The Christina & Dusty Show

15. Coming up roses

LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christina-dusty-show/id1830262851] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qt5jdrooK037zDtdZ7THR?si=e3a4314ff91c4a0f] Dusty [https://dustyhegge.com] has a kamikaze robin trying to break in (Filbert, thank you very much), and Christina [https://christinalynnwallace.com] has a rose bush that’s carrying way more emotional weight than a plant should have to carry. Today, we talk about why feeding ourselves can be such a challenge, which dovetails into a lively conversation around self-care, soul care, and Dusty’s framework for not letting her days get away from her. The heart of it, though, is Christina naming that her perfectionism might be quietly feeding her depression, and how Oxford is gently dismantling an identity she didn’t realize she’d built. We end up somewhere I didn’t see coming — a charcoal fire, John 21, and the way God tends to redeem broken things rather than erase them. CHRISTINA’S LINKS: Website [https://christinalynnwallace.com/] | Substack [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnwallace] DUSTY’S LINKS: Website [https://dustyhegge.com/] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/dustyhegge] | Substack [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] LINKS MENTIONED: * The book Christina is reading: The Anti-Inflammatory 30-Day Reset by Sophie Richards - Get it in the UK [https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/471349/the-anti-inflammatory-30-day-reset-by-richards-sophie/9780241770436] | Get it in the US [https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Inflammatory-30-day-Reset-Simple-Transform-ebook/dp/B0F8PDNCMW] * The book Dusty’s reading - Courageously Soft: [https://www.amazon.com/Courageously-Soft-Daring-Tender-Heart/dp/1540903435] https://www.amazon.com/Courageously-Soft-Daring-Tender-Heart/dp/1540903435Daring to Keep a Tender Heart in a Tough World [https://www.amazon.com/Courageously-Soft-Daring-Tender-Heart/dp/1540903435] | Amazon UK [https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Inflammatory-30-day-Reset-Simple-Transform-ebook/dp/B0F8PDNCMW] * Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund - Get it here [https://www.daneortlund.com/gentle-lowly] * 40 Plant Challenge by Brie Townsend [https://brietownenutrition.com/40-plant-challenge] * Root and Brand Nutrition on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rootandbranchnutrition/] WE DISUCSS: * A plant is just a plant. It’s okay to release something whose symbolism has soured. * Caring for your body isn’t selfish. * Across most diets that “work,” the common denominator is cutting ultra-processed foods. * Perfectionism served you once — be kind to that version of you as you let it go. * The all-or-nothing trap is often what’s feeding the depression underneath. * At its root, perfectionism is a trust issue. * Break your day into quarters. A rough morning doesn’t have to scrap the whole day. * Slow living isn’t always a choice — sometimes it’s a surrender, and there’s intimacy with Christ in it. * God doesn’t always remove our brokenness, but He is always redeeming it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com [https://thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

14. When the grumpy gits pray

Christina [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] and Dusty [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] talk about why they are pissed as punch. Dusty’s daughter got an eye injury, Christina’s husband is sick, and they both need a minute to wallow about well, everything. Once they (we) get it together, we pray and talk about how good our God is, even in the midst of trials, blasphemy, bad leadership (thanks, Trump), and whatever nonsense the world throws our way. LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christina-dusty-show/id1830262851] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qt5jdrooK037zDtdZ7THR?si=e3a4314ff91c4a0f] We’d love for fo you to join us each week! Subscribe below for free. CHRISTINA’S LINKS: Website [https://christinalynnwallace.com/] | Substack [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnwallace] DUSTY’S LINKS: Website [https://dustyhegge.com/] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/dustyhegge] | Substack [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] What we talk about: * Humility and discernment are crucial in navigating current cultural and political chaos * President Trump’s AI image painting himself as Jesus * Prayer and scripture provide peace and clarity amid overwhelm * Christian traditions and community offer stability and meaning * Recognizing and speaking out against blasphemy and heresy is vital for believers Thanks for reading The Christina & Dusty Show! This post is public so feel free to share it. LAST WEEK: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com [https://thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

13. Let the first draft be trash

A conversation about why failure is an important part of creativity. Christina [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] and Dusty [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] talk about seasonal drink preferences and why Squarespace is better than Showit. Dusty shares updates about her solo Company Retreat and how she’s working on submitting a sample chapter to a literary agent. Christina shares a story about her neighbor’s butt and the importance of letting ourselves pursue creativity even if it’s not “publishable,” which sparked an incredible conversation around the value of not hiding or dwelling in our public failures. LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christina-dusty-show/id1830262851] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qt5jdrooK037zDtdZ7THR?si=e3a4314ff91c4a0f] CHRISTINA’S LINKS: Website [https://christinalynnwallace.com/] | Substack [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnwallace] DUSTY’S LINKS: Website [https://dustyhegge.com/] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/dustyhegge] | Substack [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] Chapters 00:00 Adorable Greetings and Garden Adventures 02:54 The Allure of Gardening and Nature 05:51 Dreaming of Devon and Cornwall 08:59 The Healing Power of the Sea 11:58 Travel Plans and Nostalgic Memories 14:53 Unexpected Adventures and Hospital Tales 16:46 Seasonal Sips: Changing Tastes in Alcoholic Beverages 21:09 Reflections on Retreat: Personal Growth and Writing Progress 27:59 Navigating the Writing Process: Embracing Imperfection 34:14 Artistic Journeys: The Intersection of Creativity and Self-Discovery 36:34 Embracing Failure and Resilience in Leadership 39:36 The Paradox of Social Media and Creativity 42:33 Navigating the Pressure of Perfection 45:21 Intentionality and Surrender in Ambition 48:25 The Evolution of Blogging and Content Creation 57:30 Navigating Website Design: Showit vs. Squarespace 01:01:17 Client Management and Website Maintenance 01:02:07 Course Offerings and Pricing Strategies 01:05:29 Balancing Perfectionism and Productivity 01:09:43 Building Community Through Writing Sessions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com [https://thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

12. On fasting and spiritual warfare

Christina [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] and Dusty [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] share a candid and lively conversation about fasting, spiritual practices, and spiritual warfare. Christian shares about all that she’s learned through Lent, and Dusty shares about her conviction to start fasting and embrace this spiritual practice as God so graciously commands. LISTEN ON: Here on Substack, on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christina-dusty-show/id1830262851], or on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qt5jdrooK037zDtdZ7THR?si=e3a4314ff91c4a0f] - or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search “The Christina and Dusty Show” in your favorite podcast player! Want these episodes to come straight to your inbox? Subscribe for free below! CHRISTINA’S LINKS: Website [https://christinalynnwallace.com/] | Substack [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/christinalynnwallace] DUSTY’S LINKS: Website [https://dustyhegge.com/] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/dustyhegge] | Substack [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] WE TALK ABOUT: * The significance of prayer and fasting in spiritual growth * Biblical stories illustrating Jesus’ humanity and divine nature * Theological reflections on the Trinity and Incarnation * The role of spiritual warfare and the importance of spiritual tools * Personal struggles with academic and spiritual challenges, personal journey with fasting * Fasting as a spiritual discipline * Overcoming discomfort in fasting * Trusting God’s grace during fasting If you enjoyed this episode of The Christina & Dusty Show, tell people about it! MORE FROM DUSTY & CHRISTINA: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com [https://thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

11. Bible commentaries, morning routines, and a thrilling conversation about Gilmore Girls and Firefly

Christina [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] and Dusty [https://dustyhegge.substack.com/] share an honest (albeit meandering) conversation about mental overload and theology (per our usual). Christina talks about how few of the biblical commentaries she’s reading for her Oxford studies are in English, and Dusty shares a few tweaks in her routine that have made all the difference. Plus, we have a lengthy discussion about Firefly and Gilmore Girls, because who doesn’t love a good fandom? LISTEN ON: Here on Substack, on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christina-dusty-show/id1830262851], or on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qt5jdrooK037zDtdZ7THR?si=e3a4314ff91c4a0f] - or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search “The Christina and Dusty Show” in your favorite podcast player! Subscribe to get new episodes in your inbox! CHRISTINA’S LINKS: Website [https://christinalynnwallace.com/] | Substack [https://substack.com/@christinalynnwallace] DUSTY’S LINKS: Website [https://dustyhegge.com/] | Instagram [https://instagram.com/dustyhegge] Chapters * 00:00 - Navigating Life’s Chaos * 02:50 - The Struggles of Academic Reading * 05:39 - Engaging with Biblical Scholarship * 08:39 - The Challenge of Interpretation * 11:26 - Wrestling with Theological Concepts * 14:24 - The Relevance of Scripture * 17:08 - The Future of Biblical Understanding * 26:43 - Unexpected Adventures and Travel Tales * 33:08 - Daily Routines and Family Dynamics * 38:31 - Inventions and Problem Solving * 44:19 - Morning Rituals and Personal Time * 52:28 - Melancholy and Hope: The Periwinkle Mood * 53:04 - Fandoms and Pop Culture: A Shared Love * 53:56 - Exploring Firefly: A Space Western Adventure * 55:33 - Commitment to TV Shows: The Journey of Watching * 57:29 - The Disappointment of Revivals: Gilmore Girls and Maisel * 58:49 - Character Development: The Downfall of Rory * 01:01:04 - The Impact of Storytelling: Humanity’s Connection to Fiction * 01:02:37 - The Weight of Expectations: Fan Reactions to Series Endings * 01:05:42 - Personal Connections: Stories and Life Experiences * 01:08:20 - Revisiting Characters: The Complexity of Relationships * 01:11:17 - The Color of the Day: Emotional Reflections LAST WEEK ON THE PODCAST: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com [https://thechristinaanddustyshow.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]