Real Talk With Rachael Podcast

REBROADCAST: This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm excited to talk with Dr. Caroline Leaf about her new book Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess. She is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics, specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology. Since the early 1980s, she has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory. She was one of the first in her field to study how the brain can change (neuroplasticity) with directed mind input. Dr. Leaf is also the bestselling author of Switch on Your Brain, Think Learn Succeed, Think and Eat Yourself Smart, and many more. She teaches at academic, medical, and neuroscience conferences, churches, and to various audiences around the world. Dr. Leaf is also involved in the global ECHO movement, which trains physicians worldwide on the mind-brain-body connection, mental health, and how to avoid physician burnout. Dr. Leaf is curr

REBROADCAST: This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with international minister and best-selling author, John Bevere. He and his wife, Lisa, are the founders of Messenger International--a ministry committed to developing uncompromising followers of Christ who transform our world. John's heart to strengthen the local church has led to over 40 million translated resources being given to pastors and leaders in developing nations. When he's home in Colorado, you can find John playing card games with his family or trying to convince Lisa to take up golf. We're talking about: Everyone has been given unique gifts to fulfill the calling on their life. Your goal should be to identify your gifts, develop them, then multiply them. There’s no a separation between secular and sacred ministries.  The anointing is the enhancer of our gifts. We may be very gifted, but without anointing, we can’t move people at their core. It’s the difference between natural impact and eternal impact. God anticipates that we multipl

REBROADCAST: This week on Real Talk with Rachael we talk with Alli Worthington about her new book “Standing Strong: A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Adversity and Living with Confidence“. Alli Worthington's goal is to help women live the life they were created to live. She lives outside Nashville with her husband, Mark, their five sons, and the only golden retriever who refuses to retrieve. She's a popular Christian women's speaker who travels the country sharing her humor, practical advice, and encouragement. She hosts her top-rated weekly podcast, The Alli Worthington Show, and brings us friends she loves, experts to learn from, and coaches listeners in life, business, and faith. We’re talking about: Self-empowerment can be as crippling as self-doubt. You can’t let everything rely on your ability to hustle, God is the one that helps you across the finish line. Make sure the people you’re listening to are pointing the way to Jesus. God’s vision for us is not passive, but strong and active. Disappointing others

REBROADCAST: This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with author Lisa Whittle about her new book The Hard Good: Showing Up for God to Work in You When You Want to Shut Down. Lisa has published eight books and her wit and bold bottom-line approach have made her a sought-after Bible teacher. 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 25 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. She and her family live in North Carolina. Key Points from Our Conversation: "The Hard Good" is the stuff that is hard and most spiritually transformative if we allow God to use it and the emotions/feelings that thwart us in the process of change.  "God an

REBROADCAST: I don’t know a person who has never dealt with jealousy. In fact, most of us think it’s cute to say “Oh my goodness I am so jealous of your shoes…where did you get them?”. However, God showed me 3 problems with jealousy that when left unresolved will wreak havoc in our life: Jealousy is “me” minder rather than “kingdom” minded. Jealousy robs us of our joy and blessings. Jealousy keeps us from entering into intimate relationships with those with whom we are jealous. NEW INSIGHT:  we can rebuke a jealous spirit! It’s not from God and we do not have to receive it. Verses to meditate: Then I observed all the work and ambition motivated by envy. What a waste! Smoke. And spitting into the wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:4) Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the best you can with your own life. (Galatians 6:4-5) Surely rese

REBROADCAST: This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with Pastor Tim Ross about his new book Upset the World. Tim is the lead pastor of the multi-ethnic, multi-generational Embassy City Church in Irving, TX. Tim speaks both nationally and internationally strengthening believers with the Good News of Jesus Christ. He began preaching at the age of 20 years old and has already impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. His dynamic teaching style and uncanny ability to make people understand the gospel message is the reason why he has been such an asset to ministries across cultural and denominational lines. Tim is happily married to Juliette, his bride since May 1st, 1999 and they have two sons, Nathan and Noah. We're talking about: Tim's background and how he came to Christ. Asking God to help us crave His word like we crave whatever we're addicted to. How a verse in Acts inspired him to write his book Upset the World. Jesus upsets people's worlds with His message of love and hope.  Connec

In the first two episodes, we discussed the real reasons we avoid hard conversations and why we need to have them. This week we are diving into how to have healthy and hard conversations. All the tips I am going to share today are simple and practical but may take time and practice to implement. It’s okay if you don’t nail them all the time but circle back to them before having a hard conversation to see if there is one you would like to improve on for that situation. Here are 10 simple steps to have a hard yet healthy conversation: Pray first and always Start simple (Discuss ONE problem at a time and be SPECIFIC.) Ask for a good time to talk (choose calm moments rather than when either of you is stressed, tired, or hungry) Try your best to do it in person or on the phone. Emails and texts often get misinterpreted Come with an open and teachable heart Use “I statements”. This takes away the blame of “you never”. Use this simple sentence structure “I feel (insert emotion) when you (insert situation or behavio

We are in the middle of a mini-series all about hard conversations. Last week we discussed the real reasons we avoid them. This week we are diving into why we need to have them. I’m coming to you today from the place of both a therapist and a person with personal experience in this area. Why we need them: Debunk assumptions and expose invisible walls  Restore relationships Release relationships Conversation Challenge: Think about one relationship in your life that matters to you. It matters because God has put that person in your life and He has asked you to invest in the relationship. Do you feel a distance in that relationship? Would you like to be closer? Ask God to highlight one thing you could bring to attention in that relationship.  Pray over that relationship this week.  Resource mentioned: Communication guide Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author John Eldredge about his new book "Resilient: Restoring Your Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times." John is a bestselling author and counselor. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God and recover their own hearts in God’s love. John and his wife, Stasi, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Key Points from Our Conversation: Most people don't think of going through a pandemic as trauma, but it is. It's a global trauma that is triggering past unaddressed personal traumas. When you are facing a stressful time, you have to tap into your reserves. But at some point, you have to replenish those reserves. We need to address our soul needs so we can have strength for the next challenge.  Going through trauma doesn't make you tougher for the next trauma; it sensitizes you. When a past trauma is triggered, it will likely show up first emotionally. You may notice different feelings and wonder why they

This is the first episode in a new mini-series all about hard conversations.  This week I'm talking about the real reasons we avoid hard conversations. Contrary to what we lead ourselves to believe, we are not always taking the higher road by not saying anything. Having healthy, hard conversations is taking the road less traveled and your relationships will thank you for doing so. Here are just a FEW of the reasons I believe we avoid them: They require things we are afraid to give: vulnerability, humility, forgiveness, responsibility, boundaries A healthy hard conversation requires us to self-reflect. We look for quick fixes. A hard conversation doesn’t offer an easy out. The easy way out looks like gossiping about the situation or person but never bringing it to their direct attention. It also can look like harboring bitterness, resentment, or purposefully distancing yourself. But sweeping things under the rug ruin not only our relationship in the long run but also any other new relationships that come in b

REBROADCAST: This week I've really felt God urging me to tell you this - you have the authority to stand your ground, especially in the territories God has entrusted you with.  Through the power of Christ, you can tell the enemy that he cannot take any more territory that has not been given to him.  What is a territory that the enemy has been messing with? I'm standing with you in prayer! Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm talking with author Becky Thompson. Not only is Becky a bestselling author, but she's also the creator of the Midnight Mom Devotional community gathering more than one million moms in nightly prayer. She has become a voice for modern Christian womanhood, speaking about the struggle of balancing life as a wife, mother, and daughter of God. Becky lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Jared, and their three children. Key Points from Our Conversation: The Holy Spirit is a co-equal member of the trinity. If the Holy Spirit shows up, it should stir in our hearts the same type of adoration and awe as Jesus walking into the room. People are hesitant about engaging with the Holy Spirit because others have expressions that seem radical when God comes close. "Our expectations do not confine God." We think surrendering to the Holy Spirit means we'll lose control, but we're actually in more control when we allow the God who knows all things and loves us to lead us. When we accept the

This month I've been doing a series all about burnout. I interviewed author and therapist Dr. Amy O’Hana about this topic earlier this month. You can listen to that episode here. I am using her book for this series, and it’s called "Beyond Burnout: What to Do When Your Work Isn’t Working for You.” We are wrapping up the third area where burnout shows up in our lives and that is loss of meaning. In this episode, I walk you through a timeline activity and ask you these 2 important questions: Which of these three signs that we discussed burnout are present in your life today? How can you practice being a human being rather than a human doing? Resource mentioned: Beyond Burnout: What to Do When Your Work Isn’t Working for You Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

We are in a series all about burnout. I interviewed author and therapist Dr. Amy O’Hana about this topic, and am using her book for this series called “Beyond Burnout: What to Do When Your Work Isn’t Working for You.” This week we are diving into emotional exhaustion. Dr. O’Hana says, “Once a loving and compassionate person, you are now devoid of feeling. When you experience emotional exhaustion, you can become cynical and sarcastic. This style of relating and communication becomes a coping mechanism to protect your heart from holding more pain than it was intended to hold.” Today, I want to discuss E.I., which stands for Emotional Intelligence. High E.I. means you can: Recognize your feelings and communicate them to others in the moment Manage your intense emotions Pay attention to the emotions of others Understand the emotional climate of a meeting, workplace, or environment and manage it appropriately De-escalate situations that are emotionally out of control If you don’t feel you have a high EI, you are

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm chatting with Dr. Amy O'Hana about her book Beyond Burnout: What to Do When Your Work Isn’t Working for You. Dr. Amy O’Hana is a licensed professional counselor in Oregon and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is a full-time professor of clinical mental health counseling at the University of Western States in Portland, OR, has been a full-time counselor educator for 18 years, manages her own private practice, and has been the director of two counseling training clinics. Amy's research interests are human potential and motivation, erotic intelligence (which is more about spirituality than sexuality), and integrative approaches in psychotherapy (spirit-body-mind). She is the author of two published books, When Your Child is Grieving: God's Hope and Wisdom for the Journey Toward Healing and Beyond Burnout: What To Do When Your Work Isn’t Working For You. She writes every day – whether fiction and non-fiction, poetry, journaling, letters, or emails. When not writing, cou

We are in a series all about burnout. Last week we looked at the root cause of burnout. This week we are diving into one of the three areas where burnout shows up in our lives. The first one we tend to notice is physical exhaustion. One of the first indicators of chronic stress and burnout is the development of physical health problems. In her book, Dr. O’Hana lists a few key areas to consider when nourishing your physical body if you are burned out: Rest- practice good sleep hygiene.  Nutrition - Simply put, eat to fuel your body. Movement - What kind of movement restores you? Touch - Touch is important in bonding and receiving love. Communion - Dr. Amy says “Receiving food and drink into your physical body is a tangible symbol of receiving Jesus into your being.” Ask yourself these questions today: How is your heart? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being “I’m great” to 10 being “I’m already burnt out”, where do you fall? Be honest. If anything above a 5, please get help. Tell a friend, family member, or couns

This week we're starting a new series all about burnout. The Lord put this topic on my heart to process in these Talk Therapy sessions for a few reasons. First, both my husband and I have experienced it at different seasons and it almost took us off track of our callings. Second, because I counsel so many people who suffer from it. Third, I am tired of the enemy taking territory in an area that could be avoided. Let’s start by bringing some facts about burnout into the light: The term “burnout” originated in the 1970s by psychoanalyst Dr. Herbert Freudenberger. While supervising counselors who work with people dealing with addiction, he noticed symptoms of emotional and physical fatigue that were imparting their work. World Health Organization (WHO) included “burn-out” in the eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2019. This means burnout is serious! Symptoms of burnout mirror depression. But Dr. O’Hana says that burnout’s bottom line is disconnection from everything tha

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm talking to mother and daughter Dr. Helen McIntosh and Blythe Daniel, authors of Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. Blythe Daniel is an author, literary agent, and marketer with 25 years of experience in media and publishing. She has written for Focus on the Family, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Christian Retailing. She conducts blog, podcast, and publicity campaigns and helps authors publish their books. She lives in Colorado with her husband and children.​ Dr. Helen McIntosh (EdD, Counseling Psychology) is a counselor, speaker, educator, and author. Her work has appeared in several national outlets including Guideposts, ParentLife, and HomeLife magazines. She resides in Dalton, Georgia with her husband Jim. They have two children, including Blythe McIntosh Daniel, and are grandparents five times over. Key Points from Our Conversation: Moms often do the hard work without getting a thank you. Speaking encouraging words over a mom does something inside

When my family climbed the Guadalupe Peak earlier this year, I noticed many parallels to real life. In order to stay consistent you must: Commit to do it. We met people along the way who didn’t prepare for the terrain (one woman was in heels), so they had to turn back. Have community. Have a few people around you that won’t let you quit. On both that physical mountain and my life mountains, that’s my husband. I would have quit many things a long time ago if it wasn’t for him. Celebrate. Enjoy the views at every turn. The peak was beautiful but each switchback had an equally as breathtaking view. Enjoy the journey. My friends, the only way I have accomplished anything worthwhile in my life is by showing up consistently. It’s not always easy or fun. I’ve wanted to quit many times. Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook

I will never forget the moment in my journey to become a therapist when I was seeing my own therapist. I was processing a traumatic memory from my childhood and after I had shared everything I could remember she said, “Where is Jesus in this moment?” For the first time, I was able to see Jesus there with me. Weeping with me. Protecting me in ways I didn’t even ask Him to. And walking me out of that dark situation. Jesus has since healed my heart from that time in my life, but it was a process. We can’t talk about Jesus and therapy without bringing up the most obvious point about Him - He is a Healer. We can read countless stories in the Bible about when He healed in a moment. It rarely came at the time or way they might have imagined but one touch from Him and the people were never the same again. The question I feel Jesus asking us today comes from John 5:6, "When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” I’m not talking about physical healing today,