A Longer Table with Manda Carpenter: Recent Episodes
Amanda Carpenter
How can I love others that I blatantly disagree with? How do I find joy in the middle of a faith crisis? Can I have liberal beliefs and be a Christian? What is my life's purpose?
If you have ever asked yourself these questions, but didn't have a space to vocalize them, you're in good company. Pull up a seat as author, speaker and foster mom, Manda Carpenter, creates a longer table to provide a space where everyone’s voice can be heard with intentional ears and tender hearts. There’s no topic that’s off-limits as she and her guests get raw and real about faith, relationships, social justice, politics and more. Tune in each week as Manda discusses insights on inner healing and paves the way for advocacy so you can leave behind impressing and step into authentic living.
It happens to all of us one way or another...
- When a global pandemic upends our security.
- When a partner leaves.
- When we get a terrible diagnosis, or face the death of a loved one.
- When long-held beliefs about God or faith slipped through our hands.
Whether the details are global or personal, we have all experienced our world falling apart. Manda brings her friend, pastor, and newly published author - Jason Adam Miller - to the table to chat about...
- How to deal when the world is breaking
- Where we can find hope in the midst of pain and suffering
- Becoming people who help put the world back together
Grab your copy of Jason's new book When The World Breaks.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
Jennifer Ji-Hye Ko is an autistic and disabled author, poet, and educator. She shares about how her autism and disabilities affect her daily life, and how the world - specifically the church - can improve to become more accessible. Tune in to widen your perspective and lean into empathy!
Learn more from Jennifer by following her on instagram here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
Blaine Hogan is a film director and actor who believes you can redeem your story and redefine your creativity. In this episode, he gets real with Manda about his past addiction and how his whole life changed when he started living honestly and seeking healing. They also chat about:
-His fascinating career as a film director and the celebrities he's worked with recently
-His new book "exit the cave" which isn't the book he meant to write
-His life raising 3 daughters and the 5 affirmations they say every day
Buy Blaine's newest book here and follow him on instagram here
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
Trigger Warning: If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community, this episode may be difficult as the guest was brought on specifically to share her story. Manda does not align with or endorse the beliefs of the guest, but feels it is important to navigate hard conversations with grace and curiosity. Part of building a LONGER table is having people sit around it who do not share the same perspective as you, which is why our team cautiously decided to proceed with this release.
From a young age, Kyrie questioned her sexuality and came out as gay at 18. A few years later after becoming a Christian, she renounced her homosexual lifestyle, left the LGBTQ community, and started sharing about her life as an "Ex-Gay" on social media. We're thankful she joins Manda at the table today to provide some insight into a perspective we haven't had on the podcast yet. Tune in to hear about:
- her sexual identity shift
-
the feedback she's received from the LGBTQ+ and Christian communities
-
her beliefs surrounding homosexuality and sin
View Kyrie's Instagram here & her ministry here
Resources Recommended by Manda:
- A Sacred Conversation on Sexuality
- God and the Gay Christian
- UnClobber
- Changing Our Mind
- 1946 The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture
Resources Recommended by Kyrie:
- A Change of Affection, Beckett Cook
- Holy Sexuality and the Gospel, Christopher Yuhan
- The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, Rosaria Butterfield
- Is God Anti-Gay? Sam Allberry
- Sown Rooted in Redemption, K. Price
Jennifer Dukes Lee is a journalist turned author who lives on a farm in Iowa and is an expert at asking questions. She's at the table today to share how asking good questions changed her life and give us some insight about how intentional (and fun!) question-asking can help us become more self-aware and improve our relationships.
Buy Jennifer's new guided journal, "Stuff I'd Only Tell God" here
Follow Jennifer on Instagram
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter.
Angela Tucker is a Black woman adopted from foster care to a white family. In this episode, she gets honest with Manda about all things foster care and adoption and ultimately helps us answer an important question: Should we feel guilty for not adopting?
Angela is the founder of The Adopted Life, a consulting company where she offers workshops and mentorship with a mission to help center adoptee stories and bring clarity and truth narratives about race, class, and identity. She is the host of The Adoptee Next Door podcast and has advised the writers of Broadway’s Jagged Little Pill and NBC’s show, This Is Us. Angela lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband, Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bryan Tucker.
Buy her book
Follow her on instagram: @angieadoptee
Schedule a consultation with her
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Adopted from Korea by a white American family, Brandi Ebersole grew up in a community that didn't look like her. In this conversation, she reflects on her childhood as a transracial adoptee and shares about the journey she's had with her own children who have joined her family through foster care, adoption, and biologically. Give this episode a listen to hear Manda ask her about:
- her thoughts on the effects of transracial adoption
- how being an adoptee has influenced the way she's raising her own kids
- the challenges of transracial adoption
Hear more from Brandi as she advocates for the adoptee community on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/brandi_ebersole/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
At 32 years old, Christine Boye got diagnosed with breast cancer and a few days later found out she was pregnant. In this episode, she shares about the realities and hardships of living with cancer while also growing a baby (and caring for her 2 other young children!) Tune in to hear Manda ask her specifically about:
- the moment she received her diagnosis
- the impact pregnancy had on her cancer treatment
- the lessons she's learned along the way
and more! Christine shares about her life and journey on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iamchristineboye/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
What if I told you that you could regain 15 days of time each year by putting away your phone for just 1 hour each day?
Founders of Aro, Heath and Joey, sit at our table to share about an amazing product they've designed specifically for families looking to reduce screen time and increase quality time together.
This conversation reveals the backstory to how Aro came into existence, answers the most frequently asked questions about it, and serves as a crucial wake up call to everyone. Give it a listen, and then take action by getting Aro; code MANDA for your first month free!
Thank you to our sponsor ABLE! Shop with code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book Soul Care to Save Your Life
Jenai is a writer, artist, Filipina woman who holds stories and makes space for others. She addresses the cultures of marginalization and how we can better set the table for people on the margins.
I asked her to join our table to discuss how we set the table for others, but our conversation really dove deep into why we separate ourselves from, or even tear down, people who are different from us. Tune in to hear Jenai share...
- About her upbringing and how she's navigating her identity as a Filipina woman
- What "othering" means and looks like; including an example of how we may "other" someone unintentionally
- How we can all be better stewards of our privilege and influence
She has a book on the intersection of faith and othering that comes out next year!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
At 19 years old, Marlon Peterson participated in a robbery that resulted in two murders.
During his 10 years in prison, he decade incarcerated and co-created How Our Lives Link Altogether, a youth development organization that has provided programming, college trips, and mentorship for NYC public school students and justice-involved youth.
Marlon has written, created programming, lectured, organized, and advocated alongside the formerly incarcerated, victims of gun violence, womxn, immigrants, and young people. He's the author of Bird Uncaged, host of the DEcarcerated Podcast, and owner of The Precedential Group Social Enterprises and its nonprofit arm, Be Precedential, Inc.
His TED talk, “Am I not human? A call for criminal justice reform”, has amassed over 1.2 million views.
Marlon joins us at the table to tell a little bit of his story, proving once again that there isn't a single person you would not love if you knew their story.
Tune in to hear:
- What led to the day Marlon participated in a crime that resulted in the death of two innocent people
- How being sexually assaulted at 14 years old changed the trajectory of his life
- Why Marlon's life work now revolves around the pursuit of a shift from punishment to healing, an end to prisons, and a new vision of justice
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter and sponsored by:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Hanna joins us at the table to discuss about confident and pain-free sex - especially if we've grown up in purity culture and feel shame about our body.
Tune in to hear:
- Common reasons sex can be painful
- What we should do if sex is consistently painful
- How to communicate with a partner about painful sex
...and more!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️ who joins us again (listen to her first episode with us no. 115) to continue the conversation of how we can have a healthy relationship with our children... specifically how we can pivot our parenting style if we realize that our current parenting tactics aren't working or are potentially causing harm.
Tune in to hear:
- How we course correct if we've been "getting it wrong" and now want to do better
- How we uphold our boundaries when others (grandparents, friends, etc.) judge/disregard our parenting style
- And more!
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Arielle Estoria is a Poet, Author and Actor. With a specific heart in empowering, encouraging and making space for audiences of women to feel at home in their own bodies, Arielle has shared her work through custom spoken word pieces, workshops and themed keynote talks with companies such as Google, Lululemon, Tedx, the SKIMS campaign by Kim Kardashian and more. Her newest book, "The Unfolding" released this spring. In this encouraging episode, she opens up to Manda about:
- How she learned to come home to herself
- What we can do to practice self-acceptance
- Why "unfolding" is crucial to becoming who we are
and more about her personal life as an actress, meeting her husband, and her spiritual shiftings!
You can keep up with Arielle on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/arielleestoria/ and grab a copy of "The Unfolding" here: https://arielleestoria.com/the-unfoldingA Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These supportive sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Stephanie Duncan Smith is an executive editor at Baker Books, where she takes great joy in coaching and championing authors to bring the best out of their message. She’s worked in publishing for over 13 years, developing bestselling and award-winning writers, and personally pens SLANT LETTER, an email newsletter for writers looking to deepen their craft and tend to the soul of their work. If you're an aspiring author or someone who loves to write, make sure you give this episode a listen to hear Stephanie's answers to:
- What is the one thing I should do to become a better writer?
- It seems like everyone's an author these days...is there still room for me to be successful?
- What are the common mistakes amateur writers make?
and lots more! Learn more about Stephanie, subscribe to her newsletter, and get writing tips here: http://www.slantletter.com/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These amazing sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Jen Tipton is a mom of 3 who found a passion for special needs inclusion after her son was diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality and non-verbal autism. In this episode, she shares candidly about what it's like to parent neuro-divergent children, what she wishes parents of neuro-typical children knew, and how we can all improve inclusivity for humans with special needs. This quick episode is a must-listen whether you're a parent or not because Jen offers such valuable insight about how to build longer tables for people who interact with the world differently than we do.
Some resources Jen recommends:
- For a look into the lives of non-verbal autistic boys, you can follow @peace_love_autism, @lovehopeandautism, @theautismcafe, and @findingcoopersvoice on Instagram.
- "SPELLERS" is an award-winning documentary that challenges everything we thought we knew about those with non-verbal autism. Watch the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOk6pBnY7hQ
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
These amazing sponsors are helping us Build Longer Tables:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
Gabrielle Blair is a New York Times bestselling author, award-winning parenting blogger, and a thought leader who has written and moderated hundreds of discussions on difficult topics. Over 6000 blog posts and two books later, Gabrielle is considered a top expert in creating accessible conversations, parenting engaged and independent kids, and creating a home where both parents and kids can thrive. She currently lives in France with her husband and 6 kids.
In this episode, she's tackling one of the toughest topics--abortion--and is offering a ground-breaking reframing of the issue. Tune in to hear her talk about:
- The basics of fertility (and how it isn't something that only pertains to women!)
- How the birth control industry is targeting the wrong group of people
- Why men should ultimately be held accountable for unwanted pregnancies
You can learn more about Gabrielle and purchase her latest book "Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way To Think About Abortion" at https://designmom.com/ejaculate-responsibly-book/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
This episode is made possible by our wonderful sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://able.sjv.io/c/3929645/1228242/15174
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
Aro - code MANDA for your first month free at https://www.goaro.com/
If writing a book is on your bucket list or you feel like you have a story inside of you that needs to be shared, this episode is for you! Manda sits down with 4 authors who completed her 'Stories Matter' program to get a behind-the-scenes look at:
- What it was like to publish a book with Manda in just 12 weeks!
- What they found surprising about the writing and publishing experience
- Why they each committed to becoming an author in the first place
and so much more! If you're interested in collaborating with Manda to write and publish your book, head to this link for more info: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/write-and-sell-your-book
Connect with the authors:
Kiara Schuh @kiararaeschuh
Buy her book "Chosen Family"
Emily Cruz @emilycruzwrites
Buy her book "This Won't Define Me"
Jill Jaramillo @jilljaramillo_
Buy her book "Count the Fruit"
Sheyann Straub @sheyann.straub
Buy her book "Honeysuckle & Cigarettes"
Thanks to our sponsors for supporting this episode:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
K.J Ramsey is a Somatic & Trauma-Informed Therapist and Poet who lives everyday with an autoimmune disease. Her work offers space to see every part of our souls and stories as sacred.
In this episode, you'll get an inside look at:
- K.J's painful experience within the Church and how she's maintained communion with God
- The connection between trauma and our physical wellbeing
- How courage has the power to change everything
You can learn more about K.J and purchase her books at https://www.kjramsey.com or keep up with her daily stunning musings at https://www.instagram.com/kjramseywrites.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com and purchase her latest book "Soul Care to Save Your Life" here https://www.mandacarpenter.com/soulcaretosaveyourlife
Checkout our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com
Patricia Taylor is an anti-racism educator, podcaster, and writer who believes in having critical conversations around racial justice with clarity and candor. She writes on instagram under #somethoughtsfromyourblackfriend and joins Manda on the podcast today to encourage us to learn how to listen so that we can genuinely love better.
Press play to hear more about:
- What inspired Patty to begin writing #somethoughtsfromyourblackfriend
- How we can become better listeners, especially to those that are different than us
- Why becoming anti-racist is a lifelong endeavor
You can connect with Patty and learn from her writing at https://www.instagram.com/patricia_a_taylor/
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Checkout our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
Manda sits down at the table solo today to share about 5 of her (current) favorite things:
- A skincare product
- A sleep favorite
- A current snack obsession
- A new daily rhythm
- Something to balance her family
You can find products she mentions here: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/shop-my-favs
And discount codes here: https://www.mandacarpenter.com/promo-codes-for-you
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Special thanks to our amazing sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel at https://www.ableclothing.com/
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs at https://cozyearth.com/
Steve Carter is a pastor, author, and the former lead teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago. A gifted teacher, Steve spends his days crafting sermons, messages, blog posts, and books to encourage people in their walk with Christ. He describes his work as humbling and vulnerable—a soul-baring process that keeps him dependent, expectant, and grounded in Christ.
Manda sat down with him at the table to hear more about:
- How he made the decision to leave Willow Creek
- What he's learned about ending relationships
- Why integrity drives everything he does
- and how we can learn to transition out of things well!
You can learn more from Steve here and grab a copy of his book The Thing Beneath The Thing here
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Big thanks to our sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
Dr. Celeste Holbrook is a sexologist, speaker and author who has dedicated her life to being a sex educator. She believes that great sex fuels a great relationship. Her mission is to help people achieve extraordinary intimacy in their lives through planned mental and behavioral changes. Manda invited her to the table to answer the following questions and more:
- I feel like I need "perfect conditions" to be in the mood for sex. HELP!
- The most common sex struggles for men and women?
- Is there a benchmark for how much sex is “enough” to be considered a good, healthy sex life?
- Does porn have a place in a healthy marriage?
- Which toys and types of play do you recommend in the bedroom?
You can find more info and resources from Celeste here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Big thanks to our sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
Marie Beecham is an advocate for social justice and unity. I invited Marie to the table to hear how she would answer the questions:
- What do People of Color wish their White friends knew?
- What can we say or do instead of responding with “I understand”?
- What’s the balance of being a White ally and advocate who listens and doesn’t speak on behalf of People of Color, but speaks up appropriately instead of doing nothing?
Follow and support Marie's work here.
A Longer Table Podcast is hosted by Manda Carpenter. For more, visit www.mandacarpenter.com.
Special thanks to our show sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
Mary Van Geffen is an international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️ who joins A Longer Table to share how we can have a healthy relationship with our children. Mary specifically answers Manda's questions about:
- How to get your child to cooperate more?
- If we're spending enough time with our children?
- What are age-appropriate consequences?
She is a true gift and a wonderful follow on Instagram @maryvangeffen.
Shout-out to our show sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off all apparel!
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off luxurious bedding & pjs!
Dani De Boulay is DEI advocate, branding and social media consultant, and self-love writer and creator from NYC. She joins the table to share why she is so passionate about self-love and how it will transform your life. She and Manda also spend time discussing singleness and the significance of Dani wearing a pink suit at her corporate job.
Our Sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for 15% off everything.
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for 35% off on luxurious bedding & pj's.
Brenna Hunter's addiction to Methamphetamine (aka: Meth) cost her custody of her children and left her living on the streets in Los Angeles. She openly shares all that led to her drug use and what it was like when the Department of Children & Family Services took her kids and placed them into foster care. But that's not where her story ends! She worked hard to get clean, stay clean, and regain custody of her three children. She is an addict turned social worker who provides a much needed perspective on foster care. Our hope is that hearing Brenna reminds you once again: There Isn't a Single Person You Wouldn't Love If You Knew Their Story.
Our Sponsors:
ABLE - code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount on women's apparel.
Cozy Earth - code ALONGERTABLE for a 35% discount on luxurious bedding & pjs.
Ashley Abercrombie is the Queen of Geriatric Pregnancies and author of Love is The Resistance and Rise of The Truth Teller. She believes the best conversations happen After Hours and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. In this conversation, she and Manda discuss the following:
- Abortion
- The lie that we're running out of time
- Friendship break-ups
- What friendship actually looks like as an adult with a full life
- Sobriety
This episode is sponsored by ABLE, Manda's favorite clothing store that empowers both the women wearing them and the women making them. Use code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount.
Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW, is a New York Times best-selling author, licensed therapist, and sought-after relationship expert. Her philosophy is that a lack of boundaries and assertiveness underlie most relationship issues, and her gift is helping people create healthy relationships with themselves and others. In this conversation, she and Manda discuss the following questions and more:
- How to differentiate a toxic or abusive relationship vs. a difficult relationship?
- What to do when you want a closer relationship with someone but it's not being reciprocated?
- Is there a good way to end a friendship?
Preorder Nedra's new book Drama Free & follow her on Instagram for lots of wise nuggets regarding mental health.
This episode is sponsored by ABLE, Manda's favorite shop with a meaningful mission behind every cute outfit. Use code ALONGERTABLE15 for a 15% discount.
In this resurgence episode, Manda shares a thorough reflection of 2022 (personally & professionally), her five intentions for this year, and what to expect from A Longer Table going forward.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Emily P. Freeman's Episode 185: Why Makers Struggle to Get Things Done
- Attend one of two Soul Care Retreats I'm hosting this year
- Subscribe to my newsletter & consider becoming a subscriber (it comes with INCREDIBLE perks & fuels my work!)
Manda expresses her appreciation for all who tuned in over the last 2.5 years, shares a reflection of what didn't quite work out as planned, and lets you know what to expect in the New Year. Follow @mandacarpenter and be sure to subscribe to her email newsletter so you don't miss her upcoming series I Love Hope, But I Hate the Holidays. We'll see you in 2023.
Love,
Manda (Host), Allie (Admin), & Eric (Editor & Producer)
Shannan Martin is back to talk about her brand new book Start With Hello, which is a simple guide and invitation to live as neighbors. She will encourage you to see the neighborhood around you differently and provide realistic, tangible ways for you to show up and start intentionally building relationships. Not sure why it matters or if Start With Hello is for you? Give this brief conversation a listen!
New York Times Bestselling Author Mandy Hale discusses her newest book, Turn Toward The Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is.As a single woman in her 40's, Mandy shares what she's learned about unmet expectations and how to embrace a reality that looks different than the one you thought you'd always have. Follow her journey online here.
New York Times Bestselling Author Mandy Hale discusses her newest book, Turn Toward The Sun: Releasing What If and Embracing What Is.As a single woman in her 40's, Mandy shares what she's learned about unmet expectations and how to embrace a reality that looks different than the one you thought you'd always have. Follow her journey online here.
One day Julie realized she could no longer maintain her toxic relationship with her parents and cut off contact with them. This estrangement lasted 7 years, but ultimately resulted in growth, healing, and eventually, restoration. In this episode she shares about the hardships and challenges that came from the estrangement, the miraculous story of how her family reconciled, and everything she learned in between. Grab a copy of Julie's book Estranged and enjoy reading her free blog posts.
One day Julie realized she could no longer maintain her toxic relationship with her parents and cut off contact with them. This estrangement lasted 7 years, but ultimately resulted in growth, healing, and eventually, restoration. In this episode she shares about the hardships and challenges that came from the estrangement, the miraculous story of how her family reconciled, and everything she learned in between. Grab a copy of Julie's book Estranged and enjoy reading her free blog posts.
Therapist and writer, Tabitha Panariso, discusses the impact of rejection in our daily lives. From being blocked on social media and cancel-culture to job loss and parental abandonment. She shares about why rejection is so difficult for us and how we can reframe it from a Christ-following perspective. Connect with her on Instagram + sign up to receive her pep talks that guide you through the dark.
Therapist and writer, Tabitha Panariso, discusses the impact of rejection in our daily lives. From being blocked on social media and cancel-culture to job loss and parental abandonment. She shares about why rejection is so difficult for us and how we can reframe it from a Christ-following perspective. Connect with her on Instagram + sign up to receive her pep talks that guide you through the dark.
Author, Podcast Host, and Enneagram Coach Ainsley Britain joins Manda on the podcast to share about unhealthy, abusive relationships and how to prevent ourselves from ending up with someone who doesn't treat us the way we deserve. Married women: don't skip this episode! Ainsley also shares how women in healthy relationships can best support friends who are in toxic relationships. Follow Ainsley and order her new book Don't Date a Boo Boo Dude.
Author, Podcast Host, and Enneagram Coach Ainsley Britain joins Manda on the podcast to share about unhealthy, abusive relationships and how to prevent ourselves from ending up with someone who doesn't treat us the way we deserve. Married women: don't skip this episode! Ainsley also shares how women in healthy relationships can best support friends who are in toxic relationships. Follow Ainsley and order her new book Don't Date a Boo Boo Dude.
In this fun 15-minute episode, Manda catches you up on what life's been like in her corner of the world. She recaps life in Los Angeles, how she's feeling after sharing sensitive information from her past, and shares BTS of her new book Soul Care to Save Your Life. You can preorder the book here, and then submit your receipt here so that you automatically receive the goodies!
Manda's former pastor and friend Jeanne Stevens joins her to discuss the question, "What's Here Now?" which is the title of Jeanne's new book! She wrote it with the goal of helping people learn how to stop rehashing the past and rehearsing the future so they can receive the present. In this conversation, she shares what that looks like in her own life and gives tangible examples of how we can receive 'what's here now' in our lives. Grab your copy of What's Here Now? and follow Jeanne on Instagram.
Manda welcomes her friends, Kory and Alison Lantz, to share about their radical way of living that she believes embodies "longer table living" so well. After graduating from college and getting married, the Lantz' moved to a part of town most people avoid in an effort to intentionally build relationships with their neighbors. In this episode, they tell their story and give us a glimpse at what longer table living actually looks like. They share about how their relationships with neighbors have developed into Transformational Ministries, and they offer practical and raw advice on how we can all live lives where we actually love our neighbors. The South Bend Tribune has featured the Lantz family and their ministry, and you can watch this video to see even more of what they are up to. Our hope is that this conversation inspires you to take action in your own community by building a longer table rather than a higher fence.
Two-time New York Times bestselling author, Kendra Adachi, has spent the last decade figuring out how to simplify, prioritize, and rejuvenate her life. Today she joins Manda to teach us all how to become our own "lazy genius." She is outrageously relatable, and shares so many practical tips to help reduce chaos and clutter so that we can function to the best of our abilities with less fuss.
Her first book: The Lazy Genius Way
Her second book: The Lazy Genius Kitchen
The Lazy Genius Podcast
Follow her on Instagram: @thelazygenius
Lucretia Carter Berry, PhD is a wife, mother, and an antiracism curriculum specialist. She is the President & Learning Community Director of Brownicity, which is exists to provide education that inspires justice & belonging. In this episode, she explains the importance of teaching our kids to be anti-racist and having conversations about skin color. She's incredibly gifted at providing safe, gracious spaces for those who want to learn and do better. Brownicity offers affordable resources & online courses that offer an analytical framework for examining race and racism in the United States. Learners will be equipped with a historical, political and social context for understanding race/ism and how it is sustained.
After a domestic dispute, Courtney's two sons were removed from her care by child protective services. She later discovers that her file claims the boys were removed due to Fentanyl trafficking charges, which came as a shock since Courtney is not a drug user, and never has been. She is doing everything she can to get her kids back home and provides us an in-depth look into foster care from a bio mom's perspective. Follow along with Courtney's reunification journey here: @prayingforreunification
After hustling for years, Mary Marantz reached the pinnacle of her career and realized there had to be more than the accolades. In this episode, she shares about her transformation from Yale Law Student and award-winning photographer to a slow, authentic and present author. She dishes out wisdom from her new book, Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots. You're going to love her! Her books, Dirt and Slow Growth Equals Strong Roots are available everywhere books are sold.
Even though she was raised as a Christian and has a degree in religion, Phylicia Masonheimer came to a realization that she didn't know why she believed what she did. After seeking answers to her questions, she made it her goal to teach others how to discern truth, know what (and Who) they believe, and live their faith boldly in a post-Christian world. In this episode, she answers all Manda's burning questions about discernment, the Western Church, theological differences and more. Follow Phylicia on Instagram, check out her site Every Woman a Theologian, and her podcast Verity.
Skywalker is an intelligent, peppy 10 year old girl who is one of five kids in a family that fosters. She shares her perspective of what it's like being a sibling to kids in foster care and more in this short, sweet conversation. We believe our table isn't truly "longer" until we include and value listening to ALL voices...in this case, the voice of a young girl with big ambitions and lots of spunk. Follow Skywalker's journey @skywalker.hughes (account managed by mom)
Lindsey Nobles wanted to be a mother, but as a single woman in her early-forties she had to pursue this differently than many of her married peers. This is her story of not only becoming a mother, but a journey of choosing to prioritize herself and her desires. Instead of adoption, Lindsey became pregnant through a donor and IVF. This isn't just encouragement for the woman who finds herself single and longing for motherhood; this is a conversation that reminds all of us to value ourselves and to learn from families that don't fit the nuclear family model.
While the conversation wasn't focused on her professional life, Lindsey works for Onsite, which is an amazing organization dedicated to changing lives through enhanced emotional health. You can follow Lindsey and Onsite to learn more.
Model, actress, and activist Corey has a different gender identity than the gender she was thought to be at birth. She opens up about when and how she realized she was transgender, her transitioning process, and shares more of her truth with Manda, who ultimately wants us all to consider: how might we love and create safe spaces for transgender folks?
Mentioned in the episode: watch Disclosure & read The Transgender Child
Trigger Warning: Suicide. Kristen shares her story of being in and out of foster care and eventually becoming a single adoptive mother at a young age. She encourages everyone to build longer tables for aging out youth. She believes we need to be cautious in our culture of setting healthy boundaries so they don't become justifications for an aversion to hard work and loving others well. This conversation will remind you to be authentic in understanding your limitations, but encourage you to quit sitting on the sidelines when just one dinner, coffee date, or conversation could make all the difference for them having enough hope to carry on another day. Connect with Kristen: @kbuergey
As a follow-up to our latest conversation about sex (no. 90), Manda sits down to chat with Sex Coach, Dan Purcell, to hear his professional insight and wisdom on intimacy, masturbation, toys, and so much more. His answers to our sex Q's are through a Christian lens. Dan and his wife Emily Purcell are the founders of Get Your Marriage On! They created an app for the bedroom called Intimately Us and host retreats for couples Dan and Emily have been married for 18 years and have 6 kids.
In an attempt to normalize everyone's favorite taboo subject, Manda and Eric chat candidly about sex. From purity, to masterbation and sex-toys, nothing is off-limits in this important conversation about intimacy within marriage.
Previous episode mentioned: on purity culture no. 4
Maryellen found herself unexpectedly pregnant & decided adoption was the best choice for her and her son. Through divine circumstances, she met Pauline and TJ, who were seeking an open adoption. In today's extended episode, we chat with both Maryellen and Pauline about their journey together as mom & "Mimi" to Kendrick, and get a glimpse into the beautiful family they've created. Connect with them on IG: @maryyy_ellen & @paulinepearce Learn how to support expectant & birth mothers through adoption.
I'm back after a 6+ month hiatus to say hello, share a bit of what's happened since the last episode, and let you in on the direction this podcast is headed.
Follow @mandacarpenter & @alongertablepodcast for more!
Beth was working as a reading interventionist at an elementary school when she recognized a need for a business that didn't currently exist. In this episode, she shares the story of how she quit her job and took a leap to build her company, Big City Readers. She gives practical advice about all things business— hiring employees, pivoting plans, work/life balance and more.
Sarah Daniel, founder of Unconditional, spills the tea on loving and supporting women who work in the adult entertainment industry. In this 45-minute episode, she shares about:
-her relationship with God -how she got involved with women in the adult entertainment industry -what Unconditional Indy is and what led her to start it -a real life story of someone she's assisted in the transition out of working in the adult entertainment industry -how the church is missing the mark with these women
Haley shares an inside look at life as a military spouse in Hawaii! She talks about how the military impacts her marriage, what she wishes people knew about military life in general, and how to build friendships in a community that's always changing.
After a year of marriage, Krista found herself desiring a divorce. Her husband had been lying to her and living a secret life filled with drugs and other women. In this episode, she opens up about their unhealthy relationship from start to finish and talks about what she's learned as a Christian woman post-divorce.
Shaina worked hard to achieve a fulfilling career as an RN, and then transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom when her first child, Luca, was born. It's what she thought she always wanted, so when an identity crisis hit, she was shocked. In this episode, she shares how she navigated the feelings of inadequacy and boredom that she found herself sitting in and how she's made an intentional effort to lean-in to this "slower" season instead of trying to fill it with more.
Tina shares about her childhood, what led her to being in foster care, the trauma that came from being placed in a foster home that was abusive, and her experience of being Latina adopted by white parents.
Colt Seager opens up about life from his perspective as a full-time artist in Chicago. Tune in to hear:
-How creating connects him to The Creator -How he transitioned from working a desk job to working as a full time artist -His daily routine in the art studio
Visit Colt's website to see his work.
Kim Crowder has been featured by Forbes twice, where she was named an Anti-Racism Educator Your Company Needs Now. Tune in to hear:
-What modern-day churches are severely lacking -Her experience as a Black woman -Ways Christ-followers & the Church can shift to truly include those who are marginalized & oppressed
One of her favorite quotes is, “In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” -Angela Y. Davis
One of the best bosses Manda has ever had the privilege of working with & learning from, Kelly Skiles, joins her in this episode to talk all things leadership. Kelly is currently the Executive Pastor at Soul City Church where she invests in the staff and the community of people who attend SCC. She spills the tea on a variety of tools she utilizes for leading others, as well as, her own personal growth at work, at home, and in her spiritual life. Connect with her @kellyskiles.
Marisa, a social worker and college admissions counselor, helps underprivileged, first-generation, and racially diverse students get into college. She shares why she's so passionate about her work and how those of us not in her field can use our privilege well to make a difference. trigger warning: sexual assault is discussed
Under an alias to protect her privacy, "Rebecca" shares the details of her year-long relationship with a self-proclaiming Christian man who physically, emotionally, and spiritually abused her. She starts from the beginning and explains how the manipulation grew, what red flags she eventually paid attention to, and how she ultimately left the relationship which left her searching for answers about God and her faith. She tells the full story in her book, But He Said He Is a Christian.
Kenisha entered the foster care system at the age of 4 and never settled into a permanent home. At 18, she found herself completely on her own, lacking resources and headed to prison. She sits down with Manda to talk about her memoir, "Labeled: Ward of the State" and how she changed her life to become the Social Worker she is today. Snag a copy of her book here.
Author and Writing Coach Ally Fallon joins Manda to talk about how writing as a daily practice can enhance all of our lives—even if we don’t see ourselves as writers. She offers practical advice on how to ask yourself good questions and find a writing process that works for you even if it’s only 30 seconds a day. Follow @allyfallon and check out her new book The Power of Writing It Down
Families Together Co. exists to build community & support systems through one-on-one matching of volunteers with families in need. Manda's family and foster children have directly benefited from the Neighbors Program specifically! Founder, Hope, and her employee, Abbie, share how YOU can get involved with foster care and helping families in need by simply providing a meal once a month. Follow the organization @familiestogether.co!
After experiencing burnout as a young professional, Taylor made it her mission to re-discover her best version of living. She is now a self-care guru (according to Manda) and started her own business helping others achieve and discover true self-care. Tune in to hear why Taylor believes this generation of young professionals is so fascinated with "self-care," what entrepreneurship truly looks likes, and her faith journey that just might surprise you.
Nate Knapper, founder of The Joseph Project, a non-profit helping victims of trafficking with pro bono legal counsel, joins us for an extremely insightful conversation about something that's closer to each of us than we may realize!
Tune in to hear... -What the FBI’s role is in fighting trafficking -Who The Joseph Project serves -Who traffickers target -Why pro-bono legal work so essential for survivors of trafficking -Two real life stories of people Nate has helped bring out of sex trafficking
After the trauma of being bullied throughout her childhood, Ibie resolved to live her life so that no one else would ever feel like an outsider. This mission led her to a career in local politics and a passion for loving her community well. In this episode, she shares ways we can all become more politically informed and discusses how it only takes a few small steps to better support our communities. Connect with her at www.hart4change.com and @hart4change on IG.
Musician and author Jamie Grace was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, anxiety and depression as a child and sheds light on her experience growing up with those diagnoses. Now, as an adult, she's sharing what she's learned about mental health, faith, and more in her new book Finding Quiet: My Journey to Peace in an Anxious World.
Manda brings her financial advisor, Tony Escobar, to the table to discuss finances in the context of faith. Tony shares how being a financially savvy Christian shouldn't be uncomfortable and gives insight on how to put your "money on mission" while also offering some easy first steps of how to improve your current financial situation! Reach out to him here & follow along @tonyescobar.thrivent
Manda's business coach, Neil, is BACK! Since you had SO many questions about the LifePlan (episode 65), tune in to hear the following:
Who created LifePlan and the backstory An overview of intentional exercises you are guided through when you go through a LifePlan
Manda and Neil's biggest takeaways from their LifePlan's and more about this investment
Follow @neilsternberg & email him if you want to learn more about LifePlan: neil@leadwellteam.com.
Hannah Brencher, author of "Come Matter Here" & founder of "More Love Letters, joins Manda to share about her life with depression and how her darkest season impacted the way she viewed mental illness, daily discipline, and her identity as a Christian. Follow @hannahbrencher and order her brand new book Fighting Forward.
Alexandra is wife, mother, Bible teacher, & writer who’s passionate about communicating the love of Jesus. In this episode, her and Manda dive deep about:
-Should women teach/lead in the church? -How to discern scripture & confidently embrace what you believe -How her relationship with God transforms the way she lives -Where she has experienced & witnessed racism -How we, as Christ-followers, help dismantle systems of oppression in the Church & the world at large
Manda's business coach, Neil, who also facilitated her LifePlan in May joins the table to share...
-What a LifePlan is -What he was surprised by when he met Manda -Advice he would give to his newlywed self -His favorite part of fatherhood -Wisdom for anyone feeling stuck in their career, spiritual growth, or relationships
Follow him @neilsternberg Website: leadwellteam.com Email: neil@leadwellteam.com Facebook: neil.sternberg
Manda's friend Lindsay gets honest about:
Relying on God & discernment when it comes to big decisions Embracing singleness joyfully as a thirty-something woman who hopes to get married one day Finding joy and purpose in her day to day life & how her faith plays a huge role in that.
Follow her @thefaithfeast.
Shannan had it all: dream home, comfortable paycheck, & a tight-knit Christian community, but God challenged her to exchange it all for something more abundant. Her family moved to "the wrong side of the tracks." She's learning everyday what it means to love your neighbor. Tune in to hear about re-defining the American Dream & how learning to love people who are different than us might completely change our views. Follow @shannanwrites & check out her books Falling Free and The Ministry of Ordinary Places
Multi-talented, Chicago native, David Bell joins Manda to share about his journey to becoming a professional actor. From his favorite role to his audition struggles, he gets candid about what it's really like to chase his dream and talks about how mental health and his relationship with God ties into it all. Connect with him @princeofbellair & @humbellfitness!
Like so many of us, when transitioning into adulthood Holli was unsure what she was supposed to do with her life post-college.
In this episode she shared a bit of her story... of praying and fasting and ultimately feeling lead to move across the globe to China.
As scary as it was, Holli followed God’s prompting and became a teacher in China. What she didn’t expect was to meet her husband, but that’s exactly what happened.
While fighting for her country in the Middle East, Diana was commanded to run over an Iraqi child. She was confronted with a choice she never thought she'd have to make: God's call to love her enemy vs. her country's command to be willing to kill. Diana chose to wage peace in a place of war. It led her to spend the rest of her life as a peacemaker. Tune into the full conversation for tips on how to be a peacemaker at upcoming holiday gatherings & grab her book Waging Peace on Amazon. Follow @dianaoestreich.
After trying to teach her sons a lesson, Manda realizes the lesson might actually be for her. In this brief 7-minute episode, she shares some quick wisdom about how to remain composed when the rest of the world is trying to rattle you. Follow her on Instagram at @mandacarpenter or visit her website at www.mandacarpenter.com
Shortly after Amy got married at age 23, the red flags started piling up. In this episode, she goes into detail about why her first marriage crumbled - emotional abuse, alcoholism, lying, infidelity - and gets raw about all the emotions that come with being divorced by 25. Amy also reminds us that being alone is not the worst thing that can happen to you; being stuck and miserable is so much worse. Did something about Amy's story resonate with you? Connect with her at @amis3898
Jena Holliday is a talented illustrator and entrepreneur from Minnesota whose mission is to #doitasworship. She opens up about her relationship with Jesus as a Black woman and how it has transformed throughout the years. She offers encouragement to women who want to use their gifts but aren't sure how or lack the courage to begin. Follow her @aspoonfuloffaith and check out her shop at www.spoonfuloffaith.com.
After finding herself in an unhealthy cycle of food and exercise obsession, Annaliese realized she needed to make changes to actually live out a healthy lifestyle. She shares about the dangers of diet culture, how she got herself out of her toxic "health" obsession, and how she found true health through Intuitive Eating.
Chris & Tracy Warhop have been married for 11 years. Manda picks their brains about being an interracial couple in the current climate, how to make sure your marriage continues to thrive throughout the years, and tips for parenting biracial children. Connect with them on IG: Tracy Warhop @twarhop & Chris Warhop @mrwarhop
Fellow podcast host, Jesus Follower, and internet share-er, Lindsey Maestas, understands the challenging world of social media. She shares her thoughts on Cancel Culture & provides tips on how to set boundaries, check your heart, and respond like Jesus would. She brings a lot of scripture into this episode! Give it a listen if you want to better understand how to communicate and navigate conflict on the internet. Keep up with Lindsey @lindsey.maestas
With wisdom and truth, Author, Speaker, Professor, & Entreprenuer Chalet Jean-Baptiste joins Manda to talk trauma, anger, and growth.
She's faced a wide variety of challenging experiences in her life from sexual assault to infidelity and has discovered that anger is valid and necessary, but can't be where we live forever.
Follow her @chaletjbaptiste!
Jamie's first child expressed that he was a boy at the age of 2 years old. She shares her experience as a mother of a transgender child. By supporting Kaden, Jamie has navigated hardships and experienced beauty in changed relationships with her husband, kids, church, and more. She reiterates over and over that she wouldn't change a thing. Connect at @jamie__parnell. Note: Kaden was born in a female body & was named Kate until the decision to begin transitioning into his true identity.
Jacari's life began in foster care while his biological mother was incarcerated. He dealt with some behavioral and academic troubles in school before he realized he was in control of his own life. This mindset shift has led him to massive success as he has worked to prove to everyone and himself that he can do anything he sets his sights on. He is an openly gay Black man who advocates, runs a nonprofit, and has his first book, "Lost and Found," releasing this month! Follow him @jacariharris_
For Meg, taking a prescription pain killer after a wisdom teeth extraction turned into a 3 year heroine addiction that derailed every aspect of her life. She tells Manda what life was like as a drug addict, how she met Jesus in rehab, and her life today as a sober person, wife, and inmate counselor at a men's prison. Connect with her on Instagram at @megjohnston123
Manda sits down with a loyal reader and podcast listener, Carrington, to hear about all the different facets of her motherhood journey. From being a single, teen mom, to later going through infertility, to eventually becoming a foster mom, Carrington openly shares how she navigated unexpected beautiful and brutal parts of motherhood.
Host Manda Carpenter sits down with an anonymous guest who openly shares what went down before, during, and after her husband's affair. She's honest about her feelings and encourages listeners to remove the stigma that surrounds counseling because sin cannot be healed in the dark or isolation. This is one woman's perspective of a marriage that can survive infidelity, which she attributes to her faith in God.
Unexpectedly at the age of 17, Tara learns that she's infertile and will never have biological children. In a candid conversation with Manda, she recounts her initial reaction to the news, discusses how it impacted her dating relationships, and details how it ultimately lead her to becoming a mom through foster care.
Kayla Craig is a former journalist, podcast host, writer, and mom to 4 via birth and adoption. Kayla is an advocate for God's upside down kingdom and pulls up a seat at the table to vulnerably share her heart and perspective specifically on raising a child with Down Syndrome. Follow her @kayla_craig on Instagram!
A long-time expert of the Enneagram, Professor Drew Moser joins us to talk about his brand new book, The Enneagram of Discernment: The Way of Vocation, Wisdom, and Practice. He explains how the Enneagram is so much more than just a personality test and why it's beneficial to use it as a tool to help us make major decisions about our career paths and life-callings. Follow him @drewmoser and grab a copy of his book on Amazon!
Karly and her husband TJ applied to be foster parents at 25. Everything changed when their first phone call was for a pre-adoptive placement of a 9 year old boy. They adopted him and a teenage girl. She opens up about what their family dynamic looks like, how pre-adoptive placements actually work, and why she thinks everyone should welcome foster children into their homes. Follow their story and get to know her more @wefostertruth / wefostertruth.com.
After receiving a discouraging DM from a follower, Manda addresses some ways that social media negativity can be harmful and talks about how she flips her thinking to help her navigate the challenges that sharing online brings.
Kaycee, a friend of Manda's for over a decade now, shares her experience as a Guatemalan-American at a small Christian college. She sheds light on what life looked like post-college when she formed her own faith beliefs. This 20 minute conversation covers some pros and cons of attending a small private university, minority perspective in predominately white spaces, and an honest recollection of walking away from faith that's fake.
Clare, a Saint Mary's alumnus, shares how she got into working with people with disabilities, what she's learned from one of her closest friends who has Down syndrome, and explains her pro-life views. *Spoiler alert: If we truly stand for life, we stand for Black lives, LatinX migrants lives, students trapped in underfunded schools, and men and women who are incarcerated. Being pro-life extends beyond issues of abortion.
Tori Hope Peterson is a former foster youth who emancipated and by the grace of God, beat every statistic to be who she is today. She's a wife, a mom to her biological son and a baby girl on the way. In addition, she and her husband holistically foster a teenager who comes and goes. In this brief episode, Tori shares why she entered the foster care system, her journey throughout it, and so much more. Follow her on Instagram to stay connected & advocate for foster youth alongside her!
Lisa is a wife, cat mom, mental health advocate, chronic pain warrior, & an anti-diet culture enthusiast. Her entire career has been in political campaigns and she identifies with the Republican Party. We questioned her beliefs as a Republican, how people can step into the polls more informed, advice for those struggling with their mental health, and encouragement for being confident in your own body! Follow on IG @lisakotstutzman & check out her creative account on IG @louiseandlavender.
Bre & Manda dive into a deep conversation about:
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Why you should care about things that don't directly affect you
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How to recover after you deconstruct your faith
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Her passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy
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The 2016 election
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Conscious parenting
& so much more!
Follow Bre's blog at www.breannalane.com and connect with her on Instagram @breannalane
Referenced passage in episode: Matthew 9:14-17
Dr. Deb Gorton is Manda's neighbor in Chicago who has her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Tune in to hear Deb open up about being adopted as an infant and how her mom tragically died by suicide 12 years ago. She shares what it's like being a counselor, insight about mental illness, tips for decision-making, wrestling with singleness, and more. Follow Deb and purchase a copy of her latest book Embracing Uncomfortable.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse Brittaney is a lover of Jesus, iced coffee, & unsupervised trips to Target. She is a wife, mom, interior designer & adoption advocate. She is the founder of Fostering Love Co., which creates thoughtfully curated care packages for foster & adoptive families!
However, Brittaney's childhood holds a lot of pain. She opens up about sexual abuse and how it impacts her every single day. Her story is brutal and beautiful, heart wrenching and inspiring.
Follow Brittaney
Terence is a speaker, activist, author, & thought leader in the realm of systemic poverty. After living on the streets (with the permission and support of his family) for one month, he & his wife started Love Beyond Walls, which exists to affirm the dignity of those who are experiencing homelessness & poverty. Terence shares what he's learned & what it means to be a servant leader with encouragement from Mark 10:45.
Follow Terence Follow Love Beyond Walls Get Terenece's book I See You
What would change in your life if you were to believe that you're already good? If you stopped striving to be thinner or to attain more followers? In this 8 minute episode, Manda challenges listeners to live soul-consciously instead of self-consciously. Follow her @mandacarpenter.
Erica was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her twenties just nine months after getting married. She courageously opens up about how she received the diagnosis and what life's been like ever since; particularly how it has impacted her marriage and career.
Embo is a bold and resilient young woman who has endured so much trauma throughout her 22 years of life. A former foster youth, she shares about coming into foster care and aging out at 18 years old. Embo also opens up about her faith, Congolese heritage, the Church, and injustice in our world currently. Listen to her story and perspective on life. Be inspired and challenged to steward your privilege well. Follow her @embopriscilla.
Ali got married at 21-years-old and divorced at 23-years-old. She grew up in a cult-like Christian community, where she was raised not to trust her own instincts. After leaving her hometown and deconstructing her faith, Ali grew closer to God and more attuned with her gifts than ever before. She went on to live in Rwanda for several years, absorbing all that the beautiful country has to offer while healing, lettering, and speaking up about mental health. Follow Ali and her work here.
Manda and her pastor, Jeanne Stevens, discuss what it's like to be a female pastor, the evolution of faith, what to do if you're feeling far from God, marriage advice and more!
Jeanne is one of the lead pastors of Soul City Church in Chicago’s dynamic West Loop neighborhood, which she and her husband, Jarrett, started in 2010. In addition to pastoring Soul City Church, Jeanne finds great joy in being a wife to Jarrett of 24 years, and a mom to her son, Elijah, and daughter, Gigi. Follow her on Instagra
Barry, a young, single black man is a proud adoptive father to his three sons, who all happen to be white. He joins Manda to share why he became a foster parent and how he ended up adopting children of a different ethnicity, especially at such a young age. Barry sheds light on being a single-parent household and transracial parenting from a perspective you may not have heard before!
Karisa Keasey, artist and author of "When You Can't Go Home," joins Manda to discuss the reality of refugees. During this 23-minute conversation, she informs us on statistics about refugees, makes a compelling argument for why we should allow more refugees into our country, and gives Jesus-followers tangible next steps. For every book sold, Karisa donates 50% of all profits to World Relief to help in their efforts with refugees. Follow Karisa on Instagram!
Ashlee is a leader, pastor, writer and Bible teacher who exists to join God in His redemptive work here on Earth. Her work has one purpose: to help humanity build bridges back to the Truth of who God is and between one other in redemptive, healing relationship. Ashlee serves as Formation & Preaching Pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids. She and her husband, Delwin, have three kids. Follow @ashlee_eiland & check out her book Human(Kind)!
Domestically adopted as an infant from Kansas City, Missouri, raised by two white parents in Lititz, Pennsylvania, married to a black man from North Philadelphia, and educated in urban education by the Ivy-league, Hannah Matthews uses her experiences as a trans-racially adopted, biracial woman to help trans-racially adopted and foster youth navigate race, embrace race and identity, and combat racism and white supremacy. Follow her @_heytra!
Manda brings J back to talk about sexuality. J is a pastor who never quite felt at home in church, an artist who figured out the sermon is his song, and a teacher who still has some questions. He studied theology at the University of Notre Dame. This episode is for anyone who's ever said: "BUT THE BIBLE IS CLEAR!"
Here is the sermon referenced in the episode.
Manda's Internet BFF, Anjuli, joins us to talk about her new book Stay which addresses what to do with our everyday aches, disappointment and pain. Most of us withdraw, avoid, numb, and neurotically fix. But what if Jesus is pulling out a chair and whispering, Stay? Anjuli invites all of us to stop running so we can experience transformation, which is often found in the very places we resist the most.
My real-life friend, Stephanie, joins me at the table to share a bit of her story which starts with teen pregnancy and ends with working in a church. After 20 years of marriage, she went through a divorce and despite the hardships and turmoil, believes it was an opportunity God gave her to make better choices. In this short episode, Steph will encourage you to separate your relationship with God from people in the church and to be less afraid of starting over when the junk drawer of your life breaks.
International adoption gets a bad rap, but not every international adoption is the same. Abby was adopted from China at 8 months old by two white Americans. She pulls up a seat to share her full circle experience of being abandoned, adopted, and now advocating for children and families as a foster parent herself. Listen to find encouragement as an adoptive parent, to hear another Asian woman's perspective, and to notice God's redemption throughout her story.
Caitlin Crosby, founder of The Giving Keys and author of You Are The Key (available TODAY), pulls up a seat at Manda's table to discuss her journey of turning her imperfections into purpose. Caitlin is hilarious, real, and drives home the point: if I can start a business and a movement, anyone can.
In this short episode, Manda's friend, Tina, shares what it's like to be a Chinese-American, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Buckle up for today's episode! Manda's friend Ashley, known as "Big Tough Girl" online, tells the story of choosing to place her son in the arms of another woman 14 years ago and the wild journey that followed. You will never think or talk about adoption and birth parents the same after hearing her insight and wisdom.
Manda & Morgan chat about creativity, inspiration, feelings of imposter syndrome, faith & more! Morgan normalizes what many entrepreneurs go through and shares wisdom that applies to everyone. Her new book All Along You Were Blooming is available everywhere books are sold. Follow Morgan on Instagram and check out her work here.
Manda's friend Angela is a 48-year-old single woman without children. All of her life she wanted to be a wife and a mother, but those desires haven't been fulfilled yet. She's now very aware that those things might never be part of her story. While it would be easy to grow bitter and waste life being angry with God over unmet desires, Angela chooses joy instead. She has created a rich, beautiful life and inspires all of us to do the same.
TRIGGER WARNING Manda's friend, Sam, takes her seat at the table to share her story of choosing to have an abortion, what it was like, and whether or not she regrets it. While Manda is clear she does not fully align with Sam's beliefs, the two of them have a graceful conversation, proving you can seek to understand someone rather than try to change them. This is what we're all about at A Longer Table Podcast. This sensitive conversation is intended to challenge us all.
Manda doesn't shy away from an extremely controversial topic to answer a frequently asked question and to challenge all listeners to consider thinking about this topic in a new light. Her challenge to everyone who is pro-life: don't let your advocacy stop once the baby is born.
NOTE: This episode is intended to prepare our hearts for the next one, where Manda's friend, Sam, who has had an abortion will be sharing her story.
Does the fear of what other people think hold you back in life?Manda's husband, E, joins her to share encouragement and wisdom on how to overcome this fear so you can put yourself out there, chase your dreams courageously, and live freely.
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Tanorria pulls up a seat at the table to candidly share her experience on life after divorce and the pursuit of racial reconciliation. This episode sheds light on what to do if your marriage is falling apart and offers a black perspective on the fight for racial equality.
Feelings. How do we know which ones to pay attention to and which ones are steering us in the wrong direction? In this brief episode, Manda challenges listeners to count the fruit when feelings are confusing. She explains a method that she uses to asses everything in her life (her relationships, work, spiritual life, habits, etc.) and encourages you to do the same.
Have you ever felt like your passions were silly or superficial? Listen to this brief conversation where Manda's friend, Hannah, shares how she uses the gifts and passions God gave her to help people in her own unique way. This episode also contains tangible pieces of fashion advice that you won't want to miss!
Andrew, Manda's friend who also answers to "Drewski," pulls up a seat at the table to share his story of coming out, owning his identity as a gay Christian, and how it impacts his faith and relationships. This episode has no intentions of changing anyone's beliefs about LGBTQ, rather it's intended to introduce you to a potentially brand new perspective and give you food for thought. It requires open ears and tender hearts. Tune in with curiosity and love. Remember, there's room for everyone at the table.
Noel Huddleston, a friend of Manda, pulls up a seat at the table to share about her job as a social worker and how her faith and ethnicity play into her role. She sheds light on the brutal realities of abuse and also shares how she copes and implements boundaries to keep herself healthy. We apologize for the sound quality on this episode - due to COVID-19 we didn't record in person as originally planned.
Rocio Vallejo, Manda's mentor and friend, pulls up a seat at the table to share her journey of becoming real. She opens up about her struggles with perfectionism and pretending. In their conversation, Rocio dives deep into how God has transformed her in the last 10 years. If you long to be more authentic and conscious, this episode is for you.
Manda sheds light on the 10 most common misconceptions about foster care from her perspective as a specialized foster parent. If you're a foster parent, you'll appreciate this one and want to share it with others so they can learn about your world in less than 20 minutes. If you're thinking about fostering, this will help you prepare!
Manda welcomes her husband, Eric (aka: E), to the podcast to discuss when he came home from work 6 months into their marriage to share that he no longer knew if he believed in God. Manda and E open up on how they navigated his faith crisis, found common ground, and stay unified despite their ongoing faith differences.
Today's bonus episode features some extremely special guests. If you've followed along, you're definitely going to be familiar with them. Bear, Goof, and Skittles (Manda's foster sons) each hop on the mic for a quick Q + A. They cover all the important topics including favorite food and super hero. They also get serious about foster care and living with Manda and E. This episode is a fun, behind the scenes peek into Manda's life with the boys, so grab your AirPods and press play.
Manda sheds light on the "Purity Movement" that shaped her upbringing: how it made her view sex as a teenager, how it altered her choices pre-marriage, and how it has impacted her current sex-life. If you're: saving sex for marriage, currently having sex and loving it, currently having sex and NOT loving it, struggling with your sexual past, or concerned your sex life isn't "normal" - this episode is for you.
Manda welcomes her brother, friend, and pastor of South Bend City Church, Jason Miller, to the table to discuss how (or even if) we can be sure of and defend our beliefs. Jason shares refreshingly honest insight for parents specifically.
Manda compares cleaning out her filthy car to the practice of confessing sin. She answers the question, "Why Confess Your Sin When You’re Just Going to Sin Again?" and challenges listeners to consider confession rather than justifying or sweeping it under the rug as a spiritual practice to move forward in faith.
Manda spills the tea on various times in her life when she's felt super confident and other times when her confidence is lacking. She challenges the cliche "fake it till you make it" phrase, shares the only way to truly increase confidence, and asks listeners to consider the source of their identity as it relates to confidence.
Join author, writer, and advocate, Manda Carpenter, as she invites you into new conversations that reflect what connects and unites us all: love, understanding, and communication. You'll hear from both new and familiar voices, but you'll always leave ignited to create to a longer table. Subscribe now for updates and new episodes.