The Start of Something Big

What God Taught Me on Sabbatical

Let's talk about the real reason so many of us stay stuck: fear, lies, and a version of ourselves that’s trying way too hard. In this episode, Vanessa shares what her five-week sabbatical uncovered about rest, identity, and what it actually looks like to stop striving and start abiding in Jesus. If you’ve ever felt burned out, off-track, or like you’re running on momentum instead of peace, this conversation is going to hit home.

Finding Freedom from Pride & Praise

Let’s talk about pride, praise, and finding freedom in Christ. My big sister Melissa Jackson pulls up a chair to share how God used her own struggles with pride, approval, and identity to draw her into deeper freedom. Together, we explore the subtle ways pride can shape our hearts, how praise and recognition can become dangerous if we’re not careful, and what it looks like to live from God’s love rather than striving for it. Resources  * What a Beautiful Mess: Finding Freedom from Pride and Praise [https://a.co/d/03Pwhy8q] Connect with Vanessa Hartsell * Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram [ * https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh] * Book Vanessa to speak [⁠http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request⁠ ] 👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

When Life Falls Apart

Let’s talk about the power of redemption and how Jesus can transform even the darkest seasons of life. Joshua Van Dusen shares his journey from addiction, despair, and suicidal thoughts to finding hope, healing, and purpose through Christ. He discusses the life-changing impact of Teen Challenge, the importance of authentic discipleship, and how God is using Club Christ Ministries to reach underserved youth in Las Vegas. Whether you’re facing your own struggles or walking alongside someone who is, this conversation is a powerful reminder that no story is beyond God’s grace. Resources & Links: * Club Christ Ministries [http://www.clubchrist.org] * Teen Challenge [https://teenchallengeusa.com/] Connect with Vanessa Hartsell * Follow Pull Up a Chair’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh] * Book Vanessa to speak [https://www.ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request] * Learn more about Ignite Life [https://www.ignitelifelv.com/] 👍 If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs it.

How to Make Sense of the Bible

Let’s talk about biblical literacy, why it matters, and how understanding God’s Word can transform your faith. Vanessa Hartsell sits down with Jeannifer Maalouf to discuss practical ways to engage Scripture, overcome overwhelm, and grow in confidence as you study the Bible. Resources & Links: * The Big Picture Bible Study by Jeannifer Maalouf [https://thebigpicture.study/] * Bible Project [https://thebibleproject.com/]  * Bible Study Tools and Commentaries [https://biblehub.com/] * Lisa Turkner's "Unglued" [https://a.co/d/0hDnYUEQ] Connect with Jeannifer Maalouf: * Website [https://thebigpicture.study/about]

You Have More to Give

Let’s talk about mentorship, ministry, and saying yes when God places something on your heart. Vanessa sits down with Equilla Hicks, founder and executive director of Lift One Up, to discuss how a simple journal note became a thriving ministry of mentoring, retreats, local partnerships, and global missions. They explore the power of everyday mentorship, the beauty of serving others, and how God often works through ordinary people who are willing to take the next step in obedience. If you've ever felt unqualified, unsure, or wondered whether God could use you, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him and move forward in faith. Resources & Links: Connect with Equilla Hicks * ⁠Lift One Up⁠ [https://liftoneup.org] Connect with Vanessa Hartsell * Follow Pull Up a Chair's Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pullupachairvh] * Book Vanessa to Speak [http://ignitelifelv.com/speaker-request]