On Sundays

Have you ever wondered what toxic positivity sounds like? Or how it's different from being truly positive and hopeful? In today's episode we're addressing just that. With real life examples, phrases and practical advice, we're going to talk about how our well intended efforts to comfort often make people feel more alone and how you can change that!Links:Sundays MagazineSundays Holiday Gift GuideInstagram

In this episode, we’re answering a listener’s question: How do we care for each other and our communities better? In an age where division, toxicity and even hatred seems to be all around us, this is such an important and timely question for all of us to ask ourselves. How can I help? How can I be part of the solution in my daily life? Where can I serve or love people just a little bit better? So let’s discuss!Notes from this episode:Start with doing an inventory of your biases and the worldview you’re filtering your actions through. Do you really see everyone as equal to you? (Spoiler: you don’t)Be honest about your talents, resources and capacity. What do you have to offer? It may cost you, but it shouldn’t exhaust your resources.Turn towards who your neighbor is. Where have you been placed? Schools, neighborhoods, city, place of worship, gym, committees, etc.What is something you have a deep desire to change in some way or another need you are compelled to meet? Whether you choose to partner with existing groups or take action solo, take on the physician’s creed of “do no harm.” You’ll make mistakes, but in your attempts to help, be alert to ways you or the organization you align with may also be hurting the very community you’re helping. It’s healthy to assess if the assistance you’re offering has sustainable and long-term positive impact or is it making people worse off in some way.If you’re overwhelmed by any of this, think about one little thing you can do that requires the least effort. Show vulnerability and ask for and accept help and care when you need it.

In this solo episode, Kate discusses her experience of faith and how it's been shaped in and outside of the church. She talks about what church has meant for her and the main reasons she's had for leaving church or resisting participation. In this episode, find camaraderie, empathy, and permission to stay or leave your spiritual community in search of peace and freedom. Links:Sundays MagazineIG: @Sundays_Magazine

Coaching is a modality that involves nonjudgmental presence, motivational interviewing and co-creation of goals to help ordinary people get unstuck and reach their potential. You may have heard of executive coaching or professional coaching where high-achieving individuals are coached to overcome some of their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. Life coaching works the same way. Whether someone is struggling with personal issues or going through a transition in life or career, a coach is a partner to help you find clarity, provide accountability and help you take the next right step on your journey.On this episode, we chat with certified, life & business coach, Katie Snyder. Katie has a background in research psychology and over two decades in creative work. She helps clients navigate transitions, rediscover purpose, and design fulfilling, intentional lives. A former photographer and tour manager, Katie believes life itself is art—meant to be created with courage and care. Links:SundaysMagazine.comIG: @sundays.magazine.comwww.katiesnyder.comKatie's IG: @thekatiesnyder

Emily P. Freeman, or EPF as she’s affectionately known, is a real-life mentor for me. As I think you’ll see from this episode, Emily doesn’t do or say anything casually. She really lives her life on purpose and sticks to her convictions, while leaving room for humility, curiosity and evolution.Listen in as we discuss navigating new seasons of life, moving through decision fatigue and so much more!Emily's Instagram: @emilypfreemanEmily's Latest BookThe Quiet Collection App

When life comes at you fast, be it good or bad or everything at the same time, how do you manage? That's what we're discussing today On Sundays. Coping with stress can seem impossible, but I'm breaking down the small, manageable ways to care for ourselves in the midst of chaos.Find Kate on Instagram @Sundays.Magazine or @SundaysCreativeStudioSundaysMagazine.com

Erin Hicks Moon has questions and we bet you do too!Resident Bible Scholar of the Faith Adjacent podcast, Erin Moon is here to talk about faith, doubt, asking brave questions, navigating spiritual unrest and finding a thriving faith in the midst of unanswerable mysteries.Join us for this conversation as I find a fast friend in Erin and we gab away about the silly and the spiritual.Preview or Subscribe to Sundays MagazineErin's Book: I've Got Questions: The Spiritual Practice of Having It Out With GodI've Got Questions Guided JournalErin on Social

Today, we’re joined by Rachel Awtrey. Rachel is a trailblazing influencer podcaster, military wife, mother to two and a first time author of Love Your Life: Even When You Don’t Like It All the Time. You all are going to absolutely love this conversation. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Rachel and learning from her experience. We talk about being brave enough to live on purpose and to not let other people’s opinions get in our way. Rachel shares advice on how to balance a career with motherhood and we chat about making and keeping friends in adulthood.Preview or Subscribe to Sundays MagazineRachel's Book: Love Your Life: Even When You Don’t Like It All the TimeRachel on Social

Trying something new is inherently scary because it's vulnerable, especially when you do it in public.In this episode, I give a quick life update and some perspective on how I've gathered the courage to try several new things lately, however imperfectly.Welcome to Season 2 of On Sundays! We've got more great guests and content coming your way, so stay tuned!

In part II of this conversation on entrepreneurship, Kate and Rusty explore the profound impact of life personal growth and self-discovery on career paths. They discuss the importance of living authentically, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the joy found in the creative process. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they emphasize the value of trying new things, pursuing passions, and finding happiness in the journey rather than just the destination. Takeaways Life-altering experiences can ignite a desire to live fully, but so can taking inspiration for art and media. It's okay to look silly and be imperfect when trying new things. Entrepreneurship should stem from passion, not just profit. The process of creation can be as rewarding as the end product. Finding joy in hobbies can lead to unexpected opportunities. Self-discovery often involves trying new things without letting fear hold you back. You can monetize your passions, but it's not always necessary. Links Rusty Gates on IG Rusty Gates Media Houston Made

In this engaging conversation, Kate and Rusty explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of balancing passions with life's demands. Rusty shares his experiences transitioning from a corporate job to running his own media company, emphasizing the significance of embracing one's individuality and creativity. They discuss the impact of ADHD on focus and productivity, the necessity of enjoying one's work, and the reflections on life choices that lead to fulfillment and happiness. Takeaways Authenticity is key to personal and professional success and can inspire others. The journey to entrepreneurship often starts with small steps. It's okay to not have a clear plan for your future. Creativity can flourish when given grace and margin. Finding joy in work is worth pursuing. Challenges like ADHD and personality differences can influence work styles. Balancing responsibilities with personal passions is doable. Life is about enjoying the process, not just the end goal. Links Rusty Gates on IG Rusty Gates Media Houston Made Sundays Holiday Gift Guide Show Notes

In this episode, Kate shares her personal experiences and insights on dating, emphasizing the confusion and pressure often associated with finding the right partner. She discusses the importance of compatibility, timing, and the need for personal growth, and openness within relationships. Kate encourages listeners to focus on self-awareness and communication to cultivate meaningful connections, rather than adhering to rigid dating rules or expectations of finding the "one." Takeaways Dating advice often lacks sensitivity and can have hindsight bias. Finding the "right" person is just the first step; timing and growth matter. It's essential to communicate your needs and expectations in relationships. Chemistry and compatibility alone does not guarantee a successful relationship. Personal growth is crucial for sustaining a healthy partnership. Avoid fixating on flaws in potential partners as a defense mechanism. Relationships require active cultivation and cannot be taken for granted. Expectations and desires should be openly discussed to avoid misunderstandings. Self-awareness is key to navigating dating challenges. It's important to enjoy the process of getting to know others rather than focusing on finding 'the one'. Links Holiday Gift Guide Show Notes

Kayla Kleinman joins us on the pod to share about building a social community of over 200,000 through her blog and social media. Kayla emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in connecting with others. We discuss the challenges of navigating expectations in your 30s, the significance of embracing one's true self over societal trends and the joy found in simple moments. The dialogue highlights the shared experiences of feeling lost and the power of community in fostering confidence, contentment and growth. Takeaways Kayla started her blog to find a community around fitness and wellness. Vulnerability in sharing personal experiences can lead to deeper connections. Expectations in your 30s can be misleading and create unnecessary pressure. Authenticity is more impactful than conforming to trends. Finding joy in small moments can enhance overall well-being. Community can provide comfort in shared experiences of struggle. It's okay to change your boundaries regarding what to share online and IRL. Self-care practices are essential for managing burnout. Embracing personal growth means accepting change over time. Life is a continuous journey of learning and evolving. Links Kayla Kleinman on IG A Prompt A Day Journal: Guided Journal Silly Little Things - Kayla's Substack Sundays Holiday Gift Guide Sundays Blog

In this conversation between two good friends, Kate Riney and Heather Cole explore the reality of pursuing dreams, the impact of creating safe spaces for teenagers, and the importance of living a legacy. Heather shares her experience starting The Harbor, a nonprofit aimed at supporting teens, and discusses the challenges and breakthroughs along the way. Heather opens up about the doubts and struggles she overcame in quitting her job to start The Harbor in her fifties and what she's looking forward to. Their conversation emphasizes the power of friendship, resilience, and the importance of seeing and uplifting others. Takeaways The journey to building a career and life you love can be long and winding because self-discovery is ongoing and can lead you unexpected places. Navigating change can lead to personal growth and discovery. Creating safe spaces for teens and seeing them for who they are is vital for their self-worth and development. Starting a nonprofit requires resilience and true emotional support. Building a legacy has a ripple effect; it's has exponential power. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Friendship 03:55 Pursuing Dreams and Callings 06:16 The Harbor: A Safe Space for Teens 16:57 Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt 20:58 Legacy and Long-Term Impact 23:52 The Importance of Connection and Community 26:43 Navigating Change and Embracing Growth 31:29 The Urgency of Now 34:34 Creating a Ripple Effect 37:06 A Legacy for the Unseen Generation Links Show Notes

In this solo episode, Kate shares her personal experience with spiritual abuse during a mission trip to Kenya. She discusses the dynamics of leadership, manipulation, and the importance of recognizing the signs and patterns of spiritual abuse. Through her story, she highlights the need for a faith framework that can help protect you from the dangers of emotional and spiritual manipulation in religious contexts. A Personal Note from Kate: Hey there listener, even though my story isn't a tragic one, the stuff I talk about in this episode is heavy and could be triggering. I am not a licensed mental health professional, so I've linked a trusted resource for support in the show notes below. And while I have comments turned off, I always check my DMs @readingsundays on Instagram. So if there's something that doesn't sit right with you or you're curious about something that felt unresolved, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to share more or hear about your experiences and learn together. Thanks for listening! Takeaways Spiritual abuse can occur in various contexts, including the mainstream, not just cults. Manipulation often happens in isolation and controlled environments. Emotional and spiritual manipulation can be subtle and insidious. Leaders can abuse their power without intending harm or setting out to be malicious. Over-spiritualization can lead to confusion, neglect and harm. Spiritual authority should be questioned when it is seeking control. You can and should trust yourself and your own innate spiritual authority. Personal growth can emerge from challenging experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to My Story03:14 The Mission Trip Experience20:26 Confronting Leadership and Control38:17 What You Should Know About Spiritual Abuse Links Show Notes Resources for Survivors of Spiritual and Psychological Abuse

In this conversation, Kate Riney speaks with Christine Cown, a former pastor and current yoga teacher and spiritual director, about her journey into yoga and spiritual direction. Christine shares her experiences with trauma-informed yoga and how it has helped her and others heal. They discuss the importance of spiritual direction as a space for listening and personal growth, the process of deconstructing and reconstructing faith, and the misconceptions surrounding yoga in relation to Christianity. Christine emphasizes the need for safe spaces for exploration and healing, both in yoga and spiritual direction. Takeaways Trauma-informed yoga integrates therapy and movement. Spiritual direction offers a space for holy listening. Deconstruction of faith can lead to personal growth. Yoga can be a form of worship and healing. Spiritual direction is not for everyone, but can be beneficial. Listening to one's body is crucial for healing. God is always trying to get our attention. It's okay to not have all the answers in one's faith journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Christine Cown 07:17 The Journey to Haven Yoga 13:08 Understanding Spiritual Direction 19:14 The Role of Spiritual Direction in Healing 24:54 Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Faith 31:06 Yoga: A Path to God or a Gateway to the Underworld? Links Show Notes Haven Yoga Spiritual Direction with Christine

Sarah Westfall joins Kate to discuss her book, The Way of Belonging. Sarah shares her insights on what it means to belong and why this is core to who we are as humans and how we relate. From her community-building background, Sarah takes our longing for connection as invitation to embrace and extend the deep love of God. After years contemplating how she fit in and trying to earn acceptance, she realized "belonging is not something to attain, but someone to become." Show Notes Human Together Podcast The Way of Belonging by Sarah Westfall

In this episode, host Kate Riney discusses her motivations for launching Sundays, a magazine and podcast aimed at exploring self-help themes from a softer perspective, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique limitations, goals and values. Kate shares her personal journey from aspiring filmmaker to social worker, and eventually to a career in marketing. She reflects on recovering from perfectionism, her struggles with burnout and difficulty making decisions. Kate introduces the idea that chasing productivity and achievement ultimately makes us feel worse about ourselves. She suggests a gentle approach to personal development where you're encouraged to embrace your limitations, embody your values and realize your dreams one day at a time. Takeaways Kate transitioned from a film major to social work due to her love for helping people. Her field experience focused on advocacy against sexual violence and trafficking. Kate's mission trip to Kenya profoundly impacted her views on leadership and belief systems. She experienced burnout in her nonprofit work, leading to a career shift into marketing. Kate emphasizes the ethical challenges in marketing and its impact on consumer behavior. The launch of Sundays aims to explore self-help themes with a focus on grace and acceptance. Kate believes in the power of shared experiences to foster connection and understanding. Her journey reflects a continuous search for meaning and purpose in her work. Kate's story highlights the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in professional life. The podcast aims to create a community where listeners can feel less alone in their struggles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kate Riney03:08 The Journey from Film to Social Work06:01 Exploring Counseling and Social Work08:48 Field Experience and Advocacy12:08 Mission Trip to Kenya: A Life-Changing Experience17:54 Reflections on Leadership and Belief24:45 Transitioning to Marketing and Copywriting31:49 Navigating Burnout and Recovery39:13 The Ethical Dilemma in Marketing43:05 Launching Sundays: A New Venture