Ep 31: Ryan

Episode 31: Ryan on Parenting, Relating to Eleanor Roosevelt, and Jessye’s Secret Stanley Cup

Join Jessye and her husband Ryan for a heartfelt discussion about the joys and challenges of parenting adult children—things no one told them about. Dive into the importance of open communication, mental health, and offering support through life's ups and downs. Ryan leads Jessye down lively rabbit trails more than once, as listeners get to enjoy their playful banter and teasing. Discover their personal insights and the passion behind their work, including publishing books and planning retreats that help others. Throughout the conversation, they remind us of the value of embracing our own struggles without comparison and appreciating the difficult path each of us walks in life.

Made for More Retreat

Ep. 30: Carlos Whittaker

Episode 30: Carlos on Gaining Our Lives Back, Recovering the Lost Art of Being Human, and Remembering We Are Made for More

Pop some popcorn, turn up the volume, as Carlos Whittaker shares his journey of disconnecting from screens and reconnecting with what it means to be human.

How much of your life are you really missing? Well, one day Carlos did the math, and the calculations were hard to stomach. This discovery led Carlos to spend seven screen-free weeks, completely unplugging from technology. During this time, he got his brain scanned, lived with monks and Amish farmers, and relearned the lost art of things like savoring, wondering, getting lost, and practicing solitude.

In this conversation, Carlos and Jessye discuss the importance of slowing down and living at God's speed. They explore the idea of finding beauty in the small moments and not rushing through life. They also discuss the impact of technology and the need to disconnect in order to reconnect with ourselves, with those around us, and with God. Carlos shares his personal experiences and challenges listeners to examine what is speeding them up in life and find ways to slow down.

If you’ve ever felt like throwing your phone into a lake or had the sneaking suspicion that maybe there is more to life than feeling haggard and exhausted every day, this episode is for you. And take it one life-changing step further–join Carlos and Jessye for the Made for More retreat this October in San Diego for a three day two night time to get reconnected yourself. 

Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human

Carlos on Instagram

Ep. 29: KK

Episode 29: KK on Dating, the Complexities of Grief, and Life with ADHD

In this episode, KK returns to The Molden Cast, leading us to bravely explore more freedom through transparency and self-awareness. KK shares what life looks like for him now as a rising senior, and together, he and Jessye discuss the superpowers and struggles of living with ADHD, along with his views on the tricky world of dating and friendship.

Join in as KK offers tangible encouragement to parents of teens, reminding us of the importance of the tough conversations we often avoid. Be inspired by KK’s advice on staying true to ourselves while avoiding the pressuring pitfalls of grief.

Throughout this episode, we’re reminded that grief is a complex journey, often masked by humor or hidden in coping mechanisms. It’s a process that comes in waves, blending sadness with moments of joy. KK and Jessye encourage embracing tough conversations, being transparent in relationships, and surrounding yourself with the right people for support and growth.

Ep. 28: Jessye Wilden

Episode 28: Jessye Wilden on Raising Kids Through Trauma: "What I Wish I Knew When Life Shattered"

This is the episode Jessye wishes she had when her children's lives were upended by trauma. When tragedy strikes, how can we help our kids grieve and heal? How do we support them emotionally and physically? And where do we even start when a crisis hits?

PLEASE NOTE: This episode briefly mentions suicide, homicide, gun violence, specifics of family deaths, and the days immediately following their tragedy.

Almost seven years ago, Jessye and her family faced these exact questions. Today, her children are thriving. In this episode, Jessye shares the practical strategies and hacks that helped her and her husband support their kids through the toughest times. From calming their nervous systems to filling their minds with good things, this episode offers a reminder that true healing and resilience are possible.

Resources & Links from Jessye: 

Nervous System Support:

MagicWeightedBlanket.com

Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)

Inner Workings: Autonomic Homeostasis Activation (AHA) with Thomas Pals

Books:

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
The Chronicles of Narnia Set

The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need. He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water. He gives me new strength.

Psalm 23:1 (emphasis ours)

Thankful Things Challenge:

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Small Notebooks for Big Thanks

For FUN:

Flying/Slingshot Rubber Chickens

You’re Invited!

Come to the Made for MORE October 15-17 Retreat with Jessye! 

Find out more HERE.

Ep. 27: Brittany Butler

Episode 27: Brittany Butler on Life in the CIA, Fighting for Women's Rights, and Writing Thrilling Spy Novels

Today we are celebrating our country’s independence with Brittany Butler, a former CIA targeting officer with nine years of experience in counterterrorism. Brittany has worked both at Langley and in the Middle East, achieving critical foreign intelligence objectives and collaborating with foreign liaisons to apprehend terrorists. And on today’s episode, she’s spilling the tea on how she got recruited for the CIA, if her kids ever get away with lying to her, how she handles what’s on the news and dispelling truths about being a woman in this high-clearance role. 

Brittany is a passionate advocate for women's rights in the Middle East and has led human rights campaigns in Afghanistan and now helps Afghan refugees thrive in her local community. 

She’s also the author of The Syndicate Spy: : A Juliet Arroway Novel, a gripping mix of fact and fiction that celebrates the intellect and skill of female intelligence officers. Discover the process of writing a book with experience as a top-secret CIA Targeter. What can you share? What would make you have to kill someone if you told them? Listen to this riveting episode to find out. 

Instagram  |  Website  |  Tiktok

Spy Girl’s Podcast

Ep. 26: Taylor Hughes

Episode 26: Taylor Hughes on Unveiling Magic, Side-Splitting Laughter, and Avoiding Manipulation

This episode brings the magic as Taylor Hughes joins us to talk about his life as a storytelling magician, bestselling author, dad, and comedy magic special creator. Get ready to belly laugh as Taylor and Jessye share how they met and the cringeworthy things our parents should never tell us, ever.

Discover how his newest book, MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life, reveals that the same techniques professional magicians use to entertain can be employed by businesses, politicians, and even churches to mislead us. Taylor pulls back the curtain on how to avoid these pitfalls by taking a closer look, asking more questions, and learning to spot misdirection in everyday areas of our lives.

Find encouragement to love your neighbors more, check on the friends you care about, living a life of authenticity, and staying humble, realizing we are all amateurs in our lives, learning to embrace the adventure.

Taylor Hughes fell in love with the art of illusion as a child when his parents bought him a magic kit for his birthday. More than 30 years and 3,000 shows later, Taylor has become known for his signature style of Magic Storytelling. He is a Bestselling Author of 2 books “Road to Wonder,” and “MISDIRECTION: A Magician’s Guide to Spotting and Avoiding Manipulation in Your Life” He has 2 comedy magic specials currently streaming, “CHASING WONDER” on Amazon Prime and “ENJOY THE RIDE” on YouTube. He is married to his high school sweetheart Katie and they live in Southern California with their two daughters Madelyn and Kennedy.

Ep. 25: (Encore) Kimberly Stuart

Episode 25: Kimberly Stuart on How Getting Run Over by a Car Turned Into a Book on Grace

Get ready to belly laugh (and get a little teary) with author, writing coach, and podcast host Kimberly Stuart, as she shares about being a regular girl who loves Jesus while doing some extraordinary things. Find encouragement about holding onto God’s character—even when we don’t understand what’s happening in our own story. Listen in about near death experiences, Spanish translating gone horribly wrong, and the book that wouldn’t let her go.

Kim grew up in Iowa, where she learned to be snobbish about corn on the cob and good storytelling. She earned degrees at St. Olaf College and the University of Iowa, both fine institutions that did very little to prepare her for the lethal cocktail of parenting and writing. 

Kim is the author of eight novels, including Sugar, Heart Land, and the Heidi Elliott series. Her newest book, her nonfiction debut, Star For Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit): Rediscovering the Grace That Sets Us Free, just dropped and is available wherever you get your favorite books.

Stuart's books have been featured in Cosmopolitan, Huff Post, and the Chicago Sun-Times. She and New York Times-bestselling author Bob Goff have coached hundreds of aspiring authors through their executive coaching, online courses, and events at The Oaks Retreat Center. Kim's solo podcast, For Real with Kimberly Stuart, launched in fall 2021. A joint podcast with Goff, The Writing Room, launched in fall 2022. Stuart has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children. 

Find Kim on Facebook, Instagram (@kimberly.stuart.writes), and at kimberlystuart.com.

Ep. 24 (Encore): Beth Marshall

Episode 24: Beth Marshall on Grief, the Importance of Dark Chocolate, and Loving Your Life Again

Help! My friend is grieving! Author and speaker Beth Marshall joins the Molden Cast family again today. This conversation is packed FULL of wisdom to help us find healing or extend a hand to others when life hasn’t gone as planned. This episode, much like Beth’s book, is like chicken soup for the griever’s soul — full of ingredients and solid ideas to help us through the hardest seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you need a “Grief for Dummies” manual, you are going to love the thoughtful advice Beth offers here on The Molden Cast.

Uncrushed, is Beth’s newest book infused with real life stories of faith, hope, tears, and a warm touch of humor.

Ep. 23: Dr. Brook Bello

Episode 23: Dr. Brook Bello on What Lies Beyond Adversity and Shame Undone

**In this episode, topics with sexual violence are discussed.**

Dr. Brook Bello joins The Molden Cast today, helping us get authentic about finding peace and forgiveness, even when it seems impossible. Brook reminds us who we really are when pain and shame threaten to take us down.

Brook’s book, Shame Undone, is a gut-wrenching and beautiful coming-of-age story. It depicts the ways that sex trafficking became an evil part of her life, and in an instant, wrapped her in it’s horror and shame. Brook’s story reminds us how good is more powerful than evil and that peace and healing are real and tangible. And now? We get to share her excitement for her book’s movie production called “Unshakeable.” 

Blazing paths in VR, Brook’s tech startup plans to make mental health services more accessible to its users. Brook’s organization, More Too Life, rescues and provides support for victims of human trafficking. Proven by how she spends her days and powered by the impact of her story, it’s clear: shame can truly be undone.

“You were born for greatness, without a doubt, and when you discover what that means individually, intrinsically for you, then the sky is the limit.” -BB

Fine Heart Monaco Purpose Edition: A Collection of Work by Survivors

Ep 22: Brandon Janous

Episode 22: Brandon Janous on How to Become a Professional “Show-er Upper” in the Things That Matter Most

Dive headfirst into this heartfelt and crucial conversation with our guest, Brandon Janous. Brandon tragically lost his wife, Rachel, leaving him to raise their three beautiful children without their mommy. However, what could have felt like the end was instead the catalyst for understanding what truly makes life worth living. Lean in as Jessye and Brandon explore the things that hold genuine significance and ways to embrace them daily. Brandon offers words of encouragement on becoming a more present parent and making the most of each day and minute of our lives.

Brandon is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of the publishing company, Blue Hat Publishing. Tune in to learn more about this exciting new space between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Have you ever dreamed of writing a book? His team is here to make those dreams a reality.

At the end of April, Brandon, one of four speakers at the Made for More retreat in Southern California, invites you to discover refreshment and a space to breathe and dream—just what he needed most.

This episode is full of being present, finding hope after loss, getting your words into the world, and how to be a professional “show-er upper” just like Rachel was.

Get Brandon’s book: JUST DO!: Stories about Discovering Purpose, Gaining Perspective and Being Present

Ep. 21: Aydan

Episode 21: Aydan on Unmasking Identity and Unshakable Worth

On this episode, the middle Molden – Aydan – joins The Molden Cast for her season two debut. After a school year of work and research, she shares with us the topic she’s chosen for her Senior thesis: Identity. In a world where labels and identity just seem to get more confusing, Aydan helps us focus on the three important components that make up our identities: being, personality, and purpose. Listen in to find out how sticky labels can be in our lives and discover how to ground ourselves in the truths that are unshakeable as we search for what truly leads to happiness.

Ep. 20: Bob Goff

Episode 20: Bob Goff on Beautiful Lives, Piles of Laundry, and Getting Unstuck

Jump into an inspiring conversation on today's podcast as we welcome the insightful Bob Goff. Bob shares his wisdom, stories, and humor, guiding us on transforming pain into purpose. Explore the significance of finding safe spaces to unpack the baggage we carry and discover how living fearlessly can lead to the beautiful life we hope for. Join Jessye and Bob as they discuss happiness, healing, and the journey towards understanding and letting go. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming Made for More Retreat and the transformative power of creating safe spaces for growth. Consider this your personal invitation to join the conversation and be part of a community focused on healing and living a life of more.

bobgoff.com

lovedoes.org

oakscenter.com

Ep. 19: Season Two!

Episode 19: Jessye and Kieran on How Rap Lyrics and Uncontrollable Laughter Remind Us We Are Made for More

Jessye and Kieran kick off Season Two of The Molden Cast by sharing the song lyrics propelling them into the next chapter of their lives. It's been over six years since Kieran tragically lost her birth parents, making her an expert at facing pain head-on and living a purposeful life. Discover the slippery ways we can find ourselves stuck, and listen in as Jessye and Kieran reveal their favorite strategies to overcome it. Be inspired by stories of ten-second bravery, finding community, and embracing lives filled with daily peace. What if we started this new season with MORE? More love, more peace, more belly laughter, more of the night sky, more joy, and definitely more Chipotle. Welcome back to The Molden Cast, friends!

“Happy” by NF

Made for More Retreat with Jessye & Bob Goff

Ep. 18: Jessye

Episode 18: Jessye Wilden on The Gap Between Who We Think We 'Should' Be and Who We Get to Be

In this final episode of The Molden Cast’s first season, Jessye is taking the feedback she’s collected over the last year and distilling it into one heartfelt finale that will resonate with all of us.

(Trigger Awareness: This episode talks about depression and suicide.)

What if there were a way to measure the space between who we think we SHOULD be and who we feel like we REALLY are? Because here’s the ugly secret: that gap is where depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts love to incubate. And the holidays? They can make it worse, much worse.

In this episode, Jessye is going to help us examine the facades we put up to protect ourselves that, instead, hold us back from living fully. Jump in as Jessye offers practical insights on navigating the emotional landscape of the season, acknowledging the weight it can place on our mental well-being and tired hearts.

As we close this first chapter of The Molden Cast, let's embrace a holiday season where hope, peace, and joy are not just decorations, but lived experiences that illuminate our lives and the love we share with those around us.

Look for SEASON TWO trailers and episodes in the New Year!

Have Jessye Speak at Your Next Event! Booking 2024 Now.

Ep. 17: Stephanie Nelson

Episode 17: Stephanie Nelson on Imagining More, Doing What You Love, and Serving Others

This episode features a true trailblazer, Stephanie Nelson, founder of the Coupon Mom website. In 2008, she launched the coupon movement that swept across America. Stephanie's expertise has earned her a spot on national and local TV news shows like Good Morning America, the Today show, and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her entrepreneurial spirit sparked a cottage industry of "coupon moms," and her first book, "The Coupon Mom's Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bills in Half," became a New York Times bestseller.

However, that's just the beginning of Stephanie's multifaceted journey. Stephanie now hosts the podcast "Pivotal People" and has just released her newest book, "Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential." 

Get ready for an extraordinary conversation as Stephanie shares her wisdom, experiences, and the keys to "Imagine More" in our lives. With a new book, a fresh project, and time-tested advice, Stephanie is set to guide us toward the next steps in realizing our big dreams. Tune in and be inspired to discover your potential with the incredible Stephanie Nelson.

Ep. 16: Lex Gillette

Episode 16: Lex Gillette on Shattering World Records, Overcoming Adversity, and Finding Vision Beyond Sight

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Lex, the best totally blind long and triple jumper in U.S. Paralympic history. Lex, a world record holder and five-time Paralympic medalist, takes us through his incredible achievements and the challenges he faced on his path to success.

At a young age, Lex's sight began to fade due to recurrent retina detachments, ultimately leaving him blind. His mother became his unwavering support, vowing to teach him everything he needed for a successful life.

At 19, Lex won his first Paralympic silver medal in the long jump, and he hasn't looked back since. He's become a tenacious competitor for Team USA, medaling in five consecutive Paralympic Games.

Lex's next goal is to bring home the gold. He's not only an exceptional athlete but also a motivational speaker, singer-songwriter, and inspiring author. His latest book, No Need for Sight When You Have a Vision: What Blindness Can Teach Us About Risk and Leadership reveals the steps he’s taken to see beyond reality, face challenges, and surpass expectations, including his own. 

Lex's unique perspective as a Black, blind Paralympic speaker allows him to address vital topics such as visionary leadership, growth mindset, resilience, and high performance. Join us in this episode as we jump into the captivating journey of a true champion who demonstrates that true vision transcends mere sight.

Ep. 15: Jessye

Episode 15: Jessye Wilden on Navigating Grief, Rediscovering Joy, and Unearthing Our Common Threads

Amidst the chaos of the world, "The Molden Cast" returns with Jessye Wilden. Join us as we delve into the art of managing the inner whirlwinds that life throws our way.

Grief, as Jessye shares, is not a linear journey, and it often takes us by surprise. Join us as we explore the myriad ways in which grief can manifest and ideas to help us effectively cope with it. Jessye's perspective challenges us to be honest and authentic about our losses, even those that go unnoticed by others, emphasizing that this vulnerability is a path to rediscovering happiness.

As we listen, we're encouraged to discern what is truly ours to hold and muster the courage to release everything else. If you're someone seeking to lead with love and joy, this episode is tailored just for you.

Ep. 14: Nicole Baart

Episode 14: Nicole Baart on Savoring the Moments in Front of Us, Loosening Our Grip as Our Kids Become Adults, and Publishing Over a Million Words

As we come out of the chaos of summer and into the routine of fall, who better to help us find those intentional moments with our people than author, mama of five, non-profit co-founder: Nicole Baart? Nicole knows that it’s true that love wins, but she reminds us that it’s often messy and unpredictable. She knows what it’s like to have children transitioning into adulthood right in front of her eyes, chasing their own dreams while we get to loosen our grip and dream different futures than when they were small. Cue the mid-family crisis, when everything you’ve known for the last twenty years shifts. Listen in as Nicole helps us pull the small moments close, while pouring fire and enthusiasm on our kid’s dreams. She knows that love is tenacious and raising teens and young adults means you feel terrified all the time. Dive into the making of Nicole’s newest novel: The Long Way Back as we find our way in the new seasons ahead.

Learn more at NicoleBaart.com

Ep. 13: Mila Gray

Episode 13: Mila on Being the Youngest, How Mom Needs to Say ‘Yes’ More, and Her Podcast Take Over

Mila is by far the smallest guest we’ve ever had on the podcast. Not only is she the youngest Molden, she is the last one to get her episode out into the world. Although atypical for a guest to be so little here, this episode is meant to remind us what it was like to be a child. And maybe it will help us remember the things that used to be so important to us when we were Mila’s age. What was our favorite flavor of ice-cream? What used to be our biggest dream? Listen in as Mila tries to get her mom to finally say, “yes” more and how she plans to parent when she’s older. Hear her kind heart and her worries about friendship.  Because if Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven has similarities to little children and that we are to be like children in our faith, then we need to take time to learn more about and from…little children. On this episode, Mila, at age five, is helping us do just that. 

Ep. 12: John Cotton Richmond

Episode 12: Ambassador John Richmond on Putting Love Into Action, Living Meaningful Lives, and What We Should Know About Human Trafficking

How do we put love into action and live meaningful lives?

In this impactful episode, John is sharing with us his family’s ten rules that will change how we love and lead in our homes and our businesses. Learn how the goal of parenting is not to have well-behaved kids, but rather to love them with a “Whole Bunches” kind of love. 

Along with being a cherished husband and father, Ambassador Richmond is an attorney and diplomat focused on combatting human trafficking, advancing democracy, and affirming human dignity. Currently 29 million people are being trafficked and the problem continues to get worse. How do we seek justice on behalf of the oppressed? How do we step into these areas and affirm that every single person has value? Get your heart strengthened as John reminds us that light is stronger than darkness and good is much more effective than fear and pain. Find out how we can start helping in the places that are closest to us.

“We want to be the people who bring love and joy by the truckload to a world that is in desperate need of it.”

Find out more about John and his work:

Ambassador Richmond is an attorney and diplomat focused on combatting human trafficking, advancing democracy, and affirming human dignity. He was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate, named one of the federal prosecutors of the year, and called “every trafficker’s worst nightmare” by the head of the FBI’s human trafficking program. As Ambassador, he held the United States’ highest-ranking position dedicated to combating human trafficking. As founder of the Libertas Council, he seeks to galvanize leaders to shape practical solutions to fight human trafficking. Richmond is also the Chief Impact Officer for Atlas Free, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, Senior Advisor to Love Does, and a frequent speaker on justice, foreign policy, leadership, and vocation.

Website www.johncottonrichmond.com Instagram: @johnrichmond1