Work and Play with Nancy Ray (Nancy Ray)
Explore every episode of Work and Play with Nancy Ray
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 Apr 2021 | 110 - What I Learned This Contentment Challenge | 00:16:35 | |
Three days ago, I finished, I think my sixth, maybe my seventh Contentment Challenge, where I give up shopping completely for three months at a time. Of course I buy food, I get gas, I get the necessities, but I quit my addiction to Target. I quit Amazon Prime. I quit impulse buys and I focus my heart on living, on doing things, on gratitude. So many of you joined me this year and I'm so grateful that you did. Now if this is your first time hearing about the Contentment Challenge, go back and listen to episode three of this podcast—one of the very early episodes—to learn more about it, learn how it began, the story of it and how you could do one too, if you wanted, or you can just go here to get some free resources if you feel like you want to learn more. Today, I'm going to share with you the value of doing this, the value of giving up something in your life that's easy and convenient and even good, to challenge yourself and specifically the value of the Contentment Challenge this year and what I learned this time around. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/110.
Resources from this episode:Last day to enter the giveaway!! | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | 249 - Unplugged with Hannah Brencher | 00:49:28 | |
Today I have the privilege of talking with my friend, Hannah Brencher, the author of The Unplugged Hours: Cultivating a Life of Presence in a Digitally Connected World. Hannah is such a gift! I am so excited to share her with you today and the message of her new book that is already changing my life. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 08 Mar 2022 | 148 - A Time for Bold Faith | 00:10:58 | |
We are living in a tense time. Cultural pressures are really high. Our nation feels like it's falling apart some days and is super divided and it's hard, and more than anything, the dark world around us is begging for light and truth. I sense there's just so much spiritual confusion and a drought in people's lives spiritually. This episode is simply an encouragement for you to be bold and strong and to live out your faith in every aspect of your life, and to cling to Jesus every day. I hope these words encourage you. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/148. | |||
| 06 Aug 2024 | 242 - Best Books of 2024 (So Far) | 00:24:26 | |
Hello! Welcome back to Work & Play with Nancy Ray. After a month-long break this summer, I thought that we would kick it off by talking about my favorite books that I have read so far in 2024. Resources from this episode: Set the Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Made for People by Justin Whitmel Early Last Light by Terri Blackstone If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry by Molly Stillman How to Train Your Dragon Series by Cressida Cowell The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana White Until the Streetlights Come on by Ginny Yurich The 1,000 Hours Outside Podcast Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 19 Oct 2021 | 128 - You Were Made For Hard Things (Ep. 7 Replay) | 00:21:44 | |
Life is hard, and sometimes it just seems we can't move forward in our lives until someone speaks some words of life to us. So that's what I'm here for today. If you're facing something really hard, I am here to tell you, you were made for hard things. For the full show notes, visit nancyray.com/podcast/128. | |||
| 02 Aug 2022 | 165 - The Weekly Plan | 00:22:43 | |
Well, I'm back from taking a month off of the podcast!! And this episode is going to be a little bit of a catch-up of what I've been up to, what's coming in August, a little bit of a change of plans with the podcast, but as all good. And I'm going to break down at my favorite weekly rhythm for you, which is my Sunday plan. I'm so excited to share all this with you. I'm excited to be back—it just feels so good. I've missed you guys and I'm so grateful that you are here listening today! For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/165.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist Episode 146 - Life & Work Without Social Media With Shanna Skidmore The Blueprint Model Waitlist Sign-up Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 11 Jun 2024 | 239 - Summer Play | 00:14:16 | |
Happy June! Happy summer! It’s the second episode in our June summer series and today is all about summer play. Resources from this episode: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Coddling of the American Mind Book The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 25 May 2021 | 116 - An Interview with my Mama | 00:42:32 | |
My mom is the kindest wisest, warmest, funniest woman I know. It is really an honor to have her as a mom. Every time I've needed advice or have felt misunderstood or have been confused, she is the first person I call. She's so trustworthy. She's the best listener in the world, and every time I ask for advice, it seems like she always has the exact words I need to hear. The world needs more people like my mom, and today I get to share her with you. I hope you enjoy the last May is for Mamas episode: an interview with my very own mama. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/116.
Resources from this episode:The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 14 Mar 2023 | 185 - The Minkies | 00:50:05 | |
I've had three best friends for over 20 years: Jess, Heather, and Sam. And the four of us are called The Minkies, and I invited them to do a special episode of the podcast, just me and my best friends sharing our story, sharing our favorite memories and what it's taken for us to maintain a long lasting friendship for over two decades. So it's a very fun, different episode today. There's a lot of laughing and joking and storytelling, and when it comes to work and play, these ladies, they definitely know how to work hard, but when we're together—it is 100% play. They are my idea of fun and having a good time, and they have been for the better part of my life. What a gift it is that I get to share them with you today!
Resources from this episode:
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| 15 Jun 2021 | 119 - Foundations in Faith | 00:19:35 | |
Over the last several months, I have been working on a project I haven’t told anyone about, but you, my dear work and play podcast listener, are going to be the very first to know about it. Today’s episode is part 1 of a three part episode series giving you a glimpse inside this new audio course (I honestly hesitate to call it a course because it’s more of a comprehensive way that I look at my life broken down into three categories: faith, home and work). You’re going to hear Lesson 1 from the Faith section which includes my testimony and really just the foundational outlook I have on my faith. Learn more about my newest audio course: An Integrated Life. | |||
| 13 Jun 2023 | 198 – 15 Years Married : Part 1 | 00:33:07 | |
Back in January, I did a big survey of all of my podcast listeners and one of the most requested people that I was asked to interview on the podcast was my husband, Will! Today, we’ll kick off a two-part episode series just to cover some of the most-asked questions about travel and finances for us. We'll talk about kids and home life next week.
Resources from this episode: Episode 068 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part 1 Episode 069 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part 2 Episode 124 - We're Debt Free AGAIN! God and Money by John Cortines Dave Ramsey: Financial Peace University The Blessed Life by Robert Morris The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 30 Jun 2020 | 069 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part 2 | 00:37:08 | |
We are back again in Part 2 of the marriage question-and-answer with my favorite human ever, Will Ray, my husband. And so, if you missed Part 1, be sure to go back to last week's Episode 068 and re-listen to that, as this is just a continuation of Will and I talking about our marriage. For the full show notes, go to nancyray.com/podcast/69.
Resources from this episode:Episode 068 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part 1 Free Class with Amy from Positive Parenting Solutions! Amy McCready’s Positive Parenting Solutions Course Episode 031 - My #1 Parenting Tip Episode 047 - Book | Seasons of God with Dr. Richard Blackaby Episode 064 - Making Memories with Sally Clarkson Episode 059 - Growing Faith in Your Littles Crucial Conversations, by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | No Podcast This Week | 00:00:17 | |
Hey there! You're in the right place for Work and Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note—the podcast will be taking a break this week (November 2), but I'll be back next week with an exciting new episode. See you then! | |||
| 19 Mar 2024 | 227 - Less Clutter More Life with Barbara Hemphill : Part 1 | 00:33:27 | |
Today's episode is so special! We have Barbara Hemphill chatting with us about how to manage all of the stuff and clutter in our lives. Guys, she has been doing this for over 40 years! She is THE pioneer to the decluttering industry. Before minimalism was a thing, she was out there helping people declutter their homes. She has so many systems and so much wisdom. I feel like I could talk to her for hours and never get tired of it. It's such a great conversation - so valuable and helpful. I plan to go back and re-listen to it and take notes. I'm so excited! It was so good that we're splitting it across two episodes so you'll get to hear from Barbara this week and next week. Get excited because it's a good one. Resources from this episode: Taming the Paper Tiger at Home by Barbara Hemphill Less Clutter More Life by Barbara Hemphill How to Make Your Clothes Closet a Place You Love! Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 07 May 2024 | 234 - If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry with Molly Stillman | 01:00:21 | |
Welcome to the first episode of my “May is for Mamas” series, where every episode in the month of May is dedicated to the mamas listening. I’m starting out with a great conversation with my friend, Molly Stillman, who just wrote an amazing book called, “If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry.” It’s so good. We talk all about it, but it really honors the life and story of her mom, which is just amazing. You’ll hear all about it. I’m so excited for this series! I hope you love it. Resources from this episode: If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry book by Molly Stillman Molly Stillman Podcast: Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Home Before Morning book by Lynda Van Devanter Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 11 Apr 2023 | 189 - What The Lord Is Teaching Me | 00:18:33 | |
Today I have some simple encouragement for you, which is just a glimpse into what God has been teaching me lately. I have found that when I complete another Contentment Challenge, it's good for me to take a minute to recap the biggest lessons the Lord has taught me during this fast of sorts, because I find that every time I give up shopping or extra spending for a limited time—which is what the Contentment Challenge is—it frees up space for him to do things in my life and to address some spiritual things going on in my heart, in my mind. So, today I'm just gonna share three simple things that the Lord has been teaching me this year up to this point.
Resources from this episode: | |||
| 29 Mar 2022 | 151 - Book | The Psychology of Money | 00:19:24 | |
Welcome to the Nancy Ray Book Club, where every month I read a book and then I share my three biggest takeaways from that book with you here. This month, I read the Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. A book that came really highly recommended to me by a few trusted friends and it did not disappoint. So yes, today we are talking all about money and our relationship with it. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/151.
Resources from this episode: The Pyschology of Money, by Morgan Housel The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 16 Jun 2020 | 067 - Check In: Working One Day a Week | 00:16:03 | |
Back in Episode 041, I shared my plan to work one day a week this year, which was quite the change after I closed my business last year. This episode is simply a check-in to tell you how it's been going so far. Find the full show notes at nancyray.com/podcast/67.
Resources from this episode:Episode 041 - My Plan to Work One Day a Week Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 07 Nov 2023 | 213 - Holiday Traditions : Part 1 | 00:18:08 | |
Today I'm kicking off a new series on the podcast, and I am giddy about it because it's all about the holidays. We're all thinking about it already. It's the last week of October. We're looking at November and December, and I think we can feel equal parts overwhelmed and excited. So today I am starting a five-part podcast series. It's gonna be very short podcast episodes just to get you thinking about how you can create holidays that are full of joy and contentment. And I'll get into all the details of it. But here's what you can expect. The first episode, which is today, is gonna be about traditions. Next week it's gonna be about creating your holiday schedule. Then the next week, your holiday budget, and then your gifts, and then food. And I'm gonna be sharing all of the things that our family does while also just inviting you to think through and really, I don't know, analyze and consider what you want your holidays to look like. And I'm excited. I'm so excited about this. So I'm glad that you're here. Let's jump in. Resources from this episode:Episode 33 - Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition The Giving Manger by Allison Hottinger Duke Chorale Christmas Concert A Midnight Clear by John Nilsen Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 17 Nov 2020 | 089 - One Word A Day | 00:14:59 | |
If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know that I've always been big on having a morning routine and a quiet time and journaling. To me, these have always been super important in my life: they ground me and anchor me. So when I became a mom, during that newborn phase of life, it was very hard to determine which way was up or down. And the Lord taught me this simple practice. It doesn't take a lot of time, but still to this day, it speaks straight to my heart and it grounds me. It's simply focusing on one word throughout your whole day. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/89.
Resources from this episode:All Nancy Ray Courses (Foundations will be on sale!) The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 10 Nov 2020 | 088 - Book | Digital Minimalism | 00:38:02 | |
Welcome to this month's edition of the Nancy Ray Book Club, where I choose 12 books to read in a year, and I invite you to join me in reading them, and then I share my takeaways in the book of the month every month. This month I am thrilled to be talking about Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport. He argues that social media is crazy, it's out of control, it's addictive, it's unhealthy, and yet it's a very real part of our lives. We have got to learn how to live with it and not just live with it, but to live well with it, which in a big part means limiting it. Digital Minimalism is an answer to this daily, sometimes hourly, struggle that we all face and feel. And honestly, I'm really excited about this episode, and to dive in to my three big takeaways from Digital Minimalism. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/88.
Resources from this episode:Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport Episode 012 - 3 Habits to Put Social Media in its Place Episode 083 - Book | Rhythms of Renewal Episode 079 - Why I Have a Business Journal Episode 042 - Book | Switch on Your Brain Hands Free Mama, by Rachel Macy Stafford The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | No Podcast This Week | 00:00:18 | |
Hey there! You're in the right place for Work and Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (November 19th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week! | |||
| 20 Dec 2022 | 177 - 10 Years of the Contentment Challenge | 00:21:56 | |
Just a few months from now, in the start of 2023, that will mark 10 years since I did my first Contentment Challenge, where I give up shopping for three months straight to pursue a more content life and a closer walk with the Lord. 10 years! That's a long time, and you may or may not know this, but it had such a great impact on my life that I have done the Contentment Challenge almost every year since then—I think I skipped one year, maybe two. So, today I'm gonna share the lessons that I have learned through the last 10 years of doing the Contentment Challenge, and I'm gonna invite you to pray about doing it with me again at the beginning of 2023. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/177.
Resources from this episode:Take the Contentment Challenge USE CODE: 5OFF2023 to take $5 off The Contentment Reset! The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) | |||
| 27 Sep 2022 | 169 - Book | Take Back Your Joy with Nicole Jacobsmeyer | 00:47:29 | |
Today I'm talking with my dear friend Nicole Jacobsmeyer, who is a fellow mama of four. She is an author and a kindred spirit. Fun little backstory— she and I met when we went to Great Wolf Lodge and she had three kids and I had three kids and we experienced it together and then connected on Instagram, then connected on Marco Polo, and we have stayed in touch and has been so sweet to find out how connected we are and like-minded we are in so many areas of our lives! Nicole loves Jesus and she has a passion for helping women walk in victory, joy, and faith in the face of trials, sorrow and suffering. Her story is unbelievable. Her first book, Take Back Your Joy, just came out and if you open the first two pages of the book, you'll read my endorsement, which is so much fun! I hope you enjoy our heartfelt conversation today.
Resources from this episode:Take Back your Joy, by Nicole Jacobsmeyer Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 16 Aug 2022 | 166 - The Numbers of Business with Shanna, Kayse & Kait | 00:58:56 | |
Listen, this episode is so good. I say that because I get to sit down and talk with three of my good friends, women who I adore and admire, who run businesses, who are moms. They are so special to me, and you get to hear the inside scoop about their lives and their businesses, but all throughout the conversations, we're going to be talking about this thing called The Blueprint Model. And I first want to tell you what that is before you listen in, because otherwise you're going to be really confused. So The Blueprint Model is a course that was created by Shanna—who is one of the ladies you're going to be hearing from today—and it's all about the numbers behind your business. But more than that, it's about creating a business that suits your life. Now, Shanna is a numbers girl, and she helps people. She helps a lot of creatives get the hang of their money, like the money side of business. And she is teaching a free class in two days and I want you to mark this down in your calendar because it's going to be so good. It's on Thursday, the 18th, I believe at 1pm—you can find out all the details at nancyray.com/blueprint, but the name of the class is The Art of Six Figures: Join me live where I'll teach you exactly how to define what is enough in your business and how to align your business goals with your big dreams and life values. Okay. That is Shanna's class, not my class. She's gonna be teaching it, but it's so good. I'm going to be there. It's so good. Okay. So the blueprint model, which she's going to be explaining in that class is something that I have taken a small group of women through already once this year. I coached them through it and we did The Blueprint Model together and we learned so much and applied it to all of our very different businesses. And guess what? The doors are opening to The Blueprint Model again in just a few days. And it's only going to be open until August 25th and after that, the doors are going to close. So I just encourage you to check it out. If you think that these conversations resonate with you, just go check it out, go to nancyray.com/blueprint to see if it's a good fit for you. And if it's not, that is totally great! I know you're still going to get a lot of value from these conversations today because they just get you thinking about what's important versus vanity metrics and the things that we *think* are important. So I know you're going to enjoy it. Make sure you had to nancyray.com/blueprint to register for Shanna's free class or in a few days, it'll turn into the page where you can learn all about The Blueprint Model. Now, two more quick things, before we jump into these conversations, you might be wondering, okay, why is Nancy talking about this other girl's course so much? I wonder if she's an affiliate. The answer is yes, I am an affiliate because I'm invested in this course. So, whoever signs up for the course through nancyray.com/blueprint I'm actually going to be group coaching you through the course, and I'll be talking with you the entire time as we go through it together. I love the accountability and I love this course. So I am a proud affiliate of The Blueprint Model. Second thing is, I wish I could give these wonderful long intros to of these ladies, but I'm going to just keep it short and sweet and let you know that I trust these ladies. I love them. I love their businesses and I'm so grateful. So you're going to hear from Shanna first, she created The Blueprint Model, and I think your mind is just going to be blown with her wisdom. I'm also gonna leave a link in the show notes to my last episode with Shanna, which is referenced several times in this episode. And then you're going to hear from my friend, Kayse, she runs an online business that really equips women and moms. And she's going to tell you all about her business. It's awesome. It's Anchored Women. Then the third lady I'll be interviewing today is Kait. And she is just a kindred spirit; I love Kait. She creates the Curious Year Calendar, which my kids are total fans of. We have one hanging in our kitchen and we look at it every day. So I just love these ladies. I love the work that they do, and I'm thrilled for you to hear from each of them today. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/166.
Resources from this episode:Episode 146 - Life & Work Without Social Media With Shanna Skidmore Free Class: Quiet the Running To-Do List in Your Head! A Little Something Goods website The Curious Year Calendar (USE CODE: WORKANDPLAY)
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 25 Apr 2023 | 191 - My Top 8 Work Hacks | 00:22:08 | |
Jumping in right off the bat with a few really fun announcements! Number one, I have a new website as of today and a new brand, new colors new look. Shout out to Sammy Jo, I love you. Thank you for creating such a beautiful space. Head to nancyray.com to see it. Number two, along with the website, I am launching a Mastermind group (!) for a group of women, only 12 women who are business owners in the Raleigh area. I'm so excited. You can go to my website to learn more and I'll talk a little bit more about it in the podcast today. And third next month, starting next week, we're already almost in May—crazy—we start May is for Mamas! Every May I set aside my episodes and I dedicate them to the Mamas listening. And I have some exciting guests lined up, some great content for you, and I can't believe we're almost already in May. Okay, let's jump in to today's episode. My top eight work hacks or tips or advice, or, I had the hardest time naming this episode, but these are just random things that I have pieced together after my 16 years of experience of being an entrepreneur. Some of them I've created, some of them I have learned from books, some of them are systems, some of them are habits, but they're the things I keep coming back to again and again. Now, you might be surprised at some of them, but here's the deal: I know I struggled the most in my work and in my business when I have a lack of clarity and when I feel really overwhelmed with all that I have to do. So this list of eight things are things that I've brainstormed based on my years of being an entrepreneur. They're the things that have worked when I've worked by myself and they've worked when I've had a team working with me. They helped me not only in my work but in my life and being more present with my family as well, and just being more fulfilled. They helped me stay inspired and passionate about my work and I'm so excited to share them with you today. For the full episode, head to nancyray.com/podcast/191.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) Episode 026 - My Favorite Business Book of All Time The 12 Week Year, by Brian Moran The Advantage, by Pat Lencioni
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 06 Jul 2021 | 122 - Book | Parenting | 00:20:33 | |
Before we dive in today, I just wanted to remind you that my new audio course, An Integrated Life, is still available. An Integrated Life is an 18 lesson audio course, think: this podcast you listen to meets an online course meets an audio book. It's something you can come back to over and over again. Anyway, it's a course that outlines a framework for you to grow deeper in your faith, take authority in your home, and gain clarity in your work, all for the Kingdom of God. And it's available for purchase until July 15. So, if you buy the bundle for $50, you can actually listen to it on your phone like this podcast. So while I'm taking a two month break from this podcast with the new baby, you can keep listening. Head to nancyray.com/integratedlife to learn more and sign up. Welcome to the Nancy Ray Book Club, where I'm sharing a book that I'm reading and my top three takeaways from that book. You can join in anytime at nancyray.com/bookclub. Today's book is Parenting by Paul David Tripp. He outlines 14 gospel principles that can radically change your family. This book isn't as much a practical book on how to handle a tantrum or discipline your child or what to feed your kid or how to raise teenagers, instead, it's a book that speaks to the "why" of parenting—the heart of parenting—and really how to view our role of parents as believers. | |||
| 07 Dec 2021 | 135 - An Update on My Social Media Break | 00:21:22 | |
Taking a long-ish break from social media has been on my heart for quite some time, and having Benji, our fourth child, just seemed like the perfect time to do it. So when he was born at the end of July, I decided to go off social media completely for six months. I'm currently four months in—and yes, Benji is already four months old, which I cannot wrap my mind around—but this episode is all about what I've learned in the last four months from my social media sabbatical so far, I can't wait for you to hear it. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/135.
Resources from this episode:The Tech-Wise Family, by Andy Crouch Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through them, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to! | |||
| 13 Sep 2022 | 168 - Theme Days | 00:17:38 | |
Have you ever heard of having theme days? It's this idea that you choose different themes to focus on for different days and it helps you batch things or just simply not switch back and forth mentally between tasks so much. I have found them very helpful and I wanted to share a few different ways to approach creating your own theme days throughout your week, or even breaking them down into theme hours, to maximize productivity and enjoyment—AKA maximizing your work and your play. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/168.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist Episode 73: Design Your Rhythm of Work, The Next Right Thing Podcast | |||
| 28 Mar 2023 | 187 - Book | Better Than Before | 00:15:30 | |
Today is a book club episode where I'm gonna be sharing my three biggest takeaways from the book Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin. I love the tagline of her book, which is "What I learned about making and breaking habits to sleep more, quit sugar, procrastinate less, and generally build a happier life." Doesn't that sound awesome? For a list of all the books that I'm reading this year, head to nancyray.com/bookclub. Sometimes we just need a good kick in the pants from someone to show us how to start something difficult or how to do something that we've always wanted to do and Better Than Before does exactly that. I'm so excited to share my thoughts with you today.
Resources from this episode: | |||
| 12 Apr 2022 | 153 - Getting Past Tension | 00:26:28 | |
We all have tension in our lives. And a lot of times that manifests itself in anxious thoughts and just feeling like we can't get our heads around something or we can't move through it and that's just part of being human. It's just part of living life and this isn't the episode that I had planned for today, but it's the episode that God put on my heart. So I'm just going to talk about tension and anxiety and how to get through that, how to get past it, how to get through to the other side. I'm going to share some practical things that I've walked through in my life very recently and I'm going to share the things that helped me get through it. And then at the end of this episode, I'm just gonna to be honest and share a little bit about what's going on with the podcast and what you can look forward to in the coming weeks and months. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/153. | |||
| 05 Nov 2024 | 255 - My Extreme Christmas Goals | 00:12:22 | |
Happy November! I am setting the bar high this year for no one but myself. I feel like this is going to be a podcast experiment. I’ll let you know how it goes, but today I am sharing with you my extreme Christmas goals for this year. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 27 Jul 2021 | 125 - Speak Life | 00:09:00 | |
Well friend, this is my last episode of Work & Play before I take a two month break from the podcast and a six month break from work and social media. I just want to use this time and space to encourage you. And I want to speak life over you. And I want to encourage you to speak life over the people around you. I'll also tell you a little bit about what to expect from me for the rest of the year. It's going to be a short and sweet episode, and I kind of hope it feels like a little podcast hug, and I'm excited to know I'll see you again soon. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/125.
See you in a few months! To sign up for my monthly emails during the podcast break, head to nancyray.com/emails. | |||
| 18 Apr 2023 | 190 - The Work and Play of Family Trips | 00:22:07 | |
Let's talk about family trips. Listen, there is so much planning and work that goes into taking a family trip, but there's also these golden memories of play and adventure that come out of that work. Today, I'm going to share with you how we work hard and we play hard on family trips and I'll share my favorite tips to hopefully make your next family trip a little bit easier!
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) | |||
| 08 Sep 2020 | 079 - Why I Have a Business Journal | 00:17:19 | |
Today's episode is short and sweet, and I am talking about why I have a business journal—a work journal. Yes, a separate journal, completely dedicated to my work. And I'll be telling you why I think you should have one too. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/79.
Resources from this episode:Hope*Writers (doors open Sept. 14!) Hope*Writers’ Free Quiz: Discover Your Writing Stage
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 26 Nov 2022 | 174 - Cultivating Contentment During the Holidays | 00:19:08 | |
From gift guides to Instagram Ads, to those Amazon kids toy magazines, to Black Friday deals—everyone right now is telling us that we should be buying more, that we should have more, that we should be dressing in cuter clothes and decorating more perfectly. And today, I just want to be a voice that says: You don't. You don't! You don't have to buy all of those things. You don't have to do more. The good stuff, the really good stuff of this holiday season, is found in the quiet, grateful moments. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/174.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) Episode 172 - My Christmas Gameplan Song of the Stars, by Sally Lloyd Jones Episode 033 - Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition Episode 171 - Let Your Yes Be Yes | |||
| 21 Dec 2021 | 137 - Finish Strong | 00:04:37 | |
I have three quick things for you before I dive into a very brief, but hopefully very encouraging episode for you today. First, would you head to nancyray.com/survey to help me make this podcast even better for you next year? Listen, I choose the episode content based on three things: 1) what I believe God wants me to say, And since I'm off social media and can't ask you there, this is the way I'm able to ask you, what do you want me to talk about next year? So I would love for you to head here to let me know. And I appreciate it so, so much. It should only take a minute, it's just a couple of questions and thank you in advance for doing that. Second, the Contentment Challenge is starting again on January 10th! Head to nancyray.com/contentmentchallenge to learn more and sign up if you want to be part of that. And the third thing is my book club. You can see the books I'm reading for 2022, and you can join in with me on some of them or all of them or none of them, or you can just see what I'm reading next year if you want. Whatever you want to do, it’s very casual, but you can head to nancyray.com/bookclub to check that out. And now for the shortest podcast episode of 2021, I hope this encourages you and is just what you need today. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/137.
Quick links from this episode: | |||
| 07 Mar 2023 | 184 - Helpful Habits for Meal Planning | 00:12:31 | |
Here's a job description that life handed me that I just didn't really see coming. I have to be a cook like every day and I have to be a fairly good one because the tiny humans that I feed around my table are fairly opinionated about food. Actually, they're very opinionated about food. Also, with that job description, it will affect my mood, whatever I make, whatever I cook, it's gonna affect my mood and theirs. Also, if I feed them and myself unhealthy things, it affects our mood and our weight and our overall health, how much we get sick, and it just so happens that the food that they love are the things that are terrible for you. So when I'm having a hard day, all I want to do is feed them goldfish and gummy snacks and ice cream and nothing that has any nutritious value because I'm gonna be honest, it's just a lot easier to give them what they want for that moment of course, because the cycle just continues. Food, our health, our moods on repeat, not to mention it affects the clarity of my own mind. If I eat, when I eat, how much I eat, what I am eating, it affects how I discipline them because I get very cranky and I am quick to anger when I'm hungry. And also I just wanna enjoy life and I want my ice cream and gummy snacks too sometimes. Listen, it's just a lot to balance all of this. And here's the deal: I'm just supposed to be good at it. I'm supposed to be good at it and I'm not. I'm not normally good at this whole cooking thing, but it is a skill that's required of me as I have to feed my family and it's up to me, and this year I put some new habits into place—nothing huge, nothing massive—that have changed everything for me. They're small changes that I've put into place just to help me stay sane, to help me stay on budget and to help me bless my family. So, I'm not a great chef, although I really love to pretend to be one with my kids and they like to call themselves sous chefs, especially because we're watching Ratatouille on repeat lately. But here we go. Here are some habits that I have recently put into place, just the last three months really and I've committed to them and I'm gonna share them with you today. Take them or leave them, but maybe just take one or two because honestly they've all served my family really well and served me in my sanity well, and I feel like at least one is gonna serve your family well, too. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/184.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) | |||
| 12 Sep 2023 | 206 - Multitasking | 00:19:43 | |
While so many women wear multitasking as a badge of honor, I will readily admit that I am the worst at multitasking. I—it's terrible. I get so distracted and cannot do it. And I'll be frank, this has not served me well in motherhood because the interruptions are great and we'll talk a little bit about that. But today I just wanna share my thoughts on multitasking and how it doesn't help anyone and how it's so much better if we can focus on one thing at a time. Resources from this episode:Episode 205 - Be where your feet are Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | 250 - 20 Things for Fall | 00:23:19 | |
Today’s episode is fun, lighthearted, and it’s all about fall. I am going to share with you ten things that I have tried and loved this time of year and ten things that I plan to try this autumn. Resources from this episode: Calm Amidst the Chaos Podcast Series Magnolia Hearth and Hand Candle Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 14 Dec 2022 | 176 - End of Year Planning + Finish Strong | 00:14:13 | |
At the end of every year, I plan time to do three simple things to plan for the year ahead. I take time to look back, reviewing the previous year. I set aside time to celebrate the previous year in God's faithfulness, and I take time to look ahead and set goals for the year to come. This episode's gonna give you more of a behind the scenes look at what that actually looks like for me. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/176.
Resources from this episode:“Finish Your Year Strong” Worksheet (Free Download!) The Contentment Challenge (starts Jan. 1!) | |||
| 16 Apr 2024 | 231 - Tired of Being Tired with Jess Connolly : Part 2 | 00:30:43 | |
We are back with the second half of my conversation with Jess Connolly talking all about rest because the month of April on the Work and Play podcast is all about the importance of rest in our lives. I’m so grateful you’re here! I can’t wait for you to listen to the rest. If you haven’t listened to part one already, go back to last week’s episode and start there. Resources from this episode: Tired of Being Tired book by Jess Connolly Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 29 Dec 2020 | 095 - 3 Prayers to Take With You | 00:09:48 | |
Sometimes when I'm going about my life, I want to pray, and I just don't have the words to say. Does that ever happen to you? Like, you know it's a really important day, or you know that you want to pray for your children, but you kind of run out of what to say. Or you just can't put words to how you're feeling. Or you want to connect with God personally, but life is busy and you don't know what to say. You don't know what to say or how to pray. Today, I'm going to share three extremely simple prayers that I pray. You have my full permission to take them with you and use them for the rest of your life, and I hope that they bless you. For the full show notes, visit nancyray.com/podcast/95.
If you're interested in joining me for the 2021 Contentment Challenge, learn more & sign up here: nancyray.com/contentmentchallenge. | |||
| 09 Apr 2024 | 230 - Tired of Being Tired with Jess Connolly : Part 1 | 00:33:13 | |
Well, I’m trying something new here on Work and Play with Nancy Ray and that is months that have themes. So the theme of April is rest and this conversation is not going to disappoint. I’m talking to Jess Connolly today all about why women are so tired. We’re all so tired and this conversation is full of practical and spiritual answers as to why we’re so tired and what we can do differently. Guys, this conversation was so good, I decided to divide it into two episodes. I can’t wait for you to hear it and I think it fits perfectly with the theme of rest for this April. Enjoy and come back next week to hear part 2! Resources from this episode: Tired of Being Tired book by Jess Connolly Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 15 Sep 2020 | 080 - A Helpful Guide for Consistent Prayers with Chrystal Evans Hurst | 00:39:08 | |
Today I'm talking with my friend, Chrystal Evans Hurst, and let me just say, this woman, I love her. She is a wife, a mama to five, a grandma of two. She's an encourager. She teaches people to love God, to love others, and to love themselves. Today we talk about prayer—specifically a seven-day rhythm that you can set for yourself—if you maybe feel stuck in a rut with your prayers, or like she talks about in our conversation, if you want to activate the voice of the Holy Spirit in your life to be more real, and fresh, and conversational. I feel like I just sat at the feet of a woman who I admire so much, who is a prayer warrior, and I got to learn from her, and I simply invite you to do the same today. For the full show notes, visit nancyray.com/podcast/80.
Resources from this episode:The 28 Day Prayer Journey, by Chrystal Evans Hurst A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 16 Nov 2021 | 132 - Balancing Life as a Working Mom with Emily Ley (Replay Ep. 30) | 01:10:27 | |
I am so excited to bring this special episode with Emily Ley back to the Work and Play podcast today. She is one of the most authentic people I have ever met, I kid you not. She’s been a friend of mine for several years now. I've watched her grow as a mom, as a business owner, but she never loses that on authenticity. Every time I hang out with her, she makes me cry, and it's not in a bad way. It's because her heart for life, her heart for her people, it moves me. She really wants the right things in life. She's doing something really wonderful with her work and her play. For the show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/132.
Resources from this episode:When Less Becomes More, by Emily Ley | |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | 167 - Book | How To Get Paid For What You Know with Graham Cochrane | 00:55:21 | |
Today, I had the absolute privilege of talking to my friend Graham Cochrane. He is the author of How To Get Paid For What You Know, and we talk all about his book! I've read the whole thing cover to cover and it's so good. If I could describe it in any way, it would be practical and helpful. You know, sometimes you read business books and you think, “Oh, that's great, but that doesn't really apply to me.” It's not that way with his book. He really makes you feel like you can do this—it's awesome. So, yeah, he's an author. He's also a business coach to over 3,000 premium customers worldwide. He founded the recording revolution, a seven figure online music business in 2009, and now, he hosts over 80,000 monthly followers on his podcast, YouTube, and blog, talking about business mindset, productivity, psychology. He's a believer; he's a brother; he's a friend. I just really have so much respect for Graham. I’m so grateful for him. And even though he's been featured in things like Business Insider and Yahoo and Huffington post and CNBC, he's so humble and he's so real. And I'm so grateful for his voice in this industry. I know you're going to enjoy our conversation today and I can't wait for you to listen in! For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/167.
Resources from this episode:How to Get Paid For What You Know, by Graham Cochrane 158 - Raising Daughters with Shay Cochrane, Part I 159 - Raising Daughters with Shay Cochrane, Part II The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann Invitation To Solitude And Silence by Ruth Haley Barton Vuori Sunday Performance Joggers
Some affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 06 Feb 2024 | 221 - State of the Podcast | 00:16:35 | |
I'm back! It's 2024 I'm so excited to be here for my beloved State of the Podcast episode. I hope you enjoy listening to Work and Play with Nancy Ray episode 221 🎉 Shownotes : nancyray.com/podcast/221 Resources from this epsisode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 21 Jun 2022 | 163 - The Summer Photo Challenge | 00:22:12 | |
Our photos, whether they're digital, printed, on our phones, framed, in albums—all of them in a word can feel overwhelming. Which is why I want to lighten your load just a little bit this summer and I came up with the Summer Photo Challenge. Now, the Summer Photo Challenge is simply this: I am challenging you and myself during the month of July to tackle ONE photo project, just one, that's it. And today I'm going to give you three options, three different photo projects to tackle and exactly how to do each one. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/163.
Resources from this episode: | |||
| 13 Aug 2024 | 243 - School Prep + Play | 00:19:26 | |
The school year is here and it is time to get in that mode. I feel like today’s episode is a pep talk for us mamas who are getting ready to start the school year and we want to start it strong. This episode is called “School Prep and Play” because we are going to be talking about how to prepare well for the school year and also how to play more this school year. Resources from this episode: Teaching from Rest by Sarah Mackenzie Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 15 Mar 2022 | 149 - 5 Ways to Make the Most of Being Sick | 00:24:40 | |
Having four small children six and under simply means that over the last six years there has been a lot of sickness in our house. And for two and a half years of that time, we have lived through the pandemic, our culture has been hyper-vigilant and very fearful of any kind of sickness because of COVID. And while there's really no right or wrong way to be sick, because you're just sick, I have learned a few things. I've learned ways to cope with sickness, ways to cling to Jesus, ways to pray over your children during sickness, ways to perhaps make sickness a little less miserable and that's what I'm going to share with you today. For the full show notes head to nancyray.com/podcast/149.
Resources from this episode: How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of your Doctor, by Robert Mendelsohn | |||
| 16 May 2023 | 194 - Being a Loving Mother-in-Law with Grammy | 00:29:01 | |
I'm back with another May is for Mama's episode, and today I'm releasing one of my Patreon-only episodes into the world. This episode was published to my Patreon community last year, and it's the first time I've ever done this, but I love this precious woman so much, and I loved what she had to say so much that I knew eventually I had to share it with everyone. Elizabeth Ray, who we affectionately call Grammy in our home, is my husband's mom, so she is my mother-in-law and she is one of my favorite people on this earth. Now, it's not lost on me that I am calling my mother-in-law one of my favorite people. I realize this is very rare and it is truly the greatest gift. Now, she always told me that she had the privilege of having an incredible mother-in-law herself who modeled that to her and now I am receiving that gift because she's now passing it down to me and I'm learning what that looks like. I'm learning it because I'm watching it in action and I love that we have such a good, healthy relationship. But let me just say, whether you have a great relationship with your mother-in-law, a mediocre one, or maybe even a terribly painful one, I know you'll be encouraged today as Grammy simply shares about what she's learned from her mother-in-law—the power of words. And we can all take notes and decide now the kind of mother-in-law that we want to be one day. Now, don't forget the Legacy Photo System is on sale for the month of May. Head to legacyphotosystem.com and use the discount code mamas MAMAS to receive $50 off. I hope you'll enjoy this conversation as you listen to one of my exclusive Patreon interviews with one of my favorite people, Grammy.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) The Legacy Photo System (Code: MAMAS for $50 off) | |||
| 12 Mar 2024 | 226 - 5 Tools for a Financial Reset | 00:21:07 | |
The longer I live, the more I realize our journey with our money and our finances is not a straight line. There are different seasons of our life, different incomes that we will have, different life experiences and family members will add to our family. Life is ever changing and so are our finances. So today's episode is all about 5 tools that I am using right now that have helped me take a financial reset. Resources from this episode: The Blueprint Model Free Training Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 08 Feb 2022 | 144 - 10 Questions For Your Next Date Night | 00:07:40 | |
Well, it's almost Valentines Day and I just wanted to give you something fun to do. I am giving you 10 fun questions to ask on your next date night. Now, you can use these on Valentine's Day, or maybe you can use these on a date night at home after the kids go to bed, but the point is for you to take a break from normal life discussions and conversations, and just to get to know each other more. I hope you have fun with this! For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/144.
Resources from this episode: | |||
| 22 Dec 2020 | 094 - A Year of Contentment with Reagan Reynolds, Part 2 | 00:25:26 | |
Welcome back to my conversation with my dear friend, Reagan. Since we are so busy in the season of Christmas, I decided to split our chat into two different episodes so it'd be a little bit easier to digest in the midst of the holiday season. If you're tuning in now and you missed last week's episode, head back to Episode 093 so you can get the full context of what Reagan and I are talking about. Because she and her husband took the Contentment Challenge, which is something I created many years ago, to the next level and they decided to give up shopping for an entire year in pursuit of a more content and debt-free life. It's just an amazing story. I won't leave you hanging any longer. Let's get back to my conversation with Reagan.
Resources from this episode:Episode 093 - A Year of Contentment with Reagan Reynolds, Part 1 Join the Contentment Challenge Episode 033 - The Contentment Challenge Women of the Word, by Jen Wilkin Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | 199 – 15 Years Married : Part 2 | 00:27:46 | |
This week, we’re diving back into our 2-part series as Will and I celebrate 15 years of marriage (crazy, I know)! This week, we’ll be talking about kids and home life—from how we balance everything after adding kids to the mix to how we keep our home running smoothly amid the day-to-day busyness. It’ll be a fun one, so listen in!
Resources from this episode:Episode 198 - 15 Years Married : Part 1 Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul Tripp Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father by Meg Meeker Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 05 Oct 2021 | 126 - My Home Birth Story | 00:39:12 | |
Hello! I am back after a two month break from this podcast! I'm happy to be back and today I'm so excited to share with you a huge life event that took place over the last two months for us, which is the birth of our fourth baby, a son, Benjamin Valor Ray. And today I'm going to be sharing his birth story with you. I'm going to go into the details of why we chose a home birth and just the story of how God used his birth to really heal me and rid me of so much fear and just show me how beautiful birth can really be. It was such an amazing experience, and I'm so excited to share it with you today.
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| 14 Jun 2022 | 162 - The Summer Episode | 00:09:07 | |
Welcome to the summer episode where I'm doing something I've never done before—having a little fun with this episode and I'll be sharing everything that reminds me of summer, including some great recommendations. I'll cover places to go, feelings to feel, sites to see, books to read, music to listen to, things to wear, memories to make. I hope this episode makes you really happy. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/posdcast/162.
Resources from this episode: The Great Blue Hills of God, by Kreis Beall The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah Where the Crawdad’s Sing, by Delia Owens The Cronicles of Narnia, by C. S. Lewis Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 04 May 2021 | 113 - My Journey to Motherhood | 00:22:33 | |
Welcome to the first episode in May is for Mamas! Every episode this month will be dedicated to all the mamas listening and will hopefully be encouraging and helpful to you. Before I jump into the episode, I wanted you to know that starting tomorrow May 5th lasting through May 10th, my Legacy Photo System is going to be on sale. This is the system I created to organize all of my photos. My printed photos, my digital photos, how to back them up, how to get them under control on my phone, how to get a system in place long-term moving forward so that you can get rid of the overwhelming stress of managing your photos and actually enjoy them again. So head to legacyphotosystem.com from May 5th through the 10th to grab yours on sale. It's the perfect mother's day gift, in my opinion, if you don't have it already. Now, this episode feels vulnerable. This episode feels extra vulnerable for me because I don't feel like I got to this path of motherhood that I'm on like most women do, but I'm realizing that every story of motherhood is different and hard and beautiful and every unique way. And so in hopes that I'm going to make someone who's listening feel a little less lonely and a little more normal, I am going to be vulnerable and share how I got here, how I got to being a mama of almost four kids. How I love it so much, but how I was terrified of it at first. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/113.
Resources from this episode:The Legacy Photo System (on sale 5/5-5/10!) Episode 058 - Raising 6 Kids (Including triplets!) with Mary Lindsey Blanton Hinds’ Feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 04 Aug 2020 | 074 - Book | The Nightingale | 00:22:14 | |
The Nightingale has been on my list to read for probably three years as it's one of my dearest friend's all time favorite books, and she's an avid reader, so I knew it was going to be good. It absolutely did not disappoint. Listen, I am not a huge fan of novels or fiction books, but I think this book may have changed that for me, I could not put it down. It was so good. On the night I finished reading the book, I was in the bed, wiping tears from my eyes as I finished the last pages, not wanting it to end. A heart wrenching historical fiction about two sisters in France, during World War II when the Nazis took control. It was really a true glimpse into the horrific tragedies and trauma of war and the important role of women in that war. So if you're looking for a great novel to read this summer or this fall, this is it. But be prepared to not be able to put it down, especially once you get to the halfway point. All in all, this book has given me the gift of perspective. And for that, I'm so grateful. For the full episode, head to nancyray.com/podcast/74.
Resources from this episode:The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 08 Aug 2023 | 201 - Fresh Creativity with Jess Ray | 00:57:24 | |
Today’s so special because I have a long-awaited guest joining me. Jess Ray is a singer/songwriter/producer from Raleigh, North Carolina. She has her own series of albums that hold some of my favorite songs ever written, and she’s part of a worship band called Mission House. She helps lead a local movement of worshipers here in Raleigh under the ministry named Feast and Feast. Her musical career has weaved in and out of Christian spaces, mainstream circles from house concerts, including my backyard to historic venues like the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. More than all of this, Jess has a beautiful soul and the humblest of hearts. She loves Jesus. If you’re ever at a show of hers, she’ll look you in the eyes and give you a giant hug afterwards. She’s the real deal, and I’m just the luckiest ever to have her as my best friend since the ninth grade, who also turned into my sister when I married her big brother. I’m so excited to talk with her today about fresh creativity. Oh, and one more thing…you know the music you hear every single week when you listen to this podcast? Yep. It’s from the song “Too Good” by Jess Ray. You should go listen to it, and I hope you enjoy today’s conversation.
Resources from this episode:Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 15 Nov 2022 | 173 - How We Sabbath | 00:16:46 | |
God created the world in six days, and on the seventh day He completely rested and enjoyed his work. He created this cadence for all of us to work six days and to rest one, and then repeat. We have a hard time doing this, don't we? I do. It's hard. It's not surprising why of all the 10 Commandments, this one was the longest with the most emphasis in the Bible. He designed us to do life this way. And when we do, life is refreshing and when we don't, it's exhausting. So today, I am gonna share with you simply how we practice the Sabbath and hopefully give you some practical things that you can do, too. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/173.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) The Gospel of Mark: Sabbath sermon
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| 09 May 2023 | 193 - Mama Scriptures | 00:21:22 | |
Welcome to another episode of May is for Mamas, and this is Mother's Day Week! We are approaching Mother's Day and I had the thought, I want to create a podcast episode that is a gift to any mom who is listening. And oftentimes for Mother's Day, we wanna get a massage or we wanna get away, or we want a new bag, or we wanna be served breakfast in bed. And all of these things are good and of of course, of course we want most of all those homemade cards from our kids that is the best. And just the acknowledgement of all the work and love that we pour into our families and all of that is so good and right and wonderful to want and receive those things. But sometimes, sometimes more than anything, I just want some words of life spoken over me. I need a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit to empower my steps. I want to to hear scripture and words that can speak to me in the dark moments that hold me together when I feel like I'm falling apart. The words that give me patience when I lose my temper, the words that give me wisdom when I need it most. And so today I am gonna be sharing my favorite scripture verses for mamas. And of course there are endless scriptures that I could share. There are so many more that I could pull from, but these are some of my personal favorites that I just want to read over you and share with you today. Also, I wanted to let you know as another Mother's Day gift, I'm giving you $50 towards the Legacy Photo System. If you want to take advantage of that, just use the code MAMAS when you check out. Lastly, I wanted to let you know that there are still a few spots available for my mastermind group, which is kicking off in June. If you are interested to learn more about that and apply, head to nancyray.com/mastermind. Applications close May 17th so make sure you go and apply before then! | |||
| 30 Apr 2024 | 233 - A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 2 | 00:30:46 | |
This week’s episode is part 2 of a conversation I had with my husband Will all about how we have observed the Sabbath as a family for a year now and how it has changed us forever. If you missed the first part of our conversation, go back to last week’s episode and listen to that before you listen to today’s episode. I’m so excited to finish out this conversation with you today. Resources from this episode: Birds and Bees with Megan Michelson Podcast Episode The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster Brighter Day Press Watercolor Classes Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 29 Sep 2020 | 082 - Kids, Camping and Slowing Down with Emily Thomas | 00:56:45 | |
Every year we go camping, and we go camping with another family, the Thomas family. We have been for eight years. In fact, just this past weekend, we went camping with our dear friends. It was crazy and fun and once again full of new memories in a slower pace. John and Emily Thomas have been our friends for well over a decade long before kids and even still with kids. Today, I brought Emily on to have a conversation about camping, kids, and slowing down. You might know Emily because she is the Chief of Staff at Cultivate What Matters, and a beautiful writer and blogger over at emformarvelous.com, one of the very few blogs that I adore and read. You're going to love Emily. She has a depth and a graciousness that is unmatched, and I love her. It's why she's been my friend for so long. So, I'm so excited to share our conversation today. Head to nancyray.com/podcast/82 for the full show notes.
Resources from this episode:Emily Thomas’ blog, Em for Marvelous Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 20 Feb 2024 | 223 - I Read the Bible in a Month! | 00:27:39 | |
During the month of January, I read the entire Bible and this episode is all about how I did it.
Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 07 Dec 2022 | 175 - Integrated Living | 00:22:44 | |
A few years ago, I came up with a core purpose statement for my work and this podcast, and that is: Practical tools for an integrated life. That is what I'm after. I want my teachings, my content, everything that I give to you or anyone who's listening to be very practica, and I want them to be implemented into an integrated life. But first you have to answer the question: What is an integrated life? What does that even mean? Well, the word integrate means to combine one thing with another so that they become a whole. Another definition of integrated is with various parts or aspects linked or coordinated. Living an integrated life means combining your faith life, your home life, and your work life so that they become linked or coordinated, complimenting each other beautifully and ultimately providing the train tracks for a healthy soul and a fulfilling life. And I'm gonna challenge you today, in your faith and your home and in your work—to live an integrated life.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) | |||
| 02 Apr 2024 | 229 - Rest | 00:22:15 | |
We live in a time where rest and play are very hard to come by. It can even be looked down on in our culture and often it feels impossible with the busy nature of our lives and schedules. Today’s episode is hopefully going to be encouraging to you to make time to rest and play a little bit more. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 30 Nov 2021 | 133 - Seasons of Business (Ep. 4 Replay) | 00:34:29 | |
I recently shared the news that after this year, my twelfth year of business, the doors of Nancy Ray Photography will close. This was one of the hardest, most difficult decisions of my life. I love this work, I am going to miss this work, but the bottom line is this: God gently made it clear to me that this season has come to an end. This was a massive decision for me personally and for my family, and it all started one year ago. Today, it feels like I've turned the page into the next chapter of my life. Now, I'll be honest, I could've kept going. Part of me really, really wanted to just keep going. I was good at it. I was confident in it, but this quote from Richard Blackaby explains why I'm letting it go:
That says it all. I just know that in order for me to everything that God wants me to do, I need to let this go. I simply know that God wants me to do something different. I'm going to walk you through how I got to this point and how I finally made the decision and how I listen to God's voice every step of the way. I'm going to share some questions, some hard questions, that I had to ask myself and I'm going to ask these questions to you, too. So I'm going to start this episode by asking these questions and hopefully as I share my story, you're going to understand a little bit more about what those questions mean. And as I finish the episode and come back and ask these questions again, maybe you'll have a fuller understanding about where you are today. My hope is that as I share how I navigated this huge decision, you’ll hopefully walk away with some helpful tools for he next time that you step into a new season, too. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/133.
Resources from this episode:The Seasons of God, by Richard Blackaby Lioness Arising, by Lisa Bevere Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 08 Dec 2020 | 092 - Finish Strong | 00:07:18 | |
Today, I'm going to set a record for my shortest podcast of all time and I'm totally okay with that. I hope this encouragement is just what you need today. Before I jump in, I wanted to remind you about two things. Number one, the Nancy Ray Book Club 2021 is live! You can click here t0 see all of the books that I am going to be reading this year, and I am inviting you to come along and read them with me. I do a podcast episode about each book that I read every month, and I'm really excited about the lineup for next year. I think it's going to be really good. The second thing I wanted to let you know is my Contentment Challenge is starting in January. You can find out all of the details by going here. This I think is going to be my sixth or seventh time doing the Contentment Challenge. I hope that it's an encouragement to you. If you decide to do it with me, a lot of people have done it several times over, and it's just a time to give up shopping and to give up a focus of all material things so that we can recenter our hearts on the thing that is most important, which is the Lord, the relationships in our life, and cultivating a grateful heart and an attitude of contentment with all that we have. Today, I am simply going to read to you an email that I send to everybody in my email family every single December. It's the same email every year. I've been doing this for probably five years and every time I send this email, I get emails back with “thank you”s and tears and “I needed this.” So, I've kind of decided to make it a tradition here on the podcast just to read it to you, to speak it over you at the end of this year, as you prepare for the holidays as you close up the year. And just so you know, you can always join my email list if you want to be added for weekly inspiration, podcast episode reminders, and practical tips. So today this is for you, and I think these words are particularly needed this year. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/92.
Resources from this episode:Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | 256 - You Can Always Come Home with Laura Jean Bell | 00:56:27 | |
I specifically reached out to my podcast guest today and said, “Please come on my podcast. I have been watching you and have been so inspired by you. I would love to hear more about your story and get a chance to catch up.” We have been kind of online friends for over five years. Seeing what she is doing in her life is so inspiring. So today I am going to talk with Laura Jean Bell about health, faith, speaking life, about her story, and about her new book. Honestly, I feel like I was just sitting on a back porch talking with a really good friend for a long time. She is very honest; very real, and I think you’re going to love what she has to say. Resources from this episode: You Can Always Come Home Book by Laura Jean Bell Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 20 Apr 2021 | 111 - How to Keep Photos Organized with 4 Kids | 00:19:11 | |
Every mother is stuck in this paradox of wanting so badly to photograph and keep and preserve heir children's lives and childhoods with organized baby books and photos, but the very thing that keeps us from doing that are our children. They consume so much of our time and mental energy, it feels impossible to stay on top of our photos. Being that I used to be a professional photographer, I have set out to simplify this process and do something about it. Today, I'm going to tell you how I plan to keep my photos organized with four kids. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/111.
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| 13 Feb 2024 | 222 - A Year of Prayer with Val Marie | 00:41:15 | |
My friend Val Marie is such a gift. She's the founder of Val Marie Paper, she's an author and she designed the lovely yearly prayer journal, which I have used time and time again. Val has given me so much perspective on prayer and has been such an encouragement to my walk with the Lord and today we're talking about what prayer can actually look like in our lives and how to make 2024 a year of prayer, for you, for real.
Resources from this episode: Productive Morning Spotify Playlist How (and What) to Read on Prayer with Val Marie Podcast 30 Minute Prayer Method by Val Marie
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | 224 - The Unexpected Free Time Game Plan | 00:20:39 | |
Every once in a while us moms find ourselves in a very perplexing situation. We have an unexpected hour of time and we have no idea what to do with ourselves. Today, we're gonna get a game plan. Resources from this episode: Work and Play Weekly Checklist Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 27 Jun 2023 | 200 – 200th Episode | 00:19:23 | |
Today is the 200th episode of work and play with Nancy Ray. I am so excited to celebrate with you. I can't believe it. I can't believe I've done 200 of these episodes. That's crazy. I'm so grateful that you have been listening. I hope today's episode is just fun. I thought of 200 of my favorite things, which is kind of wild, and it also took me a really long time to come up with 200 of my favorite things. But the hope was that maybe there are some things that I'm enjoying in my life that you don't know about. Maybe there's things I'm loving that you already know and love as well. Either way, I hope it's fun, lighthearted, playful, something to celebrate. I've brought a few helpers along. If you were here for the hundredth episode, you remember my kids helped me out with that, and that was when I just had three kids and Beaufort was a baby, and now I have four, and Benji’s the baby, and it has been so fun to incorporate them into this episode. Makes me a little teary, really happy and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening to the 200th episode of Work and play with Nancy Ray. Resources from this episode:A’del Bashful Eyeshadow or The Dusk Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Recovery Cream Ursa Major Forest Alchemy Eye Cream
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 28 Nov 2023 | 216 - Holiday Food : Part 4 | 00:14:06 | |
There is something so sacred about food during the holidays. The taste of your grandma's casserole or your aunt's monkey bread, or your mom's Christmas Eve dinner. It can fill your heart and mind with so many wonderful feelings and memories. Food represents so much more than just a meal. It represents feelings of nostalgia and it represents just the most important parts of the holiday season, which is bringing people together around the table in love. I'm so excited just to have a little bit of fun on this episode and encourage you just to think about the food that you are having in your family over this holiday season. Resources from this episode:Christian Healthcare Ministries Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 10 Dec 2024 | 259 - End of Year Rhythms for Reflection | 00:20:57 | |
If you do absolutely nothing else with this episode, then listen to the intro. I want you to listen to my encouragement to take time to reflect at the end of your year. Today, I am going to be sharing my three favorite rhythms (or traditions or appointments) I put in my calendar at the end of every single year to finish the year well. These are things that really make me pause and reflect on the things that I have learned, the mistakes that I have made, and how I want to change. That can make all the difference. Resources from this episode: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living book by Dale Carnegie Free Guide - A Vision for this Season Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 26 Oct 2021 | 129 - My Morning Routine (Ep. 13 Replay) | 00:19:05 | |
Get ready, because I love a good morning routine. Fair warning: I am such a nerd about this. I know this sounds kind of extreme, but having a morning routine in place really enhances the quality of my life. I'm not kidding. It gives me something to look forward to at night. It starts my day off connected with the Lord and with a healthy mindset. It allows me to start my day in a place of abundance, which really determines so much of the rest of my day. So whether you have a solid morning routine or if you don't have one at all, this episode is for you. PSA: This was recorded when I was not knee deep in newborn life! For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/129.
Resources from this episode:Michael Hyatt & the Lead to Win Podcast Allie Casazza & The Purpose Show What the Most Successful People do Before Breakfast, by Laura Vanderkam Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 21 Jul 2020 | 072 - What I've Learned About Fear | 00:39:00 | |
"Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous? Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9. There is a lot of fear right now. Fear of COVID, fear of losing somebody who gets COVID, fear of losing your job, fear that you won't be able to find another job because you've been out of work for awhile now, fear surrounding the heated discussions about racism in America, fear of the riots, fear of the future, fear that you're going to say the wrong thing, fear that you're going to have to fire the team that you have been hanging on to by a thread, fear that you're going to lose the business that you have been building for for the last 20, 30, 40 years. This is heavy. We are in a season that is heavy: individually, as families, and as a nation. And I know a lot of us have adapted to this weird season of life that we're in. And we don't always think about this, but I think it's good to remind you today that this whole situation that is 2020 is still affecting us. It's affecting our relationships, it's affecting our minds. There's just a lot of fear. And I don't know about you, but it feels like it's starting to wear on us a little bit. Now, before I speak to fear and all that I have learned about it recently, I want to say just a few things. Every week I show up on this podcast and I share from my heart. I try to be real. I share the things I'm learning, the things God's teaching me that I believe will be helpful for you and will encourage you. Sometimes I get it wrong. Actually, I can promise you, I have gotten it wrong and I will get it wrong again at some point. I'm not perfect. But I recently heard a quote from Craig Groeschel's podcast. And he said, "Show up and be yourself because people would rather follow a leader who is always real than a leader who's always right." So I'm going to keep showing up here and be real because that's all I can do. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/72.
Resources from this episode:Restoring the Foundations ministry Leave a review for the Work & Play Podcast on iTunes Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 28 Dec 2021 | 138 - 3 Habits to Put Social Media in its Place (Ep. 12 Replay) | 00:21:22 | |
Listen, we all struggle with social media. It is an incredible tool of connectivity, but it's literally designed to keep us scrolling, even when we don't want to be. Now in my best moments, I've connected with people I've never met. They have brought me hope or encouragement in a time I have desperately needed it. But in my darkest moments, I've thought some pretty terrible thoughts about myself as a wife, or a mother. I've wanted to escape a messy house or crying baby, or even worse, I haven't wanted to escape those things, but I've been scrolling none the less. I want to say is that technology isn't good or bad. Social media isn't good or bad, it is simply a tool. Just like money can be used to bless other people, and you can help eradicate poverty, do amazing things with money. Or you can spend it on some pretty terrible things and fuel addiction. Just like you can use bricks to build a hospital or a foundation that helps people in need. Or you can take a brick and throw it through a window and bring destruction. It's just a tool, right? Money is a tool, bricks are a tool, social media, technology, they're tools that you can use. It's not good or bad, it's how we use it or how we choose to use it that determines its outcome. With that said, it's incredibly important for us to know that this is just a tool, but it's also important for us to understand how it has been designed and refined over time. I want to enhance your understanding of its design, so that you can be aware of it and take responsibility for your life and your scrolling habits. It can be helpful. It can provide income. It can be addictive. It can be a trap. Today, I want to talk about simple practices that I have found incredibly life-giving to keep social media in its place. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/138.
Resources from this episode:A Good Podcast Episode on the Subject BBC Article: Social Media is ‘deliberately’ addictive The Tech-Wise Family, Andy Crouch | |||
| 10 May 2022 | 157 - Using a Timer in Motherhood | 00:18:01 | |
This is the epitome of combining Work and Play for mamas there's work to be done. Plenty of it. Folding clothes, meal planning, unloading the dishwasher, picking up toys, tackling the junk drawer, cleaning out the pantry, cleaning up the kitchen and on and on and on. Well, why not turn those work items that are not optional in our lives into some play? The magic missing link for you could be using a timer. When you set a timer before tackling a task, you turn it into a game. And before you know it, you're trying to beat your personal best and the kids are actually helping and using the timer, too—and it's really kind of fun! Today's episode for May is for Mamas is all about using a timer in motherhood. This is going to be fun. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/157.
Resources from this episode:Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 07 Jul 2020 | 070 - Book | Crucial Conversations | 00:29:50 | |
Today's episode is one that I hope you will bookmark and come back to. Actually, I'm almost positive this is one that you will bookmark and come back to. That's because I'm going to share with you the simple steps and how to have a really hard conversation—a crucial conversation—steps that will help you think through what you will say before you say it, and tools that will change your marriage, change your family relationships, your work relationships, all for the better.
Resources from this episode:Crucial Conversations, by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan & Switzler Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 12 Dec 2023 | 218 - 2023 Books and What I'm Reading in 2024 | 00:23:57 | |
Today is my annual book club episode where I share my very favorite books that I read this last year in 2023 and also what I have planned for 2024. You can always find that current list updated at nancyray.com/bookclub or you can follow along and read with me if you choose. It is very relaxed or you can just catch up on the podcast episodes as I release them. So I’m excited. I read some really good stuff this year and I have some exciting picks for next year and I can’t wait to share them with you today. Resources from this episode:Val Marie Paper - Prayer Journal | use code “WORKANDPLAY” for 10% off Books I Read in 2023: Episode 212 - Narnia, Harry Potter, and the Wingfeather Saga Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt Episode 183 - Book | Four Thousand Weeks Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin The Power of Writing it Down by Allison Fallon Episode 196 - The Blessing [Book] with Kari Trent Stageberg The Blessing by John Trent, Gary Smalley, Kari Trent Stageberg The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley, Troy and Ruth Simons Books I Wanted to Read in 2023: The Stories We Tell by Joanna Gaines The Lazy Genius Kitchen by Kendra Adachi Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah Mally Books I Plan to Read in 2024: The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan Set The Stars Alight by Amanda Dykes Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley Until the Streetlights Come On by Ginny Yurich The 2-Hour Cocktail Party by Nick Gray Take Back Your Time by Christy Wright The Stories We Tell by Joanna Gaines Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends by Sarah Mally Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 21 Nov 2023 | 215 - Holiday Budget and Gifts : Part 3 | 00:15:06 | |
I'm pumped to talk about a Christmas budget and Christmas gifts today. Guys, this can get so outta hand so fast, and also it can have such a negative connotation to it. Just making a Christmas budget feels like it's stifles all the Christmas cheer. But I'm here to say it doesn't. It doesn't. Making a Christmas budget actually brings me a lot of joy because it helps me to stay organized and focused on what I really, really want to be spending my money on. And it helps me not get so carried away that in January I look back and have a lot of regret. I don't. When I make a Christmas budget, I don't. And so today we're gonna talk all about how to make a simple and effective Christmas budget for you to follow, as well as how to create a gift tracking document so that you can keep track of everything really well this Christmas. Resources from this episode: Christian Healthcare Ministries GoodKind - Use the code WORKANDPLAY for 15% off Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 03 May 2022 | 156 - Speak Scripture Over Your Children | 00:14:52 | |
This is the first episode of May is for Mamas, which is one of my favorite things I do on the podcast every May! Each episode this month will be made for the mamas listening and I hope it will be a mix of uplifting, helpful, encouraging, and maybe even a little lighthearted cause we all need that right now. This first episode is all about speaking scripture over your children and how powerful that can be for your kids and for you. Today is also the day I'm launching my Patreon page(!), which I'm so excited about. You can head to patreon.com/workandplay to get access to a community of like-minded friends who are Work and Play listeners like you and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the Work and Play podcast going. I'll occasionally have discussion threads or polls or exclusive episodes just for those of you who decide to become patrons. But even if none of that exclusive content or community interests you and you just like the Work and Play podcast as it is, and you want to support it and help me bring it to you, Patreon is the way to do that. So head to patreon.com/workandplay and know I am so genuinely grateful for your support. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/156
Resources from this Episode: | |||
| 20 Aug 2024 | 244 - Authority Over Guilt | 00:18:30 | |
Today’s episode is full of scripture and encouragement for us to live in the authority that God has given us instead of walking in guilt. Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 25 Jun 2024 | 241 - Summer Purpose | 00:14:01 | |
Today’s episode is all about the purpose of summer. What is the purpose of summer? What is the purpose of your summer? What do you want to get out of it? How can we walk through summer with a heart of contentment, gratitude, really enjoy it and make the most out of it? Resources from this episode: Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 07 Jun 2022 | 161 - Book | The 4 Disciplines of Execution | 00:21:06 | |
Hello and happy June! Today is a full and exciting episode because I have some updates for you for the Summer and it's a book club episode, which are always my favorites. This book kind of has a funny story with it—which I'll get to. We are out of school, we're getting used to new rhythms with all the kids home and I've got some fun Summer episodes coming up. Lots to talk about today, but today's book is called The 4 Disciplines of Execution and it was a doozy of a business book. There was a lot in there, but I'm really excited to simplify it and kind of translate it to how we can apply it to our work and our homes. It's going to be good. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/161
Resources from this episode: | |||
| 11 Aug 2020 | 075 - A Vision For This Season | 00:17:02 | |
I feel like I could easily tell you the vision of who I want to be at the end of my life, or even 10 years from now. Or I can make a strong vision for my business or work, where it's going in the next three to five years. But this year, 2020, is a struggle. It has given us all a really unique challenge, and I think the hardest part of all is that it's just so hard to catch a vision for what this year or even 2021 should look like, because it's impossible to make any plans. We feel like in all the plans we make, the rug just keeps getting pulled out from underneath our feet. Today, I want to encourage and kind of pause and coach you through a few exercises and questions that will hopefully help bring clarity to this year, to exactly where you are, and show you that it's not just important to cast vision for your life or your work years down the road, but it's important to have a vision for the current season of life that you are in, and dare I say it, even for 2020. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/75.
Resources from this episode:Making Things Happen Conference Episode 023 - The Fear of Becoming a Mom with Katelyn James Katelyn’s Blog Post about Baby James’ birth Katelyn’s Blog Post about James’ story & their new season The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | 155 - State of the Podcast | 00:16:48 | |
Today, I'm veering off the normal podcast course and I'm breaking a few rules and I just want to share some of where I am in my own work and play and how that affects this podcast moving forward. I'm really excited about where I'm headed and I want to be very honest with you and take you along in this journey with me. I value you, I'm grateful for you listening, especially those of you who listen every week. I'm so, so grateful and I'm excited just to share my heart with you today. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/155 | |||
| 10 Oct 2023 | 210 - 10 Things Saving my Life: Fall Edition | 00:18:49 | |
Okay. I felt like it was just time for a more lighthearted podcast episode and that is why I am bringing you 10 things that are saving my life, fall edition. Are they actually saving my life? No, but they’re really helping it and I think they’re making my fall a little bit better, and I’m just gonna share those things with you today. So I hope you enjoy listening. Resources from this episode:Christian Healthcare Ministries Artificial Pumpkins from Walmart Summer Moon Coffee - Moon Milk Creamer William Sonoma - Mulling Spices
Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!
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| 24 May 2022 | 159 - Raising Daughters with Shay Cochrane, Part II | 00:38:38 | |
Welcome to May is for Mamas, when every episode in the month of May on the Work and Play Podcast is dedicated to all you mamas listening. Today, I am continuing my conversation with my dear friend, Shay Cochrane. She's a wife, a mom of two girls. We tackle all kinds of topics and I just couldn't leave anything out so I decided to split it up into two episodes. I hope you enjoy the rest of our conversation! For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/159.
Resources from this Episode:The Coaching Habit, by Michael Stanier The Creator in You, by Jordan Raynor Lies Girls Believe, by Dannah Gresh Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 25 Aug 2020 | 077 - Back to School Rhythms and Routines | 00:26:37 | |
Doing school shopping this year as a parent, I've realized there's a different side to it than when we were younger, and it's not so pretty. There's a lot to manage. There's a lot to take hold of. And I've learned this: there's a lot of different correspondence and papers, a lot of different things going on. And so I have decided, I am going to learn from other moms and put some systems into place. I don't have a ton of years under my belt—I fully admit that—but I am committed to putting systems, and rhythms, and routines into place as we go back to school that will allow us to flourish instead of being stressed out. And today I'm excited to share those with you. Read the full show notes at nancyray.com/podcast/77.
Resources from this episode:The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them. | |||
| 20 Jul 2021 | 124 - We're Debt Free AGAIN! | 00:40:46 | |
I am so excited about today's episode! Today, Will and I are going to be sharing about how we are debt-free again, as we just paid off our house! If you followed us for a while, you know, we are passionate about financial stewardship and financial freedom, and you also might know that we paid off our first mortgage when we were just 25 and 26 years old. And today we will be telling you a little bit about our journey and how we went back into debt for the house we live in now and how we were able to pay that house off this year. Our hope more than anything is that you would be inspired and know that with some hard work and intentional planning, this could be possible for you, too. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/124.
Resources from this episode:Episode 068 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part I Episode 069 - 12 Years of Marriage, Part II God and Money, by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 01 Sep 2020 | 078 - Book | The Pumpkin Plan | 00:27:55 | |
About a year ago, my friend, Sammy Jo, who works with me on my content creation and producing this podcast, she recommended this business book to me called The Pumpkin Plan. She recommended it at the time that I was launching this new brand that I have. I had just launched this podcast, and I added this book to my long list of books that I wanted to read. As we were starting to do research and kind of figure out what content we wanted to make, she started asking me these questions that were really good questions to challenge my thinking and think outside the box with work and not just go the same direction that everyone else was going, but to blaze a new trail and do something different. And it challenged me. It challenged me to push pause on all of my own ideas, to zoom out a little bit, to get some more perspective, and ask better questions, not only of myself, but of my clients, my audience, and my work. So, I've been so excited to read this book since then. Let me just say it did not disappoint. I'm really excited to dive in today and share what I learned! For the full show notes, visit nancyray.com/podcast/78.
Resources from this episode:The Pumpkin Plan, by Mike Michalowicz Episode 009 - The Secret to Success in Business Episode 004 - Seasons of Business Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that I do receive a small commission if you use those links to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you! I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 29 Jun 2021 | 121 - Foundations in Work | 00:20:14 | |
Today's episode is the last of a three part series, giving you a glimpse into the new course I'm releasing TODAY at noon eastern time. So today is all about work, and my foundational approach to it. To learn more about An Integrated Life and to go ahead and get access today when the doors open, head to nancyray.com/integratedlife. | |||
| 26 Nov 2024 | 257 - Our Favorite Thanksgiving Tradition | 00:23:17 | |
Happy Thanksgiving week! Oh my goodness, I can’t believe we are here! Today’s episode is all about our very favorite Thanksgiving tradition. It’s so simple. It costs nothing. I hope you and your family enjoy it! Resources from this episode: One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 18 Aug 2020 | 076 - How to Write a Clear Purpose Statement | 00:29:20 | |
How to write a purpose statement. It seems a little daunting, doesn't it? All right, I have to enter this episode with the worst purpose / mission statement of all time. It's actually like the best-worst mission statement of all time. And then we'll play a little game after I read it, you can guess what company it is, all right? All right, this is it: “We provide our products and services with dedication to the highest degree of integrity and quality of customer satisfaction, developing long-term professional relationships with employees that develop pride, creating a stable working environment and company spirit.” Any guesses? Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. That is their mission statement. And actually I think the Michael Scott Paper Company is the actual worst, which says, "I will not be beat, I will never give up, I am on a mission," that is the Michael Scott guarantee I can not get through this without laughing. I feel like this might be the best intro ever to a podcast episode because of all The Office references, but here's what I want to do in this episode today: I want to help you write a really, really good mission statement and maybe even reframe your entire thinking about a mission statement and what you even call it. Because for the most part, mission statements / purpose statements / "what's your why" statements are just too wordy and a bunch of gobbledygook that doesn't help you or clarify your vision. So if you've never written one for your work, or if you have one, but you can't recite it right now off the top of your head and you don't really believe in it: this episode is for you. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/76.
Resources from this episode:Episode 026 - My Favorite Business Book of All Time Some of the links above are affiliate links. I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 08 Nov 2022 | 172 - My Christmas Gameplan | 00:15:18 | |
It is that time of the year where we are starting to think all about the holidays. And in my opinion, you can't start planning too early for Christmas. So, today I am telling you all about my Christmas gameplan, which is simply the planning that goes in to making Christmas a wonderful, peaceful time of year—because let's face it, it can be very stressful and very hectic if you don't thoughtfully plan ahead. So I'm just gonna share with you my approach and my strategy, and hopefully it will encourage you and bless you to plan a little more ahead and also enjoy your holidays a little bit more. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/172.
Resources from this episode:The Work & Play Weekly Checklist (Free Download!) Welcome Home, by MyQuillyn Smith Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||
| 03 Nov 2020 | 087 - Encouragement on Election Day | 00:22:26 | |
Happy Election Day! Now, listen, I know tensions are running high. I know convictions and beliefs that we hold have been tried and tested in this year. And especially this election season, it's been heavy. It's been divisive and it's been really hard. I don't know about you, but I have been doing a deeper dive behind the scenes, listening to podcasts, reading books, having conversations with my close friends and family, to really answer the question: What are my own beliefs about all of this? What do I believe to be true? What do I believe is the best way forward? In today's episode, I want to remind all of us of three things the Lord calls us to, in any and every season of our lives (three things that, if I'm honest, I feel like they've been pushed to the side). Three things that I believe were part of the founding of this country and three things that we absolutely must maintain if we are to move forward. For the full show notes, head to nancyray.com/podcast/87.
Resources from this episode:Framed for Posterity, by Ralph Ketcham Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them! | |||