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

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify

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

Rate & Review the Show:
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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!

This week, I'm welcoming back my friend, neighbor, and encourager, Heather Kittleson! Heather shares her journey from addiction to launching her nonprofit, Fortitude Ministries. We dive into the real struggles moms and women are facing today, how culture has distorted our view of motherhood, and how to reset our hearts around Christ-centered living. Heather’s encouragement to "zoom out," reset priorities, and pursue an abundant life will leave you feeling seen and strengthened for your own journey.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why motherhood isn’t about the white picket fence dream
  
  
• How slowing down can bring lasting joy
  
  
• Learning to say no and prioritize well
  
  
• How to zoom out and see the bigger picture
  
  
• The importance of Christ-centered identity for ourselves — and for raising our kids
  
  
• Upcoming events from Fortitude Ministries, including the new Mother-Son Event!
  
  

Helpful Links:

• Follow Heather on Instagram: Fortitude by Heather
  
  
• Stay connected with me on Instagram: Encourager Podcast
  
  
• Leave a review for the podcast: Apple Podcasts
  
  
• Sign up for the newsletter: Encourager Newsletter

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Encourager Podcast, I share a vulnerable story about a Monday when I got everything done—but missed one of the most important moments of my week. That moment led to a heart shift: from serving efficiency as a god, to seeing it as a tool that should support (not replace) my values and mission.

This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and realign how you approach productivity—through the lens of intentionality, connection, and grace.

💡 In This Episode, I Share:

• The phrase that changed how I view my time: Efficiency is king, but it’s a terrible god
  
  
• A personal story of missing a bedtime moment—and what it taught me about priorities
  
  
• How efficiency can quietly become an idol in our homes and schedules
  
  
• What it looks like to choose presence over productivity in the 5 systems: Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family
  
  
• 3 questions to help you reclaim connection and peace
  
  

📥 Free Resource:

Download the Mini Journal: Efficiency vs. Intentionality and reflect on where you can shift from hustle to holy: 👉 Grab the free journal here

✨ Reminder:

Efficiency should support your values—not define them. Let’s serve our people, not our lists.

🔗 Stay in the Know:

Get direct links to new episodes, free resources and more. Join our newsletter here.

💬 Connect with Me:

Got a question about home or work life? Drop it along with your review on Apple Podcasts, and I’ll answer it in an upcoming episode!

💛 Let’s Connect on Instagram:

This is where we chat, share, and celebrate real wins.
Follow me here → @encouragerpodcast

✋ Utilize Your 5 Systems:

Every woman operates in 5 systems: Me, Food, Family, Home, and Work. Discover how to bring joy and clarity to all 5 here.

🌐 Explore More:

EncouragerPodcast.com – Get free downloads, episode links, and resources
EncouragerAcademy.com – Take the next step with our digital courses
shoprsd.com – Browse stylish + organized accessories handmade for your real life
Amazon Favorites – Explore my top tools and joy-sparking finds

📣 Spread the Joy:

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who could use the same lift. It means the world to me—and to her!

🔔 Stay Updated:

Follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss a moment of encouragement.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes the best reset isn’t a weekend away—it’s the small things that lift your spirit and ground you right where you are. In this episode, Rebekah shares her current list of favorite things: sanity-saving tools, high-protein snacks, fashion favorites, faith anchors, brain-boosting podcasts, and a touch of whimsy. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just looking for a few new joyful discoveries, this episode is full of practical (and fun!) inspiration.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Rebekah uses ChatGPT to organize home and business life
  
  
• Her favorite recipes from “This Is Not Diet Food”
  
  
• What the Honey Huddle has to do with stuffed African animals
  
  
• Cottage cheese: the MVP of snacks and lunch
  
  
• A peek at her go-to RSD bags: BB, Lizzie & Jovi
  
  
• The devotional that’s anchoring her faith right now
  
  
• The podcasts keeping her brain sharp and her heart grounded
  
  
• $13 sunglasses and skipping out of Dollar Tree (literally)
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• ChatGPT
• This is Not Diet Food Blog
• Honey Huddle (Free Download)
  
• BB, Lizzie & Jovi Bags (Use code ENCOURAGER)
• Threshold by Craig Cooney – Buy the Devotional
• Central Record Worship Channel on YouTube
• Rewire Your Brain Podcast by Liz Bagwell
• The Briefing by Albert Mohler
• Sojo Sunnies on Amazon

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ever had a day where everything just worked? Chances are, it wasn’t random—it was pre-decided.

In this episode, I’m sharing how pre-decisions—those small, intentional choices I make ahead of time—help reduce chaos, eliminate decision fatigue, and keep me rooted in what matters most. I walk through my five systems (Me, Food, Home, Work, and Family) and the exact pre-decisions I’ve made in each one.

These aren’t just time-savers—they’re peace-bringers.

✨ ME SYSTEM

• Tuesdays = bath night (non-negotiable!)
• No Instagram before 9 AM or after 9 PM
• 4 workouts/week 10-minute daily reset
• No work before 9 AM (Bible + journaling comes first)

🔎 Reflection: What pre-decisions could I make to feel more grounded?

🍽 FOOD SYSTEM

• Supper is decided before 9 AM
• Meat gets pulled the night before
• Weekly meal plan with my Agenda C Sheet

🔎 Reflection: What food decisions could I make ahead of time to reduce the dinner scramble?

🏡 HOME SYSTEM

• Sunday = chore/reset day
• Sink is clean every night
• Shoes lined up in entry
• Monday = laundry / Tuesday = linens

🔎 Reflection: What small routines could I pre-decide for more peace at home?

💼 WORK SYSTEM

• No work after 6 PM
• No interviews on Fridays
• Content creation on Tuesdays
• Live videos on Fridays

🔎 Reflection: What boundaries do I need to set for work and rest?

👨‍👩‍👧 FAMILY SYSTEM

• Meals at the dining table
• Sundays are Sabbath
• We show up for each other’s events
• Daily 15-min check-in with my husband

🔎 Reflection: What decisions could I make to increase connection and meaning?

✅ Your Encourager Challenge: Choose just one system and one pre-decision to implement this week. Try it for six weeks—then tweak it as needed. Let it become a rhythm.

🎧 Listen now:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-encourager-podcast-equipping-christian-moms-to/id1018941720
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6RYF5Ja6Z1av0K0v6Q9Aje?si=f56514810ad54174&nd=1&dlsi=070b26d422bc4f36

📝 Want to share yours? Tag us on IG @encouragerpodcast—I love seeing what’s working for you!

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How do we design a home that feels like us—without the pressure of perfection?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Whitney English—designer, business owner, and author of Organize First, Decorate Second—to talk about organizing with intention and beauty.

We explore the tension between wanting a gorgeous space and needing it to work for our real, messy, lived-in lives. Whitney shares her down-to-earth approach to decorating that starts with function and editing before aesthetics. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by home trends, minimalism guilt, or the urge to rage-purge your entire house before guests arrive (hi, me), this one’s for you.

We chat about:

• How to show yourself grace in your organizing process
• Why story matters more than style
• The beauty of handmade and meaningful items
• What “maximalism with meaning” really looks like
• Why it’s okay to own 40 wreaths... or 6 pairs of blue light glasses
  
  

You’ll walk away with permission to be creative, cluttered, and still totally on track.

🔗 Links + Resources Mentioned

• Whitney English’s book: Organize First, Decorate Second → Click here
• Follow Whitney on IG → Click here
• Learn about the 5 systems→ The Encourager Academy
• Join our newsletter → for links & more resources
• Podcast episode archive ↓
  The Encourager on Apple Podcasts
  The Enourager on Spotify

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.