Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

Well friends, today’s episode is going to be a bit different! After nine years of weekly episodes, I’ve made the decision to take a break from the show for a little bit. This isn’t something I’ve taken lightly- it's something I’ve been praying about, wrestling with, and reflecting on for months. And while it’s hard to hit pause on something I love so much, I know it’s the right time. With my daughter heading into middle school, my son starting fourth grade, my first year of seminary coming to a close, and my 40th birthday around the corner (!), life has been beautifully full. In the midst of it all, I’ve sensed God gently inviting me to slow down, create margin, and make space to truly listen to His leading. I’m so grateful for each of you who’ve tuned in, reached out, laughed, cried, and grown with me over the years. Thank you for letting me show up as I am. This certainly isn’t goodbye, just ta-ta for now. I’ll see you again this fall- refreshed, renewed, and ready for what’s next! FEATURED QUOTES “I just am so grateful that God has given me this space to be able to have conversations with incredible people that I would never have had the opportunity to talk to otherwise.” “I'm just really hoping that God gives me clarity and vision for what to do and where to take this show next.”

I’m thrilled to welcome back my friend, Whitney English, to the show today! She is an author, artist, and self-proclaimed reluctant expert in surviving family drama with grace... and a glue gun. Whitney is known for telling the truth with humor, finding beauty in the mess, and believing that good stories and good design can heal just about anything- whether she’s organizing a junk drawer or untangling generational dysfunction. Her new book, Organize First, Decorate Second, is out now, and today, we’re diving into everything from the psychology of organization and decoration to practical tips you can use in your own home. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready for an episode packed with inspiration and fun. I’m so excited for you to hear it! 3:19 – Whitney 201 • Navigating a busy season • Releasing a new book • Seeing evidence of God in difficult times 5:21 – Organize First, Decorate Second • The deeper philosophy behind Whitney’s book • Balancing sentimentality and organization • The importance of functional items 16:38 – Making Home • Whitney’s journey of house hopping • How Whitney stays organized with ADHD • Practical tips for organization 36:52 – Takeaways • Rapid fire questions with Whitney • Connecting with Whitney • Get your copy of Organize First, Decorate Second FEATURED QUOTES “Just because we've been through some hard stuff doesn't mean that God isn't good.” "I think that if you have a big dream… it is okay to make a slow decision about it." “Function is beautiful.” Learn more about Whitney: https://whitneyenglish.com/ Get your copy of Organize First, Decorate Second: https://www.amazon.com/Organize-First-Decorate-Second-Creativity/dp/0785251960 Whitney on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyEnglish/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneyenglish/?hl=en

I'm thrilled to welcome Niki Hardy to the show this week! Niki is the author of the Audie Award-nominated Breathe Again and One Minute Prayers for Women With Cancer. Her newest book, God, Can We Chat? A Daringly Honest Guide to Growing Closer to God, One Doubt at a Time, hit shelves in March, which I’m so excited to chat about today. Niki has left corporate life, moved continents, gone to seminary, planted churches, launched businesses and nonprofits, and navigated seasons of deep loss, cancer, church hurt, and painful uncertainty. Through it all, she firmly believes that God loves a cheerful doubter. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to bring your real questions and struggles to God, and how to navigate those seasons when it feels like He’s silent. It’s a rich and hope-filled reminder that joy can exist even in the hardest seasons. 4:30 – Niki 101 • Moving from the UK to North Carolina • What led Niki to becoming an author • Niki’s family and love for nature 6:11 – The Cheerful Doubter • Niki’s struggle to reconcile her doubts • Turning towards God in times of doubt • How doubt and faith can coexist 12:51 – Walking in Doubt • For the person that feels let down by God • Practical steps for doubt walking • The acronym “CHAT” 23:35 – The Legacy of Doubting Saints • Peter walking on water • Devotional elements and exercises Niki’s book • Holding doubts and joys together 29:08 – God, Can We Speed Chat? • Rapid fire questions with Niki • Where you can connect with Niki • Getting your copy of God, Can We Chat? FEATURED QUOTES “I think God actually loves a cheerful doubter. I think he'd rather we came to him than we just slid out the side door.” “Feel free to question His presence and His provision and His providence and His goodness and His mercy, and cry out to Him, but turn towards him, not away from him.” “I think holding the doubt and the questions and the confusion in tension with the joy and the love and the faith that we do have is just such a healthy way of walking our faith journey out.” Learn more about Niki: https://www.nikihardy.com/ Get your copy of God, Can We Chat? https://www.nikihardy.com/godcanwechat Niki on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikiHardyauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niki.hardy/?hl=en

You are in for an absolute treat this week! My guest is the one and only Melissa Radke- bestselling author, speaker, TV personality, comedian, and the self-proclaimed HGIC (Head Girlfriend in Charge). With over 1.1 million followers, Melissa has been lifting women up since 2016, dishing out everything from hair tips to life advice with her signature humor and heart. Her brand-new book, Chicken Fried Women, just hit the shelves, which is a love letter to the strong, faith-filled, flawed, and unforgettable women who shaped her life. She reflects on generational legacies, healing family dynamics, motherhood, and the complex beauty of womanhood. Trust me, even if you're a man, you’re going to take away SO much from this episode. This conversation is honest, funny, and full of heart- everything Can I Laugh on Your Shoulder is all about. I’m really excited to share it with you! 8:12 – Melissa 101 • Melissa and Molly’s mutual connection • Melissa’s viral Facebook post • Becoming a comedian, author and public speaker 10:53 – Chicken Fried Women • Rapid fire southern culture questions • The genesis of this book • The women that inspired this story 27:54 – The Women That Made Us This Way • The lessons Melissa’s learned from the women in her life • Creating a supportive network • Someone is waiting for you as much as you are waiting for someone 41:28 – How Strong Women Do It • Mom vigilantes • Melissa’s relationship with her daughter • Passing on stories to future generations • Getting your copy of Chicken Fried Women FEATURED QUOTES “These chicken fried women of mine were always topics of conversation that everybody wanted to know and that I love to tell.” “This book was so easy to write because it was just me telling one story after the other. And when a book can come to you that beautifully and that naturally, that was the one you were supposed to write.” “Who could grieve with me like the woman who'd walked in that fire before me?” “Someone is waiting for you as much as you are waiting for someone. Someone needs you. They need your friendship, they need your humor, they need your style. They need the way you're such a great listener. Someone is waiting to forge a relationship with you as much as you are waiting for them.” Learn more about Melissa: https://www.melissaradke.com/ Get your copy of Chicken Fried Women https://www.amazon.com/Chicken-Fried-Women-Friendship-Kinship-Made/dp/1546008241 Check out the Chicken Fried Women Podcast https://www.melissaradke.com/podcast Melissa on Social Media YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MelissaRadke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaRadkeStretchMarks/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmelissaradke/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissaradke

This week on the podcast, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Dr. Morgan Cutlip- author, psychologist, and relationship expert. She is known for equipping individuals and couples with practical, down-to-earth tools to navigate the most challenging parts of relationships. She has a true gift for turning psychological research into relatable, real-life strategies, and she shares her wisdom through her books, courses, blog, podcast, and social media platforms. Morgan first joined us to talk about her book Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself, and now she’s back with her brand-new release, A Better Share, which just dropped last week. In this episode, we talk about the “invisible load” so many of us carry in marriage and relationships. From emotional labor and intimacy to resentment and repair, Morgan helps us understand what’s really going on beneath the surface- and how to stop feeling like you're carrying it all alone. Heads up: we touch on some adult topics, so this one might be best saved for when little ears aren’t around. I know you’re going to love Morgan’s wisdom, insights and message of hope today! 4:01 – Morgan 201 • Life in a book-writing hole • Kids getting older • The bob is bobbing! 6:56 – Morgan’s Expertise And Book Launch • Morgan’s background in psychology • Helping women stay connected to themselves • How Morgan’s experience and others’ experiences influenced this book 11:28 – The Mental Load • Defining “the mental load” • The weight on women • The emotional work of home and family 15:00 – Challenges In Modern Relationships • Why couples end up in imbalanced relationship dynamics • How women are socialized to self-sacrifice • Breaking under the weight of assumed responsibility 20:43 – Repairing Resentment and Rebuilding Intimacy • Talking about these issues without defensiveness • Externalizing the problem and setting up conversations well • 5 key conversations couples should be having • Practical tools for improving relationships • Getting your copy of Morgan’s book FEATURED QUOTES “If we just point the finger at our partners, it's not going to get us to a better place.” “Everybody has a mental load…However, in home and family life, research shows us time and time again, even when women work full time, part time or stay at home parents, it doesn't matter, we tend to carry the bulk of it.” “When couples stop talking about the little things, they stop reaching for the big things, like intimacy.” Learn more about Morgan: https://drmorgancutlip.com/ My Love Thinks: https://www.mylovethinks.com/ My Love Thinks Podcast: https://www.mylovethinks.com/relationship-podcast/ Get Your Copy of A Better Share: https://drmorgancutlip.com/bs-preorder/ Get your Copy of Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourself https://drmorgancutlip.com/book/ Morgan on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmorgancutlip/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mylovethinks/

This week, I am so excited to be joined by the incredible Lauren Sisler. She is an Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster, ESPN sideline reporter, author, keynote speaker, and the queen of the sideline shimmy. After landing her dream career with ESPN and reporting on college football and gymnastics, she began to open up about a story she once kept hidden: losing both of her parents to opioid addiction. Through sharing her journey, Lauren has not only shed light on the stigma surrounding addiction, but she’s also found a powerful way to help others navigate their own struggles. Whether on the sidelines or speaking on stages, her mission is to help people find the courage to tell their own stories and live more resilient lives. I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation, and to learn more about Lauren's powerful new book, Shatterproof. 3:11 – Lauren 101 • Residing in Brimingham, Alabama • Lauren’s career in sports broadcasting • Wife and mom 5:53 – Shatterproof • The “why” behind Shatterproof • The process of writing this book • Lauren’s journey to acceptance 12:04 – Healing In Layers • The challenges of writing this book • Greif and healing are not linear • How Lauren’s perspective shifted over time 18:02 – Understanding Addiction and Stigma • The stigma surrounding addiction • Finding compassion for those battling addiction • Having open, honest conversations 27:22 – Holding The Whole Story • Honoring legacy through honesty • The lessons Lauren learned from her parents’ lives • We shouldn’t be defined by our hardest chapters • The difference between helping and enabling 34:08 – The Power Of Sports And Storytelling • The resilience that sports builds • How Lauren’s career has shaped her own storytelling • The power of storytelling • Getting Lauren’s book Shatterproof FEATURED QUOTES “Growing up, society tells us what addiction looks like, who it affects, who it impacts. And I felt like my parents were none of those things.” “The good Lord will free you when you stare something in the face and say, you know what? This is what it is. And now we gotta work through it and move through it.” “I hope anybody that's listening that has walked through addiction or is actively walking through it knows there's absolutely hope and recovery. There are… so many amazing stories out there and testimonies- but it's a journey.” Learn more about Lauren: https://www.laurensisler.com/about Get your copy of Shatterproof: https://www.laurensisler.com/my-book-shatterproof-lauren-sisler Lauren on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurensisler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurenSisler/ X: https://x.com/LaurenSisler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensisler/

I’m thrilled to welcome back my dear friend Mary Marantz for her third appearance on the show! If you’ve been here a while, you already know how incredible Mary is- she’s a powerhouse in every sense of the word. As a podcaster, author, speaker, photographer, and coach, she truly does it all. Today, we’re diving into her latest book, Underestimated, which releases later this month. We’re talking about what it means to be underestimated, why fear is a boring liar, and how playing small was never part of your purpose. This conversation was so good and I’m so excited to share it with you! 4:23 – Mary 301 • Catching up since Mary’s second book • The experience writing Underestimated • The journey leading up to this book 6:25 – The Starting Line • Starting over in your 40s • It’s never too late to achieve your goals • Untangling limiting beliefs 13:32 – Fear Is A Boring Liar • Fear often repeats the same lies • Fear’s jealousy of creativity • How the enemy uses deception • Flipping the fear narrative 27:31 – The Power of Naming Fear • How unaddressed fears can lead to burnout • Having an accountability partner • Mirrors and microscopes • Learning and growing from your mistakes 50:09 – Closing Thoughts • Who this book is for • Mary’s prayer for her readers • Pre-ordering your copy of Underestimated FEATURED QUOTES “What does it look like for us to quit playing small on the good work that's been prepared for us in advance?” “This book is for the one who feels like they're being called up to greatness. They're being called up to more, but at the very same time, you simultaneously doubt that someone like you could ever get there.” “God did not call you to play small. He did not call you to shrink back. He made you for more than you realize.” Learn more about Mary: https://marymarantz.com/ Grab a FREE chapter of Mary’s book, Underestimated: https://marymarantz.myflodesk.com/underestimatedch1 The Mary Marantz Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mary-marantz-show/id1478272407 Achiever Type Quiz: https://www.marymarantz.com/quiz Mary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marymarantz/?hl=en Mary on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marymarantz/ Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marymarantz/

It’s been one whole year since If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry made its way into the world, and today, we’re celebrating! In this special anniversary episode, I’m reflecting on the journey of writing and releasing this book- what it was like to put my story on paper, the emotional highs and lows, and the incredible messages from readers that have reminded me why I wrote it in the first place. Whether you’ve read the book or are just hearing about it for the first time, I hope this episode makes you laugh, reflect, and feel a little less alone in your own beautiful mess. Thank you for being part of this journey with me! 0:47 – Intro • My 1-year bookaversery! • A big thank you to my readers 3:06 – Behind The Pages • What was it really like to write a book? • The cathartic and terrifying writing process • Reader messages that moved me 5:33 – Embracing The Messy & Real • Offering presence, perspective and hope • The anticipation leading up to release day • Honoring my mom’s storytelling 11:08 – Future Plans & Final Thoughts • Is another book on the horizon? • Staying true to my voice FEATURED QUOTES “One of the goals that I had in this book is to just make someone feel seen, make you feel seen, to know that your mess is not too much for God- that you're not too far gone.” “This year taught me that this story, my story, this book, didn't end with the last chapter. It has kept going in the conversations, in the tears that were shed at book signings, in the emails from strangers, in the quiet mornings on the farm, when I remember why I wrote it.” “There's something really beautiful that happens when you let people see the cracks. Because what happens is light gets in, and you'll be able to watch other people shine too.”

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome the most special guest ever on my show- my dad. With the release of my book just around the corner (coming out next week- can you believe it?!) I couldn’t think of a better time to have him on the podcast. Together, we dig into some of the stories that are (and aren’t) talked about in my book. Join us as we laugh, reminisce, and share stories of the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. My dad has such powerful things to say about gratitude, slowing down, choosing love, and finding joy in the darkest of moments. This conversation is so special to me, and I am so excited to share it with you today. Without further ado, let’s jump into this conversation with Tom Buckley. 3:34 – Tom 101 26:49 – Parenting Perspectives 36:28 – Choosing Love 48:28 – Rule 62 48:28 – Life lessons at 80 FEATURED QUOTES “That's what life is about. It isn't about failure, it's about getting back up.” “If you take yourself too seriously, you just lose sight of all the things that really are important.” “In the ‘getting through it’ stage, you gain experience and knowledge that you can use to get out of it. You can find places for help and guidance that will work.” “You want to see who the winners are? Follow the laughter.” Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly Preorder my book: PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

I'm under the weather this week, so I'm sharing one of my favorite episodes! This week, I’m excited to welcome Ginny Yurich, a homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside- a global movement reclaiming childhood and fostering family connections through nature-based play. Alongside her husband, Josh, Ginny is the brilliant mind behind the 1000 Hours Outside lifestyle brand, featuring an online store, app, podcast, a brand new book, and much more. Whether you have kids or not, this episode is an absolute must-listen. We dig deep into issues that resonate, especially for those of us stuck behind desks and indoors all day. This conversation was deep, thought-provoking, and left me feeling challenged and convicted in the best way. It’s easily one of my top 10 favorite episodes of all time, and I’m so excited to share it with you! 3:36 – Ginny 101 15:07 – The Power of Outdoor Play 34:11 – Embracing All Seasons 41:55 – Parenting in a Changing World 1:01:21 – Takeaways + Words of Encouragement FEATURED QUOTES “If all that time, all those memories, all that relationship building, all of that connection, all of those moments of exhale- if those had gone to screens, our life would be so much less full….This is about bringing balance back to childhood.” “What I’ve learned over the past decade is that this is a step that you take as a family. And the step is awareness. It’s about knowing that, when we play outside, it benefits every single member of your family, from your newborn to your grandmother to your great grandmother.” “There are long-term effects to the choices that we make. And this is their life, this is their childhood. And it’s important to understand, at least to a small degree, what self-directed childhood play does for kids. And it does an immense amount.” Learn more about Ginny: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/ https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/about-us

Oh MAN, you are in for a treat this week! I have not one, but two incredible guests joining me: Randy Frazee and Gisela Kreglinger. Randy is the lead teaching pastor at Westside Family Church in Kansas City and a visionary in Bible engagement, spiritual formation, and building biblical community. He’s the architect behind The Story and Believe church engagement campaigns and the author of books like The Joy Challenge and Think, Act, Be Like Jesus. Gisela grew up on a winery in Franconia, Germany, where her family has been crafting wine for generations. She holds multiple degrees in Biblical Studies and a PhD in Historical Theology from the University of St Andrews. Her passion lies at the intersection of food, faith, and joy, which she explores through her writing, teaching, and wine pilgrimages. Together, they are the brilliant minds behind Wine in the Word, a Bible study that explores the theology of wine, its biblical significance, and how it connects with the Christian life. This conversation was unlike anything I’ve ever had on the show. It was thought-provoking, eye-opening, and honestly, I could’ve talked to these two for hours! Get ready for a super fascinating discussion! 4:27 – Randy 101 • Lead pastor for 36 years • Writer and author • Husband, father and grandfather • Working on this project with Gisela 6:03 – Gisela 101 • Growing up on a winery • Theologian, teacher, and writer • Wine tastings and pilgrimages 7:24 – The Story Behind “Wine In The Word” • Randy and Gisela’s backgrounds • How this collaboration came to be • Wine as a bridge builder 13:55 – The Role Of Wine In The Bible • The historical context of wine in America • Wine consumption in Christian context • Reclaiming wine as a gift from God • Teaching your children to have a healthy relationship with wine 26:54 – “Holy Tipsiness” • Wine as a social lubricant • An invitation to community + sharing God’s gifts • Addressing opposition to wine consumption 45:25 – Takeaways • Teaching about wine in a healthy, biblical context • Learn more about Wine In The Word • Randy and Gisela’s prayer for this study FEATURED QUOTES “I just feel like it's time that we stop looking at wine through the lens of our culture.” - Randy Frazee “Wine is really an invitation to community, to sharing the gifts of God. You know, wine and bread and all food that the earth brings forth are gifts from God. They are not just things out there that we need to eat. They're actually God's love language.” – Gisela Kreglinger “You don't even have to drink or like wine, but you should know about what wine is teaching us in God.” - Randy Frazee “We as the church have always been called to show how to live and how to live well as God has intended it, and I think we need to do that.” – Gisela Kreglinger +++ Wine in the Word: https://www.randyfrazee.com/wine-in-the-word Learn more about Randy: https://www.randyfrazee.com/ Randy’s Books: https://www.randyfrazee.com/books Westside Family Church: https://www.westsidefamily.church/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandyeFrazee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randyfrazee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-frazee-43bb1545/ Learn more about Gisela: https://www.thespiritualityofwine.com/ Gisela’s Books and Articles: https://www.thespiritualityofwine.com/publications Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gisela.kreglinger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giselakreglinger/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisela-h-kreglinger-615a2910/ Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target:...

Hey, friend! Today, we’re talking about something that has been on my heart a lot lately- the power of small wins and why they actually matter more than we realize. We live in a world that constantly celebrates the big, flashy milestones- the promotions, the six-figure businesses, the book deals, the dream homes. And those things are great! But what about the small victories? The little moments of progress that quietly shape our lives? In today’s episode, I’m sharing why shifting our mindset to celebrate small wins- whether it’s folding laundry the same day it's washed (yes, that counts!), drinking more water, or just showing up when it feels hard- can truly transform how we approach life, business, faith, and our relationships. Plus, I’ll share some practical ways to start recognizing and celebrating these moments in everyday life. So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind because your wins don’t seem big enough- this episode is for you. Let’s reframe our thinking, embrace progress over perfection, and start finding joy in the little things! 1:52 – Reframing “Success” • Moving away from hustle culture • Celebrating incremental progress • The power of small wins • How hustle culture can overshadow small victories 9:23 – Practical Tips For Celebrating Small Wins • Keeping a gratitude or prayer journal • Writing down one accomplishment a day • Texting a friend 11:27 – Takeaways • Life is made up of tiny moments • Examples of incremental progress • Taking a moment to share a tiny win FEATURED QUOTES “Things like social media and that hustle culture I was talking about, all of that has fed into why we don't tend to celebrate the tiny victories, the tiny steps, because we are constantly bombarded with everyone else's big wins.” “Sometimes we have to remember that when we get to the end of the day and we have done the best that we can with what we've been given… that is a win.” “Incremental progress, day-by-day matters, because here is the deal- our lives are made up of the tiny moments. Yes, the big milestones are great- the marriages and the having kids, the big career wins- they are wonderful, but they don't happen overnight.” Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.

This week, I’m joined by Amy Senter, a former teacher and artist with a passion for making the Bible accessible to everyone. After struggling to understand Scripture herself, Amy used her background in education and art to create tools that simplify Bible study for all ages and learning styles. Her popular Books of the Bible cheat sheets, designed with visual learners and those with ADHD or dyslexia in mind, are now sold in over 50 countries. Amy’s journey has not been without challenges. After receiving a late-stage Lyme Disease diagnosis, she found herself questioning her faith and purpose. But through this challenging season, Amy's relationship with God deepened, and she rediscovered her passion for Bible study. Her story is a powerful reminder of how God can bring purpose and growth even through our most difficult circumstances. I really enjoyed this conversation and know it will inspire you, so let’s dive in! 1:43 – Amy 101 • Growing up in Northen Virginia • A wife and mom living in Texas • Transitioning from teaching to being a stay-at-home mom • Getting sick and rediscovering a love for art 12:26 – Finding Purpose In The Unexpected • Navigating the identity shifts of adulthood • Letting go of external expectations • Amy’s journey to teaching and sharing through art • Taking the next step 20:20 – The Importance of Bible Literacy • The decline of Biblical literacy • The role teaching and curriculum play in comprehension • The danger of only relying on secondary sources • Reading and discerning the Bible yourself 35:12 – You Are Not Alone • Being diagnosed with Lyme disease • The physical, emotional and spiritual toll of this sickness • How Amy is doing now • A deeper understanding of God’s presence in suffering • Connecting with Amy FEATURED QUOTES “So many people are constantly like, what's my purpose, what's my calling, what's my next step? And I've tried to constantly encourage people [that] you may not know until you've already gotten there.” “I thought all this stuff I worked so hard for was a waste, and then it came back and served such a different and wonderful purpose. And I didn't see it coming at all.” “It's so important to know biblical literacy, because that's how you discern things.” ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR LINKS THAT NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN POST Learn more about Amy: https://amysenter.com/about/?srsltid=AfmBOooEHBBJ3KnlYETp6Ab09rdTjiKbFzB8CK1A6X7cXZhqG4h-_9-T Amy on Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senteramy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.senter.intentional.living Pinterest: https://www.facebook.com/amy.senter.intentional.living YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amysenter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@senteramy Amy’s Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/shopamysenter Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.

Today, we’re doing something a little different! For the first time ever on the show, I’m sharing a sermon I preached at my church over a year ago. Now, before you think, Oh no, a sermon?- stick with me. Over the last couple of years, I’ve received countless messages from listeners who are feeling isolated, lonely, and disconnected. And I think this message is incredibly timely. The loneliness epidemic is real, and it’s affecting so many of us, especially in the wake of declining church attendance and increasing feelings of disconnection. In this sermon, I dive deep into what the Bible says about loneliness and how the church can be a source of support and community for those feeling alone. So, whether you're currently struggling with isolation, have stepped away from the church, or are curious about what the Bible says on the topic, I hope this message resonates with you! 4:22 – Introduction • 1 Corinthians 12 • Issues the Corinthian church faced • Paul’s message to the church 13:15 – Every Gift Matters: Serving In The Body Of Christ • The church is the body of Christ • 1 Peter 4:10 • Being good stewards of our gifts • There is no hierarchy of gifts 24:26 – The Pandemic Of Loneliness • 50% of American adults feel lonely • The role of community in overcoming loneliness • We can be lonely with God 35:14 – Love in Action: Building a Stronger Community Through God’s Love • Community is a byproduct of love • Being intentional alongside others • Ministering to someone else FEATURED QUOTES “The church cannot and should not be established on the charisma or the personality or the giftings of any one person. The church is to be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ.” “Some gifts may bear more responsibility and consequences than others, but you have gifts, and those gifts matter.” “We create these dividing lines between us based on our gifts or our roles or status or economics or whatever. And those lines are unbiblical, they're unnecessary, and they lead to chaos.” “Our primary goal must be the love of and pursuit of Jesus, who is the lifeblood of the body.”

This week, I’m thrilled to welcome my friend, Cassandra “Cass” Speer, to the show! Cass is a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and the host of the Hard and Holy podcast. She also serves as the Vice President of Her True Worth, a global ministry dedicated to helping women find their identity and validation in Christ alone, which touches millions worldwide. Cass has a passion for offering hope and biblical encouragement to the weary and wounded, helping them navigate faith in the midst of life’s challenges. She’s currently pursuing a master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies at Denver Seminary, which is where we connected and became fast friends. I truly adore her, and I know you will too! In this episode, we’re diving into her brand-new book- Ready As You Are- which comes out next week, and it’s powerful message on faith, identity and worth. 2:08 – Cass 101 • Veteran wife and mom of 3 • Author, podcaster, and seminarian • The founding of Her True Worth 7:44 – Worth, Identity & Authenticity • The biggest misconceptions women face regarding their worth and identity • Living from worth, not for worth • Maintaining authenticity in an online ministry space • The individual impact of Her True Worth 14:07 – Ready As You Are • Readiness is faithfulness • Surrendering to God’s sufficiency • Living on mission in everyday moments • Differentiating between selfish desires and genuine God-given callings 32:24 – Final Thoughts • Surprising lessons from writing this book • God’s power has given us everything we need • Connecting with Cass • Pre-ordering your copy of Ready As You Are FEATURED QUOTES “Readiness is not about feeling qualified. It's about faithfulness and knowing that He who equips you, qualifies you and He who has commissioned you, qualifies you.” “I have so many statistics stacked against me to tell me, very validly, you should not be here. You are not ready for this- and yet God opens doors that I would never knock on.” “There really are no small things in God's kingdom.” “God makes so much of our little, if we're willing. Every moment that you're living is a miracle. Every opportunity you have is an opportunity to bring God glory.” Learn more about Cass: https://cassandraspeer.com/ Pre-order your copy of Ready As You Are: https://readyasyouare.com/ Get your copy of Her True Worth: https://www.amazon.com/Her-True-Worth-Breaking-Pleasing/dp/1400231124/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1699992124&sr=8-1 There’s Beauty In Your Brokenness Devotional https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/theres-beauty-in-your-brokenness-book/?fbclid=PAAab5MjPqTPxwgXgQVx0AMCsg3YHYp3WDPYqCQ20sgsq0eEP_VUWQ2TzW0lA Her True Worth https://hertrueworth.com/home/ Check out Cass’ podcast Hard & Holy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hard-holy-with-cassandra-speer/id1767270286 Cass on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cassandralspeer/?hl=en Cass on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/speerandarrows/ Brittany Maher on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brittmaher/?hl=en Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of...

This week, I’m joined by the lovely Tabitha Panariso. She is a licensed professional counselor, writer, speaker, and theologian, who brings counseling into the everyday fabric of life. She’s also the author of Loyal in His Love: An Invitation to Be Held by Jesus When Others Let You Go. At the heart of Tabitha’s work is a commitment to creating space for life's toughest moments and guiding others toward healing with clarity and compassion. We dive into everything today from the plots of Seinfeld to the ways we experience and process rejection- both as adults and as parents helping our kids cope with it. This is exactly the type of conversation I love having on this show, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much! 2:08 – Tabitha 101 • Wife and mom • Christ-centered and trauma-informed therapist • A new author • Bonding over Seinfeld 14:13 – Redefining Acceptance • The emotional and spiritual toll of rejection • How social media can amplify feelings of rejection • A defining moment of acceptance for Tabitha • God’s unwavering love and faithfulness 23:09 – Healing Through Christ’s Compassion • Receiving the compassion that Christ has given us • Naming the pain and emotions you experience • Allowing ourselves to be dependent on God 37:24 – Modeling Faith For Your Children • How practicing self-awareness extends to parenting • Offering children a safe place • Pointing your kids to Christ over and over again • Getting your copy of Tabitha’s book FEATURED QUOTES “It's important for us to name our pain, name our feelings, because it's just like when we break a bone or when we are physically hurt- if we aren't able to acknowledge that pain, then it's only going to exasperate, it's only going to fester.” “When we can lament, when we can grieve, when we can name what's happening in us, that's us re-posturing our hearts and allowing us to be dependent on God.” “Reminding our kids where their true value lies and where their true worth lies- that is the greatest gift that we can give them.” Learn more about Tabitha: Get your copy of Loyal in His Love https://www.amazon.com/Loyal-His-Love-Invitation-Others-ebook/dp/B0CTHR9FCD Tabitha on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tabithapanariso/ Tabitha on Substack https://substack.com/@tabithapanariso Tabitha on Threads https://www.threads.net/@tabithapanariso Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.

You are in for a treat this week! We are back with my good friend Tyler Merritt today, who has been on the show before. Tyler is a Nashville-based actor, author, musician, activist, cancer survivor, and founder of The Tyler Merritt Project. He’s appeared in shows like Netflix’s Outer Banks, Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and NBC’s Young Rock. Tyler is also the author of the bestselling memoir I Take My Coffee Black and the children’s book A Door Made for Me. I’m thrilled to have him back on the show today to talk about his new book, This Changes Everything: A Surprisingly Funny Story About Race, Cancer, Faith, and Other Things We Don’t Talk About. Tyler is a true light in this world, and this conversation is packed with depth, vulnerability, and lots of laughs. I’m honored to have him back to share more of his story, and I know you’ll walk away with so much from this conversation! 2:26 – Tyler 201 • Tyler’s second book birthday! • The positive response to his first book • Acting projects and walking through cancer • Tyler’s stance on Coca-Cola 11:31 – Finding Peace In The Present • Tyler’s advice for someone struggling to live in the present • Living in your life right now • Navigating fear and anxiety about the future 22:07 – Facing Fear And Living Well • Why humor has been such a powerful tool for Tyler • Confronting your fears head on • Living well and loving fully 32:33 – Learning To Lament • The importance of true grief • The legacy Tyler hopes This Changes Everything leaves • Getting your copy of Tyler’s book FEATURED QUOTES “There's a thing I think sometimes that we associate with, oh my gosh, how much time do we have left? What's going to happen after I'm gone? and not really taking the moment to go, I'm still here right now, and I'm so, so radically thankful that that's a thing.” “If tomorrow, God forbid, I was no longer here, did I love well while I was here? Did I serve well up until the very last moment?” “There are some things I can't change, right? But while I'm here and I have the tangible moments to do these things now, I can bring as much goodness as I can into the moments that I currently exist in, and that can be my stronghold on the fear that I might see coming against me.” Learn more about Tyler: The Tyler Merritt Project https://thetylermerrittproject.com/ Get your copy of This Changes Everything https://www.amazon.com/This-Changes-Everything-Surprisingly-Cancer/dp/1546006966 Tyler’s other books https://thetylermerrittproject.com/book/ Tyler on Social Media: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPB48_JfK-VMnYQPTYyMX5Q Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thetylermerrittproject Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thetylermerrittproject/ X https://x.com/ttmproject

Happy New Year! I’m SO excited to be back with you all and to kick off the year by welcoming back an incredible returning guest, Ian Morgan Cron. If you haven’t had a chance to catch his previous episode, you might recognize him as the author of The Road Back to You, or as the host of the popular Typology podcast. Ian is a psychotherapist, an Enneagram teacher, an Episcopal priest and the author of several other books. His new book releases at the end of this month, called, The Fix: How the Twelve Steps Offer a Surprising Path of Transformation for the Well-Adjusted, the Down-and-Out, and Everyone in Between. I’m thrilled to have him back on the show to share his heart behind this book and how everyone, no matter where they are in life, can benefit from the twelve steps. This conversation is rich, deep, and packed with insights you won’t want to miss! 2:38 – Ian 201 · Continuing Enneagram, coaching and podcast work · Songwriting for Netflix · Ian’s new book, The Fix 7:54 – The Genesis of The FIx · Why Ian wanted to write this book · Understanding the twelve steps · Finding the balance between powerlessness and healing 14:28 – Looking at Modern Addictions · Craving control · The need to play God · Denial as an addiction 23:07 – Hugging The Cactus · Why everyone needs to “hug the cactus” · Accepting “unacceptable” parts of yourself · The connection between self-awareness and spiritual growth · The power of the twelve steps for all walks of life 39:56 – Seeking Progress, Not Perfection · The difference between reformation and transformation · How this process has impacted Ian’s life · The role of community in the transformation process · Closing thoughts + pre-ordering your copy of The Fix FEATURED QUOTES “The 12 steps are not just for alcoholics, drug addicts, over-eaters, gamblers, spenders, shoppers or whatever…Everybody's on the addiction continuum somewhere, and everybody can experience the same liberation, joy, freedom and happiness that people that self-identify as addicts or alcoholics do.” “The one thing that stands between you and you becoming the person you want to become is the truth.” “The parts of you that you have rejected all your life- all the quote-on-quote ‘crappy, sinny stuff ‘going on in there- is actually still at work. And until you welcome it home and accept the unacceptable about yourself, you will never accept that you've been accepted by God. And that's really important work.” “There's a lot of people of faith out there who have just tried to hate themselves into becoming better people. You can't do that. You can't shame yourself, beat yourself up. You have to welcome these parts of yourself home and tell them that all of you is welcome.” Learn more about Ian: https://ianmorgancron.com/ The Typology Podcast https://www.typologypodcast.com/ Pre-order Your Copy of The Fix https://ianmorgancron.com/thefix Ian’s Other Books https://ianmorgancron.com/books Ian on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IanMorganCron/ Ian on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ianmorgancron Ian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianmorgancron/

I’m so excited to welcome back Anthony O’Neal to the show! He is the national bestselling author of Debt-Free Degree, a personal finance expert, and host of the wildly popular podcast and YouTube show, The Table with Anthony O'Neal, which has garnered millions of downloads. For over a decade, Anthony has been challenging cultural norms, empowering individuals to live debt-free lives, break generational wealth gaps, and build true financial independence. He’s been featured on major platforms like Good Morning America, Live with Kelly and Mark, Fox and Friends, CNN, Success Magazine, and more- he’s truly everywhere! Join us today as we dive into the exciting details of his upcoming book, Take Your Seat at the Table: Live an Authentic Life of Abundance, Wellness, and Freedom, which is set to release in January. We talk about building a strong foundation for your life, taking control of your future, and surrounding yourself with the right people who can encourage and challenge you. This conversation is the perfect wrap-up to 2024, and I know you’ll walk away feeling inspired and ready to take on the new year- so let’s dive in! 4:31 – Anthony 201 • Stepping out on his own + giving back • Launching a third book • Living in DC 6:31 – Take Your Seat At The Table • Why Anthony chose this metaphor for his book and podcast • The importance of building a solid foundation • Taking control of your life and not allowing others to dictate your decisions 12:22 – The Power Of Vision • What do you want to do and where do want to go? • The importance of a clear vision • Writing down your long-term goals and working backwards 19:21 – Embracing The Messy Table • Learning from failure • Messiness can be beautiful and meaningful • Embracing learning opportunities 26:25 – Don’t Do It Alone • Inviting therapists, coaches and spiritual advisors to your table • The value of support systems • Connecting with Anthony FEATURED QUOTES “So many times, we allow other people to sit at the head of our tables and tell us what to do with our life and how to do things with our life, and we never take that opportunity.” “You have to have a vision… When you have a vision, it's even easier to invite people to your table.” “Failure, messiness- it's not a negative. Embrace it. Learn from it, enjoy it, laugh- just make sure that you keep moving forward.” Learn more about Anthony: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/ Pre-order your copy of Take Your Seat At The Table https://www.anthonyoneal.com/takeyourseatatthetable Get your copy of Debt-Free Degree https://www.amazon.com/Debt-Free-Degree-Step-Step-Getting/dp/1942121113 The Table with Anthony O’Neal on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaW51g-nmLfq703TPZC7Gsg The Table with Anthony O’Neal Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-table-with-anthony-oneal/id1543458790 Anthony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anthonyoneal/?hl=en Anthony on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aoneal/ Anthony on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-oneal-378704207/

This week, I’m joined by the incredible Tori Hope Petersen. She is an author, speaker, Bible teacher and fierce advocate for foster care, adoption, and vulnerable children. Raised in and out of the foster care system herself, she has dedicated her life to sharing her testimony and offering hope to others. Tori is also a wife, mom, and lover of people, with a deep appreciation for cooking, family, community, and hospitality. Tori has so many incredible insights to share about healing from the past, breaking destructive patterns, and finding lasting hope. Plus, we talk about her upcoming book, Breaking the Patterns That Break You, which is set to release on February 4, 2025. I was so moved and inspired by this conversation and I’m so excited to share it with you! 5:36 – Tori 101 · Growing up in and out of the foster care system · Working in foster care advocacy · Releasing her first book, Fostered · Second book release in February 8:57 – Resilience and Hope · The healing Tori experienced through her track career · The power of having supportive figures in your life · The lasting impact of words and emotional abuse 15:05 – Finding Lasting Healing · Having deep self-compassion · Recognizing and addressing harmful patterns · Having trusting people around you to provide feedback 26:24 – Inviting Jesus Into The Healing Process · The misconception that Jesus is a band-aid solution · Jesus is a true healer who repairs and rebuilds · Putting in the foundational work and continuing ongoing maintenance 40:39 – Encouragement For The Healers And Hurting · Avoiding quick fixes · Being a good listener and question asker · Your life has purpose · Continuing to fight to find people who truly love you FEATURED QUOTES " That's healing- to accept sometimes the sad version of ourselves and not to try and change her.” “We think that Jesus is coming in and just slapping a band aid on it, but really that that's sometimes what his people do. That's not who Jesus is…I think we just need to change our perspective and understand that like God is coming in and he wants to truly repair the home.” “More than people need advice. People need someone to sit with them, walk with them. Listen to them.” "Your life has purpose… There's a beautiful plan for your life. God loves you and for you to stay here very well may be the thing that someone else needs.” Learn more about Tori: https://www.torihopepetersen.com/ Pre-order your copy of Breaking The Patterns https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Patterns-That-Break-You/dp/1400250048 Get your copy of Tori’s book, Fostered https://www.amazon.com/Fostered-Womans-Powerful-Finding-through/dp/1087750970 I Love You Already Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/67tPTqQ6uMS1WRuy4tvQyP?si=1poWQ1nMS_KbP9-GqgwrjQ&nd=1&dlsi=72a9e71cf68b4ce7 Tori on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/torihopepetersen/?hl=en Tori on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@iloveyoualready Connect with me: http://www.stillbeingmolly.com http://instagram.com/stillbeingmolly http://instagram.com/canilaughpod http://twitter.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/stillbeingmolly http://facebook.com/canilaughpod http://tiktok.com/@stillbeingmolly GET YOUR COPY of ‘IF I DON’T LAUGH, I’LL CRY” TODAY: Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/IIDLICbn Amazon: https://amzn.to/48VYFkG ChristianBook: https://bit.ly/IIDLICcb Target: https://bit.ly/3Shh3Q2 Walmart: https://bit.ly/3MmGVpJ Indie Bound: https://bit.ly/IIDLICib Audible: https://amzn.to/3ITcdm8 Kindle: https://amzn.to/3ITaSvv About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of...