Episodios
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Today, I wanted to talk about something that’s been on my heart lately: gratitude. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, my family and I started a new tradition this year-a gratitude wall in our living room. Every day, we write down things we’re thankful for, and it’s sparked some really meaningful conversations with our kids about seeing God’s blessings in our lives.
Gratitude has the power to change us. So, this week, I wanted to chat about what a biblical approach to Thanksgiving truly looks like.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, and I’ll see you back here in December!
2:14– The Theology Of Gratitude• Gratitude is a response to who God is
• God is the giver of every blessing in our lives
• Gratitude is an act of worship
7:00 – Practical Expressions Of Gratitude• Having a heart that acknowledges God
• Gratitude through worship
• Gratitude through action
10:38 – Gratitude During Difficult Seasons• Psalm 34:1
• Trusting God’s presence and promises
• How are you practicing gratitude this season?
FEATURED QUOTES“Even when life- especially right now, heading into the holiday season- feels chaotic, God's goodness and His love is constant, and so it gives us this reason to be thankful.”
“Gratitude is…an act of worship. It's a way that we acknowledge God's rightful place in our lives as Lord and King.”
“Gratitude isn't just what we say. Gratitude is how we live… It's our it's our words and our actions- word and deed- coming together.”Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I am thrilled to be joined by the amazing and talented Shana Wilson Williams and Melinda Watts in today’s episode. Shana is a pastor’s daughter, worship leader and songwriter from Detroit. Melinda is a family lifestyle travel creator, speaker, and worship leader from Atlanta.
These two incredible women have come alongside other talented artists to create the album, Return To Love, which calls the church back to its true purpose by embracing authentic worship and community. It showcases a rich blend of musical styles and diverse voices, all centered on the powerful theme of rediscovering true worship and love in a divided world.
As we come off of this election season, Shana and Melinda are here to remind us how important it is to examine our hearts, prioritize our relationship with God, and better love ourselves, our families and our neighbors.
I hope you’ll join us for this rich conversation and will give this powerful album a listen!
4:14 – Shana 101
From Detroit Mom and wife Pastor’s daughter and worship leader7:00 – Melinda 101
From New Jersey, now in Atlanta Mom and wife Worship leader with a love for ministry8:21 – Return To Love
How this collaborative project came together The meaning behind this album Returning to the feet of Jesus11:57 – Rediscovering True Worship
Lessons from Revelation Rediscovering a deep connection with God Putting aside our differences Loving yourself to love others well20:19 – Overflowing Love: A Call To Kingdom
Being mindful of what you consume Worship that brings your attention back to the presence of God Leading by example and focusing on kingdom values Breaking bread with those who are different than you36:00 – Takeaways
Shana and Melinda’s hope for this project Connecting with Shana and MelindaFEATURED QUOTES
“We need to not just be waiting for Him to return but be ready for Him to return. And the only way we can be ready is if we return back to what it was supposed to be- that's genuine love, genuine community, genuine fellowship with one another, putting aside our own motives or agendas or views…and returning to the sacredness of who Jesus is.”
“We are supposed to be known in the world by our love and so to see this project focus on love is really helping us get back to what we should be known by.”
“I hope that after listening to this project, that people reevaluate their relationships- their relationships with one another, with fellow Christians, non-Christians, and that we would keep love at the center.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR LINKS THAT NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN POST
Listen to the Return To Love Album:
https://www.returntolovealbum.com/
Learn more about Shana
https://www.shanawilsonwilliams.com/sww
Shana on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/shanawilsonwilliams/?hl=en
Shana on Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanawilsonwilliams
Shana on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC98C1ok21B5YlR4xF22vTlw
Learn more about Melinda
https://www.melindawatts.com/
Melinda on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/melindawattsglobal/
Medina on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/melindawattsmusic/
Melinda on Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@melindawatts_
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Welcome to episode 420! Today, it's just me, and I'm tackling one of the most frequently asked questions I’ve received since the release of my first book, If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry. And that is… “How do I get a book published?”
A recent study showed that more than 80% of Americans dream of writing and publishing a book. So, in today’s conversation, I’m going to walk you through the basics of book publishing and share the tips and tricks I learned along the way.
If you've ever imagined holding your own book in your hands or are just curious about the publishing world, stick around. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer idea of where to start and how the process works!
2:37 – Understanding Your Options
· The different approaches to publishing
· Getting an agent
· Creating a book proposal
6:50 – Finding Your Team
· Researching agents who specialize in your genre
· Putting together your query letter
· Showing agents your personality
12:03 – The Book Proposal Process
· What is a book proposal?
· Showing your knowledge and commitment
· Sample chapters
15:49 – Self-Publishing and Hybrid Publishing
· Hiring your team
· Don’t forget about marketing!
· Considerations for hybrid publishing
19:25 – Okay… So Where Do I Start?!
· Polishing your manuscript
· Having a book proposal
· Defining your goals + researching options
· Establishing relationships + thinking about marketing
· Don’t give up!
FEATURED QUOTES
“If you don't hear back or you get a rejection, you can't let it discourage you. Tons of successful, famous authors have received multiple rejections before finding the right fit. So, you are not alone. It is part of the process.”
“The writing community in general is incredibly supportive and has been vital in my own process.”
“Publishing a book, writing a book is a marathon, not a sprint…Rejections are going to happen. Timelines are going to change. Things are not going to go the way that you want them to go, but you have to keep going. You have to have that end goal in mind and focus on the end result that you're really, really looking for, because that part is incredibly rewarding.”
Punchline Agency
https://punchlineagency.com/
Hope Writers
https://www.hopewriters.com/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I'm thrilled to welcome my dear friend, Mattie Jackson, back to the show! You may remember her from earlier this year, and I was so inspired by our chat that I had to invite her back- especially with the release of her new book, Through the Valley of Grief.
Mattie is an author, podcaster, and speaker whose life changed dramatically when she tragically lost her 28-year-old husband to a traumatic brain injury just weeks before their first anniversary. Despite her grief, she has used her story to give glory to God and to bring others hope and healing.
Her new book is a 365-day devotional, carefully crafted to guide readers through spiritual practices that offer hope and peace during times of grief. If you or someone you know is walking through loss right now, I hope that this episode- and Mattie’s devotional- will be a source of comfort and inspiration.
6:02 – Mattie 201
• Having a baby
• Releasing her second book
• The difference between Lemons and this new devotional13:52 – Walking Through Grief
• The four practices to navigate grief
• Feeling grief without getting stuck in it
• Actions and tools to move toward hope and healing
27:02 – Finding Freedom In Hope• The courage required to hope
• Don’t let Satan steal present joy
• God’s message of hope41:23 – Closing Remarks
• Helping others through the grieving process
• Getting your copy of Mattie’s book
FEATURED QUOTES“This was really hard fought, hard written, five years in the making- and it was a lot of work, and so I'm really proud of it in that way as a writer.”
“We need to be affirmed in our pain, and that's important, but we also need to be called to act in it.”
“There is such freedom in the action of hoping, even though you don't know what the final outcome is going to be.”
“The courage to hope in a very broken situation, in a very rightly anxiety-producing world, is going to only come from God's Word.”
Learn more about Mattie:
Get your copy of Through The Valley of Grief
https://www.amazon.com/Through-Valley-Grief-Devotional-Spiritual/dp/0593601238
Get your copy of Lemons On Friday
https://www.amazon.com/Lemons-Friday-Trusting-Greatest-Heartbreak/dp/0785241272/ref=asc_df_0785241272?nodl=1&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=675601147131&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16219095298050732835&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYtFXuwWotiZA-6LEU-IvYhl8AlHMjw6dcuilzZnQUl6pI2as2x1W99FzU_aem_PH7jpc88JU1KxPkE8PIAgA
Mattie on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mattiejackson/?hl=en
Mattie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/mattiejacksonofficial/
In Joy Life Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-joy-life-with-mattie-jackson/id1667357187
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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My guest this week is the incredible and hilarious Joby Martin, the lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida. Since launching the church in 2012, Joby has been at the forefront of a movement that helps people from all walks of life discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus.
Beyond his leadership at The Church of Eleven22, Joby is also an author, speaker, husband, and father of two beautiful children. His newest book Run Over By the Grace Train: How the Unstoppable Love of God Transforms Everything just hit shelves this September.
I hope you’ll join us today as we talk about this concept of grace and explore how we can better understand and apply it in our daily lives. I had an absolute blast learning from Joby's wisdom and getting into the nitty gritty on this subject!
2:09 – Joby 101
Getting saved in high school
Feeling called to ministry
Planting a church in Jacksonville
Connecting to people through comedy12:30 – The Importance Of Grace In Today’s Culture
How grace is often misunderstood and misapplied
Grace transforms everything
We need grace daily
16:37 – Defining GraceHow grace is defined by scripture
Grace brings the dead to life
God’s relentless pursuit of us26:50 – Encouragement For Those Struggling With Grace
Investigating the Bible and seeking a relationship with Jesus
The Gospel of John
Being open to the transformative power of grace35:18 – Final Thoughts
Who is Jesus to you?
Everything Jesus has for us is good
Grace has a face
Connecting with Joby
FEATURED QUOTES“I've also realized in preaching, if I just preach from my own failures and weaknesses, I never run out of material.”
“If you got hit by a train, your whole life would be different. You can't say that you've been hit by the grace of Jesus, and things don't change in your life.”
“I promise you, there's more grace in Jesus than sin in you, and He wants you, and He's not disappointed to choose you.”
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Learn more about Joby:
https://www.jobymartin.com/
Get your copy of Run Over By The Grace Train
https://www.jobymartin.com/books/grace-train
Church of Eleven22
https://coe22.com/
Joby on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jobypmartin/
Joby on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@jobypmartin
Joby on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/PastorJobyMartin
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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You are in for a treat this week! My guest is the hilarious and amazing Sophie Hudson. Sophie is a best-selling author and a beloved podcaster who started blogging at BooMama.net in 2005 and has co-hosted The Big Boo Cast since 2007- roles that make her feel like the internet's mee-maw. She's known for her infectious laugh, love of live sports, and cooking her mama's recipes for friends.
Her latest book, A Fine Sight to See: Leading Because You Were Made for It, explores leadership principles from the book of Exodus, touching on the important role women played in Moses’s life and the Israelites’ journey to freedom. Sophie’s approachable style and love for laughter make her work- and this episode- so insightful and incredibly fun. We had an absolute blast as Sophie shared her heart and her wisdom. You don’t want to miss this one!
2:23 – Sophie 101
Southern accents, morning weddings & the power of a good nap
Living in Birmingham, Alabama
Starting a blog in 2005 and co-hosting a podcast
An unexpected journey to full-time writing
20:42 – Women In LeadershipHow Sophie landed on Exodus 1-20 for her book
The challenges women face in leadership roles in the church
Using the language of leadership for women33:40 – Developing Humble Leadership
The balance between confidence and humility in leadership
Leadership that reminds people of who God is
Leading with a quiet life
Practicing your gifts in private45:58 – Closing Thoughts
Bonding over musical theater
Getting your copy of A Fine Sight To SeeFEATURED QUOTES
“I think Moses is a leadership manual for all of us, women or men.”
“We need men to lead, but we also need women to lead, and women are underrepresented in leadership in our churches.”
“If you have influence over one other person, you're a leader in that person's life.”
Learn more about Sophie:BooMama
https://www.boomama.net/
https://www.boomama.net/about-me/
Get your copy of A Fine Sight To See
https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Sight-See-Leading-Because/dp/0764243349
Sophie on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/boomama205/?hl=en
Sophie on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SophieHudsonBooMama/
The Big Boo Cast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-boo-cast/id262921699
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I’m so excited to welcome the hilarious and amazing Ellen Skrmetti to the show today! Ellen first rose to fame during the COVID-19 pandemic, capturing hearts with her Instagram sketches where she "calls" Jesus for advice. Her account went viral in the spring of 2022, racking up millions of views and a devoted following.
Now, Ellen has just released her first book, Hey Jesus, It’s Me: I Have Questions, Comments, and Concerns, where she brings her signature Southern charm and wit to tackle topics like motherhood, menopause, and menus- subjects her fans have come to love.
Trust me, you won't want to miss this episode- Ellen and I had a blast (and even did a bit or two). I can’t wait for you to hear it!
7:35 – Ellen 101
Studying at Second City
Growing an Instagram following
Starting comedy after a career in advertising sales
Waiting on God’s timing12:52 – God Math
The importance of timing and faith
Doing your reasonable best16:33 – Faith, Comedy, and Southern Charm
How Ellen’s faith and Southern upbringing influence her comedy
The mix of truth and absurdity in comedy
Starting rumors about Nate Bargatze!!22:41 – Hey Jesus!
The evolution of Ellen’s sketches
How the “Hey Jesus” sketches resonated with people
Wholesome and positive comedy in a world filled with negativity
Menopause, y’all!31:34 – Final thoughts
Connecting with Ellen
Getting your copy of Hey Jesus
FEATURED QUOTES“Even though my path is so unconventional... it's God's path.”
“My goal with the book is for people to remember that He does want our sad, He does want our fears, He wants everything… He wants to laugh with you. I mean, He created laughter.”
"People want something wholesome and people want something to cling to that's positive because there's so much negative."
Learn more about Ellen:
https://ellenskrmetti.com/
Ellen on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/justskrmetti/?hl=en
Get your copy of Hey Jesus
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546007040?tag=hacboogrosit-20
Ellen’s upcoming shows and signings
https://ellenskrmetti.com/about-appearances/
Ellen on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmYobCHqa6CKHHjutgw80rw
Ellen on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ellen.skrmetti/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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My guest this week is Jonny Ardavanis, Lead Pastor of Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and founder of Dial In Ministries, an organization dedicated to providing biblical resources for the next generation. Previously serving as a camp director at Hume Lake Christian Camps and dean at The Master's University, Jonny’s passion is helping people know and love Jesus through a deeper understanding of His Word.
In this episode, we dive into his new book, Consider the Lilies: Finding Perfect Peace in the Character of God. With statistics showing that one-third of teenagers have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and one in four young adults have experienced suicidal thoughts in recent years, Jonny offers a compassionate, biblically-centered approach to addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles.
This is such a powerful and timely conversation, whether you're personally navigating these challenges or supporting someone who is. You don’t want to miss this!
2:26 – Jonny 101
Husband and girl dad
Pastor of Stonebridge Bible Church in Tennessee
President of Dial In Ministries4:35 – Consider The Lilies
Jonny’s experience at Hume Lake
Providing a resource that addresses anxiety from a biblical perspective
Understanding God’s character in addressing anxiety12:12 – Living In An Anxious World
The root causes of anxiety and worry
The stories of Job, David and Elijah
Jesus addressing anxiety in scripture31:28 – Finding Hope and Healing
Experiencing holy hindsight
Practical steps for those dealing with anxiety
Christian counseling and community support
The hope and joy found in ChristFEATURED QUOTES
“To be human in the world in which we live is to be prone to anxiety.”
“What is anxiety? Well, I use the definition that it's anytime we take our eyes off of God and fix our gaze instead on the problems, pressures, and uncertainties of life.”
“If God loves, cares, provides for the lilies and the birds…how much more does God love, provide, care and nurture those who are made in His image and who have been blood bought by his one and only Son, Jesus Christ?”
Learn more about Jonny:
https://www.forthegospel.org/jonny-ardavanis
Jonny on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jonnyardavanis/?hl=en
Pre-order your copy of Consider The Lilies
https://www.amazon.com/Consider-Lilies-Finding-Perfect-Character/dp/0310368243
Stonebridge Bible Church
https://stonebridgebible.org/
Dial In Ministries
https://dialinministries.org/
Dial In Ministries on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGB5fYWHTNemqp9aZC232eg
Dial In Ministries on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/dialinministries/?hl=en
Dial In Ministries on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/Dial-In-Ministries-100063760952717/
Dial In Podcast
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3166a6da-ec56-457f-a56b-f513711d2dfe/dial-in-with-jonny-ardavanis
Bio
Jonny Ardavanis is the lead pastor of Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and the founder and president of Dial In Ministries, a ministry that provides biblical resourcing for the next generation. Jonny formerly served as both a camp director at Hume Lake Christian Camps and as a dean at The Master’s University. Jonny is passionate that people come to know and love Jesus Christ as they pursue a deeper understanding of His Word. Jonny lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Caity Jean, and their two daughters.DialinMinistries.org
instagram.com/JonnyArdavanis ; instagram.com/DialinMinistries
youtube.com/@DialinMinistries
x.com/DialinMin
Podcast: Dial In with Jonny ArdavanisConnect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
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Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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My guest today is my dear friend, Dr. Steve Bezner. Steve is the senior pastor of Houston Northwest Church, in Houston Texas. His passion is to see Houston and the world become more like heaven as people become more like Jesus. He’s a preacher, teacher, writer, and speaker and has such a gift for making the Bible easy to understand.
Steve’s new book is releasing this October, called Your Jesus is Too American: Calling the Church to Reclaim Kingdom Values over the American Dream, which I’m so excited to talk about today. In this book, Steve challenges the overpowering influences of money, politics, and status that often overshadow Jesus' teachings.
With over a decade of pastoral experience, Steve encourages readers to rediscover important kingdom values like humble service, reconciliation, generosity, and a grounded political witness in our communities. This is such an incredible book, and I strongly believe it’s a must-read as we head into this election season.
So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
5:44 – Steve 101
Pastor of Houston Northwest Church
Growing up in north Texas
Being called to ministry
Two adult sons
7:36 – The Genesis Of The BookThe inspiration behind Your Jesus Is Too American
The book’s foundation in the Sermon on the Mount
Embodying the kingdom of God in the middle of community
15:29 – Living Out Kingdom ValuesBeing disciples of Jesus first
Focusing on issues rather than candidates
Turning to scripture and working towards the vision of Jesus locally
Jesus’ command to love your enemy
34:33 – Faith In ActionEmbodying Jesus in our daily lives
Recognizing ingrained beliefs that conflict with Jesus’ words
Stepping into the lived experience of the kingdom
Pre-ordering your copy of Your Jesus Is Too American
FEATURED QUOTES“The purpose of a church is to provide faithful witness for Jesus in the midst of a community that often wants to ignore Jesus and ignore His way.”
“The first and most important identity needs to be your identity in Christ and joining into His story.”
“When you die to the American dream and you embrace the way of Jesus, you actually end up having a far better experience of being human than you could ever imagine.”
Learn more about Steve:
https://www.stevebezner.com/
Get your copy of Your Jesus Is Too American
https://www.amazon.com/Your-Jesus-Too-American-Calling/dp/1587436310
Houston NW Church
https://www.hnw.org/
Steve on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/sbezner/
Steve on X
https://x.com/bezner
Steve on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sbezner/?hl=en
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
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ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
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Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
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About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I’m thrilled to welcome the incredible, hilarious, and brilliant Chase Rashad to the show. Chase is the lead pastor at Unison Christian Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a musician and a racial equity coach for many schools, churches, and businesses.
Chase recently released a new book, Seamless: What Your Spiritual Gifts Are Really For, exploring how spiritual gifts, intended by God to transform the world, are often underutilized. He reminds us that, like a human body has many different parts and functions, every believer has a unique role to play in the Body of Christ.
This conversation was truly special. We laughed, we got deep, and this quickly became one of my favorite episodes in a long time. Chase’s insights on community, the role of spiritual gifts, and the importance of working together within the church were so inspiring and thought-provoking. Trust me, you’re in for a treat this week!
3:56 – Chase 101
Married for 19 years
Parent to 4 humans and a great dane
Pastor, singer, writer, musician and author
The perfect shade of green and sanctified imagination
12:49 – What Your Spiritual Gifts Are Really ForWhere Chase’s passion for this book came from
The importance of unity among believers
1 Corinthians 12
Spiritual gifts as a way to serve others24:44 – The Power of Every Gift
Recognizing and honoring all gifts
The danger of only valuing visible or “up front” gifts
The detrimental effects of isolation
How spiritual gifts are often best discovered and used in community39:30 – Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Identifying your gifts in community
Spiritual gifts as a conversation starter
Praying over your skills and talents
Connecting with ChaseFEATURED QUOTES
“It’s not hung on, how big our churches are, how dope our podcasts are, how good our books are, and how great we sing… Our witness for Christ is hung on our love for each other and our unity. And that was really the burden by which I wrote Seamless.”
“If you're working against your ability to be united, you're also working against your ability to show the world Jesus.”
“Our purpose isn't to memorize Scripture with each other. Our purpose isn't to sing songs to one another. Our purpose isn't even to just make sure that we're good. Our purpose is to make disciples.”
Learn more about Chase:
Get your copy of Seamless
https://www.amazon.com/Seamless-What-Spiritual-Gifts-Really/dp/1632575841
Unison Christian Churchhttps://unisongr.churchcenter.com/home
Unison Christian Church Podcast
https://unisoncc.podbean.com/
Chase’s Music
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chase-rashad/1481147224
Chase on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chase-r-stancle-sr-b577b068/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
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Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
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About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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This week, I'm so excited to welcome Sandra Stanley and her daughter, Allie Stanley Cooney, as our guests. Sandra, a familiar face on the show, is a dedicated foster parent, foster advocate, and co-author of the book Parenting: Getting It Right.
This time, Sandra is joined by her daughter, Allie, who has a Master’s in Christian Education and background in student ministry, to discuss their book Meet Me in the Middle: 8 Mother-Daughter Conversations about Life and Faith.
This book is such an incredible resource for those looking to strengthen their relationship with young girls in their lives. As a mom of a tween girl myself, this conversation was so insightful and encouraging. Moms, grandmas, sisters, dads, uncles, and mentors- there is something in this episode for you!
4:52 – Allie 101
Georgia native, pastor family, youngest of 3
Background in student ministry and Christian education
Wife and mom7:27 – Sandra 201
Life as a grandmother
Writing a book with Allie
36 years of marriage8:26 – Writing a Book Together
What led Sandra and Allie to write this book
Having hard conversations ahead of time
Setting your child up for success15:24 – The Imperfect Path of Parenting
Appreciating a parent’s love when you become a parent
Making mistakes as a parent
Allowing children to make mistakes in a safe environment
The unique dynamic of a mother/daughter relationship
Philippians 4:4-9 as a foundation for this book28:16 – Meet Me In The Middle
How this book is structured
Identity and self-worth in middle and high school
What we model matters
Parenting in the age of social media
Helping your children own their faith48:17 – Final Thoughts
Navigating big feelings with your children
Getting your copy of Meet Me In The Middle
Encouragement for moms and mentorsFEATURED QUOTES
“If we can bridge the gap between moms and daughters so that they can have some of the hard conversations ahead of time, before…. there's conflict and tension…it is such a win when those hard times come.”
“We really wanted to structure it in a way that a grandmother or an aunt or a mentor could also pick it up and do this with the young lady in their life that they love and who is important to them.”
“You don't have to change, you don't have to pretend, you don't have to give up hope, because Jesus did all of that on your behalf… You are enough and you are loved, and you are a child of God.”
“What we model matters, and it matters in the development of our children's faith and how they view their Heavenly Father.”
Learn more about Sandra and Allie:https://www.sandrastanley.com/meetmeinthemiddle
Get your copy of Meet Me in the Middle
https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Middle-Mother-Daughter-Conversations/dp/0310368677
Get your copy of Parenting: Getting It Right
https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Getting-Right-Andy-Stanley/dp/0310366275/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zWEmq7GGvxYEchs0KShkw_xA3D4LBVR9tIJAm0eZLRgsDPFM_0sVtgStL4OceEucDiZxuWVTa7BVc4qDvnVWp7BeV1To3BFO9wjky07Q-79EBPiNXZ7kgu1gkj4eK0vUojrsnXGW9LG5NIcO6A9y3vGgpzBMRJ6okTT9KESOzRcswK2SRxd7AYBXH5v9trlMJNfAeRisd-GLAzzEHg0BnNrdhj8Ng9QM9egb7OTAdCo.K97LQwbs-mFGFmMBDRy1cpDI5RVsSO8JoZbkRnss_qA&dib_tag=se&hvadid=634502039983&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010494&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5591213651008220050&hvtargid=kwd-1913356014711&hydadcr=27890_14488800&keywords=parenting+getting+it+right&qid=1725999611&sr=8-1
Allie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/alliekaycooney/?hl=en
Sandra on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sandrawstanley/?hl=en
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
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ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
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Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
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About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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As we kick off the new school year, this conversation could not be timelier! My guest this week is the incredible Jennifer Pepito, who is on a mission to help moms create a home filled with peace, wonder, and purpose.
Jennifer is host of the Restoration Home Podcast, founder of The Peaceful Press, and author of the book Habits for a Sacred Home: 9 Practices from History to Anchor and Restore Modern Families.
As a homeschooling mother of seven, Jennifer has a deep passion for equipping families to homeschool in a way that is developmentally appropriate, spiritually nourishing, and based on proven methods of education.
I’m so excited to have her on the show today to talk about her new book. Whether you homeschool or not, this conversation offers so much wisdom about building good habits in your home. I know you’re going to love it!
2:02 – Jennifer 101
Mom of 7 children Homeschooling for 26 years Empowering moms to take action5:23 – Intentional Parenting in a Chaotic World
How Jennifer’s upbringing influenced her intentional parenting Having strong family practices to counterbalance culture’s chaos The power of simple habits, like family dinners and reading together14:48 – Building Good Habits: Foundations for a Purposeful Life
Utilizing and caring for what God has entrusted us with Balancing work and presence with your loved ones Staying committed to good practices even when results aren’t immediately visible Finding balance in consuming the news27:54 – Final Thoughts
Influential women of faith The Peaceful Press and resources for families Connecting with JenniferFEATURED QUOTES
“Just being humans in relationship with other humans, as opposed to living solely in a virtual reality world, is counter-cultural. And I wanted to highlight in this book how powerful it is just to be like a normal, sort of 1980s human.”
“Be faithful and trust that you sowed. Somebody else is going to water and make sure the harvest grows, and you don't know when that's going to happen. We aren't the potters. We are just the clay…Stay on the potting wheel and let God do what he's going to do, and just be faithful.”
“If we look at stories and we look at the Bible, we can be hopeful, but if we look at the news, we will be dysregulated, and our bodies will feel awful, and we'll have a really hard time being sweet with our kids.”
Learn more about Jennifer:
Get your copy of Habits For a Sacred Home
https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Sacred-Home-Practices-Families/dp/0764239546
The Peaceful Press
https://www.thepeacefulpreschool.com/
The Peaceful Press on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/peacefulpress/
The Peaceful Press on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thepeacefulpress/
The Peaceful Press on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thepeacefulpress
Restoration Home with Jennifer Pepito Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restoration-home-with-jennifer-pepito/id1650672690
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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This month marks a huge milestone for Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? - 8 amazing years of podcasting! It’s incredible to think that for 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my thoughts, interviews, and stories with you every single week. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your endless support and encouragement along the way!
Since I’ve been a little quieter on social media this summer, I wanted to record a special solo episode this week to catch up and share what’s coming up. Tune in as I fill you in on the last few months and share some exciting updates!
We have some incredible guests lined up for the fall that I can’t wait to share with you. But I also want to hear from you! Who would you like to hear on the podcast? What topics are you passionate about? Send me your ideas at [email protected] – I’d love to hear from you!
1:26 – Podcast Feedback, Guests, and More!
Share your thoughts with me at [email protected]2:38 – A Quiet Summer
An intentional break Catching up on social media The beach, lake, and a trip to Rome4:22 – An Exciting Update…
Going back to school Masters in Theological and Biblical Studies Words of encouragement (please!)6:50 – 8 Amazing Years!
Grabbing your copy of If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry Thank you for your endless support!!Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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This week on Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder, we’re sitting down with the incredible Abbie Halberstadt. Abbie is a wife, homeschooling mama to 10 amazing kids, a best-selling author, blogger, and fitness instructor. But most importantly, she's a Bible-believing Christian with a deep desire to know God and make Him known.
Abbie lives by the motto "Hard is not the same thing as bad," and she passionately encourages women to dig deep in the everyday trials of motherhood to uncover the treasures of joy and growth that are abundant if we're willing to look.
In this episode, we dive straight into a rich conversation about her newest book, Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which echoes this philosophy. We explore what it looks like to navigate the trials of life, motherhood, and everything the world throws at us.
It was an absolute honor to have Abbie on the show, and I just know you'll be as inspired by her as I was!
2:30 – Abbie 101
Wife, mom, and Christian living in Texas Best-selling author Married to a supportive and wise partner Trust and teamwork within a family16:55 – Hard Is Not The Same As Bad
Where the idea for this book came from The hard teaches us something Who Abbie had in mind when writing this book Motherhood is not a burden31:01 – The Gift of Parenting
How motherhood is commonly portrayed today Ignoring voices that encourage complaining and victimhood Seeking strength and support from God Giving children purpose and responsibility at home48:47 – Takeaways
Psalm 27:13 Connecting with AbbieFEATURED QUOTES
“The hard teaches us something. Hard is not the same thing as bad.”
“Moms need to hear that the Lord is good regardless of your circumstances, that motherhood is not a burden, that it is, in fact, a blessing from the Lord.”
“Dig deep into Jesus and kick out those voices that are telling you can't and you're a victim. And then also take the practical steps to prepare yourself and your children to have peace in your home and good rhythms, because they will pay off over time.”
Learn more about Abbie:
https://misformama.net/
Abbie’s book, Hard Is Not The Same Thing As Bad:
https://misformama.net/hard-is-not-the-same-thing-as-bad
Abbie’s book, M Is For Mama:
https://misformama.net/book
Abbie on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/M.is.for.Mama/
Abbie on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/MisforMama
Abbie on Pinterest:
https://www.facebook.com/MisforMama
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
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Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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You are in for a treat this week! My guest is the hilarious and inspiring Cynthia Yanof. Cynthia is a wife, mom of 3, podcaster, blogger, and everyday girl who believes in embracing life’s messiness with a sense of humor and a whole lot of faith.
She spends most of her days hoping her kids won’t embarrass her in public while praying they chase after God-sized dreams. After meeting her husband, Mike, in law school, she swapped legal aspirations for a simpler life (though that only lasted about a day). Now, Cynthia is the host of the popular MESSmerized podcast, a speaker, writer, and a passionate advocate for foster care.
We laughed, we got deep, and we covered it all in this episode. Cynthia’s first book, Life Is Messy, God Is Good, is available now, and this conversation is a perfect reflection of that message. Tune in for a fun and relatable chat that reminds us all that while life may be messy, God is always good.
2:13 – Dance Parties in Nursing Homes
Embracing 40 Having fun at every life stage Reminiscing about prom music11:20 – Cynthia 101
Married for 22 years with 3 kids A foster parent Author of Life Is Messy, God Is Good Leaving law to become a podcaster16:21 – Redefining Success + Aligning With Your Calling
Being outside of your gifting What narratives are you listening to? Measuring success by God’s truth God wastes nothing24:46 – The Foundational Things
The story of the thigh master Learning to hear the voice of God The ordinary stuff is important Deepening your relationship with God in hard seasons36:42 – Embracing The Mess
Questioning God’s timing and methodology God is God Connecting with CynthiaFEATURED QUOTES
"When you're doing something outside of your gifting, you know."
“If you're sitting in a space where you're like, I feel like there might be something next the Lord's calling me into something next…. it takes the most reluctant ‘yes,’ and the Lord will take that and run with it.”
" You've got to be putting foundational things in place in your life in order to hear from God.”
" Don't buy into the lie that the ordinary stuff isn't significant because it is.”
Learn more about Cynthia:
https://cynthiayanof.com/
Get Your Copy of Life Is Messy God Is Good
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Messy-God-Good-Everyday/dp/0830785337
MESSmerized Podcast
https://cynthiayanof.com/episodes/
Cynthia on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/cynthia.yanof
Cynthia on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/cynthiayanof/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I am so excited to be joined by Kyle Winkler this week. He is a bible teacher and the creator of the highly acclaimed mobile app, Shut Up Devil!, which ranks among the top Christian apps. Kyle is also an accomplished author, speaker, and frequent guest on prominent Christian media platforms such as The 700 Club, Praise the Lord, and Sid Roth's It's Supernatural.
Outside of this, Kyle is the host of an incredible podcast and author of the book Permission To Be Imperfect: How To Strive Less, Stress Less, Sin Less. I’m always thrilled to have other podcasters on the show, and this chat with Kyle absolutely did not disappoint. In a world that constantly pushes us to do more and achieve more, this discussion is a timely reminder that we are already enough in God’s eyes.
I’m telling you, this is an episode that you’re going to be thinking about weeks after you hear it. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this powerful conversation with Kyle!
3:50 – Kyle 101
Living in central Florida Founder of Kyle Winkler Ministries Creator of the Shut Up, Devil! show and app Author of Permission To Be Imperfect6:18 – Finding Peace in Imperfection
Kyle’s faith journey and struggle with perfectionism The pressures of modern hustle culture Common misconceptions about God’s character The true nature of God20:04 – Shut Up, Devil!
Shifting your perspective when reading scripture God’s intention for humanity Combatting lies with biblical truths Understanding the enemy’s tactics Renewing our minds with the truth of God’s word30:29 – Encouragement for Perfectionists
The trap of the “good Christian” syndrome Performance vs. grace You have permission to be imperfect Leaning into who you areFEATURED QUOTES
“We get into this pattern of we've got to do, do, do, do, do, in order to exceed or succeed, and it ends up wearing us down and burning us out.”
“Any other thing that isn't grace and isn't unfailing love- any other idea that you have about God is ultimately a lie.”
“When you… take yourself out of the picture, and you let the Holy Spirit really take you through things and show you things, you'll see God in ways you never did before.”
Learn more about Kyle:
Kyle Winkler Ministries
https://www.kylewinkler.org/
Get Your Copy of Permission To Be Imperfect
Permission to Be Imperfect: How to Strive Less, Stress Less, Sin Less - Kyle Winkler Ministries
Kyle’s Other Books
https://www.kylewinkler.org/store/books/
The Shut Up, Devil Show
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shut-up-devil-show-with-kyle-winkler/id1051150056
Download the Shut Up, Devil! App
Shut Up, Devil! - Apps on Google Play
Kyle on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/kylewinklerministries
Kyle on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kylejwinkler
Kyle on X
https://x.com/kylewinkler
Kyle on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/kylewinklerministries?sub_confirmation=1
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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My guest this week is the incredible Kim Jones, who you might also know as Real Talk Kim. She is a pastor, entrepreneur, mentor, motivational speaker, entertainer, best-selling author, and mother of two sons, Morgan and Lincoln.
I’m thrilled to have her on the show today to talk about her new book, Unstuck. This is a powerful 90-day guide designed to help you break free from pain and regret through God’s truths and prepare your soul for new beginnings.
In our conversation today, Kim talks about hitting rock bottom after a devastating divorce. It was during this time that she realized she needed to take charge of her life, forgive others and herself, and embrace joy.
I hope you’ll join us for this great reminder that, no matter where you are in life, it's never too late to get unstuck and start anew. This is probably one of my favorite episodes of the summer and I’m so excited to share it with you!
2:55 – Kim 101
Real Talk Kim on social media Mother, pastor, and coach Author of six books6:58 – Turning Scars Into Stars
Embracing joy Forgiving yourself and letting go God’s perfect timing and plan14:24 – Breaking Free: Getting Out Of Your Own Way
Kim’s catalyst for change How Kim used prayer and affirmations to change her mindset The role of forgiveness during the healing process The story of Jesus and Judas24:52 – The Heart Behind Unstuck
Forgiving others and yourself Taking one day at a time God isn’t done!FEATURED QUOTES
"I remember when I got my laugh. And it was when I stopped caring what people thought about me.”
“Every season is strategic by God. Even if you did it, even if you messed up, he's gonna turn them scars into stars.”
"As long as you ain't dead, God ain't done."
"Forgiveness is about getting your heart right with God."
Learn more about Kim:
Real Talk Kim
https://realtalkkim.com/
Get your copy of Unstuck
https://www.amazon.com/Unstuck-Days-Inspiration-Encouragement-Promise-ebook/dp/B0CMQ74M7Y
Real Talk Kim on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/realtalkkim
Real Talk Kim on X
https://x.com/realtalkkim?mx=2
Real Talk Kim on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/realtalkkim/
Real Talk Kim on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/realtalkkim
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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I’m so excited to welcome Courtney Joseph Fallick onto the show today. She is a best-selling author and founder of Women Living Well Ministries and Good Morning Girls. Since 2014, Courtney has been blogging through the Bible, one chapter at a time, and her impactful work has been featured on platforms like the Rachael Ray Show and Proverbs 31 Ministries.
Courtney’s latest book, Still Standing: How to Live in God's Light While Wrestling with the Dark, dives into her personal journey through a dark season marked by fear, shame, and grief. Listen in as she shares her story of overcoming the pain of her husband's infidelity and offers powerful insights on how to stand up after life’s most crushing struggles.
Whether you’re wrestling through a dark season or are supporting someone who is, I hope you’ll join us for this incredible reminder of God’s faithfulness!
3:09 – Courtney 101
Blogging since 2008 Navigating a dark season of life New book to help women face struggles with courage and faith5:30 – Blogging Through The Bible
How Courtney started blogging though the Bible The blog’s format and schedule The soak method12:18 – Finding Peace After Infidelity
The early stages of shock and denial The struggle of public perception and advice Finding healing and a new normal Courtney’s marriage before this event22:52 – Faith In The Silence
Navigating unanswered prayers and pain How God provided strength and comfort in unexpected ways Standing on God’s word27:49 – Choosing Joy Over And Over
Struggling with resentment, bitterness and anger Surrendering to God The continual process of healing34:54 – For Those Feeling Stuck…
Are you ready for change? The book of Psalms Making your home a haven38:25 – Takeaways
What life looks like for Courtney today Getting your copy of Standing StillFEATURED QUOTES
“What I needed was people to just show up and give me a hug. To show up and love me. To listen. To just be sympathetic and care and not judge.”
“Our feelings are liars and we cannot believe our feelings because God's word is true. And we stand on the promises of His word.”
“I've been through all those emotions that we all humanly go through. But God's word is really what kept me standing and pulled me through.”
“Change only comes when we decide we’re going to change.”
Learn more about Courtney:
Get your copy of Standing Still
https://www.amazon.com/Still-Standing-Light-While-Wrestling/dp/0764242393
Women Living Well Ministries
https://womenlivingwell.org/
Women Living Well YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkbl7jYIPjneSbn_m5fszKQ
Women Living Well Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/womenlivingwell/
Women Living Well Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/womenlivingwell/
Good Morning Girls
https://womenlivingwell.org/good-morning-girls/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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My guest this week is Clare McCallan. She founded and serves as the Creative Director at St. Joseph’s Home for Artisans, is a touring spoken word poet, and host of the podcast Letters From the Least. She is also the creator and host of The Renaissance Room and co-host of This Is The Day on CatholicTV, where she works as a writer.
I am so excited to have her on the show today to talk about her upcoming book Courage to Create: Unleasing your Artistic Gifts for Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, which serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration for young creatives and those who may not yet see themselves as artists. This book dives into how we are all creatives who can unleash our gifts for truth, beauty and goodness for the glory of God.
4:04 – Clare 101
Author of a new book Host and co-host of shows on CatholicTV Creative Director at St. Joseph’s Home for Artisans Film critic for the National Catholic Reporter and Christian channel6:11 – Clare’s Creative Journey
Being heavily involved in politics in college Backpacking through Europe and losing a family member Leaving politics and volunteering with the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata Discovering and pursuing spoken word poetry13:58 – The Power of Community
The importance of community in nurturing creativity The challenges and joys of living in a tight-knit community Fostering environments where young singles can thrive and feel included20:51 – Reflections on Courage To Create
The two groups of people Clare hopes her book speaks to Clare’s friend Karina, who integrates creativity into mission work Writing a dystopian novel this summerFEATURED QUOTES
“You look the most like your dad when you act like him. And we serve a creative God. The creator- it's kind of the thing He does.”
“If you were made in the image of the creator, then you're a craftsman.”
“We are all creative. And the moment that you accept that part of your identity, it adds so much richness to your life.”
Learn more about Clare:
http://www.claremccallan.com/#/
Get Your Copy of Courage To Create
https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Create-Unleashing-Artistic-Goodness/dp/164680287X
Clare’s Other Books
http://www.claremccallan.com/buy-my-books.html#/
Letters From the Least Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/letters-from-the-least/id1538807289
Summary
In this conversation, Molly Stillman interviews Claire McCallan, an author and creative director, about her creative journey and the intersection of faith and creativity. They discuss the importance of community in nurturing creativity and serving the Lord as an artist. Claire shares stories of artists and creatives she has worked with, including a friend who operates shelters for pregnant women on both sides of the border. Claire also talks about her book, Courage to Create, which encourages young creatives to step into their creativity and shows that everyone is creative in their own way.Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvvAbout Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
Keywords
faith, creativity, community, artists, shelters, bookTakeaways
Creativity is a part of everyone's identity as they are made in the image of the Creator.
Community plays a vital role in nurturing creativity and serving the Lord as an artist.
The intersection of faith and creativity can have a powerful impact on culture and the world.
Even small acts of creativity in everyday life, like cooking a meal, can bring richness and beauty.
There is a need for more community and support for adult singles, who often feel left out by the church.
Writing a book or pursuing a creative project takes a lot of work and effort, but it can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Sharing stories and experiences of artists and creatives can inspire and encourage others to step into their own creativity. -
My guest this week is the lovely Kirby Kelly. She is a Christ-centered content creator and influencer who runs the Bought + Beloved podcast. Whether it’s on stage, through writing, or in one-on-one conversations, her passion is teaching God’s truth everywhere she goes.
Kirby desires to see this generation and culture flourish in freedom and confidence, rooted in their identity and walking in the victory won on the cross. I loved getting to hear her story and learn more about her new book, You Can Be Free: Overcoming Temptation and Habitual Sin by the Power and Promises of the Gospel, which just released.
Kirby has such a powerful testimony and shares so many valuable and practical strategies for those struggling with addiction and habitual sin in this episode. I always find talking to younger generations so inspiring and hope this conversation brings you encouragement today!
2:26 – Kirby 101
Content creator, author, podcaster and wife Master’s in theology Passionate about making Jesus’ name known4:19 – Digging Deeper Into Kirby’s Story
Growing up in a Catholic household Losing her father to alcoholism Struggling with addiction, depression and anxiety Giving her life to Jesus Making social media content to spread the gospel14:37 – The Journey To “You Can Be Free”
Kirby’s story of overcoming habitual sin Feeling a calling to write this book How Kirby’s struggles have resonated with many Equipping those struggling with sin with tools and knowledge21:24 – Conviction vs Condemnation
Romans 7:15-20 Conviction leads us toward life Green and red light zones The importance of community and accountability36:30 – Takeaways
Connecting with Kirby Getting your copy of You Can Be Free Kirby’s hope and prayer for this bookFEATURED QUOTES
“I just really wanted to provide a practical and biblical strategy for anybody, wherever they're at in life, in faith, in sin, to be able to look at it and understand that in partnership with Jesus, we can be free.”
“There's no condemnation in Christ. There's no longer shame for the things that he has freed us from and delivered us from.”
“Condemnation has a sitting in death. Conviction leads us towards life.”
Learn more about Kirby:
https://kirby-kelly.com/about-me
Get your copy of You Can Be Free
https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Free-Overcoming-Temptation/dp/B0CNDDTJJF
The Bought + Beloved Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/@boughtandbelovedpodcast
Kirby on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kirbyisaboss/
Kirby on X
https://x.com/kirbyisaboss
Kirby on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Kirbyisaboss/
Connect with me:
http://www.stillbeingmolly.com
http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly
http://instagram.com/canilaughpod
http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly
http://facebook.com/canilaughpod
http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly
GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY:
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG
ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb
Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2
Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ
Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib
Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv
About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?
Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.
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