The Speakeasy

This week I sit down with Elise Orozco from Raising Rock for a conversation that feels deeply personal and incredibly timely. We share remarkably similar stories of stepping away from ambition, hustle, and outside success in exchange for something we discovered mattered far more: presence. Elise opens up about leaving a high-level corporate career after realizing that while she was succeeding professionally, her family was often receiving the exhausted leftovers of what remained. What follows is an honest conversation about motherhood, identity, slowing down, surrender, and learning to embrace God's priorities instead of culture's expectations. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance? CrowdHealth offers: Lower-cost prescriptions and labs Access to vetted doctors Bill negotiation support Community-centered healthcare solutions Get started for $99 for your first three months using code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com.

Year two of homeschooling is officially in the books, and I'm sitting down for an honest recap of what worked, what didn't, and what I wish I had known sooner. If you're considering homeschooling, preparing for your first year, or just curious what life actually looks like after the highlight reels, this episode offers a realistic look at the beauty and challenges of homeschooling life. I share the biggest lessons from year two: Year one felt like survival, year two finally felt like life Every path has challenges, choose the hard that works best for your family Connection before curriculum, children learn best when they feel seen Homeschooling is growing everyone, not just the kids Many frustrations came from my own expectations trying to recreate traditional school at home I also walk through our current daily rhythm, curriculum favorites, and how I address common fears about kids falling behind, socialization, and working while homeschooling. After two years, one thing is clear: the girls are thriving, and so is our family. This episode is about letting go of perfection and embracing the messy, beautiful reality of learning together. SPONSOR CrowdHealth Looking for an alternative approach to healthcare? CrowdHealth provides: Access to vetted doctors Lower prescription and lab costs Bill negotiation support Community-centered healthcare solutions Get started for $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com.

This episode is an invitation to rethink what sanctification actually looks like. If you've felt pressure to transform yourself overnight or believed that becoming like Jesus should be faster and cleaner than it is, this conversation will meet you right where you are. I sat down with Matt Chandler to talk about sanctification, suffering, surrender, and the slow process of spiritual formation. This feels less like an interview and more like a mentoring session with someone who has walked with God through incredible highs and devastating lows. Matt makes the case that becoming like Jesus is not a light switch flipping on, it's an oak tree slowly growing over time. An oak becomes strong through rain, sunlight, dry seasons, storms, and deep freezes. In the same way, spiritual maturity develops through every season of life, not just the easy ones. In this episode, Matt walks through what spiritual formation actually looks like: Sanctification is messy and non-linear, but every turn moves you forward Growth starts with humility and surrender, not strength or self-reliance God is not waiting for you to fail, He's cheering your growth like a loving Father When you mess up, run toward God, not away from Him Suffering is often where we grow most because God meets us there Community is essential, you cannot become like Jesus in isolation Rather than perfection and performance, Matt shares the invitation to stay close to Jesus, let Him transform you over time, and trust Him in every season. Nothing is wasted. God uses it all to form us into the image of Jesus. Becoming like Jesus is slow, messy, humbling, and beautiful. This episode is about surrendering the pressure to fix yourself and letting Jesus do the transforming work. If you don't quit, you win.   SPONSORS CrowdHealth A different approach to healthcare that helps you: Access vetted doctors Lower prescription and lab costs Receive support negotiating medical bills Use code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com to get started. Just Thrive A clinically proven probiotic designed to support: Gut health Energy Digestion Immunity Get 20% off your order at justthrivehealth.com with code BLAKE.

In this powerful and practical conversation, I sat down with Addison Bevere to unpack one of the most common struggles in the Christian life: prayer. If you've ever felt like you're "bad at prayer," distracted, or unsure what to say, this episode meets you right there and gently reframes everything. Addison shares that even growing up in a spiritually strong family, he felt like he didn't measure up. His journey into understanding prayer began from a place of deficiency, not mastery. Sponsors: Crowdhealth An alternative to traditional health insurance that gives you: * Lower-cost prescriptions and labs * Access to vetted doctors * A team to help manage bills You pay the first $500, and the community helps cover the rest. Get started for $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com.  --------------------------------------- Just Thrive A clinically proven probiotic designed to: * Support gut health * Improve digestion * Strengthen immunity Try it risk-free for 90 days. Get 20% off your first order at justthrivehealth.com with code BLAKE.

In this episode, Brooke and I dive into a struggle so many Christian women share: feeling disconnected from their bodies, overwhelmed in their lives, and genuinely unsure why their health is suffering. What often shows up: Constant stress and urgency Snapping at loved ones Poor health or confusing symptoms Feeling unable to slow down  The root issue isn't just physical, it's a whole-person misalignment. Connect with Brooke: Join the Faithfully Nourished Community: https://brooke-rozmenoski.mykajabi.com/faithfully-nourished-community  Book a FREE 30 Minute Consultation (first 30 people!): https://calendly.com/brookerozzie/clarity-call-from-speakeasy-podcast  Follow Brooke on IG @brookerozzie Follow Faithfully Nourished on IG @faithfullynourished_ Podcast: Faithfully Nourished  Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is an alternative to traditional health insurance. Members get: Lower-cost prescriptions and labs Access to vetted doctors A care team to help manage bills Get started for $99 for your first three months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com.

Today 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. Not a rigid formula, just some simple, practical rhythms that have helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God. 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.)

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. 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.

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 he

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.

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 f

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.<br

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.</em

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

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 shippin

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.

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.

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 neg

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: CrowdHea

Download the planning PDF here! 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.<br data-start="1965" data-en

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 SPEAK

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<

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<

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." –

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 <li data-start="1818"

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. <p data-start="1668" data-en

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

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 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. Thre

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

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 <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" tar

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 PreBorn.com/Speakeasy CrowdHealth — Healthcare shouldn't be confusing or crushing. CrowdHealth is a community-based alternative to insurance that helps you take back control. Pay a simpl

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 ultrasou

In this special bonus episode, we close out the year by slowing down and reflecting on what it means to end well — not by hustling harder, but by listening closely to the voice of God. After a year marked by pruning, change, and growth, [Host] shares how the Lord has used silence, stillness, and surrender to shape her faith and restore her peace. This heartfelt conversation is an honest look at what it's like to walk through a season of refining — where God asks you to lay things down, quiet the noise, and trust His timing. From learning to discern His voice through Scripture and the Holy Spirit's promptings, to recognizing His confirmation in everyday moments, this episode will help you reclaim ground that's been lost and realign your heart with His for the year ahead. If you've ever wrestled with the question "How do I know it's God's voice?" or felt weary from a year that didn't go as planned, this episode will meet you right where you are. Together, we'll end the year well — remembering His faithfulness, celebrating His pruning, and preparing to hear Him more clearly in the new year. 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 in that sacred moment when she hears her baby's heartbeat, everything changes. 💛 Be the first voice of hope she hears. Sponsor an ultrasound today at PreBorn.com/Speakeasy Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that inspire reflection and renewal: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ

In this episode, Hannah Morgan joins the conversation to share her powerful story of faith, suffering, and redemption. Hannah is a wife, mom, and the author of The Vial: A Memoir of Survival and Faith. Her journey began after she experienced a severe adverse reaction to a vaccine in high school—an event that changed every part of her life and led to years of physical pain, unanswered questions, and wrestling with God in the dark. Through years of illness, misdiagnoses, and loss, Hannah's faith was tested in ways that most of us can only imagine. Yet through every setback, she discovered the unmistakable hand of God—working through her family, her husband, and a relentless hope that refused to die. Her story is a reminder that even when our faith feels fragile, God is still faithful, still near, and still writing redemption into our pain. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply moving. It's about finding purpose in suffering, holding tension in controversial spaces, and trusting God when you can't see the way forward. Whether you're walking through your own season of uncertainty or simply need a reminder that hope is real, Hannah's story will encourage you to keep believing when everything in you wants to give up. This episode is brought to you by PreBorn, a ministry that helps rescue babies and support mothers in crisis. Every $28 you give sponsors an ultrasound that can save a life. In that moment—when a mother hears her baby's heartbeat—everything changes. Be a voice of hope. Sponsor an ultrasound today at PreBorn.com/Speakeasy Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more powerful conversations of faith and redemption: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ

In this episode, Mandy Arioto—CEO of MomCo (formerly MOPS)—joins the conversation to remind us that motherhood isn't just about raising kids. It's about raising the Kingdom. Together, we talk about how motherhood is the holiest ground many of us will ever stand on—where God refines us, redefines us, and shows us what really matters. From sleepless nights and endless laundry to the deep spiritual work of shaping little hearts, Mandy helps us see that motherhood is not a distraction from important work—it is the important work. We discuss how surrendering control, slowing down, and embracing fun can transform our homes and our hearts. And we explore how to quiet the world's noise and remember that God delights in the details of our daily lives. Whether you're in the trenches with littles, navigating the tween years, or preparing for an empty nest, this conversation will remind you that God is using every moment to build His Kingdom through you. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that inspire, encourage, and refresh: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ

In this episode, Tilly Dillehay joins the conversation to talk about something that touches every one of us—spiritual warfare—and how it plays out in the most ordinary parts of our lives. From our attention spans to our homes to the hidden battles of motherhood, Tilly helps pull back the curtain on how the enemy works to distract, divide, and destroy the good things God has given us. Tilly is the author of My Dear Hemlock, a reimagining of C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters written from a female perspective. Through that lens, she explores how temptation, distraction, and deception uniquely target women—especially in their marriages, motherhood, and daily habits. Together, we talk about the spiritual war being fought over our focus, our peace, and our homes, and how confession, presence, and awareness become our greatest weapons. This conversation reminds us that not every hard moment is random—there's a battle for your attention, your joy, and your family. But even more important, we have a Savior who's already won the war. This episode is brought to you by Angel Studios, creators of films and series that shine light in a dark world. Their newest movie, SKETCH, is a heartwarming adventure that celebrates imagination, family, and faith. Become a Premium Angel Guild member today and get two free tickets to see SKETCH in theaters, plus full access to Angel's inspiring streaming library. 👉 Join today at Angel.com/blake Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more faith-filled conversations that inspire and encourage: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ

In this episode, Emily Berning, co-founder of Let Them Live, joins the conversation to share how one act of radical obedience turned into a national movement that has helped hundreds of women choose life. Emily and her husband started with nothing but conviction—emptying their own bank account to meet the needs of one mother in crisis. From that single step of faith, God multiplied their "yes" into an organization that's now rescued over a thousand babies from abortion. Our conversation isn't just about the incredible work of Let Them Live—it's about what it means to say yes to God when it feels terrifying. Emily's story is a testimony to how obedience, even when it doesn't make sense, becomes the catalyst for miracles. We talk about the power of meeting people where they are, how God provides when the numbers don't add up, and what it looks like to keep walking when fear tells you to stop. Whether you're passionate about defending life, feeling called to start something new, or simply need a reminder that God honors faith over comfort, this episode will challenge and encourage you to step out and trust Him with what you have. This episode is brought to you by Nutrafol and Angel Studios—two brands that share our mission to inspire, strengthen, and restore hope. Support our sponsors: ✨ Nutrafol – Thinning hair doesn't have to be permanent. Improve hair growth and strength naturally with Nutrafol, the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement. Visit Nutrafol.com 🎬 Angel Studios – Makers of uplifting, family-centered stories like The Chosen and Sketch. Become a Premium Angel Guild member to get two free tickets to Sketch and full access to the Angel streaming library. Join at <strong data-start=

In this episode, Rachel Van Kluyve joins the conversation to share how God built her family in ways she never expected. What began as a discussion about transracial adoption—how God brought her two beautiful daughters into her family and the challenges that came with it—became a powerful reflection on obedience, trust, and doing the next right thing when God calls you into the unknown. Rachel opens up about how her journey from DIY influencer to advocate, mother, and author has reshaped her understanding of faith and surrender. From walking through backlash and uncertainty to experiencing God's unmistakable hand in the details, she reminds us that His plans are always better than our own—and that His timing is perfect. Whether you're navigating adoption, stepping into a new calling, or learning to trust God in unexpected turns, this conversation will encourage you to take the next faithful step and watch Him write a story far greater than you imagined. This episode is brought to you by Angel Studios, whose mission is to tell stories that amplify light. Their newest family movie, SKETCH, captures the magic of imagination and the power of love and courage as a family faces challenges together. When you become a Premium Angel Guild member, you'll receive two free tickets to see SKETCH in theaters and gain full access to their streaming library of inspiring films and series. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel for more inspiring conversations: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ 👉 Become a member at Angel.com/blake

In this episode, Abby—known online as M is for Mama—returns to the show to talk about her newest book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks, the third installment in her motherhood series. With honesty, humor, and a heart deeply rooted in scripture, Abby encourages moms to see that the hard seasons are not wasted and that motherhood, even in the trenches, is profoundly worth it. From battling doubt and comparison to learning how to surrender control to God, Abby shares her own stories of raising ten children—including twins twice—and offers wisdom that applies to every stage of parenting. She reminds us that motherhood is a calling, not a punishment, and that Jesus meets us in both the victories and the struggles. Whether you're a new mom, a grandmother, or simply someone feeling stretched thin, this conversation will remind you that your sacrifice has eternal significance. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Angel Studios and Olive App. Their support makes these conversations possible and gives you tools to live more intentionally every day. Don't miss this uplifting discussion that will inspire you to see your daily work as a legacy worth investing in. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you: 👉 Angel.com/blake

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson join the conversation to talk about their new book How to Speak Life to Your Husband. With honesty, humor, and decades of marriage ministry experience, they share why our words carry the power to either breathe life into our marriages or quietly chip away at them over time. From their own struggles—including seasons where they almost lost their marriage—to the transformative changes they experienced through choosing encouragement over criticism, the Wilsons offer practical tools and biblical wisdom for every couple. They unpack the hidden ways our words can wound, how tone and timing shape conversations, and how small daily choices can shift the entire atmosphere of your home. Whether your marriage feels strong or you're searching for fresh hope, this conversation will encourage you to believe that God really does use our words to bring life. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Olive App, Nutrafol, and Angel Studios. Their support makes these conversations possible and gives you resources for a healthier body, mind, and spirit. Don't miss this practical and hope-filled discussion that will equip you to strengthen your marriage starting today. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Visit Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLAKE for $10 off your first month's subscription plus free shipping: 👉 https://www.nutrafol.com Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you: 👉 Angel.com/blake

In this episode, Erin Lynam joins the conversation to share a powerful perspective on rest—why God created it, how we see it modeled in scripture, and even how creation itself points us to rhythms of work and rest. Erin is a certified master naturalist and the host of the Nat Theo kids' podcast, which blends science and theology in ways the whole family can enjoy. She explains how rhythms in nature—like hibernation, dormancy, and even the patterns of trees—reveal God's intentional design for us to embrace Sabbath. Together, we talk about the cultural lies that view rest as laziness, the struggle of slowing down in hustle culture, and how choosing to rest is actually an act of faith that God will keep things moving even when we stop. Whether you're a mom, an entrepreneur, or someone trying to find peace in a busy world, this conversation will encourage you to see rest not as optional, but as essential for your soul, your family, and your faith. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Olive App and Angel Studios. Their support makes these conversations possible and provides you with tools to live healthier and more intentional every day. Don't miss this refreshing discussion that will inspire you to reframe rest as a gift from God. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you: Angel.com/blake

In this episode, Ben and Corey Spell—the founders of Good Ranchers—join the conversation to share their remarkable journey from ministry to building a company that's reshaping the food industry. They open up about the leap of faith it took to start, the challenges of bringing transparency and integrity to meat sourcing, and the hurdles they've faced along the way—including Corey's personal battle with cancer and the powerful healing testimony that has marked their family's story. From navigating industry standards to standing firm on faith when the path ahead seemed impossible, Ben and Corey show how God has used their obedience to create a business that impacts families, communities, and churches across the country. Their story is both educational and deeply inspirational—encouraging dreamers, entrepreneurs, and parents alike to trust God with the big leaps and the small steps. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Angel Studios and Olive App. Their support makes these conversations possible and gives you resources to live with greater health and hope every day. Don't miss this powerful discussion that blends practical wisdom, family values, and faith that perseveres. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: 👉 https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you: 👉 Angel.com/blake

In this episode, Pastor Zach Windal joins the conversation to share how he's making scripture accessible for everyday life. From his personal journey of discovering truth to the practical ways he helps people connect with God's Word, Zach brings clarity and encouragement for anyone longing to strengthen their faith. He breaks down the barriers that often keep people from engaging with the Bible and offers insights that inspire listeners to approach scripture with confidence and joy. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Angel Studios, Soul, Nutrafol, and Olive App. Their support makes these conversations possible and gives you resources to live with greater purpose and health. Don't miss this discussion that will equip you with simple yet powerful tools to grow spiritually and stay encouraged in your daily walk. Subscribe to The Speakeasy YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtqJ8I4hmCH-w3Cw4XzFZoQ

In this episode, Pastor Dawnchere Wilkerson joins the conversation to share her journey of faith, leadership, and the challenges of building a life centered on purpose. She opens up about the lessons she has learned through ministry, family, and serving her community, offering encouragement for anyone navigating seasons of growth and transition. With her unique blend of honesty and hope, Dawnchere inspires listeners to stay grounded while chasing the calling on their lives. This episode is brought to you by our sponsors: Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789 Save 25% on your first Masa order with the code BLAKE: https://masachips.com/BLAKE Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found yo

Author, speaker, and founder of Amazima Ministries Katie Davis Majors joins Blake to share her remarkable journey from an ordinary teenager in Tennessee to building a life and ministry in Uganda, where she has served thousands through education, discipleship, and community development. Together, they reflect on what it means to live with childlike faith, to say "yes" to God's leading one step at a time, and how radical obedience doesn't always look like moving across the world but can be lived out daily in small, faithful choices. Listeners will be encouraged by Katie's story of surrender, challenged to reimagine what obedience looks like in their own lives, and reminded of the beauty found in living fully aligned with God's call. In this episode, you'll be able to… Understand the vital role of community and supporters in sustaining ministry work. Discover how Katie Majors Davis followed God's call from Tennessee to Uganda and built Amazima Ministries. Learn why her story is descriptive, not prescriptive, and how to embrace your own unique calling. Katie is the author of Our Faithful God, Safe All Along, and Kisses from Katie — shop all of her books here! To connect with Katie…Website: katiedavismajors.comInstagram: @katiedavismajors | @amazimaFacebook: @katieinuganda Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789  Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you. Angel.com/blake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Speakeasy Podcast is now on YouTube! You can watch the episodes here. Author, speaker, and Bible teacher Becky Thompson joins Blake to discuss her new book, Healing Rest. Becky shares how God has led her through seasons of fear, anxiety, and exhaustion into a deeper understanding of rest as a biblical and healing practice. Together, they explore why rest often feels difficult, how it's connected to ongoing healing, and the importance of learning to live free rather than simply break free. The conversation also dives into personal visions and how God communicates through imagery, offering encouragement to embrace rest as a slow, intentional journey of trust and surrender. In this episode, you'll be able to… Discover how biblical rest is connected to ongoing healing and freedom. Learn practical ways to recognize and respond to God's voice through visions, dreams, and promptings from the Holy Spirit. Hear personal stories that illustrate dismantling anxiety-driven habits and embracing peace. Becky is the author of Healing Rest – available everywhere now! To connect with Becky…Website: beckythompson.comInstagram: @beckythompsonauthor Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet. Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and teacher Natalie Runion joins Blake to discuss her newest book I Don't Even Like Women, the third installment in her trilogy exploring the state of the church and the role of women within it. She shares her personal journey from resistance to embracing women's ministry, highlighting how past wounds, competition, and internalized lies shape how women relate to each other in faith spaces. Natalie and Blake unpack the deep impact of words spoken over us, the spiritual and relational toll of isolation, and the power of rewriting false scripts through scripture and community. Together, they call for a new narrative of collaboration, compassion, and strength among women in the church. In this episode, you'll be able to… Learn why emotional and spiritual maturity are essential for building healthy, Christ-centered community. Gain insight into how gossip, competition, and isolation hinder the mission of the Church—and how to replace them with grace and collaboration. Explore practical steps churches can take to equip women's ministries with real tools for connection, leadership, and accountability. Natalie is the author of I Don't Even Like Women – available everywhere September 2! To connect with Natalie…Website: natalierunion.comInstagram: @raisedtostay Go to the app store today and download the Olive holistic food scanner app to start eliminating harmful ingredients from your family's diet.https://apps.apple.com/us/app/olive-holistic-food-scanner/id6739765789  Become a Premium Angel Guild member today to get your SKETCH tickets & more movies that inspire, uplift, and leave you better than they found you. Angel.com/blake Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices