Work and Play with Nancy Ray

Work and Play with Nancy Ray is a weekly podcast all about learning to balance the two most competing areas of our lives: work and play. She dives into topics like productivity, work life balance, leading a team, time management, contentment, play, sabbath, marriage, parenting, and rest, always pointing back to scripture, the ultimate guide for a life of faith. This is a podcast all about learning to work and play well, which ultimately leads to a healthy soul and a fulfilling life.

268 - 11 Wins from the Contentment Challenge 04/17/2025

268 - 11 Wins from the Contentment Challenge Do you know what I don’t talk about enough? My Contentment Challenge. It has become a regular part of my life every year now, but it continues to be one of the best things that I do. Today, I’m going to share eleven benefits that I experience every single time I do the Contentment Challenge and my unique approach to it this year. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/36205365

267 - Day-Tight Compartments 04/11/2025

267 - Day-Tight Compartments Today, I’m going to share what it means to live in day-tight compartments. This is a follow-up episode from last year called, “.” Basically, an encouragement and reminder to you to be present today and that’s all you need to focus on. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/36092555

266 - 2025 Book List 04/03/2025

266 - 2025 Book List Last week, I told you all about my favorite books from 2024. This week, I’m going to tell you all about what I plan to read in 2025. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/35979465

265 - Best Books from 2024 03/20/2025

265 - Best Books from 2024 Reading books will forever be an important part of my life. It is something my dad has instilled in me. I will always be sharing the books that I’m loving and the books that I’m hoping to read on this podcast because I think it’s one of life’s greatest gifts. So today I am going to be sharing with you my favorite books that I read last year in 2024. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/35792835

264 - A Fresh Take on Work & Play 03/13/2025

264 - A Fresh Take on Work & Play I am so excited to be back behind this mic! Today, we are going to talk about why I named this podcast “Work and Play” and I’ll share a fresh take on what it means to me now. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/35643790

263 - State of the Podcast 01/16/2025

263 - State of the Podcast It is January! Happy 2025! This is my annual State of the Podcast episode. It’s going to be short and sweet, but I’m also really excited to share all the ideas and things I’m thinking about for Work and Play with Nancy Ray in 2025. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34852325

262 - Why We Kept Our Pregnancy Quiet with Emily Thomas 01/07/2025

262 - Why We Kept Our Pregnancy Quiet with Emily Thomas Well, we just had our 5th baby and we decided to keep the news of our pregnancy all to ourselves until baby was born. Today, with the help of my friend Emily, I’ll be sharing all about why we chose this path. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34751715

261 - Emergency Pod!! We Had Another Baby! 12/31/2024

261 - Emergency Pod!! We Had Another Baby! Okay, friend! I have been keeping the biggest secret from you all year and I'm so excited to finally share it with you today. I don't think you're ready for this... Are you ready? Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34666535

260 - Finish Strong 12/17/2024

260 - Finish Strong Today is a very brief episode. It’s a tradition of sorts on this podcast for me to read this to you. I change it a little every year so that it pertains specifically to this year. It’s simply called, “Finish Strong.” Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34477380

259 - End of Year Rhythms for Reflection 12/10/2024

259 - End of Year Rhythms for Reflection If you do absolutely nothing else with this episode, then listen to the intro. I want you to listen to my encouragement to take time to reflect at the end of your year. Today, I am going to be sharing my three favorite rhythms (or traditions or appointments) I put in my calendar at the end of every single year to finish the year well. These are things that really make me pause and reflect on the things that I have learned, the mistakes that I have made, and how I want to change. That can make all the difference. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34359075

258 - Christmas Favorites 12/03/2024

258 - Christmas Favorites I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit. Today, I’m going to be sharing my five favorite Christmas traditions, my five favorite gifts to give at Christmas time, and my five favorite Christmas albums to listen to. Resouces from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34259180

257 - Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition 11/26/2024

257 - Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition Happy Thanksgiving week! Oh my goodness, I can’t believe we are here! Today’s episode is all about our very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. It’s so simple. It costs nothing. I hope you and your family enjoy it! Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/34151200

No Podcast This Week 11/19/2024

No Podcast This Week Hey there! You're in the right place for Work and Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (November 19th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33993922

256 - You Can Always Come Home with Laura Jean Bell 11/12/2024

256 - You Can Always Come Home with Laura Jean Bell I specifically reached out to my podcast guest today and said, “Please come on my podcast. I have been watching you and have been so inspired by you. I would love to hear more about your story and get a chance to catch up.” We have been kind of online friends for over five years. Seeing what she is doing in her life is so inspiring. So today I am going to talk with Laura Jean Bell about health, faith, speaking life, about her story, and about her new book. Honestly, I feel like I was just sitting on a back porch talking with a really good friend for a long time. She is very honest; very real, and I think you’re going to love what she has to say. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33884982

255 - My Extreme Christmas Goals 11/05/2024

255 - My Extreme Christmas Goals Happy November! I am setting the bar high this year for no one but myself. I feel like this is going to be a podcast experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes, but today I am sharing with you my extreme Christmas goals for this year. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33781917

254 - Cleerely Stated with Cleere Cherry 10/29/2024

254 - Cleerely Stated with Cleere Cherry Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking to my new friend, Cleere Cherry. You might know her as Cleerely Stated on Instagram. She has been such a massive blessing to me. I love the way she writes and the way she speaks life. Her faith is resilient and contagious. I just feel so honored to have this conversation today with Cleere. I know you’re going to love it. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33642017

253 - 5 Qs Before the Holidays 10/22/2024

253 - 5 Qs Before the Holidays If you’re anything like me, you’re already starting to think about the holidays and Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up. Today’s episode is simply going to be some questions for you to ask yourself (and for me to ask myself) before the holiday craziness begins. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33568712

252 - Relaxed with Megan Fate Marshman 10/15/2024

252 - Relaxed with Megan Fate Marshman Today, I have the absolute privilege of talking with Megan Fate Marshman about her new book called, “.” Let me just tell you, this conversation was so special. It is one that I am going to listen to over and over again. I hope it means as much to you as it has meant to me. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33455957

251 - Declaring Truth Over Your Work 10/08/2024

251 - Declaring Truth Over Your Work Today’s episode is going to be sweet, short, and hopefully powerful as I declare the truths of Colossians 1 over your work. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33370422

250 - 20 Things for Fall 10/01/2024

250 - 20 Things for Fall Today’s episode is fun, lighthearted, and it’s all about fall. I am going to share with you ten things that I have tried and loved this time of year and ten things that I plan to try this autumn. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33266467

249 - Unplugged with Hannah Brencher 09/24/2024

249 - Unplugged with Hannah Brencher Today I have the privilege of talking with my friend, Hannah Brencher, the author of . Hannah is such a gift! I am so excited to share her with you today and the message of her new book that is already changing my life. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33181282

248 - Get Quiet, Then Go 09/17/2024

248 - Get Quiet, Then Go This episode of Work & Play with Nancy Ray is simply called, “Get Quiet, Then Go.” Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/33079027

247 - Rebel with Graham Cochrane : Part 2 09/10/2024

247 - Rebel with Graham Cochrane : Part 2 Welcome back to part two of my conversation with Graham Cochrane about his new book, , which is so great. If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode, definitely go back and listen to that one first. This is a continuation of my conversation with Graham. I told him when I was talking with him, “I feel like this is a sermon for me. How is it that we’re talking about your book called ‘Rebel’ right now?” It’s so good. I hope you enjoy our conversation. It was such a challenge and such a blessing to me all at once. I know you’re going to love it. Here’s part two of my conversation with Graham Cochrane. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32980252

246 - Rebel with Graham Cochrane : Part 1 09/03/2024

246 - Rebel with Graham Cochrane : Part 1 Get excited for today’s episode (and next week’s episode) because I get to talk with Graham Cochrane, who is a dear friend of mine. He and his wife Shay are good friends of mine and WIll. He is also my business coach. He has coached me in different seasons of my business and he just wrote a book. He loves the Lord. He is a brilliant entrepreneur, thought leader, author. It is a joy to get to talk to him and ask him questions one on one. You guys are in for a treat. The episode was packed full of so much goodness, I decided to break it up into two episodes. So don’t miss next week’s episode as well, as Graham and I talk all about his new book, Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32867762

245 - Refresh Your Walls with Me 08/27/2024

245 - Refresh Your Walls with Me We stare at the walls in our home every single day. Honestly, we just get used to them and we don’t think about what’s on them very much. Slowly, they become outdated or need a refresh. Old photos and artwork fill the walls of our home and we don’t love them like we used to. Today’s episode is meant to be a little boost for you and to remind you that the walls in your home are supposed to bring you joy. I am inviting you to refresh your walls with me. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32735177

244 - Authority Over Guilt 08/20/2024

244 - Authority Over Guilt Today’s episode is full of scripture and encouragement for us to live in the authority that God has given us instead of walking in guilt. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32649112

243 - School Prep + Play 08/13/2024

243 - School Prep + Play The school year is here and it is time to get in that mode. I feel like today’s episode is a pep talk for us mamas who are getting ready to start the school year and we want to start it strong. This episode is called “School Prep and Play” because we are going to be talking about how to prepare well for the school year and also how to play more this school year. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32537837

242 - Best Books of 2024 (So Far) 08/06/2024

242 - Best Books of 2024 (So Far) Hello! Welcome back to Work & Play with Nancy Ray. After a month-long break this summer, I thought that we would kick it off by talking about my favorite books that I have read so far in 2024. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/32452917

241 - Summer Purpose 06/25/2024

241 - Summer Purpose Today’s episode is all about the purpose of summer. What is the purpose of summer? What is the purpose of your summer? What do you want to get out of it? How can we walk through summer with a heart of contentment, gratitude, really enjoy it and make the most out of it? Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/31873512

240 - Summer Prep 06/18/2024

240 - Summer Prep I believe the key to making your summer run smoothly is to do a lot of the work on the front end. So today’s episode is all about summer prep. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! /episode/index/show/workandplay/id/31766877

Work and Play with Nancy Ray

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