Our Time to Rise in Midlife

After nearly a decade of conversations, growth, and shared wisdom, this episode feels especially meaningful… and monumental. In this heartfelt conversation, Krista Gilbert and Alexandra Kuykendall reflect on the courage it takes to step into uncertainty, release what once felt certain, and trust God with what comes next. Together, we explore the tension between faith and certainty, the neuroscience behind fear and resilience, and the invitation to hold opportunities — and seasons — with open hands. Whether you're navigating a transition, sensing a new beginning, or simply trying to take the next faithful step, this episode will meet you there. Because sometimes the bravest thing we can do is trust the unknown. We're doing that in today's episode. Push play to find out how. In This Episode Why endings and new beginnings require courage The difference between faith and certainty How fear impacts the brain and nervous system Spiritual practices that help us embrace change What emotional agility looks like in everyday life Learning to trust God one step at a time A FEW THINGS MENTIONED The Road Less Triggered- Dr. Kelly Flanagan The Road Less Traveled- M. Scott Peck Emotional Agility- Susan David LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

John Coleman has made his career talking to people about aligning their money with their values and we get the benefit of his expertise and wisdom. If money talk intimidates you, don't worry, John speaks to our hearts as much as our heads, as we consider what we truly want and how money can be used to meet goals. Based on his newest book Good Money, John explores how faith, purpose, and financial wisdom intersect in midlife. As an investor, author, and speaker, he brings practical knowledge with bigger questions. Discoverstrategies for managing money, passing values to the next generation, and redefining retirement for a meaningful life. We promise, you do NOT want to miss this conversation. We are both eating up John's book and did not want this conversation to end. He understood us AND he had so much encouragement to share. No matter your current financial situation, you can work toward Good Money. FIND MORE ABOUT JOHN COLEMAN John Coleman- Website and Substack John Coleman Book- Good Money A FEW THINGS MENTIONED John's other books- Passion and Purpose John's Novel- Miracles From Strength to Strength- Arthur Brooks LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

If you've ever wondered whether you missed your moment or if it's too late to begin again, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Mitch Matthews, a high performance coach, reframes midlife not as a closing chapter, but as a powerful starting point—one where your life experience becomes the very foundation for what's next. Blending practical strategy, neuroscience, and faith-centered encouragement, he invites you to see reinvention as something accessible, not overwhelming. In this episode, we explore how curiosity and novelty can reignite passion, why giving yourself permission to start small builds real momentum, and how to quiet imposter syndrome by developing authentic, grounded confidence. You'll hear about practical tools to help you recognize your unique gifts and begin aligning your work and calling with who you truly are. Rooted in both mindset and faith, this conversation also speaks to the deeper tension many feel between contentment and the desire to dream bigger. Mitch shares how biblical truth affirms your value and calling, while also addressing the real relational ripple effects that can come when you pursue a new path. This episode is an invitation to honor where you've been, embrace who you are, and step into your next chapter with clarity, confidence, and purpose. LISTEN TO THE EPISODE On iTunes or watch it here: FIND MORE ABOUT MITCH MATTHEWS Mitch Matthews- Website Mitch Matthews Podcast- Dream, Think and Do A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 John 10:10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE Mitch talked about documenting your brilliance, what would it look like for you to do that over the next week or month? In what area do you need to move from "who am I to do this" to "why not me"? In what area do you need to give yourself permission to take the next step? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

This episode is one of those conversations that stays with you. Katie Blackburn joins us to share her deeply personal journey through divorce, her husband's addiction, parenting a child with autism, and the long road of starting over as a single mom. With honesty, humility, and so much heart, she opens up about what it really looks like to walk through seasons that feel impossible—and how grace met her there. Throughout this conversation, Katie reminds us that grace isn't something we have to climb toward—it's already beneath us, holding us through every fall, every setback, and every uncertain step forward. And maybe more importantly, she shows us what it looks like to keep going anyway… one day at a time. We talk about healing, faith, and the quiet, daily work of rebuilding a life. Katie shares how writing became part of her healing process, how community quite literally carried her when she couldn't carry herself, and why the idea of "doing it all on your own" is one of the biggest lies we buy into. There's also so much wisdom here about what it means to actually move through pain—not avoid it. In the midst of it all, Katie speaks to hope. If you've ever gone through a season of pain, loss, sadness, or great change, this episode is for you. We cover: What grace actually looks like in the middle of chaos and trauma Using writing as a tool for healing and processing pain Why community and relationships are essential—not optional—for resilience Practical ways to metabolize pain through movement, support, and honesty The beauty and strength found in intergenerational living Rebuilding faith and hope after loss Letting go of self-sufficiency and trusting God's steady grip Living "one day at a time" in seasons of crisis The impact of self-talk and daily persistence in long-term healing If This Episode Spoke to You… Share it with a friend who might need a reminder that they're not alone. And that even here—especially here—grace is already holding them. Bio: KATIE BLACKBURN is a writer, teacher, and a lifelong learner, but her most cherished role is being a single mom to her six incredible kids. Her favorite thing to do is tell people about the ways God has held her through circumstances that seemed impossible. When she's not taking care of kids or telling stories, you can probably find her riding her bike, pretending she's in the Tour de France. L FIND MORE ABOUT KATIE BLACKBURN Katie Blackburn – Instagram and Website Katie Blackburn Book - Grace Will Meet You There Katie Blackburn Podcast- Coffee+Crumbs Podcast A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Burn the Ship- Essay QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE Has God met you in a difficult place? What did His Grace feel like to you? Why is it important to remember these moments when God has met you? Who can you show up for right now and help in a practical way? How can your feeling inform you about what is going on inside of you? How can you ask and invite God's grace to meet you in the middle of your emotions? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Midlife can feel like a season of uncertainty — roles shift, questions surface, and the path forward isn't always clear. But what if this chapter could be one of the most alive and purposeful of your life? In this rich conversation with global leadership coaches Krista Gilbert, Emily Jamieson, and Emily Love explore what it truly means to be wide awake in midlife — fully present, deeply self-aware, and oriented toward what matters most. We explore what being "wide awake" really means, how to walk in purpose, and how to navigate the varied emotions that barrage us everyday of our lives. Ultimately we talk about what does it mean to live the John 10:10 life – one full of life and abundance? Let's come alive together! FIND MORE ABOUT TRANSFORMATION TRIAD The Transformation Triad A FEW THINGS MENTIONED John 10:10 Podcast Interview with Dr Sash Shilcutt QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What is a way that you could manage your emotions better? What could a possible rest ritual be for you? A physical action that you could do that feels practical to you that would help you pause and choose your emotions and how you want to proceed? How can you cultivate more aliveness inside of you? What does growth look like for you in this season? LET'S CONNECT Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Are you caring for aging parents while still supporting your young adult children? You're not alone. In this episode, Krista and Alex explore the emotional complexity of the sandwich generation — a season marked by grief, shifting roles, guilt, and unexpected growth. They discuss how to manage changing family dynamics, set healthy boundaries, reevaluate expectations, and embrace the opportunity for deeper relationships during this transitional stage of life. If you're feeling stretched between two generations, this conversation offers practical insight, encouragement, and hope. In this episode: Why grief and opportunity often coexist How guilt shows up in caregiving The importance of boundaries and self-care Parenting adult children with clarity and respect Listen in for wisdom and practical tools to help you navigate this complex season with intention. A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Podcast - Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast -Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs with Steve Cuss Book- Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss Bible Verses: Exodus 20:12 Ephesians 6:1-3 Mantras *Stay relational, not controlling *Honor without self abandoning LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

The challenges of social media don't just affect young women, they impact those of us that are hitting our 40s, 50s, and 60s too! The expectations of what it means to age is moving the needle on what is expected. So how does one decide what to focus on? Care about? Lean into? And accept? We all have different specifics that matter to us, but God's care for our heart and our posture toward the world has not changed. If you are a woman who struggles with aging, have wondered how you can possibly measure up to the beauty standards of the day, or who simply wants to feel confident no matter your age, this conversation is for you! Kristin Wall is mom, mother-in-law, and grandmother and is reflecting on what it means to age in front of the younger women and girls in her life. This is a dynamic conversation that you won't want to miss. FIND MORE ABOUT KRISTIN WALL Kristin Wall- Instagram A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Proverbs 31:30 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What is motivating this desire, am I drawn to this out of joy and stewardship or am I drawn to it out of comparison, pressure or feeling less than? Is this helping me feel more like myself or less, does this choice bring peace and confidence or does it create more anxiety and self focus? If no one could see me, would I still want this? Would I still make this decision if it was just me or only because others might notice? Am I caring for my body or trying to correct it? Is this honoring what God gave me or trying to erase what time has done? Is this drawing me closer to gratitude or further into dissatisfaction? Do I feel thankful afterwards or more critical of myself? Would I want my daughter or grand-daughter to feel the same pressure, what message does this pass down? Does this choice expand my life or shrink it? Does it free me to Love, Connect and be present or does it make myself more preoccupied with myself? Have I prayed about this and invited the Holy Spirit into this decision? Am I anchored in who God says I am or in how I look right now? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

It's February! So we are talking all things love! We are starting with the HOW of loving those in your closest circles. Bethany Kimsey is a mom to eight and has developed a system for studying the people she loves most so that she can love them well. We are all changing every day. Our needs, interests, doubts, celebrations, hopes, and struggles have nuance. How do we make sure that we are doing the best we can in loving those around us as they are TODAY? Bethany offers us a framework for how she observes and listens to God as she considers how she will care for her people. It is a thoughtful process done over days and helps guide her as she parents, cares for her husband and her friends. It is an exercise you can do no matter the state of your relationships or your concerns for those you love. It is a process between you and God that guides your next steps. As we consider what it is to love well - let's listen in and try out what we are now calling "Bethany's method". FIND MORE ABOUT BETHANY KIMSEY Bethany Kimsey's- Website and Instagram Bethany Kimsey's Podcast- Warrior Mama Podcast FEW THINGS MENTIONED Bible verses -Romans 4 -1 John -John 7: 37-39 -Isaiah 40:11 -Jeremiah 33:3 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE How do you sense that you are God's beloved? Sit right now and accept His love. Who can you study in your circle, take some time to do an inventory and observe, then assess and ask God to give you eyes to see them and to have some insight and then pray if and when to speak what you observe. What questions can you have ready to ask when you want to get to the heart of an issue without giving a leacture? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

What happens when all of the things that used to work, stop working? Or maybe your body doesn't respond to exercise, diet, supplements or alcohol like your friend's does. Why?! We bring you Dr. Devan Szcepankski, the Founder and CEO of Nu Well Medicine. She is a board-certified family medicine physician with post-graduate certifications in Nutritional and Genomic Medicine. She uses nutrition and genomics to find how our bodies uniquely respond to our environments. She works one-on-one with patients to see what exactly THEY need to thrive. So back to the why? You may be asking, Why doesn't my body work like it used to? Why does my BFF get different results with the same workout plan? Because you are a unique person with unique traits. Dr. Devan walks us through the factors from gut health to genetic predisposition that could help answer your questions and ultimately get you to better health. If you are wanting the new rules to midlife health, look no further. It's just the rules might be just as unique as you are. FIND MORE ABOUT DR DEVAN SZCZEPANSKI Dr. Devan Szczepanski- Website and Instagram Dr. Devan work - Website 2 FEW THINGS MENTIONED Books Fast Like a Girl- Dr Mindy Pelz Eat Like a Girl- Dr Mindy Pelz A Diet for Your Blood Type- QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What would it look like to pay more attention to your gut health this year? If sleep is one of the main indicator of health what shift do you need to make in your sleeping habits? What would it look like for you to advocate for greater health with your practitioners? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Many of us feel the pressure of needing to reinvent ourselves every January. Maybe what we actually need is a more sustainable, compassionate approach to growth. Instead of drastic resolutions, what if we explore the power of realistic goals, small shifts, and emotional agility—the kind of changes that actually stick? This episode speaks directly to seasons of burnout and stagnation,reminding us all that acceptance is not giving up—it's often the first step forward. We discuss the circle of control, helping you discern what's yours to carry (and what isn't), and why reclaiming agency begins with clarity, not force. You'll also hear a thoughtful exploration of identity and motivation—how who we believe ourselves to be shapes the choices we make—and why mindfulness matters more than ever in midlife. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and make room for change that feels aligned instead of exhausting. The episode closes with a prayer for guidance and peace, offering grounding and hope as we step into 2026 with intention, grace, and trust. In this episode: Why incremental change is often more powerful than big resolutions How acceptance can coexist with growth Recognizing burnout and stagnation without judgment Using the circle of control to reduce overwhelm The role of identity in lasting motivation Simple mindfulness practices for everyday life A closing prayer to anchor you as a new year begins A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Emotional Agility- Susan David Atomic Habit- James Clear QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What do you need to accept? What is in your circle of control and what isn't? What is your "I am someone who" statement? What can you keep doing, what can you stop doing and what can you start doing in 2026? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Are you hosting over the holidays… or avoiding it? Do you ever wonder what actually matters when you open your home—and what absolutely doesn't? If so, this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. This week, Alex and Krista sit down with author and hospitality mentor Abby Kuykendall, whose book Let the Biscuits Burn gives permission to let go of entertaining to embrace the true heart of hospitality. Let's peel back the pressure, perfectionism, and Pinterest-level expectations surrounding hosting—especially during the holidays—and get honest about what true Biblical hospitality really looks like. Takeaways: Hospitality is both a spiritual gift and a discipline. True hospitality focuses on making others feel loved and seen. Entertaining is different from hospitality; it's more self-centered. Setting boundaries is crucial to prevent burnout during hosting. Practical tips can help incorporate hospitality into daily life. Creating a welcoming environment is key to effective hospitality. Hospitality can be transformative for both host and guest. Personal experiences highlight the power of opening one's home. Hospitality doesn't have to be perfect; it's about connection. The conversation encourages embracing hospitality as a rhythm. FIND MORE ABOUT ABBY KUYKENDALL Abby Kuykendall- Website and Instagram Abby Kuykendall's Book- Let the Biscuit Burn A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Revelation 19 1 Peter QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE When have you felt seen, known and loved, what did the other person do to help you feel that way? How can you be disciplined to build hospitality into your rhythms? What is one visual reminder you can create in your home or office that will trigger an invitation of hospitality? How can you get ready to be ready this holiday season? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

How are you doing this week friend? Are you experiencing the busy of Thanksgiving week? The threshold of the holiday season can be overwhelming with so many responsibilities and shoulds. We are often the holiday makers for those ahead of us in life (our parents) and those behind (our kids and grandkids.) On top of the to-do list there can be the relational heaviness midlife can bring. The holidays can highlight where we are already hurting. Other midlife stressors can be equally painful. But we don't have to dread our life - or our holiday season. Gary Thomas is here to remind us that we live in freedom because Jesus offers us this gift. Yes, we have heartache, but more than that we have the promise of Christ that he has overcome the world. As you are baking your pies and basting your turkey over the next few days, join us as we dismantle some lies that are keeping us from walking in the way of Christ. Gary is honest, humble, and not wrong! This season of midlife can be disorienting and difficult. We also can experience the contrast of hope and good news that is in the resurrected Christ. FIND MORE ABOUT GARY THOMAS Gary Thomas- Website and Instagram Gary Thomas Book- The Life You Were Reborn to Live A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Genesis 3:16 Romans 7 1 Corinthians 15 John 16:33 1 Timothy 6:8 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What does it look like to pursue wisdom of God over everything at this stage in life? What does it look like to offer up your child to God, like Abraham did with Isaac? Is there an area of life where you feel you have unknowingly tipped into entitlement? Is there an area of good in your life that has become normal that you can see with fresh eyes again? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier

Do you want to make the most of this holiday season? Do you want to let go of what doesn't matter and grab onto those things that make real and lasting memories? So do we. In this episode, Jessica Smartt joins us to discuss how to create lasting memories during the holidays while balancing traditions and new experiences. We talk about the importance of creating a welcoming home environment, managing expectations, and engaging older kids in meaningful activities. We also dive into the significance of building sibling relationships and the challenges that come with the holiday season, always landing with both feet on the hope that comes from celebrating together despite difficulties. If you want to prepare your head and heart for the holiday season, listen in! Takeaways The holidays are a time to create special memories with family. Strong families are built through intentional moments and connections. It's important to balance time-honored traditions with new experiences. Creating a welcoming home environment can enhance family gatherings. Managing expectations is crucial to enjoying the holiday season. Flexibility is key when planning holiday activities. Engaging older kids in meaningful traditions can strengthen family bonds. Sibling relationships can be nurtured through shared holiday activities. Every family faces challenges during the holidays, and that's okay. Celebrating the holidays is an opportunity to embody hope and joy. Titles Creating Lasting Holiday Memories Balancing Traditions and New Experiences Sound Bites "I want our memories to be special." "What is your howling coyote?" "That's hope. That's beautiful." FIND MORE ABOUT JESSICA SMARTT Jessica Smartt's- Website and Instagram Jessica Smartt's Book- Come on Home A FEW THINGS MENTIONED Jessica's Other Book Memory Making Mom The Light at Tern Rock- QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU RISE What would it look like to take a posture of flexibility this holiday season? As Jessica said, God has uniquely wired you with gifts for your family, how can you capitalize on those gifts that you already have to create more of a nest for your family? How can you embody the spirit of the holiday you are celebrating? What is one action step from the podcast you can implement and be specific is it an idea, posture, game or tradition? What is the opportunity God is inviting you into your specific hard this holiday season? LET'S CONNECT! Did you like this episode? Let us know and leave a review on itunes or share it with a friend. Or message us on Instagram – we'd love to hear from you! Get the Daily Dozen Checklist -12 habits that will immediately make you happier and healthier