This Is Your Nudge

Do you ever put pressure on yourself to read your Bible enough? Pray enough? Make the right choices.?Say the right things? Love people well? Don't mess up?

It can feel like a lot.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Mac Bridges and Kenz Durham (you might know them from their For the Girl podcast or Delight Ministries) to talk about the pressure we put on ourselves to get our faith “right” and what God is actually asking of us when He calls us to holiness.

Because here's something we all need t...

Do you have an idea, dream, stirring in your heart, but you keep dismissing it, ignoring it, or telling yourself you can’t do it?

Maybe you don’t feel qualified, like it’s too late, like someone else is already doing it, or the answer will be no. So why bother asking?

This conversation is your nudge to not let any of that hold you back and instead take the next faithful step.

I’m sitting down with my friend Annie F. Downs, and we’re talking about what it looks like to trust t...

Do you ever feel like there’s just… not enough? Not enough money, time, energy, margin, opportunities, or security? If so, this episode is your nudge to stop living from a place of fear and start living from the abundance God has already promised you.

Today I’m joined by my sweet friend Jen Thompson, and we’re diving into the difference between a scarcity mindset and an abundance mindset—and wow, this conversation hit deep. Because if we’re honest, so many of us are walking around exhausted, striving, and constantly comparing, believing the lie that we’re someho...

Do mornings ever feel… a little out of reach? Like you want to be the girl with the quiet time, the coffee, the Bible open… but real life just doesn’t look like that?

This episode is your nudge to let go of the pressure, and meet Jesus right where you are.

I’m joined by the amazing Jennifer Dukes Lee, and we’re talking all about mornings—but not in the “wake up at 5am and have it all together” kind of way. We’re redefining what it actually means to be a “morning person” and why your...

Have you ever felt like there’s a gap between where you are and where you think you should be? This episode is your nudge to stop fighting or mourning that gap and instead start understanding and closing it.

I’m sitting down with my dear friend Dr. Lee Warren, a neurosurgeon, author, and someone who beautifully bridges the space between science and faith. We talk about what he calls the “mental gap” and how so much of our struggle isn’t about our circumstances, it’s about what’s happening inside our minds.

Here’s the good news...

What if the hardest thing isn’t understanding what Jesus did… but actually receiving it?

In this special Easter episode of This Is Your Nudge, I’m slowing down with you to reflect on the weight and beauty of the cross. Not just what it means, but what it cost. Because when we really sit with that, the sacrifice, the love, the intentionality, it changes how we live.

I’m walking through the reality that Jesus didn’t just give us a moment or a message… He gave us everything. And sometimes, we treat that gift like it...

Ever felt like you’re fighting a battle you can’t quite see? Maybe it shows up as fear, discouragement, anger, or a heaviness that seems to come out of nowhere. If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to start proactively fighting. You’re not powerless. God has given you everything you need to win the battle before it even starts..

Today I’m joined by my friend, Beth Guckenberger. We talk about something many believers experience but don’t always discuss: spiritual warfare. Beth brings wisdom, clarity, and hope as we unpack how to recognize th...

Have you ever felt like someone else is doing it better, faster, or more “important”? That you’re not enough? If that’s you, this episode is your nudge to stop looking around and start leaning into exactly who God created you to be.

Today, I’m sharing stories of incredible women in the Bible who didn’t have the same gifts, roles, or callings—but each of them said yes to God in their own unique way. And because of that? Their lives made an eternal impact.

We’re talking about women like Mary Magdalene, Marth...

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world or wondering how to do something that matters, this episode is your nudge to choose hope and take action to share that hope with others.

I’m honored to sit down with Gloria Umanah, a visionary leader, L'Oréal Women of Worth honoree, and the creative force behind Hope Booth. Gloria shares her powerful story of stepping out of despair and into purpose, the spark that started Hope Booth, and how a simple, immersive moment of truth and love can completely shift someone’s trajectory.

We ta...

Maybe someone you love is walking through recovery, maybe you’re that someone. Or maybe you just want to better understand addiction, healing, and what real support looks like so you can love others well. This episode is for you.

I’m joined by compassionate and kind dear friend, Caroline Beidler, a recovery advocate, author, and community-builder. Together, we talk about the real journey of recovery—not just sobriety, but the process of becoming whole again. We explore how identity, community, faith, and love all play a part in the healing journey.

Caroline opens up about...

If shame has ever whispered that you're not enough, or made you feel like hiding parts of your story, this episode is for you. My conversation with the wise and compassionate Dr. Zoe Shaw is your gentle, firm nudge to stop letting shame call the shots in your life.

Together, we unpack the difference between guilt and shame (spoiler: one can be helpful, the other absolutely isn't). We also talk about how shame sneaks into our relationships, decisions, and identity. Dr. Zoe, a licensed psychotherapist and author. She shares powerful insight on what shame really is, where...

Does Jesus’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” feel challenging in a world that feels so divided? If you’ve ever struggled with how to love people who think, live, or believe differently than you do, this episode is your nudge to love your neighbor.

I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Jenni Wong-Clayvillel, a pastor, leader, foodie, and all-around firecracker of encouragement. Together, we talk about what it means to live out the greatest commandment, to love God and love others. And not just the easy people. But the complicated ones. The differen...

Healing can be heavy. If you've been walking through pain, carrying offense, or wrestling with how to move forward, this episode is for you. This conversation with t Alexandra Hoover is your nudge to stop carrying the hurt alone and to step into the healing God is offering.

Alexandra and I talk openly about trauma, offense, and the deep work of healing. We explore how acknowledging pain is not weakness but the first step toward wholeness. We also dive into what forgiveness really means (and what it doesn't), the importance of vulnerability, and how our identity in...

Can we talk about how hard it can be to balance all the things during the holidays? If you’re craving peace, joy, and a little motivation to care for your body and your soul this season, this episode is your nudge.

In this festive and real conversation, I’m joined by the lovely Betsy St. Amant Haddox, rom-com author, CrossFit fan, and all-around encourager. We chat about Betsy’s favorite Christmas traditions (yes to Christmas lights and hot cocoa!), the challenges of staying active and motivated during the holidays, and the deeper spiritual reasons why caring for ou...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or the weight of the world? If you’ve been longing for peace but not quite sure how to find it, this episode is your gentle nudge to stop striving and start resting in the truth of who you are: deeply loved and already enough.

In this beautiful and honest conversation, I’m joined by best-selling author Holley Gerth. We talk about her newest book, Prayers for Peace of Mind, and what it looks like to walk through anxiety while still trusting God’s love and guidance. Holley’s wisdom a...

Have you ever found yourself listening to the wrong voices? The ones that tell you you’re not enough, that your past defines you, or that you’re too much? You’re not alone. And this episode is your nudge to silence those lies and tune into the voice of the One who created you.

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Hosanna Wong, spoken word artist, Bible teacher, and author—to talk all about identity, truth, and the joy of living fully as God’s beloved daughters and sons. Hosanna shares how we can stop letting ne...

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling social media wondering why your life doesn’t measure up, or caught in a cycle of trying to “do it all” and still not feeling enough—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of This Is Your Nudge, I sit down with my dear friend, Erica Ligenza Gwynn, an author, podcast host, wife, and mama who is boldly calling out the lies women believe and pointing us to the truth of God’s Word. We dig into her latest book That’s Just Not True and talk about how social media...

Do you ever feel like your dreams are just out of reach? Maybe you’ve hit roadblocks, rejections, or delays that have made you wonder if it’s worth it to keep going. If that’s you this episode is your nudge.

I’m sitting down with the delightful Melissa Ferguson, bestselling author of heartwarming rom-coms like Meet Me in the Margins and The Perfect Rom-Com, as well as her brand-new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse. Melissa’s story is full of both laughter and grit. From her background in biblical studies to her journey as a writer, wi...

Are you waiting for the perfect moment to chase the dream God placed on your heart? Or maybe you’re still wondering if you’re even “qualified” to do the thing you keep thinking about? Consider this your nudge. 

In this first episode of my revamped show newly renamed,  This Is Your Nudge, I get to sit down with the amazing Jo Saxton—author, speaker, podcast host, leadership coach, and all-around powerhouse. Jo and I chat about what it really means to embrace our God-given gifts and step into the lives He’s called us to live.

We talk a...

Hey friend, have you ever found it hard to hold onto joy, especially when life doesn’t go as planned? Maybe you’re in a season of waiting, doubting, or just plain exhaustion, wondering if real, lasting joy is even possible. If that’s you, today’s conversation with Nicole Zasowski on Brave Woman, Mighty God is going to feel like a deep breath of fresh air.

Nicole is a licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker who beautifully combines vulnerability and wisdom. In this episode, we discuss the brave choice to pursue joy even when life fee...

Do you have a dream on your heart that feels a little too big, too scary, or too far away? Maybe you've felt the sting of comparison, wrestled with insecurity, or questioned if you're really equipped for what God is calling you to. If that’s you—pull up a chair, because this conversation with Rebecca George is for you.

Rebecca is the host of the Radical Radiance podcast and author of Do the Thing: Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl. She’s passionate about helping women pursue their God-given dreams with joy, purpose, and bo...

Have you ever wondered about the roles women played in the early church? In this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God, I sit down with Dr. Nijay Gupta, a brilliant New Testament scholar, to uncover the stories of remarkable women like Deborah, Mary, Phoebe, and Junia. These women weren't just background characters—they were leaders, messengers, and apostles who played vital roles in God's story.​

Dr. Gupta shares insights from his research, shedding light on how these women's contributions have often been overlooked or misunderstood. We discuss the cultural and historical contexts of their ministries and how thei...

Do you ever feel like your life is too ordinary to be meaningful? Like you're stuck in the mundane, unseen, or waiting for something more? If so, this conversation is for you. On this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God I'm joined by the wise and gracious Ruth Chou Simons. Ruth is an author, artist, entrepreneur, and mama to six boys—yes, six! She has a heart for encouraging women to see God's grace right in the middle of real, everyday life.  

Ruth and I talk about what it means to be faithful where you are—especially in sea...

Have you ever felt like you’re waiting on God to show up? Maybe you're in a season where faithfulness feels hard, or you wonder if what you’re doing really matters. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m joined by the incredible Kelly Minter, a Bible teacher, author, and worship leader who is passionate about living out her faith in both big and small ways. We talk about one of Kelly’s favorite women of the Bible—Elizabeth—and how her story of faithfulness and perseverance can encourage us in our own waiting seasons.  

We also div...

Have you ever found yourself questioning your relationship with alcohol? Maybe you've wondered if that nightly glass of wine is really helping you unwind or if there's a deeper reason behind your habits. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m sitting down with Jenn Kautsch, founder of SoberSis and a leader in the Sober Curious movement. Jenn is passionate about creating a judgment-free space for women to explore their drinking habits without labels or shame. We dive into the concept of gray area drinking—the space between rock-bottom addiction and casual drinking—and how so many of...

Have you ever wrestled with the complexities of friendships? Maybe you've been hurt by a friend, struggled to find deep, meaningful connections, or wondered how to build relationships that truly last. If so, this episode is for you.  

I’m sitting down with my friend Alli Patterson to talk about the bravery it takes to show up in friendships—through vulnerability, setting boundaries, and learning to trust again after betrayal. We dive into the story of Rahab, a woman in the Bible whose courage and faith reshaped her future and connected her to God’s bigger plan. Alli sha...

Hey friend, have you ever felt unseen, unworthy, or just plain exhausted by trying to do it all? Then this conversation is for you. In this episode of Brave Woman, Mighty God, I sit down with Amy Seiffert to explore the power of embracing our identity as daughters of God.  

Amy and I dive into the lives of incredible women in the Bible—women like Huldah, a hidden gem in the Old Testament, and the bleeding woman, whose desperation and faith led her straight to the healing power of Jesus. We talk about the bravery it takes to c...

If you’ve ever felt like your past is too messy or your wounds are too deep, this conversation with Toni Collier is for you. I’m so honored to kick off season 2 of my podcast with the powerhouse Toni Collier. She's a speaker, author, founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, and a woman who knows firsthand what it means to walk through trauma and come out the other side stronger, braver, and filled with hope.  

We dive deep into what it means to heal—not just survive, but truly *heal*—from the wounds of our past. We talk ab...

Find strength, hope, and resilience through God's mighty empowerment.
You can use your gifts, say yes, be the change, stand up for what's right, share what you have, break bad cycles, reach out for support, speak up, and so much more.
You can... because God empowers, equips, and cheers you on in everything you're facing today, tomorrow, and every day.

I am beyond excited for you to hear this conversation with the incredible Jess Connolly. Jess is an author, Bible teacher, and coach with a heart for helping women feel more alive and present in their everyday lives. In this episode, we talk about something we all struggle with—fatigue. Jess and I dive into how the pressures of hustle culture and societal expectations can leave us feeling exhausted and inadequate and why slowing down is crucial for our well-being.

Jess shares her journey with fatigue and burnout and how she’s learned to listen to her body...

I’m thrilled to share this beautiful conversation with Faith Eury Cho as we dive into the importance of slowing down to cultivate a deeper friendship with God. Faith is a co-pastor at Mosaic Covenant Church, the founder of The Honor Summit, and a mama to four kiddos. Faith shares such incredible wisdom!

We all have a spiritual longing in our hearts, and Faith and I explore how we often try to fill that hunger with the wrong things—busyness, success, even religious duties. But the real fulfillment comes when we walk in communion with the Holy Spir...

Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because I’m joined by Mike Donehey, the lead singer of 10th Avenue North. Mike is also an author, and a dad to four girls. You might also know him from his incredible Bible teachings on social media, lovingly referred to as “Mike Drops.” In this conversation, Mike and I explore what it means to slow down and live intentionally, particularly when it comes to worship, community, and reconciliation.

Mike shares such rich insights on how worship is so much more than music—it's a way of lif...

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s demands this show is for you!

I’m sitting down with my friend, Barb Roose, and we’re talking all about slowing down and de-stressing. In our fast-paced world, feeling overwhelmed can seem like the norm, but Barb and I dive deep into how we can set boundaries, simplify our schedules, and prioritize self-care to find peace in the midst of the chaos.

Barb shares practical wisdom on how to create simplicity in our lives—whether that’s through meal planning, simplifying our wardrobes, or letting go of emotio...

Hey friends! I can’t wait for you to hear this episode, where Debra Fileta and I explore something that has the power to change our hearts and minds: gratitude. Debra, a licensed professional counselor and author, shares her insights on how practicing gratitude and celebration can transform the way we approach life, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but all year round. 

We dive deep into why gratitude is essential for avoiding burnout, reducing stress, and bringing more joy into our lives. Deborah also offers practical tips for celebrating and savoring the good things in life, whe...

Hey friends! I’m so excited to share this episode with you because it’s with a woman I truly admire—Jennifer Dukes Lee. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the fast pace of life or the constant pressure to achieve more, this conversation is going to speak right to your heart. Jennifer is a bestselling author and joins me to talk about the dangers of “hurry sickness” and how we can resist hustle culture by intentionally slowing down.

In our chat, Jennifer opens up about her personal journey of hitting a wall from hustle, and then intenti...

Hey friends! I’m thrilled to welcome you back to another episode of The Urgency of Slowing Down. Today, I’m chatting with the incredible Bethany Allen, and we are diving into a topic that feels more necessary than ever—silence and solitude. In a world that constantly pulls us in every direction, Bethany and I explore what it means to intentionally create space for quiet, how it transforms our connection with God, and why it's so crucial for our spiritual growth and our overall well-being.

Bethany, who serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Formation & Leadership Development at Bri...

Hey friends, welcome to the very first episode of The Urgency of Slowing Down! I’m excited to kick off this journey with one of my absolute favorites–Annie F. Downs. If you don’t already know Annie (though I bet you do!), she’s a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and host of the That Sounds Fun podcast. Her charm, honesty, and wit make you feel like you’ve been friends for ages.

In this episode, Annie and I dive deep into the practice of Sabbath—what it means, how it looks in our current culture, and...

Our hustle culture is loud, but Jesus' invitation to walk in His unforced rhythms of grace is sweet and restorative.

Join Laura L. Smith and amazing guests as they talk about how full our lives are AND what we can take out to make room for the things that help us live the abundant life Jesus offers us.

For more from Laura L. Smith: Website Instagram   The Urgency of Slowing Down book