A Rough Draft Life

Lindsey and Kristi wrap-up Season three by sharing what they are loving and how they feel about the end of this season.

Lindsey has recently returned - as in yesterday - from galivanting about the Mediterranean. In this episode we discuss what travel teaches us about ourselves and other people. How do we respond to different cultures? How does what we want out of a vacation effect how we travel? How does traveling show us that, while everyone has different experiences and understandings, at the end of the day, they are still people. We also discuss how you can experience these same growth opportunities without planning a large trip or taking a cruise.

As Lindsey molds young people into performers, Kristi got the chance to sit down with two of the young women from the True That podcast. Shelby, a high school junior, and Libby, a senior, share the hopes and dreams they have for what life will look like in the future and what they hope the future versions of them remember from these days. Listen as they remind all of us to hold on to what is important, to never lose focus of God, and remember that being ourselves will always be the best thing we can do. Connect with these ladies: True That Podcast website True That Instagram

What is romance? We discuss Castle, Bridgerton, kisses, and Hot Pockets and what each of them make us consider about what it means to measure the depth of a relationship in non-superficial terms.

Lindsey puts on her interviewer hat to ask Kristi questions about her new novel, Enchanting the Heiress. Topics include how this book is similar to Seinfeld, how Jonas is similar to Kristi's husband, and how Lindsey is going to find a way to make Rigsby's book come sooner rather than later. Other things mentioned: Our deep dive episode into all things Bridgerton from January 2021 Where to get your own copy of Enchanting the Heiress Kristi's Monthly Newsletter

Lindsey sits down to chat with Janyre Tromp, who is an editor, an author, a mom, and more about how she handles all the things. (Spoiler alert: she doesn't!) They discuss prioritizing, mental health, and how important it is to understand all the stuff beneath the surface of life. Connect with Janyre: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Her Novel Collective Facebook Group

How often do we find ourselves making decisions based on what we've always assumed we should do? What if we allowed ourselves to rethink success and open up the idea of what it takes to get there? After a brief discussion of Spiderman (with very minor spoilers) Kristi and Lindsey discuss how life hasn't always taken the turns they assumed it would. Those differences don't mean failure, though. In fact, they can mean more success than we ever thought.

There's five Mondays in January which means we have fun things to share with you! Referenced in this episode: Castle (TV Show) Lily and Fox nail wraps Mesh Spa Pillow Kristi's Instagram (and her followers choosing her TBR) January Read- Rescuing Lord Inglewood by Sally Britton Weighted Blanket Home Offices Sand and Fog Candle FloDesk (Kristi's affiliate link) Kristi’s Instagram Lindsey’s Instagram Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

All too often we find ourselves doing things because the what makes sense, but we never stop to think about the why. That means our motivation often falters. But what if we started by considering why we do what we do? What if we prioritized what truly matters to us? Fitness and productivity experts often say you need to remember your why when you want to quit, but that means you need to know your why to start with. Today Kristi and Lindsey discuss how to drill backwards in an area of your life where maybe you've already chosen your what and figure out your why. References: Start with Why by Simon Sinek Simon Sinek's TED Talk The Golden Circle graphic and article explanation Tauren Wells - Identity, Calling, Assignment Sermon Kristi's Instagram Lindsey's Instagram Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

Making lofty goals and resolutions without mapping out a path to get there is a recipe for failure. One way to guide your path forward is to make a yes list. By default, anything not on the yes list is a no. How does that work? Why should you consider it? We discuss that in this episode. Sources mentioned in this episode: Annie F Downs The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst Guided Journal by Emilly Freeman Find us on Instagram at @LindseyPBrackett and @KristiAnnHunter.

Merry Christmas! The big day is only a few days away and we manage to land a little chat with the Big Man himself and one of his elves. We get answers to questions like how does Santa do it in one night, when is the cut off for the nice list, and when does Santa get to celebrate Christmas? Enjoy this special episode as a gift from us to you!

We love the magic of Christmas movies and the way we can suspend all reality to buy in to the idea that the holiday can be that perfect fix-everything moment. Reality is far different, though, and the true magic comes from breaking the patterns that cause us strife in the first place. Kristi and Lindsey discuss how the appeal of Christmas movies set up our expectations and how we can begin to make them something of a reality. If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

As we approach December, we know many of you are looking for ideas for Christmas presents for friends and family. We don't know how inspirational this practical list will be, but here's what we're loving right now.... Mentioned in the episode: - Inexpensive ring light - Dr. Easy Elephant ear Wash Kit - Caffeinated carbonated water (Bubbly, Aha) - Bai and Bai Boost drinks - Plastic bins and drawer organizers - Space saving flatware and knife organizers - Facebook Mobile Business Suite - Home Chef (This link is Kristi's affiliate link for $35 off, or use code KRISTIH206. You may find a better deal elsewhere and we're okay with that!) If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

Are you a good listener? What makes a good listener? How do we help each other learn to communicate better? Referenced in this episode: Last year’s family dynamics episodet’s a Wonderful Christmas - PartyIt's a Wonderful Christmas - BookMental Health Episode If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

Have you been considering becoming a patron of A Rough Draft Life but not sure about what you'll get? We're giving you a sample by letting you hear what our patron's received in October. Want more? Become a patron!

What does it mean to fail? What would happen if we redefined failure? In this episode we mention: - The Great British Bake-Off (In the US, watch the show on Netflix) - American Ninja Warrior - Jon Acuff and goal setting - Previous episode: Simplifying Suppertime with Kimberly Duffy - Previous episode: Goals with Regina Jennings - Previous episode: Beginnings - Her Novel Collective and the It's a Wonderful Christmas novella collection If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

A huge welcome to our first Season 3 guest, Dr. Natalie Ford! Mental health is such an important part of our overall wellbeing but the way it's been handled and viewed has changed a lot in the past thirty years. Join us as we discuss those changes, our own personal journeys, and resources you can use to improve your own mental health. Referenced in this episode: - Amen Clinic - NAMI - TI Lowe, Under the Magnolias - Sleep (ARDL episode) Find Dr. Natalie Ford: Website - tearstojoy.org Instagram Facebook Twitter If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

In this episode, Kristi and Lindsey talk about politics! Well. Sort of. What we are actually discussing is the fact that people can actually hold two (or more) different opinions, emotions, ideals, and have them be in conflict with each other. The conversation starts because of the difficult scenario the heroine in Elizabeth Camden's A Gilded Lady finds herself in, torn between loyalty to her country and her job and love for and belief in her brother. Items referenced in this episode: A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth CamdenHamilton the MusicalAuthenticityCancel CultureThe Last Year of the War by Susan MeissnerBackpacks and Boulders sermon series at River Point Community Church If you would like to join our Patreon and receive 2 bonus episodes a month, click here. Theme music by GoodBMusic on Pixabay.

Cancel Culture (n): the practice or tendency of engaging in mass canceling as a way of expressing disapproval and exerting social pressure (credit: Merriam-Webster) After considering a social media discussion about Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain along with an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette (linked) Kristi and Lindsey discuss the repercussions of "Cancel Culture", especially when things are taken out of context. We also discuss the difference between banning books and banning people. Referenced in the episode: - Jane Austen novels - Carlos Whitaker (@loswhit on Instagram) - Morgan Wallen - Feel the Beat (Netflix) - Banned book list Remember that one mistake does not define you and that cancelling others denies you the chance to grow by learning from someone who thinks differently and someone else the opportunity for redemption. * Please note that we are discussing general social interactions in this episode. There is definitely a line beyond which certain actions/words are not okay. Intro/Outro music by GoodBMusic from Pixabay

Welcome to Season 3! We are so happy to have you joining us as we embark on our third year with A Rough Draft Life. Our listening family means a lot to us and we're glad to be back in your ears. Lindsey and Kristi spent a great deal of time over the past few months discussing how to make A Rough Draft Life the best it could be. There's going to be a few changes around here but they are going to be for the better! A Rough Draft Life will now be a bi-weekly podcast dropping on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month. If there's a 5th Monday, Kristi and Lindsey will share about a few things they are just loving in life. On the 2nd and 4th Mondays, special bonus episodes will drop for all of our special patrons over at Patreon! Story Time with Kristi will share a Bible story you're probably a little familiar with but maybe never knew the extra zany details for. In Not Your Grandma's Christian Fiction, Lindsey talks about books you might not have realized existed within Christian Fiction or some general market books with a surprising amount of faith content. Sign up for our Patreon here. Our lives have changed over the course of the summer. Lindsey's back teaching and Kristi is exploring new adventures in the writing world! We'll likely share more about those changes as the season goes. Referenced back episode: Inside Publishing with Teresa Tysinger Today's discussion about authenticity is inspired by a passage in Michael Crichton's book Timeline. (It's also a movie.) In the podcast we discuss: - why we feel betrayed by social media influencers but not TV advertisers - Under the Influence podcast (language warning) - how the desire for authenticity effects our relationships and how we can more realistically align our expectations for our different connections - the way the pandemic has shown us that our close circle is possibly smaller than we initially thought Some final take-aways: - A relationship can be authentic without being fully deep and intimate. - Authenticity is not the same as transparency. - Placing our relationships where they actually fit helps us feel more settled in life. Credits: Podcast hosts: Lindsey P Brackett and Kristi Ann Hunter Intro/Outro music: GoodBMusic from Pixabay