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How do we raise children who are naturally curious, creative, and confident in a world of shrinking attention spans and constant screen time? In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Pepito — host of The Restoration Home podcast, founder of The Peaceful Press, and veteran homeschooling mom of seven — to explore what it really takes to nurture creativity, curiosity, and faithful purpose in our homes. Jennifer shares 27 years of wisdom on how parents modeling their own curiosity is the spark that lights it in their kids, why unstructured offline time in nature is essential for creative development, and how doing the inner work of healing our own wounds creates a home atmosphere where children feel free to create, explore, and thrive. Whether you homeschool, send your kids to school full-time, or are somewhere in between, this conversation is packed with practical encouragement for every season of parenting. In This Episode: Why curiosity starts with the parent — not the child How screens and constant consumption quietly kill creativity The power of unstructured time in nature for sparking ideas Simple arts and crafts that build creative foundations in early childhood Encouraging excellence in teens without creating overwhelming pressure How fear and shame shut down creativity in the home Why inner healing and forgiveness are essential for creative parenting What success really looks like after 27 years of raising kids Resources Mentioned: The Inspired Homeschool by Jennifer Pepito — inspiredhomeschoolbook.com 🌿 The Peaceful Press curriculum & resources — thepeacefulpress.com 🎧 If this conversation hits home, don't forget to subscribe to The Tried and Truth Podcast and leave a review to help more listeners find it. Even better, share it with a friend.  Want something worth thinking about this week? That’s what Right Here, Lately is—a short weekly note with an idea to sit with, something I’m learning, a few things I’m loving, and a little encouragement for wherever life finds you. Less than two minutes. Free to join. And always something I hope leaves you a little better than I found you. Join me →

What if the thing you’re most frustrated by right now—the limitation, disappointment, delay, or circumstance you wish you could change—isn’t simply an obstacle to overcome? In this episode, I’m talking with author and writer Sara Hagerty about the unexpected gift of limitations and what can happen when we stop fighting every boundary in our lives and begin to ask what God might be doing within it. Sara shares how infertility, illness, grief, family challenges, and unexpected loss changed the way she sees suffering, surrender, productivity, and presence. We talk about why grief is not something we need to rush through, how unprocessed grief can come out sideways, and how allowing ourselves to name what hurts can create space for healing and deeper joy. We also talk about Sara’s experience with a productivity fast—intentionally stepping away from her to-do list during the time of day when she was normally most productive. What she discovered challenged the belief that being productive means we are valuable or successful. And perhaps the biggest reminder from this conversation: there may be more for you right here. Not necessarily more on the other side of the limitation. More inside the life, season, family, or circumstances you have today. In this episode: Why some limitations may be invitations rather than barriers How grief helps us process disappointment and loss Why grief can come out sideways when we don't allow ourselves to feel it What it means to surrender instead of constantly trying to overcome How suffering can produce perseverance, character, and hope Sara's “productivity fast” and what it revealed about her relationship with productivity and worth Why slowing down can help us become more present, creative, and attentive How to stop postponing your life while waiting for a different season Finding beauty, peace, joy, and presence within your current circumstances What it looks like to trust God with the story you didn't plan Resources Mentioned: The Gift of Limitations by Sara Hagerty  A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser Instagram: @sarahagertywrites 🎧 Listen now — and if this one hits home, subscribe to The Tried and Truth Podcast and leave a review to help more listeners find it. Want something worth thinking about this week? That’s what Right Here, Lately is—a short weekly note with an idea to sit with, something I’m learning, a few things I’m loving, and a little encouragement for wherever life finds you. Less than two minutes. Free to join. And always something I hope leaves you a little better than I found you. Join me →

You know how to hold it all together — but underneath, there's a quiet ache you rarely say out loud. In this conversation with therapist and bestselling author, Dr. Alison Cook, she will help us put words, understanding and next steps to that feeling towards a greater sense of inner security. In this episode, we'll unpack questions such as: What does it mean to be attuned to yourself? Why doesn't spiritual maturity automatically translate into emotional security or inner stability? Why does being "the capable one" sometimes work against you? How do you stop performing and start actually feeling safe? What do you do with loneliness, even in a room full of people? How can faith and psychology work together instead of feeling at odds? Why do life transitions make old insecurities resurface — and how can you plan for it? Plus a helpful and healing grounding morning practice used by Dr. Cook. Dr. Alison Cook, licensed psychologist and bestselling author shares personal stories and practical tools for recognizing anxiety, honoring the "achiever" parts of yourself with compassion, and rediscovering a more secure, embodied faith. Mentioned in this episode: 🔗 dralisoncook.com/quiz  Take this 3 minute quiz to help you uncover the role you took on in your family—and learn how it may still be shaping your relationships, faith, and inner life today. The Secure Soul (includes free masterclass: "Healing the Wounds That Shape Us") Dr. Cook's podcast: The Best of You Connect with Dr. Alison Cook: dralisoncook.com Want something worth thinking about this week? That’s what Right Here, Lately is—a short weekly note with an idea to sit with, something I’m learning, a few things I’m loving, and a little encouragement for wherever life finds you. Less than two minutes. Free to join. And always something I hope leaves you a little better than I found you. Join me →

Is Your Home Helping You Live—or Constantly Asking You to Manage It? In this episode, I sit down with Myquillyn Smith — known to thousands as The Nester — to talk about why our homes don't always need more, they need less. We dig into her concept of "house hushing," a gentler alternative to traditional decluttering that's less about tossing things and more about quieting the visual noise so your home actually feels like a retreat for the season that you're in. We talk about why our homes affect how we feel, how to build confidence around what to keep or let go of, and how to create spaces that reflect the season of life you're actually in — not the one you're leaving behind. In this episode, we cover: The idea that everything you own has a "voice" — and why that visual noise builds up without you noticing "Backwards decluttering" — a low-risk way to experience a calmer room before making any decisions Why starting small (like your fridge or kitchen island) creates lasting momentum How to hush a kid's room without triggering a meltdown Picking three words each season to filter out what you bring into your home Letting go of guilt around donating and giving things away What success really looks like in this season of Myquillyn's life Connect with Myquillyn: Instagram: @thenester Website: thenester.com If today's episode gave you a few practical ideas to bring more calm into your home, share it with a friend who needs to hear it — and leave a review!  Want something worth thinking about this week? That’s what Right Here, Lately is—a short weekly note with an idea to sit with, something I’m learning, a few things I’m loving, and a little encouragement for wherever life finds you. Less than two minutes. Free to join. And always something I hope leaves you a little better than I found you. Join me →

If you are the person in your house, your friend group, your family who holds everything together — this one's for you. Today I'm sitting down with Nichole J. Suvar — author of I Don't Have to Hold It All Together (one of those titles that's stands alone as a phrase you can carry with you) to talk about anxiety, faith, releasing control, and what it looks like to finally experience real peace instead of just chasing it. Nicole has lived with anxiety since childhood with decades of hiding it behind her faith, and eventually hitting a wall she couldn't push through anymore. What came out of that is a message rooted in the idea of cultivating the peace of Eden — not manufacturing a perfect life, but learning to tend your part and trust God with the rest. This conversation will encourage you, challenge you, and maybe give you permission to put some things down. In this episode, we cover: Nicole's story: growing up with undiagnosed anxiety The "Building Eden" trap: why comfort and control feel like peace — but aren't Raising anxious kids without becoming an anxious parent (and what Nicole wishes she'd done differently) The power of moving slower  Why releasing control is actually an act of trust, not a loss of it What it looks like to tend your part and let God handle the rest  Adult friendships What to say (and NOT say) to someone with anxiety How to hold your to-do list with open hands instead of a tight grip Resources & Links: 📖 I Don't Have to Hold It All Together by Nichole J. Suvar — livewithintent.org Instagram: @NicholeJSuvar Follow Annica @annicafischer If you enjoy conversations like this, you can subscribe to the newsletter for honest reflections on faith, relationships, identity, and intentional living, plus behind-the-scenes insights and new episodes.

If you've ever felt misunderstood by the people closest to you — your spouse, your coworkers, your best friend — this episode is for you. We're sitting down with Jason VanRuler, herapist, speaker, and author of Discovering Your Communication Type, to talk about why most of us feel lonely and why we're stuck in the same communication patterns (or lack thereof), having the same arguments, and wondering why nothing changes — even when we're trying. The answer isn't more empathy or better boundaries. It starts with understanding yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the people we love most are often the hardest to communicate with — and what that reveals about the relationship The 5 communication types (PATHS framework) and how to identify your own default style Why understanding someone else’s communication type changes everything How defensiveness is often identity protection — and how to navigate it with more clarity Why generous, giving people often experience the deepest loneliness The hidden patterns that create disconnection in everyday conversations How to stop expecting people to “just know” what you need and start communicating it clearly A simple framework for navigating hard conversations without escalation About the guest: Jason VanRuler is a licensed therapist, nationally recognized speaker, and author of Discovering Your Communication Type: The 5 Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships. His work helps individuals, couples, and teams break out of default communication patterns so they can build more honest, connected, and peaceful relationships — one conversation at a time. If you enjoy conversations like this, you can subscribe to the newsletter for honest reflections on faith, relationships, identity, and intentional living, plus behind-the-scenes insights and new episodes. Take Jason's free communication assessment: JasonVR.com Follow Jason on social: @Jason.VanRuler Follow Annica @annicafischer

Would you agree that we're living in the most self-focused era in human history — and yet also one of the loneliest? Today's guest, Made to Magnify author Morgan Krueger, joins us to talk about the connection. Morgan is sharing why focusing more on ourselves is actually making us more anxious, more dissatisfied, and more stuck and what it looks like practically, to step out of that cycle. In this episode, you'll discover: Why the "more" you've been chasing isn't the more you were actually made for The three-part cycle of self — pride, fear, and doubt — and how it quietly keeps women stuck in comparison, striving, and burnout What it actually means to magnify Jesus in your everyday life (hint: it's smaller and closer than you think) The Tim Keller quote that reframes everything: "Self-forgetfulness is not thinking less of yourself — it's thinking of yourself less" How to approach self-care, your home, and your ambitions without guilt — and with God in the conversation This episode is for you if: You're an ambitious, faith-driven woman who feels like there has to be more — but you're not sure what that more actually is You've been running on empty and can't figure out why You want to live differently than the culture around you but need practical language for how You're ready to stop managing your pride, fear, and doubt on your own and bring them somewhere better TIMESTAMPS 1:00 — Why the self-focus culture is making us more anxious, not less 3:00 — The "in here" problem: our natural bent toward self 7:00 — What does it take to drift? (Christine Caine) 9:00 — Come before you go: the posture of Mary in Luke 10 15:00 — The cycle of self: pride, fear, and doubt 22:00 — Self-care, discernment, and inviting God into the small decisions 33:00 — The first honest step for the woman who recognizes herself in this conversation 37:00 — How Morgan defines success RESOURCES + LINKS MENTIONED 📖 Made to Magnify by Morgan Krueger  📖 The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller Follow Morgan on Instagram: @morgankrueger  Morgan's website + ministry: morgankrueger.com  Let’s stay connected  Subscribe to the Tried and Truth podcast  Join “Right Here, Lately” —the newsletter  Share this episode with a friend who needs it

If you’ve decluttered your home but it still feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. Katy Joy Wells, decluttering expert has helped over 250,000 families transform their homes into "happy places" by addressing the real clutter problem: the beliefs, habits, and emotional attachments underneath all the stuff. Katy unpacks why most decluttering attempts fail, what clutter actually means, and how we can create a home that supports their mental health — without needing a free Saturday or a Pinterest-perfect pantry. In this episode, you'll learn:  The 4 types of clutter (most of us only ever address one of these!) The one question to ask before keeping anything Introducing decluttering to your kids without the power struggle Why a happy home has nothing to do with how it looks — and everything to do with how it feels Why adding visible, permanent donation stations in high-traffic areas (like your laundry room or closest) can be a game-changing next step.  Powerful mindset shifts around clutter and your environment What does a room "reset" look like? Mentioned in this episode:  The Maximized Minimalist www.katyjoywells.com Katy's Latest Book: Making Home Your Happy Place: A Real Life Guide to Decluttering Without the Overwhelm  HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE NEWSLETTER? It's that little spark to your inbox you didn't know you needed. Never miss a conversation, good read, or takeaway again :)

What do you do when life feels uncertain, unsteady, or like you’re living in an in-between season? In this episode, Annica sits down with writer and speaker Adriel Booker from Australia to talk about navigating life transitions, grief, identity shifts, and what it looks like to stay grounded when nothing feels clearly resolved. Together, they explore the emotional and spiritual reality of "liminal space"—those spaces between what was and what’s next—and how God meets us in the middle of uncertainty, change, and becoming. This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck in a transition, overwhelmed by change, or quietly asking how to trust God when life feels unclear. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: In-between seasons of life and identity transitions Feeling lost, uncertain, or emotionally disoriented Navigating grief, change, and midlife shifts What faith looks like in seasons of uncertainty The quiet kindness of God in everyday life Why being human is not a weakness, but a gift How faithfulness matters more than clarity or control KEY TAKEAWAYS Hope is already holding onto you—you don’t have to grip it tightly. In-between seasons are not wasted time; they are places of transformation. We are shaped more by who we love and how we stay open to being loved than by having all the answers. Faithfulness is not perfection or clarity—it’s showing up fully in the place you actually are. Resources mentioned:  Follow Adriel on IG@adrielbooker or her website. Adriel's new book: Tethered to Hope: The Quiet Kindness of God in Crisis, Change, and the Spaces in Between If this resonated with you… HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE NEWSLETTER? It's that little spark to your inbox you didn't know you needed. Never miss a conversation, good read, or takeaway again :)  If you’re in a season of transition, uncertainty, or change, share this episode with someone who might need it. And if you’re enjoying these conversations, follow and subscribe to The Tried and Truth Podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Follow Annica on Instagram @annicafischer

You've built the life. You've checked the boxes. You've chased happiness and searched for meaning — and yet something still feels... off. In this episode, philosopher and professor Dr. Lorraine Besser joins us to talk about the missing third dimension of the good life: psychological richness. Drawing from her research and groundbreaking book The Art of the Interesting, Dr. Besser reveals why happiness and meaning alone aren't enough — and what it actually takes to live a fuller, more captivating life. We talk about why our plans might actually be limiting us, how to turn wasted moments into rich experiences, and the surprisingly simple mindset shift that can change everything — no new job, no sabbatical required. In this episode: What psychological richness is and why it matters How over-planning shrinks our capacity for interesting experiences The three things most correlated with a psychologically rich life: novelty, complexity, and challenge Why we should stop "seizing the day" and start engaging with it Practical ways to find interestingness in carpool lines, commutes, and everyday moments Connect with Dr. Lorraine Besser: Website: lorrainebesser.com Instagram: @lorbesser Book:The Art of the Interesting: What We Miss in Our Pursuit of the Good Life and How to Cultivate It  If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a friend or take a quick second to leave a review where you’re listening. For real reflections, some of the most loved takeaways and a little spark to your inbox, subscribe to the newsletter.

You've hit the milestones. You've checked the boxes. So why does it still feel like it's not enough? In this episode, we're unpacking one of the most exhausting traps we fall into — the endless chase for a "greater" life — and why it's designed to leave you restless no matter how much you achieve. More importantly, you'll walk away with a simple shift that helps you finally feel good about the life you already have. In this episode, you'll learn: Why greatness, as the world defines it, is built on measuring — and why that keeps you stuck The difference between chasing great and practicing gratitude (it's not what you think) 3 practical takeaways you can apply today to stop the cycle and start seeing your life differently This episode is for you if: You're the woman who looks like she has it all together from the outside — great kids, a career you've worked hard for, a full life — and yet there's still a quiet voice that whispers still not enough You've achieved things you once dreamed of, but somehow the finish line just keeps moving You find yourself scrolling Instagram and suddenly what felt like a good day now feels like you're behind You're tired of measuring your worth against everyone else's highlight reel and you're ready to actually feel good about the life you already have The Tried and Truth Podcast is for the woman who wants real talk, honest perspective, and practical tools for living a life that actually feels good. *If you want more conversations like this, you can: Follow me on Instagram @annicafischer for podcast clips + reflections "Right Here, Lately..." is a little spark of inspiration, notes from the middle of real life, and what I’m returning to in your inbox—join the newsletter for more. I’d love to have you there!

You don’t need another podcast episode about the Bible. You don’t need another checklist, another quiet time routine, or another voice explaining it to you. But if you’re honest… You might feel disconnected. Like you want a deeper relationship with God—but most of what you’re experiencing feels secondhand. Through podcasts. Devotionals. Other people’s insights. And somewhere along the way, you started believing: “Maybe I just don’t know how to do this.” This conversation is for you. Jimmy and Kelly Needham join me to talk about what it actually looks like to read the Bible for yourself—not perfectly, not with hours of uninterrupted time, but in the real, full life you’re already living. We talk about why more information isn’t leading to transformation… What it means to actually see God in Scripture… And how to build a faith that’s personal, not just inherited. In this episode: Why so many people are living off secondhand faith The difference between reading the Bible for answers vs. reading it to know God Why more knowledge doesn’t always lead to spiritual growth A simple framework to make your time in Scripture more meaningful How to build a consistent faith practice in busy seasons of life Why your purpose isn’t something you find—it’s someone you walk with A grounded definition of success that isn’t tied to achievement A TRUTH TO SIT WITH: You’re not transformed by more information. You’re transformed by what you behold. PRACTICAL TAKEAWAYS: Your purpose is not a what—it’s a who. You don’t have to wait for a future calling to live meaningfully. “I don’t have time” often means “I’m not making time.” The invitation is there—it just may not look how you expected. Read the Bible to see God—not just to get answers. Information informs, but beholding transforms. TIMESTAMPS: 6:26 — Family life & values 11:24 — The problem with secondhand faith 14:53 — Information vs. transformation 18:49 — Making time with God in busy seasons 28:54 — Information → Meditation → Conversation 30:52 — Friendship & real connection 36:25 — Purpose is not a what—it’s a who 41:30 — What success actually looks like About Jimmy & Kelly Needham Jimmy and Kelly Needham are authors, speakers, and hosts of the Clearly Podcast, where they help make the Bible accessible, practical, and transformational. With over 20 years in ministry, they are passionate about helping people move from secondhand faith to personally engaging with Scripture. RESOURCES MENTIONED See for Yourself Bible Study — Jimmy & Kelly Needham 🎙️ The Clearly Podcast — Jimmy & Kelly's podcast making Scripture accessible 📚 Friendish and Purposefooled — Kelly Needham's books on friendship and purpose 📄 One Pagers — Free printable Bible reading companions for every book of the Bible (available on their patreon website) *If you want more conversations like this, you can: Follow me on Instagram @annicafischer for podcast clips + reflections "Right Here, Lately..." is a little spark of inspiration, notes from the middle of real life, and what I’m returning to in your inbox—join the newsletter for more. I’d love to have you there!

Turn podcast inspiration into daily action and add a little quick-read spark to the middle of real life —subscribe to the newsletter!  What if worrying about your kid's anxiety is actually making it worse? In this episode, I sit down with psychiatrist Dr. Tracy Foose — who has spent over 15 years studying fear and anxiety — to completely reframe how we think about these emotions as parents and as women. We talk about why fear of fear is more damaging than anxiety itself, how we've all gotten caught in a hurricane of worry, the crucial difference between good stress and bad stress, and why raising kids who aren't afraid to fail might be the most important thing we can do. This one is packed with insight, honesty, and practical tools you can use today. In This Episode: The Hurricane of Worry Why worrying about our kids' anxiety feeds the very thing we're trying to fix — and how to break the cycle. Fear of Fear The surprising reason anxiety becomes an anxiety disorder — and it's not how anxious you are. What We've Gotten Wrong About Anxiety The cultural misconceptions that are making us and our kids more avoidant, not less. The Avoidance Trap: What's Really Holding Your Kids Back (and You Too) Why avoidance — not anxiety — is the real culprit, and the questions to ask your kid before you pull them from an activity. Good Stress vs. Bad Stress Not all stress is created equal. Here's how to tell the difference and why good stress actually grows your kids' brains. Not Afraid to Fail The most powerful thing you can do as a parent isn't a lecture — it's letting your kids watch you show up scared and do it anyway. Highly Anxious People–  and their  incredible protective impact that they have on the world. Connect with Dr. Tracy Foose: Instagram: @TracyFoose.M.D

Need a little spark in your week? Subscribe to the "Right Here, Lately" newsletter and never miss out! What if the thing you’ve been avoiding… is exactly what you need right now? When was the last time you sat in real silence— no phone, no background noise, nothing to distract you—AND didn’t feel the urge to escape it? Most of us don’t avoid stillness because we’re busy…we avoid it because of the unease we might find there. In this short episode, I share a moment when everything around me literally stopped—and what it revealed about our constant need to do, fix, and fill the space. Inside this episode: Why stillness can feel so uncomfortable What happens when control is taken off the table The surprising connection between silence and clarity A simple shift to help you notice what you’ve been missing If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or constantly in “to-do” mode, this is your invitation to pause—and simply be in stillness, even for a few minutes. Because stillness isn’t nothingness—it’s where you start to see what’s already there. Resources Mentioned:  Invitation to Solitude and Silence by Ruth Barton If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Leave a review and help these encouraging conversations reach more people. Lastly, come follow along on Instagram @annicafischer

What if the peace you're desperate for has nothing to do with your circumstances? In this episode, I sit down with Tara Dew — author and Bible teacher to explore the life-changing truths of (and new way of seeing) Psalm 23.  Tara shares practical ways to experience more peace, even as you walk through life's valleys, wilderness seasons and seasons of uncertainty through the lens of Psalm 23. We dive into daily rhythms of cultivating peace and what it means to live an overflowing life of joy and embrace change and growth, with patience and perspective. Key Takeaways:  Peace isn’t about absence of life's troubles. Daily habits cultivate and anchor peace. New seasons and paths can feel uncertain—but they often bring growth and opportunity. Let this season have its place in your life. It's only temporary.  Tara is the author of Overflowing Joy and Overflowing Peace. Connect with Tara on Facebook or check out overflowingjoybook.com.