Pull Up a Chair with Vanessa Hartsell

Let's talk about what it really means to show up for people when life gets messy. In this deeply honest conversation, Vanessa sits down with Carly Souza - founder of Fostering Hope in Las Vegas, wife, and mom of nine - to explore what it looks like to love people well in the hardest seasons of their lives. Carly shares her family's journey into foster care, starting just months after getti...

Let's talk about the real reason so many of us stay stuck: fear, lies, and a version of ourselves that’s trying way too hard. In this episode, Vanessa shares what her five-week sabbatical uncovered about rest, identity, and what it actually looks like to stop striving and start abiding in Jesus. If you’ve ever felt burned out, off-track, or like you’re running on momentum instead of peace, thi...

Let’s talk about pride, praise, and finding freedom in Christ. My big sister Melissa Jackson pulls up a chair to share how God used her own struggles with pride, approval, and identity to draw her into deeper freedom. Together, we explore the subtle ways pride can shape our hearts, how praise and recognition can become dangerous if we’re not careful, and what it looks like to live from God’s love...

Let’s talk about the power of redemption and how Jesus can transform even the darkest seasons of life. Joshua Van Dusen shares his journey from addiction, despair, and suicidal thoughts to finding hope, healing, and purpose through Christ. He discusses the life-changing impact of Teen Challenge, the importance of authentic discipleship, and how God is using Club Christ Ministries to reach underser...

Let’s talk about biblical literacy, why it matters, and how understanding God’s Word can transform your faith. Vanessa Hartsell sits down with Jeannifer Maalouf to discuss practical ways to engage Scripture, overcome overwhelm, and grow in confidence as you study the Bible. Resources & Links: The Big Picture Bible Study by Jeannifer Maalouf Bible Project   Bible Study Tools and Commentaries Li...

Let’s talk about mentorship, ministry, and saying yes when God places something on your heart. Vanessa sits down with Equilla Hicks, founder and executive director of Lift One Up, to discuss how a simple journal note became a thriving ministry of mentoring, retreats, local partnerships, and global missions. They explore the power of everyday mentorship, the beauty of serving others, and how God of...

Let’s talk about obedience, community, and trusting God when He calls you into something new. Vanessa and Katy talk about authentic community, listening to the Holy Spirit, walking through difficult seasons, and how God faithfully guides and multiplies what we place in His hands. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your small “yes” for something bigger, this episode is for you. Resources &...

Let’s talk about why so many of us struggle to truly rest. In this episode, Vanessa Hartsell opens up about taking a five-week sabbatical during a season of burnout, ministry pressure, family challenges, and deep discouragement. Vanessa shares how God used intentional Sabbath rhythms, biblical truth, and even unexpected passages about chaos and God’s sovereignty to reshape her understanding of res...

Let’s talk about what happens when God completely exceeds your expectations. In this episode, Rosie Harris shares the story behind planting Sovereign City Church in Las Vegas with her husband Ricky… from early hesitation and uncertainty to a launch Sunday that brought more than 1,200 people through the doors. Vanessa and Rosie discuss learning to trust God when you don't feel ready, how to pro...

Let's talk about how faith and mental health can support each other. Join us for a heartfelt conversation on how embracing support can enrich your spiritual journey, break down barriers of shame, and lead to true healing and wholeness. Connect with Dr. Amy Oberg LinkedIn Website Permission to Heal: Why Christians Can Embrace Psychology Without Compromise  (Article by Dr. Amy Oberg) Connect wit...

What if your faith isn’t built on feelings… but on choosing truth? In this episode of Pull Up a Chair Podcast, Robin Smith shares how real faith is formed in hard seasons, not easy ones. Discover how suffering can deepen your trust in Jesus and why lasting faith is rooted in truth, not emotion. If your faith has ever felt shaky or dependent on circumstances, this conversation will help you build s...

Welcome to the very first episode of Pull Up a Chair Podcast! In this episode, our host Vanessa Hartsell shares the heart behind this podcast and why life’s biggest questions need more than quick answers. She invites you to slow down, wrestle honestly, and look at life through the heart of Christ. We believe here at Pull Up a Chair that faith is meant to be lived out in everyday life and that real...