Choosing Cheer

This week, Nicolet Bell welcomes Drs. James and Ronnie Kent, Father-Son duo, to discuss their innovative approach to mental health and faith. Hear about “12:30,” their journey into Christian wellness, and practical ways to align heart, soul, mind, and strength with God’s purpose. Listen as they give you tools to uncover the peace that surpasses understanding. Socials: @thechoosingcheerpodcast Emai...

Host Nicolet Bell and guest Kim Clark share practical insights on making Bible study a consistent, joyful practice. Learn how to overcome seasons of inconsistency, explore the depth of God’s Word, and embrace His refreshing presence. Discover why “abiding” is essential for a vibrant relationship with Jesus. Listen to this uplifting conversation to begin your journey of choosing cheer through God’s...

What keeps us from praying? Is it time, skill, or fear of not doing it “right”? Host Nicolet welcomes her husband Preston Bell to tackle these questions in Choosing Cheer. Drawing from Matthew 6 and personal stories, this episode unpacks how prayer anchors us in God’s presence, builds joy, and reorients our focus. Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking encouragement, this episode invites you to r...

Does joy seem elusive in the chaos of the holiday season? In this Christmas episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell takes us on a journey of reflection, encouraging listeners to unwrap the unexpected gift of joy this season. Learn why Advent is not just a season of waiting but a time for discovering the joy that outlasts every trial. Plus, get a free download of the Spread Cheer Advent devotional!...

Discover the true meaning of Christmas cheer in this special episode of Choosing Cheer. Host Nicolet Bell sits down with Laurel Donahoo to explore traditions, spreading joy, and the light of Jesus during the holiday season. Laurel shares personal stories, including a touching moment from her European trip and practical ways to share encouragement with others. Listen now for inspiration to make you...

This week on Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell welcomes Kim Clark to explore how we can keep Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebrations. Discover how Kim balances fun family traditions, like writing personalized carols for her children, with spiritual practices like Advent devotionals and the Jesus Tree. Learn how to Spread Cheer and bring the joy of Jesus into every moment of the holiday season...

What does it mean to “give thanks in all circumstances”? Nicolet Bell takes a quick look at this question on today’s special Thanksgiving episode. Tune in as she unpacks 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, offering practical steps to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in every season. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or facing challenges, discover how God’s presence anchors true joy. Socials: @thechoos...

What does hospitality mean in today’s world? Join Nicolet Bell and guest Abby Kuykendall as they redefine it as a spiritual discipline rooted in the character of God. As she shares insights from her book, The Living Table, Abby recounts how her own journey with community and hosting revealed the power of vulnerability and connection. Listen now and find out how clearing your table can clear your h...

Katie J. Trent joins Nicolet Bell to discuss discipleship within the family, offering creative and fun ways to connect your family to Jesus every day. With years of ministry experience, Katie shares powerful yet simple methods for nurturing faith, like using teachable moments during cooking and playtime. Tune in to learn how to make discipleship intentional, memorable, and, most importantly, joyfu...

This special episode of Choosing Cheer features Amanda Luedeke, a seasoned book agent and author, discussing her latest devotional journey. Listen in to discover the power of gratitude and the holiday season’s unique spiritual richness. Amanda and Nicolet explore how being present in simple moments allows Christ’s peace and joy to flow into our lives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, design...

How does the joy of Jesus transform lives? In this episode, Nicolet Bell and her guest, Steffani Duckworth, dive into this question with a story that’s both moving and empowering. Steffani shares her life journey, from working with women who experience an unplanned pregnancy to leading a women’s ministry, underscoring how God’s love and purpose offer us unshakeable joy. Listen in as Nicolet and St...

What happens when community gets complicated? In this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet reflects on the story of John the Baptist and how he navigated jealousy and comparison to point to Jesus. Learn how to focus on joy, even in difficult relationships, through practicing forgiveness and surrendering to God’s plan. If you’re ready to find joy beyond life’s struggles, this episode is for you! Soci...

On this episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell sits down with Dr. Ronnie Kent to explore the joy that comes from living in alignment with Christ’s teachings. Together, they reflect on Mark 12:30 and how it inspires a holistic approach to wellness, emphasizing the importance of community, accountability, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Discover how wellness is not a destination but a journey...

In this powerful episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet welcomes J Nelson to discuss how Jesus’ joy can be found even in life’s toughest moments. J opens up about his personal journey through grief, vulnerability, and community, sharing how the strength of others lifted him during his hardest days. Join us as J explains the beauty of leaning on Jesus, and how we can show up for one another through vul...

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell talks with Kelcie Shack about her incredible journey in mentorship at Red Door Jackson. Kelcie shares personal stories of guiding children through life’s challenges and how her faith in Jesus fuels her work. The conversation reveals how the joy of Christ is experienced through community and mentorship, proving that joy is not dependent on circum...

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell invites listeners to explore the profound concept of community with God. Drawing from the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, Nicolet unpacks how the Trinity embodies perfect community and how we are invited into that same divine relationship. Discover how God’s desire for connection extends beyond our circumstances, mistakes, or societal...

How can we experience the joy of Jesus in life's most ordinary moments? In this episode, Nicolet Bell talks with Kayla Craig, author of “Every Season Sacred,” about how parents can find solace, grace, and spiritual connection through prayer in the chaos of daily life. Learn how the mundane can become a sacred offering and how God meets us in every season, regardless of our circumstances. Socia...

Join host Nicolet Bell and special guest Dr. Matt Ayars on this episode of Choosing Cheer as they discuss the transformative joy that comes from Christ. Dr. Ayars shares his journey from seminary professor to mission work in Haiti and his current ministry in Mississippi. They explore the Trinity's role in fostering community and how joy can be found even in the most challenging seasons. Tune i...

In this episode of Choosing Cheer, host Nicolet Bell sits down with certified nutrition coach Melanie Roberson to explore the powerful connection between food, faith, and fellowship. Melanie shares how meals bring people together, from everyday gatherings to the spiritual significance of the Last Supper. They discuss the importance of community, the joy of serving others, and how food can be a tan...

Discover how Melissa Morgan turned personal tragedy into a testament of faith in this powerful episode of Choosing Cheer. Melissa shares her story of losing her daughter Addison and how she found peace through Jesus' presence. She talks about the importance of prayer, the support of her community, and the founding of Addison's Light, a ministry dedicated to helping others in need. Join Nic...

How does community shape our experience of joy in Christ? On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell and Lauren McMaster explore this vital question. They share personal stories and biblical insights that reveal the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who hold us accountable and encourage us in our walk with Jesus. Whether you're seeking new friendships or deepening existing o...

On this episode of Choosing Cheer, Nicolet Bell welcomes former guest Natalie to discuss the transformative power of Jesus' joy in our lives. They touch on topics like deconstruction, the significance of community in faith, and the healing journey from church hurt. Whether you're navigating doubt or simply seeking encouragement, this conversation will inspire you to find lasting joy in the...

Nicolet is joined by her friend and licensed professional counselor, Sarah Beth Walker! Today’s conversation is about choosing cheer in anxiety and this topic is so relevant. Did you know that 1 in 4 adults wrestle with anxiety? They have a beautiful discussion about what it looks like to walk with anxiety as a believer. Sarah Beth emphasizes that the shame we feel from struggling with anxiety doe...

In today's episode, Nicolet makes a new special announcement about the podcasts and shares some personal updates. The announcement is followed by a re-post of one of our most popular episodes in Season 1. This episode's conversation is about waiting and the power of prayer in a season of longing. In this episode, Nicolet is opening up and sharing more of how the Lord has worked in her powe...

Nicolet Bell invites her husband, Preston, to Choosing Cheer to talk about how serving each other in marriage can bring unparalleled joy. They candidly discuss their own experiences, their challenges, and the spiritual growth that comes from putting each other's needs first. With a focus on Biblical teachings and real-life applications, this episode is a must-listen for couples wanting to stre...