Whatever Is Excellent with Leanne Tuggle

Have you ever watched children on a field trip and marveled at the mix of chaos and wonder?  Reflecting on such an experience, I unravel the challenges and triumphs of parenting, particularly the intricate art of teaching obedience and surrender to God. Through relatable stories and biblical narratives, I examine the human tendency toward rebellion and the illusion of control, reminding parents th...

What happens when a Navy meteorologist navigates the storms and calms of marriage?  Join us for an intimate conversation with my husband, Chris Tuggle, as we share our journey from a blind date at a San Francisco Giants game to a 12-year marriage built on love, laughter, and faith. Chris recalls how he never needed his backup list of conversation topics that day, setting the stage for a relationsh...

Ever wondered how some people transform from night owls to early birds with purpose? Join me as I share my personal journey of turning from someone who cherished ten hours of sleep into a disciplined early riser. You'll discover how my motivations evolved over the years, from simply wanting more free time after school to navigating the rigors of college life with early classes. As a new teach...

Discover the transformative power of embracing life's transitions with insights from Anne, an inspiring coach dedicated to guiding women through the empty nest phase. Imagine experiencing the joy of watching your children thrive independently while rediscovering your own passions and identity. Anne shares her personal journey, from a fulfilling 34-year marriage to raising successful adult son...

What if the essence of motherhood lies not in the milestones we meticulously plan but in the unexpected lessons that shape us along the way?  As I reflect on a decade of motherhood, I invite you to join me in reliving that snowy day when I first held my daughter, realizing that motherhood is far more than a checklist—it’s a transformative journey filled with irony, growth, and profound love. Celeb...

Discover the secret to transforming your home into a sanctuary of love and purpose. Journey with me as I explore the profound impact of meaningful household rhythms, drawing inspiration from biblical stories like the fig tree in Mark 11. I'll provide you with insight into how focusing on the life within, rather than mere appearances, can lead to true fulfillment. This discussion invites you t...

Ever wondered why those New Year's resolutions never seem to stick?  Join me as I unpack the common pitfalls of these annual promises and reveal a transformative approach that goes beyond rigid goals. Through a candid story about my own battle with the simple task of daily flossing, we uncover how perfectionism and life's little disruptions can derail even the best intentions. Discover h...

How do cherished family traditions and heartfelt wishes shape the magic of Christmas?  Join me and my nine-year-old daughter, Analise, as we unwrap the beauty of our holiday celebrations. This episode brings you right into the warmth of our home, as Analise shares her joy in decorating our tree with ornaments collected from around the world, and her love for holiday classics like "The Santa C...

Ever wondered how a simple ritual could transform your marriage? Tori, a dedicated mom of three and a passionate follower of Jesus, joins us to reveal the power of "marriage meetings" and their incredible impact on her relationship with her husband, Brandon. With over a decade of shared experiences, Tori opens up about the early challenges they faced, influenced by the breakup of close f...

Have you ever questioned how Santa Claus fits into the celebration of Christmas within a Christian household? This episode takes on the intriguing balance that parents face during the holiday season. We explore the historical roots of Santa Claus, tracing back to the generous 4th-century Christian figure, Saint Nicholas, and how his legacy of kindness has shaped modern traditions. Our discussion d...

Unlock the transformative power of genuine gratitude this Thanksgiving. Have the words "grateful, thankful, blessed" lost their true significance for you amidst the barrage of social media trends? Join me as we journey back to the origins of Thanksgiving, drawing life-changing insights from the gratitude practices of the pilgrims and Israelites. Inspired by Jesus' act of giving than...

How do you make the Advent season special for your family? Inspired by the unique way my six-year-old twins count down to Christmas, I've discovered that planning early can transform this time into one that’s both meaningful and joyful. Join me as I explore the beauty of Advent, a season of waiting, expectation, and spiritual readiness. From creating an Advent wreath and using calendars to fa...

Did you know that while many churchgoers own a Bible, engaging with it is a different story? Autumn, the founder of Reclaimed Heart, shares her deeply personal journey from disillusionment with Bible college to leading a vibrant community of women in biblical exploration. Her story is a moving testament to the power of community support and the pursuit of biblical literacy without the need for for...

Ever wonder how to equip your children with the tools they need to navigate the emotional ups and downs of life?  Discover practical strategies from David Thomas's book "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys," as we discuss ways to teach both boys and girls to recognize, regulate, and repair their emotions. This episode offers valuable insights into using tools like feelings charts to hel...

What happens when a captivating book pulls you away from your responsibilities, turning a simple Monday into a whirlwind of stress?  This episode opens with a personal tale of how neglecting my duties led to chaos at home, impacting my family dynamics and, most importantly, my nine-year-old daughter. Through this relatable experience, we explore the critical role parents play in shaping the emotio...

Can self-care cross the line into self-centeredness?  Discover how to master the fine balance between taking care of yourself and serving others in our latest episode. We'll unpack the familiar advice to "put on your oxygen mask first," especially for women and mothers who often juggle multiple caregiving roles. Through the lens of Matthew 22:36-39, we dive deep into the inherent na...

What does excellence in motherhood really mean? Join us as we uncover this profound question with our guest, Shelley, a devoted mother of four, who shares her honest and inspiring journey. Raised with strong maternal figures and a homeschooling background, Shelley believed she had motherhood all figured out—until reality hit. In our conversation, she opens up about the "untangling process&quo...

Can Christian families truly celebrate Halloween without compromising their faith?  Explore this intriguing question and trace Halloween's evolution from its pagan roots to its modern-day form. We'll delve into ways Christian families can navigate this holiday in harmony with their beliefs. From personal stories to biblical insights, this episode offers a nuanced look at how to approach...

Can true happiness and contentment be achieved without focusing solely on earthly pleasures?  Explore with us as we unpack this profound question and reveal how seeking a deeper relationship with God reshapes our understanding of happiness. This episode challenges the widespread notion that God’s primary concern is our immediate happiness and highlights the potential dangers of making decisions ba...

What if you could transform your life by simply shifting your focus?  In this episode, we uncover the secrets of positive thinking through the wisdom of Philippians 4:8. As a fellow list enthusiast, I'm thrilled to break down the apostle Paul's checklist—an inspiring guide for believers aiming to reject distractions and draw closer to God. Imagine the profound impact this shift in focus...

Can changing the way you think actually transform your thoughts and emotions?  Tune into the latest episode as I discuss the reticular activating system (RAS) in your brain and how it filters information. I connect these insights to the wisdom of Philippians 4:8, urging a focus on positivity and praiseworthy thoughts.  With the charming story from Patricia Polacco's "Thundercake," w...

What if the relentless pursuit of perfection is what's holding you back from true excellence? Today, we challenge societal expectations and redefine what it means to be a woman of excellence. Reflecting on Jillian Benfield's impactful quotes and the wisdom from Titus 2:3-5, we explore how showing up and giving our best in everyday tasks can honor God and positively shape our families. Fo...

Join Leanne Tuggle, mentor, entrepreneur, military spouse, mom of twins plus one and curator of weekly pizza nights to discuss whatever is excellent. Encouraging & practical wisdom that’ll help you go from just surviving to thriving. The ultimate goal is to equip you to pursue whatever is excellent in the midst of your ordinary life and in all that you say and do.  Connect with me! You can fin...