The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I’m talking with Rhett Barrett. Rhett is married to Happy Hour veteran, Jenn Jett Barrett, who was my guest on the If You Only Knew Miniseries. Together, they live in Springdale, Arkansas where Rhett teaches middle school and loves to travel, scuba dive, and eat good food -- can I get an AMEN? In 2010, Rhett was in a toxic relationship that was ending disastrously and was coming to the close of a decade spent running from the Lord. In this episode, we talk about what it felt like for Rhett to feel far from God, how he turned marriage into an idol and identity, and ultimately, the power and kindness God has to restore both our faith and our hearts. Friends, Rhett’s story is such a beautiful picture of God’s grace for every single one of us and it was an honor to hear him speak so vulnerably and authentically today. I love what Rhett’s dad told him all those years ago -- “When something is wrong, something is NEVER better than nothing.” -- SO GOOD! I think you’re really going to love this episode. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 296 is Samantha Ponder. Sam has been the host of Sunday NFL Countdown since 2017. She is the third host in the 34-year history of the show and the show’s first female host. Prior to joining Countdown, Ponder was a host and reporter on the Emmy-award winning College GameDay for four years and the sideline reporter for Saturday Night Football on ABC. A wife and mother of three, Ponder is a native of Phoenix and currently resides in New York City. You guys, my conversation with Sam has been a long time coming and I’m so grateful we finally got a chance to chat in the midst of all this chaos. In today’s episode, we talk about her love story with husband Christian Ponder, being a woman in a male-dominated field, navigating the public sphere as a Christian, and obviously, our love of football (and the hope we have for a 2020 fall season!). Sam speaks so articulately about approaching headlines as humans and controversy with kindness and respect, without having to sacrifice justice. I so admire her commitment to living and speaking authentically, with both grit and grace. She is such a joy and I just know you’ll love this episode! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I’m talking with Emma Mae Jenkins. Emma Mae is currently a student at Liberty University studying Church Ministry and Women’s Leadership, and get this -- 10 years ago, she was only 11 years old! In this episode, we talk about her experience with cyber-bullying and growing up in the age of social media, what it looks like to seek out and rest in the Word of God, what she’s looking forward to in her 20s, and the idea that our identity is rooted not what we do, but who created us. Friends, Emma Mae is such a ray of sunshine and I hope you feel as encouraged as I do after speaking with her. I loved it when she said, “God will be the same, even in different places.” If you loved this episode, be sure to check out her devotional, All-Caps YOU on Amazon, available May 5th of this year. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour #295 is Gloria Umanah. Gloria Umanah is the Founder and Executive Director of The Ex-Nihilo Collective, a collective of creatives on a mission to illuminate Jesus through words, poetry, and storytelling. When Gloria isn't leading The Collective, she is known for her powerhouse stage presence as she travels the world to communicate the Gospel and lead in creative directing helping ministries, churches, and communities tell the story of Jesus in a way that the world has yet to hear. Friends, Gloria is such a joy and I’m so happy to share our conversation with you today. In this episode, we talk about her journey with spoken word, her upbringing in a strict Nigerian home, and the ways those things have shaped the woman she is today. I loved hearing about Gloria’s heart for the kingdom and how passionately she believes in the power of surrender. Her reminder that “It’s true, [we are] not enough, and that is enough to be used by God” is so helpful for our current context. Gloria’s passion for the Church is so evident and I hope you feel encouraged by her charge to lean into diversity, not just the appearance of diversity, and seek out the ways you are playing into the story that God is writing. I’m so thankful for Gloria’s giftings and how she is sharing them with the world, and us, today! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I’m talking with Bob Goff. Bob is a New York Times Best-Selling Author, lover of balloons, cake pops and helping people pursue their big dreams. In 2010, Bob was commuting from his home in San Diego to his law firm in Seattle every single day. It soon became clear that it was time to land the plane on that chapter of his life, and he began working on his first book, Love Does. In this episode, Bob talks witch doctors, being a grandpa, making yourself available to God’s plan, and learning how to love people well. He reminds us that, although “sometimes we think we need to go across an ocean to make a difference, the message in the scripture is to go across the street; to love our neighbors.” I am so grateful for Bob’s time, his infectious energy, and his encouragement to lean into our moment, be fully present, and identify who we are, where we are, and what we want. Be sure you check out Bob’s new book, Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It. Dream Big is the book you need to uncover the wild and exciting dream for your life you’ve hidden from yourself--and help you take the steps necessary. Bob’s book releases in June 2020, you can pre-order now. Send us your shout outs and grad guest recommendations: podcast@jamieivey.comConnect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 294 is Lisa Whittle. Lisa is an author, Bible study teacher, podcaster, and insanely committed to Jesus and family. Her newest book and Bible study, Jesus Over Everything, reminds us that when we put Jesus first, we can find the meaning and peace we long for. Lisa is one of my very favorite people, and I’m so happy she’s back on the show today. Lisa and I talk about how many of us believe that our desire for more simplicity in our lives and the desire to put Jesus first are somehow opposed. Lisa explains how they’re not and I loved her words, “the steady way is the Jesus way” – don’t we all wish for more steadiness in our lives these days? You’ll also hear Lisa and I discuss the hard work of asking ourselves what in my life is putting chains on me that prevent me from being obedient to God. You guys, those are tough questions, but so important and so powerful. I think what I loved most about my conversation with Lisa was that I was reminded over and over again that Jesus is better, and when we put him first, we find meaning, rest, and freedom. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I'm talking with Kathryn Freeman. I was introduced to Kathryn by my friend Lyndsey who works with me, and you guys, when we first asked Kathryn to come on the show her first reaction was that she didn’t feel like too much happened in the last decade. As you’ll hear today, this is absolutely not the case! Kathryn has experienced and accomplished so much in the last ten years. Kathryn began the decade serving as a press secretary for a state senator, and now she’s preparing to finish seminary in 2021! What I loved most about my conversation with Kathryn was hearing the different ways she said yes to God, and how she has learned to sit in the uncertainty through trusting Him. It was so encouraging for me to hear and I think you’re going to love our conversation today. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 293 is Beth McCord. Beth is an author, speaker, coach, and founder of Your Enneagram Coach, a community designed to be a safe place for individuals to explore the Enneagram. Beth has a passion for sharing the deep truths of the Enneagram from a Biblical perspective so that personal awareness and growth are accessible for everyone, anywhere. Friends, I think you are going to love hearing about the Enneagram from Beth today. Beth's approach utilizes the Enneagram as a powerful tool, but centered on the truth that the gospel is what heals and transforms. Beth shares how she and her husband started learning about the Enneagram while he was in seminary, and that drove their focus of studying the Enneagram through the lens of the Gospel. In these times when we are all living a new normal and experiencing all of the feelings and reactions, Beth reminds us of our anchor in Christ and how we can see the world from our unique perspectives while rooted in the truth of the Gospel. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years! Today I'm talking with Herbie Newell, the President and Executive Director of Lifeline Children's Services. The mission at Lifeline is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Herbie and I talk about the shift that happened in 2010 when not only did they move to their first real office space, but they recognized that to accomplish their mission Lifeline must expand to serve both vulnerable families as well as vulnerable children. As you can imagine, this led to incredible growth and challenges over this past decade. Herbie says that if he could have shared any advice with his 2010 self, it would be to find ways to be present in the moment and for the people in your life even amidst uncertainty or challenges. Herbie’s encouragement is so timely for us all in these times, and I’m so thankful for the work Herbie and his team at Lifeline are doing in the world. Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE

My guest for The Happy Hour # 292 is Melanie Shankle. Melanie writes regularly at The Big Mama blog and is a New York Times bestselling author of four previous books. Melanie is a loves writing, shopping at Target, and trying to find the lighter side in every situation. Most of all, she loves being the mother of Caroline, the wife of Perry, and the official herder of two wild dogs named Piper and Mabel. You guys, Melanie is a Happy Hour veteran and I was so happy to talk with her, especially in the midst of quarantine! While Melanie had no idea what our world would look like when she wrote her newest book, On the Bright Side, I am so thankful that her message is heading out into the world in these challenging times. Today, Melanie and I talk about so many things including parenting teenagers, marriage, our love for college football (and our hopes that it’s still on for 2020!), and the importance of loving each other even when we may disagree. It is always a joy when Melanie comes on The Happy Hour and I think you’ll love hearing from her today! Connect with Jamie Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube GET ALL THE LINKS FROM THE SHOW HERE