Is anxiety just part of modern life—or are we staying stuck when God offers freedom?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Slattery—author, podcaster, and woman of faith who has walked through the depths of anxiety and OCD. She shares how brain science, therapy, and a deeper connection with Christ helped her rewire her responses and build what she calls a “joy bridge.”

We talk about:

• What OCD really looks like (beyond what you think!)
• The surprising role creativity plays in healing
• How worship, prayer, and journaling can reset your anxiety response
• Parenting through anxious moments (yours and your kids')
• Why your brain can’t tell the difference between memory and present—and how that’s good news

Jennifer offers both hope and actionable help—and we’ve linked all the tools and books she recommends in the show notes.

Resources Mentioned:

• Deeper Walk International
• Stress Less by Dr. Charles Stone
• The Emanuel Promise by Summer Joy Gross
• Letting Go of Fear by Dr. Neil T. Anderson
• The Essentials of Spiritual Growth by Dr. Marcus Warner

📥 Get your Encourager resources here: encouragerpodcast.com
📝 Learn the 5 Systems: encourageracademy.com
👜 Shop bags that help you feel more creative and organized: shoprsd.com

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Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today!

This week, I’m joined by Mitch Matthews—success coach, serial entrepreneur, and host of the Dream Think Do podcast—for a joy-filled, practical, faith-rooted conversation on the power of permission. Together, we unpack what it looks like to dream again, to be a novice without guilt, and to create the community you need for your next season.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why high achievers often stop dreaming—and how to restart
• Four life-changing permissions to give yourself today
• The “math of relationships” and how to find your multipliers
• How to grow without burning out
• A simple exercise you can implement within 10 minutes

Mitch’s Free Resource: 11 Prayers for Entrepreneurs

Links & Resources:

• Mitch’s website: mitchmatthews.com
• Dream Think Do Podcast
• Encourager Cohort (Starts Sept 3!): encourageracademy.com

Join the Encourager Community on Instagram: @encouragerpodcast

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Let’s Keep Encouraging:
Sign up for our newsletter, shop bags made for joyful organization, and explore all 5 systems for work/life harmony at EncouragerPodcast.com.

In This Episode:

• A snowed-in weekend that tested my beloved Monday rhythm
  
  
• The difference between rigid systems and peaceful frameworks
  
  
• Why 1 Corinthians 14:33 & 14:40 are powerful reminders of God’s order—not perfection
  
  
• How to create a “skeleton version” of your systems during busy seasons
  
  
• Practical examples for all 5 systems: Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family
  
  

Resource Mentioned:
Grab our free guide, “Two Simple Hacks for Each System,” at theencouragerpodcast.com

Let’s Connect:
Tell us how your systems flex during busy seasons—DM Rebekah on Instagram or email us directly!