It’ll Always Be Fun with Brooke and Miranda

This week, we’re talking about what it looks like to raise and teach kids who know how to repair relationships, take accountability, and offer a real apology — and why so much of that starts with us modeling it first. Courtney shares how she works to create patterns of repair and reconciliation in her classroom and how those lessons can spill over into life at home. We also talk about giving ourselves the same grace we so freely give everyone else, why we should probably get a little more comfortable telling our friends that we love them, and the importance of letting kids see that grown-ups don’t always get it right either. And then… things get considerably less serious. 😂 We get into the legend of the OG Mrs. Beaver, Courtney’s mother-in-law, who has taught at the same school for 40 years-is that intimidating? 😬 We talk about Courtney's questionable decision to ask Miranda for advice... 😬 Exhibit A: THE HAMSTER INCIDENT. 🐹 An innocent phone call. One questionable idea. Miranda saying, essentially, “This is the greatest idea we’ve ever had — let’s do it NOW!” And somehow Brooke ended up tearing her walls apart. 😂 We’re also convinced that it is a scientific fact that nobody has ever owned a hamster without eventually acquiring a traumatic hamster story. Plus, we reminisce about some ridiculous things our boys did in third grade, and Courtney closes the episode with some beautiful advice for teachers, parents, and kids. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, thoughtful, and a little bit unhinged — which feels about right. 💛 Come hang out with us, because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! 🎙️✨

Some people feel like a breath of fresh air! And this week, we’re sitting down with someone who is just exactly that! Meet our lovely friend, Courtney Beaver! 🥰 Courtney is a teacher, photographer, mom of three, avid reader, Disney lover…and a self-proclaimed extroverted introvert. 😂 In Part One, we talk about her decision to move from third grade to fifth grade, what it’s like teaching her own daughter for the second year, and the creative ways she finds to help her students truly learn. We also hear how Courtney found her love for photography, why capturing families through different seasons of life means so much to her, and what she thought she was going to be when she grew up. 📚📸✨ But the conversation also goes deeper. Courtney opens up about anxiety, and how her own experiences help her better understand the kids in her classroom, and her struggle with postpartum anxiety and OCD — something she spent too long dealing with alone. ❤️ We talk about creating spaces where people feel included and loved, learning that feeling someone else’s emotions doesn’t mean we have to become their emotional regulator, and remembering that even little kids are incredibly intuitive and often want to help solve the problems around them. There’s laughter, honesty, and so much heart in this one. 🎧 Join us Friday for Part One with Courtney Beaver — and come back next week for Part Two! Because when we’re together, It’ll Always Be Fun! 💜   ps. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or adjusting to life with a new baby and struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, or simply feeling overwhelmed, you don’t have to suffer alone. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) to connect with a trained counselor. 💛

This week we're back with part two with Jalyn Short, and we’re talking about where she’s headed next — in music, in life, and everywhere in between. 💜 Jalyn shares how she balances music, school, relationships, and real life, why mentorship matters, and what she’s learned about stepping outside your comfort zone to find your people — even when it feels scary. She also opens up about staying optimistic in the face of criticism, the artist who has influenced her most, and why storytelling is such a huge part of her songwriting. 🎤✍️ And of course, we get into her debut album, Where I’m Going! 🎧✨ Then things get a little less serious… Jalyn introduces Brooke and Miranda to some music that makes us realize just how old we actually are 😂, reveals a guilty-pleasure song we absolutely did not see coming, and helps us determine which words we are — and are definitely not — allowed to say anymore. 🤣 We wrap it all up by asking Jalyn one of our favorite questions: What would you tell 10-year-old Jalyn if you could talk to her today? 💜 Come laugh with us, get inspired, and hear what’s next for Jalyn Short — because she knows exactly where she’s going. 🎶 So grab your bestie, pull up a chair, and join us! Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! ❤️

This week, we’re sitting down with Jalyn Short, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Gallipolis, Ohio, to find out where her love for music began—and where that love has already taken her. 💜 Jalyn shares how music has always felt like home, why she’s somehow more comfortable on a stage than almost anywhere else, and why performing for a room full of strangers can actually be easier than singing for people she knows. 😅 We talk musical theater, finding confidence, her process for writing a song, and—of course—the very first song she ever wrote: the undeniably iconic “Peace Is Awesome.”🎵 Plus, we get into her love for acoustic guitars, whether an electric guitar might be in her future 👀🎸, and the possibility that her dad has been hiding some serious guitar-playing talent all along! For Jalyn, music isn’t just something she loves to do—it’s something she believes she’s called to do. And this week, we’re going back to where it all began. ✨ Grab a friend and join us, because when we're together, it'll always be fun!

What if God never asked you to do it all? 💜 In Part Two with Cassie Walker, we’re talking about the difference between our doing and our being—and learning that our worth was never meant to come from how much we accomplish, how many people need us, or how available we can make ourselves. Cassie joins Brooke 💜 and Miranda to talk about loving people without losing ourselves, discerning what actually deserves our “yes,” and realizing that not every ask is from God. We talk about being more present, leaving room to be interrupted, and remembering that the small things matter just as much as the “next big thing.” ✨ Maybe God didn’t make everyone to be the next Beth Moore—and that’s okay. Who He is crafting you to be is who is needed right now. We also talk about how the Jesus Cassie knew at 20 is different from the Jesus she knows today, finding freedom from expectations, making room for dreams of our own… and whether Cassie, Brooke 💜 and Miranda are headed to the next Winter Olympics. 😂🏅 Most of all, Cassie reminds women everywhere: 💜 You are seen. 💜 You are valued. 💜 Your doing does not define your being. 💜 You do not have to earn your worth. Sometimes the invitation isn’t to do more. Sometimes it’s simply to be. Grab a friend and join us for part 2 with our friend, Cassie! And remember, when we’re together it’ll always be fun! 💛

What happens when the person everyone thinks you are… isn’t the whole story? In Part One with Cassie Walker, we dive into a conversation full of honesty, laughter, and some unexpectedly tender moments. ❤️ Cassie is a lover of words 📚, a mom of three 🧑‍🧒‍🧒 a wife 💍, a daughter, a sister, and a speech-language pathologist 🗣️. She shares how she found her career, what makes those hard days worth it, and how her work has shaped the way she parents. But this episode goes even deeper. We talk about the masks we wear 🎭, the expectations we carry, and what happens when we realize we’ve been performing a version of ourselves that doesn’t quite fit anymore. Cassie opens up about discovering she’s actually a serious person—and why it’s perfectly okay to stop feeling like you have to be the funny one all the time. 🌱 This conversation is thoughtful, relatable, and one that might just make you ask yourself: Who am I when I stop trying to be who everyone expects me to be? 💙 🎧 In this episode: ✨ How Cassie found speech-language pathology 👩‍👧‍👦 The joys and challenges of parenting 🗣️ The moments that remind her why she loves what she does ❤️ How her career has changed the way she parents 🎭 Letting go of the persona you’ve always worn 🌿 Embracing the person you really are—even if it surprises you Pull up a chair and join us. We think you’re going to love getting to know Cassie. And remember, When we're together, it'll always be fun!💛

What if the one thing you were created to do… also became the thing that helped someone else believe in themselves? We’re back this week for part two with the incredible Maggie Jackson, owner of Musette School of Performing Arts. This conversation is full of laughter, heart, and the beautiful reality of what it takes to build something that changes lives. ✨ We talk about: 💖 Finding—and walking confidently—in your purpose 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Why Musette is truly a family affair (because no one builds a dream alone) 🎭 What people never see behind the curtain 😂 Maggie’s favorite memory that her dad will never live down ❄️ 👩‍👧 How teaching hundreds of children gave her the confidence to become a mom 🏈 Why “sports ball” is still… well… a mystery 😆 💃 Brooke’s surprisingly impressive dance skills! 🌟 Maggie’s hopes and dreams for the future of Musette ❤️ And why one teacher who believes in a child can change the entire course of their life. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, an artist, or someone still searching for where you belong, this episode is a reminder that your gifts matter—and you never know whose life they’ll transform. 🎧 So lace up those dance shoes, step behind the curtain one more time, and join us for a conversation that’s funny, inspiring, and guaranteed to leave your heart a little fuller. Because sometimes… all it takes is one person who believes in you. ❤️ 🎧Listen and share with anyone else you’d hop on the the dance floor with! Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!💛

This week on It’ll Always Be Fun, we’re sitting down with the one and only Maggie Jackson! 💜 Maggie is the owner of Musette School of Performing Arts in Gallipolis, Ohio, and while many know her as an incredible dance teacher and studio owner, her story began long before the studio doors ever opened. Before becoming a mom of two and inspiring so many young performers, Maggie followed her dreams all the way to New York, where she trained, worked, and performed professionally. Eventually, she felt called back to her hometown, where she has spent years helping the next generation discover confidence, creativity, and a love for the arts. In Part 1, we talk about: ✨ The people who believed in Maggie when she was young 👏 How one encouraging adult can completely change a child’s future 🏙️ Her journey from Gallipolis to New York—and back again ❤️ The unwavering support of her parents and family 🎭 The moment she knew dance would be her life’s work 👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing motherhood while running a thriving performing arts school 🤝 Building an incredible team of teachers she deeply trusts 💪 Breaking the stereotypes surrounding dance 🏈 Why dance can make athletes stronger, stronger, more coordinated, and more confident 🌟 And why the community she’s built at Musette has become one of her greatest joys.❤️ This conversation is full of laughter, encouragement, and heart—and we’re just getting started! Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where Maggie shares even more wisdom, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments from her incredible journey. 🎧 Listen Friday, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your bestie! Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this Monday Minute, we’re talking about something many of us struggle to believe: rest is productive. We live like everything depends on us — like if we stop moving, stop fixing, stop carrying, stop planning, then everything might fall apart. But Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes the most productive thing we can do is slow down long enough to remember who is actually in control. Rest is not laziness. Stillness is not failure. Pausing does not mean you are falling behind. You do not have to carry everything today. You do not have to solve everything today. You do not have to hold the whole world together with tired hands. God is already carrying you. So take a breath. Be still. Let yourself remember: He is God, and you are loved. 💛 Come back Friday for a full episode, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

This week we’re back with our friend Rette Roettker for Part 2 of her story, and it’s a conversation about so much more than owning a restaurant. ❤️ Rette shares the sacrifices her family has made, the incredible example of hard work set by her parents and grandparents, and the risks that come with chasing a dream. 💪🌾 We also talk honestly about the realities of small business—the hard days, the unkind people, and what it takes to keep showing up anyway. 🏡✨ One of our favorite parts of this conversation is Rette’s challenge to step outside of our comfort zones. How many dreams, opportunities, and beautiful moments do we miss because we’re choosing what’s comfortable instead of what’s possible? 🌱💛 In a world that never seems to slow down, Rette has intentionally created a place where people can pause, gather, laugh, and make memories together. And that’s exactly why the Colony’s tagline couldn’t be a better title for this episode… Where Good Memories Are Made. ❤️ We hope this conversation inspires you to dream a little bigger, work a little harder, and make room for the moments that matter most. 🎙️ Pull up a chair and join us, because when we're together, it'll always be fun!

In this Monday Minute, Brooke reminds us that courage doesn’t always look the way we think it will. We often imagine courage as something loud, confident, and fearless — like brave people never feel scared. But real courage is usually much smaller than that. Sometimes courage looks like taking one step. Saying one honest sentence. Showing up again. Trying when your voice shakes. Doing the next right thing even when fear is still in the room. Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the presence of God with you. So if your brave looks small today, it still counts. If your courage is quiet, shaky, or unseen, it still matters. God is not waiting for you to feel fearless before He calls you forward. He is with you right where you are. 💛 Come back Friday for another full episode with Brooke and Miranda, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!  

This week, we’re sitting down with our friend Rette Roettker — and her story starts in the sweetest, most small-town way. Think Little House on the Prairie meets The Andy Griffith Show, with a little flour on the counter and something good cooking in Grandma’s kitchen. 🏡🥧 Rette grew up on a family farm with her parents, sister, and grandparents, surrounded by family, hard work, and the kind of memories that make you want to slow down and pull up a chair. She shares about learning to cook from her grandma, going away to school, becoming a massage therapist, and eventually making the big leap into opening her own restaurant. And not just any restaurant — The Colony, a beloved community spot inside a historic old movie theater that already held so many memories for so many people. 🎬🍽️ We also talk about the tender parts of her story, including losing her mom and learning how to keep going when life looks different than you thought it would. This is only part one, and next week we’ll be back with the rest of Rette’s story. 💛 🎧 Listen now — and as always, when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this Monday Minute, we’re talking about the grace of starting over. Sometimes we treat starting over like proof that we failed — like if we have to try again, apologize again, rebuild again, or rethink again, then we must have gotten it wrong.   But starting over isn’t always failure. Sometimes it’s honesty. Sometimes it means we noticed something wasn’t working and were brave enough to stop pretending. Sometimes beginning again is the most faithful thing we can do. Scripture is full of people who didn’t get it right the first time — Peter, Jonah, David, and so many others — and God still met them, restored them, and kept working through them.   You are not disqualified because you had to begin again. Grace means your story is not over just because you had to start over. 💛   Come back Friday for another full episode with Brooke and Miranda, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

We’re back in the podcast studio this week, and we’re diving into the phrases we hear all the time — the ones people say without even thinking. Where did they come from? Are they actually true? Are they helpful… or have we just been repeating them because everyone else does? From familiar sayings to well-meaning advice, we’re talking about why words matter, how phrases shape what we believe, and why it might be worth slowing down long enough to ask, “Is this actually true?” As always, there’s laughter, curiosity, and quite a few rabbit trails! But we're glad you're here to go down them with us! Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this Monday Minute, we’re talking about something that can feel scary but is actually part of growing: changing your mind. Sometimes we believe something deeply, live by it, defend it, and then later realize we see it differently. That doesn’t always mean we were wrong in a shameful way. Sometimes it means we’ve learned more, listened better, grown softer, or allowed God to renew our minds. Changing your mind isn’t always weakness. Sometimes it’s wisdom. Sometimes it’s growth. Sometimes it’s what happens when compassion finally gets a voice. You’re allowed to say, “I used to think this, but I don’t anymore.” You’re allowed to still be learning. You’re allowed to become more honest, more whole, and more open to what God is doing in you. Maybe growth looks less like having all the answers and more like being willing to be transformed. 💛

We’ve been busy, y’all. 😂 This week, we’re catching up on all the things life has thrown our way lately—the fun, the chaotic, the sentimental, and the slightly embarrassing. We talk about running a wedding together, taking a trip to see Annie F. Downs, making new friends at the show, and Miranda’s unforgettable ticket-buying blunder that Brooke will absolutely never let her live down. We also somehow end up discussing the fact that Miranda never played Oregon Trail and has, therefore, never died of dysentery. Miranda shares about graduation parties, her son turning 16, and why she really likes having a project. Brooke shares about starting tap dancing, how much she loves it, and how quickly she learned that tap is way more involved than it looks. It’s a little bit of everything—friendship, milestones, laughter, new things, old stories, and a reminder we both needed: ✨ Not everything has to be productive to be good. Come catch up with us… because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! ❤️

What started as one conversation with Brooke’s dad somehow became a full three-part series… and honestly, we regret nothing. 🙌 In the final ED-pisode, Ed is back with more stories, more wisdom, more random facts, and more proof that he may actually know something about everything. We talk about life, faith, family, the lessons that only come with time, and the things that matter more than most of us realize. There are thoughtful moments, plenty of laughs, a few strong opinions, and the kind of conversation that makes you feel like you’re sitting around the table with someone you’ve known forever. ❤️ And of course, Miranda continues investigating Brooke’s claim that Ed is the only person smarter than her. The results are..... surprising😏 This episode is warm, funny, honest, and the perfect ending to a series we never planned—but absolutely loved making. ✨ Random facts ✨ Real-life wisdom ✨ Family stories ✨ Faith, laughter, and a little friendly competition Come hang out with us for the final ED-pisode—and help us decide whether "It’ll Always Be Fine with Ed and Miranda” needs to become a real podcast. 😂🎧 Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this Monday Minute, Brooke reflects on Galatians 6:9 and the call to keep doing good, even when we’re tired, discouraged, or not seeing the fruit yet. Faithfulness doesn’t always feel exciting. Sometimes it looks like showing up when you’re worn out, choosing obedience when your emotions are loud, and trusting that God is still working in the places where nothing seems to be changing. Don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. The harvest may not come overnight, but God is faithful in the waiting. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can do… is keep going. Be sure to come back Friday for another full episode, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun! 💛

Some conversations make you laugh. Some make you think. And some quietly sneak up on you and leave you teary by the end. In ED-pisode Two, we continue our conversation with Brooke’s dad, Ed — math teacher, championship football coach, steady voice of wisdom, and one of our very favorite people. But this time, the conversation moves from the classroom and the football field into something even more meaningful: leadership, character, fatherhood, faith, and what it means to be deeply loved. We talk about the difference between being smart and being wise, what makes a good leader, how to care for people without controlling them, and the kind of strength that doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. And then we get to hear Brooke talk about her dad. This episode is tender, funny, honest, and full of the kind of love that gives people room to breathe. It ends with one of those moments we won’t forget — Brooke realizing out loud that there’s nothing she can do where God won’t love her, and nothing she can do where her dad won’t love her. That kind of love changes a person. So settle in for ED-pisode Two — a conversation about wisdom, safety, fatherhood, and the things that matter most. Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun.

We finally did it… we got Brooke’s dad on the podcast! And honestly? One episode was not enough. 😂 In this first ED-pisode, we sit down with Ed — beloved dad, former math teacher, championship football coach, random fact machine, and possibly the only person Brooke thinks is smarter than Miranda. We talk about his years in the classroom, what it takes to really teach students who don’t believe in themselves, the lessons he learned from coaching football, and what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in patience, discipline, character, and care. Of course, there are stories, laughs, Brooke memories, Miranda trying to defend her intelligence, and plenty of reasons we now believe “Ed Talks” may need to become its own thing. This one is funny, thoughtful, and full of the kind of wisdom that only comes from someone who has spent a lifetime teaching, coaching, leading, loving his family, and showing up faithfully. So grab your coffee, settle in, and enjoy ED-pisode One — because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

We live in a world that loves to celebrate the big moments — the big wins, the big changes, the big breakthroughs. But in this Monday Minute, Brooke reminds us through Galatians 6:9 that some of the most meaningful things God does in us are built slowly… one faithful choice at a time. The prayer you keep praying. The kindness no one sees. The boundary you’re learning to hold. The quiet obedience. The small step forward when you feel tired. Don’t underestimate what God can do through faithful, little things. Because growth doesn’t always look impressive in the moment — sometimes it looks like not giving up. And in due season, God knows how to bring a harvest. 🌾 So take heart. Keep showing up. Keep sowing. Keep doing the small things with faith. Because small things matter. 💛 And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

🎙️ Part Two with Meredith Andrews is here, and this conversation goes deep in the most beautiful way. In this episode, we continue our conversation with worship leader, songwriter, and longtime friend of Brooke’s, Meredith Andrews. We talk about the sacredness of private worship — the quiet, hidden places where God meets us, speaks to us, heals us, and reminds us who He really is. 🙌 Meredith shares about all the places God has met her over the years, the difference between teaching people to worship and simply giving them permission to, and what it looks like to take every thought captive in a different way — by bringing those thoughts into God’s presence and asking, “What are You saying to me here?” We talk about who we were told Jesus was versus who we’ve learned Him to truly be, and the life-changing truth that maybe the greatest spiritual lesson isn’t doing more for God… but learning to receive the love of God. 🤍 Meredith also shares about her new album, released on Good Friday, and the full-circle moment of returning to Liberty University to record it. We talk about creating as image-bearers, transitioning from being the young worship leader to becoming the “older person” on the team, and what it means to mother and encourage the next generation. We also talk about trusting God with our children, releasing control over where He may lead them, and reminding them that their identity is not found in their assignment. What we do is not who we are. Our output is not our identity. And yes — we talk about rejection, healing the wounds that make us say yes just to be accepted, included, or associated with certain people… and the holy reminder that sometimes our “no” can be just as sacred — maybe even holier — than our yes. We end this beautiful conversation by asking Meredith where she needs prayer, and she vulnerably shares her desire for prayer over her family and ministry. This one is honest, tender, grounding, and full of wisdom. We’re so grateful you’re here for part two. 💛 Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

Growth doesn’t always look like a dramatic transformation overnight. Sometimes it looks like pausing before you respond the old way. Sometimes it looks like healing slowly, setting a boundary, saying no, choosing rest, or realizing you don’t have to prove you’re changing for it to be real. In this Monday Minute, Brooke shares from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and reminds us that becoming new in Christ is less about perfection and more about surrender. New things often grow quietly before they grow visibly, and sometimes growth can even feel confusing while God is still working beneath the surface. You may not be exactly where you want to be yet — but thank God, you’re not where you used to be. And that is worth noticing. That is worth celebrating. And that is part of who you’re becoming. Be sure to come back Friday for another full episode with Brooke and Miranda, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

This week on It’ll Always Be Fun, we are joined by Brooke’s longtime friend, worship leader and recording artist Meredith Andrews — and this conversation is one of those you don’t just listen to… you feel. 💛 In part one of this two-part episode, Meredith shares about the calling of God and how it doesn’t always unfold the way we planned. We talk about rejection, and how what felt like people shutting a door may have actually been God’s protection all along. 🚪✨ We also dive into core wounding, healing, trauma, and what happens when we finally allow God into the places we’ve spent years trying to cover, manage, or survive. Meredith speaks beautifully about worshipping when it hurts, when we don’t feel like it, and when showing up honestly feels like the most faithful thing we can do. 🙌 Because worship isn’t about performing. It isn’t about faking it. It’s about bringing our real selves before a God who deserves our honesty — and who can handle every bit of it. 🤍 We also talk about how trauma can shape the way we act and react, but it does not get to define who we are. Our spirit — the truest part of who God created us to be — is still there. Still known. Still loved. Still being restored. 🌿 And yes, we even get into how singing can actually help heal trauma in the brain… because God really did design us in the most breathtaking ways. 🎶🧠 This is only part one, so settle in. There is so much goodness here — and when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! 💜

Some mornings, it’s easy to believe God’s mercy is waiting for us. But other mornings? The ones after we’ve lost our patience, cried ourselves to sleep, worried more than we prayed, made the same mistake again, or felt like we should be further along by now? Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning. Not just after a perfect week. Not just after a strong spiritual stretch. Not just when we’ve been patient, peaceful, productive, and put-together. Sometimes we think growth should look impressive — like a breakthrough, a big moment, a visible change everyone can see. But sometimes growth is quieter than that. Sometimes growth is getting back up. Trying again. Choosing to come back to God one more time, even when yesterday felt messy. That means God’s compassion is not reserved for the days we feel worthy of it. His mercy meets us again and again — before we fix ourselves, before we prove anything, before we have all the answers. In this Monday Minute, we’re talking about the steady love of a God whose mercies are new every single morning — including this one. Be sure to come back Friday for a full episode, because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!  

It has been a minute since we’ve had a good old-fashioned catch-up episode with just Brooke and Miranda, and wow… apparently we had some things to say. In this episode, we’re talking about the fact that school is almost out, summer is basically kicking the door down, and all of our kids are counting the minutes until the pool opens. Meanwhile, Miranda has approximately 47 summer projects planned and still has not finished the swing… so yes, thoughts and prayers are welcome. For the swing. For Brooke. For everyone involved. We also recap one of the funniest nights we’ve had in a long time: painting portraits of each other. Miranda’s portrait of Brooke may not have been museum-worthy, but it did at least resemble a human woman. Brooke’s portrait of Miranda, however, raises one very important question: has Brooke ever actually looked at Miranda’s face? Like… ever? And because we are nothing if not committed to spreading joy and chaos, we took the rest of the paint kits to Brooke’s mom’s house for Mother’s Day, where her mom and grandma painted portraits of each other—and it was honestly one of the funniest, sweetest, most fun things ever. We may have accidentally started a family tradition… or possibly a support group. But in true It’ll Always Be Funfashion, this episode isn’t just laughs. We also talk about some of the heavier things we’ve been carrying, the ways we’re both working, growing, healing, and making progress in our own lives. Growth is beautiful, but let’s be honest—it can also be painful, annoying, humbling, and deeply rude. Still, it matters. And yes, we talk about our deep and abiding love for therapy because sometimes you just need someone to help you untangle the emotional junk drawer. We laugh, we catch up, we get honest, and we end with the very real concern that Miranda may be too short for the shallow end. Grab your coffee, your paintbrush, your emotional support pool float, and come catch up with us. Because when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!  

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Sometimes we want God to light up the whole road — the full plan, the next five years, the reason behind the waiting, the way everything is going to work out. But most of the time, He gives us enough light for the next step. And honestly? That’s where trust is built. This Monday Minute is a reminder that we don’t have to see the whole story to keep walking with God. We just have to take the next faithful step in front of us. Because God can do a lot with one small step. Be sure to come back Friday for another full episode, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

In the second half of our conversation with Dr. Hannah Leport, we continue talking about autism awareness and acceptance through the lens of motherhood, medicine, faith, and grace. Hannah opens up about the importance of keeping work and home separate, how easy it can be to lose your identity in what you do, and the struggle so many people face when trying to find real community. She also shares honestly about walking through depression, the weight of carrying too much alone, and why reaching out for help matters. We also talk about what it’s like to watch your child grow up in a world that was not built for the way their brain works — and the grief, fear, love, and advocacy that can come with that. Hannah speaks to the deep importance of special needs teachers, the beauty of really knowing who your child is, and learning to see them beyond labels, expectations, or fear. This episode is honest, tender, and full of grace — for our kids, for the people walking alongside them, and for ourselves as we learn how to love them well. Because sometimes the journey looks different than we expected… but grace meets us there. 💛 And remember — when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! 🫶🏼

Is God disappointed in us when we feel anxious? In this Monday Minute, Hannah Curry reflects on Psalm 103:8 and the comforting truth that God is not frustrated by our anxiety. The more she has walked with Him, the more she has come to see that God’s heart is compassionate, patient, and full of mercy. God is not asking us to come to Him after we’ve found peace. He is asking us to come to Him because He already is peace. Anxiety may make us feel like we have to get ourselves together before we approach Him, but God meets us with gentleness right in the middle of it. He knows our frame, He understands our fear, and He is not disappointed by our need for Him. Take a minute today to be reminded: you don’t have to bring God a calmer version of yourself. You can bring Him the anxious one — and let His peace meet you there. And remember, when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this episode, we’re closing out our Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month series with part one of a powerful two-part conversation with Hannah Leport. Hannah is a family physician, a wife, and a mom to two children, one who is on the autism spectrum. She brings such a tender, honest perspective — not only as a medical professional, but as a mother who is learning, growing, grieving, celebrating, apologizing, advocating, and giving grace along the way. In part one, Hannah talks with us about the way labels can help us understand, but they never get to define who we are. She shares honestly about the fear she carries for her child’s future, the importance of not trying to operate from an empty cup, and what it looks like to trust God with the parts of our children’s stories we cannot control. We also talk about salvation, her son’s relationship with God, the humility of asking your child for forgiveness, and the grace we all need — for our children, for others, and for ourselves. This conversation is honest, thoughtful, faith-filled, and deeply human. It’s a beautiful reminder that every person is more than a diagnosis, more than a label, and more than what the world may assume. We’re so grateful to Hannah for helping us close this series with wisdom, vulnerability, and hope. 🎧 Listen Friday, and join us for part two next week. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this final Monday Minute for Autism Acceptance and Awareness Month, Cayla Adkins shares what it means to be an advocate — not just with words, but with love, consistency, courage, and action. 💙 Advocacy isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like paying attention. Sometimes it looks like speaking up. Sometimes it looks like making sure someone is seen, heard, understood, and included — even when the world doesn’t naturally make room. 🧩✨ Cayla reminds us that advocacy begins with listening, learning, and choosing to believe that every person is worthy of belonging, support, and dignity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, family member, or simply someone who wants to love people better, this Monday Minute is a beautiful reminder that our voices can help create safer, kinder spaces. 🤍 We’re so thankful for Cayla’s heart, wisdom, and willingness to share with us throughout this month. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun! 🎙️💜

What if the problem isn’t that someone has nothing to say… but that we haven’t learned how to listen?   In this deeply moving episode, Love Needs No Words, Julie Short shares truth that has the power to change the way we see people, the way we love, and the way we make room for belonging.   She reminds us that all behavior is communication. That behind every action, every response, every silence, there is meaning. There is feeling. There is a person who wants to be known. She reminds us that we all want belonging—not just access, not just accommodation, but true belonging. The kind that says, you matter here. You are wanted here. You do not have to become someone else to be worthy of love and connection.   And she says something we all need to hear: Just because you can’t hear someone talk, or because they don’t use verbal language, does not mean they are not competent.   That truth is so important. Because too often, people are underestimated, overlooked, or spoken for instead of truly seen. Too often, assumptions are made based on what someone’s communication looks like on the outside, instead of honoring the full person they are on the inside.   This episode is tender, eye-opening, and full of heart. It will challenge you. It will move you. And it will remind you that love is bigger than words, and dignity should never depend on whether someone communicates in the ways we expect.   We really believe this is a conversation that can make us all more compassionate, more aware, and more willing to slow down long enough to truly see one another.    Special Bonus: At the end of this episode hear the full version of the intro song to this series, No Single Word, written and performed by Jalyn Short. To hear more of Jalyn's music, follow this link! https://linktr.ee/JalynShortMusic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=f7db69f1-bd1b-4a8c-aa24-01932600f3e0   And remember, when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this week’s Monday Minute, Cayla Adkins shares how autism has changed the way she sees progress, growth, and what really matters. She talks about letting go of the expectations she once had and learning to notice the incredible beauty in what is actually unfolding. Cayla reminds us that growth is not about keeping up with everyone else. It’s not about perfection or pace. It’s about courage. It’s about moving forward in your own way, in your own time. This is a gentle but powerful encouragement for anyone who needs the reminder that real progress may look different — and still be deeply worth celebrating. Tune in Friday for a full episode with Brooke & Miranda, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!  

In this episode, Cayla Adkins joins us to share about her 10-year-old son, Jentezen, and the joy, beauty, and perspective he brings to the world around him. As a mom, teacher, and intervention specialist, Cayla offers both personal and professional insight into autism—while also reminding us that beyond every label is a child with a personality, a voice, and so much value. She talks honestly about motherhood, advocacy, and the things she’s learned along the way, but most of all, she lets us see why she believes Jentezen is truly one of the coolest kids ever. This conversation is full of heart, encouragement, and a beautiful reminder to slow down, pay attention, and celebrate the unique ways each person experiences the world. The intro song for this series set is a new release by local artist, Jalyn Short, called No Single Word. You can check out more of Jalyn's music here! https://linktr.ee/JalynShortMusic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a6806690-19ef-4659-8253-afd0c5c40b00 Thanks for joining us for this special series, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

What if the world feels louder, brighter, and bigger than most people realize? In this week’s Monday Minute for Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month, Cayla Adkins shares how parenting a child on the spectrum has changed the way she sees the world. From crowded rooms and unexpected noises to changes in routine, Cayla opens up about how what may seem small to others can feel overwhelming to a child with autism—and how learning to respond with compassion instead of frustration can change everything. This episode is a reminder that understanding begins when we stop asking, “Why are they reacting like this?” and start asking, “What are they feeling right now?” This one is thoughtful, eye-opening, and such a good reminder that slowing down and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes can make us all more compassionate.\ Come back Friday for a full episode with Brooke and Miranda, and remember, when we're together, it'll always be fun!

This week, we’re kicking off our Autism Awareness & Acceptance series with our sweet friend Bri as she shares what life looks like raising her 5-year-old daughter on the spectrum. Bri opens up about what the diagnosis journey looked like, the things people often misunderstand about autism, and the beautiful, unique ways her daughter sees the world. She also shares the challenges, the victories, and what she wishes other parents—and the people around them—knew. This episode is honest, encouraging, and full of heart. Whether you’re parenting a child on the spectrum, love someone who is, or simply want to learn how to be more understanding and inclusive, we hope this conversation helps you see autism through a more compassionate lens. Every child deserves to be celebrated for exactly who they are—and every parent deserves to know they’re not alone. Be sure to follow along because we have several more special guests joining us throughout this series to share their stories, encouragement, and insight. The intro song for this series set is a new release by local artist Jalyn Short, called No Single Word. You can check out more of Jalyn's music here! https://linktr.ee/JalynShortMusic?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=a6806690-19ef-4659-8253-afd0c5c40b00 And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!  

Different doesn’t mean less. In this special Autism Awareness Month Monday Minute, Cayla Adkins shares what she’s learned from parenting a child on the spectrum—and how autism is not something to be “fixed,” but understood. Through honesty, advocacy, and a mother’s love, Cayla reminds us that every child deserves to be seen for who they are, not just what makes them different. Plus, hear a special fact from her 10-year-old son, Jentezen, as he shares his own perspective on autism. This one is tender, eye-opening, and such an important reminder that different does not mean less. Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss a Monday Minute or Friday episode! And remember, when we're together... It'll always be fun!

This week, our boys take over the mic one last time to finish telling the Easter story through their eyes—and honestly, there’s something really special about hearing these moments through a child’s voice. From the cross to the empty tomb, they remind us that Easter isn’t just about sadness or loss… it’s about hope, love, and the fact that what looked like the end was really just the beginning. Their perspective is simple, honest, and powerful—and it might just help you hear the story in a brand new way. Whether you’re listening with your kids, your family, or all by yourself, we hope this episode reminds you that Jesus changes everything. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

Good Friday looks a little different on the podcast this week. ✝️ Instead of our normal Friday episode, we handed the mic over to our ten-year-olds and let them walk through the story of Good Friday in their own words. From the last supper… to the garden… to the arrest, trial, and cross… each child shares a piece of the story and ends with a question. Questions like: “Why do you think He stayed… even when He was scared?” “Have you ever felt left out?” “Why do you think Jesus stayed quiet?” And finally… “What does it feel like to know He did that for you?” It’s simple. Honest. Tender. And somehow hearing the story through kids makes you stop and feel it all a little deeper. Because on that day, it looked like the end. But it wasn’t. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

Worship isn't just Sunday. In fact, some of the most sacred moments don’t look spiritual at all… 🤍 They look like: early mornings ☀️ messy homes 🧺 long days ☕ and showing up when no one sees ❤️‍🩹 In today’s Monday Minute, Alli Eastman reminds us that God is in all of it. Nothing is wasted when it’s done for Him. ✨ Worship isn’t just the song you sing… …it’s the life you live when the music stops. ✨ 🎧 Take a breath and let this one settle in. A new Monday Minute drops this coming Monday! Be sure to follow/subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!🤍 And come back this Friday to join Brooke and Miranda for a full episode—because when we’re together… it’ll always be fun!🤍

As we wrap up the Holy NO! series, we’re taking one final look at everything we’ve learned along the way. In Episode 6, Brooke and Miranda revisit each week—from boundaries and healing, to forgiveness, identity, and the freedom found in saying no. This conversation brings it all together in an honest, reflective way, reminding us that growth doesn’t happen all at once… it happens in the everyday choices we make. If you’ve been walking through this series with us—or you’re just jumping in—this episode is your invitation to pause, reflect, and take your next step toward freedom. Download your free Holy NO! workbook and start your journey anytime. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun.

Ever feel like your brain just won’t stop trying to figure everything out? In this Monday Minute, hear a real and honest reflection on anxiety, overthinking, and the pressure to understand every situation—and the freedom that comes when we realize we don’t have to. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5 Faith isn’t about having all the answers… it’s about trusting God right in the middle of the unknown. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or mentally exhausted, this short devotional is for you. Take a breath. You’re not behind—you’re right where faith grows.

“If you are the Son of God…” That’s how the enemy begins. In Matthew 4:3–4, Jesus is tempted in the wilderness—not just with hunger, but with the subtle pressure to prove who He is. To perform. To validate His identity. To turn stones into bread and show His power. But Jesus doesn’t take the bait. Instead, He responds with truth: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” This week on Holy NO!, we’re talking about the exhausting cycle of trying to prove ourselves—our worth, our calling, our identity—to people, to expectations… even to God. What if you were never meant to prove anything? What if your identity was never something to earn—but something already given? This episode is for the one who feels like they have to strive to be enough. For the one who feels unseen unless they perform. For the one who is tired of carrying the weight of “proving.” Jesus didn’t prove Himself—and you don’t have to either. Come sit with us as we unpack what it looks like to live from identity, not for it. 📖 Don’t forget to download your free Holy NO! workbook 💛 And remember—when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!  

In this week’s Monday Minute, our friend, Sam Leaphart shares a powerful reminder about the redeeming heart of God. We all have parts of our story that feel messy, painful, or unfinished. Moments we wish had gone differently or seasons that seem wasted. But the beautiful truth of the gospel is that nothing in our lives is beyond God’s ability to redeem. Through His grace, God takes broken places and brings restoration, purpose, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered whether God can truly use every part of your story, this short encouragement is for you. ✨ Be reminded today that God is still working — and He is never finished redeeming what once felt lost. Be sure to come back Friday and catch Brooke and Miranda for another full episode of It’ll Always Be Fun.

Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do… is leave. In this week’s episode of Holy NO!, Brooke and Miranda wrestle with the uncomfortable truth that staying isn’t always the spiritual choice. Sometimes faithfulness to God requires the courage to step away from something people expect you to remain in. In Mark 1:38, when people were looking for Jesus and hoping He would stay, He told His disciples: “Let’s go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there also. I must go because that is why I was sent.” Jesus wasn’t abandoning people. He wasn’t being unloving. He was being faithful to the purpose God had given Him. In this conversation, Brooke and Miranda talk about: • Why staying can sometimes feel more spiritual than leaving • The difference between faithfulness and fear • How guilt, expectations, and people-pleasing can keep us stuck • What it looks like to follow God even when it means walking away This episode is honest, emotional, and deeply encouraging for anyone wrestling with the tension between loyalty and obedience. Because sometimes the most faithful thing you can say is Holy NO.

In this Monday Minute, Alli Eastman shares an encouraging reminder for anyone who serves God in visible ways — whether that’s in ministry, leadership, or simply loving people in everyday life. If you’ve ever felt the quiet pressure to do it right… to be enough… to live up to what others see in you… you’re not alone. Insecurity can creep in even when our hearts are fully devoted to honoring God. But Scripture brings us back to what truly matters. In 1 Samuel 16:7 we’re reminded that while people look at outward appearance, the Lord looks at the heart. God isn’t asking for a perfect performance — He’s looking for surrender. He already knows our weaknesses, our doubts, and our insecurities… and He still calls us anyway. This short but powerful encouragement will remind you that God doesn’t use you because you’re impressive — He uses you because you’re willing. Be sure to tune in Friday for a full episode with Brooke and Miranda. And remember, when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

In this week’s episode of the Holy NO! series, Brooke and Miranda explore a quiet but powerful moment in the life of Jesus: “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” — Luke 5:16 In the middle of growing crowds, rising expectations, and people constantly needing something from Him, Jesus didn’t pause to explain why He stepped away. He simply did what was necessary to stay connected to the Father. And sometimes… we have to do the same. So many of us feel pressure to justify our boundaries—to soften our “no,” explain it, defend it, or make sure everyone understands. But Jesus shows us another way. A faithful “no” doesn’t require a speech. In this conversation, Brooke and Miranda talk honestly about the fear of disappointing people, the tension between compassion and boundaries, and how following Jesus sometimes means choosing quiet obedience over public approval. Because the truth is: Discomfort isn’t danger. Disappointment is not failure. Saying no does not make you unloving. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is step away, breathe, and return to the place where your soul is restored. Grab your coffee and join us for this honest conversation about boundaries, courage, and the freedom that comes from following Jesus—even when it means not explaining yourself. Don’t forget to download the Holy NO! Workbook to follow along with the series.

In this special Monday Minute, 10-year-old Lachlan shares from his own heart about something many kids (and adults) understand — the fear of being alone. Using Deuteronomy 31:6, he reminds us of God’s powerful promise: “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” When fear creeps in at night, when the house feels too quiet, or when life feels uncertain, it can be easy to forget that we’re never truly by ourselves. Through simple faith and honest courage, Lachlan points us back to the truth that Jesus is always with us — in the dark, in the unknown, and in every moment we need Him. This short but meaningful encouragement is a reminder for all ages: you are seen, you are loved, and you are never alone. Be sure to come back Friday for another full episode with Brooke and Miranda — and remember, when we’re together, it’ll always be fun!

Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful commands Jesus gives us… but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Brooke and Miranda talk about the difference between forgiveness and access — and why releasing someone doesn’t always mean welcoming them back into the same space they once occupied. Using John 2:24, we look at the example of Jesus Himself, who loved people deeply, forgave freely, and yet did not entrust Himself to everyone. If Jesus modeled both compassion and discernment, maybe boundaries aren’t a lack of grace — maybe they’re wisdom. If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no… If you’ve wondered whether protecting your peace means you’re failing to forgive… If you’ve struggled with how to love someone without letting them continue to hurt you… This conversation is for you. Join us for this honest conversation and then continue the journey this week with  the Holy NO! workbook. 📥 Download your copy here: https://payhip.com/b/TFOrZ And remember — when we’re together, it’ll always be fun.

A year ago, we pressed record for the very first time. We didn’t have everything figured out. We didn’t know who would listen. We just knew we wanted to create a space where people could laugh, feel understood, and grow in their faith alongside us. And somehow… here we are. One year of showing up. One year of conversations that were sometimes light and sometimes really hard. One year of friendship, honesty, tears, joy, and learning to trust God in the middle of real life. In this anniversary episode, we’re looking back on the journey — what starting this podcast has meant to us, what we’ve learned along the way, and the moments that changed us more than we expected. We’re also sharing how this space has shaped our friendship and why we believe God still has so much ahead. If you’ve listened, shared an episode, encouraged us, or prayed for us — you’ve been part of this story. More than you know. Thank you for being here with us. This is just the beginning. And remember… when we’re together, it’ll always be fun.