Vitality Conversations

What if waiting isn’t wasted time? In this episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana sits down with Nikki Blanton to talk about what it looks like to slow down, listen for God, and trust Him with the next step. Nikki shares how God has been shaping Heartbeat for Jesus through movement, ministry, community, and seasons of active rest. This conversation is a reminder that even when we pause, God is s...

In this episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana sits down with physical therapist Lacy Laney to explore the connection between pain, inflammation, stress, and whole-body wellness. After walking through her own health journey with mold illness, Lacy shares how understanding your body—from genetics to lifestyle habits—can help uncover the why behind feeling unwell. Together, they discuss practical...

Grief can feel like a storm—especially for children and families who don’t know where to turn. In this episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana sits down with her longtime friend Tamari Miller , a grief-support leader with over 25 years of experience, to talk about hope, healing, and why community matters after loss. Tamari shares the heart behind her new nonprofit, The Umbrella Project —a mobile...

Is AI something to fear…or a tool you can use wisely with your family and faith? In this episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana sits down with career coach and leadership facilitator Debbie Goldbarth to unpack what artificial intelligence really is and how it’s already woven into our everyday lives—from maps and search engines to Canva, Planning Center, and more. Together they talk about why AI...

Could better health really be as simple as making one small change at a time? In this episode of Vitality Conversations , host Rana Smith sits down with Rianna Sanchez , a clinical nutritionist and new mom, to talk about the connection between faith, food, and intentional living. Together, they explore how small daily choices—like eating real food, slowing down, resting, and honoring your body—can...

Could your child’s ADHD symptoms be connected to more than just focus? In this episode of Vitality Conversations , host Rana Smith talks with Dr. Dana O’Keefe about how gut health, diet, and modern toxins may play a surprising role in attention and behavior. They explore why ADHD cases have skyrocketed since the 1990s, what hidden factors could be affecting your child’s brain, and how simple lifes...

What if healing starts not by fixing—but by feeling? In this candid episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana Smith sits down with guidance counselor and adjunct instructor Michele Hayden to talk about moving from numbness to meaningful recovery. Michele shares her journey through early loss, caring for a mother with cancer, and life as a first-responder family—plus why counseling, movement, journa...

What do you do when life takes a turn you never expected for your child or your family? In this powerful episode of Vitality Conversations, host Rana Smith sits down with her daughter, Raeli Miller, to share their journeys of walking through unexpected challenges, from health crises to seasons of uncertainty. Together, they speak candidly about pain, surrender, and the importance of community supp...

What if you could see the future potential of your child—and know exactly how to nurture it? In this insightful episode of Vitality Conversations , Rana Smith and special guest Raeli Miller discuss practical strategies for recognizing and encouraging the unique gifts within every child. Through relatable experiences in ministry, education, and parenting, they unpack how establishing a foundation o...

In this special episode of Vitality Conversations, guest host Beth Cannon turns the tables to interview her long-time best friend and podcast host, Rana Smith. Together, they recount their 30-year journey filled with deep friendship, shared ministry experiences, and life's unexpected trials—including Rana’s profound journey through grief after the loss of her husband, Ron. Rana opens up authentica...

In part two of this encouraging series, host Rana Smith reconnects with special guest Catherine Canone to explore the deeper meaning and necessity of true rest. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about rest, highlight the dangers of constant busyness, and discuss practical ways to integrate restful practices into daily life. Catherine shares valuable insights on setting healthy boundaries...

Anxiety affects us all differently, but there's hope and practical ways to overcome it. In this thoughtful episode, host Rana Smith sits down with special guest Catherine Canone to talk about managing anxiety in everyday life. Catherine offers gentle guidance and actionable advice for recognizing anxiety, understanding its roots, and building healthier responses. Through an approachable conversati...

Goals give us direction, but how do we turn them into reality? In this motivating episode, host Rana Smith sits down with Michele Hayden to talk about the power of goal-setting and how to create a plan for success. From small daily habits to big life dreams, they share practical tips for setting achievable goals, staying motivated, and overcoming obstacles along the way. Whether you're looking for...

Thinking about the future can feel overwhelming, but having a solid plan in place brings peace of mind. In this insightful episode, host Rana Smith sits down with Dianne Reynolds to break down the essentials of wills, trusts, and estate planning. They discuss practical steps to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Whether you're just getting started or need to refine y...

Ever wonder how sleep, coffee, and hormones are all connected? In this energizing episode, host Rana Smith chats with special guest Rianna Smith about cortisol—our body's stress hormone—and how it impacts everything from energy levels to overall health. They dive into how daily habits, diet, and even your morning coffee routine can influence cortisol balance. With practical tips for reducing stres...

Words matter more than we realize. In this heartfelt episode, host Rana Smith sits down with Franchesca Cook, a licensed mental health counselor who specializes in trauma and works with both children and adults. Together, they talk about the role words play in healing, building trust, and shaping how we see ourselves and others. Franchesca shares her experiences and offers practical advice for cho...