Heroes For Her, Presented By Bible Belles

"Just keep going."    My guest today is Amy R. Buckley. Amy is a writer, speaker, and activist. She has contributed to several books including Strengthening Families and Ending Abuse, Churches and Their Leaders Look to the Future and Overcomer: Breaking Down the Walls of Shame and Rebuilding Your Soul. Most recently, she finished a chapter on biblical modesty for the forthcoming book Dating During the Apocalypse, and Other Conversations On God, Sex, and Life.  Amy founded the Stop the Silence Initiative as an editor for SheLoves.com, bringing to light domestic and sexual violence in Christian communities. She serves on the board of Life Together International, empowering church leaders to build strong communities in Uganda and the US. Amy lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband and two daughters. Do not miss today's episode, "Keep Going" and be encouraged to continue on, with fortitude and faith.   

"You are worth more than many sparrows."  -Matthew 10:31   My guest today is Rachel Joy. Rachel is a wife and mama to four beautiful children (Addison, Benjamin, Everett, and new baby Annie). Rachel has lead and taught Bible studies for over fifteen years, and it is her passion to see young women come to the powerful, saving grace and knowledge of Jesus. After hosting a college women's Bible study in 2010, God began to stir in Rachel a desire to gather young women together on a larger scale hear and study the Bible and to help them develop a fixed identity in Christ. She prayed through and developed the idea and, with the help of an amazing support team, the first Sparrow Conference was held in Denton, Texas in the fall of 2012.   In today's episode, you'll hear Rachel's heart and passion for the work she does, as well as all the details about this year's conference. The theme is "Draw Near" and the lineup of speakers is nothing short of spectacular.   Enjoy today's episode, "Drawing Near", and listen to the

Kari is a blogger, author, speaker, and newspaper columnist from Birmingham, Alabama. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, TODAY Parents, and other national outlets. Kari's first book, 10 Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know, has been used widely across the country by teen youth groups and small groups to empower girls through faith. Her new book is called Liked: Whose approval are you living for?   I first came across Kari's work when I read her 2014 Huffington Post blog "Raising a Kind Daughter".  Rooney was born that same year. I think it struck me because, well, I want deeply to raise a daughter who is secure enough in who she is that she treats others with love and respect. I pray for that.   Kari is a mom to four daughters, so she understands the need for clear expectations and a well-founded plan for social media. I absolutely loved our conversation because Kari broke down really simple ways that we can set our girls up for success on social media and not shy away from the conversations that

"Live the life you were created to live." My guest today is Alli Worthington. Alli Worthington is the author of Breaking Busy: Finding Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy, speaker, and the Executive Director of Propel Women.    Alli lives with her husband Mark and their five sons (Wow!) right outside of Nashville. In this episode, we talked country living, what it's like for her being the only girl in the house,  and how writing is a whole lot less glamorous than people think. I loved hearing about why Alli felt called into the work she does and how she relies on friends who tell her the truth when she needs to adjust things on her end. Don't we all need that?   Check out today' episode, "A Clean Break From Busy," and learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do.  

  "If you want to lead people, you've got learn how to love them."   My guest today is Jenni Catron. Jenni is a writer, speaker, and leadership expert committed to helping others lead from their extraordinary best.  Her passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip and encourage others to do the same. She speaks at conferences and churches nationwide, seeking to help others develop their leadership gifts and lead confidently in the different spheres of influence God has granted them.   Founder and CEO of The 4Sight Group, Jenni is the author of several books including Clout: Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. She's also spent the last few months traveling around as part of Propel Women's battery of powerhouse speakers!    Check out today's episode, "Lead With Love", and hear what Jenni has to say about the incredible opportunity we have as parents to lead in our homes and be the ones to grow and develop the next generation of leaders who love.  

"Why curse the darkness when you can light a candle?" My guest for today's episode is the founder and Executive Director of the American Heritage Girls, Patti Garibay. American Heritage Girls (AHG) is the national character development program for girls ages 5-18 whose mission is to "build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country". What an honor and joy it is for me to know this incredibly kind and compassionate leader whose heart beats so strongly for the next generation of girls.   During her time as a stay at home mom, Patti served as a Girl Scout volunteer for over twelve years as both a recruiter and troop leader. She was inspired by a few changes made to the Girl Scouts, as well as her father's encouraging attitude, and she founded the faith-based, inter-denominational alternative to the Girl Scouts, the American Heritage Girls, in 1995.   Check out today's episode, "A Light In The Dark", and hear how Patti stepped out in faith and answered God's call to give girls the op

Born and raised in Hawaii, my guest today is Tiffany Thurston. Tiffany has been leading worship for the past 18 years. Right out of high school she began serving on the worship team at her local church before joining the staff as both Vocal + Creative Director. In 2007, she moved into full-time touring ministry as the worship leader for the Revolve Tour, Women of Faith's national teen girl conference.     That same year she began singing as the sole background singer to Christian recording artist, Natalie Grant.    In 2012, she moved back to Hawaii after getting married and started her own conference for teen girls and college ladies in 2013 called the BLOOM Conference, whose mission is to encourage, inspire, equip, and empower the next generation of world changers to "BLOOM where they are planted and become all that God created them to be."     Check out today's episode, "In Full Bloom", and hear this soon-to-be mama's heart for building up and resourcing tomorrow's leaders in truth, love, and purpose.

Lovely and talented, my guest for today's episode is Tasha Layton. I can still remember watching Tasha's audition for American Idol, well before I ever met her. There was something special about her. Her smile, her bubbly demeanor, the way she bounced around as she talked to the judges, the soul and fervor behind her powerful voice. It was the joy. Tasha is a pastor, worship leader, and professional singer who moved to Nashville from Los Angeles after 10 years of working simultaneously within the church and music industry. She has been a voice for various productions such as Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cirque de Soleil, and toured as a backing vocalist for Katy Perry for over 4 years. When she's not teaching voice and theology at Trivecca University, she's coaching others or recording her new album with her husband, fellow musician Keith Smith. Check out today's episode, "The Presence of Joy" and listen as Tasha shares how she found and grew her love of music, ministry, and more, and that "sometimes we just have

I, for one, am a frequent over-user of the word "amazing". In my world, everything is amazing: whether it's Rooney staying in her bed all night without coming to wake me up or the grilled fish tacos we had last night for dinner. According to me, there's a lot of amazing stuff going on. A lot of the time, however, my mood, my attitude, and my ability to be my best self could not be described using that word. Motherhood can be daunting, draining, and debilitating. If we're not careful, it can feel a whole lot less than amazing.    My guest for today's episode is Stacey Thacker. Stacey is a wife to Mike and the mother of four vibrant girls. She is a writer, speaker, and the founder of Mothers of Daughters, one of my favorite blogs. Her new book is called Fresh Out of Amazing, and in it she breaks down how to deal when you're feeling busy and burdened: overwhelmed, frazzled, and everything in between.      Check out today's episode, "An Amazing Invitation", and be encouraged as Stacey shares what inspired her to

If I'm being honest, a lot of the time raising a girl can seem like a blessing and a curse. That's why I am thankful for people like Sissy Goff.     Sissy has over twenty years of experience counseling kids and families. She has worked as the Director of Child and Adolescent Counseling at Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee since 1993. She spends most of her days talking with girls and their families, with the help of her counseling assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese.  She's written seven books, 1 DVD curriculum, and is working currently on her newest book releasing in 2017.   Check out today's episode, "Bringing Up Belles", and listen as Sissy breaks down answers to questions like "How do you establish and maintain a rapport of trust and open communication with your daughter?" and  "What do you do when she inevitably starts to pull away?" This is one episode that you will not want to miss!

Episode 26 - Priceless Guest: Joel Smallbone   The song goes like this:    Mirror mirror, mirror on the wall Tellin' those lies, pointing out your flaws That isn't who you are That isn't who you are Those of you who have listened for a while, you know that I don't usually host guys on this podcast. But for our two most recent episodes, my guests have been of the male persuasion. We (Jess and I) celebrated Bible Belles' 1st birthday and our 25th episode with my fantastic and wonderful other half Brent. This week, my guest is the other half of another amazing duo: two-time Grammy winning band for KING & COUNTRY and star of the movie "Priceless" which releases in theatres TODAY: Joel Smallbone.    It might be hard to hear, but let me tell you dear If you could see what I can see, I know you would believe That isn't who you are There's more to who you are So when it's late, you're wide awake Too much to take Don't you dare forget that in the pain You can be brave, hear me say   First, let's just tackle the s

Happy birthday to us . . . Bible Belles is turning ONE! Brent, Rooney, and I have been celebrating all week in Hawaii! We started this company one year ago, and today marks the 25th episode of our Heroes For Her podcast! For this special occasion, we're doing things a little bit differently. Today's guests are the other humans that make up Team Bible Belles: Brent Weidemann (our first male guest!) and our content manager Jess Delgado. Note: Jess' first appearance on the podcast was in Episode 1 - if you haven't listened to that one yet, be sure you do!  In this episode, you'll hear stories from the past year and how we went from an idea on the way home from church to being months away from releasing our third book! We've had lots of challenges and awesome milestones along the way, and I loved getting a chance to sit down with my people and talk through this incredible year and all that God has done.  Don't miss this week's episode, "Happy Birthday, Bible Belles!", and feel free to run around cheering and thro

My guest for episode 24 is Katelyn Beaty. Katelyn is the managing editor of Christianity Today magazine, where she co-founded the blog Her.meneutics with Sarah Pulliam Bailey. Her first book, A Woman's Place: A Christian Vision for Your Calling in the Office, the Home, and the World (Howard), was published in July 2016.   The youngest and first female editor of Christianity Today, Katelyn talks in this episode about the topic of women and work and making space for ambition inside multiple locations. No matter if you're back in the workforce while raising you're kids or you've given up life in the office for a stay-at-home-mom gig, it's sad that a certain level of shame exists in both places. "A Woman's Place" dispels all notions of the "less than" mentality and calls for true celebration and support of a woman's desire to work, both in society and in the church.   Listen to this week's episode, "A Woman's Work," and be inspired by a caring and driven young woman who's using her gifts and talents in ways that

My guest for episode 23 is Lisa Bevere. She rocks. Lisa is an international speaker, best-selling author, and co-founder of Messenger International. She is a powerful advocate for women everywhere to "break free of comparison and competition, embrace God's purpose, and realize a life without rival." Chills! I could not love this woman more.   In this episode, you'll hear Lisa's heart for the struggles that we face as women: comparison, confusion, and everything in between. She also digs deeper into how God does not love us equally: He loves us uniquely. There are so many truths revealed in this episode that I've already used, both in conversations with Rooney and with myself (Yes, I talk to myself. Judge away).  You'll also hear what inspired her new book, "Without Rival," which just released on August 16! This is the book every woman needs to read. Find it here on Amazon! 

Drum roll please... My guest for episode 22 is MOPS President and CEO Mandy Arioto! Mandy represents "the mothering voice" of MOPS, an international organization with over 100,000 members. If you are a mom with young kids (birth to kindergarten) and you aren't plugged into MOPS, stop what you're doing and get involved! Being a part of a safe community of other moms has saved me during my time as a new mama, and I know it will bless you!   In this episode, you'll hear about how Mandy was first introduced to MOPS (as a new mom who was in need of support), just like so many of us. A few years later, she and her husband Joe decided to move with their kids to Colorado so Mandy could work directly for the organization that was there for her in those early years of motherhood.  You'll also hear what inspired this year's MOPS theme, "We Are the Starry Eyed" and get all the details about Mandy's new book, "Starry-Eyed: Seeing Grace in the Unfolding Constellation of Life and Motherhood." It is set to release on August

My guest for episode 21 is Kara Kae James. "A complete mess covered in grace", KK is a wife to Brook and mama to three girls and one newly adopted and adorable baby boy. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Thrive Moms, an online ministry that provides daily encouragement and resources for moms everywhere.  Thrive Moms has been a life-changing resource for me as I've spent the last two years learning about what it means to be a mom. Like so many moms out there, I spent the early months in survival mode. I thought that if I could just get through each day, then that was enough. But being a mom is so much more than just trying to make it through the day or complaining about how hard it is.  Listen to today's episode, "Called to Thrive, Not Survive", and be encouraged that being a mom is not about surviving. It's about stepping boldly into what we've all been called to do. It's about celebrating and owning this glorious adventure.

Why is leadership so important, and how do we inspire it in ourselves and our kids? My guest for episode 20 is Elise Boggs. Elise is a leadership expert whose passion in life is "equipping the next generation of marketplace leaders to change the world". For the past several years, she has been a professor in southern California-based universities, teaching leadership theory and a wide variety of graduate and undergraduate courses. As a certified Emotional Intelligence coach, her expertise lies in problem solving and other leadership-related challenges. Check out today's episode: "Character and Excellence" and listen as Elise breaks down some practical tools for parents who want to help their kids build real values like self-acceptance, kindness, and the confidence to be who God created them to be.

Erin Weidemann is here to put the "her" in hero! It is her passion to help parents raise confident, capable daughters who are excited to live out their purpose. In today's world, the girls who are the loudest are the ones who get noticed. Join us as we inspire you each week by interviewing real women, positive role models who are making a different kind of noise. Erin is the author of "The Adventures of Rooney Cruz" a series for girls to help them discover what it means to be truly beautiful through the female heroes of the Bible.

Erin Weidemann is here to put the "her" in hero! It is her passion to help parents raise confident, capable daughters who are excited to live out their purpose. In today's world, the girls who are the loudest are the ones who get noticed. Join us as we inspire you each week by interviewing real women, positive role models who are making a different kind of noise. Erin is the author of "The Adventures of Rooney Cruz" a series for girls to help them discover what it means to be truly beautiful through the female heroes of the Bible.

Erin Weidemann is here to put the "her" in hero! It is her passion to help parents raise confident, capable daughters who are excited to live out their purpose. In today's world, the girls who are the loudest are the ones who get noticed. Join us as we inspire you each week by interviewing real women, positive role models who are making a different kind of noise. Erin is the author of "The Adventures of Rooney Cruz" a series for girls to help them discover what it means to be truly beautiful through the female heroes of the Bible.