Embodied Holiness
The Embodied Holiness Podcast explores how we can embody the characteristics of Christ in our everyday lives. Through honest stories, trusted resources, and conversations with special guests, you'll receive encouragement for your own journey of faith as you strive to walk in step with the Spirit. If you’re longing to let the life of Christ be lived out in your everyday life, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Ep. 111 Different Isn't Bad: An Interracial Family Talks Race, Faith, and Belonging with the Lymon Family
Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to truly accept someone who is different from us? In this episode, Susan sits down with Tony and Emily Lymon and their daughter, Colette, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about race, identity, faith, and belonging. The Lymons share their personal experiences with racism, acceptance, and rejection, including the unspoken conditions that sometimes de
Ep. 110 The Art and Heart of Worship with Josh Burris and Zoe Burris
Send us Fan MailSusan sits down with brother-and-sister duo Josh Burris and Zoe Burris, who share a passion for leading the people of God into wholehearted worship. In this fun and dynamic conversation, they explore what worship really is, why it matters, and how worship shapes us as followers of Jesus. Whether you lead worship or simply want to better understand the heart behind it, this conversa
Ep. 109 How To Recognize and Refute False Christian Claims in American Culture with Michael Adam Beck
Send us Fan MailIn an era of widespread theological misinformation, Christians need clear, practical tools to identify and address distortions of the faith. Susan Eaton and Smith Lilley speak with Michael Adam Beck about his new curriculum, Distortions, which gives pastors, church leaders, and laity an accessible visual guide to understanding and responding to false representations of Christianity
Ep. 108 An Ancient Path to a Whole and Holy Life with Grace Hamman
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to live a whole and holy life? Susan talks with Grace Hamman, author of Ask of Old Paths: Medieval Virtues and Vices for a Whole and Holy Life, to discuss how the medieval language of virtues and vices can inspire us to deeper self-reflection and greater faithfulness that leads to transformation. GRACE HAMMAN, Ph.D. (Duke University) is a writer and indepen
Ep. 107 After Sexual Assault: Trauma, Healing, and Turning Toward God with Deborah Svec-Carstens
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Susan talks with author and spiritual director Deborah Svec-Carstens about her new book, Toward the Light, a coming-of-age memoir about trauma, resilience, healing, and the courage it sometimes takes simply to stay. Deborah shares her story of navigating the aftermath of sexual assault far from home and the journey toward reclaiming her life and her faith.Purchase
Ep. 106 Loving God and Loving Uganda: The Heart Behind Ddembe Mission with Christy and Ainsley Richardson
Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, Susan and Cliff talk with Christy and Ainsley Richardson as they share the remarkable story of Ddembe mission, a ministry founded by Christy's late husband, Rodney Richardson. “Ddembe” means “freedom” in the native Luganda language, and it reflects the desire to see tangible love generously given, to see hope restored, and to see those the mission serv
Ep. 105 Rediscovering Hope and Joy When Your World Turns Upside Down with Susan Eaton, Cliff Burris, and Anna Valentine
Send us Fan MailHave you ever looked at your life and wondered how you ended up here? The diagnosis came. The relationship fractured. The dream died. The future you imagined disappeared. Suddenly, you're living in unfamiliar territory—an exile of the soul. In this episode, Cliff Burris and Anna Valentine talk with Embodied Holiness host Susan Eaton about her latest book: Even in Exile –Redisc
Ep. 104 When the Old Testament Feels... Complicated with Dr. Sandra Richter
Send us Fan MailWhat on earth are we to do with the troubling passages we come across in scripture? The Old Testament is especially rife with narratives and sentences that can make God sound cruel and unloving at times. I asked Dr. Sandra Richter, the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA to discuss how sincere biblical readers can approach difficult p
Ep. 103 Judging Rightly: Mentorship, Wisdom, and Compassion with Judge T. Michael Reed
Send us Fan MailThomas Michael Reed is a Mississippi Circuit Court Judge for the 12th District, serving Forrest and Perry Counties. He brings over 27 years of experience in criminal defense, personal injury, and municipal law. He’s also a follower of Jesus and an active member of Parkway Heights UMC in Hattiesburg, MS. Susan and her colleague, Rev. Julie Collins, sat down with Judge Reed to discus
Ep 102 Be the Light That You Are with Deb Engle
Send us Fan MailLife is hard. We live in a time riddled with political, emotional, economic, and spiritual crises. Deb Engle helps her readers stay true to their spiritual principles and find peace amid chaos. Susan spoke with Deb about her book, Be the Light That You Are, which provides a course of action for people who want to make a difference. Learn more on Deb's website. DEBRA ENGLE serv
Ep 101 Loving and Regulating Our Nervous Systems with Anna Valentine, PhD, LPC
Send us Fan MailSusan sits down with Anna Valentine, PhD, LPC, to discuss how we can bring wholeness, healing, and rest into our lives by calming our nervous systems. This practical and spirit-filled conversation will leave you feeling refreshed. Visit Anna’s website. Listen to Anna’s podcast. Anna Valentine is based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where she works at March Holistic Christian Counseli
Ep 100 Compassion Fatigue, Finding Your Voice, and Owning Your Faith
Send us Fan MailEpisode 100 feels like a good time to pause and take a look at where we’ve been and where we’re going. Susan is joined by original co-hosts Lyerly Christensen and Lindsey Lewis for a rich and meaningful conversation about how life has changed over the past four years. Along the way, they dive into topics that hit close to home: navigating compassion fatigue in a nonstop news cycle,
Ep 99 Coming Home: Steve Wiest on Faith, Music, and the People Who Formed Him
Send us Fan MailGrammy-nominated jazz musician and Hattiesburg native Steve Wiest joins Susan for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, creativity, mentorship, and making the most of the one life we’ve been given.Steve reflects on his formative years in the church, the mentors who “saved his life” during a difficult season, and how those roots shaped both his faith and his wildly creative caree
Ep 98 Resourcing Hope: How Churches Can Support Recovery with Matthew Johnson
Send us Fan MailConversations around addiction and recovery are too often avoided, even in the church. In this episode, Matt Johnson, National Director of Faith-Based Initiatives for the Fletcher Group, discusses why recovery and substance use disorder are something churches and Christians should care deeply about. Whether you’re walking your own recovery journey, loving someone who is, or wonderi
Ep 97 Learning to Walk Again: A Story of Healing, Forgiveness and Abundance After Tragedy with Lonny Schraeder
Send us Fan MailIn 1982, at the age of 19, Lonny Schrader was struck with a change in his storyline he did not see coming. His testimony of choosing forgiveness and thriving after tragedy is one we all need to hear and learn from. I hope you enjoy getting to know Lonny as much as I have. Thanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podcast. We invite you to join the community on Facebook and Ins
Ep 96 How Do I Know When It's God Speaking to Me? with Cliff Burris
Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 8! How do I know when it's God speaking to me? In this episode, Susan and Cliff share their personal experiences of hearing and discerning the voice of God, recommend books that have helped them grow in hearing God, and offer encouragement for your own journey to hearing and knowing God's voice. Resources Mentioned:Hearing God, by Dallas WillardHow to He
Ep 95 Listening for God Together: The Gift of Spiritual Direction with Anne-Russell Bradley
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Susan and Cliff sit down with spiritual director Anne-Russell Bradley for a rich conversation about the practice of spiritual direction. Together, they explore what spiritual direction is (and isn’t), how it creates sacred space for listening to God, and why this ancient practice can be such a life-giving companion on our faith journey. If you’ve ever wondered what
Ep 94 Your Work Matters: Seeing Vocation Through God's Eyes with Al Erisman and Randy Pope
Send us Fan MailHow do we faithfully weave our life with God into the work we do every day? In this episode, Susan and co-host Rev. Smith Lilley talk with authors and businessmen Al Erisman and Randy Pope about what it means to view our work as a calling to serve the Lord. Together, they explore how the hours we spend in offices, classrooms, homes, and communities can become places of formation, w
Ep 93 What Is Spiritual Warfare? with Dr. Stephen Seamands
Send us Fan MailSpiritual warfare can be confusing, even intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this conversation, Susan Eaton, Cliff Burris, and Dr. Stephen Seamands discuss what spiritual warfare is, why it shows up in our lives, and how we can discern when it’s happening. Dr. Seamands offers practical wisdom from years of ministry, emphasizing the importance of helping people heal instead
Ep 92 Why Don't People Have Super Powers? with Rev. Smith Lilley
Send us Fan MailHave you ever wished you had superpowers? Maybe we actually do! We may not be able to fly or shoot lasers out of our eyes, but what if we were made for more than that? In this episode, Susan talks with Rev. Smith Lilley about what it means to be human and how the life of Christ within us empowers us to live supernaturally in our everyday lives. ABOUT SMITH: Smith Lilley is an ordai
Ep 91 How Are We Made in the Image of God When We Can't See God? with Rev. Chad Bowen
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rev. Chad Bowen joins us to unpack a big question from one of our church kids: “How are we made in God’s image when we can’t see God?” Together, we explore what it means to “image” God in the world—not by what we look like, but by how we live. From creativity and innovation to stewardship and community, we discover the many ways God’s character is reflected through
Ep 90 Finding Your Purpose in Life with Dr. Bev Smallwood
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever wrestled with questions about purpose—why you’re here, what you’re made for, or how to uncover it—you won’t want to miss this episode with the always dynamic Dr. Bev Smallwood. Learn how God can use even seasons of adversity to reveal your unique purpose and calling.Contact Beverly: bev@drbevsmallwood.comABOUT BEV: Dr. Bev Smallwood is a licensed psychologist who, fo
Ep. 89 Beyond Dominion: Creation Care and the Human–Animal Bond with Dr. Jamie McNally
Send us Fan MailSusan and her friend, Dr. Jamie McNally, explore what it means to see all of creation as a sacred trust and how the well-being of humans and animals overlaps. Together, they reflect on the biblical call to steward the earth with care. With both theological and psychological insight, this conversation invites us to consider how loving God also means tending His creation.ABOUT JAMIE:
Ep. 88 What Happens When We Take Communion? with Ricky James
Send us Fan MailAnother great question from one of the children of Parkway Heights UMC: "What happens when we take communion? Are the bread and juice (wine) turning into Christ’s body and blood?" Susan and Cliff talk with Rev. Dr. Ricky James about the mystery of this sacred meal and why it matters for our life of faith.ABOUT RICKY: The Rev. Dr. Ricky James is the Dean of the Chapel and
Ep. 87 What is Prayer and How Do I Pray? with Rev. Dr. Leanne Burris
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Season 7 of the Embodied Holiness Podcast! Susan welcomes her friends, Rev. Dr. Leanne Burris and Rev. Cliff Burris, for a thoughtful exploration of the question: "What is prayer and how do I pray?" ABOUT LEANNE: Rev. Dr. Leanne Burris is the planting pastor of The Bridge Church. As an ordained Elder, she is deeply passionate about connecting people to God
Ep 86 Drawing Closer to Jesus Through Your Senses with Whitney Simpson
Send us Fan MailDo you have trouble connecting with God? What if the opportunity to connect with God were as close as your next breath? Susan sits down with author, podcaster, spiritual director and campus minister, Whitney Simpson, to talk about how we can practice a more embodied spirituality that will draw us closer to Jesus. ABOUT WHITNEY - Whitney's writing encompasses her passion for em
Ep. 85 Holding Space: How to Talk About Pain with Others with Nicole Zasowski
Send us Fan MailSusan and Alex are joined by co-host Josh Burris and special guest Nicole Zasowski for a heartfelt conversation around the question: "How does God call us to talk with others about pain?" Together, they explore what it looks like to hold space for one another, speak truth with compassion, and reflect God's love in our hardest conversations.NICOLE ZASOWSKI is a licen
Ep. 84 More Than a Dress - The Heart Behind Cinderella's Closet
Send us Fan MailErin Peterson, founder of Cinderella's Closet, joins Susan and Lindsey to talk about her calling to help young women know their worth. From giving dresses for prom, providing scholarships for college, to hosting body positivity seminars, God is using Erin and the ministry of Cinderella's closet to help turn dresses into dreams. Find out more, learn how to donate or get in
Ep. 83 Why Pleasing You Is Killing Me with Dr. Beverly Smallwood
Send us Fan MailAre you a people pleaser? Do you sometimes confuse being a peacemaker with being a peacekeeper? Is your sense of worth wrapped up in what others might be thinking about you? In this episode, Susan and Alex sit down with Dr. Beverly Smallwood to talk about the roots and ripple effects of people pleasing. Whether this is your struggle or not, the insight and wisdom shared here offer
Ep. 82 Follow the Healer - Biblical and Theological Foundations for Understanding Healing with Dr. Stephen Seamands
Send us Fan MailWhy is my loved one not healed? Should I pray for healing? How do I pray for healing? If you've ever asked these questions or similar ones, this episode is for you. Dr. Stephen Seamands wisely helps us understand the nature of healing and how we can broaden our understanding of Christ's healing work in our lives. Access Dr. Seamands latest book, Follow the Healer, and the
Ep. 81 Did God Really Create the World in Seven Days?
Send us Fan MailWe're back with another great question! Rev. Andy Stoddard joins Susan and Alex to explore, "Did God really create the world in seven days?" ABOUT ANDY: Andy Stoddard is the Lead Pastor at St. Matthew's UMC in Madison, MS. He has served churches across Mississippi. Andy is a 1998 graduate of Mississippi College and a 2003 graduate of Memphis Theological Seminar
Ep. 80 How Did God Never Have a Beginning?
Send us Fan MailRev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly, senior pastor at Galloway UMC in Jackson, MS, joins Alex and Susan to answer the questions, "How did God never have a beginning? Was God made?"ABOUT RAIGAN: Rev. Dr. Raigan Miskelly is an Ordained United Methodist Elder in the Mississippi Conference. Dr. Miskelly holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion and a Doctor of M
Ep. 79 What Happens When Judgment Day Comes?
Send us Fan MailWill Rambo, senior pastor at the Orchard in Tupelo, MS, joins Susan and Alex to explore this thought-provoking question from one of the children of Parkway Heights UMC: What happens when judgment day comes? About Will: Will Rambo is the Senior Pastor of The Orchard Tupelo where he has been on staff for 21 years. His passions include: the local church, teaching, training, equipping,
Ep 78 Did God Die When Jesus Died on the Cross?
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Season 6 of the Embodied Holiness Podcast! Susan and Alex welcome their good friend, Rev. Cliff Burris, for a thoughtful exploration sparked by a question from one of the children at Parkway Heights UMC: "Did God die when Jesus died on the cross?" Listen in as they delve deep into understanding the nature of God, explore the significance of the cross, and
Ep 77 The Power of Perspective - Herod, Shepherds, Inn Keeper, Simeon and Anna
Send us Fan MailIn a cultural season that rages against the spiritual disciplines of peace and focus, we must remind ourselves that time with God is the most accessible and powerful tool for gaining a perspective greater than our own. May we all realize the Lord's coming to us in a new and powerful way this Advent season. Let us be people who are quick to see each other's perspectives as
Ep 76 Mary - Receiving Christ & Becoming a Tabernacle
Send us Fan MailFor the Christian, the season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year. We begin this new year by waiting with anticipation for the coming of our Savior. As we wait it's easy to get caught up in the consumerism of the culture. This series is here to help you not get caught up. To help you stay focused on the presence of God at work among us. May you experience the Lord&apos
Ep 75 How Can I Believe in God When There's No Proof He Exists? with Rev. Keith Keeton
Send us Fan MailChildren often ask remarkably profound questions -- questions that resonate far beyond their years. In this episode, we explore a thought-provoking question submitted by one of the children at Parkway Heights UMC: "How can I believe in God when there's no proof he exists?" Joining Alex and Susan is Rev. Keith Keeton, lead pastor of PHUMC. Together, they'll dive
Ep. 74 Living with Purpose in a Polarizing World with Randy Pope and Al Erisman
Send us Fan MailWestern culture is increasingly polarized, and Christians often feel they are “under siege” by the dominant secular culture. Compounding the problem is that Christians cannot agree among themselves on how to respond to an increasingly “post-Christian " culture. Susan and Alex talk with authors Randy Pope and Al Erisman about how we can engage the culture we live in as disciple
Ep 73 Surviving the Holidays Without You with Rev. Julie Collins
Send us Fan MailHolidays can be hard after we've suffered the loss of a loved one. However, there are ways to approach special seasons without being overwhelmed. Rev. Julie Collins talks with Susan and Alex about how we can enter the "most wonderful time of the year" with a plan, healthy expectations, and the readiness to give yourself and others grace when it's still hard. Lea
Ep 72 Still Standing with Dwight Owens
Send us Fan MailMeet Dwight Owens. Dwight shares his journey from life as an able-bodied young man chasing his dreams to having his world turned upside down by the thoughtless act of a 71-year-old drunk driver. With no visible signs of life, having coded twice, the doctors called his death. But Dwight survived against all odds. Although there were many physical and emotional setbacks, Dwight Owens
Ep 71 An Apprenticeship with Grief with Abbye West Pates
Send us Fan MailSinger-songwriter Abbye West Pates talks with Susan and Alex about her experiences over the past year following the sudden passing of her husband, Jeff, in August 2023. She reflects on what she has learned about grief and the healing process during this time. Abbye also shares some of her original songs and poetry.Follow Abbye on Instagram @awpmusicAbbye's website: www.abbyewe
Ep. 70 An ALS Journey with Benson and Karol St. Louis
Send us Fan MailWhen Benson St. Louis, a strong and active father and husband, began experiencing unusual physical symptoms in 2022, he and his wife, Karol, embarked on a year-long journey of testing and doctor visits. After ruling out various possibilities, they received a heartbreaking diagnosis: Benson had Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In this episode, Benson and Karol discuss how they h
Ep. 69 Andrew Peterson - Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making
Send us Fan MailEnjoy this conversation with Andrew Peterson, one of Alex and Susan's favorite artists, singer/songwriters, and authors. Do you have a favorite Andrew Peterson song? Send us a text and let us know which one!ABOUT ANDREW:For more than twenty years now, Andrew Peterson has been about the business of quietly changing lives in four-minute increments. In the city of Nashville where
Ep 68 Practicing the Way, Pt. 2 with Rev. Cliff Burris
Send us Fan MailSusan, Cliff, and Alex are back! And this time, we're getting practical. Knowing what to do is not enough; we must practice it. We're definitely not perfect when it comes to living out the love and grace that Jesus did, but we don't do it alone. We have the Spirit of God, the grace of God, the power of God, and we have a community of faithful believers we can surroun
Ep 67 Practicing the Way, Pt 1 with Rev. Cliff Burris
Send us Fan MailSusan and Alex are joined by their good friend, Rev. Cliff Burris, to discuss John Mark Comer's latest book, Practicing the Way—Be With Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did. Use this link to grab your copy of Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. Thanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podcast. We invite you to join the community on Facebook and Instagram @embodiedholi
Ep 66 Leave it Better Than You Found It with Dr. Joe Paul
Send us Fan MailSusan and Alex talk with University of Southern Mississippi President, Dr. Joe Paul, about how his faith informs how he leads and relates to others, and how his mantra, "Leave it better than you found it," is a good summary of what he believes we're all called to do. You'll enjoy this lively conversation with the USM's 11th President! DR. JOSEPH S. PAUL beg
Ep 65 Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms - Habits of the Household, Pt. 2
Send us Fan MailCome on, admit it. You love being practical! We do, too. In this episode Susan, Alex, and Lindsey dive into some of the habits found in Justin Early's book Habits of the Household and discuss ideas on how we can begin implementing them into our routines. Also, here's the link to Susan's episode from the Talk it Up Podcast, where she shares about her and her husband&a
Ep 64 Habits of the Household - Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms, Pt. 1
Send us Fan MailWelcome back to Season 5 of the Embodied Holiness Podcast! You long for tender moments with your children, but do you ever find yourself too busy to stop, make eye contact, and say something you really mean? Do you find yourself giving in to screen time just to get through the day? You want to parent with purpose, but do you know how to start? No matter what stage of parenting you
Ep 63 Women, Leadership, and the Church with Hannah Garnett
Send us Fan MailWhat are the "rules" for leadership within the Church? Are women allowed to lead in the same capacity as men? Why are there different views on this within the Church? In this episode, Susan and Alex speak with Hannah Garnett, host of the Clothed In Strength Podcast, about the varying theological viewpoints surrounding women's roles within the church. HANNAH GARNETT i
Ep 62 The Holiest of Weeks - The Season of Lent Week Four
Send us Fan Mail"This is how the season of Lent concludes. Things are quiet. We are silent. Whether we have kept our fasts or failed has no bearing on the final outcome. God either has the power to raise Christ from the dead, or he does not. We are Christians because we have concluded that he does." ~Esau McCaulley from the book Lent: The Season of Repentance and RenewalThanks for liste
Ep 61 Prayers for Renewal: The Season of Lent, Week Three
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Alex and Susan discuss three Lenten prayers that can lead us on our journey of renewal. These prayers remind us that we never outgrow God, Jesus is the bread of life, and the life of the Christ follower should be one of ever-increasing maturity. Resource: Lent - The Season of Repentance and Renewal by Esau McCaulleyThanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podc
Ep 60 The Sacred Path of Discomfort - The Season of Lent, Part Two
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Susan and Alex discuss the practices of the Lenten season that help us connect with Christ and his journey to the cross. Discover how willingly stepping into discomfort helps form our character more into the character of Christ. Resource: Lent - The Season of Repentance and Renewal, by Esau McCaulleyThanks for listening to the Embodied Holiness Podcast. We invite
Ep. 59 When Bad News Is Good News: The Season of Lent, Part One
Send us Fan MailEvery year, the church invites us into a season of repentance and fasting in preparation for Holy Week. It's an invitation to turn away from our sins and toward the mercy and grace of Christ. In this episode, Susan and Alex discuss the symbolism of the season of Lent and how we can engage with it to draw closer to the love of Christ. Thanks for listening to the Embodied Holine
Ep. 58 Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur: Faith, Leadership, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Kristan Getsy
Send us Fan MailSusan and Alex talk with communications professional, leadership coach, and "serial entrepreneur", Kristan Getsy, about how her faith impacts her ability to lead and train others with confidence. This episode is full of so much high-value content about entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, making a significant contribution to the world, why we can lead with confidence, how
Ep 57 It's Not Just a Gym, It's a Community with Steve McAlister
Send us Fan MailFLASHBACK EPISODE! Today's episode is a re-release of our most popular episode to date with guest and local business owner, Steve McAlister (Versus Strength and Conditioning, Hattiesburg, MS). Listen again or for the first time, and be sure to share with a friend! (This was also Alex's first time podcasting with Susan and Lindsey. I guess we thought he did a great job, s
Ep 56 Tacos, Forgotten Pants, & Election Years: The Surprising Relevance of the Sermon on the Mount with Gena Anderson
Send us Fan MailIn Matthew chapters 5-7, we read the good words of Jesus that not only shocked his audience then but have continued to shock, inspire, and even trouble followers of Jesus for two thousand years. In this episode, we talk with author Gena Anderson about her new study on the Sermon on the Mount and how the words of Jesus continue to be shockingly relevant to our lives and the world to
Ep 55 Pt. 2 - Faith, the Church, and Addiction: Practicing Recovery
Send us Fan MailIn Part 2 of Faith, the Church, and Addiction, David and Cliff are back to talk with Alex and Susan about the practical steps you can take to begin the recovery process. "The process of recovery is more than just us. [Addiction] has affected more than just us, and as a result [recovery] can't be just on us. You can't do it alone, but the good part is that you're
Ep 54 Faith, the Church, and Addiction, Part 1 with Rev. David Sellers and Rev. Cliff Burris
Send us Fan MailAlex and Susan talk with pastors David Sellers and Cliff Burris about the truth of our belovedness, how we can move into a life of recovery through a relationship with Christ and his church, and how the church can become a safe and brave space for those in recovery. (Part 1 of 2) For more content on the practical steps you can take to begin recovery, be sure to also listen to Epi
Ep 53 Choosing Cheer with Nicolet Bell
Send us Fan MailIs it possible to live a life of true joy even in the midst of our deepest pain and sorrow? Because of Christ, it is. In this episode, Susan and Alex talk with their good friend, Nicolet Bell, about how followers of Jesus can access the deep joy of the Lord even when their circumstances tell them otherwise. This is one episode you'll want to listen to again and again. NICOLET
Ep 52 On the Other Side of the Accident with Cody Miller
Send us Fan MailWhen our co-host, Lindsey Lewis, received the call that her younger brother, Cody Miller, had been involved in a traumatic car accident, she had no idea how close Cody had come to losing his life or how Cody's life would be permanently altered as a result. In today's episode, Cody shares about the day his life changed, the miraculous ways he experienced the hand of God, a
Ep 51 Yes, But How? Three Embodied Practices of Advent
Send us Fan MailSusan and Alex discuss three ancient spiritual practices that invite us to gain a new glimpse into who God is and how to follow him so we can be stirred up toward love and good deeds. From the book, Advent by Tish Harrison Warren: "For the early church these three spiritual disciplines -- prayer, fasting, and giving-- were held together. All three of them were robustly physic
Ep 50 Embracing the "P" Word and Trusting the Slow Work of God
Send us Fan Mail"If we are healthy, financially secure, and privileged, we can seek to meticulously rid our lives of waiting. We dwell in an impatient culture. We collectively avoid the hard lessons found in waiting." ~Tish Harrison WarrenJoin Susan and Alex as they discuss how the season of Advent invites us to cultivate the habit of patience and trust the slow work of God. Thanks for
Ep. 49 Embodied Advent: It's Not Supposed to Be This Way
Send us Fan MailListen in as Susan and Alex discuss the paradoxical nature of Advent and how letting go of expectations can help us fully embrace this season of the Christian year. Listen to the O Antiphons at this link.The O Antiphons:"O Wisdom!" "O Adonai!" "O Root!" "O Key!" "O Light!" "O King of the Nations!" "O Emmanuel!"&q
Ep. 48 Overcoming Overwhelm: Rest, Prayer & Meditation with Whitney R. Simpson & Tammy Kolbo
Send us Fan MailFeeling overwhelmed? In this episode you'll learn about spiritual and physical practices that bring rest, peace, and restoration to you body, mind, and spirit.For even more on this topic, you can listen to Susan's conversation with Tammy and Whitney from 2020 at this link.WHITNEY R. SIMPSON holds a certification in Spiritual Formation from Garrett-Evangelical Theological
Ep 47 Getting Real About Getting Close: Intimacy, Rupture & Repair
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Susan is joined by her husband, Stewart Eaton, her brother-in-law, Fletcher Eaton, and sister-in-law, Susan Eaton. Together, they discuss why belonging and connection are so important and how we can go about repairing ruptures that occur in our relationships. Using John Ortberg's book I'd Like You More if You Were More Like Me as a guide, they also bring
Ep. 46 Keep Waking Up in the Mourning with Jasmine Cochran
Send us Fan MailIs it crazy to say we had fun talking about mourning and loss? Maybe, but it's true. In this episode, Susan, Lindsey, and Alex sit down with author Jasmine Cochran to talk about her latest book, Keep Waking Up in the Mourning, a collection of father-daughter experiences that will move and entertain you while highlighting the stresses of a loved one’s final moments and the tryi
Ep. 45 The Word and the Wild with Kym Garraway-Braley
Send us Fan MailKym Garraway-Braley is an artist with a zest for life that is vividly portrayed in her paintings, which feature vibrant colors along with everything she loves from God's creation. Her favorite subjects include florals, fruits, botanicals, wildlife, and children's themes, which she beautifully illustrates so that they seem to leap out at you. This creative artist is never
Ep. 44 Tending to Grief and the Science of Hope with Vicki Johnson
Send us Fan MailWhether it's over the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, a friendship, or from going through the inevitable transitions of life, grieving is a reality we all face. In this episode, Susan and Lyerly talk with Rev. Dr. Vicki Johnson about the importance of tending to our grief and how hope helps us move forward through the pain of loss. Whether you're in a current seas
Ep. 43 Making the Bed: Liturgy, Ritual, and What Forms a Life
Send us Fan Mail"We are shaped every day, whether we know it or not, by practices — rituals and liturgies — that make us who we are. We receive these practices — which are often rote —not only from the church or the Scriptures but from the culture, from the 'air around us' ... The church is to be a radically alternative people, marked by the love of the triune God in each area of l
Ep. 42 Prioritizing Wellness - Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Patterns with Gena Anderson
Send us Fan MailAre you ready to break the cycle of unhealthy patterns and make wellness a priority? If so, this episode is just what you need. Today, we speak with author, wellness blogger, and nurse practitioner, Gena Anderson, about how we can obtain spiritual, mental, and physical wellness. Our conversation is based on Gena's book The Well Woman - A Journey to Wellness Through Loving Jes
Ep. 41 Handling Parent Guilt with Jennifer Sheridan, LCSW
Send us Fan MailIf you've been a parent for any length of time, you've probably experienced parent guilt at some point along your parenting journey. In this episode, we talk with our friend, Jennifer Sheridan, from Restoration House Counseling in Hattiesburg, MS about what to do with parent guilt, and how we can navigate all the emotions and pressures of parenting in a healthy way.Thanks
Ep. 40 Reach Just One with Sarah Williams
Send us Fan MailWhen Sarah Williams experienced an unplanned pregnancy at the age of nineteen, there were no congratulations or happy tears. Instead, she was told that her life was over — that she had made the biggest mistake ever.But neither God nor Sarah bought that narrative. Instead, after completing her bachelor's and master's degrees, Sarah answered God’s call to be an encourager,
Ep. 39 It's Not Just a Gym. It's a Community with Steve McAlister
Send us Fan MailWhen does a gym become more than a gym? When it becomes a place of true community. Today, we talk with Steve McAlister, founder and owner of Versus Strength and Conditioning in Hattiesburg, MS, about the principles he founded his business on and how his efforts in building a healthy, supportive community have come back to bless him and his family during his wife's cancer diagn
Ep. 38 Congas, Coffee, and Contribution with Tony Lymon
Send us Fan MailImagine you're twenty-something years old. You're touring the world with your friends in your extremely popular pop/rock band, King Konga. You have a hit song that reaches #81 on the AC Hot 100 Pop Charts, and you've captured the eyes of many major record labels. You have the opportunity to take a big step toward fame, and you say... no. That's precisely what TO
Ep. 37 The Practice of Saying Yes with Scott Erickson
Send us Fan MailSCOTT ERICKSON has had long midnight conversations with the Voice of Giving Up, and knows how depression can make the Voice especially loud. In this episode we talk with Scott about how he's moved beyond the Voice of Giving Up into a life of saying yes, the difference between a desire and a dream, and how the spiritual practice of taking away helps us grow closer to God. Scott
Ep. 36 Embodied Advent - Tabernacle
Send us Fan MailIn this last installment of our Embodied Advent series, we look at Mary, who so willingly received her Christ, becoming a tabernacle for the divine, a dwelling place, a shelter for the embryonic God to grow. She received the calling to carry, birth, and raise a child — to love and pour herself out for him — and then she released him and her heart to the will of the Father. As we dr
Ep. 35 Embodied Advent - Unadorned
Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever wondered why — in a season when we’re supposed to be focused on the humility of Christ’s entrance into the world — we seem to be more chaotic and stressed than ever, you’re not alone. Listen in as our friend Alex Doleac shares his thoughts about how we can step away from the chaos of the season in order to become unadorned and embrace the simplicity and humility of C
Ep. 34 Embodied Advent - Darkness
Send us Fan MailEven though the season of Advent is marked by longing and waiting for deliverance, it's not a season without hope. Our Savior has come and will come again to make all things new. In this second week of Advent, we explore the purpose darkness can serve in our lives. If you're going through a difficult time, we pray that this message will remind you that you are never alone
Ep. 33 Embodied Advent - Presence
Send us Fan MailFor the Christian, the season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year. We begin this new year by waiting with anticipation for the coming of our Savior. Of course, we're on the other side of Christ's first coming, and so while we celebrate and remember with joy how God took on flesh and dwelt among us, we also hold on to the hope that Christ will return -- His second
Ep. 32 Say Yes - The Surprising Life Beyond the Death of a Dream
Send us Fan Mail"Maybe you feel shipwrecked or stuck at a dead end. Maybe you feel foolish for even daring to dream at all. When our dreams die, our vision of who we hoped to become often dies too. That's when the Voice of Giving Up appears." That's an excerpt from the back cover of Scott Erickson's book Say Yes - Discover the Surprising Life Beyond the Death of a Dream. L
