The Alli Worthington Show

Valorie Burton on success, expanding our comfort zones, and the power of the right questions

What if the breakthrough you are looking for isn't in having all the right answers--but in asking the right questions?  What is my procrastination telling me? Why am I afraid to succeed? Will you give yourself permission to make a change? Sometimes, sitting in a powerful question is the key to success beyond anything you've ever dreamed. Today, we are with a powerhouse woman who loves raising up other women, and she'll explain how the fear of sending out her resume at the beginning of her career blossomed into a passion to help other women overcome their deepest fears.  Valorie Burton is the author of 13 powerful books (!!!!) and a coach to women all over the globe and she's going to help us ask the right questions to walk in our callings as talented and equipped women!   In this episode we discuss: 1. Why women struggle with perfectionism and the fear of success more than men. 2. What is positive psychology and how it impacts our everyday life. 3. Why women from Christian backgrounds struggle with the idea of success.   Favorite quotes: 1. The job of fear is to put enough doubt in us that we become paralyzed and our job is to say nope that’s not gonna happen. 2. The things that are hard now make it easier for when you reach new levels. 3. The longer I stay out of my comfort zone, the more my comfort zone expands. 4. A growth mindset is what changed me. I remember saying maybe I have not made the right choices before but that's not going to be my story. That’s not how this story is going to end. I’m going to learn what I need to learn and I’m going to unlearn the things I need to unlearn because I'm not doomed. 5. If you don’t think you don’t deserve it, then you won’t move towards it. If you don’t think it can happen, you won’t move forward. This causes procrastination in your life.   In this episode I answer these questions: 1. How can I develop a positive mindset? (42:38) 2. What if different denominations believe different things? How do I know what is true? (55:32) 3. How do you market yourself well when you're just starting out in a new endeavor?  (1:01)   Links to great things we discussed: 1. Valorie Burton 2. Life Coaching for Successful Women 3. Old Town Road 4. Fitbit 5. Feel Good by David Burns 6. Passion To Profit 7. Resurrecting   Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/podcast/valorieburton

Every parent needs this one! David Kinnaman on resilient faith, navigating digital Babylon, and how to parent in a way that builds faith in your kids.

This may be the most important podcast I've ever aired. In this episode, David Kinnaman president of Barna Group and best selling author shares the results of thousands of hours or research and sheds light on why young people are leaving the church in a mass exodus. You’ll learn why kids are falling away from the faith and how you can parent in a way that builds faith in your kids. He'll also share what young people flourishing the faith have in common and how we can parent in a way that builds a lasting faith in our kids. David shares about interviewing young people and what helped them grow and stay in their faith. He shares the five practices of the younger generation with resilient faith: experiencing Jesus speaking to them, cultural discernment, meaningful relationship, vocational discipleship, and countercultural mission.     In this episode we discuss: 1. Why faith should be an exciting (and even risky) leap for your kids. 2. Why over-simplified faith answers aren't cutting it anymore. 3. Why the American dream may be crushing their faith.   Favorite quotes: 1. It is not a matter of if your kids are going to be exposed to it, it’s a matter of when. We have to be ready and prepared to live by what God says so that we can help our kids. We can’t protect them from everything. So it’s not saying “if this happens” but “when this happens? 2. Young people really want to learn and I think a lot of churches do a disservice by oversimplifying the message of the gospel. 3. We’re doing dial-up ministry in a wifi world.  4. To practice cultural discernment is to live under the authority of scripture. 5. We have a more American vision of what it means to be a young adult than we have a Christian vision of what it means to be a young adult.   In this episode I answer this question: 1. How can I overcome my past pain? (51:19)   Links to great things we discussed: 1. David Kinnaman 2. Faith For Exiles:5 Ways a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon 3. Hillsong: Awake 4. Twenty One Pilots: My Blood  5. Little Women 6. The Tech-Wise Family 7. Dolittle 8. UPPERROOM: All Hail King Jesus    Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/davidkinnaman

Melissa D’Arabian on using our gifts, food, and hospitality

Today's guest is truly a STAR...A Food Network Star! We are with the winner of Season 5, Melissa D'Arabian and whether you are a foodie or not--this is a conversation you don't want to miss!  We talk about how she landed a spot on the reality show by creating the craziest food ever in her hot, Texas garage and how some hard experiences from her childhood set her on a mission to help those on a tight budget.  Melissa is passionate about helping others realize eating well doesn’t have to cost your whole paycheck and how being hospitable can be simple. She also shares a grocery store hack that will change the way you shop forever.   In this episode we discuss: 1. The reason most of us downplay our gifts. 2. How to avoid the performance trap in hospitality. 3. What God says about food. (it’s not what you think!)   Favorite quotes: 1. The magic happens when we take on a servant mentality, that we’re meant to show up and use our gifts to the best of our ability. 2. The news from God on food, in my experience, is one of unity and drawing us closer into Him. 3. My thinking and work about eating best is really about strategy. It’s so much less about that one magic recipe. It’s really about strategy in thinking strategically about my grocery bill.   In this episode, I answer this question- 1. If God forgives me, why do I feel like He hasn’t? (58:16)   Links to great things we discussed: 1. Melissa d’Arabian 2. Tasting Grace 3. Frank Sinatra playlist 4. The Greatest Showman 5. Beetlejuice 6. Getting To Yes 7. Breathe Right Strips 8. SNL Gas Right 9. SNL More Cowbell 10. Just Mercy 11. Right Here  Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :)   xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/podcast/melissadarabian  

Phil Waldrep on betrayal, forgiveness, and true healing.

I'm with my wonderful friend Phil Waldrep, founder of The Women of Joy and Gridiron Conferences.  Phil shares his personal story of processing through a deep betrayal and what God has taught him over decades about bitterness and forgiveness. Phil is like your favorite, wise uncle who can gently teach us and encourage us at the same time--and I know this conversation is going to leave us forever better.   In this episode we discuss: 1. How to heal from betrayal. 2. How to tell if bitterness is an issue for you. 3. And why his dog is suspicious of him.   Favorite quotes: 1. You may be in the pit right now, but when you overcome feelings of betrayal in a healthy way, your pit can become a palace. 2. Betrayal is like building a wall around your heart. People that have been betrayed, build this wall around their hearts and they decide ‘no one else will hurt me because no one else is getting in.’ 3. You can trust again. You can have joy again. You can have peace again, but you have to process that betrayal that you’ve been feeling. 4. At the root of betrayal is selfishness. That’s the reason why people betray you. They put their desires ahead of your desires.    In this episode I answer these questions: 1. How can I learn to stop yelling at my kids all the time? (41:26) 2. How do I fully lean in and trust God? (52:52) 3. How do you stop fear and doubt when you want to open your own business as a woman? (58:38)   Links to great things we discussed:  1. Phil Waldrep 2. Beyond Betrayal 3. Women of Joy 4. Elvis: American Trilogy 5. Andre Rieu 6. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 7. American Gospel 8. Traeger Grill    xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/podcast/philwaldrep  

Robin Dance on doubt, overcoming people pleasing, and freedom.

I'm with author and OG Blissdom friend Robin Dance! Robin bares all during our time together--including a season where she considered leaving the church and her faith, the trauma of losing her mom at 9, and how chronic people-pleasing left her feeling like a fake.  Robin's vulnerability and transparency in this episode will help us find the life-lines we need during times of doubt and how to let our questions point us back to God.   In this episode we discuss: 1. Why taking offense often may be a symptom of something bigger. 2. The time she caught the eye of Harry Conninck Jr. 3. How our doubt can bring us back to God.    Favorite quotes: 1. Your doubts could be the very thing He is using to call you back to Him. 2. As a woman of faith, I should be living to please God not anyone else. 3. Where you are today, you will not be here forever. God will use this hard situation and turn it around for your good.   In this episode I answer these questions: 1. Can we really learn to stop self-sabotage?  (35:40) 2. How do you find joy in life when God isn't answering your prayers? (41:15) 3. How do you know if you are cut out for business? (48:55)   Links to great things we discussed: 1. Robin Dance 2. For All Who Wander:Why Knowing God Is Better than Knowing It All 3. Everything Is Yours: How Giving God Your Whole Heart Changes Your Whole Life by Kris Camealy 4. Perversion by Urban Decay 5. Maybe by Nichole Nordeman 6. She Used to Be Mine by Sarah Bareilles 7. Knives Out 8. Place of Freedom by Highlands Worship  9. Fierce Faith 10. The Reason for God  Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/robyndance

Jennie Allen on getting out of her head, fighting back, and community

I'm joined by Bible teacher, IF:Gathering Founder, and my good friend Jennie Allen. Jennie is going to share about a recent season that rocked her faith, left her full of questions, and doubting her call.  We talk about Jennie's new book "Get Out Of Your Head" and why she decided to start talking back to her midnight fears.  If you've ever wrestled with God and asked "Is this all true?"-- then Jennie's story is going to meet you in a powerful way today and help you boldly take charge of your thought life.   In this episode we discuss: 1. Why she called security on an elderly woman while at a church in her hometown. 2. Why she had to avoid the Avengers movies for a season. 3. The dramatic change she is making to the IF:Gathering this year.   Favorite quotes: 1. The enemy wants to shut down anybody that is following Jesus and he’ll do it in ways that we won’t notice. 2. Paul knew that what we were up against wasn’t just a few flighty thoughts of insecurity, but that we’re up against an enemy that was a spirit and we have to fight him with spiritual weapons. 3. We need people. Why? Because loneliness and isolation are an epidemic and we are connected, but not truly in a relationship sharing what’s really going on with our lives, and when that happens, the devil has us. 4. I do believe that everything can change. I also believe we’re a part of that in our obedience. We take the first step and God comes in and brings freedom.   In this episode I answer these questions: 1. How do you know if someone is codependent? (52:54) 2. How does God talk to you? (57:25) 3. How do you hustle to grow towards your dreams and goals without striving? (1:05:19 )   Links to great things we discussed: 1. Jennie Allen 2. Get Out Of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts 3. Humility 4. The Pursuit of God 5. Systematic Theology 6. Drybar Dry Shampoo 7. Buxom Lip gloss 8. 1917 9. Bryan and Katie Torwalt- Remember  Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli  www.alliworthington.com/podcast/jennieallen2

What to do when you feel called to write and speak with Lisa Whittle

Do you feel called to write or speak? Over the past decade, I have received questions from hundreds of women who feel called but haven’t known where to start. This week, I have a special episode for you that lays it all out! I'm with my good friend Lisa Whittle to share our personal stories of how we built writing and speaking careers. We'll share common misconceptions, practical advice for getting started, and how to take the next step. We are also announcing something extremely exciting for those wanting to step confidently into this space. If that's you, don't miss this episode!   In this episode we discuss: 1. How do I start speaking if I've never been invited? 2. What if I don't have any connections? 3. What do I do if I'm struggling with writer's block?   Favorite quotes: God is doing big things in the hearts of women and we change the world when we share our stories. You may not feel creative, but God has called you to create!  We are launching a coaching community for women who are called to share their messages of freedom with a lost and broken world. We want to remove the intimidation, confusion and frustration of navigating your calling to write and speak by guiding you in developing your gifting, building your message and expanding your reach. On what holds women back-  We think it’s a lack of information or skills, but what really holds us back is our self-doubt and our imposter syndrome. We get overwhelmed because we don’t know where to start. We want to help you start!   On progressing to our goals- If God has called you and you stay obedient to learning what you need to learn and take small steps every day, He will take you exactly where you are supposed to go. You can’t let your present circumstances or your past define where you go in the future.  On deciphering his will and our will- When you walk with God, His dreams for you and your dreams and desires for yourself tend to morph. You will know much more clearly what you’re supposed to be doing with your life if you stay in tune with Him.    In this episode we answer your questions: 1. How do you get started when you are unconnected and feel unqualified? (26:52) 2. How do you know the difference between the dream of writing and speaking being God’s dream for you or a dream you need to let go of? (31:33) 3. Is there anything I can do to position myself as a speaker before I’ve actually been called up to the mic? (35:55) 4. Do I have to be published to be a credible speaker? (43:39) 5. I have an idea of what I want to write about and I’ve begun keeping notes.  But when I open up my computer to start writing I freeze up staring at a blank screen.  How can I take my ideas and thoughts and create something cohesive. (47:31)   As a listener, you have access to Called Creatives today! We are only opening the doors for seven days and you have early access! Called Creatives is a specialized coaching community for women who are called to write and speak.    As a Called Creative member, every month you’ll receive… LIVE, interactive group coaching call with Alli and Lisa. Writing training session that will equip you to become a better writer, establish your voice and get traction.  Speaking training session designed to help you develop your unique message, sharpen your speaking skills and leverage speaking opportunities.  Guest training session with an industry leader (publishers, agents, writers, speakers).   Plus, you will also… Get on-demand access to an ever-growing library of resources and trainings Expand your network of like-minded women who are pursuing their calling and cheering each other on. Join specialized communities of fellow entrepreneurs, women in ministry, and podcasters inside the bigger Called Creatives community Connect directly with Lisa, Alli and the Called Creatives team through the private online community platform   xo, Alli   www.alliworthington.com/calledcreativeswithlisawhittle  

Beth Moore on fruitfulness, calling, and staying strong.

In this episode, I'm with the one and only Beth Moore. Beth needs no introduction as a trailblazing Bible teacher, author, and speaker-- but we will discuss her call to ministry as a young girl, the fire that keeps her going no matter the circumstances, and what Tuscany taught her about suffering, growth, and God.   In this episode we discuss: 1. How to know if you are actually called or if it's your own desires. 2. Why I almost killed a man on Mount Olympus in her honor. 3. Her enneagram number, favorite mascara, and the one female product you shouldn't wear on stage.   Favorite quotes: 1. A vine produces a grape when a vine is concerned that it may not survive. It has to be under enough stress that it wonders, “I wonder if I’m going to make it here.” It is only then that the grape produces. 2. I feel like there are so many people at risk of quitting because they think that God somehow gave out on them or up on them. 3. If we don’t recognize that going forward involves cutting back to prepare us to go forward and that a lot of times growing looks a lot more like shrinking, then what happens is we quit. 4. I think one of the things I’m most called to do in this era of my life is to cheer people on in their calling. I feel a tremendous responsibility to that. To say to people He’s not done with you. Even if you are going through a time of chastisement with Him, even if you have reaped the whirlwind here. God so faithful. His grace is so immeasurable and He will be faithful. Anybody that cooperates with Him and abides in the vine- He will see to it that we bear much fruit.    In this episode BETH answers your questions: 1. What prompted you to start writing and teaching? (30:33) 2. How do you discern when the calling is from the Lord or your own secret desires? (57:07)   Links to great things we discussed:  1. Beth Moore , Twitter , Instagram 2. Chasing Vines 3. The Crown 4. Moroccan oil 5. Loreal Mascara    Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/podcast/bethmoore

Kate Bowler on strength, suffering, and leadership

Today I'm with my friend and brilliant Duke divinity professor, author, and TED Talk presenter Kate Bowler.  We talk honestly about suffering, terminal illness, and how Jesus fits into all of it. Kate will also talk about her fascinating and extensive research about the dynamics of women leading in the church.   In this episode we discuss: 1. Why most women in conservative denominations don't attend seminary. 2. What she discovered after researching the prosperity gospel of health, wealth, and happiness. 3. What it's like to battle Stage 4 cancer at age 35.   Favorite quotes: 1. There’s a fun history of how women have managed to skirt the technicalities of preaching as a vocation. They largely do it as self-taught women. 2. Everyone wants you to only bowl down the middle on every topic and I think there’s something we lose when we don’t allow, especially women, the particularity of their experience.    In this episode I answer these questions: 1. What under-eye concealer won’t make me look like I’m 90? (46:50) 2. Going into 2020 and looking back, what did God teach you last year? (49:47) 3. What email software do you use? (55:25)   Favorite quotes: 1. There’s a fun history of how women have managed to skirt the technicalities of preaching as a vocation. They largely do it as self-taught women. 2. Everyone wants you to only bowl down the middle on every topic and I think there’s something we lose when we don’t allow, especially women, the particularity of their experience.    Links to great things we discussed:  1. Kate Bowler  2. The Preacher’s Wife: The Precarious Power of Evangelical Women Celebrities 3. Kate’s Ted Talk  4. Alias TV Show 5. Tarte Travel Shape Tape  6. Ford v Ferrari  7. Jeremy Riddle All Hail King Jesus     Hope you loved this episode! Be sure to subscribe in iTunes and slap some stars on a review! :) xo, Alli    www.alliworthington.com/podcast/katebowler

Special Breaking Busy episode: Identifying the signs of crazy busy and finding peace and purpose.

HAPPY almost 2020! We're looking to a new year, a new decade--and it's a great time for a fresh start. What if we all started off with less stress, more joy, greater purpose, and a lower chance of burnout? In this special episode, I'm sharing a free chapter from my book Breaking Busy! I'll share my personal story of how busy almost broke me...until I got (a literal) wakeup call....from my bra. We'll take inventory, learn to recognize the red flags of busy, and get a game plan to go from a frazzled to full life. I'm also giving away chapter one from Breaking Busy free today.   Quotes from this episode- 1. Contrary to what many of us have been told, we all have limits. We can't handle it all, nor should we. We have to stop pretending we are superhuman with an endless supply of energy, because we aren't. Embracing our limits and respecting our personal capacity is the key to success and living out our calling. 2. Not taking care of ourselves works in the short run but it always spells disaster for everyone around us eventually. Taking care of ourselves means we’re willing to care for ourselves so we will be able to live out the calling on our lives. Self care is never selfish. You can’t live the life that God created for you if you’re running on fumes. 3. Having a limited physical capacity is not a flaw in my character, it is by glorious design for an incredible purpose to realize my need for him. 4. When God created us, he created us with limitless capacity to love others and a limitless ability to stretch our talents to be used for his glory. 5. We each have a different capacity level. Our levels increase and decrease, depending on our season and our situation. Identifying and respecting our own capacity is life changing and it's the first step to breaking busy. If you love the message of Breaking Busy and want your own copy, you can grab one on Amazon on sale.   Happy New Year, Alli   www.alliworthington.com/podcast/breakingbusy