The Mary Marantz Show

Do you ever wonder if the Gospel is truly "good news" for your actual, everyday, often difficult, sometimes painful, and typically crazy, real life? Perhaps you could use a reminder that God's faithfulness really does follow us into the face of all that harried, hard, and even humorous life stuff. If you can relate, then this life-giving episode will speak right to your heart. Today, Mary is joined by best-selling author, speaker, and Bible teacher- Lisa Harper- as the two dive into Lisa’s new devotional, “LIFE: An Obsessively Grateful, Undone by Jesus, Genuinely Happy, and Not Faking it Through the Hard Stuff Kind of 100-Day Devotional”. LIFE combines Lisa’s sound theology and her comedic wit to provide a gut-level exploration of pertinent and redemptive moments in Scripture that prove God’s grace is more than sufficient for both the massive and the minuscule things of life. On today’s episode, Mary and Lisa get real about the everyday struggle- how to be genuinely happy and not fake it through the hard stuff. You will feel seen and understood as the two: Discuss seasons of waiting; Talk about the delicate balance of wanting things to change while simultaneously loving your life; and, Dig into Lisa’s personal story of becoming a mother at age 50, finding healing from her past, and how the title of her new devotional came to be. After listening: You will find freedom in knowing that grief and worship can go hand-in-hand, Learn that you can embrace happiness in the middle of the wait or long slow climb, and Be equipped to find rest in the moment by focusing on the ‘99’ instead of the ‘1’. If you are ready to ditch the Spanx with God, and let Him be the hero of your story, you will not want to miss this powerful and eye-opening episode. Snag Lisa's book here! https://lisaharper.net/product/life-bible-study-book/

Do you find it challenging or paralyzing to take the next step towards your dream? Perhaps you long to find a mentor to help you walk through this season, but are unsure how to go about finding this person. If this is you, then this episode is here to help take you from “dreaming” to “doing”. Today, Mary is joined by author, podcaster and personal cheerleader to women building their dream life and business- Kelsey Chapman. Kelsey’s new book, What They Taught Me: Recognizing the Mentors Who Will Take You from Dream to Done, offers practical takeaways for women eager to invest in their futures and pour into others. Kelsey knows firsthand how overwhelming and scary it can be to take a big leap and commit to showing up for your dreams. The one thing that pushed her to rise up? Mentorship. On today’s episode, Mary and Kelsey: Dive into true examples of mentorship in their own lives while offering practical takeaways for women eager to invest in their futures and pour into others; Discuss what it’s like to want a seat at a table that is seemingly full; and, Chat about the power of letting your own circle pour into you. After listening, you will: Have practical steps on how to even begin the conversation of reaching out to someone you look up to to ask about mentorship; Know what to do if they say no; Be prepped with wisdom and discernment to know who would be a good mentor; and Know how to take the first steps to becoming a mentor yourself if you feel led. If you are ready to confidently step into and steward the fullness of your dreams, you will not want to miss today’s powerful episode! Snag Kelsey's book here: https://kelseychapman.com/ 

Do you feel that you are struggling in a season marked by loss? Perhaps you find yourself wondering, “Where is God in all of this?”. If you can relate, then this episode is here to speak straight to your heart. Today, Mary is joined by bestselling author, speaker, father, widower, and executive pastor - Jonathan Pitts -as the two dive deep into Jonathan’s new book, “My Wynter Season: Seeing God’s Faithfulness In the Shadow of Grief”. My Wynter Season is a memoir which recounts the tragic and unexpected loss of Jonathan’s wife, Wynter, while instilling hope for those facing and walking through loss. On today’s episode, Mary and Jonathan candidly discuss: What it was like for Jonathan to one day be married to a successful author and magazine publisher, putting the finishing touches on their book on marriage, and the next, finding himself a widower with four grieving daughters; Explore the ways he coped with the gravity of the loss while still continuing Wynter’s legacy to honor her memory; and Review how Jonathan continued to have faith in God even after such a sudden tragedy. After listening, you: Will be inspired to find trust even in the midst of life’s most bewildering moments; Be encouraged that Christians are never without hope; and Be moved to know that worship, praise, trust, and faith can simultaneously exist with grief, loss, and not understanding the plan or purpose, but trusting that there is one. If you are ready to celebrate eternal triumph of life over death, no matter what season you find yourself, you will not want to miss this powerful episode filled with honesty, love, raw emotion, and biblical truths. Snag Jonathan's book here! https://www.amazon.com/My-Wynter-Season-Seeing-Faithfulness/dp/0736981357

Do you desire to connect more deeply with others? Perhaps you long to create intimate, meaningful friendships. If you can relate, then this episode is the invitation that you have been waiting for! Today, Mary is joined by blogger, podcast host, and new author - Laura Tremaine - as the two dive deeply into Laura’s new book, “Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First. 10 Questions to Take Your Friendships to the Next Level”. Each chapter of Laura’s book offers intriguing and reflective questions that will reveal unique details and stories you've never thought to tell and will guide you into cultivating the authentic connection with others that only comes from sharing yourself. On today’s episode Mary and Laura discuss: Laura’s childhood in Oklahoma, Her complicated shifts in faith and friendships, and Her marriage to a Hollywood movie director. A compelling storytelling with a lighthearted self-awareness and a sensitivity to the important things in life, Laura gives you the tools to build and deepen the conversations happening in your life. After listening, you will: Learn the power of raising your hand and “going first”; Be empowered to share your story even when it isn’t neatly packaged; and Feel challenged to say what needs to be said, to ask what needs to be asked, and be willing to be the kind of friend that goes there. If you are ready to go beyond the surface and develop meaningful, impactful relationships with those around you, you will not want to miss today’s eye-opening and practical episode. Snag Laura's book here! https://www.zondervan.com/p/share-your-stuff-10-questions-to-take-your-friendships-to-the-next-level/

Have you ever found yourself believing the lie that only a few are called to do something powerful in this world? Maybe you feel as if you don’t possess a unique skill set, calling, or even purpose. If you can relate, then this episode will be a game changer for you! Today, Mary is joined by best-selling author and international speaker, John Bevere, known for his bold and uncompromising approach to God’s Word. In his new book, X: How to Multiply Your God-Given Potential, John encourages readers to understand why it’s not enough to merely possess potential. It must be realized and intentionally developed in order to live a life full of meaning and purpose. On today’s episode, John dives deeply into Scripture and personal stories to reveal that each and every person was born on purpose and for a purpose. Our gifts, no matter where they operate, have a connection to building the Kingdom. After listening, you will: Grasp the true definition of faithfulness and this idea of multiplication; Be encouraged to cultivate God’s gifting in your life and fuel your abilities; and, Be equipped to realize when you are operating on your accord vs. leaning into the will of God. If you are ready to not only meet your potential, but actually go out into the world and multiply it, you will not want to miss this incredible episode! Snag John's book here! https://johnbevere.com/x/

Have you ever felt that you have a story to tell, been interested in writing, but don’t feel as though you have a gift of words? Perhaps writing is not your passion, but you are looking for a way to combat anxiety and cultivate contentment in your life. No matter which category you find yourself, this episode is here to help you get unstuck from the patterns that hold you back! Today, Mary is joined by author, speaker, coach, podcast host, and founder of Find Your Voice -a community that supports anyone who wants to write anything- Allison Fallon. Allison is also the author of the brand new book, The Power of Writing it Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine your Life. In this book, Ally argues that everyone has the ability to process change in their life simply by writing things down. And, that there's something really powerful that happens when we're able to step outside ourselves and understand why we do the things we do through the written word. On today’s episode, Mary and Ally walk through: Exactly how anyone can have access to the power of their thoughts, words, and voice; Reveal practical tips for how to live a more interesting life; and, Discuss the cost of holding back what can only be expressed through you. After listening, you will: Understand how to identify and address the ‘ruts’ in your life to create new neurological grooves toward better habits, Be equipped to embrace and utilize words as the most powerful tool you have to create the life you long for, and Be inspired to use pen and paper to unlock the real reward: new depths of self-discovery, creativity, and intentionality for living. If you are ready to improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual health using tools already available to you, then you will not want to miss today’s episode! Snag Allison's book here! https://thepowerofwritingitdown.com

Do you long to make forward progress on your fitness goals but are challenged by constant setbacks? Or maybe you actually fall on the opposite end of the spectrum where you are consumed by a healthy lifestyle but find it difficult to make time for soul health, like journaling and praying. No matter where you find yourself, this episode is for you! Today, Mary is joined by new friend and founder of Embrace MVMNT, Andrea Montalvo. Embrace MVMT is an online platform sharing daily workouts as well as daily faith talks, with the goal of helping you check off two important priorities - health for your body AND health for your soul! On today’s episode, Mary and Andrea talk about: What it looks like to change your mindset about exercise from something that you HAVE to do, to something that you GET to do, The power of spiritual gratitude, and  The secret to success starting with small steps. After listening you will: Be empowered with practical tools for how to make habits stick, Walk away with a refreshing perspective on how to feel grateful for the simple joys of life, and Be equipped to reach your physical goals while strengthening your spiritual walk. You will even walk away with a personalized workout from Andrea that can be done anywhere in just a matter of minutes! Be sure to follow Andrea at: https://www.instagram.com/ager_bomb/  

Have you done everything that society told you to be successful and happy, but reality is still leaving you feeling unfulfilled? Was “the future” something you used to dream of, but is now something that just arrives without asking you what you wanted? If you can relate, you will not want to miss today’s powerful episode! Today, Mary is joined by speaker, podcast host, award-winning broadcast journalist, and author - Antonio Neves - as the two discuss Antonio’s brand new book, “Stop Living on Autopilot: Take responsibility for your life and rediscover a bolder, happier you”. Stop Living on Autopilot is a raw and inspiring how-to guide that will help you recommit to your life and dreams. Antonio believes that no matter where you stand today, your story isn’t over yet and that a new chapter begins right now. On today’s episode, Mary and Antonio discuss: The power of decision-making and personal responsibility, What to do when you feel like your life isn’t turning out how you originally expected, and Breathing life into the saying that 'the best things in life are still ahead.' After listening you will, learn how to become an active player in your own life and start living on your terms; be empowered to reboot your life and find happiness right where you are; and, realize the power that your decisions, or lack thereof, have towards achieving your dreams. Snag Antonio's book here! https://theantonioneves.com/  

Do you find yourself constantly worried about money? Did you know that understanding yourself is essential to understanding the way you handle money? If you are ready to get to the root of all of your decisions, then this episode is for you! Today, Mary is joined by national bestselling author, financial expert and host of The Rachel Cruze Show- Rachel Cruze. In her brand-new book, Know Yourself, Know Your Money, Rachel explores how your behavior is the biggest obstacle to making good decisions with your money. She believes that when you take a closer look at your behavior and beliefs, money problems are usually just a symptom of a larger problem in your life. On today’s episode, Mary and Rachel: Explore the idea of money personalities and how those begin forming from an early age, Review Rachel’s four types of childhood money classrooms, and Break down the money fears that drive most money decisions. After listening, you will discover why you make the money decisions you do and what to do about it; understand how your parents, your fears, and your beliefs impact your money mindset; and be equipped to get out of your own way when it comes to making healthy money decisions. If you are ready to walk in financial freedom and change your money mindset for good, you will not want to miss this empowering episode! Snag Rachel's book here! https://www.rachelcruze.com/store

Is fear holding you back from stepping out and actually living anything more than an ‘eggshell’ type of life? Perhaps you are struggling with the lie that you are not ‘good enough’. If you can relate, then this episode is a must-listen! Today, Mary is joined by popular blogger, viral TED Talk speaker, and best-selling author- Hannah Brencher - as the two dive into Hannah’s brand new book Fighting Forward: Your nitty gritty guide to beating the lies that hold you back. Fighting Forward champions the truth that each song starts with a single note. With trust and a little time, each note and every small step adds up to a victorious anthem of showing up to this life and staying in the fight to become who God made you to be. On today’s episode, Hannah: - Opens up about her personal struggle with anxiety and depression, - Encourages listeners that life can be rebuilt on ruins, and - Reveals the importance of choosing consistency over perfection. After listening, you will be ready to take back the life that fear tries to steal; be empowered to move from a place of fear and anxiety into a place of action for a better, more rooted life; and, feel reassured that you just need to take one small step at a time to flip the script and step into your purpose. If you are ready to choose hope over the lies that are holding you back, then you will not want to miss this powerful episode! Snag Hannah's book here! https://www.hannahbrenchercreative.com/fightingforward