Mandy Cooley and Stephanie Porter

Uncommon Purpose

Religion EN ↓ 42 episodes

You are invited to come sit around our table for honest and vulnerable conversations with co-hosts Mandy and Stephanie. In Uncommon Purpose we explore how to live emotionally and relationally healthy lives through a Christian worldview.

Author

Mandy Cooley and Stephanie Porter

Category

Religion

Latest episode

Dec 23, 2025

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Episodes

S4.E12 | Advent Week 4: Love 23.12.2025

In this episode, the hosts reflect on the themes of Advent, focusing on God's love as revealed through the story of Jesus' birth. They discuss the significance of Mary's reflections, the shepherds' journey, and the unpredictable nature of God's love. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personalizing God's love, embodying it in our lives, and extending love to others, especially those who...

S4.E11 | Advent Week 3: The Joy That Comes After 16.12.2025

In this week’s Uncommon Purpose Podcast , Mandy and Stephanie dive into the third week of Advent — Joy — exploring what it means to find joy that lasts beyond fleeting happiness. As the pink candle is lit, they reflect on how true joy often follows the hard work of hope and peace. Together, they talk about the difference between joy and happiness , the way God’s presence produces lasting joy , and...

S4.E10 | Advent Week 2 — Peace: Shalom, Shalom (Wholeness you don’t have to chase) 09.12.2025

In this Uncommon Purpose conversation, Mandy and Stephanie unpack Advent’s second candle— Peace —as shalom : wholeness, restoration, and right relationship with God and others. They wrestle honestly with hurry, rest, and why “peace” isn’t just the absence of conflict. You’ll hear practical rhythms (a weekly 24-hour Sabbath, breathwork, keeping Advent simple and consistent), tender stories (a mento...

S4.E9 | Advent Week 1 — Hope: Remembering God’s Faithfulness, Receiving What’s to Come 02.12.2025

In this Uncommon Purpose episode, Mandy and Stephanie open Advent with Hope —not wishful thinking or “hope in people,” but biblical hope rooted in God’s character and promises . They reflect on the long silence before Christ’s birth, Mary and Joseph’s steadfast obedience, and how generational preparation forms a hopeful posture. Practically, they share simple Advent rhythms: lighting the first can...

S4.E8 | The Sacred Blend of Gratitude and Gravy: A Thanksgiving Conversation 25.11.2025

In this cozy Thanksgiving week episode of the Uncommon Purpose Podcast , hosts Mandy and Stephanie gather around the mic (and the imaginary table) to talk about the beauty and complexity of gratitude. From family dynamics and cultural traditions to pie debates and Black Friday chaos, the two friends invite listeners to slow down, savor the moment, and intentionally choose joy and gentleness this s...

S4E8.1 | Bonus Episode: Advent Kickoff — Slow Down, Wait Well, and Make Room for Jesus 25.11.2025

In this Uncommon Purpose Advent kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reframe December from “do it all” to intentional celebration . They unpack what Advent means (“coming”)—both the first coming of Jesus and His promised return—and why the season is a spiritual preparation that helps us practice presence in a hurry-prone month. You’ll hear honest reflections on waiting (trusting God’s timing), simple ways...

S4.E7 | The Quiet Between — Finding Peace and Purpose Between Pumpkins and Poinsettias 18.11.2025

It’s that funny little space between pumpkins and poinsettias—when the candy’s gone, the turkey’s still frozen, and the first twinkle lights are starting to glow. In this warm and reflective episode, Mandy and Stephanie explore the in-between —those mid-November days where gratitude meets anticipation. They talk about the tension between peaceful preparation and holiday pressure, how to practice p...

S4.E6 | The Hard in the Holidays — Finding Hope When the Season Hurts 11.11.2025

The holidays aren’t merry for everyone—and that’s okay. In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode, Mandy and Stephanie talk honestly about the grief, loneliness, pressure, and expectations that surface between Thanksgiving and Christmas. From infertility and loss to fractured families and financial strain, they remind listeners that joy and sorrow can coexist . Through vulnerable storytelling...

s4.E5 | Planning for Presence: Purposeful Holiday Prep 04.11.2025

It’s officially Christmas preseason —and Mandy and Stephanie are diving in! From November 1st on, the holidays arrive fast, and this conversation helps listeners trade stress for sacred preparation . Together they unpack how to plan your home, heart, and calendar with intention—without losing sight of joy or Jesus. Stephanie shares her beloved “holiday planner” system (and her famous stocking trad...

S4.E4 | Loving Our Neighbors Without Losing Our Convictions 28.10.2025

Mandy and Stephanie dive into one of the most debated topics in Christian circles: Halloween. Is it harmless fun or spiritual compromise? In this candid and grace-filled conversation, they unpack how believers can approach October 31 with both conviction and compassion. From childhood candy traditions to neighborly connections, they remind listeners that the night can become an opportunity to show...

S4.E3 | Seasons of Harvest — Slowing Down, Naming the Fruit, and Trusting God in the Process 22.10.2025

Recording together (hello, Westfield Library!), Mandy and Stephanie explore harvest as more than crops—it’s a spiritual season where we pause, notice the fruit of faithful work, and practice gratitude. From chickens and cornfields to academic-calendar rhythms, they trace the whole cycle: prepare → plant → cultivate → prune → wait → harvest → rest . The conversation gets real about “enough,” active...

S4.E2 | Harvest to Hope — Finding Purpose and Presence in the Holiday Season 14.10.2025

Mandy and Stephanie kick off Season 4 with contagious excitement (and matching outfits!) as they announce Harvest to Hope —a four-month journey through the holidays from fall to Christmas. Recorded in true Uncommon Purpose fashion—equal parts laughter, reflection, and depth—this conversation sets the tone for a season devoted to celebration, intentional living, and keeping Jesus at the center of i...

S4.E1 | Where You Been? – A Summer of Family, Grief, and God’s Redemption 07.10.2025

In this Season 4 kickoff, Mandy and Stephanie reunite after a long summer apart and invite listeners into an honest catch-up on life, loss, and laughter. From family bucket lists and barista daughters to RV trips, coffee rituals, and floods in Texas , the conversation moves easily between humor and depth. Both women share how the last few months have been marked by intentional family time, unexpec...

S3.E7 | Queue The Confetti! Season 3 Celebrations 24.06.2025

In this episode, Mandy and Stephanie celebrate the conclusion of their third season by reflecting on the importance of celebration in their lives and faith. They discuss the significance of remembrance in scripture, and how personal experiences shape their understanding of celebration. The conversation highlights the importance of overcoming negative thought patterns and the significance of commun...

S3.E6 | Celebrating Intentional Living: An Interview with Dr. Mike 18.06.2025

In this episode of the Uncommon Purpose Podcast, Dr. Mike discusses the transformative power of chiropractic care. The conversation explores the importance of understanding trauma and stress, the evolution of chiropractic practice, and the necessity of making lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health. Dr. Mike emphasizes the role of neurologically based chiropractic in empowering patients to tak...

S3.E5 | Celebrating Friendship and Entrepreneurship With Jenni Keller 10.06.2025

Join Mandy and Stephanie today as Jenni Keller shares her experiences in writing and ministry, highlighting her recent transition into entrepreneurship with a focus on leadership development for churches. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality in parenting and the significance of acknowledging individual identities in twins. Throughout, themes of faith, personal growth, and t...

S3.E4 | Celebrating Jeff Scott - Understanding the Holy Spirit 03.06.2025

Jeff Scott is an author, speaker, and passionate teacher about the Holy Spirit. With nearly 50 years of Christian experience, he has dedicated himself to helping others understand and experience a meaningful relationship with God's Spirit. In this engaging podcast episode, Jeff Scott shares his journey of faith and understanding of the Holy Spirit. He discusses the often misunderstood role of the...

S3.E3 | Celebrating Friendship and Community With Mandy Polster 27.05.2025

In this engaging conversation, Mandy Polster shares her journey of connection, community, and spiritual growth. The discussion highlights the importance of friendships, the transition from corporate life to ministry, and the challenges and joys of ordination. Mandy reflects on her experiences with family, the pursuit of joy, and the deepening of her spiritual disciplines. The conversation conclude...

S3.E2 | Mandy and Phil Cooley: A Life in Uniform 20.05.2025

Come along with Mandy and Stephanie for a very special Memorial Day conversation. Get to know Mandy and her husband, Phil Cooley. They share candidly about their life together and about how Phil found his calling and career of service in the Indiana Army National Guard as well as an Indiana State Trooper. Their conversation covers the following: The impact of a heritage of service The journey to f...

S3.E1 | Welcome to Season 3: A Season of Celebrating Our Friends 20.05.2025

Mandy and Stephanie welcome listeners to season 3 of Uncommon Purpose Podcast! They share their excitement about this new season and how in each upcoming episode they have the joy and privilege of celebrating some sweet friends and the uncommon accomplishments in their lives. Listeners are invited to join the celebration!

S2.E11 | Celebrate the Goodness! 01.04.2025

Celebrate with Mandy and Stephanie as they share their meaningful moments from Season 2, Spiritual Friendships. In this episode they reflect on the following: Reflections on the basic human need of relationship The value of the face-to-face experience of relationship Comfort and its different meanings in friendship The discomfort and value of repair Confessional community Confrontation defined A r...

S2.E10 | Spiritual Friendship: An Illustration of Coming Alongside with Jamie Brunner 25.03.2025

A gentle note about this episode. Hi Friends, in this episode our guest shares a deeply personal and emotional story about an accident involving her son which had a lasting impact on their lives. It is a conversation filled with love, resilience and hope, but it may be an emotional journey for some listeners. Please feel free to listen at your own pace. Take care of yourself along the way. And as...

S2.E9 | Coming Alongside in Friendship: An Interview with Sarah Beckman 18.03.2025

Mandy and Stephanie have a heartfelt conversation with friend and author Sarah Beckman. Sarah shares the inspiration and research process for her book and gives many practical ideas about implementing the principles she learned along the way. In this rich conversation they discuss the following: What it means to come alongside in friendship Tiers of friendship defined The important role of curiosi...

s2.E8 | A Male Perspective on Friendship: An Interview with Landon Porter 11.03.2025

Mandy and Stephanie host a very special conversation with guest Landon Porter. He gives valuable insight into male friendships. In this conversation they discuss the following: The different relationship needs of men The value of being known for men How men find and cultivate friendships The value of shared experiences How to pursue mentorship and why it’s important Friendships between men and wom...

S2.E7 | Friendships in Scripture 04.03.2025

Mandy and Stephanie share about a few friendships that are found in the scriptures. They talk about why each story is meaningful to them both. Thinking about the insights, wisdom, and examples that can be gleaned from the stories. In this conversation they touch on the following: Favorite friendships found in the Scriptures Paul and Barnabas, “mission field besties” A Biblical example of conflict...

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