Shows
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Racial Injustice, White Privilege and Why Black Lives MatterChristine is so happy to welcome Sarah Lubach back on the podcast for this important conversation about race and the events of the past few weeks. We discuss what we're learning, how we're failing, who's inspiring us and steps we can take to support the Black Lives Matter movement. It's a frank discussion about our own shortcomings and a time of asking questions about white privilege, anti-racism, defunding the police and the next steps we can all be taking to support (and enact) real change in our world. We hope you'll listen and join in...2020-06-111h 12
Straight From The Heart(land)Episode 180 - Straight From The Heart About Will Our Relationships Survive The Quarantine?China's divorce rates skyrocketed after COVID-19 which gets Christine thinking about how all of our relationships - friendships, marriages and co-workers - will fare after all of this. How are we handling our grief? Why do we feel so judged? What resentments are we carrying that will cause damage? And is there anything we can do to protect our relationships?? (Please say yes.) Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-05-0843 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Quarantine QuirksChristine is discovering all sorts of quirks of her own and her family's during the quarantine. Plus, quirks that only a quarantine would bring into our lives (hello, social distance parades, zoom happy hours, and wiping down our groceries!). Take a listen to see if you have some of these same Quarantine Quirks! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-04-2423 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About A Different Sort Of Holy WeekIt's holy week! That seven days between Palm Sunday and Easter, filled with reflection, worship and traditions. How will COVID-19 change our approach to this coming weekend? I have mixed feelings and some apprehension about it. But, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to make this a holy week to remember by doing one small thing! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-04-0820 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About My Quarantine RealityFrom my quarantine to yours....hello! Checking in to see how everyone is doing and sharing my personal ups and downs, including a major revelation that I got yesterday just when I desperately needed it! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-04-0223 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Being Led vs. Driven (and the podcast's 4th birthday!)Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Straight From The Heart(land)! Happy birthday to you!! Christine is celebrating four years of podcast fun and talking about living our lives from a place of being led vs. being driven. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-02-1726 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About My Word For 2020My word for 2020 changed! Hear why and how this year's word is challenging me to stop riding the emotional roller coaster and start responding vs. reacting. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-02-1120 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Diversity And My Lack ThereofIn honor of MLK Jr Day on Monday, Christine is sharing frankly about the lack of diversity in her own life and why she thinks that is. True confessions...and plans to change this reality. Plus, crazy winter weather and What's Making My Heartbeat!2020-01-1719 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Recapping My 2019 Reading ChallengeI set out to read 52 books (one per week) in 2019. Did I make the goal? Find out in this week's episode, including who are my favorite authors and what are my top picks for best books of the year. Plus, I share all about our holiday break and What's Making My Heart Beat!2020-01-0746 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Family-Friendly Holiday MoviesWhen the weather outside is frightful, a cozy movie sounds so delightful! In this week's podcast episode, Christine brings you her top, family-friendly holiday movies. Check this list twice because there's something here for everyone! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-12-1023 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About What I'm NOT Thankful ForYes, there's much to be thankful for. But before we share gratitude around the table on Thursday, I have a few things I'd like to get off my chest. Plus, two important questions related to Thanksgiving and What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-11-2532 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Soul MinimalismHave you ever felt overwhelmed in your mind or heart? Me, too! In fact, I probably described all of us at some point. But, now more than ever we can all use some soul minimalism. What is it?? Just like decluttering our homes, two key steps can help us declutter our souls saying goodbye to what is weighing us down. Listen to this week's episode to learn how to slow down, lose the "mom brain" and get back to what's most important. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-11-1532 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Turning 45Christine is turning 45 and talking all about it in this week's podcast, including how unfair it is to peak physically at 22, being compared to Daisy Duke and learning to embrace the phrase, "I don't know."2019-10-2521 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Helping Your Kids Through InjuriesDidn't lead with a hug? Failed to take them to the doctor in a timely manner? Yep, done it! After a broken collarbone, a sprained wrist and twisted knee (and that's just this fall!), Christine has learned a thing or two about parenting kids through their injuries. Mostly by doing it wrong! Plus, prepare to have your mind blown by new injury protocols. Oh, and What's Making My Heart Beat, too!2019-10-1536 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Being Stressed OutRaise your hand if you're feeling stressed out. {Christine with both hands raised high.} Whether it's a perfect storm of scheduling demands, crazy circumstances you didn't expect, or your own procrastination {Christine raising hands again}, stress is real and we're talking about how to deal with it in this week's episode.2019-10-0122 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About 2019 Fall TV PreviewThis is the best time of year for tv! All of our old favorite shows return and lots of new ones promise us hours of viewing pleasure. It's good to be a tv watcher right now! Christine shares the scoop on what's coming back, what's new and what shows will have their final seasons this year. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-09-2542 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Identity TheftEver experienced identity theft?? Christine may have just lost hers! Listen to this week's podcast to hear about her car buying adventure, how she handed over her info, how we all face identity theft (of the heart) every day and how to stay strong! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-09-1722 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Making DecisionsAre you a good or bad decision maker? And does faith simplify or complicate your process? Join Christine in this week's discussion about making decisions and how her 20-something self had A LOT to learn! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-09-1019 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About The Generosity Of StrangersAfter two crazy incidents involving Kwik Star's grace and generosity, Christine reflects on the generosity of strangers and whether it is easier to give or to receive. (This episode could also be titled, "Why Kwik Star is awesome!")2019-09-0516 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Sports Parents' BehaviorJust in time for those fall sports contests kicking off this week, Christine is sharing her thoughts on a recent editorial written to rein in unruly sports parents and adult fans. Listen to make sure you're part of the solution, not the problem! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!2019-08-3021 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About A New Format: Speaking Straight From The HeartAfter almost throwing in the towel on the podcast altogether, Christine is introducing a new format: short and sweet episodes containing God's HEART spoken straight from her HEART to your HEART. Take a listen to hear why and learn more about what the new episodes will sound like! Oh, and there's HEART beats!2019-08-2734 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer Snack SolutionsWe're at the point in the summer where our kids' diets are made up primarily of fruit snacks and Cheez-its and we find random cups on every surface in our homes. Help!! This week's episode is offering snack solutions to finish the summer without losing your mind (or your temper). It's Snack-tastic! Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-07-3045 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer Body AnxietyWith warm July temps comes the need for shorts and the dreaded swimsuit (gasp!). In this week's episode, Christine discusses summer body anxiety and how a full life and lots of fun just might be waiting for us on the other side of our fears and judgments. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-07-1624 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer TriviaGrab your friends and a cold drink - it's time for TRIVIA!! The topics are all summer related and will get you reminiscing about your favorite summer foods, songs, blockbusters, etc. Can you beat Sarah's score of 95?? Plus, a 4th of July Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-07-0252 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer Bucket List IdeasIt's time to create that summer bucket list and this week's episode has all kinds of ideas to help you do it! From family fun to yummy food, road trips to rainy-day options, this week's podcast is sure to inspire a summer's worth of adventure for you and your people. Plus, a big BUZZ in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2019-06-1832 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Our 2019 Summer Reading List Summer is finally here and that means time to find a good beach read! In this week's episode, we're getting you started with our 2019 summer reading list. Favorite authors, books we've read recently and our top picks for fiction and non-fiction summer reads. Plus, the summer podcast schedule in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2019-06-0439 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Spring & Summer Fashion 2019We're finally experiencing warmer temps in the Midwest and so it's a good time to chat about Spring and Summer fashion trends for 2019. Christine and Sarah talk crop tops, body suits, dad shoes.....and, of course, the trends they'll ACTUALLY wear. Plus, Lubach award recipients in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-05-2846 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Making Magic At DisneyWhether you're a Disney fanatic or vowed to never go (like Christine before she went), this episode has all you need to know to plan your first Disney trip. From FastPasses and Magic Bands to food, rides and attractions, Christine provides tons of useful tips and hacks to make your trip "magical." Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-05-2151 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Not-So-Glorious MayRepeat after us: It's not you, it's May. It's not you, it's May. It's not you, it's May. In this week's episode, Christine unpacks why the month of May is so crazy, yielding its nickname, "the new December." This month is lovely in many ways, but definitely the "Iron Mom" triathlon of physical, emotional and mental demands. Plus, how Christine dropped the ball on Teacher Appreciation Week in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-05-1433 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Motherhood Lessons LearnedIt's Mother's Day week and Christine and Sarah are reflecting on their collective 25 years of motherhood and sharing lessons they've picked up along the way. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-05-0752 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About I Love My Weird Job With Kimberly BaethEver been to a grand opening with those giant scissors? In this week's episode, you get to hear from the woman who invented them. (Seriously.) As part of our "I Love My Weird Job" series, Christine interviews Kimberly Baeth of Golden Openings who has helped tens of thousands of businesses launch through grand opening events complete with scissors, banners, balloons, shovel and keys to the city. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-04-3046 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About I Love My Weird Job With Rena OlsenIn this week's podcast, we continue our "I Love My Weird Job" series with fiction author, Rena Olsen. Rena is a master storyteller crafting intriguing suspense in her books, "The Girl Before" and "With You Always," but began her award-winning writing career back in third grade. A long-time reader of Rena's books, Christine was majorly fangirling throughout the episode. If you have an interest in learning the in & outs of the publishing world, this episode is for you! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2019-04-231h 13Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About I Love My Weird Job With Cassie MarksWe're launching a new series this week about weird jobs and our first guest is the ONLY person Christine knows who does this job.....pageant consulting!! Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes worlds of pageants and what it takes to become Miss America? Cassie Marks of Make Your Mark gives us the complete dish.....including the key to preventing any wardrobe malfunctions - butt glue! Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-04-161h 11Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Competition vs. CelebrationWhen someone in our life is experiencing success, why is it so easy to fall into competition vs. celebration? Why do we compare ourselves to one another and see the world through the eyes of scarcity which tells us there's a limited amount of success, happiness, love and praise to go around? Join the conversation on this topic this week as well as spring fever, social media adjustments and Disney planning in the Pulse. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2019-04-0945 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Saying Goodbye To Social MediaIn over three years of the podcast, the topic of social media has been one of our most consistent. We've debated its effects on our kids, our relationships and our hearts. Now, in this week's episode, we're discussing why both Christine and Sarah are saying goodbye to social media, including why we didn't want to, what convinced us, what we think we'll miss and what we're planning to do instead to ensure continued connection with our friends and family. If you're ever considered saying goodbye to social media (or wonder what kind of craziness has...2019-04-021h 01Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Faith In Real Life With Tess MeggisonSometimes we make faith complicated and the best solution is to go back to the beginning. To wrap up our "Faith In Real Life" series, Christine interviews her 13 year-old daughter, Tess. In the interview, we're reminded that no matter what phase of life we're in, the love of God and the love of people are what get us through. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-03-2639 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Faith In Real Life With Michael MeggisonWe continue our "Faith In Real Life" series with guest, Michael Meggison. (Leave it to Michael to earn us our first-ever "Explicit" podcast rating - thanks, Megs!) Michael shares what faith looks like as a busy dad of three kids (and a beautiful wife - lol!) as he prepares to turn 50 this week. Plus, a whale watching in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-03-1958 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Faith In Real Life With Mary StierWe continue our Faith In Real Life series with retiree, empty nester, and mentor to Christine and Sarah, Mary Stier. After an illustrious career, Mary entered full-time ministry and is currently completing a two-year, spiritual formation program. Mary shares the highs and lows of faith during this season of her life and offers insights, valuable hacks and advice for whatever phase you find yourself in. Plus, Daylight Saving(s) Time in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-03-1247 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Faith In Real Life With Bridget RauchWe launch a new series this week called, "Faith In Real Life." It's a discussion about how faith grows and expresses itself in different phases of life and our first guest is Bridget Rauch. Bridget is newly married and shares the opportunities and challenges she faces growing in her faith as both a young single woman and now as she's married, including hacks for any season of life and faith. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-03-051h 05Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Winter Beauty RoutinesWe are up to our necks in snow around here and kind of over it. (Okay, we're totally over it!) But, it got us thinking about our beauty routines and how they change (for the better or worse) during the winter. From skin care, hair and makeup to nutrition, exercise and clothes, Christine and Sarah chat all about how they're coping and working to stay beautiful this winter. Plus, a podcast-versary in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-02-2654 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About The Division Of Household Chores With Michael MeggisonWoo hoo!! Christine's husband Michael is on the podcast this week and they're talking about the division of household labor between them. Who handles which chores and why? As well as, how did they come up with this plan, how much does their upbringing influence it, do they want to switch chore assignments, and how come they aren't using the free labor living in their own home more?? Lots of laughs and insights (good or bad?) into the Meggisons! Plus, a bittersweet Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-02-1953 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Be Longing For The Life You Were Made ForHave you given up hope? Does believing in a good future feel too painful? Then this episode is for you! We wrap up our Belonging series looking at God's heart for us to "be longing" for the good gifts He has in store for us.....and why it's sometimes hard to have hope. Plus, a big birthday in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-02-1243 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Belonging To GodWe continue our series on Belonging taking a look at the one person we're guaranteed to belong to perfectly - God. He chose you to be part of his family, a place you'll always belong, and wants you to relish in your role as a child of the King. Plus, a painting project in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-02-0541 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Belonging & Finding Your PeopleWe weren't meant to do life or faith alone. We were created to belong to one another and do life in community. But, what does that mean and how can we make that happen in our own lives? Join Christine in her conversation about belonging in this week's episode. Plus, Marie Kondo in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-01-2943 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Navigating The World Of Kid ActivitiesKids have so many options for activities these days. It's enough to make your head spin just thinking about it, let alone bust your budget and schedule. In this week's podcast, Christine identifies three messages the world tells us when it comes to this topic and offers a different approach that just might be the solution you've been waiting for! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-01-2244 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Nothing To ProveEver felt the pressure to perform or be perfect? Tired of trying to gain others approval while losing yourself in the process? In this week's podcast, Christine and Sarah discuss their own struggles with proving their worth and their steps for finding freedom. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-01-1553 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Kicking Off 2019 With Simple Purposeful Living's Erin PortChristine interviews Simple Purposeful Living's Erin Port about strategies for kicking off the new year, including goal setting and how to find success by making those resolutions both simple and purposeful. Plus, a New Year's Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2019-01-0847 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Our Grown-Up Christmas ListsRemember that "Grown-Up Christmas List," classic song by Amy Grant? In this week's episode, Christine and Sarah create their own grown-up Christmas lists, including peace on earth and a solution to middle school body odor. Plus, a 2018 recap in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-12-1847 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Christmas With The Meggisons: Christmas FavoritesWhat's your favorite Christmas treat, song, or movie? Do you have a favorite gift or memory? In the second week of Christmas with the Meggisons, Christine asks her kids these questions and also what they think is the true meaning of the season. Their answers might surprise you! Plus, an Advent challenge in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat.2018-12-1140 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Christmas With The Meggisons: Christmas TraditionsThe Meggison kids are taking over the podcast sharing with Christine all about their Christmas traditions, including the ones they like, the ones they don't (can you say Christmas lights??), and which ones they plan on passing along to their own kids. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-12-041h 03Straight From The Heart(land)Episode 131 - Straight From The Heart About Black Friday Tips & TricksWhether you're a Black Friday veteran or a Black Friday rookie, this episode will give you all kinds of tips and tricks for maximizing your shopping experience, including how to stay on budget, get the best deals and have fun. Plus, a Friendsgiving Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-11-2032 minStraight From The Heart(land)Episode 130 - Straight From The Heart About TMIInfobesity. Infoxication. Information Overload. Information Anxiety. No matter what you call it, we're living in a world with TMI: too much information! Christine and Sarah discuss how it's affecting them and how they're trying to manage it all. Plus, a Pulse about gratitude and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-11-1349 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Why Do Bad Things Happen?In a world filled with evil, death, cancer, natural disasters, abuse, and all manners of darkness, our natural question is: why do bad things happen? Christine takes a crack at answering this common and important question in this week's episode. Plus, a heartfelt Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-11-0637 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Overcoming, Part 3: An Interview With Alexandra KnaubLosing a child is most people's worst nightmare. And that's exactly what happened to Alexandra Knaub in January 2018. Now, less than 10 months since this tragic event, Alexandra shares with Christine how God carried her through those painful days and how she's finding hope in their family's new normal. This is a powerful story of God's faithfulness and our ability to overcome when we hold tight to Him. Plus, a Halloween Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-10-301h 11
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Overcoming, Part 2: An Interview With Sally DreesIn 2006, Sally Drees got the shock of her life. She tested positive for breast cancer and that began her, now, 12-year fight with this disease. For years Sally was angry and afraid. But, two years ago that all began to change. Listen to Christine's interview with Sally and hear her powerful story of overcoming the hopelessness of a terminal diagnosis to finding peace, hope and joy again. Plus, Christine's thoughts on aging in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-10-231h 02Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Overcoming: An Interview With Abbie KampmanAbbie Kampman is no stranger to tragedy. After growing up the daughter of an alcohol- and drug-addicted mother, in the summer of 1999 as a soon-to-be-freshman in high school, Abbie's mother and her boyfriend drove drunk, causing a tragic car accident which took their lives, as well as the lives of her two young sisters who were in the car and a man whose car they hit. After years of grief and shame over her mother's actions, Abbie shares with Christine her powerful story of redemption and overcoming, including having God's strength to do the impossible - reach out to...2018-10-161h 11Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Fall TV 2018Sarah's back (yay!) and she and Christine are talking all about the new fall TV lineup. Listen in for what shows they're excited about and top recommendations for you to check out! Plus, a fall treat in The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2018-10-0954 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Eat Your Heart Out - An Interview With Iowa Girl Eats' Kristin PorterNo better finale to our "Eat Your Heart Out" series than an interview with Iowa Girl Eats' Kristin Porter. Christine and Kristin talk food blogging, being your own boss, changes in blogging and food over the past 10 years, and hacks for making delicious meals for busy people. Plus, a Mary Poppins Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-10-0246 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Eat Your Heart Out: Nutrition Trends & FadsWhen did the simple act of eating get so confusing? Keto? Paleo? Whole 30? Gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free? Add in discussions about organics, fats, intermittent fasting and gut health and it's enough to make your stomach churn. Never fear! This week, Christine takes a look at popular nutrition trends and fads so you'll be in the know hanging around the water cooler (oh yeah, water is good for you!). Plus, a call out for cultural change in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2018-09-251h 04Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Eat Your Heart Out: Pumpkin Spice and the Instant PotWe're kicking off a new series this week: Eat Your Heart Out! It's all about food, so Christine offers a review of and ideas for the Instant Pot. And, as promised, she shares her thoughts (rant?) about our country's obsession with pumpkin spice in The Pulse. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-09-1827 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About How I Don't Know What I'm DoingIt's Christine's first solo episode and she confesses all the ways she doesn't know what she's doing in life and in podcasting, including ditching an episode she recorded in favor of getting vulnerable. Plus, a look back at 9-11 in the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-09-1120 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Back-To-School Fall FashionBack-to-school means new clothes and this week Christine and Sarah discuss the newest trends in fall fashion, including the fashion they wore back-to-school back in the day (hello, 90s!!)! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-09-0444 minStraight From The Heart(land)Episode 119 - A Heart Like Mine: Back-To-School With Teacher (and Mom!) Katherine SouthmaydNext up in our back-to-school series is our conversation with teacher, mom and good friend, Katherine Southmayd. Christine and Sarah discuss with Katherine what it's like to go back to school from a teacher's perspective, including what's involved to get ready to welcome students (hint: it's A LOT!) and how parents can best prepare their kids for the new school year. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-08-281h 01Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Back-To-School Schedule SanityFall and back-to-school means sorting through your schedule. And, this week, Christine and Sarah talk about various approaches to getting your schedule figured out, including some great hacks for building in margin. Plus an update on Sarah's basement renovation in The Pulse and everyone's favorite - What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-08-1451 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Mixing Up Your Summer GrillingIt's the end of July and you might be so OVER chicken breasts on the grill by this point. Christine and Sarah talk summer grilling and fun ways you can mix it up to push through the last month of summer. (Can you say kebabs??) Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-07-3146 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream!Soft serve or hard packed? Plain or with mix-ins? On a cone, in a dish, homemade or in a cake? So many yummy choices and who knew a frozen dairy dessert could be a metaphor for life?? You'll be dreaming about sweet treats after this week's episode about ice cream in all its flavors and forms. Plus, a Hamilton Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2018-07-1748 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About One Nation Under God & Nine Rules From Chris PrattChris Pratt's Nine Rules went viral and in them he boldly professed his faith. This week, Christine and Sarah discuss his rules, the faith behind them and the religious freedom we experience (and celebrate this holiday week!) in the USA. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-07-0346 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer Beauty RoutinesThe sun, wind, sweat and humidity. Pool hair? This week, Christine and Sarah discuss how their beauty routines change in the summer, including how they somehow become both more low maintenance (Pool hair? Don't care.) and high maintenance (We should probably shave our legs.) during these warm months. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-06-1936 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Summer BlockbustersSummer is blockbuster movie season so Christine and Sarah are giving you scoop on what must-see films are coming to a big screen near you. Action adventures, comedies and family-friendly flicks are on the list, perfect for an escape from the heat. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-06-0544 minStraight From The Heart(land)A Heart Like Mine - Fawnn BriggemanThis week, Christine and Sarah welcome Fawnn Briggeman to the podcast to discuss her love of travel and the logistics of how she and her family take a trip every 2-3 months. If you're thinking about taking a summer vacation, Fawnn has some great tips for getting that done! Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-05-2248 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Five Hacks To Win SummerSummer is coming and so are your kids. Are you ready? In this week's episode, Christine and Sarah share five hacks for you to be winning all summer long. Plus, an announcement in the Pulse and the ever-popular What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-05-1553 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Mom SuperheroesMoms save the world each and every day and in this week's podcast, Christine and Sarah reveal some mom superhero identities. Are you the Fixer? The Magician? The Sensei? Find out in this week's episode. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-05-0847 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About FirstsFirst pet. First kiss. First car. First job. Those firsts in our lives hold a special place in our hearts and this week, Christine and Sarah are looking back at the firsts that meant the most to them. Plus, a May Day Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-05-0155 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About How I (Christine) Met My HusbandThis week we learn all about how Christine met her husband, Michael, and if you think the Lubachs had a whirlwind romance, just you wait! Did you know Christine has known Michael since she was a little girl?? Hear all about it in this week's episode. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-04-241h 05Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About How I (Sarah) Met My HusbandIt's spring time and love is in the air! No better time to reminisce about how we met our husbands, starting with how Sarah met Aaron over a decade ago. Travel back in time as Sarah describes how it all began. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-04-1754 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Spring Fashion 2018Eventually it will feel like spring and Christine and Sarah have all the tips you need to freshen up your wardrobe for the season. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-04-1044 minStraight From The Heart(land)Heart & Soul: Lectio Divina - John 15:1-17In another Heart & Soul interactive episode, Christine and Sarah introduce Lectio Divina (a meditative approach to scripture). They study John 15:1-17 and discuss the purpose behind the hard situations in their lives, God as their source of joy, and the importance of staying connected. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2018-03-2747 minStraight From The Heart(land)Heart Check with Lisa Peck: Control, Part 2Counselor and coach Lisa Peck joins us again as we continue our two-week series about control. Lisa helps us discover what's really behind our controlling behavior and provides tips for moving out of control and into trust. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-03-201h 02Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Control, Part 1Control issues. We all have them. Even the most laid-back of us can find control creeping up unexpectedly. In the first of our two-week series about control, Christine and Sarah confess their own control issues, including when it pops up, what it sounds like, and the negative effects control has on their hearts and relationships. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-03-1350 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Let's Get PhysicalExercise. Working out. Me time. Dread mill. Whatever you call it, figuring out when to work out, what to do and where to do it can be a challenge. Christine and Sarah share their own (or lack thereof) fitness routines, including what they would do instead of working out if they could. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-03-0641 minStraight From The Heart(land)A Heart Like Mine: Mandy FranjeFor more than 15 years, our guest, Mandy Franje, has wanted to adopt and she is currently in the process of adopting two boys from Africa. This week, Christine and Sarah interview Mandy about her passion for adoption, the ups and downs of the adoption journey and how her faith has grown through the process. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-02-271h 01Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About In Six WordsWe're celebrating our 100th episode, the two-year podcast anniversary, and thousands of spoken words by scaling it all down to the simplest of phrases. Being a woman, marriage, parenting, life balance, getting ready, and faith in SIX words. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-02-2046 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Give It UpBeyond soda and chocolate, Christine and Sarah discuss other things they would like to give up for Lent, including control, worry and addiction to their phone. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-02-1347 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About The Winter Olympics 2018Figure skating, snowboarding, downhill skiing and speed skating - the Winter Olympics are almost here and Christine and Sarah are pumped! Join this week's discussion about favorite winter Olympic memories ("Why?"), Bob Costas' pink eye, and what event they'd compete in if they were Olympic athletes. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-02-0649 minStraight From The Heart(land)New Year, New You A Heart Like Mine: Time Management Expert Elizabeth SaundersThis week's conversation will have you rethinking time management and inspired to bring your faith into your daily calendar. In this Heart Like Mine episode, Christine and Sarah interview best-selling author and time management expert Elizabeth Saunders about her book, "Divine Time Management: The Joy Of Trusting God's Plans For You." Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-01-3053 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About New Year, New You Organization - Online Grocery Shopping ComparisonYou asked for it and we delivered (pun (sort of) intended)! After many requests, this week Christine and Sarah compare two online grocery shopping options and give rankings based on ease of ordering and website navigation, product availability, pickup, and more. This is part of four of our New Year, New You series. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2018-01-2354 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About New Year, New You Relationally - The EnneagramIt seems like the Enneagram is everywhere! Christine and Sarah jump on board explaining more about this personality test, their own personal types, and how the Enneagram can help you in all your key relationships. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-01-1656 minStraight From The Heart(land)Heart & Soul: New Year, New You SpirituallyIs growing in your faith, reading your Bible, or meditating daily part of your 2018 goals? This week, Christine and Sarah lead us through another Heart & Soul interactive episode sure to encourage your spiritual growth. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2018-01-0945 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About New Year, New YouAs we kick off 2018, we also kick off a series entitled New Year, New You. Christine and Sarah discuss their own 2018 goals, what might get in their way, and how they'll overcome those obstacles. Also, The Pulse, What's Making Our Hearts Beat, and a preview of the upcoming series.2018-01-0246 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Crushing Holiday BreakNeed ideas for how to crush holiday break so it doesn't crush you? This week's episode is filled with options from low-key to high-activity and everything in between. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-12-2644 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Heart Check with Lisa Peck - How To Love Cousin Eddie This ChristmasCousin Eddie. Every family has one (or two!). Family Counselor Lisa Peck joins Christine and Sarah to discuss helpful tips for navigating family gatherings in a healthy way. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat! Merry Christmas!!2017-12-1951 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About You've Got (Christmas) MailChristmas cards. Love getting them. Don't always love sending them. Christine and Sarah discuss the major task of Christmas cards and having a funny discussion about the lost art of real mail. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-12-1246 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Gifts For Your PeopleNeeding gift ideas for your people or yourself?? Christine and Sarah offer suggestions for all the people in your life - women, men, kids and teachers. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-12-0557 minStraight From The Heart(land)Heart & Soul: A Centering Prayer for AdventIn the debut of our new interactive, Heart & Soul episodes, Sarah leads us through a prayer exercise to center our hearts for the Advent season. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-11-2827 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart: An Interview With The Voice Contestant Chris WeaverBonus episode!! Double the fun this week with our bonus episode featuring our interview with The Voice contestant Chris Weaver. We get another "behind-the-scenes" look at the show including Team JHud, response to his worship leader/drag queen label, and how he blanked out during his blind auditions. Plus, The Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-11-2146 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart: An Interview With The Voice Contestant Jon MeroIf you're obsessing about this season of The Voice as much as Christine and Sarah, you're in for a treat this week!! We welcome contestant Jon Mero to the podcast and get a "behind-the-scenes" look at the show from auditions, to wardrobe, and, of course, dreamboat Adam Levine. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-11-211h 02
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Finding Hope In The Midst Of DifficultyPain can be life's greatest teacher. No one is exempt. And when you're walking through a difficult season of life, hope can seem elusive. It can also be the one thing that gets you through. In this week's episode, Christine and Sarah share some of their own painful experiences, the unhealthy ways they handled them, and how they ultimately found hope. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-11-1452 min
Straight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About A Heart Like Mine: AmberIn honor of Veteran's Day, Christine and Sarah interview a military wife about the challenges facing military families. Plus, the Pulse and What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-11-0744 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About Fall TV 2017Fall means cooler weather, sweaters, boots, pumpkins and NEW tv shows!! Christine, Sarah, and Stacey are making predictions about which shows will make it in this year's fall tv lineup. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat! 2017-09-2657 minStraight From The Heart(land)Straight From The Heart About This Summer I DID Finally.....Back in May, Christine, Sarah, and Stacey set personal goals for what they would FINALLY do this summer. This week, they follow-up on those goals to see which ones they crushed and which ones were a bust. Plus, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!2017-09-1249 min