Real Talk with Rachael Podcast

This week on Talk Therapy I'm talking about the importance of spending time in prayer before you speak. I could give you tips on how to control your tongue, but the truth is that when we haven't spent enough time in our prayer closet, the words that come out of our mouths and heart will shock ourselves and damage others. Read more about the four "R"s of our prayer closet: rachaelgilbert.com/4-reasons-to-pray-before-you-speak/ Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, we're talking with Dr. Sasha Shillcutt. She is the author of Between Grit and Grace: The Art of Being Feminine and Formidable, renowned Cardiac Anesthesiologist, TEDX speaker, and Founder of Brave Enough where she leads and encourages more than 10,000 female physicians. We're talking about: We can be both grace-giving or gritty, depending on what the situation needs. Being inauthentic to yourself serves no one. 30 minutes a day alone can give you time to reset and evaluate where you're at. At the busiest time of our life, we should have friends to help us make it through. Because of the pressure to be perfect, sometimes we're too hard on ourselves and others. "We post and project perfection because it's safe." We need to ask ourselves what having it all means to us. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Sasha on her website, Instagram, or Twitter. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

This week on Talk Therapy we are digging into the art of listening. While it is true that some people are more natural listeners than others, it is is still an art that we all must work on in order to have thriving relationships and meaningful conversations. Today we talked about the acronym SOLER when it comes to the art of listening: sit squarely maintain an open posture at times, lean in demonstrate appropriate eye contact relax You can learn more here: https://rachaelgilbert.com/learn-to-listen/ Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Wendy Speake about her new book, The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation. As a trained actress and heartfelt Bible teacher, Wendy ministers to women's hearts through storytelling and Biblical life applications. Co-author of the popular parenting books Triggers and Parenting Scripts, and host of the annual 40 Day Sugar Fast. Wendy lives in Southern California with her husband Matt and their 3 sons, where she blogs about faith and family at WendySpeake.com. We're talking about: "We know that God says come to me, and yet we go to our phones and our pantries…" We know how sugar crashes affect our kids, it affects us in the same way. It's not just a food fast but a Word feast. Doing the fast together, especially as mothers and daughters, can be a big benefit. Rather than doing it to lose a few pounds, seek God and his righteousness first. Even if your reasons for fasting aren't perfect, God can still use it. "My sugar fast broke my addiction to sugar, but my Social Media fast broke my addiction to the sugar of affirmation." The 40-Day Social Media Fast is available for Pre-Order now. God wants the whole day with you, not just 15 minutes in the morning. Let's turn to God instead of turning to everything else. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Wendy on her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael Gilbert on her website, Instagram, or Facebook

This week on Talk Therapy we're talking about what it really looks like to treat your body like God's temple. Renewed: 21-Days to a Submitted Heart, Sound Mind and Strong Body devotional To learn more, please check out my Biblical Body Image series: #32: Real Talk about Biblical Body Image #33: 5 Reasons We Struggle with Body Image #34: The Power of a Submitted Heart & Sound Mind #35: Simple Steps for a Strong Body Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachel we're talking with Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel Macy Stafford is a writer with one goal: to help people choose love as much as humanly possible. Her latest book is Live Love Now: Relieve the Pressure and Find Real Connection with Our Kids. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hands-Free Mama, Hands-Free Life, and Only Love Today. She is a certified special education teacher with a Master's Degree in education; an in-demand speaker; and a beloved blogger who inspires millions in her weekly blog posts at HandsFreeMama.com and through her supportive Facebook community, The Hands-Free Revolution. We're talking about: Many kids today feel unheard and unseen, that no one knows who they really are. A lot of kids feel micromanaged, there's no time for fun or trying new things. Adults feel the same kind of pressures that our children do, but silently. We teach our children these damaging ideas because that's what we're telling ourselves. When you put a child on a path that's not authentic to them you see depression and anxiety. Listening to what calls your heart gives you energy and purpose, it's not easy, it's necessary. "It's a gift to be able to be human with your child so they can be human with you." We're there to encourage. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Rachel Stafford on her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael Gilbert on her website, Instagram, or Facebook

In the last few weeks on Talk Therapy, we have taken a deep dive into our emotions. This week we are going to put our thoughts on trial. Your root (thoughts) affects your mood (feelings) and your mood affects your behavior (actions)! In other words, renew your mind, and your life will follow. To follow along with today's short episode, download this guide from therapist aid: Putting thoughts on trial (PDF Download) You can also grab the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worksheet that Rachael references in the podcast here: rachaelgilbert.com/thoughts Phil. 4:8, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." PRAY over your thoughts! If you are feeling brave, leave a review or comment for the show and let us know what God said to you during this episode. That is all for today's episode of Talk Therapy. Be sure to join us Wednesday for an interview on Real Talk with Rachael! Connect with Rachael on her website, Instagram and Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Tracey Mitchell about her new book "Becoming Brave: How to Think Big, Dream Wildly, and Live Fear-Free". Tracey is an international speaker, a published author of the inspirational Downside Up, TV Host of Life From DFW, and CEO of 'The Winning Woman' Consulting Group. Her love of life is evident, as is her passion for Christ and compassion for hurting people. Living in Dallas, Texas, Tracey is a wife and mom. We're talking about: As we take steps in bravery, fear will lessen. Why is it so hard for women to recognize when we've been courageous? "We have to shatter shame before it shatters our destiny." "Nothing pushes us away from the plan and purposes of God more than walking in disharmony." Tracey learned to find her steadiness by staying in the word of God every day. Many women suffer silently because they don't feel like they can come to God. God's silent presence speaks volumes. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Tracey on her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram, or Facebook

This week on Talk Therapy we're concluding our series about emotions. If you haven't, please listen to parts one and two of this series as well. In this episode, I'm talking about expressing our emotions and validating the emotions of our loved ones with humility and courage. For more communication tips, please visit rachaelgilbert.com/marriage. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Kate Battistelli, author of The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible?. Kate Battistelli is living proof God can and will use anyone if they're willing. Kate experienced infertility, miscarriage, an abortion at age 18, and four failed adoption attempts, which all wreaked havoc on her life. Kate had a life-changing experience as a young actress in New York City, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and her husband laid down their careers and the Broadway theatre in answer to their first "God dare" and moved out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and a home business. As their daughter Francesca grew and began expressing her gifts in music and songwriting, they realized there was a far bigger purpose in leaving their careers than they could've imagined. Kate is the mother of DOVE and GRAMMY award-winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli. She's also one-third of the popular Mom to Mom Podcast. Kate is a natural encourager and believes in your ability to change the world. We're talking about: God often dares us to do something big, but we have to say yes. "Choose to be chosen to change the world." It's important that we listen to what's God plan is for us and for our children. Don't be afraid to dream big for your children. As in Titus 2, older women should be mentoring younger women. "It's the small deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay." Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Kate on her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram, or Facebook

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael we're continuing our series about emotions. If you haven't listened to part one about identifying your emotions, I suggest you start there. In part two I'm sharing about the importance of feeling our emotions - both good and bad - and inviting God to help us learn through them. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Addison Bevere, who just published his new book, "Saints: Becoming More Than Christians". Addison appreciates the simple things in life—time spent playing with his four kids, late-night conversations with his wife, interesting words that no one uses, a meaningful day of work, and, of course, a good book. Addison is also the COO of Messenger International, an organization that impacts millions of people in over 150 countries through its various initiatives, and the cofounder of SonsAndDaughters.tv. What We're Talking About: The word Christian is used only three times in the New Testament, but the word Saint is used over 60 times. Christianity today is very individualistic. Saints are disruptive, they play by a different set of rules. We're called to be Saints every day, where ever we are. Modern-day Christians don't see their daily life as sacred. If Satan can steal your present he can undermine your future. Grace is unlimited from God. God sees our darkest parts, and yet he calls us lovely. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Addison on his website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram, or Facebook.

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael we are talking about emotions. What are they? Why should we identify them? Emotions are not the enemy. The more we embrace them, the less they control us. Not feeling or expressing emotions only makes them grow and get expressed in awkward ways. You can find the resources discussed in this episode here. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Lisa Bevere about her new book "Strong: Devotions to Live a Powerful and Passionate Life". Lisa Bevere's authentic and passionate teachings weave profound biblical truths with practical application. A New York Times best-selling author, her books are in the hands of millions worldwide. Lisa and her husband John are the founders of Messenger International. WHAT WE'RE CHATTING ABOUT: Strong is not wrong. Meekness is not weakness, meekness is self-control. You're not a threat to the enemy when you're weak. God is the source of our strength. An idol is what you draw your strength from or give your strength to. We are in a spiritual battle, not one against flesh and blood. In these times, we should build an ark of God's presence. Repentance is a reset. When we repent we recover our true selves. God wants you to be expectant of good things. It's honoring to lend your strength to your husband's strength. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Lisa on her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

This week on Talk Therapy I'm sharing a personal story about how God redeemed something precious in my life and He wants to do the same for you. God is good and it's His desire to bless us. Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Esther Fleece Allen about her book, "Your New Name: Saying Goodbye to the Labels That Limit". CNN has called Esther one of "Five Women to Watch in Religion," USA Today has named her one of the "New Faces of Evangelicalism" and Christianity Today has called her "one of the 50 women shaping the church and culture." She is a graduate of the Oxford Center of Christian Apologetics and is currently in seminary. Her favorite new names are "wife" and "mama" as she is thankful to have a new home with them. What We're Talking About: There's a difference between the labels you give yourself and the name God gives you. We often get labeled by someone close to us. "Our names are written in the book of life, not our labels." There's a difference between sins, inequities, and transgressions. God wants to speak to us through his word. A name change will look different for every person. "I am a daughter of God and that is enough." God wants you to resign as an employee and be a son or daughter instead. We don't have to earn our worth with God. We are more than conquerors! Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Esther on her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Today on Talk Therapy we are discussing common signs of burnout and how to avoid it. The following steps can help with self-assessment: Ask yourself difficult questions about how you are. My favorite question to ask friends and clients is, "how is your heart?". Answer honestly. The more honestly you can answer these questions, the better prepared you will be to make changes, as necessary. Utilize this self-care assessment form Try these self-care ideas Don't forget, self-care is a multi-dimensional aspect of ourselves. Look at this wellness wheel and see where you may be deficient. For more resources mentioned in this episode, visit rachaelgilbert.com/how-to-avoid-burnout. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Dr. Jim Bob Haggerton, husband of Dr. Cindy Haggerton, who is a former guest on our show - an episode that is in the top three downloads of all time for this podcast. We talk about their marriage story from his perspective and how they got things back on track after infidelity in their marriage and how strengthening their marriage helped them take on the valleys that life has given them. Dr. Haggerton describes himself as a super blessed guy who's married to a superhero, father to four kids here on earth with one on the way and one who is waiting on him in heaven. He is a chiropractor by training and lover of all things nutrition and physiology. We're talking about: When your spouse acts out of character, it's important to give them grace and look for the reasons that might be causing their mood shift. Remember to H.A.L.T during an argument, make sure you or you're spouse is not Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired before you react to a situation. Red flags include not sleeping in the same room as your spouse and not being affectionate at all. Cindy's reliance on God and prayer is what saved their marriage. The healing time for an affair is at least three to five years. Additional resources: Listen to Cindy Haggerton's episode AffairRecovery.com MarriageToday.com "When Leaders Live Together" by Larry & Devi Titus "Keep Your Love On" by Danny Silk "Kingdom Man" by Tony Evans "Love & Respect" by Emerson Eggerichs Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Dr. Haggerton on his website, Facebook, or Instagram. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael I'm talking about something that I'm struggling with right now - disappointment. Chances are that you are too on some level. The good news is that we're not alone. Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Dealing with Disappointment by Bill Goldner Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week we're talking with Debra Fileta about her new book, "Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship". Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, relationship expert, and author of Choosing Marriage and True Love Dates. She's also the host of the hotline style Love + Relationships Podcast. Her popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, reaches millions of people with the message of healthy relationships. We're talking about: Relationships have a natural "four-season" cycle that happens again and again. Healthy relationships start with healthy singles, so her book is meant for everyone, married, dating, or single. In the beginning or "Springtime" of a relationship, you can easily see if there's a give and take or if you're just giving, giving, giving. Summer is the season of intimacy and when we show a little bit more of ourselves. Fall is the season when your true colors start to show through. There can be conflict or compatibility issues, but the conflict is an invitation to a deeper connection. Winter is the season where things start to cool and become normal and comfortably mundane. However, that comfort can turn into apathy. Take Debra's free quiz on her website to see what season your relationship might be in. Two seeds that need to be planted during Spring and Winter are the seeds of Friendship and Faith. Don't be afraid of conflict! Use it as an opportunity to draw closer to your family. Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with John on his website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael, I'm bringing to you a simple therapeutic exercise you can use when you feel overwhelmed - it's a different kind of bucket list. Take time to sit with the Lord and ask Him what is in your bucket that He has not given you the grace to carry. Read more here Matthew 11: 28-30, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

This week we're talking with John Eldredge, who just published a new book, "Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad". John Eldredge is a bestselling author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. John and his wife, Stasi, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Today we're talking about: The more time you spend in technology the less time you have to spend with real people, real situations, and even God. John suggests shutting the phone off at 8 pm and not turning to it first thing in the morning when you get up. Set healthy boundaries for your children, no phones at mealtimes or at bedtime. Model the behavior you want to see in your children with social media. Download John's One Minute Pause app to try it for yourself. Spend the first few minutes of your morning outside to refresh your soul. "Living in an hour like this requires a strong soul." "You're going to be okay because you're going to be in love." Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with John on his website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

On this episode of Talk Therapy with Rachael we're talking about letting go and trusting that God will restore all we've lost. What to Do When You Don't Want to Talk to God Psalm 126:4, "Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev." Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking to Jennifer Allwood. Jennifer is a passionate cheerleader of women who adds Biblical truth to the modern-day "dream big" mantra. She's the author of Fear Is Not the Boss of You: How to Get Out of Your Head and Live the Life You Were Made For and host of The Jennifer Allwood Show which holds a regular spot in the Top 25 Entrepreneurship Podcasts in the world with 1.5 million downloads. Her no-nonsense approach to doing things you are scared to do and saying yes to God is helping women everywhere build the life and business of their dreams. When she's not coaching her nearly 3,000 clients each month, she's spending time with her husband Jason and their four children. Today we're talking about: Knowing where your fear comes from can help you get to the next step of solving it. Spiritual resistance is common when dealing with fears, Jennifer's book shows how to deal with that. "Imposter syndrome" often begins when you start a business. Who is teaching our kids how to be brave when they're scared? It has to come down to the parents. You're capable of being scared and doing it anyway. "I can do hard things and not die." "Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway." John Wayne Courage is the new confidence "Courage says you may not know what you're doing but you'll try it anyway." Don't forget to text the phrase "RealTalkGiveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Jennifer on her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook.

On this episode of Talk Therapy with Rachael we're talking about expanding our faith and trusting God. Ephesians 3:20 MSG, "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with Anne Beiler of Auntie Anne's Pretzels. Anne Beiler began twisting pretzel in 1987 and grew a single farmer's market stand into Auntie Anne's Inc., the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise. Her professional success, however, was forged after years of darkness, depression, and despair brought on by the death of her nineteen-month-old daughter. Anne's personal story and entrepreneurial insights have been featured on many television shows including Secret Millionaire, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Good Morning America. She has been highlighted in numerous publications such as Fortune Magazine, and Inc Magazine. In 2005, Anne sold Auntie Anne's and authored the business memoir, Twist of Faith. Today, Anne speaks to audiences around the world inspiring people with her authentic stories and life experiences. Her mission is to help women overcome the pain, blame, and shame of their past by sharing their stories. Today we're talking about: "Life is hard and God is good. No matter what happens to us, He is good." Anne went to work making pretzels to support her husband's vocation of free marriage counseling Jesus has a purpose in our pain God gave Anne something as simple as a pretzel and used it as a platform for her to share her testimony James 5:16 says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (NIV) Learning this and practicing this in her life led her out of darkness Proverbs 6:5, "Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler." (NIV) Confession is the highest form of communication Anne has discovered three types of confession - bedtime prayers, journaling our feelings and experiences to God and confessing one person to another Connect with Anne on her website, Instagram or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook

On this episode of Talk Therapy with Rachael, we're talking about a subject near to my heart - overcoming fear. Please visit RachaelGilbert.com/overcomefear to get my 3 Action Steps to Overcome Fear Guide. 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with the author and Bible teacher, Lisa Whittle. She is also the creator of a companion video Bible study for Jesus over Everything. A pastor's daughter and longtime ministry leader in issues relevant to the church, Lisa is the founder of Ministry Strong and the popular Jesus over Everything podcast, which debuted in the top twenty-five of Christian podcasts. Her love runs deep to see people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in the midst of a world that so often seems to have gone crazy. Lisa has done master's work in marriage and family counseling, advocated for Compassion International, and been featured on numerous media outlets through the years. She and her husband live in North Carolina with their three mostly grown children, who still come home for dinner. TODAY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT: The priority order of Jesus over everything is the key to making our life work in a lasting sense, not the things we think work for us but prove to be short-term solutions How her father 's role as a pastor affected her and her willingness to go into ministry Why she took a 1-year shopping fast Evaluating our "substitute saviors" The "land of the deadly overs:" where we overdo things in an effort to try to capture the life we want, but it winds up complicating it Real over pretty: "Real is the best pretty because it doesn't ask you to lie." Honesty over Hiding: When we want to lie, we out the secret to take away its power Avoiding and identifying burnout Don't forget to visit LisaWhittle.com/JOE to pre-order Jesus Over Everything and get some free goodies as well! Connect with Lisa on her website, Instagram and/or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook

On our first episode of Talk Therapy with Rachael, we're taking a few deep breaths and talking about anxiety. 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Trudy Cathy White, the daughter of Chick-fil-A founders S. Truett and Jeannette Cathy. Trudy recently released a book called A Quiet Strength: The Life and Legacy Jeannette M. Cathy, about the important behind the scenes role her mother plays in the Chick-fil-A institution to this day. Trudy is a native Georgian and is the co-founder of Lifeshape and Impact 360 Institute with her husband John. She is a speaker, author, and dedicated wife, along with being a mother to four children and grandmother of fifteen. Today we're talking about: Remember that being a supportive partner in a marriage or business is very important. "Everything that is seen is the result of the unseen." Prayer was at the center of their home life, with Jeannette often leading family prayers over their problems. Be careful of putting expectations on other people, especially unspoken expectations. Trudy's mother was a life long learner and never stopped trying new things, including taking up painting at 65, getting her first computer at 80, and her first iPhone when she was 90! Her mother constantly reminded them of God's love and providence over their lives, "Remember not only who you are, but whose you are." "Days are long, but life is short." Make the most of every opportunity you can. Her mother helped her understand that she could trust God, even when things were going poorly. Learning to never give up but to know when to quit is super important in business and in life. You can see Trudy's interview on Fox & Friends here. Enter to win a copy of the book for yourself head over to my Instagram to comment on the post for this episode with bonus points if you take a picture of yourself listening to the episode and tagging myself and Trudy! Connect with Trudy on her website, Instagram or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're talking with Beth McCord, founder of Your Enneagram Coach, who has been an Enneagram speaker, coach, and teacher for more than seventeen years. She has been trained by the best Enneagram experts and has obtained her advanced certification in Enneagram coaching. Beth is passionate about coming alongside individuals and helping them rewrite their story, allowing them to see that lasting change, meaningful relationships, and a life of deep purpose are possible. Beth lives outside of Nashville with her husband Jeff and two children. Beth is the author of Becoming Us, a book about your marriage and the Enneagram, and the new Enneagram Journal Collection. Today we're talking about: Becoming an Enneagram coach through Beth's course. How to find out what your Enneagram type Beth's Discovering You How each type approaches conflict and how to navigate that using both your and their type. What each type's childhood message was that they might have heard during trauma. Parenting with the Enneagram in mind. Connect with Beth on her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, we're talking with Dave Willis, who spent thirteen years as a full-time pastor and is now a speaker, author, relationship coach, and television host for MarriageToday. Dave and his wife Ashley have four young sons and live in Keller, Texas where they co-host a podcast together, The Naked Marriage. Today we talk about his new book, "Raising Boys Who Respect Girls" and get into the nitty-gritty of the challenges that parents raising boys face today. Today we're talking about: "Whatever thoughts we allow to replay in our minds will eventually shape our actions." You may not be able to control what thoughts come into your head, but like an air traffic controller, you can control which thoughts "land" "The talk" about the birds and the bees should really happen more than once as you engage with your children in age-appropriate ways about what their struggles and questions are Mom's have a unique roll in their son's life to be the first point of contact with what friendship and respect for a woman looks like The book deals with how to have conversations with your sons, whether you're a married or single mother Jesus was the ultimate respecter of women True manhood is how they love, respect, and serve the people around them Remember to use the code, "RealTalkRachael" in the Cultivate What Matters shop for 10% your purchases, now until March 31st! Connect with Dave on his website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael on her website, Instagram or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, we're talking with Lara Casey, CEO of Cultivate What Matters. Lara Casey is a mom to three (one through the gift of adoption), a grateful wife, and a believer in the impossible. As CEO of Cultivate What Matters, Lara is the creator of the best-selling PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner, the Write the Word Bible journals, and she authored two books: Make it Happen and Cultivate. In her free time Lara and loves getting her hands dirty in the garden with her kiddos in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Today we're talking about: Lara's first art print, "You Know All Those Things…" The PowerSheets that allowed her to focus on what mattered most to her How to live intentionally The trap of comparison Questions to ask yourself to make sure the goals you are choosing are the right things for this season in your life How to make sure your goals are rooted in good soil with 2020GoalSetting.com Lara's podcast, "Cultivate Your Life" Remember to use the code, "RealTalkRachael" in the Cultivate What Matters shop for 10% your purchases, now until March 31st! And don't forget to head over to my Instagram to enter to win a set of PowerSheets of your very own! Connect with Lara at her website, Instagram, or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, we're talking to Morgan Tyree, author of the book Take Back Your Time: Identify Your Priorities, Decrease Stress, and Increase Productivity. Morgan is a Professional Organizer, writer, and Fitness Instructor and she has a desire to help women be their best; to bless, encourage, and equip them in every season of life. She lives in Colorado with her husband, David, and their three children. This week we're talking about: Identifying your own top purpose so you know how to spend your time All times of the day are not created equal How your most productive time of the day might be later or earlier than you think Morgan's three-color system for organizing your time: green - highly focused productive time, yellow - less highly focused, tasks that can be easily started and stopped, red - free time and time to rest Thank you to our sponsors, Cultivate What Matters, for sponsoring today's podcast and remember to use the code: "RealTalkRachael" to save 10% at check out through March 31st! Also, be sure to check out our special giveaway on Instagram for a chance to win a copy of the book and a gift card to Morgan's favorite organization store! Connect with Morgan on her website, Facebook, and Instagram Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we're celebrating the two year anniversary of this podcast! We're also celebrating what God has done through it and looking back at our "small beginnings". Today we're talking about: Our top three most downloaded episodes: Episode 27 - Claiming Victory in the Valleys of Life with Dr. Cindy Haggerton, Episode 4 - Real Talk on Anxiety & Expecting Blessings in the Midst of Difficult Seasons with Diana Burks and Episode 32 - Real Talk about Biblical Body Image "Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." Zechariah 4:10 People who despise small beginnings are easily discouraged and they discourage others. Five Things I've Learned from not despising small beginnings. Remember, there's no "perfect time" to start anything! Start today with tiny steps. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes, subscribe to the email list, comment on the Instagram post for this episode or share this episode on social media to enter for our 2-year anniversary giveaway! Get more details here. Thank you so much to our sponsors for the amazing gifts! Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I have the privilege of talking with Don Mann, a US Navy Veteran and member of SEAL Team Six and writer of 19 books, including his most recent book, Reaching Beyond Boundaries: A Navy SEAL's Guide to Achieving Everything You've Ever Imagined. Today we're talking about: Doing something every day to make you smarter, faster, stronger and kinder How good teammates usually end up leading teams Don's thoughts on PTSD Developing a "combat mindset" by learning how to weed out distraction and focus on the mission Micro goals, macro goals, and how to balance them Connect with Don on his website or Facebook Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I talk with Erin Porter, author of Eat Pray Get Well: A Journey from Chronic Illness, Brokenness & Junk Food Junkie to Wholeness & Wellness. This is not your Grandmother's recipe book! In Eat Pray Get Well, Erin invites you into her journey from a childhood filled with rejection and emotional abuse to chronic illness into her adult years. She shares how God used both of these debilitating tragedies to reveal His grace, healing, and blessings in unimaginable ways. Eat pray get well is entertaining, inspiring and most of all will help you gain the tools needed to help heal your body and soul. All recipes are free of gluten, yeast, wheat, peanuts, and corn. Today we're talking about: Erin's delicious protein balls. How fungus may be the cause of some mystery illnesses. How Erin and her son both recovered from a habit of binge eating. Practical tips on how to deal with binge eating and anxiety. The difference between fear and anxiety. Sugar replacements for your food and desserts. Know the Cause by Doug Kaufmann Text the phrase "Real Talk Giveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Erin on her website, Instagram, or Facebook page. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Today on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with Alisa Keeton, author of the book The Wellness Revelation: Lose What Weighs You Down So You Can Love, God, Yourself, and Others. Alisa Keeton is a leading certified wellness professional with more than 20 years of experience. She is passionately dedicated to serving the Lord and is the founder of Revelation Wellness, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to educating and inspiring people to live healthy and whole lives in Christ. To date, she and her team have trained up and sent out into the world over one thousand wellness professionals who carry the message of what it means to love God, get healthy, be whole and love others. Her book, The Wellness Revelation: Lose What Weighs You Down So You Can Love, God, Yourself, and Others takes an in-depth look at what it means to be transformed by God's love, from the inside-out. Today we're talking about: How to "discharge" and sweat away our stress with God at the center. What makes Revelation Wellness different from any other fitness program. How mothers influence their daughter's self-image and eating habits. How to recognize your idols and how to "slay" them. Alisa's favorite breathing prayer, "Inhale grace, exhale praise." How to stay hopeful when your influence is small, but humble when it enlarges. Learn how to "Say it, think it, and move your body," with the Revelation Wellness Podcast. Plus: Don't forget to head to rachaelgilbert.com/hopewriters to take our writer's quiz! Text the phrase "Real Talk Giveaway" to the number 44222 to be entered to win giveaways from show guests and sponsors! Connect with Alisa at her website, Instagram, or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with Gwen Smith - a popular conference speaker, author, worship leader, coach, podcaster and volleyball enthusiast who lives in sunny North Carolina and has been married to her hunky college honey, Brad, for 26 years. They are tired parents to three tall young adults who keep them on their toes and on their knees. Her online friends meet at GwenSmith.net where she helps women know and trust God more. Her popular podcast, GRACEOLOGIE with Gwen Smith, has fun, faith-focused, grace-filled interview-style conversations with practical tips and honest discussions to encourage women in meaningful ways to live out and lean on the grace of Jesus in the midst of cluttered, messy days. Today we're talking about: Managing our online time and prayer time with less distraction by using a notepad to jot down distracting thoughts during prayer time and changing your browser homepage to a blank webpage to avoid being bombarded by entertainment and news. How to get to know God in whatever season you're currently in. How Gwen helps women grow in faith beyond their "feelings, failures, and fears" through K.N.E.E.E.L - Know Him, Notify (your heart, your enemy, and your girlfriends), Express the Mess, Exchange Your Will for His, Expand your Heart in Worship, Learn the Word. Gwen's latest book, I Want It All: Exchanging Your Average Life for Deeper Faith, Greater Power, and More Impact. Gwen's previous books: Broken into Beautiful: How God Restores the Wounded Heart, Trusting God: A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure and Knowing God by Name: A Girlfriends in God Faith Adventure Gwen's inductive Bible studies. Plus: Don't forget to head to rachaelgilbert.com/hopewriters to take our writer's quiz! Connect with Gwen on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Welcome to 2020! This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking about the condition of our hearts. Did you know that the NLT version of the Bible mentions the heart 565 times? It's very important to God and just might be your secret to success in the new year. TODAY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT: what God is showing me about my own heart condition why your heart is so important to God a few things that the Bible tells us about our hearts and our relationship with God three steps for spiritual open-heart surgery the secret to your success Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Hey friends! Welcome back to Real Talk with Rachael. Today I am pulling back the curtains on my own life and getting real about a struggle I've had in my own life that God is convicting and correcting me - my Instagram addiction. I also want to share some really exciting news - starting January 8, 2020, this show will be delivered to you weekly! You can expect a new episode every Wednesday morning to help you not just survive but thrive through your week. Today we're talking about: Four convictions and corrections to demolish shame and bring our sin into the light. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for overcoming addiction Defining triggers and how to manage them Download the free worksheet that goes with this episode here! We will be taking a break from the show over the holidays so I can spend time with family and prepare for the launch of weekly episodes in 2020. I pray you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I talk with Asheritah Ciuciu, who is a bestselling author and speaker, wife to her high school sweetheart Flaviu, and mama to three spunky kiddos. She grew up in Romania as a missionary kid and studied English and Women's Ministry at Cedarville University. She is the founder of One Thing Alone Ministries, an online ministry that helps overwhelmed women find joy in Jesus through creative and consistent time in God's Word. Visit BibleandBreakfast.com for resources about the book, including the free lock screens discussed during the episode! Today we talked about: Free lock screens for your phone at Bibleandbreakfast.com Snacking on scripture and feasting on God's word Getting over all-or-nothing thinking What holds women back from taking quiet time and getting into God's word How you can be creative about being consistent The key to forming good habits Moody is giving away THREE copies of Bible & Breakfast! Enter either of these ways: Leave an iTunes review on the show!Text the phrase REALTALKGIVEAWAY to 44222 on your phone! You can enter both ways and that gets you more entries! Connect with Asheritah on her website and/or Instagram. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, we talk with Tricia Goyer, author of the brand new book, "The Grumble Free Year: Twelve Months, Eleven Family Members, and One Impossible Goal". Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, doting grandma, and wife to John. A USA Today bestselling author, Tricia has published seventy books and is a two-time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Finalist. She won the Retailer'' Best Award in 2015 and has received starred reviews from Romantic Times and Publishers Weekly. She is also on the blogging team at TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites. Tricia is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries and currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, Arkansas. After adopting her children, she noticed that there was a lot of grumbling as everyone adjusted to one another. Adopting so many at once was a lot to handle for anybody! "The Grumble Free Year" seeks to help you get your own family grumble free, with the benefit of her experience in seeing what worked, and what didn't. Today we talked about: How grumbling is so much more than just a bad attitude, it's a matter of the heart. The Emotionally Healthy Woman: Eight Things You Have to Quit to Change Your Life by Geri Scazzero Reworking our brain to get out of our slump. Transforming grumbling into praying. And how to avoid blowing up during what Tricia calls our "Witching Hour". Plus, the Grumble Free 30-Day Challenge starting after Thanksgiving! Connect with Trica Goyer at her website, Instagram and/or Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with Bonnie Hirst, who shares with us her story of heartbreak and faith in her new book, "Test of Faith: Surviving My Daughter's Life Sentence". I cried during this book, which is not something I do often. After attending a writing workshop, the pain that she went through eventually evolved into her book as she poured all of her experiences out onto the page. She credits that with being a major turning point in her life. Today we talked about: How writing the book helped pull her out of her deep depression. How she keeps in touch with her daughter now. How she recognized the blessings that had come into her life, even though her daughter was still in jail, through writing her book. Now that it's been 10 years since her daughter was arrested, we discussed how she's dealing with it now a decade after her life drastically changed. How she dealt with her faith being shaken after her prayer was not favorably answered... ...and how to help a family member or friend during their times of grief. Bonnie S. Hirst loves feel-good movies and stories with happy endings. When life tries to shorten her stride, she prays, cries, talks with her guardian angels, reads self-help books, and writes. She can often be found kayaking on a calm mountain lake. If you want to win a copy of Bonnie's memoir, text the phrase REALTALKGIVEAWAY to 44222. This does not add your cell phone or email to any newsletter; it's just an easy way to keep track of entries! And once you enter once, you are entered for ALL future giveaways! Send a note to Bonnie's daughter here: Lacey Hirst-Pavek WCCW 345340 MSU 9601 Bujacich Rd Gig Harbor, WA 98332 For important guidelines on how to send gifts to your incarcerated loved ones, or on how to send gifts to Lacey, please see this helpful page from PrisonPro: Sending Books, Letters, and Photos to an Inmate: Important rules you need to know. Connect with Bonnie S. Hirst on her website, Facebook and/or Instagram. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking with Julia Sadler, who recently released her exciting new book, "Pray Big Things: The Surprising Life God Has for You When You're Bold Enough to Ask". After three miscarriages, Julia, along with her husband, decided to pray boldly and very specifically to change the course of their lives. After going through that experience, she wants to share with the rest of us how we can access that power through prayer and what the Bible says about prayer itself so we can pray boldly into our own lives. We also get into the big topic of how to deal with our grief when God says "No" to your big prayers. She discusses how to go to Him with your feelings honestly and how not to be afraid to share your heartbreak, and even anger, with God. She provides a great biblical reminder to us that we can feel hope after grief. Julia Sadler, LPC, is a reality star from TLC's "Rattled" who has seen God do immeasurably more than anything she could hope or imagine. After suffering three miscarriages in one year, God blessed her and her husband, Ryan, with triplets. Their story of faith, prayer, and evangelism in the midst of heartache has encouraged thousands around the world. Julia is a licensed professional counselor and the girls ministry director at the 13,000-member First Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas. She is a regular conference speaker, radio show guest, and host of The Julia Sadler Show. Her clinical training, biblical foundation, pastor's daughter upbringing, and sense of humor provide a fresh perspective on cultural topics. Julia and her junior-high sweetheart, Ryan, live and minister in Dallas, Texas. Connect with Julia Jeffress Sadler on her website, Instagram, and Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This is a bonus episode of Real Talk with Rachael because our parents celebrate fifty years of marriage today! I hopped on a call with my four older siblings and we discussed what we each learned from mom and dad- hence the five things- one from each kid! We also had some fun banter about life in a family of seven, particularly family vacations. Here are just a few things mentioned that we learned from mom and dad: Faith is the foundation Teamwork makes the dream work. Love Jesus, love others. Unconditional love from God, for each other, for us kids and for others. If you would like to donate to their Israel trip click here. If you would like to learn more and donate to the amphitheater click here. If you would like to learn more and donate to the Oasis animal therapy program, click here. We love you, mom and dad!

Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler spend some time talking about their ministry to give mother's hope this week. They are sisters-in-law that discovered they had the same questions about how being Christian should affect their approach to motherhood and wanted to explore that topic together on a podcast called Risen Motherhood. On their podcast, they talk about the difficulties of motherhood on a spiritual level, talk about tough topics, all with an aim to give hope to mothers and help refocus their calling to motherhood through the lens of the gospel. We chatted about all that, plus: How being a Christian should change your perspective on motherhood. Their new book: Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments. What it was like starting a podcast and how they became comfortable with it. Trusting God to go out on a limb and do something uncomfortable and new. How balancing being a wife, mother, and working requires constant Being seen as amazing because of how much you love Jesus, rather than how quickly you can fit back into your pre-baby jeans. Connect with Emily and Laura on their website, Instagram and Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

We got real about friendship with these week's guest, Kelly Needham. Kelly Needham is an author, speaker, and blogger and hopes to convince as many people as possible that nothing compares to knowing Jesus. Here are some things we covered in this episode: Why Kelly wrote Friendish. The one message Kelly would want readers to take away from the book. In a world where women are busier than ever, what it looks like to be a good friend. The most common counterfeits masquerading as good friendship. What foundational truths readers/listeners need to know in order to have healthy relationships. What communication skills have been the most life-changing in moving towards real friendship. The importance of carefrontation in friendship. Kelly's publishers are giving away TWO copies of Friendish! One for you...and one for a friend! To enter, text the phrase REALTALK to 44222. Connect with Kelly on her website, Instagram, and Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Today's guest, Brian Dixon is the author of Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything. He has a doctoral degree in education from the University of San Diego. He has consulted with universities, publishers, nonprofits, and hundreds of coaching students to help them clarify their message and serve their ideal audience. As a podcaster, conference speaker and consultant, Brian is passionate about helping high performers thrive in a world of overwhelming options. Brian is the second man I've had on Real Talk with Rachael (the first being my husband) and I invited him on because I have been very impressed with not only his online presence but how he truly does lead with people first. He is genuine and authentic, and we did some real talk about all kind of fun topics today, like: What made him change how he was doing things in life and business years ago (his answer was so vulnerable!). The power of the 360 assessment (and what it is) 3 tips for working from home without sacrificing your family or business How to figure out what is obvious to you that can help other people His wife's role in his online business Why more men aren't in the online space (this conversation was rich!) And so much more wisdom and insight you don't want to miss! Special thank you to today's show sponsor, Hope Writers, a community for writers that I am a part of each month. I love their teachings, encouragement and community. Brian is a co-founder of Hope Writers and he shared about a quiz you can take to figure out where you are on your writing journey. Go to rachaelgilbert.com/hopewriters to take the quiz! Connect with Brian on his website and Instagram. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

Join us today on Real Talk with Rachael as I interview special guest, Malinda Fuller. Malinda Fuller s an acclaimed author, speaker, and blogger that desires to inspire her readers to choose obedience over hustle. And that is exactly what we chatted about today plus all of this awesomeness: The FUN adventure her family is taking in this season of life. Her book: Obedience Over Hustle: The Surrender of the Striving Heart. What's so wrong with this hustle culture. How hustling differs from just having a good work ethic What we have to lose if we give ourselves over to the "hustle" way of doing things How the hustle culture lifestyle differs from the way Jesus lived Be sure to text REALTALK to 44222 to stay up to date via email all things regarding the show and goodies from sponsors! Special thanks to Cultivate What Matters for being today's show sponsor. Click HERE to shop and support the show! Be sure to use code RealTalkRachael for 10% off your order! Connect with Melinda on her website, Instagram and Facebook. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.