Welcome to Surviving Sarah. I'm your host, Sarah Bragg and this week, Sherry Surratt joins me for Episode 39. In her personal life, she lives in Parker, Colorado with her husband, Jeff. She has two grown kids and two grandkids. Professionally, she is an author, communicator, former MOPS President & CEO and currently serves as the Executive Director of Parenting Strategy at Orange.

Since she has been through all the phases of parenting and has been married for over 30 years, we have a rich conversation about surviving parenting and marriage.

Hop over to SurvivingSarah.com for links to everything mentioned in today's episode or to shoot me an email to continue the conversation. You can find me @sarahwbragg on Instagram and Twitter.

Abby Banks joins me for Episode 38. When I met her, she just seemed like a normal woman, but after talking with her I realized that she is quite the super woman. She is married with 3 kids and her youngest, Wyatt, is paralyzed from the chest down. Her story is based on how God has carried her through and how healing came in a way she didn't want it to.

Be sure to check out the show notes www.survivingsarah.com/blog/episode-38 for all links mentioned and use the coupon code MOVIENIGHT for a discount from Franklin's Gourmet Popcorn (link in show notes).

Kelly McCorkle Parkison joins me for Episode 37. She is a former Miss South Carolina and made it to the final four in the Amazing Race. She is a pastors wife with 5 kids living in Tennessee. We talk about why she chose adoption, how to handle a grieving child and her ministry LOFT 218. You will hear about my long lost dream of being Miss America and how I am the most unlikely candidate to be on the Amazing Race.

Be sure to check out the show notes at SurvivingSarah.com for the links mentioned in the show.

Kelly Smith joins me for Episode 36. She is a food blogger and cookbook author at The Nourishing Home. She devotes her time there to sharing delicious whole food, gluten free meal plans, recipes, cooking tips and encouragement to help others in their quest to live a more nourished life. We talk about why she has a passion to help others when it comes to health, tips on how to help picky eaters, how to have your kids help in the kitchen without losing your mind and why meal planning is so important.

Christy Nockels joins me for Episode 35. It was sort of a surreal moment chatting with her because I listen to her on spotify all the time. In fact, for July spotify notified me that she was my top listened to artist. And spotify doesn't lie. In this episode, we chat about how she discovered the love for music and songwriting, so many things about womanhood and her Christmas album which you can be a producer on (christynockels.com/christmas) So sit back, grab some coffee or if you are like her, a Dr. Pepper with good ice, and enjoy my conversation with Christy.

The amazing Mo Isom joins me for episode 34. You guys, I love this girl. I heard her speak at The Grove at Passion City this past year, and I immediately contacted our mutual friend and demanded to meet her. Mo came to my house back in June and sat with me at my kitchen table. We talked about motherhood and her story of overcoming adversity--which includes eating disorders, her father's suicide, promiscuity and a horrific car accident.

We laugh and got goosebumps. I'm not lying when I say it was like we had church around my kitchen table. I am so excited for you to hear her story. I know you will be encouraged, inspired and entertained. 

Go to SurvivingSarah.com for links and notes from today's episode. 

Kara-Kae James joins me for episode 33. She is a preacher's wife who lives in Texas with their four kids. You may know her as the executive director of Thrive Moms--a ministry that encourages and equips moms.

We talk about how much we love Target (and no Target isn't a sponsor, but it probably should be), postpardum depression and anxiety, adoption and how she makes working from home work for her.

Julie Martinez joins me for episode 32. She is a single mom whose been a missionary for 22 years. She is the Country Director for People For Care & Learning (PCL) in Cambodia which is an organization that does transformational development to give the poor a working chance while building bridges into their lives so that they can share the gospel.

In my book, Julie is a rock star. She has lived in 4 different countries, been chased by hippos and elephants, survived divorce, surviving as a single mom, and she fiercely loves people and Jesus. If I'm ever pulled over in a foreign country, then I want Julie by my side. When I picture her, I think of the Katy Perry song Roar. She is a champion.

Brenda DeWalt joins me for Episode 31. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three kids. We talk about surviving summer as a work from home mom, how kids most likely are born with a manual on how  to wear your parent down and how we should invent a velcro wall and suit for kids. But in all seriousness, we talk about a lot of other great stuff. She shares her story which includes health struggles, adoption, waiting, failed adoption, and bridge building. In fact, I recorded this episode with Brenda several weeks ago, and the part of our conversation about bridge building is very relevant to what's going on in our country currently. I love seeing God's sovereignty over the timing of this show. 

Sarah Rieke joins me for Episode 30. Sarah sought me out after listening to the show because she wanted some advice to how to start a podcast.  After getting to know her, I knew that her story would truly resonate with many of my listeners. She is a kind hearted, gentle spirited woman who has suffered the loss of children and has a passion to walk with women who also suffer loss. We talk about grieving and fear and what she would say to a women walking a similar path.

The founder of Project Free 2 Fly, Hailey Johnston, joins me for Episode 29. She is a wife and mom of 2 girls who decided to start a non-profit to help support women in her local community live beyond their circumstances. 

We talk about summer living, being intentional with your kids and what it looked like to say "Yes" to God and start a non-profit--when you know nothing about starting something like that.

Shannon Scott joins me at my kitchen table for Episode 28. Shannon is a worship leader, teacher, writer and director of student life at her kids' school. She's been married to Jeff for 17 years and they have three kids ages 11-14.

I met Shannon years and years ago. She and Jeff were actually my landlords back in my single days. We ran into each other this past spring and after chatting for a bit I knew I wanted her to be on the show. We talk about how she grew up in a legalistic culture, how that programmed her view of God and how she is learning to survive shame.

For Episode 27, I chat with Sofia Dickens. She is a wife, mom of 3 and a mompreneur. She is the founder of the company, EQtainment, whose mission is to improve emotional intelligence globally by creating fun and simple tools for practicing social skills and better behavior. 

Sofia and I have such an insightful conversation about emotional intelligence. We chat about parenthood, how to develop your child's EQ and what its like to be an entrepreneur. 

Tindell Baldwin joins me for Episode 26. She wrote a memoir called Popular: Boys, Booze and Jesus. It's an honest read about her story of growing up in a christian home but walking away from God in high school in order to find love and acceptance. It's a story of redemption.

Whether you are a young woman in college or a mother of a teenager or maybe a woman with a similar past, Tindell's story will resonate with you. I particularly enjoyed chatting about perfectionism, shame and fear.

Joy Phenix joins me for Episode 25. She is a wife to Billy for almost 19 years, has two kids and a dog. She spent 27 years working for A&E Networks before starting her own production company. We talked about the insanity of summer, raising tweens and the blend of career and motherhood. You are going to absolutely love our conversation.

Sandra Stanley joins me for Episode 23. She is wife to Pastor Andy Stanley and they live here in the Atlanta area. They have 3 kids--one out of college and two in college. And once they crossed the finish line--the one all parents dream of and became empty nesters--God surprised with them. He led them to become foster parents.

I don't know about you, but as a woman I treasure any time that I get to sit at the feet of a woman who is down the road from me. I want to hear about all the things. And this episode is chocked full of great advice. Advice for foster parents, young moms, wives and all women young and old no matter what stage of life. We also talk about her book, The Comparison Trap, along with what it looks like to choose obedience, to live out the fruit of the spirit and to find your worth in something that doesn't change. Plus, you will absolutely love her survival kit.

Joni Lay from the blog Lay Baby Lay joins me for Episode 22. I bet if you go to your Pinterest boards, you will find images from her blog. Her images are all over my Inspiration boards. 

She is married to Chip and is a mom of 3 young girls. I loved hearing her advice about how to create a joy-filled home. We talk about design, working while being a mom, and challenges in motherhood.

Emily Thomas joins me for Episode 21. She is a wife,mom of 2 kids, nurse and Podcaster. You may have heard her oniTunes with her show, Mom Struggling Well. She is so realand funny and I love that she is not afraid to be honestabout herself. I think that is what draws people to her.

I asked Emily to come on the show to tell her storybecause she has faced almost all the things that we as women fear.She has faced abuse, divorce, infertility and infidelityat different points in her life. And I wanted herto share with you to see that fear doesn't have to ruin youand God can use you no matter what you face

I can't believe we are already 20 episodes in! Thank you so much for listening!! Thank you for subscribing to and sharing the show. More and more people each week are discovering this little thing we have going because of you. 

Jennifer Willis joins me for Episode 20. I met Jennifer a couple of years ago at elementary school pick up time. She is just seemed like a normal mom but as I got to know her, her story unfolded before me. She has faced great loss yet experienced great joy, too. She shares her story today on the show--what happens when life is less than you imagined. When the picture in your head isn't matching what is reality. They lost jobs, lost 5 babies, had a cancer scare and adopted a special needs kid. Ups and downs, but she clings to a God who overcomes.

Annie F. Downs joins me for Episode 19. She happened to be in town and we got to meet and chat at my kitchen table. I love that because that's how I would want to be talking to each one of you. There is something very personal about opening up your home and sitting across from them at your table.

She is a full-time speaker and writer who also happens to have some killer hidden talents that we talk about in the show. We talk about how she went from an elementary school teacher to a published author and communicator along with what its like to be 35 and single. Plus, we have a first on Surviving Sarah--a lightning round. You don't want to miss that towards the end of the show.

Courtney DeFeo joins me for Episode 18. Courtney is a wife, mom of girls and a former marketing professional for Chick-fil-a. She is the creator of a small business called Lil Light O Mine that empowers moms and hopes to change little lives through innovation in the home.

We talk about how she went from her dream job to staying at home with her kids. That choice is hard because no one is giving you a promotion for potty training your strong willed kid. Am I right?! But Courtney shares how she made that decision and how God uses your past experiences and skills in your life as a mom today. She shares some really great practical advice for starting a business and for how to build an authentic faith in your kids.

Jamie B. Golden joins me for Episode 17 of the Surviving Sarah podcast. She is a pop culture extraordinaire where she cohosts a podcast about pop culture called The Popcast with Knox and Jamie. She is also a cake pop baker and digital marketing consultant. 

We talk about how she became a full-time podcaster and cake pop baker. As a single woman, God called her to quit her reliable, full-time job in order to walk blindly into a new season. She talks about how she discovered what her skills were in the midst of being a Jill of all trades. plus, she shares a never before told story about her childhood to which She now has issues with her mailbox (counseling may be needed).

Shannan Martin joins me for Episode 16 of the Surviving Sarah podcast. If you don't know her already, she writes over at Flowerpatch Farmgirl. Shannan and her husband Cory have 4 kids. God stitched her family together in different ways and from different places. And she has experienced over the last few years what its like to get the life you always dreamed of only to realize through losing it that it wasn't what she truly wanted. 

It didn't take long for us to realize that we are kindred spirits--especially unified in our love for gingham shirts. We could have easily talked for hours, but instead we kept it slightly shorter. We talked about everything from books to Netflix to our dream houses to being front yard people and so very much more. Shannan has become a strong voice of influence in a community of people who desire to love their neighbor. 

Lauren Lefevre joins me for Episode 15. She is a stylist and fashion blogger. We talk about how she became a fashion stylist, how she balances it all, and everyday essentials that we need in our closet.

I had so much fun talking about fashion and how it intersects with our faith. Lauren started her business to help everyday people feel the best about themselves that they can.

I'm going to take a personal style challenge and maybe you should join me. Let's choose to be creative and confident in what we wear this week. And to take it one step further--take a pic and post it on Instagram. Tag me @sarahwbragg and #SurvivingSarah so that we can cheer each other on in our creativity.

Jessica Satterfield joins me for Episode 14. I met Jessica a few months ago and she is one of the nicest, most genuine people I know. She is a first grade teacher by day and blogger by night over at GraceWhileWeWait.com

We talk about her struggle through infertility and how they came about adopting their two children. her story has parts of despair but also contains great hope. She shares how adoption changed her life.

Thank you for giving your time to listen to this episode. It means the world to me. Be sure to subscribe to the show so that you never miss an episode. Come find me on instagram @sarahwbragg or at survivingsarah.com and I hope this show helped you survive a little easier today.