Real Talk With Rachael Podcast

This week on Talk Therapy we are digging into the art of listening. While it is true that some people are more natural listeners than others, it is is still an art that we all must work on in order to have thriving relationships and meaningful conversations. Today we talked about the acronym SOLER when it comes to the art of listening: sit squarely maintain an open posture at times, lean in demonstrate appropriate eye contact relax You can learn more here: https://rachaelgilbert.com/learn-to-listen/ Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Wendy Speake about her new book, The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation. As a trained actress and heartfelt Bible teacher, Wendy ministers to women's hearts through storytelling and Biblical life applications. Co-author of the popular parenting books Triggers and Parenting Scripts, and host of the annual 40 Day Sugar Fast. Wendy lives in Southern California with her husband Matt and their 3 sons, where she blogs about faith and family at WendySpeake.com. We're talking about: “We know that God says come to me, and yet we go to our phones and our pantries…” We know how sugar crashes affect our kids, it affects us in the same way. It’s not just a food fast but a Word feast. Doing the fast together, especially as mothers and daughters, can be a big benefit. Rather than doing it to lose a few pounds, seek God and his righteousness first. Even if your reasons for fasting aren’t perfect, God can still use it. “My sugar fast

This week on Talk Therapy we're talking about what it really looks like to treat your body like God's temple. Renewed: 21-Days to a Submitted Heart, Sound Mind and Strong Body devotional To learn more, please check out my Biblical Body Image series: #32: Real Talk about Biblical Body Image #33: 5 Reasons We Struggle with Body Image #34: The Power of a Submitted Heart & Sound Mind #35: Simple Steps for a Strong Body Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachel we’re talking with Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel Macy Stafford is a writer with one goal: to help people choose love as much as humanly possible. Her latest book is Live Love Now: Relieve the Pressure and Find Real Connection with Our Kids. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of Hands-Free Mama, Hands-Free Life, and Only Love Today. She is a certified special education teacher with a Master’s Degree in education; an in-demand speaker; and a beloved blogger who inspires millions in her weekly blog posts at HandsFreeMama.com and through her supportive Facebook community, The Hands-Free Revolution. We're talking about: Many kids today feel unheard and unseen, that no one knows who they really are. A lot of kids feel micromanaged, there’s no time for fun or trying new things. Adults feel the same kind of pressures that our children do, but silently. We teach our children these damaging ideas because that’s what we’re telling ourselves. When you put a child on a

In the last few weeks on Talk Therapy, we have taken a deep dive into our emotions. This week we are going to put our thoughts on trial. Your root (thoughts) affects your mood (feelings) and your mood affects your behavior (actions)! In other words, renew your mind, and your life will follow. To follow along with today's short episode, download this guide from therapist aid: Putting thoughts on trial (PDF Download) You can also grab the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worksheet that Rachael references in the podcast here: rachaelgilbert.com/thoughts Phil. 4:8, "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." PRAY over your thoughts! If you are feeling brave, leave a review or comment for the show and let us know what God said to you during this episode. That is all for today’s episode of Talk Therapy. Be sure to join us Wednesday for an interview on

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Tracey Mitchell about her new book “Becoming Brave: How to Think Big, Dream Wildly, and Live Fear-Free”. Tracey is an international speaker, a published author of the inspirational Downside Up, TV Host of Life From DFW, and CEO of 'The Winning Woman' Consulting Group. Her love of life is evident, as is her passion for Christ and compassion for hurting people. Living in Dallas, Texas, Tracey is a wife and mom. We're talking about: As we take steps in bravery, fear will lessen. Why is it so hard for women to recognize when we’ve been courageous? “We have to shatter shame before it shatters our destiny.” “Nothing pushes us away from the plan and purposes of God more than walking in disharmony.” Tracey learned to find her steadiness by staying in the word of God every day. Many women suffer silently because they don’t feel like they can come to God. God’s silent presence speaks volumes. Don’t forget to text the phrase “RealTalkGiveaway” to the number 44222

This week on Talk Therapy we're concluding our series about emotions. If you haven't, please listen to parts one and two of this series as well.  In this episode, I'm talking about expressing our emotions and validating the emotions of our loved ones with humility and courage. For more communication tips, please visit rachaelgilbert.com/marriage. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Kate Battistelli, author of The God Dare: Will You Choose to Believe the Impossible?. Kate Battistelli is living proof God can and will use anyone if they’re willing.  Kate experienced infertility, miscarriage, an abortion at age 18, and four failed adoption attempts, which all wreaked havoc on her life. Kate had a life-changing experience as a young actress in New York City, going from understudy to starring as Anna in the Broadway National Tour of The King and I opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances.  Kate and her husband laid down their careers and the Broadway theatre in answer to their first “God dare” and moved out of New York City and into a life of homeschooling and a home business. As their daughter Francesca grew and began expressing her gifts in music and songwriting, they realized there was a far bigger purpose in leaving their careers than they could’ve imagined. Kate is the mother of DOVE and GRAMMY award-winning Christian re

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael we're continuing our series about emotions. If you haven't listened to part one about identifying your emotions, I suggest you start there.  In part two I'm sharing about the importance of feeling our emotions - both good and bad - and inviting God to help us learn through them.  Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Addison Bevere, who just published his new book, “Saints: Becoming More Than Christians”. Addison appreciates the simple things in life—time spent playing with his four kids, late-night conversations with his wife, interesting words that no one uses, a meaningful day of work, and, of course, a good book. Addison is also the COO of Messenger International, an organization that impacts millions of people in over 150 countries through its various initiatives, and the cofounder of SonsAndDaughters.tv. What We’re Talking About: The word Christian is used only three times in the New Testament, but the word Saint is used over 60 times. Christianity today is very individualistic. Saints are disruptive, they play by a different set of rules. We’re called to be Saints every day, where ever we are. Modern-day Christians don’t see their daily life as sacred. If Satan can steal your present he can undermine your future. Grace is unlimited from God. God sees our darke

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael we are talking about emotions. What are they? Why should we identify them? Emotions are not the enemy. The more we embrace them, the less they control us. Not feeling or expressing emotions only makes them grow and get expressed in awkward ways.  You can find the resources discussed in this episode here. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Lisa Bevere about her new book “Strong: Devotions to Live a Powerful and Passionate Life”. Lisa Bevere’s authentic and passionate teachings weave profound biblical truths with practical application. A New York Times best-selling author, her books are in the hands of millions worldwide. Lisa and her husband John are the founders of Messenger International. WHAT WE'RE CHATTING ABOUT: Strong is not wrong. Meekness is not weakness, meekness is self-control. You’re not a threat to the enemy when you’re weak. God is the source of our strength. An idol is what you draw your strength from or give your strength to. We are in a spiritual battle, not one against flesh and blood. In these times, we should build an ark of God’s presence. Repentance is a reset. When we repent we recover our true selves. God wants you to be expectant of good things. It’s honoring to lend your strength to your husband’s strength. Don’t forget to text the phrase “RealTalkGiveaway” to th

This week on Talk Therapy I'm sharing a personal story about how God redeemed something precious in my life and He wants to do the same for you. God is good and it's His desire to bless us. Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Esther Fleece Allen about her book, “Your New Name: Saying Goodbye to the Labels That Limit”. CNN has called Esther one of “Five Women to Watch in Religion,” USA Today has named her one of the “New Faces of Evangelicalism” and Christianity Today has called her “one of the 50 women shaping the church and culture.” She is a graduate of the Oxford Center of Christian Apologetics and is currently in seminary. Her favorite new names are “wife” and “mama” as she is thankful to have a new home with them. What We're Talking About: There’s a difference between the labels you give yourself and the name God gives you. We often get labeled by someone close to us. “Our names are written in the book of life, not our labels.” There’s a difference between sins, inequities, and transgressions. God wants to speak to us through his word. A name change will look different for every person. “I am a daughter of God and that is enough.” God wants you to resign as an employee a

Today on Talk Therapy we are discussing common signs of burnout and how to avoid it.  The following steps can help with self-assessment: Ask yourself difficult questions about how you are. My favorite question to ask friends and clients is, "how is your heart?". Answer honestly. The more honestly you can answer these questions, the better prepared you will be to make changes, as necessary. Utilize this self-care assessment form Try these self-care ideas Don't forget, self-care is a multi-dimensional aspect of ourselves. Look at this wellness wheel and see where you may be deficient. For more resources mentioned in this episode, visit rachaelgilbert.com/how-to-avoid-burnout. Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week on Real Talk with Rachael we’re talking with Dr. Jim Bob Haggerton, husband of Dr. Cindy Haggerton, who is a former guest on our show - an episode that is in the top three downloads of all time for this podcast. We talk about their marriage story from his perspective and how they got things back on track after infidelity in their marriage and how strengthening their marriage helped them take on the valleys that life has given them. Dr. Haggerton describes himself as a super blessed guy who's married to a superhero, father to four kids here on earth with one on the way and one who is waiting on him in heaven. He is a chiropractor by training and lover of all things nutrition and physiology. We're talking about: When your spouse acts out of character, it’s important to give them grace and look for the reasons that might be causing their mood shift. Remember to H.A.L.T during an argument, make sure you or you’re spouse is not Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired before you react to a situation. Red flags i

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael I'm talking about something that I'm struggling with right now - disappointment. Chances are that you are too on some level. The good news is that we're not alone. Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Dealing with Disappointment by Bill Goldner Connect with Rachael on the website, Instagram and/or Facebook.

This week we’re talking with Debra Fileta about her new book, “Love in Every Season: Understanding the Four Stages of Every Healthy Relationship”. Debra Fileta is a Licensed Professional Counselor, national speaker, relationship expert, and author of Choosing Marriage and True Love Dates. She's also the host of the hotline style Love + Relationships Podcast. Her popular relationship advice blog, TrueLoveDates.com, reaches millions of people with the message of healthy relationships. We're talking about: Relationships have a natural “four-season” cycle that happens again and again. Healthy relationships start with healthy singles, so her book is meant for everyone, married, dating, or single. In the beginning or “Springtime” of a relationship, you can easily see if there’s a give and take or if you’re just giving, giving, giving. Summer is the season of intimacy and when we show a little bit more of ourselves. Fall is the season when your true colors start to show through. There can be conflict or compatibili

This week on Talk Therapy with Rachael, I'm bringing to you a simple therapeutic exercise you can use when you feel overwhelmed - it's a different kind of bucket list. Take time to sit with the Lord and ask Him what is in your bucket that He has not given you the grace to carry. Read more here Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”    

This week we’re talking with John Eldredge, who just published a new book, “Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad”. John Eldredge is a bestselling author, a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God’s love, and learn to live in God’s kingdom. John and his wife, Stasi, live near Colorado Springs, Colorado. Today we're talking about: The more time you spend in technology the less time you have to spend with real people, real situations, and even God. John suggests shutting the phone off at 8 pm and not turning to it first thing in the morning when you get up. Set healthy boundaries for your children, no phones at mealtimes or at bedtime. Model the behavior you want to see in your children with social media. Download John’s One Minute Pause app to try it for yourself. Spend the first few minutes of your morning outside to refresh your soul. “Living in an hour like this re