smile again and offers hope to those in similar situations. No one is immune to tragedy, so there are lessons to be learned from Lisa that apply in a variety of situations. She outlines the daily ritual that gave her the strength to face each day and provides advice for how to comfort someone who has experienced great loss. She offers surprising insight into the role idols play as we walk through tragedy and presents a counterintuitive way of dealing with grief. You don't want to miss this heartfelt episode! To learn more about Lisa and her ministry to widows, check out her website, and look for her on Instagram and Facebook.

Today's episode welcomes Alli Worthington, a bestselling author, nationally-known speaker, business coach, and mom of five (yes five!) boys, to the show. Get ready to be inspired as Alli shares her story of losing it all financially in 2008 and how God led her to build it back up creatively. She has taken the lessons she has learned along the way and is now coaching others who long to reach their potential dreams. This episode is chock full of amazing stories in Alli's life and tucked within each story are practical nuggets for anyone looking to launch a new chapter in their lives. Alli speaks from the heart as she wrestled with what to do after her financial crash, her surprising journey with social media, and how being an introvert didn't stop her from stepping into something new. Other great takeaways you can expect are: How to know if God is leading or you are forcing something to happen Who you should tell your dreams to and why How to overcome the fear of being prideful or selfish in your pursuits This is a conversation you don't want to miss, and when it is over you just might redefine your definition of success! To find out more about Alli, check out her website, listen to her on the Alli Worthington Show, sign up for her Coaching School or join her (and Lindsay!) in Called Creatives

Join Lindsay May as she welcomes Jonna Meidal to the show today.  Author, pastor, wife, and mom, Jonna offers insight into a battle we all fight on some level-- the relentless battle of pursuit. “People tend to think of success and progress vertically. With the beginning at the bottom and the goal at the top. But what if God looks at it differently?” That quote, taken from Jonna's article in the Pursuit issue, guides today's conversation about being an achiever in life and leads to several thought provoking questions: What do you do if you are running on fumes? What do you do for someone who is striving but not seeing any fruit? What does waiting look like? Jonna's article, God's vision of Pursuit: What I Have Planned Versus Where God is Leading Me is one of many great articles in the Pursuit and can be ordered here. You can connect with Jonna on Instagram and Facebook or her website

Today The Truly Co. welcomes Brittany Braswell to the show!  As a registered dietician, specializing in eating disorders and body image, Brittany is on a mission to help women ditch chronic eating issues and learn to embrace their God-given worth and identity. The podcast kicks off by outlining the biggest misconception to healthy eating: It is first and foremost a mental struggle. And that mental struggle has physcial implications. Brittany explains that by only focusing on the physical struggle, we remain stuck in a cycle of disorder. In this episode you will learn:  Key indicators of knowing if you have an unhealthy relationship with food The definition of and power behind intuitive eating How idolatry plays a role in your health and what you can do about it  Scriptures to aid in your journey toward health An unhealthy relationship with food can be daunting and overwhelming, so Brittany ends with resources and tips for how to take that first step toward breaking bad habits and cycles. Check out these links for Intuitive Eating and her free eBook! You can learn more about Brittany and easily connect with her through her website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Join Lindsay May in an insightful discussion on the sometimes wonderful, sometimes tricky relationship between mothers and daughters. Her guest, Mykelti Blum, is a licensed social worker, advisor of Bridging The Gap ministries and author of the book Braving Every Season: A Mother-Daughter Journey to Ditch the Tension, Create Connection and Brave Life Together In this episode, Mykelti pinpoints why the mother-daughter relationship is so significant and offers practical tips for: Dealing with expectations in a healthy manner Handling the tension between good intentions and being judgmental Understanding the importance of self-reflection and self-care She defines and explains how attachment styles and secondary emotions impact your interactions as a daughter, a parent, a spouse, and a friend. (see this link to learn your attachment style) And she emphasizes the importance of asking God to guide your journey and how to follow His prompts in response. Today's podcast offers nuggets of information that can be used in all relationships in your life! You can find Mykelti on her Website or Instagram. 

Today The Truly Co. podcast welcomes Jennifer Trautmann to the show. Jennifer shares her heart and her home with her husband, two boys and her father-in-law. She is a writer, photographer and a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God church. Join Lindsay May as she discusses an article Jennifer wrote in the Pursuit issue titled “Worn Paths: Finding God in the Rhythms of Habit.” Stemming from the grief of losing her mother-in-law to Covid, Jennifer describes how the habit of running allowed her to find a rhythm of connecting with God. It was this ritual that carried her through her darkest moments and gave her the strength and healing she needed. Order your copy of that poignant article here. Jennifer describes how our actions, over time, can open ourselves up to the Lord on a regular basis. And through ritual and routine we can more easily evaluate if we are progressing in different areas of our lives. She offers other suggestions for habits, specifically the importance of personal retreats.  Throughout the podcast, both the book Sacred Rhythms and Abuelita Faith: What Women on the Margins Teach Us About Wisdom, Persistence, and Strength had nuggets in them worth checking out and here are their links! You can connect with Jennifer on Instagram and Facebook.

Welcome Leslie Konhaeuser to the show today! Not only is she a mom of three under the age of three (yes, you read that right!), she is also a writer, podcaster, and licensened counselor. The Truly Co. published a beautiful article from Leslie in our Pursuit Issue and we liked it so much we wanted to spend more time with her! In her article titled “From Chaos to Shalom,” Leslie details her journey to finding peace in her life. Though the culture defines peace as the absence of struggling, she reminds us that in Christ we can obtain it while we are struggling. You won't want to miss the discussion that revolves around these statements: Intentionality is our missing link for seeking peace Faith when treated well will bolster your mental health.  Find His good presence and His good voice because it is there and he is longing to be found by you. Leslie emphasizes the need for Scripture meditation and as a bonus for our listeners, she walks us through an actual time of meditation. So not only will you learn some practical ways to combat anxiety in your life, you will have an opportunity TODAY to put them into practice.  You can find Leslie on Instagram, her website, and her podcast Motherhood: Named and Known!

Are you ready to dream? Or are you ready to act on those dreams? Join Lindsay May in her exciting conversation with Dream Coach and podcast host, Merritt Onas. Discover how dreaming became important in Merritt's life, how she overcame her fear of failing, and the one question that propelled her to take her idea and run with it. Also covered in this episode: The fears that lurk behind dreaming Handling unrealized dreams Learning to verbalize your dreams What all dream stoppers have in common and a practical tip to overcome them And don't miss these quotes that will encourage and motivate you to not give up on what God has put in your heart: “You can still step into something if you feel fear about it.”  “There is no competition in God's Kingdom.”   “The truest thing about you is what God has spoken over you, not what someone has spoken about you.” You can find Merritt on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and through her podcast, Devoted Dreamers. (Check out the May 11 episode for another great conversation between Lindsay and Merritt!) And don't forget to check out her 17 quick actions to get your dream moving forward! Get started TODAY putting your dreams into action! More on thetrulyco.com.

Literary agent, speaker, podcast host and author of over 40 books, Mary DeMuth is a legend of wisdom in this generation. Her passion and commitment to prayer, as well as her depth of Biblical knowledge, has touched countless lives and The Truly Co. was eager to have some one-on-one time with her. In this episode, host Lindsay May covers Mary's strategy for creating an irresistible home (published in full in the latest Truly Co. magazine), the one thing that helps her say no to others (which actually hangs on her wall!), ways to effectively incorporate the Sabbath in your life, and fresh insight into the power of the written word. In addition, Lindsay gets the inside scoop on Mary's latest book, The Most Misunderstood Women of the Bible. Birthed out of a painful misunderstanding in her own life, she covers this painful topic and the importance of “learning the art of being ok with someone in the world not liking you.” Using women of the Bible as her guide, she offers strategies for tackling this common, yet difficult relational issue. There's lots of great wisdom packed into this short podcast and The Truly Co. was honored to capture it. Want to connect more with Mary? You can join her in prayer every day on her Pray Every Day Podcast or check out her website.

Do you ever wonder if you've crossed a line into unhealthy behaviors?  Or do you know you've crossed a line and now are unsure what to do? In today's episode, entrepreneur and social media influencer Meghan Joy Yancey, describes her recent journey and battle with alcohol. Very candidly, she states: “Never in a million years would I have imagined myself as someone who would NEED to refrain from drinking. It was a slow fade from being a casual/social drinker to realizing I had an issue. I had become very good at hiding it all from every single person in my life, including my husband.” A 2021 an article from Harvard Health says between 2001-2013 there was:       A 16% increase in the proportion of women who drink alcohol       A 58% increase in women's heavy drinking (vs 16% in men)       An 84% increase in women's one-year prevalence of an alcohol use disorder (versus 35% in men) Join host Lindsay May as she explores a topic not often discussed in faith communities. There is a rise in alcohol abuse among women and in this exclusive conversation, Meghan shares openly and vulnerably about her journey of realization and her path to overcoming it. In this episode you will discover:       Warning signs of alcohol abuse       Important action steps for helping yourself or someone you love       The book, Your Future Self Will Thank You, that equipped Meghan with the spiritual strength she needed most  Along with her social media presence on Instagram, you can find Meghan on her website blogging, running an essential oil business and homeschooling her six children.  Enjoy this raw and real conversation with The Truly Co's newest friend! www.thetrulyco.com

Do you wrestle to understand your calling? What should it look like and how do you pursue it?  These questions, plus more, are answered in today's episode with author, speaker, and social media guru Simi John.  Learn the fascinating story of how Simi and her entire family came to know Jesus and how that journey impacted her and still impacts her today.    In today's episode you will learn: The difference between passions and giftings Three ways to gauge if you should move forward with an idea The defining characteristic of a faithful steward Plus this bonus! The secret to why Simi is able to keep anger and critical responses out of her social media posts. Originally born in India, Simi moved to Texas as a young girl where she met Jesus and was forever changed. She is the author of the book I Am Not and can be found sharing her life, marriage, ethnicity, and love for God on her website and Instagram.   Favorite quotes: The trajectory of our future was completely changed when God invited us into His family and His love.  If it were not for the local church my family would not be here. God is always speaking. We're just not always listening.  We are waiting for the opportunity, while God is waiting for our obedience.  www.thetrulyco.com

What do you do when the unthinkable happens? This week's podcast episode will inspire you as you hear Sarah Hanan, the podcast host of A Mom's Cancer Story, share the story of her cancer diagnosis when she was seven months pregnant with her son, Noah.    Having walked through two cancer diagnoses, Sarah models raw honesty and what it looks like to trust Jesus when facing death. In this conversation, we talk about practical ways to help others facing a challenging situation, what NOT to say to someone who is hurting, and why we don't have to fear death.   Key scriptures that have encouraged Sarah:   2 Corinthians 4:16-18: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."   Isaiah 55:8-9: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."   Connect with Sarah: A Mom's Cancer Story Podcast Instagram: @sahanan1   Visit www.thetrulyco.com to subscribe to the magazine for more stories of hope and gospel-centered encouragement. 

Why is memorizing Scripture so powerful? This week's podcast episode will inspire you as you hear the story of how God's word helped Dwell Differently CEO Vera Schmitz, a former professional pole vaulter, overcome mental health challenges after retiring from her athletic career. Not only did God transform Vera's spirit, but he also sparked an idea for a new business that would help others in their faith journey.    "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." (Deuteronomy 11:18 NIV).    About four years ago, Natalie Abbott and her sister Vera Schmitz started a business on a mission called Dwell Differently. Dwell helps people fix God's words in their hearts and minds, primarily through scripture verse temporary tattoos. Natalie writes the weekly devotional, hosts the Dwell Differently podcast, and co-leads the Dwell team with Vera. Every month they memorize and focus on one Bible verse together. (Listen to Lindsay May's episodes on the Dwell Differently podcast: Episode 105, 106, and 107).   In this episode, listen to Natalie share how God directed her gifts and abilities to help bring Dwell to life. She believes that Jesus loves all people and wants them to know him and experience health and freedom and beautiful transformation in their lives.   Key quote: "The gospel is common ground for everyone."   Connect with Dwell: Website: dwelldifferently.com Instagram: @dwelldifferently Facebook: @dwelldifferently    If you enjoy this content, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. New episodes drop twice a month. Subscribe to Truly Magazine. 

Have you thought about the creation story and wondered about how it all happened? If you've been around kids that have asked questions about how it all happened and felt stumped, you're not alone. The truth is, God is a working God, and while he rested on the seventh day of creation, it was only the beginning of the work he has done. God invites human beings to create with him.    This week on The Truly Co Podcast, we're chatting with Jordan Raynor about his new book, The Creator in You, a beautiful illustrated children's book with a profoundly deep message for kids and adults. Jordan is an author of four books and helps Christians respond to the radical, biblical truth that their work matters for eternity. He does this through his bestselling books The Call to Mastery Podcast and weekly devotional (The Word Before Work)––content that has served millions of Christ-followers in every country on earth.    Listen in to learn more about: How God's work is like and unlike our own. Practical ways we can look at our work (and our kids work) with purpose, enthusiasm, and joy. Work existed before sin and therefore was once perfect worship, and what this means for us today. How we can reframe our perspectives on "ministry work" to embrace the eternal significance of our daily activities.   Connect with Jordan: Website - http://jordanraynor.com/ The Creator in You Redeeming Your Time Master of One Called to Create The Call to Mastery podcast The Word Before Work podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanraynor/   Subscribe to Truly Magazine Listen to The Truly Co Podcast on Apple and Spotify

This week, the Truly Co Podcast host Lindsay May talks with artist Tasha Branham, a New Jersey-based prophet, mentor, business consultant, mother, and wife. Truly features custom artwork in each magazine issue to facilitate more profound thoughts about each article we publish.    In this episode, Tasha talks about her journey as an artist and her inspiration in creating those pieces. Much of her inspiration comes from the scriptures--it helps her have a greater appreciation for God and His word. She leans in to the Holy Spirit to help overcome creative blocks, and will encourage listeners to explore their creative spirits.    Tasha's acrylic and pen on canvas artwork is featured in Truly Magazine's Intentionality issue, titled "Never Let Go." Listen to hear about the journey God brought her through in creating and sending this piece to The Truly Co.   Tasha believes that EVERYONE is creative: we are all created in the image and likeness of God, who is the Creator. We are creatives. Art does not encompass all creativity. It's a branch of creativity. Creativity can be how you solve problems or innovate to make something work. It's in how accountants crunch numbers or how attorneys find loopholes and defend their clients. It's everywhere, and we all have it.   Find Tasha below! Website: tashabranham.com Instagram: @tashabranham        @earlybirdcreative.co    Order a Magazine at thetrulyco.com.

Healing doesn't have to look the way everyone thinks or imagines it should look. It could be tiny steps each day. Healing isn't always a straight-line process, but we can go to the Father every day to ask him for help, knowing he is with us on our journey.   In this episode of The Truly Co. Podcast, we talk with pastor Brittany Jones of Motivation Church about mental health. Brittany and her husband planted this church in Richmond, Virginia, in September 2017.    Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Brittany shares her journey towards healing from a trauma-filled childhood, navigating church leadership and therapy. Healing is often found through community, and this week's episode will encourage you to know that you aren't alone on your journey.    Follow Brittany on Instagram @brittanycharise    Grab a copy of Truly magazine at thetrulyco.com

If you've grown up in the church, you've probably heard the phrase "obedience brings blessing." We often internalize this to mean if you serve the Lord and obey Him, then your prayers will be answered, and essentially, you'll "get what your heart desires." This week, we're chatting with Ali Gray, creative entrepreneur, writer, mother, and worship leader, about what happens when we don't get the answered prayers we want.    Featured in Truly's intentionality issue, Ali shares her intentional experiences with God as she has navigated a challenging season in her life and her realization of equating her circumstances to God's goodness. Ali reminds us not to let God's gifts become the idol we worship. If you're in a difficult season of unanswered prayers, we encourage you to meditate on Psalm 77:17, "Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters— a pathway no one knew was there!" (NLT).   It's not your responsibility to make a way for yourself. That's what God does. He's our provider.    Find Ali on Instagram at @alikgray and read her article in Truly's intentionality issue.    Register to attend our writers call HERE.  Find our FREE editing guide HERE. 

Good things require hard work. This week, we're chatting with entrepreneur Dre Barthel, Owner and Creative Director of Covey, about taking the first step and moving forward in your dreams. We're talking about real challenges we face as working from home with family and how we can trust the Lord with our work time and family. You'll learn practical strategies to balance business and work and the importance of taking time to rest.    An entrepreneur at heart, Dre has created and produced two successful annual event series through the Covey platform: the Momboss 5k and the Steadfast Retreat, with more to come! For Dre, it has been a fabulous journey to get to the point in her professional life where her passion for event planning, brand awareness, and strategy collide with her deepest desire to make a difference in the lives of others.    Learn more about what Dre is doing at coveyevents.com , Instagram, and more info on The Steadfast Retreat here.

Have you wanted to understand better what Scripture says about women in ministry? What was God's intent when he created women from the very beginning? Are women allowed to preach? What's the deal with head coverings? These were the questions sent to us on Instagram recently around women in ministry. This week's podcast features Hillary Leeper, a Biblical and Theology Studies professor at North Central University. In this episode, Hillary offers in-depth discussion and thoughtful responses to many of today's burning questions about gender and authority in the Bible. Drawing on her own experience as a woman passionate about using her Spirit-given giftings, Hillary shares her journey of overcoming challenges in her role, discusses how to interpret variants in Scripture, and how to understand the context. She encourages us to acknowledge our tendency to search scriptures through our cultural context, which doesn't always line up with the model used in the first-century church. You might want to have a notebook next to you as you listen to jot down insight and scriptures for further reading. Connect with Hillary on Instagram @hillaryleeper or email hkleeper@northcentral.edu.

Have you ever cried out to God in the middle of an impossible circumstance to ask when he will come through for you? We know you'll connect with Kelly's story. Kelly Lemon is a Seattle-based photographer who is passionate about living life to the fullest and overcoming life's challenges. In this episode of the Truly Podcast, she shares her miraculous journey of healing and prayer after suffering a near-fatal car accident that left her right arm paralyzed at 12 years old. Kelly's story of faith and journey to learning to rely on God in the hardest seasons is raw and powerful.    She emphasizes the need for faithful sisters in Christ to pray “scary” prayers that are often hard for people who are suffering to ask God for themselves. Kelly reminds us that wrestling with God through suffering is okay and that while suffering is to be expected, suffering alone is never in God's plan. He is always there but we have to open our hearts to him.    Follow Kelly to see her stunning photography and to hear her encouragement on Instagram (@kellylemon, @kellylemon_empowerment) or check out her website and blog.   www.thetrulyco.com

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast, we're talking about identifying God's voice and finding our unique purpose with host Lindsay May and Brooke Peterson. Brooke Peterson is the owner of Well Women Co. with a mission to inspire women to cultivate Christ-centered faith and holistic wellbeing through authentic community and practical resources.     If you feel like you don't know where God is calling you, know that He is going before you and guiding you. The Lord speaks to us uniquely as individuals, and we can learn to follow His voice. Brooke shares how we can piece together the words God has spoken to us over the years to find our divine purpose. Based on her article "Fragmented Vision" in Truly Magazine's Unity issue (available for purchase here), we know you'll be encouraged by her words.   Brooke encourages us to have our environments be "set apart" so that we can fully honor the Lord in all that we do and take into our minds, ears, and hearts. If we fully invite him into moments, we will hear His voice.   Follow Brooke in all that she is doing at Well Women Co. on her website, Instagram, Facebook, or podcast.   Purchase the unity issue of Truly Magazine at TheTrulyCo.com

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast, we're chatting about mental health and cultural ideologies of beauty. Melissa talks about how the “American brand of beauty” - Barbie-like figure, long-flowing hair, big eyes, thin and toned, diet culture - has caused a lot of unnecessary shame, mental health struggles, and eating disorders for women, herself included. She is passionate about redefining beauty and bringing it back to how God designed it - seeing His hand at work in and around us.  Melissa Johnson is a Bethel University graduate and professor, spiritual director, and marriage & family therapist. She is passionate about redefining beauty... From the American brand of beauty to true beauty, the life of God at work in and among us. Her article in Truly Magazine's Leadership issue, “The American Brand of Beauty is Broken . . . and Why it Matters for Leaders” is a further glimpse into this concept. You can also find more on her website and podcast at impossible-beauty.com, or on Instagram. Visit TheTrulyCo.com for more resources.

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast, host Lindsay May talks with Hope Johnson about finding satisfaction in Christ when your desires aren't being fulfilled. Hope Johnson is a writer and podcaster in Upstate New York who has a passion for encouraging single Christian women.  She also hosts Hope Unyielding, a podcast where people from all walks of life share stories of God's faithfulness in the dark or difficult times in their journeys. Hope's desire is to encourage women with the message that they are not failing as Christians because they wrestle with unfulfilled desires. Hope shares when she realized that the shame she was feeling was not from God, she began to see Him more clearly, not only as her Savior, but as someone who walked the earth and experienced the same things that we do, and who looks on us with compassion and understanding rather than disappointment.  She recently released a free eBook on what it looks like to be satisfied in Christ when desires go unfulfilled called Unsatisfied: If Jesus Is the Bread of Life, Why Am I So Hungry? You can download her eBook, find her writing and check out her podcast at https://hopeunyielding.com/ or on Instagram (@hope_jaazaniah). Find more info on The Truly Co at www.thetrulyco.com or order a magazine, including our newest release Pursuit, here.

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast,  host Lindsay May talks with Carol Lund--a Christian visionary, leader, and mentor, who is also a wife, mother of five, and grandmother of thirteen.  As the Director of Bridging the Gap Women's Ministries and the Department of Women's Ministries for the Minnesota District Council of the Assemblies of God, Carol is a catalyst for ministry to women. She lives what she has learned: that God's Word will mix with life's experience to create the wisdom that is needed for living.    In addition to reminding us that God is always working in every aspect of our lives, and will bring fruition to dreams, even if years down the road, Carol also talks about the upcoming Thrive Conference at Rochester's Mayo Civic Center on October 1st & 2nd, 2021. Notable speakers include Alex Seely, Andi Andrew, Havilah Cunnington, and Brittany Jones, with special guests Emmanuel LIVE Worship, and emcees Susie Larson, and Amber Gerstmann.   Follow Carol and learn more about Thrive and other Bridging the Gap events and initiatives on Instagram (@mnbtg) or online at mnbtg.org.  Order your copy of Truly magazine at thetrulyco.com/store.

Kendra Roehl has sought to live out that advice as a social worker, foster parent, mother of five, public speaker, and author. She earned a master's degree in social work and naturally became a defender of those in need, serving others through hospice, low-income housing, and veterans affairs programs. Kendra and her husband have become well-known advocates for foster care, taking in over 20 children in six years, and adopting three of them. She continues to care for others on their journeys as a frequent speaker, a founder of The Ruth Experience, and an author of several books, including 100 Daily Acts of Friendship for Girls.  In this episode of The Truly Co. Podcast, Kendra discusses her recent article in Truly Magazine's Intentionality issue (sold here), in which she speaks about how to love someone who is going through a hard time, especially when you don't know what to do. Many people don't know what to say or do when people around us are hurting, so we end up doing nothing. As women and friends, we need ideas for ways we can support others going through a challenging season.   Kendra's motto is “Do it afraid,” and her conversation here tells about how she has had to do just that.  https://www.facebook.com/TheRuthExperience Keep up with Kendra and The Ruth Experience on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or on the website.

This week we're pulling back the curtains to give you another behind-the-scenes peek at The Truly Co. We are thrilled for you to meet our Art Director, Kristi Ellison. If you've held a copy of Truly magazine in your hands and admired the layout and overall visual tone, you know it's fabulous. Kristi is the woman who puts the text and imagery together in our magazine format and leans into the Holy Spirit to make sure the art reflects the content in each article.    In this interview, Kristi shares her heart behind the design process, how she connected with The Truly Co, and what it's like directing the art and layout for the magazine. Listen in to learn more about our process, the style of art that The Truly Co resonates with the most, and how artists and creatives can get involved with future issues.    Kristi challenges us to listen to God, lay down your desires at His feet, and let God move on your behalf about the desires in your heart.    Follow Kristi on Instagram at @klee_ellison. 

In this episode, Jenni Kahmeyer, a licensed mental health counselor and writer for The Truly Co, speaks on the necessity of self-care and the topic of mental health. Self-care is really about self-compassion and treating ourselves well. She explores the history of mental health issues in the church and some of the church's negative responses to mental illness. Jenni teaches us how the church can view mental health challenges as an aftermath of the Fall of man. Just as with physical healing, God provides mental healing through miracles, but He also uses doctors, counselors, and other professionals to help others. Jenni encourages us to recognize the value of living and serving from a place of abundance and rest and describes strategies to help us understand what that means for ourselves. Follow Jenni and what she is doing at @jennikahmeyer on Instagram and Facebook.

In this episode, Leah Andrade shares her incredible journey of discovering God's goodness, faithfulness, and redeeming power in her life through her journey as an immigrant from Guatemala as a young child.    When Leah became a single mom unexpectedly, an older woman befriended her, stirring a passion and desire someday to be that same friend to other struggling women.    Leah believes that your past can be the platform that will launch you into your next season. You are never bound to your past and what has happened to you. God is with you through it all, and we are all a work in progress.    She saw God's hand of provision over her life as He provided food, shelter, and protection for her and her younger brother. Reflecting on her journey, Leah reminds us that God is unchanging and is there for us in every situation, and our lives can reveal the Love of God to others, even those that have hurt us.   Follow Leah and all she is doing through ANEW Ministries on Facebook, Instagram, or the ministry's website.   Don't forget to order a copy of Truly magazine!

Deidre Braley is a Title 1 teacher and instructional strategist at an elementary school in Maine. She enjoys leisurely breakfasts, throwing dinner parties, and writing for her blog The Second Cup. She also writes for Truly Magazine.   In this episode, Deidre talks with Truly Co Podcast host Lindsay May about how she manages to stay afloat in the midst of family hardships and working full-time. In Truly Magazine's Intentionality issue, Deidre's article “Let's Become Interruptible” outlines how Jesus always took time to love people first and set his checklists aside. What does this look like for us today, living in a culture that glorifies “hustle” and progress? Deidra reflects on how God uses things he creates through us to teach us. We must pause to prioritize what God values.    Deidre also describes her experience in attending a Truly Magazine content call and the process of working with Truly's editorial team in fine-tuning her article for print. Meet other incredible writers like Deidre face-to-face and register for our upcoming content call for our next issue Home here.    Keep up with Deidre on her blog, thesecondcup.com,  or Instagram.

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast, Monica Ritchie and Lindsay May talk about the importance of understanding God, scripture, and our belief systems. Our belief systems are a vacuum. If we don't fill them with something, our belief systems will be filled for us by the world around us. Therefore, it's essential to be intentional about our theology.    Monica unpacks the context of Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV). In this verse, Jesus is speaking in the context of wealth. We are designed to seek God first for all of our needs, including wealth. God desires us to trust in him and go to him first for all of our needs. Wealth can mean a variety of things, including financial, such as mental wealth and health. When we go to God first, spend time with him, and get to know him, we will then have our hearts unified to Christ because we will know his heart for us.    We can anchor ourselves in who we know God to be in his character and will. Spending time with God through reflection and prayer is one way we can grow our wisdom and discernment. Monica shares practical insight into the unique ways we can hear God's voice regularly. God made you, and he knows how to speak to you. Hearing God's voice doesn't have to look like what others have experienced.   Monica acknowledges that we may often romanticize our time with God that doesn't match the reality of our season. For example, intentional time with God can happen in the car while we're driving, going for a walk, or doing the dishes at the kitchen sink. We can be intentional with God about our thoughts and emotions at any time, in any place.   We reflect on how we can step away from the pressure of a "Pinterest-perfect" prayer life and step into the muddiness of raw questions and emotions. God will meet you where you are.     Monica's scripture meditation: James 1:2-3, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (NIV)   This scripture is a joyful reminder to wait on the Lord because he wants us to be mature and complete. Therefore, we can wait in joy for the arrival of our goals, dreams, and ambitions.    Follow Monica in all that she is doing on 98.5 KTIS, her blog Pineapple Momma, or on Instagram @pineapple_momma   Purchase a copy of Truly magazine. 

Are you a writer? Are you interested in submitting content for possible publishing in Truly magazine? Or, are you just curious about how each magazine issue comes to life? This episode is for YOU! Editorial Content Director Brianna Gray and Publisher Lindsay May will be talking about something unique to Truly magazine in this episode. We're giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what we look for when selecting content for publishing in Truly magazine.    The Truly Co is hosting an online content meeting on July 13, 2021 where we will introduce our Spring 2022 issue theme, "home." We'll explain how we plan for the content we want, our ideal writers, and the best tips to submit your best article to fit Truly magazine.   If you're interested in writing, you won't want to miss this episode or the meeting. Invite a writer friend to join you and register to attend the meeting on Truly's website: https://thetrulyco.com/magazine-content-brainstorm-registration/

This week, HER (Himalayan Entrepreneur Resources) US co-directors Krystal Gail and Rachel Skoog speak about their groundbreaking project serving women in Nepal on this episode of The Truly Co. Podcast. This episode is a testimony of what can happen when everyday women take a step of faith. Rachel Skoog is a wife and mom who loves to cook, garden and travel. Krystal Foster, a nurse of 16 years and Spiritual and Emotional Intelligence Coach, recently bought a farm with her husband and children with the intent to create an organic, self-sustaining resource.    Informed by a woman from Nepal named Hannah, Rachel learned women have very little education about puberty and what happens to the female body. Consumed by myths and cultural stigmas, menstruation is a subject that brought shame, rejection, disease, and danger to the lives of women each month. Myths, stigmas, and the realities of menstruating women include:  Contact with a menstruating woman will bring bad luck; therefore, women cannot make food.  Women are not allowed to touch livestock for fear the animal will get sick.  Painful UTIs or yeast infections are considered normal. At HER's most recent visits to the village in Western Nepal, the team found that over 85% of the women dealt with UTI or yeast infections.    Compelled by this knowledge, HER was founded in response to a caste system that's created enormous economic disparities, human trafficking, and a culture that shuns women to the point that they can't take care of themselves. Along with a team, Rachel and Krystal traveled to Nepal to share and teach practical hygiene practices, business skills, and sustainable farming. As a result, the HER project now employs local seamstresses ('the seven sisters') to produce sustainable feminine hygiene kits in the Himalayan area.    As of the recording of this podcast (spring 2021), the focus of HER provides feminine health education, hygiene kit supplies (reusable pads and sanitary napkins), entrepreneurship skills (education on economic alternatives to prostitution such as goat, mushroom, and chicken farming), and financial literacy (budgeting, savings accounts, etc.). Women's education raises the economic standard of their villages and families, creates normalcy around menstruation (versus exile), which ultimately changes the mindsets of the culture.   Krystal encourages us, "Do not hesitate to use your gifts and your talents, no matter what your qualifications are. If you think you have too little skill or talent, it's not true. . .God can use it all."   Connect with Krystal, Rachel, and other exciting projects at the HER website (part of Venture.org), Instagram, and The Venture Facebook Community.   We encourage you to watch this video testimony from Hannah (mentioned in this podcast episode) and share it with your friends.    Period care subscription purchases through Garnuu directly benefit the HER project.     

We're thrilled to welcome Rachel Smith to The Truly Co podcast on this week's episode. Rachel is a Truly magazine writer, with articles included in Truly's leadership and unity issues. In addition, Rachel is a Midwest mom who doubles as a Master's student at Pillar Seminary and is passionate about studying and understanding the literary truth of the Bible.   In this conversation, Rachel shares a wealth of knowledge about common misinterpretations of the Bible, toxic theology, women in ministry, and more. She compares Biblical truth in our hearts to a plant – "If you have just begun to have a seed planted, you need to take time to grow that truth before sharing it with the world, or it will shrivel up," she says.    Rachel shares her story of how she internalized this concept ten years ago as her daughter lay very ill in a hospital at a young age. Meditating on God's truths in that devastating season brought understanding and maturity to her faith and knowing God's character.     She encourages us to always go back to the intent of God in dry, confusing times. First, pursue scripture. Scripture, Rachel explains, first and foremost, should be our filter. Unfortunately, though, there are times when the most we can do is go on a walk, and Rachel reminds us that God is declaring something over us even if we don't hear it or feel it. "A little bit of faithfulness is a big deal in dry times."   Listen and learn more about Rachel's wisdom in pursuing and understanding the Bible's true meaning.   Connect with Rachel for more resources at rachelboothsmith.com, on Instagram @firmlyanchored, on Twitter @rachel7092, or via e-mail rachel@smithsfrontdoor.com   Some of her favorite resources: How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin What if Jesus was Serious by Skye Jethani Bearing God's Name by Carmen Joy Imes Watch: How to Read the Bible Series by The Bible Project Listen: The Biblical Mind Podcast - Rethinking 'Quiet Time' with Scripture (Jen Wilkin) 1/8/21 The Pillar Podcast - Our Anemic Gospel 6/2/17   Quotes:   "If you want something to pass down to your grandkids, we need to spend time on it and meditate on it, and then live through it, and then you're ready to talk through it."    "If you can learn something in the morning and post about it by the afternoon, you probably have not fully ingested that truth into your heart, and you're probably not ready to share it yet."   "A little bit of faithfulness is a big deal in dry times."

Julie Fisk left a 15-year-career legal career to follow her childhood dream of becoming an author. She has co-authored six books, including The One Year Daily Acts of Friendship Devotional. Together with her co-founders of the Ruth Experience, Julie connects with thousands of women online through the journey of seeking and living out faith, true friendship, and intentional kindness. When she’s not writing or speaking, you will find Julie, her husband, and their two kids filling their home and backyard with new friends, old friends, and soon-to-be friends. Julie is a backyard farmer, a collector of cookbooks and coffee mugs, and admitted bookworm.  Often we compare ourselves to the process other women are going through, but Julie reminds us that God has called us to, and through, different seasons. If we trust His process, He will bless it. You don't have to be the best at one thing to be used by God. Practice and work at the things God is calling you to do. Obedience and patience through God’s perfect process bring blessing. Julie encourages women in every season to pursue and find peace in God’s process, seek mentors, and seek to mentor those behind them.   Connect with Julie and her co-authors at www.theruthexperience.com, @theruthexperience on Instagram, or The Ruth Experience page on Facebook.   Quotables from the interview:  “God uses ordinary girls.” “God uses mediocre girls, and He wants to use them, so He gets the credit.” “The fulfillment of my wildest dreams is not at the expense of you.” “There is no scarcity in God’s kingdom.” “Let’s fail forward.” “The faster you get comfortable in who you are, the more settled you will be.” “Doing things that are scary is what makes you grow.” “There’s this lie that you have to be good at something, and the fact of the matter is, you don’t.” “Do the things you enjoy because you enjoy them and because God is calling you to them.”

In this episode of The Truly Co Podcast, host Lindsay May chats with Lucrecia Slater, social worker, veteran, and author, about her article in Truly magazine's unity issue, "Cultivating Healthy Boundaries." After serving in the military for 13 years, Lucrecia Slater chased her passion of becoming a published author and blogger. Currently residing in Tennessee with her husband and two daughters, Lucrecia released Her first book, "Broken Narratives: Restoration in the Broken Pieces of our Lives" in 2017 (available on Amazon). Lucrecia's article, "Cultivating Healthy Boundaries," is featured in In Truly Magazine's unity issue, and provides ideas and practical steps to help you establish and tend to your own boundaries. By implementing boundaries in our lives, we exercise self-care and become more equipped to show love to others. "We can be more readily available to others and God-assignments when we have healthy boundaries in place." Lucrecia reminds us that we are called to uphold the vessels that God has made and boundaries are a great way to honor God by honoring that commitment to yourself.  Lucrecia is a social worker with a heart to help women with untreated childhood trauma, faith, and mental wellness.  Follow Lucrecia and all she is up to on instagram @lucreciaslater  or www.lsslater.com   Key Quotes:  "Take care to do what God has called you to do - boundaries will help you move forward more purposefully toward those things." "Boundaries are put in place for you to determine what you can control within your limits."  "We are in control of everything within our space."  "We can't be all things for everybody."  "Boundaries are an extension of self-care." "If we are going to have wholesome lives, then we need to best honor the boundaries that we set for ourselves." "We can be more readily available to others and our God-given assignments when we have healthy boundaries in place."

In this interview, Lindsay chats with Heidi Rausch, the first female youth pastor at Cedar Valley Church, about what to do when facing an unexpected crisis. Heidi is a wife, mother, and full-time youth pastor, as well as an entrepreneur. At just 26 years old and becoming a new mom, Heidi was faced with the reality of losing her eyesight after being diagnosed with Punctate Inner Choridopathy (PIC), a rare disease with no treatment. Heidi shares her journey through discovering her diagnosis, the frustrations of losing independence and wrestling with trusting God through this unexpected, life-altering situation. Heidi shares: "I have never faced something so hard where my world stopped. The hardest part is realizing that even though my world was standing still, everyone elses' was still going. I'm still living with this today. Some of my vision was restored, but God is still good even if I don't receive healing." "I was determined that although this reality is devastating, I wanted to go through this suffering with Jesus. I can rest with a little bit of joy and peace because my pain has purpose when I choose to walk alongside Christ. There are many things I can still do despite my circumstances." "We aren't guaranteed an easy solution for our problems, but we can choose to put our trust in God amid our pain." Colossians 3:2 "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (NIV) Find Heidi on Instagram: @heidinrausch

Get an inside scoop into The Truly Co’s team culture and a sneak peek at what’s coming up for Truly in 2021. In this episode, we’re chatting with Brianna Gray, Truly’s Editorial Content Director. Learn more about Truly’s history and how our internal team helps bring each magazine issue to life. Brianna works with magazine writers to make the words even better than they already are. Her goal is to help writers and encourage readers to grow in their curiosity and faith journey. Ultimately, we want to help our readers grow in their faith and understand the heart of God.  

Lindsay May is the founder of The Truly Co and publisher of Truly magazine. In this introduction episode, Lindsay shares the heart behind Truly and what you can expect in the episodes we share on the podcast. Our heart behind Truly is to provide encouragement and share Biblical truth to our readers and listeners. We believe that because we are empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, we have the ability to use our creative gifts and talents in a visually impactful way to draw readers into articles and visual content that will ultimately point people back to Jesus. Truly's founding verse is Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. This verse is the heart of everything we share. In a world overwhelmed with anxiety, hopelessness, discouragement, and depression, our hope is that Truly points to the source of ultimate peace, Jesus, and engages in the wrestle of how our faith and life are lived out in everyday moments. We want to explore and dwell on things that point to Life through authentic, relatable content. Order our magazines on our website: thetrulyco.com Follow us on Instagram: @thetrulyco Join our Facebook group: The Truly Co Community