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In this solo episode, I'm answering two of the most common questions I get: where to start in the Bible and how to journal in a way that actually helps you grow. I'm not giving you a rigid formula here. Just some simple, practical rhythms that have helped me stay grounded in my relationship with God. Where to Start in the Bible Whether the Bible feels overwhelming or overly familiar, my recommendation is the same: Start with the book of John and the Psalms. The Psalms are raw, emotional, and deeply human. They show you how to bring real feelings, fear, doubt, anger, grief, all of it, before God, while consistently returning to truth. They're a model for processing life honestly while anchoring yourself in who God is. John, on the other hand, focuses on who Jesus is. While the other Gospels emphasize events, John emphasizes identity. It offers a clearer, more relational picture of Christ and helps you connect personally with Him. Together, these two books give you both emotional honesty and theological clarity. A Better Way to Read the Bible I'm a big believer in slowing down rather than rushing through Scripture. Reading the Bible in a year can be valuable, sure, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. Instead, I recommend staying in smaller sections longer and actually letting them shape your thinking and behavior. A helpful next step after John and Psalms is the book of Colossians. It offers practical guidance for how to live as a Christian. It's short but dense, which makes it perfect for slow, intentional study. Journaling: What It Actually Looks Like Journaling is not about structure or perfection. At its core, it's just a conversation with God. A typical journal entry for me might include: Writing out a passage of Scripture Taking notes or observations Processing personal thoughts or convictions Turning those thoughts into prayer Praying for others Reflecting on the day or expressing gratitude Not every entry includes all of these elements, but this general flow helps me connect Scripture, personal reflection, and prayer in a natural way. The Freedom of Messy Journaling One of the biggest barriers to journaling is the pressure to do it "right." Letting go of perfectionism was a huge turning point for me. Journaling doesn't need to be neat, organized, or even fully readable. It doesn't require a specific notebook or pen. What matters is honesty. Some entries are structured and thoughtful. Others are rushed, emotional, or scattered. Both are valuable. God is not concerned with how it looks, He's concerned with your heart. Daily Anchors That Keep You Rooted Rather than relying on a single quiet time, I build small points of connection with God throughout my day. These include: Morning Bible reading and journaling Prayer while starting the day Brief moments of prayer before beginning work Gratitude while completing daily tasks Reflection and journaling at night These "anchors" aren't meant to be burdensome. They're simple reminders that keep me connected to God in the middle of everyday life. Why These Practices Matter I want to be really clear, these habits are not about performance. They exist because we're naturally forgetful and prone to drift. Without intentional reminders, it's so easy to rely on yourself, lose perspective, and become overwhelmed. These small, consistent practices help re-center my mind on truth and keep my relationship with God active throughout the day. Sponsor: CrowdHealth If you are looking for an alternative to traditional health insurance, CrowdHealth offers a different approach. With CrowdHealth, you pay a monthly fee that gives you access to lower-cost prescriptions, lab testing, and a network of vetted doctors. If a major medical need arises, you pay the first $500, and the community helps cover the rest. You can get started for $99 for your first three months by using code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.

In this episode, I sat down with my husband Jeremy to talk about 15 years of marriage, the early struggles, the growth, and how we got to where we are today. Because what you see now? It didn't always exist. And that's kind of the whole point. We laughed, we got vulnerable, and we talked about the stuff a lot of couples deal with but don't always say out loud, especially in those early years. What This Episode Is Really About This isn't a "we've figured it all out" conversation. It's more like a "we stayed, we worked, and God changed us" kind of story. At the core, we unpacked three major tension points that shaped our marriage: 1. Communication Struggles Jeremy is an external processor. I'm an internal processor. And for years, that dynamic created so much conflict we didn't even realize we were having. Silence, fear, assumptions, all of it just piled up until we finally learned to talk before the conflict, not just during it. We had to build safety so honesty didn't feel like an attack. Turns out, miscommunication wasn't really the issue, misunderstanding each other's intentions was. 2. Expectations (The Hidden Pressure) Our upbringings shaped so many unspoken expectations we didn't even know we were carrying into our marriage. I was loving Jeremy the way I wanted to be loved, not the way he needed to be loved. Learning each other's love languages was a massive turning point for us. Because so many of our frustrations weren't actually about behavior, they were about unmet, unspoken expectations. 3. Life in the Trenches (Small Kids + Stress) Early marriage plus young children is just exhausting. We were both drowning in stress but completely misunderstanding each other's, provider stress vs. caregiver stress. It felt like a perfect storm, and honestly, sometimes growth doesn't feel like progress. It just feels like survival. But pushing through that season together is what built the long-term strength we have now. Key Takeaways Healthy marriage requires individual growth first → when we both worked on ourselves, everything changed You can't learn communication in conflict, you build it before Assume the best about your spouse, not the worst Different roles carry different weight, learn to honor both Your "recovery time" matters more than your conflict → ours went from days… to hours… to minutes Seasons matter → what feels overwhelming now won't last forever The Big Picture Marriage isn't about avoiding hard seasons, it's about growing through them together. You are not defined by the season you're in, you're defined by the God over it. Whether you're newly married, in the thick of parenting, or feeling stuck in communication patterns, I hope this episode reminds you that strong marriages are built, not found.   Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative that puts you back in control. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months using code SPEAKEASY at: joincrowdhealth.com CrowdHealth is not insurance—it's a better way to pay for healthcare.   Final Encouragement If you're in a hard season right now… You're not behind. You're not broken. You're building something that lasts.

In this episode, I sit down with author and Bible teacher Hanna Seymour to talk about what it really looks like to grow spiritually in the middle of real life with busy schedules, motherhood, exhaustion, and all. We unpack Hanna's book Everyday Spiritual Habits and tackle one of the most common questions believers wrestle with: How do I actually stay consistent in my faith without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out? This conversation blends practical wisdom, biblical truth, and even habit science to help you build rhythms that truly last. Throughout our chat, we share our personal journeys from checkbox Christianity and inconsistent routines to discovering life-giving rhythms with God that are flexible, sustainable, and deeply transformative. After this conversation, I hope you'll walk away encouraged that spiritual growth isn't about perfection, it's about connection. In this episode, we cover: why spiritual "discipline" can feel overwhelming and how to reframe it as life-giving habits how to build habits that stick using simple, realistic steps the power of starting small (even 30 seconds counts) how to connect with God in everyday moments (laundry, dishes, driving, etc.) habit stacking and identity-based growth (who you're becoming vs. what you're doing) how different life seasons require different rhythms and that's okay lesser-talked-about disciplines like gratitude, celebration, silence, and solitude practical ways to memorize Scripture and stay rooted in truth why shame has no place in your spiritual journey If you've ever felt like you're failing at reading your Bible, praying consistently, or "doing enough," this episode is a breath of fresh air. It's not about adding pressure, it's about discovering a better way to walk with Jesus in your everyday life. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative designed to give you more control and transparency. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.

In today's episode, I sit down with Christian artist and author Stephen McWhirter for a raw, hope-filled conversation about redemption, forgiveness, and the transforming power of Jesus. Stephen shares the powerful story behind his music and about his book, Radical Restoration, where he talks about how he grew up in a home marked by abuse, spiraling into deep addiction, and ultimately encountering God in a life-changing moment that set him on a completely new path. His testimony is a reminder that no one is too far gone for grace and that restoration is possible even after years of pain and brokenness. We dive into the difficult but freeing topic of forgiveness: what it truly means, what it doesn't mean, and how God calls us to release the debts others owe us without minimizing real wounds. We talk honestly about the tension between forgiveness and reconciliation, the healing that comes through surrender, and the way God's love can transform even the deepest bitterness into freedom. In this conversation you'll hear about: Stephen's journey from addiction to worship ministry how encountering grace reshapes identity and purpose why forgiveness is both a command and a gift the difference between forgiving someone and allowing access to your life how asking God for His heart toward others changes everything practical first steps toward healing from past hurt If you've ever struggled to forgive, wondered whether real change is possible, or needed hope that God can restore what feels permanently broken, this episode will deeply encourage you. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families step outside a confusing system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.

Today's episode is a long overdue catch-up. I'm finally sharing the fuller story of what happened in 2025: the year God completely flipped my life, my work, my identity, and my priorities upside down. If you've noticed that my content has shifted a lot over the last year, this is the why. For years, this podcast has felt like the most full expression of me. Faith, motherhood, politics, wellness, the Bible, all of it. But Instagram had become heavily political. Eventually, the very work I thought was most important started costing me more than I realized, my peace, my presence, my family, and honestly, my soul. In this episode, I'm sharing the story of how God began asking me to do something that felt harder than any "jump" of obedience He'd ever asked of me before: sit down, pull back, do less, trust Him, and let Him carry what I had been trying to hold together myself. We talk about: how political content became my full-time work the moment I realized my priorities were deeply out of order what disobedience looked like in real time why 2025 felt like my "belly of the whale" year the vision God gave me that changed everything identity, striving, motherhood, and learning to be a daughter before a warrior why I stepped back from politics online what God has been rebuilding in me ever since This one is personal. It's vulnerable. And it's probably the clearest picture I've given yet of the shift God has been walking me through. If you're in a season where God is asking you to slow down, let go, or trust Him in ways you do not like, this episode is for you. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families step outside a broken system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.

Today we're talking about anxiety, not the casual "I'm stressed" kind, but the kind that takes over your body, your thoughts, your sleep, your peace, and your sense of safety. My friend Maddie Joy Fischer joins me to talk about our very real stories with anxiety, panic, fear, and the lies at the root of it all. We both know what it's like to feel trapped by fear and to wonder if this is just how life will always be. But we also know what it's like for God to meet us there, unravel self-reliance, expose the lies, and begin rebuilding something truer and stronger. In this conversation we talk about: how anxiety can start small and slowly take over health anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling unsafe in your own body the lie that says "I'm not safe" and the truth that answers it fear of man, self-protection, and trying to stay in control what it looks like to come to the end of yourself why healing is often not linear how God uses even the darkest seasons for redemption what surrender actually looks like when you're in it This episode is full of honesty, Scripture, and hope for the person still in the thick of anxiety, and for the person who loves someone who is. If you've ever felt like fear was driving the bus, this conversation is for you. There is freedom in Jesus. There is truth stronger than the lies. And there is hope, even here. Sponsor: CrowdHealth CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative helping families opt out of a broken system. Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. CrowdHealth is not insurance.

Today's conversation is one I didn't expect to have, but I'm so glad we did. I'm joined by Ben Higgins, known from The Bachelor franchise, but more importantly, a man willing to talk honestly about something many of us feel and few of us admit: loneliness. Ben's book, Alone in Plain Sight: Searching for Connection When You're Seen But Not Known, explores what it's like to feel invisible, even while millions are watching. From reality TV to marriage, from church culture to platform pressure, Ben opens up about insecurity, performance, and the quiet fear that if people really knew us, they might not like us. We talk about: The difference between feeling unlovable vs. unlikable Why social media connection doesn't cure loneliness Performative Christianity and losing yourself in the process The courage it takes for men to admit loneliness How slowing down exposes what's actually going on inside Letting the right people speak into your life, and guarding your heart This isn't just a "Bachelor" conversation. It's about identity, community, vulnerability, and what it means to be fully known without performing. If you've ever wondered whether God actually likes you, or struggled to believe that the real you is enough, this episode will meet you there. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Tired of a healthcare system that feels predatory and confusing? CrowdHealth is a health insurance alternative built on transparency and community. Members get access to bill negotiators, low-cost prescriptions, quality doctor networks, and support when major medical needs arise. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) You don't have to perform to belong, and you don't have to navigate healthcare alone either.

Today we're diving into the wide world of youth sports, and fair warning: this one might give you permission, step on your toes… or both. Ed and Brian are former athletes, longtime sports ministry leaders, and dads currently navigating youth sports with their own kids. They're also the authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports, and this conversation is honest, clarifying, and deeply needed. We talk about what they call the "youth sports industrial complex," how we went from backyard games and rec leagues to a $40+ billion industry built on travel teams, specialization, year-round pressure, and future anxiety. How did we get here? What changed from when we were kids? And most importantly, do we have to ride this train? In this episode we unpack: The cultural shifts that reshaped youth sports Why sports don't automatically build character How pride, shame, and self-centeredness quietly grow unchecked The difference between sports formation and spiritual formation Why parents — not coaches — are the primary disciplers How to respond to wins and losses in a gospel-shaped way Creating boundaries within the system (even if you stay in it) The power of gentleness, security, and apology Spoiler: This isn't about pulling your kids out of sports. It's about recognizing that sports culture will disciple your child if you don't, and learning how to counterform that culture with intentional, Jesus-centered parenting. Whether you're all-in on travel ball or wondering if you should opt out altogether, this episode will help you slow down, breathe, and ask better questions. Your corner of the bleachers can look different. Sponsor: Nutrafol Healthy growth — whether in our kids or ourselves — doesn't come from pressure. It comes from consistent care. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, clinically shown to support thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair in 3–6 months. They offer targeted formulas for postpartum, menopause, stress, and lifestyle factors. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code BLAKE. That's N-U-T-R-A-F-O-L dot com, promo code BLAKE.

Today's episode is all about raising boys, even if you're a girl mom like me. I sat down with Rebekah Lovell, author of Boyhood Resurrected, for a powerful and honest conversation about how modern systems are failing our boys, and what we can do about it. We talk about how boys are hardwired for adventure, movement, risk, curiosity, and strength, and how over-scheduling, over-screening, and over-labeling can slowly extinguish the light in their eyes. Rebekah shares her family's journey navigating early schooling challenges, why institutional systems often misunderstand boys, and how moms (especially!) play a crucial role in protecting and cultivating their sons' masculine design. This conversation will step on a few toes — gently. We talk about: The difference between discipline and suppression Why movement and autonomy matter Screen culture and its impact on boys The myth of being "behind" Adventure as a developmental need Respect as a love language for boys Raising driven, courageous men in a culture hostile to masculinity Even as a girl mom, I found so many parallels. Childhood matters. Wonder matters. Agency matters. And truthfully, this conversation ultimately points back to Jesus and how God intentionally wired our sons. If you're raising boys (or love someone who is), this episode will challenge, encourage, and equip you. Sponsor: Nutrafol Real growth doesn't come from quick fixes — it comes from consistent care. Nutrafol is the #1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand, clinically shown to support thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair in 3–6 months. It's not one-size-fits-all — they offer targeted formulas for postpartum, menopause, stress, and lifestyle factors. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month + free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and use promo code BLAKE. That's N-U-T-R-A-F-O-L dot com, promo code BLAKE.

Welcome back to the Big Easy Podcast with everybody's favorite guest, my husband, Jeremy. This episode is a candid, hope-filled conversation about what God has been doing in us lately: in our faith, our marriage, our home, and our conversations. While the recent "Ending Well" series focused on reflection, this episode is about real-time transformation. Jeremy shares how a simple observation: watching me consistently in the Word sparked a hunger for Scripture and spiritual leadership. From listening to the Bible on Audible during long commutes, to diving deep into biblical manhood, marriage, and trust in God, his walk with the Lord has grown in tangible, visible ways. We talk honestly about pride, fear, independence, and what it looks like to actually trust God with leadership, prayer, and obedience, especially inside marriage. We share how God has been working in both of us simultaneously: building one, dismantling the other, and bringing us into a healthier, more aligned rhythm together. This episode also touches on: Biblical leadership without ego Trusting God over fear of failure or misunderstanding Letting go of people-pleasing and over-explaining Taking thoughts captive and renewing the mind How Scripture practically changes everyday life What it looks like when faith becomes central in marriage conversations If you're praying for growth in your marriage, longing for deeper faith, or wondering if real change is possible: this episode is for you. God is still moving. Look what He has done, and what He's still doing.

What if Bible study didn't feel dry, intimidating, or guilt-driven, but instead felt alive, honest, and deeply formative? In this episode of The Speakeasy Podcast, Blake sits down with Faith Womack, author of No More Boring Bible Study and self-proclaimed Bible nerd, to talk about how Scripture can actually come to life in your everyday faith. Faith shares her powerful story of growing up with Scripture misused and weaponized—and how God redeemed that pain by drawing her into a deep, life-giving love for His Word. Together, they unpack: Why Bible study often feels boring (and why it doesn't have to) How cultural Christianity and performance pressure distort our approach to Scripture Why chasing "mountaintop moments" can actually hold us back How to read the Bible with clarity, context, and confidence Why it's okay to go slow, camp out, and stop treating God like a vending machine This conversation is freeing, grounding, and incredibly practical, especially if you've ever felt overwhelmed, bored, intimidated, or burned by Bible study. Whether you're brand new to reading Scripture or have been in it for years, this episode will help you shift from pressure to presence and rediscover the beauty of God's Word. "The Bible isn't boring, we just haven't always been taught how to read it." Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your rest with Cozy Earth's luxury bamboo pajamas—soft, breathable, and temperature-regulating. Backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. ✨ Shop at cozyearth.com and use code SPEAKEASY for a special offer.

In today's episode, Blake sits down with Joby Martin, lead pastor of Church of 11:22, for a candid, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about biblical marriage. This is a must-listen—especially with your husband. Together, they talk honestly about leadership, submission, responsibility, and why keeping score in marriage quietly kills intimacy. Pastor Joby brings clarity (and humor) to what Scripture actually calls men to be—and how that leadership is meant to free wives, not burden them. From encouragement and repentance to negotiation, gratitude, and yes… make out sessions—this episode covers what healthy, Christ-centered marriage looks like in real life. They also unpack: Why men need other godly men to grow How wives can encourage change without nagging The danger of swinging from passivity to toxic "alpha" masculinity Why gratitude, affirmation, and humility go further than criticism How communication and negotiation build trust and intimacy over time This conversation is grounded in Scripture, full of wisdom, and deeply hopeful. If you want a stronger marriage, deeper respect, and more joy at home, start here. Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your home with Cozy Earth's luxury bedding, towels, and pajamas—made with premium materials, backed by a 10-year warranty, and a 100-night sleep trial. ✨ Get up to 20% off at cozyearth.com with code SPEAKEASY. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Looking for an alternative to traditional insurance? CrowdHealth lets members crowdfund medical expenses, access bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, and vetted doctors. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months at joincrowdhealth.com with code SPEAKEASY. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Marriage isn't about winning—it's about fighting for each other.

This episode continues an unexpected but timely series focused on strengthening families at the start of the year. Blake sits down with Pastor Craig Thompson, author of Fighting for Your Family, for an honest, practical conversation about marriage, parenting, and spiritual warfare. Too often, the hardest battles feel like they're inside the home—spouses clashing, tension with kids, constant frustration. But Craig reframes the fight: your spouse and your family are not the enemy. The real shift happens when couples stop fighting each other and start standing back-to-back, fighting for their family's mission and future. Together, they unpack: What spiritual warfare actually looks like in everyday family life Why humility, prayer, and "going first" matter more than being right How fighting your own flesh changes everything The power of encouragement, honor, and apology in marriage Why community and the local church are essential for healthy families If you're carrying tension from last year—or want to protect what God is building in your home—this episode offers biblical clarity and tangible next steps. Whether you're married, dating, parenting, or preparing for the future, this conversation equips you to stand firm and fight well. Sponsor: Cozy Earth Upgrade your home with Cozy Earth's luxury bedding, towels, and pajamas—soft, breathable, and made to last. Try it risk-free with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. ✨ Get up to 20% off at cozyearth.com with code SPEAKEASY. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Frustrated with traditional insurance? CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative built on transparency and community. Pay a monthly fee, get access to bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, and when big needs arise, the crowd helps cover the rest. ✨ Start for $99 for your first 3 months at joincrowdhealth.com with code SPEAKEASY. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Your family is worth fighting for—together.

Download the planning PDF here! This episode is an invitation to rethink what January is actually for. If you've felt pressure to reinvent your entire life on January 1st (or swung the other direction and rejected January altogether) this conversation lives in the middle. Blake makes the case that January isn't meant for revamps or visible productivity. Historically and biologically, it's a hinge month: a season for taking stock, repair, learning, and quiet preparation. For most of human history, the "new year" was tied to nature and spring, not politics or calendars. That's why the urgency of January often feels off in our bodies and nervous systems. In this episode, Blake walks through what our agrarian ancestors actually did in winter and how it applies to modern life: Taking honest inventory of time, energy, relationships, finances, and faith Creating margin and reducing overstimulation Repairing what's worn down before starting something new Letting learning, wisdom, and integration settle Setting intentions, not rigid resolutions Rather than goals and hustle, Blake shares her approach to choosing words, Scripture, posture, and direction for the year ahead, held with open hands. Her word for 2026 is Rooted Hope, grounded in Psalm 1 and a desire for steadiness, healing, and deep faith after a hard year. January matters. Not as a restart, but as a foundation. This episode is about going slow, growing deep, and preparing for what's coming without forcing it.. Sponsor: CrowdHealth Tired of paying for insurance you can't use? CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative built on transparency and community. Pay a monthly fee, access bill negotiators, lower-cost prescriptions, vetted doctors, and when something big happens, you pay the first $500—then the crowd helps cover the rest. ✨ Get started for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com (CrowdHealth is not insurance.)

Happy New Year and welcome to the very first Speak Easy episode of 2026. To kick off the year, Blake dives into a topic that impacts every family—even if we avoid talking about it: healthcare. In this episode, Blake sits down with Andy Schoonover, CEO of CrowdHealth, to unpack why so many people feel trapped in traditional health insurance, how the system actually profits, and what alternatives exist for families who want more agency, transparency, and community-driven care. Andy shares his personal breaking point with insurance denial, how cash-pay medicine exposed the cracks in the system, and why CrowdHealth was built to give people a real exit ramp. Together, they explore rising deductibles, denied claims, negotiated medical bills, prescription costs, and why "healthcare" often feels more like "sick care." This conversation goes beyond policy—it's about autonomy, informed choices, and breaking out of systems that no longer serve us. If you've ever asked, "What am I even paying for?" or wondered if there's another way, this episode may open a door you didn't know existed. CrowdHealth is a healthcare alternative that lets members crowdfund medical expenses, negotiate bills, and access care without insurance networks or massive deductibles. ✨ Try it out for $99 for your first 3 months with code SPEAKEASY at joincrowdhealth.com/speakeasy. (CrowdHealth is not insurance.) Sometimes opting out is the first step toward freedom.