By Words: Honest Faith Talks to Encourage Everyday Christian Women

Today we’re chatting with Chelsey DeMatteis and diving into the heart of Advent —a season that often gets overshadowed by holiday busyness and festive traditions, yet holds so much meaning for us as believers. We’ll break down the true purpose of Advent, exploring why it’s so much more than just a countdown to Christmas. If you’ve ever wondered what Advent really means or how to make it meaningful...

I'm turning 30 this month! In this episode, I'm sharing stories from the last decade, lessons I've learned, things I’d do differently, and encouragement for women in their 20s. MAKE MY BIRTHDAY EXTRA SPECIAL — LEAVE A RATING & WRITTEN REVIEW :) SHOP MY BOOKS: Waking Up: Living Open — https://amzn.to/3Lusgrz Love Is Devotional — https://amzn.to/3S6OZhs   FREE Path to Purpose Guide: https://hann...

In this episode, we’re opening up an honest conversation with Michelle Castro about the tough, often taboo topics surrounding sex, marriage, and healing. Michelle shares her journey of learning to be open and vulnerable, especially around subjects that can feel uncomfortable to discuss, and how God has restored her understanding of sex within marriage. She breaks down some of the biggest lies wome...

In this episode, we’re getting real about how “purpose” isn’t a lack of struggles or finally figuring it all out. I know sometimes we want our stories to be wrapped up in a neat bow, but the truth is, we’ll be in process with Jesus until we see Him face to face. I wish I could say I’m on the other side of my struggles, totally healed, but the reality is I’m still in it — and that’s okay. I used to...

Today we’re talking to Kari Baker, founder of KIND Families, about how she found hope and purpose while navigating motherhood through the unexpected. Her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age 3, and she opens up about the struggles she faced in the midst of uncertainty. Kari reflects on how her faith and relationship with God have been transformed through this journey, offering encouragement...

Today we’re joined by Ryan & Calie Bowles of Good Grief HQ to dig into some of the harder topics: grief, loss, death and dying. Most of us don’t have these conversations until we’re in the thick of it or have no other choice to confront them, but as believers we have hope beyond the grave — so how do we explain that to our little ones? Tune in for this powerful conversation that's sure to spar...

Today we’re chatting with Samantha Vigneau about singleness, dating, and healing after breakups. Samantha shares her personal journey through singleness, heartbreak, and how she got to where she is today, offering insights on navigating the pressures of finding "the one" and balancing that with trusting God's timing for your life. We also discuss the difficult process of healing after a breakup—wh...

Today we’re diving into How to Talk to Your Kids About PEER PRESSURE, CONFLICT & FORGIVENESS with Diane Doubt Matthews and Leslie Dudley Corbell from The Mind of a Child Podcast. In this episode, we’re talking about how parents can equip their children to recognize and resist peer pressure, particularly when it involves making decisions that reflect their values and faith. The conversation als...

We just celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary!  To be honest, there were some days along the way I wasn't sure we'd make it, but we have learned so much and grown together through all the ups and downs. So we thought it would be fun to sit down together, answer some of your questions, and share some stories about how far we’ve come. Cheers! Check out my husband Christopher’s work here: https://ww...

Today we’re diving into How to Talk to Your Kids About SEX, SEXUALITY & GENDER with founder of Garden to Garden Biblical Consulting (and dear friend of mine), Leah Kate King. In this episode, we’re diving into the crucial conversations Christian parents need to have with their kids about sex and sexuality.  Leah shares insights on what she wishes more Christians understood about these topics a...

Today we’re getting real and vulnerable about navigating a season of hiddenness and trusting God’s timing – even when it gets uncomfortable and we're tempted to give up. It’s so easy to feel like hidden seasons are wasted time, but I’m learning that they’re actually crucial for preparing us for what God has planned. We’ll dive into how they refine us, deepen our faith, and root our identity in...

HEY MAMA, do you ever worry about your kids being exposed to opinions, beliefs, or people who are different from you? Today we’re joined by Chelsea Reidland (who you might remember from episode 48 of the podcast) for a conversation on How to Talk to Your Kids About Diversity, Inclusion, and Loving People Who Are Different from You. The Reidlands have a wealth of experience in fostering, adopting,...

What happens after abortion? In this episode, we’re chatting with Brittany Poppe to hear her moving story of healing and redemption after experiencing the pain of abortion. She opens up about her journey, sharing the deep shame and struggles that many women face after an abortion. Brittany talks about the season in her life when she hid her pain and distanced herself from her faith, and the transf...

Today we’re joined by Melissa Johnson (you might remember her from episode 85 of the podcast) for a conversation on How to Talk to Your Kids About IDENTITY, SELF-WORTH & BODY IMAGE. In this episode, we explore how parents can guide their children in understanding their identity in Christ and how it shapes their self-worth. We dive into practical ways parents can instill these values and discus...

Today’s episode is a replay of a recent chat I had with Sunni Harichandra about THE MIND OF CHRIST. In this episode, you’ll learn: ~what it means to have the mind of Christ ~the mindset model for thought progressions ~why we come back to old behaviors and end up in shame cycles ~how to take your thoughts captive AND MORE! I hope this conversation gets you fired up to know God’s Word and live each...

Today we’re joined by Jenna Griffith (you might remember her from episode 4 of the podcast) for a conversation on How to Talk to Your Kids About GOD, FAITH & THE BIBLE. In this episode, we’re talking about how we can lay a foundation of faith for our kids. While this is an important and weighty role parents play, we don’t have to feel the pressure of doing it perfectly — after all, Jesus is th...

In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of finding clarity in your calling with Jordan Lee Dooley. Jordan shares her own journey of discovering her purpose and calling, offering valuable insights into the obstacles many Christian women face along the way. We discuss practical steps to uncovering your God-given purpose, especially when you feel stuck or unsure where to begin. Jordan also sheds...

Today we’re diving into How to Talk to Your Kids About PHONES, SCREEN TIME & SOCIAL MEDIA with co-founder of Aro, Joey Odom. Joey shares his personal journey and what inspired him to help families become more intentional with their screen time. We delve into what parents need to know about cultivating a healthy relationship with phones and the impact of our own screen habits on our children. J...

Today we’re talking to Brenna Blain, author of “Can I Say That? How Unsafe Questions Lead Us to the Real God.” Brenna shares her story of same-sex attraction, mental illness, and finding God’s truth in the midst of her doubts and questions. We explore the paths of deconstruction that often lead people away from faith versus the journey that brings us closer to the truth about God, strengthening ou...

Today we’re joined by Chantelle Nelson (you might remember her from episode 41 of the podcast) for a conversation on How to Talk to Your Kids About BIG FEELINGS, EMOTIONS & MENTAL HEALTH. We explore practical strategies parents can use to teach children how to understand, communicate, and manage their emotions in a healthy way. Creating a safe and supportive environment at home is key, and we...

In this episode, we’re talking about the challenges of postpartum life and motherhood with author Ally McCrory, who shares her personal journey of navigating postpartum depression. I think all moms can agree that postpartum is a trying time with a steep learning curve and numerous adjustments as you re-learn life, being a parent, and living in a new version of your body. Ally shares about how she...

In this episode, we're exploring how to find the right church for you and your family — and why going to church even matters in the first place. Being part of a community of believers is essential for spiritual growth, not only for you, but for your kids and other people you will impact there as well. When looking for a church, it’s important to consider things like proximity, balancing being...

You can live FREE from fear and anxiety — and today’s guest, Jessica Landmon, is going to tell you how. Jessica shares her personal journey with fear and what inspired her to write her book, “She Who Dwells: Overcoming Fear & Finding Peace.”We discuss the significant struggles of fear and anxiety many women face today and practical steps to move from fear to faith. Jessica explains the concept...

YOU ARE NOT BEHIND IN LIFE. It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re in the middle — between where you started and where you really want to be — but today we’re talking about how we can shift our perspective and steward our waiting seasons well. It’s tough when it seems like everyone else is achieving their goals and having success while you feel stuck. I was processing this and praying recently w...

In today’s episode, we're joined by Clio Divitis, the author of the newly released book “To Be Human.” We dive deep into the inspiration behind her debut book and discuss the profound discoveries about what it truly means to be human that she wishes more women understood. We explore how to navigate the tension between our flawed nature and being made in God's image, as well as how the inca...