Real Honest with Samantha LaBat

Miscommunications lead to fallout

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:41 +0000

Currently obsessed with Netflix’s new reality series, Age of Attraction, and how it highlights that age gaps don’t break relationships - bad communication does.

I am notorious for wanting everyone to read my mind (which, yes, I know is impossible, I never said I was sane) and I will probably be in therapy forever just because I’ll never understand how other people’s brains work, but I’m still trying!!

I love my friends soo much and want them to know that and want to be able to communicate it in ways that make them feel loved, and I also want that from them, but sometimes it’s so hard that it doesn’t feel worth the time or energy.

Let’s get into it.

00:00 Intro
01:29 What I’m learning from God rn
04:54 Goals Check-In
11:33 Topic: Bad Communication Ruins Relationships
20:58 Hard Conversation of the Week
28:12 What I’m Watching Right Now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I’m the only one of me

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:58 +0000

We’ve all heard the saying “comparison is the thief of joy” and social media has made this more relevant than other. Spending so much time watching other people’s highlight reels is a great way to feel inadequate.

I believe we all have a purpose in life, and God made us unique individuals for specific reasons. I wasn’t born to be a mathematician, a teacher, or a scientist. I was born to make art. But I’m also a perfectionist with OCD tendencies and that makes me a really good project manager, which I’ve come to see as a nice career that funds my art.

I’ve found that focusing on my own calling, and not anyone else’s, has given me so much peace. This week, I’m reflecting on how to do that.

00:00 Intro
02:55 What I’m learning from God rn
09:55 Goals Check-In
18:03 Topic: Focus on YOUR calling, not someone else’s
24:06 Hard Conversation of the Week
29:20 What I’m Watching Right Now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 12:00:23 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I grew up pretty pain-adverse. My parents were a bit over-protective and did a little too much for my sisters and I in the name of wanting it to be done correctly, keep everything wrapped in a little bow, and avoid most (or all) of life’s struggles.

Except… that seemed to cause the exact opposite to happen.

We ended up seemingly picture perfect on the outside, but screaming in pain on the inside, because we learned to grin and bear it. Don’t talk about it. Push it down. Fake it til you make it.

Today, I’m reflecting on why the older generations seem so resistant to pain, and how I’ve found that embracing it as part of life and growing through what you go through is healing.

00:00 Intro
02:51 What I’m learning from God rn
08:04 Goals Check-In
11:18 Topic: Heartbreak Happens
20:11 Hard Conversation of the Week
28:44 What I’m Watching Right Now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I’m so sick of running as fast as I can

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 12:00:35 +0000

Reflecting on the need to slow down and rest, and how sometimes getting sick is our body (and God’s) way of forcing us to do that.

00:00 Intro
01:35 What I’m learning from God rn
07:21 Goals Check-In
14:20 Topic: Sick of running
20:29 Hard Conversation of the Week
25:47 What I’m Watching Right Now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Always taking up too much space or time

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 12:00:04 +0000

Are you too much, or are the people who think so just not your people?

00:00 Intro
01:12 Goals Check-In
09:22 What I’m learning from God rn
14:35 Too Much?
21:58 Hard Conversation of the Week
35:24 What I’m Watching Right Now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Grab your passport and my hand

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:00:51 +0000

Let this be your sign to book that solo trip.

00:00 Intro
01:06 Goals Check-in
06:50 What I’m learning from God right now
11:58 Book the Solo Trip!
31:14 Hard conversation of the week
37:01 What I’m watching right now

For more info on solo traveling, following @thejenndanielle on IG & YT and reach out to her to book your solo cruise!!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Never be so clever you forget to be kind

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:00:07 +0000

This week on Real Honest, we explore truth & kindness. If truth without kindness is brutality, and kindness without truth is manipulation, what about being brutally honest for one's own good? If we continue to avoid truth in order to avoid pain, are we actually accomplishing that goal, or delaying the inevitable and making things worse?

00:00 Intro
01:06 Goals check-in
04:44 What I’m learning from God right now
11:15 Kindness & truth
39:00 Hard conversation of the week
45:15 What I’m watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Sanctimoniously performing soliloquies I'll never see

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:00:27 +0000

Why can’t we all just mind our own damn business?

Too many people are out here screaming into the void trying to change the minds and actions of people they don’t know and will never meet.

We’ve been placed in certain people’s lives, and vice versa — let’s focus on the people we do know.

00:00 Intro
00:48 Goals check-in
03:03 What I’m learning from God right now
12:56 Why is it so hard for everyone to mind their own damn business?
27:15 Hard conversation of the week
32:41 What I’m watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

This happens once every few lifetimes

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:00:43 +0000

Last week, we discussed what it means to treat your energy like it's expensive. But are we closing ourselves off to true connection when deciding who can afford it? This week, we're diving a little deeper into questions like "What if we're never on the same page?" and "What if the person I choose to give my energy to doesn't choose me back?"

00:00 Intro
04:20 Goals check-in
09:21 What I’m learning from God right now
23:34 True connection feels so rare
36:21 Hard conversation of the week
44:36 Is it impossible?
45:23 What I’m watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Don’t you know that cash ain’t the only price?

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 11:00:18 +0000

As Taylor said on New Heights, you should treat your energy like it's expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Let's talk about how we can do this, and also what other costs are involved besides energy.

00:00 Intro
05:07 Goals check-in
06:54 What I’m learning from God right now
10:23 Treat your energy like it’s expensive
21:06 What’s the cost?
24:52 Hard conversation of the week
31:47 What I’m watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Time turns flames to embers

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 11:00:27 +0000

Is it better to have loved and lost, or to have never loved at all?

If time lets the fire die, how do we stay motivated?

This week on Real Honest I explore these questions, how they apply to relationships, and process through whether having good friendships in the past is helping or hurting my friendships in the present.

00:00 Intro
03:50 Goals check-in
08:20 What I’m learning from God right now
09:45 Is it better to have loved & lost, or to have never loved at all?
15:17 Hard conversation of the week
29:44 Tayvis engagement reactions
35:24 What I’m watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Were there clues I didn’t see?

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:00:49 +0000

Let's explore the subtle ways our lives are shaped without us even realizing it. Inspired by John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, I examine the unconscious spiritual, personal, and psychological formation happening through our habits, relationships, and life stories.

00:00 Intro
00:41 Goals check-in
04:59 What I’m learning from God right now
09:22 Who are you becoming?
23:46 Hard conversation of the week
31:47 What I’m watching right now

Learn more about Practicing the Way: https://launch.practicingtheway.org/

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

You took the time to memorize me

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:23 +0000

Inspired by a lyric from Taylor Swift’s Stay Stay Stay, let's explore what it takes for someone to really “memorize” you. The small, consistent acts that make someone feel seen, understood, and loved. Whether in relationships or faith, learning to notice, remember, and cherish the details can transform how we connect with others.

00:00 Intro
02:14 Relational intimacy
09:02 What makes you feel known?
14:49 Building intimacy with God
19:50 Hard conversation of the week
32:09 What I’m reading right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Don't you dream impossible things?

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:23 +0000

Have you ever felt like there’s something you were meant to do? A purpose, a calling, a mission—something impossible but deeply meaningful that you’re striving for? What if the impossibility is the point? What if we’re meant to need something bigger than ourselves to dream the impossible, to need God, and to keep becoming even when we don't arrive?

00:00 Intro
02:09 Goals check-in/life updates
07:25 The quote that sparked it all
13:14 The thing you’re meant to do
19:54 Hard conversation of the week
24:50 What I'm watching right now

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I never grew up, it’s getting so old

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 11:00:47 +0000

Healing sounds good. Positive. Rewarding. Exciting, even…until it costs you your comfort. This week, I’m wrestling with a question Lisa Harper recently asked: Do you want to be healed or do you want to be comfortable? Let’s talk about why we resist healing, how comfort keeps us stuck, and what it really takes to let God do the deep work.

00:00 Intro
02:00 Goals check-in
13:30 What I’m learning from God rn
17:04 Topic: When comfort becomes a cage
25:34 Hard convo of the week
34:22 Watch K-Pop Demon Hunters or else

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The Story Behind the Song: Crying All Alone

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 11:00:21 +0000

Breaking down another song I wrote in high school...

00:00 Intro
03:30 Crying All Alone
06:37 Lyric Breakdown

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

You are the best thing that’s ever been mine

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:00:03 +0000

It’s so easy to fixate on what’s missing—but what if what you already have is beautiful, meaningful, and enough? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on the power of presence and the gift of gratitude when we stop obsessing over what’s next.

00:00 Intro
02:50 Goals check-in
04:10 What I’m learning from God
06:38 Topic: What if you already have something beautiful?
19:15 Hard convo of the week
27:47 What are you watching?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

There’ll be happiness after you

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:00:21 +0000

We all have something—or someone—we think we need in order to be okay. But what if happiness isn’t waiting on life to go your way? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on why true peace doesn’t come from getting what you want, but from learning how to let go.

00:00 Intro
01:23 Goals check-in
07:42 What I’m learning from God
12:19 Topic: Happiness isn’t circumstantial
24:16 Hard convo of the week
31:39 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Are you ready for it?

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:00:31 +0000

We all have that thing we’re hoping, dreaming, or praying for—but if it showed up tomorrow, would we be ready? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on the gap between desire and preparation—and why growth in the in-between matters more than we think.

00:00 Intro

00:44 Goals check-in

06:59 What I’m learning from God

17:44 Topic: Are you ready for the thing you want (or think you want)?

26:09 Hard convo of the week

29:29 What are you watching?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

You kept me like a secret, but I kept you like an oath

Wed, 21 May 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This week on Real Honest, I’m reflecting on a quote from Lisa Harper about why real conversations need real relationship. If you’ve ever tried to go deep with someone who just wasn’t ready—or realized you were showing up with oath-level energy for someone keeping you like a secret—this one’s for you.

00:00 Intro
05:37 Goals check-in
07:20 What I’m learning from God rn
17:11 Topic: Relationship Before Conversation
40:58 Hard convo of the week
47:59 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I’m doing better than I ever was

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

A reflection on personal growth and the unexpected ways we evolve.

00:00 Intro
01:47 Goals check-in
03:05 What I’m learning from God rn
05:53 Topic: Personal growth reflection
18:22 Hard convo of the week
30:54 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Would you like to be heard, helped, or hugged?

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

This question is for children, apparently, but I think it applies to all of us and can help those just starting out with communicating their wants and needs to those around them.

00:00 Intro
01:37 Goals check-in
05:59 What I’m learning from God rn
15:43 Topic: Tell your friends & family if you just want them to listen, offer advice, or hold you.
22:49 Hard convo of the week
27:04 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The less you react, the more they’ll share

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How do you react when friends/family share something big with you? Do they keep sharing after that?

00:00 Intro
01:23 Goals check-in
04:27 What I’m learning from God rn
06:10 Topic: Fostering strong friendships by reacting well
20:16 Hard convo of the week
end What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Not because he owns me, but ‘cause he really knows me

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 11:00:00 +0000

How well do you know yourself, and how well do others know you? How do you know that someone knows you well?

00:00 Intro
01:07 Goals check-in
08:31 What I’m learning from God rn
16:56 Knowing yourself and being known by others
29:01 Hard convo of the week
47:27 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The Story Behind the Song: Do You Want Me Over?

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The one you’ve been waiting for! You’re welcome.

00:00 Intro
03:01 do you want me over?
07:57 Lyric Breakdown

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

loml

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Why didn’t anyone warn me about the part of your 20s & 30s you have to spend grieving the life you thought you’d have?

00:00 Intro
00:44 Goals Check-in
02:05 What I’m learning from God rn
03:52 Topic: Grieving the Life I Thought I’d Live
28:00 Hard convo of the week
32:49 What are you watching rn?!

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

& I can’t breathe without you, but I have to

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Most friendships are seasonal. How do you evaluate when it’s time for a friendship to end?

00:00 Intro
00:45 Goals Check-in
04:17 What I’m learning from God rn
05:45 Topic: If I change me, I change we + Letting go
44:06 Hard convo of the week
50:23 Movie rec / what I’m watching rn: Solo

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I said “leave,” but all I really want is you to stand outside my window throwing pebbles

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Why do we struggle so much to say what we mean and to interpret what others mean? Why do we all define things differently? Is it possible to have a healthy and meaningful relationship without fighting?

00:00 Intro + Listener Question

05:23 Goals Check-in

06:23 What I’m learning from God rn

11:09 Can you have healthy relationships without conflict?

30:38 Hard convo of the week

42:45 Movie rec / what I’m watching rn:

Thanks for listening!

Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The Story Behind the Song: Same Old Story

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

It's the same old story that I can't remember!

Written at age 15, baby girl has come so far <3.

00:00 Intro

05:15 Same Old Story (Acoustic Version)

11:22 Lyric Breakdown

27:53 Same Old Story (Pop Version)

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Does the fear of being vulnerable keep you from making deeper connections? Adult friendships require work! Sometimes the puzzle pieces don't fit together and that's OKAY. Ask someone to coffee. So what if they say no? Then you can stay home in your blanket.

00:00 Intro

01:02 Goals Check-in

04:26 What I’m learning from God rn

18:43 Topic: Friendship Fears

41:40 Hard convo of the week

48:11 Movie rec / what I’m watching rn

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The Story Behind the Song: Why

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

I wrote this song for an 8th grade school project that I have very little detailed memory on lol.

00:00 Intro

02:07 Why

08:14 Lyric Breakdown

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Church should feel like the eras tour

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Imagine if Christians were even half as excited to worship and hear the word of God as Swifties were to watch a grainy livestream of a show they’d already seen enough times to memorize.

00:00 Intro

00:49 Goals Check-in

02:49 What I’m learning from God rn

10:09 Topic: Church Should Feel Like A Taylor Swift Concert

25:45 Hard convo of the week

37:36 What I’m watching rn: The Flight Attendant

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

Loss is the companion of progress, not the opposite

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000

How many of your 2024 goals did you accomplish? Not many? Same here. What if that wasn't the point? What if the point was the journey? Looking back and reflecting on how far we've come. It's okay to lose some people or things along the way. You can't bring everyone with you on this journey of life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro
00:51 Goals Check-In
19:11 What I’m Learning from God rn
35:55 Topic - Loss is the Companion of Progress
38:10 Hard Convo of the Week
50:09 Movie Rec / What I’m watching rn

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

PS - Yeah, I know I said I was gone for 8 months and it's only been 4. What is time?

The Story Behind the Song: God’s Always There (and the incorrect theology of 15 year old me)

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Today I’m breaking down another song I wrote in high school and what I know about theology today that makes it so cringe.

00:00 Intro

02:37 God’s Always There

07:47 Setting the Stage

11:57 Lyric Breakdown + A Little Theology Lesson

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

It’s hard to be anywhere these days

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

I’m struggling with a lack of belonging in pretty much every area of my life. How do you guys deal with that?

00:00 Intro

02:56 Goals check-in

04:29 What I’m learning from God rn

08:10 Topic: At least I’m trying?

53:38 Movie rec: My Old Ass, Uglies

Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want. New eps Weds 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

See me nervously pulling at my clothes and trying to look busy

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's back-to-school season. Awkward and uncomfortable is the vibe of the week. Is it wrong to want to skip to the part where we really know each other?

00:00 Intro

01:11 Goals check-in

05:49 What I’m learning from God rn

09:37 Topic: Why is communicating with others so hard and uncomfortable?

23:42 Hard convo of the week: Therapy!

33:42 Movie rec: Speak No Evil

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

You knew the hero died, so what’s the movie for?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Where did we get this idea that relationships are only successful if they last forever? What if we're missing the happy today in pursuit of happily ever after?

00:00 Intro

01:36 Goals check-in

13:22 What I’m learning from God rn

17:18 Topic: Happy isn’t the only positive ending

33:20 Hard Convo of the week

42:48 What I’m watching rn

Thanks for listening!

New episodes Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com

Same big, loud opinion, but nobody’s listening

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It's an election year in the US, which means everyone and their mother is shouting their big, loud opinions into the void and no one is listening. Let's talk about how to be better listeners.

00:00 Intro

00:48 Goals Check-In

06:21 What I’m learning from God rn

17:42 Topic: Let’s listen better

38:11 Hard Convos of the week

52:30 What I’m watching rn

I publish new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT, give or take. I know consistency is key, but I don’t want to publish every week just to be consistent if I have nothing to say.

Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email me at realhonestpod@gmail.com

The Story Behind Cameron’s Song

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

It’s the first song I ever wrote!!

00:00 Intro

00:46 Goals Check-In

04:38 Cameron’s Song

08:47 Lyric Breakdown

14:39 So adorbs omg

…but what if it is?

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Job searching suuucks. It’s so easy to focus on what could go wrong. Let’s focus on what could go right.

00:00 Intro

00:46 Goals Check-In

09:13 What God is teaching me rn

12:26 Topic: What if it is for me?! What if it goes great?!

24:03 Hard convo of the week

24:57 Movie/TV Rec: Netflix Picks: No to Atlas, Meh to The Perfect Find, Yes to A Family Affair

I publish new episodes Wednesday at 6 am CT, give or take.

Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? Realhonestpod@gmail.com

Are we out of the woods yet?

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s talk about anxiety. Her movie, Inside Out 2, is now in theaters.

00:00 Intro

00:52 Goals Check-In

06:10 What God is teaching me rn

11:41 Topic: fear & anxiety

45:07 Hard convo of the week

53:59 Movie/TV Rec: Inside Out 1 & 2

Book Rec: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

New episodes Wednesdays at 6 am CT.

Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? Email realhonestpod@gmail.com.

I think I’ve seen this film before, and I didn’t like the ending

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s talk about consistency in relationships.

00:00 Intro

01:06 Goals Check-In

06:01 What God is teaching me rn

16:07 Topic: Consistency

28:55 Hard convo of the week

54:50 Movie/TV Rec Turtles All The Way Down

But why, though?

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Let’s talk about WHY you want what you want and whether you think it’s a good reason.

00:00 Intro

00:44 Goals Check-In

07:09 What God is teaching me rn

19:01 Topic: Why do we want what we want?

39:20 Hard convo of the week

55:28 Movie/TV Recs

So many fade, but I’m still here

Wed, 29 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Do you ever feel like you’ve been consistent but still get cast aside? Let’s talk about why that may be and what to do about it.

00:00 Intro

00:57 Goals Check-In

01:39 What God is teaching me rn

06:13 Topic: So many fade, but I’m still here

40:54 Hard convo of the week

Movie/TV Rec Challengers, The Bikeriders

Am I bad, or mad, or wise?

Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000

I want everyone to communicate as clearly and efficiently as possible, but sometimes it’s a lot of work.

Let’s talk about the assumptions we make when listening to others, and determine if my approach is bad, mad, or wise.

00:00 Intro

02:01 Notice when you’re making assumptions

28:02 Hard convo of the week

38:44 Movie/TV Rec

Depression isn’t always dramatic

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

You’re probably familiar with depression in the form of someone sleeping a lot, drinking a lot, withdrawing from friends and family, and never leaving their bed. But it doesn’t always look like that. Let’s talk about high-functioning depression.

00:00 Intro

07:13 What depression can look like

33:13 Hard convo of the week

57:54 Movie/TV rec

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

The Story Behind the Song: I Kinda Think

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

I’ve been feeling really sad today so I wanted to do something that makes me laugh. I present to you one of my favorite songs I wrote last year that makes me laugh so much!

00:00 Intro

07:57 The Song

12:09 The Lyrics & The Story

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

For a reason, a season, or a lifetime

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Not everyone comes into your life to stay. Some come for reasons or seasons. How do you differentiate? How do you know when a season is ending or when you just need to work harder? Is it bad to feel indifferent when a friendship ends?

00:00 Intro

00:41 What I’m learning from God rn

12:23 Listener question: how do you practically make your friends feel seen and known?

35:47 Hard convo of the week

46:02 Movie rec: Irish Wish

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

Do any two people actually speak the same language?

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Why does communication have to be so hard, God?!

00:00 Intro

04:52 What I’m learning from God rn

06:13 Goals Check-In

06:31 Expectations

12:38 Being loved vs feeling loved

18:19 Miscommunications

29:38 Can’t replace time but still learning

31:18 Fear of conflict

33:25 More miscommunications

41:44 One conversation is one conversation

42:33 OMG new friends

53:02 Writing stories

58:09 Who gets to be comfy?

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

When do we stop trying?

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

We don’t know how to communicate. We don’t know how to be friends.

00:00 Intro

00:57 Goals Check-In / What I’m learning from God rn / Listener question

13:34 Why friendship gotta be so hard (with storytimes!)

51:04 hard convo of the week

Movie Rec: Not Descendants?

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

A better response

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When you meet someone in school, there's a better response than "What are you studying and what do you want to do with your degree?"

When you notice someone has lost weight, there are a million things you can comment on besides their weight loss.

Let's discuss these better responses. How can we be more kind, more genuine, and more loving?

00:00 Intro

06:00 Goals Check-In

13:27 What I’m learning from God rn

19:46 A Better Response

30:40 Trash

39:07 Movie Rec: Code 8

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com.

The Story Behind the Song: Keep Comin' Back

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Another throwback to a song I wrote in high school lol.

00:00 Intro

03:14 Goals Check-In

03:31 What I’m learning from God rn

04:09 Keep Comin Back

16:06 Reflecting on relational growth

29:50 Movie Rec: Descendants, Book Rec: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Want to talk? Write me at realhonestpod@gmail.com!

Secret agent novel, seminary, and Barbie

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When it comes to anything you do, consistency is key, but also, life happens to your plans. Today I'm giving an update on where I am with my novel, and drawing some interesting connections between the Barbie snubs and what I'm learning in seminary.

00:00 Intro

02:09 Goals Check-In + my writing process

13:44 What I’m learning from God rn, with a Barbie example

24:36 Hard convo of the week

34:11 Movie Recs: Saltburn on Prime Video, Junction on AppleTV

How are your goals coming along? Have you seen Saltburn or Junction? How do you feel about the Barbie noms (or lackthereof)?

Email realhonestpod@gmail.com and let me know!

Do you love the person or the activity?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

When it comes to hanging out with friends, is the activity more important or the people? Are you the type of person who really wants to do a thing or take a trip and then looks for people who also want to do that, or are you the type of person who is just obsessed with your friends and are down for pretty much anything so long as your and your besties can be in the same room?

00:00 Intro

00:41 Goals Check-In

12:41 What I’m learning from God rn

19:00 Do you love the person or the activity?

39:55 Hard convo of the week

51:39 TV Recommendation: Foundation on AppleTV+

Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Setting goals can be overwhelming. When you get overwhelmed it's easy to lie on the couch and do nothing. But if there's a dream singing in your heart begging you to realize it, don't let that go. Hold onto your inner child who still believes.

00:00 Intro

04:25 Goal setting check-in

19:58 What God is teaching me right now

32:27 Movie Rec: The Book of Clarence

Happy New Year! Let’s set some goals.

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

I got a new goals-oriented planner that I’m trying out this year. Check it out here: https://lhagenda.com/

Spend 35ish minutes with me dreaming and planning your future, then email me at realhonestpod@gmail.com and let me know what you're working on this year and how I can support you.

Time to release

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

This is my final episode of 2023, talk to you again in 2024.

Email realhonestpod@gmail.com with any questions/comments/concerns or topics you want to hear about in the new year.

Reflecting on "I'm Coming With"

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Full sermon by Pastor Larry Brey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfhOOkf0Hb8

Responses of the orphan spirit:

I can’t do that
How do I look / what will they think of me?
They won’t accept me
I’m going to fail

Remember: The father always validates the relationship.

How are you, really?

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

When you ask someone how they're doing, how often do you expect more than "fine, you?" and if you don't expect anything outside of that, how do you react when someone honestly answers the question?

Let's dig into it.

The importance of community

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Today we discuss community - church, friends, family - and why you need to find yours.

Why do we choose the wrong people?

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Why do we as people so often choose the wrong person over the person we are meant to be with?

Is this even a thing that we do? Let's dig into it.

00:00 Listener Question

11:04 Applying this weekend’s sermon

19:42 Focus on what’s in front of you

23:41 What do you think? Send answers to realhonestpod@gmail.com.

24:15 TV Rec: Goosebumps on Disney+

The Story Behind the Song: Don't Take My Heart

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

You ever fall in love with someone who doesn't love you back, but also doesn't want you to love anyone else?

An answered prayer

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

00:00 Intro

01:27 An answered prayer story

Watch Lisa Harper’s sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpmsfbzArMI

39:45 Hard convo of the week

46:31 Movie rec: Pixel Perfect. TV: Y’all are going to be so excited when I finish Greys lol

Your irrelevant opinion is not helpful

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

00:00 Intro

06:10 Opinions, when it comes to the lives of others

13:44 Hard Convo of the Week

46:16 TV Rec is still Grey’s Anatomy lol

Let's talk about boundaries

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

People don't have to agree with your boundaries. You don't ask permission, you set them and then inform the other person.

00:00 Intro

03:00 Access

04:07 Communication example

13:36 Relational example

32:32 Hard convo of the week

43:10 Levels of emotional depth

48:15 Movie rec of the week: Equalizer 3 (and Barbie. always Barbie)

The Story Behind the Song: No More Pretending

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Let's go back... back to the beginning...

Walking through one of my earliest attempts at writing a song.

00:00 Intro

01:31 No More Pretending Acoustic Version

08:30 Verse 1

11:43 Chorus

15:11 Verse 2

16:59 Bridge

18:35 Songwriting

19:50 No More Pretending Studio Version

32:02 Hard convo of the week

34:46 Movie rec of the week: Halloweentown

Loving them doesn’t make them the one

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Sometimes, you've gotta let em go.

00:00 Intro

02:17 Relationships as lessons

03:48 Media messaging to girls & women

07:23 Storytime: A brief college romance

16:06 Getting to know yourself

19:34 Irrational thoughts & learning how to love

24:53 Storytime: Teenagers are insane

30:10 It takes more than being in love

32:42 Storytime: Letting a friend go

35:32 Movie rec of the week: Someone Great

The church needs to change how it talks about sex

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Purity culture is a hot mess. Why are we supposed to wait until marriage? Even if the church could clearly explain that knowing lots of people still aren't going to, why isn't the church talking about birth control and helping people be safe and make informed decisions?

00:00 Intro, Trigger Warnings

Check out Theology in the raw: https://theologyintheraw.com/

05:10 God doesn’t weigh sin, people do

08:24 What I learned growing up in church

10:45 You can still struggle if you follow the “rules”

14:59 Relationships & dating; it sucks being a teenage girl

40:00 A note to parents

42:56 Hard convo of the week

46:40 Movie rec of the week: Simulant

Reflecting on “Come Out of the Cave”

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 11:00:00 +0000

00:00 Intro

08:52 Sermon Reflection

“Come Out of the Cave” by Daniel Floyd, guest preacher at Elevation Church on 9/3/23.

Watch the full sermon here: https://elevationchurch.org/sermons/come-out-of-the-cave

26:38 Hard Convo of the Week

31:41 Movie Rec: The Divergent Series

Can straight women & men be just friends for the full length of their relationship?

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Tale as old as time: boy meets girl, they fall in love, happily ever after. The boy's friends are usually boys and the girl's friends are usually girls and sometimes the friends fall in love with each other but what if the boy and girl don't fall in love to begin with?

Let's talk about friendship!

00:00 Intro

02:00 Team No

04:17 Team Yes

06:52 Does race play a part in this?

07:55 Storytime: my first close male friend

22:04 What are you looking for and how did the friendship begin?

29:58 Consensus

31:49 Movie Rec

The Story Behind the Song: Hold Me Another Night

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

As many of you know, I wrote a bunch of songs recently 😈

My favorite, “Hold Me Another Night,” caused quite a stir among my friends so I'm breaking down the lyrics 🫶🏽

00:00 intro

08:17 hold me another night

11:48 writing the EP

16:43 breaking down the lyrics

35:29 hard convo of the week

38:03 tv rec

Everybody needs therapy, especially our parents

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

A common thread in my eGroup is relationship issues with our parents and how to navigate their problematic behavior. Today I'm discussing some of the problems I've had with my own parents and how therapy has helped me on that journey.

00:00 Intro, Why I love therapy

01:47 Situationship still going strong lol

06:20 New perspective + update on the Eras decision

11:17 Translating my dad’s behavior

22:32 Sometimes you have to walk away

46:07 Parenting your parents

54:51 Hard Convo of the Week

01:02:28 Book Rec: ACOTAR #justicefortamlin

Finding a church home is effing hard - part 2

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Finding a church home is not easy. Today, I’m continuing the walk through my church search, from my mid-twenties to the present day.

00:00 Intro

00:40 Part 1 Recap

04:50 Why I didn’t quit church altogether

08:20 Criteria for my ideal church

12:43 Applying my wish list to my church search

19:55 Cute worship leader

35:25 Home

51:42 Please go see Barbie

Finding a church home is effing hard - part 1

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Trigger warning: This episode mentions SA.

Finding a church home is not easy. Today, I’m walking through my experience at the church I grew up in and at the one I attended in my early 20s.

00:00 Intro

00:52 What God is teaching me rn

02:50 Finding a church home

04:00 Storytime: Growing up in a Black Baptist church

25:37 Storytime: Crazies at the Local Megachurch

A rant on expectations

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Are my expectations too high or too low? Let’s start with defining them.

00:00 Intro

00:35 Great expectations

04:15 Defining “expectations”

06:08 I’m a great friend *hairflip emoji*

07:46 Love languages

09:35 An aside on depression

13:40 How many friends does one need?

18:20 Sad girl

21:17 Prioritizing your feelings vs your friends’

29:42 Hard convo of the week

34:32 Movie & TV recs

We need to stop trying to eliminate pain from life

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Have you ever told a friend, "I'm not judging you, I just don't want to see you get hurt"? Do you know you're contradicting yourself? Let's get into it.

00:00 Intro

00:56 Judgement & pain

10:30 Storytimes

28:58 TV Rec

We need to start defining friendships like we do with romantic relationships

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

You know how in a dating relationship there's a point where you discuss needs/wants, goals, titles, and set boundaries? Why aren't we doing that with our friends?

00:20 Intro

00:50 Benefits of dating that could apply to friendships

02:00 The golden rule & love languages

07:15 Friendship zones

10:45 My 4-hour guideline

12:21 Definding friendships like romantic relationships

14:32 Storytime: friendship edition

33:44 Hard conversation of the week: breaking up with a friend

36:41 Movie recommendation

The church needs to change how it talks to single people

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +0000

I'm 30, I'm single, and I go to church. I have zero plans to marry or have children and I'm tired of constantly hearing about how to thrive in my single "season" while I wait for a husband that may not exist. I want to thrive now and forever with or without a spouse and/or child.

00:19 Intro

00:37 Why the podcast?

01:35 The church & singles

30:35 Hard conversation of the week

40:25 Movie recommendation