The Sister Circle Podcast

Are you making the most of your life? Maybe you have good goals, but the pressure to achieve has caused you to sacrifice your peace and fold under the pressure. In this episode, I share important principles for partnering with God and releasing the pressure attached to productivity. There’s more waiting for you on the other side of surrender. If you’re tired of trying to make things happen on your own, this one’s for you. Highlights from Today’s Episode Building healthy habits Aligning with God Planning with purpose Related Resources Ready to live beyond the limits of your to-do list? Listen to my chat with Kendra Adachi on A New Approach to Productivity. Check out this conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee on The Balancing Act: God and Goals. Prepare your heart and mind for the year ahead with the Write It Down guide and the free Dream Builders Workshop. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #560 – How to Plan Without Striving first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

In this episode, I sit down with Pastor Jerry Flowers Jr. to talk about the life-changing connection between therapy, theology, and healing. Jerry shares the story behind Therapy Thursday, why trauma often blocks us from hearing biblical truth, and how renewing your mind requires both Scripture and practical strategy. We discuss emotional awareness, grief, community, relational autopsies, and how Jesus modeled healthy boundaries long before we had the language for them. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move forward—this conversation will help you understand what’s happening in your heart and how to begin healing. Highlights from Today’s Episode Learning to renew your mind  Identifying relational patterns  Reframing community and boundaries Related Resources Connect with Jerry Flowers Jr. on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or his Website. Grab a copy of Jerry’s book: Heart Rehab CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #559 – Therapy and Theology with Jerry Flowers Jr. first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Do you feel like what you have to offer isn’t enough? If you wish you had more to do more in your life, then this episode will encourage you to shift your perspective and focus on stewarding the small things well. In this episode, I discuss the power of using what you have to cultivate seeds right where you are. This message will encourage you to embrace small beginnings and make room for God to multiply every seed you faithfully sow. Highlights from Today’s Episode Participating in God’s plan Building capacity through consistency Implementing rhythms and routines Related Resources Check out this podcast episode to hear more about The Importance of Small Great Things. Listen to this podcast episode to learn How to Build Habits That Last. Read more about “doing what you can with what you have” in chapter 14 of my book She’s Still There.   CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #558 – When God Multiplies the Little Things first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Today I’m talking with Ashley Menzies Babatunde—lawyer, DEI leader, storyteller, and host of No Straight Path. Ashley shares how striving, achievement, and perfection shaped her early years…and how failure, burnout, and grief invited her to slow down and rediscover who she really is. We talk about knowing when you’re striving, how to reconnect with your purpose, the healing power of journaling, and navigating big feelings while becoming a new mother without your own mom here. Ashley also introduces the concept of “time affluence” and how to create space in your life for the things that actually bring joy. It’s honest, warm, insightful, and full of permission to breathe. Highlights from Today’s Episode Simple signs you’re striving instead of living intentionally How journaling helps uncover your passions The power of mentorship and sharing your network Related Resources Connect with Ashley on Instagram or her website. Listen to Ashley’s podcast “No Straight Path” here.  Check out Happier Hour by Cassie Holmes, PhD CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #557 – When Striving Steals Your Joy with Ashley Menzies Babatunde first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

In this episode, I sit down with investor and educator Ange Matthews, founder of The Happy Investor Method, to talk honestly about money, mindset, and what’s possible when you believe God cares about your financial life. Ange shares her journey from making $40K a year with six-figure debt… to becoming a multimillionaire investor before age 40. We talk about investing while paying off debt, shifting from survival mode to possibility, and why Christians shouldn’t feel guilty about stewarding wealth. If you’ve ever felt behind or overwhelmed by money, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and practical steps to take right now. Highlights from Today’s Episode Breaking old money mindsets  Building wealth from scratch  Seeing money as stewardship Related Resources Connect with Ange on Instagram or her website. Get Your 150 Investment Ideas Download Check out more podcast episodes on money here! CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #556 – Faith and Finances Ange Matthews first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

The joy of the holidays can often overshadow any moments of grief and sadness we experience. In this episode of the podcast, I share my practical guidance for allowing grief, loss, and sadness to flow, specifically during the most wonderful time of the year. My own journey of loss has taught me that even in sorrow, there is still room for joy, but we must first give ourselves permission to exhale. Here’s your invitation to make room for healing this holiday season. Highlights from Today’s Episode Remembering what was Recognizing your emotional capacity Releasing the pressure to pretend Related Resources Listen to this encouraging episode about The Gift of Grief. Feeling uneasy about holiday obligations? Listen to this episode for Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress. Connect with a Bible study through Bible Study Fellowship Prepare your heart and mind for the year ahead with the Write It Down guide and the free Dream Builders Workshop. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #555 – When the Holidays Hurt first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

In this episode, I get to the root of that oh-so-uncomfortable word: codependency.  If you’ve ever felt like you were losing yourself in a relationship, this chat will encourage you to value God’s approval above anyone else’s, and to lean into His plan for your life. You’ll leave feeling motivated to require mutual respect and a sense of independence in your relationships. Highlights from Today’s Episode Pursuing personal peace Pleasing God instead of people Putting relationships in proper perspective Related Resources Ready to prioritize your peace? Listen to this podcast episode on Building Better Boundaries. Need help putting yourself first? Listen to this podcast episode and practice The Art of Saying No. Check out my conversation with Nona Jones on Overcoming Rejection. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #554 – The Truth About Codependency first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

What does it mean to “rebrand the church”? In this conversation with Dr. Eric Mason, founder of Epiphany Fellowship and author of Rebranding the Church, we talk about how believers can restore the church’s witness in a world that has lost trust in Christianity. We cover church hurt, discipleship, generational shifts, and why authentic community still matters. If you’re wondering how to heal from disappointment and help the church be healthy again, this episode will encourage you to press in. Highlights from Today’s Episode Returning the church to Gospel roots. Healing hurt without leaving community. Moving from consuming to contributing. Related Resources Connect with Dr. Mason on Instagram @pastoremase. Grab a copy of Guest’s book:  Rebranding the Church: Restoring the Image of God’s People in the World  Listen to The Sanctuary podcast with Dr. Mason. Enjoy this episode from Nona Jones on Navigating Change, Church, and Culture CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #553 – Rebranding the Church with Dr. Eric Mason first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

Do you make time to appreciate the very things you once prayed for? Sometimes, chasing the next thing can cause you to miss out on the moments that were once out of reach. In this episode, I uncover the gift in letting go of busyness and embracing stillness. Burnout may be your norm now, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I can’t wait for you to take back your time by slowing down. And even if it takes longer to reach your destination, you’ll enjoy the journey along the way. Highlights from Today’s Episode Engaging with your life Leaning into solitude Clearing your calendar Related Resources Ready to cultivate a rhythm of slowing down? Listen to this podcast episode for motivation When It’s Hard to Rest. Need more encouragement? Check out this conversation with Asheritah Ciuciu on Rest for the Weary. Grab the 2026 Full Circle Planner and schedule time to be still. CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #552 – Breaking Busy first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.

The holidays don’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. In this episode, I’m inviting you to trade the pressure of “doing it all” for the peace of simply being there. Together, we’ll talk about what it really means to practice hospitality that reflects God’s heart—choosing presence over perfection, connection over performance, and joy over exhaustion. Because at the end of the day, the best memories aren’t made in flawless spaces—they’re made wherever love and grace have room to gather. Highlights from Today’s Episode Releasing perfection Making memories Creating connection Related Resources Ready to prepare for the season ahead? Listen to this podcast episode to learn how to plan for the holiday season. Check out this podcast episode for my tips for coping with holiday stress. Listen to my conversation with Sarah Harmeyer on hospitality and the heart of the home. Intentionally plan for the holidays with the 2026 Full Circle Planner, which is currently 15% off! CLICK HERE FOR FULL SHOW NOTES The post #551 – The Holy Work of Hospitality first appeared on Chrystal Evans Hurst.