Lean In With Lizzy

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy Jensen welcomes speaker, mother, and spiritual mentor Jenny Guthrie to explore what it means to trust God through every season of life-especially when your story doesn’t unfold the way you imagined. From college failure to mission leadership, from MLB wife to spiritual guide, Jenny shares how divine timing, not worldly timelines, has defined her path. Together, they dive into themes of late blooming, trusting God’s voice, and discovering hidden talents in unexpected ways. Whether you’re navigating early adulthood, midlife pivots, or supporting someone in their own growth, this episode will encourage you to let go of comparison, tune into God’s voice, and find purpose in your own unique unfolding. Chapters: 00:00 – 00:45 | Introduction & Intentions • Lizzy introduces Jenny’s unexpected life path • Highlighting nonlinear stories of faithful women 00:45 – 02:30 | Growing Up & Self-Discovery Begins • Jenny’s early family life and first glimpses of self-awareness • Realizing her journey is just beginning 02:30 – 06:00 | Awakening Through Retreats & God’s Vision • The retreat that shifted Jenny’s spiritual lens • Catching vision by being around purpose-driven women 06:00 – 08:40 | Contentment vs. Potential • Balancing peace in the present with God-given potential • Encouragement for women in their 20s and beyond 08:40 – 11:31 | Blooming in Seasons • The metaphor of the flower and divine nourishment • Embracing slow growth as a sacred process 11:31 – 15:59 | College Years & Choosing Devotion • Failing academically but thriving spiritually • The transformational power of intentional scripture and prayer 15:59 – 20:12 | Scripture as a Tool for Change • Why scripture works—and how it softens hearts • Normalizing the power of faith in parenting conversations 20:12 – 22:14 | Releasing Pressure & Trusting God’s Plan • Letting go of cultural pressure around performance • Trusting God’s guidance in raising confident children 22:14 – 25:29 | Rethinking Talents • Redefining what counts as a talent • Habits, mindset, and lesser-known gifts that shape us 25:29 – 27:36 | Owning Your Unique Purpose • The beauty of different strengths in God’s kingdom • Why comparison blocks divine contribution 27:36 – 30:00 | Marriage, Mission, & Unexpected Leadership • Marrying her college sweetheart and joining MLB life • Being called to lead a mission—and transformed by hardship 30:00 – 33:04 | Softened by the Storms • How pain can harden or soften us • Letting suffering refine and root us in Christ 33:04 – 38:19 | Seeing God in the Story • How scripture teaches God’s character through others • Helping others see God in their own unfolding 38:19 – 42:25 | True Discipleship & Staying Grounded • Staying humble in the spotlight • Keeping faith at the center of identity 42:25 – 47:06 | Advice for Young Adults & Mentors • How to lead with love, not solutions • What young adults most need from trusted guides 47:06 – 51:15 | Legacy & Life as a Perennial Bloom • Going back to school and embracing the unexpected • Letting God unfold your legacy—slowly, beautifully, completely Connect with Jenny Guthrie:Instagram: @feedinghissheep_ Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with educator, speaker, and belonging advocate Scharman Grimmer for a powerful conversation about parenting, mentorship, and healing the epidemic of loneliness in today’s rising generation.Drawing from personal experiences and research-backed insights, Scharman shares why every child needs a “Trusted Five” network of adults and how these relationships shape resilience, confidence, and emotional health. Together, they explore how to recognize early signs of relational struggles, why cross-generational connection matters more than ever, and simple ways to create authentic belonging at home, at school, and in the community.Whether you are raising kids, mentoring teens, or seeking deeper connection yourself, this episode offers actionable tools and timeless principles for building strong, faith-centered support systems.Connect with Scharman Grimmer:Instagram: @scharman.grimmerConnect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy and @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzyhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1HDoJQDhlpiL1VVboTqkqWigofHIsEKoS/view

What if the dreams you thought were behind you were actually waiting to be rediscovered on the other side of motherhood?In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with professional violinist, mother of four, and school co-founder Maria Clayton for a heartfelt conversation on ambition, identity, and grace through unexpected turns. From the concert halls of Rice University to a life-changing diagnosis at a 20-week ultrasound, Maria shares how her story of rigor and discipline evolved into one of deep faith, flexibility, and healing.Together, they talk about what it means to embrace “times and seasons,” how God guides even the smallest details—like a violin teacher in a grocery line—and why your calling might unfold differently than you imagined. If you’ve ever wondered whether your gifts still have room in your life, this episode is your gentle reminder: life is long, and there’s beauty in the pivot.⸻Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

I’ve spent years studying the kind of women who light up a room - who hold boundaries with grace, lead with strength, and walk into chaos without losing their peace. You know the type: wise, steady, and completely unbothered.Here’s the truth - none of them were born that way. They built it. So can you.In this solo episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy shares five habits that changed her life. The kind that will stretch you, wake you up, and invite you to level up. From ditching the martyr mindset to rewriting your mental loops, from finally learning to say no without guilt to using ChatGPT as your personal strategy coach - she gives you real, raw tools that work.This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about becoming more you.If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move - this episode is your permission slip. It’s time we stop playing small.download the ChatGpt worksheet herehttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1rbpJE_Pl816cm9p-8RpPN7BlY7FJblux/view?pli=1Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

What if your greatest trials were actually the starting point of your most sacred transformation?In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Sunny Mahe - former collegiate athlete, NFL wife, and mother of ten - for a raw and moving conversation about redefining identity, finding purpose after loss, and trusting God when everything feels uncertain. Sunny opens up about stepping away from Olympic dreams to embrace motherhood, losing her financial footing after the NFL, and ultimately, walking through the heartbreaking loss of her three-year-old daughter, Elsie.She shares the small miracles that carried her through - from half a cow showing up on her doorstep to life-changing spiritual impressions - and why her definition of success now has nothing to do with applause or accolades. If you’ve ever questioned your worth during quiet seasons, or wondered if God sees you in your lowest moment, this episode will meet you right where you are.Connect with Sunny Mahe:Instagram: @sunnymaheConnect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With Lizzy

We often overthink service—imagining it must be big, elaborate, or time-consuming. But what if the most impactful acts are the simplest ones done with love?In this heartfelt episode, Lizzy Jensen sits down with Brittney Hanks, creator of Home & Kind, to explore why service doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be meaningful. Brittney shares powerful personal stories—from ignoring a prompting and regretting it, to delivering soup at just the right moment—and offers practical ways to bring kindness into everyday life. Whether you’re navigating motherhood, trying to serve more intentionally, or want to teach your kids about giving, this episode will uplift and inspire.Chapters:00:00 – 01:09 | Meet Brittney Hanks • Brittney shares her background, including her cross-country childhood and entrepreneurial roots • How moving frequently built her resilience and openness to change01:09 – 04:20 | From Sewing Swimsuits to Family-Focused Business • Brittney’s journey from product-based business to digital creator • Why family and service became central to her brand04:20 – 07:44 | Becoming the Face of a Brand • Overcoming hesitation to show up online • The advice that helped her show up more confidently on camera07:44 – 10:37 | Simplicity is the Superpower • Why “too simple to share” is actually what moms need • The beauty of easy, approachable tips that reduce mental load10:37 – 16:14 | The Power of Prompted Service • Brittney’s story of failing to act on a prompting—and what she learned • How to recognize and follow spiritual nudges in daily life16:14 – 22:17 | Even the Helpers Need Help • Serving those who usually serve others • Why simple acts like a meal or fresh fruit can be surprisingly powerful22:17 – 26:43 | What to Bring (Besides Dinner) • Creative, non-intimidating gift ideas beyond dinner • The magic of snack trays, muffins, and chopped fruit26:43 – 29:31 | Involving Kids in Service • Teaching kids empathy by including them in acts of giving • Using service to counteract entitlement29:31 – 32:09 | Thoughtful Gifts Beyond Food • Outside-the-box service ideas like coloring books or airplane kits for kids • Why small gestures can leave lasting impressions32:09 – 36:44 | Creating a Home Filled with Light • How moms set the emotional tone of the home • Letting kids see your personal spiritual practices in action36:44 – 41:57 | The Power of Confidence and Purpose • Why building inner confidence is key to showing up for others • Encouraging kids to lean into their unique strengths41:57 – 43:00 | Final Reflections • Brittney’s legacy: helping people feel capable, seen, and loved • Mutual admiration and encouragement between Lizzy and Brittney

Most women wait too long to step into their potential - held back by fear, self-doubt, or the belief that success and motherhood can’t coexist.In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Michelle Gifford - marketing strategist, founder of a creative agency, and mom of five - who proves that you don’t have to choose between family and ambition. She shares her no-nonsense approach to building a business that actually makes money, how to silence imposter syndrome, and why “microfails” (yes, failing on purpose!) are the key to long-term success.From starting her first business while six months pregnant to helping women scale their brands using social media, Michelle breaks down the mindset shifts and strategies that turn ideas into income. If you’ve been waiting for permission to go all in, this is it.Connect with Michelle Gifford:Instagram: @iammichellegiffordConnect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @Lizzy.jensenChapters:00:00 – 00:48 | Introduction • Lizzy welcomes Michelle and shares their history in podcasting • How Michelle’s first podcast inspired Lizzy’s journey00:48 – 02:46 | Michelle’s Entrepreneurial Journey • How she started her first business while pregnant • Her transition from small-town life to building a marketing agency02:46 – 04:51 | The Power of Social Media for Women • How social media empowers women to build businesses • Why embracing digital tools is crucial for success04:51 – 06:38 | Balancing Business & Motherhood • The challenges of entrepreneurship as a mom • How to redefine success & build confidence06:38 – 09:55 | How Women Approach Business Differently • The differences between male and female entrepreneurship • Why community and connection matter more than ever09:55 – 13:07 | First Steps for Starting a Business • The importance of following the money • Why women must overcome the fear of selling13:07 – 19:02 | The Reality of Work-Life Balance • Practical strategies for managing family and business • How to design a life that works for you19:02 – 23:29 | Redefining Motherhood & Success • Separating motherhood from caretaking roles • Making intentional choices about what work to do23:29 – 30:12 | Confidence, Community & Finding Your People • Why confidence attracts the right people • The power of showing up authentically30:12 – 39:49 | Overcoming Imposter Syndrome • How practice eliminates self-doubt • Why doing the work qualifies you for success39:49 – 45:23 | Taking Ownership of Your Achievements • Why women downplay their success • How owning your wins helps you grow and serve others45:23 – 47:21 | Michelle’s Legacy & Final Advice • Encouraging women to step up and use their voices • Why now is the time for women to share their light

Why is it still acceptable to mock and exclude certain faiths while others are fiercely protected?In this deeply personal episode of Lean In with Lizzy, Lizzy takes on a topic she’s long resisted discussing—prejudice against her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She opens up about her own experiences with religious bias, from being physically attacked as a missionary to witnessing discrimination in business and media.Lizzy explores the broader implications of religious intolerance, questioning why public outcry is selective when it comes to faith-based discrimination. She unpacks the stereotypes perpetuated in media, including recent portrayals in film and television that distort and demean Latter-day Saints.But this isn’t just about one faith—it’s about the growing divide in how we treat people of all beliefs. Lizzy challenges listeners to rethink their own biases and invites an open, interfaith conversation on how we can build bridges instead of walls.If you’ve ever felt your faith was misrepresented or dismissed, this episode will resonate with you.Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy & @lizzy.jensenPodcast Landing Page: Lean In With LizzyChapters:00:00 – 00:45 | A Personal and Unexpected Topic• Why Lizzy resisted speaking on this subject• The importance of bridge-building over division00:45 – 02:30 | Facing Faith-Based Prejudice• Why the LDS Church rarely responds to public criticism• How the Book of Mormon musical shaped public perception02:30 – 05:15 | Personal Experiences with Religious Bias• From childhood exclusion to missionary persecution• Business and social opportunities lost due to faith affiliation05:15 – 09:00 | How Media & Pop Culture Fuel Bias• The troubling portrayal of LDS members in TV and film• Why shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives misrepresent faith09:00 – 12:45 | Standing Up for Faith in Public Spaces• Open hostility in sports stadiums and universities• The impact of chanting “F the Mormons” at BYU games12:45 – 17:30 | Who Are the Latter-day Saints?• Contributions of LDS members to society• Breaking down misconceptions about the faith17:30 – 22:00 | The Bigger Picture: Religious Freedom at Risk• How prejudice against one faith impacts all religions• Why believers of all backgrounds must unite22:00 – 26:45 | A Call to Action for Interfaith Unity• Lizzy’s vision for a council of faith-driven women• How to get involved in standing up for faith-based values

What if the hardest moments of your life became the fuel for your greatest strengths?In this episode of Lean In With Lizzy, Lizzy sits down with Jenedy Paige - professional artist, American Ninja Warrior competitor, and founder of the Strong Women Experience - to uncover the secret to pushing past fear and stepping into your God-given potential.Jenedy shares her powerful journey of resilience, from experiencing deep personal loss to discovering unexpected callings that would redefine her identity. She opens up about why she wakes up at 4 AM, how she learned to trust divine direction, and what really happens when you say yes to something that terrifies you.Together, Lizzy and Jenedy dive into how small, consistent habits lead to massive transformation and why strength isn’t just about muscles - it’s about faith, courage, and showing up even when you don’t feel ready.If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re strong enough, this conversation will change the way you see yourself.Connect with Jenedy Paige:Instagram: @jenedypaige (https://www.instagram.com/jenedypaige)Website: jenedypaige.com (https://www.jenedypaige.com)Strong Women Experience: strongwomenexperience.com (https://www.strongwomenexperience.com)Connect with Lizzy Jensen:Instagram: @leaninwithlizzy (https://www.instagram.com/leaninwithlizzy) & Lizzy.jensen (https://www.instagram.com/lizzy.jensen)