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.

279 - Fun Summer Announcement! 07/03/2025

279 - Fun Summer Announcement! Are you ready?! I don’t think you’re ready. This is such a fun summer announcement! Work and Play is officially an ice cream flavor! Today, I am bringing on some special guests to share all about how the Work and Play podcast has been turned into ice cream, literally. 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/37263320

278 - The Summer of Less 06/27/2025

278 - The Summer of Less This episode is all about my summer of less. 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/37165390

277 - Simple Ways to Feel Closer to God 06/19/2025

277 - Simple Ways to Feel Closer to God Today’s episode is all about simple ways to feel closer to God. 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/37078840

276 - 5 Tips for a Smooth Summer 06/12/2025

276 - 5 Tips for a Smooth Summer Happy summer! I’m so excited that summer is finally here! Today’s episode is simply five tips for you to have a smoother summer. Resources from this epsiode: 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/36971120

275 - Milestone Birthdays 06/06/2025

275 - Milestone Birthdays We just got back from New York City celebrating Milly’s 10th birthday! Today’s episode is all about that trip and how we are celebrating big milestone birthdays in our family. 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/36881400

274 - How to Have a Nesting Party 05/29/2025

274 - How to Have a Nesting Party My nesting party was one of my favorite days of my life. I know that sounds crazy, but it was so much more than getting my home ready for having a baby. It was a day where I was surrounded by my favorite women on this earth, humbly receiving their love, work, and care. It’s a day that will always remind me that when I’m feeling alone, I’m actually not alone at all. I have women who love me. Today, I’m going to share the practical side of how to throw a nesting party and the heart side of why it meant so much to me. I’m going to have my friend and sister-in-law, Samantha Ray on to give her perspective of what it was like because she threw the nesting party for me. It’s going to be a lot of fun! 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/36769665

273 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 2 05/22/2025

273 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 2 Last week’s episode was all about what’s saving my life right now - mom edition, but I focused on everything that was free. This week is everything else, so it’s part two of What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition. 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/36675025

272 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 1 05/20/2025

272 - What’s Saving My Life Right Now - Mom Edition : Part 1 Let’s pretend you and I are sitting down at a coffee shop and you just asked me, “Nancy, what is saving your life right now as a mama of five?” Then I tell you everything that I can think of. That is what today’s episode is going to be. 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/36628015

271 - Winnie's Birth story 05/09/2025

271 - Winnie's Birth story Winsome Joy Ray, our precious fifth baby, was born at home on Christmas Day. This is her birth story. 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/36504135

270 - 20 Things for Postpartum 05/02/2025

270 - 20 Things for Postpartum Hello and welcome to May is for Mamas! I am so excited! I love this month of the year on the Work & Play podcast! We are kicking off this series with 20 of my favorite things that I have experienced this postpartum season. This is going to be a great episode for you to forward to a pregnant mama or someone who is postpartum. There is going to be a total of five episodes released every Thursday during the month of May with something for moms and something free for you (like a gift or a discount). It’s all going to be in every episode, but you have to stay and listen to the end, so don’t miss it. I can’t wait for May is for Mamas 2025. Let’s go! Resouces from this episode: (use code NANCYRAY for a discount!) 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/36403280

269 - Underestimated with Mary Marantz 04/25/2025

269 - Underestimated with Mary Marantz Well today you’re in for a treat. I have my dear friend, Mary Marantz, author of , on the podcast. She has written three amazing books, but we’re talking about her latest one. I cannot even tell you what a gift it has been to me so far. I know you’re going to love this conversation with Mary. If you are stuck in feeling afraid of moving forward in a dream or idea that you have… if you feel like you’re just a drop in a bucket and you don’t know how to create… if you feel like you are afraid and there are scripts playing in your head and you don’t know how to get past them, today’s episode is for you. 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/36302835

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

Work and Play with Nancy Ray

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