Why Should I?

Prayer is one of the most underutilized resources in the life of a believer. We have an all access pass to the Creator of Heaven and Earth. And did you know that God always answers your prayers? It might not be how we think or when we want - but He's always speaking. Tune into today's mini episode for 3 ways God responds to our prayers.

It's easy to allow bitterness to grow in our hearts but God is willing and ready to heal our wounds. Rachel chats with Ryan Fairchild about life after heartbreak and how to hold onto hope for God's best.

Laughter is good for the soul. Tune into this lighthearted conversation as Rachel and Bryan shoot the breeze and catch up on life, callings/career and more.

We sometimes feel the need to have it all together but when we realize we all have our stuff there's real freedom to be found. We can show up in our healthiest way when we are emotionally vulnerable with trusted people. Mental health, therapy, trauma, counseling, etc... we talk about it all on this episode with Sarah Hall.

Consistency is the key to achieving your goals this year. Rachel talks with DJ Tripoli on implementing healthy habits, having an ownership mentality, the importance of a routine and more.

Welcome to the first WSI episode of 2023! The last couple of years may have knocked the wind out of us but it's time to lift our heads and dream again for what God wants to do in and through our lives. Take a listen to this conversation between Rachel and Sarah and be encouraged to dream again in this new year.

As we wrap up 2022 and look ahead to 2023, it's imperative to make sure our faith holds the utmost priority in our lives. A thriving and healthy spiritual life looks like leaning into and embracing spiritual disciplines. Things such as prayer, scripture reading, hospitality, community, etc. are all integral to our relationship with Jesus. Rachel has a conversation with Abby Cirkles on what it looks like to embrace the ebb and flow of life while keeping these things at the forefront of our everyday routines.

Parenting is a great privilege and a great responsibility. Tune into this conversation to hear some wisdom and encouragement from sister duo Angela Navarro and Christiana Shelton about stewarding your children's heart, pointing them to Jesus and instilling biblical values as you encourage them to step into all that God has for their life.

How can you keep your heart tender amidst devastating pain and grief? How can you still believe for healing if/when you don't see it? How can you experience a new facet of Jesus in suffering? Rachel has a conversation with her friend Sarah English talking about these questions and more.

It's important to know why we believe what we believe. Building your life on something solid relies on a firm foundation. In this conversation, Rachel chats with her friend Lacey about toxic purity culture, political division, loving people you disagree with and more. You're definitely going to want to tune into this one!

Sometimes life can be filled with heartache and disappointment. But do we believe God can turn it around and use it for our good and for His glory? Take a listen to this conversation between Rachel and McKaylah to hear a story marked with restoration and a journey to freedom.

Our actions matter and we carry influence whether we realize it or not. Rachel gets to chat with her childhood hero former Texas Tech Lady Raider and current collegiate basketball coach, Alesha Robertson Ellis. They talk about the importance of walking with integrity and setting a positive example for young athletes while honoring God with our gifts and talents.

How you view yourself plays a large role in how others see and treat you. Cultivating a Godly confidence is an inside job. As we stay tethered to Christ and receive His heart for us and for other people, we are able to step into a bold and exuberant confidence that brings life to those around us.

Rachel has a conversation with speaker, author, pastor and producer Elyse Murphy on what it looks like to pursue healing, freedom and wholeness that's found in Jesus. They get deep on what it looks like to own the unique story God is writing for you. You'll be encouraged that there's purpose in the process and beauty that can come from your pain. You can follow Elyse on Instagram @elyse. For more information on Club Devotional and Breakthrough Bootcamp visit her website at: https://www.elysemurphy.com.

Good communication takes practice and intentionality. Rachel chats with Amie Stockstill who has a passion to help women develop their voice when sharing the Gospel. From preaching tips to sermon preparation, tune into this conversation and lean into the way God has uniquely wired you to be a voice for Him. Follow Amie on Instagram @letecho.co and follow along with the Why Should I Podcast @whyshouldi.podcast. To find out more info regarding the Echo Weekend Retreat visit echoweekend.com.

When you're passionate about something, you talk about it and want everyone to know about it. Rachel chats with Missions Pastor, George Oakes and Evangelist Tony Gonzales on all things missions, evangelism and discipleship. George and Tony share some great advice on how to effectively step out and share your faith and live on mission wherever you're at.

Skyrocketing gas prices, inflation, an imminent recession... Finances can be a daunting topic currently but it's important and something we often need help navigating. Rachel chats with her friends Danny and Faith Ortiz on making smart money moves. Let's play the long game and be good stewards with our resources. Connect with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast.

Every human is made in the image of God and has intrinsic value placed within them. This episode navigates the nuanced and often polarizing topic of abortion. With a stance of love over all, Rachel chats with advocate and justice seeker, Pamela Whitehead to bring hope and truth regarding this imperative topic.

Information and content has never been easier to access. With the click of a button you have a platform and the ability to spread a message. We ultimately share what we care about. In this conversation, Rachel sits down with her podcast mentors Jonathan and Joy Sixtos to discuss the power of media and the purpose behind our podcasting efforts. Connect with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast.

We can all get better. Excellence is a choice and our lives happen either by default or by design. Rachel challenges us to level up this summer in our: headspace, health, habits, holiness and hope. Tune in and let us know what you think! Follow along on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast. 

We've got one life to live... let's make it count! Rachel chats with her friend Bryan Koch who is currently living and working in Antarctica about what it looks like to make the most out of life by pursuing the things that make you come alive. Connect with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast.

Motivation is fleeting but discipline enables you to live out the habits that will help you become the person you want to be. Discipline infiltrates every area of your life and something we can all get better at. Rachel chats with her friend Heather Davis on practical and purposeful ways to incorporate the practice of discipline into your daily life. Follow the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast. 

Leadership is influence. We can all think back to people in our lives - mentors, teachers, coaches, etc. - who took a chance on us and called us higher. Rachel sits down with Derek and Jill Welborn to discuss the importance of investing into other people and developing healthy leadership habits. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast. Resource mentioned: https://fullfocus.co/20-questions-to-ask-other-leaders/

Managing expectations regarding dating is huge. Rachel chats with Kyle and Alexis Phillips on the importance of recognizing patterns over potential, being intentional before marriage and the importance of self awareness. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast.

Rachel sits down with her high school students to discuss their opinion on the future of the church. Gen Z aren't just the future of the church, they are leaders now. Tune in to hear their thoughts and opinions around this important topic. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG @whyshouldi.podcast.

Rachel and her besties, the self-proclaimed "Fab 4," sit down for a convo concerning all things friendship. Join Stephanie Casteel, Iris Fulton and Janelle Stephens for this fun girls chat discussing what makes a great friendship. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG @whyshouldi.podcast.

The local church should be a place where the atmosphere lifts us, the word challenges us, and the community encourages us. Join Rachel and Pastor Blaise Raccuglia as they discuss the importance of being connected to a local body of believers. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG: @whyshouldi.podcast.

Singleness often has a negative connotation but a waiting season doesn't have to be a wasted season. It's time to flip the script on singleness to pursue the fullness of what God has for you no matter the stage of life you find yourself in. Rachel chats with Ryan Wekenman about what it looks like not to survive but to thrive right where you're at. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG @whyshouldi.podcast.

Perfection can be the enemy of progress. You are uniquely gifted to make an impact on this world and your voice is so needed. In this episode, Rachel talks about why you should create. Take the plunge and do what it is God is calling you to do. Follow along with the Why Should I? Podcast fam on IG @whyshouldi.podcast.