What does the American Dream look like? How does a family build a legacy? Is there a way to fulfill the desires God put in your heart? Bricia Lopez can speak to all of this as a chef, author and entrepreneur who is bringing a taste of Mexico to mainstream food culture. In this episode, I'm chatting with Bricia about: · Her family and their American Dream · Growing up in Mexico and immigrating to the U.S. · Helping to establish a family business and building a legacy · Bringing Mexican culture into the U.S. and attaining mainstream accolade As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on the podcast, I'm exploring the concept and realities of the American Dream with Bricia. During our conversation, Bricia shares the story of her family and how they established a successful Oaxacan restaurant in Los Angeles. She speaks openly about the challenges they faced along the way as well as the huge success they've attained for their authenticity. Something that's special about Bricia's perspective is that she continues to build her family's legacy alongside her siblings. My heart and my hope is that as you listen, you'll learn about a new culture and that you'd give yourself permission to dream. Ideating is a free gift given to us and if God's put a desire in your heart, chances are you're the person to see it through to completion. Below you'll find one of Bricia's favorite recipes, so I'd love for you to recreate it and discover a tasty new Mexican dish. You can tag us @biancaolthoff and @bricialopez, we'd love to see what food and dreams you cook up after this episode. Love you,  B RESOURCES/LINKS  Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico  Salsa Borracha Recipe Ingredients · 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed · 6 morita chiles (you may substitute with ¼ ounce chipotle chiles), destemmed · 2 cloves garlic, peeled · 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar · 2 tablespoons mezcal · 2 bay leaves · Sea salt Instructions · Preheat your oven’s broiler to its highest setting · Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet with a rim, on your broiler’s highest rack, and broil for 20 minutes, mixing them around at the 10-minute mark to make sure all of the tomatillos are cooking evenly. The tomatillos should be lightly charred and change color to a light yellow. Set aside. · Meanwhile, in a comal or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, toast the dried chiles and garlic until slightly charred and fragrant. This should take about 30 seconds for the chiles and about 5 minutes for the garlic. · Bring about a cup of water to a boil. Pour the boiling water into a bowl, add the toasted chiles, let them sit for about 20 minutes or until they are soft and tender. Drain and set aside. · In a blender, combine the reserved tomatillos, chiles, and garlic with the apple cider vinegar, mezcal, 2 tablespoons of water, and the bay leaves. Blend until smooth. Taste for salt and serve. · This salsa will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week. Pollo Enchipotlado or Chicken in a Creamy Chipotle Sauce Recipe Ingredients · 1 (2 pound) whole chicken, butchered into 8 pieces · Sea salt · Black peppercorns, freshly ground · 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard · 5 ¼ cups chopped tomatoes · ½ small white onion, chopped · 4 cloves garlic, peeled · 1 tablespoon olive oil · 1 tablespoon butter · 3 whole chipotles in adobo, plus 2 tablespoons... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you in a season of discovering God’s plan for your life? Have you heard the term ‘living by my truth’ in mainstream media or on social media? Is the church struggling to clearly define God’s will? Jada Edwards is a straight-shooting, truth-telling, speaker, Bible teacher and author. She can speak to defining truth from a personal and biblical standpoint. In this conversation, we talk about: Defining truth in culture and on social media The danger of using the phrase ‘living my truth’ How to define truth as a Christian and understanding God’s will The importance of being led by the Holy Spirit Jada’s leadership and ministry have been a blessing to me and The Father’s House OC. She has her ear to the ground and communicates in an honest, direct and loving manner. Jada shares her thoughts on truth in culture and in the church. Throughout this podcast, Jada provides context and shares personal experiences in defining truth.As you listen, I hope you’ll begin to see what God’s truth is for your life. Jada is a friend and I trust that her thought leadership will encourage you to lean into what God wants for you. While it might not always be easy, there is peace and joy in fulfilling the call on your life friend! You can tag us @biancaolthoff and @jada_edwards on social media. We’d love to know how this conversation has impacted you.Love you, BRESOURCES/LINKS Books by Jada Edwards The Jada Edwards PodcastMusic by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever grappled with lustful thoughts or actions? Do you struggle with intimacy and romantic connections? Are you wondering if there is redemption for you? Manda Carpenter and Matt Droguett have both walked through these exact things. While their experiences are different, they both found wholeness through faith (and therapy). In this conversation, we talk about: • Male and female perspectives of struggling with lust and porn • The impact lust has on romantic relationships and expectations • Healing found through honest conversations and asking for help • Struggles and reality of being a Christian in today’s world Manda walked through a season of seeking external validation which led to infidelity in her marriage. She talks openly about the web of guilt and shame that kept her entangled. Manda shares how one honest conversation, led to healing and restoration in her marriage. Matt spent a number of years silently struggling with a desire to look at explicit content. After breaking the cycle, he began to live in wholeness and now helps others do the same. This conversation and space were created to shed light on a topic that so many struggle with. As you listen, I hope you’ll feel less alone or better equipped to help someone you know who is going through this. Remember that there’s freedom and grace found in the name of Jesus. You can tag us @biancaolthoff, @mandacarpenter and @mattdroguett on social media. We’d love to hear how this episode spoke to you. Love you,  B RESOURCES/LINKS  Manda Carpenter’s book: Soul Care to Save Your Life Matt Droguett’s course: Ditch Porn and Reclaim Your Life & Use Code: TFHOC Women’s Conference at TFHOC – Breathe Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever had a moment where instead of believing the best, you assume the worst? In today’s episode I share another bonus teaching on why every thought that comes to your mind matters. We can train our minds with the wrong things, or we can train our minds with the Truth. What goes into our minds will come out in our life. To change your mind and change your life, you need to rewrite and retrain your brain with the Truth of the Word of God. Meditate on the Word by: 1. Seeking out the Truth of God 2. Writing out the Truth of God 3. Declaring the Truth of God 4. Believing the Truth of God Be transformed by renewing your mind with the power of the Truth of God's Word. I hope this bonus episode has helped you in some way. You can tag me @biancaolthoff and let me know truth of the Word of God is helping you to demolish strongholds. Love you,  B RESOURCES/LINKS  The Father’s House Orange County What Were You Thinking // Changing Your Brain // Mind Games // Bianca Olthoff Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has your amygdala ever waged war with your thoughts? Do you need to learn how to take your thoughts captive in a chokehold? Friends, I’m sharing a bonus episode today from a teaching on the greatest weapon at our disposal. That weapon is: PRAYER! How do you overcome and win the battle in your brain? You take captive every thought and make it obedient to God. Neurotheology teaches us that: · Prayer changes your brain. · Prayer encourages neuroplasticity and our brain gets better. · Prayer affects our behavior. Don't let negative thoughts harm your brain. Allow positive thoughts to heal your brain. Come boldly before the throne of God and touch His hearth through prayer. I hope this bonus episode has helped you in some way. You can tag me @biancaolthoff and let me know how you are waging war against your negative thoughts. Love you,  B RESOURCES/LINKS  The Father’s House Orange County Your Tool for Survival // The Brain, Anxiety, and Prayer // Mind Games // Bianca Olthoff Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be part of a power couple in Hollywood? Do you struggle to walk by faith and not by sight? Alexa and Carlos PenaVega can speak to both of those experiences. They have been married for several years and consciously make faith-filled decisions. In this episode, I'm talking to the PenaVega’s about:  - Being a Christian in Hollywood  - Family values and prioritizing their marriage  - Working together in partnership  - How they came up with their last name PenaVega  The couple grew up in the public eye. Alexa found fame from her role in Spy Kids, while Carlos joined the Big Time Rush franchise. During our conversation, Alexa and Carlos share the genesis of their love story and how they have built a Godly relationship. They speak openly about how they prioritize their family life and the sacrifices they've made. While it may seem untraditional to some, the PenaVega’s offer a refreshing perspective on what real love and real faith look like.  If you know me, you know that I love LOVE. So, whether you're single or in a committed relationship, my hope is that as you listen you'll be reminded that love is one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. You can tag us @biancaolthoff, @vegaalexa and @therealcarlospena, let us know what you loved and you could win a copy of their new book!  Love you,  B RESOURCES/LINKS  Book: What If Love Is The Point? Living for Jesus in a Self-Consumed World  Heaven In Your Home Podcast (mentioned by Alexa) Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you looking for ways to deal with your mental and emotional health? Have you ever considered going to therapy? Confronting inner struggles may sound overwhelming but it can change your life for the better. In this episode, I'm talking with actor turned author, Zachary Levi about Therapy and the positive impact it's had on his personal and professional life Why it's important to deal with generational cycles Breaking stigmas surrounding vulnerability Known for his leading roles in American Underdog and DC superhero movie Shazam, Zachary has gained mainstream popularity and has a huge following. During our conversation, Zachary shares his story in hopes that it will help others. We discuss the difficulty he had in his childhood and the impact of generational trauma. Something profound about Zachary's experience is the healing that took place when he went to therapy and got the help that he needed. Zachary also shares his journey of faith and how God met him where he was in his moment of need.As you listen, I hope you gain the courage and bravery of a superhero and remember that there's a God who loves you as you are. You can tag us @biancaolthoff and @zacharylevi on social media, we'd love to find out what you've learned from this episode. Love you, BMusic by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the idea of manifesting your own future appealing to you? Are you wondering if horoscopes, crystals, burning sage and similar practices can help you achieve more in life? Today I'm chatting with author, pastor and talk show host, Stephanie Ike. Stephanie speaks frankly and concisely about popular new age practices and the importance of knowing the voice of God. Some of the topics we will discuss are: · Clarity on counterfeit ideology · The truth about spiritual fluidity · Discerning right from wrong in today's culture As you settle into this conversation, I encourage you to listen with open ears and an open heart. There is so much more to this topic and my hope is that this conversation helps you in some way. I'd love to hear from you and find out what you took away from this episode. Don't forget to tag us on social media @BiancaOlthoff and @StephanieIke. Love you, B RESOURCES/LINKS  The Same Room Hearing The Voice of God - Stephanie Ike & Dante Bowe Friends, New Age ideology might be new or confusing. I've curated four articles to breakdown, explain, or clarify what New Age ideology is and why it is contrary to Biblical belief. XO  Articles: · Understanding New Age · Do We FIght With Oprah and New Age · Should Christians Reject New Ageism? · Defending the Faith: Apologetics and New Age Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you waiting for something? Have you wondered if your dreams will ever come to pass? Waiting seasons can feel long and tedious but we're offering a fresh take in this episode. In this conversation, I'm talking with therapist and author, Barb Hill about: · Transformation that takes place in the wait · Validating our experiences, past and present · How we can become active participants in our lives Barb is a friend and we've walked through waiting seasons together; she's got a lot of insight on this topic and has beautifully unpacked it in this podcast. We discuss how to look at waiting in a new way, how waiting can positively impact our lives and the power of being present. It's also important to validate the difficulty that comes with waiting and the grief of not yet being completely fulfilled. Barb also shares practical ways to embrace the wait, whether that's through being in community or moving away from assumptions. As you wait for that new job, physical healing, marriage or family reconciliation, my hope is that you'll begin to see waiting in a new way. Don't forget to tag us @biancaolthoff and @barbs_hill on social media, we'd love to find out what you've learned and believe with you in your wait. Love you, B RESOURCES/LINKS  Book - Seasons of Waiting: An Invitation to Hope  Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leadership and influence are two words that are often tossed around in church culture. At times, it can be difficult to connect with these terms, particularly if you can't identify where you can lead or influence others in your life. But what if I told you that you were a leader and that you had your own sphere of influence? Today I'm chatting with pastor, author, and world-class leader Pastor Craig Groeschel about those very things. In this episode, Pastor Craig shares his wisdom and helps us define the "IT" factor and what “IT” looks like, practically speaking. He talks about what healthy church leadership looks like from his own perspective as well as ways we can apply these insights to our own lives. Leadership looks different for everyone, and we all have opportunities to influence others in our day-to-day living. Pastor Craig also talks about casting vision and why we should create a vision for every area of life. You can find out more in his new book “Lead Like It Matters”. As you listen, I hope you can begin to identify your leadership capabilities and ways that you can be empowered to lead life well. I believe that YOU are an influencer! Share how you are influencing others in your daily walk and tag us on social media @BiancaOlthoff and @CraigGroeschel. Love you, B RESOURCES/LINKS Books: Lead Like It Matters: 7 Leadership Principles for a Church That Lasts *Pre-order the book and get a free 8 Session Video bonus resource.  Winning The War In Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Dangerous Prayers: Because Following Jesus Was Never Meant To Be Safe  Hope In The Dark: Believing God Is Good When Life Is Not Music by: Brad Tsushima, Instagram: @bradtsushima, email: bradtsushima94@aol.com, Spotify: “R.A.D.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices