In Part 2, the conversation shifts from telling our story to how others receive it.
Eva reveals:
The quality of listening directly affects the storyteller’s healing and identity.
People instinctively test whether someone is safe enough to hear their real story.
True healing begins when someone says, “You don’t have to hold that alone — I’m here.”
She also introduces the concept of an “ascetic listener” — someone who lays down the urge to fix, advise, or compare and simply becomes a safe witness.
This episode will change the way you listen, respond, and show up for others — and maybe even yourself.
Learn more about Dr. Eva Bleeker
Learn more about FRLS271.org
Learn more about Kerygma Summit
Part 1: What Story Are You Living In?
In Part 1, Ashley and Leslie sit down with Dr. Eva Bleeker, a professional chaplain and narrative identity expert, to explore a life-changing concept:
👉 We are all living inside a story — whether we realize it or not.
Eva introduces Narrative Identity Theory, the idea that:
Each of us carries a reconstructed past + an imagined future → which shapes how we interpret our present.
Our hardest experiences often have more influence on our identity than our positive ones.
Healing begins when we recognize the story we’ve been telling ourselves — and invite God to rewrite it.
This episode will leave you asking: What story have I been living from? And is it the one God intended for me?
Learn more about Dr. Eva Bleeker
Learn more about FRLS271.org
Learn more about Kerygma Summit
In this episode, Nicole, Ashley, JD, and Leslie dive deep into what it really means to believe that God has a specific purpose for each of us. From wrestling with fear of failure and letting go of comfort, to stories of radical faith, surrender, and God’s perfect timing, the conversation is raw, real, and full of encouragement. Together, they reflect on how God weaves every part of our story—both the struggles and the victories—into His greater plan, and how trusting Him can shift everything.
The FRLS271 Podcast is your go-to space for real talk, bold faith, and a little bit of fun along the way. Hosted by Ashley Bodi and Leslie Pair, this podcast is all about encouraging you to be fearless in your walk with God. With over 100 episodes, you’ll hear honest conversations with authors, speakers, and community partners who share what it really looks like to live out your calling—even when the journey gets tough. Come for the inspiration, stay for the laughter, and don’t be surprised if a few shenanigans break out.
In this episode, we dive into what it really means to trust the resources God has already placed in our hands. Instead of waiting for the “right time,” the “right people,” or the “perfect setup,” we talk about stepping out in faith with what we already have.
This conversation is for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Do I have enough?” or “Am I really equipped for this?” You’ll walk away encouraged to see your resources—time, gifts, connections, and opportunities—as intentional and more than enough in God’s hands.
Learn more about us at FRLS271.org
In part two of our conversation with Nicole Massey Martin, we dig deeper into what it means to embrace who we are as women—even when self-doubt creeps in—and the importance of bringing those moments back to the Lord. Nicole shares the heart and conviction behind writing Nailing It, and we explore how leadership has evolved not only in the church but across every sphere. We also talk about surrendering our ministry ambitions and idols, and what it looks like to walk faithfully through seasons of suffering and sacrifice.
—ABOUT NICOLE MASSIE MARTIN
Leader. Author. Speaker. Preacher. Teacher.
Dr. Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She has decades of executive leadership experience in the church and Christian non-profits and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today. She is also active in her local congregation in Maryland at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.
Prior to her role at Christianity Today, Dr. Martin has served in a variety of leadership and executive capacities including as the Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society, as Executive Minister at The Park Church and Assistant Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.
Dr. Martin is a gifted writer and author of numerous articles including two books: Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. She serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Board of Trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Martin is married to her best friend, Dr. Mark Martin, and they have two amazing daughters, Addison and Josephine.
—
CONNECT DR. MARTIN
Website: https://www.nicolemassiemartin.com/
Get the Book: Purchase Nailing It
Instagram: @drnicolemartin
—
ABOUT FRLS271
FRLS271 is dedicated to creating spaces where women can engage in authentic worship and meaningful community. Our mission is to encourage women to walk boldly and fearlessly in their faith and to lead with confidence and purpose in every season of life.
—
CONNECT FRLS271
Website: http://FRLS271.org
Instagram: @FRLS271
This episode is sponsored by Gateway Printing
In this first part of our two-part conversation, we sit down with the incredible Nicole Massey Martin—author, CFO, mom, and all-around powerhouse. Nicole shares the heart behind her newest book Nailing It, and we dive into the ways women are showing up and succeeding, even when they feel like they’re falling short. We also explore how leadership has evolved over the years, both in ministry and beyond. You won’t want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation!
—
ABOUT NICOLE MASSIE MARTIN
Leader. Author. Speaker. Preacher. Teacher.
Dr. Martin is the founder and Executive Director of Soulfire International Ministries which accelerates thriving for pastors, churches, and younger leaders. She has decades of executive leadership experience in the church and Christian non-profits and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Christianity Today. She is also active in her local congregation in Maryland at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church.
Prior to her role at Christianity Today, Dr. Martin has served in a variety of leadership and executive capacities including as the Senior Vice President of Ministry Impact at the American Bible Society, as Executive Minister at The Park Church and Assistant Professor of Ministry and Leadership Development at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC.
Dr. Martin is a gifted writer and author of numerous articles including two books: Made to Lead: Empowering Women for Ministry and Leaning In, Letting Go: A Lenten Devotional. She serves on the executive council of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Board of Trustees at Fuller Theological Seminary, and on the National Advisory Council for the Salvation Army. She is a founding board member of the Center for Christianity and Public Life and has been inducted into the esteemed Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Dr. Martin is married to her best friend, Dr. Mark Martin, and they have two amazing daughters, Addison and Josephine.
—
CONNECT DR. MARTIN
Website: https://www.nicolemassiemartin.com/
Get the Book: Purchase Nailing It
Instagram: @drnicolemartin
—
ABOUT FRLS271
FRLS271 is dedicated to creating spaces where women can engage in authentic worship and meaningful community. Our mission is to encourage women to walk boldly and fearlessly in their faith and to lead with confidence and purpose in every season of life.
—
CONNECT FRLS271
Website: http://FRLS271.org
Instagram: @FRLS271
This episode is sponsored by Gateway Printing
In part two of our conversation with Jessica Rivers, we dive deeper into the battle for significance and the lies the enemy uses to distract us—especially through comparison and the constant noise of the world. As women, it’s easy to get caught up in measuring ourselves against others or numbing out through endless scrolling. Jessica shares wisdom on how to stay focused on God’s voice and the importance of guarding who we allow to speak into our lives. What distractions is the enemy using to pull your eyes away from truth?
In part one of this honest and powerful conversation, we sit down with Jessica Rivers—a pastor’s wife and mom—who opens up about her personal struggle with feeling insignificant and not enough. She shares how the enemy often speaks lies into her mind and how God continues to gently remind her of her true worth and purpose. This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone in the battle—and that your significance is rooted in something unshakable. What are the lies the enemy tells you—and how can truth silence them?
What’s the thing in your life that’s quietly killing your joy, peace, or purpose—something you need to lay down? Maybe it’s a job, your status, or even pride. How can we build real, honest relationships with others if we’re not even sure who we truly are? Are you praying just to get through the situation, or are you asking God what He wants to teach you in it? And when it comes to your purpose—are you willing to take the next step, even if it feels scary?
FRLS x AWKN Worship Night
At times, we find ourselves questioning our purpose in life, unsure of the path we should take. We may even struggle with trying to be someone we’re not. But God sees us fully—our hopes, our fears, and our efforts—and He invites us to come to Him with our questions, seeking the purpose He has designed just for us.
Are you willing to be uncomfortable when God calls you to something?
In this episode, Leslie Cowart joins us in the podcast room to share parts of her story in part one of this powerful conversation.
Exodus 34 tells us that when Moses descended from the mountain, his face shone with radiance. Our lives should reflect that same glow. When others see you, do they notice the light within you?
Here's our album we mentioned in the podcast: FRLS271 Worship Live, Vol.1
In this episode, inspired by Proverbs 16:9, we discuss those moments when our plans don’t unfold as we envisioned. Each of us shares personal experiences from different stages of life, reflecting on how unexpected turns have shaped our journeys. Ultimately, we’re reminded that God goes before us, guiding our steps and orchestrating His perfect plan—if we choose to trust Him.
In this podcast, we dive into the topic of "expectations"—whether they're the ones we place on ourselves or those we place on others, often without them even realizing it. These expectations can frequently leave us feeling disappointed. What expectations have you had recently that didn’t go as planned, or that you placed on others who didn’t meet them?
In this episode, we dive into the topic of being "busy," especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Why do we constantly fill our schedules? Why is it so hard to pause and be still? What are the reasons behind the busyness in your own life?
In this episode, we reflect on God’s unwavering promises and His presence through life’s highs and lows. Plus, we share details about our exciting March 6th event, featuring an evening with Lisa Harper. How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your journey?
Purchase tickets for our upcoming March 6th event with Lisa Harper! Get tickets on our website.
In this episode, we dive into the idea that there’s purpose in the pain we experience in life. We all go through tough times and often wonder why we have to face certain challenges or why God allows us to struggle. Have you ever been through something that caused you pain? What did you do in that moment, and what did you learn from it? We encourage you to reflect on how those difficult experiences might have shaped you and what valuable lessons you’ve gained along the way.
Our event two weeks ago was such an incredible night full of worship and encouragement that we just can't get enough of it. Hence, why we're releasing it on our podcast so you can take it on the go with you! The choir consisted of all different ages, ethnicities and 13 churches were represented. So incredible. If you want to re-watch it, check out the links below and share with a friend.
Hope shares her journey of meeting her husband in high school, marrying, and raising children together. Years later, a tragedy strengthened not only their bond but also their faith bringing them even closer. Amidst it all, she also started her own business and navigated her health journey along the way.
Learn more about Hope's business - Organized with Hope
Learn more about FRLS271
Hope shares her journey of meeting her husband in high school, marrying, and raising children together. Years later, a tragedy strengthened not only their bond but also their faith bringing them even closer. Amidst it all, she also started her own business and navigated her health journey along the way. Tune in next week for part 2!
Learn more about Hope's business - Organized with Hope
Learn more about FRLS271
