This week on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast, I’m joined by Tricia Thornton, author of the brand-new book Beyond Blessed Parenting: Embrace These Seven Principles and Experience Authentic Connection.

Tricia brings both professional and personal wisdom into this conversation. She’s a licensed therapist, wife, and mom of two, and she knows firsthand the weight that parents are carrying in today’s world. In this episode, we talk about:

• Her own story of finding freedom after childhood trauma and how it shaped her calling

• The power of silence, listening, forgiveness, and balance in parenting

• Why authentic connection—not perfection—is what every child really needs

• How fear can imprint on us and how faith anchors us through it

• Practical tools for parents (and really, for anyone) to create connection in a noisy, distracted world

Even if you’re not a parent, you’ll find encouragement here. Tricia reminds us that we can choose presence over perfection and lean into God’s promises when life feels overwhelming.

Bio:

Tricia Thornton is a native of Atlanta, GA. She completed her B.S. in Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University. Upon earning her M.A. in Counseling at Denver Seminary, she went on to become a certified School Counselor K-12, also from Vanderbilt University. Tricia is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) and owns a private practice serving children and parents. She also is a public speaker to various groups. While not writing and working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and their white German Shepherd in Nashville, TN.

Anchor Verses:

Psalm 91:4

Connect with Tricia:

Website: https://www.triciathornton.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/triciathorntontherapy

FB: https://m.facebook.com/triciathorntontherapy/

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on this Saturday will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ General Admission $25, $10 for afternoon session only, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

Rachael Groll is back on the Anchored by the Sword Podcast! The last time she joined us was September 7, 2021, and today she returns with a brand-new book: Knowing God’s Voice: What Female Prophets of the Bible Teach Us About Recognizing, Trusting and Obeying God (releasing today!).

In this conversation, Rachael shares how God has been moving in her life since her last visit, including her daughter’s new season of global missions, the call to release and trust, and her passion for helping women discern the voice of God in a noisy world.

We dive into:

• Why it matters to study the female prophets of the Bible

• The difference between conviction and condemnation when it comes to hearing God

• How obedience sharpens our ability to recognize God’s voice

• Rachael’s new ministry opportunities, including a unique Bible study experience in Rome

• The vulnerability of writing a book and trusting God with the words He gives

This episode will encourage you to lean into God’s presence, recognize His leading, and walk boldly in obedience.

Bio:

Rachael Groll is an author, certified life coach, missionary, and podcaster with a heart for sharing Jesus with anyone who will listen. She has served in various full-time ministry capacities both locally and globally, including starting outreach programs for women, creating curriculum, teaching, and speaking. Her podcast, Hearing Jesus, has remained on the Top 30 list for Christian Podcasts in the US for the last year and ranks in the top 0.5% percent of all podcasts globally. She holds a BA in ministerial leadership from Southeastern University and an MA in Bible exposition/theology from Biola University/Talbot School of Theology.

Anchor Verse:

John 17:3

Matthew 28: 18-20

Connect with Rachael:

Website: https://www.rachaelgroll.com

Bible Study Live Trip: https://shehears.org/bsl

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hearing-jesus-bible-study-daily-devotional-scripture/id1615623952

IG: https://www.instagram.com/rachael.d.groll

FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16vDRjWeoh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Email: rachael@shehears.org

Previous ABTS episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anchored-by-the-sword/id1556212826?i=1000534523947

💥 Bonus: We only have a few extra goodies left for people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Elena Huggins, author of Untwist Me: Uncomplicated Life-Hacks for Mental & Emotional Liberation, to explore her incredible journey of healing, freedom, and finding God in the midst of trauma. Elena, originally from Ukraine, experienced a life of emotional and mental struggles that ultimately led her to rediscover God in a radical way.

From living a wild life and battling deep depression in her youth, to overcoming sexual assault, narcissistic abuse, and even a traumatic divorce, Elena shares how God met her in her darkest moments. After battling with new age practices and feeling stuck, she encountered God's life-changing freedom in an unexpected way — during a 21-day fast in her living room.

Elena's story is not only about surviving trauma, but how her pursuit of Jesus led her to be completely transformed. In this episode, we talk about:

• How her healing journey led to the writing of her book
• The importance of facing our trauma and going through the wilderness with God
• The spiritual, mental, and emotional connections that lead to lasting freedom
• Practical life-hacks for mental and emotional health rooted in Biblical truth
• How to break free from toxic cycles and embrace God's transforming power

Get ready to be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to walk in the freedom God has for you.

Bio:

Elena Huggins is a passionate communicator who desires to inspire, challenge, and empower her audience to make the changes they need to live better lives. She is a lover of Jesus, a musician, and an entrepreneur.

Over the last eighteen years, Elena has spoken across a variety of stages to different audiences using a straightforward approach, unapologetic challenges, and biblical truths.

She is devoted to the Gospel and seeing God's people strengthened, free and more in love with Jesus.

She has had much experience in the area of mental and emotional health, with her journey to overcoming trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Her experience includes: working with trafficked victims, working at the rape crisis center, endless one-on-one coaching sessions, and pastoral care.

She resides in the mountains with her two beautiful daughters.

Anchor Verses:

Isaiah 60: 1-2 (AMP)

Connect with Elena:

Website: https://www.elenahuggins.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/itselenahuggins/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Elenatalks

💥 Bonus: The first 30 people who register for the Anchored in Hope workshop on Sept 20 will get Gena McCown’s devotional, Deep Forgiveness, a bookmark with a link to order Katie Reid’s Bible study, God, What Do I Do, and a candle!

📍Canton, OH | 🗓️ September 20 | 🎟️ Early Bird: $25, VIP: $40 includes workshop t-shirt and reserved seating

https://www.anchoredbythesword.org/event-details/anchored-in-hope-finding-purpose-in-your-pain

***We love hearing from you! Your reviews help our podcast community and keep these important conversations going. If this episode inspired you, challenged you, or gave you a fresh perspective, we’d be so grateful if you’d take a moment to leave a review. Just head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and share your thoughts—it’s a simple way to make a big impact!***