Afleveringen
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What if everything that was supposed to break you was actually building you?
Raquel Marcelle knows.
This week, Amy and Jenny sit down with one of the most magnetic voices on social media right now — a New Orleans native who started creating content at 50 because her kids told her she was funny and had something to say. Turns out, they were right. One walk through her neighborhood, one stranger in a garden, and 3.4 million views later — Raquel is here to tell us exactly how she lives a soft life.
In this episode, we're talking about:
What kept a marriage together after a husband's incarceration — and why counseling was the thing that kept giving them one more shot Raising a child with epilepsy, losing a bonus daughter, and how faith doesn't remove the hard, it just walks through it with you What "soft living" actually means when you've earned it the hard way How Raquel went from fighting Raquel to flourishing Raquel — and what that transformation really required The moment God used a sweaty, no-makeup walk to reach 3.4 million strangersThis is the episode you send to the friend who's in the middle of her hard season and needs to hear that her soft one is coming.
"If my mom couldn't give me anything else, she gave me God. And that was the greatest gift she could have ever given me."
Follow Raquel Marcel on Instagram and TikTok — and don't miss her Masterpeace account where she's helping women master God's peace, one post at a time.
Follow here: https://www.instagram.com/iamraquelmarcelle/
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⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of trauma, suicide attempts, and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
If you have ever felt like the pieces of your life are too scattered to ever come back together — Joshua Dixon's story is going to remind you that broken is not the end. Amy and Jenny sit down with Joshua Dixon, motivational speaker, founder of AdmireWear, and one of the most quietly powerful voices in the mental health space, who at eight years old lost 80% of his face in a dog attack — and has spent the 18 years since rebuilding, healing, and turning every scar into a reason for someone else to hold on.
Joshua walks us through the harrowing details of that December afternoon in Chicago, waking up from a month-long coma with no memory of what happened, and learning to walk, talk, eat, and smile again — all before the age of nine. What he couldn't have known then was that those hospital hallways, where he dragged himself with IV machines in tow just to sit with other patients, were the very beginning of a calling that would one day reach 500,000 people across the globe.
In this episode, Joshua shares:
What it was like to wake up from a coma at eight years old and face 62 surgeries over 18 years The rose bushes his mom planted during his recovery — and the life lesson they taught him that became the foundation of his entire brand How a suicide attempt, homelessness, and years of private struggle led him to build AdmireWear and a community of people who refuse to give up Why he believes you can be shattered without being broken — and what it looks like to pick up the pieces with the help of a chosen family The snowstorm that kept his surgeon in Chicago the night of the accident, and why Joshua believes every single detail of his survival was orchestrated by GodJoshua is weeks away from marrying his high school sweetheart — the girl who told him to smile more before he even had the muscles to do it. His story is not one of tragedy. It is one of the most stunning examples of what it looks like to take every hard thing life hands you and turn it, slowly and faithfully, into roses.
Follow Joshua here: https://www.instagram.com/admirewear_
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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If the pace of your life is louder than the life you actually want — this one is for you. Amy and Jenny sit down with Tony Tran, content creator, first-generation Vietnamese-American, husband, and dad, who walked away from a fast-paced fashion content career to build something quieter, more intentional, and far more honest — a mid-century modern home in Florida, a slower pace of life, and a message that more is rarely better.
Tony opens up about growing up as a first generation immigrant child in inner-city Chicago, the church three blocks away that became his village before he even knew what a village was, and how watching his parents sacrifice everything to work gave him the opportunity to be something different — a present father. From Vietnam to TikTok, from fashion to home renovation, his story is a full circle one, shaped by cultures, loss, faith, and the quiet realization that the happiest people in the world usually have less than you.
In this episode, Tony shares:
Why he walked away from lucrative brand deals and a thriving fashion career to pursue something slower and more soul-filling What a trip back to Vietnam with his two-year-old son taught him about community, family, and what a real village looks like The powerful lesson his immigrant parents modeled — and the one thing he is doing completely differently Why presence, not provision, is the single greatest gift a parent can give a child How a church three blocks from his Chicago home became the turning point that changed the entire trajectory of his lifeTony is also the first to admit that the curated calm you see on his page does not always reflect the beautiful chaos happening behind the scenes — and that honesty is exactly what makes him worth following. He is a reminder that slowing down is not a retreat. It is a choice, and one of the most courageous ones you can make.
Follow Tony here: https://www.instagram.com/tonytran
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If you've ever wondered whether God can use the most ordinary, unexpected, even a little ridiculous thing in your life to reach someone else — this episode is going to leave you with a full heart and probably a craving for cheese balls.
Amy and Jenny sit down with Molly Sanborn, speaker, author, and founder of Whatever You Do Ministries, whose wild obedience to a simple calling has taken her from a middle seat on an airplane to viral videos, open heart surgery, and divine encounters she never could have scripted.
Molly walks us through the story that started it all — a giant container of cheese balls, a flight attendant with a microphone, and a conversation that went from snacks to Jesus in ten seconds flat. What began as a fun moment in 2008 has grown into a ministry built on the belief that God uses the foolish things of this world to accomplish His purposes, and that every single person you meet is carrying a story worth drawing out.
In this episode, Molly shares:
How a bicuspid aortic valve discovered in childhood led to open heart surgery, two unexpected follow-up surgeries, and a faith that only grew stronger through all of it The viral moment with Nurse Jen that sent her book flying off Amazon, connected her with a rancher in Texas, and launched Whatever You Do Ministries into a new season What it looks like to say yes to God when you're grumpy, running late, and absolutely do not want to strap on the cheese balls The divine encounters — in elevators, MRI machines, and hospital waiting rooms — that prove obedience always leads somewhere beautiful Why she and her husband launched their ministry in the middle of the hardest season of their lives, and how God showed up anywayMolly is also working on her next book, Surrender to the Surgeon, a devotional born from her open heart surgery journey — and yes, she is already back competing in Ninja after three surgeries, because of course she is. She is a living reminder that God doesn't need you to be polished, prepared, or even in a good mood.
He just needs your yes.
Follow Molly here: https://www.instagram.com/cheeseballchick
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If you've ever sat in a school car line, scrolling your phone for the third time, wondering if there's a better way to start the morning — this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Amy and Jenny sit down with Sam Balto, physical education teacher turned nonprofit founder and the heart behind Bike Bus World, a global movement that is transforming the way kids get to school one pedal stroke at a time.
Sam shares how a single spring morning with five kids and a walking school bus set him on a path he never could have predicted — one that would eventually go viral, land on Good Morning America, and bring Justin Timberlake, Benson Boone, and Zara Larsson along for the ride. What started as a simple idea to get kids moving before school has grown into a worldwide community of parents, seniors, volunteers, and yes, a few music icons, all united by the belief that joy, connection, and fresh air are always worth showing up for.
In this episode, Sam shares:
How a video from Barcelona sparked the very first Bike Bus on Earth Day four years ago — and what happened next The confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging kids gain just from showing up and riding together How a parent's TikTok video going from 200,000 to two million views overnight changed everything Why being joyful and positive — not combative — is the most powerful strategy for building a movement His practical step-by-step advice for anyone who wants to start a Bike Bus in their own neighborhoodSam's goal is 10,000 bike buses worldwide by 2030, and after spending an hour with him, you will believe it is absolutely possible. He is a reminder that you don't need a title, a budget, or anyone's permission to make something beautiful happen right where you are.
Follow Sam here: https://www.instagram.com/coachbalto/
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If you or someone you love has ever faced a diagnosis that stopped time, or if you've simply wondered how anyone finds light in the middle of the darkest kind of news — this conversation will meet you right where you are. Amy and Jenny sit down with their dear friend Carrie Davis, known to many as Carrie Davis Art — a fine artist, mother, wife, and one of the most quietly powerful voices you will ever encounter — who opens up for the first time about her invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosis, the year that followed, and the unexpected beauty she found inside it.
Carrie walks us through the slow, confusing collection of symptoms that preceded her diagnosis, the surreal moment she received the news, and what it felt like to watch her own life unfold as if from the ceiling — present, but not fully inside her own body. With extraordinary honesty, she shares how she navigated telling her family, leaning on community, and choosing, even on the hardest days, to face life rather than only fear death.
In this episode, Carrie shares:
The small, seemingly unrelated symptoms she didn't know to look for What it felt like to receive a cancer diagnosis and the strange, disorienting grief that followed in the days after How writing became her survival tool — and how 160 personal excerpts may become something much bigger Why she had to consciously choose to pursue wellness, even when holding onto illness felt safer The power of community, sitting shiva, and what it really means to let people carry youCarrie also speaks beautifully about facing death with curiosity rather than fear, the thin veil between here and heaven, and the moment God asked her a question that changed everything: Do you want to be well? Her Substack, where she continues to share her story with stunning vulnerability and grace, recently landed in the top 10 emerging writers on the platform — and after this episode, you will understand exactly why.
We are so honored Carrie trusted us with this story while it is still being written. She is a living reminder that your identity is not your diagnosis, your relationships, or your roles — it is something far deeper, and far more beautiful, than any of us give ourselves credit for.
Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/carriedavisart/
And her Substack here: https://carriejacobsdavis.substack.com/
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If you've ever felt the quiet weight of comparison, wondered why money stirs up so much emotion, or simply wished someone would make the conversation about finances feel a little less overwhelming — this episode is exactly what you needed today. Amy and Jenny sit down with Rachel Cruze, bestselling author, personal finance expert, and daughter of Dave Ramsey, who has built her own incredible voice helping families and individuals find true financial freedom rooted in faith, self-awareness, and intentionality.
Rachel opens up about what it was really like growing up in the Ramsey household — and it might surprise you. Money was never a source of rigidity or pressure, but rather woven naturally into everyday conversations, equipping her and her siblings with a foundation that only became clearer once she stepped into the real world. That contrast sparked her passion for reaching the next generation before debt and financial stress take hold.
In this episode, Rachel shares:
Why personal finance is 80% behavior and only 20% head knowledge — and what that means for how we change How money becomes tangled with identity, and the spiritual and emotional work it takes to separate the two The comparison trap, what's actually happening in our brains when we compare, and why celebration is the antidote Her own honest confession about where money still has a stronghold on her — and the question she asks herself before every purchase Her practical first step for anyone ready to take control: a forward-looking budget, and the free tool she recommends to get startedRachel also speaks beautifully to the intersection of faith and finances — how living with an open hand shapes not just your bank account but your character, your relationships, and your soul. Whether you're just starting out or have been on this journey for years, her warmth and honesty make the hard stuff feel genuinely approachable.
We are so grateful Rachel brought her wisdom, her humor, and her whole self to this conversation. She is a reminder that financial health and spiritual health are far more connected than most of us realize — and that it is never too late to start.
Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcruze/
Learn more about the Ramsey Cruise here: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/events/live-like-no-one-else-cruise
Start budgeting today: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/money/everydollar
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Hope you enjoy this throwback! Originally aired on June 25, 2025.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Hadley Eddings, a woman whose story of faith, forgiveness, and resilience has touched countless lives. Hadley shares her journey through unimaginable loss and the miraculous hope that followed.
Hadley opens up about the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of her two young sons, Dobbs and Reed, in 2015. She recounts the heart-wrenching moments in the hospital and the strength she and her husband found in their faith during those dark days.
A Testament to Faith and Forgiveness
What sets Hadley's story apart is the extraordinary act of forgiveness she and her husband extended to the driver responsible for the accident. Their ability to forgive in the face of such profound loss sparked a ripple effect, inspiring others to reconsider their own struggles with forgiveness.From Tragedy to Miracle
But Hadley's story doesn't end with loss. She shares the incredible moment when she discovered she was pregnant with twin boys, a revelation that brought joy and healing to their family. The twins, now 8 years old, are a living testament to God's faithfulness and the beauty that can emerge from pain.Honoring Their Legacy
Hadley also discusses how they've honored the memory of Dobbs and Reed, including the creation of a school in Haiti bearing their names. She offers insights into how they navigate discussing their family history with the twins and the traditions they maintain to keep the boys' memory alive.Key Takeaways:
The power of faith in navigating life's darkest moments How forgiveness can bring healing and inspire others Finding hope and joy after devastating loss Keeping the memory of loved ones alive The impact one family's story can have on countless othersHadley's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the holy spirit and the transformative power of faith. It's an episode that will leave you inspired, moved, and with a renewed perspective on life's challenges.
Follow Hadley Eddings Here: https://www.instagram.com/messenger_co/
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If you've ever walked through a season that felt like loss only to discover it was actually the beginning of something beautiful, Derek Welborn's story is going to meet you right where you are. Derek is the founder of Saints Western, a heritage brand rooted in purpose, craftsmanship, and legacy, who lives in Dripping Springs, Texas with his wife Jill and their two daughters, Jaymes and Gray — and his journey from full-time pastor to hat maker to brand partner with worship artist Brandon Lake is one of the most unexpected and deeply moving stories we've had the privilege of sharing.
After 15 years in full-time ministry — including leading a church that met in a bar on Austin's Second Street where baptisms happened on the sidewalk — Derek was blindsided at 36 by a severe case of alopecia that left him losing his hair in clumps overnight. What followed was a year of identity crisis, quiet wrestling with God, and a Father's Day request for a felt block and a sweatband that changed everything.
Derek taught himself hat making from YouTube videos, and his first sale came after a church member told him "Paul was a tentmaker — you're a hat maker" and bought him a full set of hat blocks. His community rallied around him from the start — a launch party thrown by a friend, a website built by a small group member, and 20 hats sold out of the gate. A dream to one day make Brandon Lake a hat came true within three months, sparking a friendship that eventually led to Brandon coming on as a partner in Saints Western. Mentor Clint Huff gave Derek his first real shot at Round Top, invested in equipment, and flew him to a century-old family boot factory in Mexico — before moving to Panama to start a school. Derek uses Saints Western as a ministry platform, praying with customers in his booth, gifting hats to children with alopecia, and letting the brand's tagline — the best sermons are lived, not preached — open doors for faith conversations.What makes this episode so special is the way Derek holds his story — and his brand — with open hands. From the Airstream he bought for $4,500 and two hats to touring with Brandon Lake across the country, every chapter points back to a God who, as Derek puts it, restores what was lost and gives it back as a gift. You can find Saints Western online and catch their Airstream pop-up at Brandon Lake tour dates this season.
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If you've been craving content that feels genuinely refreshing — rooted, real, and full of joy — this conversation with Macy Johnston is exactly what you didn't know you needed today. Macy is a full-time content creator, hunter, gardener, and outdoor lifestyle storyteller based in Alabama, whose warmth and authenticity have drawn a massive following across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat.
What started as filming life in a log cabin in the North Georgia mountains with her dachshund quickly snowballed into a thriving full-time career. Macy's roots in PR, her love of the outdoors, and her willingness to just show up as herself online struck a chord with audiences hungry for something normal and positive — and within a year of going viral, she had left her agency job to pursue it full time.
Macy's content took off during COVID when she started sharing authentic outdoor and country life experiences — no filter, no performance, just real life. Her faith is central to everything she does, and she starts every single morning with Bible and breakfast, a standing event on her Google calendar. She met her husband Slay on a Turkey hunt — introduced by a mutual creator friend — and the two have built a life and a business partnership grounded in shared faith. Macy launched Front Porch Faith, a podcast and YouTube series built on the belief that faith should be as simple and accessible as sitting on your front porch. She's currently expanding to long-form YouTube content, bringing viewers along on full hunts with videographers — essentially her own version of a hunting show.What makes Macy's story so compelling is the way calling and creativity have intersected throughout her life — from college softball to digital art, from PR to the woods, from log cabin videos to a faith-forward media brand she's building with intention. She's funny, grounded, and genuinely inspiring, and this conversation will leave you wanting to put your phone down, step outside, and start something.
You can follow Macy across all platforms and find her designs at macywjohnston.com.
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There's something deeply comforting about hearing a story unfold in unexpected ways—and this one is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the path finds you before you fully understand it.
In this episode, we sit down with Heather Harris of Meanwhile Back on the Farm, a handmade wax and leather bag family founded company, to chat about her journey from sewing as a young girl to building a thriving handmade goods business is anything but linear—and all the more inspiring because of it.
Heather shares how her early experiences—learning to sew beside her mother, selling at farmer's markets, and embracing mentorship—laid the groundwork for a life rooted in creativity and resilience. From fashion design roles in Boston and New York to an unplanned pivot into farm life, motherhood, and even jalapeño mustard-making, her story is filled with bold pivots and quiet moments of trust. It's a conversation about following instincts, embracing detours, and doing the things that light you up—even when they don't make sense at the time.
In this episode, we talk about:
The power of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities How mentorship and community shape our paths Building a business from the ground up (literally, on a farm) The beauty of craftsmanship and caring about every detail Why "do all the things" might be the best advice of allTogether, we explore how Heather's business, Meanwhile Back on the Farm, came to life—from handmade bags crafted with intention to a brand rooted in quality, storytelling, and connection. Her perspective on entrepreneurship, motherhood, and creativity is both grounding and energizing, reminding us that growth often comes from the most unlikely places.
Whether you're in a season of transition, building something new, or simply looking for a story that feels honest and encouraging, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to trust your own journey—and maybe even take that next brave step.
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Whether you're navigating the beautiful chaos of raising little ones, fighting for your marriage in a hard season, or simply trying to figure out who you are in the middle of it all — this conversation is for you. In this episode, Amy and Jenny sit down with Katie Walters — author, speaker, entrepreneur, founder of Francis & Benedict, and marriage pastor at Seacoast Church alongside her husband Josh, where together they lead couples through some of life's most meaningful and challenging moments.
Katie opens up about what it really looks like to raise seven children, ranging in age from 5 to 23, and how motherhood has been, in her words, a journey of humility. She shares how learning to lean into each child's unique personality — making "whatever they're into your favorite" — has been one of the most grounding lessons of her parenting life.
In this episode, Katie shares:
Why prioritizing your marriage, even when it feels impractical, is the greatest gift you can give your children How she and Josh navigate conflict as two strong, expressive personalities — and the tools they've developed over 23 years The powerful truth that 80% of secure attachment is built through repair, not perfection What a crisis in their own marriage taught them about hope — and why they now pour that hope into other couples How Francis & Benedict was born from a heart for global missions and a dream that wouldn't let goKatie also speaks candidly about the work ahead — a Covenant Coaches curriculum designed to walk couples through their most critical year of healing, and the deep joy of watching her own children carry forward the things she and Josh fought so hard to build.
We are so grateful Katie trusted us with her story today. She is a living reminder that restoration is possible, that seasons shift, and that there is enough joy — even in the hard days — for every single one.
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When a routine pregnancy scan revealed a life-threatening diagnosis, Cat Foor found herself stepping into a journey she never could have prepared for—one marked by fear, uncertainty, and 67 days in the NICU with her daughter, June.
In this episode of Under the Oaks, we sit in the tension of the unknown and talk about what it really looks like to trust God when life doesn't go as planned with our guest, Cat Foor. Cat shares how, even in the most fragile moments, she experienced a deeper peace, strength, and nearness to God than she ever expected.
In this conversation, you'll be encouraged by:
Finding peace when you don't have answers Experiencing God's nearness in the middle of fear Becoming a strong advocate for your child Letting community carry you through hard seasons Holding onto hope—even when the outcome feels uncertain
This is the kind of story we hold space for Under the Oaks—honest, rooted, and full of quiet hope. A reminder that even in the unknown, you are not alone… and there is still so much light to be found.
Follow Cat here! https://www.instagram.com/cat.foor
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What happens when you meet someone who truly lives by the art of noticing? You get Caroline Lunne, a 26-year-old marketing maven, Instagram creator, and writer who's built an entire philosophy around waking up the part of you that likes everyday life.
Caroline moved to Charleston four years ago and has since created a vibrant online presence that celebrates finding joy in everyday moments. From her colorful home that screams "coastal cottage meets creative spirit" to her marketing agency Migrate, she's proof that following your instincts can lead to extraordinary places.
But this conversation goes deeper than pretty Instagram feeds and business success. Caroline opens up about losing her mom to cancer last November, a woman who taught her that "the special occasion is today" during their magical springs together in Paris. It's raw, real, and the kind of vulnerability that stops you in your tracks.
What You'll Gain from This EpisodeHere are 5 key takeaways you can expect from this conversation about finding joy in everyday moments:
Learn the simple 10-minute practice that can wake up your "liker" and help you notice beauty everywhere around you. Discover how to separate your creative work from your art without burning out or losing the joy in what you do. Understand why fun isn't frivolous—it's actually serious business for living a life you genuinely like. Get practical tips for building community through creativity, from running book clubs to connecting fellow creators. Find permission to prioritize small moments of enjoyment over endless productivity and the "must-do" list.Caroline's story is a beautiful reminder that creativity isn't just about the big moments—it's about stacking small things you love into each day. Whether she's leading 200 women through The Artist's Way on Zoom or simply making coffee in her cheerful kitchen, she shows us that noticing what brings us joy is the first step to developing real taste in life.
This is for anyone who's ever felt creatively stuck, overwhelmed by their to-do list, or wondering how to find more genuine enjoyment in their daily routine. Sometimes the most profound wisdom comes wrapped in the simplest practices.
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You may recognize Melly Paxson as the fairy godmother from Disney's Descendants — but in this episode of Under the Oaks, we get to know the woman behind the role.
Melly joins us for a heartfelt, down-to-earth conversation about leaving Los Angeles during the pandemic and moving to Charleston without ever visiting first. What started as a leap of faith became a life-changing reset for her family, her faith, and her sense of home.
With honesty and humor, she shares about navigating Hollywood as a woman of faith, walking through infertility, and choosing sobriety on Christmas Eve 2020. Her story is a reminder that transformation doesn't always come with fireworks sometimes it begins with one quiet, brave decision.
In this episode, we talk about:
Moving to Charleston sight unseen and why it felt like coming home Rethinking what alcoholism can look like and choosing freedom Motherhood, infertility, and embracing the unexpected Her love of interior design (including dreams of a muted pink house) A few fun behind-the-scenes moments from DescendantsThis conversation is warm, real, and deeply encouraging, the kind that feels like sitting with a friend who's willing to share the whole story.
If you've ever wondered what it looks like to quietly change your life from the inside out, this episode is for you.
Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs this reminder today.
Follow Melly here: https://www.instagram.com/mellypaxson/?hl=en
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What happens when you lose your job and decide to bet everything on a dream that feels impossible? When Jenny and I sat down under the oaks with Evan Cooper, that's exactly where we started. After being fired from his sales job, Evan chose to go all-in on content creation with 8,000 followers and $4 in his bank account. No backup plan. No viral moment. Just a decision.
In this conversation, he shares the raw reality behind building a social media presence from scratch — posting 150 videos that "nobody watched," questioning himself, and slowly discovering that trying to be impressive was actually holding him back. Everything shifted with one simple 22-second video about going to the movies alone. Not flashy. Not overproduced. Just honest.
We talk about the internal shift that mattered more than the algorithm and how authenticity became his secret weapon when he stopped trying to be "cool" and started being himself. The conversation moves into fostering rescue dogs (including the internet-famous Vader), coaching middle school basketball, and the life-shaping conversation he had with his mom in a Walmart parking lot that redefined why he creates in the first place.
Key insights you'll gain from this episode The power of consistent failure as a learning tool - How intentionally failing fast can accelerate your path to success. Finding your authentic voice - Why being vulnerable about loneliness and struggles creates deeper connections than highlighting wins. The importance of giving back - How helping others became both his content strategy and personal fulfillment. Building community in a lonely industry - Honest thoughts on the isolation that comes with content creation and how to combat it. Strategic content decisions - The intentional choices behind everything from his signature black shirt uniform to when he shares mental health updates.This isn't a typical "how I went viral" story. It's an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and using your platform to make others feel seen and heard. If you've ever felt behind, overlooked, or unsure whether to keep going, this episode is for you.
Follow Evan here: https://www.instagram.com/evcoop/
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Sometimes a single moment can change the direction of your life.
After touring Star Gospel Mission in Charleston, Shea Chambers came face-to-face with the hidden reality of homelessness among women and children in our own community. What began as a simple visit quickly became a calling she could no longer ignore and within just 30 days, Friends of Morning Light was born.
In this heartfelt conversation, Shea shares how God moved her from heartbreak to bold action, revealing that ordinary obedience can create extraordinary impact. Together, we talk about the unseen struggles families face, the power of transitional housing, and the hope that grows when people say yes to serving others.
This episode is a gentle invitation to listen for where God may be leading you and a reminder that showing up with a willing heart can change everything.
In This Episode, We Talk About: The hidden reality of homelessness for women and children How one visit sparked the vision for Friends of Morning Light Why transitional housing creates lasting healing and stability Trusting God's calling, even when the vision feels overwhelming Simple, meaningful ways to serve in your own community Connect & Learn MoreFollow along with Friends of Morning Light and discover ways to support families in need. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more stories like this take root. 🤍
https://www.stargospelmission.org/friends
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Sometimes the moments that feel the most unplanned become the places where redemption begins.
In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Chapple Chandler, content creator, home renovator, and mother to talk about the story she never expected to live and the grace she never imagined finding.
At just 19 years old, while in college on scholarship, Chapple faced an unexpected pregnancy and a future that looked nothing like she had planned. What followed were years of single motherhood, hard work, quiet shame, and the slow journey toward healing.
But God was gently writing a different story.
Chapple shares how an encounter with God's love transformed her identity, lifted the weight of shame, and led her into a life marked by restoration, family, and purpose. In a beautiful twist only God could orchestrate, her teenage daughter would later introduce her to the man who became her husband, reminding us that redemption often unfolds in the most unexpected ways.
This episode is a reminder that nothing in your story is wasted. Even the unplanned beginnings can become beautiful redemption in God's hands.
In this episode we talk about:
Trusting God when life doesn't go as planned Walking through single motherhood, shame, and survival Finding true identity as God's beloved daughter The power of community in hard seasons Sharing your story so others can find hope
If you've ever wondered whether God could redeem your past, this conversation will meet you with deep encouragement and gentle hope.
Follow Chapple here:
https://www.instagram.com/chapplechandler?igsh=bWhrN241MXg4OTF1 -
Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the consumer trends flooding your social media feeds? From Stanley cups to barrel jeans, weighted vests to vibration plates, it seems like there's always something new we're supposed to want, need, or try.
Jenny and I are getting real about the trends that captured our attention this year, and more importantly, which ones were worth it and which ones we're ready to toss. We're sharing our honest experiences with everything from those peel-off lip stains everyone's talking about to the health gadgets that promised to change our lives.
But this isn't just about roasting products we regret buying. We're also celebrating the trends that actually delivered, like the shift toward authenticity in content creation, the rise of Christian music in mainstream culture, and the blessed acceptance of wearing cozy sets everywhere.
Here are 5 key takeaways you can expect from this episode on consumer trends: Learn to distinguish between trendy and timeless when making purchasing decisions. Discover which viral products lived up to the hype and which ones are gathering dust. Understand how social media algorithms influence our buying habits and spending patterns. Get honest reviews of popular items from Stanley cups to magnetic nasal strips. Find strategies for teaching kids healthy consumption habits in our trend-obsessed culture.We're also talking about the cultural shifts we're loving, like the move away from perfectionism in social media and the return to authentic, raw content. Plus, we're discussing some trends we're ready to leave behind, including the mean-spirited "de-influencing" movement that's been targeting content creators.
Whether you're someone who jumps on every trend or waits to see if something sticks around, this conversation will help you navigate the constant stream of "must-have" products with more intention and less regret.
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Sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the most unexpected places. What if I told you that spray tanning people in a small Kentucky town could lead to a thriving real estate career, keynote speaking, and writing a book to inspire thousands?
Dana Gentry's story is anything but conventional. From battling panic attacks and addiction to building a successful business empire, her path has been marked by both struggle and incredible faith. But it's not just about overcoming obstacles, it's about how she's learned to live with such intentionality that every day becomes an opportunity to shine light in the secular world.
What Makes This Conversation So CompellingThis isn't your typical success story. Dana gets refreshingly honest about the messy parts, losing friends in tragic accidents, her father's battle with alcoholism, and her own struggle with prescription drug dependency. But what's remarkable is how she's transformed these experiences into wisdom that helps others avoid burnout while pursuing their biggest dreams.
You'll hear about the moment she sat on Sullivan's Island beach, completely burned out despite outward success, and how God spoke the word "restore" so clearly that it became the foundation for her first book. It's the kind of story that makes you believe in divine appointments and perfect timing.
The Practical Wisdom You'll GainDana doesn't just share inspiring stories, she gives you actionable strategies for living intentionally:
The power of mentor lunches and seven specific questions that can change your career trajectory How to create boundaries that protect and feed your soul Daily rhythms that keep you grounded, including her unique approach to morning routines The 80/20 principle for sustainable living without perfectionist pressure Building authentic relationships that transcend social and economic differences Her Four Life-Changing PillarsThrough years of personal development work, Dana identified four pillars that shaped her success: intentional living, building great relationships, the power of proximity to mentors, and running your own race. Each pillar comes with real stories and practical applications that you can implement immediately.
What I love most about this conversation is Dana's heart for making Christianity look "perfectly imperfect." She's proof that you can be successful in the secular world while letting your faith shine bright—feathers on your shirt and all.
Whether you're feeling stuck in your career, struggling with comparison, or simply wanting to live with more purpose, Dana's story will leave you feeling both challenged and encouraged. Plus, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at her health routines, her "God boxes" (trust me, this will make you smile), and why she plays worship music around her entire property 24/7.
Follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/danaggentry/
Snag her book here: https://restoredevotional.com/
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