The SavvyCast

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!

From Atheist to Catholic: My Son-in-Law Sean Hiller's Faith Journey

In this week's episode, I sit down with my son-in-law, Sean Hiller, to hear the powerful story of how he went from being an atheist for nearly a decade to eventually becoming a Christian and later converting to Catholicism. Sean also runs a YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@LectiowithSeanHiller/videos] where he shares content and discussions centered around Catholic beliefs applied to real-world topics. Sean opens up about the questions and experiences that challenged his worldview, including the role my daughter Ellie and my husband Zane played in his faith journey. We also dive into deep conversations surrounding the Eucharist, predestination vs. free will, Catholicism vs. Orthodoxy, and whether God is truly indifferent to what we believe. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * Sean's testimony of going from Southern Baptist to atheist * Why Sean drifted away from Christianity as a teenager * The question that challenged Sean's atheist worldview: "What is love?" * How Ellie influenced Sean's perspective on faith and Christianity * The Bible study Sean never wanted to attend * How a debate about predestination vs. free will impacted him * How Zane unexpectedly played a major role in Sean's Catholic journey * The questions about Catholicism Sean couldn't answer * Why the Eucharist completely changed Sean's perspective * Why Sean chose Catholicism over Orthodoxy * Sean's thoughts on visiting Rome and whether Catholics should go * Whether Sean's entire family is Catholic today * Sean weighs in on the question: "Is God indifferent to what you believe?" 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] * Reasons to Believe by Scott Hahn [https://amzn.to/492ijhz] * The Confessions of St. Augustine [https://amzn.to/4tvOME9] * The Case for Jesus by Brant Pitre [https://amzn.to/4wAT7Jc] 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! 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]

A Life Update: The Story Behind Our New Lake Home

In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind a big transition for our family and what led us to sell the farm and purchase our new lake home. I talk about why we wanted another place where our family could slow down, gather together, and create special memories with our grandchildren. Plus, I dive into what we were looking for in our next little getaway home. I share how we ended up choosing a Saunders Bridge home, what the process has been like so far, and why we already love it so much. We just had our very first furniture installation last weekend, so it truly feels like this new chapter is starting to come to life! WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * Why we made the decision to sell the farm * What we were hoping to find in our next getaway home * Why quality time with our grandchildren played such a big role in this decision * How we discovered Saunders Bridge homes * What stood out to us during the home-buying process * Why this lake house immediately felt special to our family * What we hope this home becomes for our children and grandchildren 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! 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) [https://familysavvy.com/long-term-marriage-advice-38-years-of-marriage/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-years-of-marriage-what-we-got-right-what-wed-do/id1476058396?i=1000761967235] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/08WW6yqTpkeONMtsdpp8Eg?si=80a9rFL_TZm9TOzyTStO3Q] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/sdBgTOAAj-A?si=o3o7xtH08gprYFRV] Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell [https://familysavvy.com/are-your-marriage-expectations-too-high-heres-how-to-tell/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-your-marriage-expectations-too-high-heres-how-to-tell/id1476058396?i=1000760638437] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71jTsdKuelF1yX0GH4ZMRR?si=uc8tzL_4Qu6a6Cy7V2v4hw] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/CsBmzPLwJCI?si=Spn_AA6_PjvhRVLw]

Botox, Fillers, Hair Growth, & Skin Texture: What a Dermatologist Really Recommends

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice around Botox, fillers, skincare treatments, and hair growth, you are not alone. I've had so many of these questions myself, which is why I'm so excited to sit down with my good friend and trusted dermatologist, Dr. Jo Lynne Herzog, for this conversation. We're cutting through the noise and talking honestly about what actually works (and what's not worth your time or money). From injectables like Botox, Dysport, and Daxify, to how we can maintain facial volume as we age, to achieving glowy skin and improving texture—we cover it all. My hope is that you walk away feeling more informed, more confident, and less pressured to chase every new trend! WHAT TO EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE * What we think every woman needs to know before getting fillers * The only filler Dr. Jo feels confident using on her patients' temples * How we lose facial volume over time (and why a facelift isn't the full solution) * Why you shouldn't chase trending treatments or "fad" injectables * How Dr. Jo thinks about achieving glowy, "glass" skin in midlife * Tips for maintaining smooth, healthy skin texture * How Dr. Jo and I met—and why I trust her approach * The differences between Botox, Dysport, Daxify, and other neuromodulators * Why Botox is safe (even though it's technically a toxin) * Whether microneedling with PRP is worth the extra cost * What to do about crepey skin * Dr. Jo's honest thoughts on peptides * Why too much biotin is not a good thing * Hair growth solutions, including oral minoxidil * Whether permanent hair removal actually exists LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Connect with Dr. Jo Lynne Herzog at Elite Skin [https://eliteskin.health/] * Nutrafol Women's Hair Growth Supplements - Vegan [https://go.shopmy.us/p-55653499] * Sunbetter SHEER SPF 56 Mineral Sunscreen Stick [https://go.shopmy.us/p-55653285] 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 EPSIODE? CHECK THESE OUT! Considering a Facelift? 10 Things to Think About Before You Say Yes [https://www.familysavvy.com/considering-a-facelift-things-to-know/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/considering-a-facelift-10-things-to-think-about/id1476058396?i=1000749576669] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5pE9qPSR6Tz1l8zEOeYfx0?si=XSx10p1URX21XdF6Alvjvw] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/dpdAMEqrxpc] Which Beauty & Skincare Treatments Actually Make a Difference (Botox, Sculptra, Microneedling, & More) [https://www.familysavvy.com/which-beauty-skincare-treatments-actually-make-a-difference-botox-sculptra-microneedling-more/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/which-beauty-skincare-treatments-actually-make-a/id1476058396?i=1000718967371] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Vq1xrdUyOIiuYYyHKT2Zp?si=AB-eNtMcS4q_-Hv_R2n29g] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/-bBfZ9BkOR4?si=cU_J-f7h4tntCXKd]

Modern Grandmother Advice: The Sweetest (and Most Challenging) Parts of this Role

In this episode, I'm sharing my heart behind stepping into this new season of becoming a grandmother. I chat about the joys of being "Savvy" to my grandbabies, and the modern grandmother advice I'd pass along to any new grandmother. From the deep joy and delight to the unexpected fears and boundaries, I open up about what it really looks like to step into this new role. From the sweetest moments to the more challenging ones, I hope this grandmother advice encourages you, wherever you are in your journey. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: * My experience in becoming a grandmother * The anxiety and responsibility that can come with caring for your grandbaby * Learning to step back and respect how your children choose to parent * Why defining your role before the baby arrives can make all the difference * Navigating differences in faith and family traditions with grace * Simple, joy-filled traditions I am building with my grand-girls (like Friday night dance parties to 80s music) * The heart behind creating a family vacation home for lasting memories LINKS & RESOURCES * The Grand Hotel [https://www.grand1847.com/] 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! Are Your Marriage Expectations Too High? Here's How to Tell [https://familysavvy.com/are-your-marriage-expectations-too-high-heres-how-to-tell/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/are-your-marriage-expectations-too-high-heres-how-to-tell/id1476058396?i=1000760638437] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71jTsdKuelF1yX0GH4ZMRR?si=uc8tzL_4Qu6a6Cy7V2v4hw] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/CsBmzPLwJCI?si=Spn_AA6_PjvhRVLw] 38 Years of Marriage: What We Got Right (& What We'd Do Differently) [https://familysavvy.com/long-term-marriage-advice-38-years-of-marriage/] * Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-years-of-marriage-what-we-got-right-what-wed-do/id1476058396?i=1000761967235] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0OUk3vI6tWNVCl77DTYEol] * Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/sdBgTOAAj-A]