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.
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Where Do I Start? (Bible Reading, Journaling, & Staying Rooted) | Episode 411
04/15/2026
Where Do I Start? (Bible Reading, Journaling, & Staying Rooted) | Episode 411
In this solo episode, I'm answering two of the most common questions I get: where to start in the Bible and how to journal in a way that actually helps you grow. I'm not giving you a rigid formula here. Just some simple, practical rhythms that have helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God. Where to Start in the Bible Whether the Bible feels overwhelming or overly familiar, my recommendation is the same: Start with the book of John and the Psalms. The Psalms are raw, emotional, and deeply human. They show you how to bring real feelings, fear, doubt, anger, grief, all of it, before God, while consistently returning to truth. They're a model for processing life honestly while anchoring yourself in who God is. John, on the other hand, focuses on who Jesus is. While the other Gospels emphasize events, John emphasizes identity. It offers a clearer, more relational picture of Christ and helps you connect personally with Him. Together, these two books give you both emotional honesty and theological clarity. A Better Way to Read the Bible I'm a big believer in slowing down rather than rushing through Scripture. Reading the Bible in a year can be valuable, sure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. Instead, I recommend staying in smaller sections longer and actually letting them shape your thinking and behavior. A helpful next step after John and Psalms is the book of Colossians. It offers practical guidance for how to live as a Christian. It's short but dense, which makes it perfect for slow, intentional study. Journaling: What It Actually Looks Like Journaling is not about structure or perfection. At its core, it's just a conversation with God. A typical journal entry for me might include: Writing out a passage of Scripture Taking notes or observations Processing personal thoughts or convictions Turning those thoughts into prayer Praying for others Reflecting on the day or expressing gratitude Not every entry includes all of these elements, but this general flow helps me connect Scripture, personal reflection, and prayer in a natural way. The Freedom of Messy Journaling One of the biggest barriers to journaling is the pressure to do it "right." Letting go of perfectionism was a huge turning point for me. Journaling doesn't need to be neat, organized, or even fully readable. It doesn't require a specific notebook or pen. What matters is honesty. Some entries are structured and thoughtful. Others are rushed, emotional, or scattered. Both are valuable. God is not concerned with how it looks, He's concerned with your heart. Daily Anchors That Keep You Rooted Rather than relying on a single quiet time, I build small points of connection with God throughout my day. These include: Morning Bible reading and journaling Prayer while starting the day Brief moments of prayer before beginning work Gratitude while completing daily tasks Reflection and journaling at night These "anchors" aren't meant to be burdensome. They're simple reminders that keep me connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Why These Practices Matter I want to be really clear, these habits are not about performance. They exist because we're naturally forgetful and prone to drift. Without intentional reminders, it's so easy to rely on yourself, lose perspective, and become overwhelmed. These small, consistent practices help re-center my mind on truth and keep my relationship with God active throughout the day. Sponsor: CrowdHealth If you are looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance, CrowdHealth offers a different approach. With CrowdHealth, you pay a monthly fee that gives you access to lower-cost prescriptions, lab testing, and a network of vetted doctors. If a major medical need arises, you pay the first $500, and the community helps cover the rest. You can get started for $99 for your first three months by using code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.
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Communication, Expectations, & Life in the Trenches | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 410
04/08/2026
Communication, Expectations, & Life in the Trenches | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 410
In this episode, I sat down with my husband Jeremy to talk about 15 years of marriage, the early struggles, the growth, and how we got to where we are today. Because what you see now? It didn't always exist. And that's kind of the whole point. We laughed, we got vulnerable, and we talked about the stuff a lot of couples deal with but don't always say out loud, especially in those early years. What This Episode Is Really About This isn't a "we've figured it all out" conversation. It's more like a "we stayed, we worked, and God changed us" kind of story. At the core, we unpacked three major tension points that shaped our marriage: 1. Communication Struggles Jeremy is an external processor. I'm an internal processor. And for years, that dynamic created so much conflict we didn't even realize we were having. Silence, fear, assumptions, all of it just piled up until we finally learned to talk before the conflict, not just during it. We had to build safety so honesty didn't feel like an attack. Turns out, miscommunication wasn't really the issue, misunderstanding each other's intentions was. 2. Expectations (The Hidden Pressure) Our upbringings shaped so many unspoken expectations we didn't even know we were carrying into our marriage. I was loving Jeremy the way I wanted to be loved, not the way he needed to be loved. Learning each other's love languages was a massive turning point for us. Because so many of our frustrations weren't actually about behavior, they were about unmet, unspoken expectations. 3. Life in the Trenches (Small Kids + Stress) Early marriage plus young children is just exhausting. We were both drowning in stress but completely misunderstanding each other's, provider stress vs. caregiver stress. It felt like a perfect storm, and honestly, sometimes growth doesn't feel like progress. It just feels like survival. But pushing through that season together is what built the long-term strength we have now. Key Takeaways Healthy marriage requires individual growth first → when we both worked on ourselves, everything changed You can't learn communication in conflict, you build it before Assume the best about your spouse, not the worst Different roles carry different weight, learn to honor both Your "recovery time" matters more than your conflict → ours went from days… to hours… to minutes Seasons matter → what feels overwhelming now won't last forever The Big Picture Marriage isn't about avoiding hard seasons, it's about growing through them together. You are not defined by the season you're in, you're defined by the God over it. Whether you're newly married, in the thick of parenting, or feeling stuck in communication patterns, I hope this episode reminds you that strong marriages are built, not found. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative that puts you back in control. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months using code SPEAKEASY at: joincrowdhealth.com CrowdHealth is not insurance—it’s a better way to pay for healthcare. Final Encouragement If you’re in a hard season right now… You’re not behind. You’re not broken. You’re building something that lasts.
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Spiritual Habits That Actually Change You (Without Burning You Out) | Hanna Seymour | Episode 409
04/01/2026
Spiritual Habits That Actually Change You (Without Burning You Out) | Hanna Seymour | Episode 409
In this episode, I sit down with author and Bible teacher Hanna Seymour to talk about what it really looks like to grow spiritually in the middle of real life with busy schedules, motherhood, exhaustion, and all. We unpack Hanna’s book Everyday Spiritual Habits and tackle one of the most common questions believers wrestle with: How do I actually stay consistent in my faith without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? This conversation blends practical wisdom, biblical truth, and even habit science to help you build rhythms that truly last. Throughout our chat, we share our personal journeys from checkbox Christianity and inconsistent routines to discovering life-giving rhythms with God that are flexible, sustainable, and deeply transformative. After this conversation, I hope you’ll walk away encouraged that spiritual growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. In this episode, we cover: why spiritual “discipline” can feel overwhelming and how to reframe it as life-giving habits how to build habits that stick using simple, realistic steps the power of starting small (even 30 seconds counts) how to connect with God in everyday moments (laundry, dishes, driving, etc.) habit stacking and identity-based growth (who you’re becoming vs. what you’re doing) how different life seasons require different rhythms and that’s okay lesser-talked-about disciplines like gratitude, celebration, silence, and solitude practical ways to memorize Scripture and stay rooted in truth why shame has no place in your spiritual journey If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at reading your Bible, praying consistently, or “doing enough,” this episode is a breath of fresh air. It’s not about adding pressure, it’s about discovering a better way to walk with Jesus in your everyday life. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative designed to give you more control and transparency. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.
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Radical Restoration, Forgiveness, & the God Who Makes It Possible | Guest: Stephen McWhirter | Episode: 408
03/25/2026
Radical Restoration, Forgiveness, & the God Who Makes It Possible | Guest: Stephen McWhirter | Episode: 408
In today’s episode, I sit down with Christian artist and author Stephen McWhirter for a raw, hope-filled conversation about redemption, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Jesus. Stephen shares the powerful story behind his music and about his book, Radical Restoration, where he talks about how he grew up in a home marked by abuse, spiraling into deep addiction, and ultimately encountering God in a life-changing moment that set him on a completely new path. His testimony is a reminder that no one is too far gone for grace and that restoration is possible even after years of pain and brokenness. We dive into the difficult but freeing topic of forgiveness: what it truly means, what it doesn’t mean, and how God calls us to release the debts others owe us without minimizing real wounds. We talk honestly about the tension between forgiveness and reconciliation, the healing that comes through surrender, and the way God’s love can transform even the deepest bitterness into freedom. In this conversation you’ll hear about: Stephen’s journey from addiction to worship ministry how encountering grace reshapes identity and purpose why forgiveness is both a command and a gift the difference between forgiving someone and allowing access to your life how asking God for His heart toward others changes everything practical first steps toward healing from past hurt If you’ve ever struggled to forgive, wondered whether real change is possible, or needed hope that God can restore what feels permanently broken, this episode will deeply encourage you. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families step outside a confusing system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.
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Navigating Change: How God's Shifted My Entire Life | Episode 407
03/18/2026
Navigating Change: How God's Shifted My Entire Life | Episode 407
Today’s episode is a long overdue catch-up. I’m finally sharing the fuller story of what happened in 2025: the year God completely flipped my life, my work, my identity, and my priorities upside down. If you’ve noticed that my content has shifted a lot over the last year, this is the why. For years, this podcast has felt like the most full expression of me. Faith, motherhood, politics, wellness, the Bible, all of it. But Instagram had become heavily political. Eventually, the very work I thought was most important started costing me more than I realized, my peace, my presence, my family, and honestly, my soul. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how God began asking me to do something that felt harder than any “jump” of obedience He’d ever asked of me before: sit down, pull back, do less, trust Him, and let Him carry what I had been trying to hold together myself. We talk about: how political content became my full-time work the moment I realized my priorities were deeply out of order what disobedience looked like in real time why 2025 felt like my “belly of the whale” year the vision God gave me that changed everything identity, striving, motherhood, and learning to be a daughter before a warrior why I stepped back from politics online what God has been rebuilding in me ever since This one is personal. It’s vulnerable. And it’s probably the clearest picture I’ve given yet of the shift God has been walking me through. If you’re in a season where God is asking you to slow down, let go, or trust Him in ways you do not like, this episode is for you. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families step outside a broken system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.
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The Lies Anxiety Tells & the Truth that Silences Them | Maddie Joy Fischer | Episode 406
03/11/2026
The Lies Anxiety Tells & the Truth that Silences Them | Maddie Joy Fischer | Episode 406
Today we’re talking about anxiety, not the casual “I’m stressed” kind, but the kind that takes over your body, your thoughts, your sleep, your peace, and your sense of safety. My friend Maddie Joy Fischer joins me to talk about our very real stories with anxiety, panic, fear, and the lies at the root of it all. We both know what it’s like to feel trapped by fear and to wonder if this is just how life will always be. But we also know what it’s like for God to meet us there, unravel self-reliance, expose the lies, and begin rebuilding something truer and stronger. In this conversation we talk about: how anxiety can start small and slowly take over health anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling unsafe in your own body the lie that says “I’m not safe” and the truth that answers it fear of man, self-protection, and trying to stay in control what it looks like to come to the end of yourself why healing is often not linear how God uses even the darkest seasons for redemption what surrender actually looks like when you’re in it This episode is full of honesty, Scripture, and hope for the person still in the thick of anxiety, and for the person who loves someone who is. If you’ve ever felt like fear was driving the bus, this conversation is for you. There is freedom in Jesus. There is truth stronger than the lies. And there is hope, even here. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families opt out of a broken system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.
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Alone in Plain Sight | Ben Higgins | Episode 405
03/04/2026
Alone in Plain Sight | Ben Higgins | Episode 405
Today’s conversation is one I didn’t expect to have, but I’m so glad we did. I’m joined by Ben Higgins, known from The Bachelor franchise, but more importantly, a man willing to talk honestly about something many of us feel and few of us admit: loneliness. Ben’s book, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You’re Seen But Not Known, explores what it’s like to feel invisible, even while millions are watching. From reality TV to marriage, from church culture to platform pressure, Ben opens up about insecurity, performance, and the quiet fear that if people really knew us, they might not like us. We talk about: The difference between feeling unlovable vs. unlikable Why social media connection doesn’t cure loneliness Performative Christianity and losing yourself in the process The courage it takes for men to admit loneliness How slowing down exposes what’s actually going on inside Letting the right people speak into your life, and guarding your heart This isn’t just a “Bachelor” conversation. It’s about identity, community, vulnerability, and what it means to be fully known without performing. If you’ve ever wondered whether God actually likes you, or struggled to believe that the real you is enough, this episode will meet you there. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Tired of a healthcare system that feels predatory and confusing? CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative built on transparency and community. Members get access to bill negotiators, low-cost prescriptions, quality doctor networks, and support when major medical needs arise. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) You don’t have to perform to belong, and you don’t have to navigate healthcare alone either.
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A Christian Parent's Guide to Youth Sports | Brian Smith and Ed Usyznski | Episode 404
02/25/2026
A Christian Parent's Guide to Youth Sports | Brian Smith and Ed Usyznski | Episode 404
Today we’re diving into the wide world of youth sports, and fair warning: this one might give you permission, step on your toes… or both. Ed and Brian are former athletes, longtime sports ministry leaders, and dads currently navigating youth sports with their own kids. They’re also the authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, and this conversation is honest, clarifying, and deeply needed. We talk about what they call the “youth sports industrial complex," how we went from backyard games and rec leagues to a $40+ billion industry built on travel teams, specialization, year-round pressure, and future anxiety. How did we get here? What changed from when we were kids? And most importantly, do we have to ride this train? In this episode we unpack: The cultural shifts that reshaped youth sports Why sports don’t automatically build character How pride, shame, and self-centeredness quietly grow unchecked The difference between sports formation and spiritual formation Why parents — not coaches — are the primary disciplers How to respond to wins and losses in a gospel-shaped way Creating boundaries within the system (even if you stay in it) The power of gentleness, security, and apology Spoiler: This isn’t about pulling your kids out of sports. It’s about recognizing that sports culture will disciple your child if you don’t, and learning how to counterform that culture with intentional, Jesus-centered parenting. Whether you’re all-in on travel ball or wondering if you should opt out altogether, this episode will help you slow down, breathe, and ask better questions. Your corner of the bleachers can look different. Sponsor: Nutrafol Healthy growth — whether in our kids or ourselves — doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from consistent care. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, clinically shown to support thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair in 3–6 months. They offer targeted formulas for postpartum, menopause, stress, and lifestyle factors. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code BLAKE. That’s N-U-T-R-A-F-O-L dot com, promo code BLAKE.
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Boyhood Resurrected | Rebekah Lovell | Episode 403
02/18/2026
Boyhood Resurrected | Rebekah Lovell | Episode 403
Today’s episode is all about raising boys, even if you’re a girl mom like me. I sat down with Rebekah Lovell, author of Boyhood Resurrected, for a powerful and honest conversation about how modern systems are failing our boys, and what we can do about it. We talk about how boys are hardwired for adventure, movement, risk, curiosity, and strength, and how over-scheduling, over-screening, and over-labeling can slowly extinguish the light in their eyes. Rebekah shares her family’s journey navigating early schooling challenges, why institutional systems often misunderstand boys, and how moms (especially!) play a crucial role in protecting and cultivating their sons’ masculine design. This conversation will step on a few toes — gently. We talk about: The difference between discipline and suppression Why movement and autonomy matter Screen culture and its impact on boys The myth of being “behind” Adventure as a developmental need Respect as a love language for boys Raising driven, courageous men in a culture hostile to masculinity Even as a girl mom, I found so many parallels. Childhood matters. Wonder matters. Agency matters. And truthfully, this conversation ultimately points back to Jesus and how God intentionally wired our sons. If you’re raising boys (or love someone who is), this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you. Sponsor: Nutrafol Real growth doesn’t come from quick fixes — it comes from consistent care. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, clinically shown to support thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair in 3–6 months. It’s not one-size-fits-all — they offer targeted formulas for postpartum, menopause, stress, and lifestyle factors. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month + free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLAKE. That’s N-U-T-R-A-F-O-L dot com, promo code BLAKE.
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Look What God Has Done | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 402
02/11/2026
Look What God Has Done | Jeremy Guichet | Episode 402
Welcome back to the Big Easy Podcast with everybody’s favorite guest, my husband, Jeremy. This episode is a candid, hope-filled conversation about what God has been doing in us lately: in our faith, our marriage, our home, and our conversations. While the recent “Ending Well” series focused on reflection, this episode is about real-time transformation. Jeremy shares how a simple observation: watching me consistently in the Word sparked a hunger for Scripture and spiritual leadership. From listening to the Bible on Audible during long commutes, to diving deep into biblical manhood, marriage, and trust in God, his walk with the Lord has grown in tangible, visible ways. We talk honestly about pride, fear, independence, and what it looks like to actually trust God with leadership, prayer, and obedience, especially inside marriage. We share how God has been working in both of us simultaneously: building one, dismantling the other, and bringing us into a healthier, more aligned rhythm together. This episode also touches on: Biblical leadership without ego Trusting God over fear of failure or misunderstanding Letting go of people-pleasing and over-explaining Taking thoughts captive and renewing the mind How Scripture practically changes everyday life What it looks like when faith becomes central in marriage conversations If you’re praying for growth in your marriage, longing for deeper faith, or wondering if real change is possible: this episode is for you. God is still moving. Look what He has done, and what He’s still doing.
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No More Boring Bible Study | Faith Womack | Episode 401
02/04/2026
No More Boring Bible Study | Faith Womack | Episode 401
What if Bible study didn’t feel dry, intimidating, or guilt-driven, but instead felt alive, honest, and deeply formative? In this episode of The Speakeasy Podcast, Blake sits down with Faith Womack, author of No More Boring Bible Study and self-proclaimed Bible nerd, to talk about how Scripture can actually come to life in your everyday faith. Faith shares her powerful story of growing up with Scripture misused and weaponized—and how God redeemed that pain by drawing her into a deep, life-giving love for His Word. Together, they unpack: Why Bible study often feels boring (and why it doesn’t have to) How cultural Christianity and performance pressure distort our approach to Scripture Why chasing “mountaintop moments” can actually hold us back How to read the Bible with clarity, context, and confidence Why it’s okay to go slow, camp out, and stop treating God like a vending machine This conversation is freeing, grounding, and incredibly practical, especially if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, bored, intimidated, or burned by Bible study. Whether you’re brand new to reading Scripture or have been in it for years, this episode will help you shift from pressure to presence and rediscover the beauty of God’s Word. “The Bible isn’t boring, we just haven’t always been taught how to read it.” Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your rest with Cozy Earth’s luxury bamboo pajamas—soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating. Backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. ✨ Shop at cozyearth.com and use code SPEAKEASY for a special offer.
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Biblical Marriage, Negotiations, & Make Out Sessions | Joby Martin | Episode 400
01/28/2026
Biblical Marriage, Negotiations, & Make Out Sessions | Joby Martin | Episode 400
In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Joby Martin, lead pastor of Church of 11:22, for a candid, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about biblical marriage. This is a must-listen—especially with your husband. Together, they talk honestly about leadership, submission, responsibility, and why keeping score in marriage quietly kills intimacy. Pastor Joby brings clarity (and humor) to what Scripture actually calls men to be—and how that leadership is meant to free wives, not burden them. From encouragement and repentance to negotiation, gratitude, and yes… make out sessions—this episode covers what healthy, Christ-centered marriage looks like in real life. They also unpack: Why men need other godly men to grow How wives can encourage change without nagging The danger of swinging from passivity to toxic “alpha” masculinity Why gratitude, affirmation, and humility go further than criticism How communication and negotiation build trust and intimacy over time This conversation is grounded in Scripture, full of wisdom, and deeply hopeful. If you want a stronger marriage, deeper respect, and more joy at home, start here. Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your home with Cozy Earth’s luxury bedding, towels, and pajamas—made with premium materials, backed by a 10-year warranty, and a 100-night sleep trial. ✨ Get up to 20% off at cozyearth.com with code SPEAKEASY. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Looking for an alternative to traditional insurance? CrowdHealth lets members crowdfund medical expenses, access bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, and vetted doctors. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months at joincrowdhealth.com with code SPEAKEASY. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Marriage isn’t about winning—it’s about fighting for each other.
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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.
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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.)
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What If You Opted Out of Traditional Healthcare? | Andy Schoonover | Episode 397
01/07/2026
What If You Opted Out of Traditional Healthcare? | Andy Schoonover | Episode 397
Happy New Year and welcome to the very first Speak Easy episode of 2026. To kick off the year, Blake dives into a topic that impacts every family—even if we avoid talking about it: healthcare. In this episode, Blake sits down with Andy Schoonover, CEO of CrowdHealth, to unpack why so many people feel trapped in traditional health insurance, how the system actually profits, and what alternatives exist for families who want more agency, transparency, and community-driven care. Andy shares his personal breaking point with insurance denial, how cash-pay medicine exposed the cracks in the system, and why CrowdHealth was built to give people a real exit ramp. Together, they explore rising deductibles, denied claims, negotiated medical bills, prescription costs, and why “healthcare” often feels more like “sick care.” This conversation goes beyond policy—it’s about autonomy, informed choices, and breaking out of systems that no longer serve us. If you’ve ever asked, “What am I even paying for?” or wondered if there’s another way, this episode may open a door you didn’t know existed. CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative that lets members crowdfund medical expenses, negotiate bills, and access care without insurance networks or massive deductibles. ✨ Try it out for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Sometimes opting out is the first step toward freedom.
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Sometimes Ending the Year Strong Means Ending the Year Slowly | Erin Wilkins | Episode 396
12/31/2025
Sometimes Ending the Year Strong Means Ending the Year Slowly | Erin Wilkins | Episode 396
Welcome back to the Speakeasy Podcast—and to the very last episode of the year. To close out this season, Blake sits down with Erin Wilkins, a friend and voice she deeply trusts, to talk about something countercultural but necessary: slowing down. Erin has walked this road just a little ahead—moving from seasons of intense advocacy, visibility, and urgency into a quieter, more intentional life rooted in peace, obedience, and presence. Together, they reflect on what it costs to stay in the fight too long, how good assignments can still have an expiration date, and why obedience doesn’t always look brave to the world—but often is. This honest, friend-to-friend conversation explores burnout, identity, motherhood, boundaries with technology, and learning to be informed without being consumed. They talk about passing the torch, protecting family rhythms, resisting urgency culture, and embracing winter as a God-designed season of rest. If you’re feeling stretched thin, conflicted about slowing down, or wondering how to end this year in a way that actually prepares you for the next, this episode is for you. Sometimes the strongest finish isn’t louder or faster—it’s slower, quieter, and more faithful. “Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 Sponsor: PreBorn A woman is twice as likely to choose life when she sees an ultrasound. $28 provides one free ultrasound and gives a mom the chance to choose life. Give today at preborn.com/speakeasy.
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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.
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The Cajun Night Before Christmas | Blake's Dad | Episode 394
12/24/2025
The Cajun Night Before Christmas | Blake's Dad | Episode 394
Every year of my life, my dad Earl has read the classic book the Cajun Night Before Christmas. I'm thrilled this year to bring it to the podcast so that it can not only live forever for myself and my family, but so that the culture we love can live on as well. Gather up your kids for a quick reading of my favorite Christmas book! 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.
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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.
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Expectancy in a Culture of Hurry | Hannah Brencher | Episode 392
12/17/2025
Expectancy in a Culture of Hurry | Hannah Brencher | Episode 392
As we hit the halfway point of December, this episode is a deep breath and a reset. In a season that pushes hustle, consumption, and constant motion, this conversation invites us to slow down and reclaim awe, wonder, and expectancy—especially as we approach Christmas. Hannah Brencher joins the Speak Easy Podcast to talk about Advent, rhythms, mental health, and what it looks like to resist hurry in a world that rewards burnout. Together, we explore why slowing down can feel so uncomfortable, how noise steals our awareness of God’s presence, and how intentional practices—stillness, margin, and presence—help us actually experience the season instead of racing through it. This episode is for anyone feeling overwhelmed, behind, or spiritually distracted. Whether you’re new to Advent or returning to it again, this conversation reframes December as a cool-down, not a ramp-up—and reminds us that peace has a pace. “Expectancy grows when we make space to notice God.” Sponsors 🌾 Sunrise Flower Mill Organic, heritage wheat your body actually remembers. Get a FREE 2-lb bag of Heritage Flour with your first order using code SPEAKEASY at sunriseflowermill.com. 💛 PreBorn A free ultrasound can double a woman’s chance of choosing life. $28 funds one ultrasound and provides ongoing care for moms. Donate at preborn.com/speakeasy. 🩺 CrowdHealth A healthcare alternative that puts community first. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com (not insurance). 💆♀️ Nutrafol The #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement. Get $10 off your first month + free shipping at nutrafol.com with code BLAKE. Slow down. Make space. Don’t miss this season.
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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: 👉
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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: 👉
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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:
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