Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited. We’re officially back for Season 21 of the Girls Night Podcast! Can you believe it? Twenty-one seasons of this show started in my bedroom closet when Carl and I were newlyweds and trying to figure out life, and here we are - still figuring it out together, just in different ways. This season, we're going back to the heart of Girls Night. This show has always been for women in their twenties and thirties who are navigating the biggest decisions of their lives. Maybe you're single and wondering if you'll ever meet your person. Maybe you're newly married and trying to figure out how to blend two lives into one. Maybe you're thinking about having kids but you're not sure about the timing, or the finances, or if you even want to be a mom at all. Maybe you love your job but you're wondering if there's something else out there for you. Maybe you're feeling stuck, or lost, or like everyone else got a playbook that you never received. If any of that is you - you are in exactly the right place. Now, I have to tell you something. This summer, I'm doing something that feels pretty scary to me, but scary in the way where I know, "Oh gosh, this is definitely what I'm supposed to do." I'm going to be doing more solo episodes. Just me, talking to you, like we're having coffee together or texting back and forth. No guests, no interviews – just the conversations I wish we could have if we were sitting across from each other right now. I'm trying to listen and follow where I feel led, and this is where it's taking me. So we'll see where it goes! But I'm excited to go there with you. Before we dive in, I want you to know something: this is a safe space. You don't have to have it all figured out here. You don't need a polished answer to "So what's next for you?" In fact, if your honest answer right now is "I have absolutely no idea," you are in exactly the right place. Today we're talking about something I know so many of you are feeling – that nagging sense that you're falling behind in life. That everyone else figured out the secret playbook while you were... what? Making coffee? Scrolling Instagram? Living your actual life? Here's what I want you to know right up front: You're not falling behind. You're not broken. And there's nothing wrong with you. What you're experiencing? It's not a you problem - it's an us problem. I’ll tell you what I mean by that in the episode. Let’s dive in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to stop letting fear run your life. If you're like me, you have a vision for your life and career and your family- but somehow, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty keep creeping in, whispering that you're not enough or that you're just not ready. Well, it's time to silence those voices and start living the life you ACTUALLY want to live. Our guest for today’s episode is my friend, Mary Marantz. Mary is the three-time bestselling author of Underestimated, Dirt, and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots, as well as the host of the popular podcast The Mary Marantz Show. She grew up in a trailer in rural West Virginia and was the first in her family to go to college before going on to Yale for law school. I was so blown away by Mary’s story. She's teaching us how to reclaim our power from fear and create a new narrative for our lives. This is seriously one of my favorite episodes ever! I know I say that all the time, but it’s true. I can’t wait for you to hear from her!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night! I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re addressing one of the most common root causes of tension and resentment in marriage. The things we’re talking about in this episode are so universal and so pervasive and so toxic (when left unchecked), my friends and I have been talking about this a TON in person, and that’s why I’m so glad to be talking about it here on the show. Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Paige Connell. Paige is a working mother of four who works to highlight the everyday experiences of women balancing motherhood, careers, and relationships. Known for her candid insights on the mental load of motherhood and the challenges of creating equity at home and work, Paige’s content resonates with millions.  And I have a feeling you’ll resonate with her as well.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about why your closet may be full but you still feel like you have nothing to wear!Getting out the door in the morning can be a struggle, and for many of us, the hardest part is figuring out what to wear. Finding that perfect balance between style and practicality can be a challenge, and it's even harder when you're not sure where to start or what pieces to invest in.To help us with this, I invited my new friend, someone I’ve followed for years, Conni Jespersen. Conni is the educational wardrobe stylist behind Art in the Find. Over the last 10 years, Conni has worked with countless style clients in person and virtually all over the world, helping them to craft an intentional wardrobe that feels personal, pulled together, and practical for the rhythms of their daily life.Conni is offering her best advice on finding clothing that truly resonates with us, and sharing practical tips to make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.After chatting with her, I already feel like I have a way better understanding of my personal style and a practical plan for improving my closet. I know you'll find her advice just as helpful! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about what’s going on in the United States politically — how to wrap our minds around it, how to stay informed without losing our minds, and how to participate in a way that creates the real, lasting change we want to see for our communities.A few caveats here: Why are we talking about politics? Because I don’t know about you, but this topic DEFINITELY is coming up at my girls nights. And if we talk about something at our real life girls nights, I want to make sure we’re talking about it here too! I know that not all of our listeners live in the United States. I actually don’t currently live in the United States. But the majority of our listeners are in the States, and as I’m learning as a US citizen living abroad, the things that are happening back in my home do really affect the rest of the world. But if this episode doesn’t really apply to you, feel free to skip! We’ll catch up with you at the next one. So, who’s going to walk us through all of these questions and help us find some peace and clarity? My friend, Sharon McMahon, of course. After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon took her passion for education to Instagram, where more than a million people rely on her for non-partisan, fact-based information as "America's Government Teacher." In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, Sharon is a reliable source for truth and logic.In this episode I ask her if what’s happening in the US is truly unprecedented and how it measures up to other seasons our country has been through. We talk about how to get along with people who think differently from you and what that looks like, how to stay sane while also staying informed, and how to make the real, lasting change we want for our communities. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure about what’s been happening in our country the past several months, you’re not alone. In these uncertain times, it's refreshing to hear a voice of clarity and hope. That's exactly what Sharon brings to the table. I can’t wait for you to hear from her!One last thing before we dive in: This season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson.One last thing: I know that some of our episodes are pretty personal (in fact, a lot of them are) and so I want you to know that you don’t have to share the exact episode you’re listening to in order to enter the giveaway. You can just share the show in general.(That way you’re not accidentally giving your Aunt Susan and all your old high school friends information about your personal life that you don’t necessarily want them to have!) Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Sharon!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re sharing one woman’s courageous journey of living with an autoimmune disorder and navigating the challenges of motherhood. I know there are women listening who dream of being a mother. But for those living with chronic illness or other health complications, that dream can come with uncertainty and doubt. Even if you haven't walked this path, you may know the ache of longing for something that feels just out of reach. Today's conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered if their dream of motherhood will ever become a reality.Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Ashley Fenker. Ashley is the author of a new book called Good (Enough) Mother. In this new collection of stories and essays, Ashley explores the complexities of chronic illness, modern motherhood, and faith. Ashley’s story is full of hope and resilience – I was so inspired by it and I know you will be too!One last thing before we dive in: This season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. One last thing: I know that some of our episodes are pretty personal (in fact, a lot of them are) and so I want you to know that you don’t have to share the exact episode you’re listening to in order to enter the giveaway. You can just share the show in general.(That way you’re not accidentally giving your Aunt Susan and all your old high school friends information about your personal life that you don’t necessarily want them to have!) Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Ashley! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today we’re talking about how to identify your attachment style and feel more fulfilled in your relationships.To help us with this, I invited my new friend Eli Harwood on the show! Eli is a therapist, author, and online you might know her as the Attachment Nerd — and she’s passionate about helping people understand attachment and learn how to relate in more secure ways. If you’re anything like me, you’ve heard about attachment styles but you’re not really sure what they are or why they matter — and that’s why I’m truly obsessed with this episode. I learned so much and I can’t stop thinking about what I learned. This is the absolute KEY to healthy relationships, and I can’t believe I didn’t learn about this sooner!One last thing before we dive in: This show is all about women supporting women — and so that’s why, this season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own!To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. Again, we’ll pick the winner at the end of the week and all you have to do to enter to win a $50 visa gift card is share about the show on social media and tag me, I’m @SMayWilson on Instagram. Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Eli! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!As a new mom, I desperately needed guidance on what to worry about and what to let go of. I'm sure many of you can relate to those frantic 2am Google searches! That’s why today we're diving into the top 5 things new moms can stop worrying about, and the 5 essential things that deserve your attention.There’s no better person to help us with this than my favorite parenting guru, Emily Oster! Emily is the founder and CEO of ParentData, a data-driven guide to pregnancy and parenting, and a  Professor of Economics at Brown University. Emily is on a mission to empower parents by providing the data and tools they need to make confident decisions. I’m also excited to share about her brand new newsletter called PregnantData that is loaded with resources about trying to conceive. Head to the show notes for the link! You can always find our show notes at Girls Night Podcast.Com!Emily's resources have saved me from so much unnecessary stress and anxiety as a new mom. I can’t wait for you to hear from her! One last thing before we dive in: This show is all about women supporting women — and so that’s why, this season, we’re doing a really fun giveaway each week as a thank you for supporting this show (and the women who put it together!).This week, we’ll be picking one winner of a $50 visa gift card — perfect for hosting a girls night of your own! To enter, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show as you’re listening, and share it on social media. Make sure to tag me! I’m @SMayWilson. Again, we’ll pick the winner at the end of the week and all you have to do to enter to win a $50 visa gift card is share about the show on social media and tag me, I’m @SMayWilson on Instagram. Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Emily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth Allison Barr, a history professor at Baylor University and author of "The Making of Biblical Womanhood," delves into the complex narrative surrounding women's roles in the church. She explores how distorted messages about biblical womanhood have evolved over time, examining historical contexts that shape modern perceptions. Barr challenges traditional theological constructs, advocating for a reassessment of women's contributions in faith communities, and discusses the rise of women's rights within religious contexts. Her insights offer a refreshing perspective on the intersection of faith and feminism.

Hey friends! Welcome to Girls’ Night!Today we’re continuing our “How She Does It.” series. About once a month we do a profile of a woman who’s living a beautifully, unique life and we'll get to hear the behind-the-scenes of how she does it.And I’m so excited because today we’re talking with my dear friend, Suzanne Kianpour - I call her Suzy. Suzy is an Emmy-nominated journalist, documentarian, and presenter who has reported from conflict zones and corridors of power as a BBC foreign correspondent. She is the founder of Helmet to Heels, a platform amplifying the voices of women driving global impact, and the host of News with Suz, a series blending international affairs with fashion and culture. Suzy is a force to be reckoned with - a confident, passionate, and inspiring individual who has spent years telling the stories that need to be told. I know you'll love hearing about her journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.Don’t forget — all season long we’re doing a weekly giveaway — all you have to do is take a quick screen shot of the show as you’re listening and share it on social media. This week, our winner is going to get a $50 visa gift card — perfect for a girls night of your own! Again, all you have to do is take a screenshot of the show and share it on your social media. Tag me @smaywilson and you’re entered to win! We’ll pick a winner every week! Okay, with that said, let’s dive into my conversation with Suzy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices