Choosing Cheer

Motherhood, marriage, and work—how do we juggle it all? In this episode re-air, Nicolet Bell and Nicole Ruhnke challenge the common idea of “work-life balance” and instead embrace rhythms of grace. From practical ways to create a God-honoring routine to the importance of community and humility, they share real struggles and real hope. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this episode will encourage y...

  How do we rejoice when life feels overwhelming? Philippians 4 holds the answer. In this episode, Nicolet Bell walks us through some of Paul’s most quoted verses—about anxiety, prayer, peace, and contentment—and shows how each one is part of the joyful life God calls us to. Learn how gratitude changes your outlook, how to guard your thoughts with truth, and why contentment is the antidote to comp...

  What are you chasing—and is it worth it? In Philippians 3, Paul gives us a fresh lens on joy: not in our past, our performance, or our comfort, but in Christ alone. This episode of Choosing Cheer highlights how to let go of religious striving, press into the present moment, and anchor your identity in heaven, not here. Tune in for gospel truth, practical encouragement, and hope for your journey....

What does it mean to “shine like stars” in a world full of darkness? Nicolet Bell walks us through Philippians 2 to reveal Jesus’ model for joyful living: humility, sacrifice, and obedience. From practical parenting wisdom to spiritual encouragement, this episode will equip you to live with a gospel-shaped mindset—and let your light shine for all to see. Social media: @thechoosingcheerpodcast @nic...

What if joy wasn’t about everything going right—but about trusting God when it doesn’t? In this week’s Choosing Cheer , Nicolet Bell dives into Philippians 1 to uncover how thanksgiving, eternal perspective, and embracing suffering can unlock lasting joy. With honest reflections on her own season of waiting, she reminds us that we can be people of joy, no matter what we face. Social media: @thecho...

  Kicking off a month-long journey through Philippians, Nicolet Bell explores the themes of joy, spiritual growth, prayer, and perseverance—all from a letter written in prison. With heartfelt vulnerability, she also shares a personal life update and invites listeners to support the future of Choosing Cheer . This episode reminds us that joy doesn’t depend on comfort or control, but on Christ alone...

What happens when all the doors stay closed—and God simply says, “Wait”? In this episode, Nicolet Bell welcomes Mary Lauren Hudson to share her powerful story of trusting God in a season of silence. From journaled dreams to divine delays, Mary Lauren talks about hearing God’s still small voice, experiencing joy in prayer, and watching Him deliver in ways she didn’t expect. This episode offers a ho...

Comparison can steal more than your peace—it can rob your joy. In this episode, Nicolet Bell and Neely Robertson talk about choosing Jesus over hustle, performance, and pressure. From seasons of waiting to embracing the moment, Neely shares how she’s learning to find joy in small, sacred rhythms. This episode is a reminder that your value isn’t in what you produce, but in who you belong to. Social...

In a culture obsessed with self-optimization, David Zahl offers a radical alternative: grace. On this episode of Choosing Cheer , he and Nicolet Bell unpack the question:  What if your limits weren’t your downfall—but your doorway to grace? With humor, honesty, and gospel truth, David reminds us that joy isn’t found in measuring up—it’s found in being loved exactly as we are. Social media: @thecho...

In a culture of hustle and spiritual burnout, Kim Clark shares her story of choosing cheer through Scripture. On this week’s Choosing Cheer podcast, we replay one of our favorite conversations as host Nicolet Bell and Kim reflect on the simple but powerful habit of reading God’s Word—and how it’s possible to make it a joy, not a task. From coffee-and-blanket quiet times to Spirit-filled reminders...

In this re-air episode, Brooke McGlothlin joins Nicolet Bell on Choosing Cheer to talk about the heart work of motherhood and how prayer can be your first response—not your last resort. From honest confessions of exhaustion to practical tips for praying God’s Word, this episode is full of wisdom and grace for moms in any season. You’ll laugh, nod, and maybe cry as you’re reminded that God meets us...

Is prayer complicated or simple? Enjoy this re-air episode with Cynthia Davis. In this episode, Cynthia and Nicolet Bell talk about forming lifelong habits of prayer, listening for God’s voice, and finding deep joy in His presence. With personal stories, practical tips, and moving reflections on caregiving, worship, and the Lord’s Prayer, this conversation invites you into a richer, more personal...

In this heartfelt episode of Choosing Cheer , Nicolet Bell welcomes her husband, Preston Bell, for a fun and meaningful look at their own “awkward beginning” and how the joy of Jesus sustained them through every season. From early miscommunications to deep moments of prayer and Scripture, this conversation centers on real-life faith, the importance of obedience, and the beautiful truth that God se...

Mother’s Day can bring joy, grief, or both at once. In this Choosing Cheer episode, host Nicolet Bell and producer Casey Combest explore what it looks like to honor the day no matter your circumstances. They talk about infertility, grief, single motherhood, and how even on hard days, the presence of Jesus brings unshakable joy. If this day is complicated for you, this episode will meet you with gr...

How do we know when a friendship is God-honoring—and when it’s time to let go? This week, Nicolet Bell and Grace Valentine unpack the heart behind The Better Friend , exploring how boundaries, biblical wisdom, and vulnerability transform our relationships. Whether you’re feeling left out, carrying bitterness, or craving deeper community, this episode will remind you that Jesus is your friend first...

Nicolet is joined once again by her best friend, Lauren McMaster, for an honest and joyful conversation about the Choosing Cheer book, motherhood, and trusting God in seasons of waiting. They reflect on the promises of Scripture, the role of the Holy Spirit, and how even awkward beginnings can become beautiful testimonies. Whether you're in a waiting season or wrestling with control, this episode...

In this mini Holy Week special, Nicolet Bell reflects on the deeper meaning behind Easter through the lens of John 16:33—“Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” In a quick reflection, Nicolet invites listeners to shift focus from perfectionism to the eternal hope found in Jesus. Whether you're wrestling with unmet expectations or simply overwhelmed, this episode will anchor your heart in th...

Can peace and joy coexist with pain? In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Nicolet Bell and guest Sarah Beth Walker explore how the spiritual tools of breath prayers, gratitude journaling, and scripture memory can calm anxiety, deepen faith, and reveal Jesus’ joy in hard seasons. Learn how God’s presence can be felt through ancient practices and everyday worship—even during toddler tantrums...

Can comparison and striving steal your joy? Nicolet Bell and Ann Coggin say yes—and they’re here to share how God’s Word offers a better way. This episode dives into personal stories and rich scriptural truths that inspired Nicolet’s new Choosing Cheer book. From lessons in student ministry to leadership in Bible Study Fellowship, Ann shares how Scripture continues to shape her joy journey. They d...

In this special episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell is in the hot seat! Producer Casey Combest interviews Nicolet about her brand-new book on finding joy in both everyday moments and unimaginable hardships. Get sneak peeks from the book as Nicolet shares personal stories, including her life verse from John 16:33, how her brother’s wedding in a Mississippi storm inspired her, and how breat...

Have you ever wondered how gratitude impacts your mental, physical, and spiritual well-being? On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet welcomes Kelli Brent to discuss the Biblical command to give thanks in all things. Kelli reveals the neuroscience behind gratitude and how it carried her through a battle with breast cancer. Learn how to develop a lifestyle of thankfulness, deepen your prayer lif...

Many parents struggle with knowing how to pray for their children effectively. In this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet sits down with Pastor David Whitten to explore the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for raising kids in faith. Learn how to shift from reactive to proactive prayers, why parents still hold the greatest influence in their child’s faith journey, and how to model daily dependence on Chris...

Motherhood, marriage, and work—how do we juggle it all? Nicolet Bell and Nicole Ruhnke challenge the common idea of “work-life balance” and instead embrace rhythms of grace. From practical ways to create a God-honoring routine to the importance of community and humility, they share real struggles and real hope. If you’re feeling stretched thin, this episode will encourage you to shift your focus f...

Love is mentioned over 680 times in Scripture, yet many of us struggle to fully grasp its depth. On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell welcomes Rachael Adams, author of Everyday Prayers for Love, to discuss what God’s love truly means. From overcoming insecurity to embracing joy in God’s presence, this conversation will challenge and uplift you. Join us as we explore the power of agape l...

Friendship is about more than just companionship—it’s an opportunity for discipleship and encouragement. Join host Nicolet Bell and “veteran” guest Lauren McMaster as they unpack Bible verses on friendship, share personal insights, and challenge each other with Bible trivia. With wisdom from Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Paul’s letters, this conversation will inspire you to pursue friendships that a...