The Speakeasy

The Speakeasy Podcast is a place to have underground conversations out loud. Whether we’re diving into theology, politics, culture, real life, or the way they often all intersect, we’re going to do it together, with kindness and curiosity. Hosted by Blake Guichet (known as @thegirlnamedblake online) - the best-selling author, Instagrammer, wife, & homeschool mom - the Speakeasy has a place for you, if you want it. The Speakeasy Podcast was formerly the Confessions of Crappy Christian Podcast.

Biblical Marriage, Negotiations, & Make Out Sessions | Joby Martin | Episode 400 01/28/2026

Fighting For Your Family Instead of With Your Family | Craig Thompson | Episode 399 01/21/2026

Fighting For Your Family Instead of With Your Family | Craig Thompson | Episode 399 This episode continues an unexpected but timely series focused on strengthening families at the start of the year. Blake sits down with Pastor Craig Thompson, author of Fighting for Your Family, for an honest, practical conversation about marriage, parenting, and spiritual warfare. Too often, the hardest battles feel like they’re inside the home—spouses clashing, tension with kids, constant frustration. But Craig reframes the fight: your spouse and your family are not the enemy. The real shift happens when couples stop fighting each other and start standing back-to-back, fighting for their family’s mission and future. Together, they unpack: What spiritual warfare actually looks like in everyday family life Why humility, prayer, and “going first” matter more than being right How fighting your own flesh changes everything The power of encouragement, honor, and apology in marriage Why community and the local church are essential for healthy families If you’re carrying tension from last year—or want to protect what God is building in your home—this episode offers biblical clarity and tangible next steps. Whether you’re married, dating, parenting, or preparing for the future, this conversation equips you to stand firm and fight well. Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your home with Cozy Earth’s luxury bedding, towels, and pajamas—soft, breathable, and made to last. Try it risk-free with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. ✨ Get up to 20% off at cozyearth.com with code SPEAKEASY. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Frustrated with traditional insurance? CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative built on transparency and community. Pay a monthly fee, get access to bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, and when big needs arise, the crowd helps cover the rest. ✨ Start for $99 for your first 3 months at joincrowdhealth.com with code SPEAKEASY. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Your family is worth fighting for—together. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39787925

January Isn’t a Reset — But It Is for Roots | Episode 398 01/14/2026

January Isn’t a Reset — But It Is for Roots | Episode 398 Download the planning PDF ! This episode is an invitation to rethink what January is actually for. If you’ve felt pressure to reinvent your entire life on January 1st (or swung the other direction and rejected January altogether) this conversation lives in the middle. Blake makes the case that January isn’t meant for revamps or visible productivity. Historically and biologically, it’s a hinge month: a season for taking stock, repair, learning, and quiet preparation. For most of human history, the “new year” was tied to nature and spring, not politics or calendars. That’s why the urgency of January often feels off in our bodies and nervous systems. In this episode, Blake walks through what our agrarian ancestors actually did in winter and how it applies to modern life: Taking honest inventory of time, energy, relationships, finances, and faith Creating margin and reducing overstimulation Repairing what’s worn down before starting something new Letting learning, wisdom, and integration settle Setting intentions, not rigid resolutions Rather than goals and hustle, Blake shares her approach to choosing words, Scripture, posture, and direction for the year ahead, held with open hands. Her word for 2026 is Rooted Hope, grounded in Psalm 1 and a desire for steadiness, healing, and deep faith after a hard year. January matters. Not as a restart, but as a foundation. This episode is about going slow, growing deep, and preparing for what’s coming without forcing it.. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Tired of paying for insurance you can’t use? CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative built on transparency and community. Pay a monthly fee, access bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, vetted doctors, and when something big happens, you pay the first $500—then the crowd helps cover the rest. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39653450

What If You Opted Out of Traditional Healthcare? | Andy Schoonover | Episode 397 01/07/2026

Sometimes Ending the Year Strong Means Ending the Year Slowly | Erin Wilkins | Episode 396 12/31/2025

Ending Well: Becoming Her | Episode 395 12/26/2025

Ending Well: Becoming Her | Episode 395 Merry (belated) Christmas and welcome to “dead week”—that weird, quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year when nobody knows what day it is… and honestly, it’s kind of wonderful. This is the final Friday of the year, which means we’re wrapping up the Ending Well series—seven weeks of looking back at 2025, redeeming the hard parts, and hunting down the goodness God planted along the way. Today’s episode is where everything comes together. Not as separate lessons—hearing God, going a different way, pruning, embracing the ordinary, releasing usefulness, becoming the wife and woman I want to be—but as integration: when revelation becomes rhythm. When what God taught you doesn’t just live in a journal… it starts living in your nervous system, your choices, your peace, and your presence. We talk about what it means to become the same person everywhere—at home, at work, in conflict, in rest. Not the performing self, people-pleasing self, or defensive self—but the authentic self God created. The shift from constantly feeling “split” to finally feeling rooted. From Romans 7 (“why do I keep doing what I hate?”) to Psalm 1—steady, nourished, bearing fruit in season. This episode is a testimony: God is big enough to change you. To grow self-control. To cultivate peace. To help you stop showing up to every battle you’re invited to—and still keep your courage when it’s time to stand firm. The fire of 2025 didn’t leave me untouched, but it refined me. And the fruit is showing up: steadier peace, clearer discernment, deeper roots, anchored hope, and—maybe for the first time—actually liking who I’m becoming. If you feel stuck, scattered, or like you’ll never change… come with me. The water’s a little scary, but it’s good. Sponsor: PreBorn A woman considering abortion is twice as likely to choose life if she can see an ultrasound or hear the heartbeat. PreBorn provides free ultrasounds and continues supporting moms with resources, classes, and aid—up to two years after birth. 💛 It’s $28 to fund one ultrasound. Give at preborn.com/speakeasy and help give the gift of life. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39397300

The Cajun Night Before Christmas | Blake's Dad | Episode 394 12/24/2025

Ending Well: Finding God in the Ordinary | Episode 393 12/19/2025

Ending Well: Finding God in the Ordinary | Episode 393 As the year comes to a close and Christmas draws near, this episode is an invitation to slow down and rethink what actually makes a year meaningful. If you’re ending the year feeling like you didn’t do enough, didn’t accomplish enough, or didn’t have any big, flashy “banner moments,” this conversation is for you. What if the ordinary years—the quiet, unseen, seemingly mundane ones—are actually where God does His deepest and most transformative work? In this episode, Blake reflects on a lifetime of big dreams, ambition, and achievement, and how this year gently (and sometimes painfully) reshaped her understanding of purpose. From dreams of being a lawyer and living a “big” life, to seasons of stay-at-home motherhood, to years in podcasting and political commentary, God has repeatedly drawn her close enough to the spotlight to ask the question: Do you still want this? This year, the answer surprised her. God invited her into a slower, simpler, more ordinary rhythm—one that prioritized home, children, marriage, nervous-system healing, and time in Scripture. What felt at first like a downgrade or a pulling back revealed itself as protection, formation, and deep peace. Scripture itself is filled with ordinary faithfulness: farming, shepherding, raising children, waiting, wandering, and quiet obedience. The big miracles were never the whole story. Blake shares how stepping away from constant digital noise, limiting headlines, embracing small rituals, practicing audacious gratitude, and finding beauty in everyday moments has reshaped her identity. Faithfulness, not flashiness, is what God values. Bigger burdens don’t always mean bigger blessings—and sometimes the most impactful work is the work no one sees. If your life feels small, overlooked, or slower than you hoped, be encouraged: nothing surrendered to God is wasted. The ordinary is holy ground, and God meets us there. “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 Sponsor: CrowdHealth Health insurance shouldn’t feel impossible. CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative that puts power back in your hands. Pay a monthly fee, get bill negotiation, lower-cost prescriptions and labs, and community coverage after the first $500. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Sponsor: PreBorn A free ultrasound can double a woman’s chance of choosing life. PreBorn provides ultrasounds and ongoing support for moms in crisis. 💛 $28 sponsors one ultrasound. Give at preborn.com/speakeasy and help save a life. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39397285

Expectancy in a Culture of Hurry | Hannah Brencher | Episode 392 12/17/2025

Ending Well: a Pruning Deep Dive | Episode 391 12/12/2025

Ending Well: a Pruning Deep Dive | Episode 391 Ending Well: A Pruning Deep Dive This is week six of the Ending Well series, and we’re talking about something a lot of us are living through in real time: pruning—the cutting away, the stripping back, and the strange mercy of God doing holy surgery on our lives at the end of a hard year. “Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” – John 15:2 ⏱ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro + Why open enrollment and health insurance feel like a bad rite of passage 03:00 – CrowdHealth: what it is, how it works, and why it’s different from insurance 06:00 – Week six of Ending Well: why pruning is the theme of this year 09:30 – Defining “pruning,” “fruit,” “wilderness,” and “discipline” (without the Christianese) 15:30 – John 15 and how Blake accidentally prayed for pruning this year 20:00 – Wilderness seasons: dry, slow, hidden growth, and deep dependence on God 25:30 – Seven “flavors” of pruning Blake walked through this year 30:00 – Loss and closed doors: when God rips things out of your hands 36:00 – Being forced to slow down or stop: “You can’t heal on the battlefield that broke you” 41:00 – Loneliness, isolation, and when God clears the table so you can hear His voice 46:00 – Idols exposed: productivity, performance, and the golden statue God started tearing down 52:00 – When God prunes even good things (like the gym, routines, and rhythms you love) 57:00 – “Show me the purpose, Lord”: praying for clarity in the middle of the mess 1:02:00 – How pruning makes you more like Jesus and prepares you for the “next level” 1:08:00 – Toy bins, clutter, and why fewer branches can mean more joy 1:12:00 – How to walk through pruning differently next time: slow down, surrender, obey faster 1:17:00 – Being honest with God instead of stuffing frustration and disappointment 1:21:00 – Why opening your Bible became survival, not a checkbox 1:25:00 – Friendship breakups as pruning: betrayal, loneliness, and healing with a limp 1:30:00 – Counting the fruit at the end of a brutal year What This Episode Is Really About In this deep dive, Blake unpacks pruning not as a punishment but as proof that God cares too much to leave you overgrown and exhausted. You’ll hear about: How this year’s pruning looked like: job pivots relational shifts homeschooling struggles closed doors and changed direction Why pruning is always connected to fruit, but not the kind the world celebrates Not achievement, numbers, or hustle But love, joy, peace, wisdom, humility (Galatians 5:22–23) The difference between: Punishment vs. discipline Chaos vs. God’s clarifying love (Hebrews 12:6) Seven “flavors” of pruning Blake walked through: Loss of things she thought she needed Doors slamming shut at the last second Conviction and refinement in hidden places Being forced to slow down or stop entirely Loneliness and isolation when life got too loud Idols exposed—especially productivity and performance The trimming of even good things to make room for better Blake also shares how her prayer shifted from: “God, why are You doing this?” to “Show me the purpose, Lord.” And how that shift opened the door to real trust, deeper Bible hunger, and new fruit she couldn’t see while God was still hacking away at the branches. Sponsors & Special Offers CrowdHealth – Take Your Power Back This Open Enrollment Health insurance can feel like you’re paying a ton and still not actually covered. CrowdHealth is an alternative to traditional insurance that’s built on community and transparency. With CrowdHealth, you: Pay a monthly fee Get a team that negotiates your medical bills Access lower-cost prescriptions & lab tests Use a vetted doctor list When something big happens, you pay the first $500, and then the crowd steps in and covers the rest Listener Offer: Get started for $99 for your first three months using code SPEAKEASY. Go to joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy to join. Note: CrowdHealth is not insurance, but it is a way to opt out of the old system and take your power back. Sunrise Flour Mill – Heritage Wheat Your Body Remembers If you have a gluten sensitivity (or just feel awful after eating modern wheat), this part is for you. The wheat most of us eat today is not the same wheat our grandparents ate. Sunrise Flour Mill is farmer-owned and brings back organic heritage wheat—pre-1950s varieties that many sensitive folks find they can tolerate again. People are discovering they can enjoy: Chocolate chip cookies Bread Pasta …without feeling wrecked afterward. They also make it easy with recipes and thoughtfully packaged products. Special Offer for listeners: Go to sunriseflourmill.com and use code SPEAKEASY to get a FREE 2lb bag of Heritage White Flour with your first order. Eat wheat your body remembers. PreBorn – Help a Mom Choose Life So many women walk into abortion clinics scared, alone, and convinced they don’t have another option. PreBorn steps in with: Free ultrasounds for women considering abortion The chance for moms to see their baby and hear the heartbeat A doubled chance that she will choose life Ongoing support: counseling, classes, and financial assistance for up to two years after birth It costs $28 to fund one ultrasound. PreBorn has seen over 38,000 babies saved this year alone. ✨ If you’re passionate about the pro-life movement and want a tangible way to make a difference: 👉 Go to preborn.com/speakeasy Give $28 (or more) and literally help change a story—and possibly save a life. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39364515

7 Years of Podcasting | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 390 12/10/2025

7 Years of Podcasting | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 390 In this episode we look back at how it started (a guest room closet + $20 mic + TV tray) and how God has grown us, our marriage, and this show over seven years—from fear and hustle to rest and trust. We talk about money, messy action, viral moments, criticism, love languages, parenting, and what “success” actually looks like for our family now. “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 ⏱ Episode Timestamps (Approximate – for your listening convenience) 00:00 – Welcome + 7 years of podcasting & 37th birthday 03:10 – Starting in a tiny closet with a $20 mic + messy action over perfect action 08:45 – “Can we afford this?” Money fears, stewardship, and still saying yes 14:30 – Social media spouse vs. no-social-media spouse (and Facebook Marketplace 😅) 20:20 – When episodes go viral, national media, and how the internet has changed since 2018 27:40 – The evolution of the show: politics seasons, homeschool seasons, and letting God set the themes 35:15 – Rest, surrender, and learning not to control everything 43:30 – How fear drove our hustle, and how God shifted our hearts and rhythms 50:45 – Love languages, marriage work, and realizing “I was serving my language, not yours” 1:00:10 – Parenting together: discipline, respect, and presenting a united front 1:08:30 – Work, motherhood, and the pull to find worth in what gives you a “report card” 1:17:00 – Redefining success for our family (time, presence, and faith over just numbers) 1:24:00 – Hopes, prayers, and open-handed trust for the next season of the podcast 💡 What We Talk About in This Episode How a tiny closet and a $20 mic turned into a 7-year podcast Why “messy action beats perfect action” (and why you really don’t need a fancy setup) Starting a creative ministry when you’re not being great stewards with money yet Being married to someone who isn’t on social media (and why that’s actually a gift) Viral episodes, national media features, and why going viral isn’t always fun How the internet has gotten harsher since 2018—and what that does to your heart Letting God quietly shape “seasons” of the show without over-planning content The connection between control and fear—and how that showed up in work, marriage, and motherhood Moving from hustle fueled by fear to work fueled by trust and rest Love languages: why ours clashed, how we humbled ourselves, and what changed Parenting as a team: not correcting each other in front of the kids, and choosing your “hills to die on” The tension between mission, work, and home… and how God re-ordered priorities Redefining success: not just financial, but spiritual, relational, and emotional health Living with open hands: having no big “launch” on the horizon and trusting God with the next step “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 Sponsor: PreBorn All across the country, a woman is walking into a clinic scared and often alone, planning to have an abortion. PreBorn steps in with free ultrasounds—moments where she can see her baby, hear the heartbeat, and everything can change. Ultrasound doubles the chance a mother will choose life. This year alone, over 38,000 babies have been rescued through PreBorn’s work. They don’t stop at birth—they support moms with counseling, classes, and financial help for up to two years after the baby is born. You can sponsor an ultrasound for $28 and be the hero behind one of these stories. Give now at: preborn.com/speakeasy That’s preborn.com/speakeasy to give a gift and help save a life. Sponsor: Sunrise Flower Mill If you love baking—or want to start baking with better, richer, fresher ingredients—you will love Sunrise Flower Mill. Their flour is freshly milled from heritage grains, giving your baked goods incredible flavor and texture. Special Offer for Speak Easy listeners: Use code SPEAKEASY to get a FREE 2lb bag of their Heritage Flour with your first order. It’s the perfect time to try something new in the kitchen or upgrade everything you already bake. 📖 A Thread Through the Episode So much of this conversation comes back to: Moving from fear → trust From control → surrender From hustle → rest From self-worth in performance → identity in Christ We’ve watched God gently re-order our priorities: Our marriage Our parenting Our work This podcast And honestly? We wouldn’t have believed this is where He’d take us when we were just two exhausted parents in a tiny closet with a TV tray and a cheap mic. 💬 Let’s Chat As you listen, consider: Where are you operating out of fear instead of trust? Where might control actually be the “polished face” of fear in your life? What would it look like for you to work from rest rather than striving? How would you define “success” if you let Jesus hold the pen? Drop a comment: What’s one area where you want to invite God to re-write the story this year? /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39331815

Ending Well: The Wife I Want to Be | Episode 389 12/05/2025

Ending Well: The Wife I Want to Be | Episode 389 Welcome back to the Ending Well series. This is week five of looking back over the year, letting God redeem the hard parts, and choosing who we want to become as we step into a new season. Today’s episode is all about marriage — but even more specifically, the kind of wife you want to be. Not the Instagram version. Not the performance version. The real, healed, whole version. This year, God radically reshaped how I see myself as a wife. I didn’t set out to “become a better wife,” but as He broke my addiction to productivity and constant performance, it transformed our marriage into an even safer place, a deeper gift, and a stronger home base. Episode Snapshot In this conversation, I share honestly about: The “strong, high-capacity, always-on” identity I lived in for years How that mindset spilled into our marriage and made me controlling, critical, and exhausted The follower’s question that changed everything: “What did you do to change that brought this out in him?” Why sometimes you have to go first in doing the inner work The difference between survival-mode marriage and a marriage built on connection How God used pruning, slowing down, and healing my nervous system to completely shift my role as a wife We also name an important reality: There are marriages where abuse, betrayal, or deep harm is present, and “trying harder” as a wife is not the answer. I am not speaking into those situations; I am sharing from a context where I am married to a good man, and our biggest battles were often with our own mindsets, wounds, and habits. Key Shifts God Made In Me This Year Letting him lead Moving out of constant control mode Asking for his thoughts and actually listening Giving him room to step forward in decisions and in parenting Becoming less reactive, less critical Recognizing how perfectionism makes you hard on yourself and everyone around you Learning the difference between reacting and responding Owning moments where I project my own embarrassment or anxiety onto him Allowing myself to be supported Letting him help with dishes, laundry, the mental load, and home life Receiving service as an expression of love instead of proof that I am failing Integrating my calling and my home No longer seeing ministry or work as competition with being a wife and mom Letting God reorder my priorities: Jesus, marriage, children, then everything else Moving from “two separate versions of me” to one whole, integrated person Underneath it all, God shifted me from: “More of me, doing more, performing more” to “Less of me, more of Him — loving from abundance instead of exhaustion.” A Scripture to Sit With “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 This is true of literal houses and of marriages. Reflection Questions Take these to prayer, to your journal, or into a gentle conversation with your spouse: What kind of wife do I actually want to be — if no one were watching but God? Where am I over-functioning, trying to hold everything together in my own strength? Do I criticize my husband more than I pray for him? Where might God be inviting me to soften, slow down, or make space for him to lead? Am I willing to let Jesus make me whole, instead of just more productive? Sponsor: PreBorn So many women walk into an abortion clinic afraid and alone, about to make a life-altering decision. PreBorn meets them there by offering free ultrasounds, which doubles the likelihood that they will choose life. This year alone, thousands of babies have been rescued through PreBorn’s work. They also provide counseling, classes, and practical support for moms up to two years after the baby is born. You can sponsor an ultrasound for 28 dollars and literally help save a life. Visit: preborn.com/speakeasy Sponsor: CrowdHealth Health insurance can feel like a rigged game. CrowdHealth offers a totally different way: a community of people funding each other’s medical bills directly, without networks or middlemen. With CrowdHealth you get: Bill negotiators fighting for lower costs More affordable labs and prescriptions A vetted list of doctors And if something big happens, you pay the first 500 dollars and the community helps cover the rest During open enrollment, you can opt out of the old system and take your power back. Get started for 99 dollars for your first three months at: joincrowdhealth.com with code: speakeasy /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39247300

Anxiety Doesn't Take the Holiday's Off: Setting the Tone for the Month | Ruth Chou Simons | Ep. 388 12/03/2025

Anxiety Doesn't Take the Holiday's Off: Setting the Tone for the Month | Ruth Chou Simons | Ep. 388 December is here, Advent is upon us, and while the world is speeding up, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember that anxiety does not magically clock out for the holidays. In this episode, we talk with Ruth about what it looks like to set the tone for the month of Advent with intention, slowness, and a heart that is more focused on Jesus than on performance, expectations, or a perfectly curated Christmas. Episode Overview So often, December becomes a pressure cooker: Packed calendars Parties and performances Family expectations Untended relationships Mom guilt and spiritual guilt If we are honest, it is easy to end the month exhausted, anxious, and wondering if we missed what Advent was really about. This episode is a gentle reset. Together we talk about: Why your anxiety around the holidays is understandable How to set expectations and boundaries without guilt How to stop treating December like a spiritual performance review How to carry Advent rhythms into January, February, and beyond Practically preparing Him room in your actual life, not just your ideal one And underneath all of it: the reminder that God really does see you, loves you, and is not grading your Christmas performance. Key Themes From the Conversation Advent as a beginning, not a box Instead of cramming all spiritual depth into four weeks, we talk about Advent as the starting line for rhythms that can continue all year. The goal is not a perfect December, but a reoriented heart that remembers Emmanuel, God with us, in every season. Letting go of holiday perfectionism Naming how much of our striving is actually about approval, worth, and wanting to be seen as a good mom, good host, or good Christian. Asking honest questions: What do I think I will gain from doing all of this? Is this truly about honoring Jesus or about proving something? Heart clutter and preparing Him room Ruth shares how her work on Advent came out of her own struggle to feel like everything had to happen in December. The phrase “prepare Him room” assumes there is clutter in our hearts that needs to be cleared, not just in our schedules. Permission to say no You do not have to say yes to every party, event, or opportunity, even if they are all good things. Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is guard a blank square on the calendar as “occupied by rest, family, and presence.” Repairing relationships without putting all the pressure on one month We often try to fix a year’s worth of tension or distance in a single holiday season. Advent is a beautiful time to begin the work of reconciliation, but not a demand to tie everything up with a bow by December 25. Parenting, anxiety, and what our kids actually see Our kids are learning what Christmas is by watching us. When they see us frantic, angry, and stressed, they learn that “this is what Christmas feels like.” When they see us repent, reset, and re-center on Jesus, they witness the Gospel in real time. Scripture Threads in This Episode 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. Luke 12:27 Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. We talk about how Jesus pointed anxious hearts to birds and flowers as living reminders that the Father is not forgetful, and that our worth is not held together by our hustle. Practical Ways To Set the Tone for This Month Here are some simple, realistic practices that came up in the conversation: Decide your non negotiables A daily or weekly family moment to pray, read a verse, or use an Advent resource. A small rhythm that fits your actual life: after dinner, Saturday mornings, or before bed. Mark the “nothing” days on your calendar Literally block off blank days as taken. Protect margin so there is room for real conversations, unhurried play, and quiet with God. Saturate your environment with reminders of Jesus Scripture on the walls, art that points your eyes up, worship and Advent music playing in the background, an open Bible on the table. Let what you see, hear, and read pull your attention back to Him throughout the day. Practice quick repentance, not long self condemnation When you catch yourself spiraling, snapping, or worshiping your to do list, pause. Talk with Jesus first: Lord, I put this party, this list, or this image of myself on the throne. I am sorry. Please reorder my heart. Then talk with your people: Hey, I am sorry for how I just acted. That is not what I want this season to feel like for us. Can we reset and try again? Pay attention to embodied people, not just online life Online community is a gift, but the people under your roof and the ones who know your everyday life matter first. Ask God to help you see them, listen to them, and be fully present with them. Reflective Questions For You You might want to jot these down in a journal or talk them through with a friend or spouse: What is my real emotional temperature going into this month: anxious, hopeful, numb, overwhelmed? Where am I secretly hoping that a “perfect” Christmas will heal or fix something that actually needs long term tending with God? What are three things I can say no to this month so I can say a deeper yes to Jesus, my family, and rest? How can I build in daily “touch points” with God’s Word that fit my real life, not my ideal life? Where do I need to humble myself, apologize, or reset the tone in my home? Sponsor: CrowdHealth It is open enrollment season, which is exactly when traditional health insurance hopes you will just click “renew” on high premiums and confusing fine print. CrowdHealth is a refreshingly different alternative. With your monthly membership you get: A team that helps negotiate medical bills Lower lab tests and many prescriptions Access to a network of vetted doctors And when something major happens, you pay the first 500 dollars and then the rest of the community steps in to help This is not insurance, but it is a way to opt out of a broken system and take some power back over your health care. To get started: Visit joincrowdhealth.com Use the code speak easy Pay just 99 dollars for your first three months Again: joincrowdhealth.com, code speak easy. Sponsor: PreBorn PreBorn is doing incredible, life saving work by providing free ultrasounds to women considering abortion. Women are about twice as likely to choose life after seeing an ultrasound or hearing a heartbeat. This year alone, PreBorn has helped rescue tens of thousands of babies. Their care does not stop at birth: they offer counseling, classes, and even practical help up to two years after the baby is born. You can literally be part of saving a baby’s life today: 28 dollars funds one free ultrasound Go to preborn.com slash speak easy That is preborn.com slash speak easy Thank you for standing in the gap for moms and babies. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39230795

Ending Well: Getting My Glow Back | Episode 387 11/28/2025

Ending Well: Getting My Glow Back | Episode 387 Week four of the Ending Well series lands right at the halfway mark. This episode is a look back over a three-year road (starting in 2022) of how God helped me fight inflammation, feel like myself again, and regain my “glow.” This is not a weight-loss talk, not a quick-fix list, and not medical advice. It’s a redemption story about healing from the inside out — spiritually, emotionally, and physically. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” — 3 John 1:2 Key Themes Redemption doesn’t just cover salvation; it keeps working through sanctification and healing. Inflammation wasn’t just a food problem — it was also a soul and nervous system problem. Real health change is slow, layered, and personal. Your timeline will not look like mine. The glow came as a byproduct of feeling better and living freer, not chasing beauty. Important Disclaimers This episode is descriptive, not prescriptive. Not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified professional for your situation. Do not try to do everything at once. This was a year of foundations plus a total three-year process. One percent better beats perfect overnight. The Story: How the Dominoes Fell 1. August 2022: Stepping Back From Fear-Driven “Crunchy” Culture I was drowning in rules, guilt, and constant fear of what might be harming me. The anxiety and striving became more toxic than the ingredients I was avoiding. First domino: I quit trying to do it all perfectly and started living with grace, budget reality, and peace. Lowering my standards for myself lowered my inflammation. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 2. October 2022: A Major Boundary With a Toxic Relationship I set a serious boundary with someone whose presence fueled self-hatred. Went no contact for about six months. The inner tape of shame and criticism began to quiet. I learned that giving up self-hatred is profoundly anti-inflammatory. Recommended resource mentioned: When to Walk Away by Gary Thomas (plus podcast interview) “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” — Proverbs 4:23 3. Early 2023: Changing How I Worked Out I stopped high-intensity workouts that were spiking cortisol daily. Switched to lifting heavy and slow, more functional strength training. Worked out less, recovered more. Energy improved, inflammation eased, confidence rose. Current favorite: Nourish Move Love workouts on YouTube. Big takeaway: exercise is a gift, not punishment. 4. February to May 2023: Going Gluten-Free and Cutting Back on Alcohol Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter was a turning point. I tried going gluten-free (cold turkey, not ideal but it worked). Brain fog cleared, bloat dropped, inflammation noticeably reduced. Cutting alcohol alongside gluten made a huge difference. I don’t need to understand every mechanism to honor what clearly helps my body. Reminder: everyone has a “thing” — gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, stress. Find yours with grace. 5. August 2023: Getting Off SSRIs After 15 Years A massive milestone with a full story in episode 267. For me, SSRIs were not helping inflammation or overall vitality anymore. The drop in facial inflammation from August to December was dramatic. I’m not shaming anyone on SSRIs — I was on them a long time. This was my path. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” — Galatians 5:1 What Actually Healed Me This part matters: the glow wasn’t mainly from products. Lowering impossible expectations Creating boundaries Learning to like myself Getting out of fight-or-flight Moving my body in a gentler way Removing gluten and minimizing alcohol Walking in obedience even when it felt backwards Healing was spiritual and emotional first, physical second. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 Simple “Glow Back” Skin Habits These are the practical, easy wins that helped the outside catch up to the inside. Dermaplaning at home Removes dead skin and peach fuzz. Skin care and makeup apply better. Big difference in glow and smoothness. Learn carefully through YouTube tutorials and use a quality razor. Stopping skin picking Picking was aggravating redness and irritation. I prayed about it and replaced the habit. New habit: brush my hair when the urge hits. Asking God for help in small things counts. Sponsor Spotlight: PreBorn A free ultrasound can double a mother’s chance of choosing life. PreBorn offers ultrasounds plus ongoing support for mothers for up to two years. It costs 28 dollars to sponsor one ultrasound. Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy. Takeaways to Sit With If you’re overwhelmed, start with one domino. God often heals from the root, not just the symptom. Your body listens to your beliefs. Peace, obedience, and self-kindness are deeply practical health tools. The goal isn’t prettier; it’s freer, healthier, and more whole. Reflective Questions What is one area where fear or perfectionism is inflaming your life? Who or what might need a boundary so you can heal? What small change feels like the next right step, not the whole staircase? How would your health shift if you treated yourself like someone God deeply loves? Closing Encouragement This glow-back story is really a “come back to life” story. It wasn’t a sprint; it was obedience in baby steps. If you’re in the thick of it today, don’t despise the slow fade. God redeems years, bodies, minds, and hearts — and He’s patient in the process. “He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:3 /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39160695

A Thanksgiving Anchor Episode | Blake | Episode 386 11/26/2025

A Thanksgiving Anchor Episode | Blake | Episode 386 The day before Thanksgiving, we hit pause together for a short “FaceTime-style” heart-to-heart. Whether you’re bracing for tricky family dynamics or you’re the holiday superfan, this mini-episode gives you a simple, grace-filled plan to enter the day grounded, intentional, and at peace—without pretending or performing. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 What We Talk About Two honest camps we tend to fall into for Thanksgiving (dreaded & pressured vs. excited & overamped) — and how intention bridges both. The 2023 burnout story that led to boundaries, fewer yeses, and clearer expectations. A 5–10 minute grounding ritual you can do today (journal-optional) to shape tomorrow. Why your presence > performance — and how to carry peace into complicated rooms. Gratitude as an anchor, not a performance — practical ways to spot “small gifts.” Navigating family roles, old wounds, and people-pleasing without losing your growth. “Touch grass” breaks and mini-Sabbaths that reset your nervous system mid-chaos. Scripture Anchors Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust > understanding; acknowledge > control. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — “Rejoice… pray… give thanks… for this is God’s will.” Philippians 4:6–7 — Prayer + thanksgiving → peace that guards your heart. Colossians 3:15 — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful.” The 5–10 Minute “Pre-Game” (Do this today) Name it honestly. Write how you actually feel about tomorrow (the good, the hard, the mixed). No bypassing. Three clarifying questions: What do I want to carry into tomorrow? What do I need to leave behind? What kind of presence do I want to bring? (peace, presence, wholeness, gentleness, curiosity, simplicity) Gratitude that isn’t performative. List 3–5 specifics: Where has God sustained me lately? What tiny gift have I been overlooking? Where can I choose wonder over worry today? Pray it in. “Jesus, I acknowledge You here. Set my pace. Guard my tone. Keep me rooted.” “Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 Day-Of Rhythm (Quick Guide) Before you step in: step outside, touch grass, breathe, pray a verse (Prov. 3:5–6). Alarms as mini-Sabbaths: try 11:45 / 2:30 / 6:00 — step out, breathe, reset. Protect your growth: You can show up as who you are now, not who you used to be or who they expect. Boundaries are love: You’re not responsible for others’ perceptions; you are responsible for your presence. Gentle Prompts for the Table (or your journal) Where did I see a small mercy today? What pressure can I lower by 20% without harming the moment? If peace walked into this room, what would it sound like from me? Sponsor Messages PreBorn An ultrasound can double the chance a mom chooses life. This year alone, more than 38,000 babies were rescued through PreBorn’s work, with moms supported through counseling and tangible help for up to two years after birth. $28 sponsors one ultrasound. Be the first voice of hope: PreBorn.com/Speakeasy CrowdHealth Open enrollment got you stressed? CrowdHealth is an alternative: pay a monthly advocacy fee for bill negotiation, affordable labs/prescriptions, and a trusted network of low-cost, high-quality doctors. If something big happens, you pay the first $500; the crowd helps with the rest. Start for $99 for your first 3 months with code speakeasy at joincrowdhealth.com. Disclaimer: CrowdHealth is not insurance. /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39160435

Ending Well: The Addiction to Productivity | Episode 385 11/21/2025

Ending Well: The Addiction to Productivity | Episode 385 Welcome back to week three of our Ending Well series — a journey to close out 2025 by reclaiming what’s been hard, remembering what God has done, and letting Him renew our perspective before the year ends. In this episode, we’re talking about something that hits close to home for so many of us — the addiction to productivity. This one is for the hustlers, the people-pleasers, and the high achievers who have built their worth around being useful, helpful, or constantly “doing.” You’re in good company, friend. Blake shares honestly about how God revealed her own dependence on productivity — how the need to “produce” had quietly become an idol — and how He’s been peeling back layers of identity, performance, and striving to reveal something better: rest, surrender, and abiding. This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that: Rest isn’t laziness — it’s obedience. You are loved apart from what you produce. Productivity can serve you, but it was never meant to define you. God doesn’t need your performance — He wants your presence. Through scripture, reflection, and a few hard-won lessons from this past year, Blake unpacks what it means to live from overflow rather than output. From redefining success in motherhood and work to learning that obedience sometimes looks like slowing down, this episode will meet you right in the tension between doing and being. “We were never meant to live as output machines. We were created to work from rest, not for it.” If you’ve been running on empty, struggling to stop striving, or wondering why slowing down feels unsafe, this episode will help you rediscover the peace that comes when you let God set the pace. This episode is brought to you by: PreBorn — Every $28 you give sponsors an ultrasound for a woman considering abortion. When she hears her baby’s heartbeat, everything changes. This year alone, over 38,000 babies have been rescued through PreBorn’s work, and mothers receive the support they need through counseling, financial aid, and care for up to two years after birth. Be the first voice of hope. Sponsor an ultrasound today at PreBorn.com/Speakeasy Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that inspire reflection, rest, and renewal: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39089690

The Holy Work of Getting Healthy | Amy Bernhard | Episode 384 11/19/2025

The Holy Work of Getting Healthy | Amy Bernhard | Episode 384 Welcome back to The Speakeasy Podcast! In this episode, I’m joined by one of my closest friends—and one of my favorite people to learn from—Amy Bernhardt. I call her my “continuing education friend” because she’s always learning, growing, and sharing wisdom that hits deep. Amy recently shared something online that stopped me in my tracks: “What if your weight loss journey isn’t about losing weight at all, but about God teaching you about yourself and preparing you for what’s next?” That idea launched one of the most honest and powerful conversations we’ve had—about what happens when we stop chasing perfection and start letting God use our health journey to heal our hearts, renew our minds, and strengthen our spirits. Amy shares her story of going from extreme fitness culture and burnout to walking in balance, fasting, and freedom. She opens up about breaking cycles of self-sabotage, learning discipline through small daily choices, and discovering that getting healthy can be one of the holiest things you ever do. We also talk about: The false identities that keep us stuck in shame and failure How fasting revealed spiritual strongholds, not just physical habits The connection between physical healing, emotional renewal, and obedience What it means to start before you “feel ready” and trust God with the process This conversation is both real and redemptive, reminding us that God cares about every part of us—body, mind, and spirit—and He’s in the details of your healing journey. This episode is brought to you by: PreBorn — Every $28 you give sponsors an ultrasound for a woman considering abortion. When she hears her baby’s heartbeat, everything changes. You can be the voice of hope that helps save a life and support a mother in need. 💛 Give today at CrowdHealth — It’s open enrollment season, and if health insurance makes you want to scream into a pillow, you’re not alone. CrowdHealth is the better way—no insurance, no hidden fees, just a community that helps cover medical costs together. Pay a low monthly fee, get transparent pricing, and take your power back. Get started for just $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that blend real life, healing, and hope: 👉 /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39072245

Ending Well: Going a Different Way | Episode 383 11/14/2025

Ending Well: Going a Different Way | Episode 383 In this episode, we continue our Ending Well series by diving into what it really means to go a different way—to stop running on self-reliance, striving, and noise, and instead return to the quiet confidence of walking with God. This has been one of the hardest years of my life, but also one of the most redemptive. Through heartbreak, pruning, and wilderness seasons, God has been dismantling old patterns and showing me that His way—the quiet, trusting, restful way—isn’t weakness. It’s strength. God led me to Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” It’s a verse that has completely reframed my year and the way I view obedience. In this conversation, we unpack what those four words—returning, rest, quiet, and trust—look like in real life. From letting go of the need to hustle, to learning to rest when it feels unsafe, to finding courage in stillness, this is a roadmap for ending the year not just reflective—but renewed. If you’ve been wandering, striving, fighting, or doubting, this episode will remind you that God’s invitation is simple: Come home. Rest. Be still. Trust Me. Because the way you’ve always done things isn’t the way God is asking you to end this year. He’s calling you to go a different way. This episode is brought to you by: PreBorn — A ministry rescuing babies and supporting mothers in crisis. Every $28 you give sponsors an ultrasound for a woman considering abortion—and when she hears her baby’s heartbeat, everything changes. Be a voice of hope. Sponsor an ultrasound today at CrowdHealth — Healthcare shouldn’t be confusing or crushing. CrowdHealth is a community-based alternative to insurance that helps you take back control. Pay a simple monthly fee, get your bills negotiated, and join others sharing costs when life happens. Get started for just $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEZ at Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations about surrender, strength, and walking with God: 👉 /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/39000955

Dismantling the Lies That Keep You Buried | Gary Thomas | Episode 382 11/12/2025

Dismantling the Lies That Keep You Buried | Gary Thomas | Episode 382 In this episode, I sit down for the third time with one of my all-time favorite authors, Gary Thomas, whose books have radically shaped my faith and perspective on life, relationships, and spiritual growth. From When to Walk Away to Sacred Marriage and Sacred Pathways, Gary’s writing has helped countless believers understand what it means to live a life rooted in truth and grace. His newest book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live, takes that even deeper—calling out the spiritual lies that keep us buried beneath the surface of God’s best. These lies are subtle, familiar, and often sound like wisdom—but they quietly rob us of peace, purpose, and abundance. In this conversation, Gary and I unpack three of the most powerful lies from his book that hit me straight in the heart (and probably will for you, too). We talk about: Dismantling Restlessness — learning to live in peace, not panic. Dismantling the Comfort Lie — seeing affliction as God’s loving pruning, not punishment. Dismantling Complacent Ignorance — rekindling a hunger for wisdom that transforms how we think and live. Gary helps us see how many of these lies have even slipped into church culture—convincing us to chase comfort, control, or comparison instead of the freedom and renewal Christ offers. This episode will help you identify where the enemy has kept you “underground” and remind you that you were reborn to live in the light. It’s the perfect conversation to help us end the year well—tearing down what’s false and walking boldly into the truth. This episode is brought to you by: PreBorn — A ministry rescuing babies and supporting mothers in crisis. Every $28 you give sponsors an ultrasound for a woman considering abortion—and when she hears her baby’s heartbeat, everything changes. Be a voice of hope. Sponsor an ultrasound today at CrowdHealth — Take your power back from broken health insurance. For a simple monthly fee, CrowdHealth connects you to a community that shares medical costs while negotiating lower bills on your behalf. With CrowdHealth, you can finally get quality care at a fair price—no surprises, no insurance middleman. Get started for just $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEZ at Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire: /episode/index/show/0c21ecbc-d6b7-4fd2-ad96-05448916641b/id/38945305