Most of our days are lived in the in-between; ordinary hours filled with small griefs, flickers of joy, quiet disappointments, and unexpected beauty.

In this heartfelt conversation, Barb sits down with bestselling author Shannan Martin to talk about her newest book, Counterweights, and how to stay hopeful in a world that often feels heavy. With humor and honesty, Shannan shares the life-changing practice of "counterweights" — learning to hold both the good and the hard at the same time. Together, they explore how to navigate what's outside our control, notice the ordinary delights hiding in plain sight, and experience life as deeply good, even when it's tough.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed or weary, this episode is a gentle invitation to remain upright, hopeful, and fully alive right where you are.

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Counterweights: An Essential Practice for Holding Hope in a Heavy World

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ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of several books, including Start with Hello, The Ministry of Ordinary Places, and the popular Substack The Soup. She is a wannabe gardener, a news geek, a fighter for justice, and a thrift store stalker. She and her family live as grateful neighbors in Goshen, Indiana, where Shannan is on staff at the local community kitchen.

Sometimes it feels like God is silent, leaving us unsure of where to turn or how to keep going.

In this episode, Barb speaks with Dominique Young, author of God, Where Are You? and founder of Faith Mamas, as she shares her own journey through grief, doubt, and unanswered prayers. They discuss why healing is often a slow process, how faith and therapy can work together, and why dropping the "masks" we wear is essential for real growth.

This episode is full of honest reflection, practical guidance, and hope for anyone navigating seasons of silence, struggle, or uncertainty in their faith.

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God, Where Are You?: Unmasking Your Pain, Uncovering His Presence

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ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Dominique Young is the founder of Faith Mamas Inc. (Faith Family Worldwide), a community of more than 6,000 Christian women and a private app serving over 1,700 believers. She helps people break free from fear through Scripture and has been featured on the Don't Mom Alone podcast and The Refreshed Moms Podcast. Dominique holds a psychology degree from Hampton University and a master's in theology from Fuller Seminary. She is also a devoted wife and a mother of four.

What do you do when the life you planned gives way to a season you never saw coming?

In today's episode, Barb is joined by pastor, author, and podcaster Courtney Ellis for a thoughtful conversation about navigating life's tough transitions. Together they explore why God created change, what nature can teach us about living through it, and why even good change can bring real grief.

If you're facing a transition—expected or unexpected—this episode offers wisdom, honesty, and hope for the road ahead.

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Weathering Change: Seeking Peace Amidst Life's Tough Transitions

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ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Courtney Ellis is a pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, California. She is the author of six books, including Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief. Courtney hosts The Thing with Feathers, a podcast about birds and hope.