Straight From The Heart(land)

Christine is so happy to welcome Sarah Lubach back on the podcast for this important conversation about race and the events of the past few weeks. We discuss what we're learning, how we're failing, who's inspiring us and steps we can take to support the Black Lives Matter movement. It's a frank discussion about our own shortcomings and a time of asking questions about white privilege, anti-racism, defunding the police and the next steps we can all be taking to support (and enact) real change in our world. We hope you'll listen and join in the conversation. (Plus, like always, What's Making Our Hearts Beat!)

China's divorce rates skyrocketed after COVID-19 which gets Christine thinking about how all of our relationships - friendships, marriages and co-workers - will fare after all of this. How are we handling our grief? Why do we feel so judged? What resentments are we carrying that will cause damage? And is there anything we can do to protect our relationships?? (Please say yes.) Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Christine is discovering all sorts of quirks of her own and her family's during the quarantine. Plus, quirks that only a quarantine would bring into our lives (hello, social distance parades, zoom happy hours, and wiping down our groceries!). Take a listen to see if you have some of these same Quarantine Quirks! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

It's holy week! That seven days between Palm Sunday and Easter, filled with reflection, worship and traditions. How will COVID-19 change our approach to this coming weekend? I have mixed feelings and some apprehension about it. But, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to make this a holy week to remember by doing one small thing! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

From my quarantine to yours....hello! Checking in to see how everyone is doing and sharing my personal ups and downs, including a major revelation that I got yesterday just when I desperately needed it! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Straight From The Heart(land)! Happy birthday to you!! Christine is celebrating four years of podcast fun and talking about living our lives from a place of being led vs. being driven. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

My word for 2020 changed! Hear why and how this year's word is challenging me to stop riding the emotional roller coaster and start responding vs. reacting. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

In honor of MLK Jr Day on Monday, Christine is sharing frankly about the lack of diversity in her own life and why she thinks that is. True confessions...and plans to change this reality. Plus, crazy winter weather and What's Making My Heartbeat!

I set out to read 52 books (one per week) in 2019. Did I make the goal? Find out in this week's episode, including who are my favorite authors and what are my top picks for best books of the year. Plus, I share all about our holiday break and What's Making My Heart Beat!

When the weather outside is frightful, a cozy movie sounds so delightful! In this week's podcast episode, Christine brings you her top, family-friendly holiday movies. Check this list twice because there's something here for everyone! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Yes, there's much to be thankful for. But before we share gratitude around the table on Thursday, I have a few things I'd like to get off my chest.  Plus, two important questions related to Thanksgiving and What's Making My Heart Beat!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed in your mind or heart? Me, too! In fact, I probably described all of us at some point. But, now more than ever we can all use some soul minimalism.  What is it?? Just like decluttering our homes, two key steps can help us declutter our souls saying goodbye to what is weighing us down. Listen to this week's episode to learn how to slow down, lose the "mom brain" and get back to what's most important. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Christine is turning 45 and talking all about it in this week's podcast, including how unfair it is to peak physically at 22, being compared to Daisy Duke and learning to embrace the phrase, "I don't know."

Didn't lead with a hug? Failed to take them to the doctor in a timely manner? Yep, done it! After a broken collarbone, a sprained wrist and twisted knee (and that's just this fall!), Christine has learned a thing or two about parenting kids through their injuries. Mostly by doing it wrong!  Plus, prepare to have your mind blown by new injury protocols. Oh, and What's Making My Heart Beat, too!

Raise your hand if you're feeling stressed out. {Christine with both hands raised high.} Whether it's a perfect storm of scheduling demands, crazy circumstances you didn't expect, or your own procrastination {Christine raising hands again}, stress is real and we're talking about how to deal with it in this week's episode.

This is the best time of year for tv! All of our old favorite shows return and lots of new ones promise us hours of viewing pleasure. It's good to be a tv watcher right now! Christine shares the scoop on what's coming back, what's new and what shows will have their final seasons this year. Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Ever experienced identity theft?? Christine may have just lost hers! Listen to this week's podcast to hear about her car buying adventure, how she handed over her info, how we all face identity theft (of the heart) every day and how to stay strong! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

Are you a good or bad decision maker? And does faith simplify or complicate your process? Join Christine in this week's discussion about making decisions and how her 20-something self had A LOT to learn! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!

After two crazy incidents involving Kwik Star's grace and generosity, Christine reflects on the generosity of strangers and whether it is easier to give or to receive. (This episode could also be titled, "Why Kwik Star is awesome!")

Just in time for those fall sports contests kicking off this week, Christine is sharing her thoughts on a recent editorial written to rein in unruly sports parents and adult fans. Listen to make sure you're part of the solution, not the problem! Plus, What's Making My Heart Beat!