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.

294 - Gratitude : An Episode for the Whole Family 11/18/2025

294 - Gratitude : An Episode for the Whole Family I’m doing something new today and I have made an episode for the whole family. So you don’t have to listen to this in your earbuds. You can push “play” while you’re riding in the car and listen because this is all about thanksgiving and how we can practice gratitude. Melody Beattie said: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” That is what we’re talking about today. 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/39061330

293 - 7 Weekend Rhythms We Live By 11/11/2025

293 - 7 Weekend Rhythms We Live By During the week, we work, but during the weekends, we play. Today’s episode is all about seven weekend rhythms that we live by. 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/38988485

292 - 40 for 40 with Will Ray 11/05/2025

292 - 40 for 40 with Will Ray My incredible husband, Will, turns 40 today and I am so excited to have him on the podcast! He is going to give you forty pieces of wisdom for his 40th birthday, or as we like to call it, “40 for 40 will Will Ray.” 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/38919410

291 - 10 Ways I’m Using AI to Simplify My Life 10/29/2025

291 - 10 Ways I’m Using AI to Simplify My Life Today I’m talking about ten ways that I am using AI to simplify 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/38817800

290 - Share the Arrows 10/22/2025

290 - Share the Arrows Last week I had the opportunity to go to which is a conference put on by Allie Beth Stuckey. Today’s episode is a recap of all the things I learned at that conference. Resources 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/38736140

No Podcast This Week 10/14/2025

No Podcast This Week Hey there! You're in the right place for Work & Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (October 14th), 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/38574175

289 - Fall Favorites 10/07/2025

289 - Fall Favorites Today’s episode is going to be light and fun. It’s all about my fall favorites! 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/38491230

288 - 3 Weekly Rhythms Worth Fighting For 09/30/2025

288 - 3 Weekly Rhythms Worth Fighting For Today I am going to talk about things that I’m really passionate about, which are three rhythms that I cannot do without every single week. Weekly planning, weekly wrap up, and a Sabbath. 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/38397745

287 - 5 Ways to Move Forward with Boldness 09/23/2025

287 - 5 Ways to Move Forward with Boldness חֲזַק (Pronunciation: kha-ZAK) is the Hebrew word for “be bold.” Today’s episode is five ways to move forward in boldness. 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/38318755

286 - 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk 09/17/2025

286 - 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk Today I honor the life and death of my brother in Christ, Charlie Kirk. I also admit that I don’t always get it right on this podcast and platform and I share some Scripture and some resources that might help you if you’re confused about what people are saying and are searching for some truth. 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/38247480

285 - Proactive vs. Reactive 09/09/2025

285 - Proactive vs. Reactive Today’s episode is all about how to be proactive versus being reactive. 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/38133240

284 - Prepare Your Mind for Action 09/02/2025

284 - Prepare Your Mind for Action I was reading through 1 Peter the other morning and this verse just stuck out at me. 1 Peter 1:13 - “Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Today’s episode is just me sharing a little bit of what I feel like the Lord has been teaching me lately, specifically about this verse and the importance of our minds. 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/38048660

283 - I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen with Kate Strickler 08/26/2025

283 - I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen with Kate Strickler Today I got to sit down with my friend, Kate Strickler of , and talk all about some of our favorite things, recipes, practical things we love, but especially her new book, . We talk a lot about the theme of contentment, which you guys know is dear to my heart. I’m so excited for you to listen to our conversation today. 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/37951680

282 - Love Your Life with Rachel Awtrey 07/31/2025

282 - Love Your Life with Rachel Awtrey I met my friend Rachel at a retreat a little over a year ago and we were fast friends. She is a fellow podcaster and now an author. Today, I’m having her on the Work and Play podcast to talk all about her new book and some big sister advice that you are not going to want to miss. 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/37614995

281 - Traveling with Kids : 3 Lists and All My Tips 07/24/2025

281 - Traveling with Kids : 3 Lists and All My Tips Today’s episode is all about traveling with kids. We’ve been at this for a while and I’m so excited to share all of my tips + three lists that I cannot do without. 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/37524980

280 - Two Roosters with Jared Plummer 07/17/2025

280 - Two Roosters with Jared Plummer Jared Plummer is the founder of Two Roosters Ice Cream, a popular and delicious ice cream shop with eight locations here in the Raleigh area that everyone is crazy about. They have their standard menu of favorites, but they also rotate their guest flavors every month. If you caught my last episode, you’ll know that their July flavors feature local podcasters and the Work and Play podcast is one of them. Today, you’re going to get to hear from Jared as we talk all about Two Roosters and what work and play looks like in his world. 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/37439945

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

Work and Play with Nancy Ray

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