Real Honest with Samantha LaBat

When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak. - Audre Lorde00:00 Intro01:33 Goals Check-In05:56 What I’m learning from God rn08:24 Topic: Speak Up17:42 Hard Conversation of the Week28:33 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Currently obsessed with Netflix’s new reality series, Age of Attraction, and how it highlights that age gaps don’t break relationships - bad communication does.I am notorious for wanting everyone to read my mind (which, yes, I know is impossible, I never said I was sane) and I will probably be in therapy forever just because I’ll never understand how other people’s brains work, but I’m still trying!!I love my friends soo much and want them to know that and want to be able to communicate it in ways that make them feel loved, and I also want that from them, but sometimes it’s so hard that it doesn’t feel worth the time or energy. Let’s get into it.00:00 Intro01:29 What I’m learning from God rn04:54 Goals Check-In11:33 Topic: Bad Communication Ruins Relationships20:58 Hard Conversation of the Week28:12 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

We’ve all heard the saying “comparison is the thief of joy” and social media has made this more relevant than other. Spending so much time watching other people’s highlight reels is a great way to feel inadequate. I believe we all have a purpose in life, and God made us unique individuals for specific reasons. I wasn’t born to be a mathematician, a teacher, or a scientist. I was born to make art. But I’m also a perfectionist with OCD tendencies and that makes me a really good project manager, which I’ve come to see as a nice career that funds my art. I’ve found that focusing on my own calling, and not anyone else’s, has given me so much peace. This week, I’m reflecting on how to do that.00:00 Intro02:55 What I’m learning from God rn09:55 Goals Check-In18:03 Topic: Focus on YOUR calling, not someone else’s24:06 Hard Conversation of the Week29:20 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

I don’t know about you, but I grew up pretty pain-adverse. My parents were a bit over-protective and did a little too much for my sisters and I in the name of wanting it to be done correctly, keep everything wrapped in a little bow, and avoid most (or all) of life’s struggles. Except… that seemed to cause the exact opposite to happen. We ended up seemingly picture perfect on the outside, but screaming in pain on the inside, because we learned to grin and bear it. Don’t talk about it. Push it down. Fake it til you make it.Today, I’m reflecting on why the older generations seem so resistant to pain, and how I’ve found that embracing it as part of life and growing through what you go through is healing.00:00 Intro02:51 What I’m learning from God rn08:04 Goals Check-In11:18 Topic: Heartbreak Happens20:11 Hard Conversation of the Week28:44 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Reflecting on the need to slow down and rest, and how sometimes getting sick is our body (and God’s) way of forcing us to do that.00:00 Intro01:35 What I’m learning from God rn07:21 Goals Check-In14:20 Topic: Sick of running20:29 Hard Conversation of the Week25:47 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Are you too much, or are the people who think so just not your people?00:00 Intro01:12 Goals Check-In09:22 What I’m learning from God rn14:35 Too Much?21:58 Hard Conversation of the Week35:24 What I’m Watching Right NowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Let this be your sign to book that solo trip.00:00 Intro 01:06 Goals Check-in06:50 What I’m learning from God right now11:58 Book the Solo Trip!31:14 Hard conversation of the week37:01 What I’m watching right nowFor more info on solo traveling, following @thejenndanielle on IG & YT and reach out to her to book your solo cruise!!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

This week on Real Honest, we explore truth & kindness. If truth without kindness is brutality, and kindness without truth is manipulation, what about being brutally honest for one's own good? If we continue to avoid truth in order to avoid pain, are we actually accomplishing that goal, or delaying the inevitable and making things worse?00:00 Intro 01:06 Goals check-in04:44 What I’m learning from God right now11:15 Kindness & truth39:00 Hard conversation of the week45:15 What I’m watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Why can’t we all just mind our own damn business? Too many people are out here screaming into the void trying to change the minds and actions of people they don’t know and will never meet. We’ve been placed in certain people’s lives, and vice versa — let’s focus on the people we do know.00:00 Intro 00:48 Goals check-in03:03 What I’m learning from God right now12:56 Why is it so hard for everyone to mind their own damn business?27:15 Hard conversation of the week32:41 What I’m watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Last week, we discussed what it means to treat your energy like it's expensive. But are we closing ourselves off to true connection when deciding who can afford it? This week, we're diving a little deeper into questions like "What if we're never on the same page?" and "What if the person I choose to give my energy to doesn't choose me back?"00:00 Intro 04:20 Goals check-in09:21 What I’m learning from God right now23:34 True connection feels so rare36:21 Hard conversation of the week44:36 Is it impossible?45:23 What I’m watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

As Taylor said on New Heights, you should treat your energy like it's expensive, and not everyone can afford it. Let's talk about how we can do this, and also what other costs are involved besides energy.00:00 Intro 05:07 Goals check-in06:54 What I’m learning from God right now10:23 Treat your energy like it’s expensive21:06 What’s the cost?24:52 Hard conversation of the week31:47 What I’m watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Is it better to have loved and lost, or to have never loved at all?If time lets the fire die, how do we stay motivated?This week on Real Honest I explore these questions, how they apply to relationships, and process through whether having good friendships in the past is helping or hurting my friendships in the present.00:00 Intro 03:50 Goals check-in08:20 What I’m learning from God right now09:45 Is it better to have loved & lost, or to have never loved at all?15:17 Hard conversation of the week29:44 Tayvis engagement reactions35:24 What I’m watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Let's explore the subtle ways our lives are shaped without us even realizing it. Inspired by John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, I examine the unconscious spiritual, personal, and psychological formation happening through our habits, relationships, and life stories.00:00 Intro 00:41 Goals check-in04:59 What I’m learning from God right now09:22 Who are you becoming?23:46 Hard conversation of the week31:47 What I’m watching right nowLearn more about Practicing the Way: https://launch.practicingtheway.org/Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Inspired by a lyric from Taylor Swift’s Stay Stay Stay, let's explore what it takes for someone to really “memorize” you. The small, consistent acts that make someone feel seen, understood, and loved. Whether in relationships or faith, learning to notice, remember, and cherish the details can transform how we connect with others.00:00 Intro 02:14 Relational intimacy09:02 What makes you feel known?14:49 Building intimacy with God19:50 Hard conversation of the week32:09 What I’m reading right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Have you ever felt like there’s something you were meant to do? A purpose, a calling, a mission—something impossible but deeply meaningful that you’re striving for? What if the impossibility is the point? What if we’re meant to need something bigger than ourselves to dream the impossible, to need God, and to keep becoming even when we don't arrive?00:00 Intro 02:09 Goals check-in/life updates07:25 The quote that sparked it all13:14 The thing you’re meant to do19:54 Hard conversation of the week24:50 What I'm watching right nowThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Healing sounds good. Positive. Rewarding. Exciting, even…until it costs you your comfort. This week, I’m wrestling with a question Lisa Harper recently asked: Do you want to be healed or do you want to be comfortable? Let’s talk about why we resist healing, how comfort keeps us stuck, and what it really takes to let God do the deep work.00:00 Intro 02:00 Goals check-in13:30 What I’m learning from God rn17:04 Topic: When comfort becomes a cage25:34 Hard convo of the week34:22 Watch K-Pop Demon Hunters or elseThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Breaking down another song I wrote in high school...00:00 Intro 03:30 Crying All Alone06:37 Lyric BreakdownThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

It’s so easy to fixate on what’s missing—but what if what you already have is beautiful, meaningful, and enough? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on the power of presence and the gift of gratitude when we stop obsessing over what’s next.00:00 Intro 02:50 Goals check-in04:10 What I’m learning from God06:38 Topic: What if you already have something beautiful?19:15 Hard convo of the week27:47 What are you watching?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

We all have something—or someone—we think we need in order to be okay. But what if happiness isn’t waiting on life to go your way? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on why true peace doesn’t come from getting what you want, but from learning how to let go.00:00 Intro 01:23 Goals check-in07:42 What I’m learning from God12:19 Topic: Happiness isn’t circumstantial24:16 Hard convo of the week31:39 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

We all have that thing we’re hoping, dreaming, or praying for—but if it showed up tomorrow, would we be ready? In this episode of Real Honest, I’m reflecting on the gap between desire and preparation—and why growth in the in-between matters more than we think.00:00 Intro 00:44 Goals check-in06:59 What I’m learning from God17:44 Topic: Are you ready for the thing you want (or think you want)? 26:09 Hard convo of the week29:29 What are you watching?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

This week on Real Honest, I’m reflecting on a quote from Lisa Harper about why real conversations need real relationship. If you’ve ever tried to go deep with someone who just wasn’t ready—or realized you were showing up with oath-level energy for someone keeping you like a secret—this one’s for you.00:00 Intro 05:37 Goals check-in07:20 What I’m learning from God rn17:11 Topic: Relationship Before Conversation40:58 Hard convo of the week47:59 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

A reflection on personal growth and the unexpected ways we evolve. 00:00 Intro 01:47 Goals check-in03:05 What I’m learning from God rn05:53 Topic: Personal growth reflection18:22 Hard convo of the week30:54 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

This question is for children, apparently, but I think it applies to all of us and can help those just starting out with communicating their wants and needs to those around them.00:00 Intro 01:37 Goals check-in05:59 What I’m learning from God rn15:43 Topic: Tell your friends & family if you just want them to listen, offer advice, or hold you.22:49 Hard convo of the week27:04 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

How do you react when friends/family share something big with you? Do they keep sharing after that?00:00 Intro 01:23 Goals check-in04:27 What I’m learning from God rn06:10 Topic: Fostering strong friendships by reacting well20:16 Hard convo of the weekend What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

How well do you know yourself, and how well do others know you? How do you know that someone knows you well?00:00 Intro 01:07 Goals check-in08:31 What I’m learning from God rn16:56 Knowing yourself and being known by others29:01 Hard convo of the week47:27 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

The one you’ve been waiting for! You’re welcome.00:00 Intro 03:01 do you want me over?07:57 Lyric BreakdownThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Why didn’t anyone warn me about the part of your 20s & 30s you have to spend grieving the life you thought you’d have?00:00 Intro 00:44 Goals Check-in02:05 What I’m learning from God rn03:52 Topic: Grieving the Life I Thought I’d Live28:00 Hard convo of the week32:49 What are you watching rn?!Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Most friendships are seasonal. How do you evaluate when it’s time for a friendship to end?00:00 Intro 00:45 Goals Check-in04:17 What I’m learning from God rn05:45 Topic: If I change me, I change we + Letting go44:06 Hard convo of the week50:23 Movie rec / what I’m watching rn: SoloThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Why do we struggle so much to say what we mean and to interpret what others mean? Why do we all define things differently? Is it possible to have a healthy and meaningful relationship without fighting?00:00 Intro + Listener Question05:23 Goals Check-in06:23 What I’m learning from God rn11:09 Can you have healthy relationships without conflict?30:38 Hard convo of the week42:45 Movie rec / what I’m watching rn: Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

It's the same old story that I can't remember!Written at age 15, baby girl has come so far <3.00:00 Intro05:15 Same Old Story (Acoustic Version)11:22 Lyric Breakdown27:53 Same Old Story (Pop Version)Thanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Does the fear of being vulnerable keep you from making deeper connections? Adult friendships require work! Sometimes the puzzle pieces don't fit together and that's OKAY. Ask someone to coffee. So what if they say no? Then you can stay home in your blanket.00:00 Intro01:02 Goals Check-in04:26 What I’m learning from God rn18:43 Topic: Friendship Fears41:40 Hard convo of the week48:11 Movie rec / what I’m watching rnThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

I wrote this song for an 8th grade school project that I have very little detailed memory on lol.00:00 Intro02:07 Why08:14 Lyric BreakdownQuestions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Imagine if Christians were even half as excited to worship and hear the word of God as Swifties were to watch a grainy livestream of a show they’d already seen enough times to memorize.00:00 Intro00:49 Goals Check-in02:49 What I’m learning from God rn10:09 Topic: Church Should Feel Like A Taylor Swift Concert25:45 Hard convo of the week37:36 What I’m watching rn: The Flight AttendantThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

How many of your 2024 goals did you accomplish? Not many? Same here. What if that wasn't the point? What if the point was the journey? Looking back and reflecting on how far we've come. It's okay to lose some people or things along the way. You can't bring everyone with you on this journey of life.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:51 Goals Check-In19:11 What I’m Learning from God rn35:55 Topic - Loss is the Companion of Progress38:10 Hard Convo of the Week50:09 Movie Rec / What I’m watching rnThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected] - Yeah, I know I said I was gone for 8 months and it's only been 4. What is time?

Today I’m breaking down another song I wrote in high school and what I know about theology today that makes it so cringe.00:00 Intro02:37 God’s Always There07:47 Setting the Stage11:57 Lyric Breakdown + A Little Theology LessonThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want—new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

I’m struggling with a lack of belonging in pretty much every area of my life. How do you guys deal with that?00:00 Intro02:56 Goals check-in04:29 What I’m learning from God rn08:10 Topic: At least I’m trying?53:38 Movie rec: My Old Ass, UgliesThanks for listening! Leave me a review if you want. New eps Weds 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

It's back-to-school season. Awkward and uncomfortable is the vibe of the week. Is it wrong to want to skip to the part where we really know each other?00:00 Intro01:11 Goals check-in05:49 What I’m learning from God rn09:37 Topic: Why is communicating with others so hard and uncomfortable?23:42 Hard convo of the week: Therapy!33:42 Movie rec: Speak No EvilQuestions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email [email protected].

Where did we get this idea that relationships are only successful if they last forever? What if we're missing the happy today in pursuit of happily ever after?00:00 Intro01:36 Goals check-in13:22 What I’m learning from God rn17:18 Topic: Happy isn’t the only positive ending33:20 Hard Convo of the week42:48 What I’m watching rnThanks for listening! New episodes Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? Email [email protected]

It's an election year in the US, which means everyone and their mother is shouting their big, loud opinions into the void and no one is listening. Let's talk about how to be better listeners.00:00 Intro00:48 Goals Check-In06:21 What I’m learning from God rn17:42 Topic: Let’s listen better38:11 Hard Convos of the week52:30 What I’m watching rnI publish new episodes on Wednesdays at 6 am CT, give or take. I know consistency is key, but I don’t want to publish every week just to be consistent if I have nothing to say.Questions, comments, concerns, want to chat? Email me at [email protected]

It’s the first song I ever wrote!!00:00 Intro00:46 Goals Check-In04:38 Cameron’s Song08:47 Lyric Breakdown14:39 So adorbs omg

Job searching suuucks. It’s so easy to focus on what could go wrong. Let’s focus on what could go right.00:00 Intro00:46 Goals Check-In09:13 What God is teaching me rn12:26 Topic: What if it is for me?! What if it goes great?!24:03 Hard convo of the week24:57 Movie/TV Rec: Netflix Picks: No to Atlas, Meh to The Perfect Find, Yes to A Family AffairI publish new episodes Wednesday at 6 am CT, give or take.Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? [email protected]

Let’s talk about anxiety. Her movie, Inside Out 2, is now in theaters.00:00 Intro00:52 Goals Check-In06:10 What God is teaching me rn11:41 Topic: fear & anxiety45:07 Hard convo of the week53:59 Movie/TV Rec: Inside Out 1 & 2Book Rec: Ugly Love by Colleen HooverNew episodes Wednesdays at 6 am CT.Questions, comments, concerns, wanna chat? Email [email protected].

Let’s talk about consistency in relationships.00:00 Intro01:06 Goals Check-In06:01 What God is teaching me rn16:07 Topic: Consistency28:55 Hard convo of the week54:50 Movie/TV Rec Turtles All The Way Down

Let’s talk about WHY you want what you want and whether you think it’s a good reason.00:00 Intro00:44 Goals Check-In07:09 What God is teaching me rn19:01 Topic: Why do we want what we want?39:20 Hard convo of the week55:28 Movie/TV Recs

Do you ever feel like you’ve been consistent but still get cast aside? Let’s talk about why that may be and what to do about it.00:00 Intro00:57 Goals Check-In01:39 What God is teaching me rn06:13 Topic: So many fade, but I’m still here40:54 Hard convo of the weekMovie/TV Rec Challengers, The Bikeriders

I want everyone to communicate as clearly and efficiently as possible, but sometimes it’s a lot of work. Let’s talk about the assumptions we make when listening to others, and determine if my approach is bad, mad, or wise.00:00 Intro02:01 Notice when you’re making assumptions28:02 Hard convo of the week38:44 Movie/TV Rec

You’re probably familiar with depression in the form of someone sleeping a lot, drinking a lot, withdrawing from friends and family, and never leaving their bed. But it doesn’t always look like that. Let’s talk about high-functioning depression.00:00 Intro07:13 What depression can look like33:13 Hard convo of the week57:54 Movie/TV recWant to talk? Write me at [email protected]!

I’ve been feeling really sad today so I wanted to do something that makes me laugh. I present to you one of my favorite songs I wrote last year that makes me laugh so much!00:00 Intro07:57 The Song12:09 The Lyrics & The StoryWant to talk? Write me at [email protected]!

Not everyone comes into your life to stay. Some come for reasons or seasons. How do you differentiate? How do you know when a season is ending or when you just need to work harder? Is it bad to feel indifferent when a friendship ends?00:00 Intro00:41 What I’m learning from God rn12:23 Listener question: how do you practically make your friends feel seen and known?35:47 Hard convo of the week46:02 Movie rec: Irish Wish Want to talk? Write me at [email protected]!

Why does communication have to be so hard, God?!00:00 Intro04:52 What I’m learning from God rn06:13 Goals Check-In 06:31 Expectations 12:38 Being loved vs feeling loved18:19 Miscommunications29:38 Can’t replace time but still learning31:18 Fear of conflict33:25 More miscommunications 41:44 One conversation is one conversation42:33 OMG new friends53:02 Writing stories58:09 Who gets to be comfy?Want to talk? Write me at [email protected]!