A Candid Conversation with my Family: The Truth About Zane as a Dad

A Candid Conversation with my Family: The Truth About Zane as a Dad

With Father's Day this weekend, we are revisiting one of the most meaningful conversations we have ever recorded on The SavvyCast. My husband Zane sat down with our three daughters, Ellie, Jud, and Emma, for an honest, candid conversation about what it was really like to grow up with him as their dad. What did he get right? What would he change? And what do our girls treasure most? Whether you are hearing this for the first time or coming back for a second listen, I hope it blesses you this Father's Day! GET TO KNOW MY HUSBAND ZANE Zane is originally from Montgomery, Alabama, and as of 2026, Zane and I have been married for 38 years. In addition to being an incredible husband and father, Zane works as the managing partner with Founders Advisors. He is also the author of 17 Reasons Your Company is Not Investment Grade & What to Do About It. Zane is an Enneagram 3 wing 2. WHO ARE THE TARENCE GIRLS? * Ellie is our firstborn and the typical first child. She is an Enneagram 3, driven, goal-oriented, and independent. She is married to Sean Hiller, and since we first recorded this episode, she has become a mother to my first grandgirl, Anne Parker. * Jud is our second daughter and an Enneagram 2. She is joyful, a peacemaker, deceptively competitive, and a mother to all. Since this episode first released, Jud has married Owen Carr and become a mother to my second grandgirl, Mary Owen. She is also expecting a baby boy this fall! * Emma is our youngest and our "unicorn" daughter. She is an Enneagram 4, relational, fun-loving, candid, and direct. Since filming this episode, she graduated from Auburn University, lived out her dream of moving to California, and now calls Nashville home, where she works as a Partnerships Manager for Logo Brands. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * What Zane was truly like as a dad, in our daughters' own words * The things Zane got right that our girls remember and treasure most * An honest conversation about what he would do differently * Favorite family memories and the moments that shaped who our girls are today * What Zane himself wishes he had done differently as a father LINKS & RESOURCES * The SavvyCast Mother's Day Episode [https://familysavvy.com/a-candid-conversation-with-the-tarence-girls-on-having-jamie-as-a-mom/] * Zane's Book: 17 Reasons Your Company is Not Investment Grade [https://www.amazon.com/Reasons-Company-Investment-Grade-About/dp/1734673230/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1686692381&sr=8-1] * JH Ranch [https://jhranch.com/] * Vulcan Nutrition [https://www.thevulcannutrition.com/?r_done=1] WHERE TO LISTEN * Apple Podcasts [about:blank] * Spotify [about:blank] * YouTube [about:blank] ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! A Candid Conversation with the Tarence Girls on Having Jamie as a Mom * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a-candid-conversation-with-the-tarence-girls-on/id1476058396?i=1000612753118] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2MBEPfroSLCpzzmvtyvQIs?si=uUr_gfZ6SgufLJVwyuUKrQ&nd=1&dlsi=4a0b0aa5be1f4fde] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW9rr9TMpzc] 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (and What We'd Do Differently) * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/38-years-of-marriage-what-we-got-right-what-wed-do/id1476058396?i=1000761967235] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/08WW6yqTpkeONMtsdpp8Eg] * YouTube [https://youtu.be/sdBgTOAAj-A?si=s0YZS4KNkgxXK2wj]

My Catholic Son-in-Law Answers Your Tough Questions About the Catholic Faith

If you've ever wondered why Catholics pray to Mary, what purgatory is, or whether Protestants are considered Christians, this episode is for you. I'm joined again by my son-in-law, Sean Hiller, as we tackle listener-submitted questions and dive into Catholic faith questions answered through Scripture and official Church teaching. From salvation and sin to the personal cost of Sean's conversion to Catholicism, this conversation provides thoughtful insight into some of the most common questions about the Catholic faith. WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * Do Catholics worship the same God as Muslims? Sean explains what the Catholic Church actually teaches about other faiths. * Are Catholics and Protestants both Christian? * Is the Catholic Church the one true church, and what does that mean for salvation? (Including what "extraordinary means" of salvation means) * Why do Catholics pray to Mary, and is that the same as worship? Sean walks through the historical meaning of the word "pray," and why Mary holds a uniquely beautiful place in the faith. * What is purgatory, and why do Catholics pray for the dead? * What spiritual warfare looked like during Sean's conversion, including the strain it put on his marriage and the friendships they lost along the way. LINKS & RESOURCES * Sean's YouTube Channel (@LectiowithSeanHiller) [https://www.youtube.com/@LectiowithSeanHiller/videos] * To Whom Shall I Go? by Ellie Hiller [https://amzn.to/3RGbD2t] * Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catechism-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1648949780] WHERE TO LISTEN If you love listening to the podcast, one of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review. This genuinely helps us reach more fabulous midlife women! You can find The SavvyCast on all podcasting platforms [https://tr.ee/49IaOBDqZd] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKYQGRb8T6a9ritEfVSPNw]. ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller's Faith Journey * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-atheist-to-catholic-my-son-in-law-sean-hillers/id1476058396?i=1000767929277] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k2QbZvNiuDuLE5O25fe0K?si=UepDSjivTG-Zf3Go4sH-nQ] * YouTube [https://youtu.be/y1d8pmgv4q0?si=B_6uFs3qQKsbDx9y] Am I Becoming Catholic? My Faith Journey * Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/am-i-becoming-a-catholic-my-faith-journey-update/id1476058396?i=1000769057527] * Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HngY05xnNbgyyNGSdkAYX?si=kT-C3jySRnSZMQRgWwVfNg] * YouTube [https://youtu.be/963p9IQTFd8?si=cqFCbspNlvYcx-DI]

Why I Stopped Caring What Size I Wear: Midlife Fashion Lessons I Learned from Countless Try-Ons

I'm getting honest about one of the biggest mistakes I made in midlife fashion: letting the size on a clothing tag dictate how I felt about myself and what I was willing to wear. Confidence has far less to do with a number and far more to do with finding clothes that fit and flatter the body you have today. I'm sharing 10 midlife sizing lessons I learned the hard way so you don't have to—from letting go of comparisons to your younger self to understanding how fit, structure, and fabric can completely transform an outfit. If you've ever struggled with sizing, body image, or feeling confident in your clothes, I hope this encourages you to embrace where you are today and dress in a way that makes you feel your very best. LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: Shop the Family Savvy x Ming Wang collection: * Dillard's [https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4042777] * Nordstrom [https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4042789] * Ming Wang's website [https://shopmy.us/shop/collections/4042792] WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms [https://tr.ee/49IaOBDqZd] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKYQGRb8T6a9ritEfVSPNw]. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Tanya Foster: Her New Clothing Line & Best Style Advice for Women [https://www.familysavvy.com/tanya-foster-her-new-clothing-line-best-style-advice-for-women/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tanya-foster-her-new-clothing-line-best-style-advice/id1476058396?i=1000694692995] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5X20wVbcbNfeRsFHxcjGXp?si=5YSKS0dPRN-ULF3_AJAjSQ] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/guVZ41PP-GY?si=a3YZPHIBmqQCAC5b] What It's ACTUALLY Like Working in Fashion [https://familysavvy.com/what-its-actually-like-working-in-fashion/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-its-actually-like-working-in-fashion/id1476058396?i=1000750642280] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3w1j7PDrq0Rv7dGFaG6x5s?si=h9_4MDq1RtCmlQI8qGwiFw] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/AssTojdFJSU?si=yC_P6jEp8Ax-8J48]

Everything We Put in Our Lake House Bedrooms (Affordable Finds + Luxury Touches)

This week, I'm sharing all the details behind the bedrooms at our lake house. I'm diving into the practical finds that have made a big difference: our favorite mattresses, affordable sheets, mattress pads, box springs, and more. I'm also sharing the beautiful design details that have elevated the look and feel of the rooms, including our bedding, bed frames, custom pillows, rugs, and other cozy touches. If you love hearing the "why" behind home design decisions and enjoy discovering pieces that are both beautiful and functional, I think you'll love this episode! DISCOUNT CODES: * RUGGABLE: Use code SAVVY15 for 15% off! * HELIX: Use code FAMILYSAVVY for a special discount! * LEESA: Use code FAMILYSAVVY75 for $75 off! LINKS & RESOURCES: * Stein Studio (My Interior Designer) [https://www.stein-studio.com/] * Elizabeth Fields Designs - Custom Designer Pillows [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131971] SHOP THE BEDDING PRODUCTS: * Nadine Upholstered Standard Bed [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131379] * Curved Bed in Performance Velvet - Moss [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131484] * 100% Linen Wingback Bed [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131509] * Wingback Bed in Performance Velvet - Walnut [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131590] * 7 Inch Box Spring For King Bed Bases [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131660] * Ruggable Kairos Ivory & Blue Rug [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131758] * Ballard Designs Collins Indoor/Outdoor Rug [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131769] * Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131807] * Helix Cool Mattress Topper [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131815] * Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress - Medium-Firm [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131855] * Waterproof Mattress Pad [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61131922] * Lands' End 400 Thread Count Sateen Embroidered Sheets [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61132049] * Giza Cotton Sateen Sheet Set - White [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61132443] * Pillows Medium Firm [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61132514] * Organic Ribbed Cotton Coverlet - White [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61132844] * European Linen Dream Quilt - Mist [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61132879] * Vintage Wash European Linen Bed Cover [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61133004] * European Linen Cotton Stitch Quilt - Mist [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61133028] * European Linen Dream Quilt - Ivory [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61133279] * Organic Airy Gauze Blanket [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61133311] * Matelasse Coverlet - Dried Sage [https://go.shopmy.us/p-61133557] WHERE TO LISTEN: The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms [https://tr.ee/49IaOBDqZd] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKYQGRb8T6a9ritEfVSPNw]. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends! ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THIS ONE OUT! A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-life-update-the-story-behind-our-new-lake-home/id1476058396?i=1000766764906] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1csebCernAEMge2Iydwjig?si=5lAI4fi7TEagiWC0LAGZzw] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/Y8axuRBozzg]

Am I Becoming a Catholic? My Faith Journey Update

A year ago, I shared publicly that my husband had converted to Catholicism and opened up about what it looked like for us to navigate faith differences within our marriage and family. Since then, so many of you have asked where I stand today. In this episode, I'm sharing an honest update on my faith journey, including what aspects of Catholicism have resonated with me, what questions I still wrestle with, and how these conversations have impacted my marriage, family relationships, and friendships along the way. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * I share an honest update on my faith journey * How conversations about faith in our marriage and family have changed over time * The parts of Catholicism that have resonated with me * The specific aspects of Catholicism that still make me pause * How my Church of Christ and evangelical background shaped my perspective * My thoughts on my husband, daughter, and son-in-law becoming Catholic * Why some of these deeper conversations feel harder with immediate family * One of my biggest fears during this process (and how people actually responded) * How respect, listening, and grace have become so important in our family * The main thing still holding me back from becoming Catholic LINKS & RESOURCES * To Whom Shall I Go? by Ellie Hiller [https://amzn.to/3RGbD2t] * Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catechism-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1648949780] ENJOYED THIS EPISODE? CHECK THESE OUT! From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller's Faith Journey * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-atheist-to-catholic-my-son-in-law-sean-hillers/id1476058396?i=1000767929277] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k2QbZvNiuDuLE5O25fe0K?si=r5TQxJPmQwmr_hzo16PEbg] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/y1d8pmgv4q0?si=mpJDtw1geX41UWxs] She Tried to Convert Catholics, Then Became One: Ellie Hiller's Faith Journey * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-tried-to-convert-catholics-then-became-one-ellie/id1476058396?i=1000744427319] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6iItt9jMFN3QEbSTWSD1gQ?si=hYz-kSo3Quebg19tGZ6GtQ] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/3ghZofVfGZ4?si=81bxxgGM6aYbz7Ty] My Husband Converted to Catholicism: How We Navigate Faith Differences in Marriage * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-husband-converted-to-catholicism-how-we-navigate/id1476058396?i=1000710543789] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iOwsx9ZFckOmsufXE9wQM?si=UTwZs3VJTlCw9L0A8A4qxA] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/1jv6Lx1-Lq4?si=BeZJBL1mzehQoaVr] From Bookstore Owner to Author: Annie B. Jones on Owning The Bookshelf & Her New Book * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-bookstore-owner-to-author-annie-b-jones-on-owning/id1476058396?i=1000705821419] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6VkzcMS3aOTNioL8aBKCxV?si=Fy5QUVLvSrmJtg1QmDRA7g] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/qUJnbPsHn0I?si=qcrQJTrgvJV2D8ie] A Peak Inside the Head of an Enneagram 8 * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-peek-inside-the-head-of-an-enneagram-8-with-jamie-tarence/id1476058396?i=1000631269338] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U4ooRJrCQoEl4Y2M6sbyX?si=5oqJH5dyRUW1hlRu5ks_WA] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/XiwpJ0ZQAuw?si=_Bw8cWvp_tELuSdU] WHERE TO LISTEN The SavvyCast is available on all podcasting platforms [https://tr.ee/49IaOBDqZd] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYKYQGRb8T6a9ritEfVSPNw]. One of the best ways to support the show is by leaving a rating and review—I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts, my friends!