Do you feel trapped by your need to please others? Join Mary as she welcomes Jinger Duggar, the sixth child from the Duggar family, to discuss her new book and her journey to overcome the deeply ingrained habit of seeking approval. Through Jinger’s experiences, you'll gain a renewed perspective on how to live authentically and foster genuine connections. Jinger Duggar's journey from a strict religious upbringing to finding freedom The hidden selfishness in people-pleasing and how it affects relationships Practical steps to identify and overcome people-pleasing habits The impact of isolating oneself versus embracing vulnerability How to build authentic connections in a community despite public scrutiny Next time someone asks you, "Is something wrong?" resist the urge to say, "Nothing." Instead, be honest, open, and real. It might just be the start of something beautifully authentic. Follow Jinger here: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/?hl=en Snag her book here: https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/

What if the drive to constantly achieve and perform is actually a method of survival from past traumas? In this episode, Mary Marantz is joined by Aundi Kolber, a therapist and author specializing in trauma and resilience, to discuss her approach encapsulated in her books "Try Softer" and her newest release, “Take What You Need.”  After listening, you'll discover how to shift from a life of anxiety and stress to one of connection and joy through compassionate self-attention and healing. Your perspectives on survival mode, self-compassion, and internalized secure attachment will profoundly change, helping you to name your fears and move forward more gently yet powerfully. Tune in to hear: The science behind survival mode and its effects on our lives. The science behind "trying softer" and how it differs from simply trying harder. Detailed explanations of attachment styles and their effects on adult behavior. The role of our nervous system in processing trauma and achieving genuine safety. Practical exercises for self-compassion and grounding to expand our capacity for goodness. In this fast-paced world, sometimes trying softer is the bravest thing you can do.   Be sure to snag Aundi’s book here: https://aundikolber.com/take-what-you-need/ Follow Aundi on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aundikolber  

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Cassandra Speer, author and theologian, to explore the complex interplay between fear, purpose, and significance. We delve into the challenges of feeling underestimated and how our past stories can sometimes make us doubt our ability to make a difference. Cassandra shares her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an influential voice in Christian circles. We discuss: The tension between feeling called to something greater and doubting our qualifications How to balance the desire for impact with the need for authenticity in the age of social media The importance of focusing on "the one" rather than chasing large numbers Overcoming criticism and self-doubt when pursuing our calling The value of "micro-purposes" in our daily lives, even when we can't see the bigger picture This conversation challenges conventional wisdom about success and significance, offering a fresh perspective on living out our purpose. Whether you're feeling stuck, afraid to step out, or questioning your ability to make an impact, this episode provides encouragement and practical insights for moving forward in faith. Join us as we explore what it truly means to be "ready as you are" and embrace the calling God has placed on your life. Follow Cass here: https://www.instagram.com/cassandralspeer/?hl=en Order her book, Ready As You Are, here:  https://readyasyouare.com/  

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ian Morgan Cron, host of the extremely popular podcast, Typology, and author of the new book "The Fix." We explore the universal struggle with addiction, but not in the typical way you may be thinking. As we dive into Ian's personal journey of recovery, we uncover how the 12-step principles can benefit not just those battling substance abuse, but also those with patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and approval-seeking behaviors. Ian shares his experiences with addiction, from childhood struggles to an adult relapse, revealing how the 12 steps offered a roadmap to spiritual awakening and personal transformation. We discuss: The concept of "hungry ghosts" and how we attempt to fill our inner emptiness Why external solutions to internal problems often lead to addiction The surprising benefits of admitting powerlessness Join us for this conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on healing, growth, and spiritual transformation. Follow Ian here: https://www.instagram.com/ianmorgancron/?hl=en Listen to his podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/typology/id1254061093 Purchase his new book, The Fix, here: https://ianmorgancron.com/books

We are often told the Bible is God’s love letter to us, but how are we supposed to live from that truth in the midst of our mundane task list? How do you think fully understanding God’s love for you would change the way you love yourself? Or even others? In today’s episode, Mary sits down with author of A Little Goes a Long Way and Everyday Prayers for Love, Rachael Adams. Rachael hopes to help women realize God’s love and purpose for their lives. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion.  The pair chat about: How Rachael went from lonely and feeling isolated, to a flourishing community of women very quickly The prompting she received from God when she was doubting her contributions to the world What to do when we feel envious about the giftings another person has received (specifically when it comes to Instagram!) How do we *actually* get together with people and make a difference (especially after 2020!) Why viewing things through God’s Economy changes everything   This episode is here to show you what you focus on is what you will find. And if you’re looking for God’s love, it’s closer than you think. Connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaeladamsauthor Listen her to her podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LEICaLbf7Xmckby5yXStV?si=GzofhkguRTS5qo2ayUrsdw&nd=1&dlsi=3cff8d4bd02b4ba9 Snag a copy of her latest book! https://rachaelkadams.com/everydayprayersforlove/

Revive: To return to life. If you need the reminder today that there is NOTHING too dry or too dead for God to revive, to return to life - well, you won’t be able to hit play fast enough. In one of Mary’s favorite episodes yet, she’s sitting down with the one and only, Cleere Cherry Reaves, the popular writer behind the Cleerely Stated Instagram handle. After enduring a life changing season, Cleere realized that when you walk through tragedy, the unimportant falls away by necessity. Which she now sees as mercy. And Cleere is here to make sure she continues living uncluttered and asking the Lord: “What have you called me to?” If this sounds good to you, you can expect a whole lot of that, and more, in this episode. The pair are chatting: How to let God revive your everyday rhythms  Why winter wilderness is not a season to avoid  How to balance a God-given anointing and co-creating with Him How to reframe the bitter pill of everyone around you receiving open doors What to do when you feel like your creativity is limited    Get out your notebooks and highlighters because seriously, every word of this episode is a go-to Truth for your everyday life.   Follow Cleere here: https://www.instagram.com/cleerelystated/?hl=en Buy her devotional here: https://www.cleerelystated.com/pages/revive  

Do you feel like you’re always just one shiny thing away from belonging? In a digital world where it has become normal to share all the new items we are purchasing, Alison Lumbatis is flipping the script on this narrative. From Network Engineer to Personal Stylist, Alison’s journey began after she left her 9-5 and realized she was living in only yoga pants on a daily basis. But the impact on her life didn’t stop with just a lack of cute fashion. She noticed that when she wasn’t getting up and ready for the day that she wasn’t as motivated for her daily activities - she stopped working out, and then she stopped meal planning, then chores around the house slipped. She started to see her yellow flags for depression come up and knew she had to make a change. And that change started small with getting up, showering, and getting dressed each day. And to her surprise, the immediate + positive impact on her life was huge. So to keep herself accountable, she started to blog her daily outfits. She would soon realize that her daily, easy, and motivational outfits were just what other women in the space were looking for, too. Now, with 500k followers on Instagram, a best selling book, and an app to help you feel your most confident in your outfits each day - Alison is on a mission that goes beyond fashion—it's about building self-assurance and direction in every woman's life. Tune in to hear: How to balance a love of fashion without placing your confidence in external things Alison’s 3 steps to cleaning out your closet - for good this time! How to overcome the mindset that you aren’t worthy of nice things Identifying your body shape and how to dress to feel your best What Poppy Syndrome is - and why most women struggle with it Tune in for the support you need to curate a wardrobe that not only fits your style but also resonates with your inner self so you can walk with purpose and embrace each day with newfound confidence. Follow Alison here: https://www.instagram.com/alisonlumbatis/?hl=en Check out her app here: https://outfitformulas.com/  

If you’ve ever looked around and felt like everyone surrounding you was in a happy, joyful season – and you’re just struggling to get through each day without a lot of hope, this episode is going to provide you with some relief. Author, editor, and writing educator, Stephanie Duncan Smith, is here to invite you into her story of walking through her dark night season, and bringing you back out into your next season of light. Through personal stories and informative insights, Stephanie is chatting with Mary about: What the Seasons of the Liturgical Year are - and how they apply to you Why we need to know about Divine Empathy Finding the freedom in feeling what we are feeling, and removing the shame of: “I should be feeling happy now” Is love really worth the risk?? 3 writing techniques to care about your readers, and allow readers care about your story If you’re ready for a new season with deep, Biblical truths to provide light and hope - this episode is here for you.  Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephduncansmith/?hl=en Follow Stephanie on Substack: https://stephanieduncansmith.substack.com/ Preorder her book here:  https://www.slantletter.com/  

You know God is real, and you have a strong faith, but in this season of wilderness you’re left wondering: does God even hear me any more? Join Mary as she sits with author, speaker, entrepreneur and friend, Rachel Wojo.  For Rachel, tragic life events are no stranger. Almost simultaneously, Rachel lost her mother to leukemia, discovered her pastor husband was having an affair for 4 of their 5 years of marriage, and her daughter was diagnosed with a rare, genetic metabolic disorder that causes gradual neurological degeneration that has no cure. So to say that Rachel has experienced deep sorrow and grief is an understatement. But Rachel is here to tell you about the hope that is still tangible when you’re at the end of your rope and are only hanging on by desperate prayers.  Tune in to hear: The important difference between faith and logic - and why this is crucial to moving forward How to allow desperation to pull us closer to God, not push us further away What Spiritual Separation Anxiety is and the biggest trigger of it in 2024 Stories of miracles in Rachel’s life - even if the miracle didn’t start out looking like one Why God’s glory and what works out to our good are not mutually exclusive in our lives   Rachel has a story of redemption, struggle, hope, and faith. If you’re feeling in a long wilderness season, Rachel’s life and insights are here to provide a life raft for you. Follow Rachel here: https://www.instagram.com/rachelwojo/ Pre-order her book, DESPERATE PRAYERS here: https://rachelwojo.com/desperateprayers/ For more, head to: https://rachelwojo.com/work-with-rachel/  

It was Hannah Brencher's 33rd birthday when she felt the prompting to turn off her phone. As she reflected on a past year of exhaustion, anxiety, and weariness, she began to wonder if the present moment and who she was in it, would ever be enough. What started as a phoneless day of celebration, connectedness, presence, and rest, gave birth to a one year challenge to unplug for 1000 hours. In The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World (Zondervan, Sept. 2024), author, TED Speaker, and entrepreneur, Hannah Brencher shares her journey from overwhelm to balance and abundance in just a few tech-free hours per day. With a practical and relatable approach, Hannah contends that it is possible to have healthy boundaries with technology.  In this episode, Mary and Hannah are chatting about: How to have a healthy relationship with your phone and social media if your business is online What exactly we are missing out on by mindlessly using our phones Why it’s not actually our fault, but it is our responsibility Tangible steps to get your life back The difference between performing vs authentic creativity    If you start to dig in and unplug, you’ll start to see what’s been waiting for you this whole time. Find all things Hannah Brencher below, and be sure to pick up her latest book, The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World https://hannahbrenchercreative.com/ https://hannahbrenchercreative.com/theunpluggedhours https://www.instagram.com/hannahbrencher/