A heartfelt conversation with Jacki Ascough.

What if the very chaos you’re trying to survive today becomes the thing you miss the most tomorrow?

In this heartfelt and deeply relatable episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with new friend and fellow mama Jacki Ascough — a Texas native who spent over 30 years raising her family in Ireland before returning to the United States.

Together, they share an honest conversation about motherhood, memories, grief, family culture, launching children into adulthood, screen-time struggles, perfectionism, faith, and learning how to hold each season of life with open hands.

From mixed-up Play-Doh and overflowing laundry baskets to adult children returning home with guitars, grandbabies, and new memories to make, this episode is a beautiful reminder that love matters more than perfection, and that the little moments we rush through today often become the moments we treasure most later.

Michelle and Jacki reflect on:

• The bittersweet transition from raising children to launching them
• Why moms often cling to perfectionism and control
• Creating a home your children actually want to come back to
• The grief that comes when kids leave home - and the beauty that follows
• Raising children in a screen-saturated world
• The importance of apologizing to your children
• Letting go of shame and embracing growth
• Why discipline, warmth, faith, and fun all matter in family culture
• Learning to savor every season before it changes

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by motherhood, discouraged by your imperfections, or afraid you’re “getting it wrong,” this conversation will remind you that love covers far more than you think.

Because someday, you may just miss the noise, the mess, the socks on the floor… and even the mixed-up Play-Doh.

💬 Key Takeaways:

• The seasons of family life change faster than we realize
• Your children won’t remember perfection - they’ll remember love
• A peaceful home is built through connection, not control
• It’s okay to apologize to your children and model humility
• Creating warm memories matters more than maintaining perfect order
• Social media and screens require intentional boundaries
• Grieving changing seasons is healthy and normal
• The goal is to create a home your children want to return to
• God can redeem every imperfect part of our parenting journey
• Living fearlessly means surrendering our children - and ourselves - to God

Resources Mentioned

• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
• Brené Brown and her work on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living
• The Dialogue of Saint Catherine of Siena
• Spirit Radio

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💛 About Jacki

Radio Presenter/Consultant at Mother of Divine Grace School

Jacki met her husband, Tom,  over a game of volleyball in Houston, Texas.  Her “yes” to Tom that day led to her conversion to Catholicism, moving to Ireland, 27+ years of marriage, ten children, and (so far) six grandchildren.  Jacki divides her time between teaching NFP (Natural Family Planning), presenting Saturday Magazine on Spirit Radio, and home-educating their children.  She is also a private consultant supporting Irish families who are enrolled in Mother of Divine Grace School, a Catholic online Classical Curriculum. Jacki speaks publicly on Catholic issues, and has appeared on KTRK-TV Houston, RTÉ, Virgin Media, BBC, and various American, Irish and UK radio programs and podcasts.

You can find Jacki on Instagram at:

@jackilinn67

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A heartfelt conversation with The Sanity Closet sisters.

What if joy isn’t something we stumble upon… but something we practice?

Warning: This episode contains sister chaos, ADHD tangents, accidental theology, hot flash commentary, and a whole lot of laughter.

In this laughter-filled and deeply honest episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle and her sisters gather for one of their signature “Sanity Closet” conversations — full of hilarious rabbit trails, heartfelt vulnerability, unexpected wisdom, and the kind of joy that shows up in ordinary moments.

From roadside sunflowers and sourdough bread to ducks at stoplights, baby snuggles, laundry monster stories, and conversations about anxiety, hormones, and hard seasons of life, the sisters explore what it means to practice delight — especially when life feels overwhelming.

Inspired by previous podcast guests discussing “practicing delight” and “playful curiosity,” this conversation dives into how intentionally noticing beauty, wonder, humor, and gratitude can slowly bring healing to weary hearts.

The Sanity Closet Roll Call:

• Marianne
• Eileen
• Theresa
• Michelle
• Jenny
• Debbie

💬 Key Takeaways:

• Practicing Delight Is a Skill You Can Build Delight isn't something that just happens — it's something you actively practice. Like any habit, the more you look for small moments of joy (flowers on the roadside, a baby's tiny feet, a good meal), the more naturally it comes.
• Intentionality Matters Delight doesn't find you; you have to choose it. Being mindful and deliberate about noticing good things — especially when life is hard — is what keeps joy alive.
• You Are Not Alone in the Hard Stuff Whether it's job loss, perimenopause, anxiety, depression, or just the weight of everyday life — many women are going through it. Don't isolate. Find your people.
• Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help Whether that's hormone therapy, therapy, supplements, or medication — getting the right support isn't weakness. It's like calling a plumber when you don't know how to fix the water heater.
• Laughter Itself Is Delight The episode modeled its own message: an infectious laugh, a silly joke about apoplexy, talking to ducks — these are all delight in action. Don't underestimate the healing power of a good laugh with people you love.

Resources

Podcasts & Conversations

• Katherine Sigmon Wadsworth on practicing delight
• Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak on playful curiosity
• The newly launched The Sanity Closet Podcast

Books Mentioned

• The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
• The New Menopause by Mary Claire Haver
• The New Perimenopause by Mary Claire Haver

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A candid conversation with Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak

What if beauty isn’t just something we see—but something that changes us?

In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode, Michelle sits down with concert cellist Dr. Larissa Kuplak to explore how beauty—especially through music and nature—has the power to awaken our hearts, heal what’s broken, and draw us closer to God.

From the difference between analog and digital sound to the lost art of truly seeing, this conversation invites you to slow down, become childlike again, and rediscover the wonder that makes you feel fully alive.

🎻 A Powerful Invitation

When was the last time you:

• Sat outside and truly noticed a tree?
• Listened to music without multitasking?
• Allowed yourself to be moved… without rushing on to the next thing?

Beauty requires attention. And attention opens the door to transformation.

🌿 Practical Ways to Begin Again:

• Step outside and linger - notice details you’d normally miss
• Listen to a piece of music (start with “The Swan”) without distractions
• Ask your kids (or yourself): “What do you see?”
• Create small moments of beauty in your home
• Let go of perfection - and embrace playful curiosity

💬 Key Takeaways:

We don’t need more noise—we need more wonder.

As Larissa shares, when we open ourselves to beauty, we allow it to:

• soften our hearts
• restore what’s been dulled
• and draw us back to the One who created it all

💛 About Larissa:

Dr. Larissa Fedoryka-Kuplak is a concert cellist who began performing with her family ensemble at venues like the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from UC Santa Barbara and has performed with orchestras, recorded as a session musician, and toured with artists including Marco Antonio Solis, Gloria Trevi, and Scythian. She now shares her passion for beauty and music through performances and her concert series Painting with Music.

• Email: lfedoryka@gmail.com

Resources Mentioned

• Sadie Hoyt's classical music listening guides for families: sadiehoyt.com
• Bach Unaccompanied Cello Suites (as interpreted by Pablo Casals)
• Saint-Saëns: The Swan (performed live by Larissa during the episode)

A heartfelt conversation with Katherine Sikma Wadsworth.

In this powerful and life-giving episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle sits down with leadership coach Katherine Sigma Wadsworth to unpack the truth about identity, strengths, and what it really means to be fully alive.

Rooted in the truth that you are God’s masterpiece, this conversation explores how understanding your natural strengths can free you from comparison, silence the lies of “not enough,” and help you step boldly into who you were created to be.

Because here’s the truth:

You were never meant to be everything to everyone.

You were created on purpose—with purpose.

Together, Michelle and Katherine dive into the transformative tool of CliftonStrengths and how it reveals not just what you’re good at—but how you’re wired to thrive.

They also explore how fear and anxiety show up in our lives—and how learning to understand ourselves (instead of fighting ourselves) can lead to deeper peace, healing, and freedom.

💬 Key Takeaways:

• Learn what the CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder) assessment is and how it works
• The difference between signature themes, supporting strengths, and non-patterns (hint: there are no weaknesses!)
• The four domains of CliftonStrengths: Executing, Relationship Building, Strategic Thinking, and Influencing — and why we need all of them
• Why you are not meant to be well-rounded — you're meant to be part of a well-rounded team
• How knowing your strengths can free you from shame and comparison
• Why self-knowledge is the foundation for living the life you were created for

💛 About Katherine:

Katherine Sikma Wadsworth is an ICF-certified leadership coach, teacher, group facilitator, and the host of the You Gotta Try This! podcast. She loves to help women reignite the fire within them, helping them reclaim their power, purpose, and passion.

• Facebook: Katherine Sikma
• Instagram: @ksikma, @ksikmaphotography, @yougottatrythispodcast
• LinkedIn: Katherine Sikma Wadsworth
• Website: reanimationconsulting.com

Resources Mentioned

• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
• The Wisdom of Your Body by Hillary McBride
• Inside Out (Pixar) — a great illustration of Internal Family Systems

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Michelle Hillaert dives into a deeply personal and transformative conversation about what it truly means to embrace your beautiful. In a world constantly telling us who we should be, Michelle reminds us that God already created us with intention, purpose, and beauty - exactly as we are.

Through powerful storytelling, Scripture, and a moving personal encounter with God’s mercy, this episode explores how shame, comparison, and fear of rejection keep us from stepping fully into who we were created to be - and how we can begin to break free.

Whether you’ve lived a relatively unscarred life, carry deep wounds, or are still building your foundation, this episode meets you where you are and invites you into greater freedom, healing, and identity in Christ.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• You were intentionally created - your “different” is not a flaw, it’s your calling
• True beauty begins in the heart
• You cannot fully love others if you do not learn to receive and extend love to yourself
• Boundaries are not selfish - they are a recognition of your God-given worth
• Shame keeps you stuck; mercy sets you free
• The way you see yourself impacts how you see and treat others

📖 Scripture References:

• Psalm 139
• Matthew 22:37
• Philippians 4:8

✅ Resources Mentioned:

• 🎵 "Don't Let Them Hide Your Beautiful" by Jody Messina
• 📘 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership — John C. Maxwell
• 📘 Brené Brown (shame research)
• 📘 Stephen Covey
• 📘 Patrick Lencioni
• 🧠 16 Personalities test
• 💪 Gallup StrengthsFinder (Katherine Sigma Wadsworth, coming in a future episode)

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The Sanity Closet is back! 7 out of 10 biological sisters share from the heart.

In this laughter-filled and deeply heartfelt episode of Living Fearlessly, Michelle and her sisters gather for a real, unfiltered conversation that somehow includes unicorns, jalapeño poppers, and powerful encounters with God’s providence.

Rooted in Genesis 18:14 — “Is anything too marvelous for the Lord?”, this episode weaves together personal stories that reveal a God who is not distant—but intimately involved in every detail of our lives. It reminds us that no matter what we face, we can always find hope, especially when we look back and see the many ways that God has shown up in our lives to provide and care for us.

Names of Sisters on This Call (Oldest to Youngest)

Dolly

Marianne

Eileen

Michelle

Jenny

Rachael

Debbie

Key Takeaways

1. God shows up in small things, not just big ones. From snow on Christmas morning to green lights when you really need a restroom — He cares about the tiny desires of your heart, not just your major needs.
2. Keep a record of God's faithfulness. When you're in a hard season, looking back at the ways God has shown up before gives you hope and reminds you He hasn't abandoned you.
3. Nothing is too marvelous — or too impossible — for God. Whether it's a medical scare, a financial crisis, or a struggling marriage, He can turn it around in ways you never expected.
4. Don't let perfectionism keep people out of your home — or your life. Your house doesn't need to be perfect. People need connection, welcome, and love far more than they need a clean countertop.
5. Learn to receive, not just give. If you're always the giver and never let others contribute, you're actually denying them the gift of serving. Let people bring the jalapeno poppers.
6. Your home can be a refuge and a center of life. When you open your doors with love, people feel the presence of Christ.
7. Suffering and hard seasons aren't the end of the story. God can take what the enemy meant for harm and resurrect it into something more beautiful than if the hardship had never happened.

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A heartfelt conversation with Kerri Marsh.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Michelle is joined by her dear friend, Kerri Marsh—a woman who knows what it means to fight for her life, her worth, and her future.

Kerri came from a place where love, worth, and security weren’t always clearly shown. She had to fight—through broken relationships, self-doubt, and hard life lessons—to discover her value and reclaim her identity. She chose growth when it would’ve been easier to stay stuck. She chose healing when it meant doing the hard work.

This episode is a powerful reminder that your story isn’t over—and that even the most broken places can become something beautiful.

💬 Key Takeaways:

• God doesn’t waste your pain—He transforms it
• You don’t have to fix everything at once—just take the next step
• Healing often requires both surrender and action
• The lies you’ve believed about yourself are not the truth
• Your story can become someone else’s hope
• It’s never too late to grow, change, and become who you’re meant to be

💛 Connect with Kerri:

Kerri Marsh is a seasoned stylist, mentor, and encourager who has spent over 40 years walking alongside women through life’s highs and lows.

• Facebook: Kerri M. Gambill-Marsh
• Instagram: @KerriMarshLive
• Website: KerriMarsh.com

She offers both in-person and virtual consultations and would love to connect with you.

Resources Mentioned

• I Believe in Love (spiritual reading)
• The New Menopause

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A heartfelt conversation with Eileen King, BSN and certified Neural Integration System Therapy practitioner.

Michelle is joined by her big sister Eileen King — a mother of seven, former labor and delivery nurse (for over 20 years), and functional neurology practitioner — for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what self-care really looks like when you're in survival mode.

Whether you're a single parent working the night shift, walking through divorce, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in faith, science, and lived experience.

Key Takeaways: What Self-Care Looks Like in Survival Mode

Michelle and Eileen share practical, real-life ways to care for yourself when life feels heavy:

1. Lower the Bar — Self-care in hard seasons isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what’s necessary
2. Move Your Body — Walking, dancing, and simple movement help regulate your nervous system and reduce stress
3. Create Small Wins — Focus on one task, one corner, or one step at a time to build momentum
4. Ask for Help — True strength is found in humility; you were never meant to do this alone
5. Receive Support — Let others show up for you—sometimes self-care is allowing yourself to be cared for
6. Let Go of Perfection — A lived-in home and simple meals are enough in hard seasons
7. Process, Don’t Suppress — Emotions need an outlet; healing happens when we allow them to move through us
8. Stay Connected — Isolation deepens overwhelm; community brings grounding and support
9. Care for Your Body First — Sleep, hydration, and nourishment are foundational—not optional
10. Lean Into Prayer — Even the simplest “God, help me” is powerful and enough

Episode Chapters

0:55 — Welcome & Introduction

4:21 — Eileen's Story

7:45 — Self-Care in Survival Mode

10:00 — Your Nervous System & the Vagus Nerve

13:30 — Overcoming Fear & Asking for Help

20:00 — Practical Tips for the Overwhelmed Mom

24:56 — Letting Go of Perfectionism

30:01 — Sleep, Nutrition & the Essentials

32:33 — Shame, Healing & God's Love

51:02 — Self-Care Essentials Checklist

52:21 — Closing Encouragement

Resources Mentioned:

1. The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips
2. The Fly Lady (home organization method)
3. Rising Strong by Brené Brown

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Michelle Hillaert dives into a topic many women struggle with but rarely prioritize: true self-care. In a culture that often reduces self-care to bubble baths and lattes, Michelle explores the deeper habits that actually restore our strength, bring peace, and allow us to show up well for the people we love.

Drawing from her experience working with women in health, faith, and personal growth, Michelle offers practical encouragement for anyone who feels overwhelmed, tired, or stuck. She reminds listeners that transformation doesn’t happen through perfection—it happens through small, consistent choices.

From building a morning routine and nourishing your body to cultivating prayer and accountability, Michelle shares ten simple habits that can gradually shift your energy, mindset, and daily life.

Because the truth is: you are not stuck. You always have a choice.

In This Episode

• Why many common “self-care” practices are actually just temporary band-aids

• The importance of caring for yourself so you can care well for others

• How small daily habits can create long-term transformation

• Why guilt and perfectionism keep women stuck

• The power of making intentional choices about how you begin your day

Key Takeaways: Ten Simple Habits That Can Transform Your Life

Michelle walks through ten practical changes that can help bring more peace, energy, and clarity to your life:

1. Wake Up Before the World — Why early rising aligns with your body's natural cortisol rhythms for better energy and focus
2. No Screen Time for the First Hour — How reaching for your phone first thing triggers a fight-or-flight response and trains your brain for hypervigilance
3. Pray — Making intentional time with God a daily practice; more surrender equals less stress
4. Exercise — Women who exercise regularly are 52% happier, 48% more confident, and 67% less stressed (Asics report); tips for making it work with any lifestyle
5. Eat Clean — Shop the perimeter, limit processed foods, prioritize healthy fats, and cook at home (ChatGPT recipe experiments included)
6. Drink Water — 47% of Americans drink less than 16 oz a day; benefits include higher energy, better brain function, and healthier skin
7. Read — Nurture your mind with spiritual reading, personal development, and fiction; book recommendations included
8. Get Dressed — How getting up and getting ready shifts your mindset and how you show up for the day
9. Find an Accountability Partner — Using tools like the Habit Share app to stay honest and motivated
10. Build a Morning Routine — Tying it all together with early wins that set the tone for your whole day

Chapters

0:43 - Intro: Why Self-Care Matters

6:02 - 1. Wake Up Before the World

8:15 - 2. No Screen Time for the First Hour

10:21 - 3. Pray

12:23 - 4. Exercise

17:45 - 5. Eat Clean

23:30 - 6. Drink Water

27:14 - 7. Read

31:31 - 8. Get Dressed

34:03 - 9. Accountability

37:17 - 10. Morning Routine

39:38 -Conclusion: Your Marching Orders

Resources Mentioned

1. Habit Share app (accountability tracking)
2. Brené Brown (shame research & personal development)
3. John C. Maxwell, Pat Lencioni (personal development)
4. Francine Rivers (Christian fiction)
5. I Believe in Love (spiritual reading)
6. Hinds' Feet on High Places (allegory)
7. Ergo Baby Carrier (great for carrying babies and toddlers on front or back)
8. BrainTrustGrowth.com article
9. Effects of Screen Time article

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Another candid conversation with The Sanity Closet (8 out of 10 sisters - and yes, they're all biological).

Episode Description

The sisters of The Sanity Closet return for another heartfelt conversation about surrender, prayer, and learning to trust God in the wilderness seasons of life.

What begins with laughter and stories quickly turns into a powerful discussion about the moments when life feels overwhelming - when homes flood, health crises arise, loved ones struggle, and answers don’t come quickly.

Together, the sisters reflect on how God often meets us in those wilderness places - through silence, scripture, prayer, and sometimes through the simple presence of someone who sits beside us in the waiting.

Through personal stories, humor, and deep faith, they explore what it means to surrender control, persevere in prayer for the people we love, and trust that God is working even when we cannot see the results.

If you've ever felt discouraged in prayer or overwhelmed by circumstances, this conversation will remind you: you are not alone, and God is still at work.

Names of Sisters on This Call (Oldest to Youngest)

Dolly

Marianne

Eileen

Theresa

Michelle

Jenny

Rachael

Debbie

Key Takeaways:

✨ Surrender: Letting go of control and trusting God with the things we cannot fix.

🕊️ The Wilderness: How God uses difficult seasons to deepen faith and build endurance.

🙏 Persevering in Prayer: Continuing to pray for loved ones - even when we don’t see immediate results.

🔥 Building a Prayer Life: Starting small (even 5 minutes), creating space for silence, and learning to rest in God’s presence.

Chapters

0:58 - Opening

2:55 - Wilderness & The Sanity Closet

3:20 - Activating The Sanity Closet

6:06 - God Answers When We Cry Out

9:08 - The Power of Scripture & Jesus' Authority

14:30 - Practicing Quiet Time with God

18:18 - Building a Prayer Routine

24:24 - Surrender: The Constant Battle

30:14 - Persevering in Prayer for Others

39:41 - Closing & Call to Action

Resources:

1. Hallow App
2. First Five Daily Devotion
3. Purely Nature Skincare
4. Faith Buono Episode

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A heartfelt conversation with Kimberly Cook.

Michelle Hillaert welcomes Kimberly Cook, author, speaker, and podcaster, for a heartfelt conversation on the tender and courageous call to spiritual motherhood. Together, they explore the beauty of the feminine soul, our unique calling as women, and what it means to embrace our gifts and stand confidently in God’s design.

Kimberly shares her journey from a broken teenager seeking power and belonging in radical feminism to discovering her calling in both physical and spiritual motherhood. In this honest, heartfelt conversation, she explores isolation, comparison, social media, postpartum struggles, and the walls we build to protect ourselves—offering hope and encouragement for the feminine soul.

Key Takeaways

1. All Women Are Called to Motherhood – Exploring the difference between spiritual and physical motherhood, and why every woman is maternal by design.
2. The Receptive Feminine Soul – Women are naturally made to give fully, nurturing life, hope, and love to others.
3. Healing Through Grace – Trauma, comparison, and societal pressures can block maternal and spiritual gifts, but God’s grace restores them.
4. Brave the Wilderness – Stand firm in who God calls you to be, even when it means walking alone.
5. Daily Acts of Love – Small gestures of generosity and care are the essence of spiritual motherhood.
6. The Ministry of Hospitality – Extend Christ’s love to everyone, from your dinner table to chance encounters in daily life.

Episode Chapters

2:28 - Introduction & Building Authentic Friendships

5:00 - Kimberly's Background & Journey from Feminism

10:00 - Understanding Spiritual vs. Physical Motherhood

20:00 - The Feminine Soul: Receptivity, Giving, and Maternal Love

30:00 - Postpartum Struggles & Learning Motherhood Skills

40:00 - Comparison, Social Media, and Female Friendship

50:00 - Standing Alone, Braving the Wilderness, and Ministry of Hospitality

About Kimberly Cook

Kimberly Cook is the author of Motherhood Redeemed: How Radical Feminism Betrayed Maternal Love, as well as the host of the podcast, The Dignity of Women.

Kimberly holds an MA in Systematic Theology and writes regularly on her Substack site, which is an outlet for thought and discussion on reclaiming femininity and challenging modern feminism. She lives in Virginia with her husband and five children.

Connect with Kimberly:

1. Website - kimberlycook.me
2. instagram & Facebook: @kimberlycook.me
3. Podcast - The Dignity of Women Podcast

Additional Resources

1. Motherhood Redeemed: How Radical Feminism Betrayed Maternal Love by Kimberly Cook
2. Braving The Wilderness by Brené Brown
3. The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

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A conversation about surrender, strength, and trusting God in the unexpected.

Michelle Hillaert welcomes her friend Faith Buono for an honest and encouraging conversation about what it really means to have a little faith. Together, they explore how unexpected detours, seasons of self-doubt, and uncomfortable assignments can become the very places where God builds confidence and deepens trust.

Faith shares her journey from graduating at the University of Dallas with a clear plan in mind to being sent far outside her comfort zone to teach in the South Bronx. Through perseverance and intentional prayer, she discovered that fear isn’t the end of the story — it’s often where faith begins.

Key Takeaways

1. Find your strengths - Identify what you're naturally good at and lean into those gifts
2. Make appointments with God - Set a consistent daily prayer time
3. Practice the "inner room" - Visualize going to a sacred space to meet Jesus in silence
4. Trust the uncomfortable - God's plan may differ from yours, but trust the journey
5. Offer everything - Make God part of your entire day, not just prayer time
6. Ask big - Don't be afraid to bring your biggest needs to God

Episode Chapters

1:06 - Introduction

3:00 - Faith's Journey to Teaching

8:00 - The Bronx: Facing Fear & Building Confidence

15:00 - Finding Silence & The Inner Room Prayer

20:00 - Discovering Your Strengths

25:00 - Making Appointments with God

30:00 - Trusting God's Plan & Final Takeaways

About Faith

Faith is a native Texan, having graduated from the University of Dallas as a theology major. She is a former Seton Teaching Fellow, educator, coach, and now newlywed who is passionate about helping people discover their strengths and grow in confidence. Her journey from comfort to calling in the South Bronx shaped her prayer life, leadership, and trust in God's plan.

She believes that faithfulness in small things builds courage for the small ones - and that God always provides grace for where He sends you.

Connect with Faith Buono on Instagram at @faithbuono23

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A reflection on courage, vulnerability, and freedom in Lent

Michelle invites listeners into a heartfelt reflection on what it means to truly let your light shine — especially during the Lenten season. Drawing from Scripture and the wisdom of the saints, she explores how perfectionism, fear, and comparison often keep us hidden when God is calling us forward.

This episode reframes Lent not as a season of heaviness, but as a season of freedom. Michelle shares how small, faithful acts of kindness can transform lives, why vulnerability (lived wisely) is strength, and how answering God’s call rarely requires perfection — only willingness.

Listeners are encouraged to embrace intentional living this Lent and to remember that the world doesn’t need flawless light — it needs faithful light.

Key Takeaways

1. God calls the willing, not the qualified.
2. Perfectionism can quietly keep us from answering God’s call.
3. Even the smallest act of kindness can impact someone for a lifetime.
4. Vulnerability, when grounded in wisdom, becomes strength.
5. Lent is a season of freedom.
6. Detachment creates space for deeper joy and trust.
7. Letting your light shine begins with small, faithful steps.

Episode Chapters

0:52 - Introduction: Letting Your Light Shine

3:08 - Overcoming Perfectionism & Fear

5:44 - The Power of Words & Vulnerability

9:56 - Surrender & Trust in God

15:42 - Preparing for Lent

19:06 - Your Lenten Challenge

Scripture References

1. Matthew 5:14-16 – "You are the light of the world. A city on a mountain cannot be hidden..."
2. Psalm 51 – "The bones you have broken may rejoice"
3. Psalm 27:1 – "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?"

Quotes to Remember

1. "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." – St. Catherine of Siena
2. "Go out and preach, and if you have to, use words." – St. Francis of Assisi

Lenten Challenge

This Lent, commit to one intentional act of kindness, service, or sacrifice each day. Create a "Good Deeds Tree" with your family—add a paper flower for each good deed, and watch it bloom by Easter.

Resources Mentioned

1. Brené Brown – The Power of Vulnerability and Rising Strong
2. Previous episode with Dr. Sherri Yoder on the power of words

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A candid conversation with 8 out of 10 sisters (and yes - they're all biological).

Episode Description

Ten sisters come together to share their powerful stories of faith, struggle, and the transformative power of sisterhood. From the oldest at 22 years apart from the youngest, these women have walked through divorce, loss, single motherhood, health crises, and deep valleys—yet found strength in supporting each other and growing closer to Christ.

8 out of 10 Sisters on this call - Oldest to Youngest

1. Dolly
2. Marianne
3. Eileen
4. Theresa
5. Michelle
6. Jenny
7. Rachael
8. Debbie

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction & The Birth of the Sanity Closet

5:51 - Meet the Sisters: Dolly (Oldest)

10:28 - Maryanne: Learning to Let Go of Control

14:06 - Eileen: Jesus with Skin On

18:51 - Theresa: Finding Love After Letting Jesus Lead

22:30 - Michelle: The Podcast Host's Journey

26:06 - Jenny: Still Waters Run Deep

35:30 - Rachel: The Healing Balm of Sisterhood

42:00 - Debbie: The Baby Sister with 10 Moms

54:33 - The Holy Spirit Revival & Daily Calls

59:28 - Moses' Arms: Supporting Each Other in Battle

64:53 - Closing Prayer & Call to Let Your Light Shine

Key Themes

✨ Surrender & Trust: Learning to trust God through loss, heartbreak, and valleys

💪 Mutual Support: Being the hands that lift each other's arms when we can't raise them ourselves

🕊️ Healing Balm: How sisters became a healing presence for each other's wounds

🔥 Holy Spirit Power: Leaning into the power of the Holy Spirit

💡 Living Fearlessly: Letting your light shine by being vulnerable and authentic

Memorable Quotes

"Sometimes you just need Jesus with skin on."

"The Lord had a rope around me and he would never let go... I certainly tested just how long that rope was."

"My best friends are my sisters. These women have held me up, picked me up, dusted me off, and set me straight."

"When we support each other to raise our arms when we just can't—that's why we are here."

"One smile, one kind word, one little act of vulnerability could be transformative."

Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly

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✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

A heartfelt conversation with psychologist Dr. Sherri Yoder

Michelle Hillaert welcomes Dr. Sherri Yoder, a psychologist who transformed her own life by embracing faith and personal growth. Together, they discuss the importance of self-honesty, the power of words, and the 7 Truths to Think By - guiding principles that support mental health and emotional well-being.

Dr. Sherri shares her journey of overcoming fear and doubt, emphasizing the significance of community support and the possibility of change. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can take steps toward living a more fulfilling and fearless life.

Key Takeaways

1. Community is essential for personal growth and healing.
2. Self-honesty is crucial for transformation and overcoming fear.
3. Words have power and can shape our reality.
4. Living fearlessly happens one thought at a time.
5. Personal growth is an ongoing journey that requires effort.
6. Faith provides hope, purpose, and guidance in difficult times.
7. The 7 Truths to Think By offer a practical framework for mental health.
8. Possibility exists in every situation, no matter how bleak it seems.
9. Investing in mental health is as important as investing in physical health.

Episode Chapters

0:00 - Introduction & Friendship Story

7:30 - Sherri's Transformation: From Self-Made Life to Surrender

24:00 - God's Provision Lessons

31:30 - Introducing The 7 Truths To Think By

38:30 - Two Key Truths: Self-Honesty & Words Have Power

59:00 - Course Info & Final Takeaway

About Dr. Sherri Yoder

Dr. Sherri left her post as a Clinical Psychologist to serve as Founder and Executive Director of Thriving Thoughts Global. She strives to shift cultural narratives about mental health from reactive, treatment-driven and stigma-perpetuating messages to education and conversation that prioritize proactive mental health care and mental ill-health prevention.

Dr. Sherri believes that mental health is a verb, not something that some people have and some people don't; rather, mental health can be practiced. She's on a mission to teach people how.

Connect with Dr. Sherri and TTG:

1. Dr. Sherri - Instagram, Facebook & YouTube: @dr.sherrispeaks
2. TTG - instagram & Facebook: @thrivingthoughtsglobal
3. Thriving Thoughts Global website: https://thrivingthoughtsglobal.org/
4. 7 Truths to Think By Online Course: https://thriving-thoughts-global.mykajabi.com/7-truths-to-think-by-course

Use code MICHELLE to receive 10% off.

50% of the cost of each full-price course helps sponsor someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Additional Resources

1. Breakup Breakthroughs: Asking and Answering the Hard Questions So You Can Thrive in the Trauma of a Relationship Breakup by Dr. Sherri Yoder

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Stay Connected with Living Fearlessly

🎧 New episodes released weekly.

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✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at hello@livingfearlessly.us.

In this opening episode, Michelle shares the heart behind the podcast and the journey that led her here. Fear shows up in many forms—quietly shaping decisions, limiting growth, and keeping us from fully stepping into who we’re called to be. Living Fearlessly is about learning how to face fear, grow through it, and choose faith, resilience, and trust instead.

Rooted in the truth that God is love, this episode sets the foundation for honest conversations, meaningful stories, and encouragement to live courageously. It’s an invitation to stop hiding, let your light shine, and step into the arena—imperfectly, faithfully, and with purpose.

This episode introduces what’s ahead and why living fearlessly matters—not because fear disappears, but because we learn how to overcome it.

In this episode:

1. Why Living Fearlessly exists
2. How fear quietly shapes our lives
3. Choosing faith, resilience, and trust
4. An invitation to live boldly and let your light shine

“God is love.” — 1 John 4:16

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" — 1 John 4:18

“You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

🎧 New episodes released weekly.

📩 Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in these show notes are affiliate links, including Amazon links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

"The Interior Castle" by St. Teresa of Avila - https://livingfearlessly.captivate.fm/interiorcastle

"The Dialogue of St. Catherine Of Siena" - https://livingfearlessly.captivate.fm/thedialogue