Whatever Is Excellent with Leanne Tuggle

Do you dread the long, unstructured days of summer with kids at home? You're not alone. That well-meaning quote about "only having 18 summers with your kids" often creates more anxiety than inspiration for parents already feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of filling endless summer days. Seven years ago, I felt exactly this way—anxious about managing preschoolers and twins wi...

Remember that time when life suddenly shifted beneath your feet? Maybe it was a cross-country move, a new job, or an unexpected loss. Now imagine experiencing that as a child, without the emotional vocabulary or life experience to process it. Transitions are inevitable in family life. As parents, we're entrusted not just with navigating these changes ourselves, but with guiding our children t...

The search for stability in an ever-changing world resonates with all of us, but perhaps none more deeply than military families. In this heartfelt conversation, Emily shares her fourteen-year journey as a Navy spouse that has taken her family through eight different homes across multiple continents. With refreshing honesty, Emily begins by revealing how she once declared she'd never marry so...

Beauty isn't some elusive standard we chase—it's woven through our very design as image-bearers of God. Are you caught in a cycle of comparison, always feeling you fall short of some impossible ideal? What if true beauty radiates most brilliantly from a heart transformed by grace? We journey through the layers of genuine beauty in this soul-stirring exploration. Starting with inner radia...

Ever noticed how different cultures approach their work? During my years living in Germany, I was struck by something extraordinary—the profound sense of pride and excellence people brought to their jobs, regardless of title or status. From butchers to plumbers, each person approached their work with remarkable intentionality and ownership that transformed ordinary tasks into expressions of dignit...

What if the most powerful ministry tool you have isn't your knowledge, talent, or resources, but simply your willingness to open your front door?  This heartfelt exploration of hospitality reveals the profound difference between cultural entertaining (which seeks to impress) and biblical hospitality (which aims to bless). Through compelling contrasting scenarios of friend visits, we see how o...

The moment I collapsed from exhaustion at my high school homecoming dance should have been my wake-up call. As a determined overachiever balancing academics, ballet, relationships, and faith, I had created an unsustainable rhythm that left me physically depleted. That night, friends caught me before I hit the floor – a perfect snapshot of how disordered patterns of work and rest can literally brin...

Looking at your phone first thing in the morning instead of your Bible? Arriving at destinations with no memory of how you got there? These automatic behaviors reveal the hidden power of habits—routines that shape our lives while operating beneath our conscious awareness. The small, daily decisions we make gradually determine our life's trajectory. As Scripture reminds us, "The beginning...

Discovering your identity in Christ creates a foundation that everything else builds upon. Just as I learned that ballet discipline transfers to other dance styles, I've found that knowing who you are in Christ creates the solid foundation needed for all relationships, including marriage. The uncertainty of your twenties brings overwhelming questions about career, purpose, relationships, and...

What if the key to creative excellence wasn't perfection but courage? Professional cellist-turned-business coach Ina-Wilme reveals transformative insights on unlocking your creative potential while maintaining excellence in both business and motherhood. After spending seven months meticulously crafting a course that initially earned less than $1,000, Ina learned a pivotal lesson that changed...

Can your thoughts influence the way you handle things like anxiety? This episode dives deep into the complexities of women's mental health, especially concerning anxiety and worry that many face due to societal pressures and expectations. We unravel the science behind why women are more prone to anxiety, considering research by notable figures like Jonathan Haidt and Leonard Sax that highligh...

What does it mean to truly embrace the unique design for women as envisioned through a biblical lens?  Join me on a heartfelt journey as we honor Women's History Month and International Women's Day, reflecting on the divine attributes instilled in women, from strength and grace to wisdom and gentleness. Amid these reflections, I share a personal story about giving birth to twin boys on I...

Ever felt like you're fighting an uphill battle with habits that seem impossible to shake?  Join me as I recount my recent personal health journey. I share how participating in a challenge initially broke my chain of unhealthy eating habits, only for them to return with a heavier emotional toll. Discover the rollercoaster of emotions and self-doubt that accompanied my quest for maintaining a...

Have you ever watched children on a field trip and marveled at the mix of chaos and wonder?  Reflecting on such an experience, I unravel the challenges and triumphs of parenting, particularly the intricate art of teaching obedience and surrender to God. Through relatable stories and biblical narratives, I examine the human tendency toward rebellion and the illusion of control, reminding parents th...

What happens when a Navy meteorologist navigates the storms and calms of marriage?  Join us for an intimate conversation with my husband, Chris Tuggle, as we share our journey from a blind date at a San Francisco Giants game to a 12-year marriage built on love, laughter, and faith. Chris recalls how he never needed his backup list of conversation topics that day, setting the stage for a relationsh...

Ever wondered how some people transform from night owls to early birds with purpose? Join me as I share my personal journey of turning from someone who cherished ten hours of sleep into a disciplined early riser. You'll discover how my motivations evolved over the years, from simply wanting more free time after school to navigating the rigors of college life with early classes. As a new teach...

Discover the transformative power of embracing life's transitions with insights from Anne, an inspiring coach dedicated to guiding women through the empty nest phase. Imagine experiencing the joy of watching your children thrive independently while rediscovering your own passions and identity. Anne shares her personal journey, from a fulfilling 34-year marriage to raising successful adult son...

What if the essence of motherhood lies not in the milestones we meticulously plan but in the unexpected lessons that shape us along the way?  As I reflect on a decade of motherhood, I invite you to join me in reliving that snowy day when I first held my daughter, realizing that motherhood is far more than a checklist—it’s a transformative journey filled with irony, growth, and profound love. Celeb...

Discover the secret to transforming your home into a sanctuary of love and purpose. Journey with me as I explore the profound impact of meaningful household rhythms, drawing inspiration from biblical stories like the fig tree in Mark 11. I'll provide you with insight into how focusing on the life within, rather than mere appearances, can lead to true fulfillment. This discussion invites you t...

Ever wondered why those New Year's resolutions never seem to stick?  Join me as I unpack the common pitfalls of these annual promises and reveal a transformative approach that goes beyond rigid goals. Through a candid story about my own battle with the simple task of daily flossing, we uncover how perfectionism and life's little disruptions can derail even the best intentions. Discover h...

How do cherished family traditions and heartfelt wishes shape the magic of Christmas?  Join me and my nine-year-old daughter, Analise, as we unwrap the beauty of our holiday celebrations. This episode brings you right into the warmth of our home, as Analise shares her joy in decorating our tree with ornaments collected from around the world, and her love for holiday classics like "The Santa C...

Ever wondered how a simple ritual could transform your marriage? Tori, a dedicated mom of three and a passionate follower of Jesus, joins us to reveal the power of "marriage meetings" and their incredible impact on her relationship with her husband, Brandon. With over a decade of shared experiences, Tori opens up about the early challenges they faced, influenced by the breakup of close f...

Have you ever questioned how Santa Claus fits into the celebration of Christmas within a Christian household? This episode takes on the intriguing balance that parents face during the holiday season. We explore the historical roots of Santa Claus, tracing back to the generous 4th-century Christian figure, Saint Nicholas, and how his legacy of kindness has shaped modern traditions. Our discussion d...

Unlock the transformative power of genuine gratitude this Thanksgiving. Have the words "grateful, thankful, blessed" lost their true significance for you amidst the barrage of social media trends? Join me as we journey back to the origins of Thanksgiving, drawing life-changing insights from the gratitude practices of the pilgrims and Israelites. Inspired by Jesus' act of giving than...

How do you make the Advent season special for your family? Inspired by the unique way my six-year-old twins count down to Christmas, I've discovered that planning early can transform this time into one that’s both meaningful and joyful. Join me as I explore the beauty of Advent, a season of waiting, expectation, and spiritual readiness. From creating an Advent wreath and using calendars to fa...