Create a Life You Love

Today’s conversation is a little bit SPICY as I talk with Ashlyn Watkins, the creator and voice of Spiced Wife, a ministry dedicated to helping wives reach their full potential of being both holy and sexy! Sex can be such an uncomfortable and even difficult subject at times, which is why I love how candid Ashlyn is in our conversation. As wives and mothers, we need to be able to explore and pursue intimacy as God has called us to within our marriages — and that starts with openly and honestly talking about it!In today’s episode, Ashlyn and I chat about:- the heart and backstory behind her ministry Spiced Wife- what it means for wives to be both holy and sexy- the importance of having healthy conversations about sex- practical wisdom for the mom of little ones who wants to spice things up in her marriage- the message behind her book, Sex Before Marriage: A Church Girl’s TruthsResources Mentioned:Spiced Wife Website: https://www.spicedwife.com/Spiced Wife Podcast: https://www.spicedwife.com/podcastSpiced Wife on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spicedwife/?hl=enSex Before Marriage: A Church Girl’s Truths: https://www.amazon.com/SEX-BEFORE-MARRIAGE-CHURCH-TRUTHS/dp/1797454803/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ashlyn%20watkins&qid=1568401784&sr=8-1Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

You may be familiar with Audrey Bailey through Brush and Barley, her digital artwork brand. For today’s episode, I had the honor of chatting with Audrey about her creative journey and work with Brush and Barley, as well as the backstory behind her overnight Instagram success! It was so fun getting to hear some of the ups and downs of being an “Insta-famous” work-from-home mom, as well as more about her heart behind what she does. You are sure to be encouraged and inspired by Audrey as she shares both her passion for her work AND her faith that’s so intertwined with it!In today’s episode, Audrey and I chat about:- the heart and backstory behind her brand Brush and Burley and how life has changed for her since its explosion on Instagram- how Brush and Barley is reaching people and addressing the topic of mental health- Audrey’s faith journey as it relates to her creative journey- what it was like for her to watch her Instagram following quickly grow by tens of thousands and what she has learned from it- being an Enneagram Four as it relates to motherhood- encouragement for the listener who is pursuing her passion and not seeing the growth she is hoping for- being a work-at-home mom and making time to take care of yourself in the midst of busyness- dealing with constructive criticism Resources Mentioned:Brush and Barley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushandbarley/Brush and Barley on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brushandbarley/Brush and Barley Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEGJjh_z5UDRqMhVX2kJYjwBrush and Barley Website: https://www.brushandbarley.com/Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

Whether you’re new to the mom life or have been at it for a minute, you have almost definitely seen a side of yourself you’ve never expected. For me, that side looked like hot, burning rage in all of the worst ways… and today I’m opening up about it!In today’s episode, I chat about:- my experiences with postpartum rage as a mom and my story of going from angry to EMPOWERED- what to do when God isn’t answering your prayers to help you with your anger- where our anger actually comes from (spoiler alert: it’s FEAR)- my top THREE strategies for overcoming anger and transforming how you experience everyday motherhood

If you’ve been following me on my motherhood journey for some time, then you probably know that I am a HUGE fan of all things birth, which is why the conversation you’re about to listen to with my new friend Alise Marsh was such a special treat for me! Alise is a wife, mama, childbirth educator, doula, and fellow podcaster, and she has so much wisdom and experience when it comes to childbirth, educating and advocating for yourself in birth, and taking care of yourself postpartum. I love hearing how she’s using her passion and knowledge to equip and empower women, and I just know you will, too!In today’s episode, Alise and I chat about:- her journey through the world of birth as a mom, childbirth educator, and doula- the importance of educating yourself on your labor and birth choices- the role of a doula and why women may want one during their labor- the struggle and importance of finding a community of support as a new mom- her best wisdom for how new moms can take care of themselves after birth- resources for women who need physical or emotional support in the postpartum periodMeet Alise:Alise Marsh is an ICEA certified childbirth educator and doula (ICCE, ICBD), who has been equipping and empowering women through birth work for the last 6 years. She is the host of the Perfectly, Wonderfully Made Podcast, creator of the Your Best Birth online childbirth course, and currently resides in Washington with her husband Jeff and her two little ones, Monroe (5) & Indiana (3).Resources Mentioned:Your Best Birth Course: https://alisemarsh.teachable.com/p/your-birth-classFree 6 Day Childbirth Course: https://www.alisemarsh.com/bestbirthPerfectly, Wonderfully Made Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfectly-wonderfully-made/id1281408087?mt=2Alise Marsh’s Website: https://www.alisemarsh.com/Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/Follow Alise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectlywonderfullymade/Follow Alise on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourbirthclass/Connect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

Marriage in these early days of parenthood can be… tricky. There’s beauty and excitement in growing a family together, but also plenty of challenges and trials that are encountered along the way. This is why I am just SO excited about today’s guest — Selena Frederick, the co-founder of Fierce Marriage and an amazing wife and mom who is passionate about encouraging and equipping wives in cultivating a Christ-centered marriage. There is no doubt in my mind that you will feel absolutely refreshed and encouraged as you listen to all that Selena has to say in this episode about married life after kids and how the Gospel changes everything!In today’s episode, Selena and I chat about:- the backstory behind Fierce Marriage- some of the challenges that are encountered in marriage after having children- the importance of preserving friendship and connection with your spouse- wisdom for wives who struggle with intimacy in their marriage- God’s design for marriage and how marriage is able to make you look more like Jesus- helpful Fierce Marriage resources for husbands and wivesMeet Selena:Selena Frederick is a wife, mom of two girls, and the the co-founder of Fierce Marriage. She and her husband Ryan have been married for over fifteen years and love pouring into married couples through their ministry. They are the voices behind the Fierce Marriage blog and the Fierce Marriage Podcast, as well as the authors of four devotionals designed to empower couples and point them toward Christ.Resources Mentioned:Fierce Marriage Website: https://fiercemarriage.com/Fierce Marriage Devotionals: https://shop.fiercemarriage.com/collections/devotionalsFierce Marriage Podcast: https://fiercemarriage.com/podcastFierce Marriage on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiercemarriage/Fierce Marriage on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fiercemarriage/Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

I love getting to know and support families who are involved in foster care, and today I want to introduce you to an amazing friend, Katrina Hilliard, who has so much wisdom to share when it comes to fostering. Katrina and her husband have been navigating the world of foster care for the past three years and have definitely learned a thing or two about trusting God along the way! I just love the honesty with which Katrina describes the rollercoaster ride of emotions that oftentimes comes with fostering and how her faith was stretched as a result. If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, know somebody who is a foster parent, or just want to learn more about the foster care process, this episode is sure to be an encouragement to you!In today’s episode, Katrina and I chat about:- how God led them to foster care three years ago and what the process of becoming certified as a foster parent was like- the day they met their first foster child for the first time and the months that followed- meeting birth parents and the heart change she personally experienced regarding this- the challenging journey leading up to their first son’s adoption and how her faith was stretched along the way- the blessings of support and community for foster parents- advice for women considering foster careResources Mentioned:FaithBridge Foster Care: https://www.faithbridgefostercare.org/Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

The Lord’s desire for us is not just to survive motherhood, but rather to THRIVE in motherhood and to experience the abundant life he has for us! This is a message that Kara-Kae James is so passionate about and has created an entire ministry on. If you’re at all familiar with her work through Thrive Moms, then I know you are just going to LOVE her new book, Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood, which I had the pleasure of chatting to her about for today’s episode. Grab your earbuds and join in on our conversation on what it looks like to thrive with grace as we lean into the Lord’s desires for us in this season of motherhood!In today’s episode, Kara-Kae and I chat about:- the heart and message behind her book Mom Up- what intentional motherhood looks like through the lens of our identity in God- the importance of finding genuine community- protecting your marriage for the long haul- the difference between the world’s definition of rest and true rest in the Lord- embracing chaos and choosing joy in everyday motherhood- the vision behind Thrive Moms and the resources it offers moms todayMeet Kara-Kae:Kara-Kae James is a writer and encourager passionate about seeing women’s lives changed and impacted through the gospel. She is the founder and Executive Director of Thrive Moms, a ministry dedicated to seeing moms step out of survival mode and into the thriving, abundant life that God calls them to. She is also the author of the book “Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood”. Kara-Kae is married to her husband, Brook, and mom to four. She works daily to encourage women to reach their potential as moms and as daughters of Christ. She is passionate about pouring into moms because she knows first-hand that many moms are struggling and in desperate need of a reminder that God loves us, and we are doing His holy work.Resources Mentioned:Mom Up: Thriving with Grace in the Chaos of Motherhood: https://www.amazon.com/Mom-Up-Thriving-Grace-Motherhood/dp/0830773088Thrive Moms: http://thrivemoms.com/Kara-Kae James’ Website: http://karakaejames.com/Follow Kara-Kae on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karakae.jamesLearn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

Jen Wise has been on a journey of discovering what it means to live the bright life. In today’s episode she shares this journey with us, as well as her new book, the Bright Life, which is packed full of wisdom, truth, and encouragement on what it looks like to lean into the unforced rhythms of grace and find refreshment in the Lord. I just know you’re going to love our conversation about what all of this means for us in this season of motherhood!In today’s episode, Jen and I chat about:- the journey that led her to write The Bright Life and the Biblical, grace-filled wisdom we are all able to gleam from it- the intertwining of self care and faith- practical ways the overwhelmed mama is able to lean into the unforced rhythms of grace- pursuing friendships and community in this season of motherhood- how leaning into grace yourself leads you into extending grace to others- engaging with God as a busy momMeet Jen:Jen is happy to spend most days rotating between friends, family, writing, cooking, and her neighborhood yoga studio. She enjoys nights out, creative projects, hosting dinners and parties, laughing with friends and family, exploring new ideas, serving her neighborhood, and being an active part of her home church. Jen's first book, The Bright Life: 40 Invitations to Reclaim Your Energy for the Full Life, released with Zondervan in January '19. Jen holds an MA in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and serves as a child advocate with Compassion International as a part of their Artist and Speaker Team. She lives in Philadelphia’s Main Line neighborhood with her family.Resources Mentioned:The Bright Life: 40 Invitations to Reclaim Your Energy for the Full Life: https://www.amazon.com/Bright-Life-Invitations-Reclaim-Energy/dp/0310351111Follow Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenlwise/Follow Jen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenLWise/Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

You may already be familiar with Valerie Woerner through her beautiful prayer journals and amazing resources at Val Marie Paper, but did you know that Val has also just released a new book? Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday is a book of truth and hope that we could ALL use in our lives. By examining common lies that we believe as moms, Val not only points us back to the truth of the Gospel, but also invites us into freedom, rest, intentionality, and renewed joy in motherhood. If you are interested in hearing more about Grumpy Mom, I just know you are going to love today’s episode in which I share my recent conversation with Val about her heart and message behind the book, as well as her best wisdom and encouragement for moms!In today’s episode, Val and I chat about:- the heart and backstory behind Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday- some of the subtle lies pertaining to motherhood that we believe and how these relate to our grumpiness as moms- how God has been renewing joy in her everyday motherhood- creating a habit of taking your thoughts captive- overcoming challenges and confusion revolving around prayer- Val Marie Paper resources designed to help women with prayerMeet Val:Valerie Woerner is the owner of Val Marie Paper and author of Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday and Fresh Start for Moms. Her mission is to create practical tools, including her original 6-month prompted prayer journal, and content that equips women to cut through the noise of everyday life and find fullness in the presence of the Lord. She lives in South Louisiana with her husband Tyler and two girls, Vivi and Vana.Resources Mentioned:Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday: http://www.valmariepaper.com/books/grumpy-mom-takes-holiday-2/Val Marie Paper: http://www.valmariepaper.com/Prayer Journal Shop: https://shop.valmariepaper.com/Follow Val on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valwoerner/Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered

Postpartum depression has a way of making this confusing, challenging season of navigating life with a newborn feel even heavier, and my friend Rachel Rennie knows this firsthand. After watching Rachel share on social media how she dealt with postpartum depression and anxiety after the births of her two children, I knew right away that I had to have her on the podcast. I just love the vulnerability, wisdom, and truth with which she addresses this important topic, and I know you will, too!In today’s episode, Rachel and I chat about:- her experiences with postpartum depression and anxiety after the births of her two children- why this topic is so important and needs to be talked about- getting help for postpartum depression through the form of counseling and medication- her struggles with intrusive thoughts and methods she’s used to cope with them- how faith and science can actually go together when it comes to finding help and healing- hope for the mom who’s struggling to cling to God in this seasonResources Mentioned:Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Unwanted-Intrusive-Thoughts-Frightening/dp/1626254346Learn more about my Mom Empowered coaching program and how I empower moms to gain the emotional wellness they need to confidently create the life they’ve always wanted: http://www.jessieereddia.com/coachingConnect with me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessieereddiaJoin the Mom Empowered Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/momempowered