Feeling swamped by advice? Lauren shares a faith-first filter to cut the noise, choose one focus, vet sources you can trust, and take small, sustainable steps.

In this unscripted and heartfelt episode of The Anchored Decisions Show, I pause from regular programming to reflect on the heaviness of 9/11, the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, and what it means for us as Christians to boldly stand firm in our faith during such a polarized time. I share my own reflections on unity, conviction, and living out the hope of Christ, and close with a prayer for courage, revival, and boldness in this turning-point moment.

What does it really mean to pursue righteousness—and what must we flee first? In this episode, Lauren shares a personal update on her health, home renovation, and the unexpected ways God has been using this season to slow her down and shift her focus. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to put your energy, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.

Are you feeling stuck or unsure about a big decision? Prayer journaling might be the tool you need to find clarity, peace, and direction from God. In this episode, Christian journal coach and spiritual director Kari Bartkus shares how writing out your prayers can deepen your relationship with God, help you uncover your true values, and make Spirit-led decisions with confidence. We explore practical journaling methods, what to do when you're afraid someone might read your journal, and how to hear God’s voice through written reflection. Whether you’re navigating grief, a career pivot, or a personal crossroads, this conversation will inspire you to pick up your pen and invite God into the process.

Every decision we make—big or small—creates ripple effects that impact far more than we often realize. In today’s episode, Lauren walks through real-life examples (including her own home renovation saga) to unpack how one decision can lead to a cascade of long-term relational, financial, and emotional consequences. Whether you're considering a job change, a big move, or a parenting choice, this episode will help you think beyond the surface and make decisions anchored in wisdom and faith.

In this episode of The Anchored Decision Show, Lauren sits down with financial advisor Jami McCree to take a deep dive into investing—what it looks like, when to start, and how to prioritize it alongside other financial goals. Jami shares her personal journey into financial advising, the biggest mistakes she sees families make when it comes to saving, and what she recommends to make the most of your income—whether you're just starting out or playing catch-up mid-career. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of 401ks, Roth IRAs, and how to build a strong financial foundation that honors your long-term goals and faith-based values.

In this episode of The Anchored Decision Show, certified financial planner Emily Scott joins us to share how Christians can approach money management through the lens of biblical stewardship. From budgeting and giving to long-term planning and everyday spending, Emily blends practical financial strategies with timeless spiritual principles. Whether you’re new to managing money or looking to realign your finances with your faith, this conversation will help you lay a strong, God-honoring foundation.

AI is becoming a bigger part of how we make decisions — from choosing what we watch to making major financial decisions. But what happens when we rely on it too much? Could we be outsourcing our ability to think critically, seek God’s wisdom, and grow through the decision-making process? In this episode, I’m breaking down how AI is already influencing our choices and why that’s not always a good thing. I’ll share the 6 reasons I hesitate to rely on AI for decision-making and what we might be sacrificing when we let technology take the lead. You’ll learn practical ways to stay in control of your choices, why spiritual discernment is irreplaceable, and how to use AI wisely — without losing your God-given decision-making ability. If you’ve ever felt tempted to let technology make choices for you, this episode is a must-listen.

AI is becoming a bigger part of how we make decisions — from choosing what we watch to making major financial decisions. But what happens when we rely on it too much? Could we be outsourcing our ability to think critically, seek God’s wisdom, and grow through the decision-making process? In this episode, I’m breaking down how AI is already influencing our choices and why that’s not always a good thing. I’ll share the 6 reasons I hesitate to rely on AI for decision-making and what we might be sacrificing when we let technology take the lead. You’ll learn practical ways to stay in control of your choices, why spiritual discernment is irreplaceable, and how to use AI wisely — without losing your God-given decision-making ability. If you’ve ever felt tempted to let technology make choices for you, this episode is a must-listen.

If you’ve been praying over a decision and feel like heaven is silent, this episode is for you. Lauren unpacks five biblical reasons God may not be answering your prayers—and seven powerful ways He still speaks today. You’ll learn how to recognize His voice, reflect on how He’s spoken to you in the past, and take practical steps to reconnect and discern His will. This episode includes real-life stories, scripture-based truth, and encouragement for anyone seeking divine direction.

In this episode of The Anchored Decisions Show, Lauren welcomes Joni Topper to share her wisdom on making decisions about commitments. Joni, a worship leader, author, and speaker, opens up about pivotal moments when she had to decide whether to step into or walk away from commitments — from continuing to play piano after a major injury to leading a children's choir despite challenges. Through heartfelt stories and practical advice, Joni reveals how to align decisions with God’s leading, protect existing commitments, and recognize when to say yes or no. Tune in to learn how to assess your commitments, pray for direction, and follow God’s guidance with confidence.

Today on The Anchored Decision Show, we’re launching a brand-new segment: Ask a Decision Coach! Listener Marie is struggling with a major housing decision—should she buy a spacious but outdated fixer-upper on three acres or a brand-new, move-in-ready home in a bustling community? Lauren walks through her signature SAIL Method to uncover the deeper lifestyle considerations behind this choice. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by a big decision, this episode will help you think beyond the obvious factors and make a confident, values-aligned choice. Plus, learn how you can submit your own question for a future episode!

I know all too well the struggles with making decisions. I used to agonize over the right choices, change my mind, and rely on others to make decisions for me. That's all changed, this episode dives into how I've become a much faster and more confident decision-maker. I focus in on the single most important factor in your decision making as a Christian. Tune in to learn what it takes to find peace and clarity in your big decisions.

In this impactful episode, we explore Andy Stanley's concept of "The Principle of the Path," emphasizing the importance of making wise choices in our decision-making processes. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their current decisions by asking, "What is the wise choice?" It highlights how our actions, rather than intentions, determine our destinations, illustrating this with real-life examples such as financial decisions, parenting, and career choices. By considering the long-term implications of our decisions, seeking wisdom from the Bible, and consulting trusted advisors, we can align our actions with our goals and God's guidance, ensuring we stay on the right path.

In this episode of 'The Anchored Decisions Show,' host Lauren Black speaks with Rachel Mitchell about nurturing good decision-making skills in children. Both discuss their experiences with their children—Rachel with two teenage boys and Lauren with her younger boys—and the practices they use to involve them in decision-making. Rachel shares about their family's transition between homeschooling and public school, emphasizing the importance of fasting and prayer in their decision-making process. They also delve into teaching kids practical decision-making from a young age, including the involvement of scriptures and spiritual habits. Furthermore, the episode highlights the benefits of family discussions and maintaining quality time without electronic distractions. Rachel offers practical tips and stresses the importance of seeking guidance from experienced parents, being rooted in the word of God, and instilling these values in everyday life.

In this episode of Anchored Decisions, Lauren is joined by Interior Designer Michaela Farwell to explore how to bring your unique home design style to life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the endless design choices or unsure if your vision flows from room to room, Michaela shares expert tips on how to hone in on your personal style. We discuss the importance of getting feedback to ensure your design flows, how to balance current trends with timeless elements, and how to create a blend of styles that feels uniquely yours. Plus, Michaela provides practical advice on how to manage design projects without feeling overwhelmed and how to strike the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality. Tune in for a conversation that will inspire you to transform your space into a home that truly reflects you.

In this podcast episode, host Lauren Black discusses the importance of helping children discover their career paths early in life. Inspired by her own experiences volunteering with youth groups, Lauren believes setting kids up for success involves guiding them towards careers that align with their passions and aptitudes. Special guest Anna McLaughlin, a certified life coach and former corporate lawyer, shares how she helps her young children explore their interests through homeschooling and career-minded activities. They discuss the significance of recognizing each child's unique traits and encouraging them in meaningful ways, even outside traditional schooling methods. The episode emphasizes the importance of real-world experiences, continuous encouragement, and faithfulness in nurturing children's career aspirations.

Should Christians send their kids to public school? In this episode, Lauren shares her experience of how she decided to send her son to public school. Lauren shares the pros and cons of the school choices she was debating between: public school, private school, charter school, homeschool and homeschool co-ops/hybrids. Lauren shares about her decision-making framework, the SAIL Method, and how she formatted those for school decisions.

Struggling with negative thoughts, making assumptions, or self-criticism? In this episode, Lauren offers a 3-step process for extinguishing the negative voices in your head and distinguishing what's true. Learn how to catch your lies and negative thoughts before they affect your mood, words, actions, and emotions. The steps include taking captive the negative thoughts, putting your thoughts on trial, and acting based on facts. By examining different types of negative thoughts and employing a thorough investigation process, you can discern the truth and let go of unfounded worries. With practical advice rooted in scripture, this episode equips you to transform your mindset and live by the truth.

In this episode, licensed therapist Kimberly Christian shares about "The Christian Method" and the principles behind it... a faith-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program meant to help you identify your thoughts vs feelings in order to maintain a strong and healthy mental state. She shares what the differences are between thoughts and feelings — and which one is more likely to get you into trouble. Then Kimberly dives into how to capture and reshape your negative thought patterns, why this matters to God, and a few personal stories of how she's conquered this in her own life.