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Welcome to Real Talk with Rachael Gilbert! We're continuing our annual Process & Pray series. Last week, we looked back at 2025 and processed both the hard and the good. If you missed that episode, you'll want to start there. Today, we turn our hearts toward the future. While there is a time to look back, looking back with longing can keep us stuck. Remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32). God invites us to let go so we can move forward in faith. A powerful way to move forward is to ask Him for vision. We may not get the whole picture, but He always gives the next step. Process & Pray ● What am I longing for in the past that I need to let go of? ● What regrets do I need to release? ● What vision is God giving me for 2026? ● Jesus, what bold prayers do You want me to pray? ● What word are You speaking over my year? ● What verses do You want me to cling to in 2026? Resource Still need a Christmas gift? My book Image Restored makes a meaningful one. Grab it at imagerestoredbook.com. And don't forget to join my monthly JOYmail newsletter so you don't miss exciting updates coming to the podcast in 2026.

Welcome to Real Talk with Rachael Gilbert! I've missed you. My last episode was in May, and I'm excited to say God has been speaking about this show. I have some fun updates coming in 2026! Today we're kicking off our two-part Process & Pray series. Every December, we slow down and reflect so we can enter the new year with clarity and peace. This week, we're focusing on processing 2025, both the hard and the good. Process: the Hard + the Good Good: Create a faith timeline of the ways God showed up this year. Hard: Give yourself space to grieve disappointments, setbacks, rejections, and regrets. Power Verses Joel 2:25 1 Peter 5:10 Questions to Process This Week ● What do I need to grieve from this year? ● What regrets do I need to release? ● What victories or breakthroughs came this year? ● What from my faith timeline is God asking me to carry into next year? Resource Join my monthly JOYmail newsletter for therapy tools, favorite finds, and personal encouragement at rachaelgilbert.com.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael, I'm sharing a quick, honest episode about something I've been wrestling with - what do you do when God doesn't seem to be speaking? I've been questioning the future of the podcast and feeling that silence - maybe you can relate. Is there an area where God feels distant right now? I'm encouraging you to think back to the last thing He asked us to do, even if it felt small or insignificant. Did you follow through? Maybe He's still speaking in ways we didn't expect. I don't know exactly what's next for Real Talk with Rachael, but I do know this: my ministry is just getting started. God is stirring new vision and dreams in my heart, and I'd love for you to be part of the journey. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter at rachaelgilbert.com  

In the #1 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Dana K. White from A Slob Comes Clean kicked off the first episode of 2019 with practical and hilarious wisdom on decluttering. As an author, podcaster, and self-proclaimed "hopelessly messy" person turned decluttering expert, Dana shares her journey of tackling her own home and helping others do the same. She offers realistic tips on managing clutter, from her container concept to simple laundry strategies, and explains how clutter struggles can impact women's sense of identity. Dana also opens up about how letting others into her mess helped her grow. 

In the #2 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, I celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary with my four older siblings. Together, we reflect on the powerful lessons we've learned from our mom and dad—one from each kid. From the importance of building a foundation of faith to the power of unconditional love, we share heartfelt (and often humorous) memories of growing up in a family of seven. With plenty of sibling banter, including tales of family vacations, this episode is a sweet tribute to a lasting legacy of love, teamwork, and unwavering faith.

In the #3 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Sandy Jobe shares heartfelt wisdom on marriage, family, and the power of prayer. As a homemaker, author, and Women's Ministries Care Pastor, Sandy encourages us to embrace gratitude in every season and bring everything—even the little things—to God in prayer. She reminds us that healthy marriages require both partners doing their part, while trusting God to work on the other. Sandy also highlights the importance of vulnerability in community, warning against the trap of comparison fueled by social media. She encourages being a "change agent" in your marriage by serving your spouse in practical ways and addressing unmet, unspoken expectations. Finally, she shares the value of slowing down and making time to gather at the table—it's where real connection happens. This week, challenge yourself to pray about the little things you've overlooked. Nothing is too small for God's care.

In the #4 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Sarah Philpott shares wisdom from her book, The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions. Using farming as a powerful metaphor, Sarah explains the importance of spiritual rest—just as fallow ground needs time to replenish its nutrients, we need seasons of stillness to restore our souls. She encourages pruning commitments that no longer fit your priorities, even if they're "good" things, and reminds us that no one is doing it all. Sarah also highlights the beauty of spiritual growth—when the fruit of the Spirit flows more naturally, you'll know you're maturing. Whether you're planting new seeds or finally seeing the fruits of long-term effort, trust that God is working in every season. This week, ask Him, What area do You want to grow in my life? and What's my part in that growth? Then write it down—you might be surprised by what He reveals.

In the #5 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Heather Johnson from Revelation Wellness shares powerful insights on finding joy, walking in intimacy with God, and living with intention. She reminds us that loving others starts with being loved by the Father—when we run dry, it's His love that refills us. Heather encourages us to slow down, sit with God, and let Him minister to us, even when it feels vulnerable. She also highlights that joy isn't based on circumstances—it's the atmosphere of God's kingdom, learned through both sorrow and celebration. Living well takes daily, intentional heart checks—bringing hidden struggles into the light and letting God heal them. This week, try practicing a two-minute breath prayer and regularly check in with your heart. Let God meet you right where you are.

In the #6 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Lauren Chandler shares insights from her Bible study, With Us in the Wilderness: A Study of the Book of Numbers. She reminds us that God's plan has always included women and that even the difficult passages in Scripture reveal His heart for justice and restoration. Lauren encourages us to approach the Bible with prayer and patience, trusting that God's voice will always align with His character. She also dives into how wilderness seasons—though challenging—are where God recenters our lives around Him. Community is essential in these times, even when past hurts make it hard to trust again. Lauren's message is full of grace: your wilderness won't last forever, God is with you in it, and He doesn't waste a single moment. If you're feeling stuck, take time this week to pray and ask God, Where are You in this season? And where am I? He's closer than you think.

In the #7 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Dr. Juli Slattery joins the conversation to share wisdom on marriage, intimacy, and the power dynamics at play in relationships. As a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Authentic Intimacy, Juli helps women understand how to use their influence in marriage in a way that builds up rather than controls. She explains that men thrive when they feel believed in, supported, and encouraged rather than micromanaged. She also dives into how sex is a spiritual battleground—designed by God for deep intimacy but often attacked by fear, shame, and past wounds. Juli encourages couples to pray about their sex life, seek expert help when needed, and fight for their marriage with God's perspective. She reminds us that healthy conflict is about teamwork, not winning, and that the real battle in marriage is often spiritual. This week, take time to ask God where the enemy may be attacking your relationship and how you can partner with Him to strengthen it.

In the #8 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Rebekah Moes opens up about her personal journey through infidelity in her marriage and how God's redemption transformed her life. As co-founder of Family of Hope and host of the unFAITHFUL podcast, Rebekah is passionate about helping couples navigate the often lonely road of marital betrayal. She shares valuable insights, including how marriage acts as a mirror—reflecting personal growth areas rather than just pointing out a spouse's flaws. Rebekah encourages focusing on self-worth and identity rather than blame during tough seasons, reminding listeners that healing is a slow process but begins with just one next step. She stresses the importance of seeking support, setting healthy boundaries, and addressing secrecy in relationships. Her message is clear: while you can't control your spouse's choices, you can take steps to protect your heart and find hope in God's plan for your future, no matter the outcome.

In the #9 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, author Gary Thomas dives into the topic of his book Married Sex: A Christian Couple's Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life. Gary shares practical, faith-based insights on how married couples can cultivate a healthy, God-honoring sex life. He emphasizes that sex should be mutually pleasurable, strengthen the relationship, and glorify God—shifting the focus from using your spouse for pleasure to cherishing them through intimacy. Gary encourages couples to identify what might not be working in their sex life, whether it's physical, relational, or even theological. He reminds us that God designed sex as a gift, celebrated in Scripture, to bring joy, create life, and deepen connection. Addressing common misconceptions—like the idea that sex should always be easy or driven by constant desire—he encourages couples to explore new ways of connecting through all five senses. This conversation is full of grace, wisdom, and practical tips to help couples grow closer, both physically and spiritually.

In the #10 spot on Real Talk with Rachael's top 10 countdown, Lee Strobel joins the conversation to talk about his documentary The Case for Heaven and the journey that inspired it. After a near-death experience, Lee—once an atheist and now a passionate Christian—set out to explore what really happens after we die. He shares fascinating insights about the afterlife, explaining that our souls live on and describing two stages: an immediate spiritual state and a final reunion with our resurrected bodies in heaven or hell. Lee also clears up common misconceptions about hell, noting it's more about separation from God than fire and brimstone. His research into near-death experiences reveals stories that align closely with Christian beliefs, but he cautions against the idea of contacting loved ones who've passed. Lee's big encouragement? Be courageous in your faith—you won't regret it! If you've ever wrestled with questions about heaven, God, or eternity, this conversation (and the resources Lee offers) is a great place to start.

7 years. 378 episodes. When God gave me the name Real Talk with Rachael at The Declare Conference, I had no idea where it would go. Over the years, I've learned so much, but today, I'm sharing 7 lessons from 7 years of podcasting: Do not despise small beginnings. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin. (Zechariah 4:10) You will be bad at first. That's OK. Keep going. You will want to quit. Remember why you started. (Revelation 2:3-4) If God's anointing isn't on it, don't do it. (Deuteronomy 31:8) Be faithful with little. Your influence reaches further than you realize. (Luke 16:10) Success is obedience. It's not about numbers; it's about faithfulness. (Matthew 25:21) Permission to pivot. There's a season for everything, and the best is yet to come. (Ecclesiastes 3) For the next 10 weeks, I'll be releasing the Top 10 Most Downloaded Episodes since the start of the podcast. Every Wednesday, a listener-favorite episode will be featured—so stay tuned to see which ones made the list. Beyond that, I don't know exactly what's next for Real Talk with Rachael, but I do know this: my ministry is just getting started. God is stirring new vision and dreams in my heart, and I'd love for you to be part of the journey. Make sure you're subscribed to my newsletter at rachaelgilbert.com

This week on Real Talk with Rachael I'm chatting with the hosts of FamilyLife Today, Dave and Ann Wilson. They are also cofounders of Kensington Church, a national, multi-campus church that hosts more than 14,000 attendees every weekend.  Dave and Ann are authors of the book Vertical Marriage: The One Secret That Will Change Your Marriage.  The Wilsons live in the Detroit area where Dave served as the Detroit Lions chaplain for 33 years. Dave and Ann have three grown sons, CJ, Austin, and Cody, as well as three daughters-in-law and six grandchildren. Key Points from Our Conversation: A "vertical marriage" means putting God first before everything else, including your spouse. When your relationship with God is strong, it overflows into your marriage, helping you love and serve better. When things feel off, take time to reflect. Both partners shared that repentance—acknowledging their shortcomings before God—was the turning point that softened their hearts toward each other. Every marriage has peaks and valleys. When you're at a low point, don't give up. Feelings may fade temporarily, but with commitment and work, love can grow again. Expecting your partner to meet all your emotional and spiritual needs is setting them (and yourself) up for failure. Only God can fill that role. Keeping God at the center takes a daily choice. Start each day by surrendering your life, your marriage, and your family to Him. If you're stuck in a cycle of conflict or numbness, pause to evaluate your patterns. Are you blaming your spouse or avoiding the real issues? Start breaking the cycle by taking responsibility for your part. Ask the Big Question, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how are we doing in our marriage?" It's a scary question, but it's a powerful way to check the pulse of your relationship. Be prepared to hear the answer without getting defensive. Pray beforehand, and approach it with humility and a desire to grow together. Real intimacy requires working through the tough stuff—conflict, misunderstandings, and past baggage. You can't avoid the chaos. Growth happens when you go through it, not around it. When challenges arise, resist the urge to blame your spouse. Look in the mirror and ask, "What's my role in this?" True change begins when we own our selfishness and commit to doing the work. Stepping into hard conversations requires bravery. Even if the answer or response feels uncomfortable, it's the first step toward deeper connection. Don't give up, even when it's hard. Marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Seek help when needed—whether it's through books, counseling, or community support. Remember, you're building something that not only blesses your marriage but can transform legacies for future generations. Practical things you can do to strengthen your relationship - Pray Together. Even when you're angry, praying together can soften hearts. Date Your Spouse: Prioritize regular one-on-one time to reconnect. Ask Honest Questions: Regularly check in with your spouse and genuinely listen. Accountability: Surround yourself with friends or mentors who will challenge and encourage you to grow. Let's Get Real Practical: Abide in the Lord by reading a passage, reflecting on it, responding to it, and resting in it Emotionally Healthy Relationships Day by Day - Peter Scazzero When you sit with the Lord, consider having a special meeting place Resources: RachaelGilbert.com Image Restored Connect with Dave & Ann: website | Instagram | Facebook Connect with Rachael: website | Instagram | Facebook