Deep Water - New Mercies

Welcome to the Deep Water Podcast’s new home, new look, and a brand-new year. With a fresh recording platform and a refreshed visual space, Jackie McCown and Christi Eaton step into 2026 the same way they always do — with honesty, grace, and a deep breath of mercy. And in this opening episode of the year, they gently ask: What if “New Year, New You” isn’t an invitation to fix yourself … but an invitation to be kinder with yourself? Together, they explore: • Why “new year, new you” can quietly breed condemnation • The Super Mario effect of failure and what it teaches us about grace • Why God’s mercy is not seasonal—it’s daily • How clarity, not shame, leads to healing • What it means to reroute instead of restart • And why loving God matters more than becoming “better” With Scripture, humor, motherhood wisdom, and spiritual honesty, this conversation reminds us that failure is not a finish line — it’s simply a moment that invites us back to the Father. If January already feels heavy… If you’re tired of striving… If you’re wondering whether you’re behind… This episode is for you. ✨ “The righteous fall seven times and rise again.” ✨ Your GPS doesn’t shame you. It reroutes you. ✨ God isn’t asking you to become someone better — He’s asking you to love Him. Welcome to 2026, Deep Water style. Clean slate. Gentle mercy. Holy rerouting. 💧 Subscribe for weekly conversations about faith, grace, and finding God in everyday life. Bye for now.

It’s snowing in Cincinnati. There’s a Christmas tree mug involved. And somewhere between Amazon returns, pine needles on the floor, and one more school pickup line, a holy question sneaks in: Is ordinary life beneath God’s notice … or exactly where He loves to meet us? In this episode of The Deep Water Show, Jackie and Christi linger in the beauty and tension of ordinary days ... the small, unseen moments we’re tempted to rush past in a world that glorifies bigger, faster, louder. Together, they explore what it means to develop a spiritual discipline of noticing. In this conversation: 1. Why our culture has trained us to dismiss the ordinary as dull 2. How hidden faithfulness shapes a deeper sense of meaning in life 3. What Scripture means when it tells us not to despise small beginnings 4. Why the Kingdom of Heaven looks suspiciously like a mustard seed 5. How a smile, a breath, a chipped mug, or a quiet pause can become sacred ground From Alaska winters to kitchen lights in the middle of the night, this episode is an invitation to slow down and discover that God is not waiting for the extraordinary — He’s already present in the everyday. Because when you learn to notice the small things, you don’t just find meaning. You find Him.

If your body is tired, your emotions are thin, and your soul feels like it’s blinking low power mode—this conversation is for you. In this week’s episode of The Deep Water Show, Jackie and Christi sit honestly in the exhaustion many of us feel as Christmas approaches. Finals, travel, illness, to-do lists, expectations ... and the quiet shame that whispers, “Shouldn’t I be handling this better?” Together, they explore: 1. The three intertwined forms of depletion: physical, emotional, and spiritual 2. Why exhaustion often feels like failure -- but isn’t 3. How performance sneaks in where presence was always meant to be 4. Jesus’ gentle invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me… and I will give you rest” 5. What it means to experience Emmanuel—God with us—especially when we are weary This episode is a reminder that Christmas isn’t powered by our capacity. It’s powered by His presence. If you’re longing for rest that doesn’t have to be earned, permission to slow down, and a faith that meets you right where you are, curl up with this one. Blanket optional. Grace guaranteed.

Hey friend. This one’s for the soul that’s been running on empty. Jackie and Christi sit down — both dressed in red, both wrapped in autumn — to talk about the sacred stillness of nature and what it reveals about the heart of God. From the blaze of Midwest maples to the hush of the night sky at sea, they explore how creation itself teaches us order, gratitude, and peace.They unpack what it means that “stillness isn’t the absence of noise, it’s the presence of order,” how even the rocks cry out in praise, and why gratitude changes the way we see both the falling leaves and the seasons of our own lives. Whether you find God best in the woods, on the water, or simply through your kitchen window, this episode invites you to breathe, behold, and remember: you are part of something far bigger — and far more beautiful — than you think.

Have you ever quietly slipped out of a gathering, not because you were bored or rude, but because you were certain no one would notice you were gone? In this episode of Deep Water, Jackie and Christi talk about what it means to live an “Irish exit” in life — how old wounds, small lies, and quiet doubts about belonging can pull us toward the door before grace ever has a chance to reach us.They unpack the roots of rejection, the ache of invisibility, and the beauty of a God who counts every hair on your head (even when you feel like background noise). From middle-school memories to grown-up faith, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever wondered if they truly belong. Spoiler alert: you do.Explore the podcast

This week on The Deep Water, I’m joined by my dear friend (and fellow A-team member) Mary—a woman whose story reminds me how God weaves our lives together with threads we could never plan.We talk about divine design, friendship that sanctifies, and the surprising holiness of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. There’s laughter (and yes, a few snorts), a bit of 1 Corinthians 12, and a whole lot of grace.It’s a conversation about how we need each other to be whole—and how God, in His goodness, keeps bringing the right people to walk beside us.Grab your coffee and come sit with us.

Mac’s back — and we’re diving deep (again).We talk about how his pilot training taught him to trust the instruments even when the sky turned to fog, and how that translates to faith when life doesn’t go according to plan.There are dogs barking, mugs clinking, and a lot of laughter — but mostly, there’s grace.Because even when our best-laid plans unravel, God’s still holding the map

This week, it’s me and the Mac — yes, the one who quotes Churchill and thinks duct tape can fix anything. We’re diving into the deep water (floaties and all) to talk about what it really means to live marriage as a sacrament. Not just in the big, church-sanctioned sense, but in the everyday — the dinners, the laundry, the laughter over wings and a beer.We talk about distraction and stillness, the Mary-and-Martha dance, the way our phones pull us away from what matters most, and how grace meets us right where we are — in the ordinary rhythms of life together.If you’ve ever wondered how to find depth in the daily, this one’s for you.Topics we cover:Marriage as a lived sacramentThe spiritual cost of distractionDoing vs. being (Mary and Martha revisited)Finding grace in the ordinaryWhat it means to be still againPull up a chair, bring your coffee (or your floaties), and let’s wade into the deep together.Subscribe for more conversations that make faith feel like home.#Marriage #Faith #Grace #Stillness #DeepWaterPodcast

Hey friend! Ever had an idea that just won’t leave you alone? Maybe it feels like a passion, a calling, even something holy—until you pause and wonder, what if it’s not from God at all? In this episode, Jackie and Christi unpack what Jackie calls the “Three Question Thought Check”:Does it align with Scripture?Does it bear the fruit of the Spirit?Does it glorify God—or just me?From marathons to ministry, we explore how good desires can get distorted and why discernment matters in a noisy world. Join us as we talk about passion, temptation, and how to keep our focus on the One who guides us into truth.

Hey friend! In this episode of Deep Water, Jackie and Christi dive into an unexpected but powerful conversation about supplements—both for our bodies and for our souls. From fish oil to faith, green juice to grace, they reflect on how daily habits nourish us physically and spiritually. Along the way, they explore what Scripture calls our “daily bread,” the courage to admit doubt, and why hope may just be the most important ingredient of all.If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your spiritual “immune system,” this conversation is for you.

Hey friend—whether it’s Gig ’em, Hotty Toddy, Go Owls, hoot hoot, or Love and Honor, we all know the power of a team chant. But what about the chants of our faith? In this episode, Jackie and Christi trade college fight songs for the bold declarations of Scripture—like Deborah’s victory cry, Paul’s reminder that “If God is for us, who can be against us?”, and the timeless Shema. Together, they explore how these ancient words are more than history; they’re our rallying cries for today, uniting us under the banner of Christ’s victory. Pull up your pumpkin mug or your iced coffee, and let’s talk about what it means to cheer with confidence for the winning team.

It’s just me today, flying solo with a cup of coffee and a few honest thoughts. On a dog walk under the brutal summer sun (my curly hair can vouch for the humidity), I stumbled into one of those sweet, storybook canopies of shade. For a moment, it felt like relief itself—and then, just as quickly, I was back in the heat. Isn’t that life? Some seasons scorch, some refresh. Scripture reminds us that both the fire of refinement and the waters of restoration are part of God’s love for us.So whether you’re trudging through a blazing season or resting in a shady reprieve, come walk with me. Let’s talk about the refining fire, the cool pool that restores, and the God who loves us enough to give us both.

Hey friend—ever notice how our coffee cups, our ball caps, even our dogs can start whole conversations about what really matters? In this episode, Jackie and Christi sip their way into a deeper look at the tug-of-war between performance and presence. From summer storms in Florida to the story of Mary and Martha, they uncover the subtle ways we keep trying to prove ourselves—and the freedom that comes when we simply sit with God. Expect laughter (yes, there are hats that say “Latte” and “Coffee”), honest stories about retreat life and swim practice in the ‘80s, and a refreshing reminder from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. Together, we’ll peel back another layer of that onion we keep circling and remember: God isn’t after our performance—He’s inviting us to presence.

Sometimes reconciliation feels like building a seven-mile bridge—messy, exhausting, and not at all glamorous. But it’s worth it. In this episode, we talk about navigating everyday disagreements in healthy relationships, how the fruits of the Spirit can guide us, and why Jesus’ breakfast on the beach with Peter changes everything about how we approach brokenness.

From first-day drop-offs to empty nests, every parent faces the bittersweet moments of letting go. This week, Jackie and Christi talk about sending kids into the next season—whether it’s kindergarten, college, marriage, or beyond—and the mix of joy, longing, and faith that comes with it. With stories of backpacks and breakfast lines, college goodbyes and grandbaby daycare tears, they reflect on what it means to prepare our children well, release them in love, and trust God to hold them when they’re out of our reach. Because the truth is, the best thing we can say isn’t “Don’t grow up”… it’s “Thanks be to God, I get to watch you grow up.”

Hey, friend. Pull up a chair. This one’s personal. Today, we’re talking about false humility. You know, that sneaky kind of pride that whispers, “Not me. I could never.” But what if the bigger fear isn’t that you’re not enough ... but that you are? What if God is actually saying yes to that big, bold ask, and you're the one brushing Him off? In this solo episode, I get honest about the tension between confidence and arrogance, the difference between humility and self-erasure, and the quiet pride that keeps us from believing we’re worth the yes. We’ll take a deep dive into Colossians 2:23 and the kind of trust it takes to believe that God actually does call and equip us for the good, hard, holy work ahead. Whether you're facing a big ask, chasing a BHAG, or just trying to believe that your voice matters—this one's for you.

We had other plans for this episode, but deep water showed up, and we followed it. It started with a small spot on the skin and spiraled into the age-old spiral—what if it’s worst-case? Maybe you know that spiral too. Jackie and Christi wrestle with fear, faith, and the temptation to always look for the zebra when it might just be a horse. But what happens when it is a zebra? From medical scares to life’s big unknowns, this episode dives into how we trust God in the not-yets, the what-ifs, and the hard truths. By His stripes, we are healed—even on the back of a zebra. Saddle up. Jesus is with us in it all.

Grab your big mug—we’re going there. In this episode of Deep Water, Christi and I unpack what really happens when "just us girls" turns into gossip, slander, and subtle corrosion, especially in marriage. From awkward girls’ trips to the slow erosion of respect, we talk about the power of our words, the beauty of building up our spouses, and why venting isn't actually biblical (yep, we said it). If you’ve ever left a conversation feeling a little off, this one’s for you. Let's talk about what it means to speak life, even when marriage is messy.

Hey friend—this one goes deep. Jackie and Christi talk about the myth of “having it all,” what it really costs to chase every dream, and how the sacrifices we make—whether in parenting, marriage, or career—shape our lives and our faith. From bible verses to travel baseball, from perfectionism to God’s steady grace, this is a soul-level conversation about honesty, priorities, and the holy pause we all need.We don’t have to carry it all.We just have to be willing to consider, let go, and trust the grace that holds us through it all.Pour a cup, settle in, and let’s go there—together.

How does God gently redirect us when we’re chasing all the wrong things? Let’s talk about the Father’spatience as we fumble through life grabbing at sticks when He’s offering us better.Ever wonder why your dog chooses a sock over a squeaky toy? As passionate dog lovers, we’ve found unexpected spiritual lessons in the quirks of our furry companions. Our pets, in their innocent wisdom, often overlook the abundance around them in favor of something unexpected and simple. This light-hearted observation mirrors our own tendency to search for more, much like Adam and Eve in the Garden. Join us as we share personal reflections on recognizing and appreciating the divine gifts already bestowed upon us, and how grounding ourselves in faith can enrich our relationship with God.As we journey through life's ups and downs, the idea of understanding our 'lot' becomes a spiritual compass guiding us towards divine purpose. We share stories of how stepping back from life's relentless chase has provided us with clarity and renewal in our spiritual paths. By accepting the inheritance God has planned for us, we can find true joy and fulfillment beyond the demands of worldly pursuits. Our heartfelt conversation encourages a life aligned with divine promises, where simplicity and introspection unveil the beauty of using our gifts for a greater purpose, bringing us closer to a harmonious life with God.

What happens when God calls us to simple acts of obedience, like paying for someone’s coffee? Howdo these seemingly small acts reveal our faith in action?Picture this: you're at your favorite café, and you suddenly feel a nudge to buy a coffee for the stranger behind you. It sounds simple, right? But this small act of kindness can open a window to God's presence in our lives, illuminating the importance of responding to those quiet whispers we often overlook. Join us in our cozy corner of "Deep Water," where faith and coffee intertwine, as we share how these everyday moments can draw us closer to God and each other. Through personal stories, we shed light on how these little acts of obedience can ripple outwards, spreading love and grace in astonishing ways.As we navigate through life's tides, we also explore the profound influence of storytelling, particularly the timeless narratives found in the Bible. These stories guide us in living out our faith with intention and humility, reminding us of the joy that comes with selfless service. Together, we unpack the power of acting on divine guidance and how it transforms lives, including our own, reinforcing the idea that faith without action is incomplete. With practical insights and heartfelt reflections, we invite you to be part of this ongoing story, one where even the smallest act of kindness can have a significant impact. Come, sip some coffee with us, and discover the divine storyteller at work in your life.

Do you struggle with perfectionism masked as godly discipline? We’re diving into the freedom ofimperfection and how God’s grace is big enough for your mess.After years of chasing an elusive perfection, we discovered something truly profound: the beauty of God's grace in our imperfect lives. Our journey as Christian women, wives, and mothers has taught us that the messy, unpolished moments of faith are where grace finds us. We candidly share our personal stories, reflecting on the nagging inner voice that too often drowns out our divine potential. Through humor, scripture, and heartfelt conversation, we navigate the complex world of faith and perfectionism, inviting you into this cozy, sacred space where authenticity reigns. Let's embrace the "sloppy success" that brings us closer to understanding the limitless grace that God bestows.  Together, let's trust in God's timing and embrace the imperfections that make us beautifully human.

Reconnecting after 25 years can feel like something out of a storybook, and that's exactly how it was for us. Picture this: two young moms, Jackie and Christi, once juggling playdates and diapers together, unexpectedly reunite across a crowded restaurant. In that moment, time folded in on itself, and it was clear that God was orchestrating something special. This divine re-encounter led to the birth of "Deep Water," a podcast where we embrace the unpredictability of life's currents and God's unwavering grace among them. Join us as we unfold the layers of our faith journeys, from the mundane tasks to the profound moments, always with laughter, tears, and, of course, a cup of coffee in hand."Deep Water" is a sanctuary for those seeking to witness God in the messiness of everyday life. Whether you're facing questions about marriage, motherhood, or the balance of joy and suffering, this is a space where real stories and honest conversations flourish. We're here not with perfect answers but with open hearts, ready to reflect on how God moves within the ebb and flow of life. Each episode will also introduce you to guests who've navigated their own deep waters, emerging with a stronger grasp on God's promises. So, settle in with us as we pause, reflect, and remember that God's presence is closer than we often realize. You belong here, and we're excited to journey through these deep waters together.