Body and Soul

A Conversation with Whitney Newby

In this episode on motherhood, Whitney joins Janet for a heartfelt conversation about lifting our eyes to Christ and finding true strength in Him. She also shares the practical rhythms that help her care for both her body and soul. After two moves in the past year, Whitney speaks honestly about the challenges of transition and how she’s learning to steward her health and heart in the midst of change. Whitney Newby is a wife and homeschooling mother of four. She creates literature-rich, gospel-centered resources through Brighter Day Press. Whitney is also a speaker and the author of Lift Your Eyes: Daily Invitations to Behold Christ in Motherhood. Connect with Whitney: Instagram: @brighterdaypress [https://www.instagram.com/brighterdaypress/?hl=en]  Website: www.brighterdaypress.com [https://brighterdaypress.com/] Her Book: "Lift Your Eyes" [https://www.amazon.com/Lift-Your-Eyes-Invitations-Motherhood/dp/0736989315/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EQN8ZZ194YAH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GI_Mxz6O6kzPkOKy0cnSS3ONgAsFin7_VZAgdfThrepIQ6gf05cQTklcmOjASOqbJEhmch0WGQy5B1JWJziw-bcej5YYrxDZSga_IcN9CRu5Rm-2CvXWsf92n8GaVPdRJo9gLPDXS57Op0nmFp5-cewpSKlTuVDNY6tSnPSkAbITAbquaConzYtx0KrAbUDkI6GEQJdS0UPnDwuQt3CsGROaCrSZGB8IHiEu3eD_trQ.i06xSqfZXDHPYKmqVFLyGlArW-tWRPJ-L2tqctOTgGM&dib_tag=se&keywords=life+your+eyes&qid=1762809350&s=books&sprefix=life+your+eye%2Cstripbooks%2C172&sr=1-1]

A Conversation with Abbie Halberstadt

In this conversation, Abby Halberstadt shares her insights on the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical health, emphasizing the importance of how hard things shape us and the value of embracing challenges in motherhood. She talks about rejecting mediocre motherhood, the joy of movement along with teaching fitness classes through the years, and the significance of cultivating peace within the family. We know you'll be encouraged to look at your spiritual and physical habits and to pursue faithfulness in your own life after this conversation. Abbie is a wife, mom of ten kids, an author of multiple books, host of the M Is for Mama podcast, a speaker, and a fitness instructor. She’s known for her honest, gospel-centered encouragement to women: especially the reminder that hard is not the same thing as bad. Connect with Abbie: Website: https://misformama.net/  [https://misformama.net/] Instagram: @m.is.for.mama [https://www.instagram.com/m.is.for.mama/?hl=en] Books:  "M Is For Mama: A Rebellion Against Mediocre Motherhood" [https://www.amazon.com/Mama-Rebellion-Against-Mediocre-Motherhood/dp/0736983775/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SPU74R5FZMBT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xx0fZfl2dakeCDgpxYDXQdTC987F-mUGdq2KeR3Ccjg4jBrq5A0G3Ub_0jiQm5fFuvuERkxwPSn_NIQi_eauB49BnAMCeWc_e0ZDzCz-c7CK0OxTpoUaiitrv0ze8Eh2wZtpn11UiBN7Pq2U_Kpm1D4hcfsuTgZYcqy2Ua8fFa5uDneaA_Ahp6ELfPNIknOK9PSd7X73sVrXScaVmBBcAvo8vN-pHXfi3HUJTLjtvY0.nuxFX2LIMvMYBveLrTdIP0zYELrxIFmS2ipLldUF1u0&dib_tag=se&keywords=m+is+for+mama&qid=1769227945&sprefix=m+is%2Caps%2C222&sr=8-1] "Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad: The Perspective Shift That Could Completely Change the Way You Mother" [https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Not-Same-Thing-Bad/dp/0736986758/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2BLMJ3GN3ZD7A&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t3TL1MrYrlXzR6b68b5rTh09wY9o6ynyTqlODeLyBWiK25GTZRnA8-q5Kzj8oIU906s_rtaqRmZynOhpmePFsx6owjO4XYTLf1p05R8peVuZHRaUIezrgGSP-MPWKwgSg8tSEG7Mszcz1yJ7_giq4-35cRm2WdtqLt3WpwsVaB_KwKowsEkvZlgpOxjOD7rP0U3SQflsbVQAmLv-wruobbRoLcgFro8PUElqQsGyQl4.GcgXXpI6h5eTVfCUz7RXBXzhI3lrAcWyy5VY_mnbZw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=hard+is+not+the+same+thing+as+bad&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1769227973&sprefix=Hard+Is+%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1] "You Bet Your Stretch Marks: Finding Beauty and Worth in the Ways Motherhood Marks Our Bodies and Souls" [https://www.amazon.com/You-Bet-Your-Stretch-Marks/dp/0736986774/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28SEUO5SEM3BJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WaeIrDB74X2dPTRQ99ClqQMkG1SXuJvakg7lrUsEp2iicWhHnMJ1g9FHNVw2aiLGt6iPuZAhOfSQn9VoLAJE7ibwUdRLNzTYE5C-_pLvsu7vUlegmOli4xNM6Qha-x5nM3IfH6i5k3lu_6RamhfgBPpJa_Y3E2iVi9DUxrMcNUihKtf5Gc1vzwKkHagF9crQkWl7hvPAgi6NPUbV8-VFGjTYI5sUmsd-LzYbUjkt7I4.r-Xey1-4CB9P4PQjPZWawojCK4vEmUJu1vk11pgAJT8&dib_tag=se&keywords=you+bet+your+stretch+marks+by+abbie+halberstadt&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1769228027&sprefix=You+Bet+Your%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1]

A Conversation With Sarah Walton

In this episode, Janet talks with author Sarah Walton who shares her profound journey through chronic illness and the impact it has had on her life, faith, and family. We discuss her early struggles with health, the complexities of navigating life as a mother of four children with similar health challenges, and the lessons learned about dependence on God. As we explore identity, marriage, the beauty of receiving help, and the hope of resurrection, Sarah shares how suffering has reshaped her understanding of fruitfulness and God’s nearness—and what it means to be held by Him when your body feels like it’s falling apart.  Connect with Sarah: Website/Blog: https://setapart.net/ [https://setapart.net/] Instagram: @sarahpwalton [https://www.instagram.com/sarahpwalton/?hl=en] Books: "Hope When It Hurts" by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1784980730/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1784980730&linkCode=as2&tag=hopewhenithur-20&linkId=1d836464d44078ddd58f040f8e72ce6c] "Together Through the Storms: Biblical Encouragements For Your Marriage When Life Hurts" by Jeff and Sarah Walton [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1784984728/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1784984728&linkCode=as2&tag=hopewhenithur-20&linkId=41b3e1ad7e1851e1dab03c7fbacce502] "Tears and Tossings: Hope in the Waves of Life" by Sarah Walton [https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781914966187/tears-and-tossings-paperback#productView-description] "He Gives More Grace: 30 Hope Filled Reflections for the Ups and Downs of Motherhood" by Sarah Walton and Linda Green [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1784989355?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_11K6J3C4EBN1YQ0S5P9S] "The Long Road Home: A Tale of Two Sons and a Father's Never-Ending love" by Sarah Walton [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1433588919?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ANM1QM6F79BBQV30MCTA&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ANM1QM6F79BBQV30MCTA&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ANM1QM6F79BBQV30MCTA&skipTwisterOG=1] **PREORDER her new book here:  "Jesus Will Meet You There: Finding Strength and Comfort in the Savior who understands" by Sarah Walton and Kristen Wetherell (out July 2026) [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/807918/jesus-will-meet-you-there-by-kristen-wetherell-and-sarah-walton/]

A Conversation with Abbey Wedgeworth

In this episode, Janet interviews Abbey Wedgeworth who invites us to consider how deeply God cares for every part of who we are - both body and soul. She talks about how miscarriage was one piece of opening her eyes to this, and what it looks like to disciple our kids with this truth in mind. Abbey shares the analogy of two colors of playdough mixed together - inseparable, just like our body and soul. We know this conversation with encourage you as you parent your children, or as you consider your own understanding of both spiritual and physical life.  Abbey is a wife, mother, and writer, known for her books Held and the Training Young Hearts series (and a new book coming out March 17, 2026). She’s passionate about discipleship and Bible literacy, and she loves seeing how the gospel transforms the way we think and live. Abbey lives on the beautiful South Carolina coast with her husband, David, and their three boys. Connect with Abbey: Instagram: @abbeywedgeworth [https://www.instagram.com/abbeywedgeworth/?hl=en] Website: https://www.abbeywedgeworth.com/ [https://www.abbeywedgeworth.com/] (join her email list here) Abbey's Resources: Held: 31 Biblical Reflections on God's Comfort and Care in the Sorrow of Miscarriage [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1784984779/ref=as_li_tl?camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1784984779&ie=UTF8&linkCode=as2&linkId=013acf4ce7fdcfd6c074f13b5bc2b033&tag=abbeywedgew01-20] Training Young Hearts Series [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJG13K5T?binding=board_book&linkCode=sl2&tag=abbeywedgew01-20&linkId=e7572223c4d71703d107a305d8571901&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl] Help! I'm Ruining My Kids: A Gospel Guide for the Mom Who's Desperate for Change (releasing March 2026) [https://www.amazon.com/Help-Im-Ruining-Kids-Desperate/dp/0310370256] Referenced by Abbey: "The Body Teaches the Soul" by Justin Earley [https://www.amazon.com/Body-Teaches-Soul-Essential-Healthy/dp/0310368596/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DX1Y8X42FZAM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SW2oYdnZzsXMbI6j14kYksDo1a6nrywgoFIPnQR8UGFjKeGuKw-htvVSHici2FIgXjA5Q28J_GhnH6m0PWOjfv0Fd1kiTgwfe_-OEenVbju2kLB4Q79yKjvzmMrfboKXrjV5NPAkfqruoUz3aTLu2tr9nHMZiVwrtN4tlEeJw3MSEfohx2ZVpugjYOznIySwGMaNXzhluHnezkeqI2WbpoUbUWC2KaZm3Wb5Os3H32I.V3Y06UJIDTaCLorH3ryePWPIHEEmOz0jAV2U4-CzLMY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+body+teaches+the+soul&qid=1763061667&sprefix=the+body+teaches+the+sou%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1] "Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medications" by Michael Emlet [https://www.amazon.com/dp/194527011X/?bestFormat=true&k=descriptions%20and%20prescriptions&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_16_de&crid=1KYRXT04JZ54K&sprefix=descriptions%20and] Christine Chappell: Postpartum Depression Resources [https://christinemchappell.com/ppd/] "Raising Emotionally Strong Boys: Tools Your Son Can Build On For Life" by David Thomas [https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Emotionally-Strong-Boys-Tools/dp/0764239988] "The Anatomy of the Soul" by Curt Thompson [https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Soul-Connections-Neuroscience-Relationships/dp/141433415X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=A2DLEV3QCFLV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7krVGQbWC9HjI8mAq9RCDbXtOlf0M-8nkrF6iX2euI36K1KWKb9bVjmFwD0mRFl45iPshaWT_Ddv6Wmnx82gnuV2RE7ermsuhDIqLeN-25VklcGeMvBdyEcamXWPsqN1xtCS6x1k2B7EN0cY9tnk0kBGaIO2qEb2AWPDqosXzhFVR2cLo-iuZVz_ULKIvvy9UXpsHGAI1e_-7aDtJMCXMfCGzoi3D7MQxgi5BS849bU.27k1-qsagn6BhevdAVwGnHcZN6EgLCNdEV2AgjmbdU0&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+anatomy+of+the+soul&qid=1762809115&s=books&sprefix=the+anatomy+of+the+sou%2Cstripbooks%2C146&sr=1-1]

A Conversation with Mike Pitsenberger

What does it mean to honor God with your body... especially as you age or lead others in faith? We’re grateful to kick off Season 2 with Rev. Michael Pitsenberger, whose life reflects the truth: “Only one life will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”  His 3–4 mile morning prayer walks are one example of how he beautifully unites spiritual and physical devotion. He talks about the habits, motivations, and biblical convictions that have kept him fit in both body and spirit. This conversation challenges and encourages pastors and believers alike to pursue stewardship for the glory of God. In his own words:  “I have one earthly life to live for Jesus and then I go to heaven. There are no redos, no do-overs, no returns to the year before. So I live now with a heightened awareness that this single life we all have on earth will soon come to an end, and if we are Christians we want to maximize our potential and our gifts for the glory of the Lord.”