Let's talk about what it really means to show up for people when life gets messy. In this deeply honest conversation, Vanessa sits down with Carly Souza - founder of Fostering Hope in Las Vegas, wife, and mom of nine - to explore what it looks like to love people well in the hardest seasons of their lives.

Carly shares her family's journey into foster care, starting just months after getting married, and how God has shaped her heart through decades of walking alongside children and families in crisis. Together, they discuss the difference between serving from obligation versus serving from genuine love, why curiosity might be one of our most underused spiritual gifts, and how small, practical acts of kindness can carry more weight than any grand gesture. You'll walk away encouraged, equipped, and challenged to lean in rather than pull back when suffering shows up at your door.

Resources

• The HUB Las Vegas
• • https://thehublv.com/

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram
• • https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh
• Book Vanessa to speak
• • http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request

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Let's talk about the real reason so many of us stay stuck: fear, lies, and a version of ourselves that’s trying way too hard. In this episode, Vanessa shares what her five-week sabbatical uncovered about rest, identity, and what it actually looks like to stop striving and start abiding in Jesus. If you’ve ever felt burned out, off-track, or like you’re running on momentum instead of peace, this conversation is going to hit home.

Let’s talk about pride, praise, and finding freedom in Christ.

My big sister Melissa Jackson pulls up a chair to share how God used her own struggles with pride, approval, and identity to draw her into deeper freedom. Together, we explore the subtle ways pride can shape our hearts, how praise and recognition can become dangerous if we’re not careful, and what it looks like to live from God’s love rather than striving for it.

Resources

• What a Beautiful Mess: Finding Freedom from Pride and Praise

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram

• Book Vanessa to speak

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Let’s talk about the power of redemption and how Jesus can transform even the darkest seasons of life. Joshua Van Dusen shares his journey from addiction, despair, and suicidal thoughts to finding hope, healing, and purpose through Christ. He discusses the life-changing impact of Teen Challenge, the importance of authentic discipleship, and how God is using Club Christ Ministries to reach underserved youth in Las Vegas. Whether you’re facing your own struggles or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that no story is beyond God’s grace.

Resources & Links:

• Club Christ Ministries
• Teen Challenge

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair’s Instagram
• Book Vanessa to speak
• Learn more about Ignite Life

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Let’s talk about biblical literacy, why it matters, and how understanding God’s Word can transform your faith. Vanessa Hartsell sits down with Jeannifer Maalouf to discuss practical ways to engage Scripture, overcome overwhelm, and grow in confidence as you study the Bible.

Resources & Links:

• The Big Picture Bible Study by Jeannifer Maalouf

• Bible Project

• Bible Study Tools and Commentaries

• Lisa Turkner's "Unglued"
  

Connect with Jeannifer Maalouf:

• Website

Let’s talk about mentorship, ministry, and saying yes when God places something on your heart.

Vanessa sits down with Equilla Hicks, founder and executive director of Lift One Up, to discuss how a simple journal note became a thriving ministry of mentoring, retreats, local partnerships, and global missions. They explore the power of everyday mentorship, the beauty of serving others, and how God often works through ordinary people who are willing to take the next step in obedience.

If you've ever felt unqualified, unsure, or wondered whether God could use you, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him and move forward in faith.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Equilla Hicks

* ⁠Lift One Up⁠

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

* Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram

* Book Vanessa to Speak

Let’s talk about obedience, community, and trusting God when He calls you into something new.

Vanessa and Katy talk about authentic community, listening to the Holy Spirit, walking through difficult seasons, and how God faithfully guides and multiplies what we place in His hands. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can use your small “yes” for something bigger, this episode is for you.

Resources & Links:

• Ignite Life Website

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair’s Instagram

• Book Vanessa to speak

Connect with Katy Gossner:

• Email katy@ignitelifelv.com

Let’s talk about why so many of us struggle to truly rest. In this episode, Vanessa Hartsell opens up about taking a five-week sabbatical during a season of burnout, ministry pressure, family challenges, and deep discouragement. Vanessa shares how God used intentional Sabbath rhythms, biblical truth, and even unexpected passages about chaos and God’s sovereignty to reshape her understanding of rest. This conversation explores why rest is not laziness but an act of trust and worship, and how creating intentional rhythms can help sustain your soul in the middle of a demanding life.

Resources & Links:

• Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest by Ruth Haley Barton

Connect with Vanessa Hartsell

• Follow Pull Up a Chair’s Instagram
• Book Vanessa to speak
• Learn more about Ignite Life

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