The Happiest Lives Podcast

In the final episode of the Be Transformed series, Heather Gilion returns to share powerful insights about a season many of us struggle with — the season of waiting. While no one enjoys waiting, it’s often in this space that our greatest transformations take place. Heather unpacks the idea that waiting is not wasted time, but a time where God is working behind the scenes for our good. Tune in as s...

In every season, especially the challenging ones, God is at work, shaping and strengthening us in ways we may not yet see. In today’s episode, Into the Fire , I am joined by special guest Heather Gilion. Fresh from sharing her impactful message at our Happiest Lives Weekend in Missouri, Heather brings her heartfelt insights on walking with God through life’s toughest moments. Heather is a gifted s...

This podcast features empowering stories from women who have undergone significant personal growth through the Happiest Lives Academy. Participants Dawn Valentino, Michelle Revelle, and Betsy Yost share their experiences as they embarked on five transformations in 5 months. The discussion highlights overcoming mental blocks, healing from past relationships, and enhancing personal connections as gr...

This week, we’re talking about transformation—becoming the woman God says you already are. We’ll look at what holds you back, the steps you can take to change, and what you need to do to grow. Join us as we learn what it means to become.  If you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com . That’s where I share free resources and ways to stay connected. Discover ways to work with m...

In this final episode of How To Get Unstuck , I’ll show you how to keep moving forward with unwavering determination, even when you feel at your lowest. By tapping into Christ's strength, you can run your race with a clear purpose rather than relying solely on your energy. Learn to lean into your struggles and discover the power and joy of surrendering to God’s goodness and sovereignty. Toget...

This is part 4 of the series How To Get Unstuck .  A distress signal is an urgent appeal for help. When used for ships, we call it an SOS.  When we move into our personal pain, cry for help, and trust the Lord is with us, we move from suffering to surrender. This SOS is the place between where you are and where you want to be-- the Sea of Suffering turned Sea of Surrender (SOS). In today's ep...

Welcome to part 3 of the series How To Get Unstuck .  In today’s discussion, we’ll explore renewing our minds, a practice rooted in biblical principles and essential for spiritual and emotional growth. We’ll examine the narratives we tell ourselves—like “my husband is a jerk”—and how thoughts like this keep us spinning a web of frustration and disappointment.  Through practical examples, we’ll lea...

This is episode 2 of the series How to Get Unstuck . In it, we explore why we often feel stuck and how our minds can trap us in repetitive cycles of worry or overwhelm. When we don’t know how to approach a problem, we either obsess over it or let it grow bigger in our minds. Today, Jill introduces a tool that will help you step back, organize your thoughts, and understand the problem so you can fo...

In this new series, Jill will share a straightforward process she uses whenever she feels stuck. Whether you’re dealing with overwhelm, indecision, or feeling lost, this method will help you gain clarity and take the next step forward. Tune in to discover practical tools you can use today to break free from what’s holding you back and start moving forward with purpose. If you want to take this wor...

The hardest hurdle to communication is that visceral reaction when your body becomes emotionally flooded and you can't access all the smart things you know. The final episode of our Defensiveness series focuses on staying calm and connected during challenging conversations. Discover relaxation techniques, emotional regulation skills, and mindset strategies to improve relationships and escape...

This is part 3 of the series on  Defensiveness . Owning your actions is about stopping your efforts to control the other person and taking ownership of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When we shift our energy from what we can't control to what we can, we can start making some headway in our conversations.  If you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com . That’s where...

Today, we’re continuing our series on Defensiveness . Last week, Jill shared a personal story about becoming defensive with her family and promised to return with insights gained after interviewing her family about it. In this episode, she shares what she learned from those conversations. Our focus today is on assuming the best when you feel defensive. The alternative is to assume the worst, which...

Today, we begin a new series on defensiveness, one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse identified by John Gottman. In this episode, we explore what defensiveness is, why we experience it, and how it affects our interactions. Jill shares a personal story about feeling defensive during a family vacation and how it impacted her relationships. She introduces practical steps to manage defensiveness...

This episode wraps up the 5 part series on Urges . To enter the rest of God we must go into the future where our victory is complete and we have arrived at our destination. When it seems we are circling over the sea of suffering, we must persevere in believing and pressing on despite unwanted emotions and demanding urges that promise short term relief.  We can experience the joy and rest of God to...

Today, in Part 4 of our URGES series, we tackle the destructive cycle of shame.  • Shame Uncovered: Understand shame and how it differs from guilt.  • Lisa’s Story: Learn how Lisa overcame shame around answering unhealthy coping mechanisms /urges in her marriage.  • Practical Steps: Discover strategies to move past shame, reframe thoughts, and embrace God’s kindness when you are stuck in a cycle o...

This is part 3 of the series Urges . We all experience urges, and nothing is wrong with you because you feel tempted to do things that don't honor your greatest values. The good news is that God is faithful, and He promises that the urge won't last forever and that he will provide a way out.   If you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com . That’s where I share free...

This is part 2 of the series Urges .  Urges are strong desires, almost a compulsion. Answering them may bring relief and even pleasure, but in the long game, answering urges that don't align with our goals and values creates greater suffering. Often times we will go unconscious and act like urges are happening to us, and yet we have the power to choose how we will respond. In this episode, I...

This is part one of the series Urges. An urge is a pressing desire, almost a compulsion, manifesting in all life areas of living, including relationships, health habits, and work goals. Urges feel uncomfortable, even painful when we don't answer them. However, when we obey unwanted urges, we experience prolonged and acute suffering. In this episode, I introduce and normalize the concept of ur...

This is part 4 of the series Cultivating a Fiery & Fresh Relationship With Jesus. Today, I discuss the crucial role of the church, referring to the body of all believers as well as local congregations.  We. Look at the reasons you may be discouraged from attending church and why regular fellowship is still important.  I share with you about my involvement with the Christian community, remindin...

This is part 3 of the series Cultivating A Fiery & Fresh Relationship With Jesus . God's Word is the ultimate source of truth, guidance, and transformation. Many Christians struggle with consistent Bible reading due to busy lives and distractions. In this episode, we examine how you think about Bible reading and offer practical tips and strategies for getting excited and inspired to engag...

This is part 2 of the series Cultivating A Fiery & Fresh Relationship With God .  In this episode, I will show you how to transform your prayer life from routine and one-dimensional to a powerful way to connect with God. If you want to take this work and apply it, visit myhappyvault.com . That’s where I share free resources and ways to stay connected. Discover ways to work with me at www.theha...

This begins the series Cultivating a Fiery & Fresh Relationship with Jesus , where we explore what it truly means to passionately desire, turn toward, and experience God. Join me as we examine three distinct types of relationships: legalistic, complacent, and passionate. We will also delve into the depths of passion, uncovering the barriers that hinder intimacy and discovering practical tools...

This is part 4 of the series Making Everyday Life Productive & Fun. Join Jill and Coach Stephanie as they discuss how to balance work and play, the role of play in their lives, what they consider fun, and obstacles and antidotes to having a good time. At The Happiest Lives, we believe if you aren't enjoying the journey, you are probably doing it wrong.  If you want to take this work and a...

This is part 3 of the series How To Make Everyday Life Productive & Fun . In this episode, I share some of my favorite ways to get things done. Though "Plan A" is always to be flexible and open to how the Spirit leads you, "Plans B-Z "may include systematic processes and techniques that help you stay engaged with your life and increase efficiency. When we find ways to make...

This is part 2 of the series Making Everyday Life Productive & Fun . We all have routines, whether we are conscious of them or not. Your routines are the rhythms of your life and create the results you are experiencing. In this episode, we talk about the value of routines in honoring our values and what is important to us, as well as the challenges faced in establishing routines and strategies...