A Longer Table

Maryellen found herself unexpectedly pregnant & decided adoption was the best choice for her and her son. Through divine circumstances, she met Pauline and TJ, who were seeking an open adoption. In today's extended episode, we chat with both Maryellen and Pauline about their journey together as mom & "Mimi" to Kendrick, and get a glimpse into the beautiful family they've created. Connect with them...

I'm back after a 6+ month hiatus to say hello, share a bit of what's happened since the last episode, and let you in on the direction this podcast is headed. Follow @mandacarpenter & @alongertablepodcast for more!

Beth was working as a reading interventionist at an elementary school when she recognized a need for a business that didn't currently exist. In this episode, she shares the story of how she quit her job and took a leap to build her company, Big City Readers. She gives practical advice about all things business— hiring employees, pivoting plans, work/life balance and more.

Sarah Daniel, founder of Unconditional, spills the tea on loving and supporting women who work in the adult entertainment industry. In this 45-minute episode, she shares about: -her relationship with God -how she got involved with women in the adult entertainment industry -what Unconditional Indy is and what led her to start it -a real life story of someone she's assisted in the transition out of...

Haley shares an inside look at life as a military spouse in Hawaii! She talks about how the military impacts her marriage, what she wishes people knew about military life in general, and how to build friendships in a community that's always changing.

After a year of marriage, Krista found herself desiring a divorce. Her husband had been lying to her and living a secret life filled with drugs and other women. In this episode, she opens up about their unhealthy relationship from start to finish and talks about what she's learned as a Christian woman post-divorce.

Shaina worked hard to achieve a fulfilling career as an RN, and then transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom when her first child, Luca, was born. It's what she thought she always wanted, so when an identity crisis hit, she was shocked. In this episode, she shares how she navigated the feelings of inadequacy and boredom that she found herself sitting in and how she's made an intentional effort to...

Tina shares about her childhood, what led her to being in foster care, the trauma that came from being placed in a foster home that was abusive, and her experience of being Latina adopted by white parents.

Colt Seager opens up about life from his perspective as a full-time artist in Chicago. Tune in to hear: -How creating connects him to The Creator -How he transitioned from working a desk job to working as a full time artist -His daily routine in the art studio Visit Colt's website to see his work.

Kim Crowder has been featured by Forbes twice, where she was named an Anti-Racism Educator Your Company Needs Now. Tune in to hear: -What modern-day churches are severely lacking -Her experience as a Black woman -Ways Christ-followers & the Church can shift to truly include those who are marginalized & oppressed One of her favorite quotes is, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist...

One of the best bosses Manda has ever had the privilege of working with & learning from, Kelly Skiles, joins her in this episode to talk all things leadership. Kelly is currently the Executive Pastor at Soul City Church where she invests in the staff and the community of people who attend SCC. She spills the tea on a variety of tools she utilizes for leading others, as well as, her own personal gr...

Marisa, a social worker and college admissions counselor, helps underprivileged, first-generation, and racially diverse students get into college. She shares why she's so passionate about her work and how those of us not in her field can use our privilege well to make a difference. *trigger warning: sexual assault is discussed*

Under an alias to protect her privacy, "Rebecca" shares the details of her year-long relationship with a self-proclaiming Christian man who physically, emotionally, and spiritually abused her. She starts from the beginning and explains how the manipulation grew, what red flags she eventually paid attention to, and how she ultimately left the relationship which left her searching for answers about...

Kenisha entered the foster care system at the age of 4 and never settled into a permanent home. At 18, she found herself completely on her own, lacking resources and headed to prison. She sits down with Manda to talk about her memoir, "Labeled: Ward of the State" and how she changed her life to become the Social Worker she is today. Snag a copy of her book here.

Author and Writing Coach Ally Fallon joins Manda to talk about how writing as a daily practice can enhance all of our lives—even if we don’t see ourselves as writers. She offers practical advice on how to ask yourself good questions and find a writing process that works for you even if it’s only 30 seconds a day. Follow @allyfallon and check out her new book The Power of Writing It Down

Families Together Co. exists to build community & support systems through one-on-one matching of volunteers with families in need. Manda's family and foster children have directly benefited from the Neighbors Program specifically! Founder, Hope, and her employee, Abbie, share how YOU can get involved with foster care and helping families in need by simply providing a meal once a month. Follow the...

After experiencing burnout as a young professional, Taylor made it her mission to re-discover her best version of living. She is now a self-care guru (according to Manda) and started her own business helping others achieve and discover true self-care. Tune in to hear why Taylor believes this generation of young professionals is so fascinated with "self-care," what entrepreneurship truly looks like...

Nate Knapper, founder of The Joseph Project, a non-profit helping victims of trafficking with pro bono legal counsel, joins us for an extremely insightful conversation about something that's closer to each of us than we may realize! Tune in to hear... -What the FBI’s role is in fighting trafficking -Who The Joseph Project serves -Who traffickers target -Why pro-bono legal work so essential for sur...

After the trauma of being bullied throughout her childhood, Ibie resolved to live her life so that no one else would ever feel like an outsider. This mission led her to a career in local politics and a passion for loving her community well. In this episode, she shares ways we can all become more politically informed and discusses how it only takes a few small steps to better support our communitie...

Musician and author Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, anxiety and depression as a child and sheds light on her experience growing up with those diagnoses. Now, as an adult, she's sharing what she's learned about mental health, faith, and more in her new book Finding Quiet: My Journey to Peace in an Anxious World.

Manda brings her financial advisor, Tony Escobar, to the table to discuss finances in the context of faith. Tony shares how being a financially savvy Christian shouldn't be uncomfortable and gives insight on how to put your "money on mission" while also offering some easy first steps of how to improve your current financial situation! Reach out to him here & follow along @tonyescobar.thrivent

Manda's business coach, Neil, is BACK! Since you had SO many questions about the LifePlan (episode 65), tune in to hear the following: Who created LifePlan and the backstory An overview of intentional exercises you are guided through when you go through a LifePlan Manda and Neil's biggest takeaways from their LifePlan's and more about this investment Follow @neilsternberg & email him if you want t...

Hannah Brencher, author of "Come Matter Here" & founder of "More Love Letters, joins Manda to share about her life with depression and how her darkest season impacted the way she viewed mental illness, daily discipline, and her identity as a Christian. Follow @hannahbrencher and order her brand new book Fighting Forward.

Alexandra is wife, mother, Bible teacher, & writer who’s passionate about communicating the love of Jesus. In this episode, her and Manda dive deep about: -Should women teach/lead in the church? -How to discern scripture & confidently embrace what you believe -How her relationship with God transforms the way she lives -Where she has experienced & witnessed racism -How we, as Christ-followers, help...

Manda's business coach, Neil, who also facilitated her LifePlan in May joins the table to share... -What a LifePlan is -What he was surprised by when he met Manda -Advice he would give to his newlywed self -His favorite part of fatherhood -Wisdom for anyone feeling stuck in their career, spiritual growth, or relationships Follow him @neilsternberg Website: leadwellteam.com  Email: neil@leadwelltea...