Sponge Talk: Recent Episodes
Lucy Chapman
This podcasts exists to help you live into the promise of peace that comes from focusing on all things true, honorable, and lovely. Our aim is to speak truth in love, soak up what is good, and join in fellowship with one another. Join us as we harness our likeliness to sponges while filling ourselves with the living water.
Lucy speaks with Rachel Moeller: believer, wife, mother of five. In this episode they meditate on the importance of family in Anna Pruitt's life. An understanding of her siblings brings into view a fuller picture of who AP is. Anna Pruitt is a loving sister, a cherished daughter, and a strong fighter. Listen along to hear about AP's story.
Lucy speaks with Rachel Moeller: believer, wife, mother of five. In this episode they dive into the stories of both the pregnancy and birth of Rachel's daughter Anna Pruitt, revealing and celebrating the undeniable goodness and provision of God. Anna Pruitt is a loving sister, a cherished daughter, and a strong fighter. Listen along to hear about AP's story.
In this episode Lucy welcomes Courtney Ewing to the podcast. Courtney is a friend from Wake Forest and is involved in similar campus ministries as Lucy. Courtney and Lucy begin by discussing the definition of goodness. It can be defined as something that is beneficial, delicious, and nutritious. Furthermore, through a biblical lens goodness is defined by the character of God. With this in mind, Lucy and Courtney discuss how they have each seen God’s hand recently and how he is achieving goodness in their lives.
Lucy and Courtney then ponder over the promise of abundance of life and how that can be seen even in unprecedented and hard times. Courtney then describes how intentionality has been on her heart recently. She has felt called to be intentional in friendships and in her pursuit of Christ in everyday life. Courtney reminds us of the power in listening to empathize rather than to always solve the problems of the people we love.
They also discuss how intentionality is also required in culture and in getting to know the heart of God. Courtney describes what intimacy with Christ looks like to her and how she plans her schedule to prioritize spending time in prayer and in the word. She thoroughly covers the topic of intimacy with Christ and how that intimacy is life-changing and freeing. Courtney reminds us that even biblical characters, such as those in the old testament, could sometimes be “on fire for the Lord” and other times deny him. Ultimately, our salvation rests purely in his hands and not in how “good” of a Christian you are.
Listen along to hear an encouraging and honest conversation about experiencing intentionality, intimacy, and freedom in Jesus Christ.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes former camp counselor and friend Abby Umberger to the podcast. Abby is a high school English teacher and has a blog called Sincerely Abby Grace, where she posts powerful words about her faith and her journey with the Lord.
Abby and Lucy begin by discussing the goodness and sweetness of the Lord and how we writes our stories so intentionally. Abby then shares about her experience as a teacher and how God works through that avenue. He is constantly teaching her to love those around her, even the people we may find “difficult” or “frustrating.”
Abby also speaks about the tool of journaling as a way to spend time with the Lord and reflect on his goodness. She reveals that journaling has been a powerful way for her to navigate the story God is writing through her. She shares a bit of her own story and the seasons she has walked through, both sweet and difficult. She shares that through it all, God has constantly been calling her home. He is our constant and never-changing Father.
Listen along as Lucy and Abby ponder on the sweetness of being made new though the grace of the Lord. He has covered you, he has redeemed you, and he has called you home.
Here is a link to Abby's blog: https://sincerelyabbygrace.wixsite.com/website
In this episode, Lucy welcomes a close friend from Wake Forest named Gracie to the podcast. Gracie and Lucy became friends at the beginning of their freshman years and have enjoyed growing closer in their friendship over the past few months. Gracie is a joyful, exciting, and loving friend. She makes every dull moment an absolute blast. Lucy and Gracie begin by briefly discussing the tool of the enneagram which can be used to better understand oneself and others through descriptions of one’s basic desires, motivations, and fears. They discuss how this resource is simply a tool that can be used to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses and can lead to a richer understanding of the ways in which we relate to God and to others.
Lucy asks Gracie about what her “gifts” are, or how the Lord has given her strengths in stewarding his kingdom. Gracie shares about her passion and ease for relating to others and forming relationships. This leads them to discuss the power of vulnerability in glorifying God. Gracie also opens up about a bit of her own testimony and a main narrative that God has written throughout her own life.
Listen along as Lucy and Gracie discuss the truth that God is the only rock of our lives, and is the only one who will never leave or forsake you. He truly loves you best.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Trey Lindsey to the podcast. Trey and Lucy graduated from high school together and were close friends throughout their school years. Trey now goes to Auburn University and is on the Auburn football team, where he gets to continue his love and passion for sports and football.
Trey and Lucy begin by discussing the goodness that God is weaving into the lives of Trey and his entire family. They then discuss memories from high school and they way their faiths were tested and grown over the years. Trey mentions his numerous mentors that encouraged him in school, sports, and his faith. Lucy asks Trey about how sports have had a large impact in his life, and how the connections from those experiences are still present in his life today. They then discuss Trey’s experience of making the Auburn football team and how the Lord was present in that journey.
Listen along as Lucy and Trey discuss the constant goodness and care of God throughout every season, and the statement “Audience of One,” which alludes to competing, creating, and even living for an audience of only God our Father.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes two close friends Lillian and Gracie to the podcast. Lucy, Lillian, and Gracie all met at one of the pre-orientation trips before beginning their freshman year at Wake Forest University. The three friends begin by sharing an area of goodness in each of their lives. They then discuss how the acts of dancing and singing are forms of worship and of boldness before the Lord (referencing 1 Samuel, when King David dances in the street, before the Lord, with all of his might.) This phrase "Dance Like David," had become a theme over each of their lives during their freshman year: they spent the year praying for boldness, intentionally pursuing friendships, and loving the people around them. Gracie, Lillian, and Lucy then dive into some advice for high school students about all things friendships and community. This topic leads into advice for college students, specifically freshman, as they enter the fall semester and also seek friendships and community. They conclude the episode with a discussion about prayer and how significant it is, as well as with a conversation about life-changing statements of truth. Listen along, as these friends discuss boldness and friendship.
Lucy welcomes Dakota Lee, Wake Forest University graduate and RUF intern, to the podcast for a follow-up conversation. In this episode, Lucy and Dakota dive into the focus of his podcast, The Phd’s of Company: the interplay between mental health and comedy. They begin by discussing the genesis of his podcast. Dakota then describes several scenes in the Bible in which he finds irony and humor, as they discuss the ability to find laughter in all things. Lucy and Dakota talk over the idea of secular versus christian areas of life and culture, as they arrive at the topic of worldview and what it means to see the world through a Christian worldview. They also explore the kingdom value of achieving freedom and catharsis through revealing truth, and the power that comedy holds to do such. They close by discussing how Jesus is the Ultimate Counselor, and that no amount of counseling or therapy can replace a relationship with Jesus.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Dakota Lee to the podcast. Dakota graduated from Wake Forest University and is currently an intern with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Wake. Dakota co-hosts a podcast called The Phd’s of Companythat focuses on the interplay of comedy and mental health. Both Dakota and his co-host Luis are interested in exploring and discussing psychology, counseling, and mental health issues on their podcast. Through raw and honest conversation, they seek to de-stigmatize mental health issues and instigate practices of honesty in community and in relationships.
In this episode, Lucy and Dakota discuss racial tensions, reconciliation, and the interaction between such current events and the Church. They also discuss Dakota’s experience in college with different ministries such as YoungLife and RUF.
Listen along as Lucy and Dakota talk over the role of the Church in social justice and change, campus ministry, and more specifically the structure of RUF.
For more information visit: https://www.younglife.org/Pages/default.aspx and https://www.ruf.org
Listen to Dakota's podcast at this link: https://anchor.fm/phdocpodcast
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Ruthie Carlson to the podcast. Ruthie is a mother, a painter, a blogger, and a believer who uses all of her gifts to show others the love of Christ. Lucy and Ruthie begin by discussing how Ruthie raised five children who are also each pursuing creativity in their own lives. They cover topics surrounding the process of creating a work, the value in sharing artwork, and the way that creativity mirrors God's own heart. As always, they begin by discussing an area of goodness, and conclude by diving into a life-changing statement of truth. Listen along as Ruthie and Lucy discuss artwork, creativity, and our Maker's love for us.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Coach David Bethea to the podcast. Coach Bethea has taught at the Montgomery Academy for forty-one years. He is the Physical Education Department Chair, the Middle School Football Coach, and the Varsity Boys Tennis Coach. Coach Bethea is incredibly well-known as a coach, a friend, and a mentor. He has had a significant influence on multiple generations of athletes and students.
Furthermore, Coach Bethea's Christian leadership has been consistent through Bible studies, incredible patience, and service over the years. He impacts all he knows with his lifelong commitment to teaching and coaching young people, his humility and exemplary Christian lifestyle, and his relationship with his beautiful wife Jenny.
Listen along as Coach Bethea and Lucy discuss several themes: his passion for mentoring young people, the way our lives are an important sign, and just a glimmer of the impact Jenny made on Coach Bethea and on so many others.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Sandi Taylor back for an additional appearance on the podcast. Lucy and Sandi dive into the subject of relationships, as requested by Sponge Talk fans and listeners. They discuss friendship, singleness, dating, and marriage. Sandi reminds us that we are made in the image of relationships, as we are made in the image of God, and God exists in the Trinity. Listen along as Sandi and Lucy discuss the truth that our relationship with God is the Ultimate relationship, and Jesus is the only perfect friend.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Sandi Taylor to the podcast. Sandi has worked with Camp Greystone for many years. She currently teaches Bible, and she has a background in counseling. Lucy and Sandi discuss the reality of Sandi's experience of living in New York during the pandemic. Lucy asks Sandi for ways to cope with emotions such as fear, uncertainty, frustration, loss of control, and nostalgia (all responses from instagram followers @sponge_talk_podcast) and Sandi offers tangible and life-giving advice, as she points us back to the truth of the gospel. Listen along as they come to the conclusion, that feelings are good and real, but they are not THE truth.
For more information about Sandi's devotionals and encouraging messages:
https://devotions.campgreystone.com/blog/authors/41-sandi-taylor
https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-iry-fullyhosted_011&hsimp=yhs-fullyhosted_011&hspart=iry&p=sandi+taylor+camp+greystone+video#id=1&vid=5d15dc4882f51c3092a0df4edb010414&action=click
In this episode, Lucy welcomes David Vining to the podcast. David is on staff at Camp Greystone in North Carolina, and is a math teacher and tennis coach at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. David constantly embodies gratitude, humility, and joy. Listen along as Lucy and David discuss the importance of having fun, the beauty in showing everyone love and appreciation, and the power in prayer.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Mary Silliman, a Greystone counselor and close friend, to the podcast. Mary is a Washington and Lee graduate and a recent alumni of the Trinity Fellows Program in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Fellows Program engages college graduates in a year-long program designed to foster a God-centered view of knowledge, culture, work and life.They also discuss the often difficult process of navigating the work force after graduation while trying to live into your purpose. Listen along as they discuss God’s care for his children and his character of providing fullness of life.
Learn more: https://fellows.trinitycville.org/about
In this episode, Lucy welcomes her neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Hall to the podcast. They begin by discussing what it means to search for goodness among times of trouble and grieving. They discuss the Bible Study that Mr. Hall leads at the local jail and how this ministry has informed his own faith. Mr. and Mrs. Hall then leave you with a word of truth to soak up. Listen along as they speak about hope and peace in the midst of hardship, mourning, and sorrow.
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Sandy Poplin, a physical therapist and volunteer career leader of Capernaum, to the podcast. Sandy has a BS in exercise physiology and doctorate of physical therapy from East Carolina University. Join as they talk about Capernaum, a ministry for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This ministry functions on the truth that physical or intellectual limitations should not keep anyone from the presence of the One who promises fullness of life. Listen along as Lucy and Sandy discuss the value in saying yes to people who appear different, to uncomfortable situations and conversations, and to the mission of Christ.
For more information, visit https://www.younglife.org/ForEveryKid/Capernaum/Pages/default.aspx
In this episode, Lucy welcomes Katherine Laws, a recent graduate of Wake Forest University and dear friend, to the podcast. Katherine and Lucy discuss the pursuit of goodness in social media and virtual graduation. Listen as they talk about carrying hope in something yet to come, making room for others in our lives, and clinging to life-changing truths.
The "Sponge Talk" podcast welcomes you into meaningful conversations with a new guest each week. Each episode will aim to celebrate goodness and life-changing truths that are present in the lives of each guest as well of the host Lucy Chapman. In this episode, Lucy describes her inspiration for the podcast, her story behind the title "Sponge Talk", and her personal goals for each episode. Listen along to genuine conversations that don't overlook the brokenness and difficulty of this life, but cherish the goodness of it as well.