Welcome to my new Sunday Sermon mini-episodes (10–15 min)! Today we unpack Jesus’ invitation to be peacemakers—not just avoiding conflict, but creating shalom: wholeness, reconciliation, and redemption. We’ll talk about the “third way” of Christ (neither fight nor flight), why silence isn’t peace, and how to practice courageous, principle-filled love this week.

You’ll get: simple prompts, scriptures to study, and a fresh lens for tricky relationships.

👉 Study: “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” by Gary E. Stevenson (Oct GC) + Matthew 5.

If this helps you, like, subscribe, and share with a friend who’s craving real peace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I didn’t like the idea that my life was being ruled by something that happened to me. Then I met Slade Combs—a former Madison Avenue creative who spent 20+ years decoding fear to move billion-dollar markets—and this conversation flipped everything. Slade explains how one unconscious childhood fear quietly drives our choices…and how inverting it reveals a lifelong, portable purpose that fuels clarity, courage, and real momentum.

In this episode, I share why I delayed my season launch to apply this work, how it’s changing my home and my work, and simple ways you can start activating your purpose today.

What you’ll learn

• The single fear that hijacks decisions (and why it doesn’t feel like fear)

• How “inversion” exposes a neurological pathway to your purpose

• Why purpose is a virtue that travels with you through every role

• How to spot self-sabotage as a safety mechanism

• Small daily reps to build a purpose-driven life

Guest: Slade Combs — behavioral strategist; former Madison Avenue creative director

Next step: http://sladecombs.com/lizzy

If this helped you, subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share it with a friend who’s in a season of transition. 💛

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, my friend.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re showing up, giving your all, and still wondering if it matters — this episode is for you.

Season 2 opens with a reminder that the world doesn’t need smaller women. It needs women who stand tall in truth, lead with grace, and live for something higher than themselves.

Whether you’re leading a team, tucking littles into bed, or quietly carrying a vision that no one else can see — I want to remind you that your unseen work is still impact.

This season, we’re reclaiming our voices, renewing our courage, and remembering Who called us here in the first place.

So take a deep breath, grab your coffee, and let’s step into the kind of purpose that cannot be silenced. 💛

If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who’s finding her voice too. Because when one woman steps into her purpose — we all rise. 🌿

💌 Sign up for Season Updates:

https://forms.gle/vyTCd34PZbqEkuUK7

🕊 Download the “Lean Into Your Life” Summer Prompts:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay_Y9QZc06rd9t0neVh7QNXLIt53zfGG/view?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s conversation is one every parent needs right now.

If you’ve ever felt that tug — that quiet guilt that you’re on your phone too much or unsure how to help your kids form a healthy relationship with technology — this episode is for you.

My guest, Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time, joins me to talk about how to navigate technology with grace, not guilt. Together, we explore what it looks like to hold the line with love, to model presence over perfection, and to build connection in a world full of distraction.

This isn’t about rules or fear — it’s about remembering that your home can be a place of peace, presence, and purpose again.

Grab a notebook (and maybe your phone, just for this 😉), and let’s learn how to raise kids who aren’t just safe online, but whole in heart. 💛

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mom, sister, or friend who’s walking the same road. Let’s create homes that look up more than they scroll. 🌿

💌 Sign up for Season Updates:

https://forms.gle/vyTCd34PZbqEkuUK7

🕊 Download the “Lean Into Your Life” Summer Prompts:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay_Y9QZc06rd9t0neVh7QNXLIt53zfGG/view?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this season one finale of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy steps back to reflect on the journey that built a top 100 podcast—without a single dollar spent on ads. Forty episodes in, this show has become more than a podcast. It’s a movement of women choosing purpose over performance, presence over pressure, and truth over noise.

Lizzy shares ten powerful lessons that shaped this season, from learning to start before you’re ready to redefining vulnerability as a superpower. She opens up about what worked, what surprised her, and what’s coming next. This episode is packed with clarity, conviction, and a vision for where we go from here.

Plus, Lizzy introduces a simple summer challenge designed to help you reconnect with what matters most. Season two launches in August. Until then, this finale is your reminder that tiny choices shape big lives, and that you’re more ready than you think.

Sign up for season updates here:

https://forms.gle/vyTCd34PZbqEkuUK7

Download the “Lean Into Your Life” summer prompts Here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay_Y9QZc06rd9t0neVh7QNXLIt53zfGG/view?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy opens up her personal “Lizzy’s Library” to share the books that have shaped how she thinks, leads, and lives. As the second-to-last episode of season one, it’s a heartfelt conversation that blends inspiration with practical wisdom on how stories can guide a bold, meaningful life.

Lizzy highlights Ishmael, or In the Depths by E.D.E.N. Southworth — a forgotten classic about courage and perseverance — alongside The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, a powerful invitation to slow down and reclaim what matters most. She also dives into the Emma M. Lion series by Beth Brower, celebrating humor, authenticity, and rich friendships, before rounding out the list with the 1828 edition of Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, exploring how words can anchor truth and faith in a noisy world.

Through personal stories of reading alone in a childhood treehouse to simplifying her modern life, Lizzy reflects on why these books still spark courage, curiosity, and purpose. She reminds listeners that growth is never a quick chapter — but a story built page by page.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for more depth, this episode is for anyone seeking inspiration to live with greater intention and meaning.

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Referenced Books & Links -

Lizzy’s goodreads profile: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/191614465-lizzy-jensen

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/leaninwithlizzy?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_4EBQ7CZDFPHAJYVCKHTN

Ishmael: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12640204-ishmael-or-in-the-depths

Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: https://amzn.to/44Cbl0J

John Mark Comer Website: https://johnmarkcomer.com/

John mark Comer Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkcomer/?hl=en

Emma M. Lion Series -

Beth Brower Website: https://www.bethbrower.com/

Beth Brower Substack: https://bethbrower.substack.com/

Audiobook Link: https://www.echopointbooks.com/pages/the-unselected-journals-of-emma-m-lion-audiobook-coming-soon

Beth Brower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethbrower/?hl=en

Noah Webster Dictionary Link: https://amzn.to/4l3JRH3

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In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy kicks off her first ever “Ask Me Anything” segment by responding to a vulnerable question from a listener named Julie, who shares, “I’m 57. I feel called to photography. I bought an expensive camera, and I haven’t touched it. Why am I so scared?”

What follows is one of Lizzy’s most empowering episodes to date - a masterclass on how to work with fear rather than against it. She breaks down why fear always shows up when you’re stepping into growth, and why it isn’t a stop sign, but a signal that something important is stirring.

Lizzy shares a practical decision making checklist to help listeners clarify their next steps, along with personal stories of her own moments of uncertainty; from starting a faith-based blog after law school to re-entering the public space after years away. Through it all, she offers powerful reminders: fear means you care, perfection is not the goal, and momentum only comes after you act.

Whether you’re starting a business, a creative pursuit, or a new chapter in your life, this episode is for anyone standing at the edge of something meaningful and wondering if they’re ready.

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy opens up about a humbling experience at a women’s conference that left her feeling small, unseen, and on the outside looking in. What started as a moment of quiet insecurity turned into one of the most powerful personal lessons she’s learned this year: you are meant to be a vessel, not a VIP.

With her perfect blend of honesty and encouragement, Lizzy explores the difference between seeking validation and living with purpose. She offers practical steps for becoming a vessel; someone who carries light, serves with intention, and pours into others without needing applause. Drawing on stories of faith, motherhood, and everyday wisdom (including a one-liner from her daughter that might just change your mindset), Lizzy reminds listeners that true impact doesn’t come from being seen, but from being available.

This episode is for any woman who has ever felt left out, invisible, or overlooked — and needs a gentle reminder that heaven rewards availability, not visibility.

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the chaos in your life wasn’t a detour—but the very point?

In this soul-stirring episode, Anne Bednar—mother of seven, Division I athlete, and cancer warrior—invites us into her sacred story of resilience, faith, and the raw beauty of motherhood.

Anne shares how writing became her sanctuary, how detours revealed divine direction, and why the sacred is often disguised in the ordinary. Whether you’re navigating illness, raising kids, or searching for purpose in the mess, this conversation will remind you of the grace within the grind.

00:00 – 03:40 | Finding Purpose in the Detours

•Why motherhood and chaos are not distractions, but divine soil

•Anne’s life with seven kids, cancer, and radical faith

03:40 – 09:15 | COVID, Connection & The Gift of Friendship

•How a move during COVID sparked a life-changing friendship

•Secret neighborhood rituals and the sacredness of support

09:15 – 14:00 | Twins, Lung Disease & Trusting God Anyway

•Navigating pregnancy with health uncertainties

•Choosing faith when fear could take over

14:00 – 18:45 | Creativity from Chaos: God’s Blueprint

•Seeing divine design in messiness

•Why writing helped Anne create spiritual order

18:45 – 24:10 | Holy Women & Finding Magic in the Mundane

•Reflections from the Kirschiznik exhibit at BYU

•Redefining holiness through everyday motherhood

24:10 – 30:20 | Writing Through the Fire

•Journaling as survival and spiritual expression

•Embracing mistakes in writing and in life

30:20 – 35:40 | Creating Sacred Spaces in Unlikely Ways

•The messy family room that became Anne’s sanctuary

•Why intention matters more than Instagram-worthy design

35:40 – 41:25 | Music, Practice & Meaningful Mess

•Letting go of perfection to find purpose in art

•Teaching kids to serve through their talents

41:25 – 47:30 | One-on-One Moments That Matter

•The power of micro-connections in parenting

•How Anne turned cancer into clarity

47:30 – 53:10 | Embracing Presence Like a Child

•What it really means to “become as a little child”

•Love, presence, and glimpses of divinity in motherhood

53:10 – 58:25 | Service, Legacy & Creating With Christ

•Redefining legacy through everyday offerings

•Small acts of service that shape eternal impact

58:25 – 01:03:45 | Co-Creating a Life That Lasts

•Anne’s hopes for her children and her legacy

•The invitation to create beauty from the mess with God

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Danny and Emily Deaton, founders of Your Living Proof, to talk about faith, healing, and the hard but transformative path of addiction recovery. They share how emotional resilience, spiritual identity, and family support played a crucial role in their journey from crisis to restoration.

Danny opens up about his battle with opioid addiction, his time in jail, and what 18 years of sobriety have taught him about shame, forgiveness, and the healing power of connection. Emily shares her experience of facing an unexpected pregnancy as a college student, and how her parents’ grace-centered response shaped her view of God, identity, and redemption.

Together, they explore how to break generational cycles, create a “safe space” culture at home, and model emotional honesty in parenting. They also dive into practical tools for families navigating addiction—including how to recognize enabling patterns, have hard conversations, and support a loved one without losing yourself in the process.

Whether you’re a parent, spouse, or friend of someone battling addiction, or you’re working through your own shame and setbacks, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and actionable strategies for healing as a family. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to turn pain into purpose and become living proof that no story is beyond redemption.

Connect with Danny & Emily Deaton:

Instagram: @yourlivingproof

Podcast: Your Living Proof Podcast

Website: yourlivingproof.com

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy | @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with artist, author, and designer Sarah Jane Wright for a profound conversation on loneliness, identity, and how to find beauty in life’s wilderness seasons.

Sarah Jane opens up about what it means to follow spiritual promptings without a clear path ahead—sharing how her move across the country, financial uncertainty, and personal health struggles became sacred ground for transformation. Together, they explore the spiritual symbolism of the wilderness, the difference between holy solitude and hiding, and how women can distinguish God’s voice from shame.

This episode is for anyone who has asked, “Why now?” or “Why me?”—and is looking for hope, friendship, and evidence that God is still near. From creative burnout to parenting teenagers, from empty pockets to unexpected callings, Sarah Jane reminds us that we are never too broken or too late to be used by God.

Connect with Sarah Jane Wright:

Instagram: @sarahjanestudios

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with writer, speaker, and faith-based content creator Rachel Tucker for a heartfelt conversation about identity, purpose, and rediscovering what lights you up—even when life feels full.

Rachel opens up about her own journey from early morning seminary teacher to online teacher and course creator. She shares how a pandemic-era prompting led her to start offering spiritual study tools to thousands of women online. Together, they talk about the myth of perfect timing, how purpose evolves across seasons, and why paying attention to quiet, persistent nudges can unlock your most fulfilling callings.

Whether you’re deep in diapers, navigating an emptying nest, or just feeling the sense that there’s more for you to offer, this episode is a beautiful reminder that your mission doesn’t expire. It also doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Connect with Rachel Tucker:

Instagram: @simplyrachelclare

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy Jensen welcomes speaker, mother, and spiritual mentor Jenny Guthrie to explore what it means to trust God through every season of life-especially when your story doesn’t unfold the way you imagined.

From college failure to mission leadership, from MLB wife to spiritual guide, Jenny shares how divine timing, not worldly timelines, has defined her path. Together, they dive into themes of late blooming, trusting God’s voice, and discovering hidden talents in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re navigating early adulthood, midlife pivots, or supporting someone in their own growth, this episode will encourage you to let go of comparison, tune into God’s voice, and find purpose in your own unique unfolding.

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:45 | Introduction & Intentions

•Lizzy introduces Jenny’s unexpected life path

•Highlighting nonlinear stories of faithful women

00:45 – 02:30 | Growing Up & Self-Discovery Begins

•Jenny’s early family life and first glimpses of self-awareness

•Realizing her journey is just beginning

02:30 – 06:00 | Awakening Through Retreats & God’s Vision

•The retreat that shifted Jenny’s spiritual lens

•Catching vision by being around purpose-driven women

06:00 – 08:40 | Contentment vs. Potential

•Balancing peace in the present with God-given potential

•Encouragement for women in their 20s and beyond

08:40 – 11:31 | Blooming in Seasons

•The metaphor of the flower and divine nourishment

•Embracing slow growth as a sacred process

11:31 – 15:59 | College Years & Choosing Devotion

•Failing academically but thriving spiritually

•The transformational power of intentional scripture and prayer

15:59 – 20:12 | Scripture as a Tool for Change

•Why scripture works—and how it softens hearts

•Normalizing the power of faith in parenting conversations

20:12 – 22:14 | Releasing Pressure & Trusting God’s Plan

•Letting go of cultural pressure around performance

•Trusting God’s guidance in raising confident children

22:14 – 25:29 | Rethinking Talents

•Redefining what counts as a talent

•Habits, mindset, and lesser-known gifts that shape us

25:29 – 27:36 | Owning Your Unique Purpose

•The beauty of different strengths in God’s kingdom

•Why comparison blocks divine contribution

27:36 – 30:00 | Marriage, Mission, & Unexpected Leadership

•Marrying her college sweetheart and joining MLB life

•Being called to lead a mission—and transformed by hardship

30:00 – 33:04 | Softened by the Storms

•How pain can harden or soften us

•Letting suffering refine and root us in Christ

33:04 – 38:19 | Seeing God in the Story

•How scripture teaches God’s character through others

•Helping others see God in their own unfolding

38:19 – 42:25 | True Discipleship & Staying Grounded

•Staying humble in the spotlight

•Keeping faith at the center of identity

42:25 – 47:06 | Advice for Young Adults & Mentors

•How to lead with love, not solutions

•What young adults most need from trusted guides

47:06 – 51:15 | Legacy & Life as a Perennial Bloom

•Going back to school and embracing the unexpected

•Letting God unfold your legacy—slowly, beautifully, completely

Connect with Jenny Guthrie:

Instagram: @feedinghissheep_

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with educator, speaker, and belonging advocate Scharman Grimmer for a powerful conversation about parenting, mentorship, and healing the epidemic of loneliness in today’s rising generation.

Drawing from personal experiences and research-backed insights, Scharman shares why every child needs a “Trusted Five” network of adults and how these relationships shape resilience, confidence, and emotional health. Together, they explore how to recognize early signs of relational struggles, why cross-generational connection matters more than ever, and simple ways to create authentic belonging at home, at school, and in the community.

Whether you are raising kids, mentoring teens, or seeking deeper connection yourself, this episode offers actionable tools and timeless principles for building strong, faith-centered support systems.

Connect with Scharman Grimmer:

Instagram: @scharman.grimmer

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the dreams you thought were behind you were actually waiting to be rediscovered on the other side of motherhood?

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with professional violinist, mother of four, and school co-founder Maria Clayton for a heartfelt conversation on ambition, identity, and grace through unexpected turns. From the concert halls of Rice University to a life-changing diagnosis at a 20-week ultrasound, Maria shares how her story of rigor and discipline evolved into one of deep faith, flexibility, and healing.

Together, they talk about what it means to embrace “times and seasons,” how God guides even the smallest details—like a violin teacher in a grocery line—and why your calling might unfold differently than you imagined. If you’ve ever wondered whether your gifts still have room in your life, this episode is your gentle reminder: life is long, and there’s beauty in the pivot.

⸻

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’ve spent years studying the kind of women who light up a room - who hold boundaries with grace, lead with strength, and walk into chaos without losing their peace. You know the type: wise, steady, and completely unbothered.

Here’s the truth - none of them were born that way. They built it. So can you.

In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy shares five habits that changed her life. The kind that will stretch you, wake you up, and invite you to level up. From ditching the martyr mindset to rewriting your mental loops, from finally learning to say no without guilt to using ChatGPT as your personal strategy coach - she gives you real, raw tools that work.

This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more you.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move - this episode is your permission slip. It’s time we stop playing small.

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your greatest trials were actually the starting point of your most sacred transformation?

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Sunny Mahe - former collegiate athlete, NFL wife, and mother of ten - for a raw and moving conversation about redefining identity, finding purpose after loss, and trusting God when everything feels uncertain. Sunny opens up about stepping away from Olympic dreams to embrace motherhood, losing her financial footing after the NFL, and ultimately, walking through the heartbreaking loss of her three-year-old daughter, Elsie.

She shares the small miracles that carried her through - from half a cow showing up on her doorstep to life-changing spiritual impressions - and why her definition of success now has nothing to do with applause or accolades. If you’ve ever questioned your worth during quiet seasons, or wondered if God sees you in your lowest moment, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Connect with Sunny Mahe:

Instagram: @sunnymahe

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often overthink service—imagining it must be big, elaborate, or time-consuming. But what if the most impactful acts are the simplest ones done with love?

In this heartfelt episode, Lizzy Jensen sits down with Brittney Hanks, creator of Home & Kind, to explore why service doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. Brittney shares powerful personal stories—from ignoring a prompting and regretting it, to delivering soup at just the right moment—and offers practical ways to bring kindness into everyday life. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, trying to serve more intentionally, or want to teach your kids about giving, this episode will uplift and inspire.

Chapters:

00:00 – 01:09 | Meet Brittney Hanks

•Brittney shares her background, including her cross-country childhood and entrepreneurial roots

•How moving frequently built her resilience and openness to change

01:09 – 04:20 | From Sewing Swimsuits to Family-Focused Business

•Brittney’s journey from product-based business to digital creator

•Why family and service became central to her brand

04:20 – 07:44 | Becoming the Face of a Brand

•Overcoming hesitation to show up online

•The advice that helped her show up more confidently on camera

07:44 – 10:37 | Simplicity is the Superpower

•Why “too simple to share” is actually what moms need

•The beauty of easy, approachable tips that reduce mental load

10:37 – 16:14 | The Power of Prompted Service

•Brittney’s story of failing to act on a prompting—and what she learned

•How to recognize and follow spiritual nudges in daily life

16:14 – 22:17 | Even the Helpers Need Help

•Serving those who usually serve others

•Why simple acts like a meal or fresh fruit can be surprisingly powerful

22:17 – 26:43 | What to Bring (Besides Dinner)

•Creative, non-intimidating gift ideas beyond dinner

•The magic of snack trays, muffins, and chopped fruit

26:43 – 29:31 | Involving Kids in Service

•Teaching kids empathy by including them in acts of giving

•Using service to counteract entitlement

29:31 – 32:09 | Thoughtful Gifts Beyond Food

•Outside-the-box service ideas like coloring books or airplane kits for kids

•Why small gestures can leave lasting impressions

32:09 – 36:44 | Creating a Home Filled with Light

•How moms set the emotional tone of the home

•Letting kids see your personal spiritual practices in action

36:44 – 41:57 | The Power of Confidence and Purpose

•Why building inner confidence is key to showing up for others

•Encouraging kids to lean into their unique strengths

41:57 – 43:00 | Final Reflections

•Brittney’s legacy: helping people feel capable, seen, and loved

•Mutual admiration and encouragement between Lizzy and Brittney

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most women wait too long to step into their potential - held back by fear, self-doubt, or the belief that success and motherhood can’t coexist.

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Michelle Gifford - marketing strategist, founder of a creative agency, and mom of five - who proves that you don’t have to choose between family and ambition. She shares her no-nonsense approach to building a business that actually makes money, how to silence imposter syndrome, and why “microfails” (yes, failing on purpose!) are the key to long-term success.

From starting her first business while six months pregnant to helping women scale their brands using social media, Michelle breaks down the mindset shifts and strategies that turn ideas into income. If you’ve been waiting for permission to go all in, this is it.

Connect with Michelle Gifford:

Instagram: @iammichellegifford

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @Lizzy.jensen

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:48 | Introduction

•Lizzy welcomes Michelle and shares their history in podcasting

•How Michelle’s first podcast inspired Lizzy’s journey

00:48 – 02:46 | Michelle’s Entrepreneurial Journey

•How she started her first business while pregnant

•Her transition from small-town life to building a marketing agency

02:46 – 04:51 | The Power of Social Media for Women

•How social media empowers women to build businesses

•Why embracing digital tools is crucial for success

04:51 – 06:38 | Balancing Business & Motherhood

•The challenges of entrepreneurship as a mom

•How to redefine success & build confidence

06:38 – 09:55 | How Women Approach Business Differently

•The differences between male and female entrepreneurship

•Why community and connection matter more than ever

09:55 – 13:07 | First Steps for Starting a Business

•The importance of following the money

•Why women must overcome the fear of selling

13:07 – 19:02 | The Reality of Work-Life Balance

•Practical strategies for managing family and business

•How to design a life that works for you

19:02 – 23:29 | Redefining Motherhood & Success

•Separating motherhood from caretaking roles

•Making intentional choices about what work to do

23:29 – 30:12 | Confidence, Community & Finding Your People

•Why confidence attracts the right people

•The power of showing up authentically

30:12 – 39:49 | Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

•How practice eliminates self-doubt

•Why doing the work qualifies you for success

39:49 – 45:23 | Taking Ownership of Your Achievements

•Why women downplay their success

•How owning your wins helps you grow and serve others

45:23 – 47:21 | Michelle’s Legacy & Final Advice

•Encouraging women to step up and use their voices

•Why now is the time for women to share their light

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is it still acceptable to mock and exclude certain faiths while others are fiercely protected?

In this deeply personal episode of Lean In with Lizzy, Lizzy takes on a topic she’s long resisted discussing—prejudice against her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She opens up about her own experiences with religious bias, from being physically attacked as a missionary to witnessing discrimination in business and media.

Lizzy explores the broader implications of religious intolerance, questioning why public outcry is selective when it comes to faith-based discrimination. She unpacks the stereotypes perpetuated in media, including recent portrayals in film and television that distort and demean Latter-day Saints.

But this isn’t just about one faith—it’s about the growing divide in how we treat people of all beliefs. Lizzy challenges listeners to rethink their own biases and invites an open, interfaith conversation on how we can build bridges instead of walls.

If you’ve ever felt your faith was misrepresented or dismissed, this episode will resonate with you.

Connect with Lizzy Jensen:

Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensen

Podcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:45 | A Personal and Unexpected Topic

•Why Lizzy resisted speaking on this subject

•The importance of bridge-building over division

00:45 – 02:30 | Facing Faith-Based Prejudice

•Why the LDS Church rarely responds to public criticism

•How the Book of Mormon musical shaped public perception

02:30 – 05:15 | Personal Experiences with Religious Bias

•From childhood exclusion to missionary persecution

•Business and social opportunities lost due to faith affiliation

05:15 – 09:00 | How Media & Pop Culture Fuel Bias

•The troubling portrayal of LDS members in TV and film

•Why shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives misrepresent faith

09:00 – 12:45 | Standing Up for Faith in Public Spaces

•Open hostility in sports stadiums and universities

•The impact of chanting “F the Mormons” at BYU games

12:45 – 17:30 | Who Are the Latter-day Saints?

•Contributions of LDS members to society

•Breaking down misconceptions about the faith

17:30 – 22:00 | The Bigger Picture: Religious Freedom at Risk

•How prejudice against one faith impacts all religions

•Why believers of all backgrounds must unite

22:00 – 26:45 | A Call to Action for Interfaith Unity

•Lizzy’s vision for a council of faith-driven women

•How to get involved in standing up for faith-based values

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