Speak Life With Taylor Nichols

With everything going on in the world today, many of us can be scared to hope or even think about the future. In wrestling with these feelings in our own lives throughout COVID we’ve come to understand how important it is to continue dreaming and holding onto hope, even in the midst of uncertainty. Today we want to encourage you to push past your fear, find the courage to dream as you hold onto hope, even in the midst of so much unknown!  For us, this looks like renovating a school bus and hitting the road on a crazy homeschooling adventure with our kids! As we close out season 4 today, Dave and I talk about leaning in, moving forward, and taking Speak Life on the road in our new schoolie NASH_THECOOLBUS   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

There are so many times that we fail to reach out and connect because of fear. On today’s episode, Lindsey Nobles helps us understand the value of stepping outside of our comfort zone, especially when it’s toward people in a different season of life in order to develop more meaningful connections. We talk about singleness, professional burnout, emotional growth, mental health, life transformation, and the importance of connection - even in the middle of COVID. She really taps into the heart of what Speak Life is all about, encouraging us to find beauty amidst the unexpected and to be willing to embrace the “gray” areas in our lives.  Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here

Dave and I are picking back up with a discussion on marriage as part of our COVID Reflections mini-season. It's been 16 years of REAL LIFE together. If I'm honest, I thought those years would have better prepared us to handle 2020 with more grace. Instead, the pandemic has highlighted the beautifully messy parts of our relationship and paved the way to continued growth as we evolve both collectively and individually. We hope you find encouragement and hope in knowing that we're in the trenches of married life with many of you. Join us as we talk about how quarantine, working from home, and being together 24/7 has impacted our relationship for better and for worse sharing some of the lessons and tips we've learned along the way. Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

As many of us hit the polls today, I wanted to do a special episode that highlights the need for unity in such a time as this. Although this is not a political or a religious podcast, it is one dedicated to learning from one another as we navigate tensions in our lives. With that in mind, I felt a heart tug to speak with Rondell Treviño, about the ways we can come together after one of the most divisive elections of our time, as Christians and non-believers alike. Founder and Director of The immigration Coalition, Rondell shares with us his hope and goal to help people from different sides of the aisle come alongside one another through human kindness, shared connection and truth grounded firmly in love.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter  

We have talked a lot about the tension many have felt in the wake of COVID-19 and today we take that conversation a step further, talking with Anita Lacksman as she shares her family's firsthand experience of contracting COVID-19 at the very beginning of the pandemic. Married to a Doctor, having access to information and resources to support their family, it is a humbling reality to hear just how difficult it was on their family walking through this illness. We also talk about what's been like for Anita, as a woman of color, navigating the social climate that we find ourselves in. We also talk about the role faith plays in either dividing or healing when it comes to racial reconciliation.    Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Our children’s education has been one of the biggest discussion points for Dave and me amidst COVID. Both of us come from a homeschool background, but we never thought we'd actually homeschool our own kids... And we definitely didn't see ourselves purchasing a school bus! In this conversation, Dave and I talk about our fears, our hopes, and the ultimate decision of taking our children's education into our own hands in order to create the space for needed connection within our family unit.    Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Having had the opportunity to witness Morgan Menichini teach, especially in this unique time of virtual learning, I can speak first hand the many ways she loves and encourages everyone around her. Her voice radiates hope and life, as she brings thought and care to everything that she engages. In the midst of a pandemic, political turmoil, and racial injustice, Morgan and I talk about the desperate need for connection during this time, not just for our children, but also for one another. Libsyn Notes: Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Humbling, scary, and downright hard, yet still combined with a mix of tender moments - 2020 has definitely been one for the books. Being that Speak Life is a podcast committed to keeping it “‘real and raw’ it only felt right to “‘go there” with our family's personal COVID experience before asking others to do the same. So, that's exactly how we are kicking off season 4! Reflecting on the lessons, the unexpected gifts, and the chaos surrounding our family’s quarantine experience and beyond!

Intentional, Beautiful, Forgiving and FULL of LOVE, that is my friend Tova Sido. Ever time I hear her story I am humbled by the ways she chooses forgiveness over bitterness and resentment. We talk about the heart behind her book 'Borrowed Courage' as she takes us through her journey of forgiveness following childhood abuse, the loss of four children, and an emotional divorce.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My friend Jessica Honegger hits close to home as she talks about how we moms can sometimes feel like we're on the side lines of life. As author of Imperfect Courage and Founder of the socially conscious fashion brand Noonday Collection, Jessica and I talk about motherhood, marriage, and finding purpose as we navigate everyday life.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Today's guest is all about relationships and shared connection - a topic that I could talk about all day. Alan Graham is the founder of MobileLoaves & Fishes and has been committed to loving the homeless well through this ministry. He has become a nationally renowned voice in helping bring awareness and tangible solutions to meeting the needs of those battling homelessness. He shares with me the his journey to faith, his mission, and the true meaning of 'home'.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Cheryl Luke is the kind of friend that you can talk to for hours. I always find safety in our conversations as she holds space to navigate hard conversations. In this episode she shares how her foundation in faith, family, and close friendships have kept her grounded, especially when navigating the more complicated part of this journey we call life.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Have you ever had that friend that’s the hostess with the mostest...? That’s my friend Brooke Warnock, a soul that embodies what it means to make others feel welcomed and loved. When Brooke and I recorded this episode, I had no idea we would find ourselves stuck in our homes. It’s amazing how this conversation is speaking life into the season we’ve found ourselves in. Homeschool mom of five and co-lead of Lost Valley Ranch, Brooke shares how a life of seclusion led to self-discovery, restoration, and a complete shift in her perspective.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

I am filled with so much hope after my talk with Jonny May. I invited him on the show to share his expertise as a licensed counselor in the midst of COVID 19. He provides a different perspective that highlights the choices we have outside of the demands to 'work' or 'rest'. Tune in as we tackle the reality of fear, isolation, relational tension and grief in such a confusing time.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Have you disqualified yourself from the race? It's questions like these that my friend Lindsey Wheeler says force us to grow beyond our circumstances. In fact, it led her to start her business Bottle of Tears: A Thoughtful Gift of Hope for the Brokenhearted. Lindsey will be the first to tell you that her story still has it's ups and down, battling chronic pain and navigating the effects of trauma with her daughter. From years spent in isolation, exhaustion and one loss after another, Lindsey shares her story of endurance and her continual journey to find purpose and joy.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

If you are a regular listener of the show, you've heard the name Jenn Jett Barrett. I believe during this time of social distancing and uncertainty we can learn from Jenn's Camp Well philosophy - 'just take the next right step.' She shares how simplicity, stillness, and self discover helped her get through the most challenging times in her life. Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, tears, and truth... I believe many of you will walk away feeling encouraged.    Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Prepare your hearts as we dive deep with Cassie Carrigan into her story of love, loss and acceptance. Cassie, her husband, and two children are currently picking up the pieces after the devastating loss of her daughter Radiance and her son Caleb. I'm astounded by Cassie’s continual faith. She shares how she navigates her grief process, what she’s chosen to believe, and her hopes for a new found joy.   Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

This episode of Speak Life is a follow up discussion to Elizabeth Petter’s interview. No one could have prepared me for this powerful conversation with Elizabeth’s dad, Pete Enns. If you’ve read any of his work or have listened to his podcast “The Bible for Normal People”, then you know this is a conversation filled with powerful wisdom. Pete and I talk through his relationship with Elizabeth, how it ultimately led to his own healing, and what he wished he had known as a young parent.    Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

I absolutely love the vulnerability and openness that Elizabeth Petters brings to this episode. She opens up about navigating a childhood filled with anxiety, her journey with mental illness and struggle to find forgiveness. I loved hearing how she’s learned to balance the tension of it all as she is now striving to parent with a new perspective. Get All The Links from Today’s Show Here   Connect with Taylor:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

I’m in the hot seat! We’re kicking off season 3 with a special episode. My dear friend, Jenn Jett Barrett, takes over as this week’s host to discover the heart and mission behind the Speak Life Podcast. We talk about my childhood, my faith, current struggles, and how my community has loved me well. Jenn even spills the beans on my REAL name! It doesn’t get more real an raw than this!   Get All The Links From Today’s Show Here Connect with Taylor: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter